Daily Dose of Decadence

Funny Heroes – crazy sexy or just ridiculous?

2012-02-23T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Becca Dale

Poll after poll declare that humor and intelligence are sexy. I agree whole heartedly. In fact, a combination of the two are unbeatable. I am married to a smart and funny guy. (All right, I think he is hilarious but most find him a little cheesy sometimes.)

In contrast to what the polls say, although they are smart, romance heroes are rarely funny. They tend to be dark or damaged, brooding, sometimes sullen, or men of few words. Heck yeah – gimme that James Dean type.) I rarely come across a funny hero no matter whose work I read, yet a sense of humor consistently tops the list of preferred attributes, above even a great body. So what’s the deal? Why do women want their real life men to be funny but their fantasies seldom are?

I have thought long and hard about this, sacrificed hours and countless cups of coffee and chocolate to my pondering, but here is my personal conclusion. As a reader/writer I want a man I can save emotionally while he sweeps me off my feet in his big strong arms and shows me all the reasons he’s willing to overcome/change/be a better man just for me. Sigh... And...more importantly...as a writer my comedic timing sucks. Seriously, crickets chirping level of suckage. More than one editor has said, “I don’t get it. What is he trying to say?” So I simply leave the humor out more often than not – a deep dark hero is easier to write.

BUT...reality is far different. Everyday drudgery and troubles do not enter the fantasy. Real life holds good days and bad. When I crawl into bed at night, I want a man intelligent enough to know when I want him to tilt the axis of my world, and when I just need him to listen while I vent. I want the man who can make me see beyond the negative to the ludicrous when I am on the verge of tears. My hubby can make me laugh even when I’m so angry with him I want to do something drastic like sell his Harley. He always finds a way to break through the daily crap to make me smile. And that folks is crazy sexy to me.

However, in my fantasies, I’ll stick with the strong silent type as long as he’s hot.

BLURB:

Billie Jensen hates liars and cheats. She’s spent her entire life watching her mother forgive the unforgivable with just a few words from a smooth-talking man. So different from her father, Officer Treynor Pandoah seems like everything Bille has ever wanted—quiet, solid, and truthful—until he snuggles up to another woman on Valentine’s Day. He says her eyes lied, but how can she trust a man who won’t share what’s in his heart?

Treynor’s done waiting for Billie to forgive him for something he didn’t do. A man shouldn’t have to explain himself to the woman he loves, but if he can’t find the words to take the tears from her eyes, he could lose her to Unspoken Promises.

http://beccadale.blogspot.com/

http://westernescapedecadentpublishing.blogspot.com/

2012-02-22T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Natalie Dae

Years ago, when in a relationship that didn’t allow me to shine in my best light, I began to wonder whether true love was a figment of people’s imagination. Back then, I only read horror. It matched my way of thinking—the heroines always met a nasty end, her life was worthless, and her being killed wasn’t going to make much of an impact on those around her. That was what I had become, how I had come to think of myself. Towards the end of the relationship, though, I began to imagine the perfect man—someone who would treat me properly, with respect, and I’d be his sole reason for living. I scoffed at my own thoughts—no such man existed, in my eyes—but those imaginings got me through. Based on this idea, I wrote a free short story the other week, where a man does much the same as I did. He imagines his perfect woman, except in his story, she becomes real.

Luckily for me, my own figment lover appeared in reality just after I split with my ex-husband. I have a man who, for the past ten years, has treated me as though I am his sole reason for living. Oddly, I now read romance, reinforcing the fact that true love does exists, those heroes in books exist.

My free book, Figment, which you can download HERE, has a similar theme to Just For Tonight, my book with Decadent publishing. I’m a fan of being able to write what I want to without having to explain everything. Kind of “It’s my world, so what happens is because I want it to, and it doesn’t necessarily mirror real life where this wouldn’t really happen or that really can’t happen.” It just happens…because it does. Thankfully, Decadent didn’t expect me to change that. I’ll always be grateful for it, because for years I was suppressed, told what to do, so to find a publisher who accepted my creativity for what it was made me smile. In Figment and Just For Tonight, the lovers are from other worlds. The reason for this is now clear to me—I was exploring what I’d previously thought, that true love only existed in the mind or a fairy-tale-like scenario, where the lover was from a different world. Of course, I now know that isn’t true, but if you read both books, you’ll need to suspend your belief for a few seconds. It isn’t clear where the lovers come from or how they got to Earth. All that matters is that they’re there, for the person needing love. Please indulge me when reading—let me tell you my tales without having to have a reason for the people’s existence, because sometimes, just sometimes, the fact that they are there is enough. I hope it’s enough for you too!

I wish everyone had their knight in shining armour, or their princess. I wish no one had to go through ugly battles, hiding who they truly are through fear of ridicule. I wish many things, all good, all so everyone feels loved and cherished throughout their lives, but I’m a realist who knows this can’t always be so. Still, I have my writing now—something I abandoned in the dark years—and if I can give my heroines and heroes a happy-ever-after, it helps. An author has a gift, not only with the writing, but the ability to give people hope. I’ve always said that if only one person read every romance book I’ve written and it gave them the warm fuzzies and, above all, hope, or the courage to reach out for what they want, then it’s worth it. Just one person, a person who I would never have been able to touch at all if it wasn’t for the internet and the way publishing is today. It’s an amazing thing, something an author ought to treasure and be in awe of—that ability to touch and affect.

May your lives be filled with love and happiness, may you find your princess or knight if you haven’t already, but most of all, may you believe in yourself, love yourself. That was the lesson my now-husband taught me. You can be who you really are inside, and if you feel you can’t due to outside influences and what other people say or think, then you need to remove yourself from those people and influences. I know it’s difficult, believe me I do, but it can be done. And if it can’t right at this moment, imagine your perfect partner, bring him or her into existence in your mind, and fly free with them. One day, they might well appear for real.

*Download Natalie's free read and leave a comment here about what you loved best about it! One lucky commenter will win a copy of Just For Tonight. Don't forget to leave your email addy in your comment so we can find you!*

HUG!

You can find all my “selfs” here: www.emmyellis.com

Tales of the Sweet Magnolia

2012-02-21T03:01:00.008-05:00

“Perhaps we will gradually get used to the weird ways of our cosmos and find its strangeness to be part of its charm.” ~Max Tegmark, Cosmologist

From the time moment I saw Somewhere in Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves, the idea of time-travel has fascinated me. Though admittedly I am still in the dark as to which theory(there are a number of them!) on time-travel I find most fathomable, one thing is remarkably clear—if time-travel is possible, then while it may take another ten thousand years to discover the secrets of it—it is, in fact, inevitable. That alone intrigues the ‘geek’ in me and if you’re a fan of Dr. Who or Torchwood, then I have little explaining to do to convince you. However, for the romance writer in me—it opens up a whole world of possibilities. One of the first truly romantic time-travel books I ever read was Christina Skye’s Highland fantasy, Christmas Knight (Avon, 1998) aside of Skye’s brilliant storytelling skills, it is a portrayal of what is possible when the power of ‘love’ is added into the equation. It took me several years before I attempted my first time-travel and it came in the form of a tiny novella called, “Wild and Unruly” about a sequestered present day librarian who finds a necklace and is transported back to a mining town in 19^th century Nevada. Here she meets and falls for the town's Sheriff. Now another passion of mine is researching and in my studies of the old west I have developed a particular fascination (if not new regard) for the ‘soiled doves’—the women who owned and operated the saloons, bordellos and parlor houses of that era. It intrigues me, in a way only human nature can, that while these women were popular among the men who frequented their establishments for the obvious reasons, at the same time they were often shunned, ostracized by the general public. They were subject to sub-standard and dehumanizing rules and regulations and yet it was most often the madams of the bordello houses that became successful businesswomen (as we would define successful in that era.) Aside from working unofficially with the law to help keep the peace with unruly transients like miners and gamblers, great sums of money subsidized the projects that kept the town thriving. Funds, however, that were passed under the table to merchants, clergy and other administrative officials. Put simply--many a town survived (literally) on the backs of these ‘soiled doves.’

But I digress…romance and time-travel. “If you build they will come…”

spoken by James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams, is not too very far off the similar concept when you talk to an author. We’re in the business of transporting readers to places they may never have been before, or giving a different perspective of a place they may be in now—for most romance readers, we just want everything to turn out okay in the end. We want good to win out over evil, even if the evil is the hunkiest, ‘bad boy’ on the planet—we hope that somewhere, somehow –love will touch him, he’ll find redemption and wind up with the girl.

Time-travel is simply another extension of that ‘escape’ into another world philosophy. The method I choose in writing my style of time-travel is a bit more ethereal, rather than scientific—for example, in Wild & Unruly, I have tangibles (necklace, a quirky secondary character who pops up unexpectedly as a real time person) but I prefer to play upon the unknowns—the deeper psyche of human nature, if you will. Is it the necklace, the funny grey-haired gent that makes the time-travel possible?Or is it that the timing is right in the universe combined with my heroine’s deepest heartfelt longing that makes her fantastic journey possible? In a nutshell, is it the power of love—that makes time-travel possible? Such a simplistic notion, isn’t it?

I’ve taken this concept and created a series called tales of the Sweet Magnolia. The first book, Wild and Unruly, is an extended version, with new scenes added to the original novella. It features the journey of librarian /bordello madam Lillian White and her legendary hero, Sherriff Jake Sloan and asks the question, can a love so powerful that it draws two people together through time—also keep them together? I suppose I could tell you that outcome, but you’d be better to read the story and experience firsthand Lil and Jake’s fiery, complicated romance and find out that answer for yourself!

In my second book in this series, another resident woman of the Sweet Magnolia wishes she could meet the man who wrote the music played by her one-time mentor, Miss Lillian. By taking lessons from a traveling grey-haired piano teacher, she finds a greater connection in the music. It reaches deep into her soul, drawing her to present day Reno, where her life is upturned when she becomes witness to a drug cartel murder and injured, is taken in by a scarred undercover cop on a personal mission to find the guy who killed his brother. Fallen Angel, is slated for release later in 2012, just in time for a steamy, romantic holiday read!

If you happen to be in the Chicago area, I’ll be signing Wild & Unruly at the upcoming RT Booklover’s convention multi-author bookfair, on April 14, 2012.

Meantime, I’d like to pose the question—do you believe in time-travel and if so, what time period would you want to travel to? Leave your comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Wild & Unruly!

Until we meet again~

Amanda McIntyre

www.amandamcintyre.net

On facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amanda.mcintyre.author

Anyone for an Anthology?

2012-02-20T03:01:00.002-05:00

My Decadent book, Mid-Winter Magic, is part of the anthology, A Passionate Christmas. I love anthologies; they are the perfect excuse to buy a whole load of books in one go. And I especially like anthologies where the characters are intertwined. I love it when the people from one story pop up in another.

All the authors of The Passionate Christmas Anthology are part of a fabulous online critique group, Passionate Critters, which gave us the name of the anthology. I’ve been a member for two years now and joining was one of the best writing decisions I’ve ever made.

Anyway, around August time, one of the members came up with the idea of writing a group of Christmas themed stories based in the same place and with intertwining characters.

We all loved the idea. That was followed by a few weeks of frenzied online activity. Passionate Critters has members from all around the world, English, German—I actually live in Spain—but as the majority are American, it seemed natural to base the stories in America. And so the town of Five Oaks was born. Quickly followed by a whole load of characters and places.

At Passionate Critters, we’re all romance writers, though we write across the spectrum of the sub-genres, contemporary, paranormal, suspense… So the anthology contains a mixture of stories. Mid-Winter Magic has a Vampire hero and a witch heroine. But others contain angels, werewolves and even some real “ordinary” people.

I came in quite late to the process. I wanted to tie in with the other stories and there was one secondary character that I had my eye on – Edna Carruthers, crazy old cat lady and town busybody. Obviously, as she stood, she wasn’t going to be too hot as a romantic lead, so what if Edna wasn’t really Edna at all. Instead, she was somebody else entirely, someone in disguise, hiding out in Five Oaks. You get the idea.

So who was she hiding from? Once I’d worked that out, I had my hero and my heroine.

I think we all enjoyed writing our stories, and coordinating our characters and timelines, though it’s also fair to say that there were a few strained moments during the process.

So do you enjoy anthologies, and how closely linked do you like the stories to be? Let me know for a chance to win one of the Passionate Christmas anthology stories of your choice.

Mid-Winter Magic – Blurb

Fifty years ago, vampire Tynan Steele loved Dina and believed she loved him. Instead, she turned out to be an assassin using him to get close to her latest target. Bitter at the betrayal, Ty swore he would make the witch pay.

Dina has loved her time in Five Oaks, living an ‘ordinary’ life—not killing anyone. But the past has finally caught up with her. Fifty years ago, she was scared to let herself love Ty, now she’s willing to take the risk. But Ty isn’t interested in love—he’s after revenge.

Can Dina use the magic of a white Christmas in Five Oaks, to convince Ty that she’s changed and deserves a second chance at love?

Have You Ever Wanted...

2012-02-19T03:01:00.000-05:00

By Debbie Gould

A second chance at love? Ever wondered what could have been? Was he the one? Did I just lose my chance at happiness? I did once. I was attending a party centuries ago, but the moment stands out today just as clear as it did that night.

I really hadn’t been dating anyone for a long time. The last guy I had broken up with had started out as a really good friend then we started dating, and it was great for a while, but I was young and infatuated with the bad boy type. (Damn, I loved those bad boys and their fast cars. I was seventeen, what do you want?)

So, I dumped a really good guy for the bad boy. Had a blast for a couple of weeks and realized that while my bad boy was exciting, he really didn’t have a heck of a lot of depth to him. And for my seventeen-year-old self to figure that out must have meant the guy really didn’t have much more than his car going for him. (Again, I was seventeen, what do you want?)

