Happy Anniversary, Sean

Today is our 8 yr anniversary. I thought this picture was fitting. Why you ask? On our Christmas gifts we always make up fictional characters from TV shows for the To and From. Fred and Wilma always make an appearance on the gift tags. :)  Corny? Maybe but we love having fun.

Six Years Ago

I had my first book published. The publishing house is no longer in business, but I'm thrilled they accepted my book. They published four other books before folding. It's difficult for authors now. Do you traditional or indie publish. For me I like the profits of indie. It's all a matter of choice though. Neither way is wrong.

Happy Anniversary to me! :)

Unwrapped (formerly Mistletoe Studs) my first ever published book is now available for 0.99 on Smashwords. All versions available.

Unwrapped

Cover Reveal - Forgiveness

AUTHOR A.J. BEST IS CELEBRATING THE 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR THE RELEASE OF HER BOOK FORGIVENESS WITH A COVER REVEAL CHECK OUT THE BOOK - THEN HEAD OVER AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY :)

Title – Forgiveness

Author – AJ Best

Genre – Erotica

Publication Date – 6/28/14

Length (Pages/# Words) - 6,000

Publisher – Secret Cravings Publishing

Cover Artist – Dawne Domonique

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Mary is prepared for the anniversary of a lifetime. Ten years of wonderful memories fill her mind. She can’t wait to see what the next ten will bring. When her plans for early morning seduction fail, her mind jumps to worst case scenarios.

Joe’s attention, focused elsewhere, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will he be able to come up with a good reason for forgetting their anniversary?

As the day continues, will the answers Mary finds leave her in tears? Will she find the next ten years dreams shattered before her? Only Joe holds the answers to the questions her heart asks.

Amazon Kindle Link – Barnes & Nobles Nook Link – Goodreads Link – Shelfari Link

EXCERPT

It seemed more and more lately that no matter how hard she tried, he looked right through her. It was infuriating and heart breaking. She'd had enough heartbreak during the past year to last her a lifetime. Her mother had been sick battling cancer all last year. Unfortunately she’d lost the battle. She’d made sure to pass on information to Mary while on her deathbed though.

Something Mary had never seen coming. She was adopted. Her world felt as if she had lost all control.

The adoption information that her mother had left with her will quickly found its way into the trash. Why would she want to find someone who didn't want her? She had enough instances of that in her own home. She did wonder, after a year, if she had reacted too rashly. You never know when you'll need family, and if she met her biological mother maybe she could figure out who she was, inside and out.

Mary plopped herself on the bed and let out a huge rush of air. There was no way Joe hadn’t noticed her outfit. She had bought it specifically for their ten-year anniversary night.

She remembered how she had anxiously awaited this evening and decided that she would make it perfect no matter how she was feeling. Every year on this day, they left the house at four twenty five and drove to the lake where he had romantically declared his undying love and proposed to her. He always hired a horse drawn carriage. The prancing steed would take them from the lake to a lovely candlelit dinner for two. After having one too many glasses of wine and a wonderful meal, they would enjoy a leisurely stroll to the theater. Wicked was currently playing on Broadway, and she couldn’t wait to hear the music that made her soul dance and her heart soar. Re-reading the book several times had her excited, and she knew the night would be perfect.

Then reality reared its ugly head.

Carefully she unlaced her corset and tossed the silky white thong in the corner; it still held the dampness from her unquenched desire.

"I can't believe I wasted my time and effort on this. Sometimes my husband is such a jerk," when she took a look around it dawned on her that she was talking to herself. Another deep breath and swish of hair and she mused, "I guess its okay to talk to myself as long as I don't answer back, huh CC?"

She slipped her silk robe on quickly and snatched the cat from his slumberous repose. He squirmed to free himself but Mary kissed his little nose first. "Don't be like your daddy, at least notice I'm here." She placed the cat gently on the bed and started her morning ritual. Getting ready for work was the last thing she was interested in.

AUTHOR BIO

Writing books has been a long time in coming for me. When I was younger, my father and I lived in a town where a kid could run the streets all ‘willy nilly’. When I was old enough to babysit myself I was off and running. To where you may ask, the library. At the time the library was in an old shop on a street in town. The children’s books were in the back room and that was where I spent my days. I was never without an adventure in my hands, and I never failed to finish the summer reading program with books to spare.

