Wednesday, December 28, 2011

4 Hearts for SEXY SECRET SANTA!

So excited! Melissa from Sizzling Hot Books gave SEXY SECRET SANTA 4 Hearts!




"Sexy Secret Santa is a wildly sexy romp. The characters are very open to their sexuality and are willing to try new things. While it took a little push from Hollie’s best friend, when she and Dirk get together sparks fly. If you are looking for a hot steamy read filled with adventurous sex and interesting characters, Sexy Secret Santa is for you. After reading Sexy Secret Santa you won’t be able to look at a conference table the same way again!"

Read the complete review here!
http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/12/sexy-secret-santa-by-paige-tyler.html?zx=f1ec03f1513ec929

Read an Excerpt!
http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/ExcerptSexySecretSanta.html

Watch the Trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEu_rYXk8tw

Buy it from Ellora's Cave!
http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-8888-615-sexy-secret-santa.aspx

Buy it on Amazon Kindle! http://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Secret-Santa-ebook/dp/B004HYH9W2/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295451871&sr=1-11

*hugs*
Paige

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

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Harriet Klausner: For the Love of Books

By A.J. Llewellyn

As a writer I am an avid reader but I confess most of the stuff I read is non-fiction, or if it is fiction, it tends to be material related to things I adore, such as Hawaii. I have devoured a wealth of material this year but what I have found more entertaining than the books themselves are some of the Amazon reviews.
I rarely look at Goodreads as a research option. It is not a very good source of upcoming titles unless the author puts them up themselves. Sometimes clicking one book leads you to another, a fact I love, but for sheer volume of reference material, Amazon is the best. I also like ABE books but that's another story...
I have books on my TBB pile and eagerly await their releases both in ebook and paperback format. I tend to roam Amazon for information rather than actual purchases and time and again I run into one reviewer, Harriet Klausner whose name pops up as the #1 Hall of Fame Reviewer.
How in the heck does she read and review so many books? Does she have unlimited time and funds? Does she get more hours in a day than the rest of us? Does she have no life outside of reviewing?
Of course, I had to delve a little deeper (I do adore research) and she was once an acquisitions librarian in Pennsylvania. She says in her Amazon bio that she is a speed reader and reads two books a day. It still doesn't explain the plethora of reviews she posts daily but good for her that she has found a niche and works it.
I don't see how she can read two books a day and post so many reviews. She must be reading more. Further research (Google her) shows that Wikipedia posing the questions everyone asks. They also point to a Time magazine article about her where she says she reads 4 to 5 books a day which is a staggering output.
From forum posts and blogs about this fascinating lady. many question her actual reading of all the books she reviews. Almost all have glowing 4 or 5 star reviews.
It captivated me...and I was determined to learn more. I checked on a few reviews she did of books I read and loved...and some not so much.
None of her reviews have much detail. They skim the surface and sometimes skip over real issues addressed in the pages of the books she covers.
For instance, she reviewed one book I seriously detested (and won't name here) but she gave it five stars and the kind of gushing prose I've come to expect from her. I was offended by the book playing fast and loose with Hawaiian history and Princess Kaiulani in particular, but then since Klausner - who seems to love Hawaii as much as I do - glosses over the details of everything she reads, she must have missed some pertinent facts.
I have a friend who teaches speed reading and he tells me that a good speed reader ingests 60 to 70% 0f material they read and, he explained, the read down the center of the page, their brain 'filing in facts' from left to right. I am over-simplifying what he told me, but it explains why Harriet's reviews seem so...threadbare.
Whether she is retaining everything she reads or not, or even merely glancing at the books she critiques, I have to say I am glad that readers and writers have someone like Harriet.
A reader who writes, reviews and thinks about books...for the love of books.
In this sad year in which more and more book stores are closing and radio DJs are griping about the wasteful expense of keeping libraries open, I wish there were more people like Harriet spreading their love of books - and not giving one star reviews on books authors haven't yet even written (Hello, Goodreads!!!).
I wish her a year of good books in 2012 and for all of us the exact same thing.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Guest Author - Casey Crow!