Anyway, flash forward six months later to the party. Tons of people in attendance. It was the classic get-together back then. Bonfire out in the woods, pick-up truck, tail-gates down, coolers full of beer and bottles of Riunite Lambrusco, my drink of choice back then, lol.

Most of my friends tended to be of the opposite sex. The girls where always more concerned with clicks and looks. I related much better to the male population, and whoever says guys and girls can’t have a platonic relationship is full shit. My best friends and confidants were male, and my best male friend from my teen years continues to be to this day.

So, everyone is having a great time, and who shows up but the ex. It’s not like I hadn’t seen him in six months. I had. And every time I saw him, I’d regretted breaking up with him. This night more than ever. Maybe it was the Riunite, maybe it was the two hours spent watching him talking with everyone, laughing, and just basically being the guy I fell in love with. But when I saw him walking out to his truck, alone, I jumped into action.

I ran down the dirt road and caught up with him just as he’d gotten to where he’d parked his car. As he opened his door, I called out his name. Slowly, he turned and faced me but didn’t say anything.

“I still love you. I never stopped.” Okay, so yes, I was a bit dramatic back then.

He looked at me, just stared for what seemed like hours, turned, opened his door and drove off. NOT ONE WORD did he say to me. I stood there watching him drive away until I couldn’t see the taillights any longer.

Well, fine! I guess I deserved that. Karma and all. After a few minutes, I went back to the party to finish getting drunk. One week later, I had a blowout on my Trans Am. (Damn, I loved that car.) I was pulled over on the side of the road trying to change the tire when the ex pulls in behind me.

Good guy that he was, he helped me change it, all the while making small talk like what I’d said that night never happened. He gets it fixed, walks back to his car, and says, “By the way. I still love you, too.” And he drove off. AGAIN!

We never did get back together. BUT, my Second Chance began the night of that party. I guess it was pretty apparent I’d been crying when I walked back to the party because this guy I barely knew came over and asked if I was okay. I said yes. I didn’t blurt out how heartbroken I was, but I think on some level he must have known.

We spent the rest of the night talking and became great friends. Twenty-eight years later we are still happily married. How’s that for a Second Chance?

2012-02-18T03:01:00.000-05:00

by D.L. Jackson

*Pokes head in door and adjusts big cone-shaped hat.* Excusest me kind Sirs and ladies. Wouldest thou pointest me in the direction of a guild of fantasy and paranormal scribes?

*Stares for a second.* Wouldest thou have seen them? They art...
A little help here. *Sighs.* Has anyone seen a group of Fantasy writers? Anyone? Hello? Demon looking for Fantasy writers. D L told me this was the place. Just wait till I get my claws into her.

*Grabs long hair and begins to pull it through door. Hair pulls back.* Fred! Let go. *Braces foot on door jamb.* Listen you over grown lizard, let go before I sell you to the local fried chicken restaurant and they roll you in herbs and spices, and stuff your ass in a bucket. *Wig slips off head and disappears through door.*

*BURP*

Can you believe it? That wig is gonna cost me, and I can’t begin to imagine the hairball he’s going to puke up. Godiva isn’t pretty the second time around, and those costume wigs are not cheap. It was a rental. Opens purse and glances in. Wonder if they take Hell Express? I never leave home without it. You never know when a pair of shoes are going to call your name.

Oh, where was I...?

Yeah, Fred. He’ll eat anything. You really have to keep your eye on him. I’ve been having a hard time getting my mail lately. The mail carriers keep disappearing. It’s a good thing he’s not into ‘fine dining’ or the bike couriers would be gone too. Have you gotten a look at them? There’s a lot to be said for men that bike all day. *fans self*

Then there was Mrs. Sneider’s Bichon Frise, he burped up hairballs for a week. She called the animal control officer on me. Have you ever tried to explain how your twenty-foot dragon got out of the yard and ate fluffy? And of course, she accused Fred of leaving the yard muffins all over her front lawn too. Something about flaming piles of... *Snort* I told her it was fluffy. Fred uses her rose garden in the back yard. Besides, I really don’t know how that gate got open.

*Shrugs and examines nails.*

Flipping dragons! You can’t live with them and they make too large a meal for one. Well, I can see I’m a little overdressed. You could have told me we weren’t doing the whole role-playing thing. And to think I went out of my way to do the Mid-Evil wench thingie. See this corset. Do you have any idea how tight you have to yank the stays to get the pumpkins up to your chin? Never mind. *Snaps fingers and changes to stilettos, and three-piece suit. Sits on desk and crosses legs.* That’s better. From the look of it, it was going to be hard to find someone here that would climb up my hair and rescue me anyway.

Hi, my name is Bunny. I’m a demon. *Holds finger up in the air.* Wait, I know. *Claps hands and massive tome drops on desk. Flips it open.* Dwarfish, no. Goblin...ish? *Glances up.* Hmmm. Maybe. Fairy? I know, I know. It’s not fffffairy. It’s Sidhe, or Fae. Pixies. Whatever. A fairy is a fairy and they all have attitudes. Little bastards. Have you ever seen Tinkerbell when she has PMS? TinkerHell is more like it.

*Flips page.* Wait, wait, wait. Here it is... *Clears throat.* Work with me, okay. I am multi-lingual, but slayer isn’t one of my languages. I am fluent in Southern Sucubi, though. It’s the same as Northern, just less suck. *Glances around silent room.* That was a joke. I wasn’t serious. Lighten up, would you?

Get thee back, Satan. Put your hands up and drop to your knees. No wait. Disregard that last bit. I think can from an episode of COPs. *scans pages* You have the right...

Where in heaven’s gate did that copy of the Miranda Rights come from? *Snaps book shut.* Never mind. I know. Ever play good cop, bad cop?

*Blinks eyes and stares at silent crowd.*

Okay...I see we’re a lively bunch today. They have something for that, you know. It’s called Viagr...vitamins.

Hey, put that broken beer bottle down. Yes, you in the back. *Narrows eyes* The skinny chick in the yellow...Beer wench? Hi, Liz. How’s Hans doing? *Laughs.* Oh that was a hell of a night, wasn’t it? Don’t worry, girl. Your secret’s safe with me. Anyone that knows me knows you can trust Bunny. Honestly. *pulls out a scroll* Just sign your name here on this contract and I won’t say a word. Souls are really overrated, you know.

No? *Rolls scroll up* We’ll talk later. I hear you like to negotiate, got a whole series on real estate agents, don’t you? *Eyes flare red*

Oh where was I...? Broken beer bottle. Yes. Fred’s going to have an early lunch if you don’t behave. He enjoys take-out now and again. Yeah, I know. Fast food is bad for you, clogs the arteries, but, *leans closer,* you don’t look all that fast. Still a little sluggish from one of those beer festivals you’re always traipsing around, I’ll bet. Mmmm, McWriter. A little sweet and sour sauce, maybe some beer batter and...

Oh, there I go again, getting off topic.

As I was saying. I’m Bunny and I’m a demon. Don’t say it, your really don’t want too. I’ll stick you with my pitchfork and roast you till crispy. Just because I look all cute, uh sexy with this tail and horns, doesn’t mean I can’t do damage. I’m the original Femme Fatale. I'm not overly fond of carrots either. Chocolate will do. I adore cookies, Devil's food cake.... *Sighs* Sorry, I start thinking about chocolate and it's all over.

So, the reason I’m here, D L Jackson has a new series coming out. About... *Lifts hand.* Wait for it...

Demons. Isn’t that just carnal?

Ooooh gets me all hot just thinking about it—not that I’m not, mind you. Now this series of Edge stories take place in a strip club called The Devil’s Den. It’s a great place to meet that someone special. No—really. I recently was out in the neighborhood, taking in the sights and stumbled into the club—quite by accident.

Really. *snorts* I know I’m no angel, but please, do I look like the den of iniquity type? Anyway, what a night. I met this hot Hell Lord. *taps fingers on desk* What was his name? Oh yes, Azael. A completely yummy hunk of incubus. You know what they say, once you go incubus....

*Eyes widen* Oh, dear. You have no clue what I’m talking about, do you. Well, there was this map going around the web that measured certain attributes of men around the world—someone posted it completely for research purposes. *coughs* She shall not be named. Anyway, I noticed the Devil’s Den was on it, and since those tour maps are kind of fun to follow and see where they take you.... Well one thing led to another and the next thing I know, I was in this club, swinging from the poles and having a great time.

Anyway, Azael and I, we really hit it off. After a few phone calls and multiple visits to his place of work, a restraining order, he agreed to go out with me on this date. A pool party.

My neighbor has a lava pool. It’s all the rage. We mingled, drank cocktails, and every now and then, we’d shove a telemarketer, banker or politician in. Don’t look at me like that. *Puts hands on hips.* I’m a demon, not an angel. You should try it sometime. Very liberating. I haven’t had that much fun since the Dark Ages.

*Glances at watch.* Damn. I’m late. I have a fitting for a wedding dress. *Claps hands together.* I can’t wait to see his face. Please don’t say anything if you see him. It’s a surprise and I really don’t want to have to hunt him down if he catches on early. It’s such a pain. Tracking them from work, following them out and harassing anybody they see. Do you know what I mean? It’s so much easier to blindside them before they know what you’re up to. Besides, I left his girlfriend, Jezebel, tied up in the cooler with the beer, and I don’t have all the time in the world. Those succubus think they’re the only ones with it going on. As you can see, she was wrong.

Thanks so much for having me over to visit. Enjoyed the chat. If you want to meet Azael, you can find him in the Devil’s Den. He’s in the Carnality Series: Carnal Desires, Carnal Attraction, and Carnal Denial. And that girlfriend of his...what was her name again?

*Rolls eyes* Not important. Gotta go.

Ciao.

*Vanishes in a puff of smoke*

Meet the Road to Hell Series Characters

2012-02-17T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Gracen Miller

Micah Dominus

What’s a man to do when his wife is destined for greatness, but she refuses to claim her fate? My actions toward her were difficult, but necessary. Judge me when you have all the facts. Better yet, criticize me when you’re faced with the same difficult choices. Few of you could make the same hard choices I did.

Mankind would consider my deeds brutal and abusive, but I’d caution humanity to remember rarely is anything as it seems on the surface. Scratch that veneer and a whole world of possibilities will open before your eyes. A plethora of demons eager to taunt you and feast upon your soul. Indomitable fallen angels to claim you for their hellish kingdom. And not one of your so-called guardian angels will ride in to save the day. Where are they when you need them the most?

I’ll offer you salvation and provide you protection too. That’s a guarantee. Everyone I own or defend will receive an amazing new world at no cost. Eager to obtain my free paradise? All you have to do is accept my offer of your own free will….

Madison Wescott

My life is a lie. My birth, my parents, my marriage and my destiny were all planned for me. Discovering the truth rocked my foundation, culminating in new beliefs and a doggedness to escape my fate. My ‘fate’ has a name and I once loved him. I called him husband then, now I call him foe. My one solace is that he miscalculated my resistance to claim my hellish status. I refuse to accept my providence with nothing more than a whimper of surrender. Underestimating me was his first mistake. I’ll fight to the bloody end to save not only my future, but my son’s. He deserves more than what’s been designed for him.

Finding a new family on the Road to Hell came as a surprise. An immortal in the guise of mentor makes me stronger, gives me courage and battles at my side. A badass Sherlock came to my rescue at the darkest moment of my life and has become my rock…until he sold his soul to Hell. But I failed him when I tried to save him from his destiny. In the process, I altered my future, stepped closer to accepting my husband’s fate for me. A little too late I learned, once you open Pandora’s Box, there’s no turning back!

Phoenix “Nix” Birmingham

The majority of my life has been dedicated to killing the monsters most people believe are myth. I masked my loneliness by sleeping with too many women, but then I met Madison Wescott and she changed my perception of the world. Strong and dedicated to her son, she’s smart and sexy. She’s the only woman outside my family I’d sacrifice everything for, including my life. I nicknamed her Mads because in her darkest hour, she found the courage to fight like a mad woman. I’d traverse the road to hell for her. Against all supernatural odds, I’m placing my bets on her success.

Until Mads, I never dreamed about the future, never wanted more than I had been given. Mads changed everything. Left me craving things I shouldn’t want and a life I couldn’t have. She haunts my waking dreams as well as my sleeping ones. My fondest fantasy is claiming her as my own, declaring my love for her, while making love to her. Who knew my fantasy would be acted out in one of the darkest hours of my life? Or that it wouldn’t play out as I had envisioned? The devil plays his victims with mastered skill…

Where you can stalk me (not really!) or learn more about this trio, visit my sites:

Facebook

Roadto Hell series FB Fan Page

Website

Blog (first 3 chapters of Pandora’s Box and Hell’s Phoenix are listed as clickable links at the top of this page)

Seen Any Hot Guys in Sci-fi Lately?

2012-02-16T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Clare Dargin

I love me some alpha males especially when they are in uniform! I have to admit my lust for the type started with my interest or shall I say obsession with science fiction movies.

Who could resist the dashing Han Solo wearing his Corellian uniform?

Then there is Peter Weller in Screamers.

And let's not forget the devastatingly handsome Karl Urban as Vaako in The Chronicles of Riddick!

But if I had to pick my all time favorite, it has to be James Morrison in the defunct Fox Scifi series Space Above and Beyond. He played the tortured and consummately angry In-Vitro, Colonel T.C. McQueen.

I must admit there is a bit of James Morrison in the hero of Cold Warriors and the sequel Ice Peace's Colonel Medoro Keegan.

Keegan is a man tortured by his past but bound by duty and his love for cryo warrior Caitlin Driskoll to work for a better future.

Cold Warriors and Ice and Peace will be released soon.

Who are some of your faves?

While you think, here is a blurb from Cold Warriors:

When Caitlin Driskoll is awakened from a cryogenic stasis, she’s got a lot of adjusting to do. It’s a new century and the planet is at war. Once married to a Navy JAG, she now experiences life from the viewpoint of a Jarhead, and the view isn’t pleasant.

