New Release - MR. RIGHT-NOW!

I'm so excited to announce I have a new erotic romance out with Ellora's Cave! It's called MR. RIGHT-NOW and it's smokin' hot!

It's kind of funny because this version of the story is nothing like the original outline I came up with. While the hero and heroine are the same, the first version was more of a traditional romance, but with almost all of the sex taking place in the beginning of the book. I was going to have Kate and Dawson fall in lust at the wedding, where they have lots of mad, passionate sex, then have them decide to start dating after the weekend fling is over so they could find out if the things they were feeling for each other were real. Of course, that isn't the normal storyline for a traditional romance, so I kept running into brick wall when I tried to make the story work. I must have tweaked the storyline a half dozen times, but I just couldn't get the darn thing to flow. I kept putting the outline further and further back in my TBW (to be written) pile until I realized that a couple years had gone by! I was starting to think the story would never make it onto the page.

I really liked Kate and Dawson, though, and thought they had great chemistry together. Plus the two of them were on my case all the time claiming I had abandoned them! I didn't want to disappoint them, so I took another look at the outline and decided to just tear the story down to it basic elements, keep the best parts of it and toss everything that didn't work. It just so happened that the best part of the story revolved around all that smokin' hot sex they had at the wedding! Any great story needs some conflict, though, so I had to come up with one for this newer version. In it, Kate tells Dawson she's only looking for a weekend fling and ends up falling for him anyway. But how does she tell him she wants more when she was the one who made up the rules? Of course, I can't tell you that or I'd be giving away the ending!

However, I will tease you with a sexy excerpt! Hope you enjoy it! And if you decide to pick up MR. RIGHT-NOW, let me know how you like it!


Kate Gentry is always the bridesmaid, never the bride. When her best friend asks her to be maid of honor, it just reminds her of how crappy her luck is when it comes to finding her own Mr. Right. Her friends point out she’s trying too hard to find Mr. Right instead of having fun with Mr. Right-Now. They convince her to put her search for the perfect man on hold and have some meaningless sex with a hot guy.

Kate takes their advice and propositions the gorgeous best man, Dawson McKenna. When he eagerly agrees, she finds herself doing things she never dreamed of doing—spanking, bondage and some amazing anal sex!

Despite knowing Dawson isn’t supposed to be Mr. Right, Kate finds herself falling for him big time anyway. But since she was the one who made the rules, how can she now tell him she wants more than just a weekend fling?


Excerpt:

Dawson walked over to stand beside her. “Do you want to go to the bar for a drink?”

Kate hesitated. The bar was certainly much more intimate than the restaurant, so it would be the perfect place to carry on what they’d been doing underneath the table earlier. That would certainly be fun, but if she was really going to do this, why waste time in the bar?
She caught her lower lip between her teeth, then tilted her head a little to the side and gave him what she hoped was a sexy look.

“Or we could just go up to your room and raid the mini-bar instead,” she suggested softly.

Dawson’s golden eyes went molten. “Even better.”

Holy crap, she’d done it. She’d just propositioned a guy for sex. Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite that blatant, but it was obvious Dawson knew exactly what she meant. She felt so proud of herself she almost did a little cheer right there.

His room was on the fourth floor just like hers, but because the elevator stopped on every floor in between to let people on and off, it seemed to take forever to get there. Now that Kate had made the decision to sleep with him, she was impatient to get his clothes off and see if he was as well built as she thought. Being in the close confines of the elevator only made her hotter for him. By the time they got to his floor, she was ready to push him up against the wall and get busy right there. She actually might have done it, too, if she wasn’t afraid they’d get arrested for public indecency. She almost laughed. Wow, she was better at being naughty than she’d thought.

His hotel room was an exact replica of hers, right down to the fireplace and hot tub. It was the king-size bed against the wall that caught and held her attention, however. As she took in the fluffy pillows and white goose down comforter, she pictured herself rolling around on it with Dawson, their naked bodies entwined as they engaged in hot, sweaty sex. Just the idea started a really nice purr between her legs.

“The mini bar is probably pretty limited, but I’m sure we can find something,” Dawson said as he tossed his key card on the dresser. “What can I get you?”

Images of her and Dawson still running through her head, Kate turned to face him. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to go through with this. Before she could change her mind, she set her purse down on the bedside table and walked over to loop her arms around his neck. She hadn’t realized how tall he was downstairs, but now she had to tilt her head back to look up at him.

“Maybe we should forget about having a drink and test out the mattress instead,” she suggested softly. “I hear they’re very comfortable.”

Surprise flickered in his eyes for a moment, but he rested his hands lightly on her hips all the same. “Kate Gentry, are you seducing me?”

“I might be,” she admitted. “But only if it’s working.”

He chuckled. “Oh, it’s definitely working.”

She smiled up at him. “Then in that case, I’m definitely seducing you. I figured since we’re both obviously attracted to each other, we should hook up for the weekend.”

She tried to make the words sound casual, but inside, her heart was pounding like crazy. She didn’t know if it was from excitement or nerves, though. Maybe it was a little of both. She’d never actually seduced a man like this. And the words, “hook up for the weekend,” had certainly never, ever come out of her mouth before.

He lifted a brow. “Hook up? As in casual sex, no strings attached?”

Clearly, he was way more familiar with this type of thing than she was. She nodded. “Exactly. Once the weekend is over, we get on the ferry and go our separate ways. No muss, no fuss.”

He pulled her closer, his mouth curving into a sexy grin. “That works for me.”

She should have tried this whole seduction thing long before this. She was better at it than she’d thought. Kate didn’t reply, but instead leaned in and kissed him.





Watch the Trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRo-r_ZSoww


Buy it from Ellora's Cave!
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8117-mr-right-now.aspx

Buy it on Amazon Kindle!

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Right-Now-ebook/dp/B003C1HV6U/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269809390&sr=1-13

*hugs*
Paige

"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/

It’s Spring time!

Spring is the season for Sakura Festivals. Sakura means 'cherry blossom' in Japanese. The blossoms are only around a couple of weeks a year, so this year we plan to go to the hanami ('flower viewing') in Seattle and enjoy the taiko (traditional drum) during the cultural festival.

Japan Blossoms



Sakura festivals are celebrated around the world. Even here in the United States we have an official organization that hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC each April. The cherry trees in D.C. were gifted to the U.S. by the Japanese government in 1910. And they're still flowering? Now THAT is staying power.

Washington DC blossoms



I love the Japanese culture, but I have an especially soft spot in my heart for cherry trees. The budding flowers remind me that Winter (both literally and figuratively) is over and the fabulous sun of Summer is coming. I was even able to get the cover artist for my book, Hatsept Heat, to incorporate sakura blossoms into the cover. This story begins in Nagano, Japan with one of my favorite characters, a vampire law enforcement officer from Montana, visiting the city's shrine while on vacation. From there the story moves to Tokyo then Montana and back to Tokyo again. All along the way our hero and heroine encounter all kinds of suspense-filled moments as they try to figure out how a human scientist provided serums to other humans in order to make them exhibit vampire traits. Only problem is…the serum has some nasty side effects. It's up to our guy and gal to flush out the villains, both human and vampire, and put them down.

As with all my books I've tried to capture the mood, colors, smells and atmosphere of the Shibuya district (that's where we shoe whores would go to get our much-needed high-heel, boot or sandal fix ;D) or get our groove on in a hip dance club or…shop some more. Yep, shop *dreamy sigh*. Uh, did I mention shopping?

Shibuya district. Look at all the people!



As a treat for you, follow the link below to read an excerpt from Hatsept Heat. Enjoy!