Can’t Fake This’ Instant Attraction

By: Casey Crow




Thank you to the ladies of Nice & Naughty for having me today. It’s an honor to be here!

You know that show Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo, right? Of course you do. Patti Stanger rocks with her take no crap from anybody self. I love it when she says "the pecker does the picking." Well, that got me thinking about a scene in my debut released Dec. 6th! In CAN'T FAKE THIS, Anna's ***that other P word** does the picking. The attraction she feels for Chase is instaneous. Here's a snippet to illustrate what I'm talking about:


Excerpt:

As I rummaged through my clutch for a dose of lip gloss, Marisol cleared her throat and cut her gaze across the room. I followed her line of vision and… Holy shit. I do believe my freakin’ heart stopped. He wasn’t supermodel gorgeous, not with his shaved head and height a tad on the short side, but his swagger… His near-predatory confidence as he maneuvered through the room made my eyes zero in on him. He locked on me, and I felt a slow, lazy smile spread across my lips. Suddenly we were the only two people in the room. My blood pressure hitched a degree with every step he took, and that feeling a girl gets when her heart beats so fast she’s on the verge of throwing up? Yep, I had it. I believe the technical term is “lust at first sight.”

A second later, his warm hand brushed my shoulder, and I’m not kidding, I thought I might melt right off that stool. Even the fine hairs on my arms stood on end, completely attuned to him and begging for attention. Needless to say, my nipples gave him a proud salute.

“Hi, I’m Chase Harris.” His heated breath tickled my ear as he leaned in to be heard over the country rock band jamming out twenty feet away.

My lungs folded and decided breathing was no longer necessary. The brief contact ignited a fiery liquid in the bottom of my tummy. My pussy simmered for the first time in years without the aid of batteries. “Anna Ryan,” I answered. “It’s nice to meet you.” Was it ever. I extended my hand, which he ignored for a hug.

My nostrils filled with the citrus scent of cologne, but underneath I detected something more masculine, more primal. I longed to bury my face in his soft gray fitted T-shirt. The garment outlined every perfect bulge. I couldn’t make out its graffiti design, but it very well could’ve said Eat Me and I would’ve happily obliged.

His gaze roamed my body, and the sexy glint in his eyes told me the risk of catching a cold in this black strapless mini was totally worth it. I might be in dire need of a boob job, but Chase didn’t seem to mind my negative As. Then the space between us grew cold as he left my side to hug Marisol.

“Cuba! Hey, woman. Great to see you.”

“Hey, yourself.” She flashed me a shrewd grin.

I so owed that girl.





I'd love to hear about moments you've had where the attraction blows you away! I’m giving away an e-book version of CAN’T FAKE THIS to a lucky commenter too!

A divorcee ready to reenter the dating world, Anna Ryan is determined to be the best “product on the market,” which requires a lot more experience so she propositions sexy police officer Chase Harris to teach her how to make hot, passionate love as opposed to just having sex. He takes it a step further, instructing each lesson based on The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Buy Kindle version on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Fake-Southern-Sweet-ebook/dp/B006J2FLSO/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323371431&sr=1-2

Buy all versions at Loose, Id.
http://www.loose-id.com/Cant-Fake-This.aspx

Visit Casey at http://www.caseycrow.com

CAN’T FAKE THIS Excerpt
http://www.caseycrow.com/cant-fake-this-excerpt-2/

See the CAN’T FAKE THIS book trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_mmVRr8YRc&feature=youtu.be

Follow on Twitter caseyecrow
http://twitter.com//!/caseyecrow

And Facebook Casey Crow
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000835514709






Casey Crow is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Alabama with degrees in Business Management and Dance. She received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Mobile. Casey resides in south Alabama where she stays busy running her two young children to way too many activities. She also works as a dance choreographer, pageant coach of twenty years, professional emcee and model, and certified Miss America preliminary judge. In fact, she is a former Miss University of Alabama and NASCAR spokesmodel. She is addicted to CASTLE & REVENGE and works out constantly to compensate for her addiction to Barq's root beer. She enjoys playing pool, tennis & golf, but never has the time and is therefore, pitiful at all three. Casey writes erotic and spicy contemporary romances with the tagline “Sexy, Southern & Sassy.”