My love for reading didn’t stop there. My mother is an avid reader and she acquired most of her books from a exchange shop. You would purchase your books there, and return them for partial credit and get more. One night I was left with a bag of to be returned books. It was a Piers Anthony book, Night Mare to be exact. I devoured that book and any other that he has written. I currently am the proud owner of at least 70 of his books. I’m working toward getting them all, I wish he’d quit writing so quickly.

The writing bug caught me when my 12th grade English teacher wanted to use MY essay to show the class. He put it on projector film and everything. I was so excited. The assignment was to pick a month and write about it. Of course, being the child that I was I had to be difficult about it. The rest of the class chose June, July, April and went on and on about how lovely and warm and all of the fun things you can do. Mine was about December. I still remember the first line (and may have the transparency somewhere in my mess); December spreads her snow-filled wings and covers our world in cold despair.

From that paper on, you couldn’t stop me from writing. I found a few poems I had typed on an actual manual typewriter, and became a poet. I had a recurring nightmare, I wrote it down. I dreamed a dream and if I could remember it (which is harder now that I am older) I wrote that too.

In 2003 I started my first full blown manuscript. I still only have four chapters completed, but I swear I will finish it someday. I guess the short attention span has brought me full circle on writing short stories.

So, I guess that’s where I am today. Waiting for the first query letter to come through and make me a published writer. People ask me if I am a writer, and I firmly believe and tell them YES. I write, so that makes me a writer. I may not be published yet, but I will be.

I absolutely love to get email though sometimes with the scattered mind of a writer it takes a few days to get back to you! So please forgive me if I don’t get back to you right way, but I CERTAINLY will get back to you!

ajbestwrites@gmail.com

- See more at: http://ajbestwrites.com/contact/#sthash.qvMzIzxx.dpuf

FOLLOW LINKS

Amazon Author Page – Website/Blog – Facebook – Twitter

Anniversary Reveal Organized By:

The Romance Reviews Anniversary Party

I'm taking part in The Romance Reviews 2nd Anniversary Party. Today is my day. Follow the link for your chance to win. 

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

Join the fun and win a book!

I'm participating in The Romance Reviews 1st Anniversary Bash. Today my question is up. Head over for a chance to win a copy of my Loose Id Book - Hit Me!

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

Happy Anniversary!

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!

A New Week

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!

Happy New Year!

Yesterday was a day of grief, today is a day of celebration. It’s not only New Year’s Eve, but it’s my wedding anniversary. We’ll have a nice dinner, maybe take in a movie and then come home to ring in the New Year. We’re both ready to kiss 2010 goodbye. It hasn’t been a good year, but luckily it went by super fast.
What do I want for 2011?
I’m looking forward to continuing my friendships with my online friends and one who I was able to meet in person.
I’m looking forward to spending more time reading. In December I read three books, I’m not sure I read three in the other 11 months. I realize how much I missed it.
This year I’ve decided not to make any resolutions or goals. They stress me out too much. I’m going to go with the flow and see where it takes me. I have two editor/agent appointments in April so I’m looking forward to those.
The only book I know will be released in 2011? – All or Nothing from Loose Id. It was contracted a few months ago. I just finished writing it and once I do some research and self-edits it will be on my editor’s desk.
May the New Year be prosperous and filled with lots of happiness for you all!

Happy Anniversary S!

Another eReader Giveaway!!!!!!

"The coroner will find ink in my veins
and blood on my typewriter keys."

~ C. Astrid Weber

I saw this in a newsletter I subscribe to and it fits perfectly for writers. Though, instead of a typewriter it’ll be a laptop.

In other news Aspen Mountain Press is having an Anniversary Bash with a Nook eReader as a prize! How cool, right? Here are the details:

From July 23-August 1, Aspen Mountain Press is conducting its big fourth anniversary bash and if you want the presents, here's what you have to do.
1. Post a comment to the Aspen Mountain Press blog .
2. Post a comment to the twin blog post at the Aurora Regency blog .
3. Sign up for the AMP newsletter at https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1400893/acctId:1400720
4. Participate in the AMP Anniversary bash party at the AMP Community Loop from 7 to 11 pm EST at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMP_Community/?yguid=323193151. We'll have a thread specifically for entries there where you'll have to shout out.
And that's all you have to do to win a Nook e-reader from Aspen Mountain Press. Other prizes like downloads and gift baskets will be given away at specific chat events.

