Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Summer movies!




I don't go see a lot of movies. I enjoy them and always plan to go, but it just doesn't happen very often, but there are a couple movies coming out that I really, really want to see. First of all, I'm excited for the third Twilight movie, Eclipse. It was my favorite of all the books and it looks like its going to be an incredible movie!



Coming out this weekend is The Last Airbender. It looks phenomenal and this is one I can see with my hubby! He's just as excited about it as I am!



Lastly, I know it doesn't come out this summer, but who isn't excited for the last Harry Potter movie. The trailer just came out yesterday and it has me super excited!



What movies are you looking forward to?

Yesterday's contest winner is Elaing8. Please email Desiree at desiree(AT)desireeholt(dot)com

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

New Release for Desiree Holt and a Contest!

Hang onto your hats, ladies! Desiree Holt's new Ellora's Cave title Escape the Night releases tomorrow. In honor of the occasion, Des is offering up a copy of either Do You Trust Me? or Rodeo Heat (both Holt Medallion Award of Merit winners!). Woot! A contest. Who doesn't like that???? So please leave a Happy Birthday and Happy Release Day message to Desiree (yes...today is her birthday) and be entered in a drawing to win one of these awesome books.

And while you are commenting make plans to pick up the book tomorrow at Ellora's Cave!

Now for the fun part. Here's just a little taste of Escape the Night. (p.s. Madison will announce our winner here tomorrow. You have until midnight tonight to comment.)

Blurb:

When Anya Kane escaped the darkness Virgil Branson was selling her into, she sought help from her boss, Gus D’Amato, a hot and hunky FBI agent. Six months later she is out of his office and in his bed, enjoying the most erotic sex imaginable and forging a bond with the man who makes every muscle in her body quiver. But things go dramatically wrong, and between bouts of thermonuclear sex that set them both on fire, Gus finds himself struggling to keep them both safe.

Excerpt:
Anya Kane raced through the dark streets, hugging the walls of buildings, her own footsteps echoing so loudly in her ears she was sure Virgil could hear her. She struggled for air, lungs burning, her side aching from running so far and so fast, but she couldn’t stop. Her face throbbed where he’d slapped her and she could still feel the bruising imprint of his fingers on her breast when he’d come into the room.
Virgil!
God, what an idiot she was. She’d escaped one house of horror only to end up in another. Fleeing her hometown of Burdette to the city had been the only way to get out of the awfulness that had been her home. Home? That was a laugh. Four walls that hid secrets of coldness and brutality. She’d had such hopes when she settled in San Antonio. Even when the first job didn’t pan out, she kept going. Pushing ahead.
Leaping from the frying pan into the fire.
She could still hear the steady weeping, then the unholy scream, and the men arguing in loud voice. Still hear Virgil’s words in her head as he described what he’d be doing to “prepare” her for one of his “clients”.
How impressed she’d been the day she ran into her friends Amy and Stella at the coffee shop where she’d been picking up lunch. She’d just gotten a great new job, one she didn’t want to lose—one that promised to be very exciting–and she’d gotten into the habit of eating at her desk to catch up on her work.
Her first thought was, “What are Amy and Stella doing here in the middle of the day? And with such a good-looking guy? They never said a word about him. And why aren’t they introducing me to him?”
The man was so handsome, so smooth. She wanted to go out to lunch with him, too. Only neither Amy nor Stella had looked very happy, either to see her or to be there. Something was wrong but she couldn’t figure out what. Was he the reason the three of them hadn’t seen each other for a few weeks? That they weren’t returning her calls? But this didn’t look like a romantic interlude. Maybe he was helping them get new jobs.
“What a surprise,” she said, standing awkwardly near the table. Then she looked at Amy and Stella and blurted out, “How come you two haven’t returned any of my calls. Y’all mad at me?”
Amy dipped her head. “We’ve…uh…been busy.”
“Yeah, busy,” Stella echoed, and bent her head to her food. “And we’re busy now.”
Anya had felt suddenly foolish, stunned that they would treat her this way and embarrassed at her childish question, but Virgil gave her a warm smile.
“That’s no way to treat your friend,” he chided the women, and nudged out a chair. “I’m Virgil Branson. Come sit down, you sweet thing, and tell me all about yourself.”
He drew her like a moth to a flame, tantalizing her, spinning his web. He’d sat there between the two women, handsome in his custom-tailored suit, his expensively cut hair and his high-end shirt and tie, looking every inch the prosperous businessman.
“I can’t stay long,” she said nervously. “My boss is expecting me back right away. But it’s really good to see y’all. I haven’t seen you in a while, Virgil.”
Then two businessmen, as well dressed as Virgil, approached the table. He didn’t introduce them, just smiled and nodded.
“Time to go girls,” he said, throwing some money on the table and pushing back his chair. “Anya, I might be giving you a call. Maybe we can spend some time together.”
She couldn’t believe he’d asked her that in front of her friends and she stood there, not knowing what to say. Stella had taken an instant longer to rise, pausing to dig in her purse and apply lipstick, then blotting it with her napkin.
“Come on,” Virgil urged, a note of impatience in his voice.
“Coming, coming.” Stella jumped up so quickly she almost knocked over her chair.
Anya stared at them as Virgil hustled the whole group out the door. She shook herself, wondering if she’d imagined the entire episode.
When he called later in the week and asked her out, she hadn’t seen anything wrong with accepting. She’d even gone to a store and learned about makeup and bought two new dresses. His eyes had been alight with interest when he came to pick her up and he’d complimented her on her beauty. So she’d gone out with him again. And then a third time. In Burdette circumstances had given her very little opportunity for a social life. This was part of what she looked forward to in the city.
But then Stella and Amy had called, first cajoling and then screaming at her to stay away from Virgil. She’d put it down to jealousy. Oh, if it had only been that simple.
She should have listened to them. Too late now. Way too late.
And now she knew all about Virgil. Too damn much. At that moment she wished she was her old plain and mousy self, not calling attention to herself. By the time she’d figured out what he was really up to, she was a prisoner in the house he owned, with two businessmen haggling over her price.
Waiting and watching for the right opportunity, she’d managed an escape almost right under his nose. She knew when he came to her room for her he’d be furious that she’d slipped away. If she hadn’t insisted she had to use the bathroom… If Virgil hadn’t gotten in a heated argument with two of his “customers”… If everything hadn’t happened the way it did…
Her stomach roiled at the thought of what had been waiting for her, panic coiled tight inside her. Her only piece of luck up until then had been Virgil’s decision, for whatever reason, to leave her untouched. But it was coming, and soon. And now she had to keep running, but she had no idea where she was running to. She couldn’t go back to her apartment. That would be the first place he’d check. Nor could she find a way home to Burdette. Locating her in a town that small would be a snap.
But where could she go? What could she do? She had no money, no identification and only the clothes on her back. All she’d thought about was getting away. But now what? She had to keep going. She couldn’t let him catch her.
She had no idea where she was, only that she was somewhere at the edge of downtown San Antonio. The neighborhood was a mixture of homes and townhouses but she wasn’t familiar enough with the city to be more exact about her location. She only knew she couldn’t stop and safety meant keeping as much in shadow as she could, waiting to hear following footsteps any moment. Or worse yet, see a car pulling up next to her and Virgil jumping out.
She ducked between two houses, stopping to catch her breath. Up ahead she saw the bright lights of a neighborhood shopping center. If she could just make it to there, maybe she could figure out what to do next. Moving as fast as she could, Anya managed to reach the cluster of stores surrounded by a parking lot filled with vehicles and crowds of shoppers moving from one store to the next.
Anya looked frantically around. Could she approach one of these people? No, they’d think she was crazy. But somehow she needed to get help. At once she thought of her boss. She’d only been working there for three weeks and didn’t know him that well. But if ever there was a man who could make her feel safe it was him. Would he think she was the victim of an overactive imagination? Still, he was in the right place…
Virgil had taken her cell phone along with her purse. But Anya had always had a habit of shoving loose change in her slacks. She shoved her hands in the pockets and her fingers closed around coins. She permitted herself on small sigh of relief. Now to find a phone.
There was a restaurant at the end of line of stores. It looked to be busy and Anya hoped she could get in and out before Virgil decided to look for her here. She hugged the wall of the little lobby, waiting until the hostess had seated a couple standing there, before approaching her.
“Excuse me, do you have a pay phone here?” She hoped she didn’t sound as nervous as she felt.
“Right over there.” The hostess pointed behind her without looking up from the seating chart she was marking.
Anya took another calming breath. “I’m sorry, but do you also have a phone book I could borrow?”
The hostess gave her an impatient look as she dragged a telephone book out from a shelf in the stand and shoved it at her.
Please let there not be a hundred people with his name.
But luck was with her. There was only one Augustus D’Amato listed. With shaking fingers she slipped the coin in the slot and dialed the number.

