The Romance Studio

Writing What I know

2008-07-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have long heard new authors told to write what they know. And I admit, for a long time I aspired to do just this. It made sense, that writing what I knew would equate to a story based on sound logic and on-the-job research. However, I then realized just how boring writing what one knows gets to be in the long run. I also discovered what a huge research buff I am, particularly when it comes to historical novels.

Lately, I write a mix--settings I often don't know but get to experience if only via countless hours of research and characters I might not know well in the beginning, but whose traits I do often know and may even share. I really enjoy this mix of old-time logic and new-found fun. It means making the story for me is as appealing as I hope the outcome will be for the reader. Of course, old habits do have a way of dying hard. And so for my newest Kensington Aphrodisia title, which officially releases this coming Tuesday, the 29th, I found myself again writing what I know.

Sweet and Sinful takes place in an area much like the one where I live. There are two heroines in the stories within. One shares my day job and many of my personal traits. The other shares the day job of a good friend and colleague, and many of her personal traits. I found writing certain aspects of this story went down really easy. And then I found certain aspects, like seeing the characters beyond the women I shaped them around, came awfully hard. Regardless, I still hope the end result is as as appealing to the readers as the process of the stories was to me!

Speaking of that old and new trend, do you have a preference as to what you read, or write? Do you like to enjoy experiencing the all new each time, or interspersing a bit of the old and new?

~ jodi

http://www.jodilynncopeland.com/

Goddesses, Gods and Warrior Angels

2008-07-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm writing in a different genre, far from my historical dramas - an urban fantasy in first person POV. It's a challenge to change directions, but it's exhilirating and has so far, been a blast. It's amazing the research that goes behind this story of mine, especially mythology and esoteric philosophies. It's as intensive as my historicals. Can't seem to get away from it. *grin*

My protagonist is a priestess with a secret. My antagonist is an angel with a secret. There wouldn't be a good story without conflict, so hence, all the secrets! Keeping the secrets straight is my job, but sometimes, my characters take a u-turn or else travel down a different path. I had a writer ask me once what I did when my characters veered from my story. I reel them in and forcibly make them tread on the path I've created for them. After all, I'm in charge of the story - at least - I like to have this illusion that I'm in control.

In the Shadow of the Goddess, unedited excerpt (subject to change!), Vicki Gaia, copyright, 2008:

Across the bay, the Golden Gate's trestles flickered orange-red from behind gray mist. A cold picture of orange-red steel illuminated by the full moon and street lamps. Strange were the black mass of ravens clustered around the bridge struts. I pulled at the collar of my thick wool sweater, a deep black mass of fear overwhelming my confidence.

Tendrils of fog rose up the cliffs like clinging ivy. Any moment I'd be shrouded in damp, dreary mist, blotting out the twinkling lights of the city. I prayed this wasn't an omen of things to come.

The overhead branches rustled and the angel stepped out from the shadows. My neck cramped from looking up. Long disheveled hair glittered silver in the moonlight, dusting his shoulders, creating a cobweb of tangles. A face ageless and beautiful, and ravaged by eternity.

“The ravens lining the bridge struts failed to herald your entrance.” I said, using my sarcasm to sharpen my wit.

The angel bowed, his arm sweeping in an arch. "Your goddess sends her most trusted servant to meet with me. I'm honored."

"I'm no servant, and you asked for me." I spit out the words through clenched teeth, the angel's terrifying beauty blinding. "Why did you ask for this meeting?"

"Information, of course."

The angel's insufferable white toothed smile provoked me. Angels weren't fluffy sweet cherubs strumming their harps in the sky. By nature, they were dangerous and cunning and shrewd.

He sniffed the air and the atmosphere thickened. An angel's perfection was well known, but this one different, somehow. It showed in the hollow depth of his cheekbones, his eyes and tight mouth. Only for a fraction. But it was enough for me to sense his wariness. A feathery tinge in my stomach warned to be alert. An inner alarm I never ignored.

This angel was special. Very special. So special it make my blood curl.

Ratlines, puzzle boxes and Paris 1945

2008-07-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

EBOOK ISBN: 978-1-58749-677-7
GENRE: WWII Historical romance
AUTHOR: Vicki Gaia
AVAILABLE FILE FORMATS: HTML for the computer, PDF for the computer, MS Reader for the PC and Pocket PC, Mobipocket for Palm Pilo, SONY Reader compatible, print

PURCHASE: http://www.awe-struck.net or Amazon.com

Light in a Hollow Place is the final book in Vicki Gaia's World War II Trilogy, Warring Hearts. In a Parisian hospital, Richard Hart fears that his blindness may be permanent, as well as the nightmarish episodes. Faced with his disability and fearing he's losing his grip on his sanity, the last person he wishes to see is his fiancée, Claire O'Neill. Claire comes to Paris, convinced her love will lead Richard through this, and resolute about starting their life together after the war.

But as Richard's episodes grow worse, he pushes Claire further away. When a dashing stranger shows an interest in Claire, she fears the gulf between her and Richard may be too great to overcome. German Ratlines, puzzle boxes, love triangles, and intrigue lead up to the final conclusion of Warring Hearts.

After the liberation of Paris, high-ranking Nazis begin to flee the continent rather than face trial for their war crimes. Richard's friend and handler, Leslie Havens, is in Paris to stop them, and force them to answer to justice. Although Richard's eyesight returns, his episodes become debilitating. To get his mind off his problems, he convinces Leslie to let him help in the case.

Together they set out to discover who is behind the German ratline in France.

Suspicious that his father's in Paris, Richard doesn't believe for one second that he's here for humanitarian purposes, and to assist in cataloguing stolen artworks to get them to their rightful owners. Eduard Roth's propensity towards illegal activities makes him a leading suspect.

Leslie Havens has his own problems when his ex-lover, Frank Simon, arrives. Unbeknownst to Frank, Leslie brought along his present lover, Aaron Stein, to keep his bed warm. Torn between the lover with him now, and the one he never forgot, Leslie must come to terms with his true desire.

Puzzle boxes, relationship triangles, ratlines and intrigue lead up to the final conclusion of Warring Hearts.