Excerpt from Hatsept Heat
Vampire Council of Ethics, Book Three


TJ Michaels bio: TJ has had a love of romance for as long as she can remember. But she didn't pursue getting published until she discovered the genre of erotic romance. Writing like a madman, er, madwoman, TJ hasn't lost steam since her first book hit the shelves (a RT 4-star pick, too!) four years ago. Her mind may be gone, but steam there is aplenty. A true Taurus, TJ isn't slowing down and she's definitely too stubborn to stop when she sees the fence!

Find her at her website and these other cool locations:
www.tjmichaels.com
www.twitter.com/tj_michaels

Editing/Writing/Reading by Selena Illyria

Hi! My name is Selena Illyria and this is my first blog at TRS Blue, please be gentle with me. LOL.

As I write this, I’m working on my latest Hades Helmet story and resisting the urge to eat some chocolate a few friends sent me. LOL. Mmmm… chocolate. *shakes head* Moving on, my thoughts turn to the writing/editing process or at least the atmosphere. When I write or edit I like to have the TV on for background noise, mostly soap operas and shows that I’d recorded but hadn’t gotten around to watching. If I’m not in the mood for TV I turn to music.

For editing I need fun and energetic because the editing process can be tiring. You’re going back through the work you spent so much time and emotion writing and now you have to go line by line to make sure that it’s all correct. Your vision narrows to that one manuscript that you thought so perfect only to see the flaws. You’d think it would be disconcerting. In reality, I like editing because it means that my book is one step closer to be published, that and I’m learning or in some cases being reminded of what I need to work on.

When writing, I have to do a balancing act in some ways. I have remind myself not to use “favorite” or “pet” words and keep the flow of the story going. It can be difficult but once you get use to it, it becomes second nature. Also, while writing I have to keep up the mood of the story. For example, if you’re a writer and you use music, you may do what I do- play the same song/cd over and over and over again until your significant other/child(ren)/pets want to take the song/cd away from you and break it into a million pieces or block you from you tube or hide your iPod. You do, don’t you? You play it over and over and over again.
It’s not because you want to torture people. It helps the story, right? Right? Anyway, back to atmosphere. What ambience do you writers and readers out there need to write/edit/read? Do you mind music? The TV? Or do you just want a nice glass of wine, a comfy chair, some chocolate on hand and quiet?

Out Now at Liquid Silver Books:

Coming April 1st to Changeling Press :

Selena Illyria Bio:

Interracial author Selena Illyria was born with an overactive imagination. With great curiosity and a love of writing that pushes her imagination there are many worlds she'd love to explore, from paranormal to sci-fi from cyberpunk and beyond.

Are you willing, dear reader, to step into her worlds? If you do feel free to poke around. Mind the pixies. They can be very um... excitable by newcomers. *wink*

Email her at selenaillyria @ gmail.com or visit her:
website: www.selenaillyria.com
blog: www.selenaillyria.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Selena-Illyria/100175079107?ref=nf
MySpace: www.myspace.com/selenaillyria
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Selena_Illyria
Google Group: www.groups.google.com/group/selena-illyria-and-shara-coopers-seductive-secrets

Laura Tolomei Joins Somethin' 'Bout a Sunday Today

This evening, we have a special guest joining us at Somethin’ ‘Bout a Sunday. Join author Laura Tolomei. She'll talk about her books, characters, and other special topics of interest.

Born in Rome, Italy, Laura is an author who “made it her job to entertain others with interesting, mind-boggling sexy tales.” Don’t miss chatting with Laura today at Somethin’‘Bout a Sunday: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RomanticSuspense_/

We hope to see you there!
Destiny Blaine
www.destinyblaine.com
www.myspace.com/DestinyBlaine
www.twitter.com/DestinyBlaine

Can he really be sexy?

Fact:  I don't use real people to help build my characters.

There are problems that come along with doing that, like everyone has their own opinions of who a person is, and often can't open up to other possibilities.  Thankfully, I have an expansive imagination, and happily rely on it to create the people who populate my work.  That is one of the perks of being a writer - allowing the creative juices to freely flow.

So, when it came time to develop Lucifer, despite his having a well known reputation, it actually came very easily.

Physically and personality-wise, he has little incommon with the Devil who everyone believes they know.  But wait a second, so there is no misunderstanding, my hero is the real Satan, but for me, he is much more than the job of recruiting people to reside in his abode - Hell.  That said, what does the ultimate bad boy actually look like?

"Without any warning, the chair started to slowly swivel around. Nia held her breath, tense to see what the man looked like. As he moved into the firelight, she was faced with the most handsome man she’d ever encountered. Her imagination won the war. The pulsating rhythm in her pussy sped up and matched her heartbeat. The tandem beating held her undivided attention and she couldn’t find the willpower to look away.

Dang, she was in even deeper trouble than she’d thought.

The man had a commanding presence and oozed power, a very seductive combination. His mink brown hair was cropped close and dark brown eyes instantly pulled Nia in and entranced her. His chin was strong and his nose was slightly crooked. Lovely. In the low flickering light, it looked like he wore a traditional white dress shirt and sedate tie with a classic dark suit. The man sitting on the other side of the desk was obviously a professional of some sort, a higher up on the corporate ladder, and with a voice that touched her in a very sexual way.

If there was a type of guy she was attracted to, then he was it. A businessman who used his mind and not brawn to get what he wanted."
Copyright © 2010 Tilly Greene

Well?  Are businessmen sexy?  Of course!  All that power, confidence, and self assurance is yummy.  Okay, what about a Lucifer - would he be sexy in a suit and tie?  I think so.  The bad boy who uses his brain is pretty hot, especially when he's stripped and getting creative in the bedroom. 

Did you notice from the cover Kendra Egbert created that he isn't hiding who he truly is? The horns and tail are there, but Lucifer is showing the man he truly wants to be for Nia - her lover and hero.

Buy eBook from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Tilly Greene
WARNING!  Red hot romances ahead!
http://www.tillygreene.com/

Hot Thoughts Blog|Facebook|Twitter

Romantic Settings ... or Not

I’m a sucker for exotic locations. If I see a book set somewhere I want to go, I snatch it up. I wish there were more romances set in Norway, for instance. Or Fiji. I set my first book on an island in the Bahamas, because … well, I like writing about tanned, naked men swimming in the Caribbean. The setting of my second book was exotic in its own way … a rocky, remote fishing island in Maine.

So why the heck does my new book, “Training the Receptionist,” take place in a dead-end town my heroine calls “Low-life, Long Island”? It’s gritty, not glamorous, edgy, not exotic. Instead of pink sand beaches, it’s got broken glass and homeless guys.

Well, I had more fun working with that setting than any of the others. Adversity builds character, after all. The rough setting helped me create the character of Dana Arthur, streetwise, sassy, totally fun. She’s been planning her escape from Low-life for years while her dad and stepmom hurled liquor bottles at each other. Her home life is tough enough, then as soon as she steps outdoors there’s another set of dangers. She’s grown up with nothing, and managed to get through community college without succumbing to drugs or a stray gang bullet. With her childhood, she’s seen it all, and yet she’s spirited, smart and nobody’s victim.

Dana has always had to take care of herself. She’s been so busy surviving, she hasn’t had a chance to think about her inner needs. And that’s where her brand-new bosses come in … What will happen when someone else takes charge? When someone strong and protective takes the weight off her shoulders? When a dead-sexy man sets out to take care of her deepest desires, needs she never allowed herself to think about? And what happens when that man has a partner who’s even more demanding?

Things get hot (this is erotica, after all) even without a tropical setting. In fact, I think an exotic backdrop would have made for a different story. This story needed a dreary environment like Low-life to make Dana the girl she is, and her sensual journey such a fun ride.