Visit her at www.caseycrow.com.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Today's blog is going to be short and simple :-)

Merry Christmas to all!! Happy Holidays and may everyone be safe and happy during them!!

C~

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas Eve! And My New Werewolf Series


Have you read my novella Feral Heat, which is about the lives and antics of Sam Hightower and Grant Newsome, two bisexual werewolves? Those two work as lighting technicians for stage plays. That book has always been my best seller. Since many people have written to me telling me how much they like Sam and Grant I've decided to write more stories that include those two characters. The first story appears in the book Explicit Encounters published by Romance Divine. It's called Fluff The Master, and it's a FREE READ! Yes, you read that right. FREE! So pick up your copy today. You may find it at AllRomanceeBooks. You may also e-mail me at trishcwilson AT comcast DOT net and I will give you a PDF copy of the book.

AllRomanceeBooks – Explicit Encounters – Contains Fluff The Master.

Here's my Feral Heat page on my web site. It has everything you need: buy links, excerpt, blurb, reviews, and cover.

The second story is called Filthy Leuker, and it released yesterday. Look for it at AllRomanceEbooks, Barnes and Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and other locations. Filthy Leuker continues the story of Sam Hightower and Grant Newsome, my bisexual werewolves from my novella Feral Heat. You may also find Sam and Grant in the free read Fluff The Master, published by Romance Divine in its Explicit Encounters anthology.

Here are buy links for Filthy Leuker:






Kobo: Coming soon

Romance Divine: Coming Soon

Here are a blurb and an excerpt from Filthy Leuker to whet your appetite. Treat yourself to some fantastic Christmas gifts by getting Feral Heat, Fluff The Master, and Filthy Leuker at the same time!

BLURB

Erotic author Elizabeth Black is back. And she brings with her those lusty, bisexual werewolves/stagehands from her hot and sexy Feral Heat. This time Grant and Sam have their eyes on the show’s luscious male dancer: Leuker. To keep it all interesting, the lithesome ladies, Lina and Charlotte, are also along. It’s a paranormal, erotic, anything goes FIVE-some. Blame it all on…Filthy Leuker.

EXCERPT

"I don't think we'll be getting much rest tonight. I'm feeling adventurous!" Charlotte dipped her finger in her Tuaca and rubbed it around her mouth, pursing her lips with the promise of much more. She pulled a pair of dice out of her back pocket of her jeans and rolled them in her palm. "What do you say we play with my Sex Dice?"
"What are Sex Dice?" Luke looked so open and naïve Sam wanted to hug him.
"He's adorable," Charlotte brushed her fingers against Luke's arm, making Luke double-take at her bold gesture. A pang of jealousy washed over Sam, but he immediately shoved the feeling away. They'd share each other's bodies soon enough. Charlotte continued: "Sex Dice are a game. We shake the dice and do whatever they tell us to do. One die says what to do and the other die says to whom to do it."
Luke reached for the dice in Charlotte's hand but Lina slapped him away. She likes slapping. I could get into a little swat. The pain would do me good.
"No!” Lina commanded. “I'd rather see your reaction the moment you have to remove your shirt or French kiss the person to your right."
"Good thing we're bi or that could be awkward." Mirth filled Grant's voice.
"Or enticing," Charlotte nibbled brie from an apple slice. Melting cheese dripped from the corner of her mouth, and the tip of her tongue snatched it up before it could get away, making Sam's cock twitched with delight. "Have you ever seen two straight women kiss? It's very exciting. All the giggling and petting. They love it. They just don't admit it."
"Enough talk! Let's play. Everyone on the floor in a circle." Sam took the dice from Charlotte as the five of them sat on the floor with Sam against the couch and to his right Grant, then Lina, Luke, and Charlotte.
"I'll go first," He took a long swallow of his Tuaca and tossed the dice on the rug.