Read excerpts and more at: http://www.vickigaia.com/Light.htm

I'll be checking back online, but first, I need to go get a strong cup of coffee! I'm on vacation, enjoying the beach. This morning I woke up to a foggy coastline :) It beats the intense heat of Arizona, and I'm enjoying the cooler weather. It usually burns off by the late morning, and then it's walks on the beach and breathing in the wonderful salt air. Love it!

Happy Reading!
Vicki Gaia
http://www.vickigaia.com/

I Can't Get Rid Of These People

2008-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new novel these days. It's called Impossible. It's a story of a young professional woman who feels all love relationships are impossible albeit the fact that she's just caught her husband in bed with another woman. Before she married she had a string of ill fitting boyfriends. Now, she's taken a job in Northeastern Vermont way up on the Canadian Border and hoping to keep love out of her life forever.But can she? As I'm writing and creating scenes and characters, I sometimes find I can't get rid of them even when I need to. Often I'm in the grocery store hunting for peanut butter, (low fat, low calorie of course) and suddenly, I realize my character should have said something different then what I wrote just a few hours earlier. The other day, I almost drove into the rear end of another car when I was daydreaming about a new scene.I spoke with other novelists and they tell me this is perfectly normal, and I shouldn't fret about it, but I can't help but wonder if these people will ever leave me alone!They come to bed with me and haunt my dreams. They take showers with me, and they follow me around as I do laundry and sweep the floor. I guess the only way to get rid of them is to finish the book and get it out on the bookshelves. I think my characters are really dying to live with someone else for a change!Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

A LITLE RELATIONSHIP MUSING....

2008-07-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Doctor's Deception
Kathleen Grieve
Champagne Rosebud
180 Pages Spicy
Print/Ebook _Release Date 06/25/08
Print ISBN:1-60154-287-9

How much does a past heartache impact a future relationship? I guess it would depend how much your heart had been involved, right? But doesn't your brain tell you one thing and your emotions another? Which do you listen to?

How many times have you said, "That's it! I'm through with dating!" Or, "I'll never get involved with someone like...."

I'd wondered if we fall into the same old habits because it is comfortable? So, even though we are determined not to fall for the same type of person, we seem to be attracted to someone with similar traits or habits?

Then, the the old cliche bumped me about how opposites attract. That can certainly be said for some romance novels. Definitely the earlier romance stories. I mean, take a look at Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice~one of my most favorite romances of all time.

What attracts one person to another? There are those physical characteristics that may call your attention to someone else. Your heart beats just a little faster. Butterflies tingle in the pit of your stomach. Anticipation heightens your senses at the mere thought of seeing someone again. Great sensations that course through your body, making you feel really good.

But what if you have an agenda? A task so important to you, that you're determined to complete it before allowing yourself to commit? This is a complication that arises in my book, THE DOCTOR'S DECEPTION. My heroine, nurse Faith Daniels wants to become a doctor in her own right. She'd put herself in a "dating exile" in order to focus on her goal, not wanting to allow any distractions to derail her. This is easy for her at first, because of her past heartache.

Then throw in the delectable Dr. Stone Lassiter into the mix. His own goal puts Faith right on his radar, but his own complicated past muddles the situation. The physical attraction between the two of them is one thing but their brains tell them something all together different.

A fun story to write because the relationship that unfolded between Stone and Faith
was entertaining to say the least. I'm not a plotter, but a pantser. I sort of have a general idea of where I want my story to go, but by the time I'm finished with a chapter and read the outcome, I sit back and think, "Whoa! Well, that was unexpected!"

Here's a little bit more about THE DOCTOR'S DECEPTION, my debut novel. I want to thank The Romance Studio for the opportunity to guest blog today.

Blurb:

Heart Surgeon Stone Lassiter has successfully transplanted beating hearts. It's his own that is causing him the most agony. With a death bed promise to his fiancée, he’s driven to open a transplant center in her hometown, and arrives at Deerborne County General Hospital . Single minded in his focus, he inadvertently alienates the nursing staff he needs to make his dream a success. He sets his stethoscope on intensive care nurse, Faith Daniels, to improve his image.
Nurse of the Year, Faith Daniels has passed every nursing exam, but when faced with the task of the MCAT, she has severe test anxiety. Burned by her ex-husband, who used her while she put him through law school, she has become focused on passing that darn exam, and achieving her own dream to become a doctor in her own right.
Will the white lie Stone tells Faith jeopardize the love they find?

Excerpt:

Faith opened the door and there he stood. She'd seen Dr. Lassiter in a suit and tie before. He didn't always wear scrubs while in the unit. But she should've known after her traitorous reaction to him lately, that tonight would be different--more personal.

Her breath caught.

Okay, to be fair, she did want his body. She could admit that freely to herself.
His honey blonde hair was damp and curled slightly at his collar. From the wet look, he'd waited until the last minute to get ready. Nothing vain about this man. The dark dinner jacket he wore accentuated his powerful shoulders and broad chest. The white shirt set a sharp contrast to his tan skin. Her fingers itched to loosen the simple black silk tie and unbutton the top buttons of his shirt to get to what lay underneath.

"Hello, Faith."

Slowly exhaling, she silently whistled and gazed into his eyes. Jeez, get a grip. Here she was undressing him before the evening had even begun. But, the heat radiating from the brown depths set off fire alarms in her brain.

Finally. Melted chocolate. Her gaze flew to his lips. How would he taste?
Try as she might, there was no shutting out reality. Her stomach quivered in tandem with her thoughts.

Oh, my.

"Hi, Dr. Lassiter," she said, breathless.

This is not a date. This is not a date. This is not…
His lips curved.

Order your copy at WWW.THEWILDROSEPRESS.COM or a print copy at www.amazon.com
myspace.com/kathleengail789
WWW.KATHLEENGRIEVE.COM
Keeping A Pulse on Life & Romance Blog at http://kathleengrieve.blogspot.com/

Acheron - A Dark Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-07-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

TRS has been given the chance by St. Martin's Press to bring you an advance screening of the video trailer for Sherrilyn's book this weekend before it's official release tomorrow!

