Saturday, December 31, 2016

Goodbye 2016






Today is the last day of 2016!

Of course that means that some of you will be out on the town, dressed to the nines and partying until the clock strikes midnight. Some of you will be decked out with party gear like fun tiaras and silly glasses. Others might be bundled up, standing in a huge crowd waiting to countdown the end of this year.

Some of you might be like me--staying in, watching Netflix and ordering take out.

In honor of the quiet celebration we always have at my house, I thought I'd share one of my favorite New Year's eve "celebrations" with you.

Normally, my husband and I will eat at a nice little restaurant and come home afterward. He doesn't like being out during the night because there are too many crazy, drunk people on the road. It is hard for him to tune out his inner-cop. On this particular night, after dinner was done and we came home, we tucked the kids in bed and went to the living room. We put on a comedy. I honestly don't recall what movie it was, but we set the mood and figured we'd manage to stay awake until midnight if we popped popcorn and didn't get too comfortable.

Sometime after we'd watched a bit of the movie, I sat up and suggested we try out his new checkers set. You see, he'd received this awesome game board: 

I figured we had a few hours to go until the countdown. It might be fun to play.
So, we set the board up. I had Jägermeister in mine and he had single malt whisky. Like a gentleman, he let me go first. Well then, in a matter of moments, I trumped his glass. I held his little shot glass up and taunted him with it. Drink up.

He shook his head. Explained--No you drink it. I drink the ones I take from you. Um, you see, I am an alcohol light weight. I get drunk off a glass of Moscato. But, I wasn't going to let him beat me, so bottom's up. And, you know what? I kept trouncing his players. And, kept having to do shots of scorch-down-your-throat whisky.

Soon, my head was swimming, my words were slurring and my husband jumped over one of my players. He had to drink that licoricey yumminess in one gulp. He did it again. And again.

Suddenly, we were down to just a few glasses. I don't think either of us could sit up straight. The glass board had started dancing in my vision. But, I saw it, the victory move....it just meant I had to down one more glass of his nasty booze and I win.

So, I did it. I trounced him and I threw back that whisky like I'd been drinking booze forever. It didn't even burn that time.

I won.

We both fell over and fell asleep. Neither of us heard the announcer on the TV count down to the New Year.

I beat my husband at Shot's Checker, drinking Aberfeldy Single Malt, and I vowed never to play that game again.

~

So, that's just one of my not-so-exciting New Year's Eve celebrations. Tonight, it looks like we are ordering some tacos and watching a Bourne marathon.

It won't be as tipsy as that Shot Checker night. But, it'll be just as fun.

I hope 2017 brings you much joy and prosperity.

Happy New Year.

Christa





Friday, December 30, 2016

Skye's Dragon

Enzo has been searching for his dragon mate for centuries when he finally gets a tip on where she is. Now he must find her before his enemy does because her life is in danger.

Skye is being stalked by a madman who is threatening her life. The police and the judge have decided he may be insane but he;s not a killer. She didn't believe that at all. Her life was over and she didn't know why.

When she ran into Enzo it felt like she had been looking for him all her life. He had the answers she was searching for. Now the race was on. Enzo's enemy wanted to use her death and her blood as a way to walk the Earth again. Over her dead body. Now they were running for heir lives and for their right to fall in love.


Amazon

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Sexy New Year's Resolutions

 So many New Year Resolutions are made and quickly forgotten. Not only are these promises easily forgotten when we are caught up in the hustle of everyday life, but also we can forget about the love in our lives. Try making a few resolutions that won't be forgotten and easily obtainable. Make your relationship with that special someone a priority, put pleasure first on your resolution list.

1.  Plan to have more sex. We schedule time to shop, get our hair done, and take the kids to practice... Being spontaneous is not always easy and by making some simple plans to be more sexual, you'll actually end up having more sex. 

2. Get away from it all. Send the kids away for the weekend or escape for a night alone. Grab a movie, dinner and a romp in a cheap hotel. Use this time to NOT talk about family, friends or work. Focus on each other.

