Love a man in uniform? by Jeanne St. James

I always say that there is nothing like a man in uniform – I’m sure most ladies agree. I thought about this one Memorial Day weekend when I was in New York City and it was “Fleet Week.” Amidst the crowds of people, who stood out the most? The men wearing sharp looking military uniforms (and I saw men, no women surprisingly, though I’m sure they were there). I think the reason why I like men in uniform so much is they appear to be “squared away.” Whether military or law enforcement, their uniforms are usually pressed and depending what they are doing, they may wear medals, etc.


The point of being “squared away” is to intimidate and to impress, to draw respect from the public. For example, a person is going to respect a police officer more if his appearance is neat: his duty belt polished, his uniform pressed, his hair trimmed neatly, his badge and/or nametag straight. It’s truly an officer safety issue.


By the way, I have the utmost respect for the men and women who serve our country either here on home soil or overseas, be it military or law enforcement. They truly help keep our great nation safe.


On more personal note, I have both my AA and my BS in Criminal Justice, I was an emergency dispatcher for four years, and also have law enforcement training. In addition, my husband has been a State Trooper for over 14 years. So my life revolves around police.


If you can tell, I love all aspects of law enforcement. I love to write stories about law enforcement males because they are usually Alpha. And I love Alpha men, how about you?


Read about one of my favorite Alpha males, Mace Walker, an FBI agent in my Liquid Silver Books best-seller, Banged Up available in ebook and for your Kindle here!

Surreality of Snow

Earlier this month I talked about snow stillness on my own blog. With all the snow we’ve been getting some days it is a winter wonderland (well before the mush when everyone has been through it). Since I leave so early for my day job I get that snow stillness when it is fresh and coats the area in a white beauty that is creates a surrealness. Being out that early it feels like I am the only person in the world.

Being that it was my world since there was no one around at least briefly I walked reworking a scene in a book I’m writing. It involves lots of snow and a sense of urgency. The feel of the snow around me got me into the mindset of what the characters would be feeling. Alone with that feeling for being followed yet it is too snowy for you to be sure. Then a face comes out of the snow shocking you. Is it salvation or danger? Whew. My heart was racing as I walked. It all playing out in my thoughts as I walked.

I was looking behind my shoulder too. LOL. Even sped up a little to get away. This is what I was going for that sense of fear, pulse pounding and wanting to know. With the snow it helped me get into it. Get a taste of how it would feel. This I think will make the story read more real. The snow we had played a big part in my story. Setting the atmosphere for me. Hmmm… maybe I’ll need to give it an acknowledgement for it.

****

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.

Wilde Seduction - What happens when a woman who doesn’t know how to relax meets a man whose lust for life will change her and make all her deepest desires come to life?

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

Romance Away the Winter Blues

The beauty of winter and the long nights may offer many opportunities for romance but it also affects several of us by placing a grey cloud over us. For the single person, loneliness and fatigue may set in; for couples, the romance may become stagnant. It's time to turn the season around, make your own fun, add some romance into your life.

Instead of avoiding the cold, call up some friends and get outside. Act like a bunch of teenagers again. Go skiing, sledding, ice skating, or simply have a snowball fight. Afterwards cuddle up with a cup or cocoa (add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps) and watch a movie.

On a sunny weekend afternoon if the weather is too cold for your taste, check out an audio book and hop in the car for a scenic drive. Plot your destination to be a quaint little town where you could enjoy a meal or a stay at a bed and breakfast for the night.

For a bit of fun after a busy day, pull that special someone into the kitchen and heat things up. Pick out a recipe together and spend the evening preparing dinner. When the meal is ready, enjoy it next to a warm fire or by candlelight. Spread a blanket on the floor and have a picnic. Turn the evening in to a weekly or monthly tradition and maybe even build your own "couple's cookbook" to share with friends.

Another way to spend an week day evening is playing a board game. If Monopoly isn't your thing and you want to steam things up a bit, pick up a fun sex board game from your local adult store. Check out Lover's Lane for several fun ideas.

Warm up on a chilly night in an extravagant array of bubbles. If you're a single person, treat yourself to a bit of romance in the tub.
If you're not one for bubbles, try a bath soak. Bath soaks are usually a blend of ingredients you add to your bath water to create a desired effect, such as a sore muscle soak, stress-easing soak or relaxation soak. Most bath and body and drug stores carry bath soak products. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light some candles, grab a steamy romance novel to read or your favorite BOB.

For couples, a languishing dip in a steamy tub for two is enough to inspire romance for even the stodgiest of lovers. If you're worried about interruptions, arrange your water play encounter at a time when you can be together alone. A great way to do this and create the perfect memorable night is staying at hotel with a spa or Jacuzzi tub in your room.

Give each other the ultimate bath and spa experience with a little basket filled with spa items from you local Bath & Body Works. Don't let the romance stop after the bath. Give each other a light, lotion-laden massage.






Mary Quast is the author of the sensual Soul Series. Check out her blog, Romantic Interludes during the month of February as she celebrates the 2nd anniversary of her 2nd book, Tormented Soul. Leave a comment during the month and have a chance to win a signed copy of Tormented Soul and a special gift from Lover's Lane.

Sultry Sunday- Picture this

I came across this picture and thought, hmmm, I'm going to write a quick scene about this couple- What special thoughts are going through their minds

Selena- The night for Selena started innocently enough. She'd entered the banquet hall, saw a few familiar faces among the strangers and decided she'd make this an early night. After all, she'd only promised to make an appearance. She didn't have to stay into the wee hours of the morning. A quick jaunt around the room, shake hands with pertinent people then she'd be gone. There was nothing holding her here.

