Sunday, August 31, 2008

Destined to Mate



Hey all, this is my new cover for Destined to Mate, Coming Soon with The Wild Rose Press - Scarlet Line.

That's right, I'm now a Wilder Rose. *Grins*

I'm going to toss up the blurb and a teaser for you to wet the appetite.

BLURB...

A feline mated to a werewolf?

As a Chimera, half lioness/half human, Alexis Xanthis, has never released the beast within. Until she meets Lykan Alpha, Morgan LeVey. Being near him triggers a powerful need to mate, but is Morgan strong enough to dominate her feline side and still handle the human half with a gentle hand? And will the powers that be allow it?

This Excerpt has only been edited by my little eyes so far. An editor is grabbing it up next, so forgive any inconsistancies.

Alexis gasped as her eyes flew open. Sitting up, she looked around, eyes wide and then remembered why she passed out. Lifting her hands, they had clean white gauze wrapped around them, her gaze took in the elegantly decorated room. Defiantly masculine, decorated in deep rich colors of reds, purples and blues. As she noticed the velvet drapes, her hand ran over the silk comforter, realizing she wore only her bra and underwear. When the wood door opened, she jumped, pulling the comforter up just as the dark haired man who helped her walked in. “Where am I?”
“My house,” Morgan answered as he stepped forward. “Not to fond of blood are you?”
“Only the sight of mine,” Alexis replied, her pussy muscles contracted with lust as his dark eyebrow shot up. “Um, may I have my clothes please?” Uneasy with the way her body reacted to this man so quick.
“They’re being cleaned. Where were you coming from?”
“I was visiting my grandfather.” Alexis figured she’d give him as close to the truth as she could so she wouldn’t have to remember any fibs.
“Didn’t he ever teach you not to walk in the park at night?”
“It was just becoming dark, and my home is only on the other side of it.”
“That doesn’t keep the criminals from leaving you alone.”
“I’d like my clothes please.”
“When they’re done.”
Alexis didn’t know what to think of this guy as she gripped the comforter to her chest. He seemed to be in no rush to get rid of her. “I, um, I have to get going,” she whispered, his nostrils flared the same time the front of his black jeans became tight with his erection. And, what an erection, as she whipped her gaze away, assuming he had somehow caught scent of her arousal. How was that possible, unless he wasn’t human.
“To where, Alexis Xanthis?” Morgan asked as her gaze lifted.
Alexis gulped when he put his hands behind his back, and stood there, feet braced apart, gaze intently on her, to masculine, and too sexy. She’d been without a man for way too long. “How do you know my name?” his long black hair moved with him. Not only were his eyes the greenest she’d ever seen, but his pheromones were interestingly strong.
“Your license was in your jeans pocket.”
“Oh,” Alexis breathed.
“Alexis the Fair, quite the surname you have sweet, old Greek if I’m correct.”
“Very,” Her stomach clenching as her eyes started to change. Oh shit, quick to lower them, her chest rose rapidly, with her increased breathing, barely controlling the transformation. I don’t need this now, she screamed in her head, but the pain only got worse. “Bathroom?” She squeaked as she tossed the cover aside.
“Through there,” Pointing to a door, the scent of a change heavy in the room. “Are you all right?” He asked as she stumbled out of his rumpled bed, tripping over her feet, and staggered into the bathroom.

Hope you enjoyed that little tease. *wink*

C~

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Confessions of a Bookaholic


My name is Savannah Chase and yes I'm a bookaholic...I'm proud of it...LOL
Yes not only do I love to write but I LOVE to read books. I have always had a huge collection of books, ever since I was a little kid. Now the addiction has become worse.
I have books all over my room, in boxes , in the basement. I even have books under my bed in stacks. These are ones I still have to read. I have romance, erotica, paranormal, sci fi...I even have stacks of comic books and graphic novels....
I tell my family and friends that I could live at the local bookstore. I'm there every single week. I can't help myself.
When I'm at Wallmart of the supermarket I always make sure to stop by the book section. If I don't have time I still glance over that way...I think one of these days I will run out of space to keep all my books.
All I know is that when I have a house in the future I will have a library to put all my books there. I have a friend who I got hooked on reading and now she borrows books from my stacks and so does her sister....
I can read a book in a day, a paperback..Hardcover, it depends on the length but 2 days tops. No wonder I have so many books.
My to be read list has passed 300 and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.....
Is anybody else out there a bookaholic like me?
There's no shame in being one...Welcome to BAA....I'm a proud member...
BookAholic Anonymous...
Savannah

Friday, August 29, 2008

Fall TV Season

September is around the corner which means the 2008 TV season begins! I’m still sad that Moonlight will not return but I’m looking forward to new episodes of Criminal Minds, Bones & CSI. Unfortunately, I believe CSI is losing Warrick on the first episode and I heard Gil is leaving too. I’m not sure if I’ll continue watching after they both exit.

I haven’t looked into many of the new shows but The Ex List and Eleventh Hour look interesting.

What shows are you all looking forward to seeing?

What new shows look interesting?

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Laura/LA Day
Website

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Up the sex factor!


Ok...what does it for you? What is the one thing an average guy can do or put on that sends his hottness up a few notches? Or maybe even more than a few notches?


I know some women drool over armbands or tattoos or long hair. Maybe leather pants or a micro-
phone.



How about those men in uniform??? So many choices there, and they're all good.

I'm predictable, but I'm going with a COWBOY HAT. An average looking man with a guitar and a cowboy hat can become an international sex symbol. If you don't believe me, watch a little CMT sometime.

Your turn, what turns you on? And why?

Drop by the Midnight Seductions blog today if you want to talk about what ups a woman's sex appeal.

Wendi Darlin

www.wendidarlin.com

Also check out The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner available at BookStrand.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I've been interviewed!


I've been interviewed by author Melanie Anderson, who seems to think I'm very naughty for some reason! LOL!


*hugs*
Paige

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Thirty Eight Seconds



By A.J. Llewellyn

Hi everyone,

Until I saw this photo on myspace, I had never heard of Damien Crosse (to be honest) but as soon as I accessed his page, I was intrigued and delighted to find he is head over heels in love and engaged to be married to gay porn superstar Francesco D'Macho. Damien it turns out has a pretty prolific porn career himself...but this is not what set my romantic wheels into overdrive.

As a gay man who writes gay erotic romance fiction I am often asked by readers if Kimo and Lopaka, the heroes of my Phantom Lover series could really be this emotional and romantic. I always say yes, because it's true.

And then along came Damien and Francesco. These men are so smitten that Francesco calls Damien the Hooker Bunny and Damien calls Francesco the Bunny Raper. They shot a thirty eight second YouTube video that in my mind does more to prove, than all the books I have written that men in love are as goofy, emotional and as endearing as any straight couple.

And this is my point. The video does more for their image and for the image of men loving men than any movie they could ever produce. There is a reason this video is sweeping the net and why so many men and women are eyeing this new love story with hope in their hearts and major brush fires in their bellies. These are smart men leading with their hearts. Even their former lovers seem to be on board with the hooker raper and his bunny love.

Check out the YouTube video these bunny lovers shot. It's thirty eight seconds long and is the most romantic little film I have seen in a long time. It has captured our hearts for a reason. In one chaste, yet undeniably hot little snippet, they have done more to prove that men have feelings, men are romantic and yes...they believe in love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hqIh_x-bh8

Vive L'Amour!

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Midnight Seductions

Happy Monday to All...

It's promo Monday and that is what I'll be engaged in all day long on yahoo groups. Tell me, do you plan Mondays around promo? Are you one of those "drop" an excerpt kind of authors and take off to the next group or do you wander from yahoo group to yahoo group and spend time chatting?

