Showing posts with label Daily Dose of Decadence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Dose of Decadence. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ah, Yes, the Corset

Image courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum/London
by Dominique Eastwick

Clothing: every character wears it, and in most romances, at one time or another, they have to take it off. But how many really know how period clothing works? I thought long and hard about this blog and what to talk about. I have a background in Costume design and history, so to summarize the history of costumes into one page is not going to happen. But I thought maybe we could bring it down to one piece.

The Corset
Such an integral part of who women were and what they wore. Here was a piece of fabric with whale bones and later, metal stays, sewn into it to completely alter what a women’s shape looked like. You think today’s man is upset about the Wonder Bra, thinking he's romancing a woman with a C-cup only to find out she's barely an A? Imagine taking a woman to bed who can’t even take off her corset because she can’t live without one since her body has been so distorted by it. 
Now, not all periods had corsets that were uncomfortable and inflexible. Certainly the Regency period had looser stays then the Victorian (which altered the waist to unbelievable sizes), Gibson Girl (which created an unnatural “S” shape to the body) or Elizabethan era (which complexly flattened the front of the body). But all were meant to alter the shape of the woman’s body to the desirable look of the era.
So let’s talk about the corset. The basics are the same no matter what period of time you're talking about, it's only where and how the cinching occurs that changes. I am not saying all corsets are the same;  just the purpose. 
Let’s stick with Regency as it’s the most romanticized. The silhouette of the woman accentuated the bust. The waistline fell just below the bust and slowly headed south as the 1800s progressed. The corset's main job was to push up the breasts, and of course, it still cinched the waist, but no one saw the waist so it was straighter and less hour-glass.
Corsets were expensive. Poor women didn't wear them. Not only could they not afford them, but wearing one would make it impossible to work in the fields. However, a woman of moderate status, trying to gain more status, would definitely aspire to have one. And those with money would have many. The corset was made to the individual’s body. It would have fit like a second skin in most eras.
Because corsets were expensive, you protected them. A chemise or shift would have been worn under the corset ensuring it didn’t get sweat upon. A petticoat would be worn over the corset adding protection to the corset.
Now, the big problem when writing about the Regency period is we all think that the corset could be easily removed. In fact, it couldn’t. The item would be laced up the back. For some the lacing weren’t merely zig-zagged, but might have several places that the laces would go straight up to the next hole. Then once the corset was completely laced, the maid would take those two lacings that went up rather the zig-zag and pull them tight and tie from there. This allowed for a tighter look in certain places.
Thus making the quickie in the library is less likely. I am not saying it didn’t happen, just not as frequently as we writers seem to write about. A man, no matter how experienced in getting a lady dressed, would be hard-pressed to get the corset just right to allow for the dress to fit properly again. Remember, most women spent a good majority of their time dressing for the events of the evening.
But I, as a reader and writer, will gladly suspend my disbelief for a well-written love scene and quick tryst with the right hero and heroine.

And as a closing thought...did you know men once wore corsets too? They found them cumbersome and uncomfortable, so stopped wearing them. Smart Men.

#dominieastwick, #decadentpub, #regencyromance

Monday, June 23, 2014

What’s in Your Go Bag?