Monday, June 28, 2010

What She Wants--excerpt!


Today I figured I'd give you all a look at my upcoming Samhain release, What She Wants, coming Aug 3rd!

Excerpt:


As the hostess led the way through the crowded restaurant, Summer turned back to Gage and whispered, “I really can’t think of a better beach restaurant. Their crab cakes are fantastic.”

When they reached their table, Gage held her chair for her and murmured, “I trust your expert judgment, sweetheart.”

They were seated in the covered rear garden terrace. Summer’s heart beat erratically, nearly drowning out the simple romantic beauty of the moment. It’d been so long since she’d enjoyed a meal with a member of the opposite sex in any kind of romantic way.

Though Summer had guy friends, friendship couldn’t replace her need for intimacy. Tender touches and warm kisses—she hadn’t realized how much she missed those things until Gage had shown up at her door. Sparks had flown. Being with him, even in such an innocent way as having dinner, caused Summer’s juices to stir.

“So, Summer, do you come to this restaurant often?”

“I wish, but no, I’m usually too busy.”

He leaned across the table. “You should never be too busy for fun.”

Man, he was sexy. Summer’s mind blanked as she gazed at him. In the muted light, his smooth, tan head shone. She’d never known how sexy a bald man could be until Gage. She had the urge to run her fingers over his scalp. His five o’clock shadow only added to his dark, masculine appeal. If she were bold like Tory, she’d reach out and stroke his firm jaw. Too bad she wasn’t. He was so damn good-looking, and she really wanted to touch him. All over. For hours.

“Summer?”

“Oh, yes, I think you’re exactly right,” she breathed out. Lordy, even when she’d married Seth she hadn’t been this excited. That thought gave her a momentary pang of guilt. Thinking of Seth and looking at Gage, she knew it was way past time for her to move on with her life. She’d been stagnant too long.

Seth would have never wanted her to pine away for him forever, living in the past and shoving the future further and further beyond her reach. He’d want her to move on, get through the grieving and get to the living.