It's difficult to do no matter which way you go. I belong to The Midnight Seductions Authors and we promote together. It's a little easier getting readers to come out and chat with someone when there are several chatting and on those days when readers don't, it's much easier chatting at least with a fellow author instead of dead air. lol

Today I'm posting a promo poster of The Midnight Seductions Authors month long visit with the Coffee Time Reader's Retreat. All September members of our group will be there to showcase our books. We'll have lots of surprises and a lot of fun doing it too. I love chatting with new people for sure. So drop by Coffee Time and get to know us. I'll be back next Monday with another exciting bit of news for Midnight Seductions too. Join our yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midnightseductions

Photobucket
Photobucket

Sunday, August 24, 2008

What is the bane of your existence when you’re trying to concentrate on something?


Me, it’s the TV. I LOOOOOVE my boob tube, as my dad calls it. Huh, and that started before Baywatch. *shrugs shoulders* was Dolly Parton on TV then? I know Miss Piggy and the Muppet Show was. Crap am I dating myself again, LOL. Any way…

I need background noise of some sort of else I go crazy. Even when I’m working in the office, the owner lets me have classical music on, because it’s just too quiet when everyone’s doing their thing.

But, But, when I need to edit…DON’T let me turn the TV on! I get so distracted from what I know I should be doing, that I turn around, saying, “I’ll watch this and then go back to it.” YEAH RIGHT *Snort*…four hours later, I’m still watching TV, and thinking, “Damn, now it’s ten and I’m bushed, I’ll pick it up tomorrow.”

So what have I come up with to battle turning the TV on…I toss the headphones on, plug them into my computer and listen to music. Anything from classical and alternative, to several TV show themes thrown in. LOL.

I put the phones right by me incase someone calls, so I don’t have to get up, and if my son is home, tell him, mom’s got the headphones on. The only time he’ll bother me is if someone is knocking at the door, or if he needs help with his studies. Pretty much though, I think he looks at it like this…
Yah, headphones on, I get to play PS2 until she takes them off, woo hooo I’m free, I’m free. LOL.

So tell me, what is the thing that kills you when you’re trying to concentrate on something?

Is it…
Background noise,
Someone constantly bothering you,
The phone ringing,
Music?

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Driving.....Manners..Safety

Today's blog is a bit different. It's on driving manners...Yeah you know there are things on the road that get to you...They get to everybody...


Friday my family and I were driving home and we heard an ambulance so we pulled over to the side and stopped so we would not block it. There were a few drivers around us that had pulled over as well. Not everybody....The ambulance was driving on all sirens and going really fast. When it got to the lights the intersection was blocked. The light turned green...

So what did people do? Did they move out of the way? Yes but not to the side..They just went on their merry way blocking the ambulance. I saw one guy on his cell phone who didn't look like he ever cared he was blocking the poor ambulance...Can you believe that? It's like come on..When it is an ambulance you MOVE....Don't people realize or care that every second counts?

That one split second could cost somebody their life. I wanted to scream when I saw that. The ambulance was honking and trying to get the guy out of the way. He finally decided to move after a few moments. What if it was him in that ambulance going to the hospital?


My question is...Do people not know road rules? If not then how on earth did they get their licence to drive?...This is something that happens so often on the roads.

People don't signal when they switch lanes, cut people off, speed, run red light....Are people that irresponsible and looking for a death wish?

I don't understand...Why cant people have some courtesy or manners while they drive. Drive safe instead of recklessly...

So many times you see so much reckless driving on the street and the worst part is most the time its the person getting hurt that's not the reckless one...

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it shouldn't be tedious to turn on your blinker, or stop at a green light, let an ambulance through or any other driving maneuver...It only takes a second...

That one second can change your life...

Savannah

Bid For Love now available at Lyrical Press

http://www.savannahchase.com/




Friday, August 22, 2008

Passion for Reading

The theme this week seems to be our passions. If you set aside my passion for my family and my passion for writing, you have my passion for reading. I can’t remember how old I was when I discovered my passion for reading but it’s safe to say it was my first passion. I remember sneaking off with my mother’s romance novels and reading them. This was in the early 1970’s so they were mild. However, when my mother found out she wasn’t pleased. I’d have to say though that those early romance set me on the course I live today.

In my teens, I began reading Harlequin type books and then I discovered historicals. As long as it’s romance, I’ll read it. Although, these days I prefer paranormal and sci-fi erotic romance, I still read the occasional Harlequin.

My favorite author of all-times is Diana Palmer. I love her Long, Tall, Texan Series. I own almost all of her books and I often reread them.

Reading is my passion and it has gotten my through some rough times in my life. I can only hope that my stories have as profound affect on someone as books have had on my life.

Whatever passion inspires you enjoy it, live it.

Have a great weekend. I plan to enjoy a new book and a few old ones too.

Laura/LA Day
Website

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Public Passion















AJ's blog post got me thinking. I have a lot of respect for people who blog passionately and get involved in fiery debates to defend their beliefs. I'm drawn to blogs written by people who don't hold back - or who don't ALWAYS hold back, at least.

But for myself, I choose a tamer route here in the cyber world. This is a safe haven for me, a place I don't invite drama into. I'm not saying drama doesn't find me sometimes, but I avoid it as much as possible.

In recent years, I've become the same way in my personal life - although there are some things I will forever remain extremely passionate about, and I've never been one to back down when I need to stand up. I guess you can say, I live passionately. I pursue my passions. I share my passions with those closest to me. But when it comes to sharing with the world at large, I've become more selfish. And I've definitely become much choosier about my battles, especially online.

I'm not saying all passionate stances turn into battles. They don't. There just seems to be too many people out there looking to fight. But I'm not interested in fighting, not unless I feel like I need to.

I really like reading informative stuff written by passionate people. AJ's explanation of the Hawaiian palace takeover is a great example of this. I loved reading that. He educated me. And I understand why he's so passionate about it.

Hmmm...maybe I should share some of my passions a little more. I don't know. Maybe I'll just keep bouncing around in my nice little cyber bubble posting pictures of sexy cowboys.

What about you? Do you post about the stuff you're really passionate about, or are you my neighbor on the fluffy side?

Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.blogspot.com
www.wendidarlin.com

Check out The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner available at BookStrand!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

New in print from Paige Tyler - Kayla and the Rancher!


I've got a sexy new western spanking romance out called Kayla and the Rancher! It's available in eBook, Print, and Amazon Kindle! Here's an excerpt!


Kayla and the Rancher

When men were men, and bottoms were warm!

Rancher Cord Holderness needs a wife, but with few prospects in the Wyoming Territory, he decides that the only way to find a well-bred young lady is to get a mail-order bride. However, the girl that’s supposed to be his mail-order bride gets cold feet and leaves it up to her new friend, Kayla Mathison, to tell him that she’s changed her mind.

But when the handsome rancher assumes that the fiercely independent and stubborn Kayla is his mail-order bride, she finds herself going along with it. Running from an arranged marriage herself, and desperately in need of funds to get herself to San Francisco, she decides to lead Cord on so that she can get the money she needs from him. As the days turn into weeks, however, she finds that neither the money nor San Francisco interest her as much as they once did, especially when Cord starts putting her over his knee and spanking her whenever she becomes a little too willful for his liking. Much to her surprise, she discovers that she’s fallen in love with him and his spankings.

Life on the ranch gets even more complicated when a ruthless land baron wants to take over every piece of grazing land in the territory, including Cord’s, and will do anything to get it. Then, as if that weren’t enough, Kayla’s very determined fiancé comes to town looking for her.

But Kayla has built this relationship with Cord by letting him think that she’s someone else, and she can only hope that Cord loves her enough to forgive her when he find out she’s not really his mail-order bride.



Excerpt:

As the driver had promised, they arrived in Copper Creek well before sunset that evening. Like so many of the other towns where the stage had stopped, Copper Creek was small, with one main road running through the center of it. Of course, there was the requisite saloon, general store, telegraph office, and sheriff, but since she was more interested in the people than the town, Kayla took little notice of more than that as she stood in front of the stagecoach office.

Kayla noticed several dark-haired men, regarding her with interest, but none of them came over to her immediately. One of the men, however, was looking at her with more interest than the others and after a moment, he approached her.