3. Do some redecorating in the bedroom. Our surroundings have a significant impact on how we feel. Turn your bedroom into a sensual room. Try out new fabrics in jewel tones and fresh flowers. Add some sexy satins, new pillows, mirrors, incense or candles, and even artwork to create an environment to bring out your sexual animal.

4.  Exercise more. I'm talking about doing the horizontal mambo three /four times a week. Not only are calories being burned in a super fun way, but with each orgasmic session your endorphins (the chemical in your brain that makes you happy) will do miracles for your mood and zest for life!

5. Stop the sensory deprivations. Get off the computer; turn off your cell phone, put down the your e-reader. It's time to get your hands into life! Cook with your honey and savor every tasty moment. Inhale life's scents and enjoy the fragrance of the world around you whether it is a sensual perfume or the way the air smells after a rain shower. Gaze into your partner's eyes and drown in the lipid pools of desire.  

6. Make time for couple time. Give each other full body massages. Invest in some scented massage candles and let your inhibitions fly out the window. Pick up some edible massage oil. Don't leave out the happy ending!

7. Eat in bed. Whipped cream, chocolate body paint, honey dust! Don't want to get too messy? Enjoy small fingers foods and feed them to each other. Decadent and suggestive foods coupled with steamy sex make a rather delicious combination.

8. Make food a sensual part of your life. Forget the chips and go for the juicy, creamy and succulent stuff. Fresh strawberries, ripe peaches, and bananas can be cut into bite sizes. Finger food can be very sensual; take your time eating to experience the textures and flavors. Savoring food can be great practice for savoring sex.

10.  Make yourself feel sexier every day. Go through your panty drawer and buy yourself some new sexier styles. Lose the flannels, the old football jersey and stop lounging about with holey socks. Try some sexy silk pajamas or simple lingerie you can wear under your clothes. Treating yourself to sexier underclothes will help you tap into your sexy side. Indulge in a new fragrance that makes your partner hot. Wax, shave, work out... whatever makes you feel good about yourself and sexy. When you feel sexy, it shows.

11.  Have an affair - with your partner of course!  Here's your chance to have fun with a sexual fantasy.    Share your fantasies with each other or create one together then act on them.  Dress  as a seductive stranger and meet at a secret location, hotel, or bar.  Have fun with costumes, they can be just what you need to get started. Go simple by leaving love notes for each other and do a little "sexting" in the middle of the day.

12.  Get back to the basics.  Rediscover the art of kissing.  Spend a night simply "making out".  Just be careful if you go "parking".  Be open and honest with your partner by sharing what really turns you on.  Be romantic by leaving notes with hints and sexy suggestions where your honey will find them.  Take time to explore each other's bodies to learn likes and dislikes.  Be open to pleasure.

13.  Be more playful and creative.    Try something sexually new.  Play with sex toys.  Visit a swingers' club.  Get a book on sexual positions and try all of them at least once.  For a more spiritual sex life, study Kama Sutra.  Take a class on strip tease or belly dancing.  Pick up a couple sex games and play.  Feel free to visit your local adult store, the staff is very discreet and helpful.

Author's Note: My favorite shop is Lovers' Lane.  I feel comfortable working with the staff, they help me find things to compliment my curves and feel sexy.  I (and hubby) have enjoyed every purchase! 

When she isn't getting "bleacher butt" while watching her boys play football and baseball, she writes for the 1 Night Stand series from Decadent Publishing and her short stories can be found dirt cheap on Smashwords.

Other than writing contemporary erotic romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”. 

Mary has been known to make special appearances online as well as in book shops, coffee shops and at Lori Foster's Reader & Author Get Together.

Find Mary Quast on...




Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Giving Your Characters Dimension - Keta Diablo

Hello, and thanks for stopping by The Romance Writers Behaving Badly blog. We're glad you're here. We'll ring in the New Year soon and for writers that means setting new goals. Today, we're going to talk about giving your characters depth. I hope this article will inspire you to read more articles about character depth. There's a great link at the end of the article that walks you through how to make bios for your characters. 