With just a hint of an ornery smile playing at the corners of Gage’s lips, Summer had a feeling he was the sort of man who lived life to its fullest. Even his profession was exciting. A private eye. Scandal and intrigue. Action and danger. Yep, definitely more exciting than running a B&B. What would it be like to make love to the roguish man? He was like a juicy steak sitting on the edge of the table, and she was the puppy dying to sink her teeth into the scrumptious feast. So close. All she had to do was reach out and she’d have him in her voracious mouth.

“Hey, Summer, care to share?”

“Share?”

“You looked pretty far off there for a second.”

She waved his words away. “It doesn’t matter. Tell me, what made you choose Cape May for your vacation?”

He picked up his fork and started back on his pan-seared cod. “My aunt made it sound pretty appealing.” The fork stopped halfway to his mouth. His lips curved upward as he said, “So far, she was right on the money.”

She took a sip of her diet cola. “You talk a lot about her. Are you close to her?” When she realized he’d stopped eating, she knew she’d said something wrong. “What did I say?”

“You don’t know what happened to my parents?”

Her heart clenched at the obvious pain in his voice. “No, I’m sorry.”

“They were killed at a carryout. Some guy high on acid came in and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk gave him what he wanted, but the asshole was so far gone he started shooting. Later he told the police he’d been trying to kill the snakes. Hallucinations. Mom was shot in the chest. She died instantly. Dad was shot three times. He died on the way to the hospital. The clerk took a bullet in the arm. He survived.”

“Gage…I’m so sorry.”

He nodded. “It was years ago. I’d just graduated from college when it happened. Aunt Bev sort of stepped in and took over where mom left off. She’s been pretty great.”

“I’m glad you had her.”

“Me too. Anyway, that’s the reason I became a private investigator. I wanted to help people.”

Summer understood loss all too well. She also knew words were useless. She reached across the table and placed her hand over his. When he turned his palm up and twined his fingers with hers, the air around them changed, heated. Her comforting gesture had quickly morphed into something much more, much deeper.

Trying to act nonchalant, Summer slipped her hand from his and inquired, “So, how long have you been a PI?”

“I hung out my shingle five years ago. It was tough going at first, but now I can be choosy.”

“Do you enjoy the work?”

“I can set my own hours. I don’t have a boss breathing down my neck. The money is good. All in all, not too bad. Every job has its drawbacks, though.”

Just then the waiter came over and asked if they wanted dessert. She was about to refuse, but Gage spoke up before she could get the words out.

“What do you have in the way of chocolate?”

“Our chocolate pie is pretty popular.”

“Send us a big slice.”

“Us?”

He pushed his plate away. “I’m not eating it all by myself. You’re helping.”

Her stomach loved the idea, but her hips not so much. “Uh-uh, I can’t afford the calories.”

His gaze traveled to her chest and back up again. “A few bites of pie won’t hurt. Trust me.”

She laughed and caved. “Who am I to refuse chocolate?”

He winked. “That’s the spirit.”


***


As they drove home, Gage had to grip the steering wheel to keep his hands from reaching toward Summer. Damn, it’d been hell watching her eat the chocolate pie. The little sounds of satisfaction she made after each bite had his mind going straight to the gutter.

He took his eyes off the road long enough to see her stroking the smooth leather seat with a fingertip. Hell, Gage wanted that finger on the head of his dick. She wiggled as if attempting to get more comfortable. The movement caused her pretty breasts to jiggle beneath her beige tank top. To keep from drooling, Gage focused on the road again. When he spotted her house, he pulled into the driveway and killed the engine, then turned toward her. “We’re home.”

“Yes, we are,” she whispered.

His gaze roamed over her possessively before he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. “Like satin. I bet you’re like that all over, aren’t you, sweetheart?”

“M-maybe you should find out for yourself.”

Could he be hearing her right? “Summer?”

“I should be playing hard to get, I know, but I want you, Gage.”

“I want you too.”

She eyed his crotch and smiled. “I sort of gathered.”

He stroked her hair, enjoying the soft strands beneath his fingers. “You go to a man’s head, sweetheart.”

“I’m glad.”

He cupped her cheek and murmured, “You’re sure?”

“Very.”

Hell, yeah.

___________________________


What do you think? :)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Regina's HOT New Release is Here!



This is definitely on my wish list!










Eagle's Refuge

By: Regina Carlysle

(Read Excerpt)

Book three in the Texas Passions series.



When Callista Hill settles in tiny Morgan’s Creek, she vows to make a better life for herself. She never figured lust and screaming-hot orgasms were part of the equation. One look at the local bar owner and she’s flooded with the need to have him in her bed. He burns her to ash with every erotic touch, bringing her sex-starved body achingly to life.



The instant dark, moody Mac Moreno claps eyes on Callie, he knows he wants her. Her lush curves turn him inside out and have his libido racing from zero to sixty in three seconds flat. Burning up the sheets with this sassy, sweet lady brings him back to life. But when her stalking ex hunts her down, will Callie run?



Not if Mac can help it.





And SOMEONE needs to wake these fellas up!

Any takers?! *g*



Or just join them. That works too!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

He said, WHAT?



I am really picky about my dialogue. I believe good, natural dialogue is one of the hardest things for an author to master. I work really hard on mine because I know how much bad dialogue can pull me out of a story. Not sure how well I do on it, but I take it really seriously.

