Amber Skyze

TGIF

2012-02-17T04:15:00.000-05:00

I’ve been a bad blogger again. This week has been incredibly crazy busy. Yesterday I spent the morning at the hospital with my daughter while she had foot surgery. I brought my Kindle Fire and my current wip to edit. HA!

They allowed me to go into the OR with her until she fell asleep. I wiped away tears because she was nervous. My heart broke. I wiped away more tears, as did the nurse. I fought back my own tears. Any parent knows when your child cries it breaks your heart. When she was finally out…I released her hand, kissed her cheek, told her I loved and walked away. Three steps later I heard her call, “Mom.”

Luckily I have a wonderful hubby who talked me off the ledge while she was in surgery. I tried to be nice and update her father. BIG mistake. He wanted to talk about his worries of her gaining weight because it will take almost a full year before she can return to softball. I gave him a piece of my mind. I mean seriously. You’re going to talk to me about weight when your daughter is having surgery?

Needless to say the next hour I spent waiting for someone to come tell me everything was okay. Finally the doctor came out and gave me the good news.

Nothing got accomplished while waiting or when I got home. She’s doing good, though a bit sore.

On a lighter note I did have a nice lunch with Nina Pierce on Wednesday.

Let’s just say TGIF!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

I want to wish all my readers a Happy Valentine's Day. I had planned to showcase my friends book yesterday and well, my daughter called frantic. Her daughter fell face first on the floor and possibly broke her nose.
The DH and I had to run out and give her my car so she could go to the hospital. By the time we got there our granddaughter was feeling sore, but in good spirits. Her poor little face was really banged up.
After a trip to the ER and no X-Rays, because T wouldn't allow them to take them..he concluded no broken nose. He was more worried about her cheek and eye. She's really banged up.
Broke our heart to see our little three year old so bruised. They came back and spent the day here just in case. With Tylenol and TLC she seems to be on the mend. Needless to say I managed nothing yesterday but playing with the grandbabies. Aside from the accident it was a perfect day.

So today I want to give you a taste of Marie Rose Dufour's book. I read her first book Fated Mates and it was great. Can't wait to get time to read Irish Rising. Oh and isn't the guy on the cover just yummy? :o)

Buy Link

Book Blurb:

Famous romance writer, Kim Green went to Ireland with her two cousins to research the setting of her new book and have some quality girl bonding fun. She’s in the business of writing about love. She didn’t expect it find her on the street in a sleep Irish town with a sexy, “I want to drown in your chocolate eyes” pub owner.
Duncan Murphy never believed in the old family legend. The idea a trapped mermaid granted his family the ability to recognize their one true love was absurd to him until he spots a sexy American across the street from his pub. Something deep within him recognized her as his other half.
They’re drawn together in an explosive first encounter. Life is blissful until a misunderstanding threatens to tear them apart. Is their fragile newfound romance something legends are made of or the misguided belief in an ancient fantasy?

Excerpt:

Kim walked and walked taking in all the local scenery. The sculpted hedgerows infused with red and white flowers. The shopkeepers sweeping the sidewalks in front of their stores, they were always quick with a greeting and even quicker with a smile. As she walked, she talked into her mini-recorder trying to capture as many details as possible. When she got back to her room later, she would transcribe her notes to be used later in her manuscript. Every once in a while she would stop to take some pictures since Kim found it helpful to surround herself with images that help her describe things in her stories.

Her walking slowed to a complete stop when she noticed a house for sale. As she peered through the gate in the hedges, she saw a wonderful stone house that was so typical in Ireland. Some people would say that the house needed a lot of work, but Kim only saw the possibilities. A cobblestone walkway led from the iron gate over an expansive front lawn, ending at an enormous wooden front door. Attached to each window were empty flowerboxes she could imagine them overflowing with a riot of colors. Kim checked the gate to try and get a closer look but it was locked. Too bad, she wanted to explore more of the grounds for her research. Maybe she’ll call the realtor and set up a viewing while she was still in the country.

“You’re not lost now, are you, luv?” A gravely voice startled her out of her revelry.

She turned around to see whom the voice belonged to when across the road she saw the hottest man she had seen in her entire life. He was lazily leaning in the doorway of the pub across the street. He had a white apron tied around his waist that tapered down from wide shoulders. In his hands he was drying a glass while he stared at her from a distance. His brown hair curled over the collar of his black shirt that was pulled taunt over the muscles of his chest. Peaking out from underneath one of the sleeves was a Celtic band tattoo. Kim whistled to herself. She was a sucker for a man with band tattoos. She wondered if he had any more hidden by his clothes.

Kim flashed him her sexiest smile. “No, not lost. Just dreaming.”

He slowly unfurled himself from the doorway and walked across the street toward her. He had the walk of a man totally comfortable in his own skin. A loose-legged swagger that made Kim’s insides do a nervous tap dance. Up close, he was much taller than he appeared from across the street. Kim needed to tilt her head back to look into his dreamy chocolate brown eyes. She was short, her license said that she was five-three, but she was probably closer to five-two in her stocking feet. He towered over her by at least a foot.

“Dreaming, huh?” He lifted her chin to stare deeply into her eyes. “Yes, I can see it. You have the eyes of a dreamer. You wouldn’t happen to be a dream fairy who has come along to invade all of my dreams, would you?”

Between his intense gaze and the hand gently touching her chin, he mesmerized her. “No, just a dreamer. I’m not here to invade anyone’s dreams.”

Something flared hotly in his eyes before he moved away from her. “Well now, that remains to be seen.”

The distance between them broke the spell and brought Kim back to her senses. She thrust out her hand to introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Kim.”

He took her hand within his large one, but didn’t shake it. He simply held her hand within his own, renewing the connection that flared between them when they touched before. His gaze heated as he scanned her face and returned to her eyes. The heat and intensity caused Kim to gasp out loud. No man ever looked at her like this before. Not thinking it possible, his gaze burned brighter after hearing her gasp.

Visiting Tina Donahue

2012-02-12T04:44:00.002-05:00

I'm visiting Tina Donahue today talking about being oversexed - in the writing field. :o) Drop by.

http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/

Visiting Raine Delight today!

2012-02-10T04:18:00.000-05:00

I'm hanging with Raine Delight today. Drop in and say hello!

http://authorrainedelight.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/getting-to-know-amber-skyze/

Amber Update

2012-02-09T05:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry I’ve been MIA for a bit. It was a blessing having the guest bloggers because I think I’ve torn my rotator cuff. I have to see a doctor, but between two of my daughters and their appointments it’s been hard for me to get to see a doctor. I plan to call today though.

After finishing the Dragon shifter I dove into my contemporary romance – non erotic. I’ve been working hard. I’m enjoying the break from sex, though a few new ideas have popped into my head begging to be written. LOL

I’ll get back to writing erotic soon. For now I’m having fun with the three ladies and their problems.

I’ve also taken time to read. I just finished reading Julia Barrett’s Incorporeal. I must say this was a great ghost story. I’ve had a fascination with ghosts since I was a little kid. I believe the house my father still lives in has the spirit of a little girl. Whatever the spirit is, it still plays tricks on my dad and his significant other all the time.

So if you like romance and ghosts I highly recommend Incorporeal only .99 on Amazon.

Happy Thursday.

Welcome Shara Lanel

2012-02-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

1) How did you start your writing career?

Though I’ve written pretty much my whole life, I’d say I became career focused when I joined Romance Writers of America and my local Virginia chapter in 2001. That’s when I really learned about the mechanics of writing as well as the business side of the publishing industry. Before that I had no clue how many manuscript pages equaled a full-length novel or what a synopsis or pitch was. It was about three years after joining that my first novel was released.

2) Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

I had a lot of fun writing Kitty from BLAME IT ON THE MOON. She could read minds and the new pub owner Haden had an awful lot on his mind, from stripping her naked to sprouting fur and fangs at the full moon. It was interesting keeping the balance between what Kitty could uncover with her “gift” while maintaining the suspense about Haden’s secrets, only one of which was his werewolf nature.

3) Tell us about your current release.

In BLAME IT ON THE NIGHT, Haden from the first book tries to discover the secret of his birth parents. Why would they knowingly put him, a werewolf, for adoption with human parents? But Haden’s story intertwines with two new characters, Guy Bastiaan, caretaker of pack lands, and Olivia Harris. Olivia burns with embarrassment at the memory of one sexy night at a party with Guy, but she needs his help to find her sister. Guy remembers that night, too, and the last thing he needs is to bring Olivia to where they left off…in the throes of ecstasy.

4) What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The hardest part is when I get into chapter three and discover I haven’t yet figured out a plot. I’m not a person who plans and outlines, which unfortunately brings me to a dead stop when I have to start making things come together properly. Eventually my muse finds the answers, but it would be a whole lot easier if I could start with a plan instead of making it up as I go along.

5) Where do you research for your books?

Researching for my books can be quite a lot of fun. While I’m writing, the research tends to be spur-of-the-moment questions that I find answers to online, but I like to go a bit farther afield when possible. Since most of my novels have an element of crime and suspense in them, the Writers’ Police Academy was a natural choice to learn more about the ins and outs of law enforcement. I rode along with a Sheriff’s Deputy during his evening shift, checked out a shallow grave (of a mannequin) in the pouring rain, and practiced handcuffing a fellow writer and vice versa. I took tons of notes on arson investigations and hostage negotiations. All in all, I had a blast, and the first hand experience helps me put a touch of realism into my stories.

6) What does your family think of your writing career?

Since I write erotic romance, that’s been a bit more questionable than one might think, but my mom and Grandma have read all of my books. My husband supports my endeavors, but I do write under a pen name to keep things a bit separate.

7) Does your significant other read your stuff?

My hubby has read parts of my stuff. He’s just not a romance reader so he doesn’t stick to it, but he’ll read a scene if I need a guy’s opinion on something. It’s best that he not offer me critiques if he wants to maintain peace. I rely on writer friends for that.

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

I use a pen name which was actually going to be my stage name when I was a teenager. I planned to play guitar and travel with a band, maybe Duran Duran or Rick Springfield. Anyway, at some point my BFF and I decided we needed stage names and Shara Lanel was what I came up with. It just seemed natural to use it for my books.

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

I wanted to be an astronaut. I read all of my dad’s astronomy books and Odyssey Magazine. My dad used to take me out late at night to watch meteor showers and look at Saturn’s rings through his telescope. I longed to go to Space Camp. The downer came when I realized I absolutely hated math. But I got to take a brief mission in space when I wrote my novella THE MEN ON MARS.

10) What are your favorite TV shows?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Doctor Who top the list. I love TV and watch far too much of it, especially shows with supernatural and sci-fi elements. Apparently, I’m a nerd!

11) Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I also spend way too much time on Facebook, so come by and say “Hi.” For excerpts and contests, drop by my web site: www.SharaLanel.com!

Blame It on the Night Blurb:

Human/werewolf relations were forbidden. Guy’s father had made that clear years ago, but Guy had come very close to disobeying with naïve, teenage Olivia. He’d barely kept his body under control, as he’d held her during her first shocking orgasm. Years later, on edge with anger, grief, and the pull of the moon, Guy knows she’s the last person he needs near him.

Olivia is overcome with humiliation at the mere thought of seeing Guy again, though he’s starred in all of her fantasies over the past several years, but she refuses to leave his doorstep until he answers her questions about her missing sister and the dead body found on his property. Problem is, he’s ordering her to leave while blocking the door, telling her to get lost while pinning her between his hard body and the table, saying he doesn’t know what he’s doing while his every touch takes Olivia closer to heaven.

Sometimes forbidden love is worth the risk, but sometimes it leads to revenge and murder.

Excerpt: http://sharalanel.com/books/blame-it-on-the-night/excerpt-blame-it-on-the-night/

Buy link: http://www.loose-id.com/Blame-it-on-the-Night.aspx

Superbowl Sunday

2012-02-05T14:07:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to the big game tonight. We planned to have a party at home, but were guilted into hanging with my FIL. He claims this will be the last superbowl he'll likely see. He does have a few health issues, but I'm sure he'll be around next year. I think he means Patriots superbowl. Either way I'm looking forward to eating, eating and eating some more.
I'm making a Buffalo Dip and a Chili Dip. The DH loves so much. My MIL will order tons of food. More than we'll ever eat, but that's okay.
I'll be cheering for the Patriots. Hard to cheer for the Giants when they beat my 49ers to get to the Superbowl. Besides, I know the hubby would be extremely happy to see his team win another championship.

Happy Sunday!

Welcome Honoria Ravena

2012-02-02T01:31:00.000-05:00

1 Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
I want to travel too just about everywhere because I just love to travel period. I would love to go to the Middle East to see history related stuff. I’m a big ancient history junkie so I love the Fertile Crescent region and Egypt. BUT I’m pretty sure my family would protest if I decided to travel there because things really aren’t getting any safer. I’d love to go the Greece for history reasons too. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to England, but for some reason Scotland has been more the goal lately. Been reading too many great Scottish heroes I guess.

2 Does travel play in the writing of your books?
*sigh* No, but if I had my way all I’d do is travel, write and dance. And if I did travel, some exotic locales would most definitely inspire some books.

3 Tell us about your current release.
Regan is the best vampire hunter money can buy. But when she's paid to kill one of the most powerful vampires in existence, she doesn't realize she's in way over her head. Things go terribly wrong, and there is no escape...

Zarek is so powerful, he scares other vampires. One little hunter should be no challenge. However, Regan is different, and as soon as he sees her, he will do anything to keep her. But she's a stubborn woman who refuses to let someone else control her.

When a powerful enemy comes to town, she's forced to trust Zarek with her life. Who is the larger threat? The man out to destroy humankind? Or the vampire determined to own her heart?

4 Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?
My editor Clarissa Yip has actually helped me improve my writing a great deal. Her edits are challenging, but she gets my sense of humor, and not everyone does.

5 Who is your favorite author?
That kind of changes by the month. Right now I’m devouring historical romances, and Teresa Medeiros is currently a favorite. And Johanna Lindsey is an all-time favorite. For paranormal I love Kresley Cole, J.R. Ward, and Laurell K. Hamilton.

6 When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
I like to write in the afternoons. I’ve tried writing in the mornings and it just doesn’t work I’m not a morning person.

7 Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I have some people who critique my books, but no one who is really permanent. It’s basically whichever writing buddy I ask to rip my manuscript apart. But I do always get a few opinions, because it’s very important to. When I was Acquisitions Manager at Breathless Press about half the books I threw out probably would have been acceptable if the author had a good critique partner go over it.

8 What are your favorite TV shows?
I have a lot, so I’ll just go with this season. The Vampire Diaries. I LOVE that show. Once Upon a Time. I just started watching Alcatraz, and I can’t wait to figure out what is going on. TerraNova was good. I want to keep watching The Secret Circle but Hulu Plus only has like the first five episodes, and then it skips to the latest, so I can’t watch episodes 6-10, which bugs me, because I’d have no clue what’s going on.

9 What songs are most played on your Ipod?
Hmm… This is going to be a weird mixture, and some things I don’t want to admit to. Anything off 50 Cent’s The Massacre. 99 Problems by Jay-Z (that’s the one I feel bad about admitting, because it’s rather offensive to women.) Anything by Rise Against. Belly dance drum solos just in general, almost all of them are good. Misery Business by Paramore. Crazy Girls by Paul Markham

10 What do you do to unwind and relax?
I find that exercise is the best way to relax. I love to belly dance and do yoga or pilates. If I’m not in the mood to exercise then I tend to play a mindless Facebook game. I have to force myself to give those up every once in a while, because in times of great stress I’ll start playing like three of them, and suddenly that’s all I’m doing with my free time. Right now I’m playing Hidden Chronicles. Also, watching TV tends to be a way I unwind to. I just started paying for Hulu Plus. A mistake if there ever was one, because now I have to keep up with my shows. And there are a lot of good ones this season.

The Devil’s Trap by Honoria Ravena

In Darkness we Dwell, book 2

Released: December 30th, 2011

Contemporary, paranormal, honoria ravena, vampires, shape-shifters, werewolves, vampire hunters, magic (M/F)

Heat Rating: 3

Buy at: http://www.breathlesspress.com/devils-trap

When Regan is paid to kill a powerful vampire, she has no idea she's about to meet the man who can never give her up.

Regan is the best vampire hunter money can buy. But when she's paid to kill one of the most powerful vampires in existence, she doesn't realize she's in way over her head. Things go terribly wrong, and there is no escape...

Zarek is so powerful, he scares other vampires. One little hunter should be no challenge. However, Regan is different, and as soon as he sees her, he will do anything to keep her. But she's a stubborn woman who refuses to let someone else control her.

When a powerful enemy comes to town, she's forced to trust Zarek with her life. Who is the larger threat? The man out to destroy humankind? Or the vampire determined to own her heart?

Welcome DC Juris

2012-02-01T01:37:00.003-05:00

How did you start your writing career?
I've always written - from before I was in kindergarten. My career started in 2009, when I began submitting my stories to small presses. Before that, I spent a year looking for an agent, got one, then spent almost a year letting her screw me over, then fired her.
Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
I love all my guys - my favorites tend to change with my mood. Right now, it's probably Vincent from "Finding Sanctuary," just because he's so flawed.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
I hate to travel. Hate it. About the only time I'll consider traveling is for GayRomLit.

Tell us about your current release.
My newest release is a fantasy m/m called "Betrayed." It's pretty dark and emotional.

Tell us about your next release.
I have a sexy little m/m number called "Special Delivery" in the upcoming Ad-Dick-tion Volume 2 Anthology from Breathless Press.