Have you ever read a review where the reviewer points to *shallow* characters in the novel? I know I have, and that’s why I feel it’s so important for writers to allot their characters depth. So what is depth, and what do you mean by “dimensional” characters?

It’s crucial readers understand who the characters are; what makes them tic, and particularly what the character’s identifying features are? I’m not necessarily talking about physical features, but consistency and manner of speech, body language and internal thoughts on how he/she views the world. A character is not merely a gorgeous person with eyes of blue. He/she is a composition of many events that has made him/her what they are today.

Their emotions are multifaceted and often conflicting. They could come from troubled backgrounds or perhaps were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Whatever the case, in order for readers to understand and relate to your characters, writers need to delve into their history to make them likeable and real (or not so likeable in the villain’s case). It’s also important the readers believe, and can picture, the character existing before your story even began, thus the history.

Shallow characters (one-dimensional) have no real story, no identifying aspects to their personality. They’re merely walk-ons in your novel and won’t make lasting impressions. Readers will soon get bored with reading about someone they can’t identify with or like, and will no doubt put the book down. This is the last thing we want them to do.

Two-dimensional characters might have one identifying trait or a smidgen of history, but why stop there? Write your characters as if they are a person you’d love to know, in fact, you’re so fascinated by their thoughts about life, their opinions, you long to know everything about them, including their past.

If your hero or heroine lacks depth or dimension, reviewers/readers might refer to them as *cardboard characters* another term you want to avoid at all costs. This means they’re typical ordinary, forgettable people or par for the course in motives and goals. While writing about them, you might have hinted about a like or dislike they possess, but there you stopped, leaving the thought underdeveloped without explaining why they dislike the color purple or why the adore women in hats. What’s the history behind their abhorrence, fetish or passion?

One of the great things about writing is that you, the author, have control over the portrayals of your characters. Make them bigger than life; exaggerate their habits, annoyances, likes and dislikes. Make every aspect about them memorable in the reader’s mind.

You won’t regret giving a little dimension to your characters’ personalities.

Here’s an excellent article from The Writing Tools Blogspot about Writing Character Bios for your stories. Why don’t you try it?  http://thewritingtools.blogspot.com/2009/07/character-bios-why-and-how.html

Happy writing and reading! Keta

* * *

About Keta

Check out Keta's latest release, a sweet historical romance
SKY DREAMS, Book 3 in the Sky Series. (First book, Sky Tinted Water, Second book, Sky Dance.
 
Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature. A lifelong animal lover, she also devotes her time and support to the local animal shelters.

Keta's a bestselling Amazon author who writes in several genres, including western romance, historical romance, paranormal romance and the occasional gay romance. Her books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month and Recommended Read reviews.

You can find her on the net at the following places:Author Home

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Four Writing Related Apps to Help Beat Writer's Block

1) Rory's Story Cubes

At a $1.99 for the base app ($0.99 per genre add-on), this is an adorable and easy to use storytelling app. Simply shake your phone to mix up the dice and create a story using the prompts. There is a physical version of the Story Cubes, but I have a feeling I'd lose half of the pieces before they got put to good use. I really enjoy mixing and matching the version genres to get my creative juices going. 



For $2.99 you get a massive database of characters. This app will randomly generate anything and everything you want to know about your character. Names, habits, looks, background, etc. I like to use it to fill in missing pieces of my characters personality. So many times I am dead set on an eye color or hair style but I don't bother to think about the rest of their appearance. This app solves this problem. 



$2.99 will get you lists of things you never thought you'd need. Names, places, traits, emotions, etc. I like to pop the app open and scroll through random lists until something jumps out at me. I like having a lot of options and this app has all of them. It has a multitude of uses. I'd consider this my favorite writing/reference related app. 