Except him. Selena saw him standing off to the side. Dressed in black, the look of perfection. Male dominance and sexuality like she'd never felt before. In that instant of seeing him, Selena wanted him. She wanted to feel his hands caressing her, his lips gliding across her silky skin and his mouth tantalizing her every desire.

She could almost feel his mouth on her breast, teasing her nipple. His hands gently grasping her breast bringing her to orgasmic relief.

Oh yes, Selena wanted this man.

James- The moment James saw the woman in the slinky white form-fitting dress, he knew he had to meet her. It was the very least he, and his body, wanted. She graced the doorway bringing an electrifying presence that no man could ignore. She turned heads, many of them were women. Not out of jealousy, more out of curiosity.

Her long black hair shone in the room's lighting giving her an angelic effect. But somehow he knew she wasn't innocent. He could picture her riding him hard, her long nails digging into his flesh as she released herself. He envisioned her hair hanging down enveloping them in a special moment shutting out the rest of the world. Their eyes mesmerized with each others'. Only they existed at that moment.

James' imagination taunted him with her essence. Even though he'd never inhale her scent, he knew she was sweet. He could see himself tasting her, pleasing her. Her ample breasts were inviting to his lips. What he wouldn't do to nibble, suckle and swirls his tongue around her nipples bringing her the ultimate of pleasure.

Oh yes, James wanted this woman.

The Written Word . . . Flirting with Proverbs

Did you know the invention of writing was first achieved by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia somewhat before 3000 BC and by Mexican Indians before 600 BC? Egyptian writing began about 3000 BC and Chinese writing by 1300 BC.

And what about in the New World? Scientists have now uncovered evidence of what is believed to be the earliest form of writing ever found in the New World. The discovery was based on glyphs carved on a cylindrical seal used to make imprints and on greenstone plaque fragments found near La Venta in Tabasco, Mexico. The writings were produced during the Olmec era, a pre-Mayan civilization, and are estimated to date from 650 B.C.

Fascinating stuff, writing. Writers angst over it, study it, FLIRT with it, and strive hard to construct sentences that when strung together will produce the next best seller. Writing comes to us in a thousand venues, novels, essays, magazine articles, billboards, and even eulogies.

One of my favorites is proverbs. Yes, I’m a proverbs nut. So few words and so much meaning. Today, I leave you with a few of my International favorites to ponder. With some, their meaning is clear, others you might have to think about for a minute. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Pray that you will never have to bear all that you are able to endure
Jewish Proverb

If a man is destined to drown, he will drown even in a spoonful of water
Yiddish Proverb

When the sky falls we’ll catch larks
Irish Proverb

A lie travels round the world while truth is putting her boots on
French Proverb

Write kindness in marble and write injuries in the dust
Persian Proverb

However long the night, the dawn will break
African Proverb

Keta Diablo writes for Phaze, Amber Quill Press, Decadent Publishing and Noble Romance. You can find her on the web at http://www.ketadiablo.com 
http://ketaskeep.blogspot.com

Don’t forget to check out Keta’s latest paranormal romance, Where The Rain Is Made, recently nominated for a BOOKIE AWARD by Authors After Dark in the BEST E-NOVEL Category. Read (20) Five-Star reviews on AMAZON KINDLE

The Devil's Bride

If I could have any supernatural ability, I would ask for the gift of healing. Ancient stories abound of people who seemed to have a magic touch.  Since I don't possess such a gift, I decided to play with the idea in a current wip. Here's a snippet from The Devil's Bride (working title for now) .


Mini excerpt:

His eyes —almost black—burned fiercely in a face that could have been carved from dark teak.  A small scar  traced a fine line across his left eyebrow. When he scowled down at her, his gaze glittered threateningly.

She looked up at him murmuring, “Diablo, patience.” Rachel noted with satisfaction, his surprise at not frightening her.  

Cradling his head, she pressed her hands on either side of his face as his breath brushed warmly against her breasts .  As it always did, the moment blurred, power taking her. He grunted an inarticulate protest and then sat motionless as she stroked his scarred brow pulling the crushing pain into herself. Her fingertips caressed intimately, seeing the injury that lay beneath bone and tissue, channeling the waves of healing heat to soothe the drawn flesh.  

When at last, she dropped her left hand into her lap, her body swayed against his, momentarily weak and vulnerable. His arm drew her closer,as though sensing Rachel now carried his pain and ached with it.  Dispelling the moment that had seemed mystical, she straightened and tried to rise. 

He reached for her and fastened his hand around her narrow wrist. “What sorcery did you work on me, gypsy girl?” But he spoke of magic to her back as she shook him loose and unsteadily walked away leaving him stunned and wondering at his release from torment. 

*

Simon Grant searched the corridors and rooms of the big house, not even trying to hide his pursuit of the woman.  He grimaced at the joke played on him. He hadn’t had a cockstand since he’d been felled by an  Apache war club at The Battle of Sand Creek.  Even after the ache in his head had diminished to a constant hum, his cock had remained nothing but a tube to dribble piss from, without a will to rise and rut upon a woman—until  the gypsy girl aroused a longing in him he'd thought long dead.

Negotiations for Indian land were forgotten. Devil Grant had one purpose in mind and that was finding the beautiful woman with the magic hands. 

       For more of my western romances, visit me @ Gem's Place. 

Gem Sivad 
2010 EPIC AWARD WINNER
BEST WESTERN ROMANCE & BEST EROTIC WESTERN 2009

www.gemsivad.com

Thursday Thirteen ~ Ready to Unleash Your Inner Being

Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds is my current WIP. I think I’m on the home stretch of finishing, polishing, then submitting. I hope. Anyway, here are the first thirteen chapter titles, and the opening sentence, or sentences.
~~~~~~

Chapter One ~ Zolivar and Zindale

“Ready to unleash your inner being?” Zol asked his twin.