Colonel Medoro Keegan lost the two most important things in his life during his Marine career: his wife to friendly fire, and his ability to fly combat missions. Now, he’s stuck aboard the Blanchard as the XO. The Corps is the only family he has left and he’s not about to lose the last thing he values.

Until he meets Caitlin, who isn’t shy about telling Medoro what she thinks about his Marines. How can such beauty wrapped in an icy body have so much fire?

It’s the future, and a new kind of prejudice has replaced the racial prejudice Caitlin experienced in the last century. After all, when you’ve been given a second chance at life, you are expendable.

And a blurb from the sequel Ice and Peace:

Peace is on the horizon for Earth and it's allies. After a series of mysterious attacks on several military installations, retired Marine Colonel Medoro Keegan-who had left the Corps in a cloud of disgrace-- is called back to duty. Eager to redeem himself, he jumps at the opportunity to serve again on the ship he always loved, the USS Blanchard.

Caitlin Keegan, is the only survivor of a devastating battle that turned the tide of war. Because of her status as an O-Cryo, she is bound by duty to serve a planet that refuses to grant her the freedom she desires.

Because of the recent attacks, Caitlin is assigned to the Blanchard. Once on board, she has to fight for her planet, her marriage and her life.

Bio

Clare Dargin is a an author of Science Fiction and Military Science Fiction Romance. She has been writing stories all of her life before being published in 2007. She is a great fan of all things science fiction and romance and loves promoting the genre.

She is an educator by profession and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from a major mid-western university. She presently resides in the Midwestern United States and is pursuing a graduate degree. In the future she hopes to expand her writings to include non-fiction, historical romance, and contemporary novels.

Check out her release from Decadent Publishing- Kybernatia

Blogging Madness

2012-02-15T03:01:00.008-05:00

by Olivia Starke

For new authors and those looking for ways to get their name to the general masses, there’s no greater gift than blogging. Start your own blog, blog hop, guest blog, blog, blog, blog. This should be your new favorite word (and I’m not just saying this cuz Valerie Mann is holding my favorite teddy bear at gunpoint—don’t do it Val!)

Not only do you have the opportunity to advertise your wares, aka writing style, to folks, you also learn the joy of

1) Coming up with brilliant ideas starting from absolute crap—much like today’s blog. As writers we’ve all encountered the terrifying blank screen of death. When faced with a promised blog date (and sometimes hostage situations) you learn to perform on cue regardless of what you have to work with.

2) Exploring and tweaking your writing style. Every writer has an inner muse, and learning who that muse is takes us on a journey. Sure I can write sappy, sometimes it’s called for, but it’s more fun for my muse to be a little snarky. I’ve worked with this since starting on my own personal journey into blogging madness.

3) You get to be the cool kid in school. I mean how many of us got to be prom queen or class president? Here is your opportunity to be the center of attention and have everyone hanging on your every word? Enjoy the limelight!

4) It’s practice, practice, practice. It’s so important to write every day to keep our creative muscle in shape. It’s easy to skip free writing for, say, time spent with family. But if you have a pile up of pending blog dates, then you have to sit down and brainstorm and write.

5) You meet lots of new peeps. Even if you’re a total introvert like me without alcohol, you’ll have new friendly faces to look forward to socializing with.

Thanks everyone for joining me today! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a teddy bear to go rescue.

Olivia Starke

www.authoroliviastarke.com http://romancingthepentoday.blogspot.com

Author Bio: Olivia Starke calls a little town in southern Missouri home. Some of the most beautiful country in the U.S., she loves the Ozarks and hikes, runs, kayaks, or rides horses whenever possible. When not working at her laptop or in her retail management job, she’s playing mom to an ever expanding collection of dogs, cats, and horses who find their way to her little farm.

1NS: Familiar Desires

Ashley Adams signed up with the 1NightStand service in hopes of stirring up some cougar passion in her lackluster life. When she meets tall, dark, and oh-so-sexy Justin, the sparks fly. But something deeper lies in their magical connection, something she isn’t prepared for. Will a casual one-night stand change her life forever?

Gage’s Guide to the Supernatural

2012-02-14T03:01:00.010-05:00

by J.A. Campbell

A short intro. My name is Gage. ‘Course my parents didn’t name me that, but Gage is much better than Charles. Especially when you hunt the supernatural. I’m in college right now in this small town in the New England states. (Can’t tell you exactly where, don’t want anyone reading this to come after me.) I grew up in Montana. I met these other dudes, Tad and Gary, in one of my history classes, 101 I think, and we started talking about some of the weird shit we’d seen. We decided someone needed to be vigilant, and that we might as well do it. Imagine our surprise when we ran into a real vampire? Guess she’s all right, but most of the rest of ‘em aren’t. We joined forces with the girls and this other dude, Alexander, and now we keep our corner of the world safe from the supernatural.

First off, the biggest baddies out there. Vampires – Everyone hates them, even other vampires. They are strong, fast, allergic to the sunlight, and pretty surly. Obviously, they crave human blood and most of them are killers. I’ve met one exception to the last. She doesn’t kill humans, just other supernaturals. I’ve heard from others that you can’t assume that all vampires have the same powers, but they all have the bloodlust, and you just can’t trust them. Cutting off their heads and burning them are both really good ways to bring them down. A stake to the heart won’t kill them, but it’ll slow them down.

The Sidhe – People hate these guys almost as much as they hate vampires. They are arrogant, use magic, and generally think they are better than everyone else. I think their severe allergy to cold iron proves otherwise. We’re working on some spells, yes, real magic, to keep these guys away from us, but you can deck yourself out in cold iron and carry a shotgun and they’ll usually leave you alone. Unlike vampires, the Sidhe aren’t out to kill humans (most of the time) but they do like to control you, mess with your head, things like that.

Selkies – People who turn into seals. Who’d’a thunk it huh? Apparently not just legend, these seal people are real and have small colonies all over the world. They’re usually mischievous and they leave normal humans alone as long as humans leave them alone. Haven’t met one yet, but I hear they also have minor problems with cold iron and are related to the Sidhe.

Werewolves – Haven’t met one of these yet either. I’d guess a pissed off werewolf would be almost as dangerous as a vampire. Traditional weakness is silver and I carry silver bullets. Will update when I have more concrete information.

Aliens – hey if vampires and werewolves exist, why not aliens? Tad just looked over my shoulder and told me I needed to tone down the conspiracy theory crap, so there you go. They’re out there. I don’t think tin foil hats are going to keep you safe though.

Until next time.

Gage.

Senior Year Bites blurb:

Senior year is supposed to be fun: boys, dances and graduation.

It's significantly harder to enjoy it when you’re dead.

Truth or Dare is supposed to be fun too. It’s not even close to dangerous, so playing at Steph's house didn't seem like a bad idea. My dare? Spend the rest of the night in the graveyard next to her house. It was only a couple of hours until false dawn, my proscribed return time, so no big deal right? Right.

I survived the attack, but it took me a few days to figure out what was going on. I mean vampires might stalk pop culture, but they're just myths. Yeah. Not so much.

School is a lot more difficult when you're a nocturnal creature of the night. I was managing, but I couldn't keep it hidden from my friends for long. After I managed to accidentally save one of our cheerleaders from her drunk and ill-intentioned boyfriend. Steph decided that we should be cool, like superheroes, and fight crime.

Only I’m a vampire, not a hero, and we live in a sleepy New England town, so crime's a little harder to come by. At least it is until a serial killer moves into the area. He’s got the authorities stumped, but then again, the cops don't have a teenage, blood-sucking, non-hero on their team.

Bio:

Julie writes fantasy novels. When she’s not out riding her horse, she can usually be found sitting in front of her computer with a cat on her lap and her dog at her side. Gage is a character in her first Young Adult Urban Fantasy, Senior Year Bites.

As a thank you for commenting, we’re giving away one copy of a Decadent book of your choice. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite supernatural species is and a way for us to contact you (email is best). I’ll contact the winner in 7 days.

Tumbleweeds

2012-02-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks for having me here today.

Blog posts aren’t my strong suit, but for my fantastic readers, I’ll give it a shot. J

My latest book with Decadent Publishing is my first ever historical/western romance, Tumbleweeds. I’ve always loved the elements, the feel, of the old west, so writing this story was right up my alley. After the idea of this story rattled around in my head for a while, I finally decided to take a stab at writing it. You see, paranormal is my bread and butter so I was a bit worried about even attempting to write a western, but this story was strong, and something I knew I’d kick my self later for not at least trying to write. Tumbleweeds has received a lot of great reviews and I’m currently tossing around ideas for a sequel. Perhaps Deputy Robbie needs a story of his own? Tumbleweeds is available in not only e-format, but in print as well!

Here’s a little bit about Tumbleweeds. If you have a chance to try my work, I hope you enjoy it. Also, I’d love to hear from you! All my links are listed below.

Tumbleweeds blurb:

As the adopted daughter of the town’s madam, Strawberry Meadows has seen it all. After ten years of living in Lily Bell’s saloon she believes all men are the same: wild cads, cheating husbands, tumbleweeds, and outlaws. Marriage is not an option, but when Berry comes face to face with the town’s new sheriff, she finds herself fighting feelings she has never before experienced. With friends and family playing matchmaker, controlling the urge to throw herself into the lawman’s arms proves more difficult than she ever imagined.

Sheriff Tavis Wilks came to Chamberlin to begin life anew. Perhaps find a wife and settle down. Unfortunately, not one of the women in the town caught his eye or held his interest, until he met Berry. Something about her set his blood on fire. From her hot tempter to her unwillingness to let him close, he wants her, needs her. The only thing stopping him from making her his own is Berry herself.

When an old enemy rambles into town and takes a special interest in Berry, Tavis must scramble to rescue the only woman he has ever loved before his future is destroyed by his past.

Links:

http://www.chastitybush.weebly.com- Official Website

http://chastitybush.blogspot.com- blog

chastitybush@yahoo.com

facebook.com/chastitybush

twitter.com/chastitybush

goodreads.com/chastitybush

Why Would You Write THAT??

2012-02-12T03:01:00.004-05:00

by Sara Brookes

I get asked a lot why I write BDSM. After my typical response of: “Why not?” I explain that the psychology behind it fascinates me. This usually throws most people for a loop. After all, say “BDSM” to the average American and, if they haven’t cringed away or called you a few choice names, think it’s all about the whips, chains and various other assorted devices people identify with BDSM.

But, believe it or not, without the psychology, those things would never come into play.

Though I do use some of the typical implements identified with BDSM (collars, cuffs, floggers, etc), you’ll find most of my books are more about Dominance and submission, or D/s.

In my Sypricon Masters series, the Doms in the club use their most powerful instrument to work with their subs—their voices. Though there are devices most people are used to seeing in regards to BDSM (though, I did make a few enhancements and changes—the series is sci-fi after all *g*) the key things between the characters is their connection.

To me, that’s one of the most important things when it comes to genuine BDSM.

**Leave a comment with your email for a chance to win a Decadent ebook of your choice. Winner will be contacted via email**

~*~

Sara Brookes is an award-winning author who has always been fascinated by the strange, the unusual, the twisted and the lost (tortured heroes are her personal favorite). She is an action movie junkie, addicted to coffee and has been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing RPG video games. Despite all this, she is a romantic at heart and is always a sucker for an excellent love story. Born and bred in Virginia, Sara still lives there with her husband and daughter. The entire family is owned by two cats, Galahad and Loki, who graciously allow the family to cater to their every desire.

Invasions, Aliens and Pantyhose...

2012-02-11T03:01:00.002-05:00

by J80

I have enjoyed writing since I was in the 5^th grade. Before that I had written a book report or two but my first story assignment came in grade 5. Since then I have written many stories both for class work and on my own. Another thing that has led me to this point is my fascination with seeing women in nylons, particularly pantyhose. I’ve tried to think back and trace the origins of this “fetish” and the best I can come up with is 6^th grade. A teacher of mine wore hose nearly every day and she was very pretty. From then on the “fetish” grew.

In 2001, I came across a web site that posted erotic stories that had an element of mind control. I must admit, ever since watching my first Dracula movie and seeing the count enthrall his prey, I have had a “fetish” for all things hypnotic as well. While browsing through the many stories on the site I came across a handful of ones that combined the elements of hypnosis and pantyhose. Some of the stories used the hose as the hypnotic object, others made it a major element of the story while using another form of actual induction. In any event I was hooked. Though the hypno/pantyhose combo stories were good reads for me, there were not very many. I decided to write one of my own. With my first story posted, it got pretty good feedback on the site’s message boards. So, I wrote another, then another, and so on until I had around 9 stories on that site.

One night I was flipping through the TV channels and came upon the 90’s version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. That gave me an idea. What if sexy aliens came to Earth and took over people with nylon. Over the next few months I wrote my Nylon alien story in 5 parts. I posted each part separately on the erotic story site. The feedback I got on the message bards was overwhelmingly good. With all the good feedback and positive reviews from my fellow writers on the site, I decided to submit my nylon alien story to a publisher.

One of the first places I submitted to was Decadent Publishing. My first version, the one that had been received so wee by people on the erotic story we page was turned down. The email I got from Decadent said that the story needed to have a more romantic element. I reworked the entire story while still keeping the same premise of sexy nylon clad invaders from space. The new version was accepted for publication with Decadent and after many months of editing and revising, Invasion of the Nylonians was released. I’d like to thank Decadent Publishing for allowing me to take an idea that just happened to pop in my head while watching TV and turn it into a published work. I hope this blog helps people understand me a little better and also the origins and development of my story. Invasion of the Nylonians.

Got an odd fetish you think would make a great book? Keeping it PG-13, leave a comment for an opportunity to win a copy of the Decadent Publishing ebook of your choice!

Some Myths Are Just Asking to be Retold

2012-02-09T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Arlene Webb

When a ten breeds with a ten, unless mom’s a crack addict, genetics claims the kid should grow up to be 10 x 10, which adds up to one badass 100.