By Heather Thurmeier

Don’t know what a Go Bag is? It’s also referred to as a Bug Out Bag. Ringing any bells yet? Not to worry, I’ll tell you!
A Go Bag is simply a backpack or duffle bag full of supplies you might need in different emergency situations. In Escape to My Arms, Sara and Dane are faced with a sudden pandemic, but your emergency could be anything—earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane, or even a broken down vehicle on the side of a desolate stretch of road.
Scary, right?
It doesn’t have to be if you plan for the unexpected!
I prefer to use a backpack so that if I have to walk any kind of distance with my supplies, it will be easier to carry than a duffle bag. And I choose to keep them in our vehicles—we have one bag in each car. Each bag has identical items inside and can feed, water, and shelter my family of 4 for approximately 3 days, which will hopefully be enough time to get us somewhere safe.
Inside each Go Bag, I have a variety of first aid items, freeze-dried foods, energy bars, water, and survival necessities like warming blankets, flint, matches, knives and tarp. Some people also include a change of clothes, but I ran out of room in my bag. I filled my pack with other items I think are more important that a clean shirt. However, I may create an additional bag with one outfit for each family member for both cold and hot weather to keep in my vehicle as well.
Any items you think you might need in case of an emergency are things you should have in your bag. Got kids? What are their needs? Will their things fit in your Go Bag or do you need a second one just for the kids? What about your pets? Do they need food, water, dishes, and medication? Think about the specific members of your family—young, old, and 4-legged—and try your best to determine their necessities for survival. Pack those things first then add additional items that are comforts.
Go Bags take a little thought, resourcefulness, and money, but they result in big safety, security, and survival if they are ever needed!
As a prepper, Sara was ready with her bag on her shoulders and her emergency plans in place, but was it enough to keep her safe when the world around her started to crumble? Find out in Escape to My Arms!

~Happy Reading… and prepping!

Heather Thurmeier


Escape to My Arms

Sara’s been preparing for this moment her whole life—she just never believed it would actually happen. With her bug-out bag and emergency food already in her truck, her only goal is to get to her family’s hidden bunker and wait out the pandemic that’s hit every major cruise ship port in the US. But her plan quickly falls apart. She’s out of gas, her route to the bunker is now a two-lane parking lot with no alternative in sight, and her only weapon is a pocketknife. For an experienced prepper, she’s made every rookie mistake.
Dane believes he’s safe in his cabin, off the beaten path and in the woods with his own source for water, electricity and an endless supply of food to hunt. After finding Sara stranded and alone, he’s suddenly not only providing for and protecting himself, but also the girl who wandered out of the woods and into his life. When looters come looking to take what he has, Sara and Dane’s only option is to make a run for their last hope—the bunker.
Can Sara and Dane find safety in each other’s arms and will they survive long enough to escape to a future together?


#hthurmeier, #decadentpub, #prepper, #prepperromance

Thursday, June 19, 2014

A Bit of a Stretch

by Elizabeth Morgan

   Stepping Stones is my first sweet romance story, and I have to say a part of me is wondering if I have pulled it off. Have I managed to create an interesting and good contemporary romance?
   As someone who prefers to write erotic romances with graphic language and sexual scenes, I found writing a sweet romance - and one without any paranormal elements as I do love to dabble in that particular sub-genre - rather restricting. You see, I am use to having no boundaries when it comes to world building and characters; the sky is literally the limit and when it comes to the paranormal genre, well, it is one big playground. So, I actually found it a little hard to write within my own reality; everyday life with normal people, and problems.
   Don't get me wrong; every book I have written to date has been - in one way - a contemporary story, as in the time period has been set in modern day; the year not being any further than six years from where we are now. But paranormal elements have always been strong not to mention big factors in my usually stories, so it was odd for me to not have one of my characters changing into a werewolf, or fighting off some hideous sea creature.

   Stepping Stones is my first sweet romance, a book where sexual desire plays no part in the story, or in the characters relationships. That sounds terrible, I know. Sex isn't everything, and it isn't the only factor in two people's relationship, but since I am mainly an erotic romance author it was a challenge to keep that door closed, although in all honesty my characters didn't even want to go there, so I didn't feel torn about the matter.
   But I dreamt this story, and I fell in love with it. So, I had to write it.
   Ignoring the restriction and fear I felt while writing this story, restriction that faded once I got into it, but the fear still remains due to the fact that this book is so different from my other works. I did enjoy writing this story. In a lot of ways, and I know it may sound silly, this book was me stepping outside of my comfort zone; trying something new. I know how crazy that sounds, but every author has a genre they favour, or one they may have a talent for. There are genres in which I would love to dabble, for example, steampunk, but I don't feel I would do a good job. Then again, who knows? Maybe one day I will be able to take that step and create a really good steampunk story, only time, growth, and experimenting will tell.
   So, even though having Stepping Stones contracted and published is a really good sign, I do feel it was a small stretch for me. And this particular book will continue to have a question mark over the top of it until I find out off y'all whether or not I have the knack for the genre. I'm sure my readers, old and new, will let me know, and as always I will appreciate your honesty.
   For now, I shall leave you with the blurb and an excerpt. ;-P