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?
My husband and kids have been about the only "real world" support I've gotten, so they've been very instrumental.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?
In the early days, I got a lot of handholding from Aleksandr Voinov and Raev Gray, which I'm forever indebted for.

When was your first sale?
At the tail end of 2009, two of my stories got picked up - the first was "Even Guys Cry" for the "I Do, Two" anthology with MLR Press, and the second was "Always, My Prince," for the "I Kissed a Boy" anthology with Ravenous Romance.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
I write whenever I can. I have a 60+ hour a week Evil Day Job, plus a disabled husband and six fur babies - I take whatever scrap of time I can.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Finding the time to write.

Welcome Juliet Chastain

2012-01-29T01:21:00.001-05:00

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.

Welcome Lee Brazil

2012-01-28T03:58:00.002-05:00

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

Welcome Raven McAllan

2012-01-27T06:21:00.000-05:00

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.

Welcome Jamieson Wolf

2012-01-26T01:33:00.003-05:00

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.

Welcome Ivy Bateman

2012-01-25T03:04:00.001-05:00

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.

Quick Update

2012-01-23T06:13:00.000-05:00

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!

Welcome Angela Claire

2012-01-20T01:47:00.000-05:00

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.

Welcome Xavier Axelson

2012-01-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

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/

Going AWOL

2012-01-18T04:44:00.002-05:00

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

TGIF

2012-01-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

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.

Still Discombobulated!

2012-01-10T06:02:00.000-05:00

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...

Discombobulated

2012-01-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

Be back tomorrow! ;o)

TGIF

2012-01-06T06:09:00.002-05:00

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…

Baby It's Cold Outside

2012-01-04T05:52:00.000-05:00

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?

And so it begins! 2012

2012-01-02T06:32:00.000-05:00

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!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T04:44:00.002-05:00

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!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-12-31T04:44:00.002-05:00

Wishing Mr. Skyze a Happy Anniversary. I wish someone told me a long time ago that good men existed and I wouldn't have spent so long with a true d*ckhead, who didn't deserve me.

Five years of happiness with many more to come!

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-30T06:07:00.000-05:00

to Connor! Always in my heart.

Interview with Tracey Kitts

2011-12-28T04:40:00.002-05:00

Tell us about your current release.
My current release is called Frank and The Werewolf Tamer. It’s about a new vampire, Katherine, and her relationship with a modern (and sexy) version of Frankenstein. Hey, I’ve always thought Frank had potential. Ha. Ha. Ha.

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

I write all the time. I don’t have a preference of time, only a preference of silence. I’ll write any chance I get. When I’m working on a new book it’s like I’m obsessed. My husband says I’m addicted, he may be right.

What do you think makes a good story?

There are so many ways to answer this question. Mainly, when I read something I look for characters I can relate to and a story that’s interesting. You can tell when you read a story if the author really got into it themselves. It comes through in the words and those are the best stories, regardless of genre.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?

I’m a little of both. I plot the basic idea (characters, main story conflict, etc.,) and I make a few notes. After that, I let the story take over. I’m always surprised at what turns up. I know how the story will begin and end, but I’m never certain about how we’re going to get there. That’s half the fun.

What are your favorite TV shows?

Right now, I’m in love with Once Upon a Time. Believe it or not, I have a crush on Rumplestiltskin.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

Right now I’m hung up on anything by Keith Sweat and Lady Gaga. Can’t seem to get Maroon 5 and Moves Like Jagger out of my head either. Ha. Ha.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Writing is my drug of preference and it unwinds me like nothing else can. There’s nothing more satisfying than writing a great scene. Even wine and a hot bubble bath can’t compare. However, if I’m not in the middle of a book at the time, I love to play video games.

What would we find under your bed?

The boogeyman, stashed away for “special occasions.”

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I’d like my readers to know how much I appreciate them. This is my dream job. I have wanted to be a writer since I was six years old and you guys make that possible. Thank you so much for your support. I hope you enjoy all my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

Here are the details for Frank and The Werewolf Tamer

Blurb: Katherine has had a hard time finding work, mostly because she’s a vampire. Turns out, people aren’t clamoring to work with the undead. She goes to the massive theme park, Notte Oscura, as a last resort. What Katherine doesn’t realize is, there’s a lot more waiting for her than just a job.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Werewolf-Tamer-ebook/dp/B006PU2JBW/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

My website: http://www.traceyhkitts.com/

I Wanna Sext U Up Release Party

2011-12-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

Today I'm celebrating my 3rd release with Loose Id. I'm also holding a few giveaways. You can enter to win a copy of I Wanna Sext U Up here:

Bronwyn Green's Blog

Sweet n Sexy Divas

Tina Donahue's Blog

Blurb:
Tool belt…check. Rope…check. Lube…check. Violet Wand…Check.
Beckett Manning, the host of Room Makeovers is ready to give Riley Anderson more than a remodeled kitchen. He’s about to bring her to the edge of ecstasy and back. Whether it’s hot sex in the bathtub or Riley hog-tied to the bed, he’s determined to show this brazen beauty how sexually desired she is.

A simple text leads to a case of mistaken communication and before long Riley finds herself tied to her bed and being driven to distraction. Beckett knows how to tease and torture every inch of her skin. He also knows his way around an orgasm, which keeps Riley wanting more.

Excerpt:
It’s over, Riley. U r just no good in bed. Boring in fact. I moved my things out earlier.

Riley Anderson read the text for the hundredth time. She’d kept it to remind her of the asshole she’d spent too many years with. The words served as a reminder of her anger and resentment for the jerk who hadn’t had the decency to break up with her face-to-face. No, he had to do it over text.

“Aaargh!” Riley raised the sledgehammer again. She brought the hammer down on the kitchen cabinet with every ounce of strength her arms possessed. “This is for you, dirtbag.” She sent the iron head crashing into another wooden door. “Not good in bed? Why, because I didn’t get off on choking you until you almost passed out?”

Aside from the last year of their relationship when Terry wanted to explore darker sexual activities, Riley had believed they had a great thing going. She thought for sure he would be the man she’d marry. When she’d bought the house, it was with the intention that someday Terry would be her husband and they’d fill the spare bedrooms with children. How wrong she’d been.

The hammer smashed into the wood door of the overhead cabinet.

“Because passing out wasn’t fun? Fuck you, Terry.”

She repeatedly pounded away at the cabinets until she’d destroyed them all. “That’ll fix your ass, Terry.”

She stood back and assessed the damage. She’d managed to tear apart the kitchen in less than an hour. Her arms were sore from the weight of the tiny wrecking ball, but that didn’t matter. She’d accomplished something her ex had only promised her for the last year of their relationship. She’d started the renovation of the kitchen.

Now that Terry had been gone for nine months, she’d do it on her own. She didn’t need him to remodel. Riley was a smart woman. They’d watched the home-improvement channels so much during their relationship, she felt secure enough to do the job alone. She’d be her own fix-it handywoman.

“Guess I’d better go to the home-improvement store and get a move on this.” She leaned the wooden handle of the hammer against the cracked wood of the cabinet and wiped her hands together.

Satisfaction filled her soul.

Riley retrieved her purse and keys from the Formica countertop and headed out the door, one destination in mind. The local chain home repair store.

The ride to the store was a blur. Her only thoughts were what steps she’d need to take to get the work done. She’d have to put in new cabinets. She wanted new appliances. Stainless steel. Granite countertops were a must. Those Formica ones just wouldn’t cut it any longer.

She pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car.

“Time to buy a new kitchen.”

Confidence radiated from her as she stepped into the large store. She felt proud. She had a project to do while she was on vacation. It’d likely take her longer than the week, but it would be a start.

“Excuse me.”

Riley turned to see if the man behind the sexy baritone was talking to her. She was surprised to see a gorgeous man holding a microphone walking toward her, a cameraman following closely behind him.

“Yes,” she whispered. Dear God, please don’t be from the news. The last thing I need is to be on the local news looking disheveled.

“Hi, I’m Beckett Manning. I’m from Room Makeovers. Are you remodeling any rooms in your house today?”

Holy shit! Riley’s jaw must have fallen to the floor. She’d seen the show a couple of times. Beckett looked ten times hotter in person. When she decided it was time to change the eighties-style kitchen, she’d begun watching all those makeover shows on the cable channel. Terry had watched with her, promising they’d do the kitchen soon. Soon never came. The only thing Terry had managed to do was cheat on her with some bimbo. Years of promises vanished out the window along with Terry’s things.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T04:53:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my friends! If you don't celebrate Happy Holidays.

Thanks for making 2011 an exciting year. I look forward to sharing 2012 with everyone!

New Cover Art - I Haz It

2011-12-23T04:16:00.000-05:00

Coming Dec 27th

Sorry

2011-12-22T04:17:00.000-05:00

for being MIA...trying to finish my Christmas shopping. Luckily I'm officially on vacation today.

Happy Thursday!

It's a Beautiful Day for Aspen Mountain Press Authors!

2011-12-18T04:40:00.000-05:00

Under clause XIX of my contract,

If Publisher suspends operations for more than sixty (60) continuous days, other than for technical difficulties such as a loss of Web Server, all rights hereunder shall immediately revert to Author.

This clause has now come into effect. I officially have taken back my rights to the following books:

Mistletoe Studs, One Tasty Night, Heat Waves, Talk Dirty to Topaz, Wild Lickins, Sliding Home, and Naughty St. Nick.

Congrats to all AMP authors

I Did It!

2011-12-15T11:48:00.002-05:00

I finally joined Facebook. lol

Another .99 Book

2011-12-14T05:20:00.000-05:00

Naughty or Nice is here just in time for Christmas. This is available on Kindle and hopefully B&N by the end of the day. Again I have to thank The Jackman for another great cover. Hope you enjoy this Christmas story.

Blurb:

Nick has fought his attraction to Emily since the summer. Work and other commitments have kept him from pursuing a relationship. Christmas is upon them and Nick finds he has free time on his hands. He devices a little plan to get her sexy body prepared for what he hopes will be a night of passion she’ll never forget.

Someone is sending Emily erotic toys. The naughty notes attached are charging her dormant body to life with promises of red hot sex. She’s not sure who her secret Santa is, but if he’s truly following the Twelve Days of Christmas she’s about to find out.

Will Emily succumb to this Naughty St. Nick?

Excerpt:

Emily pattered over to the front door. She peered through the peephole.

"Hmmm, I swear I heard the doorbell." She threw opened the door against the bitter cold of the winter storm brewing outside. Shivering, she bent over the threshold and glanced in both directions. Her skin pebbled from the snowflakes landing on her bare arms.

"Strange, I know the doorbell rang." She was about to close the door when she noticed a small brown box, sitting off to the right.

Intrigued, she placed a sock covered foot into the icy snow and retrieved the box. She quickly slammed the door and hurried back to her blanket on the couch. She nestled under the red fuzzy blanket. Turning the box in her hands she looked for an addressee.
"Nothing." She couldn’t help but wonder if it were meant for her or if someone left it on her doorstep mistakenly. She shook the box. Something bounced around inside.

Unable to fight her curiosity any longer she tore open the package. There inside was a mistletoe-colored finger butt plug, with little white snowmen on it. Tingling sensations warmed her body straight down to her core. Thoughts of teasing the rim of her ass with the humming vibrator tantalized her.

She needed to know who sent it. Digging deeper into the box she searched for a card or anything cluing her in to who the sender was. She found a tiny note card that read:

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave me to, one butt plug a hummin’.

Emily thought she’d explode into orgasm right then and there. The idea of someone wanting to charge her ass to life enthralled her. Filled with an arousal that ran deep, Emily knew she had to pleasure herself.

Heat from the flames crackling in the fireplace warmed her chilled body, smoothing her skin. The television blared in the background, but Emily tuned it out. She’d been watching a movie about a money heist on a train or something crazy. It hadn’t held her attention. Turning the plug over in her hands, she found something that gripped her total attention. She couldn’t imagine who would send her something so erotic.

Settling into the pillow she closed her eyes and pictured the guy from Six A, as the bearer of her gift. His wavy blond hair and those piercing green eyes charged her body. She’d fantasized about him a few times. Oh who was she kidding she masturbated to the image of his shit eating grin too many times to count.

Emily longed to run her hand over his taunt abs. She wanted to trace a finger along the vee that disappeared below the trim of his pants to see if it went down to his cock, which she knew would be large and bulging. It seemed hard to believe she’d been drooling over him since summer.

After she witnessed his body in scant clothing she wanted a piece of him.

Catching Up

2011-12-13T05:22:00.000-05:00

What a weekend. The DH and I shopped ‘til we dropped on Saturday. We made a nice headway on the Christmas shopping. Sunday I drove two hours to meet up with the fabulously funny Ashlyn Chase and super cool Dalton Diaz. We had a fun time at the book signing.

Ashlyn has an insanely funny fan, Sherry, who was there. I was lucky to meet her at RomantiCon 2010 and she’s such a sweetheart. She kept us laughing the entire time.

I wish we lived closer to each other. Those are two women I’d love to hang with again. Ooops, three women. Sorry Sherry.

Yesterday I was too wiped out to do more than chill during the work day. I am writing again! YAY for me.

And our tree is no longer naked. My daughter and I decorated it last night. It only took five days. Lol

In other news:

I have a Christmas special up on Kindle and B&N. For the month of December – Get Unwrapped for only .99!

Oh and I have to thank Jackman for this beautiful cover! :o)

Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.

Santa's in a giving mood this year.

Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.

Mutli-Author Book Signing! TODAY

2011-12-11T07:01:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to be joining two amazing authors!

Multi-author book signing 12/11 with free basket and wrap!

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Well Read Books (next to Subway): Route 125, Plaistow, NH

603-819-5116

Come and Meet:

Amber Skyze, Dalton Diaz, and Ashlyn Chase

Cold and Tired

2011-12-09T05:45:00.000-05:00

Someone turned off the heat here in the northeast. A few days ago we were enjoying 60 degree weather. Now it's 32. I know the calendar says December...so what :-P

I’ve been busy getting two books up on Amazon and B&N this week. For whatever reason, B&N still hasn’t published the books. BUT Amazon has. :o)

Unwrapped and Wild in Paradise are currently available for sale.

I’m working on uploading to Smashwords too. I have one more Christmas story I plan to upload before the holiday. After that I’ll be taking my time with the other four books. I have too much to do in prep for the season.

Self-Publishing is scary and exciting at the same time. The unknown is scary and knowing that two of my babies are live is exciting. Now I spend all my time checking sales. That is draining me. I need a distraction.

Our tree is standing. It’s naked, but it’s up. the DH and I pulled all the boxes out of the attic last night. So Saturday while I’m working (URGHHHHHHH), I’ll be decorating.

Sunday I’ll be in New Hampshire at a book signing with my friends Ashlyn Chase and Dalton Diaz. I love these ladies and can’t wait to see them. I’m lucky enough to be in an anthology with them.

Art of Modern Love…we’ll be signing this book along with others.

Hope you all have a cheerful weekend!

Interview with Tessie Bradford

2011-12-08T05:22:00.000-05:00

Hi, Amber! I really appreciate you having me here today!

Anytime Tessie. I love having you here.

Tell us about your current release.

Emily’s Destiny released November 30, 2011. It is a Resplendence Publishing Erotic Gem (short, short story). It’s my spin on the shifter genre; m/m/f.

November was a very exciting month for me! I also had a novella, Sensations, release with RP on the 9th!

Tell us about your next release.

Getting Down To Business will come out March 14, 2012. It is an office romance, a favorite subject of mine!

When was your first sale?

Ageless Desires was contracted in October 2008 and released in March 2009.

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

I write anytime I’m able, but early morning is my favorite. One of my problems is that due to various circumstances, I can never count on how long I may have at any sitting.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

I can’t skip around in the story. If I get stuck on something, I have to work through it in order to move on. This has caused huge delays in more than one of my projects!

What does your family think of your writing career?

Depends on who you talk to!! Don’t get me wrong, they are all 100% supportive, but a couple of them are somewhat scandalized by my subject matter!!
Amber: Ha! Ha! I have a few of them too!
Does your significant other read your stuff?

Actually, he listens to my books throughout their creation and is an essential part of my process. Of course hubby greatly enjoys adding his two-cents-worth to the love scenes! But more importantly, he is brutally honest when it comes to character’s behavior, the plot flow, pacing and overall believability within the setting I’ve created.

Let me give a recent example. The submission deadline for Getting Down to Business was looming, I was way behind schedule and stressed beyond belief. I read him chapter two (it only has three due to being another Erotic Gem), and immediately knew there was a problem when he was silent for long minutes. Being a very smart man, he first said what he liked about it then carefully and eloquently explained what he felt was wrong with it. I listened, got annoyed, wanted to cry, turned off the computer and went to bed after issuing a terse, “thank you”. I spent a near sleepless night and was totally useless the next day in my office as I pondered his comments. Hey, I didn’t say our collaborative process was easy!! He was absolutely right, though, and when I incorporated his suggestions, the rest of the story easily fell into place and I’m extremely proud of the end result!

Who are your books published with?

Resplendence Publishing and Ellora’s Cave.

What do you think makes a good story?

Well developed, believable characters!

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

Tessie Bradford is my “stripper” name – Tessie was the first pet in my life, Bradford was the first street I lived on.
Amber: What a cool way to get your pen name. :o)
Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I don’t. I either work in as much silence as possible in my house, or listen to The Food Network on TV.
Amber: If I watched The Food Network, I'd get distracted
What book are you reading now?

Seduced by Blood by Taylor Tryst.

