Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Cover Art ~ Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds

Here it is, the cover art for my next release. This is the bedazzling artistry of Amanda Kelsey of ~ razzdazzdesign.com ~

Blurb ~

Kandace doesn’t know why she’s a real witch. Despite her powers, she can’t find her bio parents. When the Tuxedo Twins tempt her with knowledge about her heritage at a charity event, Kandace agrees to dance with the mysterious Supernaturals. Unexpectedly, they are threatened by the omnipresent evil she’s been warned about in her dreams. To keep from being enslaved, Kandace brings forth her greater magick. But, to save her homeworld, she needs her hellhounds.

Zolivar and Zindale, two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds, see a witch sliding down the bannister after her heist of a painting. Spellbound, they know they’ve found just the right Kandy Apple to lick for Halloween. With every passion, Zin and Zol woo their chosen witch. Yet, will their Triad mate stay once she learns they can’t fall in love like humans? Or, will she return to her homeworld? Their very lives are at stake.
~~~~~~

Coming soon from Siren-BookStrand ~ Ebook release is scheduled for August 2011. Print release is currently scheduled for December 2011.
~~~~~~

Have a Magickal Day!

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Priceless Family Moments

With summer approaching my thoughts have turned to my family. They visit each year and we play tourist around the city. We take in the sites. With them it is fun seeing things that I see often in a new light. I love when my family comes visiting. We tend to laugh, talk and just have fun. There are some moments in each visit I know I will always remember.

The laughter when I got my brother-in-law with a whopper of a zinger. He has a sharp wit and is great with zingers. My sister, nephew and I dancing around the living room while watching So You Think You Can Dance. We dance grooving to the tune and dances. Laughing as we chatted about other moments we had in the pass. Like when my brother-in-law screamed on the roller coaster and the picture of that scream. My cousin who loves to argue good naturedly with me.

There are so many times I spend with my family. I appreciate all of them. All these moments were priceless family moments. With summer coming I plan to make some more.



****



Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora's Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine’s, and sexy hero’s. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.Check out free reads at http://www.satinnotes.com/.

Power of Instinct - A woman does whatever is necessary to protect the man who is hers but once he finds out he goes with his instincts and makes her his.

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday - Handcuffs & Silk



Not wanting to miss an inch of skin, she took time exploring his chest and neck. His eyes still closed, he wore a smile as she nuzzled his neck and nipped at his earlobe. Parting her lips slightly, she placed feather-light kisses on his mouth, softly brushing his lips then pulling away to tease him with deeper kisses following.

As much as she wanted to continue playing with his lips, she sought to explore the rest of him. Sitting back on her heels, she took a moment to admire her boy toy lying with his arms over his head, his breathing steady, hands cuffed to the headboard. She ran her fingertips across smooth, flawless skin taut over hard muscle.


These tasty lines came from Mary Quast's latest release, Handcuffs & Silk... a 1 Night Stand story from Decadent Publishing.

More info, excerpt & buy

Saturday, June 25, 2011

True Blood, the lollipop game

It's good to have a hobby. Mine stands 'round 6'4'', looks like a Viking, and is one nasty beast. Yes, I'm gearing up for the new season of True Blood next week. And because it's never a good idea to mix booze and superhuman bloodsucking carnivores, I present:

True Blood: The Lollipop Game.

(Note: You will need a val-u-pack haul of lollipops or other lickables.)

1 lick every time Beel gets all huffy about something.
1 good long suck every time Jason mentions his sexual prowess
2 licks every time Sam flashes his pretty pretty naked ass
1 nibble every time Sookie remembers to close her mouth between lines (don't worry, little lollipop, this is rare)
put the whole damn lollipop in your mouth every time Eric looses one of those melt-mah-butter lines. You know the ones I'm talking about.
1 lick every time somebody mispronounces "vampire" as "vampar"
1 sharp bite off the side every time Lafayette refers to himself (or someone else) as a bitch
1 swirl-tongue action all around the edge every time somebody flashes nipple

This game is best played in company.

Friday, June 24, 2011

NEW RELEASE - Handcuffs & Silk


A 1 Night Stand Story #16

BLURB - Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

Genre: Contemporary romance, erotic romance, BDSM
Word count – 10k
Heat level: 4
Cover art by Fiona Jayde

BUY NOW

This was the first erotic romance with BDSM sprinkled in. I must admit having fun researching. LOL. And yes... that's Jimmy Thomas on the cover. Try not to lick it too much. Hugs - Mary Quast










Thursday, June 23, 2011

Thursday 13 - Favorite Quotes from Handcuffs & Silk



BLURB: Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

My new book comes out tomorrow so I thought I'd share some of my favoite quotes from Hunter Mason and Stephanie Johnson.