~~~

Chapter Two ~ Kandace Sylvia Winter

Kandace halted part way up the long curving staircase. “Light ball,” she whispered.

~~~

Chapter Three ~ Ménage à Trois Red

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

~~~

Chapter Four ~ Alien Tuxedo Twins

Kandace sipped on her ice-whipped drink.

~~~

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.

~~~

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.

~~~

Chapter Seven ~ Share and Share Alike

Kandace tipped up her fresh drink, taking an idle sip. Maintaining her cool during a security hunt had become close to second nature -- close, but not complete.

~~~

Chapter Eight ~ A Pair of Very Bad Bones

A grin tugged at one corner of Zol’s mouth as he raised his gaze to Zin.
“We are bad hellhounds,” he growled in a whisper.

~~~

Chapter Nine ~ Daughter of Affrony

As they slow danced, Zin splayed his hand on Kandace’s silken back. Caressing up her small lovely neck, he tangled his fingers in the wild airy feel of her hair.

~~~

Chapter Ten ~ Bubbling Toil and Trouble

Kandace figured if her last words had been pebbles, they would have struck the main security guy square in the back, he left so fast.

~~~

Chapter Eleven ~ Hellhounds, the Justice League

“How about Paris, darling? Zin and I are able to open a time slip portal there.”

~~~

Chapter Twelve ~ Hellhounds Ready for Seduction

“Kandace.” Zin palmed her shoulders from behind. “Our beast natures are savage for you.”
~~~

Chapter Thirteen ~ So, What Do Hellhounds Eat?

“Ladies first,” Zol crooned in his best Cary Grant.
He and Zin watched their witch delicately stab a slice of creamy potato with her fork. A moment after she slipped it between her lips, she moaned with appreciation, her eyelids falling shut as she savored.
Unable to take their eyes off her for several instants, Zol finally raised his own fork, breaking the femme fatale spell she’d cast over them.

~~~~~~

Happy Romancing in 2011

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.

What's Hot to You?

When I look at pictures of some of the guys my friends think are "hot" - they leave me cold. Why we're so different I have no idea, but I thought it would be fun to share a few pix I think are sexy and say why. I'd like to hear from you as well.

Hottie #1

This one is hot for several reasons. His body is toned. I like his skin color. The way his hand is placed shows that he's wary and ready to move. Because of the way he's posed, it looks like he's submissive to his female partner, and I find that incredibly sexy. Tie, no shirt, dark pants - I've used this picture in a couple of book trailers. This pic is perfect to illustrate the life of a Jade - a harem member belonging to the Empress in my Tarthian Empire books.

Hottie #2

 I like this guy - with the shirt pulled up over his head because without seeing his face, he could be anyone at all. He's a mystery, and I love a good mystery. Men say women are mysterious. To me, a man with a hidden past can be vey appealing. This pic symbolizes that for me. Also, who wouldn't like those abs? *wow* The pose also suggests he's playful, and what's not to like about that?




This man has a completely different appeal. He's fully dressed, right down to gloves.

Hottie #3

For him, there's that same air of mystery, but in this case, rather than a hidden face, it's because of the expression on it. Also, the way he's gripping his lapels. Is he about to take off his coat? Is he putting it on? Is he grasping it out of frustration with what's happening? Tugging it into place and being a bit on the prideful side? I like his windblown hair. Here's a secret for you. *shhh* My husband shaves his head, has for years, and I adore that look on him. But my favorite romance cover guys have long hair. *shrugs*

Hottie #4

Last but not least - a peek at a beautiful yet very naughty boy. That tiny bit of black cloth he's wearing accents rather than hides. It makes you want to see what's beneath it. The pose is unabashedly sexy. Is he a dancer? A stripper? A hot-as-hell married man who's seducing his wife? Or is he a worker in a brothel on an alien planet, waiting for the right ship's captain to come and rescue him? This picture is a piece of art, and so is the beautiful body it reveals. It really doesn't matter what he's doing. The pic is enjoyable just as it is.


Okay - what do you like about these pics? Do any appeal? Which one? You can pick by number and tell me what you think. Which one would you want to know more about?

Oh, by the way, clicking on the pictures opens them full sized. Yum!

The Japanese Penis Festival

I'm deep in the bowels of my next work in progress. This one is set in Japan, and although I've never been, I find a lot of the customs and traditions fascinating. For example: Did you know that every year on the first Sunday in April, in Kawasaki Japan, there is a festival called

Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り "Festival of the Steel Phallus")

Oh yeah. That's right. You know...it's springtime, folks start thinking about cleaning house, planting gardens...and penises.
The festival is centered around a local penis-venerating shrine where prostitutes used to go to pray for protection against STDs. Reports are unclear as to whether praying to a penis actually works, but hey...do what feels right ladies.

Can you imagine a festival like this in the states? Can you picture your mother wearing those glasses? Seriously. Here I thought Kawasaki's claim to fame was a motorcycle. See what one learns online?

I'm pretty sure half the fun of these chocolate coated bananas is watching people eat them.

Now I know you're thinking--"But Olivia, you said it was a festival of a STEEL phallus. What does that mean?" Okay, I'll tell you, but remember...you asked!

There is a legend of a sharp-toothed demon that hid inside the vagina of a woman and gnawed off her new husband's junk on their wedding night. The woman went to a blacksmith for help (of course!) who made an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth.

Praise the iron phallus!

I don't know about you folks, but my local county fair is starting to look really lame.

