Saturday Date Night

Remember when dinner and a movie was the standard for couples on a Saturday night?

But the economic downturn has forced couples to rethink date night, if not drop it altogether. Expense cutbacks, children, time and other reasons keep people from spending their extra cash, and many couples opt to stay home.

Does that mean dinner and a movie is dead? Noooooooooo.....

Make arrangements for the kids to stay at a friend's house or grandparents for the night to free up your evening. Plan a romantic dinner for two. Make the dinner together. Watch a romantic comedy while you eat your dinner and have each other for desert. Or... you can share some meaningful conversation over dinner then watch the movie, but still have each other for desert.

Spaghetti is well known as being one of the most romantic meals. It's fun to make from scratch and fun to eat. (Think of the scene in the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp.)
Serve with French Bread and wine.

For fun, I suggest also tring Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding... Yummy!

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups (1/2-inch) cubed Hawaiian sweet bread
2/3 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.

Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until toasted. Remove bread from oven; decrease oven temperature to 325°.

Combine milk and next 5 ingredients (milk through egg) in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add bread, tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Divide half of bread mixture evenly between 2 (6-ounce) ramekins or custard cups coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with half of chocolate. Divide remaining bread mixture between ramekins; top with remaining chocolate.

Place ramekins in an 8-inch square baking pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes or until set. Serve each pudding warm with 1 tablespoon whipped topping.

Quincy's Woman, my new Eclipse, Texas erotic historical western

available now @ Ellora's Cave

Blurb:

Quincy’s Woman

Gem Sivad

Fresh from the post-Civil War salons and drawing rooms of Boston, Lucy McKenna considers herself a sophisticated young woman. But when she meets Texas rancher, Ambrose Quince, she turns into a flustered girl. He’s too old, war roughened and unrefined—and she has no idea how to deal with the sensual hunger he arouses within her.

Ambrose falls fast and hard for the innocent debutante visiting Eclipse, Texas. Persuading Lucy to accept his pursuit becomes a duel of wits and passion as he awakens her desire.

Lucy leaves Boston and childhood behind when she becomes Mrs. Ambrose Quince. Her lonely days on the Double-Q ranch are filled with work and frustration. But the nights are spent in her husband’s arms learning carnal awareness one molten caress at a time.

Quincy's Woman is available HERE @ Ellora's Cave.

Click to read:   Excerpt Here:

Gem’s Place

Gem Sivad on Twitter

RWBB Blog Sister

Titles at Ellora’s Cave

BANGED UP by Jeanne St. James

NOW IN AUDIO!

My best-selling contemporary erotic romance, BANGED UP, has been released in audiobook version! http://www.audiominx.com/

Blurb:

Two scarred souls: one physically, one mentally. Both on the mend, hiding from their pasts…

Mace Walker can’t wait to get home.

Being buried deep undercover for the past two years, on the most complex case of his career, has torn him down physically and mentally. Now the FBI agent has come home to recover after having his leg badly injured from a gunshot wound. Arriving home late one night, his relief is short-lived as he’s faced with a stranger pointing a gun to his head, acting like he is the one who doesn’t belong there!

Colby Parks, a biochemist at the local university, had come to town a year earlier to escape an abusive relationship. She vows never to put herself in that situation again.

Then the perfect opportunity comes along: house-sitting for Mace’s sister while making the house she purchased habitable. But she couldn’t anticipate this big snag: the one wearing the tight Levi’s and worn leather jacket, looking like he had just escaped prison.

Being forced to share a house creates sparks between them in more ways than one. However, things take a turn when their pasts catch up to them, threatening to pull them apart forever.

Banged Up will still be available in e-book at Liquid Silver Books: www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/bangedup.htm

And for your Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Banged-Up-ebook/dp/B002X78TZQ

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Home.

Relief flooded over Mace Walker as he twisted the key in the lock, gave the front door a shove, and stepped over the threshold. Finally home. About time.

Time to heal.

The foyer was dark, but he didn’t need to hit the light switch. Even being gone for as long as he had been, he still knew the house well enough. He made his way to the stairs and set down his bags. Those two small duffels didn’t hold much evidence of his life for the past couple of years. Just some toiletries and a few basic items of clothing.

As he straightened, the foyer lit up, blinding him for a second. He blinked when a young voice rang out from the top of the steps. “Hold it right there! Put your arms up and back away from the stairs.”

What the fuck?

Mace had expected to see his sister bounding down the stairway of his two-story colonial, excited after not seeing her brother for the past two years. Actually, more like one year, eleven months and fifteen days. Not that he was counting. But instead, he stared up into the deadly eye of a Glock. And from his viewpoint it looked like a model 23, a .40 caliber. A compact but still a decent sized gun in a very small, very uneasy hand. Instantly, the hairs on the back of his neck rose.

Damn. He’d dealt with crime bosses and their flunkies--from drug to porno rings--and had managed to survive. Now he was going to be killed by some measly punk he surprised while burglarizing his house? The cruel irony made him want to laugh. Instead, he did as he was instructed. With caution, he raised his hands above his head before stepping back toward the middle of the foyer. He avoided standing directly under the light, trying to get a better view of the top of the steps. But he didn’t have much success; the upstairs hallway and the upper section of the stairway were hidden in shadows.