Kayla said nothing right away. This was Cord Holderness? Tall and well-built, with dark hair, warm brown eyes, and the faint hint of a beard along his square jaw, he was absolutely one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. And dressed in denims, a shirt that he’d left unbuttoned at the neck, a hat and well-worn boots, he looked every inch the cowboy.

“Abigail?” he asked, looking at her curiously. His voice was soft, almost sensuous.

Kayla opened her mouth, all set to ask him for a monetary award in exchange for her information regarding Abigail, but all she could seem to manage to say was, “Cord?”

He grinned, flashing white teeth at her, and Kayla just about melted on the spot. Putting his arms around her, he bent his head and kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you’re finally here.” Lifting his head, he gazed down at her, his brown eyes soft. “You’re even more beautiful than you led me to believe."

Kayla blinked. She was rarely, if ever, at a loss for words, but with him standing so near, she couldn’t seem to formulate a complete thought. He thought she was Abigail, she realized. She opened her mouth to explain, but Cord continued before she could speak.

“As you can see, most of the town came out to meet you,” he said, gesturing to the people who had gathered nearby. Leaning close, he spoke conspiratorially in her ear. “Don’t worry. I told them they had to wait until you settled in.

Once again, Kayla opened her mouth to tell him that he had made a mistake, only to close it again as an idea occurred to her. Maybe she could go along with this, let Cord think that she was his mail-order bride. From what Abigail had said, he was probably rich, which meant he was certain to have money lying around his home that she could “borrow.” He might even give her an allowance, and she could certainly use a little bit of extra money to get herself started in San Francisco. Cord was attractive, so pretending to be his fiancé certainly wouldn’t be distasteful. She had a momentary twinge of guilt at the notion of deceiving him, but it disappeared quickly when she thought about how easy it would be to start in San Francisco if she had a little bit of money.

Kayla looked around to see groups of people clustered along the street. Some were looking at her with open curiosity, but most, judging from their smiling faces, looked genuinely happy for Cord. That just gave her added justification. After all, how could she tell him about Abigail’s decision not to marry him in front of all these people?

“Is this the only bag you have?”

Kayla saw that Cord had picked up her small suitcase. “Yes,” she said, then gave him a pretty little pout. “Everything else I brought with me fell off that stupid stagecoach. My trunk opened and everything inside was ruined, of course. The driver said that the stage wasn’t responsible for such things, but...”

Her voice trailed off helplessly, and he gave her one of those dazzling smiles of his. “Don’t worry, Abigail. I’ll buy you whatever you need. Copper Creek’s small, but the general store has some good mail order catalogs you can get things from.”

This was even better than she had hoped. Bilking him out of his money would be as easy as pie. She would have no problem wrapping this big, strapping man around her finger. Smiling up at him, she took his arm and let him lead her to the waiting wagon. As they walked, she couldn’t help but notice that his forearm was strongly muscled beneath her fingers. When he offered his hand to help her up into the wagon, she smiled and thanked him. Then, before she knew it, he’d climbed in beside her and took up the reins, sending the wagon in motion.

“You must be tired after your journey,” he said, giving her a sidelong glance.

“A little,” she admitted. “Stagecoaches aren’t the most comfortable form of transportation.”

“Or the safest,” he added, glancing at her. “I was concerned about you traveling alone, especially since you said that you’ve never been out of Boston.” When she said nothing, he continued. “It must be a big culture shock for you, not just leaving Boston, but coming all the way out here on your own.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “And it certainly doesn’t help that we’ve never met before. But I just want to let you know that I’m not going to rush anything. We can take our time getting to know each other. There’s no pressure, Abigail, so you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.”

Once again, Kayla was rendered speechless by this man. Cord Holderness was so nice; deceiving him just didn’t seem right. She should tell him the truth. But then again, she reasoned, he did order a bride through a catalog, so how nice could he really be?

Well, just because she felt badly about deceiving him that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate the surrounding mountainous landscape of the Wyoming Territory. The sun was just beginning to set, and she didn’t think she’d ever seen a more vivid display of colors. “I would never have thought it would be this beautiful,” she said, almost to herself.

Beside her, Cord laughed. “So, my letters didn’t do it justice, then? And here I thought I sounded poetic."

She looked at him in confusion. “What?” Then she remembered. Cord and Abigail had probably corresponded for weeks, months maybe, before the girl had begun the trek out here. Kayla laughed nervously. “Oh...of course...I didn’t mean to imply...”

Cord reached out and covered her hand with his own. “I was teasing you, Abigail,” he said, turning his head to look at her. “You’re right. It is beautiful. But not nearly as beautiful as you.”

Kayla caught her breath. His hand on hers was doing funny little things to her pulse, and once again, she couldn’t seem to think clearly. Blushing, she looked away. “Th...thank you,” she stammered, and then gave herself a mental shake. She had to keep focused on her goal with this man, or she was going to find herself grinning at him like a lovesick schoolgirl all the time.

They arrived at his home a little while later. It was a big, two-story house with a porch that went around the entire outside. Several hundred feet from the house was an immense barn with several other smaller buildings around it, and Kayla could see horses in the adjoining paddock. Cord brought the wagon to a stop outside the house and offered his hand to Kayla, helping her down. Taking up her small suitcase, he led her up the steps and into the house.

Inside, it was simply but comfortably furnished. Though she could see why he needed a woman out here. There was nothing soft or feminine about the place. No pictures, no curtains, no rugs, not even a throw pillow. Directly opposite the front door was a staircase that led to the second floor. Though Cord said there was dinner waiting for them on the stove, he gave her a quick tour of the house before they ate. Off the entryway, there was a living room to one side and a dining room on the other. Beyond that was the kitchen, where Cord set out hearty bowls of stew and a plate of biscuits. Though the food was quite good, Kayla had to concentrate so hard on what she was saying that she hardly tasted any of it. Pretending to be Abigail was going to be more difficult than she had thought.

She was relieved when the kitchen door opened. Kayla turned her head to see a tall, dark-haired man entering the kitchen. He was older than Cord by several years, and from his clothing, she assumed he must be one of the ranch hands.

The man’s blue gaze went from Kayla to Cord. “Sorry, Cord. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said. “I’ll come back later.”

Cord shook his head and got to his feet. “No, stay. Lucas, this is Abigail Murray.” He looked at Kayla. “Abigail, this is my foreman, Lucas Johnson. He’s been my right-hand man around here for years, so if I’m out and there’s anything you need, he’ll take care of it for you.”

Kayla smiled and held out her hand, which Lucas took in his work-worn one. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said.

Lucas dipped his head. “Pleased to meet you, Ma’am.” He looked at Cord. “I have some things to talk to you about, but it’ll keep ‘til morning.”

Relieved at the interruption, Kayla pushed back her chair and got to her feet. “You two talk,” she told Cord. “I’m so exhausted from the trip that I’m half asleep at the table. It was nice meeting you, Lucas.” She smiled at Cord. “Good night, Cord.”

“Abigail,” was all he said, but she could feel his eyes on her as she left the kitchen. As she made her way up the stairs, the men’s voices carried to where she stood, and though she’d been taught never to eavesdrop, she paused a moment to listen to their conversation.

“She’ll make a very attractive wife,” Lucas said. “It’s difficult to believe that she’s not already spoken for.”

“I couldn’t agree more. The men in Boston must be crazy to have let her go.”

Kayla felt her pulse skip a beat at his words and for a moment, she wondered why her father couldn’t have found a man like this for her to marry instead of that yes-man, Delmont.

There was a pause before Cord spoke. “So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“McCauley sold his ranch to Dalton Jeffries this afternoon,” Lucas said.

“Damn,” Cord muttered.

“Someone cut his fences and made off with almost half his herd last night. His son was watching over them and got pretty beaten up. That was the last straw for him,” Lucas said. “A man can only take so much, you know.”

