By A.J. Llewellyn
One of my best friends in the world, Gustavo, has been having a very tough time lately. Gustavo's the type who disappears when he's depressed. He's not the type to call or reach out in any way when he's in what he calls his "bottomless manholes."
He happened to call very late last night and I heard the phone ringing and picked it up.
"I was just about to hang up. Get a bloody voice mail, will you?" he asked.
I have voice mail, but that's another story.
Gustavo was finally responding to emails, calls and threats of bodily harm and he seemed in mildly buoyant spirits. It's hard for me to describe what an awesome man my friend is. He's one of the truly good guys. He loves opera and jazz, is obsessed with Egyptian and Hawaiian history, rescues injured ducks on the canals where he lives in Venice, and we can talk for hours about these things.
What he doesn't have is love.
He said he'd given up of finding anyone since he just turned 50. I always tell him we're both antiques in tinseltown and we caught up on Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett dying on the same day. We both expressed world-weary dismay about the media frenzy over Jackson's passing.
"Poor Farah," he quipped. "She can't even get top billing on the day she dies."
Gustavo, I forgot to mention is one of the funniest men alive.
We decided love is out there and it will come.
I just didn't know how soon...
We hung up and I went to bed, looking at the moonlight through my bamboo blinds, my brand new kitten purring like an outboard motor in my arms.
I heard the phone ringing. 2 A.M. Who in hell would be calling me at this hour?
Baby Henry and I went to investigate.
It was Gustavo. I listened to his excitement, his total shock over a letter he had just found in the mail from 20 years ago!
A man he knew way back when had first written to him when Gustavo lived in New York. The letter made its way across the universe and back and finally found him.
We actually cried together as the author of the note described how long he'd searched to find Gustavo and how he'd never found anyone who shared his passion for music, specifically the divas they both adored.
"I'm trying one last time to reach you. I am enclosing the original note I sent you 20 years ago," the note read.
Today, I am sitting in happy anticipation that Gustavo will call the man and that this note reached him through time and space for a very good reason. I hope he has at last found his someone, across the universe.
Aloha, oe,
A. J.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
How many licks...
How many licks does it take to get to the center of the tootsie pop?
Well I can tell you, it's more than three, but I never quite make it to just the tootsie roll center before I'm crunching into the remaining lolly pop coating.
So...
How many licks does it take you to get to the center of the tootsie roll lolly pop?
C~
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Bringing The World Together
Over the past week the world has lost a few great people. I know that they were big celebs but there was something about each that appealed to people. Many people grew up watching these people on TV, listening to their music. It was a connection to memories and the past.
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
I know MJ has been getting a ton of press because of his death and the world is still in shock. It is sad that all these 3 had passed away. I know that every station is now covering MJ and how the world reacts. The one thing I've noticed all over the world is how fans have all gathered to pay their respects and leave a candle, flower or even a note as a last goodbye....He has brought the world together. There is nothing that separates people. They all share one thing in common and it is being a fan. I think that is fantastic that someone can do that.
I will say it will be weird to know that he is not around anymore. No matter what people said or would think about him he did impact the music world in a huge way.
Farrah was such a great actress and she impacted the TV world as well. Same with Ed....
May they all Rest in Peace....
Savannah
wwww.savannahchase.com
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
I know MJ has been getting a ton of press because of his death and the world is still in shock. It is sad that all these 3 had passed away. I know that every station is now covering MJ and how the world reacts. The one thing I've noticed all over the world is how fans have all gathered to pay their respects and leave a candle, flower or even a note as a last goodbye....He has brought the world together. There is nothing that separates people. They all share one thing in common and it is being a fan. I think that is fantastic that someone can do that.
I will say it will be weird to know that he is not around anymore. No matter what people said or would think about him he did impact the music world in a huge way.
Farrah was such a great actress and she impacted the TV world as well. Same with Ed....
May they all Rest in Peace....
Savannah
wwww.savannahchase.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson
It was quite a shock yesterday to hear the news of his death. I remember years ago before all the scandal and how I thought he was amazing. He was a very gifted man but also a deeply troubled one. I suppose no one will ever know all the truth about what happened in his life and maybe that's for the best. In no way could I ever condone the things he was accused of but his musical talent was unique.
My daughter watched his Thriller video this morning. After all these years it is still awesome.
Hopefully in death, he will find the peace he didn't seem to have in life.
Laura/LA Day
Website
My daughter watched his Thriller video this morning. After all these years it is still awesome.
Hopefully in death, he will find the peace he didn't seem to have in life.
Laura/LA Day
Website
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Parakeets...yes, parakeets.
We're a houseful of animal lovers. We currently have two dogs and two goldfish. But we've had as many as three dogs at a time. We've raised tadpoles into frogs and tried our luck with a pet salamander. We save every stray we find and we've been feeding birds, squirrels, rabbits, and anything else that wanders into our backyard for years.
And now my son wants a parakeet. My husband doesn't like to see birds in cages, so his kneejerk reaction was "NO!" My son argued that parakeets are handraised and have been for centuries. They aren't wild animals and now depend on people to care for them the same way dogs and cats do. So, in essence, we would be taking care of an animal that needs a home. I have to hand it to him, that was a solid argument.
His father's "NO!" has turned into a low rumbling, "I don't think we need a bird." Seeing a crack in the wall, my son has launched a full-force attack. He has a birthday in a few weeks, and all he wants is a parakeet.
Help! I don't know anything about parakeets. What are the pros and cons? How hard are they to care for? What do we need to know? Do we even need to consider this possible addition to the family???? And most importantly, do you think he can sneak it into his dormroom in a few years, or am I going to have a parakeet of my own when my son leaves for college?
Yeesshh.
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
And now my son wants a parakeet. My husband doesn't like to see birds in cages, so his kneejerk reaction was "NO!" My son argued that parakeets are handraised and have been for centuries. They aren't wild animals and now depend on people to care for them the same way dogs and cats do. So, in essence, we would be taking care of an animal that needs a home. I have to hand it to him, that was a solid argument.
His father's "NO!" has turned into a low rumbling, "I don't think we need a bird." Seeing a crack in the wall, my son has launched a full-force attack. He has a birthday in a few weeks, and all he wants is a parakeet.
Help! I don't know anything about parakeets. What are the pros and cons? How hard are they to care for? What do we need to know? Do we even need to consider this possible addition to the family???? And most importantly, do you think he can sneak it into his dormroom in a few years, or am I going to have a parakeet of my own when my son leaves for college?
Yeesshh.
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
New Review for Protective Custody!
Yay! ParaNormal Romance Reviews calls Protective Custody a "wonderful story!"
"PROTECTIVE CUSTODY was an excellent story! Ms. Tyler does a fantastic job creating her characters and weaving a setting that pulls the reader into the story. The emotions between Paisley and Gray are intense, and very well written. The secondary characters add depth to the story, and the villain was a big surprise. All in all, this was another great story from a wonderful author." - Beth Foster
Read the complete review here!
*hugs*
Paige
"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Fundamental Darkness
By A.J. Llewellyn
I have a relentless optimism about my life, from my friends, family to my working life. I am not always abundantly happy - who is? - but I try, really try to walk the path of what the ancient Hawaiians called Pono.
Being in Pono essentially means being in the moment. When I am not focused on the here and now, this precise moment - right now that means, typing this post - I, like the rest of the human race lapse into what the Buddhist faith terms Fundamental Darkness.