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

I love this question – I don’t have and Ipod! I listen to the radio, or slap on my ear-covering headphones that plug into my ten year old CD player!!
Amber: Had my mom not bought me one for my birthday I'd be doing the same thing as you. ;)

What is your favorite meal?

If I had just one, I wouldn’t have so many jiggly parts.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers?

Never give up on your dream.
Amber: Great advise.

What would we find under your bed?
Dust bunnies, dog hair, a rogue sock and my left tennis shoe.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank You!

Thanks for being here today, Tessie! As a fan I highly recommend Tessie's books to everyone. Here's a little taste of her yumminess!

Blurb:

Vivian Walcourt is completely out of her conservative, sheltered element when she finds herself at an ultra-exclusive adult club. Her free spirited best friend may think she’s in love with one of the owners, but Vivian doesn’t believe in whirlwind courtships.

Paul Landis never imagined the woman who has haunted his dreams for years would walk into his club with his partner’s fiancé. More beautiful than ever, unattached, and worked into a heightened state of horny by the evening’s entertainment, he sweeps her away to experience the very special pleasures found behind the closed doors of Sensations.

BLURB:

Emily’s been keeping her two alpha male mates at arm’s length, fearing that with their traditional changeling values, they will try to curb her independent, free-spirited nature. She loves them both with all of her heart, but takes off to Europe when they press their suit. After a whole bunch of soul-searching, Emily’s home, ready to embrace life with her men.

Colby and Darrin have never doubted that Emily is their destined mate. They’ve played by her rules for a very long time in an effort to prove their love. The game is about to change.

It's Live!

2011-12-07T06:05:00.000-05:00

Today I'm over at Love Romances Cafe for a chat. I'm not sure if it's 1-3 or 2-4. I'm verifying with Dawn the owner. Drop in and say hi if you get a chance. I'm giving away a copy of my Loose Id book Hit Me.

In other news:
I took the leap. My first foray into self-publishing. My book Wild in Paradise is now live on Kindle. It should be available through B&N later today. Here is the yummy cover:

I'm hoping to have another one up by Friday so you can enjoy a Christmas menage! Unwrapped coming soon. Here is that yummy cover!

I'd like to give the person who created this credit but need to verify a few details. This book was formally Mistletoe Studs. Isn't it purdy?

Interview with Marie Rose Dufour

2011-12-06T04:37:00.003-05:00

Today I have the pleasure of introducing my friend Marie Rose Dufour. I enjoyed her book Fated Mates and look forward to her next release Irish Rising. I'm sure it will be another hot read. After reading her interview I recommend you grabbing a copy of her book! :o)

How did you start your writing career?

Writing has always been a big part of my life. I remember writing a story about this run-down Victorian home in my town. In the story, a girl could walk through a magic mirror and find herself in an alternate universe. I graduated to writing on the school paper in high school and then “real life” took over for a while and I didn’t write at all. It wasn’t until about a year and a half ago, did I start writing again. Despite brief periods of writer’s block, I can’t imagine my life without writing.

Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

I have to say Dragon, the hero from my first book, is near and dear to my heart. He came to me fully formed. It was easy to write about him. He’s been through so much in life and never dared to hope that he would find a mate. When he does, it is so special. There was a lot of back story about him being a POW that never made it into the final copy of the book. He is so wounded and flawed but it makes him so strong!

Tell us about your current release.

Fated Mates is out now. It’s the first book in a series. I would classify it as erotic, sci-fi romance. The premise starts with the notion that ancient aliens visited Earth and found that humans made perfect mates for them. When mated to a Serralian, it is for life and according to them, even beyond. In the story we find out what happens between Liz, a divorce school teacher with an abusive ex-husband decides to take a chance at love, and Dragon, a scarred Serralian warrior who doesn’t believe he is worthy of finding love himself.

Tell us about your next release.

My next book is a contemporary love story set in Ireland between a romance writer and a super-sexy pub owner. It’s going to be release in March in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

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

I do use a pen name to protect the innocent, mainly my mother and my “dreaded day job”. My mother still tells me from time to time that she hopes I’m not writing anything that would embarrass the family. The name I came up with is actually part of my real name partnered with a family name.

Who are your books published with?

My book is currently published with Secret Cravings Publishing. You can also purchase it at Amazon, Bookstrand, and Are.

What are your favorite TV shows?

Right now I’m totally addicted to Once Upon a Time. I would love to write a script and send it in to them, except I’m sure it would end up in the trash! I also like Fringe, Modern Family, and Dancing with the Stars.

Plotter or Pantser? Why?

I’m a little bit of both. I can’t start writing if I don’t have a vision of where the story is going. On the other hand, if I try to outline the story, I find that it stifles me and I lose interest. So if I had to pick one, it would be a pantser!

Morning person? Or night person?

I am SO a morning person. I do so much before work and before the sun is up. Normally, I write my blog or respond to blogs and do some writing on my WIPs.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I have a dream of traveling to New Orleans. I had a chance to go a few years ago and couldn’t make it. I always regretted not making that trip for some reason. Something about it calls to me.

I would love to thank Amber from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be interviewed on her blog. As a newbie, I constantly pepper her with questions. She never minds and is always patient with me. For this, you will always have my gratitude!

Peace out,

MRD

Fated Mates Book Blurb

We know that we are no longer alone in the universe. Descendants of Earthly ancestors have returned to find the other halves of themselves, their destined mates.   Dragon, a scarred Serralian warrior drawn to the planet of his ancestors, never believed the Goddess had a mate for him but no matter what he believes, he’s unable to resist the pull of the planet deep within in soul.

Liz, a curvy teacher who escaped an abusive marriage three years earlier is afraid to take another chance on love. Tired of being a bystander in her own love life, she participates in an ancient ritual to identify Serralian mates. Taking that chance changes her life forever. Can these two people overcome their pasts to become each other’s true Fated Mates?

Fated Mates Excerpt

Liz woke up with the sounds of waves crashing in her ears. Confident of the lack of beachfront property within her condo, she wondered what destiny had in mind for her now. She sat up looking around at her surroundings. Lying under a beautiful canopy tent draped with yards and yards of gauzy royal blue material swaying gently in the breeze, and keeping the rays of the sun from beating down on her body. Liz ran her hands over the bedding beneath her. It felt softer and smoother than the highest count Egyptian cotton sheets bought in Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

The beautiful beach reminded her of pictures of exquisite Caribbean beaches with turquoise waves and miles and miles of powdery white sand. The gentle breezes lightly ruffled her hair as she walked down the beach to the edge of the water which rose up to meet her feet, tickling her toes.

“Well, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore,” she said looking up at a foreign sky with two moons in the distance.

“I must be dreaming. I read so much information about Serralia I’m dreaming about it in Technicolor. Damn! This is one realistic mother of a dream.”

Suddenly, her senses went on high alert. She didn’t know if the air around her had changed or if her body sensed another person behind her, but she knew she was no longer alone and somehow her mate stood behind her.

Two strong bronze hands slowly encircled her waist, pulling her gently back to into a lean, hard body. Liz sighed. This felt right. She snuggled deeper into the embrace. Nothing ever felt this right before. She could stand here in the safety of his arms forever.

“I’ve been waiting for you. I thought you would never get here,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry it took so long. I never let myself believe you existed.”

“I read your file.” The hands moving on her stomach stilled. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through alone. I would have been there for you if I had known.”

“I wouldn’t have been there if I had faith I would find you someday.” Dragon’s chest expanded letting her love and comfort wash over him. “So you know?”

“About everything that happened to you when you were taken prisoner? Yes, I know. I know you lost an eye and still wear an eye patch. I bet it makes you look rakishly handsome.”

She felt the chuckle in his chest before she heard it. The heat of his body warmed her back and aroused her body.

“I have never been told such a thing.”

“Well, I’m sure it does.”

She stroked the muscular forearms at her waist with light caresses. His body trembled behind her.

“We’ve never met in person, but I already feel connected to you. Is it normal?”

“The bonding happens when we are connected as mates. Normal. I don’t know. Right, yes.”

“Do you know about me?” she whispered.

“I know you are perfect.” He leaned down and sweetly kissed the top of her head.

Liz stilled, she might as well tell him about her marriage. She didn’t want any secrets between them.

“I was married before,” she blurted out nervously. “He was not a nice man. He hurt me, not only physically, but verbally too. It took a long time, but I left him.”

Dragon fully stilled behind her. All the wonderful stroking stopped. Her stomach dropped down to her feet. Shit! I’ve ruined this already. She knew her mistake of a marriage would follow her around for the rest of her life. She knew it.

“You don’t know how much pain it causes me to know how much pain you had to endure. I would gladly be tortured again if it meant taking it away from you. You never have to be afraid with me. I would sooner cut off my own arm than hurt a hair on this beautiful head.”

Liz nodded, the lump in her throat making any physical speech impossible.

“I realize it might be a while before you believe this, but it is true.”

“I do believe you. I don’t know why, but I do.”

“Good. Now, we can continue what we started here.”

Callused thumbs again stroked her stomach making it quiver and her pulse quicken. If this was what he could do to her body with only his thumbs, she might actually die from pleasure. She smiled thinking about what her obituary would say. Woman dies from having the most intense sexual experience of her life, then her brain stopped working; her body took over and went into overload.

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&products_id=131&zenid=67ee0f6daa5f5977eb27d4313a66266b

http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Mates-ebook/dp/B005PNPLZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318796604&sr=1-1

http://www.marierosedufour.blogspot.com/

Mutli-Author Book Signing!

2011-12-05T04:28:00.002-05:00

I'm excited to be joining two amazing authors!

Multi-author book signing 12/11 with free basket and wrap!
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Well Read Books (next to Subway): Route 125, Plaistow, NH
603-819-5116

Come and Meet:

Amber Skyze, Dalton Diaz, & Ashlyn Chase

Ack!

2011-12-02T05:22:00.002-05:00

What a few days. I thought I was battling a head cold and doing a good job of it, with extra vitamin C and such...nope. Turns out it’s a sinus infection and it won the battle. I’m feeling like crud and working my butt off at the day job. I forgot how much I dislike my job in December. My co-worker takes the entire month off leaving me to handle both our jobs. He swears every year that he’ll take his vacation time throughout the year and every year December arrives and he has to take it all. We have a use it or lose it policy so we must use it.

Tonight I have to work overnight. 2-5am…on top of the normal day shift. Then I have to grab some sleep and head over to my in-laws later in the day to celebrate my MIL’s b-day. I love her dearly and she’s been a huge help with the little one, so I can’t stay home and sleep.

Sunday I’d like to put up our tree and start decorating for Christmas. The neighbors are ahead of us. We’re always the first ones with the lawn decorated. They’re probably wondering what’s going on with us. LOL The DH always does a HUGE display. My oldest daughter used to get embarrassed when she was an unruly teen, now she loves it. The middle daughter loves helping set everything up. Score one for me, because I hate being out in the cold.

Nano came and went. My grand total – 13.4k. I’m thrilled I managed any writing.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

This and That...

2011-11-29T09:02:00.002-05:00

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Mine was nice. Just wish I had the chance to eat some Turkey. We went to my dad’s for lunch who served shrimp and sandwiches. Then we went to my aunts. There was turkey there, but Teagan decided she wanted to eat the same time as everyone else. So mom didn’t get dinner. She’s a slllllloooooooooowwwwwww eater. The bottle went on for an hour. I wasn’t hungry any longer, so I had dessert.

The trip was nice, but the internet service at the hotel was horrible. It was odd because we stay at the same place every time we go to NY. On top of the internet issue my mini laptop decided to bite the dust. It’s only a year old…of course the warranty ran out 3 weeks ago. Figures right?

My writing laptop is biting the dust too. I’ve been busy backing everything up so I don’t lose anything. I hear Santa is shopping for a new one for me. ;o)

Nano isn’t going any better. I was hoping for 25k…as of this morning I’m at 13k. Oh well, at least I’m writing.

Happy Tuesday

Coming Soon - Wild in Paradise

2011-11-28T06:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the cover to my soon to be self-published M/M - Wild in Paradise. I love the cover and wish I were on the beach right now! :o)
Thanks to Valerie Tibbs for her awesome work.

The Romance Reviews YES Party and Contest

2011-11-25T06:26:00.000-05:00

Today is your chance to win Play With Me, the final book in the Freedom Fantasies series over at The Romance Reviews YES Party. They'll be 19 other authors featured so head over for a chance to win!

http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T03:51:00.001-05:00

Off Until Monday

2011-11-23T05:51:00.000-05:00

I'm going to enjoy family, food and fun the next few days. I hope to get lots of writing in too. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks!

2011-11-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

To everyone who took adavantage of the 5 for 5 deal. A special thanks to Marika for her review of Sliding Home. You can check it out here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/237813041

Mari Freeman - Hard Hot and Hexing

2011-11-21T04:53:00.002-05:00

Buy Link

Book two in the Hot, Hard series.

When magic is attracted to magic, it’s impossible to ignore…

Sonja Ambercroft’s homebody existence is about to change. Drastically. A Dreamstalker has kidnapped her cousin in exchange for a powerful talisman, and Sonja soon finds herself doing things she’d never imagined. Stealing the talisman from her sister? Check. Grappling with Gremlins? Check. Enjoying ridiculously hot visions about a scruffy, sexy mountain man doing untold things to her naked body? Che—

Wait…what? As if she needs that kind of distraction right now! Especially when the stranger’s magic stirs her inner Dragon. Not good. A childhood tragedy has made shifting too dangerous. Sonja can’t risk letting her Dragon loose, but as the erotic visions transform into real-life fantasies, the beast becomes harder to contain.

Sonja’s dangerous adventure will require help from her reclusive mountain man, a Fairy and no less than two queens—one Voodoo, one drag. But ultimately she’ll have to trust her other self, let her inner Dragon roar, if she hopes to bring her cousin back alive.

An Excerpt From: HOT, HARD & HEXING

Copyright © MARI FREEMAN, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Sonja could hear the grumbling and grunting of Gremlins echoing off the walls and the distant drip of water. She looked around for anything that might give her a clue as to where she was or something to indicate how she could get to the Gremlin’s cave.

Nothing.

The cave walls abruptly began to fade to blue. Her body started floating. She tried to hone back in on the vision, the cave. She needed more information but it was spinning out of her control…

She found herself back in the clearing, naked and smooth-skinned under the warm sun. Ray was already positioned between her spread legs. His intense eyes still roamed her body. With no build up to the switch, she was immediately racked with wanting and aching for his attention. She knew it was a fantasy, knew she wasn’t in control of the vision, but she couldn’t stop it. Maybe she didn’t want to.

This wasn’t what she needed to be doing. But what exactly was she supposed to be doing? Everything seemed so dreamy. Ray’s head dipped and he pressed his lips to that sensitive spot where her inner thigh met her ass cheek. The warmth of his lips sent waves of pleasure through her body. His beard brushed her skin, his tongue darted out and traced ever so lightly over her folds as he moved up, teasing her beyond her ability to remain still. She reached out to grasp all that hair, willing him to plunge his tongue deep into her pussy.

Then she felt herself floating again, away from the body in her vision.

No! Sonja struggled to hold on to the imagery, to the warmth of his touch. Her body screamed for it. She reached for him—

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Why was he shaking her? He should be licking her. “No. Don’t stop, Ray. Please!”

“Come on, sweetness. Wake up,” he said with a good, hard shake.

He grabbed her hand and Sonja realized she was trying to grab his package.

She jerked out of his grasp and crab walked on her heels and hands away from him, her body still pulsing with need. But mortification quickly replaced the rush of sexual arousal and then worry took over.

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “I’m freaking out a bit.”

Ray smirked and looked away. “I hadn’t noticed,” he said dryly. By the bulge in his jeans, she knew better. His attempt at humor wasn’t helping her embarrassment.

She suddenly realized the cave wasn’t the one from her vision. It was dry and smelled of the forest, not stinking Gremlins. “Are there other caves around here? Wet caves?”

“You thinking of tracking Gremlins?” He cocked up one eyebrow. “No way.”

“Just tell me, okay?” She was attracted to him. She had to admit that to herself. His eyes were so expressive. But why was she fantasizing about him? How could that be? In the first vision, she had never even met him before. If that was a premonition, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know that much about her future. And she had no time to deal with any of this.

“What’s your name?” His features had softened a bit. His shoulders had dropped.

She hesitated. “Sonja.”

“Ah.” He nodded and walked over to her, retrieving his shotgun in the process. “Ambercroft?”

She looked down. “Yes. Okay? Now, the cave?”

He let out a big sigh. “Chasing around after Gremlins is like trying to herd a pack of crazed hyenas.” His expression saddened. “That box looked like real gold. I suspect it’s worth quite a bit, but is it worth your life? You owe money to someone? Steal that thing?”

Sonja bit her lip. No, it wasn’t worth her life—but it was worth Kara’s. “It’s not my life that’s at stake.” She chose not to answer the rest of his questions.

He crossed his arms and didn’t say a word.

She looked up at him. “I can’t tell you anything else. Besides, this is your freaking fault. If you hadn’t hung it out as Gremlin bait, I’d still have it.”

“Fine.” He turned toward the cave entrance. Over his shoulder he said, “You’ll have to find those buggers on your own. I suspect you have no weapons and no experience with Gremlins, either,” and started walking.

“Crap.” He was right. She needed him. She bit at a ragged thumbnail in frustration. How had she managed to get herself into this situation? By trying to be a hero, that’s how.

Bare minimum. Sonja would have to involve him but she could make sure it was the barest minimum possible. “I’ll buy that shotgun.”