I'm giving fair warning about what I'm about to say. It's kind of silly and to some people it might not be a big deal at all, but this really annoyed me. So much so that I didn't want to finish the book. Feel free to laugh at me :)

I was happily reading a story the other night. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I didn't hate it. Then the hero says to the heroine, "Sorry for being a turd last night". *insert laugh here* A TURD? That one word totally ripped me out of the book. I couldn't really take him seriously after that. Again, I know it's one little word but it just rubbed me the wrong way. I just can't see a guy saying that. Sorry I was an ass, a jerk one of those, yes I can see, but a turd? Guys need to sound like a guy. I hate it when men in a book don't sound like guys (that's a topic for a different day though, lol) and maybe I'm being judgemental or grouping all guys into the same category or something, but I just can't see my husband, or any guy I know calling themselves a turd.

That's the power of dialogue. That line, coupled with another piece of dialogue he said later in the book made it so I had to put it down. I simply couldn't read it. Dialogue makes a character real. It helps me to relate to them, get a handle on who they are. If the dialogue doesn't sound real to me, the character ceases to be real.

Am I alone in this? Did I totally overreact or do you see where I'm coming from?

A thought about Dads

I know Father's Day has passed but I still have some thoughts about dads and their day. For me, it's a melancholy holiday because I lost Dad about fourteen years ago. Dad and Mom married very young and I always see him that way...young. Maybe it was his personality, his vitality and his warmth that made me see him that way. He was a Texas oilman who had a wife and two girls. A self made man, he didn't have a fancy education (which I believe he always regretted) but he earned his living with his hands and absorbed the business into his very pores. He loved his work probably because he had the soul of a gambler and why wouldn't investing your money in a hole in the ground be something of a gamble? It is. For sure.

Growing up I always imagined that he regretted not having sons but he never transfered that to us. He was a warm, teddy bear of a man who loved to hug us and talk with us about how we could do ANYTHING if only we worked hard enough for it. He was inspirational and we felt like the Princesses of the Universe because he always made us BELIEVE. Sometimes it seems to me that every day is Father's Day because he is still with me. In my heart. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I hope I have made him proud. What was your dad like? Is he with you still? I sure hope so. I'd dearly love to hear some of your favorite DAD memories.

In other news: Eagle's Refuge releases at Ellora's Cave on Wednesday. This is book three of the Texas Passions series. Eagle's Run (Desiree Holt) and Eagle's Redemption (Cindy Spencer Pape) are already available. Please check them out and then pick up your copy of Eagle's Refuge.

Buy it HERE!

Blurb:


Book three in the Texas Passions series.

When Callista Hill settles in tiny Morgan’s Creek, she vows to make a better life for herself. She never figured lust and screaming-hot orgasms were part of the equation. One look at the local bar owner and she’s flooded with the need to have him in her bed. He burns her to ash with every erotic touch, bringing her sex-starved body achingly to life.

The instant dark, moody Mac Moreno claps eyes on Callie, he knows he wants her. Her lush curves turn him inside out and have his libido racing from zero to sixty in three seconds flat. Burning up the sheets with this sassy, sweet lady brings him back to life. But when her stalking ex hunts her down, will Callie run?



Not if Mac can help it.



Monday, June 21, 2010

A Writer's Approach to Menopause


The title of this post sounds like the start of a joke. It's really not. Lately, I've been forced to face a few facts. The big one is that I'm NOT getting any younger. Each day since turninng forty has been interesting to me. The changes a woman faces once they hit that age can seem overwhelming. And while this may seem like I'm just being overly dramatic, it's downright depressing too.


No two ways about it, our bodies slow down. Joints begin to hurt. Exercise becomes a have-to sort of thing. Even our skin tone seemes suddenly different. Our hair lacks luster. A regular period is anything but regular. And this is just the very beginning stages! Soon the slightly annoying hot flashes turn into all day sweat fests. Panic attacks, zero sex drive. It's enough to make a woman really pissy.


However, I've decided to tackle this the way I tackle everything else. With research and notes. It's what we writers do. If we have a difficult plot we don't hide in bed, we take to the internet. We hit the library. Start randomly interviewing anyone who will give you the time of day! And while I was spending my morning surfing various sites and learning all that I could about menopause it got me thinking. Does everyone tackle their health problems in the same way they would a manuscript? LOL Am I just THAT strange? Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!


So, here I am, nearing 43 years old and armed with my lists. One contains the various vitamins I aim to purchase. Another details my new exercise schedule, which will include yoga. And the third lists the different food items I plan to buy that reportedly helps promote estrogen levels.


Yes, I'm a writer. I research, I make lists, and then I attack! How about you? And while we're at it, if you've 'been there, done that' give us your helpful advice on menopause. What helped, what didn't.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Drilled--5 hearts AND book of the week!





Regina is taking a break with her kids so I decided to hijack the blog and tell you all about the fab reviews her newest release is getting. Check it out!





5 hearts!
"The inimitable author, Regina Carlysle, creates a sensually delicious, erotic and romantic story that is sure to capture the reader's heart and soul! The romance builds until the reader seems to be holding on for dear life, hit by pages and pages of passion and devilishly sizzling seduction that is utterly delightful." --Shannon, The Romance Studio

Read the full review HERE

And it also got Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Reviews!





Here's the blurb:

A standalone story in the Cougar Challenge series.

Lori Donovan accepts the Cougar Challenge and pledges to snag a hot young stud, knowing it’ll be tough once she moves back to her Texas hometown. She expects barren plains and rattlesnakes but finds hunky Jackson Blue drilling for oil on her property instead. A driller. Hmm. Lori has a few ideas about that and just about all of them involve her poor, needy, sex-starved body.