We all experience it, certainly on different levels, but we do feel those moments of blank, stark terror for a variety of reasons. I feel I've been experiencing more and more of it in the last several months. Starting with the loss of my full time job and various very close friends experiencing illness, family stress and other worries, fundamental darkness like the old Simon and Garfunkel song, greets me like an old friend.
In the last two days, a writer friend of mine has sent me two online articles about Korea aiming missiles at Hawaii. She has issued dire warnings to me about not making my planned trip there in July.
The first email made me shake my head, the second made me mad.
Why should I live in fear, AKA fundamental darkness?
If I were to listen to and act on all the dire warnings, I'd never leave the bloody house!
I was not surprised that the second article this friend sent me indicates that the Hawaiian people are shrugging their shoulders.
And so they should.
I live, for the moment, in Los Angeles, where I endured an earthquake that wiped out my entire household contents and rendered my home at the time red tagged, CONDEMNED.
This natural disaster could have occurred anywhere and it's an experience that was shattering at the time but frankly, I was so relieved my two cats were okay, I didn't care about the stuff.
I could get hit by a car crossing the street here, in Hawaii or any other place in the world.
Should I be afraid to set a foot off the sidewalk?
Am I going to give into random fear and not cross the street?
No sir, not I.
In the past three weeks, California has been declared a state of emergency and we are on water rations. I pined at first when we were placed on garden watering restrictions for the city of Los Angeles. Mondays and Thursdays only. It didn't make me happy and I feared what would happen to my garden and those I adore and walk my dog past every day.
Now I see it as a positive. We're saving water. We're banking for the future.
Today, I will not give into Fundamental Darkness, not mine, not anybody else's. If there is something you dream of doing, a life you want to live, just do it.
So I will water my garden, I will cross the street, I will get on that plane and I will run like every other person in my midst, should I see a missile coming at me.
But I will not embrace fear for anybody.
I choose to embrace the light, that's my thought for the day.
Aloha oe,
A.J.
I have a relentless optimism about my life, from my friends, family to my working life. I am not always abundantly happy - who is? - but I try, really try to walk the path of what the ancient Hawaiians called Pono.
Being in Pono essentially means being in the moment. When I am not focused on the here and now, this precise moment - right now that means, typing this post - I, like the rest of the human race lapse into what the Buddhist faith terms Fundamental Darkness.
We all experience it, certainly on different levels, but we do feel those moments of blank, stark terror for a variety of reasons. I feel I've been experiencing more and more of it in the last several months. Starting with the loss of my full time job and various very close friends experiencing illness, family stress and other worries, fundamental darkness like the old Simon and Garfunkel song, greets me like an old friend.
In the last two days, a writer friend of mine has sent me two online articles about Korea aiming missiles at Hawaii. She has issued dire warnings to me about not making my planned trip there in July.
The first email made me shake my head, the second made me mad.
Why should I live in fear, AKA fundamental darkness?
If I were to listen to and act on all the dire warnings, I'd never leave the bloody house!
I was not surprised that the second article this friend sent me indicates that the Hawaiian people are shrugging their shoulders.
And so they should.
I live, for the moment, in Los Angeles, where I endured an earthquake that wiped out my entire household contents and rendered my home at the time red tagged, CONDEMNED.
This natural disaster could have occurred anywhere and it's an experience that was shattering at the time but frankly, I was so relieved my two cats were okay, I didn't care about the stuff.
I could get hit by a car crossing the street here, in Hawaii or any other place in the world.
Should I be afraid to set a foot off the sidewalk?
Am I going to give into random fear and not cross the street?
No sir, not I.
In the past three weeks, California has been declared a state of emergency and we are on water rations. I pined at first when we were placed on garden watering restrictions for the city of Los Angeles. Mondays and Thursdays only. It didn't make me happy and I feared what would happen to my garden and those I adore and walk my dog past every day.
Now I see it as a positive. We're saving water. We're banking for the future.
Today, I will not give into Fundamental Darkness, not mine, not anybody else's. If there is something you dream of doing, a life you want to live, just do it.
So I will water my garden, I will cross the street, I will get on that plane and I will run like every other person in my midst, should I see a missile coming at me.
But I will not embrace fear for anybody.
I choose to embrace the light, that's my thought for the day.
Aloha oe,
A.J.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What would you do for a Klondike Bar?
Okay, so this just popped into my head this morning. SoWhat would you do for a Klondike Bar?
Me...well I love ice cream and chocolate, so I guess it would have to be "Who was Asking" LOL. Then I'd take it from there.
I wish my dad and all the dad's out there a HAPPY Father's Day!!!!
I'll be calling my dad later on today. Love him and Miss him (he lives in a different part of the country). It's a good thing we talk every Sunday :-)
Yeppers, I guess I'm a daddy's girl. LOVE YOU DAD!!
Bye all, have a great day!!!!
C~
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Fantastic Marketing
For the past few weeks there have been posters to advertise the new season of True Blood.Here is one of the featured posters that are on buses and bus shelters.
No matter if you are a fan or not of the show you will stop and check it out. It catches the attention...There has been a lot of talk about all the adds that are showing up in the paper and magazines..There are even TV commercials that are catering to vampires...yes I said vampires...
Everybody wants to know where they can buy certain products. This is a great marketing because people are finding out about the show and it is a brand new way to get the publics attention.
People have always been fascinated with vampires and this show has already got a huge base of fans...It does not get better... I think it is fantastic they way they approached trying to market this show. They are not doing the same old commercials but stuff that is catchy and interesting...
So what do you think of this new way of marketing? Have any of the adds caught your eye in a magazine? Did they make you curious?
I have to say I love it....It is something fresh...
In case you are not familiar with the show I recommend that you check it out...It is so worth it...so are the books that it is based on...
Wishing you a fantastic weekend..
Savannah
http://www.savannahchase.com/
No matter if you are a fan or not of the show you will stop and check it out. It catches the attention...There has been a lot of talk about all the adds that are showing up in the paper and magazines..There are even TV commercials that are catering to vampires...yes I said vampires...Everybody wants to know where they can buy certain products. This is a great marketing because people are finding out about the show and it is a brand new way to get the publics attention. People have always been fascinated with vampires and this show has already got a huge base of fans...It does not get better... I think it is fantastic they way they approached trying to market this show. They are not doing the same old commercials but stuff that is catchy and interesting...
So what do you think of this new way of marketing? Have any of the adds caught your eye in a magazine? Did they make you curious?
I have to say I love it....It is something fresh...
In case you are not familiar with the show I recommend that you check it out...It is so worth it...so are the books that it is based on...
Wishing you a fantastic weekend..
Savannah
http://www.savannahchase.com/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sexy Summer Drinks
It's no secret that I love sex on the beach. LOL The drink, people, the drink! Although, there's a lot to be said for the sandy kind too. :)
There are a bunch of different ways to make Sex on the Beach. Some are mouth watering and some leave a little to be desired, although I've never really had a bad one. I thought I'd share my sex on the beach recipe with you. So you can give it a try yourself.
In a tall glass with ice pour:
3/4 shot vodka
3/4 shot peach schnapps
1/3 shot chamborde
top with orange and pineapple juice (I also use orange/pineapple/banana juice and call it Monkey Sex on the Beach.)
Add a splash of grenadine and if you like to garnish use a slice of orange and a cherry.
Stir and enjoy!
Happy Summer. What's your favorite summer drink recipe?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
ParaNormal Romance Reviews Calls VAMPIRE 101 Smoldering Hot!
I'm so excited! ParaNormal Romance Reviews calls my sexy new paranormal erotic romance Vampire 101 smoldering hot! Check it out!