1. “No.” Her red lips slid into a wicked grin that made his dick take notice. “I’ll dole out any punishment necessary.”

2. “Do you want to kiss me?” Her breath brushed against his neck, inches from his ear.

3. “Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster.”

4. “I suppose you can see it that way.” He focused on the creamy dessert “But you can have love without sex, and sex without love. Either way can be fulfilling.”

5. “You just have to be willing to take a risk.” She took extra care licking the ice cream off her spoon.

6. “Not at the moment.” He winked. “But with the right person and the right coaxing, I might be willing to sample things I’m not familiar with.”

7. “I only wish to serve and please you.” His voice dripped with sex as he dropped to his knees in a submissive pose: head bowed with his hands behind his back.

8. “You have the right to remain silent.” She clamped a handcuff roughly onto a wrist and raised both arms over his head to hook around the headboard rails then attached the remaining cuff to his free wrist. “Anything you say can and will be used against you for my pleasure.”

9. “Hunter.” Her breath caressed his ear as she whispered, “I’ve put the key to the cuffs in a glass of ice. Once the ice melts, you can set yourself free. If you free yourself within an hour, you can perform any sex act on me you wish. If you can’t break yourself free, I expect you to perform any sex act I wish. Until then, you are my prisoner and will do as I say.”

10. “Ah....” She patted his head. “You are a good little prisoner.”

11. “I win.” His deep voice wrapped seductively around her entire body.

12. “Show me what you can do.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Then I’ll decide.”

13. “Beg for it, Steph,” Hunter rasped.


BUY IT
Genre: Contemporary romance, erotic romance, BDSM
Word count – 10k
Heat level: 4
Cover art by Fiona Jayde

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members.

Visit Mary's Blog
Visit Mary's Website

Check out another Thursday 13 by Mary.

Visit more authors and their Thursday 13 posts.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Common Sense, New Rules, and Grammar Divas

An author friend complained recently about an editor who suggested changes which went against what the author considered common sense and good grammar. I suggested taking a look at the publisher's house style and which reference resources they used before he dug in his heels.


What is house style? It's what the publisher and editors agree is best for their authors to use. It also includes specific dictionaries as the end-all be-all. Loose Id (my current publisher) uses the newest version of Merriam Webster (MW), and Chicago House of Style (CHS). Other publishers may use online programs. Asking your editor for those sources is a good idea. You'll be able to answer many of your own questions.


For example, if the editor is taking out semi-colons (or adding them), is he/she following the latest rules? Semi-colons and colons can be reduced by making separate sentences. My 2010 EPIC winning Surrender Love had 46 semi-colons, and 17 colons. Using them is not a no no. Using them incorrectly is.


One thing I learned with my last book was that it's no longer considered necessary to use a comma when a sentence ends in "too." Like: "She took Mary, John, Linda, and me too." I would have used a comma after me. Not done any more per CHS. There are also places where we can now omit a formerly required comma unless we intend a pause. My editor and line editors quote the source: "per MW (or CHS) this should be..."



The biggest surprise to me was that foreign phrases needed to be italicized only the first time they were used. If my alien tzesar (meaning chief warrior) is mentioned once, then every time after that it's written as tzesar. To be honest, that still bothers me, but I can deal with it. It's simply a personal preference, and certainly not a hill I'm willing to die on.


Again, house style determines that by which edition of which reference is preferred. If your publisher wants that final comma, by all means use it, even if another says take it out of your other book. A writer's life is filled with such inconsistencies. Relax, go with the flow. No reason to stress out over words. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk, have something refreshing to drink (or eat) and then consider the options again.



There are some changes suggested by editors that you simply can't accept because they might change the story. One of my favorite examples in this category was an editor who suggested a character's name sounded too contemporary and thought I should make it more alien. Problem was, the character had already appeared in other books. Couldn't very well accept that suggestion! Another was to make a young person younger, because she seemed too immature for her age. I had to insist on keeping the age as it was, and pointed out that her species matured more slowly than humans. Plus, since she was planned as a heroine for someone in a later book, I needed her to be at least eighteen by the time their story came along.

Readers and reviewers may not be aware of changes in grammar. If they don't hear about these, do you suppose they figure we use improper English? I've often wondered about that. What do you think?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Two sides of the same male coin





Men are a curious gender. The more I know them, the more I think they’re different breed from us women. But ya gotta love ‘em. I don’t understand them, but I find much to admire—and much that makes me want to yell with frustration.



What I admire about men:





  1. Their macho aggression – Men stand up for themselves. They don’t take bullshit. They don’t worry whether people will like them if they speak their minds. They throw themselves into competition with their whole hearts, whether it’s a “friendly” ball game or their careers. They’re willing to fight for what they want. It’s such a contrast to most of the women I know who seem overly passive.