Jackson takes one look at the curvy, sexy, older woman and puts his expertise into action. After all, drilling is what he does best. Against the wall, on the floor or in the middle of her bed, he’s the right man for the job. It’s a hot time in Texas when a tough, sexy drillin’ man meets a sassy cougar, and playing it safe just isn’t an option.


and you can go HERE to read an excerpt!

Now, since it's Friday and all, I figured a cutie or two wouldn't be a bad idea. *grin*







Happy Friday!! :)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I've signed with Ellora's Cave!




I've already announced this on my Facebook page, but what the heck! I'm excited, okay?!



I'm thrilled to announce that I've signed with Ellora's Cave. A quickie called Ride of Her Life. With any luck at all this will just be the first of many EC books!







RIDE OF HER LIFE
blurb

Straddling this hard-bodied motorcycle hottie is definitely at the top of Lily Justice’s to-do list!


Freelance photographer Lily Justice has admired the younger, hunky owner of Wolff’s Body Shop from the safety of her living room window. She’s watched him riding his motorcycle and fantasized about all that delicious muscle and shiny metal. But it isn’t until she ends up needing his capable hands to fix her fender that she gets an up close look at the scrumptious man. After years of marriage to a man who viewed her as nothing more than a nuisance, Lily isn’t too keen on relationships with the opposite sex. Especially when they’re ten years younger. Keeping her hands to herself though? Yeah, so not an option!


Kyle Wolff has more than body work in mind when he sets his sights on the delicate little Lily. He’s ached for the petite brunette for years. Now that she’s a free woman, he’s ready to make his move. With soft touches, gentle kisses and an entire night with nothing to do but play, he’ll do exactly that. The deeper connection the instant he witnesses her pleasure—at his hands—comes as a welcome surprise. But Lily’s fear of love is holding her back. Kyle can be very determined when he sees something he wants though…and he wants Lily.



So, um, what do you think? *grin*



And my inspiration for Kyle...



Also, watch my website over the next few days because I'll be uploading chapter one!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Mad dash for the end




Don't you just hate it when POOF out of the blue you notice something about yourself that's been staring you in the face for a while? That little thing that you've noticed you do, but never really let yourself admit it? For me and my writing it has to do with the end. When I get close, I can smell it. I TASTE it and you know what it makes me do? I make that mad dash for the end, writing my little fingers off because I'm so excited to finish and then I have an end that is completely rushed!

I didn't even realize it until I sent an old manuscript to two new critique partners. We found each other at the same time, but none of us had ever critique for the other before. I got my book back and both of them felt I rushed through the end. I wasn't sure I agreed at first, but then I read over the last couple chapters and I DO agree with them. Not only that, but I remember when I was writing the book that I cranked out the ending in no time because I was so pumped.

Right now I'm in that same spot where I can taste the ending and I'm making sure to slow my brain down and slow those crazy, little fingers that want to get out of control on my keyboard and make sure I give the ending the justice it deserves!

What have you noticed about yourself or your writing that's been there the whole time, hiding from you?

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Ellora's Cave RomantiCon-Don't Miss It!


I'm ready to do it AGAIN!

Everyone is already rushing to register for Ellora's Cave's RomantiCon 2010 and this year promises to be even more fun than last year...and the LAST RomantiCon would be pretty hard to beat. What a blast! Rubbing shoulders with other EC writers, all the wonderful readers and reviewers was just more fun than I can say and this is an event I wouldn't dream of missing. So mark your calendars for Oct. 7-10 and head to Richfield, Ohio.

Be prepared for ANYTHING. Ellora's Cave is ten years old this year so come party with us. Ten years of providing the best in erotic romance fiction and the celebration is ON. As usual they'll pull out all the stops with workshops geared to both authors and readers and every night will feature something outrageously FUN. And of course, the CAVEMEN will be on hand! 'Nuff said, huh? The Roaring 20's theme is sure to bring out the flapper, gun moll, and gangster in all of us so 'get your party face on', put on your dancing shoes and get ready to have some fun with the insanely wicked Ellora's Cave folks.

Expect door prizes. Last year, giveaways happened at every party and attendees walked away with so many cool goodies. I've already gone to work on a Regina Carlysle Sensuality Basket (my little contribution) and once I put it all together I'll be sending it off to Ohio to be added to the stash of truly superb gifts that will be given away during the course of the four-day event.

If you are looking for a fun readers and writers convention and you are a fan of Ellora's Cave this is truly a Don't Miss event.

Want to know more? Sure you do. Head over to the RomantiCon website today and read all about it. http://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon

Monday, June 14, 2010

A Monday Excerpt!

























How about a peek at my upcoming release with Samhain? This one comes out Aug. 3rd!

Blurb:



Hot weather, a hot man, and chocolate pie. A recipe for summer fun—or heartbreak?


Summer Chase has loved and lost, and she has no intention of ever going through that pain again. But when a Camaro-driving hunk shows up at her B&B looking for a room for the week, she sees something more than a hard-bodied guest. For the first time since her husband’s death, her sexual interest is awakened—and she’s not about to hit the snooze button.

P.I. Gage Knight is in desperate need of a vacation. An impromptu trip to Cape May, New Jersey is just what he needs to relax and unwind. But when he knocks on the B&B’s door and comes face to face with its sexy owner, relaxing drops to the bottom of his to-do list. Now all he wants is a tasty Summer treat, and he plans to savor the curvaceous beauty one delectable inch at a time.

Gage’s smoldering kisses turn Summer inside out, not to mention what he does to the rest of her body. But when it’s time for him to drive off into the sunset, she comes to a horrifying realization—she’s lost her heart.