If he played his cards right, this little situation would be under his control in no time at all. He just had to keep the kid calm and make the skinny punk believe he was the one in command. From experience, Mace knew the Glock didn’t have a conventional safety. All the kid had to do was pull the trigger and pull it again and again until all the rounds in the clip emptied into Mace’s body. And from what he could see in the limited light, the kid’s fingers were twitching from nervousness.

Not a good sign.

Where had a young punk gotten an expensive handgun like that? It certainly hadn’t been in the house. And if it had been, it would have been locked up in the gun safe.

If only he could see the boy’s face. He needed to see the eyes. Without seeing his eyes, Mace couldn’t even begin to predict what the kid would do.

“Don’t you dare move or I’ll blow your face off!” The kid’s voice raised an octave, making him sound more and more like ... a girl.

Tension ran through Mace’s body as the person started down the steps. At first he could see bare toes, a slim calf, then another. His gaze flicked to the gun, before returning to the shapely naked thighs which couldn’t belong to a kid--no way. Especially not a boy. Those smooth legs definitely belonged to a woman--and he couldn’t wait to see the rest of her. So far, the view almost made it worth being held at gunpoint. Almost.

He was disappointed when an oversized T-shirt--shit, was that Marmaduke on it?--blocked his view of creamy flesh. His arms were tired, his leg throbbed painfully, and his patience was wearing thin. But he still wasn’t going to move, since he had no idea who this woman descending the stairs was. His curiosity piqued when she stepped down into the light, which highlighted her long, curly red hair and made her wide, green--glaring--eyes sparkle and snap.

A twitch shot through his lower stomach and landed in his groin. Fear or pain didn’t make him suck in his breath. It was her unrestricted breasts bobbing under the cotton shirt with each step she took. Her nipples stood out like two beacons under the worn cotton. Jesus.

He had to clear his throat twice before he could ask her, “Are you robbing this house, dressed like that?”

5 diamonds at Got Erotic Romance!

"Banged Up is an action packed, erotic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The sexual tension starts building as soon as Mace and Colby lay eyes on one another, and their relationship just gets hotter and hotter until their passion explodes. The dialog is fast paced and evocative, leading their relationship along at a fast pace. There’s humor, drama, tragedy, and some really hot sex. This book has something for everyone and will keep you guessing about the ending right up to the last page. I couldn’t put it away and I plan to read it again. I definitely give this book 5 Heats and recommend you read it as soon as possible."

4.5 hearts at The Romance Studio!

"Ms. Jeanne St. James has written a great book full of explicit sexuality and overloaded with suspense. There was more than one problem facing these main characters and St. James has integrated the storyline into love/hate/fear in such a way that it was impossible to put down. These two people were both full of past problems which continued to invade their presents and futures. Again, the author has presented the conflicts, as well as the sexual exploitations, in a great way.

There were other characters that made the story complete. They enhanced the plot and kept the story fast-paced and interesting. The actions, both sexual as well as the suspense-filled pursuits were fascinating. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. I recommend that you read this book. You will enjoy it, I’m sure."

4 blue ribbons at Romance Junkies!

"Jeanne St. James has written an exceptional high action drama. From page one you will be captured by BANGED UP. The dialogue is superbly written and the plot allows you to be kept on the edge of your seat. For those seeking an action packed thriller, I highly recommend to add this title to your must read list."

4 whips at Bella's Erotic Reviews!

"Jeanne St. James writes an exciting action packed romance drawing the reader in from page one and never letting go. I was hooked from the first page of this story. I loved Colby and her fierceness and how she overcame all that was done to her and of course Mace the brooding Alpha Male was a great character to. Even with all his macho pride he still had his doubts and insecurities. The bond that formed between these two was a beautiful thing to read. Both Mace and Colby must learn to trust each other before time runs out and it is too late. Full of action and hot romance Banged Up is a page-turner that is not to be missed."

4 heart review at Night Owl Romance Book Reviews!

"Banged up is an entertaining read..." "... an enjoyable story."

Honey, I got you a little something...

Warning: Not Work Safe. Images may cause internal combustion if observed at full size. But trust me, it's worth it. *insert goo-goo-eyed smilie here*

Most married women and probably girlfriends have bought clothes for the man in their lives. Even underwear. But have you ever bought him sexy stuff?

Ah, I see I'm preaching to the choir, here. ;) In the interest of helping my fellow sisters find some good things to buy, I thought I'd share a few ... interesting items worthy of purchase. ;)

NuWear

If you go to the blog of The Men's Underwear Guy, you can find all sorts of neat things. He provides links to good sites where you can buy real-man clothing (you know, not fancy, but serviceable and comfortable). He also has a section for more erotic choices. This chain mail jock grabbed my attention at once. It's put together with rubber rings so that the entire thing has a bit of a stretch. He suggests you size it a bit bigger for the waist, since that seems to be tight. If your man might overfill *cough* the pouch in front, then he suggests buying a size up.

This hot-looking item has a peculiar way of fastening. Check out the front and rear view (literally) on the NuWear site itself to see how. It's worth the trip. ^_^

Priape

I couldn't leave out Priape, which carries highly erotic wear for men. In fact, the store is geared toward gay men, so if you like slash or m/m visit their Facebook page by clicking the company name above. Their photo section is H-O-T! The ad shown here definitely inspired some hot scenes!

Cocksox

Cocksox

Last but by no means least (except in modesty perhaps) is a hot property called CockSox. Click the name to visit their site. Imagine a set of colorful prints and styles of these beautiful items for your guy. Would he wear it outside? At the pool? To work under his clothes? Or would he not make it out of the bedroom because you couldn't keep your hands off him?