So instead of a book set in Morocco (it’s on my list of dream trips, but I’ve never been), bring on something set in Cincinnati, or Duluth! If Long Island can help create a Dana Arthur, I can’t wait to see what Cincinnati can do.

Anyone else have a favorite setting to share? Is there a place you wish someone would set a book?

“Training the Receptionist” by Juniper Bell

Genre: Erotica

ISBN: 978-1-60504-949-6
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…

Eager to escape her miserable existence in Low-Life, Long Island, street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.

Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.

The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, bondage, ménage, ingenious use of office furniture, lingerie, and the occasional sex toy. Oh, and did I mention the package delivery guy?

“Training the Receptionist” is available here. You can read an excerpt and find out more about Juniper Bell and her books at her website or her blog, friend her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Where it all began...

So, blogging...yeah...gotta think of something witty and interesting.

...


...

Hmm, not so easy after all. So you'll have to put up with my inane drivel instead ;) So, I'll introduce myself since I haven't blogged here before. I'm Mina Carter, and Im addicted to writing. Like, seriously addicted. Not so addicted to editing as my blog posts will probably bear out but seriously addicted to writing.

It's hard to say when exactly my love affair with the written word started. I'm dyslexic and learned to read late, so probably sometime around eleven years old I think. My aunt brought me a copy of the Hobbit one christmas and I devoured it page by page over the course of a couple of days. I was instantly transported from a dreary, wet christmas break to a world where my imagination could shape what I was seeing from the words on the page. I was hooked!

The Hobbit led to Lord of the Rings, to the Chronicles of Narnia and beyond. I read anything and everything I could lay my hands on (still do, even the back of the cereal packet if it doesn't move away fast enough). It seemed amazing to me that words had such power...and I wanted to use them like that. Of course, I was twelve at the time...so my stories had a fair way to go before I let anyone see them.

Over the years my stories, and my style has changed somewhat. I still read anything and everything but writing wise, I prefer romance...either sci-fi or science fiction although I've been known to dabble in contemporary. One thing hasn't changed over the years for me though, and that's the sheer power and fascination of the written word.

So, how about you? What got you into reading (or writing for that matter)? What was the book that started it all off for you?

...and another neat thing about ebooks...

I'm a true fan of ebooks. Especially as I contemplate another move in my near future. I'm looking carefully at the books stacked next to my bed and thinking about carrying boxes of them--again--to a new destination.

Don't get me wrong. I love my keeper books. The stories that I go back to again and again to re-enjoy the old friends I've made. But...ebooks? Recent holiday I brought along three print books and 25 on the iTouch. Print books were done by day 2. Ebooks just kept going and going and going like the energizer bunny on steroids. Or an energizer bunny hero in a really trashy novel who can go and go and go...well, you get the idea.

I'm also a fan of ebooks because I love writing them. Wild werewolf shifters, red-hot contemporaries and scorching hot cowboys. In fact, I'm celebrating my first anniversary of being published, and I'm giving you a chance to add to your book stash. Want to come join me? Drop in at my blog, and you can see why I love ebooks--so many great authors have inspired me, so many people have helped me along the way.

And besides, parties are fun. ;) The door is open and the heat is turned way up--right here.

---------

Vivian Arend can be found at Romance, Hot and Wild when she's not staring at the enormous pile of books she needs to cull through. Or writing new books to add to the pile-- ebook or otherwise.

Can Lucifer be a hero?

While daydreaming, I wondered if Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, whatever you call him, I wondered if he could be a hero - a romantic hero with honest love and respect for a woman.  I didn't want it to be a man called Lucifer or a devil of a character who finds love, I wanted to rework the actual evil incarnate into a dreamboat.  A dreamboat who isn't a neutered version, but one retains some naughtiness that he embraced for an eternity.

It was a blast to flesh out someone with the worst reputation known to exist.  So, was I successful in the challenge I set out to fulfill?  I think so, but now you can judge for yourself.

Call Me Lucifer by Tilly Greene
Paranormal Erotic Romance/Bondage and D/s
Available through Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

He is much more than the horrific job title and now he needs to prove it to her!

Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness, works hard dishing out punishments and asks for little in return, until now. He's been waiting an eternity for a woman who would bring out his gentle side, his need to love and be loved in return. He’d started to wonder if she even existed but at last he’s found her, in a courtroom arguing for a tougher sentence.

After his first introduction to Nia Adams, a sexy petite firebrand, he spends all his time on the surface at her side. They have a serious relationship and he’s sure the emotion bouncing between them is love. Then she lies to him about how she feels.

While difficult to hear, the lie opens a door. It gives him the only chance he’ll ever have to show her who the man behind the horrific job title really is. And he takes it with both hands.  

Read an Excerpt.

Tilly Greene
WARNING!  Red hot romances ahead!
http://www.tillygreene.com/

Hot Thoughts Blog|Facebook|Twitter

Ménage Lessons I Have Learned

I only recently began writing ménage romance, and I have to say, there has been a learning curve. Ménage is not a form of erotic romance that I thought I’d ever write. So, from a novice’s point of view, here are a few things I had to grasp and figure out while writing my first sexier-than-sexy romance with more than two people in bed at once. See if they are the same things you (as a writer or as a reader) have also reflected on.

1. In a ménage, more than two people have sex at one time.
Duh. This might seem obvious to you. It did to me, too. But knowing something intellectually and actually writing three (or more) people in a bed screwing around is different. I admit to sometimes having troubling moments, trying to keep one man and one woman stimulating and aroused, so having to do the same with more people was daunting. I think (I hope) I have overcome the trauma. :)

2. Men are hard enough to understand in real life, but in a ménage they're impossible.
I know lots of guys who would be happy to share a woman in an orgiastic night of sex. But I don't know many who would happily share a woman in a long term relationship where they love the woman. Ménages don't have jealous men threatening duels or meeting outside the bar in the alley with guns. No, in a ménage, the men are thrilled to be one third of a love triangle (or square or polygon). To me, this takes a lot of imagination.

3. Age matters.
In a regular old romance, a twenty-year-old heroine or an early twenties hero would suit just fine. But in a ménage, older protagonists are preferred. Why? Got me, unless ménage romance seems more forbidden so readers want to be certain the characters aren't taken advantage of. Whatever the reason, in a ménage, it's better to put a few years under the belts of the lady and her gentlemen before throwing them under the sheets.

4. Regardless of the number of sexual participants, ménages are still romances.
I think it would be easy to write a ménage where the participants engage in wild sex, but in a ménage romance, the characters fall in love. Truthfully, I can see a woman being in love with two men. But two men in love with the same woman, living together and having sex? I. Don't. Know. Seems a little weird to imagine such a happy household, yet that's the goal of a ménage romance. Think of the trouble the characters had falling in love and getting together in When Harry Met Sally. Now try to imagine When Harry and Larry Met Sally. There would never be a love-match.

5. Related to that, there must still be a story.
Like any romance, the love element revolves around a story line that must make sense even without the romance or indeed, the sex. Yikes!

6. I still needed to have fun.
I enjoy writing mainstream romance and also erotic romance. But at the start of writing ménages, I tensed up into a ball of writer's nerves. I was afraid of making a mistake. Guess what? I made them. But I found that if I calmed down and looked at the ménage in the proper light everything fell into place. A ménage is a romance plus a romance (plus a romance, etc.).

The biggest thing I discovered about writing a ménage was not to be afraid. To jump in and give it a try. I'm glad I did and I hope readers are too.

What is your opinion? Do you read ménage romance, or write it? If so, what do you enjoy most and what challenges you the most?

Dee S. Knight
The Triple S Bride - Futuristic Western Menage

WICKED DESIRE

Naughty excerpt...