Their conversation about the other rancher continued and since it sounded like Cord was going to be a while, Kayla decided it was the perfect opportunity to snoop around. Thinking that the most likely place Cord would keep money would be his bedroom, she went there first. She wouldn’t take anything right now, of course. She just thought that it would be good to know where the valuables were kept.

His bedroom was right across the hall from hers. She had gotten a quick look at it when Cord had showed her around before. Taking the lantern from the table just inside the door, she used a match to light it, and then closed the door behind her.

Like the other room in the house, Cord’s bedroom was simply furnished. Besides the big four-poster bed and nightstands, there was a washstand with a mirror, a low dresser, and a wardrobe, but it was the chest at the foot of the bed that caught her attention.

Placing the lantern on one of the nightstands, she knelt down beside the chest and lifted the lid. Thinking that there had to be something of value inside, she was surprised to find only some blankets, an oily jacket, and two pistols with boxes and boxes of bullets.

Her brow furrowing, she sat back on her heels and looked around the room. That was when she saw the metal box underneath the bed. Now, there had to be something valuable in there. Lifting the edge of the quilt, she reached underneath the bed to pull it out. It was heavier than it looked, though, and she needed two hands to do so. With her bottom in the air, she scooted her head and shoulders as far as she could under the bed.

Which was exactly how Cord found her when he walked into his bedroom.

Unaware that she had an audience, Kayla grabbed hold of the latches on either side of the heavy box and yanked. It scraped along the floor, but didn’t budge much, and she tightened her grip, ready to pull on it again.

“Just what do you thing you’re doing?”

At the sound of Cord’s voice, Kayla jumped, thumping her head on the underside of the bed. Muttering something unladylike, she reflexively touched her fingers to the back of her head. Darn, she had thought Cord would be busy with his foreman at least long enough for her to get a look around. Knowing she couldn’t very well stay in this position while he was still standing there, she wiggled out from under the bed

Smoothing a stray piece of silky auburn hair back from her face, she met Cord’s accusing gaze with one of complete innocence. “Cord!”

“Abigail,” was all he said.

She glanced at the bed, and then back at him, nervously smoothing her hair back again. “I...I was just looking for one of my hair pins.”

“Really?” He folded his arms across his chest. “It looked more like you were snooping to me.”

She flushed. “Snooping! I most certainly wasn’t snooping. I can’t believe you would even imply such a thing,” she said, trying to sound as indignant as she could.

He lifted a brow, but said nothing.

She bit her lip and looked away. “Well...maybe I was snooping a little,” she admitted softly. He’d caught her red-handed, so she would have to try and wiggle out of this using her charm, a tactic that had worked many times before on the men in New York, especially her father. She turned big green eyes on him. “But I was just trying to find out more about you.”

He scowled. “By crawling around under my bed.”

Kayla managed to look suitably embarrassed. “I realize that it must look bad, but I hope you understand that I’m just trying to ensure you are the wonderful man that you described to me in your letters. After all, I’m taking quite a risk being out here all alone without my family back in Boston and all.” She put on a sad face as she spoke. She’d used this same expression often on her father with great results.

Cord regarded her in silence for a moment, but he didn’t appear to be swayed. “Well, I don’t know how they do things in Boston, Abigail, but out in the west, we respect other people’s private property. It’s a guiding principal out here that you’ll have to come to learn.”

She flushed again and lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry, Cord,” she said quietly, hoping she sounded suitably chastised. “I won’t do it again.”

His mouth quirked. “Oh, I intend to make sure of that.”

As he spoke, he reached out to take her arm and led her over to the bed.

Kayla hung back. “Wh-what...what are you doing?”

But Cord ignored her question. Instead, he sat down on the bed and in one swift motion, pulled her over his knee. Kayla simply lay there for a moment, too surprised to do more than that. He wouldn’t, she thought in disbelief, then let out a startled “Oh!” as his hand slapped her upturned bottom. Outraged, she struggled, trying to push herself upright, but a strong hand on her back held her in place while he spanked her again. Another smack followed, and then another, each slap harder than the previous one.

The spanks stung even through the thick material of her dress. But more than that, it was the embarrassment of being held down across this handsome man’s strong thighs with her bottom in the air that made her struggle to free herself.

“Let me go!” she ordered indignantly, trying to push against him again.

“Not until you learn some manners,” he replied, lifting his hand to spank her again.

“What would a hick cowboy like you know about manners, anyway?” she demanded, craning her neck to look at him over her shoulder.

The insult earned her an even harder spank and she cried out in protest. “Obviously more than a spoiled city girl like you,” he retorted, bringing his hand down again and again on her poor bottom.







For more of my sexy erotic fiction, visit my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/

And to join my mailing list to receive my newsletter, email me at paigetyler@paigetylertheauthor.com with "add me to your mailing list" in the subject line!


*hugs*
Paige

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

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Power and The Passion

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday, my lovely friend Tess MacKall blogged passionately on the subject of schools and their hidden costs. Though I am not a parent, I could relate to what she wrote. I was impressed with her passion. Her cause. It got me thinking about what fuels my passion. Passion, I believe is power.
Those who know me even just a little or who read my books, know what fuels me is Hawaii and its history. I was frankly stunned that an incident of great national historical importance occurred in this country on Saturday and not one word of it reached the mainstream news.
I am talking about the hostile takeover of Iolani Palace, the only palace on American soil. Twenty men of Hawaiian heritage stormed what is now a museum and took the docents hostage in protest of Accession Day (Aug 21), the day Hawaii became a US state.
In 1893, the gentle Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown by the United States forces, imprisoned and her island kingdom stolen by longtime white residents who called themselves a Provisional Government. It is a shameful chapter in our history.
I admit I am a pro-monarchist and would like to see the islands restore to self rule again, but I did not agree with these men chaining up the fence and re-installing a King - he calls himself Akahi Nui -but I do respect their passion.
I am an ardent animal lover but I don't condone violence for that cause either.
What saddened me is that the docents of the Palace, many of them very old, were frightened and bullied. Being a devoted attendee and hopeful docent to the Palace myself, I have been impressed and intrigued with the careful restoration of this building of beauty. It is truly a remarkable palace with polished koa wood floors you are not allowed to walk on in street shoes. Yet, these pro-royalists thundered in there in boots.
The Palace Trust which has lovingly bought back stolen artifacts from all over the world and restored them to former splendor (this is an amazing tale in itself) have made these beautiful pieces - including the Queen's Quilt which she sewed during her incarceration and which vanished only to be mysteriously left at the Palace door recently - available to those who wish to visit. Yet, the Palace was in lockdown once the 'coup' was broken up by Honolulu Police. Careful assessment of damages was necessary.
At what price? Was this really showing love for the people? For the Palace?
Does it hurt the cause? I believe it does. But like I said, Passion is Power and I do believe in this world of apparent, disintegrating values, that it is the most essential quality by which to live a successful, fulfilled life.
What about you? What fuels your passion? What would make you run and jump, tilt at windmills...or blog?
Aloha oe,

A.J.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Schools and Hidden Costs

My friend C.A. posted yesterday about school starting back and basically how it will affect all of us and our time. But school is a special pulse point with me as I was involved so many years in PTA and have so many opinions in regard to it.

So my blood started boiling again this morning, although I don't have time for PTA anymore--hell, I started writing. lol But with the new year opening I had to pull up the school supply list yesterday and was simply incensed--once again.

It makes a parent wonder where all their tax money goes. I keep seeing this big pie shaped chart that tells me about 70% of my property taxes goes to schools, but for some strange reason the schools still need money. Trust me, where I live that means millions upon millions. And then we've had the lottery for about three years now and that money is supposedly funneled into individual school systems, not to mention federal subsidies, etc.

And still every time a parent turns around we must come up with more money. Now I just read last night that I have to pay the yearly school fee--$20.00. Last year it was $15.00. And if you are in band, or chorus, there is an extra $5.00. So what does that fee go to? Well that fee in our system goes directly into the bank acct of the individual school. The county does not give them enough money for their individual budgets so the schools set their own fees and collect them. They use that money during the year to buy teacher supplies, etc. And doing a pitiful job of it I might add.