Here's a front view (for shopping comparison only, of course). *ahem*

Don't forget, clicking on the pix lets you see them in a larger size. But by all means visit the companies' websites to see the full line of underwear, swimwear, and much more.

Tempting Tuesday - sleepwear

There comes a stage in every relationship when things just start to get a little too comfortable and you find yourself starting to reason that it's okay to wear those flannel pajamas to bed. Those tempting, sexy items are pushed to the back of the closet.

Well, if you are about one night's sleep away from pulling out that frumpy, granny nightgown you swore you'd never wear... STOP! There are lots of sleepwear options out there that are as equally sexy as they are comfy.

I don't mean you have to pack away those sexy little lace or leather outfits for good. Heavens to Betsy... don't do that! However, the sleepwear you choose to wear on a nightly basis doesn't have to come out of your mother's closet! (No offense, Mom.)

You can find sleep wear from sensuous silk and satin to cozy cotton and even flannel at Victoria's Secret. Silky chemises and sexy camisoles worn with drawstring PJ pants or shorts can be found in many stores.


Soft fabrics that feel good against your skin will make you feel relaxed, comfortable and still sexy. You just won't have to tolerate the binding thong or itchy lace bodice that's squeezing the girls to tightly. Your honey might occasionally settle for cuddling in front of the TV rather than jumping your bones 7 nights a week...well...maybe.

TGIM

Thank God it’s…Monday? Seriously?

Now, before you think I’m Little Mary Sunshine who pops out of bed each morning with a smile on my face and is full of energy, let me put your mind at ease. That is so not me. I don’t even particularly like Mondays. It’s my busiest day in my day job. I get there early, stay there late.

But.

Monday is the first day of the week. A new beginning. Kind of like a mini Happy New Year every seven days. Just as many of us set New Years resolutions, with goals and objectives to meet over the coming year, the same thing happens to me every Monday. It’s a new week to stick to my diet, to stick to my exercise plan, to meet my weekly page quota, whatever.

Mondays are the day to start over. I look over my calendar from last week and see all the things I didn’t do, all the items on my To Do list I didn’t cross off. It makes me feel kinda depressed and mad at myself for being under productive. But today is a fresh start. My To Do list is unblemished—all those items are just begging me to check them off. And this week, it’s going to be different.

Mondays are my day to say, “THIS week, I’m actually going to…”

So, tell me, what are YOU going to accomplish this week?

Becca Simone writes erotic romance for The Wild Rose Press. She is notorious for making To Do lists and then never looking at them again. But this week will be different. You can learn more about Becca's writing on her website.

Happy Easter

While teaching an after school program, I had several questions from the kids regarding Easter so we researched the answers together. I thought I'd share a few tidbits with you.

About Easter
Jesus Christ died on a cross on a Friday almost two thousand years ago. Christians believe that on the following Sunday, Christ rose from the dead and, in doing so, proved that He is the Son of God. The day Jesus died and was buried is known as Good Friday. The following Sunday is Easter.

Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Son of God each year between March 22nd and April 25th (the first Sunday after the vernal equinox). Religious celebrations include family gatherings and special Easter church services.

The Easter Holiday
In olden times, Christian monks were very good at explaining their religion to those who hadn’t heard of God or Jesus. The almost always took symbols of significance of the people they were teaching and used those symbols to teach about God.

The timing of Easter was such that it coincided with the spring festivals of many pagan religions. (In northern Europe, the goddess of spring was Eostre – some people say that Easter may have even gotten its name from this goddess).

These spring festivals celebrated the wakening of the world after spring. Luckily, this “awakening” went very well with the monks teaching of Jesus’ resurrection! The ideas of the rebirth of spring were merged with the Christian teachings of Jesus resurrection to form the Easter holiday most of us know today.

So where do the Bunnies come in?
The rabbit was the symbol of rebirth and new life in many traditions during spring festivals and has emerged as a favorite Easter symbol. A common picture to see is a bunny nestled among lilies and eggs, under a cross. In some countries, there is a tradition for churches to release rabbits with small bells tied to them. The bells are supposed to coincide with the church bells ringing around the world on Easter Sunday in celebration. As the sound of the bells travels, colored eggs are dropped for boys & girls to find. The Easter bunny or hare legend originated in Europe along with traditional foods such as fruit breads or cakes shaped like rabbits or like a lamb, a symbol of Jesus and hot cross buns, an Easter bread with icing in the shape of a cross.

Where the Rain Is Made - Keta Diablo A Paranormal Shapeshifter

Kindle: http://amzn.to/ev0I3Y 

NOOK: http://bit.ly/hQH6ZB

Where The Rain Is Made by Keta Diablo, a paranormal/Historical (shapshifter/time travel) is on the TOP RATED HISTORICAL ROMANCE "Best 100" on Kindle. Woohoo!

If you haven't read Where The Rain Is Made, read the blurb below. I think you'll agree with the 25 five-star reviews, the story will leave you breathless.

WTRIM has been nominated by Authors After Dark for a BOOKIE AWARD in the best enovel category for 2010 so wish us luck! In addition, Where The Rain Is Made has been awarded numerous Recommended Reads, Top Reviewer Pick and Best Book of the Month from the top professional review sites.