Take the most erotic, beautiful and irresistible XX (Aphrodite), and crossbreedwith the ultimate aggressive, powerful and virile XY (Ares), and yet, some damn silly Greeks and Romans dreamt up a XY-WIMP (Eros) for an offspring.

Sure, being the son of a love goddess and war mongrel could do some serious damage to your self-esteem, but a stunted dude(cute bare butt, but certainly nothing impressive on the front side) carrying a flimsy weapon and beaming such an angelic grin you either want to whip out an assault rifle or kick him?

Naturally, I assumed the bearer of true love is a lot more interesting than that and one lucky commentator will get a chance to check it out for themselves for free! Make sure you include your email address in your comment.

Here’s opening paragraphs for Arrow to the Heart:

February 12, 3:00 p.m.

“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was five…make that six kills ago.”

A deep sigh fell from Cu’s lips. “Cut the crap, Officer….” He glanced down at the

questionnaire the woman had filled out in his waiting room. Two angry words—Bite Me—were scrawled within the box marked NAME. “Officer Me. Perhaps I should use your first name, but Bite is not only common, it adds oral fixation to your list of problems.”

Cu looked across his desk through the one-way mirrored divider. Seated in front of him, unable to see him, the lanky blonde crossed lovely legs. Her skirt hitched above her knees. Large hazel eyes flashed with anger and he sighed again. She wasn’t happy to be there. Well, neither was he, and he had better things he could be doing than counsel a

trigger-happy nutjob.

“Whatever,” she said. “My nickname is ‘Screw You.’ ‘Up Yours’ works, too.”

He drummed his fingers on his desktop. “Until you put aside your low self-esteem and authority issues, and we get to why you’ve been suspended pending my signature, I’ll call you Miss Boring. Think you’re the first officer to resent that seat?”

Cu had PhDs in Psychology, Human Sexuality, Biochemistry, and Advanced

Medicine….

***

Speculative fiction, thinking what if is the foundation for every story I’ve written and it’s led me to some fun places. On this valentine, wouldn’t you rather buy a card with a picture on it as yummy as the dude on this book cover? Better yet, forget cards and give your valentine a story from my heart to yours.

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/

http://www.arlenewebb.com/index.php

http://arlenewebb.blogspot.com/

Boxers or Briefs?

2012-02-08T03:01:00.001-05:00

by Olivia Starke

Here’s a question that has had many passionate arguments since the invention of these two male undergarments. Okay, in the olden days men’s underwear was more about function and less about…well bringing sexy back..

(Those are some crazy man panties there…)

Lucky for us, and them, men’s underwear evolved eventually to the creations we see today.

(Sorry, Tarzan in a loincloth was a given for this blog post.)

I’m not a fan of the tightey whiteys, or ‘Dad underwear’ because, well, they are requisite Dad underwear. At least for us Gen X crowd. Granted there are male models sporting the style with some success, I still can’t find myself bug eyed over them.

(Sexy guy, yet I can’t help but wonder what’s outside those blinds. Admit it, now you’re trying to see, too.)

Next we have boxers made popular by rap stars from the 90s and gentlemen who insist on wearing their britches around their ankles per the current fashion.

(He must have known my favorite color is blue!)

I guess I feel boxers are too tame. You can wear these out in public and few would be the wiser, though I admit silk ones on a ‘happy’ man can perk my interest ;;) If I were a guy, it’d bug me having my junk flap around like a broken-necked chicken, but I’m not a guy, sooo…

That takes us to boxer briefs :D These modern miracles of the styling industry are the epitome of men’s underwear. Heck, I even prefer to wear boy briefs myself, I dig them that much.

(I know we’re thinking the same thing, he has an AWESOME tan!)

Fitted yet feigning modesty, they can showcase a good package, a nice ass, and well-toned legs at the same time. I mean really, really, what’s not to like here? I know I’ve converted men in the past—okay bullied—but hey, it was for their own good.

So what’s your preference? Leave a comment with an email and one lucky US winner could win Sweets & Swag chosen via Randompicker.com!

Olivia Starke www.authoroliviastarke.com http://romancingthepentoday.blogspot.com

Zombie Lovin’

(Coming 02/21 to Decadent Publishing’s new erotica line The Edge.)

Blurb:

Dating a dead guy would be complicated and complications were one thing she liked to avoid.

Samantha Perry expected a fun weekend in Vegas, what she didn’t expect is the hottie she wakes up next to after a wild night of drinking. Tall, blue-eyed, and all American, Jake is the epitome of male virility—give or take the fact he lacks a heartbeat. But sometimes even the living impaired need a little lovin’

And Jake has one hell of a surprise in store for Samantha…

Excerpt:

Some days it doesn’t pay to get out of bed, especially if you wake up with a corpse.

Her new companion had been the most watched man in the club, and Samantha Perry couldn’t help the sense of conquest as they stumbled into her hotel room. The room swayed and she had to clutch his shirt to stay on her feet.

“Watch out, baby,” he said in a deep husky voice against her ear. “I think you’re a little drunk.”

She giggled. “You try walking in four inch stilettos. I can barely manage these on the best of days.”

He chuckled. “Fair enough, but damn they’re sexy.”

Her hair clung around her shoulders, her blouse and jeans still damp. “I’m wet. How did I get so wet?” Her foggy memory offered no explanations.

“Such open ended questions you ask.” He captured her lips in a hot distracting kiss. “So many answers I could give.”

He tugged the blouse over her head, pitched it aside, and placed his hands on her shoulders giving a gentle shove. She squealed, but luckily bounced, the bed breaking her fall.

She studied him, well tried to as her focus was a little off. “So what was it you were saying earlier, about the living dead something or other?”

He tugged her jeans off and tossed them over his shoulder, drawing out yet another giggle from Samantha.

He gave her a lopsided grin. “You mean living while dead? We’ll need to have this discussion, but later.” He kissed her deeply once more. “And I mean much,much, later.”

Daily Dose of Decadence: Stress Baking

2012-02-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

Daily Dose of Decadence: Stress Baking

Stress baking for me is 'Mom. bring me some donuts, please.' But I will confess.....I've made a PMS pan of brownies occasionally.

Stress Baking

2012-02-07T03:01:00.001-05:00

by Emily Cale

Stress. It makes people do a lot of crazy things. I know people who handle it by sleeping a lot and by never going to bed; by exercising more and by lying around the house doing nothing. We all have stress in our lives and we all have our ways of coping. I bake. Yes, when I am feeling the pressure of a million different tasks, our kitchen fills with cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and pies.

This would all be okay if I actually ate any of these things. I typically eat one of them. Then I hand them off to someone else. So basically, I get stressed and my friends get food. It’s a system that typically works out pretty well for them. For me, it means the added stress of dealing with the dishes in the kitchen. Which (of course), means I need to bake more. Yeah, it gets a little complicated.

The other downside is that my friends think I should bring elaborate desserts to every get together ever thrown. I either don’t have the time or the energy the majority of the time. So I thought I would share with you my favorite last minute dessert.

Emily's Last Minute Dessert

Ingredients:

1 box of your favorite cake mix (Plus whatever it calls for in the mix. Usually an egg, water, and vegetable oil)

1 can pie filling

Cupcake pan liners

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to temperature specified on the box

2. Mix up cake mix according to directions

3. Line the cupcake pan and fill each spot 1/3 of the way up with cake batter

4. Add one spoonful of pie filling to each of the spots

5. Add more cake batter until each is about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way full

6. Cook according to direction on the box

7. (optional) Add your favorite frosting once the cupcakes have cooled

I’m giving away a copy of Dessert First today to one random commenter.

Blurb:

Playing perfect daughter at her mother's parties isn't Alexis Arnette's idea of a good time. She always leaves grumpy and hungry. Unimpressed with the spread laid out in the living room, she sneaks off to the kitchen to find something a little more satisfying. What she discovers is chef Morgan Crane, a man who is even more delicious than his baked goods. When one taste of his creations leads to more and her good girl demeanor dissolves, would the boring evening turn into one she'll never forget?

Buy Dessert First HERE!

Are YOU the newest shooting star for Western Escape Romance?

2012-02-06T03:01:00.000-05:00

Shooting Star Writing Contest

Have you ever wanted to break in your own cowboy…or cowgirl?

Riding the range, herding cattle, running a ranch…it’s all there in Freewill, Wyoming…and more, waiting for you to come write your heart’s story. If you like a sexy cowboy in a Stetson and low-slung jeans, he can be found in Freewill’s contemporary setting. Or, if you prefer the rugged hero in chaps, camping next to an open fire, and riding into a small start-up town to re-supply, he can be found in Freewill’s historical setting.

With Freewill being a long-established town, rich in history, gunfights, jumped claims, and love lost, it is the perfect setting to have your hero or heroine travel back to the past to experience it personally…and perhaps find the soul mate s/he has always longed for. Shifting from a modern age to a time when lights didn’t burn at the flip of a switch and indoor plumbing had yet to be invented might very well prove for some interesting moments for your characters. But then, why only go back in time…but hurtle your sexy hero forward to modern Freewill. Imagine how someone from that time might view computers and cell phones… Either way, a time travel romance set in Freewill, Wyoming, could very well be the story you’ve been longing to pen. Now all you have to decide is which time periods your hero and heroine will choose to spend their happy ever after in.

If you have a set of characters in mind (either contemporary or historical) and need a western setting to let your story unfold, then Freewill is the perfect place. If sexy, rugged cowboys, and beautiful country girls get your blood pumping, then consider this friendly town. Whether your hero lassos a calf, wild horse, or hot-tempered heroine, these wide open spaces leave plenty of room for your characters to breathe.

Freewill is full of possibilities. Put your mark on the town with the perfect business or help create its history/future in other ways. Even if you're just passing through, Freewill is the perfect to start a romance. After all, it was founded on the idea of free will and free imaginations. Indulge yours and create a romance that will put a little sizzle in this small town and make a lasting impression. Freewill is waiting for you!

Enter the Shooting Star Writing Contest for extra perks and a chance to win a blog tour along with your contract

How it Works:
Please send one (1) copy of the first chapter of your manuscript (5000 words maximum) and a (1) page synopsis (single spaced is acceptable, but please, keep the font at 12pt or larger) to editor [dot] ansley [at] gmail [dot] com. Total entry must be in one file with the synopsis at the beginning or end of the entry. Entries should be in RTF (rich text format) files only. Name and contact information must be listed in the body of the email.

Entries must be received by no later than midnight, February 22, PST.

NO Entry Fee or purchase necessary to win.

For Official Rules, please click HERE.

Romance is in the air…

2012-02-05T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Jane Rochester

Thank you so much for dropping by my spot at Daily Dose of Decadence! Romance is one of the upcoming holiday’s defining features. (For those of you looking confused – and I’m looking at you, gentlemen – I’m talking about Valentine’s Day. Run for reservations now!) But how do you define romance? Is it hot and steamy? Chocolate and flowers? Housework done by a hunky guy dressed in a smile and an apron that says “Kiss the Cook?”

Sorry. Momentary fantasy. I’m done drooling now.

Traditionally, it’s all about the roses and chocolate and sweeping gestures of love and adoration. But it doesn’t have to be. Hundreds of romances never make mention of a flower, or a piece of chocolate. It can be a gesture, a word, or a note. Especially if it’s something out of the ordinary for the giver.

I mean, there’s always the fantasy romance. The lover who sweeps you off your feet, with a room full of candles and rose petals AND chocolate, all of which you pretty much ignore in favor of each other. And no one can deny how sexy it is for your significant other to take over all the chores you usually do.

For Nora and Angus, romance is finding the person who completes you. For two people who have given up on the idea of love and romance, they make a last ditch effort with Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand service, and actually manage to do pretty well. For them, romance is about enjoying each other, talking, getting to know this person that you feel an instant connection with. There are no flowers strewn over the bed, or heart-shaped box of chocolates waiting with a bottle of champagne. (and if there were, they probably wouldn’t have noticed for a good while.) They manage to find all the romance they need in each other, without any of those things.

That’s the best kind of romance. The kind you can find everyday with someone you love, without all the extra trappings. I think that’s the kind everyone wants, and if you find it, you have to keep it.

What are your favorite romantic moments? I’ll be awarding one commenter who leaves their favorite romantic moment and their email in the comment area a free copy of Soul Mate!

I hope everyone can name a few, and if you haven’t had one yet, you will find yourself in the middle of one in the future.

And if he’s hunky and wearing nothing but an apron, well, that’s just icing on the cake.

What is an enforcer?

2012-02-04T03:01:00.000-05:00

By Diane Alberts

I’d like to take the opportunity in this blog post to explain what an enforcer is. In my book, the species I created plays a huge part in the plot. Many people have heard of vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, etc. But unless you’ve read Reclaimed, you’ve not heard of enforcers.

Enforcers are at the top of the food chain. They’re the good guys. They can change into any—yes, any—paranormal creature. If they need to fight off a vampire—they transform into that. Werewolf—simple. They can change into anything. Oh, and their immortal, too. The only exception to that is if they shifted into another being, at which point they can be killed like that creature.

Enforcers, though human by nature, tend to not fall in love, since they live forever and can’t change a human into a paranormal creature without damning themselves. Only two women enforcer’s exist…so options are slim for the men. But in my book, there is an exception to this rule…

You’ll have to read it to find out if the enforcer in the story gets their happy ending—no, not that kind. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Check out the blurb and excerpt for Reclaimed below, and comment for a chance to win a copy of Kill Me Tomorrow, my paranormal 1NS book!

BLURB:

After moving to England, Sabrina tumbles into an unknown world when she meets the man of her dreams, literally. As a writer, her overactive imagination makes her believe the impossible, but recovering from shock, she wonders how Isaac could appear in her nightmares—when she’s never met him in real life. Until now.

The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn.

While embarking on a dangerous and passionate affair, a bitter enemy appears from Isaac’s past that will stop at nothing to remove Sabrina from his arms. Permanently. In order to establish a foreseeable and solid future, she must first deal with tumultuous occurrences. Navigating a shadowy world she never knew existed, Sabrina fights for her newfound love…and her life.