The Howl and the Pussycat by Ann Cory

2008-07-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

I’m rolling in confetti! The Howl and the Pussycat is available now from Samhain Publishing http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-howl-and-the-pussycat and is already at #4 on the Top Ten List!

If you’re looking for a fun and sexy short story to escape with, this is one I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Blurb –

Jacqueline’s sexy little Red Riding Hood outfit was supposed to rekindle her boyfriend’s flagging interest. Instead she’s red in the face and dumped for another woman. To add to the indignity, she finds herself pursued into the woods by a wolf.

Somehow she manages to escape, only to end up with two new pains—a twisted ankle, and a sexy rescuer who claims he’s been searching for her all his life.

After several decades of searching, Baldric is surprised that his destined mate is a provocative human woman with a catty attitude. Hardly a perfect match for a werewolf, but there can be no other partner for him. To seduce the woman he’s hungered for all his life, he’ll have to convince her hardened heart that he’s capable of love. And do it without scaring her off with the truth—that underneath his hard body beats the loyal heart of a wolf.

For an excerpt, please click here: http://www.anncory.com/the_howl_and_the_pussycat.shtml

Her day couldn’t get any worse—until the wolf shows up.
The Howl and the Pussycat – available now

~Ann Cory
http://www.anncory.com
Magical Seduction

Window into my world

2008-07-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

It seems I’m always struggling for something to talk about when my blogging day comes around. Me, the woman who could normally talk the leg off an iron pot, according to my hubby. So no witty and funny posts for y’all today, I’m afraid. Maybe instead, I’ll share my little area of

Australia

with you, or at least the view from my office.

That view is very much to the forefront of my mind right now because we’ve just received a verbal offer on the sale of the motel we run. Now I know that doesn’t mean a lot to y’all, but it means the world to me. Because it means I can then go back to being a full-time writer again. That, my friends, is a dream come true, although I will say, I’ll miss the view from my office.

Okay, I’ll admit it, my office is a mess, but that’s not really what I want to share with you. Check this out!

Or these!

Or how about my feathered friends who join me whenever I sit on the balcony with my laptop?

Everyone should have their own little bit of space where they can get away from the world, but I’ve been particularly fortunate.

Writer or reader, what’s the view like from your window? Where do you go to escape and dream?

Alexis Fleming
Daring desires...otherworldly seductions
http://www.alexisfleming.net
http://www.alexisfleming.net/blog

Women Who Work From Home

2008-07-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Women Who Work From Home
By N.J. Walters

Work is challenging at the best of times. You run as hard as you can, and most days it feels as if you’ll never get ahead. But when the end of the work day comes, you turn off your computer, pack up your stuff, and head home to your family. You focus your brain away from work and on to other things.

That’s the way it hopefully works. Sometimes the job follows you home for the occasional weekend or evening. It’s a pain in the butt, but you do what you have to do. Now imagine if the job never ended. If it consumed your life twenty-four/seven. The boss is always demanding and there is always something that you should have done yesterday.

Welcome to the world of the writer.

Whether you’re a full-time writer, or managing to fit it in around your day job, the work of a writer never ends. Only a tiny fraction of writers ever make the “big” money, the rest of us just try and make a living, or something that resembles a living. And in order to do that you have to work non-stop.

Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of perks to being a full-time writer. I can work when I want, take a day off when I want, skip out early and see a movie on a rainy afternoon. On the other hand, there is no guaranteed paycheck coming in every second week, nor are there benefits or insurance. If I don’t work, I don’t eat. It’s that simple. There is a lot of motivation behind that last statement. It’s what keeps me at my keyboard daily.

You have to be self-disciplined to be a writer. There is no one to remind you daily to sit down and do the work. There is no boss to dock you if you’re late. It’s a lonely job, but it is rewarding in too many ways to even begin to describe.

Then there is the extra work that comes with being a writer—editing, promoting, managing blogs and newsletters, and chats and websites. It’s neverending.

And therein lies the largest problem most writers, and indeed ALL those women who work from home, face. Balance. We all tend to lose our balance.

Because the computer is always there, we tend to work. I write in the morning. It’s my most productive time. After that, I have to check in on a slew of chat groups (which have hundreds and hundreds of posts to skim), answer emails, blog, and update my website. And that’s only if there is nothing special happening. Many days there are extras—guest blogs, promotional events, ad copy to write, a newsletter to get out. Then there are edits and getting ready to launch your next book. There are many nights I’m still answering email just before I go to bed. You get the idea.

I’ve also found I’m the worse boss I’ve ever had. LOL I work myself hard and feel guilty if I take a break. That’s the trap that many work-from-home women fall into.
After several years of writing full-time, I’m still attempting to find balance in my life, to start making ME a priority alongside the work. It’s not easy. The only way I’ve found is to actually schedule in time for it.

Friday afternoons, when there is a good movie at the theatre, my hubby and I go to the matinee. It’s something we both enjoy and it allows me to shut my mind off work for a few hours. I’m trying to start scheduling in exercise breaks. I’ve put on ten pounds since staying home to work full-time. Not surprising since the job requires me sitting on my butt all day. And Saturday is my day off! Belive it or not, it took me a while to stop feeling guilty about that one and I’ll sometimes sneak in a few hours work answering emails.

I’m also trying to revive some interest in hobbys long gone by the wayside. It’s not easy because reading was my favorite hobby, but that’s also work-related. So, I’m trying to shift away from that a bit and allow time for other things.

It’s a constant work-in-progress, ebbing and flowing with the workload. The main thing is to recognize the need for balance and to constantly seek it.

What do you do to maintain balance in your life? Inquiring minds want to know!

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com/
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)
A Legal Affair—Samhain Publishing—July 15th
Jackson’s Jewel—Ellora’s Cave—July 25th

My TBR (To Be Read) Shelves

2008-07-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

I know... I've teased some of you endlessly with mention of my TBR shelves, which, at last count, held over 2000 books. Currently, they're empty -- but don't panic (heck, I'm trying not to, but I still hyperventilate when I look at my beautiful and very lonely shelves), my books are still in boxes.