Spending $2.81 may help you plot faster. This nifty app will plot a story for you and all you have to do is pick a genre. I love that each genre is unique and well thought-out by the developers. It is clear that they took some time to research each genre offered in the app. The generator is very vague with its plot points, but it has saved my butt a few times. I feel like this app is best used to write short stories and novellas. 

Monday, December 26, 2016

#Blurb Blitz & Giveaway! Rip Cord: The Reunion & The Weekend by Jeanne St. James

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Rip Cord: The Reunion/The Weekend
Book 1 & 2 of the Rip Cord trilogy
by Jeanne St. James

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  Contemporary erotic romance, LGBT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURBS:

The Reunion:

Gil Davis hated high school. Ever the geek, he has no intentions of attending his 10th year class reunion. The last thing he wants is to relive the taunting and teasing he received during his teenage years. However there is one thing he misses from high school: the star Varsity football player. The one he had a crush on from the first day he laid eyes on him. But the last thing he expects is the now pro football player to come back to their home town to attend a lame high school reunion. Known as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Ripley “Rip” Cord, not only shows up, but shows up without a date and an eye for Gil.

The Weekend:
 
Geek extraordinaire Gil Davis hooked up with his long-time crush Rip Cord, the Bad Boy of the NFL, during their tenth year class reunion. It was a dream come true for Gil, so when Rip surprises Gil with a trip to the pro football player’s cabin on the lake two weeks later, Gil looks forward to their weekend alone. Since Rip is still deep in the closet due to his career, Gil will take any stolen moments they have. Little does Gil know, those moments will be filled with a blindfold and ropes, as well as a bad tumble down the mountain.

But a few bumps and bruises won’t stop Gil from spending precious time with Rip and his toys. However when the weekend ends, will Rip disappear again? Or will Rip want to take their relationship to the next level?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Ripley “Rip” Cord was just as tall as Gil remembered. Around five inches taller than him, not that Gil was a squirt. The football player was at least six foot two.

And every inch of him was muscle. Not lean muscle, but heavy muscle. Heavy, rounded, lickable muscle.

Gil glanced at Katie. “You’re drooling.”

Katie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “As if you aren’t.”

Gil snagged her wrist and backpedaled until he rammed into something hard. It was the table with the place settings.

Gil peered over Katie’s shoulder to see if his klutziness had caught Rip’s attention.

Luckily it hadn’t. The man was completely surrounded by their old classmates clamoring for his attention.

Throughout the years, he’d followed Rip’s career in the newspapers, on the evening news, on ESPN.

And in the tabloids.

Rip was well-known. Unfortunately it was as the “bad boy” of the National Football League. He started out with a great career in the NFL, drafted straight out of college. He was one of the best wide receivers in the league, but it was all his rumored problems that kept him in the spotlight, not his stats.

And that famous wide receiver was here. Now.

“C’mon, Katie! Don’t stare.”

“Why?”

“Because—”

“Jesus, Gilly, because you have a crush on him!”

Heat crawled up Gil’s neck. He was glad the lights were turned down in the gymnasium. He didn’t want anyone seeing him blush.

Hell, he was twenty-eight years old.

   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jeanne St. James is an erotic romance author who loves an Alpha male (or two). She was only 13 started writing when she started writing since it gave her an escape from teenage angst! Her first paid published piece was an erotic story in Playgirl magazine. Her first erotic romance novel, Banged Up, was published in 2009. She is happily owned by farting French bulldogs. She writes M/F, M/M, and M/M/F ménages.
She has a few new releases coming up in 2017. So keep an eye on her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter.

Author Links:


Sign up for Jeanne’s newsletter to keep up with new releases and giveaways: https://www.MyAuthorBiz.com/ENewsletter.php?acct=JJ4625816541890

BUY LINKS:






~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Jeanne St. James will be awarding $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 25, 2016

RomWBB Writers Christmas & Holiday Wishes Part 2



Christa Paige
I am a girlie girl. I like ribbons and bows. I like the Sparkle. I really like pretty things. While my kids were young, we’d go to the tree lot every Christmas and it would be a painstaking ordeal to pick out the perfect, fluffy, tall and gorgeous tree. We’d spend the evening listening to music with the television set to the fireplace channel—this is SoCal we are too warm for actual fires most of the time- crackling and popping. My kids would hum Christmas Carols and decorate the tree. When complete, I’d snap a photo and marvel at the glorious beauty our Fir tree had become.