EXCERPT:

A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina’s house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.

Uneasiness rolled over her, and she studied Isaac out of the corner of her eye. Surprisingly, he seemed to be as tense as her. He gripped her arm tighter than necessary, and his lips were pressed together as well. She could feel the tension pulsating off his body, and she got taken back into her dreams. For the first time in real life, he made her shiver in apprehension. As if sensing her fear, he shot her a quick grin.

“Well, I had a lovely evening.” He spoke over his shoulder as he practically dragged her to the door. She stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his pace. At the door he pointedly stared at her, causing her to realize he waited for her to open it. She fumbled through the mess she called a purse to find the key. She turned to him and smiled as she studied him through the cover of her eyelashes.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or….” She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.

God, she sounded like such an idiot.

Nightcap?

Who the heck said nightcap anymore?

“While I’d love to take you up on that offer, I have something I have to take care of tonight. Could I get a rain check? For say,tomorrow night? We could do a movie and wine? Or is tomorrow too soon in the dating world?”

“No, not too soon at all. I’d love to see you tomorrow.”She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. “You can call me,and we’ll firm up a time. Good night.”

She turned to go inside and got caught off-guard when he grabbed her elbow and spun her to face him. It happened so quickly she leaned back against the door in confusion; one hand on the doorknob and the other braced against the cool steel of the door. He moved his body closer to hers and placed his hand at her head. His other hand cupped her cheek while his thumb stroked her jaw line. All thought fled as his body pressed against hers, and a small swoosh of air escaped her lips at his touch.

“I didn’t think it even possible for you to grow more beautiful, but you have proven me wrong.” When his lips met hers, she lost all thought, all ability to move. She’d somehow been tied to this spot—this man.

Keep up to date on all things Diane Alberts at: www.dianealberts.com

Decadence, Vice, and the Victorians

2012-02-03T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Sorcha Mowbray

Since I am on the Daily Dose of Decadence blog I want to talk about the decadence of the Victorian era. What? What decadence? Well despite the appearance of a superior social morality, the Victorians were very, very naughty! They indulged in all kinds of decadence from the fairly unobjectionable to the downright naughty.

The decadent movement in art and literature led to a plethora of art for art’s sake being created. Much of it was in reaction to the realism movement and the conservative choke hold on society. The Victorian’s were very good at hiding and/or ignoring their vices.

Drugs were a serious problem during this period. Opium was readily available, but the real addiction of society was laudanum. It was prescribed for every possible ailment and was cheaper than gin. Women in particular were heavy users of the drug and even gave it to their children. Absinthe was another common drug, often used in conjunction with laudanum. A hallucinogen, absinthe was popular among various artists and their crowd to stimulate their creative juices.

Despite the strict religious guidelines, or perhaps because of them, prostitution was rampant. Men were discouraged from self-servicing, so they frequently turned to prostitutes for relief. One statistic I have seen claims there were over 7000 prostitutes in London in 1858. For women, it was the best source of income. A low class girl could make as much as twenty pounds a job vs sixty two pounds a year as a factory worker.

Sex was completely repressed and yet utterly entwined in Victorian society. Women were “manually stimulated” by their doctors to help keep hysteria at bay, men sought out prostitutes regularly if they didn’t have a mistress at their disposal, and pornography was a growing problem.

As a result of the strange relationship between Victorian’s and sex, caning, birching, and other forms of sadomasochistic release became popular. It is in this period that the roots of BDSM become very clear.

It is all of this decadence that stirred my creative juices and led to Love Revealed. I was intrigued by the juxtaposition of society’s strictures and the hedonism that seemed to be rampant in London. I set my hero and heroine smack dab in the middle of this churn and gave each of them their own issues to deal with in addition to outside pressures. The question was; what would happen?

As it turned out a lot, but I don’t want to spoil anything for you all. *wink* Now, I know that decadence hasn’t really gone anywhere, it just keeps changing and possibly getting better. For me, I look forward to my annual trip to Vegas with Mr. Sorcha Mowbray. We go and enjoy all kinds of vice and decadence from sinful food to burlesque shows to gambling. It is always a fun filled trip with very few boundaries.

What is your decadent indulgence? Too much chocolate?Shoes?Lingerie?A vacation?One lucky commenter will win a copy of Love Revealed, and don’t forget to pop over to my group blog Silken Sheets & Seduction for another chance to win!

Love Revealed

Sorcha Mowbray

Blurb:Lady Katherine Drummond played by the rules of society, even after they turned on her. Shunned by her peers, she keeps up appearances by day but allows her true self out in the privacy of The Market. It is there in the arms of one man that she truly comes alive. So much so, she signed a contract to be his for six months. Despite never having seen his face and knowing him only as Sir, she fears losing her heart to him.

Lord Raymond Tarkenton, the Earl of Heathington, despises being one of the most sought after bachelors of the Ton. He could never ask a woman of his circle to submit to his sexual needs, and a mistress would never be an option. For now, one masked woman at The Market holds his undivided attention. When he realizes that his masked lover and Lady Katherine Drummond are one and the same, he must find a way to convince her that they are bound together by more than the straps at her wrist and the contract they signed. He must reveal himself and his love to her.

Gotta have it? Buy it here!

Website: http://sorchamowbray.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sorchamowbray

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sorchamowbray

The Pirate Ship

2012-02-02T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Maureen O. Betita

A bright young woman settles a skirt around her legs, lifting a pair of glasses to her eyes. She peers through them to a sheet of paper.

- Welcome to Tortuga Talks! I’m your on the street reporter, Beverly Bylaw. Now, don’t let the name disturb you, I know how the law works in Tortuga… He with the biggest ship, makes the law! I’m here talking to one of the newest citizens, Benjamin Silvestri!Wecome, Ben!

The plainly clad man, sits upright, holding himself stiffly. His feet are planted firmly on the plank floor. He takes a deep breath…

* That’s Benjamin, please, Miss Bylaw.

- Oh, please, call me Beverly! Certainly, Mr. Benjamin. I understand besides being the nephew of one of our most notorious pirates, you are also a master brewer! So, can we expect something wonderful from that big warehouse your uncle set you up in?

He shifts on the bench, clearing his throat. His light brown eyes dart about nervously.

* Brewing, me? Of course not. Well, maybe ale. Why? What have you heard?

Smiling archly, Beverly leans closer…

– Nothing to worry about, Benjamin! I know, as does all of Tortuga, that you apprenticed with the British Isles Whisky Board. But of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll be attempting to break their monopoly on the stuff…even if your uncle does have the biggest ship in Tortuga. I’m sure your skills will be employed finding something uniquely Tortugan to brew… Now, I understand you brought a few relatives with you. A son and niece?

Ben leans back, relief showing on his face…

*Yes, my son, Charles, who has fallen in love with fishing and my niece, Lee… Both are doing well.

- I’ve met Lee, interesting young woman. A bit…androgynous but that just makes her more fascinating. While your son is seldom seen without the company of Bosun Janey, of the Cursed Quill. Seems Janey found something of interest to keep her occupied while the Quill is being repaired. Or is her interest more in little Charlie’s father?

She holds her pen expectantly, preparing to take notes, Ben smiles slightly, then quickly looks away….

*Miss Janey has been a godsend and Charles is quite fond of her. I don’t know what else you’re implying, but I hope you are careful with spreading gossip.

- Oh, how gallant of you! Trust me, Tortuga runs on gossip. You’ll learn that in time.

She turns away from Benjamin and gathers her satchel. A flyer drifts from the top and Benjamin picks it up, shooting to his feet as if the restrain her.

She takes it from him…

– Thank you! Yes, I must remember to include the imminent arrival of the pirate circus to our port. I hope you intend to go, Mr. Benjamin. It’s quite a sight, with balancing acts on the yardarm, juggling of axes and a knife throwing skills…

He shakes his head...

*Perhaps, I don’t know. Wait, what are you going to say about Janey? I mean, Miss Janey?

Beverly chuckled – You’ll just have to trust me, sir!

*****

Sure, trust a reporter. And one from Tortuga, to boot! But she is right, The Pirate Circus is coming to Tortuga and the trouble it will bring to Benjamin and Janey… Well, I don’t want to give anything away!

Blurb:

Bosun Janey knows who and what she is. A pirate.And a damned good one at that. Living a life of excitement, adventure, and sailing the seas of the Kraken’s Caribbean is enough for her. But when the Quill is stuck in dry dock, Janey is left to search for distraction along Tortuga’s waterfront. How does a pirate occupy herself? Certainly not by making friends with a six-year-old boy or mooning after the boy’s father. That’s not how a pirate behaves!

Widower Benjamin Silvestri arrived in Tortuga seeking a fresh start. At first, the pirate haven doesn’t seem like a safe sanctuary for second chances, but life is full of surprises. The sun breathes life into his little boy, and new freedoms help his errant niece embrace her true nature. And then there's Janey. A pirate and most unconventional woman, she stirs feelings in Benjamin that are far from proper.

But who’s to say what is proper in Tortuga? Before he and Janey can explore the possibilities, Benjamin's son and niece disappear onto the high seas. Together, the couple set out to rescue them—because only a loving father and a cut-throat pirate stand a chance against the dangers of The Pirate Circus.

What death defying acts would you imagine the pirate circus will bring to town?

One comment will win a copy of the The Pirate Circus, out tomorrow! I’m Maureen O. Betita and I write adventure for the experienced individual. Seasoning everything I write with life and pushing it to the edge. I can be contacted through my website, www.maureenobetita.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter.

I also blog regularly at www.romancewritersrevenge as 2^nd Chance and. Come find me on Facebook as Maureen O. Betita Author or on Twitter.

Happy Hump Day!

2012-02-01T03:01:00.000-05:00

Yay! Happy Hump Day.

I am so excited to be here today. As the week winds down I am working with my freshman students on how to write an essay. Last week I gave them a timed in-class essay with 70 minutes. I discovered a few things, not all of them good. One was just how hard it is for kids today to simply focus without any noise going on around them. I am back in the classroom after 5 ½ years of being an administrator. This is only our 2^nd week of class so I am still adjusting a bit. Having the students write, since that is my passion, seemed only natural. We read a few short stories and I thought it would be good to have them pull some information from the text and prove their point. Easy right? Or not. Oh my goodness. No thesis sentences, even though they told me they knew what that was, no organization of thoughts even though I had asked for some sort of prewrite/outline. Nothing to show that they knew how to do what I asked for. I got some great story summaries. Really good ones. However, nothing to show me they could actually extrapolation and write. Oh and did I mention no complete sentences? Or proper use of punctuation? And they want to talk to me in text language in formal essays…sigh. This required a rethink on my part and now we are back at the beginning.

I am actually excited though because when we are done with this we can start a creative writing unit. Which is my favorite (gee I wonder why?). We will be writing short stories, any type they want. As long as they use dialogue and imagery…oh and follow through on their plot.

As for me? Well I am enjoying my time back in the classroom. It has given me the freedom to work on my writing career again. For me that is huge. I have missed the time where I was able to come home from work and relax, or just come home from work. So expect to see some new and exciting stuff out there. Still in the romance/paranormal realm of the world, after all that is where I live.

You can find me at:

http://brigitsaine.posterous.com

http://brigitsjournals.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/brigitsworld

http://www.facebook.com/brigitaine

My book here at Decadent is Red’s Return. The first in the Torrent’s Talents series and still the one closest to my heart.

For Red Hood, it's been a long journey to Grandma's house. Her escape to big-city life is not what she had expected; the hustle and bustle of metropolis has left her feeling alienated and more of a freak than she could have imagined. Torrent, the town where she grew up, on the other hand, has so much more to offer--friends, family and acceptance of her 'special' breed of talent.

Red quickly makes up her mind to return home. The warm embrace of her parents and grandmother are alluring, but the mysterious stranger she bumps into on the path to Grandma's might just sweeten the deal.

Buy Red's Return HERE!

Story Ideas: What Inspires Them?

2012-01-31T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Jessica E. Subject

I am often asked where my story ideas come from. And I must admit, many things inspire the tales I weave. When I first put pen to paper, I wrote for my daughter, but through dreams, my characters told a completely new story, thus turning a book for children into one for adults. Situations that people I know have had to face have resulted in other stories. Sometimes it’s a line from a song. And I have one idea waiting to be turned into a story that stemmed from a news article sent to me by another Decadent author.

Never Gonna Let You Go is a little different. It came from a writing assignment in my high school science fiction English class. I kept many things from my school years, the assignments being one of them. I’d thought many times about turning the short narrative into a story, but had other projects on the go. When I finally took the paper from my idea folder, I had to add a lot of conflict, one of them being Erik, the aerospace mechanic, but I needed more. After many showers—where I work through the details of most of my stories—I decided to add another main character, Melina. Only she isn’t competition for Calla in winning Erik’s affections. No, she’s after Calla for herself. And thus, Never Gonna Let You Go was born.

I thought I’d share the beginning of the lyrics for Regina Spektor’s The Call. I find the words to be exactly how my ideas grow.

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

All the best!

JES

Never Gonna Let You Go Blurb

Caught in a tangle of lies, Calla Jacobs must sort through the truth to discover where she truly belongs. A biologist for Planet Core, she finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit. Sent to Airondelle, she must work with a team to prepare the newly discovered planet for colonists from Earth. But the mission does not go as she expected. Her former lover, Erik Edwards, shuns her, sending Calla into the arms of Melina Holloway, their commander, for the attention she craves and more. A confrontation among the trio leaves her with a broken heart, and fleeing from the two people she trusted most.

Attempting to break free from the lies that bind her, she discovers Planet Core has deceived everyone. And when she returns to Earth, Calla learns just how far Planet Core’s control reaches.

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.

Buy Link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=455

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/I8hN8O4bVo4

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

How Do You Talk To An Angel?