Matt only got as far as his truck before turning back around. Maggie hadn’t shut the door yet. He sucked in his breath. She was still there, standing in the threshold and watching him, with the soft glow of the living room light behind her. His gaze raked over her slender silhouette, and the way the light was shining through her nightgown. She might as well have been naked. He felt a burning need uncoil in his gut. Why couldn’t he just walk away? He knew why, because he was thoroughly bewitched by her.

As she continued to stand there, he took in the hourglass shape of her, the way her legs were slightly parted, and the shadowy patch between that her skimpy panties outlined. He swallowed hard. His eyes continued to follow the shapely line of her thighs and legs down to her bare feet, before shifting back up to the rounded fullness of her breasts.

His mouth went dry. His senses went into overdrive and his cock lengthened and grew with hunger. He hesitated for only a second before deciding to walk back. The thought of spending the night in Maggie’s bed far outweighed his intention of sleeping in his truck outside her door. He forced her to step out of his way as he plowed through the entrance way, telling himself all he wanted was a quick lay. Only the truth was he wanted more from Maggie.

Damn her!

“Forget something?”

Matt closed and locked the door, never taking his eyes off her. The sexy softness of her voice traveled over him, teasing his senses and keeping him aroused. He forced her to turn, then steered her toward the stairs that led to the loft, and her bedroom. “You said you have wants too, so let’s get to it.” He was right behind her.

He knew he was being crude but reminding Maggie of her earlier comment was a good excuse to ignore the real reason he wanted to make love to her.

A nervous laugh escaped her. “Right this minute?” She was halfway up the stairs and turned to face him. Seductive eyes moved slowly over him, pausing at his hard-on.

He didn’t like the little smile of victory on her face and clenched his teeth. “What better time?” He just barely managed to catch himself before mowing her over. His hands grasped the rails on either side of her, effectively entrapping her. With her several steps above him, his eyes were level with her breasts. An inch forward and he could take one in his mouth and wipe that smile of triumph right off her face. “Since I’m in the neighborhood, and in the mood,” he explained. “Thanks to you.”

“But I didn’t do anything,” she defended herself. “I’m innocent. No one made you come here tonight,” she pointed out.

Matt wanted to mate. His laugh was low and throaty. “Innocent!” he barked with disbelief. “You knew exactly what you’re doing, Red. You have from the beginning. And I’ve been playing right into your hands.”

“But…”

Matt let his gaze slide downward in a slow sweep that had to tell Maggie exactly what he was feeling. “No buts, honey, and no emotions, just raw, hot sex. A lot of it.” Her eyes rounded but she remained silent. “Nothing to say?” he demanded softly. “Good, than we know where we stand.” For every step he took forward, Maggie took one backwards. “Once we’ve done this a few times, then you can decide if you want to be as free with your body without the commitment.”

“A few times?” A short laugh escaped her as she continued up the stairs, backwards. “I’m not sure if I’m up to a few times,” she teased.

Matt ignored her comment and continued to stalk her until the back of her knees came in contact with the edge of her bed. He wanted to erase the gleam of amusement from her eyes but damned if he wasn’t fighting the urge to grin in return. She made wanting her too easy.

“Now what?” she whispered.

Matt’s eyes fell to her mouth. “You want a blow-by-blow description? You take off your clothes. Then we get down to business.”

A laugh escaped Maggie. “You expect me to just put out?”

He shrugged. “If that’s what you want to call it, honey.”

“Maybe I’m not in the mood.” Obvious amusement flickered briefly in her eyes.

Matt shook his head and reached out to caress her cheek—an action that revealed much more than words. “It doesn’t work that way. And besides, you forget I had my fingers inside you just a few moments ago. You were wet and hot, sweetheart.” Before either one of them realized his intentions he leaned forward and touched his lips to hers in a kiss. It was too sweet. He deepened it until passion spiraled out of control. They were both slightly out of breath when he pulled away.

Maggie surprised Matt by reaching for the hem of her gown. She brought it over her head and let it drift carelessly to the floor between them. Matt’s gaze narrowed, yet he never lowered his eyes from hers. Instead, he reached forward and curled his hand around a plump breast, grazing the puckered nipple back and forth with his thumb. His reward was the warm color spreading across Maggie’s face. As he caressed first one breast and then the other, she swayed into his touch, releasing a little, breathless sigh. Her hands fell upon his shoulders, as if she needed help to remain on her feet.

Matt’s gaze fell to her breasts, their crowned peaks tilted upward slightly, seeming to beg for further attention. Attention he was only too eager to give. He bent forward and fastened his mouth onto one. Her cry echoed throughout the small cabin. Matt lifted her to continue loving her body with his mouth and tongue, tracing a path over her quivering breasts and belly below, before returning to her breasts. As he slowly lowered her against him, his mouth moved along the curve of her throat, taking her mouth in a long, searing kiss.

They were both trembling when it ended. “What about your panties?” he asked hoarsely, his nostrils flaring wildly with desire. The scent of their arousal was heavy around them, and Matt had to steel himself to take things slow.

“What about them?”

There was a challenge in her tone that Matt was only too willing to accept. His hand glided down her body until he reached them. He toyed with Maggie for a moment, running his finger along the elastic well below her bellybutton. His journey took him to the triangle outlining her mound. His finger dipped inside, brushing along the soft curls, finding them wet at the core of her. She caught her breath, trembling. His blood turned hot.

He curled his probing finger and tore the garment from her in one quick movement.



Tory Richards
Romance with an Attitude Blog

Cowboy Sex and Looking Forward

Make new friends but keep the old. These are silver, those are gold. Lately, the old adage rings loudly in my ears. Sometimes, it’s louder than others. Recently, the reminder has become hard to ignore.

When I started writing Cowboy Sex Book One: Sex Party, I found myself jotting down one idea right after the next. It became pretty obvious after the book was sold on proposal that this series had nine lives, or rather the potential for almost that many.

Nothing could’ve prepared me for the success of Sex Party, the first book in the Cowboy Sex series. I was extremely excited when Siren took the book and apparently left the door open for others. More than anything else, I was completely honored when readers chose to buy Sex Party.

Then, the reviews came in—some were good, some not so swell. Letters or what some call ‘fan mail’ soon followed—the vast majority quite complimentary while one or two left me shaking my head in true wonder. In short, thanks to the Cowboy Sex series and later Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts, I’ve enjoyed one amazing experience right after the next.

As of late, my feet are dragging in regards to the Cowboy Sex series. Oh sure, the fifth manuscript is almost complete and has been for some time. However, the problem isn’t in finding the ending, that’s already more or less determined, but the issue is finding time to sit down and write it precisely how I’ve imagined the conclusion will unfold.

There’s good news and bad. The good news is, this installment should be the best of the lot, with two segments reaching a satisfying HEA conclusion. The bad news is I’m not inspired to write anything more for Cowboy Sex after this particular installment. The manuscript is rather long and will tie up any possible loose ends.

At one time, other Cowboy Sex installments were in the works. However, because of other ideas I desperately want to explore, Cowboy Sex Five will likely be the last installment submitted for consideration.

Dancing with the Devil’s Son is also in the works. A historical, this manuscript took a lot of work in terms of research. It’s funny how that came about too.

Dancing with the Devil’s Son had about sixty thousand words when someone mentioned to me the slack research in a great number of ménage historical romances. Feeling like this may have been a fair warning with great meaning possibly even somewhat pointed, I made a decision. It was important, based on this particular story, to research not only the setting, but also the lifestyle of one of the characters set to be introduced. The research entailed approaching someone who in fact, lived among the wild, which took some time, a lot of effort, and arguably became one of the greatest contributing factors to this particular piece.