~ * ~

Stepping Stones
(Sweet Contemporary Romance)
Blurb:
There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family together....
If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Length: Novella (32,000/91 pages)| Content: Sweet Romance/Contemporary| Publisher: Bono Books

Buy Links:
Bono Books/Decadent Publishing || Amazon US || Amazon UK

~ * ~
Excerpt:
   “When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.
   “I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”
   My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”
   “Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”
Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my   head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”
   “Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”
   “Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.
   “Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”
   “Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.
   “Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”
Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”
   Oh God, did my voice just go higher?
   Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.
   Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.”         

 A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….
   “It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”
Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”
   I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”
   “Maggie?”
   My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.
   “Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.
   I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
   “So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.
   “Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.
   “Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”
   “No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.
   More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.


~ * ~

Author Bio:
   Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.
   Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”
   And that she does, author of erotic ménage horror, paranormal erotic horror and UK, US & Australian Amazon best seller (Gay/Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian), On the Rocks, and erotic romance, US, UK and Spanish Amazon bestseller (Erotica Short Story) Truth or Dare? She also has her hand in self-publishing.
   Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programmes – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.

Where to find Elizabeth Online:
Website 

Blog
 
Twitter: @
EMorgan2010
Goodreads
 
Facebook

Pinterest
Blog (Shared with Dianna Hardy)
~ * ~
Thank you for having me over today and thank you to all of you for stopping by. If you would be interested in winning a copy of my new release, Stepping Stones or maybe a swag pack, then please do leave an entry on the rafflecopter. J

a Rafflecopter giveaway





#emorgan2010, #decadentpub

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Writing After Loss–It Isn’t All Grimm

My Grandma passed away and my world tilted off its axis. She was a big part of my life and the rock of my family. After she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I became her caregiver. I enjoyed the quality time I spent with her the last few years. She was a dear lady who continued to teach me life lessons in her deterioration.
After her passing, I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t overwhelmed by grief. I had had a long time to say goodbye and had made peace that this day would come. However, taking care of my Grandma had become my life. I no longer had to wake up early to help her to the bathroom, do the several loads of laundry or make sure she took her pills.
It was stressful cleaning out the house. When all the family pictures were taken off the walls the fact she wasn’t coming back hit home. Grandma was a big supporter of my writing. She always encouraged me growing up and proudly displayed my poems and short stories. Her mind was gone when I finally became a published author, but I know she’d be very proud of me.
Once the sorrow passed, I realized this was the time I’ve been waiting for. I now had the freedom to write full time. It has been difficult to get started. I’m still battling my sense of loss and have emotional breakdowns from now and then, but I know this is something she’d want me to do.
I am currently working on a Grimm re-telling for Decadent’s Beyond Fairy Tale line. It will be a M/M historical western. I like my cowboys muscular and stubborn who don’t mind getting down and dirty! If you are interested in reading a cowboy story now you can check out Perfect Ride I wrote with my co-author Eva Lefoy.

Available HERE
Professional bull rider Garrett Anderson lives for the next town, the next trophy and his next ride. When he rolls into Sheridan, Wyoming, the last thing he expected was to meet a cowboy like Cole—a man who corrals his heart and leaves him aching for a love he never realized he’d been missing.
Surrounded by hate, Cole Richards wasn’t prepared for Garrett’s passion or the longing their night together leaves him with. But when he’s shot, and stuck in his hospital bed, Cole watches every second of Garrett’s disastrous ride, and is heartbroken when the battered and bruised bull rider leaves town.
Attacked again and knee-deep in trouble, Cole wants only Garett at his side. But can his bull rider trade fame and fortune for a lifetime with his one perfect ride?