  2. Their decisive decision-making – Men don’t waffle. They set a course of action, follow through and move on. They don’t create exhaustive lists of pros and cons and try to achieve the impossible by trying to make everybody happy. Nor do they beat themselves up after the fact whether they made right decision.



  3. Their willingness to take risks – Men make bold, daring moves. They aren’t hindered by a fear of failure or danger and as a result, they achieve proportionately bold results.



  4. Their unabashed attitude toward sex – Men are unapologetic about their enjoyment of sex. They enjoy sex for sex’s sake. They tell their partners what they need and want and don’t seem to worry what their partners will think of them if they make risqué requests.


What I find frustrating about men:






  1. Their macho aggression – Men are aggressive to their own (and society’s) detriment. They perceive challenges and battles where there are none. They tilt at windmills and fight to conquer invisible mountains. Often their aggression fuels a conflict long after it would have subsided had they left it alone or tried persuasion instead.


  2. Their snap decision-making – Not every issue is black and white and to force an issue into a mold sometimes doesn’t result in the optimal outcome. There’s a lot of gray in the world, and some decisions warrant careful consideration of all sides and opinions and yes, even hand-wringing. Some decisions should be hard to make because are they hard.


  3. Their stupidity in taking risks – Men sometimes act as if they’re invincible and do stupid things that endanger their lives and well-being.


  4. Their casual attitude toward sex – Sure, sometimes a person has an itch that needs to be scratched, but sex is more than that. However, for some men it’s rarely more than that They place little meaning on sex, yet perversely go to great lengths to pursue that which is meaningless.



And men say women don’t make sense.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Erotic Romance Flash ~ A Large Glass


TGIF greetings, everyone. Just for your amusement... hopefully, that is... I thought I’d post the next series of flashes in my Flash Fiction Serial ~ Flash of Sun and Beach. The first installment was posted on June 7.

Wouldn't I like to meet him on a beach...
~~~~~~

Flash of Sun and Beach

A LARGE GLASS

SEVEN
Effing annoyed, Sorrenna stifled a massive sigh. Deciding to open one eye, she reluctantly peeked out the corner. Good God! The man’s organ towered like a friggin’ utility pole. Instantly her brain flashed a scenario of her saying, timber, as if she’d just sawed it off and the enormous pole now fell on top of her. Even worse, the ridiculous urge to cover herself with her arm almost caused her to do it. Forcing her casual reach, she idly lifted the corner of her towel, then pressed the electronic waiter.
“Large glass of ice water. As soon as possible, please.”

EIGHT
Ice water. For an instant his brain froze as if she’d just dumped ice water on his head. In another firing of his neurons, he realized that wasn’t the head she was planning on freezing with her large glass of ice water. What the fuck hell now? He wasn’t leaving. His feet wouldn’t move. And, damn, his cock felt like an anchor effectively weighing him down to the spot. Not like he could hoist himself, despite the lack of other patrons, and sail away. Mentally, he shook himself, thinking through the heavy carnal fog.
“Raoul, over here. I’ll get it.”

NINE
Sorrenna froze as if he’d drenched her with a barrel of ice water. Her heart pounded painfully. Now what? The odious beast blocked her sun. And blocked what she’d yearned for since the beginning of summer. To be alone, dammit! On vacation. Fury whipped through her, and she whipped around. Good god, it was even more humongous. Up close. And way too personal. She felt like her eyes crossed as she stared at his cock. Hell, no wonder he couldn’t move. A ton of cock weighed him down. She wanted to ask him if he’d ever considered reduction surgery.
“Leave.”

TEN
Her voice blazed ice and rage, and sliced up his middle. Her gaze trained on his cock, however, had him happier than a callow youth noticed by his first crush. Fuck, her full high breasts still jiggled, barely contained by the red scraps of material. There wasn’t one part of her body his cock didn’t want. Raoul placed the large glass of ice water in his waiting hand, said nothing, and quickly departed. Drave figured he had only three options. Pour the water out. Pour it down his pants. Or let her pour it on his cock.
“Your ice water.”

ELEVEN
Sorrenna snapped her hand forward, grabbed the ice water, and felt it nearly slip from her grip because of the cold sweating glass. Hanging on tightly, she scowled more formidably, as she held up the glass in a warning for him to leave or suffer the consequences. When he stood steadfast, refusing to un-root himself, she rose to her knees. Grinning with dark glee, she targeted his giant cock with her gaze. Slowly, with his torment in mind, she lifted the glass higher and higher, until it hovered directly above the jut of his trunks. Then she poured. Gradually.
“Enjoying?”

TWELVE
Clenching his eyes shut, and chomping his teeth together as if he bit the bullet, Drave let the icy agony take over his body. God. Hell, what ugly pain and what unexpected pleasure. The strange ecstasy stabbed through his cock, then flooded his loins. He quaked inside, the visual of her wrist turning the full glass of water so it spilled in a small stream onto the head of his cock, then the dream-like darkening of his trunks...weirdly, as erotic as hell. Even as the cold burned his balls like hellfire. Shock, he decided. But fuck, he ‘enjoyed’.
“Yes.”
~~~~~~

HAPPY SUMMER READING!