Outside of current projects, I’ve been asked to write out of my comfort zone and a publisher I respect approached me to write paranormal. However, at this particular time, there seems to be an audience for what I’m writing. My readers are interested in western ménages.

That said, I’m revisiting old ideas in hopes of creating two brand new series. One project isn’t anything I’ve tried in the past, and the other is similar to Cowboy Sex with enough differences to keep each series uniquely different. I haven’t pitched either to a publisher and may not pitch at all until several installments are complete.

As for upcoming books, Siren Publishing contracted Bridled and Branded as well Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business. After a couple of announcements about Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business, a few readers wrote and asked about the potential for an ongoing series for “Cowboy Boots.”

As with Cowboy Sex, there isn’t anything planned now, but everything is subject to change. Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts may have been my all-time best seller. The novel caught the attention of romance readers as well as crossing other genres and gaining a readership as well. There may be something else to explore there.

Right now there’s an ever present question: Where do I go from here? At this point, I’m working on the final installment of Cowboy Sex as well as finishing Dancing with the Devil’s Son. Like so many writers, there are plenty of manuscripts on my desktop pleading for attention.

At the moment, revisiting old ideas sounds like a good idea and a tempting challenge. It’s time to make a few new friends, and develop some brand new characters. I’m looking forward to writing those charming cowboys willing to do anything for the loves they hope to find. I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Natalie Acres



Natalie Acres is the best selling author of Sex Party, Sex Games, Sex Camp, and Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts. Her books have held the number one position at Amazon in the erotica and western categories for weeks at a time in print and e-formats. With the exception of one novel, all of her books have soared to the number one position at BookStrand soon after their debut. Natalie’s books are often found on Mobipocket’s Top 10 in Romance as well as ARE’s Western Best Sellers. For more information, visit http://www.bookstrand.com/natalie-acres.

SCAVENGER HUNT FUN!

   
The Romance Studio’s scavenger hunt for St. Patrick's Week is going on now through St. Patrick's Day (3/17/10, midnight EST). Find the graphic above somewhere on their sites (urls listed below) and enter the giveaway when you find it. We'll announce the winners on our Yahoo groups.

Also, come by any of our Yahoo groups for more St. Patrick's fun! We'll be doing St. Patrick's Day excerpts, recipes, stories, jokes, etc. on all three yahoo groups on March 17th! 

(PG content only) THE ROMANCE STUDIO GROUP

(mature content/erotica and erotic romance) TRS BLUE GROUP

(mature content/gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) The Rainbow Studio Group

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Real Irish Stew

Ingredients:
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
1-1/2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons water

Preparations:
Place 1/3 cup flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add lamb, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown lamb in batches in 2 tablespoons oil. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, saute onions in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Add broth, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Return lamb to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until meat is tender.

Add potatoes and carrots; cover and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in peas; cook 5-10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Add seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. Combine remaining flour with water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Yield: 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Hope you enjoy, Keta Diablo

You can find Keta on the Net below. To be eligible for her monthly contest (THREE FREE BOOKS GIVEN AWAY EVERY MONTH) don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter at Keta’s Haunt:

Sign up for newsletter at KETA'S HAUNT

Erotic Romance Blog: KETA'S KEEP BLOG

Gay Fiction Blog: THE STUFF OF MYTH AND MEN

Keta on Twitter: KETA ON TWITTER

Get Lucky with Nona!

I was pleased when an author I edit, Nona Wesley, asked me to help her with her sexy St. Patty's Day short, Get Lucky! She had done a freebie for Valentine's Day, and enjoyed the holiday theme so much she's going to try to offer a short for each major holiday this year - some for free, others to sell. While she ponders about Easter, I thought I'd help her hype up this wearin' and tearin' of the green.

When Kim finds a strange gold coin, she think it’s a worthless token. Sexy leprechaun Kieran, who looks nothing like the pint-sized mythical creatures Kim envisioned, convinces her otherwise and is ready to grant her fondest wish. Could Kim’s day get any luckier? - You can find the short available through my side project at DLP Books, and the major eBook retailers like ARe and Smashwords.

In the meantime, I hope to have a St. Patrick's Dareville freebie up before the 17th. It may not be more than a few thousand words, but any day I can complete a story is worth more than a pot of gold! :-)

Dare to seek your pleasure zone...

Ride to Ecstasy releases March 30th from Samhain Publishing. This red hot contemporary promises to rev up your engine by taking you for one helluva ride...a Ride to Ecstasy.

Dare to seek your pleasure zone…

When Carah takes a bad fall from her motorcycle, more than her body tumbles to the ground. Fear and insecurity take over her life, leaving no room for her lover, Vaughn, so it's no surprise when he hits the road. Night after lonely night she aches for his touch. In desperation she channels her needs into a creative venture—a daring new sex toy. It's not Vaughn, but it's the next best thing.

Vaughn never wanted to leave Carah, but his efforts to help her regain her self-confidence only made things worse. For six months he let her be, rather than become the bad guy, but he can't get her out of his head. Maybe it's time to find out if there's a chance she'll let him make it up to her.

All he has to do is convince her to get on the back of his bike, and their romance will come roaring back to life. If it doesn't crash and burn…

EXCERPT

Carah flipped off the television, unable to lose herself in any of the movies. Restless, she skulked into her studio and worked on her sketches of crotchless outfits designed specifically for women to wear on the motorcycles. Soft, lightweight leather styles in both daywear and nightwear—for whenever the client chose to bring their fantasies to life. Her current design was of leather crotchless pants and a matching top that left the breasts propped up and exposed. Perfect for those who used nipple clamps, like herself.

She paused a moment and stared wistfully at her own personal Ride to Ecstasy. She'd customized the sleek machine to be an exact replica of the bike Vaughn had given her. Just looking at it made her moist between the thighs. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Vaughn was her greatest muse. Thoughts of him made her creativity soar. Among other things.

After a few more hours of mindless sketching, she dragged herself into the bedroom, changed into her silk nightie and flopped onto her bed. The left side of the bed to be precise, because the right side belonged to Vaughn. Or at least it once did. His musky scent had faded from the pillowcase after about a month, but she couldn't bring herself to move beyond the middle. Sometimes she propped a few pillows on his side and nestled her back into them. Those were the nights she cried herself to sleep.

Tonight, her mind refused to sway from lustful thoughts of Vaughn. She tossed and turned until her legs were tangled between the sheets. Fists clenched, she slammed them against the mattress and released a string of curse words. She needed to get off now or it would be one long night.

Carah charged back into her studio, the floor cool beneath her bare feet. She wasn't fooling around. The burning need toiling around inside her was as ravenous as when she'd first come up with the idea of the sex-toy bike. Maybe more. No less than three orgasms were going to do the trick tonight. And even then she knew the relief wouldn't last long.
(copyright 2010)

~Ann Cory

Celebrate Read an eBook Week with Phaze!

March 7-13 marks the annual Read an eBook Week, a celebration of digital literature and non-fiction for your Kindle, iTouch, Android, or other specialized reader. Definitely, we couldn't let this time pass without acknowledging this time of eBook awareness and offering some kind of incentive for lovers of quality erotic romance and women's erotica. Starting March 7, we have a number of special offers for Phaze Books titles, plus giveaways for gift certificates!

• Now through March 14th, you'll receive a 25% rebate on any Phaze Books title purchased through All Romance eBooks.
• All during Read an eBook Week, Phaze titles listed at Smashwords are 25% off with the code RAE25.
• On March 13th, we'll give away two $10 Phaze gift certificates to two lucky winners. You can enter using this form today.