2012-01-27T03:01:00.015-05:00

By Deena Remiel

Besides Jamie Walters having a sexy, smooth as silk voice to sing the song of the same name, he asks a valid question. How DO you talk to an angel? Well, lucky for me, I create them in my paranormal series, The Brethren, and I’ve been talking to them for quite a while now. Let me give you some pointers so the next time you need one or run across one in your travels, you’ll be prepared.

First, say hello! They’re just like us, you know. Okay, that isn’t exactly true. They tower head and shoulders above most of us and are extremely hunkalicious, with wings that reach from their shoulders down to their ankles and bodies that rival the Greek gods. Back to the greeting. They are a friendly lot, and if you’re talking to one, dollars to doughnuts, you’ve needed and called for him. So, say hello and thank you.

They’re never at a loss during a conversation since they’ve been around for a couple of millennia. Some topics the Brethren enjoy more than others. For example, they love to talk about the latest in security technology, healing practices, and self-defense techniques. Not quite your thing? Any topic you can think of, they can discuss with more than a modicum of expertise. That’s not meant to intimidate, mind you, only to say there isn’t a topic you need to stay away from. So take your angel by the hand and find a nice quiet place to sit and talk for a while.

Honesty is very important to the Brethren. They can’t lie, so they expect others to have the same level of integrity. If you’ve done something you’re not proud of, even if you screwed up royally, tell them the truth. They’ll be pissed as hell, but they’ll respect you for stepping up.

Most importantly, to all the romance fans out there… Talk sexy to them in bed! I did NOT just say that, did I? Oh, yes I did! And even better… talk with your HANDS! They are quite versed in nonverbal communication as well. *wink, wink*

Now that you know the ins and outs of talking to angels, I invite you to explore the Brethren’s world! Trinity is the first book in the paranormal romance series, but I’d love to tell you about the latest book… RELIC. It’s the second book in the series, and I’m thrilled to tell you that IT RELEASED TODAY! When you’re done reading the blurb and excerpt, you’ll want to head over to www.decadentpublishing.com and grab yourself a copy. Nothing better than buying a book the very first day it releases! It’s like a movie premiere!

BLURB:
Raphael, a Brethren Savior, an angel with a forgotten past, has lost his power to heal and is on a self-imposed guilt trip to get it back. If he can’t, his tour of eternal duty as Brethren Savior will be revoked. On his journey, he winds up enmeshed in a web of attempted murder and resurrection all thanks to a woman he’s only seen in a photograph and by chance on an Arizona desert hiking trail.

Serena Sikes is a wanted woman. Desired by “undesirables” for a gift her brother gave her- a stolen relic with suspected healing powers. Hunted down in the Arizona desert and left for dead, she is found by none other than the angel who cannot heal.

Raphael and Serena are inexorably bound together, for locked deep within the relic’s heart had lived the soul of his long lost wife. Now, it resides inside Serena. Evil lurks around every corner as Raphael tries to keep both Serena and his dead wife’s soul alive and lustful temptation at bay.

Three souls bound together by an ancient relic, bound by a timeless gift, and bound by a love that is eternal.

EXCERPT:

Serena lay asleep in her hospital bed, a small, seemingly fragile wisp of a woman. The way the setting sun cast a glow about her face, she looked enchanting and more like a delicate flower. He could almost smell the sweet scent of a Lily of the Valley in the air. He shook himself free of his musings as he moved into her room and quietly took a seat next to her.

Glancing around the room, he found the sweet-smelling culprit that had captivated him—a small bottle of perfume. Returning to gaze upon his enchantress, he noticed the bruising along her jaw line much more pronounced since he’d first come upon her. A cold, steel anger welled within him. His eyes trailed down to her slender arm outfitted with an IV, and to all the machines with their bells and beeps.

“I’m sorry, Serena,” he whispered. “You wouldn’t have needed all of this if I could’ve done my job properly.” He bristled in frustration and leaned his head against his arms resting on the bedrail. He noticed her stirring in her sleep. She seemed agitated and surprised him by blindly reaching out to grab hold of his hand.

“Mmm…I cannot die. I am immortal. Anfeidir le heinnecuidiuliom? Can anyone help me? Graimthu, Raphael, anamchara. I love you, my soul mate.” Serena whimpered and fell silent once again.

The chair screeched across the floor as Raphael sprung out of it like a Jack-in-the-box. Her hand stayed firmly gripped around his, and a flood of memories—well-hidden for centuries—came crashing through unbidden. Sirona, Goddess of Healing—the love of his immortal life, his wife—smiled at him as they walked in the mountains. She bathed him in the hot roman baths. She made love with him under the stars. She was lifeless in his arms as he carried her to her temple. He was asking E.L. to wipe his memory clean of all remembrances of her and to harden his heart.

Raphael wrenched his hand away from Serena’s tight grasp, involuntarily backing up to the door. He clutched his chest over his racing heart, now filled with centuries of unresolved anguish, his mind buzzed with too many questions.

Serena’s eyes fluttered open. He must have had a look of utter horror on his face because she raised her hand to her face shielding the bruise. “It appears worse than it feels,” she stated quietly. “Really. Have you come to fix the TV? They told me someone would be coming by this afternoon to fix it.”

“Uh…no,” Raphael croaked. “I, uh…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’ll be on my way.” I have to get out of here.Who the hell is she, some kind of witch? Why is this happening now? And where do I begin to process what I just experienced?

“But wait. Who are you? Why did you come to my room?”

Now she doesn’t know who I am? What gives? “I’m the one who found you and brought you here to the hospital, actually. I was checking to see how you were doing. Now I see you’re doing much better, so I’m going to leave you to your rest.” Raphael headed to the exit.

“Wait! Please, before you go I’d like to say something.” He turned around slowly and stood transfixed by her glittering emerald eyes. “Thank you. You saved my life, and I’m forever grateful.” She smiled, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

“Make no mistake,” he grumbled. “I didn’t save you. The doctors did. But you’re welcome for bringing you here. Now, I really must go.”

“Hey,” Serena shouted as he walked out the door, “what did you say your name was?”

He stopped but couldn’t face her again. “I didn’t.”

**Practice talking to an angel right here! I’ve got my Brethren angels on standby, so say something to Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Nathanael, or Cassiel. The most creative comment will score TWO sensual poems I wrote, inspired by the couples of Trinity and Relic! Just make sure to leave your email address in the comment area!**

Rugged Wear and Tear in The Great Outdoors

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

By Becky Moore

Give me a rugged man’s man any day of the week. Not a macho, sexist pig, mind you … but a self-assured, intelligent, humorous and capable man who can heft a kayak one handed up to his shoulder, tie a sturdy knot in his hiking boots, set the correct tire pressure in his road bike, and knows his head from a hole in the ground.

In the real world, my family is great lovers of the outdoors. Kayaking and hiking are tops on the list, as is bicycling. For Mother’s Day two years ago I got a new kayak … my OWN kayak … and we love to take them out on the lake during the spring and fall (summers can be a little too hot in the direct sunlight, and recreational use of lakes often escalates to dangerous speedboats). We hike year-round, as long as it’s dry and above 60 degrees. And when the weather permits, we like to park our cars on the weekend and bike all over town, from the library to the movie theatre, to a fun lunch out to the grocery store. It’s a great way to reduce our carbon footprint, but it’s also a great way to catch up with my husband and son and keep a finger on the pulse of life.

We’re also all big readers, though with different interests, and my taste in romance tends to stick with sexy contemporary tales and pulse-pounding suspense. So it should come as no surprise that my first 1 Night Stand story incorporates my love of the outdoors with a rugged, sexy mountainous setting in the lovely Appalachian Mountains. In The Great Outdoors, you’ll meet Tallulah Murphy, an artist and arts educator working for a museum in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mitchell Weaver, a police detective living in Charleston, South Carolina.

Both are great lovers of the outdoors, and though Tallulah has just come out of a bad relationship, she’s no simpering, spineless wallflower. No ma’am; she’s rugged in her own right, and ready for the clarity that can only be gained from the clean, fresh air … and the wear and tear of a sexy man.

Are you an outdoors gal? Do you have any common hobbies with your partner? Got a rugged, wear and tear fella at your beck and call? Maybe it’s time for The Great Outdoors …

Preconceptions

2012-01-24T03:01:00.004-05:00

Preconceptions

by Maureen O. Betita

We all have them. I don’t care how much you deny it, you do. You know you do! I sometimes think preconceptions are wired into human DNA.

If a corner is dark, we tend to raise our awareness of danger…or…I suppose if you were a criminal, you assess the darkness as a suitable place to practice your craft.

Ah! There is a preconception! I mean, honestly…I think most modern crime takes place in broad daylight, across a boardroom.

Another preconception!

Yup, I’m full of them!

The same can be said of the hero in my new book, The Pirate Circus, available on February 3^rd. Benjamin Silvestri is new resident in Tortuga, come from staid old England with his young son. He has definite presumptions of what being a pirate is all about and though he accepted help from his Uncle Silvestri, a well-known pirate, Ben has standards.

Of course, so does Janey, the bosun of The Cursed Quill. They’re just pirate standards!

Now, when these two meet and begin to debate his biases…amidst an attraction that neither expected…things get interesting!

Throw in a little boy longing for adventure and a young woman uncertain of her sexual identity and then the pirate circus arrives in town with a new admiral bent on evil… and BAMM! Things get dangerous!

Check out the blurb…

-----

The Kraken’s Caribbean is the sort of place to challenge preconceptions and take delight in proving them wrong. It’s something I enjoy toying with as an author! Turning the world inside out and upside down is my specialty…

Now, what preconceptions can we dicker with today? To prepare for the release of The Pirate Circus, one lucky commenter will win a copy of the first book of the Kraken’s Caribbean series, The Kraken’s Mirror. (Though, if you already have it, I can make it one ya don’t have, because I’m like that!)

Facts about the Space Station in Unknown Futures

2012-01-20T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Jessica E. Subject

My latest release, Unknown Futures, is set in a space station and I thought I’d share five fun facts about the place.

1 – The space station is owned by the Space Service, mentioned in Celestial Seduction.

2 – While many alien species travel to the space station by ship, people from Earth pass through a portal to get there.

3 – There is a hotel located in the space station for weary travellers to rest during their voyages through space. Flavia (V) works there as concierge.

4 – The space station has a dance club. Because extraterrestrials like to have fun, too.

5 – Besides walking, transportation throughout the space station consists of “the tube” which sucks you up inside, then spits you out at your destination. Much faster than an elevator.

Unknown Futures Blurb

Attacked as a young adult, Jewel is left scarred and alone. She applies to the 1Night Stand service, believing no one can see past her appearance to love her. But she doesn’t expect to be sent to a space station where her date could be any number of unusual alien species.

Flavia left everything behind to be one of five humans working for the Space Service space station. Extremely homesick, she is excited to learn she will be a guide to a woman from Earth visiting the station for a couple days. She is immediately drawn to the petite woman, seeing past her scars to her true inner beauty, stirring unforeseen desires.

Unfortunately, Jewel is there for a date which Flavia hasn’t been told about. Can she contain her lust and simply show her a good time? Or will she let her desire lead them into an unknown future?

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers Buy Links

Bio:

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

What It's Like on the Inside

2012-01-17T07:09:00.000-05:00

by Shayne Leighton

I'd say, it's very rare that an author get's to actually live (I mean physically live) inside the world they've created. I cannot recall many instances (especially when writing fantasy) where that would be possible, though I suppose many would want to, especially if they've manifested a literary hunk within their pages that they'd like to meet.

Thanks to the art of filmmaking, it was odd that I actually was able to experience this -- even for just a little while. Not odd because of the fact that I was able to see my world play out in real time before my

eyes, but odd in the sense that, while I was acting within it, it didn't actually feel like it was my story.

That was the conversation Michael Welch (The Twilight Saga, Born Bad) and I had on set this past October while we were in North Carolina filming scenes from the Of Light and Darkness movie that is currently in the late stages of development. I have to admit that I was a little intimidated, after only being a part of small, independent projects, that I was now on set with creative professionals from Los Angeles who were busily working to make the world I created a reality. (At least on screen.) I felt constantly on my toes, watching everyone, taking everything in, as I tried to learn as much as possible to the extraordinary experience that was packed into only one week of filming in the VERY small town of Snow Camp.

Mr. Welch turned me while we were filming a scene together and asked, "So, is this weird for you? Because you wrote it? Your character must come pretty easily."

I thought about that for a moment, for is indeed was a logical assessment. My character should come to me pretty easily, since she was birthed from my imagination. But when I considered my process as an actor and everything I had done thus far to prepare myself for this moment, I am up with the conclusion of; no. She was just as difficult as any other character I'd played from other people's stories.

I found that conclusion to be odd as well. But in truth, while we were filming, it really didn't feel like my story at all. While I was "Charlotte", it felt completely like the script belonged to someone else's mind. I chalk that up to having to wear multiple hats at any given time, but you can never wear two hats at the same time. Does that make sense?

Dean Jones (make up for Pirates of the Caribbean and Emmy-Award winner for Star Trek) helmed the project along with Worth Keener as the Director of Photography. Co producer of the feature, Candace Charee was on set, making sure everything was running smoothly, and indeed, wearing my other hat while I couldn't.

Aside from Michael Welch, Cassie Scerbo (ABC Family's Make It Or Break It) and Johnny Pacar (Playback, Make It Or Break It) were also starring as "Sarah" and "Lusian".

It was one of my favorite experiences filming anything. Super intimate -- as we all stayed in the same house during production at the Hollywood Horror Show. Filming during Halloween didn't hurt either, as a few of the other local actors were made available to us.

The video is currently in post production now. I'm a little eager to get it out there after two and a half months of the footage sitting in the can.

Hopefully, what's next is the next stage in production for the feature film. You can follow the progress of the novel series and the film development on Facebook.com/OfLightandDarknessSeries and by checking our status on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2122436/

Thanks for reading and more soon!