I took some pictures before packing for the big move, and I thought it was time I showed you I really mean it when I say I'm a book addict. Ready? Here goes (click on pictures for larger versions):

Yes folks, once again, those shelves only hold books waiting to be read. And yes, I do occasionally wander into that room and complain about having nothing to read.

I should mention that the books are, of course, alphabetized by author. And those little shelves within the shelves you see? They're custom-made risers built by my grandfather so I could double the amount of bookshelf space I have.

Lacey
http://www.laceysavage.com

TEDDI TURNS ON

2008-07-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

AVAILABLE NOW
Magnificent Men of Munich Series

Teddi Turns On

Aspen Mountain Press

Buy Link http://aspenmountainpress.com:80/new-releases/teddi-turns-on/prod_135.html

BLURB:

No one’s going to take advantage of Teddi Howard again, including the Munich tour operator who screwed her over when he reneged on their contract. Her only option is to face the little weasel.

Nothing stands in the way of the prominent, German businessman David Stiefle, especially a woman. No way is he ever getting involved, even if she is the sensual Mrs. Howard.

EXCERPT:

David Stiefel’s eyes kept track of the copper-haired female while he rolled up the sleeves of his striped shirt. The woman was oblivious to the stir she created as she strolled through the crowded O’Hare Airport Business Class Lounge. He stroked an index finger over his lips and studied her sleek figure in form fitting slacks. The appealing rear view was too good to miss. The pleasure of not seeing a panty line forced him to shift in his chair to adjust for the sudden pull in his jeans.

She bent over, hung her jacket across the chair back, and glanced over her shoulder at him. Their gaze held as a smile tweaked the corner of his mouth. He crumpled the wrappings from his beef sandwich and knew he’d just been offered dessert. Now all he had to do was make his move.

As his good luck would have it, right there on the floor, just a few meters away was an airline ticket dropped by some unsuspecting person. He knew that delicious looking woman had done it as a ploy to meet him.

He stood and paced off the few steps, never taking his eyes from her. He stooped, scooped up the packet, and walked the few extra feet before he glanced at the name printed in bold marker across the front. When he held it toward her she fumbled with her purse and carry-on as if she didn’t know she’d lost such an important set of documents. Very cool.

Standing in front of her, he leaned down just enough to catch her scent. Shalimar. His favorite.

“Bitte, Frau, are you missing something?” He liked the way her eyes widened as if she were surprised. She was good.

“Thank you.” She reached out a slender hand. Thank God there wasn’t any of that garish nail art so many women seemed to prefer.

BUY LINK http://aspenmountainpress.com:80/new-releases/teddi-turns-on/prod_135.html

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey...Hotter than Hell
Francine On Fire www.aspenmountainpress.com
French Twist www.eternalpress.ca
www.sloanetaylor.com www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor

Sneak Peek

2008-07-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is the cover of the ARCs for Knight's Fork that I'm doing privately. Knight's Fork is most definitely not about cutlery. It's about a White Knight with a dark secret side, and a dilemma.

For the next few days, there's an ARC being given away to one of the people who comments on the Rowena Cherry Author Feature at:

http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=460

I'm also giving away another ARC in one of the contests being run from my website.

Best wishes,
Rowena Cherry

The Vampire Oracle: Chalice

2008-07-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Vampire Oracle: Chalice by Ericka Scott is available now at Cobblestone Press

Reclusive vampire Sapphire McKenzie lives in her penthouse apartment with fortress-like security run by her AI computer, Van. She’s been hailed as the greatest armchair detective since Mycroft Holmes and has solved every case she’s ever been asked to investigate – and even some she hasn’t.

Her ex-lover, Drake Chastain, is a retired basketball star living off his fame and fortune until women he’s dated begin disappearing, then reappearing…dead.. With Drake framed for murder, Sapphire has to leave behind the safety of her home to save the man she loves…or die trying.

EXCERPT:

Fighting back a swell of nausea, Sapphire watched the shadow under the door recede. Whoever had attacked her apparently wanted her alive, and not dead. She pressed a hand to her temple and shuddered when it came away sticky with blood. Or perhaps he just wanted her to die slowly. She hadn’t lost a lot of blood, but being unable to manufacture more of the precious life force put a crimp in her situation. She needed to feed.

She knew she had recovered from the blow to her head much faster than her attacker had anticipated. Then she’d hidden in her closet. Now, if she could just get him to open the door…

She rested her ear against the thick wooden panel, hoping to get a clue as to his location. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on picking up the tiniest of sounds, and was rewarded when she heard a flurry of noise. Running footsteps, a slamming door, and then…silence. Had her attacker been disturbed? Or had he just left her to die? She slowly twisted the door knob and pushed, but the door remained stubbornly closed.

It was insane. No doors in her penthouse locked of their own accord. Access to all rooms, heating, air-conditioning, and security—indeed, absolutely everything inside the apartment was controlled by her assistant, Van Helsing. She had always known people were not a good security risk. Someone downstairs had to have let the intruder onto her floor and disabled the alarm when the security system was breached. That’s why she’d created Van.

He was the perfect assistant, simply because he wasn’t human. Van was an artificially intelligent computer program she’d designed five years ago. No way would he ever turn against her. Perhaps he thought that by keeping her locked away, he was keeping her safe.

She raised her fists to start banging and shouting for help, when the small amount of light seeping under the door dimmed.

Damn it. The intruder hadn’t left after all.

Her first moan was unintentional. But the intruder paused, as if he were listening. So she moaned again.

“Come closer, you bastard, and open the door. I’ll give you a taste of pain,” she murmured under her breath. Then she moaned again, theatrically.

This time, she clearly heard someone approach the door.

She put her hand on the knob and felt it turn. Whoever was on the other side was strong; the door shuddered. But it obstinately stayed shut.

“Well then, don’t open, damn it.” A male voice cursed.

Sapphire went still. She knew that voice. Drake Chastain? If Drake had broken into her apartment and hit her on the head with a baseball bat, then he was surely responsible for the disappearances and deaths of all those other women. The world spun dizzily for a moment. But if he were responsible, then she was wrong about everything. In which case, being locked up was the safest place for her for the time being.