About Where The Rain Is Made:
A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother Marsh. Now she spends every waking moment planning an escape. She didn’t count on the powerful draw of desire interfering with her scheme while in the clutches of the brutal Cheyenne Dog Soldiers.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum . . . most of the time. When he travels through time to help his beloved People he’s Meko, leader of the most revered and feared tribe of the plains. Their worlds are decades apart and yet Meko can’t resist the dark beauty he kidnapped during a raid. Violent battles loom on the horizon, but there’s only one he must win at all costs – the capture of Cesca’s heart forever.

From the windswept plains of Colorado and the harsh life of a Dog Soldier to the placid life of a curator, their love was fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.

 * * *

If you'd like to know more about Keta's books, please follow her erotic romance blog, Keta's Keep, http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

Or follow her on Facebook where she gives away books every week! http://www.facebook.com/KetaDiablo.Author 

HAVE A SWEET EASTER!

Quincy's Woman Available Wednesday

Quincy's Woman, my new Eclipse, Texas erotic historical western

will  be released from Ellora's Cave

April 27th.

I backtracked to 1866 to write this short novel about an improbable couple's courtship, marriage and first year together. It was an adventure in writing, that's for certain.

Quincy's Woman evolved from a first draft (2,500 word) diary titled The Journal of Lucy Quince. It's now a 42k book written in first person POV as the story of Lucille McKenna  and the love she finds on the Double-Q ranch when she becomes Mrs. Ambrose Quince.

Blurb:

Quincy’s Woman

Gem Sivad

Fresh from the post-Civil War salons and drawing rooms of Boston, Lucy McKenna considers herself a sophisticated young woman. But when she meets Texas rancher, Ambrose Quince, she turns into a flustered girl. He’s too old, war roughened and unrefined—and she has no idea how to deal with the sensual hunger he arouses within her.

Ambrose falls fast and hard for the innocent debutante visiting Eclipse, Texas. Persuading Lucy to accept his pursuit becomes a duel of wits and passion as he awakens her desire.

Lucy leaves Boston and childhood behind when she becomes Mrs. Ambrose Quince. Her lonely days on the Double-Q ranch are filled with work and frustration. But the nights are spent in her husband’s arms learning carnal awareness one molten caress at a time.

Quincy's Woman will be available HERE @ Ellora's Cave April 27th.

Click to read:   Excerpt Here:

13 Things That Could Happen If...

My Successful Self-Made Hero

I'm taking a writing course from Holly Lisle, and in it, she suggested we let our muses run wild with the worst that could happen to us -- if we finish writing our current books. I modified my arm-length list to fit today's format of thirteen things.

What could happen
if I finish my book:

1. It will be published and become a best selling book.
2. It will receive accolades in the press.
3. A producer will buy the rights and make a movie.
4. The contract will have a hidden clause that lets them make carte blanche changes.
5. I'll be invited to meet the actor who plays my hero, but they'll have rewritten the part to make him a white, ivy-league college graduate alcoholic and mine was a black, self-made man who succeeded the hard way and doesn't drink because his daddy was an abusive drunk.
6. Instead of a Science Fiction Action Adventure, it will be a parody about cops in space, with an alien partner who looks like two floating people made from cheap green balloons, and he speaks only in burps.
7. They'll change it from a heart-warming romance to a good-cop/bad-cop bromance, with the alien duo-guy being the good cop, but no one knows what he's saying and the subtitles all say "Burp!"
8. It'll be rated PG, but it will have jokes that are inappropriate for kids, while lacking anything adults enjoy.
9. They'll hire an unknown cast of actors who have no box office draw, and can't act, so it'll be booed and hissed and called a failure for lousy FX.
10. The producers will sue me for making a Facebook page that urges people to boycott the film because they ruined the story.
11. I will take out a countersuit to clear my name -- but I'll lose.
12. Theaters will demand their money back, and the producers will tell them to sue me, and they will, and I'll lose again.
13. I'll live in a cave and never come out in the light of day, and I'll never write another book.
    
    

Their "Alien Buddy"

And all of that happens because I finish writing this book.

But maybe not.

Damn. I feel much better now. In fact, that was kind of fun! So... what's keeping you from writing your book?

A Magical Return by Serena Shay ~ Cover Art

Greetings, everyone, I’m posting this for my good author friend, Serena Shay. This is her next release from LIQUID SILVER BOOKS.
~~~~~~

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday smiles to everyone out there. I just had to share my happy news! A Magical Return now has a cover! Woot!!

Cover Artist, Amanda Kelsey, has scored big once again, in my book, with this rocking, sexy, I'm never letting go of you looking cover. The colors are perfect for the story, the woman has that delicious gleam in her eye and the guy is just plain hawt! Plus, check that tat...can you get a Charley horse from smiling? ~wink~

I gush because honestly I still feel like a newbie in this world wind life of an author. Who knows, maybe a new cover still feels this way (I hope, I hope) even after the 10th, 15th or 20th book. ~fingers crossed my muse and luck hold out that long!~

So how about a blurb to go along with this lovely cover? I'm still looking for excerpts so I'll have to get back to you with that, but I do have a Wednesday Snippet. Enjoy!

Blurb:

The Loss

Conleth “Cole” Douglas, warlock and vessel, needs a miracle. A destructive force has taken hold of his town and it will take more than just he and his magical Other, Cole, to eradicate the Evil. When an attempt to open his lover, Emterra, to their shared destiny fails, Conleth and Cole take extreme measures to stop the rising darkness. Their only option: take it, and themselves, into another realm.

Emterra “Irene” Azzurra, untapped witch and vessel, has given up on finding her own happy-ever-after. Devastated by the loss of her one and only love she becomes disinterested and remote, closed off from a life without Conleth. Even her job as the mayor of the dying town of Douglasville, MO, fails to sustain her, until she gets a blast from the past…

The Return

He’s back, alive and whole, but he didn’t come alone. The evil they’d hoped to contain in a distant realm has returned with him and is out to finish the job it started. There can be no failure this time, the now middle-aged, Emterra must accept her Other or doom the town to an agonizing death.

Skeptical of his sudden homecoming, Emterra is afraid to hope that his return could be true. She balks at the idea of opening her heart to him again. Especially when he looks like the same young Goth from ten years ago and tries to convince her she’s sharing skin with a magical being.

Can Conleth prove his claims of magic and the Others to be true? Can Emterra allow herself to believe in love and his wild claims? Or will the returning Evil finally swallow this town and all its inhabitants into the deepest realms of hell.
~~~~~~