Shayne Leighton

An Almost Perfect Paradise

2012-01-13T21:20:00.001-05:00

By Jenna Jaxson

Paradise. What images does that word conjure up for you? I immediately envision a tropical island with lush foliage, pristine beaches, and azure waves lapping against a clear shoreline. When I started writing Almost Perfect, I decided I wanted my couple to be abandoned in one of the most beautiful, most romantic places possible: an island paradise.

When Pam Kimball set up her 1Night Stand fantasy encounter, her movie-buff mind automatically turned to one of the major romantic tropes: pirates. She expected a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure at sea to include a gorgeous, sexy man, a pirate captain who would sweep her off her feet, making her forget the trauma of her divorce. As her writer, however, I decided what Pam needed to fulfill her fantasy instead was another cinematic trope—a fantasy island.

Many women—me included—would love to be stranded on a deserted island with a hot hunky guy. The movies have been showing us this desire for decades: Father Goose, Blue Lagoon, Six Days Seven Nights, Castaway. According to msnbc.com, the island paradise of Hawaii is the number one honeymoon destination, followed closely by Jamaica and the Bahamas. There’s just something totally romantic about standing on a moonlit beach, feeling a warm gentle breeze beside the one you love. The perfect recipe for a happily ever after ending.

I have yet to visit my island paradise. How about you? Do you dream about escaping to a secluded island or a beach resort with your significant other—or a sexy stranger—for a hot time that will make your toes curl?

Blurb for Almost Perfect:

Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, is supposed to help her jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her ex. Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy goes wrong when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island with ex-husband Roger Ware. When Pam is forced to accept Roger’s offer of dinner, she recognizes that he’s changed since their divorce and his newfound sensuality re-kindles an old fire. When he challenges her to find out how much his amorous skills have improved, Pam is torn between self-preservation and desire. With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam has to decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.

And here’s a little excerpt to further whet your appetite:

She inched into the lapping surf, searching for movement. Reflection off the water made this task harder than expected. Wasn’t the Caribbean supposed to be teeming with fish? Now that’s something she’d had a lot of instruction in. Almost every marooned-on-an-island movie had a scene where the heroine learned to catch fish. Six Days, Father Goose, Blue Lagoon. All you needed was your hands and patience. She could do this.

Pam waded out further then stopped just before the water hit her now dry shorts. “Not gonna to have a damp crotch all night.” The words reminded her of exactly what she had hoped for tonight. “But not from wet shorts!” She headed back to shore to remove and drape them next to her shirt. The bandeau was a different story. Still damp, even after several hours, and uncomfortable. Might dry better if not next to her skin anyway. “Screw it! Live dangerously.”

Standing as good as naked on the deserted beach, Pam smiled as the warm breeze caressed her bare body. The sense of being slightly naughty added to her delight in the sensual feel of the air as it dried her breasts. Her nipples peaked as the wind cooled them. She strutted down to the water’s edge to sink her toes in the sand, the salty tang in the air adding to the perfect moment.

“If you’re skinny dipping, you forgot to remove one very important piece of clothing.”

Pam whirled around. Roger stood on the beach behind her, a green bottle of Perrier in one hand. His gaze played up and down her naked torso and his salacious grin widened. “Mind if I join you?”

Lucky Guys! Or Not…

2012-01-13T03:01:00.021-05:00

by Maureen O. Betita

I’ve always liked writing characters who are lucky. Though what’s really fun about writing these characters is when they react to the idea that they are lucky…especially the men.

(Okay, some of the guys consider luck their right, when it’s with the ladies…but most of mine resent the idea that any of their success is about luck. We all know what they want it to be about!)

These men want to be known for being clever, sneaky, intelligent. And occasionally treacherous. I mean, they are pirates!

Take Captain Alan Silvestri, the hero of The Kraken’s Mirror. If anyone should know luck, it’s Silvestri. He’s spent 50 years the victim of a good luck curse!

Being the eldest of the lot, he is more likely to accept the concept of luck once his curse has run its course. He’s been around a while and figures that reputation, in the long run, is worth just as much if he’s considered lucky than if he’s considered sneaky. Plus he’d rather not be known as sneaky. (That way it isn’t expected from him and he can get away with it now and then.)

I think this is the sort of viewpoint that comes with age and experience and I find myself supporting this perspective more and more. I mean, I know I’m lucky, but I don’t count on it. I do figure if I leave room for luck it is more likely to visit but if I fluff the pillows and dust the furniture, it might visit more often. (How do I know I’m lucky? Well, when my heart stopped in 2007, my husband was in bed with me instead of still in the shower…and I’d be dead. Luck? You bet!)

Now, Captain Michael March?He’s the swashbuckler from The Chameleon Goggles. Well, he’s younger and he’s cocky. And he’s a bit lazy for the most part. Luck is fine by him. It takes less work. Not that Mick can’t work or be clever, sneaky…etc. (Oddly enough, part of his reputation is for escaping a bad luck curse.) This is a man who uses what comes his way, luck, shipping routes…extra aces…loaded dice…

Hey, Mick is pretty typical of men. And probably the most realistic of every pirate I’ve created.

Wow, that sounded sexist…I’m sure there are women like this! From what I’ve read of Anne Bonny, she knew how to take advantage of what came her way!

Wink, wink! Nudge, nudge!

The last of my heroes from The Kraken’s Caribbean Series isn’t a pirate. In The Pirate Circus,Ben falls in love with a pirate. His difficulty is in believing success isever about luck for pirates. Benjamin Silvestri is a master brewer and he’s very pragmatic. And can be quite judgmental. He’s willing to accept help from his uncle, a pirate, but when it comes to how he views pirates…he’s not so accepting. If only he just believed that it was about luck! But he believes it’s about treachery and being sneaky.

The pirate he falls in love with knows it’s more than luck, but luck plays into it! Janey finally convinces Benjamin that it doesn’t matter what you call it. She is one of the good guys…er…gals.

I know today is considered an unlucky day, but I don’t believe in that sort of omen. Now…horoscopes? Whole different thing! ;-)

How about you? How do you view luck?

A 1Night Stand Three-Way Thursday

2012-01-12T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Jessica E. Subject

With three 1Night Stand stories out now, I thought I’d share what characters from each are thankful, thoughtful, and thirsty for.

Thankful – Tamara from Beneath the Starry Sky

I’m thankful for all of the support from my family and organizations such as NAAF and CNAAF, who have helped me in dealing with my Alopecia Areata. Sure, my fiancé was an arse, but I still had others there to support me. And I’m thankful to Madame Eve for Josh.

Thoughtful – Carrie from Celestial Seduction

I can’t help think about all of the children I saw every day at work, as a paediatric nurse. Yes, things have changed for me since I met Frey, my blue alien, but each one of those kids will always hold a place in my heart.

Thirsty – Flavia (V) from Unknown Futures

Stuck up here at the space station, I’m thirsty for anything from Earth, whether it be food, wine, or people. Now that Jewel is here, I’m going to enjoy her company until she leaves again.

Unknown Futures Blurb

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.

Buy Links here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=7671

Bio:

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Say What?

2012-01-11T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Olivia Starke

I got bored the other day and decided to look up some wacky sex laws. I thought I’d share some of the best with you.

In Bozeman, Montana, you can't perform any sexual acts in the front yard of any home, after sundown, and if you are nude.

A law in Oblong, Illinois makes it a crime to make love while fishing or hunting on your wedding day.

In the state of Washington there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances (including the wedding night).

In Texas, sixteen-year old divorced girls are prohibited from talking about sex during high school extracurricular activities.

Clinton, Oklahoma, has a law against masturbating while watching two people having sex in a car.

The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.

In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act.

In Romboch, Virginia, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with the lights on.

In Minnesota, it is illegal for a man to have intercourse with a live fish.

It is illegal to have oral sex in Missouri.

In Arkansas oral sex is considered to be sodomy.

In New York women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.

Connorsville, Wisconsin, it's against the law for a man to shoot off a gun when his female partner has an orgasm.

Oxford, Ohio, it's illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man's picture.

Tremonton, Utah, no woman is allowed to have sex with a man while riding in an ambulance.

In addition to normal charges, the woman's name will be published in the local newspaper.

In Arizona you may not have more than two dildos in a house.

Olivia Starke

www.authoroliviastarke.com

http://romancingthepentoday.blogspot.com

1NS: Familiar Desires (available now at Decadent!)

Blurb: Ashley Adams signed up with the 1NightStand service in hopes of stirring up some cougar passion in her lackluster life. When she meets tall, dark, and oh-so-sexy Justin, the sparks fly. But something deeper lies in their magical connection, something she isn’t prepared for. Will a casual one-night stand change her life forever?

How to Create a Demon with Music

2012-01-09T03:01:00.001-05:00

by Shiela Stewart

Once and a while a song comes along that just captivates you. It can have a pull on you that is so strong that you can’t get it out of your head. You’ll hum it to yourself, tap the tune on your fingers, and curse it when it won’t stop playing in your mind. Music plays a big part in movies, television and in books. A complete story can be written from one simple line in a song. Or, the tune of a song can play a major part into creating a story.

What would a movie be like without music? Would Grease have been as successful without the music? Take the music out of Footloose and what do you have? A story about a rebel in a small town. Kevin Bacon wouldn’t encourage the kids to rebel against the law that states no rock music. He wouldn’t have the famous scene where he dances his frustrations away in the warehouse. Dirty Dancing is another one. Without the music, its nothing. Anyone who watches Glee watches it not just for the story and humour but the music. If that music wasn’t there it would be…well less entertaining.

Even non-musicals have killer music. Iron Man the movie has Ozzy Osborne song, Iron Man in it. I could go on forever, but you get the point. Music plays a big part in our lives.

Music has a big part in my creative process. I can’t have silence when I’m writing. I need music and mostly rocking dance style music. It has to have a good pumping beat to get me in the mood. That being said there was one book, or series rather, where music helped with the creation of my demons. I went through the vast supply of CD’s that I have looking for something to listen to while I wrote Awaken the Demon and nothing really caught my attention. I played a few and ended up giving up. During a shopping trip, I decided to pop into the music area and as I glanced through the Dance section, an album caught my eye. I picked it up and began reading the titles. None of the songs jumped out at me as being familiar yet something pulled at me to buy it. I tool it home, popped it in the CD player and sat down to write. From the very moment the music started I was enthralled. And my characters came to life. That album is M.C. Mario Mixdown 2002.

One particular song popped and before I knew it, the song became the Heroes theme. O Fortuna By Nick Skitz. The origins of the song comes from a medieval Latin Golairdic poem written in the thirteenth century and is part of the collection known as the Carmina Burana. It is a complaint about Fate, and Fortuna, a Goddess in Roman Mythology and a personification of luck. The poem was used in 1935/36 by German composer Carl Orff and set to music. Orff’s music became immensely popular and can be heard in several movies and television commercials and has become a staple in popular culture, setting the mood for dramatic or cataclysmic situations. Nick Spitz has taken this classic and blended it with a dance theme which has become very popular in the clubs across the world. Of course, when I first picked out the album and listened to it for the first time I had no idea of its origins. But because of how captivating it was for me, I felt compelled to research the song. The things we learn. J

M.C. Mario’s Mixdown 2002 has become a staple for me when sitting to create the demon series. I listened to it while writing all three books, Awaken the Demon, Offer the Demon and the last, Conquer the Demon. Now, whenever I hear the music on the radio or on any digital music channel I instantly think of my Demon series.

Awaken the Demon available at Decadent Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/7ztzhuy

Offer the Demon now available at Decadent Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/7stmyyx

Music courtesy of M.C. Mario Mixdown 2002. http://www.discogs.com/MC-Mario-Mixdown-2002/release/1499033

10 Q Tuesday with C.R. Moss

2011-12-27T03:01:00.000-05:00

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I’d love to get back to the western part of the Caribbean. DH and I traveled there a few years ago, and I fell in love with the islands, the sun, the abundance of water. I’d love to go to Hawaii and Australia, get back to Catalina Island, too. My current interest in vacationing on islands probably stems from the fact that I live in a landlocked desert area.

Does travel play in the writing of your books?

It does on occasion. I’ve used places I’ve visited in stories and plan to write some more stories set in places I’ve been to. In fact, Sunset Desires (for the 1NS series), my first story to be released via Decadent Publishing, is mostly based in Grand Cayman and starts off in a pub loosely based on a beach hangout hubby and I went to when we were there.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Sure do. I’ve seen and felt presences in my home and other places. It was neat when a friend and I both saw the same thing at a ranch we were staying at and were able to share the experience.

What is your favorite color?

Normally, it’s a toss-up between black or deep blue. Love dark, deep colors.

If you could spend the night anywhere, where would it be?

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. I think it’d be neat to see what kind of experiences I could have there and see the place that inspired Stephen King.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Hmm… I have a few… There was the time I almost drowned in the ocean at the Jersey Shore when I was a kid. Then in my early 20’s I was traveling from OH to NJ on I-80 in PA in February and spun out on black ice. Car hit the guard rail twice. I ended up perpendicular on the interstate looking at oncoming traffic through the passenger window while trying to get traction to get out of the way. Luckily I was able to get to the emergency lane without further incident. Also in my early 20’s I almost got lost in the Swiss Alps. Good thing I have a pretty decent sense of direction & was able to find my way back to the town before I caused problems. But at the top of my list is a tie between two events. Both involve accidents my husband was in while out on training rides for triathlons. The first call was seven weeks after we had moved cross country. I barely knew the area, still had yet to meet people I could count on, and I got a call that he’d been hit by a car. Bicycle was totaled. He had a broken bone and road rash but otherwise was okay. Second call was a couple years later. He went down and hit his head on the curb. When I went to meet him and the ambulance, he was gray and repeating the same questions and statements over and over. That was worrisome. Thank God he’d been wearing a helmet. He had a concussion & still doesn’t remember about nine hours of that day, but if he hadn’t been wearing the helmet, I hate to think what would have happened.

New York or LA? Why?