I want you all to think about this while you're out hiding Easter eggs for the kiddos, and making a nice ham for dinner: This is how you could be celebrating spring, if only you lived in Kawasaki Japan.

As a side note, that blacksmith went on to become a billionaire by adding a vibration device.

Okay, I made that part up :)

So now I'm wondering if I could set my work in progressin Kawasaki. It might make for some entertaining education.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Olivia Brynn
Website
Last Call Now Available
At Ease coming 1/21/2011

When I saw this picture I was inspired to write. Please enjoy my thoughts.




Watching and waiting.
I remain silent, without response.
Listening to the universe.

Watching and waiting.
Mystical and sensual.
A moment cannot be defined.

Watching and waiting.
A cosmic wave.
An energy released.

Watching and waiting.
A shiver runs through my whole body.
I'm profoundly moved.

Watching waiting.
Spontaneous combustion.
A master of body and mind emerges.

Watching and waiting.
A vision of pleasure.
Harmony of ecstasy and spirituality.

Watching and waiting.
The senses of the sacred are aroused.
Come to me.

Watching and waiting.
Beyond the physical plane.
I will protect you.

Watching and waiting.


Mary Quast is the author of the Soul Series. Visit her blog Romantic Interludes.

Sultry Sunday- My alter persona

While trying to come up with a blog today- I got to thinking about what my husband told me before- I am actually two people inside one body. Hmmm, that got me to thinking- do I have a writing persona and a real life persona?


I believe I do-


The real me loves to be at home with my family, cook and bake, read and write and is the simplest, most low-maintenance woman around.



My alter ego on the other hand is all about sex, sex and more sex. She writes about sex, dreams about sex and even gets paid to write about sex. She lives for it and wants it all the time. She imagines sex, hot unadulterated sex...in the shower, on a chair, on the kitchen table...everywhere. The back seat of a car, the front seat of a pickup truck...the list is never-ending.

Wait a minute...I'm having a difficult time here. Who was I talking about? Oh yes, my alter ego.

Well, she's a picture of innocence really... she just tries to be sexually alluring and provocative to the men. I love her for it because it's not something I am. I am very shy and private. She, on the other hand, is a wild child ready for action.

So when people see me, the real me, they confuse me with her. Please don't do that. We are two entirely different people sharing a body and brain.

Escape ~ One Reason to Indulge in an Erotic Romance Novel

Kevin Sorbo as Hercules

Happy Sinning Saturday, everyone. I hope the New Year of 2011 is treating you right? And, I hope you’re treating yourself right by reading those romance novels that tingle you the most ~ heart, mind, body and soul *tingle* you.

Escape, that magical feeling when you’re reading a book that carries you away to another world, another time, another place. As human beings, we also use our fantasies to escape. And, as a writer, my fantasies come in darn handy when I’m dreaming up plots for my erotic romance novels.

One of my reoccurring fantasy themes is escaping to a world of real men. Yes, REAL MEN!!!

Okay, I’ve always had this special fondness for the male sex. I don’t mean only as a woman wanting a man. I just like men. I liked hanging out with them. I liked playing sports with them. I liked listening to their stories. Yep, I’ve always enjoyed being around men, unless they got too crude or too into the whole ‘top dog’ thing.

However, these days, where are the real men? Being a baby boomer I’ve seen and experienced a lot in this world. I’ve witnessed and lived the changes. My memory of the events, the times I’ve lived through is as brilliant and sharp as watching a movie.

And, sadly, I’ve watched our culture become what I call ‘wimpified’, in general terms that is, and certainly not on an individual basis. I believe this is one reason there is such a craving for Alpha Heroes and also Alpha Heroines. Certainly, these romance novel subgenres remain a hot trend.

However, let’s get to the fun part. What follows is a flash I came up with around my fantasy of finding real men.
~~~~~~


His Pretty Woman

Stopped in her tracks, Shekia stared at the monolithic arches crisscrossing the intergalactic port. When she’d embarked on this all-paid-for vacation she hadn’t expected to face this level of magnificent architecture. There was nothing like it on her world, or the planet-worlds she regularly traveled between as a private courier.

Even the holo travelogue couldn’t do it justice. Unaware she moved at first, Shekia gradually spun around, her gaze fastened on the gigantic sweep of what appeared to be merchant offices inside the arches – given the logos.

“Like what you see?”

The man’s low rumbly voice teased her in a kind, yet provocative manner. Unused to that timbre, Shekia whipped around. The travelogue certainly hadn’t lied about the superior handsomeness she could expect to find.

The man smelled virile. The scent tickling her nostrils juiced her sex, a rare occurrence for her when it came to encounters with the male gender.

In appearance, he reminded her of a golden-maned Hercules. His build was similar to the ‘men of renown’, ancient Earth men who had been the sons of the gods and goddesses.

As a young woman she’d spent much of her day in the Denver International Library studying the recordings of these Herculeses, as she called them. Especially the discs found beneath the paw of the Sphinx.

The ancient tech record had been discovered during the 2020s. Even though, the men of renown had been all too neatly villainized by the accompanying documents, there had been something inside Shekia that questioned, that voraciously hungered. She wanted to know the truth about them no matter what.

Now face-to-face with a man who stood a good foot, and probably more, above her, Shekia tried to get her tongue to work. And dammit! When had her mouth dried up like a desert?

“Why is it so not busy...here?” she managed in the sexy galactic lingo he’d used. “I mean for a port?”

Taking a step closer to her, his intent gaze never wavered, yet he pointed upward. “Have you noticed the position of our sun?”

Lost in the odd dark amber of his eyes, Shekia shook her head. Then, despite her usual composure in every situation, she bit her bottom lip.

He moved closer, and before she could step back, his huge hands lightly gripped her shoulders. He turned her around so she faced outward.

Her butt grazed his amazingly hard thigh as he drew her against him. The thin, pewter gray fabric garbing his warrior-muscled physique hardly prevented her from feeling what he obviously wanted her to feel.

Shekia followed his hand as he pointed upward. High in the aquamarine blaze of sky, the planet-world’s sun gleamed like an ultra shiny gold disc.

“It is the hour of the midday meal. We take that quite seriously here, pretty woman. I am here because your arrival could be scheduled at no other time.”

“Sorry to inconvenience you,” she murmured, even as her traitorous butt now tingly begged for the touch of his hand. Hell, her whole body hummed with arousal. The image of her with Mr. Hot Hercules’s hands all over her naked body flashed before her mind’s eye.

“You are an inconvenience.” His voice was somewhere between a purr and a growl, and definitely a seduction of her senses. “However, I have made dining arrangements for us.”

Shekia emerged from her stupefied hormonal state. “What are you? Part of the vacation package?”

“I am your vacation package, pretty woman.”

Somehow, he eased her around to face him again. Shekia only knew his hands were on her, commanding her in a way that quantum-leaped her libido.

“I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.”

How those inane words had left her mouth, Shekia didn’t know, except she felt at a major disadvantage. For Goddess sake, she already clung to the man’s humongous forearms.

“I am Zolion, a third generation son of the Apollo lineage, as you would recognize it. Yes,” he answered her startled gaze, “we know about your educational study of us. Once a disc is activated we track whoever takes an avid interest.”

Shekia’s stomach somersaulted several times. “What do you want with me?”

His gradual smile warmed her the same way the sun warmed her flesh whenever she laid on the beach...only now it was from the inside out, lust included.

“I want to show you how we vacation here. I want to show you how a man treats his woman.”
~~~~~~