"VAMPIRE 101 was great! I love Ms. Tyler's work as a rule, but this one was especially good. Her stories keep getting better and better! The emotions between Kaige and Savanna were intense, and through her writing she allows the reader to feel every nuance. The love scenes between them are just smoldering hot, so hot that they almost produce a blush! Her setting helped add to the realism of the story, and her secondary characters added incredible depth. The vampire society she describes is fascinating, and very believable. This was another excellent story by a fantastic writer!" - Beth Foster
*hugs*
Paige
"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Eat, drink and...be emailed??
By A.J. Llewellyn
I was having a rough day yesterday and my friend Cindy took me to lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant. The lone waitress was slammed and we were very patient and understanding. Cindy and I haven't seen each other for a while and we had a great time catching up.
Except that I was getting hungrier and hungrier and I noticed people all around us rubbing their chopsticks together in happy anticipation.
And then the wait went on...and on...
I saw food coming out of the kitchen, but none of it reaching the tables. I strolled past the assorted Buddhist shrines and Japanese screen prints and realized all the food being prepared was heading out the back door for home delivery!
The desk manager was taking calls, running credit cards, scribbling illegible food orders and manning the computer. She was taking email orders!
I sauntered back to the table and reported my findings. Everybody around us fumed. One guy pulled out his cell phone and called the front desk.
It rang and rang and we all watched as the desk manager hauled out a huge order and ran out the back door.
She scrambled back again and answered the phone. By now, the entire restaurant was watching her.
"Hai!" she answered, panting and leaning on the counter.
"Hi yourself," huffed her hungry patron. "I'm in your restaurant and I want my lunch!"
She looked so startled I thought she was going to cry. A flurry of small dishes arrived and Cindy and I got one of our appetizers: spinach with sesame seeds.
We fought over it.
What a man I am!
Our iced green tea arrived - just one - so we split it and I glimpsed a guy beside me licking his miso soup bowl clean.
And then...nothing.
"I'm sending her an email," said the guy who'd been clever enough to call the desk manager.
The phone was ringing, there was a line at the door and the waitress was carting around a tray of drinks, but still no food in sight.
The desk manager focused instead on her emails.
She obviously read the one from her in-house patron. He gave her a finger wave when she glanced in his direction. Her look was venomous, to say the least.
"You think she's gonna spit in my food?" the guy asked the rest of us.
"Prolly," said Cindy, eyeing the check. "Let's blow this Popsicle stand." We took some cash to the counter and left the check beside all the outgoing orders.
"You no like?" the desk manager asked. I realized she was talking to somebody else. A very pregnant woman and her small son stared at her.
"No, I don't like," the pregnant woman said. "If I wait any longer, I'll give birth right here."
"You have mail," the tinny, electronic computer voice announced.
"Please excuse," the desk manager said and TURNED BACK TO HER COMPUTER!
"She's an addict," Cindy said, waiting to refute the multiple charges on our check.
"I'm sending her an email," the pregnant woman said and whipped out her cell phone.
It's good to know in tough times like these that customer service is alive and well, ha ha. I won't say I will never go back to my fave haunt again...but I'll email first and check that they want my business...
Aloha oe,
A.J.
I was having a rough day yesterday and my friend Cindy took me to lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant. The lone waitress was slammed and we were very patient and understanding. Cindy and I haven't seen each other for a while and we had a great time catching up.
Except that I was getting hungrier and hungrier and I noticed people all around us rubbing their chopsticks together in happy anticipation.
And then the wait went on...and on...
I saw food coming out of the kitchen, but none of it reaching the tables. I strolled past the assorted Buddhist shrines and Japanese screen prints and realized all the food being prepared was heading out the back door for home delivery!
The desk manager was taking calls, running credit cards, scribbling illegible food orders and manning the computer. She was taking email orders!
I sauntered back to the table and reported my findings. Everybody around us fumed. One guy pulled out his cell phone and called the front desk.
It rang and rang and we all watched as the desk manager hauled out a huge order and ran out the back door.
She scrambled back again and answered the phone. By now, the entire restaurant was watching her.
"Hai!" she answered, panting and leaning on the counter.
"Hi yourself," huffed her hungry patron. "I'm in your restaurant and I want my lunch!"
She looked so startled I thought she was going to cry. A flurry of small dishes arrived and Cindy and I got one of our appetizers: spinach with sesame seeds.
We fought over it.
What a man I am!
Our iced green tea arrived - just one - so we split it and I glimpsed a guy beside me licking his miso soup bowl clean.
And then...nothing.
"I'm sending her an email," said the guy who'd been clever enough to call the desk manager.
The phone was ringing, there was a line at the door and the waitress was carting around a tray of drinks, but still no food in sight.
The desk manager focused instead on her emails.
She obviously read the one from her in-house patron. He gave her a finger wave when she glanced in his direction. Her look was venomous, to say the least.
"You think she's gonna spit in my food?" the guy asked the rest of us.
"Prolly," said Cindy, eyeing the check. "Let's blow this Popsicle stand." We took some cash to the counter and left the check beside all the outgoing orders.
"You no like?" the desk manager asked. I realized she was talking to somebody else. A very pregnant woman and her small son stared at her.
"No, I don't like," the pregnant woman said. "If I wait any longer, I'll give birth right here."
"You have mail," the tinny, electronic computer voice announced.
"Please excuse," the desk manager said and TURNED BACK TO HER COMPUTER!
"She's an addict," Cindy said, waiting to refute the multiple charges on our check.
"I'm sending her an email," the pregnant woman said and whipped out her cell phone.
It's good to know in tough times like these that customer service is alive and well, ha ha. I won't say I will never go back to my fave haunt again...but I'll email first and check that they want my business...
Aloha oe,
A.J.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The woes of landscaping
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. I have to say, decorating and designing were tossed out of my genes when I was created. LOL. Not only in the house, but outside as well.
I'm trying to come up with several flower, flowering shrubs, and shrub designs. You know basic landscaping pretty stuff, to go around a floag pole and my works huge sign out front.
I love flowers and plants, but I'm stumped. I've looked online, but nothing I see is hitting my fancy for what I want or need. Unfortunatly I can't call in an expert, the budget just isn't there, and I truly want the grounds to look exceptional for my tenants.
There's nothing better than having a good looking lawn, and landscaping design.
Thankfully I have a close friend who frequents a garden center, and has offered to go with me, to pick out native plants, that look great are drought tolerant and can take this Florida heat.
I still have to come up with a design. I was thinking white stones around the flag pole, with flowering shrubs and flowers. Something simple, respectful, and easy on the eyes.
The front sign...no clue as of yet.
Any ideas out there?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hunks of Summer to Inspire
I am looking for some hunky inspiration for a new paranormal book I'm wokring on and as well all know there is no shortage...LOL...So this week I decided to send some hotness your way...
Chris Pine
Karl Urban
Cam Gigandet
Ben Barnes
Kyle Schmid
I think all of these hunks would be great characters in books...Don't you think?
Enjoy...
Savannah
www.savannahchase.com
Chris Pine
Karl Urban
Cam Gigandet
Ben Barnes
Kyle Schmid
I think all of these hunks would be great characters in books...Don't you think?
Enjoy...
Savannah
www.savannahchase.com
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thieves Suck
Ok, that's not typically the kind of title you expect from my blog posts. I have a policy of always being a darlin' online (and as much as possible in the real world, too.) But today I need to rant just a teeny tiny bit.