Savanna

Savanna Kougar

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

Savanna Kougar is the best-selling author of ten ebooks, with five books in print. She pens love stories because that’s her deepest heart. She writes in the futuristic/fantasy/paranormal subgenres because that’s her fiercest passion. And, she writes erotic romance because she ferociously enjoys ripping the damn doors off.
~~~

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Rediscovering Passion

Before I write the next book in one of my series I read the previous book. This is my way of getting back into the world of that book. The feeling of it. Familiarizing myself with what I’ve created. Get the characters in the series back into my thoughts.

This is the stage I’m at right now as I get ready to write another book in one of my series. When I do this stage it always surprises me that I get drawn into the story again. Sometimes little things I put into the book shock even me. I guess it might be the distance from the book. The one I get between writing it, subbing it, taking a break from the series and then coming back to write the next. This is the good thing about having multiple series or other projects to work on. You can step away from a series and do something else.

Back to the book I am getting ready to work on. I’m back into the series and I’ve gotten that thrill for it. Excited about diving back into the series. Ideas of what to do with the book are flowing and it is all gelling together. I love this moment of rediscovering passion.



****



Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora's Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine’s, and sexy hero’s. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.Check out free reads at http://www.satinnotes.com.

Power of Instinct - A woman does whatever is necessary to protect the man who is hers but once he finds out he goes with his instincts and makes her his.

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Takedown - Guest Blogger Stacey Kennedy

My CP, Stacey Kennedy, just had a release recently for a m/m contemporary erotic romance and I thought I'd ask her to stop by and tell us a little about it. So, welcome Stacey!




Stacey Kennedy is an avid lover of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and erotic romance genres. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.



Blurb:

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Tanning has been on the hunt for a killer on the run in Turks and Caicos. A week into the investigation, he has absolutely nothing to show for his efforts. Feeling defeated he returns to Castillo Resort to drown his frustrations. There he meets UFC fighter, Rye Daniels. Now the resort’s bartender, Rye recognizes a man that has been beaten down, but he also senses a shared attraction that is hard to ignore. Wyatt might not be ready to step out from behind the shadow of lies, but Rye will stop at nothing to unleash the beast within.

*Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.

Excerpt:
Wyatt stretched in the leather seat of his rented truck. A week of chasing Katrina Whittaker had brought nothing but dead ends. His team of U.S. Marshals were strategically positioned at different hotspots in Turks and Caicos, yet the search resulted in them running in circles. She’d proven to be smart and didn’t stay in one place long.
A murder in Houston, Texas resulted in a warrant for her arrest, and it was Wyatt’s job as Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal to bring Katrina home. Unfortunately, he couldn’t locate her. She had family in Turks and Caicos, and Wyatt’s team got word she’d fled the day her warrant had been issued. Wyatt still tried to understand how she’d made it to the Caribbean island without her passport or the ability to board an airplane, but he’d been in this game long enough to know anything was possible.
Releasing a long deep sigh, Wyatt ran his hand over his tired face. Katrina had gotten under his skin and he couldn’t wait to slap handcuffs on her. Day and night, they’d set up surveillance and staked out possible leads. The damn woman wasn’t anywhere to be found. He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. Ten o’clock. Where had the day gone? He’d sat in this seat for well over twelve hours. His ass hurt, his legs tingled with pins and needles, and he needed sleep. More than ready for this to be over, he grabbed his cell phone from the cup holder and held the button on the side to initiate a radio single. “Wyatt to Taryn.”
“Whatcha got, Chief?” Taryn Kincaid, his right hand woman, responded. Always ready and eager for the hunt ahead, he’d promoted her to Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal not long ago because of her exemplary work.
“Jackshit,” he grumbled. “You?”
”Nothing here either, Sir.”
Wyatt scanned the area, the luxurious condominiums located on the beachfront known to be Katrina’s grandmother’s house. Nothing stirred, except a cat or two crossing the street on a hunt for dinner.
His team, Taryn plus the four other deputies she resided over, had slept in their trucks only about ten hours the whole week and he felt the weight of it. He pushed hard in the beginning of the investigation to put heat on Katrina, leaving her nowhere to hide. The idea flopped. His team needed rest, as did he. “Go back to the hotel, check in, and we’ll gather back up at seven hundred hours and start again.”
“Ten four.”
The hum of the radio cut off to silence. Starting the engine, Wyatt shot a final look toward the condominium, nothing to indicate Katrina had been there. He put the truck in drive and drove off, spying lush greenery around him.