He turned back to her. The sun was coming up and he was backlit in the mouth of the cave. It showed off his physique. The man was broad but lean. “Sorry. One of my favorites. You can rent me if that helps.”

And he was frustrating.

“Do you have other weapons you’re not so sentimental over?” She crossed her arms.

“Not really.” He looked over the stock of the shotgun. “I like all my toys.”

“Okay. I hire you to help me retrieve that box. You don’t ask any questions. I leave as soon as we find it. Deal?” All she needed him for was to get the damn box. Then she’d be on her way to Asheville and could forget all this ever happened.

“Tell me why you asked about the wet cave and what’s happening when you pass out like that.” He took a few steps closer. His brows were drawn. “It looks like you’re sleeping and dreaming really hard. You psychic?”

Sonja put her hands on her hips. “Didn’t I just say no questions?”

“I need to know ’cause you could get us both killed if you zone out like that when we’re in the middle of a Gremlin nest. I’m not getting chewed up by Gremlins for anybody.”

“Fine. My Demon power is visions. But I’m a Halfling.”

“So you can’t control them at all? They just sneak up on you and take you out of commission like that?”

“Not exactly.” Not before I called the power from that box, they didn’t. Who knew now? She decided to leave it there. “But close enough. How much?” Time was passing. She only had ’til the afternoon to get the box back and get it two hours away to Asheville.

“How much what?”

Was he not paying attention? “To hire you to slay the Gremlins?”

He chuckled. “Um. How much you got?”

“On me? Maybe fifty bucks.”

“Sold.” He held his hand out for payment.

It looked just like it had on her thigh in her visions. Why did she see herself without scars and see Ray just exactly as he is now? Well, he had a different shirt, but his skin and hair and those dang gorgeous eyes were all the same. She dug through her bag and gave him the money. “That’s pretty cheap…considering.”

“Like you said, I hung it in the cave to be gotten.” He shoved the bills in his pocket. “Now tell me what you saw in your vision.”

She blushed at the thought of his eyes looking up at her from between her thighs, but ignored it. She needed to concentrate on the task at hand. Kara. Gremlins. Asheville. She tried to recall everything about the vision—the cave portion of the vision. “Um…the cave was somewhat narrow and I felt like I was down pretty deep. I don’t know why. Maybe the temperature? It was cool.” She put her hand on the stone beside her. “The walls were slick and damp. I was standing in water—shallow water—and my feet were muddy.”

He nodded. “That’s easy enough. I can only think of one place in the area that’s deep enough for Gremlins and has water.” He looked her up and down then strutted to his truck, Sonja on his heels. He pulled his hunting vest from behind the seat. “But you’re not going to like it. Maybe you should stay here.”

She yanked the door open and plopped down in the truck. “Yeah. Right.”

5 Books - Five Bucks! Final Day

2011-11-20T04:42:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?

Nina Walters has. She can't get enough of disc jockey Ty's sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina can't resist the challenge, the opportunity and will use every advantage she has or can find.

Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He's positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he's floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date. Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?

Mistletoe Studs – M/F/M

Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.

Santa's in a giving mood this year.

Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.

Wild Lickins – M/M

Sam has secretly loved Ethan for as long as he could remember. Ethan can’t see beyond his love for their Ice Cream Shoppe Wild Lickins. To escape his desires for his best friend and business partner, Sam takes off for an overdue vacation. Coral Reef, an all male resort, promises a week of sex, sun and relaxation. It’s the perfect combination to help Sam clear his mind. What it doesn’t prepare Sam for is Jim.

Can a stranger help Sam forget about his lust for Ethan? Or is there more to the distraction than meets the eye?

Sliding Home – M/M

Alex loves baseball and when the majors come knocking on his door he’s thrilled. The only thing missing from his life is a partner to share it with. Alex longs to be with his best friend, Rick. He’s loved Rick since he realized he was gay.

An evening of celebration turns to a night of pleasure between Rick and Alex. The next day Rick is confused with his feelings toward Alex.

Will Rick give in to his desires or will he let Alex walk out of his life forever?

Naughty St. Nick – M/F

Nick has fought his attraction to Emily since the summer. Work and other commitments have kept him from pursuing a relationship. Christmas is upon them and Nick finds he has free time on his hands. He devices a little plan to get her sexy body prepared for what he hopes will be a night of passion she’ll never forget.

Someone is sending Emily erotic toys. The naughty notes attached are charging her dormant body to life with promises of red hot sex. She’s not sure who her secret Santa is, but if he’s truly following the Twelve Days of Christmas she’s about to find out.

Will Emily succumb to this Naughty St. Nick?

One Tasty Night – M/F

Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.

During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.

Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?

Talk Dirty to Topaz – M/F

Interior Designer Teagan Topaz doesn’t believe in love, after finding her fiancé in bed doing the nasty with another woman. Nine long months later Teagan finds herself sexually frustrated, due to a recent surge of explicit sex phone calls on her business line.

Frank Black needs Teagan’s expertise to put the finishing touches on a room in his house, but he fantasizes about tying her up and ravishing her.

Will Teagan be able to resist the designs Frank has for her?

5 Books - Five Bucks! Only 1 Day Left

2011-11-19T04:41:00.004-05:00

5 Books - Five Bucks! Only 2 Days Left

2011-11-18T04:40:00.001-05:00

5 Books 5 Bucks!

You heard me. 5 Books for $5

Taking the lead from another Aspen Mountain author who Sandra Hicks refuses to answer I’m offering my books to anyone who want to purchase them for a steal.

Tired of not being paid for my work. Tired of the publisher who is in BREACH of her contracts I’m doing something about it. I’m selling my works for a limited time.

From November 15th-20th you can buy any 5 of the following titles for $5.

How do you score? Make a PayPal payment to amberskyze@gmail.com, send me the receipt and I’ll forward you PDF copies of five books of your choice.

Your email should read AMP Books. In your email list the 5 you want. Easy as 1-2-3! :o)

Heat Waves – M/F

Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?

Nina Walters has. She can't get enough of disc jockey Ty's sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina can't resist the challenge, the opportunity and will use every advantage she has or can find.

Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He's positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he's floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date. Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?

Mistletoe Studs – M/F/M

Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.

Santa's in a giving mood this year.

Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.

Wild Lickins – M/M

Sam has secretly loved Ethan for as long as he could remember. Ethan can’t see beyond his love for their Ice Cream Shoppe Wild Lickins. To escape his desires for his best friend and business partner, Sam takes off for an overdue vacation. Coral Reef, an all male resort, promises a week of sex, sun and relaxation. It’s the perfect combination to help Sam clear his mind. What it doesn’t prepare Sam for is Jim.

Can a stranger help Sam forget about his lust for Ethan? Or is there more to the distraction than meets the eye?

Sliding Home – M/M

Alex loves baseball and when the majors come knocking on his door he’s thrilled. The only thing missing from his life is a partner to share it with. Alex longs to be with his best friend, Rick. He’s loved Rick since he realized he was gay.

An evening of celebration turns to a night of pleasure between Rick and Alex. The next day Rick is confused with his feelings toward Alex.

Will Rick give in to his desires or will he let Alex walk out of his life forever?

Naughty St. Nick – M/F

Nick has fought his attraction to Emily since the summer. Work and other commitments have kept him from pursuing a relationship. Christmas is upon them and Nick finds he has free time on his hands. He devices a little plan to get her sexy body prepared for what he hopes will be a night of passion she’ll never forget.

Someone is sending Emily erotic toys. The naughty notes attached are charging her dormant body to life with promises of red hot sex. She’s not sure who her secret Santa is, but if he’s truly following the Twelve Days of Christmas she’s about to find out.

Will Emily succumb to this Naughty St. Nick?

One Tasty Night – M/F

Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.

During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.

Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?

Talk Dirty to Topaz – M/F

Interior Designer Teagan Topaz doesn’t believe in love, after finding her fiancé in bed doing the nasty with another woman. Nine long months later Teagan finds herself sexually frustrated, due to a recent surge of explicit sex phone calls on her business line.

Frank Black needs Teagan’s expertise to put the finishing touches on a room in his house, but he fantasizes about tying her up and ravishing her.

Will Teagan be able to resist the designs Frank has for her?

5 Books - Five Bucks! Only 3 Days Left

2011-11-17T04:38:00.001-05:00

5 Books - Five Bucks! Only 4 Days Left

2011-11-16T05:16:00.001-05:00

5 Books 5 Bucks!

You heard me. 5 Books for $5

Taking the lead from another Aspen Mountain author who Sandra Hicks refuses to answer I’m offering my books to anyone who want to purchase them for a steal.

Tired of not being paid for my work. Tired of the publisher who is in BREACH of her contracts I’m doing something about it. I’m selling my works for a limited time.

From November 15th-20th you can buy any 5 of the following titles for $5.

How do you score? Make a PayPal payment to amberskyze@gmail.com, send me the receipt and I’ll forward you PDF copies of five books of your choice.

Don't have PayPal? Email me and we can work out another way for you to pay.

Your email should read AMP Books. In your email list the 5 you want. Easy as 1-2-3! :o)

Heat Waves – M/F

Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?

Nina Walters has. She can't get enough of disc jockey Ty's sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina can't resist the challenge, the opportunity and will use every advantage she has or can find.

Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He's positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he's floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date. Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?

Mistletoe Studs – M/F/M

Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.

Santa's in a giving mood this year.

Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.

Wild Lickins – M/M

Sam has secretly loved Ethan for as long as he could remember. Ethan can’t see beyond his love for their Ice Cream Shoppe Wild Lickins. To escape his desires for his best friend and business partner, Sam takes off for an overdue vacation. Coral Reef, an all male resort, promises a week of sex, sun and relaxation. It’s the perfect combination to help Sam clear his mind. What it doesn’t prepare Sam for is Jim.

Can a stranger help Sam forget about his lust for Ethan? Or is there more to the distraction than meets the eye?

Sliding Home – M/M

Alex loves baseball and when the majors come knocking on his door he’s thrilled. The only thing missing from his life is a partner to share it with. Alex longs to be with his best friend, Rick. He’s loved Rick since he realized he was gay.

An evening of celebration turns to a night of pleasure between Rick and Alex. The next day Rick is confused with his feelings toward Alex.

Will Rick give in to his desires or will he let Alex walk out of his life forever?

Naughty St. Nick – M/F

Nick has fought his attraction to Emily since the summer. Work and other commitments have kept him from pursuing a relationship. Christmas is upon them and Nick finds he has free time on his hands. He devices a little plan to get her sexy body prepared for what he hopes will be a night of passion she’ll never forget.

Someone is sending Emily erotic toys. The naughty notes attached are charging her dormant body to life with promises of red hot sex. She’s not sure who her secret Santa is, but if he’s truly following the Twelve Days of Christmas she’s about to find out.

Will Emily succumb to this Naughty St. Nick?

One Tasty Night – M/F

Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.

During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.

Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?

Talk Dirty to Topaz – M/F

Interior Designer Teagan Topaz doesn’t believe in love, after finding her fiancé in bed doing the nasty with another woman. Nine long months later Teagan finds herself sexually frustrated, due to a recent surge of explicit sex phone calls on her business line.

Frank Black needs Teagan’s expertise to put the finishing touches on a room in his house, but he fantasizes about tying her up and ravishing her.

Will Teagan be able to resist the designs Frank has for her?

5 Books - Five Bucks!

2011-11-15T04:44:00.001-05:00

You heard me. 5 Books for $5

Taking the lead from another Aspen Mountain author who Sandra Hicks refuses to answer I’m offering my books to anyone who want to purchase them for a steal.

Tired of not being paid for my work. Tired of the publisher who is in BREACH of her contracts I’m doing something about it. I’m selling my works for a limited time.

From November 15th-20th you can buy any 5 of the following titles for $5.

How do you score? Make a PayPal payment to amberskyze@gmail.com, send me the receipt and I’ll forward you PDF copies of five books of your choice.

Your email should read AMP Books. In your email list the 5 you want. Easy as 1-2-3! :o)

Heat Waves – M/F

Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?

Nina Walters has. She can't get enough of disc jockey Ty's sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina can't resist the challenge, the opportunity and will use every advantage she has or can find.

Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He's positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he's floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date. Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?

Mistletoe Studs – M/F/M

Meg Trainor has one wish for Christmas every year: Two men who will fulfill all her fantasies.

Santa's in a giving mood this year.

Brothers and co-owners of Turquoise Toys, Brad and Shane Griffin will give her a Christmas she'll never forget.

Wild Lickins – M/M

Sam has secretly loved Ethan for as long as he could remember. Ethan can’t see beyond his love for their Ice Cream Shoppe Wild Lickins. To escape his desires for his best friend and business partner, Sam takes off for an overdue vacation. Coral Reef, an all male resort, promises a week of sex, sun and relaxation. It’s the perfect combination to help Sam clear his mind. What it doesn’t prepare Sam for is Jim.

Can a stranger help Sam forget about his lust for Ethan? Or is there more to the distraction than meets the eye?

Sliding Home – M/M

Alex loves baseball and when the majors come knocking on his door he’s thrilled. The only thing missing from his life is a partner to share it with. Alex longs to be with his best friend, Rick. He’s loved Rick since he realized he was gay.

An evening of celebration turns to a night of pleasure between Rick and Alex. The next day Rick is confused with his feelings toward Alex.

Will Rick give in to his desires or will he let Alex walk out of his life forever?

Naughty St. Nick – M/F

Nick has fought his attraction to Emily since the summer. Work and other commitments have kept him from pursuing a relationship. Christmas is upon them and Nick finds he has free time on his hands. He devices a little plan to get her sexy body prepared for what he hopes will be a night of passion she’ll never forget.

Someone is sending Emily erotic toys. The naughty notes attached are charging her dormant body to life with promises of red hot sex. She’s not sure who her secret Santa is, but if he’s truly following the Twelve Days of Christmas she’s about to find out.

Will Emily succumb to this Naughty St. Nick?

One Tasty Night – M/F

Taylor Jax has a secret. She fantasizes about seducing longtime friend Shane Griffin. Only problem, he’s eight years her junior – too young in her mind.

During a game of truth or dare her secret is exposed. Challenged by her best friends, Taylor must go into an adult toy store and buy all the accessories needed to live out her fantasy.With another night of truth or dare looming, Taylor makes a bold move. Before her friends can dare her, she plans a full-fledged seduction.

Shane has loved Taylor for as long as he can remember. She enters his store in disguise, prompting him to tease her. To his surprise she agrees to have dinner with him. And when she propositions him he wonders - will one night be enough?

Talk Dirty to Topaz – M/F

Interior Designer Teagan Topaz doesn’t believe in love, after finding her fiancé in bed doing the nasty with another woman. Nine long months later Teagan finds herself sexually frustrated, due to a recent surge of explicit sex phone calls on her business line.

Frank Black needs Teagan’s expertise to put the finishing touches on a room in his house, but he fantasizes about tying her up and ravishing her.

Will Teagan be able to resist the designs Frank has for her?

YES! Party and Contest

2011-11-12T05:14:00.000-05:00

Today you have a chance to win the second book in my Freedom Fanasties series: Spend the Night With Me. Just click the link below and answer a question!

http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T05:54:00.000-05:00

Today is Veteran’s Day. A day to remember those who have or do serve our country. A time to remember the fallen soldiers and a time to be thankful for the freedom we have because of the brave men and women. God Bless America!

So from Wednesday morning until sometime in the wee hours of Friday morning I worked 35hrs with 3hrs sleep. I managed to squeeze in a few more since, but I’m thankful for the three day weekend. It’s times like this I wish I had a normal 9-5 Monday thru Friday job, but I don’t.

The one good thing about the time at my desk was I got to do a lot of research for my newest wip. I found interesting information and can’t wait to incorporate it into my story. Plus Ms. Kat gave me information that will be beneficial to the story too. Looking forward to getting back to the wip this weekend, but first…

Line edits arrived for I Wanna Sext U Up, so I must work on those today.

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Bad Blogger

2011-11-09T05:47:00.002-05:00

I’ve been a bad blogger lately. I don’t have much to talk about though. I’m busy with my new wip. Thanks to having a writing partner I feel obligated to write every day. It’s not a guilty obligation which I would truly hate. :o)

It’s more of a she shows up every day with something for me to read the least I could do is return the favor. The best part is I’m writing in a new genre to me. Yes, it’s still erotica, but it is my first paranormal shape shifter.

News came that I Wanna Sext U Up will release earlier than expected. It was supposed to release in January 2012, but now we’re looking at the last week of December. Gonna have to get my promo cap on and plan something big to draw the readers in. December is never a great month for a new release.

That’s it for me.

Happy Wednesday!

The First Annual Natalie Acres Boot Scootin' Boogie Blog Tour

2011-11-06T01:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome Natalie Acres. Natalie will be giving away a prizes at the end of the blog tour. So the more you comment, the more times you're enter to win.

Blurb:

Seduction turns deadly when Abby Rose, an agent with the Underground Unit, decides to put a provocative spin on revenge. Her plan to sleep with a cartel leader backfires when fellow operatives refuse to let Abby face her enemy alone.

Abby’s fellow agents begin the fight of their lives. After discovering Abby will use her body to lure in the man who killed her father and their command leader, seven highly trained special operatives cope with high tensions as each man comes to terms with feelings they never acknowledged.

This team isn’t fighting for another cause or plotting the best way to take out their mark. The stakes are much higher. These men will take up arms and meet their greatest challenge as they work together to protect the woman they admire and love.

Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/cowboy-boots-and-unsettled-debts

ADULTS ONLY EXCERPT:

Abby looked freshly fucked. That’s the only way Ace knew how to describe her. She had a soft glow to her cheeks when she stepped away from the car. Her round nipples were hard, pressing through her thin light blue shirt, and those plaid shorts looked crumpled. Some heavy petting must’ve occurred in the backseat of that SUV.