You might be noticing I keep say the word would…as in past tense.

A few years ago, my lovely teenaged daughters started having super busy lives. We waited to the very last minute to get a tree, like a week before Christmas. It was raining, cold and muddy. So, my daughter picked out the closest one still wrapped in twine and we brought it home practically sight unseen. Once it had been situated in the corner a lopsided, spindly wonder, we all burst out into tummy aching laughter. We’d picked the ugliest tree in the lot, for sure!

That night our newest Christmas tradition was born. Now, each new tree shopping experience is filled with tears of laughter, bending over with guffaws, snorting giggles, and just straight up joy as we look for the most dejected, ugly, and otherwise not beautiful Christmas tree.

(I do have a few moments of regret when my kids aren’t looking though because I miss the pretty tree but we won’t tell them that mom struggles with the ugly one.)

This year’s tree is a short, stubby Gimli/R2D2 type tree. At least it has a branch for a tree-topper, even if it is hanging askew. 

As you can tell, I am a bit of a traditions/ceremonies/rituals gal. My family has a ton of them from silly birthday names to whip cream fights to playing Memory during Ornament night. It might be why my Vampires in the Blood-Vine series have a whole bunch of them, too. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Komar family traditions, come on over to my site at christapaige.com and read about how the kraliyet-those fanged aristocrats-celebrate Christmas Kan Asma style. They have a ritual, but it surely doesn’t involve ugly trees. Nope, not at all.

Visit my Amazon author page to purchase my books.

Have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas.
Christa



Mary Quast
I’m married to a pilot who is usually on the other side of the world half of the time. I have three boys – one in middle school, one in high school and one in college. Like many families, Christmas is a CRAZY time of year for us. The holidays are supposed to help bring the child out in all of us. It’s the opportunity to renew relationships.  I think it’s a great time to add a little romance. I know it’s hard to do with all the hustle and bustle of the season but trust me… it’s possible. I’m not talking about hanging a clump of mistletoe and pouring a glass of wine. Oh that’s great but there is more. If I can manage a bit of romance while stuck in a log home, in the middle of the woods, with four guys… you can too!

Check out my blog for tried-and-true tips on how to add a spark of romance to your holidays.

Facebook
Twitter: @MaryQuast
Website/blog
Pinterest


Bogna Maslanka
Every Christmas, my mother would let us have a full can of Coca-Cola Classic in a Santa Claus can. Nowadays, I split my time between writing romance and working for Coca-Cola. I always look forward to the Holiday and winter themed cans and bottles. This year we had snowflakes, red ribbons, adorable polar bears and of course, Santa. I still enjoy a can of Santa Coke every Christmas, but as I've gotten older I've become a bit more creative.

Rum and Coke Float
1 Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
1 can (12oz) Classic Coca-Cola
2 oz Dark Rum (Or however much rum you would like)
Marciano cherries and whipped cream are optional.

Place 1 scoop of vanilla bean ice cream in a frosty glass. Top with Classic Coke and rum. Mix together, top with whipped cream and a cherry. Enjoy!

Have a thirst for all things erotica and the ramblings of an undercaffeinated madwoman? Follow me on Twitter and lets chat!

Have a happy and safe holiday!
XOXO, Bogna Maslanka


Christa Maurice
My all-time favorite Christmas special is Opus'n Bill in A Wish For Wings That Work. ALL TIME. I caught it one year completely by accident and I'm pretty sure that's the only year it was aired. It's required watching every holiday season. Usually twice. more…

Join my mailing list

Merry Christmas,
Christa Maurice



Jeanne St. James
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a great time to reflect about how the past year has gone and how to shape the next year. We all have goals and wishes for our future, and by putting those thoughts into written words will not only give you goals to strive for, but a year from now you’ll see just how far you’ve come.