The door shuddered under her hand again.

“Oh, please,” Sapphire murmured. “Don’t open.”

To her surprise and chagrin, the door swung wide and sunlight flashed in, blinding her.

Although she couldn’t see, she did the only thing that came to mind. She lunged out, fangs bared, and prepared to dispense with her attacker before he killed her first.

A spitting wildcat was Drake’s only thought as he held the tall, thin redhead at arm’s length. Once again, he was glad for his height and long reach. A hurricane brewed in the depths of Sapphire’s sea-green eyes, and with each toss of her head a sinister hiss slid through her gleaming fangs. She kicked out at him with her long legs and managed to land a few blows dangerously close to his balls.

He didn’t want to risk her disabling him, so he tossed her into the middle of the bed.

“Damn it woman, I’m here to rescue you.”

He braced himself for impact when she pulled up into a crouch. She stared at him, her breath coming in harsh gasps. That’s when he saw blood and a fast-coloring bruise on the side of her beautiful face. Instinctively, he reached out to push her long curly hair aside and take a closer look at her injuries.

She flinched, as if she expected him to hit her.

“What happened?” he whispered. “You’re hurt.”

“As if you don’t know. You broke in and attacked me.”

“No, I didn’t. ” Drake shook his head. “Your apartment security had already been breached when I arrived. You can ask Chester; he’ll back me up.” Drake hoped so, anyway.

“Chester? Management fired him six months ago.”

“What? But—I –” Caught off guard, Drake motioned behind him, as if he could miraculously conjure up the doorman to substantiate his story. When he looked back at Sapphire, she was smiling. “What?”

“Nothing.”

It might have been nothing, but her smile changed her entire demeanor. To his relief, he realized she was no longer afraid of him.

“Well, if you didn’t break in, who did?”

“You didn’t see who attacked you?”

“Nope.” Sapphire shook her head, and then grimaced with pain. “I only heard the whoosh of air right before something hit me. I take it you didn’t see anyone, either?”

“I wasted the opportunity. When I first came in, I thought there might be someone in the kitchen, but I came to the bedroom instead. As soon as my back was turned, I heard someone running. Then the front door slammed.”

“You didn’t go after them?” Sapphire’s voice sounded odd, and Drake shot a sharp look in her direction.

“Are you okay?”

She raised her hand to her forehead, and before Drake could cross the room, she fell, hitting her head on the footboard of the bed.

He lifted her off the floor and placed her in the center of her bed. Then he ran a hand across the back of his neck. He recognized her symptoms and knew what she needed. Blood. She’d obviously lost just enough to make her weak. She’d need to feed…and soon.

His cock hardened as he looked at her. She was dressed for bed in a filmy white nightgown that showed off more than it hid from view. He could see her nipples through the fabric, and at the junction of her thighs was a mound of darkness he knew hid the pink lips of her sex. The soft curve of her breasts rose and fell with each breath she took. It had been over two years, but he could still remember the feel of their weight in his hands. He ached to touch her, to taste her. To fuck her. All he had to do was climb onto the bed with her. She needed him.

No. He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned away. She didn’t need him. She needed blood. Anyone’s blood. She had a stable of young studs on whom she fed regularly. It was also a given that her nightly feeding was probably accompanied by a generous dessert of sex. Yet the thought of her being with someone else, even if there were no feelings involved, sickened him.

She had left him. He was the one who had called her, sent flowers, and tried everything to win her back. But she had spurned all his efforts. So what made him think she’d want him now? Hell, just a few minutes ago, she’d seemed convinced he was the one who’d attacked her.

Yet…he glanced back over at her thin build, and his heart tugged painfully in his chest. He still loved her. It would only take one word from her, and he’d offer up his neck and his heart.

Sapphire stirred and moaned, her hand fluttering to her head. Then she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Hell, it didn’t even take a word.

Heat coiled up from her belly. She had wanted Drake for so long. It had taken every ounce of willpower she had not to call him. Now, he was here. She had to clench her hands in the bedspread to keep from leaping from the bed and tearing off his clothes. But this had to be something he wanted, too.

When a look of indecision flitted across his features, her heart shattered. She had caused him so much pain, of course he was going to just walk away. It would be so much easier for both of them if he did.

His eyes bore into hers before he turned toward the door. A whimper of pain and regret filled the air, and with a start, she realized it came from her. She closed her eyes and forced back the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. Although it would break her heart if he left, she wasn’t going to let him see her cry.

A rough thud made her jump. She opened her eyes and blinked in surprise. Drake had shut the door and propped a chair under the knob to jam it shut.

He turned to her with a grin and a shrug. “The lock wouldn’t work.” Then he paused, as if suddenly realizing she’d thought he was going to leave. His grin widened, and he struck an erotic pose and waggled his eyebrows at her. From where he was standing, Sapphire had a perfect view of his front, and his back was reflected in the full-length mirror on her bedroom door. He blew her a kiss, and then slid his hand up and down his torso before unbuttoning one button on his shirt.

She started to get up, but he motioned for her to stay still. Then he undid another button and shifted his pose. Through his tight slacks, the muscles in his butt clenched.

Heat flamed between Sapphire’s thighs, and she ached for his cock as much as she hungered for his blood.

His hands hovered over the next button. But instead of slipping it through the material, he grasped the shirt and pulled it off over his head in one graceful movement. His chest and arm muscles rippled, but before she could get a good look at him, he turned his back, teasing her. He rocked his hips to music only he could hear, and she suddenly realized he was undoing his belt. She heard the rough rasp of his zipper and found she was holding her breath.

_____________
Copyright 2008 Ericka Scott

www.erickascott.com

What else do you read?

2008-07-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

As a writer I often find myself falling back on my non-romance reading side. I love sci-fi and horror and maybe even just plain old erotic. I find that reading these genres keeps my romance writing fresh. It keeps me grounded in the need to tell a good story.

So today I would love for others to chime in and tell me what else you read besides romance and what are some of your favorite authors.

