THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Bubble wrap and massage oil

The nightstand of an erotic romance author must have thrilling assortment of goodies, right? Maybe not. Here are thirteen things I have in my nightstand right now.

1. Fat calipers

2. Measuring tape (goes along with the fat calipers. Get your mind out of the gutter. I don’t measure THAT)

3. A photo from our trip to Puerto Vallarta seven years ago that I thought made me look fat, so I hid it. Looking at it again, I was right.

4. Massage oil

5. A few pens

6. Bubble wrap

7. Swiss army knife

8. A remote control for a TV we no longer have

9. A stack of old baseball cards

10. Cassette tape on anti-procrastination

11. Business cards from when I worked at the YMCA six years ago

12. Flashlight

13. Lightbulb

What’s in your night-stand? I hope the contents are more exciting than mine.

Becca Simone writes erotic romance for The Wild Rose Press, where her characters lead far sexier lives than she does. Her Halloween story, Midnight Treat, is available now. You can find out more about her at her website.

Caution: Adults at Play

You know that sign we see in neighborhoods, the one that says "Slow Children at Play"? I've always wondered why the kids are so slow. There are signs like this all over town, so there must be a pandemic of slow children. Either that, or these little dickens are faster than any of us thought! It's one of those phrases that makes you go, "Huh?"

Misplaced or dangling modifiers are words that are not close enough to the words they are expected to modify. Often, they cause unintended humor. Here are some good examples*:

• 
  
  My parents bought a house from a man with no inside plumbing.
• 
  
  My dog was hit by a truck running across the road.
• 
  
  Leaking in several places, the scouts abandoned their tents.
• 
  
  Dressed in a silk nightgown, he thought his wife looked sexy.

* From the English Department at Louisiana Tech

If I see a sign saying Caution: Adults at Play, I want to actually see some adults playing! I came across this caution sign while searching for a different type of roadside warning, and immediately thought it would be perfect for this blog. =^_^=
Care to share one or two of your own favorites?

Fall Blog Tour Winners

Once again another successful blog tour- thank you to all the bloggers, participants and 'naughty' readers out there.

Grand Prize Winner is "Cathy M" and receives 3 ebooks and an autogrpahed copy of Mary Quast's Painted Soul.

First Place Winner is "estella" and receives 3 ebooks and a $5 Amazon gift certificate.

Second Place Winner is "sadangel" and receives 2 ebooks.

Third Place Winner is "yadkny" and receives 1 ebook.

Once again, it pays to be naughty- happy reading.

Introducing Madelyn Ford

A: Today I'm talking with Madelyn Ford, paranormal romance author extraordinaire with Samhain Publishing. She's a bit shy so give her some love...

What’s the kinkiest, sexiest thing you’ve ever done:

M: Sadly I can’t think of a thing. What is the saying ‘I only play one on TV’, lol.


A: How bad do you get with your writing, are we talking just suggestion or down right bondage?

M: No bondage. Some threats, maybe, but no actual bondage.

A: That's okay... sometimes we need teased :>

What’s the best thing you’ve ever written—the best line?

M: "And leaving her heart there bleeding at his feet, Charity walked away." (from Charity Received, the next book in my Watchers series)

A: Wow, brutal woman. Brutal.

If you could have any movie star take on a role as one of your heroes, who would it be?

M: Oded Fahr as Bale from Faith Revisited. The man is just down right yummy, but when he was in The Mummy, with his hair longer, definitely Bale. I think I need to go rent that movie.

A: Now, I don't know him either - all of these authors have wild tastes!!!

Size counts… on average how loooooonnnnnggg do you like your (um, how do we put it delicately) manuscripts to be ;> ( in words silly, not inches) and how steamy?

M: I like mine loooooonnnnnggg, lol, and steamy. I just recently attempted to write my first novella, My Avenging Angel, which will be out May 25th at Samhain. Before that, everything I’ve ever written has been in the 85-100k range.

A: I like 'em long too. What are the hardest scenes to write for you?

M: Truthfully, the love scenes. It always amuses me when I get comments about how sexy they are because they give me such fits when writing them.

A: What would you want other writers and your readers to know about you?

M: It’s kind of funny. The other day, my sister was telling me how she finally started reading Faith Revisited and was up all night reading it because she couldn’t put it down. But…and here’s the part that made me cringe…she couldn’t believe her baby sister wrote about *whispers* sex. I didn’t start out intending to write erotic romance, it just kind of happened. And I’m okay with that…as long as my mom doesn’t read my books :)

A: Yeah, I'm concerned my mom will get a copy of one of these... wowser, I'm not looking forward to that conversation.

And finally… anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself?

M: A little something from My Avenging Angel .