“Hey you,” Ace said, forcing a smile. “I’m glad to see you’re in one piece.”

“I’m fine, Ace,” she assured him, glancing over her shoulder.

Judson slid out of the vehicle. Ace took a ragged breath. He wasn’t worried about Judson. He wasn’t the competition. He’d held Abby’s heart in the palm of his hand for a very short time.

Ace had been with her for the last five years.

Judson stuck out his hand, “Nice to see you, Ace.”

The others politely greeted Judson as well. By the time Kit stepped away from the automobile, everyone stood on the driver’s side of the Suburban. Kit and Brantley exchanged words, and everyone was introduced. Ace and Brantley were the only two operatives who’d worked with Kit in the past. Their time together was brief.

Thank God.

“Ace,” Kit said, narrowing his gaze. “You look stressed. How’s it going?”

“I’m super, you?” He stuck out his hand and shook. Damn, that hurt. He immediately wondered where the guy’s hands had been.

“Never better,” he replied, winking at Abby.

Ace stalked across the garage and stormed inside. Behind him, Brantley said, “We’ll discuss our plans once everyone gets settled in. Stop off at the refrigerator and grab you something to drink. We have plenty of snacks in the pantry. Meet upstairs in the control room in fifteen.”

Ace entered the kitchen. Abby was right behind him. No time like the present to get a few things out of the way.

She hit the last step. He grabbed her arm. Casey saw everything.

Right as Ace dragged her into the utility room, Casey said, “I got this, Ace. You can owe me later.”

There was a brass latch at the top of the door, Ace used it. He slid the lever in place, turned around, and faced his fears. Time to play, and way past time to sate the need and satisfy the longing. Although he feared after he fucked her, things would only get worse.

“I’m in love with you.”

“What?” she asked, acting surprised.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t see this coming,” Ace said, stalking her. “Don’t act as if you don’t know there’s something between us.” He loosened his belt, snapped it as he pulled the leather away from the denim. Shirtless after working in the hayfields all afternoon, he noticed how her gaze worked across his dusty, hay-coated abs.

“I’m hot. I’m sweaty. I’ve been farming all day.” He reached behind her and turned on the shower nozzle. A matter of convenience more than anything else, the mudroom housed a washer, dryer, toilet, sink, and small shower stall. “And I need to clean up.”

She placed her hand over her mouth and hid a smile.

“Considering I don’t know where you’ve been or who you’ve let touch you, I think a bath is in order for you, too.”

“Ace this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of,” Abby said. “You’re what? Jealous of Kit and now you’re ready to fuck me?”

“You’re half right,” he replied, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her against him. “I’m not jealous, but I am gonna fuck you. Right here. Right now. I don’t care if someone interrupts us or not.”

“Ace, no,” she said, shaking her head.

“Why? Because you don’t want to hurt him?”

She thinned her lips.

“Do you love him?”

Her eyes watered.

“You do,” he said, processing.

“I always will,” she informed him.

Ace felt his jaw tighten. He felt like a blasted fool now. Maybe he should’ve asked her about her feelings for Kit before he dragged her off to the shower.

“And I’ve known for a long time I’m in love with you, too.”

He felt his jaw relax. “Of course you are.” He hoped like hell he didn’t sound pussy whipped. “Yeah, you are.” The second time sounded more confident.

“You should believe that,” she whispered as she stood on her tiptoes and took their first kiss. Her wicked tongue jabbed through his sealed lips. They parted and welcomed the invasion, the overdue moment that would prove they somehow weathered the storm.

Copyright © 2011

http://www.bookstrand.com/cowboy-boots-and-unsettled-debts

TGIF and Penny Watson's New Release

2011-11-04T07:16:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! I'm excited because I don't have to work this weekend. On top of that the DH wants to make it a weekend celebration for my birthday (which is really Monday). Thing is he knows I tend to shy away from being in the spotlight. I don't like being center of attention or making a big deal out of my birthday. He is just the opposite. In fact he celebrates his birthday week and we even take one of our vacations that week. Even at 41 he's like a big kid, but that's what I love about him.

Today I want to get back to writing after having been sidetracked the last few days with, well....LIFE. lol
For those of you waiting I'm going to try to get my newsletter out today.

In other news, my friend Penny Watson has a new release today. Here's all the information you need to grab a copy!

Available at The Wild Rose Press

Christmas: Klaus Brothers Series, #2

Oskar Klaus' job is killing him. Not even his favorite hobbies (extreme snowboarding and browsing old bookstores) are enough to snap him out of his funk. It's not easy living in the shadow of four successful older brothers and a father named Santa. Little does he know that a kiss on New Year's Eve is about to turn his life upside-down.

Kiana Grant's Manhattan life is a world away from her childhood in Oahu. She traded sunsets and surfing for a respectable career in library science, but Oskar Klaus is a temptation that's hard to resist. Before she knows it, she's in the midst of an outrageous adventure in the North Pole, dealing with mischievous elves, wicked demons, and a devastating attraction to Santa's youngest son.

There's just one problem...a bitter elf hell-bent on revenge threatens the future of everyone in the North Pole, even Santa himself...

Rating: Spicy

Page Count: 302

Print ISBN: 1-60154-921-0

Excerpt:

He never heard the end of the countdown. One minute he was leaning toward her, and the next he was lost in a tropical Eden. Sweet and lush, surrounded by warm breezes and the feel of sand beneath his bare feet. The scent of perfumed flowers filled the air, and he groaned as Kiana’s slender arms wound around his neck.

She let out a breathy sigh just before her lips touched his. So softly, so gently, he wasn’t sure if it was real. He brushed his mouth over hers and she opened for him, tasting of tea and honey and paradise.

Greedy for more, his hands slid under her baggy blouse, stroking the smooth skin of her back. He pressed her closer until he felt the pounding beat of her heart against his chest. Her fingers fluttered like a butterfly against the stubble on his cheek, finally resting there and tracing his jaw.

He deepened the kiss, pushing her back against the cushions of the sofa, devouring her mouth. Her leg hooked over his knee pushing the drab gray skirt up her thigh. A long expanse of soft skin rubbed against his trousers.

Without thinking, he moved a hand to her leg and dragged his palm along the bare skin. He could swear he heard the sound of the ocean, waves crashing and returning to sea. He moaned and Kiana gasped in delight. He was having difficulty breathing, so he pulled back, nipping her lip on the way.

The heat of a scorching sun bathed his body, and before his eyes finally snapped open, he heard the faint sound of a ukulele playing. Then, silence.

His eyes opened and he found himself sitting in the darkened corner of the living room, alone on the sofa. In his hands he held a pair of tortoiseshell glasses.

Kiana was gone.

The Romance Reviews YES Party

2011-11-02T06:42:00.001-04:00

I'm participating in The Romance Reviews YES Party! I'm giving away a copy of each book in my Freedom Fantasies series. Pretend With Me, Spend the Night With Me and Play With Me. You only have to answer a question to win.

Here is the link and good luck! http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Guest Interview - Fran Lee

2011-11-01T04:53:00.000-04:00

Today I get to welcome one of my favorite Friends - Fran Lee. I had the honor of meeting her in person last year at RomantiCon and she's just one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. Oh and she writes fantastic books too. :o)

How did you start your writing career?
I wrote for many years, but never really did much about getting my books published until after I retired from my career with the government. I had subbed one many years earlier, and was told it was “too hot” for the publisher to handle. 20 years later, it was “not hot enough”. LOL! Had to heat it up a bit. I resubbed the revised manuscript in 2008, was contracted…and my first book Out of Her Dreams (http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7256-out-of-her-dreams.aspx) was released in 2009.

Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
I think my favorite character out of all of them is Lee Blackhorse from Nothing But Sex http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8365-nothing-but-sex.aspx
She is so much like me it’s scary. But then, why not write yourself into your character? LOL! Timid because of a very bad marriage, she eschews men totally until the right younger man knocks down her carefully constructed defenses. Humor and hot sex…and a gorgeous hero to die for. I loved writing her…

Tell us about your current release.
My most recent release is a compilation of two of my novellas, titled Hard Work, Hot Boss http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9509-hard-work-hot-boss.aspx , a print release that I like to call The Working Girls Collection. It includes Jillian’s Job http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7850-jillians-job.aspx and Woman on Fire http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8602-woman-on-fire.aspx. I was signing copies for readers at Romanticon a couple of weeks back. That’s always a huge rush!

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?
Actually, I always wanted to be a writer. It just sort of came with the territory when I was born, I guess. I was jotting stories onto college ruled paper for many years before they invented the computer. LOL! Tells you how old I am, right?
When was your first sale? November 2008. I was contracted by Ellora’s Cave for Out of Her Dreams.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Well, mostly it’s just getting myself to sit down and start writing. Been pretty lazy over the past year. Got into a writing funk and sat around like a lump. Sigh. The hardest part is simply starting. Once I have that done, it sort of rips right along.

What does your family think of your writing career?
They think it’s great! Of course, a couple of them refuse to read my books because they blush when they realize that hot, sexy book was written by…gasp…MOM! But those who read them are always asking me for more.

Who are your books published with?
Ellora’s Cave Publishing http://www.jasminejade.com/m-554-fran-lee.aspx has 10 of my books, and Resplendence Publishing http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/145.html has three (all three are now in print as well).

What do you think makes a good story?
A deliciously believable love story with wonderfully real characters…humor…heat…and of course, a happy ever after. And the relationship MUST be realistic and loving. Even in “Romantica” there must be a plausible and gripping story…not just hot sex tossed onto every page to keep the pages turning. Romantica is erotic, sensuous romance…not erotica.

What books have most influenced your life?
War and Peace…Ben Hur….Anastasia….Seven Pillars of Wisdom…The Sheik…Jane Eyre…Pride and Prejudice…ummm…I could go on forever, so I’ll stop here.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist. Unfortunately that took more work than I was willing to put out. LOL! All I wanted to draw was horses…horses…horses. I always had a marvelous imagination though, so when I realized being an artist was out, I dreamed of being an author. Or a movie star. Obviously I never made it into movies.

What is your favorite meal?
Food!

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I watch movies and read.

What hobbies do you actively pursue?
Younger men. Um….scratch that. I have no hobbies. No life. I write. No time for hobbies now.

What would we find under your bed?
OMG! You DON’T want to go there…I haven’t looked under there in years! When the cats go under there, they probably feast on spiders and big mice. At least I always know there are no monsters under there.

Tell us about your favorite fan letter you have received.
A wonderful letter from a woman who told me she had re-read every one of my books at least five times and is eagerly awaiting the next one (Uncertainly Yours) that is currently in edits with Ellora’s Cave. I actually cried, it was so sweet.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T04:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-30T08:16:00.000-04:00

To my son Nick who turns 24 today! Love ya buddy. :o)

Are You F'ing Kidding Me

2011-10-28T05:39:00.001-04:00

A winter storm watch? Are you serious? Bright and early this morning I watched the news and they are talking about a winter storm that could drop significant amounts of snow. Hello, has anyone looked at the calendar? It’s only October. Though I must admit about ten years ago it was normal for snow to fall before or by my birthday which is the first week of November. I’ve grown used to snow falling in late November early December. In fact I’d prefer to move south for the next six months.
A friend of mine told me about a book called Every Move You Make, by M. William Phelps yesterday. I did some research and discovered Mr. Phelps is a man I’ve watched on the ID channel. He’s an investigative journalist and written many books on true crimes. I’m going to pick up the book. The interesting thing about this is it’s written about Gary C Evans, a killer from Troy NY, which was practically the next city over from where I lived for 30+ years.
In other news my wip is coming along nicely. I’ll be putting it aside in a few days to start the new project with Katalina Leon.
The day job has taken its toll on me lately and stressing me too much. They’re talking about off shoring us. I’m telling you this is one time I wish the government would step in and force the companies who are headquartered in the US to keep their jobs based in the US. There are too many people without jobs. Okay, off my soapbox for now.
Weekend plans? I have to work tomorrow and if the snow shows up I’ll be shoveling. How about you?

New Favorite Weekday

2011-10-26T06:47:00.001-04:00

Wednesday’s have become my most favorite weekday. The baby goes to her grandmothers so I can do my job without interruptions and its family night. Tonight we’ll all watch Survivor together. By the time it’s over both L and I will be ready for bed! LOL Ghost Hunters will have to be watched in the morning.
I managed to get 1200 words written this morning. Yay!
Today I plan to do a brief outline of my Nano project. I say brief because if I do a detailed one the book will fail. I don’t know why, but it’s just the way I work.
Oh and I believe there are three new releases at EC that I have to pick up. MA Ellis and Reese Gabriel are on my auto-buy list. Both their new books are looking HAWT.
Happy Hump Day!

A New Week

2011-10-25T05:58:00.001-04:00

It’s been awhile since I blogged. I’ve been busy with the dreaded day job. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy to have a job, because I know how many aren’t so lucky. The job is very stressful though. I had to work all weekend and this coming weekend.
Good news is I’ve been writing. Not every day, but I’ve gotten 5k into a new book in the last week. Soon I’ll be starting a new book with Katalina Leon. I love her. She’s such a great friend and inspiration.
Eight years ago today I had my first date with the DH. I drove three hours for that date. We talked for four months before I ever drove out here. We talked daily for hours at a time. We knew more about each other before getting together than I’d ever known about any man I ever dated. Let’s just say the drive was well worth it. Once we got married the DH said this wasn’t an anniversary any longer. Well if he hadn’t noticed I’m a romance writer. I’m all about romance and love. It’s important to me. :o)
That day we watched two awful movies at his house. Malibu’s Most Wanted was one. The second I can’t remember. We went to dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant, and then off to the movie theater. That should’ve been my first inclination that the man LOVES movies. Three in one day. I’m not that much a movie watcher. Anyway, we saw Gothica. I loved the movie. He yelled a few times – I laughed at him.
So I’m wishing the DH a very Happy Anniversary today! Here’s to many, many more!

Guest - Tina Donahue and a Contest

2011-10-20T02:52:00.001-04:00

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Not in my book. This month has been absolutely fabulous for me. I’ve had two releases (within four days of each other) from two different publishers – a first for me.

It seems there’s a lot of firsts with these releases. For example, SiNN is my first ménage. Wow, it was a blast to write. Never thought I’d be able to wrap my mind around two guys and one lady, but it worked out just yummy.

Then Unending Desire (erotic paranormal) is Book One in my Outlawed Realm series, which is my first series ever! For years, I’d thought about writing a series, but all of my books turned out to be pretty much finished with the words The End. Looks like that’s changing. Hee-hee.

Here’s the cover art, blurb and a link to an excerpt for each book. Enjoy!

Oh, and one more thing – I’m hosting a contest today…more on that later.

SiNN – contemporary erotic romance (ménage) from Ellora’s cave

She’s every man’s carnal fantasy…and the target of one’s revenge
At a Phoenix gentleman’s club, Lea dances as SiNN, her body bared and vulnerable to her male partner, her features hidden behind a feathered mask. To the men watching, she’s a sensual enigma, submissive and seductive with no face, name or history. Not even Lea knows her real origins.
A man from the past does and wants her dead.
Not on the watch of U.S. Marshals Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. Commanding and decisive, Jake not only wants Lea’s safety but to have her naked and yielding beneath him. To Toby, she’s all he should resist but cannot.
Protected by them at a secluded estate, Lea’s drawn to their potent masculinity and the raw male lust in their eyes. Inviting desire and an emotional connection, she submits to both at once, surrendering to their most shameless hunger along with her own wanton needs.
All while a killer edges closer…

Buy link (with excerpt): http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9642-sinn.aspx

UNENDING DESIRE – erotic paranormal romance from Samhain

His hunger for one woman will make him a traitor to his world…
Outlawed Realm, Book 1
From a portal in his lab on E2, one of the five dimensions of Earth, quantum physicist Nikoli Zorr gazes on everything forbidden to him. Passion. Desire. The exquisite pleasure of running his hands over the lush curves of a young woman he should have stopped watching weeks ago.
His duty is to close the portals that keep the monsters out of E2—and never interfere with the inevitable fate of those on the other side. Yet he can’t bring himself to abandon the woman who has captured his soul.
Psychologist Regina Page is trying to keep her mind on her client, and off the mysterious, unbearable sexual cravings that consume her when she’s alone in her bedroom. The next moment she’s attacked by vampires, then swept into another realm by a stranger whose touch awakens that same raw desire. Whose eyes are already filled with farewell.
Yet beneath their undeniable carnal lust, something else stirs. The beginnings of illicit love. The unexpected need to protect him. Even if it means risking body, blood and soul to defeat the merciless horde…for a future that was never meant to be.

_______________________________________

Product Warnings
Contains a repressed scientist who likes to look, and the woman who delights in unleashing his inner caveman. And sex hot enough to burn a hole in all three dimensions…and maybe create a whole new one.

Buy Link (with excerpt): http://store.samhainpublishing.com/unending-desire-p-6491.html

Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work; she has reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA–sponsored contests. Three of her erotic novels were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic romance, was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights; and Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) recently received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011). She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097

*** CONTEST ***

To celebrate the release of SiNN and Unending Desire, I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter on this blog will have her choice of one of my following ebooks**:

1. Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT
2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit
3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award
4. In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT
5. Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT
6. The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller
7. Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen October 23.