For me, my recent jaunt into the sci-fi arena has lead me to Octavia Bulter who writes a good story. I am now reading a compilation of three of her stories call 'Lilith's Brood'. It's very dark, and so not the happy ending I am used to. ( I also sneaked in a reread of Harry Potter's seventh book. I think I might actually love Snape a little. He is the ULTIMATE tortured hero. OMG!)

Okay enough of that. I want hear about you adventures outside of romancing.

Leila Brown
www.leilabrown.com
www.leilabrown.blogspot.com
~Addictive Erotic Romance You Can't Resist~

Featured Member at TRS for July!

2008-07-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a featured author over at The Romance Studio Blue Pages for the month of July. I'm chatting about the Awakening Desires series and my upcoming Ellora’s Cave Publishing book, Jackson's Jewel, which will be released on July 25th.

Check it out!

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!

http://www.njwalters.com/

A Legal Affair--Samhain Publishing--July 15th

Jackson's Jewel--Ellora's Cave--July 25th

Fabulous Flirting Fun

2008-07-03T05:10:00.000-07:00

My spouse and I are placing boulders around our pond and as a result we’ve made frequent trips to the garden centers. As with most plans, they change, and subsequently, an arbor has been created and a gazebo is in the planning stages. A couple of days ago, as my husband was situating cement and treated lumber in our vehicle, I was returning one of those long bed trolley carts. I’m not familiar enough with the device to tell you what its proper title is―I called her “Nellie”.

As in, “Whoa Nellie”.

The man’s toes barely missed being crushed under the wheels of the cart.
He jerked his sandaled feet back.

I straightened my BSU ball cap, pulled the pony tail tighter, and sheepishly grinned. “Sorry, I’m not sure how to drive this thing.”

“That’s all right. I’ll take it from you.” He shot a hundred watt smile in my direction.

I tilted my cap, in order to search his face for falsity, or anger. None. He’d been sincere. No aggression from smashing his bare toes into the pavement. Now confident, I grabbed Nellie’s metal bar handle and swung her around. His fingers slid over mine as he quickly grabbed the rein.

“Thank you.” He nodded and winked.

“Sure.” Carefree, I went on my way happy to have helped. I guess.

I climbed into the passenger side of my vehicle, smiling about my accomplishment.

My husband glanced at me. “Did you enjoy flirting?”

Shocked at his statement, I stared at him. Maybe I misunderstood. “What?”
“The guy was flirting with you.”

Crap, had I been out of the first-meet-sexual-tension pool so long I couldn’t recognize when someone was flirting with me?

I glanced around to see where Nellie might be leading the guy, what did he look like? I couldn’t describe anything about him, but his toes. Was he cute? I’m climbing the ladder of age and if a guy looked twice at me, I wanted to know what he looked like. Granted, I exercise and if it wasn’t for those damn little lines near my eyes and forehead frown wrinkles, because of too much fun in the sun (yes, stereotypical sorority girl on spring breaks), my age would be an unknown to most.

I pondered my guy’s comment on the drive home. After we unloaded the plants, mulch, and new bird feeder I took off the hat and went in search of the art of flirting. Had it changed in the past several years since I said I do?

I use flattery in my writing, during the initial meet/greet for the hero and heroine and throughout the story. Fear that I had I missed using adulation in the right manner I searched the net and compared my thoughts to what has been written in the great archive of Google.

The use of flattery: the element of surprise makes it more effective. Say hello with energy. I guess nearly running over the man’s toes with a metal trolley accomplished both. His nice response was effective.

Umm, Stein helped Kerry (The Tarot Card) remove her skirt during the first thirty minutes after they met. Surprise was rampant and sexual tension was strong.

Make direct eye contact. Yep, I'm sure I had that with my sexy stranger at the garden center,( Although I don't recall what he looked like, in my mind, if I’m going to have a fantasy affair with a stranger he’s going to look like a young Robert Redford). If you lock eyes for a short time, a petite conversation will occur. If you hold the stare (not too long or it becomes creepy) then thunderbolts…an exciting conversation will follow.

Or fire-bolts! Tori has a fire starting ability and sparks flew from her fingertips when she got her groove on with Henri, in Dark Shadows.

Repeat his/her name three times. Try to reiterate his name at the intro and then again when you’re telling your funny story. As you leave, say his name and slip him your telephone number.

In The Watcher (2007) Emily was told the voice she was hearing wasn’t that of a ghost, but one of her Watcher. When told his name, she repeated “Zach”.

Later in the scene it played out as such:

“Ye kin see me?” Zach uncrossed his legs and leaned forward.

“Yes. I can see you. It feels wonderful to see and hear you at the same time.” His enlightened expression with the deep smile dimples tripped her heart. She crossed over to sit beside him.

“Zach, why do I need a watcher?”

“I canna tell ye.” He reached over and stroked her face.

She lifted her cheek seeking the warm breeze she’d come to know as his touch.
“We were acquainted in the past?”

“Why do ye believe we were?”

“It’s not really that I know, it’s…indefinable. I guess. Lovers?” She resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. By making the connection, a caress, maybe she could identify the bond, if one truly existed. If she spanned the distance, would her fingertips move through air or would she feel a man’s skin?

Emily whispered his name as he was torn from her arms.

This scene segues into the next bit of flirting fun facts I discovered. People like to talk about themselves. Ask them a question, not an overly personal question, but a question to show you listened to what they had to say. They’ll likely tell you their life’s history, ambitions and goals. Walk away or get closer, depending on the conversation.

Trade Agreement is a story about a woman being traded to a sea trafficker by her ex-husband. She’s suspicious of people. At the beginning of the story she meets the hero, Jake, and being cautious Georgina asks questions.

“I’m Jake. Jake Callahan.” He continued to hold her hand, so a shake seemed unnecessary. Sweat glistened on his brow. A firm jaw was the perfect infrastructure for his flawless flushed lips. They stretched into a smile as she stared.

“I’m Gee. Georgina Grey. My friends call me Gee.” What is wrong with me? Construct a sentence. Impress him with my wit. Otherwise, I’m simply the bug-eyed, graceless, woman next door.

…He broke the contact and looked at her injury. His rough fingers on her knee multiplied the tingling in her lower region.

“There’s a small abrasion. You’ll probably have a heck of a bruise.”