Turks and Caicos was a quiet island and Wyatt expected as much. Most along the stunning beachfront properties were tourists looking for some peace. He wouldn’t mind some time off himself. He loved his job, lived for the hunt, but a vacation sounded all too good. Long hours with little fun and he longed for more excitement than his present non-existent love life. So much in fact, he enlisted the services of 1NightStand, a match-making service out of Las Vegas, a few months back. He hoped Madame Eve would find a woman to fulfill his dreams since he’d yet to find one the traditional way.
Turning onto Grace Bay, Wyatt entered the main district of the island. Only a few minutes down the road, Castillo Hotels and Resorts appeared and he sighed in relief. The resort, like nothing he’d ever seen before with its Greek architecture, white textured walls and large pillars out the front. Spotlights beamed up from the ground to bask the building in a warm glow. Palm trees decorated the landscape, among many other tropical plants Wyatt couldn’t identify.
At the main entrance, he stopped and put the truck in park as the valet attendant approached. Stepping out, Wyatt handed the keys to the attendant and in turn took a numbered ticket. “Let me grab my stuff before you head off.” Turning on his heel, he strode toward the cab of the truck and grabbed his duffel bag.
He placed it on the ground to reach into his pocket, took out some cash and handed it to the attendant, who smiled in thanks before jumping into the driver’s seat. As the truck pulled away, Wyatt made his way toward the resort, marveling at the structure. When he entered, the size of the building left him in awe. High ceilings, marble floors—owner Jackson Castillo hadn’t held back when he built the resort. Once at the counter, Wyatt dropped his duffel bag and reached back to grab his wallet from his pocket to show his identification.
“Welcome to the Castillo Resort,” the greeter said, happy as a clam. Her big brown eyes twinkled. Wyatt understood why she’d been chosen for the job. Her kind face made him feel welcome.
He read her name tag, Susanne, before glancing back up to her face. “Wyatt Tanning, checking in.”
Susanne examined his ID for a moment before she glanced away and typed on her computer. “Ah, Mr. Castillo has given you the presidential suite for your stay.”
Nice of him, but not needed. “That isn’t necessary, any room will suffice.”
“No, no,” Susanne retorted. “Mr. Castillo’s orders, I’m not given the liberty to disobey them.” She handed him a key card. “We hope you have a wonderful stay here, Mr. Tanning. If you need anything at all, just pick up your phone and it will direct you to the front desk.”
Wyatt took the card, placed it in his wallet and returned it to his back pocket. “As long as I have a bed, I’ll be happy.” He said it more to himself than to Susanne, and she didn’t bother with his remark, instead moving on to the couple who approached the desk.
Newlyweds. The assumption not hard to come by, the pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other, plus the gleaming new rings on their fingers were a dead giveaway. Wyatt wondered what such intense love would feel like, never having it, he had nothing to compare it to. He sighed away his pity and considered going up to his room to crash, but decided to get a drink first to wash away the frustrations of the hunt that went nowhere.
Picking up his duffle bag, he noticed neon lights flashing, Bar, across the way. He salivated at the thought of an ice cold beer and he strode into the bar without haste, pleased to find it not overly busy. An Ultimate Fighting Championship blared on the big screens placed around the room and most of the customers focused on that.
Perfect.
At the main bar, he pulled up a stool and sat. The bartender stood, fixing a drink for a woman at the other end and paid him no attention. Wyatt’s focus though stayed trained on the bartender. Muscles layered muscles to create a sculpted physique leading him to believe the man worked out. Wyatt watched the bartender’s forearm clench while he mixed the drink, and the sight of his toned body, tightened Wyatt’s groin.
Wyatt might have a fondness for women, but it also extended to men, though that was one indulgence he never allowed himself. U.S. Marshal’s did not get sexually involved with men. However, his hard cock reminded him his wish to ignore the draw to the same sex wasn’t always possible.
The bartender looked up then gave a nod he’d be along shortly and Wyatt groaned. The man’s face consisted of hard angles, sculpted features, buzzed, dirty blond hair with blue eyes exuding strength—it all appealed to him.
Ignoring his initial attraction, Wyatt focused on the wooden bar and took a deep breath to regain his sense of mind. His cock might want one thing, but his brain held strength over his body. He’d pushed away his cravings for years, become an expert at it. Resurrecting the wall of protection, he hid all emotion and demanded his cock behave.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Six, Six... but not 666... Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds


Saturday greetings. I’ve been working on my edits for Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds, and now I’m doing a read-through.

My heroes, Zol and Zin, are the real deal -- fiery, deadly beasts from the Underworld. Hellhounds.

However, while they are shifted into their human form, they prefer to be gentleman in the style of Cary Grant and Remington Steele ~ the character played by Pierce Brosnan. Kandy, their witch heroine, is fond of calling them her gentlemen hellbeasts.

Kandy, Zin and Zol’s erotic love story is being published by Siren-BookStrand, and is scheduled for e-release in August 2011. The print edition is scheduled for December 2011.

I’ve also seen the first mock-up of the cover art. Amanda Kelsey of Razzle Dazzle Design is my cover artist.

Let me tell you, this cover is Sexy. Stunning. Gorgeous. It’s beyond perfect for my magickal shapeshifter story, and I can’t wait to show it off.
~~~~~~

Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds

Blurb ~

Kandace doesn’t know why she’s a real witch. When the mysterious Tuxedo Twins tempt her with knowledge about her heritage, she agrees to dance with them.

Zolivar and Zindale, two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds, find their one witch. Undeterred by her wariness, they passionately woo her into their bed.
~~~

Here’s the first SIX sentences from the first SIX chapters ~

Chapter One:
Zolivar and Zindale

August 14, 2009

“Ready to unleash your inner being?” Zol asked his twin. Utterly naked, he pulled off his gold and onyx signet ring, twirled it once on his finger, then slid it inside his tuxedo pants pocket.

Zin stripped off his dress pants and tossed them inside their black sports car, affectionately known as the Twilight Mirage. He shut the door with a neat twist of his wrist. “I’m releasing my inner beast,” he returned with dry amusement.

Standing side by side, they traveled their supernatural gazes over the Mojave Desert’s moonlit landscape.
~~~

Chapter Two:
Kandace Sylvia Winter

October 30, 2009

Kandace halted part way up the long curving staircase. “Lightball,” she whispered. Instantly, the luminous blue sphere she’d imaged before her third eye appeared.

Floating ahead of her, the blue ball guided her steps as she mounted the stairs. Kandace hoped her lightball wasn’t noticed by anyone attending the high society charity event, since it provided enough illumination for the darkened upper level.

Kandace sensed the man standing on the top landing of the stairway before she saw him.
~~~

Chapter Three:
Ménage à Trois Red

Zin watched the witch slide down the grand staircase’s banister.

“Look at that,” he uttered, his gaze riveted by her perky peach-shaped ass. Covered only by the black silky material of her pantyhose, it was a temptation beyond compare.

“An arousing sight, indeed, as proven by the tight fit of my pants.” Zol particularly appreciated the small witch’s legs as she athletically flung them, maneuvering off the banister. “Gorgeous gams, slim and curvaceous.”
~~~

Chapter Four:
Alien Tuxedo Twins

Kandace sipped on her ice-whipped drink. Flavored with apple liqueur and apple cider, it was her own recipe for a Candy Apple. Not only did she relish the taste, the color matched her dress.

Besides, she definitely needed the alcohol for her frayed nerves. Not because of her theft, no -- the Alien Tuxedo Twins, as she thought of them, had her spooked but good. Shivers cascaded through her as she glanced their way.
~~~

Chapter Five:
Where is this Enduoir Prime?

“It will be my distinct pleasure.”

Zol couldn’t recall ever desiring the touch of a woman’s hand more, certainly not with this savage intensity. Speculation, wariness glinted within her bewitching indigo eyes, more appropriately described as shimmering orbs of cobalt blue and purple.

She approached him like a slow-motion scene, and when her hand alighted on his, Zol softly winged inside.

“If you don’t tell me, remember, I am wearing spiked heels.” She scowled formidably.
~~~

Chapter Six:
Spellbound Hounds

Zin tasted the candy apple drink he’d purchased for himself out of rabid curiosity. Waiting on the edge of the ballroom floor, he watched his twin masterfully handle their lovely Kandy Apple. As the two of them spoke about her heritage, Zol enticed her closer.

So far, his brother mind-sent the words between him and the gorgeous witch.