Here is a link to one of my favorite Christmas cookie, the Sand Tart.

Wishing all of my readers healthy and happy holidays, as well as a great 2017!

Jeanne St. James






Cailin Briste
Even on Christmas our military men and women are called on to do hard things. The following service members gave their lives in December 2015. Please remember all those who serve and the families of all those who have died in the past year.

Honor the Fallen

Below is a list of combat deaths in December 2015. Nearly four times as many active duty service members committed suicide in 2015. Accidents, such as the marine pilot who lost his life recently on a training mission, also took the lives of many more. Please pray for the safety of all our troops.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa
December 21, 2015

Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cinco
December 21, 2015

Air Force Technical Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm
December 21, 2015

Air Force Staff Sgt. Chester J. McBride
December 21, 2015

Air Force Staff Sgt. Peter W. Taub
December 21, 2015

Air Force Maj. Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen
December 21, 2015
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas,

Saturday, December 24, 2016

RomWBB Writers Christmas & Holiday Wishes Part 1


A Non-Carolers Memory - Taige Crenshaw
There is a different feeling to Christmas on the beautiful island where I grew up. When the holiday approached I would feel an excitement in the air. I’ve always equated Christmas with the smell of the baking of carrot cake, tart, and sweet bread. The sound of the steel pan playing a Christmas Carol. There is nothing like it.

One of my favorite memories was the Christmas carolers who performed in Emancipation Garden. I still remember my first time I went. I was in awe of all the various team of carolers that were there. Singing and having fun. Those in the audience joined in. One year especially I remember there was a friendly bet between two groups. One called themselves The Non-Carolers. And from the name you guessed it. The non-carolers didn’t sing all that well. Yet their enthusiasm and the good-natured rivalry between the two groups entertained everyone. It was a carol sing off that had people talking for a long time. It enhanced a tradition and became one. It was a Christmas memory that I treasure to this day.

Seducing Dare by @TaigeCrenshaw.
Will resist or give in...

Happy Holidays
Taige Crenshaw
http://www.taigecrenshaw.com
...increasing the sizzle factor



Savanna Kougar
As I was growing up the Christmas holidays always seemed too far away. One year, I decided to play Santa Claus. There were six of us kids. Yes, once upon a time large families were a good thing. Anyway, I used my allowance to buy these huge swirly lollipops—I think I was twelve at the time—but I was able to sneakily purchase them, and without my parents knowing, put the big lollipops in everyone's stocking. It was fabulous watching my siblings surprise, their enjoyment that Christmas morning. What was deliciously fun too, the surprised reaction of my parents, who had no clue how or where the lollipops had come from. It was like a Christmas miracle. 

If you enjoy shapeshifter erotic romance, I have short story, SANTA BABY, SEVERAL STARS AWAY, that can be found at ~savannakougar.com

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Savanna Kougar 



Louise Lyndon
Christmas in Australia is ALWAYS hot. Yet for some unknown reason we always seem to have a hot traditional Christmas dinner - even though it's sweltering outside! The family gathers, we crank up the air conditioning and warm up the oven, and cook up a storm. While we go traditional we also have some Aussie favourites - in particular, prawns. Now, I'm not much of a cook, but I do make a pretty mean chicken and potato salad - which I make every Christmas.

Ingredients
4 Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (6-ounce) skinless chicken breast
3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
2 sage leaves, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place potatoes on a sheet tray, toss with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until golden and tender, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan cover chicken with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Poach until cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from poaching liquid, let cool for a bit, and cut chicken into cubes. In a large bowl, toss together potatoes, chicken and bacon with the celery, onions, and garlic. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, herbs, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Mix until well combined.