Author Bio and Contact:
Shiloh Saddler likes to do research for her steamy romances first hand. She has invented a time machine and travels back to the 19th century on a regular basis. There are experimental settings on her time machine which could propel her into the future and even other worlds. She believes love and a good book makes anything possible.



#shilohsaddler, #eva_lefoy, #decadentpub, #beyondfairytales  

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The Musical Author…and Her New Releases

Hey everybody!

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged on the official Decadent blog and I am happy to be back. I should tell you that I have been so busy writing the next installments in my NA pararomance series, Of Light and Darkness.
I wish I could tell you that, but the truth is…I’ve been somewhere else.
Back in February 2013, I was signed to Spectra Music Group, which is one of the largest independent labels in the world. Some of you know that my other passion is music. Preferably 1980’s big-hair-band rock and roll.
So I’ve been locked up in the studio finishing my debut EP project that will be released on the label in early 2015. But that doesn’t mean I’ve been totally asleep at my writing wheel, either.
This week, I am headed to Nashville for the first time. But not for music purposes. I am headed to the UTOPYA book convention, where I hope I can really spread the word about the Of Light and Darkness series to the right crowd.
And it’s great timing, because today is the day Decadent Publishing officially releases The Anatomy of Vampires, which is a companion novella to the Of Light and Darkness series! It’s a little side story that fills out some of the details of my world-building and does it in a really fun way! (I think.)
In addition, the second installment in the Of Light and Darkness series (The Vampire’s Reflection) is totally free on Amazon this entire week in celebration of the release of Anatomy and my trip to UTOPYA. So, if you haven’t started your journey into the Occult City, I hope you take advantage of this week.
The entire series is inspired by my husband, so it’s a fantast that also lives really close to my heart.


That’s all I’ve got for now! Happy writing! 

Shayne Leighton

Volume 1
Of Light and Darkness
Central European Magic Regime Banned Literature 

Charlotte Ruzikova studied the pages of this volume relentlessly in order to identify with her Vampire guardian, Valek, in the first installment of the Of Light and Darkness Series.

Now, The Anatomy of Vampires: Volume One makes its way to your shelf. Follow the mysterious Alistair Vlain, as he ventures through the world of Occult cities, regimes, darkness, and magic. What happened before Vladislov’s genocide? What happened before Valek found Charlotte in the gutters of Prague? Will Alistair Vlain discover enough to reveal the conspiracies of the light, and ultimately avenge the name of the Vampire kind?

Find out in this volume that has officially been banned by the Central European Magic Regime.



Of Light and Darkness
Book 1 

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.
   Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...
   Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...
   As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.


The Vampire's Reflection

Of Light and Darkness 
Book 2


Months after their brutal victory over Aiden and his hierarchy of Wizards, Charlotte and Valek have returned from Prague to their home in the Bohemian Occult City. However, this time, they are joined by their new band of misfit, magical friends.

In the light of day, all seems to be at peace now that the Regime has been toppled, and the coven of rogue monsters has finally found their freedom. But Charlotte soon discovers that much like her adopted Vampire family, she has developed a strange addiction of her own. Her new disease is destroying her from the inside out, and Valek finds himself at a loss as he defies all odds to save her life.     

Danger continues to lurk around every corner and they realize that their happily-ever-after has not ended so happily after all, in this highly anticipated sequel of the Of Light and Darkness series.