“Are you a doctor?” She glanced at her right knee to see a nice round, red, spot forming underneath the white roughed skin.

Wow, this scene has it all. The hand touch, for a longer period of time, if she would have placed her other hand on the outside of his, for just a second it would have confirmed her flirting/attraction. She stared into his eyes and asked questions. Gee knows how to flirt!

Play with a piece of clothing to attract and hold attention. Mikhail, Believe (2007), often twirled a medallion hanging from a chain around her neck. The innocent movement kept Jensen’s eyes focused on her…ah face.

Whisper. An example of how effective a whisper can be is from The Ghost Inside.

Griff stared at her for several minutes and then picked up the paper. “I’ll take this home and get some estimates to see if I can get better rates. The electricity must be updated. I found the original set of kitchen cabinets in the barn. I could probably sand and refinish them. The granite surface is satisfactory. If possible, we’ll reuse it. That might save you, ten to twenty grand.”

“You’re willing to do that?” Jacey asked in a whisper floating on the wind.

He touched the top of her hand. “I’ll see what I can do to help you. Are you willing to paint?”

She nodded. His generosity and kindness made her heart thump.

“I need to go into Cyan to get some materials. Do you want to go along, and we’ll pick up some paint?”

Jacey whispered and Griff fell into the groove. He extended his kindness and prolonged the time they spent together. Great flirting!

Melody’s Song, I’m excited to say is one of the top ten best sellers as reported at Cobblestone Press. Melody left Devon wanting more, which is the most successful technique of flirting. Once you hit it off with someone you’re interested in, leave, making sure you’ll hear from them again.

Melody believed Jared to be out of ear-shot and yanked Dr. Devon’s arm. Wheeling round, he wore a surprised expression on his face.

“Dr. Devon, I’ll not be dictated to by you. I’m a volunteer. I’ll come and go as I please. If I have a previous commitment, not you or anyone else will manipulate me into altering my timetable. Sick children need a schedule, something they can depend on. Something they can control, because they don’t have any power over their health or how they feel. They aren’t able to manage where they go or if they’ll ever be able to feel the sun on their face while playing ball outside. They need a fixed plan and to keep to it.” Her breaths came out in little unrealistic pants. She had the capacity to swim under water for three solid minutes, so why was she out of breath. Melody caught her image in the mirror on the wall. Her face had flushed as hot as it felt.

Crap.

“Is that clear, Dr. Devon?” She enunciated each vowel, drawing the breath from deep down in her stomach.

The tick in his jaw could have adequately shaken her Slim-Fast meal. Oh no, what had she done? Doctors were put on a high pedestal, and visitors certainly shouldn’t talk to them with such a tone.

“Ms. Haney, it is very clear. It was my understanding you were a staff member paid to sing to the children to boost their spirits. I apologize for thinking otherwise and for your selfishness. Have a good day.” Devon pried her hand off his arm.

Her hand had gripped his skin for at least two minutes, and at one point her bright pink fingernails dug into his flesh. The contrast from her light, coffee-tinted skin to his freckled, white skin drew his attention more than the pain caused by the crescent grooves she’d left behind.

Despite the anger he experienced as a result of her tone of voice and the tinges from the minor injury, his skin tingled with excitement. He had been unattached for nearly a year and swore to stay firmly and solidly single. Miss Melody Haney with her sexy angel-like voice and razor-blade tongue shook his platform.

Golden Stand By 1.2.3.

If you think of all of the great classics (I’ll provide a couple of examples, but there are so many to choose from), books like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and the Flower, or a movie. Casablanca with Bogart and Bergman springs to mind, with the actors exhibiting their off-screen-sizzle on the screen. The heroes and heroines in the books and movies have intense flirting, the push and the pull of sexual tension which allows the reader/watcher to be drawn into the scene.

In addition to the timeless plots the romance the couples share are the hook.
The flame dances away from the fire, until ignited or fed, the blaze rises another time until finally submitting to the inevitable―ashes to ashes.

Step 1: Dazzle, be bold, don’t be overly forward but appealing and of course, spontaneous.

Step 2: Back off. Once you blind him/her with your spectacular personality, retreat. Let your flame get a chance to assess you without threat.

Step 3: Ignite that blaze again, but not as strong as the first inoculation of heat. By this time your flame will be responding with equal intensity and if not, let the fire die.

As far as my little stint with the guy at the garden center, he was just a nice man. However, I liked how my husband gazed at me the rest of the day.

jj Keller
Fantasies with spice and humor.
http://www.jj-keller.com

Believe, The Watcher Melody's Song & Soon, The Ghost Inside @ http://www.Cobblestone-Press.com

Soon: Trade Agreement, Crimson Line @http://www.thewildrosepress.com &
The Tarot Card, Rosebud for the Champagne Rose Line.

October 15, 2008, Dark Shadows, www.teasetarot.com, Tease Publishing LLC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Love Reincarnated - Second Time Around, Maybe Third or Even Fourth

2008-07-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

Second Time around could easily become the third, fourth, and even one hundredth. Finding true love in the next lifetime might be a bit easier than it was the first time because if we have decided to come back as lovers a second time around, then we would have programmed those recognition filters within our human matrix.

That does sound a bit techno, oh well, I do so love scifi. But seriously, if it is true we choose our lives before we return, at least those who have worked through enough karmic debt to have the right to decide instead of having our lessons decided for us, then we might very well desire to have recall of our special someone.

I’m going to talk in terms of commonly held belief systems by those of us who either have firsthand experience in reincarnation and recall or those who at least embrace the idea of reincarnation. So if you and your cherished hunk decide to come back together in that fabled circle of life, meaning with the same souls you have traveled with before, then chances are you will recognize each other at least on a subconscious level. Sometimes people instantly recall their past lives spent in each others’ arms and sometimes enemies come back destined to be lovers as a way to work out their differences. Oh yeah, karma can be demanding!