When I was in PTA, one program I instituted from primary school and up through middle school was what I deemed a "Teacher's Closet". At the end of each school year, PTA raised several thousand dollars based on the wish lists of teachers and their need in so far as supplies for the following school year. Two weeks before school opened each year, I would dutifully run through stores like a crazy woman haranguing store managers into giving me as much a discount for bulk purchases as possible and stock this "teacher closet".

Teacher's loved it and were incredibly grateful. But when I quit, the closet went south. Makes you wonder doesn't it? So I run into some of these teachers from time to time--I became close to quite a few--but since writing have lost touch with most. And those teachers are just as confused over the money issues with schools as parents are.

Between supplies and the hidden expenses parents are constantly inundated with it's no wonder we are all at stroke level with outrage over it. And don't even get me started on high school. Can you say $400.00 for a set of Senior photos? Out of a school of 2,000 students only 400 parents actually buy them.

The bottom line is this: No matter how much parents and government subsidize, school systems have become elitist. They have dreams much bigger than a parent's pocket book and simply don't care. At the beginning of each summer a school should, and I've been saying this for years, inform parents of ALL the costs, including those hidden ones like field trips and fees for books, supplies, and special workshops and such. Parents would appreciate the heads up and some would have time to save the money for it. I'm an average, ordinary, single mother with limited resources. If I follow a budget for my own expenses each month and then something like a $60.00 field trip is suddenly thrown into the mix, well hell, that throws my budget off.

I know teachers and principals do their best to engage our children, but what happened to those days when students brought a lunch to school and simply held class outside for the day? What happened to the teacher who simply engaged children by focusing on them and enjoying the act of teaching itself? Too much has gotten into the way of basics is what happened. Our "techno, too much to do other than learn way" has simply gotten in the way. And unfortunately, parents have fallen into the same trap.

Encourage your systems to simplify. School plays, picnics on campus, short walks to the park, days of celebrating subjects like art and music and bringing in volunteers from the community to enrich not only the minds of the students, but keep the coffers of the system in check.

Well, just my opinion, but it worked when I was more involved and when I was in school. I didn't turn out toooooooo dumb. lol Good luck with the upcoming year. I'm going into my writing cave as much as I can and enjoy those quiet days.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

It’s back to school time…

Okay let’s see those hands for who hates and who loves back to school time.

I’m on both ends of that spectrum.

I love it because, all those little kiddies are off the streets and roads, and places I like to go causing havoc and mayhem during the day. I’m sorry, but I hate the mall as it is, and when I do have to go, I try and wait until school’s in session.
When parents drop their little teenyboppers off at the mall for the day to baby-sit, it’s irritating. Most of them don’t care who they bother, and have security and the mall store workers watching them. I’ve worked in several malls. Now you know why I work retail no longer *Grins*
Now when I was a kid, if we went to the movies, my mom gave us one hour afterward to shop, walk or stalk the mall. Not a full eight. Makes you wonder doesn’t it.

Being a home school parent, we wait to go on many of our day trips until the kids are back in school, so we’re not crowded out. It’s nice to take your time and walk through exhibits without Johnnie picking his nose, pushing and bumping into you with that booger because he’s getting in a fight with his brother, and mom is standing there looking bored as the tour guide tries to explain what’s happening over Johnnie and brothers screaming.

A little biased…okay maybe a bit. But I did those chaperone trips with the public schools, and was in charge of up to 40 kids as a site leader for a before & after school program (which I loved). If you’re not used to kids day in and day out, and don’t know how to have a structured environment, you’re in trouble. Crap even when you do have that you have to modify your day around stuff that pops up. It’s not easy people, it’s not easy.

Why do I hate school starting…well that’s easy *snort* all the traffic, and mister I just got my drivers license two weeks ago, but, I know everything about driving, *Stupid sh*t eating grin on kids face* Wanna race? Who does he think he is Homer Simpson? My car got totaled a couple of years ago, because a girl was speeding through the school zone, and not paying attention to her surrounds as she went to pass a truck in front of her for going to slow.

The BEST thing about school starting up…a week or two after, the sales to get rid of all the school supplies are awesome!! LOL.

Okay so was that a rant or a blog? Can a blog be a rant and a rant be a blog? I have no idea people, it’s one of those days here at the Salo household. And yes, I teach all year round, whether the child realizes it or not. HA. God I love my job *evil cartoon laugh* Okay, he has today off, but let’s not tell him that, hehehehe. He’s researching for a project he wants to do.
Now for some shameless promotions...
Check out my newest release with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid - The Devil Himself.
And look for Destined To Mate - Coming Soon to The Wild Rose Press - Scarlet Line

Saturday, August 16, 2008

I'm A Gamer....



OK, so does anyone even remember what the above is? LOL....I'm not that old...OK, that is a Nintendo....The original game console that I grew up on....My has it been that long?


As a kid I remember playing this with my family. We all got into it..The best part was that my folks were amazing at playing the games. They would be the ones getting to high levels or passing the games....


For those of you who don't remember, the above is the Super Nintendo..That came after the Nintendo if I'm not mistaken...I remember when we got the console and the games..The graphics were better and there was so much choices...Yes I have the above two games...Played them many times...

When my sister and her hubby got themselves an XBox they game me their PlayStation. So that's how I got a hold of that console.





The first game I played on it was Tomb Raider. I remember how much more advanced this system became..It was something new and I loved playing it. As time went on and well I got older I found myself not having the time to play video games anymore. So everything went back to the basement and got boxed up. Last evening I got the biggest urge to get them back out again after many years. After plugging it all in and turning it on I honestly can say I felt like a kid again. It was fun and relaxing to get back into all the games. I started playing Resident Evil Nemesis. I'm a huge Resident Evil fan..Loved the movies and the games are just as good.

I know that one of the reasons I got back into playing games is because of all the new systems I keep hearing about. The games and consoles that are out now are so advanced and there is so much choice. It's not like the old days...

I have been thinking about getting a new console but honestly I'm not sure what to get and they are really expensive. It might be something that will have to wait.

I know that it will be a blast getting to play again and just relax. So I want to know, what systems are you playing? What's your fave video game?

Have you ever played or owned any of the systems above? Do you still own them and play them?

One funny thing to add is that they no longer make games for any of the systems above so if I want anything new I have to hunt on the web...LOL


OK I know I said one more thing...well just one more...


August 18, 2008 my book Bid For Love will be coming out from Lyrical Press.



Bid For Love


Her fantasy man is up for auction. Will Nico dare to bid?


Nico's history of romantic disasters has taught her when she gambles on men, she's fated to lose. That doesn't stop her from secretly lusting after Jeff, the handsome construction worker she sees every day on her way to work.


When the New York's Sexiest Bachelor auction begins and Jeff comes up on the block, she's seriously tempted to place a bid. The wager can't be taken lightly -- It might be for a good cause, but she's making a bid for love...


http://www.lyricalpress.com/bid_for_love.html

Friday, August 15, 2008

I'm a snake. What are you?

I have a little story for you. Last week, while we were in Chicago, we went out to dinner with some family and friends to a Chinese restaurant. The paper placemats on the table had the Chinese calendars where the year of your birth shows what animal you are. I’m a snake!

Anyway, I was the only one that could actually read the small print so they told me the year of their birth and I read it for them. Three of them were cocks, which I didn’t hesitate to read—to the horror of a couple of the women.

They said, I should have said Rooster. They couldn’t believe I would say cock aloud. (We are all adults, forty-fifty years old.)

Do you see a problem with this?

It’s not like a screamed it across the room. They also took exception to the way I said cock.

I know it all boils down to them having a problem with what I write. I write (whisper) erotic romance.

One of the guys said cock just slipped out of my mouth. I laughed. They didn’t think that was funny either.

Am I too liberal or are they too prudish?