Still Up to my Eyeballs

So yesterday was a bust, in so many ways. They never did the procedure due to the pregnancy, they didn't want to cause any issues. Which was okay with me, I had to wonder if it was safe to begin with.
INSTEAD I spent over two hours sitting in the office because my blood pressure was high. It wouldn't go down. I had to lie on my left side and be checked every 15 mins. Let me tell you my arms were aching after that. And seriously after the stress any one's blood pressure would be high. When I got home I felt deathly sick. Thankfully that is gone this morning.
So I'm on a restricted diet, no salt. Ha! Like that's going to be easy. Today I go for a bunch of blood work and an ultrasound. This was not how I planned my vacation. But better safe than sorry.
No edits were accomplished yesterday, but hopefully before I leave I'll get something done. Only two days to finish before the DH takes me away for the weekend. I'd like to have a stress free anniversary weekend! :)

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Anniversary to ME!

It's hard to believe that a year ago I was sitting in my sunroom watching television and the snow falling outside, when an email popped into my inbox. It was from Aspen Mountain Press. It was around eight pm and I had had a long day. I remember thinking "Great another rejection to end the day". With trepidation I opened the email, but was totally surprised to find a contract!

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind. I was contacted an hour later by my new editor who wanted to get working on the book ASAP. It was only 19 days til Christmas and they wanted to get the story out for the holidays.

It's funny, that first book was the one that needed the least editing. I still remember thinking "Wow, this whole process is a piece of cake". I've since learned it's not!

Today I'm sharing a tidbit from Mistletoe Studs, the story that started it all for me. With the holidays just around the corner, this story will warm you up on a cold winter's night!

Oh and for fun let's have a contest. I'll give one lucky commenter a copy of Mistletoe Studs in celebration of my ONE year anniversary!

Blurb:

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.

Excerpt:

Meg couldn’t believe her eyes. These were not the toys she had imagined. She thought he was talking about children’s toys. These were not intended for children. These were adult toys in every sense of the word. There were floggers, paddles, butt plugs, ball gags, straps with dildos attached and handcuffs—all Turquoise, explaining the name. Meg wasn’t naive about the BDSM world. When she realized her desire to submit she wanted to know the who, what, where and why. She read everything she could about the subject. She knew enough about it to understand.
She’d even bought a few toys to experiment with. Like the ping pong paddle she’d purchased when she was curious to know what it felt like to be spanked. It wasn’t something she did regularly but when she was in the mood for a good orgasm she’d slap her cheeks a few times before using her favorite vibrator. She never had dated a man who was actually part of that world.
Brad was gay so he wouldn’t be offering. What a shame because she could see them having fun together!
Could he be carrying a bagful of goodies? Maybe Santa was going to be extra special to her this year.
Please Santa I’ve been a good girl all year long. Please tell me you sent Brad with something extra special for my stocking this year.
Halfway though the job, Meg decided it was time to go back to her stranger. He’d been out there long enough. By now, he knew she was aware of his secret.
Turning she ran smack into his broad chest again. “We really need to stop meeting like this.” Clearing her throat, she took a step back only to come against the copier. “I was just coming out to see you.”
He stepped closer, closing the small gap between them. “How are you doing?” His voice dripped with desire.
“Fantastic. Your copies are just about done.”
Damn she wished he’d step back. He was much too close. He turned her on.
“Are you sure?” He traced his finger along her cheek.
She gulped, her body overheating.
He bent closer, taking her lips. He kissed her slowly. She melted against him; her arms snaked around his neck. He touched her breast, causing a moan to escape her lips. His bulge brushed against her. He wanted her.
While he kissed her, his fingers unzipped the back of her dress then unsnapped her bra. He pushed the garments down around her waist, exposing her breasts.
His mouth covered her nipple, sucking until it puckered. God his mouth felt good. How long had it been since a man had his mouth on her? Too long. Lisa was right; she needed to get laid, but not by Kenny.
When Brad moved to the other breast she thought for sure she was going to crumble to the floor. Her hands gripped the edges of the copier to steady herself.
“I’m going to fuck you Meg, right now.