As Aspen Mountain Still Turns

2011-10-19T07:21:00.001-04:00

The diabolical continues. As of this morning the website states that the owner is suspending operations temporarily due to illness. TEMPORARILY???? This should say permanently. As an author of this publisher I’m still in limbo. I have not gotten any responses to my emails, snail mail, etc. Ms. Hicks promises all authors who have contacted her will receive a response. I hope before Christmas.
Still no royalty statements and the checks certainly aren’t rolling in. Those are the least of my concerns I just want my rights back to all seven books.
Oh well…the battle will continue. It makes me wonder if I’m better off self-publishing all future books instead of offering them to a publisher.
Another day another new drama I’m sure.

Salem in October

2011-10-17T06:20:00.003-04:00

Saturday the DH and I, along with two daughters and a friend went to Salem. The trip originally was going to be just the DH and me. I had lots of plans for browsing the shops, maybe a tarot or palm reading, and research for a new series my friend Katalina Leon and I plan to write.
Fast forward – the teens ruled. They did haunted houses, waxed hands and got a history lesson. Yes, I had to incorporate history. See Martha Carrier is one of the women who was hanged and accused of being a witch. One of Martha Carrier’s sons was our ninth generation grandfather. So we brought the girls to the stop where they were hung and a memorial now stands. I must say L was very impressed and sad for the people who were hung. She refused to visit the cemetery next door because she didn’t want to walk on dead people. They’ve been buried for over 400 years. I’m sure they’ve been walked on many, many times.
I did walk away with one idea, something from the girls. I’ve pitched it to Kat and hopefully she’ll like it and we’ll roll from there. Details to come later. :o)
I have to say Salem in October is the best. The costumes were plentiful and creative. There were tons of people, rides, and stuff to do. The shops are not baby stroller friendly so I spent most of my time window shopping.
Next year my mom wants to return so we plan on booking a room and spending the weekend. I’ve already started looking for rooms for next year.
Happy Monday!

AMP Troubles Grow Deeper

2011-10-14T08:02:00.003-04:00

As an author of AMP (something I'm trying to change) this blog really opened my eyes to the deceptiveness of the owner. I can't believe someone can be so evil and obviously naive to the law. My former editor and friend, who I love dearly has broken her silence. If you are an author or thought you wanted to be one at Aspen Mountain Press, please read this blog. Very eye-opening.

http://kaantira.blogspot.com/2011/10/breaking-my-silence-on-aspen-mountain.html

Ignorance is NOT Bliss

2011-10-11T12:38:00.000-04:00

For the last year I’ve been dealing with well, a high risk pregnancy, a new baby and other stuff. During that time one of my publishers fell apart and I was oblivious. Now I’m not one to bad mouth a publisher, but enough is enough.
Aspen Mountain Press has failed to provide me with royalty statements for the last year. I’ve received exactly 2 checks since October 2010 and both were under $15 for seven books. I’m sorry, but even if my books weren’t selling on their site, they are on the third party vendor sites.
As of today most of the third party sites have taken down books from Aspen Mountain and their home site seems to be unavailable due to maintenance. Yeah right. I’m hoping this is the demise of them so I can finally get my rights back and self-publish my seven books.
I have made several attempts to contact the publisher via, email, phone, snail mail and certified letters. Said publisher has ignored all attempts.
So this blog today is to request that if any readers want to purchase my Aspen Mountain books – PLEASE DON’T. Wait until the end of the year and you’ll be able to get them for cheaper when I self-publish them!
The moral of this story is to stay current with your publishers and make sure you’re getting statements and the money owed. I wish I wasn’t so oblivious and discovered this far too late in the game. Maybe I wouldn’t be battling to get my rights back.

TGIF

2011-10-07T05:21:00.004-04:00

It's a three day weekend for me and I have family coming in for a visit. Not much to talk about so here are some hotties to keep you warm over the weekend. ;)

I feel like a good workout right about now.

All I can say is YUM!

Do blonds have more fun?

Have a great weekend!

Still Making Changes

2011-10-06T04:10:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a much needed mental health day. I wrote about 100 words. Not much but it was something. Overall, I just vegged out. I turned off the television, left the personal computer behind and hung out in my sunroom. I had to pay attention to my work computer, but I can’t do any internet surfing or checking of personal email so I really did unwind.
When my daughter came home from school we sat and talked. It was a nice time. I’m glad I had the time to think. I’ve been making changes in my life over the last week and I’ve made two other big decisions yesterday. I can’t discuss either just yet. One because I want to tell a friend first. I’d hate for her to learn about it here and the other, well it’s too personal to share.
My family is coming in for a visit this weekend. Three days of my mom and aunt. They miss the baby and I can see they’ll be making monthly trips here until the snow begins to fall.
Time to start my day.
Happy Thursday!

Peace and Quiet and hopefully Sunshine

2011-10-05T05:44:00.002-04:00

Baby T is going to grandma's for the day. DH is headed to the office. Second round edits are off to my editor. Only one meeting at work today. Need I say more. :) Nice relaxing day for Amber.

Happy Wednesday!

Over at Seven Sexy Scribes

2011-10-04T07:25:00.002-04:00

Todady I'm blogging over at Seven Sexy Scribes. I'm talking October and what I love about this month!

Cutting Ties

2011-10-03T10:13:00.001-04:00

Life has become overwhelming for me lately. I’m having a difficult time juggling personal life, writer’s life and the dreaded day job. I’ve made some decisions to cut ties with a few blogs that guest on either a monthly or weekly basis. I belonged to six and have cut it down to one. Once a week might be manageable. If that becomes unmanageable I’ll have to say good-bye to them too.
It pains me to say good-bye but for my own sanity it had to be done. I’m not writing so trying to think up writing related topics is just impossible. I’m sure this won’t be the case forever, but for now.
I also missed my writer’s meeting on Saturday. This too caused me heartache because I really need this time away from the house. Instead I was in bed for almost 12 hours. It seems I’m suffering a case of post partem depression. Time for me to get some help. I don’t easily admit stuff like this, but I’ve come to the conclusion I can’t hide behind a false persona. This is all new to me. 5 kids and I never suffered from it. Though I'm a bit older so maybe that's why. Who knows.
I do have second round edits for I Wanna Sext U Up to work on. It isn’t easy but I so loved this story at one time and I want to see it published.
The day job is extremely busy today so this will be brief.
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!

In a Professional Rut

2011-09-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

Teagan had her first set of shots yesterday and she had a rough day. By her 3am feeding she was back to smiling and babbling making me feel much better. It breaks your heart when they’re in pain and you can’t do anything.
It seems lots of people had a rough day yesterday. The Red Sox really blew it. I kinda gave up on them a few weeks ago. I’m not sure why they fell apart, but they did. Baseball season is over for this house.
That’s about all that’s going on in my life. Working hard at the day job, wondering if it’s time for a change with my position. I’ve been doing the same thing day in and day out for five years. I’m thinking maybe it’s time to move to a different department and learn something new. I feel like I’m in a rut. I’m bored and under challenged. Only that little saying keeps nagging me – “Be careful what you wish for.”
Food for thought.

Happy Thursday!

Interview with Cynthia Arsuaga

2011-09-27T04:02:00.000-04:00

How did you start your writing career?
Sheer boredom and after reading a few of my daughter’s books from her library, I thought I could do the same. At the time I started, I also was reading my husband’s first draft of his novels. I offered my opinion, did some editing, and after a few months asked his thoughts on an idea I had. I jotted a few lines down, and well, the rest is history.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why? I have a couple places I’m dreaming about—Egypt with a cruise down the Nile, Australia, and Tahiti. One day, one day. *Sigh*

Does travel play in the writing of your books?
Absolutely! I love to travel and have been many places, so in one of the series I’m writing; the characters and scenes are traveling to different places around the world. The one coming up in February 2012 will take place in Paris. Next stop will be London for Book 3.

Tell us about your current release.
I’d like to tell about my release I contracted recently, A Vampire in Paris. This is Book 2 of the Forces of Beauty Series. Texas Heat is due out in a couple weeks, but I want to get a jump on Paris because I loved it. A little different, but I’m about to start the next in the series and I’m pumped. Here’s an unofficial blurb:
For over two hundred years, London-based security and private investigator, Ramsey Weiss has existed as the quintessential confirmed bachelor. New Years’ Day he is dispatched to Paris, France, to rescue an abducted cosmetics company heiress. In the melee, he butts heads with an unexpected woman.
Camille du Bassin is the head chemist at Institut de Beauté Biologique and her niece has been kidnapped. She teams up with a private security investigator with special skills hired by her brother. The two unlikely pair work together playing a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse not only with each other, but battle an evil ancient vampire determined to take Camille as his consort. Somewhere along the journey, Camille and Ramsey are surprised by the physical attraction that develops between them, denying the attraction.
Just when the two lovers' think their love can be forever...Fate steps in to challenge the power of their love.

When was your first sale? January 11, 2011.

What is the hardest part of writing your books? The middle.

Does your significant other read your stuff? Reads, edits, suggests, and collaborates. He writes too!

Who are your books published with? Secret Cravings Publishing

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it? No pen name. What you see is my real name. Figured at my age, no day job (I’m retired), and no qualms about writing erotic stories, then why not use my real name. That’s how people know me, why change.

What book are you reading now? Just picked up Kerrelyn Sparks latest, Sexiest Vampire Alive. Can’t wait to get some free time to read.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut. The closest I got was living on the “Space Coast” in Florida and getting to watch the first and last launch of the Space Shuttle.

Morning Or Night Person? Definitely Night Person. I’m grouchy in the mornings. Hubby can vouch for this one.

Blurb:
ONE VAMPIRE, ONE WOMAN, ONE CONTRACT, ONE WEEK TO PLAY.
Candi Hartz, is a romance author in a loveless marriage. One fateful night, she follows the cheating husband to the local vampire sex club and meets the vamp owner. Her life takes a drastic turn when with one kiss she enters the world she only read about.
Gregori Van Zant is a dangerous vampire. As the head of the Mid-Atlantic Blood Family of vampires, he can have any vamp or human woman at his disposal. One night, a captivating woman walks into his club and he devises a plan.
The two lovers come together and sign a contract—an exchange of sex for research. Candi is born to play and Gregori is anxious to show her. An old enemy of Gregori’s arrives unexpectedly and disrupts their plans. With a final battle looming on the horizon, will the two fated lovers find love eternal or will death play a part?

EXCERPT
Gregori pushed open the door to his bedroom and carried Candi across the darkened room to the bed. He eased her down at the foot of the four-poster bed and took a step back. “Undress,” he commanded. His voice low and velvety. He smiled, seeing rebellion cross her expression. Standing back, he crossed his arms. When he flashed a wicked smile, she dropped her head in compliance.
Through narrowed eyes, he cast his eyes on her with strong intent as she untied the twists and wraps of the dress. The fluid pink-colored fabric cascaded down her shoulders, over her hips, and pooled at her feet, leaving her in stilettos, bra, and lace thong. Trembling before him, either from fear or anticipation, he wasn’t sure. The thumping heartbeat picked up pace and he suspected the latter. She may be nervous, but he sensed the arousal.
Slivers of moonlight filtered through the slats of the plantation shutters on the Palladian windows, painting her creamy flesh with silvery light, an incandescent glow glistened in an aura around her. The beast within him became aroused, demanding release. The vision of her beauty both startled as well as summoned. She looked like an angel standing in the dark, wearing bra, panties, and sinfully sexy high heels. Fuck, I’m so screwed!
With a slight cough, he cleared his throat; he spoke with control and domination in his tone. “I stated this downstairs, but I’ll tell you again. In the bedroom, I am your ‘Master’ and you will address me as such. You can call me ‘Sir’ as well, but nothing else is permitted and if you disobey, you will be punished. Do you understand?”
“Y-yes, sir,” her voice squeaked out.
“Good girl. So, Katje, do you like the dark or light?”
“I don’t understand what you’re asking, sir.”
“Do you like to fuck in the dark or have the lights on?”
“I, uh, don’t care, sir. Whatever you want.”
“Katje, I didn’t ask what you think I want. What do you want? Answer me with the truth.”
“I-I prefer the dark. It’s better not to see.”
He wondered why she preferred the dark. Was she self-conscious of her skills or body? Both? Didn’t she know she was a beautiful woman, lush curves, and soft flesh to mold his hands around, and kiss forever? Again, the beast within begged for release, but he pushed the demon down. Tonight he wanted to test, not frighten her. “Katje, we’ll stay in the moonlight for now and we shall discern how you like being restrained…as I touch you.” He took a step toward her, lithe and predatory. His fingers wrapped around her wrists, pinning her hands with one hand, he held them behind her back as he cupped her cheek with his other hand.
He captured her mouth, hard and passionately, like he’d kissed and savored the taste of her lips for the first time. Their tongues fluttered and surged one against the other. She struggled to free her hands, only she couldn’t, he tightened his grip preventing any movement. With the heat of her arousal tugging at his own, he tapped into her mind. The thoughts of shock from his restraint overwhelmed her, confused by the desire to continue. His mouth moved down the side of her neck, teeth scraping gently on the skin at the pulse point, giving her goose bumps. Oh, the call of her hot blood burns in my veins. Such a delicate morsel, this one is.
Again, she tried to move. And again, his fingers held her in place. The scent of her arousal enticed his nostrils. Sliding his free hand down her abdomen to her thigh, her body twitched. When he reached the mound between her legs, she gasped in his ear. The flood of her juices confirmed all the evidence of the depth of her arousal as her scent enveloped his senses. As he guided her back onto the bed, he lifted her onto the soft mattress. Her breathing quickened as she came to rest at the edge. Raising her hips, he slipped the tiny thong down her legs and tossed it aside. Standing straight, he pulled the black turtleneck sweater over his head, and revealed a broad, muscled chest, tapering down to the corrugated leanness of his flat abdomen. Realizing her thoughts were still confused despite her body’s arousal, he slowed the pace. “Katje, first of all, this time between us is for pleasure. I may be your master tonight, but trust me to know how to give you the pleasure you deserve. Can you do that?” His eyes were intent, knowing they glowed red in the semi-blackness of the room.
She nodded. “You won’t spank me…or take my blood…or anything that hurts, right?”
“No, Katje.” He stroked a finger down her cheek. “Any physical punishment I hand out will be for another time, but only if you disobey. I take no pleasure in hurting you. I will tell you this, the pain enhances the pleasure.”
Her muscles relaxed beneath his hold. “Okay, you’re saying I’d ask you to punish me for my pleasure?”
“Yes, pain and pleasure are two sides of the same coin.”
“I-I can’t believe they’re the same.”
“You’ll come to learn, mijn schat. Pain sometimes is necessary to free you from the chains you put on yourself. Tonight is purely for pleasure, forget everything else. Your body will yield to me and your surge in desire will come around to wanting more. But if you become too frightened or are somehow in unbearable pain, you say the safe word…Pink.” He shook his head, and continued, “If you use your word, everything between us will stop, so don’t use it unless you need to quit our play. I will be exploring your limits. You have to trust, I will keep you safe.”
Her body relaxed as his eyes met hers. His Kitten realized she had a way out and the understanding of the situation, the acknowledgement he wanted. Pleased with the non-verbal response, he proceeded.

You can find Cynthia here:
http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com
http://romanticwordsbycynthia.blogspot.com
www.secretcravingspublishing.com

New Fall TV Season

2011-09-26T06:47:00.001-04:00

The one and probably only thing I enjoy about the end of summer is the new Fall season of television. There’s always the hope of finding a few new shows to pass the time in the winter. Over the last week the DH and I watched a handful of new shows. The only one that has stuck so far is Person of Interest. I’m hoping it continues to be good and stays away from the chopping block.
I’ve gotten involved in a few shows only to be disappointed when they were cut due to low ratings. I remember a time when shows were given an entire season, sometimes more to draw a following. Now if ratings are low after the first two airings it’s time to cut it. What’s up with that? Any shows that have hooked you?
Well today I return to work so if blogging is minimal this week I’m trying to adjust to the new schedule. :o) I’ll get the hang of it. Now if my little bugger would sleep through the night. She has her days and nights mixed up, but I’m fixing that with a bit of cereal in the evening. She’s already 9lbs. She’s doubled her birth weight and then some. Woo Hoo.
Time to get a move on.
Happy Monday!

TGIF

2011-09-23T08:14:00.001-04:00

Last night was open house at my daughter’s high school. Imagine my surprise when we arrived at her 7th period English class and when asked who our child was the teacher said, “Oh you’re the author.” I blushed and admitted I was.
Luckily my daughter is only aware of my writing credits such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and various magazines.
Mr. English teacher asked if I’d be willing to come in to the class later this year and talk to the kids. This man is VERY unaware of my public speaking phobia. LoL He also commented that he told my daughter that he’d have me come to a different class than hers so not to embarrass her. My precious child said, “I want her to come to my class. I love my mom.”
He laughed telling us and said, “Are you sure she’s a teenager?”
This is my daughter though. She tells it like it is and she doesn’t embarrass easy. She’s proud of me and her love for me – unlike her older sister at this age. I’m so happy at 14 she’s still a warm loving teenager. 
Today I have to finish last minute stuff so I can return to my day job on Monday. Waaaahhhhhhh! Sorry, it’s just not something I’m looking forward to, though my company has been in the news way too often over the last three months so having a job is a blessing right now.
Not sure what I’ll be doing this weekend, but I hope everyone has a great one!

What's on Amber's Mind?