Have a wonderful weekend,

Laura/LA Day

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Mountains out of molehills



















My family made it home late last night from our trek up the southeast and over to the mountains of western North Carolina. We stopped at Stone Mountain, Georgia on our way back home. All in all it was a fantastic trip, and I had planned on (hoped to) be inspired to write some new stories.

And boy was I!



















Our mountain cabin was heaven by day and HELL by night. I grew up in the country, without a neighbor in sight, so I was completely taken back by how uncomfortable I was when the lights went out.

The cabin was rustic ... very rustic. Imagine living inside a Cracker Barrel without the giftshop. Horses grazed on the hill out side, mountains loomed in the distance, and when nightfall came it was impossible to see anything at all. But I could hear every creak, every movement in the bushes outside.

I felt like one of those too stupid to live young women in a horror flick. I kept waiting for Jason or Freddy or Michael to come walking through the door with his weapon of choice. Yes, I was making mountains out of molehills, but telling myself that didn't let me relax enough to fall asleep. At least you can look forward to some scary Halloween stories from me this fall.

Hope you all had a great week and got more sleep than I did!

Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.blogspot.com
www.wendidarlin.com

Also check out The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner now available at BookStrand!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I'm on Bebo!


I'm now on Bebo! I'm still a little new to it, though, so there isn't much on my page yet, but I'd love it if you'd add me to your friends list! And if you have some cool widgets or apps, feel free to recommend them!




*hugs*
Paige

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

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Stigma of Romance

By A.J. Llewellyn

Hi Everyone,
So...I survived meeting my new boyfriend's brother and sister in law (like him, hate her - kidding!) and I even managed not to drown while waving in greeting to Steve's parents. I didn't think however that meeting his friends of all people might actually be my undoing.
It went down like this. He called me late last night (ten o'clock is late for me. I am no longer acting the class clown on loop chats, the dog is waiting for her last walk for the night and I am knee deep in writing).
Until I met Steve. Now, I pick up the phone when I see his number. Because he likes it. I think I've been accommodating and gracious to his quirks up until now and he seems not to mind when I get up at three am because my muse Kimo thinks a new sex scene should be written right now. But last night, I was working hard on my new Kimo and Lopaka book and Steve was insistent that I come and meet him and his friends for coffee.
"I'm in my pyjamas," I said.
"AJ, you don't own any pyjamas," he responded.
So, I headed down to the Horseshoe coffee house and there they were, his three best friends. I admit I didn't go in the best frame of mind. I had Kimo tethered to bed posts and he wasn't happy in that corner of my mind and here were Steve's best friends already giving me the I don't think so look.
"AJ writes gay erotic romance books," he told them.
"Yes, I know," his closest female friend said. "And I think it's disgusting."
I hadn't even ordered coffee yet and had barely sat down before she told me how romance is porn and I ought to be ashamed for producing filth.
WHAT?
"Er...I don't do porn. I just write it," I said.
"Same thing."
"No it's not," I insisted.
I was mad now. Romance writers - male, female, gay, straight, m/m, m/f, f/f, whatever - have all been tarred with a peculiar brush. I now understand why the few people I know who actually DO porn suffer torments in their real lives.
The women took turns telling me why writing/reading/perpetuating romance is a very bad thing.
"That's ridiculous," I said, ignoring the stern shaking Steve's head was doing. If he was going to sit there and let his friends attack me, somebody had to defend me.
"Let me ask you something," I said to the ring leader of Steve's girl gang. "I have written hard boiled thrillers under another name. They're all about a serial killer. Since I write these types of books, does that make ME a serial killer?"
Her eyes swiveled in her head looking for lost sheep...or something.
"It's not the same thing," she said finally.
But it is. It's exactly the same thing.
"Steve," I said. "I have to go. Kimo's tied to the bed. I think it's time I unleashed him."
He wiped a hand over his face and I suddenly felt like Phoebe in the episode of Friends , when she meets Mike's parents and gaily announces that she recently gave birth to her brother's triplets.
I gave Steve a finger wave and stomped down the street - alone - and wondered how the conversation went after I left. He didn't call me last night and I have no idea where we stand but he just met the real AJ and I wonder, if like Mike, he's still gonna want Phoebe.
Whatever, I still have Kimo and Lopaka. And I still have my love of Romance.

Aloha oe,

A.J.
http://www.ajllewellyn.com/

Monday, August 11, 2008

Inspiration

Photobucket

I'm running late with a blog post today because I had no inspiration. And then of course hours after agonizing over what to post, it hit me. Inspiration!

What inspires you? Or maybe even who. And I'm not just talking about as a writer, but as a person, what truly inspires you? Is it a loved one? I know my father always had this wonderful way of making me get off my butt and do whatever needed to be done. I miss him so much.

Maybe you are inspired by an event. Sometimes things happen in this life that affect us deeply. Think of all those times you have done something nice for someone just because it was the right thing to do. Inspiration is borne of need, I believe. Our need to give to others as well as our need to create something lasting.

As far as writing goes, different things inspire me. A picture, a song, a random thought. Sometimes real life influences what I write as well. Our world is in chaos and there is always plenty of fodder for books. Insert a love story between the pages and you've got yourself a winner. In my humble opinion, that is.

I was looking for inspiration today and I finally found it. My little boy gave me a hug and said, "I love you." Love is the ultimate inspiration after all. That's why we write what we write. Romance...and so much more.

What inspires you?

Photobucket


Available from Freya’s Bower http://www.freyasbower.com
The Gabriel’s Ride Series
Gabriel’s Gun including the prequel Gabriel’s Horn
Coming Soon from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid
His Sweet Obsession
Available Fall of 2008 from Freya’s Bower
His Only Treasure

Visit Tess’s Website http://www.tessmackall.literalseduction.com
Visit Tess’s MySpace http://www.myspace.com/tessmackall
Join Tess’s Newsletter http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TessMackall
Tess on the Nice n’ Naughty Blog http://nicennaughtyauthors.blogspot.com
Tess on the Sensual Secrets Blog http://sensualnsecret.blogspot.com
Tess on the Authors Studio Blog http://authorsstudio.blogspot.com
Join Midnight Seductions http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MidnightSeductions

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Am I in the middle of a fashion fauxpas?

Recently I was told that I need to update my wardrobe. That my jeans are from the 80’s, my t-shirts are old, and my pj’s could be coordinated.

Hey, I liked the 80’s okay…I was 30 lbs lighter *Grins*

Okay, so I only have 3 pairs of jeans, 1 with holes for hard working, a couple of t-shirts, a couple of blouses, and 2 tank tops. My pj pants are red with holy and berries on them from Christmas and I usually wear a t-shirt or tank with them.

OKAY…I need a fashion make over, I admit it! *Sighing heavily* so now what?

*Picking between teeth with fingernail* The hair looks awesome, the nails look great, the face is looking fine for a 37 year old, thank you. But the clothes…never was one for fashion. I’m a comfort
girl. Jeans, t-shirt and sneakers do it for me, and all the running around I do.

I cried on my friend’s shoulder, she had no choice, she called me. So she tells me, she’s going to send my name into that show…what not to wear. *Snort* yeah, like that will happen in a million years.

Any fashion advice out there? What are the essentials every woman should have in her closet? Help an author with bad clothing sense. It’s a good cause *Grins*

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Addicted to Yahoo Loops

Yahoo loops....a few years ago I had no idea what they were....A yahoo loop..Huh?????

Well now it's a totally different thing...I currently belong to over 213 yahoo loops...Writing loops, author groups, workshops and newsletters....

It seems like the number keeps growing....

I though I was bad with the number of loops I belong to...I have talked to people that have even more then me...

It's hard to keep up with emails and that when digest comes in...I love that little function...There are some loops I'm on with individual emails, those are my publishers, my own loop and other groups that are a email must...

When it comes to yahoo loops are you finding that the list just keeps growing?...

Are you addicted to them?

People say yahoo loops are great to network and promo your work, discover new authors. I agree, this is how I got my name out there and got people to find out about my work....