Los Angeles. I grew up in NJ and have been to NYC plenty of times. Plus, the city was never one of the places I cared to go to. (I actually preferred to go to Philly over NYC.) Now that I live on the west coast and am used to sunny locales, it’d be LA all the way. I still have yet to visit the famous parts of LA, but I’ve been close…been to West Hollywood and drove through/near the area to get to Long Beach to go to Catalina. And now, if I start missing NYC for some reason, I can just drive south several blocks and go to the mini-version of it here in town.

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

There was a very short time period when I was young that I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I thought of teaching. But when it comes right down to it—the one constant throughout the years—I’ve always wanted to write, be a published author. And, here I am. Here’s a pic of my upcoming Decadent Publishing release…

What songs are most played on your mp3 player?

Anything by Rush, Seether, Disturbed, Maroon 5.

What are your favorite TV shows?
My absolute favorite show at the time of answering this question is American Horror Story (http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/ahs/). I also can’t wait for the next installment of Spartacus to start on Starz (OMG, talk about hot, almost naked men filling up the screen. Yum! http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus) Then under those top two faves are the ghost/paranormal shows (yes, even the three screaming guys.) The Big Bang Theory is a hoot. I’m looking forward to Being Human coming back on, and I like a handful of shows on Bravo, History, Discovery, Science, TLC… Good thing I have a DVR!

Happy Reading!
C.R. Moss ~ www.crmoss.net

Christmas Music by Stephanie Beck

2011-12-25T03:01:00.000-05:00

First off, Merry Christmas!

In the last few years, music has really had the ability to touch my heart and this time of year, that continues to prove true. There’s nothing like tearing up in the department store because I’m actually listening to the words of the songs playing through the speakers.

When I was very young, Christmas music meant jingling bells and super heroes with questionable hygiene. We sang a few classics at school, mostly about a certain red nosed reindeer. In high school melodies got more complicated, and I enjoyed every minute of the holiday music season.

My faith life has grown exponentially in the last few years, especially since I’ve become a mother. Suddenly the old classic Christian Christmas songs mean so much more.

I imagine that silent night and being away in a manger and my heart actually races at the thought of what it could be like (Father and Son: A Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean is an amazing nativity story, btw).

The growing excitement when I find out what child this really is and can tell it on the mountain fills my heart with excitement that sometimes leads me to feeling a little giddy. And those shepherds keeping watch...what an amazing job to be side by side with angels.

When I think about Joy in the season, Joy in the hope of what Christ’s birth really meant...well it’s simply beautiful. I’ve sang the songs hundreds of times in my life, but feeling the words and truly echoing the music with my heart gives it amazing power.

I adore this new chapter of music in my life and I hope I’m always so touched (I’ve learned to keep tissues in my purse in the event of a song triggering tears).

No matter your faith or credo, I hope you’ve been moved this season and find something in the New Year that inspires you.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

Facts about Diane Alberts!

2011-12-23T03:01:00.002-05:00

I sound like a little girl. No, not a child, child. But a tween. When parents or teachers call my house, they ask for my mom. Really. I then get stuck having to say, I’m $#653@ mom. They, in turn, stammer in embarrassment and shame for a good thirty seconds before getting the heck to the point. It’s a mess for everyone involved.

Coincidentally, I also apparently look like one. My tween, much to her dismay, often gets asked if I’m her sister. She has to then roll her eyes as is appropriate for a tween disillusioned with the world and all its bullcrap before replying, “No, it’s my mom.”

I’m terrified of scary movies. I refuse to watch them anymore. As a teen, I went to see 13 Ghosts in the theater. I didn’t sleep for days. To this date, I still picture that woman in the bathtub covered in blood if I go pee at night. She terrified me more than anything else in that movie. Still kinda does. A lot.

I have four children. They are aged 12, 7, 5, and 3. Two boys and a girl. The drama and wrestling that go on at my house makes for non-stop clattering and crying. It’s like a circus in my house on a daily basis. I can’t even talk on the phone unless I go hide in a bedroom or another lockable room. It’s ridiculous. By the end of the day, I’m usually spent and incredibly cranky. But, I wouldn’t give them up for the world.

When writing, I get really cranky and consumed until I type my last word. Then, I come back into the real world and apologize to all of the people I ignored or pissed off when in my own little world. I think a lot of my friends get mad at me, thinking I’m being a brat, but I really become obsessed when writing. I can’t rest until I’m done. My characters won’t let me.

I also read slush, in addition to writing. I find it neat to be able to see the “other” side of the publishing perspective. I like seeing what makes a manuscript a yes, and what makes it a no. I am intrigued by the whole process.

I starting writing my novel, RECLAIMED, three years ago. It comes out today here at Decadent Publishing! I would never share my first edition of it—it’s that bad. I revised, and revised, and revised, until it was finally able to be read by editors and publishers. Then I revised more until I finally got my YES! It came as I was sitting in a Kindergarten Orientation for my five year old. It took all my control not to dance around the gym in excitement right next to the principal telling us what kind of snacks to send in.

RECLAIMED, a paranormal romance novel, is out today! Read below for a sneak peek and the blurb!

BLURB:

The staggering events catapult her into a world where ruthless creatures roam freely along unsuspecting humans, and battle lines are clearly drawn.

EXCERPT:

A strange stillness sat in the air outside Sabrina’s house. No trees swayed in the breeze, no animals scampered in the forest, as if the world itself had come to a halt.

“Would you like to come in for a nightcap? I have wine…or coffee…or tea, or….” She stuttered to a stop, unsure of what to say.

God, she sounded like such an idiot.

Nightcap?

Who the heck said nightcap anymore?

“No, not too soon at all. I’d love to see you tomorrow.”She tried to hide her disappointment behind a bright smile. “You can call me,and we’ll firm up a time. Good night.”

TRAILER:

The Longest Night of the Year

2011-12-21T03:01:00.003-05:00

by Jenna Jaxon

The winter solstice is upon us, the official beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year. Of course, that means it’s also the longest night of the year. A great set-up for romance if ever I heard one.

This solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere each year between December 20 and 23, though most often either on the 21st or 22nd. It is the day when the Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun, causing total darkness at the North Pole and total sunlight at the South Pole.

The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, basically a week-long toga party, began on December 17 and ran for seven days. Many believe that the date for Christmas coincides with this festival to offset its pagan influences.

The solstice was also known as Alban Arthuan by the ancient Druids. Their ritual for the beginning of this season, held at Stonehenge, has become very popular with both pagans and the merely curious. The standing stones at Stonehenge are aligned with the sunlight on both winter and summer solstices, creating an eerie and spectacular effect in the morning light.

As I said earlier, the set-up for this ancient holy day is just begging to be the setting for a romance--ancient or modern. Perhaps that project will find its way onto my list of New Year’s Resolutions.

This year, however, I celebrated both solstice and Christmas early with the December 9th release of my 1Night Stand story Almost Perfect. And although it has nothing to do with winter celebrations, it’s an erotic romance that will heat up your chilliest nights.

Blurb for Almost Perfect:

Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, promises jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her past. Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger Ware.

Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of dinner, Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot body—re-kindles old fires. A simple kiss leads Roger to challenges her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire.

With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.

Excerpt for Almost Perfect:

“Come on, Pam. It’s only water.” He still held the tempting thing out to her. Damn. She tromped up to him, her steps thumping as loud as she could make them on the packed sand. Stopping an arm’s length from him, she peeled one hand away from her breasts and shifted her other to cover as much as possible. For once, she thanked God for a B cup. She snared the bottle, shot him a look of triumph, only to realize it remained capped. To open it she’d have to use her other hand.

Furious, she shifted her gaze from the tantalizing object to his gleeful eyes. “Would you open this for me, please?”

“Suddenly lost all your strength, have you, hon?” His eyes took on a hunger she remembered. “It’s not as if I’ve never seen your breasts before.”

“Then you don’t need to see them again, do you?” Heat rose in her cheeks. “Come on, open it. You said it was a peace offering.”

“And these are part of the peace negotiations.” He stood, arms crossed over his muscled chest, better looking than she remembered. Not fair.

“I’m bored. My date still hasn’t turned up, so I thought I’d come harass you a while. I’ll tell you what.” He reached for the Perrier and unscrewed the cap, but didn’t offer it to her. “You show me yours, I’ll show you mine.”

“And why would I want to see yours again?” Her eyes remained on the bottle resting at his hips and watched the carbonated bubbles rising to the top.

“For old time’s sake?” His eyes flashed with mischief as he tipped the sparkling water up and started to drink. She stared, her parched lips opened in outrage. Glug, glug. He made that sound on purpose. Was he going to drink the whole damned thing?

After swallowing at least a third of the contents, he came up for air. “Ah! Hits the spot every time.” He grinned. “Still can’t take a joke? Too bad. Here.” He thrust it toward her. Grabbing with both hands, she shoved the end into her mouth so quick the glass clicked against her teeth. Greedily, she sucked in and almost choked. The exquisite, light lime-flavored water rushed into her body to hydrate the parched cells. Three more guzzles and she breathed deeply, satisfied for the moment.

She pulled the lip away and wiped her hand across her chin where she had dribbled some. Holding it out to him, she noticed his slack-jawed attention riveted straight on her chest. Which meant….

“You still look fine, Pam. Mighty fine.” Her ex-husband licked his lips, his grin reaching almost ear to ear. If there weren’t still some water left in the bottle, she’d brain him with it.

He reached down and slipped off his sandals, then untied his drawstring, all the while gawking at her breasts. With one swift movement, he shucked his pants to reveal a hard, tanned body, complete with a serious erection.

She hadn’t seen that coming.

Arlene Webb's Milestone Day!

2011-12-20T03:01:00.003-05:00

Thank you for hosting me on a milestone day. 12-20-2011, I’m celebrating my first release at Decadent Publishing, Taking Down Mistletoe, and thinking about Christmas, present and past.

I scrolled through a few festive images online. Gingerbread houses can add a merry (gross) atmosphere if made with walls of bacon, a crepe roof, and sausage support beams—seriously? I also saw one for a mere $15,000. A child-sized playhouse, but what happens when the dog gets hungry and insects close in? Assault rifles, hired mercenaries, the swat team can only do so much.

Many moons ago, my son and nephew spent hours cooking and giggling. They gave it their all to protect from evil, older brother-cousin and starving Grandpa.

I (blush) hope my son never learns what use his mom made of a gingerbread house in Taking Down Mistletoe, and you’ll have to hit the buy link in order to find out.

Here’s the blurb and a little clip suitable for all audiences:

Parties everywhere, but Alek—security and handy guy—is stuck at work in the department store taking down the holiday decorations. Just when he thinks he’ll escape in time for a little celebrating, fate takes a deadly turn. A thirsty leech doesn’t mind going down, as long as Alek joins him.

Tired of sucking on candy canes, Loki is sick of the tall security guard ignoring him. He’s determined one way or another, his coworker will find himself laying flat. Unfortunately, a man dressed in black enters the scene and interrupts his ogling of Alek.

When the parasite-exterminator arrives in the form of a dark handsome hunk and latches onto Alex, things go from weird to downright bizarre. Did Alek really find love under the mistletoe, or has something beyond sinister taken hold of him?

Nutmeg and cinnamon. Sweet. Loki swallowed the last of his eggnog and shot the wadded cup to smack into the signpost for Gingerbread Lane.

He loved everything about the season of receiving presents, getting hard under the mistletoe, and carousing on the last night of the year. What he didn’t like was being ordered about by the hunk of security who wouldn’t give him the time of day. Now if Alek demanded Loki bend in front of him, instead of bellowing at him to run, fetch muscle, and escort a bewitched blonde out, it’d be a different matter altogether.

Consumed with hunger, he stepped past the gingerbread house he’d spent hours hiding in to avoid work and to scope out the prick named Alek Baldar. Loki grabbed one of the big candy canes from the tree. He paused at Menswear to fumble with Jack the mannequin and get some protection against a tall, thin devil wearing black, a sin against fashion everywhere. To make up for the crime of stealing Jack’s mirrored shades, Loki wedged the candy wrapper in Jack’s zipper. It gave the asexual dude some much-needed inches, jutting out in full glory, including sticky residue.

Loki then coordinated the suck of peppermint, in and out of his hot little lips, with his quickened pace for the office.

Thank you for celebrating release day with me. I hope this holiday season is a happy and healthy one for all.

Am I on the Nice or Naughty List?

2011-12-19T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Mahalia Levey

What deeds put one on the Naughty or Nice List. I know I’m a bit old for Santa…But I still like to sit on his lap to whisper what I want. Does that alone make me a very naughty girl? I should hope so! Below is a list of random deeds. I need you all to help me find out where I fit best.

Vera Good Hales Oh so Bad Hales

I take very good care of the man! More Spice then Suga!

I ate all my veggies! I devoured his meat!

I make people smile! I stole his fave toy!

Innocence is my game! What a lying shame!

One Man for me? OR Maybe 2 or 3….

Sweet Young Thang? Cougar on the Prowl?

Demure? Fiery Hellcat?

Perfect Caring Mama! Screams like a Banshee!

Hard Working Lady! Pouts til She Gets her Way!

Lover of Romance! Writer with Naughty Flair!

I hope Ya’ll have a very Naughty erm….Great Christmas with loved ones and friends…Here’s the link to my FREE XMAS Story on my website!

Jericha Simmons has decided that two years of being invisible is enough. With Christmas around the corner the bold executive secretary is determined to gain the attention of the aloof CEO Dane Savage by sending him an anonymous gift. Though Christmas is around the corner, Jericha isn’t even trying to be nice. Instead, she’s bypassing nice and hoping to land a spot on Dane’s naughty list. If all goes as planned, she’ll reveal her naughty, little secret at the company Christmas party. And if all goes very well, hopefully the sexy CEO will punish her so good for being so bad.

http://www.mahalialevey.com/uploads/On_The_Naughty_List_Mahalia-Levey.pdf

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