Authors, I invite you to share the fantasies that inspire your books.

Readers, what fantasy-escape story turns you on the most?
~~~~~~

Happy Romancing in 2011

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.

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Sexy Quotes

I believe laughter has its place in the bedroom.

1. Before marriage, a girl has to make love to a man to hold him. After marriage, she has to hold him to make love to him. - Marilyn Monroe

2. Sex appeal is fifty percent what you've got and fifty percent what people think you've got.
- Sophia Loren


3. Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place.
- Billy Crystal

4. It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married.
- George Burns

5. Women might be able to fake orgasms, but men can fake a whole relationship.
- Sharon Stone

6. I wrote the story myself. It's about a girl who lost her reputation and never missed it.
- Mae West

7. Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. Yes is the answer.
- Anonymous

8. Any piece of clothing can be sexy, with a quietly passionate woman inside it.
- Anonymous

9. But seduction isn?t making someone do what they don?t want to do. Seduction is enticing someone into doing what they secretly want to do already.
- Waiter Rant

10. There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL.
- Lynn Lavner

11. Don't knock masturbation -- it's sex with someone I love.
- Woody



12 Good sex is like good Bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand.
- Mae West

13. A hard man is good to find.
- Mae West


Mary Quast is the author of the Soul Series and a fan of Mae West.

Check out Romantic Interludes to read 13 Reasons to Smile.

On beauty

Folks who write and read in the romance genre deal with beauty a lot: heroines and heroes are often (almost always?) physically attractive. Even Margaret Mitchell's assertion that "Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful" is disingenuous considering the novel that followed. None of this is unexpected: it's part of the fantasy that we want to buy into, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to be beautiful.

Right?

Perhaps the danger is in wanting it too much or in going to extremes to achieve beauty. Recently, Isabelle Caro, a French model who openly struggled with anorexia, died, likely due to complications of her condition. The extremes are stark.

But even less severe attempts to sate an overblown vanity can have consequences. For instance, in their quest to "feel pretty," women submit themselves to dangerous diets and elective surgeries. Even when they experience negative outcomes, such as complete loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation, some women count the cost as worth it.

In recent years, popular press has paid a lot of attention to body images promoted in film and magazines, and I submit that romance novels similarly reinforce the necessity of physical beauty. As a genre, they collectively feature and extol prettiness. For instance, romance novels rarely feature heroines with unibrows, big noses, or flabby thighs, and I have never read a bald hero with a beer gut. I can think of only one book I've read that starred an overweight heroine -- Lori Foster's Too Much Temptation -- and even then, the focus of the story was the character's flab and how she was likable despite it. I did read an interesting book, Mary Balogh's A Secret Affair, that considered the heroine's great beauty a social defect that she had to overcome, and I thought that was an interesting take.

I'm not saying that all romance novels should feature physically unappealing characters, but an angle on this issue might be the fresh twist that some writer (or reader) is looking for. It would certainly be a challenge of characterization: writing a believable attraction based on something other than the character's pretty eye color or ripped abs.

What about you? Have you read (or written) anything that deals with beauty in a head-on or fresh way? Recs appreciated.

A good reason to cheat

I’ve always been a desktop computer person. I’ve had friends who swore by the laptop but not me. I loved my desktop. Well… until recently. I’m a cheater. A serial cheater. (sob) I’ve been stepping out on my desktop. I’ve done it briefly before but never like this. You see I have this problem. I love gadgets. I get all tingly when I see something new and shiny. Now sit back I have to tell you the whole sordid story.

Early last year when I was going to be away from home I decided to get a new laptop. The one I had before had to be replaced (or this is what I convinced myself of). Since I’ve had a laptop before I knew it would be a brief affair. And when I got back to my own house my desktop and I would be back together. After all our love affair was strong. Right. Well I was so wrong.

I saw the new shinny laptop I wanted and bought it. When I first booted it up my heart raced, palms and other places got wet. Did I mention I love gadgets? (Sigh) It’s one of a few addictions that plagues me. One I don’t ever want to get rid of. But I digress and need to get this out.

The laptop was so new and so sleek. I reveled in using it but… this is the part where I admit my shame and cheating ways. So bear with me. When I got home I didn’t even look at my desktop I continued using the laptop. I ignored the desktop. My love… my beautiful desktop. The one who had my heart…until now. As last year progressed I was steadily using the laptop and leaving my desktop untouched. The desktop would sit lonely for months as I happily used the laptop.

Well after some soul searching on January 1st I’ve told my desktop that it is no longer number 1 in my heart. It is relegated to my mistress (one I have kicked to the curb). It was a hard break to make but I had to. My new number 1 and partner my laptop and I are very happy.

My new number 1 asked me to promise that I won’t cheat on them but I could not. After all I’m a gadget junkie and may see something new and shinny. It may sway my affections. Which will lead me to another good reason to cheat. (grin)

****

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.

Wilde Seduction - What happens when a woman who doesn’t know how to relax meets a man whose lust for life will change her and make all her deepest desires come to life?