My credit card number was stolen. Yeah, now you know why I'm not in the best mood. On a good note, the jerks who thought it was ok to steal my hard earned credit were thankfully stupid enough to screw up. They made a counterfeit of my card and swiped it in several stores in a state I haven't been to in years. Each attempted charge was for a few hundred dollars. Fortunately the genuises didn't have all their ducks in a row and the card was identified as counterfeit. The attempted charges were declined, and I've canceled my real card.
Now I get to spend too much of my too little time making sure that the businesses who need my credit card on file have the new number. WHICH I WON'T GET FOR A WEEK. Which really pisses me off because I'm leaving for vacation, and I don't like to carry much cash. So in essence, the jerks didn't rob me of anything but time and effort. I guess I was lucky.
Karma. May she come swiftly and at full force to all the jerks who think it's ok to steal from people who make their money the old-fashioned way.
Has this ever happened to you? Do you want to vent? Go ahead. We're in your corner.
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
twitter.com/wendidarlin
My credit card number was stolen. Yeah, now you know why I'm not in the best mood. On a good note, the jerks who thought it was ok to steal my hard earned credit were thankfully stupid enough to screw up. They made a counterfeit of my card and swiped it in several stores in a state I haven't been to in years. Each attempted charge was for a few hundred dollars. Fortunately the genuises didn't have all their ducks in a row and the card was identified as counterfeit. The attempted charges were declined, and I've canceled my real card.
Now I get to spend too much of my too little time making sure that the businesses who need my credit card on file have the new number. WHICH I WON'T GET FOR A WEEK. Which really pisses me off because I'm leaving for vacation, and I don't like to carry much cash. So in essence, the jerks didn't rob me of anything but time and effort. I guess I was lucky.
Karma. May she come swiftly and at full force to all the jerks who think it's ok to steal from people who make their money the old-fashioned way.
Has this ever happened to you? Do you want to vent? Go ahead. We're in your corner.
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
twitter.com/wendidarlin
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I've Been Interviewed by Coffee Time Romance!
I've been interviewed by Coffee Time Romance! Check it out!
*hugs*
Paige
Paige
"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Prurient
By A.J. Llewellyn
Prurient:
Some of you may or may not know I write gay erotic romance fiction for eXtasy Books. I have 30 books published with eX - three of these are anthologies, the rest are my own books and also I have two series with D.J. Manly and two series with Stephani Hecht.
It's hard yakka (that's Australian for work) promoting your books and I think I do a pretty good job with blogs, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and author chats, excerpt posting and ads on erotic romance sites.
However...with so many books under my belt and with a bit of a "brand name" to go with it in my flagship M/M series "Phantom Lover" and with sales down everywhere, I've been trying to be proactive in the promo department.
"Phantom Lover" and 99% of my books are set in the Hawaiian Islands and when my new sub of a certain magazine associated with the islands arrived at my door yesterday, I thumbed through it and noticed their 'Marketplace' had a rectangular ad that reads: YOUR AD HERE.
The colors on the page, by the way are lush and gorgeous and I thought my hero, Kimo Wilder, the kumu hula and Keeper of Secrets would look awfully hot on it.
With a readership of quarter of a million people, I went for it.
I called the number listed, but that particular ad exec no longer works for the mag. That surprised me since the issue in my hands is the current one.
That probably should have told me something there.
She forwarded my call to a very nice woman who told me the ad space was $730 for a one time run but said if I advertised in every issue for a single year - that's six issues - she could charge me $620 an ad.
Let me just say, I don't even earn this kind of money in royalties, but I figured I am trying to get my work out there to a wider audience and I asked her point blank if she would run an ad for erotic romance fiction.
She said she wasn't sure. I told her I would email her with my website info since she was having trouble spelling my name over the phone.
I then received, several hours later, a very nasty email from her boss - who also CCd her - saying, "While we respect your right to publish such things we do not allow ads for work of such a prurient nature."
Prurient!
What an unpleasant, antiquated little word. What homophobia!
For a magazine that is supposed to promote ALOHA!
I was not surprised they wouldn't take my ad, frankly, but I WAS surprised by the meanness of the response.
I wrote back and told this ad executive exactly that. I also told him it was nice to know that in this tough economy it's easy for him to sneer at almost $4,000 in revenue from a potential client.
Must be nice, eh?
All the freelance and staff advertising people I know are desperate for clients...but not Mr. Clean. He is squeaky pure and probably never, ever, but never has a single solitary prurient thought.
I might send him a couple of my paper backs you know...just to be polite.
And prurient.
Aloha oe,
A.J.
Prurient:
- Inordinately interested in matters of sex; lascivious.
- Characterized by an inordinate, unwholesome interest in sex: prurient thoughts.
- Arousing or appealing to an inordinate interest in sex: prurient literature.
Some of you may or may not know I write gay erotic romance fiction for eXtasy Books. I have 30 books published with eX - three of these are anthologies, the rest are my own books and also I have two series with D.J. Manly and two series with Stephani Hecht.
It's hard yakka (that's Australian for work) promoting your books and I think I do a pretty good job with blogs, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and author chats, excerpt posting and ads on erotic romance sites.
However...with so many books under my belt and with a bit of a "brand name" to go with it in my flagship M/M series "Phantom Lover" and with sales down everywhere, I've been trying to be proactive in the promo department.
"Phantom Lover" and 99% of my books are set in the Hawaiian Islands and when my new sub of a certain magazine associated with the islands arrived at my door yesterday, I thumbed through it and noticed their 'Marketplace' had a rectangular ad that reads: YOUR AD HERE.
The colors on the page, by the way are lush and gorgeous and I thought my hero, Kimo Wilder, the kumu hula and Keeper of Secrets would look awfully hot on it.
With a readership of quarter of a million people, I went for it.
I called the number listed, but that particular ad exec no longer works for the mag. That surprised me since the issue in my hands is the current one.
That probably should have told me something there.
She forwarded my call to a very nice woman who told me the ad space was $730 for a one time run but said if I advertised in every issue for a single year - that's six issues - she could charge me $620 an ad.
Let me just say, I don't even earn this kind of money in royalties, but I figured I am trying to get my work out there to a wider audience and I asked her point blank if she would run an ad for erotic romance fiction.
She said she wasn't sure. I told her I would email her with my website info since she was having trouble spelling my name over the phone.
I then received, several hours later, a very nasty email from her boss - who also CCd her - saying, "While we respect your right to publish such things we do not allow ads for work of such a prurient nature."
Prurient!
What an unpleasant, antiquated little word. What homophobia!
For a magazine that is supposed to promote ALOHA!
I was not surprised they wouldn't take my ad, frankly, but I WAS surprised by the meanness of the response.
I wrote back and told this ad executive exactly that. I also told him it was nice to know that in this tough economy it's easy for him to sneer at almost $4,000 in revenue from a potential client.
Must be nice, eh?
All the freelance and staff advertising people I know are desperate for clients...but not Mr. Clean. He is squeaky pure and probably never, ever, but never has a single solitary prurient thought.
I might send him a couple of my paper backs you know...just to be polite.
And prurient.
Aloha oe,
A.J.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
My Muse Needs A Kick
so this month I'm doing a challenge with a few other authors. We have to write a 25,000 word book in 30 days. Every single day we have to post updates on how many words we are at and how we are doing with the book. So it is day 6 and I'm not even at 2,000 words....My muse has given up on me...
The worst thing is I think I might start this book over for the third time. To top it all off I've been struck with a migraine again....So you can imagine that it is a huge pain...
I have not given up...I will keep trying to get the 25k done in time....My muse seems to have this thing that when I have a deadline it runs away sometimes..LOL
Funny...........NOT...