#shayneleighton, #decadentpub, #oflightanddarkness, #vampireromance, #youngadultfiction

Monday, June 16, 2014

The Book Gift

By Stephanie Beck

I’m not an equal opportunity reader. In fact, I read with extreme prejudice and tend to stick to certain themes, authors, and series, because I consider my reading time, my reading time. When I sit down with a book, I want to laugh, smirk, and find a cast of characters to be my new best friends. Anything less...oye. Not good. (My husband still teases me about the time he came home from work and found me yelling at a book because someone disappointed me).
Very rarely do the people in my life give me books. They know what a picky reader I am, and know I stick to a few authors and series—they love me through my quirk on this. This spring, though, a sweet teenager I adore gave me a book as a gift—The Fault in our Stars by John Green. She had these big eyes as she explained how much she’d loved the book and how she knew I’d love it, too, and she couldn’t wait to talk to me about it when our families vacationed together for a few days over the summer.
I had to google the book title, and when I did...>Insert head slamming here<. I don’t read sad books. I haven’t since the third grade when I read Where the Red Fern Grows and the dogs died. I know I’m missing some great literature and all of that, but I just can’t do it. I become too emotionally invested in characters. Real life is full of tragedy and sadness. I don’t read for that sort of emotional hit. Nope. Not. For. Me.
But she was so sweet and earnest, and like I said, I adore her, so I read the darn book last weekend when I was laid up after getting my wisdom teeth cut out. The story was fine. It made me laugh, and also made my heart hurt. I fully understand why my young friend loved the story, and I bet it is a very engaging movie (which I will NOT see btw—no matter how big my friend’s eyes get). I’m okay with the fact I read the book (no, I didn’t grow, or learn a lesson about reading books people recommend or give me) and I’m glad I’ll be able to talk to my friend about it. I would have really, really preferred to read a shifter story where they eat too much food, get caught in awkward situations, and in the end fall madly in love—which I did immediately following the sad book because I needed a clean slate.
What was the last book someone said you ‘had’ to read, or even gave you? Are you one who enjoys that kind of gift?

All the best, and happy reading!

Stephanie Beck


Available HERE
Available Now! 


Jenn’s love of basketball and travel lead her to Greece, but only one man could keep her coming back. After sharing sexy summers with distinguished businessman Dorian Logos, Jenn returns for a seventh with more emotional baggage than she’d like, but her feelings for Dorian push her out of her comfort zone.
   Dorian has loved Jenn for years, the young American delivering spice and sweetness during their weeks together. When she arrives in Hellas, limping from an injury, he quickly sees more than her knee is hurting. He wants his love to be enough to heal all ails, but it’s hard to show his love to a woman who can’t tolerate his touch. If he can help Jenn get well, he might be able to make their usual summer last and bring her home to Hellas forever
.


#stephbeck123, #decadentpub

Friday, June 13, 2014

The Ultimate Beach Read

By the Sea is the perfect story to read by the beach—since it takes place at a coastal town in Massachusetts. I’ve had a long love affair with the ocean and with mythology, so it comes to no surprise to anyone who knows me that Bythe Sea would center around selkies. Not like selkies get a lot of press though—apart from The Secret of Roan Inish and that movie with Colin Farrell, Ondine, they’re pretty sparse in pop culture. Regardless, I love the sort of wistful longing the story inspired and I had a blast bouncing off of the allure of the ocean to mirror the feelings between Megan and Niall.
Curious as to what it’s about?

Most kids had imaginary friends, but most weren’t like Megan’s friend Niall. There were rules: only at night and only by the sea. She could’ve sworn he was real, but when someone vanishes without a trace, what else can you believe?
All that was seven years ago, buried in the past until Niall shows up in town with his tight swimmer’s body and easy smile. For Megan, just the sight of him is enough to tear open a scar that never fully healed. However, their reunion only elicits more questions. Niall’s keeping secrets, unbelievable ones, and as Megan delves into the supernatural depths of who he really is, she’s sure he’ll vanish again.
Megan’s not stupid—she knows how bad it’ll hurt if she gets involved. The first time Niall disappeared, she never thought she’d recover. But the moment they lock eyes, it’s too late—because Megan will go to any length to see that boy smile.

EXCERPT:
He’d only meet me by the sea. I’d come by myself at night, making some excuse to my folks or telling them I wanted to go find shells at the beach.
I’d lied. Covering my tracks the best I could, I’d always brought home a shell he’d helped me find, anything from pieces of clams to slipper’s shells. I fingered the conch around my neck—the last shell Niall had given me before he’d left.
The salty breeze picked up strands of my hair and rippled them like pennants as I made my way down the boardwalk. So, yeah, most invisible friends don’t swim with you. You can’t stroke their wet hair or see the smile in their eyes. Most don’t smell like brine and the breeze. But he’d vanished, same as all invisible friends do, once I’d reached a certain age.