-------------------------

About The Author

Elizabeth Black writes erotica, erotic romance, dark fiction, horror, and mystery from her cozy home by the ocean in Massachusetts. She is surrounded by her husband, son, and four cats. The cats are her muses. She also works for several sex toys companies as both a copywriter and a sex toys reviewer. When she isn't writing or reviewing, she reads, bakes (including rum balls), and watches bad horror movies. The worse the better. If there isn't a decapitation within the first fifteen minutes, she's bored. And she writes romance!

Where To Find Her On The Web:






Wednesday, December 21, 2011

5 Hearts for SANTA'S WAYWARD ELF!

I'm so excited! Marissa from Sizzling Hot Books gave my sexy Christmas romance SANTA'S WAYWARD ELF 5 Hearts!




"Sosie is an elf that has never really fit in at the North Pole, so she decides to try the South Pole. But, when the sled she is on has trouble, she is enchanted by the city lights, the BP world (Big People) and wanders away. Needless to say, the sled takes off without her and she is stranded in the city. Sosie is a charming character. She knows only what has been shown on the local North Pole news about the big world and so while a little bit knowledgeable, her innocence and naivety are absolutely charming and funny.

Derek is a detective with the NYPD and when he finds Sosie, he can’t just let her venture about on her own. Taking her home may have been the best decision he’s ever made or it may turn out to be the worst when things start to fall apart. Derek is definitely an alpha male, but a gentleman with a heart of gold who likes to help women in trouble.

I have to admit that I read Santa’s Wayward Elf in one sitting - I couldn’t walk away from Sosie. This is one of the most unique, sweet and yet still sensual holiday stories I have read in a long time. There wasn’t a slow point to be found in Santa’s Wayward Elf as Paige Tyler weaves for us remarkable characters within a fairytale life that really embraces the Christmas spirit and spreads it to everyone that touches the pages!"

Read an Excerpt!
http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/ExcerptSantasWaywardElf.html

Watch the Trailer!
http://youtu.be/oEz-Rlqp0G4

Buy it at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid!
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=622&zenid=bfe7e3fcc71ed5a58a86c82d95c01468

Buy it on Amazon Kindle!
http://www.amazon.com/Santas-Wayward-Elf-ebook/dp/B006965PP4/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323187177&sr=1-9


*hugs*
Paige

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

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas in Flip Flops



By A.J. Llewellyn

My latest release, "Christmas in Flip Flops" is one of my new favorites. The idea came for it whilst I was in Honolulu this past September researching my fourth and final Pearl Harbor series book, "Avenging Heart".
Mt friend Shani had just taken up an unusual post as a dental hygienist at one of the many military bases on the island. It gave me the idea when she talked about how weird it would be to be spending Christmas in flip flops.
Yes, even though we live in LA, it's still winter...to chilly for flip flops!
Of course, I took the idea, ran with it, turned it on its head and gave it some romantic angst.
How would you cope if you'd been unemployed for almost a year, you finally land a great job with good pay and full benefits...but it's in Honolulu and your lover's entire family is traveling from Peru to Los Angeles for the holidays?
Well, my character, Devon, takes the job and ignites his lover, Manco's wrath. Devon wonders if he still has a boyfriend when he flies to Oahu reporting for duty...
I noticed with great interest the day after my book was released that the US pulled out its last soldier from Iraq this past weekend.
This doesn't mean that the war on terror is over. Far from it. We still have men and women stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait, other points all over the world, and, in military bases all over the Hawaiian Islands. In fact there have never been so many soldiers in Hawaii since WWII.
My story is timely but it is not a political one. It is a love story between two men whose problems - unemployment, disagreements, family, work - are real, but their love is strong and very, very romantic.
It is also my love song to the islands and all the people who call it home. To the many men and women stationed in those historic facilities that played such a significant part in history following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I love you and respect you all. I hope you all get to have a peaceful Christmas, hopefully with your families, and definitely in flip flops.
For more info on "Christmas in Flip Flops", please check out this link at the awesome Amber Allure site:

http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ChristmasFlipFlops.html

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Holiday cookies

OK, so the shopping's done and wrapped. Now onto the cooking.