As he drank, the icy apple-tart concoction interested Zin’s taste buds. Though, given the torrid state of his loins, he fantasized about pouring it on his nether column, then feeling the little laps of her tongue.
~~~~~~

HAPPY SUMMERTIME READING!

Savanna

Savanna Kougar

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

Savanna Kougar is the best-selling author of ten ebooks, with five books in print. She pens love stories because that’s her deepest heart. She writes in the futuristic/fantasy/paranormal subgenres because that’s her fiercest passion. And, she writes erotic romance because she ferociously enjoys ripping the damn doors off.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Nothing Helps. No, Really!

I'm going to tell you how and why *nothing* can really be helpful. But I included this unusual pose of a half-clad hunk to grab your attention. Did it work? =^_^= Good. Read on.

Have you ever been in this situation? You're sitting in front of your computer, thinking about work you have to do, whether it's a novel, a report, a spreadsheet, database, or just entering data. You're accomplishing *nothing.* Your mind is fuzzy, maybe past the point where caffeine even helps. What can you do to get back in the "groove?"

One thing that works for me is to go sit in my kitchen with a glass of water (tea, coffee, cola, something wet), and stare out the back window. I have a plain back yard. It's fairly flat, has a few trees, some grass, and some naturalized areas with pine straw. A squirrel or two. A few birds pecking at worms. The neighbor's cat stalking the bird and always managing to miss it. There's a plain wood fence at the back, and chain link on the two sides. *Nothing* to look at really.

The neighboring houses aren't easily visible because of trees and hedges, and their physical placement. It's not that I'm really looking at something. I'm looking at *nothing.*  I'm letting my mind wander. Not focused on anything. Relaxing. Sipping my drink. Letting my shoulders loosen and my hands rest on the table.

Maybe it's summer and you can stretch out on a chaise lounge or a hammock, fold your hands behind your head and stare up at *nothing* in the sky. It's winter, and there's a fire going, and you stare at *nothing* in particular, just the movement of the flames. It's spring, and bees and butterflies are flitting all over the place, *nothing* discernable in their patterns. Or it's autumn, and the trees are changing color, providing a riot of colors for the eyes. When did they start to change? When did they go from *nothing* but green to *nothing* but brilliant tones?

I invariably get restless with staring at *nothing* and want to get back to work. I try to wait a little before I give in. When I do, it's like entering a new room. *Nothing* changed except me. But that change triggers the next deluge of work.

Sometimes, *nothing* is exactly what we need. When was the last time you used *nothing* to bounce back?

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Erotic Romance ~ Flash of Sun and Beach


Hi everyone, here’s the beginning of a Series Flash I wrote with summer in mind. The theme is: She doesn’t want him. But, he wants her. Desperately.

Btw... he could block my sun anytime... oh yeah!
~~~

Blocking My Sun

ONE
All alone. She sighed with complete satisfaction, and planted her elbows in the beach’s almost too-hot sand. The surf shone brilliantly, green turquoise with thin lines of iridescent bubbles on the rolling gentle edges. Sorrenna wore her favorite red bikini just in case. So far, no one else had intruded.
She reclined back basking in the burning delicious rays of the sun, with only her thin towel between her and the sugar-fine incredible sand that conformed to her body. Was this a slice of heaven, or what? She smiled, let her eyelids flutter closed and relaxed.
“You’re blocking my sun.”

TWO
The snarl in her voice should have warned him. She didn’t bother glancing up at him, or moving her perfectly curved body–designed for every carnal sin he’d ever had in mind. As he knew it would be. He’d been tailing her the past three weeks for a business client. Suddenly she’d left the city on vacation. The Dragon Lady of the corporate world, who advised when to fold ‘em and when to hold ‘em. When to expand. When to cut back.
Drave couldn’t believe his luck, even though luck favored him like blossoms attracted bees.
“Gonna do anything about it?”

THREE
Sorrenna ignored the crude insolent challenge. From his overwhelming potent smell as he baked in the high tropical sun, she figured he was muscled and male to the core. Sensually arching like a happy cat, she settled even more comfortably in her sand bed, deciding her best strategy was to wait him out. Men like him weren’t noted for their superior patience when dealing with the opposite sex. Still, it was more than annoying that he blocked her sunlight with his obviously huge body. Not one ray touched her skin.
“If I’d wanted shade, I would have brought an umbrella.”

FOUR
Drave had spotted her leaving the flower-prettified bar next to the lobby of his vacation hotel hangout, as he’d been checking in. He’d quickly thrown cash, practically dumped his bag on the bell hop, then stripped down to his suit when his feet hit the sand.
His breath hitched as she moved, tantalizing him brutally with not one thought of doing so. Scenes of her naked and writhing on his bed while he plundered her body with his, exploded in his head. Not to mention his loins exploded to instant need.
Down, he ordered his cock.
“Consider me your sun.”

FIVE
Sorrenna deigned to open one eye. All she saw was tree trunk-sized bronze legs.
After hissing a long impatient sigh, she reluctantly rolled over and wiggled into a comfortable position. It so figured. Finally she’d been able to sneak off on vacation and now this impossible lout wanted to be her ‘sun’. Maybe if she slipped into a nap, maybe if she snored, he’d get the hint pounded through his obviously thick skull like a damn ten inch nail.
Drowsiness seeped into her limbs along with the warmth of the sand. He didn’t leave.
“You’re a damn shade tree. Move.”