EXCERPT:

Bells over the door chimed as Gage stepped past the threshold of Chase’s Bed and Breakfast. Ahhh… The house was much cooler than his ’71 Camaro. Why hadn’t he flown here instead of driving a classic car with no air conditioner in August? Because he was too damned impetuous for his own good.

As he waited for the elusive Summer, Gage recalled his aunt’s tale of the young widow. Summer Chase had opened a bed and breakfast after her husband died in a car accident. She’d needed the money. He felt sorry for her. It must have been tough to open her home to outsiders.

He heard shuffling and looked up. A woman stood in the doorway, clad in a turquoise one-piece bathing suit and matching sarong cover-up. He let his gaze travel the length of her. Luscious. Possibly the sexiest woman he’d ever seen. Hills and valleys in all the right places. The longest brown hair. He itched to tangle his fingers in it. Gage imagined her walking to him, naked, hair drifting around her bountiful body.

“Hello, can I help you?”

Ah, a lovely voice for a lovely woman. “Summer Chase?”

“Yes, and you are?”

Christ. He hadn’t expected her to look so damn edible.

He stood and held out his hand. “Gage Knight. My Aunt Bev is a friend of yours.”

She took his hand, and her eyes widened as she caught his words. “Little Gage?”

That damned nickname! His aunt would kill his personal life yet. “Please, just Gage.”

She laughed. “Of course, sorry about that. I’ve just heard so much about you. Heck, I feel like I know you.”

He liked her warm and inviting laugh. “All good things, I hope.”

She winked at him. “Mostly.”

“Well, don’t listen to the bad things. My aunt just likes to talk.”

“She’s a very dear lady.”

“About that. Did she happen to call and tell you I was coming?”

“Yep, she called.”

He smiled. “I was hoping you might be able to put me up for the week.”

“Did your Aunt Bev tell you I could keep you for the entire week?”

Heat filled his cheeks. “Not exactly. Until I got here, I wasn’t sure how long I’d be staying.”

Driving straight through from Ohio, stopping only for gas and bathroom breaks, had his muscles aching. Only a solid eight hours of sleep would help him feel alive
again. Thirty-two years old, and he was feeling it.

“Gage, you’re in luck. A couple had to cancel at the last minute, so I do have a room ready, and it’s available to you for the entire week as well.”

“Thank you! You’re a goddess.”

She laughed. “Follow me. You look like you could use a cold drink.”

She started out of the room, and Gage jumped at her offer. “I’d be forever grateful. The last leg of the trip was hot as blazes.”

She stopped and turned. “Your car doesn’t have air conditioning?”

“I drive a 1971 Camaro. The only air is from the open windows.”

She whistled and kept walking. “Wow. All the way from Ohio?”

“Unfortunately.”

When she entered the kitchen and headed for a cupboard, Gage leaned against the doorframe and scanned his surroundings. The kitchen was spacious and well lit by the many windows. He could see a deck out back. Since the house backed up to the beach, he wondered if she’d been sunning herself when he’d arrived.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Gage watched her precise movements. He could stare at the sway of her hips for hours and not get bored.

“Was the trip a last minute decision?” Summer asked as she reached into a cabinet to grab a couple of glasses.

“Yeah. I’m sort of burned out from work. I needed the R and R.”

“What do you do for a living?”

“Aunt Bev didn’t tell you?”

“If she did, I don’t remember.” She placed the glasses on the counter before grabbing a pitcher from the refrigerator. “Iced tea okay?”

“Is it sweetened?”

“Is there any other kind?”

He grinned. “Perfect.” She poured a glass, then handed it to him. “I’m a private investigator,” he said.

She poured herself a glass, then leaned against the counter and took a sip. Even watching her swallow the tea was sexy.

“A PI, huh? That sounds pretty exciting.”

He pried his gaze away from the elegant line of her neck, but was snared by the sight of her damp lips. An image of her sucking his cock sprang to mind. Christ, what was wrong with him?

“Uh, not as exciting as you might think,” he said. “I track down cheating spouses most of the time.”

“I’ll bet it’s more exciting than changing sheets and cleaning all day.”

He chuckled. “You do have a point there.” Then, after a beat of silence, he asked, “So, Summer, what do you do when you aren’t taking care of this place?”

“That pretty much fills my time. Not much room for recreation.”

“Ever?”

She shrugged. “I try to get out every once in awhile.”

Gage had the crazy urge to lick her, to taste every silky inch of her. From her rosy-cheeked face to her dainty coral-painted toes. He cleared his throat and asked, “Any place in particular?”

She pointed to the window behind her. “Just to the beach. I’ve lived near the ocean my entire life, but it never gets old for me.”

“I can see how it’d be addicting. Since I’m in the middle of farm country, I don’t get to see the ocean. I’m hoping to fix that.”

“Relaxing in the sun with a cold beer will definitely give you the relaxation you need.”

“And maybe a pretty lady to keep me company?”

Her cheeks turned a captivating shade of pink. “I could show you the hot spots around here if you like.”

“It’s a deal, Summer.”


and here's my inspiration for Gage :)

Friday, June 11, 2010

Write More...Faster Faster Faster

I've been wondering about something for quite awhile. Normally, I'm not a fast writer. I plod along, agonize a LOT and finally I'll reach that satisfying ending and no one could accuse me of being the writing energizer bunny. It's just not me. At the beginning of this year, I made it a goal of writing a book a month. Yes, a lofty goal for me and one that I know I won't make, at least not this year. I tried. I really did but life got seriously in the way. Illness in the family on several fronts and other assorted catastrophies stifled not only my creativity to put a damper on the whole 'speed thing'. My friends know that I often say....fast doesn't necessarily mean good. Developing layered characters, letting them fall in love and giving them a hot time between the sheets takes work, time, effort. Right?