Come and hang out with me on Facebook: @LouiseLyndonAuthor

I wish you and your family a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Lots of love, Louise



Serena Simpson
Since the day my daughter was born she represents Christmas to me. Every year we trim the tree, watch the movies and sing the songs. She helps me cook dinner, and we look for the perfect angel to go on our tree, unlike Kore, in Kore's Angel: Angel Shifters, we've never found that angel. I don't tell my daughter, but my angel was born on her birthday.

Merry Christmas,
Serena


Keta Diablo
For many, the Holidays are all about decorating your home to make it look festive. In this scene from my latest release Sky Dreams (Book 3 in the Sky Series) our heroine, Haven, is staying with the Sinclair family while teaching at the local country school.

Charlotte Sinclair has gone to great lengths to make their country home joyous and cheery. 

By the end of December, Tall Timbers shimmered with holiday gaiety. Pine branches draped the railings outside and in and graced the mantle over the hearth. Charlotte had hung sprigs of holly and mistletoe over the arches of every doorway and even from the chandeliers in the kitchen and parlor. As a final touch, candles in deep scarlet and pristine white adorned every table and sideboard.

Haven found Charlotte in the parlor surrounded by yards of satin and cords of silk ribbon. An arresting display of crystal bowls filled with pinecones and remnants of pine branches graced the mantle and the book shelves flanking both sides. The tree stood in glorious splendor off to one side, decorated with candles, strings of popped corn and yet more mistletoe and holly.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and New Year! If you'd like to know more about Keta's romance books, please visit her Amazon page.

Sign up her for newsletter at Keta's Keep.

*New* Release SKY DREAMS, Book 3 in the Sky Series, #historical #romance #kindle

Whitley Cox
Love, Passion and Power: Part 2 (Part 1 is now available for pre-order. Release date: January 29, 2017)
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 2
Release Date: February 19, 2017

The following excerpt is from Love, Passion and Power: Part 2, Book 2 from The Dark and Damaged Hearts series. It’s Justin and Kendra’s first Christmas, and they’re sitting around the tree opening gifts, just the two of them. 



“There’s more! Look inside the bag.” I watched him pull out a comic book. “Its The Amazing Spiderman issue number 129, The Punisher!” I announced, unable to contain my excitement

“I see that,” he said, his eyes raking over the pristine plastic wrapped limited edition comic book that I had spent ages tracking down, only to spend a small fortune on in a brutal bidding war with some seventeen-year-old in Belarus. “Kendra, this is a limited edition copy.

“I know. You don’t have it do you? I went through all your comics I could find and I didn’t see this one. Do you like it?"

“I…I love it, thank you. But this is really expensive."

“I know, but, you’re worth it.  I love you. And you keep telling me to stop worrying about money, so finally I did. Seeing your face light up the way it is makes it all worth it.”

I was talking a million miles a minute and I hadn’t even finished my first cup of special Bailey’s laced Christmas coffee. It was just the Christmas Effect, it made me so giddy I could hardly contain myself, let alone stop and take a breath.


***

“Now,” he said, sobering up and sitting back on his heels. “I think there are a few more things under here with your name on the tag.” He started rummaging around the base of the tree amongst all the gifts for other people. “Ah, here we go.” He pulled out a big box, once again expertly wrapped; this time the paper was bright red and the velvet bow gold. “Open it.”

I tore at the paper and opened the box, my face bunching up in confusion. “Shirts and socks?”

“We can buy practical things for each other too.” He grinned. “But look underneath them.”
  
I lifted the cute peach blouse and ankle socks out and put them next to me. Beneath them was an absolutely stunning black satin corset with red trim, lace inlay, black stays and a lace thong. I raised a sarcastic eyebrow Justin’s way, he was all smiles.   

“Okay, well it’s more of a Christmas present for me,” he chuckled. “But I couldn’t very well wrap up my own gift, now could I?”

I rolled my eyes and smiled. “Noooo,” I chided. “Of course not.”

Wishing you and yours a safe and magical holiday, with many amazing things coming your way for 2017.With Love, Whitley Cox

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