Also in April, three Phaze Books titles will be highlighted for All Romance eBooks' Series Showcase. Look for amazing discounts on the following during specific days:My Deepest Love: Zack by Marie Rochelle on April 6, Pentacles of Magick: the Bonding by Eliza Gayle on April 10, and Truth or Dare by Leigh Ellwood on April 17. It's all leading up to Earth Day, so there's no better time than now to turn your library green and get into eBooks!

The First Erotic Romance

Back in 2003 erotic romance was starting to take off in a big way. I noticed the books I was reading and enjoying most were the hotter and spicier ones while my own writing remained sensual. Always curious, I decided I’d buy a few erotic titles to read and see what all the fuss was about. The first book I chose was Uncharted Waters by Jodi Lynn Copeland, since she belonged to the same RWA chapter. I enjoyed it, and soon, I attempted to write my first erotic romance, selling it to Ellora’s Cave the following year.

I have to say it was a real learning experience, and looking back makes me laugh. I still remember writing my first ever book, which contained one very tame love scene. I giggled and looked self-consciously over my shoulder, even though I was the only person at home at the time. How times change!

What was the first erotic romance you read?

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes contemporary and paranormal romance for Samhain Publishing and Ellora's Cave. Her next release, The Bottom Line, is due for release on 27 April from Samhain Publishing.

Damon's Price - Red Hot! Historical Romance from Samhain

For Claudia, love comes late and, perhaps, at too great a price.

Damon's Price

PA new Red Hot! Historical Romance from Ali Katz. Available March 9, from Samhain Publishing

Hi, Everyone. I'm Ali Katz. Thanks so much for being here.

Today, I’m celebrating my newest release. Though not my first published story, Damon’s Price is my first Samhain title and I’ve got to say how much I’ve loved working with the staff there. They’ve been great from day one, encouraging me and pushing me beyond my imagined limits.

And just look at that cover. The artist is Scott Carpenter. I couldn’t be happier.

That said, I’m ready to spread the love. I’d like to invite you all to visit my website, Passion in Spades, at www.a-katz.com and enter my monthly giveaway. Just sign my guestbook for a chance to win a download of Damon’s Price as well as a goody bag of promotional prizes from some of your favorite authors. The drawing will be held April 1st. More details when you visit.

Now, on with the show. Here’s a little taste of Damon’s Price.

Blurb

Widowhood agrees with thirty-eight-year-old Claudia Sabina. Her husband and father left her wealthy, but her most prized possession is their gift of independence. She enjoys a freedom few women in male-dominated Roman society will ever know.

The slave, Damon, is part of her father's bequest. Intelligent, resourceful and educated beyond the norm for even a Roman citizen, Damon's many talents make him one of her most valuable assets. The fact the young Greek is also a pleasure to look at only adds to his value.

For months, Damon hides the fact he’s fallen in love with his new mistress. He convinces himself he can be satisfied with her nearness—until the night he walks in on her bath, and his rigid control deserts him. Consequences fail to matter as he offers her full use of talents that, until now, he’s never revealed.

In a moment of weakness, Claudia crosses the line laid down by Roman law and custom, immersing herself in an illegal and dangerous love affair. A choice that threatens both their futures.

Exclusive Excerpt--The Morning After

What have I done to myself? The question woke Claudia hours before dawn, robbing her of the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d experienced in years and giving her no rest since. Her blessed contentment shattered, she could not shove the man from her mind or the memory of his touch from her body.

Still, she’d managed to get most of yesterday’s work off her desk. Only one signature remained. The tablet lay in front of her, but the last three paragraphs of Damon’s carefully worded contract eluded her. The closer the time came for Damon to appear, the more distracted she became. He would have finished his rounds by now. She awaited his arrival with both anticipation and dread. She’d chewed her lower lip raw.

Blaming him would be so easy, and just what she needed to ease her guilt. He had, after all, tempted her. Her mind kept returning to the fact, seeking justification for its mutinous surrender, but reason insisted she claim responsibility. He was a slave—her slave, and bound to do what she bid.

And bid she would, without a doubt. A shiver coursed through her at the memory of what he’d done to her. She had no problem blaming him for making her want more. The idea of using him shamed her a little, yet she could not convince herself that, if he refused her in the future, she wouldn’t insist.

The knock at her door stopped her breath. She considered finding some task for him to do far away from the house—a coward’s temporary solution. But six orders sat on the corner of her desk awaiting his attention.

He rapped again.

She forced herself to breathe.

“Enter.” Claudia picked up the contract and put her mind to those last few clauses.

“Good morning, Era,” he said in a perfectly normal voice that flowed from her ears to her sex, plucking every nerve on the way.

“I’m almost done,” she said without looking at him. “I’ll be with you in a moment. Look these over while you wait, please.” She pushed the stack of orders toward him.

Claudia made three more attempts to understand what she read. If she’d thought anticipating his arrival distracting, his actual presence was ten times so. How could she keep her eyes on her reading when they were constantly drawn to the fall of fabric over his hips and thighs where he stood in front of her?

She watched the movement of his hand as he lifted each tablet a few inches from the table to read. He had beautiful, long-fingered hands, the nails scrubbed and neatly trimmed. Her sex clutched remembering the way those fingers had filled her. A shudder betrayed her.

Damon’s hand trembled when he reached for the next tablet. So, he noticed her scrutiny and was not unaffected as he wanted her to believe. Somehow, the fact eased her mind.

Claudia stopped pretending to read and gathered herself. Why was she so nervous? This was her office, her house, her slave. The time had come to take charge. She looked up, aware of every inch her eyes swept over on their way to his face.

Damon waited for her to speak first.

She needed something, anything, from him to tell her what last night had been to him. If the answer was a job well done, so be it, but this pretense of normalcy disturbed her.

When it became obvious she wouldn’t break the silence, he said, “The wagons are here for the first shipment to Rome. They’ve begun loading. Do you want to come with me this morning when I inspect?”

A surge of annoyance stifled her response. She’d get up and leave before letting him act like nothing had happened between them. “Sit.”

His eyes widened with alarm. “This isn’t a good idea,” he muttered, but he crossed the tiny room and dragged the other chair to the front of the desk. By the time he sat, his good-natured calm had melted to concern.

“I’ve offended you,” he said quietly.

“Quite the contrary,” Claudia said. She set the tablet she’d been trying to read aside. “I think I must have been the one to offend. You seemed quite upset when we parted.”

“No, Era, not upset. Bewildered, perhaps. The end was…unexpected.”

Unexpected? Did she commit some breach of etiquette? The idea brought a smile to her face. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Era, I promise you, my only intention—”

“Really, Damon, I couldn’t have you leave my room in such a state.”

Understanding dawned in his face. He smiled. “I assure you, I was very aware of my state, Era. I needed only a moment or two to compose myself.”

Claudia was the first to admit she lacked experience in these matters, but a moment?

What precedes… Rated R Excerpt

Damon's Price – Go to Samhain Publishing to buy.

Ali’s other books
Only One Regret
The Highwayman
Glory
Gato Negro

Thanks for reading,

ali

http://www.a-katz.com
http://www.myspace.com/practicalkatz

Friend me, please:
On Facebook, Ali Katz
On Twitter, @practicalkatz

What’s Really Up with The Winning Virgin

Every week, emails drift in about the status of the Winning Virgin books. The support for this series is appreciated, not to mention a great source of motivation.

For various reasons, the number of emails received in regards to this series, shocked me. I’m humbled by the way readers have gotten behind the Winning Virgin books and grateful so many people enjoyed the books enough to write and let me know how much they anticipate the fifth book. Thanks to many letters, I’ve found a source of endless inspiration.