Many of my friends are prolific. They write seemingly 24/7 and crank out the work so fast my head spins. I'm proud of them and love seeing their monthly releases because I know how hard they've worked to do this. I guess everyone is just different. Sometimes it bothers me that I'm not a speedy storyteller...at times I've been downright depressed over it.

Here's what I'm wondering though....is a release per month a good thing? Do you run the risk of over-exposure? I have never seen figures on this and I'm truly curious if there are statistics out there that say it's good or bad or hmmmm indifferent. On the other hand, if you don't have releases often enough, readers could forget all about you. I'm sooooo confused. I know many writers prefer something released every other month. That sounds good to me. I'm truly comfortable with that number. What do you think?

I know one thing though. Making a lame New Year's Resolution to push yourself beyond your comfort level is not for me. I won't be making that mistake again.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Writer's Block...share a tip!


We all have moments where the words just won’t come. The stress in our life, the deadline that’s looming, winter blues. Or in my case, summer and kids. Whatever the reason, we freeze up when we look at that blank document. Terror fills us. Suddenly, horrible thoughts start to bombard our bodies and minds. I’m a hack. I should hang up my pen. I can’t write my way out of a paper bag.

These are a few tips I've used.
1. An hour a day. If you work a full time job and the only time you have to write is at lunch or when the kids go to bed, then this is harder for you. Still, make yourself sit down and write. If the WIP isn’t working out—and it probably isn’t since we’re talking about writer’s block, lol—then switch to another project. Browse your mind and work up a new idea for a future book. Churn out some poetry. Write in your journal. Whatever, the key is to keep the creative juices flowing. 500 words or so, set a minimum for yourself. For some, that’s all it takes to break through that wall and get that WIP completed.

2. Read a good book. I do this all the time and I swear it helps keep me motivated. Whenever I’m feeling tied in knots, my mind is just a blank slate and there’s no chalk to be found, I pick up a book by one of my favorite authors and step away from the computer. I give myself over to their world for a little while. Even if it’s just for a few hours it refreshes me and I feel like I can dive into the annoying WIP again.

3. Exercise. When I’m on the treadmill or elliptical my mind tends to stray to the story I’m currently working on. There’s something about working up a sweat that helps clear my mind. It doesn’t always work, but quite often I’ll find myself mentally working on that next scene, the one that wouldn’t come before. Plus, you’ve burned off some of that damn chocolate. LOL

4. Grab a writing buddy. I don’t know why this works exactly. The competition maybe? Or is it simply that connection? Writers collaborating, chatting over ideas and getting the wheels turning. It’s sort of like exercising with a friend, I think. While you might slack off through the hard part if you were alone, having that friend there makes you want to ‘keep up’ as it were.

5. Take a walk down memory lane. One of the things that happens whenever I get blocked is I start to think really negative things about my own work. I start wondering why I ever got published to start with. Who do I think I am? Me, a writer? Yeah right! To keep those horrible thoughts from destroying my muse entirely, I go to my ‘good feedback’ folder. This is where I keep all the acceptance letters, good reviews, positive reader feedback, etc. I carefully sift through those various items and build my self-esteem back up, one small brick at a time. Soon, the wall is sturdy again and I can open that document and make another attempt at creating.
So, what’s your MO for murdering writer’s block? Do you have something specific that works for you? A method that helps keep you motivated? Tell the rest of us! Please!
and of course a few hunks to drool over! *g*



Now here's a guy that can wear pink and still look manly


Nice...towel

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Umm, what?



My husband and I went to see Iron Man 2 the other night (only okay, IMO). We got there early and before the previews started they played this Kia commercial were hamsters are rapping. I fully admit to cracking up while watching the thing, but it got me thinking. Where do they come up with this stuff?? I mean hamsters rapping? And what does that have to do with cars? It's a riot, but it works. I came home and you tubed the commercial where my husband and I laughed about it again. I've seen it on TV a couple times now and even though it leaves me wondering, WTF, I guess its doing it's job. What do you think?



Nine times out of ten commercials and just a really annoying way to interrupt my show, but once in a while, I actually enjoy them. What are some of your favorite commercials?

Calling all TRUE BLOOD Fans

I freely admit I'm a TrueBlood junkie. Over the past few months I've been re-watching season two, which was a wild, funny, sexy, over the top series of crazy. Along with the old episodes, Allan Ball and crew have treated fans to A Drop of True Blood, short clips of characters in mini-sodes designed to spike interest in the coming season. I'd say it has done the trick as far as I'm concerned. My critique of season two is mixed. The first part of the season found Jason at the Light of Day Institute learning the art of vamp killing and seeing first hand the prejudice and zealot behavior of the Reverand Newland and his sexy wife, Sara. Sookie and Bill, at the request of Eric (the hottest vampire on the planet), are in Dallas searching for Goddrick, who has gone missing. Back in Bon Temps, MaryAnn, takes over the town and turns those gullible, redneck humans into creatures she bends to her command. Personally, I liked the first part of season two better than the last part. All the stuff with Mary Ann, the craziness and the orgies got a little old after awhile. Others might disagree but I was soon ready to go back to the Dallas Vamps and wanted to see more of them.