Snippet:

Giant plumes of fire shot into the air, bracketing both the stage and Conleth ‘Cole’ Douglas within their heated embrace. The pyrotechnic display filled the night sky with showers of crackling flames.

An unknown force had let loose a demon within the town of Douglasville. Malevolent was too nice a word for this beast. This evil was a promise maker, a soul sucker, a bloody life taker, and now it was Conleth’s job to send it back to hell. The only problem--he wasn’t nearly strong enough on his own. For this, he needed Em.

Emterra Azzurra was many things to him, his friend and lover, his soul mate--but right now what he needed the most was the thing inside her. Deep within the body, he knew quite intimately, was a being of magic, a source of goodness, an Other--one who had the ability to work with his own Other to defeat the evil bearing down on them now.
~~~~~~

Serena Shay hangs out at her blog ~ MY MIND WANDERS and at our group blog ~ SHAPESHIFTER SEDUCTIONS.

Flowing Ideas

After returning from a fun filled time at the RT Convention I was out of whack but also revived. RT is such a fun convention. You get to interact with readers and other writers. RT was a blast and I met lots of awesome people. When I finally did make it home I came down with something. Was in bed for a week or so but the ideas would not stop. They kept coming at me. Now that I am on the mend I am diving in to those ideas.

I discussed some of my stories with some friends at RT and they gave some great insights and now I can work on it. I’m excited about my project and eager to get to it. It’s amazing how clear something can become when you talk it out. The idea starts to flow and it is wonderful.

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

Blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog
Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe
Newsletter: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/newsletterandgroups.shtml
Free Reads Site: 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.

Today is Full Moon Monday...

...yes we are expecting a full moon tonight.

The other day I looked up and noticed the moon during the day. I wasn't the only one who noticed but also my kindergartner; he them bombarded me with questions about the moon and why we could see it during the day. Anyways, here is a poem I wrote. It may or may not be about the moon... your guess.


The Moon

I looked up from the cement world
and saw the moon today.

What a pleasant surprise!
He may have even looked my way.

I stood in my white cloak
Made of angels small.

I wanted to find my voice
But my body headed the call.

Every night I look to him
Wondering if he looks back at me.

Perhaps when I turn around,
He casts a glance to see.

Did I give him a smile?
Did my heart jump on my sleeve?

He graciously walked away,
Oh, the webs that we weave!

My mind tells me that he is dead,
My heart calls out to him.

I pray for him each day,
My hope never grows dim.

Only at night to I stand to gaze
In my cloak of white.

The small angles sleeping
Hidden from sight.

I speak in soft whispers
I’m sure he never hears.

I just wish for him to know
How I hold him so dear.

He loved me once then
Cast me to earth.

But my love remains,
And admiration grows from this dirt.

Memories of tenderness come
Rays of moonlight caress my skin.

Emotions never forgotten
But hidden within.

With my arms, I reach to the moon
Embracing the light cast below.

I’m sure he does not see me,
To him I am only a shadow.

I was surprised to see the moon
In the daylight, alive and well.

Tonight I will send him a smile
And in the shadow’s I will dwell.


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.

As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. These features are prominent in her published novels of the "Soul Series".

When she’s not busy writing contemporary romance novels, novelettes, and short stories, Mary doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”

Nude (not naked) men

I've heard artists claim that the female form is a better starting point for pure art, but I like the male form just fine. In fine art, too. But I got sick of comparing my heroes to David or Adonis, so the next time I wax artistic about a hero, I'm slipping in references to

Nicholas Guy Brenet's Sleeping Endymion

Jacques Louis David's Patroclus

John Singer Sargent's Thomas E. McKellar

... or I might just refer folks here: penis art FTW.

*New Release* Holding On to Heaven - Diablo

Holding On To Heaven
  Erotic Romance/Historical

 

1Place for Romance:

http://bit.ly/gbcgvN 

Kindle:

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About Holding On to Heaven:
When the blazing fires of revolt ravage the countryside, Lauren and Sage McCain are trapped amid the flames of destiny. The Civil War has crumbled a Nation, and the Dakota Sioux uprising has turned southern Minnesota into a violent battlefield.

Holding on to Heaven is a story of love between two men and a woman, love between siblings, and love that crosses all boundaries and forges all cultures.

Angelic Erotic Romance in 2014

Friday greetings, everyone. First some good news that I just found out about. My latest erotic romance mss, KANDY APPLE AND HER HELLHOUNDS, has been accepted for publication by Siren-BookStrand. Right now, the tentative release date is August 20ll, and the print release is currently scheduled for December 2011. Yes, magickal excitement abounds for me.

Whenever I’m able, I love writing follow up scenes for the heroines and heroes of my pubbed books. After all, love, romance and erotic romance don’t end with THE END. Not as far as I’m concerned. The life and love story of my heroines and heroes, their adventures together, always continues in my mind.

What follows is the blurb, then the latest flash scene I’ve written, between Volcano and Sedona. It was written in honor of Valentine’s Day.
~~~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Blurb ~

Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar

What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp? Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal, with the hope her death will be quick? Or does Sedona trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her? Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges from the darkness astride a super-speed black motorcycle.

Is he her savior from the brutal hell of end times, or is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
Sent from heaven to help her save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.

[Angelic Futuristic Fantasy Erotic Romance]
~~~~~~

Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2014

The rose, in full bloom, landed in her palm. Sedona felt the prick of thorns as she gripped the stem in reaction. Transfixed by the radiant scarlet of the rose, she stared. Becoming lost in the spiral of gorgeous petals, she noticed the heavenly heady fragrance moments later, when it wafted inside her nostrils.

An appreciative sigh sang from her. Lifting the rose, Sedona inhaled its scent more deeply. Her eyelids drifted shut and she dreamily soared inside.

“Volcano,” she whispered, her lips brushing the petals.

My angel woman. His telepathic voice trembled her with desire.

Playing cupid? Sedona mentally teased her words though him.

My arrow is only for you. The image of his ready cock filled her mind’s eye.

Oh, my cupid, I want to stroke your wings. I want to kiss each feather tip. I want –

With a loud whoosh, Volcano’s powerful essence vortexed around Sedona. A firestorm of pleasure captured every inch of her body, and she moaned.

Yes, smolder me, you naughty cupid. Until I surrender to the launch of your boldest arrow.

Even as the scorch of orgasmic rapture seized her mound, and spiraled upward, Sedona felt herself lifted from the floor. Her carnal cherub carried her with his incredible force. Somewhere.

All Sedona knew was that she traveled light-fast through the ethers, as her molecules blissfully entwined with his. Yet, strange to her senses, she still felt the prick of the rose thorns.

Barely steady on her feet, Sedona heard, Your Valentine’s Day surprise, my woman.

The press of Volcano’s kisses covered her body like a phantom lover, as she blinked her eyes open. She certainly didn’t stand in the front room of their mountain cabin anymore.

“Oh, Volcano...” Hardly daring to believe it, Sedona gasped. With her hands flying to her throat, she murmured, “Straight out of Gone With the Wind. Like the plantation mansion of Tara.”

Sedona’s astonishment was an ecstasy unto itself, as she slowly turned, taking in the lavishly appointed ballroom. The crystal chandeliers and gilt-framed mirrors sparkled in afternoon’s sunlight. Dark red velvet drapes added to the room’s elegance, as did the taper candles waiting to be lit.

With her senses staggered, Sedona took her time, gazing at everything. How long ago had it been when she’d revealed her youthful, twenty-something dream to him?

They’d been in bed, cuddled in each other’s arms. She’d been leafing through an old magazine they’d discovered in a trunk. Inside were photos of a replica, pre-civil war southern mansion -- the exterior and the interior.

After her spontaneous gurgles of delight, Volcano had questioned her. Shoving away her sadness, Sedona had talked about her dream to create a back-in-time resort based on this period in time.

Do you like it? We cupids aim to please.

Maybe it should be Rhett instead of cupid. Sedona hugged herself, and knew her eyes shone with anticipation.

Before her mind’s eye, Volcano performed a rakish bow.

Are we dancing soon, Rhett Volcano?

Soon, my beloved. The Divine Council meeting is progressing well.

The pups? she asked, concerned about their two dogs.

In seconds, Aru and his mate appeared before her. After quizzical looks at her, they gave her doggie smiles, then began exploring.

Volcano’s ephemeral kiss touched her forehead, a temporary farewell. Your gown is upstairs, my Sedona, inside our bedroom.

With her heart lighter than air, and trip–trip tripping rapidly, Sedona rushed toward the splendid staircase. Reaching the first step, she raced upward, the rose still clutched in her hand.
~~~~~~

Happily Ever After is Forever ~

Savanna

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

Sedona & Volcano invite you to read their love story ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth...Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes? ~ available from BookStrand ~ bookstrand.com/savanna-kougar ~ IN PRINT ~ An Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend ~ Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for this week ~ sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com ~
~~~~~~

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.
~~~~~~

Thursday thirteen: the wit of Mae West

Many women—actresses, models, starlets, porn stars, Playboy playmates—have capitalized on their sexuality to further their careers. Many others—advertisers, clothing designers, cosmetics companies and even (ahem) romance writers—also have learned that sell sells. Sex is out there for anyone who wants to use it.

But it takes a special woman to not only use it, but to own it. Every now and then a woman comes along who uses her sexuality in such a way that you know she is in charge, that she is taking on the world on her terms. Lady Gaga and Madonna are two modern female entertainers who come to mind.