Do you ever have this happen when you have work due?
I hope you are all doing great and having a nice weekend...
Savannah
www.savannahchase.com
The worst thing is I think I might start this book over for the third time. To top it all off I've been struck with a migraine again....So you can imagine that it is a huge pain...
I have not given up...I will keep trying to get the 25k done in time....My muse seems to have this thing that when I have a deadline it runs away sometimes..LOL
Funny...........NOT...
Do you ever have this happen when you have work due?
I hope you are all doing great and having a nice weekend...
Savannah
www.savannahchase.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
My Life IS NOT My Own!
Day two into summer vacation. I am a stay at home wife/mother/writer and my life has just been altered. I shudder at the thought…summer vacation. I know! I should enjoy spending time with my beloved daughter except she is fourteen. She doesn’t enjoy spending time with me. It’s all about where I can take her and what I can do for her.
Oh we’ll have some good times but it won’t be like it was a couple of years ago or even last year. This year she has a boyfriend…urgh! Yes, the world revolves around him or at least until the next one comes along. Of course, she says she’ll love him forever…she said that about the last one too. I’m sure in the future she’ll say it about one of the guys that constantly texts her. lol
Being a romance writer, you would think I’d have more patience for teen love. A friend suggested I write a YA book. Somehow, I don’t see that happening.
Thankfully, next Friday we are leaving for a week on the beach without the bf. I will certainly enjoy that and if I know my daughter she will have a blast flirting with every cute guy in sight. I’ll have to keep an eye on that though. And hopefully, while I’m watching her I can enjoy some male eye candy that is a bit older!! Summer vacation does have some perks.
Enjoy your weekend!
Laura/LA Day
Website
Oh we’ll have some good times but it won’t be like it was a couple of years ago or even last year. This year she has a boyfriend…urgh! Yes, the world revolves around him or at least until the next one comes along. Of course, she says she’ll love him forever…she said that about the last one too. I’m sure in the future she’ll say it about one of the guys that constantly texts her. lol
Being a romance writer, you would think I’d have more patience for teen love. A friend suggested I write a YA book. Somehow, I don’t see that happening.
Thankfully, next Friday we are leaving for a week on the beach without the bf. I will certainly enjoy that and if I know my daughter she will have a blast flirting with every cute guy in sight. I’ll have to keep an eye on that though. And hopefully, while I’m watching her I can enjoy some male eye candy that is a bit older!! Summer vacation does have some perks.
Enjoy your weekend!
Laura/LA Day
Website
Thursday, June 4, 2009
What not to do with your spouse
I've been married a loooooooooooooooong time, and I've learned quite a few things about myself and my relationship along the way. This morning, I verified another fact to put in my book of Happy Marriage Don'ts.
Don't workout together. Okay, plenty of people will disagree. And on some levels I do too. It's fun to go biking or swimming or to play tennis with my guy. We might even like hiking if we tried it together. But I'm not talking about those strenuous activities that you do for fun. I'm talking about your regularly scheduled workout that you do for yourself, your well-being, your peace of mind. Get it? It's about YOU and taking a minute to connect with yourself...or in my case it's walking 5 miles a day to write my books in my mind or think about other parts of my life that I need to focus on but that get lost in the shuffle of my daily routine. It's not the time to talk about the same stuff you talk about at any other time.
This morning my husband asked if he could join me on my walk. We started out great. Joking, talking, I mean after all, he's my favorite guy to spend time with.
But somewhere around the mid point, I said, "Do you know how long we've been married?"
He said, "Too long?"
"That's what I was thinking."
Yes, we can laugh about stuff like this, and neither of us are going anywhere without the other. But I think the next time he asks (if he does) to join me on my walk, I'll offer to watch a movie with him later or maybe ride our bikes to the park after we've both had our individual workouts.
What about you, do you like to workout with your significant other? Or is there something else you found it's better not to share?
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
twitter.com/wendidarlin
Don't workout together. Okay, plenty of people will disagree. And on some levels I do too. It's fun to go biking or swimming or to play tennis with my guy. We might even like hiking if we tried it together. But I'm not talking about those strenuous activities that you do for fun. I'm talking about your regularly scheduled workout that you do for yourself, your well-being, your peace of mind. Get it? It's about YOU and taking a minute to connect with yourself...or in my case it's walking 5 miles a day to write my books in my mind or think about other parts of my life that I need to focus on but that get lost in the shuffle of my daily routine. It's not the time to talk about the same stuff you talk about at any other time.
This morning my husband asked if he could join me on my walk. We started out great. Joking, talking, I mean after all, he's my favorite guy to spend time with.
But somewhere around the mid point, I said, "Do you know how long we've been married?"
He said, "Too long?"
"That's what I was thinking."
Yes, we can laugh about stuff like this, and neither of us are going anywhere without the other. But I think the next time he asks (if he does) to join me on my walk, I'll offer to watch a movie with him later or maybe ride our bikes to the park after we've both had our individual workouts.
What about you, do you like to workout with your significant other? Or is there something else you found it's better not to share?
Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.com
twitter.com/wendidarlin
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Every Girl Wants a Guy Who's an Animal in Bed!
I'm so excited! Animal Instinct, the sequel to my bestselling 2009 EPPIE Finalist paranormal erotic romance Animal Attraction, is now available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid!
When I wrote the first book in the series, Animal Attraction, it was originally going to be a stand-alone book. As I was writing, I slipped a little background material in there about Hunter, the hero in Animal Attraction, having a twin brother. I didn't think that much about it at the time, but when my editor read it, she said, "Hey, it would be cool to do a story about the hero's twin brother!"
That got me thinking, which can be a little dangerous, I know. LOL! But after Animal Attraction came out, I heard from my readers and they were all saying the same thing - we want a book about Hunter's twin brother, Luke!
I was like, "I can totally do that!" LOL!
Since the sequel is also part of the Men of Alaska Series, it's still based in Alaska, of course. But it's set in Anchorage instead of Fairbanks this time. I wanted Animal Instinct to be different than the first book in the series, though. So this time. instead of focusing on the heroine falling for a guy she doesn't know is a werewolf, I wanted to concentrate on what it would be like for a person, in this case the heroine in the story, to be bitten by a werewolf, then follow her through the process of turning into one for the first time.
While hiking in the forest, Heidi is attacked and bitten by a wolf. She's rescued by Luke, who calmly tells her that she's been bitten by a werewolf and will turn into one during the next full moon. She thinks he's crazy, of course, and can't get away from him fast enough. But then strange things start to happen to her, things she can't explain or understand. As a writer it was fun to get into Heidi's head and imagine what she was thinking when all these strange things started happening to her. Ultimately,Heidi has no choice but to turn to Luke for answers - and that is where the story really starts to heat up!
One thing that hasn't changed from the first book is the smokin' hot romance between the hero and heroine! Even though Heidi tries not to allow herself to fall for Luke, especially since she's only going to be up in Anchorage for the summer, she can't help but be drawn to his hotness!
Of course, no story would be complete without a little danger. You didn't think the werewolf who bit Heidi would just go away quietly, did you? It wouldn't be a Paige Tyler romance without a healthy dose of action and adventure along with all that hot sex!
So, I hope you love reading the story - I know I loved writing it.
And BTW, while I was writing Animal Instinct, two more story lines for the series just popped into my head! So, stay tuned because more hot, Alaskan hunks are coming your way!