Being on a low-carb diet since July, I've lost over 20 lbs. *YAY ME*
Now I'm really not that picky when it comes to eating, (Hence the dieting :-) ) But trying new things like Almond flour and soy flour are different when baking. It's like wrapping my mind around something weird because it's not the regular all purpose white flour I grew up with.

My first experiment was baking almond muffins. lol. The texture is weird, because almond flour/meal is made from ground up almonds. While I love almonds, it took me a few muffin eating times to get used to the extra nibbles, sort of like eating corn meal on fried fish.
But I love them now, I tweaked the recipe and add local honey instead of Agave Nectar and add a pinch more baking soda for a better rise. They make four regular sized muffins and 15 mini muffins (my favorite way).
I'll toss the recipe in at the end and if anyone makes them let me know how you like them :-)

Sooo back to Christmas baking. I'm going to attempt to make 2 low-carb cookies. Yes, there is such a thing LOL. If they come out well, I'll share.

So, here's to hoping everyone has a wonderful and safe Christmas and Holiday season!!

Compliments of Elanaspantry.com
Almond Flour Muffins - with my tweaks

4 ounces of blanched almond flour (about 1 Cup)
4 ounces of eggs (about 2 large eggs)
1 ounce agave nectar (around 1 tablespoon) - I substitute local honey
1/4 teaspoon baking soda - + 1 pinch
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour and baking soda
2. In a large bowl combine eggs, agave or honey and vinegar
3. stir dry ingredients into wet, mixing until combined.
4. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter at a time into paper lines muffin pan.
5. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, until slightly browned around the edges
6. Cool in the pan for 1/2 hour.
7. Serve with butter or jam

When I make the mini muffins, I fill the cups about 3/4 of the way full.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Guest Author - Abby-Rae Rose!

Abby-Rae Rose is an independent student working on her PhD in English. She writes Paranormal Romance, and Western suspense, also working on a YA Romance series. She is very hard-working and Open-minded. She has written for 2 years. Writing is not only a dream, but it has become her life. She wants to write stories that make her readers use their imagination. She will have you fall in love all over again, make you believe that life is not just hard work, but it’s fun and unexpected things can happen.


Q- What motivates Abby-Rae Rose the author? Why do you write?

A- Life, Family, and Love motivates me to write. Without life, what stories could be created. Without family, what drama would there be to follow. Without love, what hope for happiness would we have. Those three things motivate me to sit and write every day. They fuel the mind with adventure, and what if’s. Which leads to inspirational stories.

Q-When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

A- January 2009, My husband was taken from me. Christmas 2009, I was working on a tree farm, and the owner bought me a gift. I didn’t open it, just left it on the table. Days went on and the gift just sat in the same spot. One cold day, I decided to open the present. To my surprise it was Stephanie Myers “Twilight.” I smiled and laughed this wasn’t something I was likely to read. So I opened the first page and read.

Q- Is there a particular genre you haven't tried but what like to? What is it and why?

A- I want to try Historical Romance. I have been reading a lot about the Victorian days and just fallen in love completely.

Q-How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

A- When I first started to write I would sit in front of my lap top for hours at a time. Really writing nothing important. It was just the typing that had me hooked. Then lines turned into sentences. Sentences turned into paragraphs. Paragraphs turned into a story.

B- I don’t have a schedule or routine at first. When I finally have a first draft of a full manuscript, I finally set times when I will spend time writing.

Q-Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

A- That list is endless. LOL But here are a few: Teresa D’ Amario, Sela Carson, NJ. Walters, Shelly Laurenston, Keri Author, Catherine Coulter, Vanessa Kelly, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Howard, Christine Feehan, Nora Roberts, Rachel Lee, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lori Foster, Sharon Sala, Janet Chapman, Nalini Singh, Jennifer Lyon, Stephanie Laurens, Shannon K. Butcher, Cherry Adair, Carolyn Jewel, Maya Banks, Julia Quinn, Lauren Dane, J.R. Ward… And the list goes on and on and on.