Many believe there are time-released cellular memories within our makeup and when it’s time for a certain thing to happen those cells are activated. Not so far fetched as we might suspect since puberty is very much like that as is menopause when reduced to a very simplistic explanation for a complicated process. So say you and sugarbabe want to meet while in college. BOING! The instant attraction is in motion and those cellular memories spark. Ah…love at first sight…well, not exactly. It may appear to be love at first sight when it’s truly recognition.

This could explain some fatal attractions or obsessions. Maybe the person obsessed over that unrequited love somehow recalls a past life love that is not destined to repeat this current life. Bad wiring? Could be. Or maybe it is something more complex such as a lesson meant to teach what such an experience brings to the lonely heart. The key is to be willing to delve a bit deeper into life’s situations and probe into the underlying meaning of what we are currently facing. Is it a challenge to our skills? Perhaps it’s designed to place us in a position to stretch beyond our typical responses. And this can carryover into every aspect of our lives. Maybe in a past life we were lazy in our work and didn’t learn the disciplines necessary to excel, so this life we are very studious and perhaps a workaholic.

But back to the love bug. Maybe the person you are fixated on was in your very position last life and you ignored him. Gasp! Would you ever do such a thing? Who knows. It’s all in the past but is forever relevant to your present. Yes, we are the summation of our past and not just this life.

So if you and stud muffin decide next life to reconnect, you may even choose a favorite song to act as a catalyst to spark the cellular memory and open the door of recognition. Then Strangers in the Night might be more than a situation to you, but a past life love song that foretold your story.

Shivers

2008-06-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

My name is Annmarie Ortega and I am in a Paranormal anthology at Resplendence Publishing called Shivers. There are four short stories and the book is available in ebook and print. The other authors are Catherine Chernow, Destiny Blaine, and Melinda Barron.

Deal With the Devil by Annmarie Ortega:

Marie knows she deserves the promotion she's applied for, but thanks to her co-worker (the boss' girlfriend), she knows she'll never get it. Sitting alone at a bar the night before she learns who will actually land the job, she meets a mysterious and devilishly sexy stranger who promises that all her dreams will be fulfilled...if they make a deal.

Before the night is over, Marie signs a contract with Nate in her own blood. Nate doesn't want her soul in return for fulfilling all that she desires. He wants her body...whenever and wherever he demands.

The link to the Resplendence website for Shivers is http://www.createspace.com/3333106

Visit my MySpace at www.myspace.com/annmarieortega

Visit my website with Marianne LaCroix at http://onthesamepage.ning.com/

Office fantasies

2008-06-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

In this day and age there are strict rules about how one should conduct themselves at the office. Proper behavior and treating your co-workers with respect is something one should always practice. Men and women shouldn't have to deal with unwanted advances at the workplace. But...what if your co-worker was drop-dead gorgeous and you found yourself slipping off to fantasy land whenever he walked by? What if you could live out your fantasy for a day?

Here's my free read Sex in a Suit, where Jocelyn Tanner does just that:

http://www.total-e-bound.com/sxjX9j324818/Free-Books/Sex-in-a-Suit/p-93-327/

Enjoy!

~Ann Cory

http://www.anncory.com/

Favorite Authors & the Author in Me

2008-06-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

As a published author myself, I’ve been asked on many occasions who my favorite author is…who has inspired me most. Time and time again, I have responded—Jane Austen. It seems like an easy response, almost cliché. I mean how many times have you heard this same exact response from several authors?? But let me reiterate—I really love Jane Austen and if you want to tick me off spell her name A-U-S-T-I-N. It’s AUSTEN! Get it right people. But now I digress.

When we choose a favorite author, I suppose it is because we love their writing and can’t get enough of it, and as authors wish we were as good as they. That is exactly how I feel about Jane. Miss Austen had a special gift, a talent if you will, not just in writing but in knowing people. Think about it. Here is this prim and proper (though some would argue this point) Regency era woman, unmarried, and coming from the middle of the social pool—and she has this uncanny ability to write the most terrific characters. She wrote characters to hate, laugh at, and fall in love with. Some of the other greats of classic literature also had this remarkable ability—Dickens for instance and Shakespeare. Think of their casts of characters that once read will never be forgotten.

For me, a good book is dependant on well-written characters far more than plot. Yes, we need a telling plot to keep the story going, but it is the characters which take us on the journey. I have only begun my adventure as a published author, having had my first book published in December 2006 and number nine coming later this winter; but when I come to the end of this excursion, I hope there is someone out there who can say ‘Cindy Green wrote characters that I will never forget..’

If there is one thing I have learned from Jane Austen it is to observe people and try to make my characters as real as possible. Why is it that the likes of JA and Shakespeare are still read and revered to this very day? It’s because they wrote people that are true of the human spirit which will never change. That is the kind of author I want to be when I grow up. I want to make you laugh, make you think and in the end make you remember.

Let me take the time now to introduce you to my newest character, Lucinda Kelley, from my latest release, Meeting Mr. Right Online. Available now from By Grace Publishing.

The Opening:

Good evening, this is Amber Heffernan reporting live for Channel 11 entertainment news outside the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. In just a few minutes, the glamorous Lucinda Kelley will emerge with her new husband, that handsome British financier. This couple has been in the media limelight since they first started seeing each other almost six months ago, outshining all of the other popular Hollywood pairs. The bride was married today in a Vera Wang strapless scoop-neck wedding gown, and I’m told she looked absolutely stunning. When the couple exits the hotel, they will travel to JFK International Airport to board the family jet to Jamaica where the twosome plan to depart for a two week honeymoon. After that they will settle into their Malibu home in California where Lucinda produces her award winning television sitcom…

The computer beeped letting me know it had finally booted up, and there I was, daydreaming again. I really had to stop doing that. I clicked the button once more, hoping this time it would be there. I held my breath for the few seconds it took to check my email messages, feeling that depressed, empty sensation yet again when I didn’t see it. Rubbing my forehead, I closed my eyes. This was absolutely ridiculous. Why did I torture myself so?

Read two more excerpts and watch the book trailer on my website.

**********
Cindy K. Green is a multi-published author with degrees in History and Education. Previously a middle school English & History teacher, she now homeschools her own children and writes in several genres: Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense and Historical romance. Find out more about Cindy and her books at www.cindykgreen.com.