When I wrote the first book in the series, Animal Attraction, it was originally going to be a stand-alone book. As I was writing, I slipped a little background material in there about Hunter, the hero in Animal Attraction, having a twin brother. I didn't think that much about it at the time, but when my editor read it, she said, "Hey, it would be cool to do a story about the hero's twin brother!"
That got me thinking, which can be a little dangerous, I know. LOL! But after Animal Attraction came out, I heard from my readers and they were all saying the same thing - we want a book about Hunter's twin brother, Luke!
I was like, "I can totally do that!" LOL!
Since the sequel is also part of the Men of Alaska Series, it's still based in Alaska, of course. But it's set in Anchorage instead of Fairbanks this time. I wanted Animal Instinct to be different than the first book in the series, though. So this time. instead of focusing on the heroine falling for a guy she doesn't know is a werewolf, I wanted to concentrate on what it would be like for a person, in this case the heroine in the story, to be bitten by a werewolf, then follow her through the process of turning into one for the first time.
While hiking in the forest, Heidi is attacked and bitten by a wolf. She's rescued by Luke, who calmly tells her that she's been bitten by a werewolf and will turn into one during the next full moon. She thinks he's crazy, of course, and can't get away from him fast enough. But then strange things start to happen to her, things she can't explain or understand. As a writer it was fun to get into Heidi's head and imagine what she was thinking when all these strange things started happening to her. Ultimately,Heidi has no choice but to turn to Luke for answers - and that is where the story really starts to heat up!
One thing that hasn't changed from the first book is the smokin' hot romance between the hero and heroine! Even though Heidi tries not to allow herself to fall for Luke, especially since she's only going to be up in Anchorage for the summer, she can't help but be drawn to his hotness!
Of course, no story would be complete without a little danger. You didn't think the werewolf who bit Heidi would just go away quietly, did you? It wouldn't be a Paige Tyler romance without a healthy dose of action and adventure along with all that hot sex!
So, I hope you love reading the story - I know I loved writing it.
And BTW, while I was writing Animal Instinct, two more story lines for the series just popped into my head! So, stay tuned because more hot, Alaskan hunks are coming your way!
Every Girl Wants a Guy Who's an Animal in Bed!
Artist Heidi Gibson is spending the summer up in Anchorage doing some painting when she gets attacked by a crazed wolf. She is rescued by golden-eyed wildlife biologist Luke McCall, who calmly informs she has been bitten by a werewolf and will turn into one during the next full moon. Thinking he’s obviously out of his mind, she can’t get away from him fast enough.
When strange things start happening to her, however, she begins to think the ruggedly handsome biologist could be right. Not knowing what else to do, she goes to Luke and is stunned to discover that he knows so much about werewolves because he’s one himself.
As Luke teaches her what she needs to know about being a werewolf, Heidi finds herself falling hard for the Alaskan hunk. But while they’re intent on each other, the werewolf that attacked her comes back into the picture, and he’s not exactly happy that another of his kind is trying to take the woman he believes is his rightful mate. Can Luke and Heidi's attraction overpower the jealousy of the rogue werewolf?
Artist Heidi Gibson is spending the summer up in Anchorage doing some painting when she gets attacked by a crazed wolf. She is rescued by golden-eyed wildlife biologist Luke McCall, who calmly informs she has been bitten by a werewolf and will turn into one during the next full moon. Thinking he’s obviously out of his mind, she can’t get away from him fast enough.
When strange things start happening to her, however, she begins to think the ruggedly handsome biologist could be right. Not knowing what else to do, she goes to Luke and is stunned to discover that he knows so much about werewolves because he’s one himself.
As Luke teaches her what she needs to know about being a werewolf, Heidi finds herself falling hard for the Alaskan hunk. But while they’re intent on each other, the werewolf that attacked her comes back into the picture, and he’s not exactly happy that another of his kind is trying to take the woman he believes is his rightful mate. Can Luke and Heidi's attraction overpower the jealousy of the rogue werewolf?
Excerpt:
Despite the pain that was throbbing through her entire leg, she knew how lucky she was. If the man carrying her hadn’t gotten there when he did…She tightened her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his chest, forcing herself not to think about it. The T-shirt he wore was soft beneath her cheek, and she closed her eyes as she breathed in his masculine scent. He had gotten there in time, and that was all that mattered.
When she opened her eyes again, she was shocked to see that they were already in the parking area. Oh God, had she passed out? It seemed like only a few minutes since she’d gotten attacked and it should have taken at least an hour to get back to the car. He had been moving a lot faster than she ever could have on the trails, but it was still hard to believe that they were there already. Okay, so she must have passed out. That was no surprise, though, not with the pain she was in. But then her brow furrowed as she abruptly realized that her leg was no longer throbbing nearly as badly. In fact, it barely hurt at all. That was a bad sign, wasn’t it? Maybe she was going into shock. Or worse, bleeding to death.
Panicking at that thought, Heidi lifted her head from the man’s chest to tell him that he’d better hurry and get her to a hospital when he surprised her by setting her down on her feet. She stood leaning against him, thinking that he had set her down so he could open the door to whatever it was he drove and get her inside. When he merely stood there gently holding onto her upper arms, she looked up at him in confusion. Maybe he had parked at the Eagle River entrance to the trail and didn’t have his car there.
“M-my car is over that way,” she said gesturing with her head. “We can take mine to the hospital if yours isn’t parked here.”
But the man made no move to pick her up in his arms again, or even ask for her keys. “I know you’re going to think I’m crazy when I tell you this, especially after what just happened, but you’re not going to need to go to the hospital.”
His voice was deep and velvety, and at any other time, she would have thought it sounded sexy as hell, but right then all Heidi could do was stare up at him in amazement. “What are you talking about?” she demanded. “Of course, I have to go to the hospital. I’m bleeding to death!”
“Actually,” he said. “You’re not.”
Her brow furrowed. What kind of idiot was he? “Yes, I am!” she snapped. “Look at my leg.”
As she spoke, she took away the shirt he had given her so that he could see for himself, but when she looked down at her leg, all she could do was stare. He was right. She wasn’t bleeding anymore. She gently rubbed the shirt over the bite marks, bracing herself for pain that never came. As she wiped the blood away, she gasped. Where the skin had been ragged and raw from the wolf’s bite just minutes earlier, it was now jagged, pink scar tissue that looked days old.
She lifted her head to find her rescuer regarding her with the most unusual gold eyes. How had she not noticed the color before? Because she’d been too busy thinking about other things, like bleeding to death. She shook her head. “I…I don’t understand. I’m confused. I must be in shock,” she said. “I was just bitten by a wolf. How can I already have a scar?”
“Because you weren’t bitten by an ordinary wolf.”
She frowned at him. “What the heck does that mean?”
He was silent for a moment, as if he were trying to think of what he wanted to say. Finally, he ran his hand through his dark hair and let out a sigh. “Look, I know this is going to sound bizarre,” he said. “But you were bitten by a werewolf.”
Heidi stared at him incredulously. A werewolf? She must be hallucinating or something from all the blood she’d lost because there was no way she could have heard him right. “A what?”
“A werewolf,” he said again.
Heidi blinked. Okay, so she wasn’t hallucinating. He was just a raving lunatic. Which was really hard to believe, considering he looked so normal. Not to mention disappointing, since he was so dang gorgeous. She took a step back, then another, her hands out in front of her. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re on, but –”
He scowled. “I’m not on anything,” he said, taking a step toward her. “If you’d just give me a chance to explain –”
“I think you’ve explained yourself quite enough,” Heidi told him. She quickly glanced over her shoulder, then at him before she began backing toward her car. “Look, I’m really grateful for what you did back there, but I need to get to the hospital.”