2011-09-22T04:40:00.000-04:00

First round edits are complete. I sent them off to my editor yesterday morning. I’m not sure I like some of them. I’m leaving it to my editor to decide if they should stay or go. I let her know I’m not tied to them. She stated second round wouldn’t be here until October so I have some time to think about it.
I can’t believe tomorrow is the first day of Autumn. I feel summer went way too fast. This year has flown by. I return to work on Monday. After having eight weeks off it’s time for me to return to the daily grind. I have so much to do before Monday, but I can’t seem to find the time to get anything done. I think it’s time to find a sitter so I can do those little things.
There’s been a big push for help for animals. ASPCA commercials seem to be taking over the television lately. They make me cry. It’s so depressing to know that people can abuse animals. We have three dogs and while I’d love to take more in, there’s just no room in my house!
There’s also another commercial getting the word out that a huge percentage of people in RI have nothing to eat on a daily basis. This too saddens me. The economy and loss of jobs has left this country in peril. I wish I could save the world, but sadly I can’t. I wish the politicians in Washington would stop worrying about themselves and start thinking about the suffering citizens of the US.
Okay, enough of what’s on my mind.
Happy Thursday!

Debut Author Marie Rose Dufour

2011-09-19T06:59:00.003-04:00

Today my good friend Marie Rose Dufour has her first release from Secret Cravings Publishing. I've read a portion of this book and it promises to be a HIT! So run over and grab a copy HERE.

Blurb:
We know that we are no longer alone in the universe. Descendants of Earthly ancestors have returned to find the other halves of themselves, their destined mates.

Dragon, a scarred Serralian warrior drawn to the planet of his ancestors, never believed the Goddess had a mate for him but no matter what he believes, he’s unable to resist the pull of the planet deep within in soul.

Liz, a curvy teacher who escaped an abusive marriage three years earlier is afraid to take another chance on love. Tired of being a
bystander in her own love life, she participates in an ancient ritual to identify Serralian mates. Taking that chance changes her life forever. Can these two people overcome their pasts to become each other’s true Fated Mates?

EXCERPT:
Dragon leaned back in his office chair gazing unseeingly out the vid-window down at Earth from where the cruiser orbited the planet. His brow furrowed in concentration with the problem at hand.
“Uh…hum,” uttered from behind him trying to get his attention.
The gentleman should know from experience, he did things in his own time and only when truly ready.
“Uh…hum…” again sounded from behind him.
“Sergeant, trust me. It’s not within your best interest to rush me in my decision on this matter.”
“Sorry, Sir!”
Properly chastised, Dragon, confident he would not be disturbed again until he thought through every option, let his eye gaze back to the blue planet below. Ever since first orbit, life hadn’t been the same on his ship. Everyone had been edgy, including him. Expecting, hoping, and praying to be mated to someone on the planet below, everyone except him. He had lost faith in the dream a long time ago. Now he had to deal with a situation he never thought would happen under his command.
He adjusted the eye patch he wore over his left eye, a souvenir he received as a POW, before he slowly turned his chair around and pierced the man in front of him with a steely gaze.
“The only reason you are not in the detention center, Sergeant, is because we are friends. Explain to me why you disobeyed ship rules and left this vessel without authorization. Explain to me how a lifelong military man purposely neglects his duties. I need my Sergeant at Arms to explain it to me because as your commanding officer, I am ready to throw you in a cell, start dismissal procedures, and have your ass on the first transport back to Serralia.”
For the first time during his lecture, he saw his friend blanch at the mention of being shipped home.
Sergeant Tarlon simply raised his hand to display the vivid, red scrolling mating mark imprinted across his hand.
Dragon whistled through his teeth and leaned back in his chair resting both hands behind his head. “When? How?”
“Four days ago, the Goddess blessed me.” Tarlon bravely looked his commanding officer and friend straight in the eye. “Excuse my bluntness, Sir, but being unmated yourself, you have no idea what I was going though, being on this ship, knowing my mate waited down on the planet below me. Nothing could have stopped me, not our friendship, and definitely not my duty as an officer.”
Dragon’s face hardened and his un-patched eye turned as cold as the wind whipping across the ice plains on the North Pole of Serralia.
“Do you intend to soften me by insults and bringing attention to my lack of a mate?” Dragon sprang from his chair and stalked in front of him. Tarlon’s eyes immediately went to the floor in a show of respect. He took a deep breath and looked his friend in the eye. His unintentional insult struck deep, to go through life unmated was a fate worse than death to his people.
“I beseech you and the Goddess for my unintentional insult, my friend.” Tarlon placed a hand on Dragon’s shoulder. “I just pointed out you have no personal experience with the yearning call of the first mating.”
“That might be so.” Dragon gritted out, shaking off the hand on his shoulder and going to stand in front of the window again. “What I do know are the rules of this ship. You are to report immediately to the detention center for seven days or until I decide what to do with you!”
“But Sir,” gasped Tarlon protesting. “You cannot separate me from my mate. It would be a torture we both could not tolerate.”
Dragon sighed. He knew his punishment didn’t match the crime. It went against the very beliefs of his culture to separate Fated Mates even for a moment. Everything changed when Tarlon had shown him his mark.
“I am in quite the awkward position, my friend. Your infraction must not go unpunished, but I cannot separate you from your mate. What I can offer you is a compromise. Spend the day portion of your sentence in the detention center catching up on the backlog of paperwork, which seems to have piled up. The night portion of your sentence, you are in the custody of your mate.” Dragon glanced back and caught the brief look of relief crossing Tarlon’s face and something long dead inside hurt until he squelched it.
“You are dismissed. Please report to the detention center to start serving your sentence.”
“My mate and I thank you, Dragon. We shall say an extra prayer to the Goddess in your name.”
Dragon reached up and adjusted his eye patch. “Not necessary. The Goddess has long forgotten my name.”
“Regardless, a prayer will be said,” Tarlon whispered as he turned to leave the room.
“Tarlon…”
“Yes?” He paused at the door and looked back at the lonely man standing in front of the window.
“The yearning call,” Dragon whispered reverently. “Is it as all-consuming as people speak of?” Dragon reached his hand out as if to touch the blue planet in his window, but dropped it so quickly Tarlon probably thought he imagined the action.
“More.” With the powerful word hanging in the air, the door closed behind him.

Busy Weekend

2011-09-16T05:46:00.000-04:00

The DH came home around 4 yesterday and I was in bed by 8pm.  It was so nice to get almost 7 hours sleep. I’m refreshed and ready to take on the day! Edits are on my to-do list.
My family will be arriving tomorrow. My mom, son, aunt and cousins will be coming to celebrate my grandson’s christening. I’m looking forward to seeing them all and showing off Teagan. She finally gets to meet her big brother after seven weeks.
Someone turned off the heat here in RI. The temps are around 48 degrees. Hello, the calendar still says SUMMER. I don’t like this colder weather, but nothing I can do.
Off to get some edits done before the house wakes up. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sleep is Overrated!

2011-09-15T10:02:00.001-04:00

Too sleep deprived to write anything worth reading! Maybe tomorrow. :)

Happy Thursday!

Blogger and Edits

2011-09-12T06:12:00.000-04:00

Blogger hates me. I can’t comment on my own blog. What’s up with that? I can comment on other people’s blog, but I can’t respond to the generous readers who leave me a comment. Frustrating.
Well I’m in deep with edits. They arrived on Friday. I went through them over the weekend and fixed the “little” things, like dangling body parts and words that were unnecessary for the story to move forward. Today I’ll tackle the “bigger” issues. My editor was kind enough to give me two weeks to get them done. I truly appreciate this. Normally, I’d turn them over in a day or two, but life is different these days.
DH has to go out of town for 3 days. This sucks. He helps with the 9-1 feeding so I can sleep. Now I’m going to have to do it alone. So if I’m not blogging the next few days you know why. I’m likely sleeping. LoL
Happy Monday!

10 Years Later

2011-09-11T08:42:00.002-04:00

I can't tell you what I did on Sept 10th 2001 or even Sept 12th, but I can give you detail for detail what I did on the 11th. That's not what I'm going to do though.

Instead I'm going to pray for the country for all we lost that dreadful day. May we never live in that horror again.

God Bless America

Time to get my head out of my A$$

2011-09-08T05:48:00.001-04:00

I’ve been suffering from my share of migraines lately. I lucked out when I didn’t get one while pregnant, but now that I’m no longer pregnant I’m making up for lost time. It was good while it lasted right? It looks like they’re not going away anytime soon. Turns out while I’ve had my head up my ass I’ve missed some important details, like missing royalty checks and unanswered emails from said publisher. It looks like I need to pay better attention to what’s going on in my writing life, even if I’m not writing.
Hopefully this situation can be rectified without too many issues, but something tells me that won’t be case.

Happy Birthday Britt!

2011-09-06T04:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter, Brittany! Love ya honey.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

My family always had a picnic on Labor Day. It was the unofficial end to summer. The kids would go back to school within days. Gone are those days, now that I’m living 200 miles away from my family. In the seven years I’ve lived here, I’ve learned my new family doesn’t look at this weekend the way my family did, which is fine. Everyone has their own traditions.
I still look at this weekend as the end of summer. As I look back over the last few months it’s hard to see where summer went. I know it went by way too quickly.
Our pool was under used this year. I think we only ate on the deck once or twice. It really is sad. Hopefully the fall will be warm enough to utilize the deck.
This weekend is usually when I set new writing goals for myself. I know most do it at the beginning of the year, but I always did it at the beginning of the school year. I’d go by new highlighters, calendars/planners, stock up on blue and red pens and sticky notes. I didn’t this year.
Today we’re going to see a movie or drive to the Hard Rock Café for lunch. It will be a much needed break for both of us. Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day!

Seriously?

2011-09-04T07:24:00.000-04:00

We didn’t lose power during Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. My heart went out to those who did and those who are STILL without power, because there are still people in the dark. So Wednesday night National Grid was working down the road. DH drove by them on the way to the dog park. He came home and told me the side street was without power. An hour later they were in front of our house. Now I was getting ready to make bottles and head to bed. I have a process!!!!!!
I told the DH they’re going to knock out our power you watch. He just shrugged like I didn’t know what I was talking about. Well, I grabbed a flashlight and started my pre-bed routine and guess what? Yup, the power went out. Of course I’m upstairs yelling, “I told you so.” Hey I’m like that what can I say.
Turns out they were replacing a wire that a tree fell on. They had left the tree resting on the wire for three days. Why couldn’t they change the wire when they removed the tree? Was it necessary to do this work at nine at night?
Okay off my soapbox.
Irene also caused a delay in school starting. Instead of going last Wednesday the kids return this coming Tuesday. My daughter is upset because now the freshmen won’t get the day to themselves to acclimate themselves to their new school. I feel bad for them, but things happen.
Other than that I haven’t been up to much. :)
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Destiny Blaine in the house

2011-09-01T01:53:00.002-04:00

Please welcome Destiny Blaine today!

Blountville, Tennessee: Bestselling erotic romance author, Destiny Blaine, has a new book release from Resplendence Publishing. The long awaited Mary Had a Little Problem promises ménage romance readers a page-turning romance filled with hot love scenes and an unforgettable love story. Order your copy of Destiny’s romance of the year—Mary Had a Little Problem is out today: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/353.html

Book Information:

Mary Worthington is a widow, or at least, she should’ve been. A former Navy Seals wife, her husband is killed in combat and Mary has a difficult time accepting the fact her husband isn’t coming home. Without a body to bury or witnesses to tell her what happened, there’s no way Mary can put the past to sleep until someone provides her with the truth about her husband’s final hours.

Trying to step out and socialize once again while pursuing facts about her husband’s death, Mary is introduced to Brock Taylor, a hard-core ladies man dedicated to the Marines and sharing himself with any woman who wants a piece of one. That is, until he meets Mary, a woman he’s known about through a past acquaintance.

Mary and Brock fall in love, plan a wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains, and well, things could’ve been headed toward a happy ending. However, six months after Brock finally wins Mary’s hand, Mary’s deceased husband reappears. And Mary wonders if she’ll be forced to give up one man in exchange for the other.

The following excerpt is rated PG17
“The next time you try and set me up with some hardcore, sexy-as-all-fucking-hell military prick, I swear to God, I’m gonna—”
“Anna told me how to get here,” Brock interrupted her rant as soon as the door was pushed all the way back.
“Fuck my life,” Mary muttered, thinking she’d never seen a hotter man than the one in front of her. Even Luke would have a difficult time measuring up to Brock, and that was saying a lot.
Stop it right now, she thought. She didn’t have the right to gawk at this stranger like he was a packaged adult delivery for an overnight stay. “This is not happening to me.”
Brock winked, a devilish grin marking a permanent place on his face. “Prick? Really? Is that the best you can do?”
She released a troubled sigh. Apparently, he missed the compliment laced through that warm greeting.
“Why are you here?”
She saw the attitude coming from a mile away. “I was afraid someone might try to set you up with some hardcore, sexy-as-all-fucking-hell military prick. I’m here to save you.”
“From myself?” she asked, meaning she needed all the help she could get since she had the open-mouth-insert-foot concept down to a perfected science.
“Should I take that to mean you’re interested?”
“What do you want?” she asked, ignoring his underlying insinuations.
“An invitation inside would be a nice start.”
“Why?”
“Maybe because it’s the polite thing to do, especially after you spoke so passionately about me.”
“The last time a soldier stood in my doorway, he brought bad news with him. Would you invite that into your home, Mr. Taylor?”
“Depends on what you consider bad news, Mary. And please, call me Brock. We’ll do better in the end if we start out with first names.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You think you could stand my answer?”
Mary propped her hands on her hips. “Depends. Think you can handle rejection?”

Destiny Blaine’s Mary Had a Little Problem can be ordered here on release day:
http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/353.html
Follow Destiny on Facebook or Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/DestinyBLaine
http://facebook.com/destinyblaine

Welcome Breathless Press Author Christina Jade Loren

2011-08-30T05:41:00.000-04:00

Stuck in Sex

Awww do they have to have sex one more time? Why can’t I just end it here with them cuddling or better yet, falling asleep!

As a writer of erotic romance, sex can be an integral part of the plot (and maybe the most interesting?!). I have fallen prey a few times to the tantrum throwing, kicking and screaming internal reaction to my editor saying “Add some sex here” or “expand on this sex scene”. It’s hard! (no pun intended). Not to mention trying to come up with different things for each scene so the reader doesn’t get bored (or worse and put the book down!).

Getting around the issue can sometimes be just as hard as the issue itself! (At least something is hard in the book right? ;)) Writing m/m is no exception and neither is m/f, or f/f for that fact. Sex is sex and it can’t be the same thing over and over again (ok well the motions are the same and the end result is the same, but the journey is where the fun is at!) For me, I start with the basics. Character A and B go to bed together (or shower, or floor, or car, or tree… you get the point). Character A gets B hard and since we are all adults here, I don’t need to explain the birds and the bees (never understood that metaphor and I still don’t… does it have something to do with the birds going after worms that are clearly a phallic symbol for something else? Or the bees rubbing themselves all over those poor flowers? If you ask me, both are whores because they go after more than one worm and or flower! Anyway…) The end result is that sweet release.

One would think that it would end there. But if we as readers, read the same thing over and over again, the pleasure in giving pleasure wouldn’t be such… pleasurable now would it? Throw in some kink, different positions, perhaps try a new location, and you have added spice. Don’t get me wrong, spice all the time can get dull too. So switching it up from time to time and alternating between spice and vanilla is a good combination. But that’s not what this post is all about (well it is all about sex – Shocker, I know!).

Back to the original topic and dilemma, writing yet another sex scene as requested by the grand editor themselves.

If you are ever stuck in the same scenario, or perhaps just need to add another scene. Always remember to KISS and make it interesting. Add flare or spice where needed, and please don’t (and this is a big please and a big don’t) keep it the same or similar as before. Your characters are in love (or at least lust for each other) and have needs just like us real people. Fulfill their desires and urges and you will fulfill the readers as well!

Christina.

Extreme Weather

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Last week we were hit by an earthquake. While I didn’t feel it many people I know did. We live close to trains and planes so I’m not sure I’d know the difference from them or an earthquake.
Then Hurricane Irene hit. The winds whipped and the trees came a tumbling down. The people across the street from us have a tree hanging off the power lines in front of their home. If it breaks the wires their cars will be toast and likely part of their house.
Today is looking beautiful and I’ll be taking a walk shortly to access the damage in the neighborhood. Lucky for us we only have tree limbs to clean up. we also lucked out because the majority of RI is without power, but we have it.
Some of my family in NY didn’t fair as well. My aunt’s house is flooded and they had to be evacuated by boat. My mom was close to a propane explosion, but she’s okay. Still waiting to hear from others.
Thoughts and prayers going out to all those affected by Hurricane Irene.

Interview with Charlie Kramer

2011-08-25T04:51:00.001-04:00

Please give a warm welcome to Charlie Kramer!

Tell us about your current release?

Don’t Quote Me is the first book the Quotable Women Series and is Claire Montgomery’s story. It’s all about the movie stars of the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
London’s hottest fashion photographer, Claire Montgomery has a problem. Several actually. One; she remembers every event in her life by the shoes she is wearing at the time. Two; she has rules around dating. Three; her belief in monogamy stops her from marrying and four; her little hot pink book is literally on fire.
Claire’s a fun loving flirt who lives life by her own rules. She does it with style, in her vintage clothes and her over stuffed shoe closet, the only accessories she needs. Oh and of course she absolutely cannot do without quotes from the movie stars. Think Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Mae West and you’re on the right track.
Greek shipping tycoon, Sebastian Gionis has been announced as a candidate for Chic Magazines, Man of the Year. He’s good with business, not so good at relationships. He’s aloof and his physical presence has Claire’s her heart doing its own kind of rumba. In her eyes he makes Rock Hudson and James Dean seem decidedly insignificant.
Sebastian’s appearance shakes up Claire’s life and lands her in therapy before she can hit the road on the way to love.