So what do you think about yahoo loops/groups....Have they made a difference with getting your name out there, getting your work noticed?

There are so many different places now that you can promo yourself from facebook, to myspace, bebo, and the list goes on....Yes I am a part of a few of those...That's how I discovered a lot of amazing authors and their work...I like that they give you the chance to reach people all over the world from your computer...

Talk to me, what do you think?

Savannah

Bid For Love coming Aug 18,2008 to Lyrical Press

Satisfy Your Desire......Indulge The Temptation
www.savannahchase.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savannahchase/

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Beaches and Mountains




















My family vacations at the beach regularly, and this summer was no exception. But we've also decided to head up to the mountains next week and take in a different vista. It seems so relaxing to leave the city streets for a winding mountain road. And my south Florida lanai, for a wraparound porch and a rocking chair. I'm craving the peace right now. I can practically taste the mountain air already. Peace, quiet, and fresh air. The same things I love most about the beach ... only different.

So what is it about these two totally different things that evoke such similar responses? I guess it's like that country song says, "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean..." Not only are the ocean and mountains beautiful, but they overwhelm all the little burdens we carry. All those things that weigh us down don't feel like much compared to something as massive as a mountain or as infinite as an ocean. And when those burdens feel lighter and our lungs expand ... really expand for the first time in a while ... we suck in air the way it was intended to be. Fresh. Clean. Scented by nature. And our bodies crave that as much as our minds do. At least my body and mind do, and I can't imagine we're so different, you and I.

So I hope you make your way to your mountain or beach when you need it most. And if you can't get there soon enough, google some video or photos. Give yourself a minute. Exercise your imagination. And breathe.

Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.blogspot.com
www.wendidarlin.com

The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner Available NOW at BookStrand!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

New from Paige Tyler - Austin Malone, Private Eye!


I'm thrilled to announce that I have a new contemporary spanking romance available in eBook, Austin Malone, Private Eye!


When Taylor Cavanaugh's sister goes missing, she turns to private detective, Austin Malone, for help. When he discovers her sister has apparently eloped with a boyfriend that Taylor never even knew existed, she is sure he must be wrong. After all, she knows her sister better than he does.

However, when he finds a diary that proves she doesn't know her sister nearly as well as she thinks, Taylor throws a tantrum that gets her put over Austin's knee for a good, sound spanking. Taylor doesn't learn her lesson, though, and deliberately ignores his orders to stay out of his way and let him do his job. Instead, she follows him on the hunt for her sister, which leads to repeated spankings from the ruggedly handsome private eye.

But if he's as insufferable and arrogant as he seems, why is Taylor so drawn to him? Maybe it's because she knows Austin Malone is the only one who can find her sister. Or maybe it's because deep down, she instinctively knows he is exactly the kind of man she's been looking for her whole life.



Excerpt:

Austin stood in the entryway for a moment, surveying the apartment. Though small, it had all the amenities, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, bath, and two bedrooms. All in all, Taylor had to admit that it was actually rather cozy. And Tiffany’s scholarship easily covered the cost.

“Does anything look out of place to you?” Austin asked as he walked into the living room.

Taylor shook her head. “No.”

She watched as Austin wandered over to the coffee table and picked up the stack of magazines that were there. Her brow furrowed. “What are you looking for?”

He glanced at her. “Something that might give me a clue to where your sister may have gone.”

Taylor gave him a skeptical look as she walked into the living room. “By checking out what magazines she subscribes to?”

Austin tossed the magazines back onto the coffee table. “If one of them was a travel brochure from wherever it is that she went, then yes.”

“Did you find one?” Taylor asked, hurrying over to the coffee table to scoop up the magazines and leaf through them excitedly.

“I said, if one of them was a travel brochure,” he told her dryly. “None of them were.”

She dropped the magazines back on the table and gave him annoyed look. “Well, why didn’t you just tell me that, then?”

He shrugged. “I did.”

Taylor made a face at his retreating back as he walked into the kitchen. She wondered if the two hundred and fifty dollars a day she was paying him covered that dry wit of his or if he threw that in for free. In the kitchen, Austin had opened the door of the refrigerator.

“What are you looking for in there?” she asked.“Some people throw out things like milk if they know they’re going to be away for awhile,” he told her.

Taylor edged closer to get a better look and immediately spotted the container of skim milk on the top shelf. “I was right!” she said. “Tiffany didn’t throw out the milk, so that proves she must have been kidnapped!”

Austin closed the door. “Or it could mean that she just didn’t throw out the milk before she left. It’s skim milk, after all. The stuff can barely be called milk in the first place, so it’s not surprising that it lasts forever.”

Taylor had to bite her tongue as she watched him make his way around the kitchen, opening drawers and cabinets, and fingering through all kinds of things. She couldn’t imagine what he possibly hoped to find, but she made no comment as he continued his search. Finally done in that room, Austin left the kitchen and headed for the bedrooms, only to stop and turn back to Taylor when she started to follow him.

“Perhaps it would be better if you just sat out here on the couch and let me do my job,” he told her.

Taylor bristled at the condescending tone in the private detective’s voice. Folding her arms, she lifted her chin to look him squarely in the eye. “No way!” she said. “I just met you a few hours ago. I’m not about to let you go through my sister’s personal things without my being there.”

If she thought her words would insult him, Taylor was wrong. His expression barely changed at all. He regarded her coolly. “Ms. Cavanaugh, you hired me to find your sister and I can’t work with you hovering over my shoulder demanding to know what I’m doing every second. If you’ve reconsidered hiring me, just let me know and we can leave.” When she said nothing, he continued. “I didn’t think so. Now, if you would be so kind as to go sit on the couch like I asked you to do.”

Taylor stared up at the handsome private investigator in stunned silence. How dare he order her around like that? And in her own sister’s apartment, too! She should tell him to get the hell out, she thought. In fact, the words were on the tip of her tongue, but for some reason, she couldn’t make herself say them. Right now, Austin Malone was the only option she had for finding her sister. Was she prepared to let him walk out the door simply because he was an obnoxious ass? No, she could put up with his arrogance if it meant getting Tiffany back safely, she decided.

“Fine!” she told him through gritted teeth. Turning on her heel, she stomped over to the couch and threw herself down on it. Then, folding her arms and crossing her legs, she gave him a glare.

Though Austin scowled at her obvious show of petulance, he said nothing, but instead turned and walked into Tiffany’s bedroom.

From her vantage point on the couch, Taylor couldn’t see much of the bedroom, but she could hear Austin moving around in there. From the sounds of it, he was looking through the dresser. An image of Austin Malone rifling through her sister’s panty drawer suddenly popped into her head and she frowned. Without another thought, she jumped to her feet and hurried into the bedroom.

Austin was standing beside the bed, a small, leather-bound book in his hand. Her brow furrowed as she walked over to him.

“What are you reading?” she asked.

He looked up from the book to give her a frown. “I thought you were going to wait in the living room.”

She shrugged. “I was, but I got curious,” she said. “So, what are you reading?”

“Your sister’s diary,” he said.

Taylor’s eyes went wide. “Her what? You can’t read that! It’s personal!”

But Austin only turned the page and continued to read. “Of course it’s personal; it’s a diary. Which means that it could give us a clue where she might have gone.”

“She didn’t go anywhere! She was kidnapped!” Taylor corrected. “And I really doubt you’ll find an entry in there that says Get kidnapped before lunch!”

Taylor didn’t know what infuriated her more, the fact that Austin was still reading her sister’s diary, or that he was ignoring her. Refusing to put up with it anymore, she reached out and snatched the book from his hand. He gave her an exasperated look.

“What is your problem?” he demanded. “I’m a professional and could care less about your sister’s personal life, except where it relates to her disappearance. I need to read that diary, so give it back.”

Austin reached for book as he spoke, but Taylor jerked it further away. “No!” she said. “I told you that I don’t want you reading my sister’s diary!”

His eyes narrowed as he took a step toward her. “Do you actually want your sister found, or not?”