Intrigued yet?

It’s available now at Decadent Publishing and other e-book sellers! 



Author Bio:
Katherine McIntyre is the author of a variety of poems, short stories, novellas and novels—truly, anything as long as it involves her primary passion: writing. Her steampunk adventure novel, An Airship Named Desire, was published in 2012 by Hazardous Press. Since then, she has two up and coming novellas, By the Sea, and, Poisoned Apple, picked up by Decadent Publishing. The next novel on the horizon is her young adult science fiction, Snatched, which will be published with Jupiter Gardens Press within the year. For more casual writing, she’s a regular contributor on CaffeineCrew.com, a geek news website. With more imagination than she knows what to do with, writing proved to be the best outlet.


www.katherine-mcintyre.com

#decadentpub, #pixierants, #selkie

Thursday, June 12, 2014

My Not So Silent Surrender

Have you heard me yelling and cheering from my living room? I’m soooooo excited. You may be asking yourself why. Today starts my favorite sports event, the World Cup. I LOVE soccer and will watch it for hours if I don’t have to go anywhere. During the World Cup, which happens every four years, I have been known to get up before the crack of dawn and then watch three or four games in one day. I taught myself the rules of the game by watching games, listening to the announcers and paying attention to different movements by the players.
Now you may be asking yourself, “What’s to like?” First and foremost, it’s the men! They are H-O-T! Okay, not all of them, but a lot of them are. Plus, they’re in great physical condition since they have to spend up to an hour and half running up and down the field. And every once in a while they’ll lift their shirts or take them off completely and I get a great view of some sculpted abs. Of course, I also love the whole game itself, the idea of kicking a ball around and working together to shove it into a net. And watching the goalkeepers work so hard to protect the net. And, unlike most other sports, soccer games don’t have fifty million commercials.
Because I love soccer so much, and I know how popular it is in most other parts of the world (not so much in the US), I made one of my heroes a soccer coach. (Actually, I didn’t decide. He told me he was a coach. Bossy characters!) In Silent Surrender, Quinn O’Connell has walked away from his team for a long weekend to find the woman he had a wild fling with and who has never left his mind. I also added a fun scene where Quinn and Meggie (the heroine) play a game of soccer with local school boys.
Now I know not everyone enjoys sports, so I didn’t spend a whole lot of time or words on soccer. But I hope adding the touch of soccer I have into the book enriches the story. My goal is to show soccer coaches (and players) can be fine heroes, too! Did I reach my goal? You be the judge!
Thanks for hanging out with me for a while today. I’m off to map out which games I cannot miss and then I’ll be heading back to the TV to watch the 1st game of the 2014 World Cup!

Available HERE
Book Blurb:
Meggie MacDougall often dreams of Quinn O’Connell, the sexy Irish football coach who swept her off her feet in Dublin. But what happened in Dublin must stay there. She has responsibilities at home, and she refuses to fuel the gossip fires in Glenhalish.
Quinn has never forgotten Meggie and the explosive weekend they shared. Overwhelmed by memories of her passion, beauty, and zest for life, he jeopardizes his cushy career to find her and test the connection between them.
When Quinn arrives in her Highland village, Meggie is determined to ignore him. However, she isn't prepared for the claim he lays on her heart with his sexy charm and his tender soul.
Will pride and fear keep Meggie from embracing possibilities, or will Quinn's gentle persistence break down her defenses and lead her to a silent surrender?