Her rescuer followed. “Okay, if you insist on going to the hospital, I’ll take you,” he said. “But at least listen to what I have to say first.”
Right. Like she was going to go anywhere with him. She dug into the pocket of her khaki shorts for her car keys and pressed the unlock button on the keyless entry, wondering if she should hit the panic button, too. But who would hear it all the way out there?
“That’s okay,” she said as she opened the door. “I can drive myself.”
Heidi was half afraid that he would insist, and she was relieved when he nodded. “Okay,” he said. “But take my card.”
She stood there watching him as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet, wondering why she didn’t just get in her car and leave. He took a business card from his wallet and held it out to her.
“Take it,” he said.
She did, but only because she thought he might get upset, or even worse, follow her to the hospital if she didn’t.
“You’ve been bitten by a werewolf,” he continued, “Which means you’re going to become one, too, and when your body starts changing, you’re going to need my help.”
Did he even know how crazy he sounded? Probably not, or he wouldn’t be saying such bizarre things. “I have to go,” she said, turning back to her car.
He caught her arm, his expression earnest. “There’s a full moon in a few days,” he told her. “You’ll need to call me before that.”
Right. Like she was ever going to call him.
WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANIMAL INSTINCT!
Romance Junkies Gives Animal Instinct 5 Blue Ribbons!
"ANIMAL INSTINCT was incredible! I loved the setting; Ms. Tyler did a fantastic job describing it, she really makes the reader feel as if they are in the story. The attraction between Heidi and Luke was great, and the way they came together was just fantastic. The romantic scenes were all very well written, and the chemistry between the two of them was phenomenal. The villain of the story was a real twist, you never would guess that he was the bad guy! All in all, ANIMAL INSTINCT was an excellent story. Ms. Tyler just keeps getting better and better!"
ParaNormal Romance Calls Animal Instinct an Excellent Read!
"This story was excellent! I loved the setting, it totally made me want to go visit Alaska, just to see it for myself, and maybe pick up a sexy Alaskan werewolf like Luke. Heidi's character was also very well developed, and I loved that she was not some wilting flower, she was capable of solving her own problems, but she was also woman enough to realize when she was over her head, and needed help. Luke's character was perfect-strong, able to take care of his woman, but not overbearing about it. He was alpha, but not to any extreme. He was able to control himself to let her go, and hope that she would come back to him. All in all, this was an amazing story, with some very hot scenes between Luke and Heidi. Excellent job!"
The Romance Studio Calls Animal Instinct Searingly Hot!
"This is a searingly hot, yet sweet paranormal romance that I just loved. I had been anxiously awaiting this book and was not disappointed. How could I be when it had my two favorite elements: mystery and lycanthropy? I read straight through, I just couldn't put it down. Overall the book was properly thought out and the story flows well. As in the first book of the series, the hero and heroine are wonderfully developed. I enjoyed the love scenes when, even at the most erotic, they remained romantic. The secondary characters are well written, Sukie is adorable. I can't wait to read more from this author. I'm really looking forward to more Men of Alaska."
Despite the pain that was throbbing through her entire leg, she knew how lucky she was. If the man carrying her hadn’t gotten there when he did…She tightened her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his chest, forcing herself not to think about it. The T-shirt he wore was soft beneath her cheek, and she closed her eyes as she breathed in his masculine scent. He had gotten there in time, and that was all that mattered.
When she opened her eyes again, she was shocked to see that they were already in the parking area. Oh God, had she passed out? It seemed like only a few minutes since she’d gotten attacked and it should have taken at least an hour to get back to the car. He had been moving a lot faster than she ever could have on the trails, but it was still hard to believe that they were there already. Okay, so she must have passed out. That was no surprise, though, not with the pain she was in. But then her brow furrowed as she abruptly realized that her leg was no longer throbbing nearly as badly. In fact, it barely hurt at all. That was a bad sign, wasn’t it? Maybe she was going into shock. Or worse, bleeding to death.
Panicking at that thought, Heidi lifted her head from the man’s chest to tell him that he’d better hurry and get her to a hospital when he surprised her by setting her down on her feet. She stood leaning against him, thinking that he had set her down so he could open the door to whatever it was he drove and get her inside. When he merely stood there gently holding onto her upper arms, she looked up at him in confusion. Maybe he had parked at the Eagle River entrance to the trail and didn’t have his car there.
“M-my car is over that way,” she said gesturing with her head. “We can take mine to the hospital if yours isn’t parked here.”
But the man made no move to pick her up in his arms again, or even ask for her keys. “I know you’re going to think I’m crazy when I tell you this, especially after what just happened, but you’re not going to need to go to the hospital.”
His voice was deep and velvety, and at any other time, she would have thought it sounded sexy as hell, but right then all Heidi could do was stare up at him in amazement. “What are you talking about?” she demanded. “Of course, I have to go to the hospital. I’m bleeding to death!”
“Actually,” he said. “You’re not.”
Her brow furrowed. What kind of idiot was he? “Yes, I am!” she snapped. “Look at my leg.”
As she spoke, she took away the shirt he had given her so that he could see for himself, but when she looked down at her leg, all she could do was stare. He was right. She wasn’t bleeding anymore. She gently rubbed the shirt over the bite marks, bracing herself for pain that never came. As she wiped the blood away, she gasped. Where the skin had been ragged and raw from the wolf’s bite just minutes earlier, it was now jagged, pink scar tissue that looked days old.
She lifted her head to find her rescuer regarding her with the most unusual gold eyes. How had she not noticed the color before? Because she’d been too busy thinking about other things, like bleeding to death. She shook her head. “I…I don’t understand. I’m confused. I must be in shock,” she said. “I was just bitten by a wolf. How can I already have a scar?”
“Because you weren’t bitten by an ordinary wolf.”
She frowned at him. “What the heck does that mean?”
He was silent for a moment, as if he were trying to think of what he wanted to say. Finally, he ran his hand through his dark hair and let out a sigh. “Look, I know this is going to sound bizarre,” he said. “But you were bitten by a werewolf.”
Heidi stared at him incredulously. A werewolf? She must be hallucinating or something from all the blood she’d lost because there was no way she could have heard him right. “A what?”
“A werewolf,” he said again.
Heidi blinked. Okay, so she wasn’t hallucinating. He was just a raving lunatic. Which was really hard to believe, considering he looked so normal. Not to mention disappointing, since he was so dang gorgeous. She took a step back, then another, her hands out in front of her. “Listen, I don’t know what you’re on, but –”
He scowled. “I’m not on anything,” he said, taking a step toward her. “If you’d just give me a chance to explain –”
“I think you’ve explained yourself quite enough,” Heidi told him. She quickly glanced over her shoulder, then at him before she began backing toward her car. “Look, I’m really grateful for what you did back there, but I need to get to the hospital.”
Her rescuer followed. “Okay, if you insist on going to the hospital, I’ll take you,” he said. “But at least listen to what I have to say first.”
Right. Like she was going to go anywhere with him. She dug into the pocket of her khaki shorts for her car keys and pressed the unlock button on the keyless entry, wondering if she should hit the panic button, too. But who would hear it all the way out there?
“That’s okay,” she said as she opened the door. “I can drive myself.”
Heidi was half afraid that he would insist, and she was relieved when he nodded. “Okay,” he said. “But take my card.”
She stood there watching him as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet, wondering why she didn’t just get in her car and leave. He took a business card from his wallet and held it out to her.
“Take it,” he said.