Some of you want to know what’s up next for the Winning Virgin series. Many of you have asked, "What's taking so long?" The response isn’t what readers who love the series may expect but there’s only one excuse and it isn’t pretty. You see, I took my own sweet time on Winning Virgin Devotion and the manuscript following the fifth installment. However, it wasn’t necessarily by choice.

My muse has a mind of its own. Do I have writer’s block? Very seldom, but I do have a problem forcing stories to surface when my heart leads me to write in another genre or series. That’s been the real hold up.

I write under various pseudonyms but keep in mind, the Winning Virgin series is near and dear to my heart, and I wanted to give readers of this series what they wanted most. Many of you expressed how much you wanted to see a happier ending for Sebastian, a love stronger than any other for the devious Darian, and of course, Richart needed someone special and unique to handle his dark side, maybe even someone just as wicked. Not an easy undertaking.

After the letters poured in, I put my whole heart into the plot and character development, tugging out the trusty old notebooks for the Winning Virgin series to make some major adjustments. I want you to read the fifth installment with your mouth open and your fingers itching to turn the next page.

Based on the letters I’ve read and even some of the comments left on book sellers and review sites, it appears that most of you who read Winning Virgin Lust and Winning Virgin Promises , were sold on the series and plan to continue with other installments. I hope so.

The letters and feedback suggest the stories of the Sabbat men, die-hard alphas with bad boy attitudes and sexy-hot looks captured the hearts of paranormal readers, specifically those of you who have the vampire itch. Admittedly, Winning Virgin Lust and Winning Virgin Promises are the best books in the series. Readers have told me, reviewers have indicated this…I’m a believer. However, I wanted the next book in this series to put the others to shame and I think Winning Virgin Devotion will do the trick.

After the initial feedback on Winning Virgin Promises, I ripped apart a perfectly good outline, or so I thought. Another outline and then another one resulted in the end result that has and had my complete satisfaction but I have to warn, readers will be shocked. Hopefully, they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Winning Virgin Devotion isn’t like any of the other Winning Virgin books and as a small spoiler: We’re introduced to other paranormal creatures as Gabriel, Constance, Darian, Sebastian, and even Richart begin their final search for a happy ending.

Will this be the end of the Winning Virgin books? I hope not. The sixth installment will land in my publisher’s hands soon after the fifth because these manuscripts were written together in order for the story to flow well for the reader and make the wonderful task of writing these manuscripts, easier for the author.

I want to apologize to those of you who write often and ask, “When will Winning Virgin Devotion release?” I also want to take credit for the delay. It’s important to remind readers too that this manuscript will go through a submissions process just like any other manuscript. Since this installment is very different than anything else I’ve submitted for this series, we have no guarantees about anything.

Then again, in paranormal, we know to expect the unexpected. The element of surprise keeps us turning the pages.

For more information on Winning Virgin Devotion, a WIP headed to my publisher within days, if not hours, please head over to my blog where updates will now be posted frequently: http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com/. Readers can add me to their blog list or follow me here: http://twitter.com/DestinyBlaine.

For more information on the Winning Virgin series, go to: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/destinyblaine/.

Love always,
Destiny Blaine

Fitting is all in.

Ever sat back and looked at how busy your life is? Do you even know how much you fit in? I'm a little shocked at what I've discovered about my life. Sure I'm a stay-at-home mother of 4 and that alone should tell you how busy I am but I'm still a little stunned by the amount of things we're jamming into our lives and at what pace we do them.

We recently moved back to Australia after living in Singapore for three years and while I'm happy to be home I'm just not sure how we're going to fit it all in. I guess things are a little more busy than normal with the move but how do we fit it all in? Son#1 studies full time and works a casual job. Princess One is in her final year of high school but she's home schooled in an American system so that requires my input. Princess & the Pea is in year 10 at the local high school and has major exams this year. The Kid is in year 8 and nothing seems to worry him but the boy travels at warp speed in every aspect of his life so he probably spends a nano second on worry at some point. Then there's all their social events that mum's taxi has to take them to unless Son#1 can be talked into it. We've got part time job hunting for the Princesses, sports for The Kid and catching up with all the people we haven't seen in three years.

And don't even mention unpacking! Ugh! The house looks like a bomb went off and no matter how much I tidy it seems to multiply the second I turn my back. I can't find half my clothes, my office is in a shambles and nothing seems to stay where I put it. I don't see any kind of "normal" life in my future and my brain is about to explode with all the characters screaming to get out. If I've managed one full day of writing since last December it would be a miracle but there's light at the end of my tunnel. With each passing day the spin our lives have been in for months slows and I'm starting to make out some definite shapes. I've managed to keep my butt in my chair long enough to do this post AND get some rewrites done. Yay me! I'm waiting for edits on my first Ellora's Cave release and almost done tweaking the second book so that will be winging it's way to my editor soon.

I'm feeling the writer and reader coming back. I've had no energy or interest for either and I was

beginning to worry I'd never pick up another book to lose myself in or put my fingers on these well used keys ever again. But things are turning around at a pace where I think I can manage to get some order. Well ordered chaos but at least I know where my head is, for a while there I wasn't sure if we'd left that behind.

So how do you fit it all in? Are you a list person? I'm a go with the flow attack what needs doing in the moment kind of girl. I write lists but promptly ignore them. *shrug* What can I say, it drives my Hubby nuts so I'm not about to change. *grin* We live to torture them, right? God knows he's tortured me enough, jeez I moved countries twice for the man.

But really, how do you manage the mad whirlwind that is your life? Any and all tips would be appreciated. Or you could just send over some hunky guys to help me fit it all in. I'm sure I'd manage life then. *grin*

Rhian

You can find me at my website www.rhiancahill.com my blog www.rhiancahill.wordpress.com or follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/RhianCahill

I hang out with an amazing bunch of writers, cover artist, reviewer and editor at International Heat - www.internationalheat.wordpress.com and we have our Heat Wave reader group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Heat_Wave_Readers/ where we chat and give exclusive snippets and contests for our members. Everyone is welcome so come on over and join in the fun.

Love Me Tomorrow, Getting a second life

It's always fun when a novella in an anthology is given a second life. EC has dusted off two of my former contributions to anthologies and given them a second life as single titles.

As a reader you may wonder why a publisher would do this. So did I, because I assumed anyone who wished to read my TTGBITN VI anthology contribution, Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle, had read it in the anthology released four years ago. My assumption was very wrong.

This was my first experience with a re-release where a novella was given a new life as a single title. I was taken aback by readers' reception of Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle as a single title. (Thanks again for those emails!) Readers who didn't read the anthology read the single title.

This just shows the diversity in reader tastes and how people view this kind of re-release. They know going in that this book was previously published in an anthology. Many readers had obviously read the anthology, yet some also wanted to read the single title.

Other readers who had missed the anthology read the single title release. So it's a wonderful way to get a book into the hands of readers who might have overlooked it in an anthology. I'm grateful that EC had the foresight to do this and from the emails I received, so were the readers!

Another fun part of a novella being pulled out of an anthology is that it gets a new cover all its own. I was a romance reader long before I started writing romance and I've drooled over many covers in my time. A new cover though is fantastically fun, not just for the author, but for the readers who simply enjoy covers as much as I do!

For this next re-release, Love Me Tomorrow, the new cover is so incredible. I was thrilled when I received it. Syneca, cover goddess of erotic romance, did more than create a great cover, she captured the essence of Mecah, the hero in Love Me Tomorrow.

This story is featured in the anthology, Fated Mates, which was nominated for the 2005 RT Reviewers' Choice Award. The anthology theme of scifi/futuristic was my first venture into a futuristic book and OMG, I had so much fun writing it. I'm a huge scifi fan, in fact, my family groans because I'll watch the worst scifi movie if I have to just to get my fix. Fortunately, there have been some amazing scifi TV series and movies over past few years.

Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy reading Love Me Tomorrow, whether you read it in the anthology or are reading it for the first time. I don't have a release date as of yet, but will be letting my newsletter subscribers know as soon as I do. Oh, before I forget, I have a new contest going on for a $25 Amazon gift cert for newsletter subscribers, if you want a chance to win, you can join the newsletter and receive info upon joining. Here's the blurb about Love Me Tomorrow and an excerpt. I hope you enjoy it!

Earth 2360

Shalene Courers leads freedom fighters against the Demrons to retrieve a crystal that is the secret to Earth's defense. When she captures the mysterious Mecah—tall, blond and very sexy—desires flame and the interrogation soon melts under his scorching passion.

Mecah's possession of Shalene is more than lust—she's the kismet mate he's sought all his life, only she doesn't believe him. Shalene and Mecah join forces to turn the tide of war, but without winning the heart and soul of his fated mate he stand to lose his greatest battle.

Excerpt:

The enemy began to settle down for the night. She lay on the desert floor seeking the traitor’s heat signature and found him curled up against a large boulder a few feet from the reps, who slept close to the roaring fire. She trained all her power onto the human and searched his mind but was met by a barrier. She frowned.

Had he been schooled in the catacombs of Scotland, too? Only an intimate could block such a screening. She didn’t recall him. She probed deeper. He must be an intimate. There were only a dozen of them, she being one, yet how had he come to be a traitor? She pushed the thoughts from her mind and focused harder, probing deeper. Not an intimate. She sensed a different energy. Something new to her. So what was he? A rogue? A lone practitioner? She closed her eyes and concentrated on manifesting a visual of him.

Blond hair, tall, muscular, a handsome face with a lopsided devilish grin, a typical trooper. What else was there? Lilac eyes! She gasped and opened her eyes.

“What is it?” Abber whispered.

“He’s not human.”

“What?” Concern tightened Abber’s voice.

“He’s not human, Abber. I don’t know what he is. But he’s not human.”

“Are you saying we have a new alien enemy, besides the Demrons?” Panic edged his voice, matching the nervous pitch in her stomach.

“So it appears.”

“Oh shit. Excuse me, Commander, what I meant, was, well, damn, this is just great. We’ll be going in at a greater disadvantage. We know nothing about this new enemy,” he whispered, straining to contain his fear.

“We’re going through with this, Abber. We can do it. They appear to be asleep. Signal for the troops to move up,” she ordered, steadying her laser on the sleeping reptiles. “And remember, the non-reptile is to be captured.”

“Aye, Commander.” Abber turned and signaled the troops with a laser flash. “I hope he’s not more formidable than the reps.”

“He won’t be,” she assured the youth as they waited for the troops to join them. She lay on the ground, watching the fire flicker shadows over the blond man. It had been a long time since she’d enjoyed summer nights like this one sprawled out on a lounge chair in front of her outside living room. She’d always brought leftovers from her restaurant for late evening meals with her husband. He’d light the outside fireplace and they’d spend a romantic night underneath the stars, eating, sipping wine and planning their future.

After the leisurely meal, they’d lie in the bed swing, make love then hold each other, sharing the day’s events, staring up at the stars, talking about the family they would have one day. Shalene swallowed the burning in her throat and pushed back the tears. It had been just such a night when the first strike had hit. She closed her eyes against the bitter memory. Fifteen years and it still felt like yesterday—sometimes.

“All troops in place, Commander. We’re good to go.”

She dragged herself from the vivid memories and stared into the bleak present. It had been a different life and she’d been a different person.

“Guns set to kill,” she spoke into the mic with her voice tightening around the memory’s residue. “Remember, the non-rep is to be captured,” she reminded and gave each trooper a glance. She was bestowed a nod of understanding. With her hand, she motioned for the troops to spread out and encircle the campsite. Once assured everyone was in position, she signaled the attack.

The sleeping reptiles were slow to react to the laser blasts, but Mecah was on his feet and firing at the attackers, deliberately missing his marks. He watched Bog take a blast in the chest and fall hard on his back. His long scaly tail writhed in the sand then was still.

“Hands up! Drop your weapon. Down on your knees.” The woman, dressed in tight leather pants and short bustier covered with a desert-camouflaged military vest, aimed a laser pistol at him.

His gaze traveled from the bluish beam back to the woman. She unstrapped the helmet and jerked it off. Long silky hair tumbled down her back in a long wavy flow, reminding him of a rush of dark water freed from a damn. Tossing the scarred, dull helmet to the soldier standing behind her, she took determined strides across the camp toward him, all the while keeping the laser aimed on his chest.

The moon emerged from the clouds and bathed her in silvery streams of light, highlighting her curly dark hair in shimmering flickers. Her oval face was smudged with camouflage grease and her knee-length boots were scuffed and dusty. Her upper arms, exposed by the vest, flexed as she steadied the weapon on him. Sculpted, feminine muscled arms indicated a trained and disciplined body, and beneath, governed by an equally trained mind.

Overall, she gave the appearance of a capable soldier, yet one thing contradicted the illusion and intrigued him—her aura. Unlike other human soldiers whose auras were usually a mixture of reds and oranges and in some cases blacks and grays, hers was a myriad of colors without the typical dominating hue, giving a rainbow effect of colorful shards that emanated from her.

Her oval face was set in a stern, almost angry expression, with large brown eyes reflecting a coldness that again contradicted her aura of a spiritually evolved being who knew the secrets of the universe.

“What are you grinning at?” she sneered, stopping in front of him. “What’s your name?” She lowered the weapon so it was at her hip level and pointed at him. Still kneeling, Mecah looked up into her dark eyes. The air stirred electric and when she moved closer, her aura merged with his.

Encased in her essence, his probing was immediately shoved aside as her barrier walls rose to block him. He pressed harder and his appreciation quickened when he crashed through her shield and found the truth he saw reflecting deep in her soul. Desire surged through his body, responding to her on the basest level while simultaneously connecting on the deepest of all spiritual levels that only Kismet mates could attain. How could it be? How could this alien be his Kismet? His breathing quickened. Dare he believe? It was against all Kyronian laws, but the sensation was undeniable. He’d waited for it his entire life and there she stood in front of him—his Kismet mate.

He slipped past her hatred and found recognition. The same recognition now reflecting in her liquid chocolate eyes. His heart was a staccato beat. She knew they were kindred spirits, too. What would she do now that she, too, knew? In spite of his attempt to control his thoughts, Mecah couldn’t help wondering about her. How could it be that he had to travel millions of light-years from his home to find his Kismet mate? The irony was too much and he released the welling emotions in a laugh.

“You find this humorous?” she asked, reinforcing her persona, bolstering her energy against his probing. At that very moment she knew, just as he did—they were made for each other. Designed by a greater purpose to come together at this fated moment.

His thoughts unleashed to explore deeper, needing to know everything about her. Intuitive females who evolved to her level not only knew the secrets of the universe but had a greater appreciation of the art of lovemaking. Orgasms were achieved using their minds as well as their bodies. He’d heard all the legends of such highly evolved women and their abilities to reduce a man to little more than a sex slave. He watched the emotions struggling to escape her rigid control. Oh yeah, he’d gladly be her sex slave. The response to his musings tightened in his crotch.

“Get up,” she barked.

Embarrassed by the telltale sign of his arousal, he stood from the blanket. Immediately, her attention was drawn to his erection bulging beneath his tan pants. A slight smile lifted one corner of her mouth.

“You have a strange reaction to being captured, ah…”

“Name’s Mecah, Captain Mecah. And what can I say? I appreciate a beautiful woman,” he grinned.

Thanks for reading!