Excerpt:
Quinn came toward her, the ball juggling between his feet. “Get him, Miss Meggie!” someone called from across the pitch.
Her heart rate, already soaring, tripped at the sight of her man. Her nerves tightened, her muscles clenched. She rocked on the heels of her feet. She’d steal the ball for her team.
He closed the distance between them. Meggie pushed against his rock-hard abs and tangled with his feet. He tugged on her ponytail, slid his foot between hers, and sent the ball to his teammates.
Meggie yelped, her arms flailing to her sides. Her feet remained tangled with Quinn’s, and she lost her balance.
Quinn’s arms circled her waist and twisted her so his body took the brunt of the impact with the dirt-packed earth. She rolled to the side, still cradled in the crook of his arm and with the pressure of his delicious body over every inch of hers. “Are you all right?” He propped himself up and brushed her hair away from her face.
“Aye. Thank you for taking the fall for us.”
“You’re down here with me, aren’t you?”
“Aye, but you protected me. Thank you, my Irish knight.”
“My pleasure, my lady.”
Aye, she was his lady and she decided she rather liked it.
He leaned down and claimed her mouth.
“Is she hurt?” one of the lads yelled. The ground trembled beneath their feet.
“Aye, ye daft fool. He’s giving her mouth-to-mouth,” yelled another.
Together they both giggled and ended the kiss. “You should probably let me up before they call for an ambulance.”
“Right.” He jumped to his feet. “No worry, boys. She’s fine.” She missed the feel of him against her body. As she propped herself on her forearms, he reached down and pulled her to her feet.


Author Bio:
Alexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her love of Great Britain with readers everywhere.
When she's not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV and thinking about exercising. She loves to interact with readers, so visit her web page, follow her on Twitter or drop her a note at Alexa@alexabourne.com!

#alexabourne, #decadentpub  

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Writing with a Pen Name



Do you write under a pen name? Have you uncovered the author behind the pen name before?
Under my non-pen name, I've been at the writing game for 15+ years and built up a very solid base of friends, authors, and readers.
    I'm stuck!
   Although some of my family already know this pen name, I haven't told many of my friends and only one or two readers. Why? Well, Erotica is very different from what I normally write.
While some authors don't mind using their name under all genres of writing, I knew when I wrote Taming Rydin, I had to come up with a pen name so I wouldn't confuse the readers. My "other" writing credits include YA, NA, and some Romance & SciFi, but none of them come close to being erotic, despite some steamy NSFW scenes. :-)
I've also considered "outting" myself, because I'm not embarrassed by my Erotica, but I figured I could keep the two separate to see the difference in sales as well, because they say sex sells, I want to see if they are right! :-)
The story for Taming Rydin had been rolling around inside my head for about a year before I decided to give it a go and try to write it. The basic concept was a twist on fairy tales, but in space with aliens. I had the idea of having an alien prince rescue a human woman and eventually have them fall in love. The erotica part came when I started thinking how different a alien’s sex drive might be, and Rydin was born.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and even have begun working a second story involving Rydin’s brother, Maxix. It’s a blast!!

XOXO ~ CJ

Twitter: @CJDurranAuthor

Exclusive Decadent Excerpt:

“Think of me as your slave, Nova.”
Although my body shuddered at the idea of being master to this male, my mind fought it. “I would never—” He leaned close and inhaled, responding to my reaction. His breath warmed my lips. “Even if I ask it?”
“I will not torture you, Warrior.” I shuddered.
He laughed, head shaking, gaze roving lower, darkening as it moved down my body. “No torture, my female, a simple way for you to contain me so I don’t keep you in my bed eternally. I don’t know what will happen after I release my seed in you. I may crave less, possibly more. You will have the power to chain me should I overstep.”
“You think it will be needed?”
Rydin wet his lips, smirked. “I was less than half through with you by the lake. I worry with good reason. I’ve been called insatiable.”
“Perhaps the problem is the lack of quality and seeking sheer quantity,” I said, placed my hands on his forearms. “I am nothing like your girls, Warrior.”
“Oh, this I know, Nova, it’s the cause for my stipulations. Do you agree?”
“If it is needed, and you truly wish it, I will chain you.”

#cjdurranauthor, #decadentpub