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

Adult Excerpt - Hardware by Sara Brookes

Since I last posted here, my first contemporary erotic romance, Hardware, released. So, today I thought I'd share an excerpt with you. Be warned, however, there is explicit adult content.

~*~

Just as Donovan opened his mouth to reply with what Patrick suspected was a snide comment, the cell phone in Patrick's pocket rang. A quick glimpse at the screen showed it was Allison. “Hang on, I have to get this.” Without another word, he exited the bar and pulled up the collar of his coat and stepped out in to soft rain that fell from the night sky. “Hey, I was just thinking about you.”

“Well then I’m flattered. Unfortunately, I can’t return the favor as I’ve been too damn busy to think about anything else but work.”

Frustration was ripe in her voice and he wished there was something he could do to ease it. He could probably duck out on Ryan and Donovan, but he’d already committed to them for the next few hours. Besides, she’d be fast asleep even if he were to show up in her apartment. While the prospect held promise because he’d already thought of several different creative ways to wake her, he didn’t want deny her the rest it sounded like she needed.

But he could make her rest a little more pleasant. It was time he pushed on her comfort zone again. “Where are you?”

“Home, thankfully. I’m about to collapse into bed and forget today happened.”

“Good.”

“I’m glad my exhaustion pleases you,” she responded wryly.

He nearly chuckled, but bit his lip to contain the noise. “Do you have a pair of shorts you can wear to bed, preferably ones that are made of denim and the fabric is a bit sturdier?”

“Uh, sure,” she stated, confused by his question.

“Get them, but don’t put them on.” Fabric shifted, a drawer closed and then he heard her mattress give as she sat down. He waited a few beats. “I suspect, like most women, you keep your toys in your bedside nightstand.”

“Damn, I hate being predictable.”

Patrick smiled at a couple who walked past and waited while they disappeared inside Rippers. It wasn’t because he was shy, it was simply because he only meant for Allison to hear him. “I also suspect you have a variety of toys.”

Her soft chuckle filtered over the line. “You know, I changed my mind. I do like you knowing me so well.”

Familiarity did have its rewards. “Remember the harness I had made? The piece that sat inside—do you have anything like that?”

“I do. It’s just a dildo though, it doesn’t do anything.”

Patrick wondered if that was a new procurement since the day he’d bonded her to the cross or if she’d had if before they’d met. It was a question for another time. “Actually, that’s perfect. I want you to slide it into yourself. Full tilt and nothing else. No moving it once it’s in place, just like before at the warehouse. You don’t get to fuck yourself, I’m the only one who gets that honor. Understand?”

His words were met by silence and then she gave a quiet sigh of satisfaction. He let the silence stretch out and made her wait because he wanted to listen to her measured breaths. He imagined her as she lay in bed, her long legs spread wide and holding the device in place. The image intoxicated him more than any liquor the bar behind him served. His body hummed with arousal and he shifted the seam of his pants so they didn’t press against his hardened cock.

It took everything inside him to resist going to her so he could finish her off himself. His name was a soft whisper over the phone line and he leaned against the brick wall behind him for support at the sound of it.

“Put the shorts on.” His voice wavered and he cleared his throat quietly. Never had he ever wanted to be somewhere else more than right now.

“What next?” Her voice was low and seductive. His eyes fluttered closed at the hum of heightened arousal in her voice. He swallowed hard and forced himself to follow his rules.

“Go to sleep, baby.” He ended the call abruptly and tilted his head back against the wall while his imagination kicked into overdrive. He saw her as she slept clad only in the shorts and watched as she shifted in her sleep. In his mind, she wore an expression of sheer joy and contentment.

He dug his fingers into his eyes, imagined himself climbing into the bed with her to find out how much time would pass before he allowed her to orgasm. His mouth salivated at the thought of that first precious taste of her release as she gave herself over to him.

The need to outright ditch Ryan and Donovan and go to her became a power struggle. His body nearly shook from the desire to have her in every way. However, the thought he would see her at the coffeehouse tomorrow, after a night where she slept with one of her toys placed securely inside her, was an alluring temptation.

Demands were nothing new for him. He’d issued them before. But he’d never done something like this and couldn’t for the life of him decide what caused him to do it in the first place. It had been highly erotic and knew without a doubt that he wouldn’t harbor one ounce of regret in the morning. If he guessed correctly, she wouldn’t either.

He wanted obscene dreams to plague her the entire night. Sexually charged dreams explicit enough in detail that she would awaken in an enhanced state of arousal come morning. Dreams he would ask her to describe to him in exact, highly explicit detail the next time they were alone. The thought of those kind of words spilling from those luscious lips of hers caused him to nearly shake in anticipation.

~*~

Sara
www.sarabrookes.net
http://twitter.com/Sara_Brookes

Sultry Sunday- Oily rubs and massage

"Let me warm up that oil, strip out of those clothes and lay down" Words to warm my heart, rev up my libido and make me obey your every command. When it comes to body massages I am a wimp. Offer me a massage, add in some warm oil and I am all yours.

To me the most seductive, relaxing and romantic gesture is a warm, oily massage. And not just on your back or shoulders- I mean an all over body massage. From the tips of your toes to top of your scalp.

Many times over the years my husband has given me the ultimate gift of massage. I would melt, become lifeless and love every minute of it.
What could possibly be more sensual, more erotic and lead to making love than a body massage combined with unconditional love. Nothing in my mind.