Tell us about your next release?

Clarity & Corsets is book two in the Quotable Women Series and follows the story of Claire’s friend Roberta (Bobbie) Hicks in her search for love.
Bobbie’s become a new ager in the hope of overcoming her body image issues and finding love. Having a weight problem is not a girl’s best feature. So Bobbie sets out on the path to find self-acceptance. A self-employed window dresser by day and the president of the Bridget Jones fan club by night. Any free time she has is spent with her tarot reader or with her nose firmly planted in a self-help book.
So when Bobbie’s tarot reader suggests she takes a night class at the local university in quantum physics to help her understand her spirituality, she reluctantly takes her advice. It would help to know when her planets would line up and what she should do when Mercury went into retrograde. Little does she know that Saturn ends up in her orbit and causes some minor catastrophes.
American Professor Ryan Hunter has recently moved to London to detach himself from a secret past made painfully public. Taking a university teaching position in England is his chance for a new start. He’d read the English were more accepting of people who had a preference for the unusual. Then he meets Bobbie!
Bobbie and Ryan start a relationship and within weeks of meeting they are living together. With the help of her tarot reader, Bobbie slowly starts to uncover Ryan’s deep, dark secrets.
Bobbie and Ryan need to overcome their differences to create a life of love and laughter? Is that what the Cosmic Kitchen really has in store for them?
Clarity & Corsets is schedule for release in December 2011.

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

I have found the most supportive people are other writers and for me that is the ladies of the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild. They are magical. We celebrate each other’s triumphs and support and encourage each other every step of the way through writing.

Does your significant other read your stuff?

Lol. I would have said no until recently when I caught Tony reading “Don’t Quote Me” which he’d gotten online. Psst….there’s a copy in my office.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

I spent some time in hospital earlier in the year and underwent a battery of medical tests. Prior to this I only had a very unhealthy fear of needles. The scariest moment in my life was when I was undergoing a CT scan and praying like crazy the doctors didn’t find anything.
I found my thoughts amazing because fear does some not so kind things to one’s imagination.

What books have most influenced your life?

“Think Big and Kick Ass” and “Think Like A Champion” both by Donald Trump.
“Screw It, Let’s Do It” by Richard Branson.
Both of these men are self-made. They started with nothing and by sheer persistence and determination they became who and what they are today. I cannot say I agree with all of their philosophies and actions, but I do respect them for their tenacity and courage.
Donald Trump wrote in his book “Never, ever give up.” Each time I back away from trying something new or even to keep on going forward, I chant this phrase to myself.

What book are you reading now?

I have just finished reading Corrine Grant’s memoir “Lessons in Letting Go - Confessions of a Hoarder”. Which is a fabulous read.
A friend recently gave me a copy of “A Will and a Way” a very classic Nora Roberts first published by Silhouette Special Edition in 1987. That’s my next read.

What is your favourite TV Show?

Is there anything better than Masterchef? Because I live in the land down under – it’s Masterchef Australia.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so what are they?
1. Be passionate
2. Know your craft
3. Build your knowledge bank
4. Follow your heart
5. Don’t be afraid to break the rules
6. Be the writer you are, not the writer everyone expects you to be.

What would we find under your bed?

A couple of empty suitcases and a few overnight bags. I’m itching to pack already for our August holiday at Port Douglas in far North Queensland.
Lol. I have to confess that I am starting to feel the separation anxiety already. I don’t usually go anywhere without my laptop. One day of the tropics and I’m sure I’ll be over it.

Excerpt:

Chapter Twenty-Three

Eccentric behaviour is not routinely noticed around a movie set.
Gene Tierney

My friend’s state of mind started to worry me and when during one of lunches at the local she proceeded to get heavily drunk. I decided it was time for some intervention.
I didn’t know if I could provide divine intervention, all I knew was our next lunch would be at the local coffee house.
I could not sit by and watch her become an alcoholic like one of Meg Ryan’s characters. Men love women and women love men and relationships ended and starteDd every day.
Women needed an overhaul in between said relationships. I know that much from personal experience.
Helen is so much more and she has two little kids who need their mummy. So I booked her a session with Dr Scott.
The Doc would probably find Helen’s life issues more palatable than my own. But he’d done wonders for me because I was functioning quite normally in a monogamous relationship.
Or was I?

The whole point of liberation is that you get out, restructure your life and act by yourself.
Jane Fonda

That pretty much sums up perfectly my therapy experience and I am confident Helen will benefit from a session. So I made the appointment.
I didn’t see the point in waiting, waiting would only suck her further into the bottle.
If she wasn’t careful I’d be dragging her to AA meetings instead of mothers group where she belonged.
So here I sat once again in Dr Scott’s waiting room with a very belligerent Helen. Her bottom lip drooped and her big blue eyes were blood shot.
My guess is she’d overindulged after the children’s bedtime last night.
I felt a slight twinge of guilt, but then I reasoned she is young and has her whole life ahead of her and one day she will meet someone new. A man who will love and respect her and the kids.
The thought of her two little ones obliterated my guilt. I didn’t want to say anything, but if Helen didn’t smarten herself up, she risked losing her children to the son of a bitch she’d married. And it wasn’t like Dominic would want them cluttering his love nest.
I didn’t voice my opinion, it would probably send her further down the dip of depression. I’m no doctor you understand, I’m a friend who cares.
Finally, the door to the doctor’s inner sanctum opened and out walked Sebastian.
Well shit me.

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.
Lauren Bacall

And my imagination is running rampant.
Sebastian is a patient. I was so shocked I swear I felt my satin panties go rigid.
I stood abruptly and almost toppled off my 1940 sling-backs.
I imagined all sorts of things. Was he depressed? Had his nanny abused him? Did his parents abandon him to travel the world? What was he discussing with Dr Scott?
Shit, I hope Dr Scott wasn’t giving him my history. I never discussed my relationship with the good doctor with anyone. I’d sought out a therapist for reasons of privacy and knowing that my secrets would never be shared.
I’d sue that’s what I’d do. I doubt Sebastian had heard anything good about the way I used to live my life.
He certainly was not aware of my, shall we say, personal habits of the past. It was not something I felt comfortable having him know.
I’d promised myself a new start where my past would never intrude.
I was shocked and surprised and then weariness set in. He’d never told me he was in therapy. In fact, how much did I really know about this man I loved?
I had to admit he had some pretty appealing characteristics and some pretty spectacular body parts. Sadly, this sums up my knowledge. He kept an awful lot hidden from me.
“Claire, what are you doing here?”
Well it was not like I was going to confess I was a patient. I wasn’t. “Helen has an appointment,” I whispered. “I didn’t know you were a…”
“We all need someone to confide in,” he said and stared at his watch. “I’ve got a meeting.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you at home.”
And he left, just like that.
No I love you, no kiss my butt, no it’s none of your damn business. Nothing, no explanation, no words.
He could have confided in me.
Maybe he didn’t trust me.

I won’t let myself fall in love with a man who won’t trust me no matter what I might do.
Marilyn Monroe

Too late. I am already in love with the jerk.
I spent the whole of Helen’s session in the waiting room with my mind running from one fear to another.
Surely Dr Scott would respect my privacy. Yes. I’m sure he did. It really wasn’t worth the law suit. I’d sue if he so much as breathed a sigh about me.
Sebastian obviously didn’t feel like he could talk to me. And that hurt.
Trust is a big part of any relationship and if he couldn’t trust me with his deep, dark secrets then what did we really have?
A marriage without trust was nothing. Look at Helen’s disaster.
It made me wonder whether Helen had seen the signs earlier than the lipstick on Dominic’s shirt. Did she recognise them and do nothing or had she been genuinely unaware.
Who knew? I didn’t want to end up in her predicament. When I marry it is for life.
And a good start is being able to trust your partner in life.
What is Sebastian really hiding?

Cultivate your curves, they may be dangerous but they won’t be avoided.
Mae West

Some would call it playing dirty. But in the circumstances I considered it very fair.
I dressed for my dinner with Sebastian with care. I wore a black chiffon cocktail dress. It was designed with sex in mind.
With one shoulder bare, its figure hugging body finishing at my thighs. I teamed it with a suspender belt, stockings and a pair of plain black evening pumps.
It was tasteful with a hint of burlesque. I dressed it up elegantly, Grace Kelly with a promise of Mae West. That’s the best I can do.
I need Sebastian to bare his soul to me tonight. I need him to divulge his every secret.
It wasn’t beneath me to use sex to do it. Okay probably not a smart thing to do. I do love the guy, but I also want to get into his head and sex was my weapon of choice.
I didn’t have any others. If this didn’t work I would have to come up with a plan B. Whatever plan B was.
Let’s face it, sex is a girl’s preferred choice and it usually works pretty much every time without fail.
There is always the odd chance it wouldn’t but I shoved the thought aside. It would work. It had to.
Sex meant to a man what diamonds were to a girl. I did say hint not deliver, didn’t I?

Love isn’t an emotion or an instinct, it’s an art.
Mae West

I’ve begun to realise that love is all three. Tonight I chose to treat it as an art form.
No, I didn’t pinch him on the butt. I’d given up on public displays in restaurants. It wasn’t very sophisticated.
I am the partner of a billionaire, who ruled the shipping industry around the globe. So I had to be on my best behaviour.
Add to that, I am scared of being a headliner again and didn’t want to embarrass Sebastian.
At the beginning of our relationship I’d dreaded the press digging up the incident with Pastor John. I’d lived in fear for the first month.
I decided to be like Grace Kelly tonight. As the wife of a prince, she was always very regal in her public appearances.
My dress certainly didn’t put me in the regal category, but it was tasteful to a point without me looking like a complete slut in public.
Now where was I? Oh, yes art. So tonight I kept our conversation light, I never once mentioned our coincidental meeting earlier in the day. No point in airing dirty laundry in public as my mother would say.
Sebastian was attentive but he couldn’t quite hide his frustration. I wasn’t my fun, bubbly self. I kept laughter away from the dinner table.
As our evening progressed, his agitation became more pronounced as he shifted in his chair every few minutes.
Bitch that I can be, his discomfort gave me pleasure.
So when our coffee and dessert were served I toed off one of my pumps and rubbed my stockinged foot up his leg, Sebastian choked on his coffee.
Oh good, it was working. No need for plan B.

I always say a kiss on the hand might feel very nice but a diamond tiara lasts forever.
Marilyn Monroe

When we arrived at my flat, I did the unthinkable. I let him kiss my hand and said goodnight. Then I firmly closed the door.
Dumb I know, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.
I want the tiara. I want more than the tiara.
The ring, the white dress, I want it all just like in the movies.
I am taking some really good advice from the girls of the silver screen and playing hard ball. I want it all.
Yeah so it was the scriptwriters who did it but hey, I think the movies are also one of life’s best therapists. They had relationship advice down pat.
A documentary on how to catch a man would make the hit parade and become a classic I am sure. Every girl on the planet would be queuing up to buy a copy.
Down With Love had some pretty good advice. Nancy Brown’s transformation was truly amazing and in the end she got her man.
Lizzie enthralled Mr Darcy, Bacall got her man in Bogey, so I figured I, Claire J Montgomery would go right along and capture Sebastian Gionis.
Heaven only knew how long this would take. I didn’t spend many nights alone. And I didn’t want too many more.

I am a woman of very few words but lots of action.
Mae West

In the lead up to Christmas life became very hectic. There were the endless phone calls from my mother. She constantly asked if Sebastian would be joining our family for the holidays.
My mother was totally thrilled that I appeared to be settling down. I didn’t discuss the details. Nor could I confirm Sebastian would be at the table for our family lunch.
Surprisingly, my father told me how proud he was of me. I knew this was because I’d captured, almost captured one of the world’s richest men. I put Dad right on this score. It wasn’t the wealth or the lifestyle which interested me. It was the man.
Life became busy with Helen who seemed to be doing incredibly well under Doctor Scott’s care. She’s settled down into the life of a single woman with her two babes.
Sometimes I caught a glimpse of something but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I’d keep an eye on her.
Then there were the endless Christmas functions to be attended. I felt as though the number had doubled this year. I suppose it had with the functions I needed to attend and also the invitations Sebastian had accepted. Co-ordinating schedules became a bit of a challenge to say the least.
I still kept Sebastian at arm’s length. And very slowly he seemed to thaw in the winter ice. I love him and didn’t withhold my love, only the physical expression of it was, shall we say, limited.
Even I couldn’t maintain celibacy between us. That was simply too cruel. Our schedules became an effective barrier between us and the bed.
The festive edition of Chic hit the stands and the sales for the month eclipsed all previous records. I assumed it had something to do with the magazine’s new look and focus.
Rachel had broadened the content to suit more mature women as well as keep the younger generation enthralled. The gamble had paid off.
It was the week before Christmas when I really began to worry.

****

Author Bio:

Charlie Kramer lives in Melbourne, Australia with her partner.

She has worked in the building and facilities management industries for a number of years as both a General Manager, private contractor and author of specialised technical manuals.

Charlie is also an award winning speech writer and published short story author. Today she enjoys writing romantic comedy screen plays and novels.

In her spare time, Charlie enjoys creative cooking and watching chick flicks.

Her ultimate dream; to write a one woman stage play.

Welcome Breathless Press Author Liz Crowe

2011-08-23T03:23:00.000-04:00

And Now for a Little Self Love

Liz Crowe

Ego is a funny thing. We all have one, sort of like we all have a nose, or body hair. Some of us are more aware of ours than others. Some of us spend time grooming ours, putting ourselves out there in positions whereby opportunities for ego stroking are paramount. At times some of us get so used to ego-stroking arrangements, when something happens to pop our little ego-balloon we deflate more rapidly than your average person. It takes energy to be out here all the time, no lie. And as a dyed-in-the-wool karaoke-mike-hogging spotlight-grabbing ham it takes a lot to deflate me. But deflated I get, and it usually comes as a blind side tackle, from absolutely nowhere, when I least expect it.

Just tootling along in life, trying to manage my myriad responsibilities, teaching myself how to operate on something like five hours of sleep, managing the social and emotional lives of all the people who co-habitate with me, making sure no one is unhappy, disorganized, without clean clothes, lacking in exercise, bored, vitamin deficient, hungry, or horny--I am confronted by my own sudden realization of ego smack down. I mean, even blogging is an exercise in ego-maniacal behavior. And I do a lot of it. And this publishing thing-- seriously who does that if you aren't setting your ego up for regular abuse? I’m one of Those Writers with not a shy bone in my body, eager for promotional opps, speaking engagements, interviews and other fun stuff.

But no, not everyone worships me, not everyone's life revolves around me, and there are even some people who can do without me completely, in spite of my own desire to think otherwise. It's cool. I can deal. I mean, what are my options really?

Oh, yeah, self-satisfaction. From the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a no-duh quote to we sexy romance writers:

"Science, this time in the form of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, conducted by researchers at Indiana University, asked 5,865 Americans between the ages of 14 and 94 detailed questions about their sexual practices and found what any realist has always known: people enjoy getting off. They get themselves off from adolescence to old age, alone or with a partner; and the army of avowed self-abusers appears to have swelled with time."

Ah, self pleasure...it's free, fun, relaxing and better for you than taking a sleeping pill. Amazing to think that there are still people who think you get hairy palms and go blind from a little wank. And I do take issue with folks who call it “self abuse.” When done properly, there is NO abuse involved!

"Among people 70 or older, according to preliminary data from the study, published October 1 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 80 percent of men and 58 percent of women have masturbated solo over a lifetime. Not bad, but the figures increase with each younger age cohort until we find a veritable generation of wankers, people age 25 to 29, whose lifetime rates peak at 94 percent among men and 84 percent among women. Masturbating with a partner is skewing in the same generational direction, only more dramatically."

As a writer of the sort of material that has a goal of relief via a little "alone time" I for one am thrilled that masturbation is coming out of the closet.

So, stroke that ego…or whatever needs it! I know I will be!

The Tap Room, The Brewing Passion Novel releases Sept. 30 from Breathless Press.
Erin Brady's life is turned inside out.

Her Alpha banker husband, Bradley, has left, claiming she pays more attention to her microbrewery than to him and their two sons.

One business partner, Trent, (The Rookie) is attempting to re-kindle an old flame between them.

Their amazing success has demanded they hire a new brewer, Jeff, (Jockey Box) who takes one look at his new boss and is determined to be something more than an employee.

The daily stresses of running a small business, plus the ongoing turmoil in her personal life are more than she can take. Escaping to Denver for an industry event, she meets Landon, a brewery rock star turned consultant who has been watching her company--and her-- for a while.

When family trauma requires an early return to Michigan, Erin is faced with even harder realities plus a thoroughly contrite Bradley, wishing for a reunion. Then, the ultimate sign of success: a buy out offer is tendered from a much larger brewery, just as the owners of Winter Street Brewing are about to be honored by Inc. Magazine as Top Entrepreneurs.

Finally, Erin turns to her other partner, Owen, who has watched the woman he loves suffer long enough and is determined to step in and be the one.

WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE????
Guess what? YOU get to decide.....September 30,

2011.
For more in depth descriptions of Erin’s options check out:
www.brewingpassion.com/2011/02/choose-your-partner-or-who-needs.html

Liz’s website:
http://www.lizcrowe.com/

Liz’s buy links for:
The Rookie: www.breathlesspress.org/Book/178

Jockey Box: www.breathlesspress.org/Book/287

XXXMas Ale: www.breathlesspress.org/Book/284