But long before Lady Gaga was even born, entertainer Mae West (1893-1980) was titillating and shocking audiences across the U.S. in a way that very few women did. She began her career in Vaudeville, starred on Broadway and then went to Hollywood to write, produce, direct and act in movies.

In 1927 she wrote and starred in the Broadway play, “Sex.” The title alone was salacious at that time. While “Sex” sold a lot of tickets, it was panned by critics and was raided by the New York Police Department, resulting in Mae being arrested, tried and sentenced for “corrupting the morals of youth.” She served eight days of ten-day sentence in jail (two off for good behavior).

A woman ahead of her time, Mae was known for her pithy sayings and double entendres. Here are thirteen of my favorites.

1. “Between two evils I always pick the one I haven’t tried before.”


2. “Don’t keep a man guessing too long—he’s sure to the find the answers somewhere else.”


3. “I generally try to avoid temptation, unless I can’t resist it.”


4. “I’ll try anything once. Twice if I like it. Three times to make sure.”


5. “It takes two to get one in trouble.”


6. “It’s not the men in my life that count—it’s the life in my men.”


7. “Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home. I’m tired.”


8. “Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often.”


9. “When I’m good, I’m very, very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better.”


10. “When women go wrong, men go right after them.”


11. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”


12. “Sex is emotion in motion.”


13. “If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the double meaning.”

Thursday Thirteen: Laughter - the Best Medicine

Laughter Feels Good!

I love  meeting people who have a sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine. Today's Thursday 13 focuses on one liners about sex.

Please feel free to share yours.

Thursday Thirteen

1. What do you do with a year's worth of used condoms?
   Melt them, turn them into tire and call it a good year.
2. What's the difference between a penis and a bonus?
   Your spouse will always blow your bonus.
3. What's the diffenence between kinky and perverted?
   Kinky is when you tickle your boyfriend's ass with a feather. Perverted is when you use the whole chicken.
4. Why do men get great ideas during sex?
   Because their plugged into a genius!
5. If a firefighters' business can go up in smoke, and a plumber's business can go down the drain, can a hooker get layed off?
6. Did you hear about the loser guy with a psychic girlfriend?
   She left him before they met.
7. Why should you never play strip poker with a nudist?
   They have nothing to lose.
8. My boyfriend says he was so poor growing up that if he hadn't been born a boy, he'd wouldn't have had a thing to play with.
9. Advice on life: Take it with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
10. Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact?
    Breasts don't have eyes.
11. War is menstruation envy.
12. Married men live longer than single men.
    But married men are a lot more willing to die.
13. What place can you touch a woman to drive her crazy?
    Her heart.

I hope you had a smile or two from these. Please share any that come to mind.  Indeed, laughter is the best medicine. =^_^=

Sojourn With A Stranger - Excerpt Monday - ENJOY!

Sojourn With A Stranger
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The review are pouring in and they're all FIVE Stars 

Penniless when she arrives in Norfolk, her mother and father drowned at sea, Raine Brinsley longs to return home to her grandfather in Maine. When Derek Stafford, owner of a large plantation, offers a solution to her dilemma, she’s stunned, if not outraged. She’d prefer to fulfill the contract to have his child and forget about him and his self-serving scheme. If only she could dispel the passion he’s awakened in her.

Derek Stafford’s only wish is to father an heir to Stafford House, thus securing his future. He didn’t count on the Scottish lass with green eyes interfering with his well-laid plan. After one night in her arms, guilt, not to mention the loss of his soul, becomes his penance. He’ll do anything to win her back, anything to quench the hunger tormenting his soul. Rating: Erotic Romance/Historical/Paranormal

~ ~ ~ 

Set up and Excerpt:

Derek needs a male heir. Raine needs enough money to go back to Camden, Maine to her ailing grandfather. Derek offers her a solution to both their problems.

* * * *

Derek dropped into an overstuffed divan opposite Raine. He pulled the leather pouch and brown envelope from his vest pocket, and placed them on the oak table separating them. Alternately, she looked between the pouch and his face.
"I'm not certain how to begin." He wrung his clammy hands. Damn, this is more difficult than I imaged. "We had a discussion several evenings past in the garden?”
"I remember.”

"I explained my father’s desire to obtain a male heir and my inability to produce one thus far?”
Dark green eyes searched his. "Yes, clearly.”
"You're a beautiful woman with a significant amount of intellect and a variety of coveted traits and talents."
"Thank you, but you hardly know me."
"That's true." The words managed to slip out his dry throat. “However, what I've witnessed since your arrival exceeds my highest expectations."
"Expectations?"
"You're in a difficult situation.” He forced a smile. "I'm prepared to offer you a way out."
"A way out of what, Derek? I’m not understanding―"

"Hear me out, please." Rising from the chair, he paced before her. "I realize the arrangement will seem outrageous at first, even obtuse, but I've thought a great deal about it since our meeting in the garden. I took the liberty of consulting an expert."

"An expert? Whatever for?”

"Childbirth."
A nervous giggle left her lips. "I'm not following you. Perhaps you should come right out and tell me what arrangement you're alluding to."
The seconds ticked away on the mantle clock, sounding like a thousand crickets had breached the room. "Yes, I'm trying to get to the point of all this." He stopped pacing and held onto the back of his chair. "Here's the way of it. You need to earn enough money to return to your grandfather in Maine. I, on the other hand, need a son.”
Her brow furrowed.

“I'm offering you freedom in the long run. In exchange, I want to have a child with you, preferably, a male.” The words rushed forth. “However, if you’re delivered of a female, I’ll love and accept her just the same.”