SIX
Drave stared at her voluptuous ass, so round and such a blatant invitation, with only a red strip of cloth in his way. He groaned silently. His entire body growled for her, a damn bear claiming a honey-filled tree. He forced himself not to grab his cock, rising like a sentinel on watch in enemy territory.
Front or back, she was the kind of woman a man watched, raised up his on fists, while his cock took her with long pillaging thrusts. While she moaned with extreme pleasure. And let him do whatever he wanted with her.
“I can’t move.”
~~~~~~

KANDY APPLE AND HER HELLHOUNDS will be my next ebook release from Siren-BookStrand, and is scheduled for August 2011. The print release is scheduled for December 2011.

What happens when two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds find just the right witch for Halloween?
~~~~~~

HAPPY SUMMER READING!

Savanna

Savanna Kougar

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~~~~

Savanna Kougar is the best-selling author of ten ebooks, with five books in print. She pens love stories because that’s her deepest heart. She writes in the futuristic/fantasy/paranormal subgenres because that’s her fiercest passion. And, she writes erotic romance because she ferociously enjoys ripping the damn doors off.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Randi Alexander new release and book giveaway

I want to thank all the authors and readers at Romance Writers Behaving Badly for having me here today. I love the tagline - "I always start writing with a clean piece of paper and a dirty mind." Doesn't that effectively sum up erotic writing?

I read once where a romance author was asked in a TV interview why she wrote smut. She was speechless for a few seconds, then mumbled something totally un-pithy. The reporter had tossed in the question purely for ratings and shock value.

After that interview, the author researched statistics about the romance book industry, because the next time she was thrown a rogue question like that, she wanted to be prepared.

Did you know Psychology Today states that women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don’t? According to a scientific study conducted by Harold Leitenberg of The Journal of Sex Research and Psychological Bulletin, when women fantasize frequently (as they do when reading romance novels), they have sex more often, have more fun in bed, and engage in a wider variety of erotic activities.

I'm proud to be a writer who sits down with a clean piece of paper and a dirty mind because I'm making a small contribution to the happiness and satisfaction of women (and men) who spend an extra 74% of their lives making love. Isn't that hot?


My first book, Chase and Seduction was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press's Cowboy Kink line.

Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything -- and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.
Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?

EXCERPT: Over 18 only
She stepped inside, flipped on a light, and heard the door close behind them. Shrugging out of her coat, Reno set it and her purse on the table and turned to face Chase. She should be the one to start this conversation, to apologize and assure him she wasn’t really the insane woman she’d appeared to be in his trailer yesterday. But no opening line popped into her head.

He stayed back in the shadows, staring at her. “You look great tonight.”

“Thanks.” Reno licked her lips and tasted the red, smudge-proof lipstick. She smoothed her hands over her hips, the red satin dress was a little wrinkled, but she felt sexy in it, perched on three-inch black pumps.

He didn’t move.

She gestured toward the living room. “Beer?”

He shook his head. “I’m not comin’ any closer until I know where I stand.”

After all their long talks, she knew she was dealing with a man who viewed life as black and white. And this was definitely gray. “It’s not that simple, Chase. I—”

“Just yes or no, Reno. Will you give me another chance?” His voice softened, and his lips pressed tightly together.

She appreciated that he didn’t just seduce his way into her bedroom. He’d taken the time to bring her to the children's hospital with him, and he let her steer this conversation. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“That we sit and talk about what happened.”

Using an index finger, he pushed his hat back on his head. The light hit his face, and illuminated his grin. “Whatever you want, Reno.”

To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow.

---
*Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.


I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.

Good luck, and thank you!
Randi
RandiAlexander.com
WildAndWickedCowboysBlog
Buy Chase and Seduction at The Wild Rose Press Wilder Roses

Thursday, June 2, 2011

13 Things That Could Happen If...


 My topic today is 13 Things That Could Happen If I had a perfect summer. Ah... first thing I think is I'd try to find the lake where this hottie swims and start frequenting it. With a camera. Oh... my.

Of course that would lead to other things. I might...

  1. get a tan
  2. buy a new bathing suit
  3. swim more
  4. get plenty of exercise
  5. tone up
  6. destress and relax
  7. get really really *wet* mmm...
  8. stock up on beach towels
  9. count fireflies
  10. play in the sand
  11. paddle a canoe, or...something else ;)
  12. rest in the shade
  13. sleep under the stars
 What would you do with your perfect summer?