Season Three will offer up more of Sam's shapeshifter past. I'm looking forward to that because who doesn't love Sam? He is brave, selfless, and willing to give all for those he loves. Yes, I'm ready for more of Sam. Tara will have a new love interest and so will dumb but oh so sexy Jason. Tensions will ratchet up between Sookie and Eric and then season three will see the introduction of werewolves into the series. Is anyone else as excited as I to see more of that? BTW...did anyone see the clip of werewolf Alcide? Whoa. Total hotness.

Now that excitement about season three is ratched up a notch or ten, what do you hope to see in Season Three?

Monday, June 7, 2010

tired and fuzzy




I'm home from the Lori Foster event and tired as hell. LOL I just can't seem to function worth a crap today. Amazing how something like this just zaps you of energy, huh?



I had a great time. Saw some old friends, met a few new ones and sold some books. Overall a great time! I'm not even going to try and recap this event. All I can say is that it's one of the best events because it feels like we're all just having fun with friends. Sort of like going to a family reunion. You get to catch up with everyone that you haven't seen for awhile, exchange email addresses, and have a few fuzzy navels (thanks to Pam! lol).



While I hung out with the other authors and readers, my kids and hubby went off and did their thing. They saw two movies, shopped, ate lunch out, and vegged in the hotel room. Oh, and Kati bought a snake. Meet Salizar. LOL


And of course there were folks that I would've loved to see. Kelley and Regina, I wish you both could've attended, that would've made the event complete for me!

And now, because I'm so brain dead I'm going to leave you with a few hunks!
And now I'm off to exercise. I went Friday to Sunday without even looking at my exercise DVDs and it felt good, I'm not gonna lie. LOL But the fantasy is over. Time to sweat, and not in the good way either!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Convention Season Means Promo Items

It struck me the other day that convention season is truly upon us. Many of my friends did the whole Romantic Times thing in April and now many are spending their weekend at the Lori Foster event. Convention season has officially kicked off and many more are right around the corner. Me? I'm doing Ellora's Cave's RomantiCon in October. I would MISS this huge, fun party. EC will celebrate their ten year anniversary with a Roaring 20's theme that will be over the top entertaining and personally, I can't wait to hook up with my friends again.

So when June hit, I suddenly realized it was only four months until the event and I'm thinking....what the HELL am I going to bring? Promo! Ack! I already know I'm putting together a big basket of stuff to offer up as a door prize. Last year, any time we were all congregated together gifts were handed out and wow, some of the prizes were off the charts cool. So yeah, it was a no brainer for me to decide to contribute something this year.

The other night I visited my friendly Vista Print, bought new business cards, picked up some magnets and postcards. I realize the postcards will make nice bookmarks but most likely they'll eventually be tossed in the trash. So now I'm looking for more promo ideas. I'm needing things that are relatively small and easily toted onto a plane for my cross country trip. Pens are good. I like pens. But I'm definitely ordering more magnets because, frankly, I just like them. I have an entire side of my fridge covered with magnets I've collected from different authors over the years. Truly unique ideas are hard to come by though and I'll be the first to admit, I'm running out of idea. So what do you think?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Contest Winner!

Okay, I've decided to pick 3 winners instead of 1. I had so many enter the BODY RUSH contest that it seemed unfair to pick just one winner. So, the three winners are:


Cecile
Ana O
Miranda W


Send me an email with your mailing address and I'll get your prize out to you as soon as I can!
Thanks to ALL for entering. It was thrilling to see so many readers excited about my new release. :)


And since I'm going to be gone for the next three days (heading to the Lori Foster Get Together), I thought I'd leave you with something tasty...





Oh, and if you're attending the event, please grab me and say hi! :)

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Vacations!



Like Regina said yesterday, summer is here! It's crazy and the year just flew by. It feels like yesterday at I was on this blog saying I couldn't believe my oldest was starting kindergarten. Feels like I went to bed, woke up and now she's graduating kindergarten. I'm realizing as the years keep speeding by at a faster rate that we don't get these years back. My kids are six and two and we've NEVER been on a family vacation. My hubby and I sat down and talked about it recently and we're finding a way to MAKE it happen this year. We have to. The kids aren't getting any yonger and I want these memories of our family. I want to see things with them and want to fill photo albums of all our family times.

Granted, it probably won't be a big trip, but I don't think that matters. What will matter is we're together. That we will be spending time with our girls and showing them things they've never seen. We live in Southern California and are looking to do something relatively close to us and something that won't cost TOO much. I need some ideas! What are some family trips you've gone on? Have any sugesstions for us?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer...It's HERE

I woke up this morning, June 1, and realised that YES summer is here and half the year is gone. What the hell happened to those nice little New Year's Resolutions I made back when snow was on the ground and we were all freezing our rear ends off? I wanted to lose some weight. Okay, I've done some of that but not enough so that anyone would really notice. The big resolution however was to write at least a book a month. Ummmm. What the HELL was I thinking?

So far the number is four. Okay, that's not bad but it certainly isn't what I'd hoped for. Instead of writing steadily as I'd wanted that pesky 'real life' got completely in the way. Granted they were very big real life issues so I can life with that. So I reckon when next January rolls around I'll not be quite so ambitious. A little more realism is in order. There actually is nothing at all wrong with writing six books in a year or seven, is there. And yes, sometimes unexpected things happen in life and we have to deal. Dealing is what we DO, after all. In the end, we sigh, shake our heads at all that New Year optimism and do what must be done. There's no shame in that.

In other news, Drilled (April, EC) was named by the lovely Lila at Two Lips Reviews to receive their Reviewers Choice for the month of June. YAY!!!! What a great honor. Check it out HERE!