She lifted her chin. “Of course I do,” she said. “I just think it’s completely inappropriate for you to be reading her diary, that’s all.”

Austin scowled. “I don’t have time for this,” he said. “There could be something in there that might put us on your sister’s trail.”

Taylor thought for a moment. She really doubted there would be anything relevant in her sister’s diary. But if Austin was right and there really were something in it that could help them find her sister...

“I’ll read through it and let you know if I find anything suspicious,” she finally conceded.

Austin gave her an impatient look. “I’m not going to sit here while you read that whole diary. Besides, you’d probably miss anything important, anyway,” he said. “Now, stop playing around and give it back to me.”

When he reached for it again, Taylor backpedaled, putting the edge of the bed between them. “I said, no!”

He swore under his breath. “Okay, that’s it!”Before Taylor could even react, Austin Malone had closed the distance between them and plucked the diary from her hand. Infuriated, she made a grab for the book, but he tossed it on the bed. She immediately reached for it, but the bastard caught her arm and steered her away from it. He was going to throw her out of the room, she realized.

“Hey!” she protested. “You can’t...”

But to her surprise, Austin wasn’t heading for the door. Instead, he sat down on the padded bench at the foot of the bed and, with a yank on her arm, sent her tumbling headlong over his knee. For a moment, Taylor was so stunned that she simply lay there with her head hanging down and her bottom up in the air. She regained her senses quickly enough though, and when she did, she immediately tried to push herself up off his lap. She didn’t even get halfway up before a strong hand on her back shoved her down and held her there. Taylor had no choice but to put her hands on the floor to steady herself. Craning her neck, she looked at him over her shoulder.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.

“Something someone obviously should have done a long time ago!” he ground out.

Her brow furrowing in confusion, she opened her mouth to retort, only to let out a startled, “Oh!” when she felt his hand come down on her upturned bottom. Her blue eyes went wide. Oh my God, the jerk had actually just spanked her!




For more of my sexy erotic fiction, visit http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/

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*hugs*
Paige

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

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I Love Loony

Hi Everyone,

So I am no longer strip mining my coterie of bad dates for blogging material. Now I'm dating my new guy Steve, it has its incredible pleasures of course...and a few pitfalls. Okay so I no longer have these bad dates to add to my collection for my books and aforementioned blog posts. Now come the inevitable questions about Where Is This Going?
Up until Sunday, Steve has been great. Funny, charming and the smartest guy I ever met. He's also, I discovered on Sunday, a complete loon.
See, I have carefully managed my Insecure Relationship Monster from the outset. I have been burned at the romance stake a time or two, so I have been good about not letting that green-eyed thing do more than raise its head every now and again when something approaching an alarm bell goes off. I feed it (I've found Hawaiian candy bead cookies a huge help here, though my waistline would disagree with that) and then on Sunday in the middle of an author chat, Steve IM'd me.
Steve: Hi. I sent you an IM earlier. Why didn't you respond?
I stared at the screen. AJ: I didn't see a message, hon. Sorry.
Steve: You keep popping on and off. You don't stay on long enough to chat. What's going on?
You lunatic! AJ: I am in the middle of an author chat with Midnight Seductions Authors. I am not actually using my AOL account. I'm using the group digest. I just signed back on to check on my contest entries.
Long silence ensued.
Steve: Oh, well...didn't mean to be a nuisance.
AJ: You're not being a nuisance. Actually, you are. I just posted a trivia question: What's your prison bitch name. Can't wait to see what some of the readers get! One of them got Famous Anus. Is that funny, or what?
Steve: Well, call me if and when you have time.
And then he disappeared.
Half an hour later, he called as if nothing had happened and I was still bristling from the unspoken accusations, the neediness, the uncertainty of unchaining the Insecure Relationship Monster - his, not mine. I took a break from the chat and tried to explain to him how it all worked and suggested he join the room and see for himself.
"I'd love to see what your prison bitch name is," I told him.
"You really posted that as a trivia question? On a romance chat?" He seemed shocked.
"Sure. I also posted what's your pimp name and fairy name..."
He interrupted me. "You didn't tell me your prison bitch name."
"Mine was Three Dollar Bill."
He laughed. "Oh, so you're queer? Like a Three Dollar Bill?"
"Guess I am."
I could feel him smiling. This was the Steve I was used to.
"Are you eating?" I asked him.
"Yeah. I broke out the ice cream when I thought you'd lost interest in me."
"What kind?"
"Chubby Hubby."
"Put that down and meet me for coffee."
"You got time, AJ?"
"Yeah, I've got time."
And you gotta have time and a whole lotta feeling for a guy who comes over with two cups of coffee, leashes your dog and suggests you bring water for her because you're driving up the coast for dinner.
"I just finished reading your book Phantom Lover and I got to thinking. You obviously love Duke Kahanamoku [the father of surfing] and I know there's a Duke's restaurant in Malibu."
"Yeah. It's my obsession." When I am not broke.
"Well, they have a patio so I figured we can sit outside with the dog. If we leave right now, we'll catch the sunset over dinner."
Okay, I bit my tongue to resist screaming, I love you!
And as the sun sank slowly along the west as the saying goes, two Insecure Relationship Monsters relaxed just a little and enjoyed a sunset cocktail or two, knowing they were in pretty safe hands.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Massage


Sensual, sexual or just plain relaxing, you have to love the massage.

Doesn’t it feel good to come home and have your honey massage the day away?
Are you sitting there watching a movie, and your or their hand slides up from lower back to the shoulders, with a little extra pressure. It feels good.


Just jump out of a hot shower or bath, laying naked on the bed and…ooohhh just a bit lower honey, that feels soooo good. No you nasty minded *Grins* we’re talking massages here, but, it can turn sexual, woot!! LOL.

So where do you start to massage your sweetie.

At the head, temples and work down to the toes…

At the shoulders, and work to the back…

At the calves and work up to the shoulders…

Or at the toes and work up?

I usually start at the neck and work down, then my way back up again, and when trying to relax the honey, it’s a nice deep tissue massage, which hits in all the right muscles.
Hey I must be doing something right, he hasn’t complained yet *Grins* and oh yes, he returns the favor.

Do you use oils, lotions or nothing at all? Do you have a favorite? Scent or otherwise?



Okay, well I’m revved up now. He’s cleaning, what a guy huh!! So I'm out of here, to go help take care of those over worked muscles. Ya that's it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. *Big Grins* Hehehe. Later!!



Saturday, August 2, 2008

Randomness

It's Saturday..already?...my where does the time go? It's already August...that means in 17 days Bid For Love will be coming back out again. Thanks to Lyrical Press my book will be re-released once more Aug 18, 2008.
While I wait to hear back on my other books that are out for consideration I am continuing to write. I plotted almost a whole new vampire story. It still has no name but I have the big stuff down and covered.
It's been a bit of a hard week for me. I'm one who suffers from really bad migraines and I had them pretty much most of the week. So while on the days I wasn't able to write I took the time to work on creating new bookmarks for the store. I have also organized for myself craft stuff that I will need to make the new key chains. I'm slowly adding new things to the store.

Even when I am not doing any work I still have to be doing something. I usually watch movies and work on a bookmark or something crafty....
What kind of crafts do you do? Any hobbies? I use to collect autographs. Did that for 4-5 years. I collected over 4000 signatures from so many big names. IT was a great hobby to have. Some celebs were even nice enough to write a letter. I had to stop that because it was not a cheap hobby and I didn't have the time anymore. I needed more time to write my stories. Those are my passion and come first.

I wanted to also remind you guys that from Aug 1-4, 2008 Midnight Seductions is hosting a huge Summer Bash. I hope you can drop by and support all the authors who are there. There will be a ton going on, everything you don't want to miss.





Wishing you a safe and great weekend. Here in Canada it's a long weekend. Those are the best ones..LOL

Stay naughty
Savannah
Satisfy Your Desire......Indulge The Temptation
www.savannahchase.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savannahchase/