Q-What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?

A- So, my happy dance turned out to be a tragic event, I crushed my little puppy. He's fine though no worries.

Q-Has there been a person or influence in your life that has helped you reach your writing goals?

A- There is a group of ladies that influenced me. Romance Divas. It’s a group of women that come together to reach a common goal, Writing.

Q-Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

A- Don't give up. There are too many nay-sayers out there who will try to discourage you. Don't listen to them. The only one who can make you give up is yourself.





Captain’s Virgin Fantasy – Abby- Rae Rose
Released December 5th 2011

Captain’s Virgin Fantasy was written in three days’ time. It’s a story about dominance and submission to Desire. Our heroine, Victoria is young and naïve to all things love related. Whereas, Captain Ishmael is older and more intrigued with desire. So, we have two different people in a situation that both are helplessly drawn into. However, Desire and Fait are dangerous together, which creates a great ending to a rocky beginning.

Blurb:

He’s changed everything…but she can’t change the fact she loves him.
Victoria refuses to let Ishmael intimidate her— She‘s faced with a choice. Return to her life of duty, or embrace her spirit of adventure…and sail the high seas with the man who has captured her heart.
Captain Ishmael’s demands are simple… In exchange for his pleasure, and her body to quell his voracious lust, he will guarantee safe passage.
But, Ishmael’s plan doesn’t include giving up his lover so easily. And, once he gets a taste of Tori’s sweet blend of innocence and boldness, he can’t imagine living without her.

Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/372/Captain

Q- Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

A- I’m working on a springtime Romance right now. As well as a mystery series romance.

Q-Where can readers connect with you?

A- http://alanimarie.wordpress.com/

Hugs and Love ,
Abby-Rae Rose

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Shopping done!! Now...Snow Miser - Heat Miser :-)

Ah yes, the Christmas season. Shopping is done!! YAY!! And now onto the wrapping, (BOO hiss hiss ) :-)

I don't have my tree up yet, but then again it's a four foot black tree with tiny red lights. LOL. Yes, I said black. But you can't really tell unless you're right up close to it.

The Christmas music is on (driving the guys up the wall) the house is scented with cinnamon and apples, now if the weather would just corporate. It's 59 here this morning. It's hard for a New England girl to get used to Florida Christmases. But alas that's what happens when you move to warmer climate. :-)

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. I'm going to leave you with one of my favorite childhood songs, if I do it right LOL.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Jingle Bell Blog Hop!

There's a Jingle Bell Blog Hop this weekend and you're invited! Hot Hunks, Cool Prizes and Sexy Excerpts!





Check out http://justromance.me/ Dec 9th through 11th!

*hugs*
Paige

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

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Love in US

by A.J. Llewellyn

I had an incredible experience on Saturday night that I wish many more people could have shared. But for those of us who witnessed the giant opening of a butterfly's gorgeous, all-encompassing, shimmering rainbow wings at the Beth Chayim Chadashim, it was an evening none of us will ever forget.

The GLBT temple's cantor, the enormously charismatic and talented Juval Porat, in the words of the PR brochure, threw off his cantorial persona. He held a concert of songs and monologues on what he describes as the templates of love. Those of us who have been privileged to hear him sing week after week at the temple know he has that extra sparkle that superstars have. I have a feeling however that he himself has no clue of how seriously special he is, and that is part of his charm.

Yes, he has matinee idol good looks, a sweet smile that is haunting, and he has brains and mathematical talent on top of his high creativity. He also carries with him the heavy load of expectation. The formerly German-based Juval is the first cantor to be ordained in that country since the Holocaust. Yes, he is the shining hope of a nation still traumatized by the events of WWII.

It is his burden and an honor. I see the invisible bag of hammers he carries around and I empathize with him.

Since the city of LA snapped him up two years ago, he is the first to admit the transition was "overwhelming." I too, came from someplace else and the culture shock of coming to America is huge.