An audible gasp fell from her lips. "Oh, but I can’t possibly accept a proposal of marriage from a virtual stranger. It would be most unfair to both―”

Good, God, she thinks I’m offering marriage? Marriage? “No, that is, you misunderstood my proposal. I’m not suggesting we marry.”
Her eyes widened.

Walking to the table with a tentative gait, he picked up the envelope. “More money than you could earn in a lifetime is in here. I'm offering half now and the other half when the contract has been met."
She looked at the envelope and then at him, her tone icy. “How much is in the envelope?"

"Five thousand dollars."
Another gasp.

"Five thousand now and five thousand the day the child is born." Tossing the envelope on the table for effect, he continued. "It's yours right now should you accept my offer."
A rapid pulse took flight in a tiny blue vein in her neck.
"If you're not offering marriage, in what capacity will I live in the manor?"
"You'll be free to go home after the child is born. Until then, you'll have complete freedom to do whatever you choose."
Her eyes narrowed, and sparked.
"You said you wished to return to your grandfather one day. That day can be sooner than you think if you sign the contract my barrister drafted." He nodded toward the envelope. "It's also in there."

Her face paled. "Horace Masterson, the kindly gentleman who promised me safety until I returned to Maine?"
"Yes, the money guarantees your security, and your safety.” Walking around the chair, he settled into it and leaned forward. “At the very least, read the contract. I'm sure you'll agree the terms protect you.”
Her lower lip quivered, and he wondered if she might cry. Christ, what would he do if she launched into a crying jag? He couldn't bear up under her tears.

"You seem quite well prepared.” Her gaze took him apart inch by inch. "I commend your valiant efforts to keep your father's threats at bay."
"I can’t find fault with your reaction at the onset, but surely you see the practicality on both sides?” After drawing in a lungful of air, he added, “You’ll be free to go about your life when it’s over in a manner envied by most women. I’ll acquire an heir to Stafford House, and my father will end his relentless pursuit.”
“Oh, please enlighten me." She pinned him with a lethal glare. "Should I decide to engage in your well-contrived scheme, how do you propose we bring the end result to fruition?"
"It's quite simple,” he said, aware the temperature in the room leaped to an unbearable degree. "You spend three nights in my bedchamber, the specific nights will be chosen by Madelina. She’s prepared―”
“Who is she?”

“A healer, a woman who dabbles in tonics, remedies. She’s already prepared several concoctions.” He dug for the instructions in the pocket of his vest. “You must follow her recommendations when it comes to diet and tinctures for several weeks. She’s highly skilled, claims certain remedies will enhance the possibility of producing a male child. I'll expect you to follow her recommendations if you accept my offer.”

She shook her head. "I must applaud your tenacity and the immense preparation you expended in carrying out your duplicitous plot."

“There is nothing duplicitous about this. I’ve told you everything.” She looked away from him, but not before he saw the sadness return to her eyes again, and something he didn’t recognize. Indecision? Hatred? An interminable amount of time passed before he dared speak again. “Think of it as a business arrangement."
She turned to him with a look that said she would love to sever him at the knees with a saber.
"I’d like your decision in two days. You’ll find me in my study two nights from now. If you decline, you can remain at Stafford House until you’ve earned enough money to return to Maine. Do you have any questions?"
"Yes," she said with calm composure. "Why me? There must be countless women who’d agree to bear your child.”
"I thought I made that clear. You possess undeniable beauty, have obviously been well educated, and you have the physical attributes, height and stature, I hope are passed on to our child.” He shrugged. "It's that simple."

Flushed with anger, the green eyes darkened. "Will that be all?"

"Yes," he replied, finding it difficult to look at her. "Unless you have additional questions."

"I do not." She rose from the chair, her tone cold. "I believe I understand perfectly well.” Offering a false curtsy, she added, "If you'll excuse me, sir."
He nodded.

The moment her footsteps faded from the room, Derek unfurled himself from the chair and headed for the liquor cabinet, his only thought to down a double dram.

* * *
Follow Keta's blog for information about her next release: http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

TODAY'S REVIEW JUST IN:

My Review – Romine’s Romance: http://bit.ly/fbxRQ7
Five Stars & Recommended Read

Sojourn with a Stranger is captivating and spellbinding. I loved it from beginning to end. This is not your typical love story and yet is so very enchanting. Derek and Raine are character that will stand the test of time. A man struggling to find his way in a world where the family name is above honor and a woman whose pride will not be denied. They meld together effortlessly. Keta Diablo is by far among the best romantic historical novelists of our time. You will get lost in the pages of this enthralling tale!

It was not my plan to read this book this weekend. I already have a list to read in line with my current challenges. I opened it to look through as I do with any new book. I choose a page and start reading just to get a feel for it.

Well that was enough, I started reading and simply could not stop. If you have read my more recent reviews this is not an easy feat. I am very particular about books I put my stamp of stars on, but this is going on the shelf of favorites and “must reads”.

It is listed as an erotic romance, which to me is annoying, as the erotic romance so many time gets a bad rap. Many see erotic and think that its pages of unadulterated sex bordering on the side of pornography. It is wonderful books like Sojourn with a Stranger that are overlooked due to the stigma of this label.

Keta Diablo has proven time and again she is a very gifted storyteller and should be ranked among those who grace the bookshelves of all who love to read.