You don't need to have fancy scented essential oils to obtain the perfect massage either. Use your body butter, body lotion, baby oil or even mineral oil. Warm it up, drizzle it on and rub away.


Add in a rainy Sunday afternoon, a quiet house and I am so there. I'm just waiting for that special invitation.

Sinful Saturday

Grandma always told me the way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
then she gave me this recipe Absolutely Sinful Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients• 2 1/2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In the microwave or over a double boiler, melt unsweetened chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light. Mix in the chocolate mixture until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients alternately with sour cream, then mix in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Try it... I dare you.


Mary Quast is the author of the Soul Series and enjoys "cooking" with her hubby and highly recommends such activity with someone special.

Flirty Friday- Broadening erotic writing horizons

When I started writing professionally over a decade ago, I had grandiose dreams of writing sweet, heartfelt romance- you know, boy meets girl, bad man interrupts their romance but in the end the couple live happily ever-after and the bad man gets what he deserves. Oh yeah, and I also was a stringer for a local newspaper. I hammered out local school board meetings and interviewed the oldest person in the county- she was 98 and left quite an impression on me.


Gone are those days for the most part. Yes, I still freelance for another local newspaper and yes, I still write romance- it's just more on the erotic side of love.

When I wrote my first love scene I was hesitant. I actually wrote the entire novel Crape Myrtle and skipped over the scene completely.


Months later I went back to it- the publisher was demanding the entire manuscript. So the sex writing commenced. Once finished, I was quite pleased. Hence was born my erotic persona...and I love it.

Over the last two years I have developed my writing skills, expanded my horizons and dove in head first. I've written two erotic novellas Room 11 and Rachel's Desire and I'm reveling in the freedom of being able to express myself through my writings.

And finally, I've come to discover an online adult toy store company who accepts reviews and short writings about sex related topics. I have found my calling. And lately it's been yelling my name.

Not too much of a Flirty Friday- I just wanted to share and say thank you to all the RWBB authors and Sandy Lea Sullivan for being along for the ride. You're all the best.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Erotic Sounds

13 EROTIC SOUNDS:

1. Moan

2. Groan

3. Whimper

4. Whisper

5. Squeal

6. Scream

7. Gasp

8. Cry

9. Wail

10. Grunt

11. Pant

12. Giggle

13. Sigh

Ok, what did I miss? :)

It's Never Too Late

L-R, NarrAy, Senth, the Harbinger

It's never too late to live your dream. No matter how old you are, or how long it will take you. But you do have to start. Do yourself a favor, and start now.

You see this book cover? This book was released when I was fifty-three, and has been completely re-edited, new scenes added, and came out again when I was fifty-eight. The hero is barely out of his teens, and his heroine is older than he is. He discovers that age doesn't matter.

At eighteen, I wrote my first novel. It was 400 pages of rambling that would probably never have seen the light of day, excerpt for the fact that I kept thinking about it. In fact, I thought about it for eighteen years. But that was all I did. Think. I had heard that making it "big" didn't happen once you were over 40, so at 36 I decided to start trying in earnest. I paid an agent to read my entirely re-written book. Now - a disclaimer here - you should Never Ever pay an agent to read your work, but I didn't know that then.

It came back with some broad comments about relating to today's events and not using words the reader wasn't likely to understand, such as "caff" for caffeine=coffee. It wasn't till later that I met someone else who had also paid this person and discovered that he knew nothing about writing Science Fiction or how people who read it enjoy being dumped right into the middle of society and have to figure out what's going on from context. He had turned out to be a scammer, and I was glad I'd dumped most of his comments and used only a few that made true sense.

However, by this time, I was close to 40. Terrified of being over the publishable hill, and fretting I would never make it. One day I was in a store and picked up a Romance book (which at that time, I never read because they were too formulaic). But I noticed the author was gray-haired and not a twenty-something or even a thirty-something. I started grabbing books at random and reading about the authors. All of them were women, averaging between 25 and 60. I remember thinking "Sixty! OMG that is so old!" Remember now, I was still on the going up side of the proverbial hill. ;)

So I decided to look into writing Romance, because the biggest criticism of my SciFi was that it was too "touchy-feely". I was told that SciFi was written to appeal to men. That was another whack in the head for me. "For men?" I checked the mirror. Yep, female. My mother loved SciFi. My sisters did. I had girlfriends who loved it. So why did publishers think it was "For men?"

I decided to ignore the you're-too-old philosophy, and the SciFi-is-for-men stereotype and write what I wanted to write. I spent several years creating a background for my writing, building a universe that would enable to me to play in any part of the galaxy I wanted. I found a quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes: "Don't die with the music still in you." For me, it was the "books still in me."

Reading everything I could find on how to write, what to do, where to go, how to "get your name out there" helped me persevere. I submitted two short stories; both were rejected but returned with critiques. I once said I'd never been rejected, but I'd completely spaced those when I said it. One of those two stories later won Honorable Mention in a Reader's Digest national contest, and was in the top 100 of over 1000 entries, at #33. I felt vindicated. I was 40.