She did, but only because she thought he might get upset, or even worse, follow her to the hospital if she didn’t.
“You’ve been bitten by a werewolf,” he continued, “Which means you’re going to become one, too, and when your body starts changing, you’re going to need my help.”
Did he even know how crazy he sounded? Probably not, or he wouldn’t be saying such bizarre things. “I have to go,” she said, turning back to her car.
He caught her arm, his expression earnest. “There’s a full moon in a few days,” he told her. “You’ll need to call me before that.”
Right. Like she was ever going to call him.
WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANIMAL INSTINCT!
Romance Junkies Gives Animal Instinct 5 Blue Ribbons!
"ANIMAL INSTINCT was incredible! I loved the setting; Ms. Tyler did a fantastic job describing it, she really makes the reader feel as if they are in the story. The attraction between Heidi and Luke was great, and the way they came together was just fantastic. The romantic scenes were all very well written, and the chemistry between the two of them was phenomenal. The villain of the story was a real twist, you never would guess that he was the bad guy! All in all, ANIMAL INSTINCT was an excellent story. Ms. Tyler just keeps getting better and better!"
ParaNormal Romance Calls Animal Instinct an Excellent Read!
"This story was excellent! I loved the setting, it totally made me want to go visit Alaska, just to see it for myself, and maybe pick up a sexy Alaskan werewolf like Luke. Heidi's character was also very well developed, and I loved that she was not some wilting flower, she was capable of solving her own problems, but she was also woman enough to realize when she was over her head, and needed help. Luke's character was perfect-strong, able to take care of his woman, but not overbearing about it. He was alpha, but not to any extreme. He was able to control himself to let her go, and hope that she would come back to him. All in all, this was an amazing story, with some very hot scenes between Luke and Heidi. Excellent job!"
The Romance Studio Calls Animal Instinct Searingly Hot!
"This is a searingly hot, yet sweet paranormal romance that I just loved. I had been anxiously awaiting this book and was not disappointed. How could I be when it had my two favorite elements: mystery and lycanthropy? I read straight through, I just couldn't put it down. Overall the book was properly thought out and the story flows well. As in the first book of the series, the hero and heroine are wonderfully developed. I enjoyed the love scenes when, even at the most erotic, they remained romantic. The secondary characters are well written, Sukie is adorable. I can't wait to read more from this author. I'm really looking forward to more Men of Alaska."
To read an excerpt from the first book in the series, Animal Attraction, visit my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/ And for a sneak peek at my upcoming release Valuable Cargo, click on "Coming Soon!"
*hugs*
Paige
*hugs*
Paige
"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Love Me, Not My Penis
By A.J. Llewellyn
There isn't a man alive - I don't think - who hasn't done something absolutely crazy, stupid and otherwise mental in the name of love but cutting off your own penis?
That's just too much madness...even for me, the ultimate romantic.
A 25 year old man in Qena, Egypt just whacked off his wang a couple of days ago because his father refused - for two solid years - to allow him to marry the woman of his dreams. So according to news reports, he heated up a knife and sliced off his pecker.
I'm betting it won't get him to the aisle any faster...according to reports, his family is upper-class and they routinely marry other upper-class people, often extended family members. This last part might start to explain the nuttiness behind the desperate act.
The doctors in the hospital were unable to reattach his dick and the young man in question is still in hospital recovering.
Now what in the world is his beloved supposed to do with a guy with no er...twig? Will the giggle berries suffice?
Did he think this one through?
No, obviously not.
Now he's gonna have a miserable life as a soprano...sorry, a miserable life as a self-mutilated eunuch.
Having researched eunuchs for my book "Love's Blood" I don't envy his future. Until I researched the topic, I had no idea the pain and discomfort eunuchs experience.
The article does not mention what the doctors were able to do for the young man, but he will never be the same again. There will probably be a tube inserted so he can pee - like a woman - but in the end, I wonder if it - she - was worth it?
In America, most of us would elope. Especially at the age of 25. We take our freedoms for granted here, that's for sure.
I do wish him a speedy recovery, but it makes my one 'mad love' episode of driving into a fire hydrant seem so...normal.
What about you? would you chop it off? What's the craziest thing you ever did for love?
Aloha oe,
A.J.
There isn't a man alive - I don't think - who hasn't done something absolutely crazy, stupid and otherwise mental in the name of love but cutting off your own penis?
That's just too much madness...even for me, the ultimate romantic.
A 25 year old man in Qena, Egypt just whacked off his wang a couple of days ago because his father refused - for two solid years - to allow him to marry the woman of his dreams. So according to news reports, he heated up a knife and sliced off his pecker.
I'm betting it won't get him to the aisle any faster...according to reports, his family is upper-class and they routinely marry other upper-class people, often extended family members. This last part might start to explain the nuttiness behind the desperate act.
The doctors in the hospital were unable to reattach his dick and the young man in question is still in hospital recovering.
Now what in the world is his beloved supposed to do with a guy with no er...twig? Will the giggle berries suffice?
Did he think this one through?
No, obviously not.
Now he's gonna have a miserable life as a soprano...sorry, a miserable life as a self-mutilated eunuch.
Having researched eunuchs for my book "Love's Blood" I don't envy his future. Until I researched the topic, I had no idea the pain and discomfort eunuchs experience.
The article does not mention what the doctors were able to do for the young man, but he will never be the same again. There will probably be a tube inserted so he can pee - like a woman - but in the end, I wonder if it - she - was worth it?
In America, most of us would elope. Especially at the age of 25. We take our freedoms for granted here, that's for sure.
I do wish him a speedy recovery, but it makes my one 'mad love' episode of driving into a fire hydrant seem so...normal.
What about you? would you chop it off? What's the craziest thing you ever did for love?
Aloha oe,
A.J.
Monday, June 1, 2009
I've Got a Problem
My friend and fellow Midnight Seductions Author, Cassandra Gold, has issued a challenge for the month of June. Yeah, said challenge starts today. And the challenge is to write 30K this month. No official reporting in place, just post your progress once a week on your blog or website. So I signed up.
I've got at least that much writing I want to finish this month. And there are three more sitting on the sidelines just waiting for me to get to. Then last night I am lying awake thinking. All of a sudden a storyline pops into my head. I got out of bed, rushed to the comp to tap out the idea before I lost it. When I'd finished typing, I'd outlined an entire story complete with character names and traits. No title yet, though. Which is strange. I usually get titles before the story.
Now here's my problem. I don't want to write on the one I need to this month. I want to get started on the new one that called to me in the wee morning hours. I just can't. There is a submission deadline for the one I need to finish. Why can't there be two of me? Why can't there be more hours in the day? And why oh why did my muse do this to me?
Ever had an itch you just couldn't scratch? That's exactly how I feel. Any other writers out there ever been faced with the same dilemma?
I've got at least that much writing I want to finish this month. And there are three more sitting on the sidelines just waiting for me to get to. Then last night I am lying awake thinking. All of a sudden a storyline pops into my head. I got out of bed, rushed to the comp to tap out the idea before I lost it. When I'd finished typing, I'd outlined an entire story complete with character names and traits. No title yet, though. Which is strange. I usually get titles before the story.
Now here's my problem. I don't want to write on the one I need to this month. I want to get started on the new one that called to me in the wee morning hours. I just can't. There is a submission deadline for the one I need to finish. Why can't there be two of me? Why can't there be more hours in the day? And why oh why did my muse do this to me?
Ever had an itch you just couldn't scratch? That's exactly how I feel. Any other writers out there ever been faced with the same dilemma?
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