As he performed last night with his partner, Todd, beaming from the middle row behind me, and his proud mother sitting a few seats away from me (she flew in from Israel for the event) I realized that Juval has done a lot of thinking and observing in his two years here. He has come to realize how love and fear have become horribly entwined. Not just here, but everywhere.

One of the monologues he performed from John Bowe's book, US: Americans Talk About Love, was as a married mother of two who slowly comes to realize her true love is another woman.

His heart-breaking portrayal of Lisa Norgaard's story was devastating. As he describes the loneliness of being free to be herself, fear transforms to slow acceptance. I saw many heads nodding. As he talked about the mingled thrill and terror of finding the one, who doesn't come in the package she expected, it all rang true. Juval went on to talk about how all of us at some time or other in our lives hide behind a persona of some kind, yearning to be loved. For ourselves. Just for us. For who we are...and yet, we hide behind fear.

There was humor too in his fabulous rendition of "I'm Hip" and some of his interactions with his incredible band. I personally loved his encore of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and as the audience rose to its feet, applauding him, his shyness seemed to rise to the surface. I hope this is the first of many loving concerts the cantor performs (the proceeds of this event are being donated to Project Chicken Soup, founded at BCC and ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives). I hope we don't end up losing him to a world tour and fame and riches, but I suspect not. I suspect that bag of hammers keeps him grounded and keeps him humble.

What I hope more than anything is that he keeps growing and exploring his art and the nature of Love in US.

Aloha oe,

AJ

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Guest Author - Amber Rose Thompson!



Where does a story begin? Sometimes it is a scene that sparks the
imagination or perhaps it is a character you hear talking in your head
who wants his or her voice heard for validation and to become alive.
In Tied To Passion, it began with a simple question: what would it
take to get an ordinary person to write erotica and sell it for money?
From this very question, which probably occurred while walking through
the Village one spring day, came the character of Rodney.

Rodney is in love with himself. Who wouldn’t be? After all, he comes
from money, lives in a penthouse suite, is charismatic, well mannered,
and is an up-and-coming writer living off the largess of his parents.
Add to this his good physique, and Rodney knows he is a catch many
women want.

His editor, Celene, isn’t going to let him get off the hook that
easily. She wants him to work for his name, not live on borrowed fame,
and she intends to make him earn every cent her publishing house gives
him in ways he never thought his contract entailed. Sure Rodney is
attracted to Celene, but until today he never realized she was a
kissing cousin of the devil with her red lips, short skirt, and wicked
intelligence set on taking him down so she can put him back together
into her own pet writer working at her whim.

As the two face off, Rodney is no match for her ensnaring plot and he
falls prey to her conniving ways, agreeing to write short erotic
stories for the publishing companie’s new line of erotica. But what
neither is prepared for is the writing process.

Rodney’s research turns into real-world play and his stories take on a
life of their own. Pandora’s box is opened and Rodney will no longer
play nicely and go back inside, and now his eyes are set on Celene.
Which one will win and get to enslave the other, or will both become
tied to passion and find their hearts on the line too?


By day a librarian, by night an erotic writer, wishing there was a
purple cape to wear while I write, because it feels like I am covert
librarian writing the very material my library would never carry. I
have been married for fifteen years to the person of my dreams which
is probably why I write erotica; I want to get her turned on mentally
and physically. The odd thing about our marriage is that we both are
transgendered. When we got married we were in different bodies with
different genders. Talk about your odd marriage, but the changes we
went through and the experiences garnered infiltrate and affect my
writing, giving me an intriguing view on what women and men experience
at the height of erotic tension and passion.

Links:
Tied To Passion
http://shop.renebooks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=THOMPSONAR-01
Take Bi Love http://shop.renebooks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=THOMPSONAR-02
Scheherezade’s Gift coming soon
Erotic Romance- http://amberrosethompson.wordpress.com/
Facebook- Amber Rose Thompson Erotic, BDSM Romance Writer (Page) and
Amber Rose Thompson Erotic Romance Novels (Group)
Twitter- BDSMErotica