It took me a few years to get over my fear of rejection, my fear of success and the tendency to say "I'll write a book once ______." (fill in the blank) We bought a house, my daughter got married, and my youngest son was in high school. Within a few years, I'd have an empty nest. Then what excuse would I have for not writing?

I joined an online critique group in Dec 2003 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/para-rom-crit-2/ and began submitting chapters of a book. There, I had the honor of meeting Barbara Karmazin, a published writer of truly alien SciFi Romance. Once she saw I'd listen to her advice, she mentored me, and boy did I ever listen. She introduced me to her publisher, Liquid Silver Books, and by April, I had sold my first book. I was 53 that year. I've been writing for seven years now. So, far from being old at 60 (which I will be in 2011) I am just beginning my career. I feel more alive and vital than I have at any prior point, other than when my children were small. (I had all three within four years and was constantly on the go.)

Too late? Never. A friend recently lamented being too old to go back to school because she was 42. I had to laugh. My husband will graduate with his medical assisting diploma at 60.

It's never too late to start being who you want to be.

Tempting Tuesday

Rusted brandy in a diamond glass
everything is made from dreams
time is made from honey slow and sweet
only the fools know what it means
temptation, temptation, temptation
oh, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
I know that she is made of smoke
but I've lost my way
she knows that I am broke
so that I must play
temptation, temptation, temptation
oh, whoa, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
Dutch pink and Italian blue
she is waiting there for you
my will has disappeared
now my confusions oh so clear
temptation, temptation, temptation
whoa, whoa, temptation, temptation
I can't resist
- Tom Waits


Take the word, "Temptation".
Say it out loud, slowly letting it roll across your tongue.
Sprinkle in some voodoo and candle light.
Add the warmth from a well aged bourbon.
Lay with black silk and soft skin.


Don't resist the temptation
but simply let yourself enjoy the moment.
However, one temptation may lead to another
and possibly forever.


Mary Quast is the authot of the sensual Soul Series. Read Painted Soul and you'll be tempted to read Tourmented Soul and Lonely Soul.

Last Call!

For those of you who had a bit too much to drink over the holiday weekend, those two words might turn your stomach. Still Last Call is the title for my next book coming out tonight 1/3/11 around 7pm EST! YAY! Last Call is a fun little romp about a drunk dialing woman, and a fireman with a conscience. Here's the blurb:

Eric Layton is used to being awakened by the phone. Firefighters are always on call.
When his phone rings in the middle of the night, he’s halfway to the door before he realizes that it isn’t his chief calling him in for an out of control fire. The woman on the other end, however, is a little out of control, and in fact a lot drunk. Before he can explain that he’s not her brother, her cell phone cuts out. His conscience won’t let him leave the woman waiting, but is he prepared for the chemistry that flares once the stranger climbs into his truck?

Don't worry, he doesn't take advantage of a drunk woman. He's got more class than that! The hero, Joanne has had a bad day. A very bad day. Can't blame her for wanting to let loose a bit, right?

Want some more info about Last Call? Head over to my website to read an excerpt, or go straight to the publisher tonight as soon as the ink dries! click here

Joanne got a taste of a drink that night, called the Slippery Nipple. You know it? I've tried a few, and it depends on the bartender as to whether they're good. I found a few recipes online. I expect a full report next Monday as to which tastes better:

The following is from Wikipedia

The most common version of the drink consists of
½ shot of Sambuca
½ shot of Baileys

Pour the Sambuca into a conical shot glass, then carefully and slowly pour the Baileys down the side of the glass so that the two liquids do not mix and the Baileys floats atop the Sambuca. It takes a knack to do this. The Baileys can also be poured over an upside-down spoon to get it to float. Some recipes call for placing a cherry (the "nipple") in the bottom of the shot glass.

Another version is to also known as “Buttery Nipple” which sounds a bit tastier to me, but then I'm not a nipple connoisseur:
1/2 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
1/2 oz. Butterscotch Schnapps

Glass type: Shot
Directions: Pour schnapps first and then float the Baileys on top.

This one also looks easier, which earns points in my book. What do you think? Could you get a buzz off of a slippery nipple? What's your favorite mixed drink? I'll be trying out a few as I toast Last Call's coming out. Join me?

~Olivia Brynn

A Recipe for a LUCKY New Year!

I made this recipe for a family holiday party. I usually use a crockpot but since I doubled the recipe, my crockpot was too small. So instead, I just used a heavy duty large pot and slow cooked it all day until the meat just falls apart. It was perfect and everyone raved about it. This is a popular dish for a lucky New Year in our area (south central PA). When serving, I usually make mashed potatoes and put the pork/sauerkraut on top. However, yesterday I made a combo of mashed potato/mashed cauliflower (made with rice milk since I'm allergic to dairy) and it was THE BOMB!!!! You can also serve over noodles, if you prefer.

Slow Cooker Lancaster County Pork and Sauerkraut

You will need:

1 (4 pound) pork loin roast
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups sauerkraut with liquid

1.Cut pork loin, if necessary, to fit in the slow cooker. Season with caraway seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauerkraut over the roast.

2.Cook on High for 1 hour, then cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours. Internal temperature of the roast should be at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Enjoy and have a Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR!!

Jeanne St. James