Looking at the items around her, Victoria Bloom knew something was missing. She had the pentagram, outlined in chalk on the old attic floor. At each point rested a large white candle, all of which was surrounded by a circle of protection. Gingseng burned on the make-shift altar, the scent overpowering; it almost gagged her. The Grimoire of Armadel was opened to the correct page. Ari, one of her spirit guides, insisted she was ready, but still she hesitated. The one thing Tory considered to be essential for the ritual to work was the very thing she lacked. Belief.

Funny really, considering Tory was a medium, meaning she saw ghosts, and she was preparing to perform an ancient ritual all on the advice of a woman who had been dead for almost four centuries. But she couldn’t deny something had to be done. On her twenty-fifth birthday, her powers had begun to emerge, powers her guides would soon no longer be able to camouflage. Calling forth an angel, though, seemed a little extreme, even for her.

“Hurry up,” Ari whispered in her mind. “You don’t have all day.”

“Yes, the spell must be performed before the sun sets. You don’t want to accidentally call forth a demon, do you?” Sam prodded and Tory sighed. Sometimes she wondered what it would be like to be the only voice in her head.

“Boring,” Thomas added, his nasal tone a reprimand. “Now get the sigil drawn so we can get this over with.”

Tory snorted but didn’t bother arguing. It wouldn’t do her any good, anyway. One of the three guides always seemed to have the last word.

A: Thanks Madelyn. I'm always thrilled to discover new authors and read the excerpts. Do you want to see more??? Or have questions of your own that I need to ask - Let me know below.

Fall Blog Tour- Hot Nights To Keep the Chill Off

Summer is gone, the hot temperatures replaced with cooler evenings. Take a few leisure moments and follow the RWBB romance writers as they take you through some of the naughtiest and sultriest blogs for your chances to win free ebooks.

The RWBB (Romance Writers Behaving Badly) Fall Blog Tour, Hot Nights To Keep The Chill Off, officially begins here with Christa Page.


Christa Paige
Bound By Rebellion

Keta Diablo
Holding On To Heaven

Gem Sivad
Breed True

Mary Quast
Signed copy of Painted Soul

Dawne Prochilo
Crape Myrtle

Jeanne St James
Double Dare

Savannah Kougar
Winners Choice of back list

Sara Brookes
Blood Fever: Rebirth Book 2

Valerie Mann
Mile High Club
and a $5 Amazon gift card

Chloe Waits
Flesh For Fantasy


You MUST post a comment on each blog to be eligible for the prizes. Winners will be notified by Tuesday Sept. 14 2010 via email so please make sure you leave you email on the final blog entry (Chloe Waits) to receive your prize if you're chosen in a random drawing of all participants.

Thursday 13- The Shopping List

This isn't a normal shopping list you're about to view. It's a shopping list for a romantic (erotic and passion filled) evening with your lover.


Box O' Wine- gotta love the lowered inhibitions and relaxation this shopping item adds to the night.


Whipped Topping- plain, with berries or with another delectable topping- this is a must have.


Chocolate Sauce- see above reason.


Berries- you can never go wrong with this erotic food item- add it to your basket...NOW.


Rechargeable Batteries- for that...well...for those special moments only a battery charged item can bring to the bedroom.


Peanut Butter- a tasty little treat for extra lick-age (is that even a word? I doubt it but let's roll with it.)


Silk Scarf- for delicate wrists.



Massage Oil- for those long relaxing back (all over body) rubs.






Thigh High Nylons- nothing more erotic than having someone remove this lingerie from you body. Oh yeah...



Red Nail Polish- for a perfectly manicured index finger- (very good photo op- see below).



Camera- you never know when a photo op may pop up.



Shaving Cream- ever shave your man? Or have him shave you? Very, very relaxing moment here- trust me on this one. Very sexually engaging.





Blindfold- for the element of surprise.

Writerly Wednesday- Intro to BDSM

In the last six months or so, I have indulged my reading appetite with a new genre of stories. It kicked off with Roscoe James’ Orion, which is excellent, and kept on going from there. The story that really provoked my muse to join up in this category of romance was Tymber Dalton’s The Reluctant Dom.

So, there I was with an open word doc, a plot idea, and a delicious hero named Trent. When the story begins, he’s in a playroom at a fetish club, packing up his “gadgets.” After a few pages, I realized I had no idea what I was getting myself into. So, thus began my research.

Today, I wanted to share what I found out about BDSM. I’m going to call it BDSM 101, and it's all about the basic things within the “scene.” (I'm not sure if RWBB has posted a more in depth entry about BDSM before this, but in that event, consider this is your refresher course!) If you are familiar with this lifestyle and find anything I list erroneous, please feel free to correct me. I want to be as accurate as possible and share the wonderful little aspects of this community with everyone here at RWBB.

First up: Terminology.

· Master, Top, Dominant- I was surprised to learn that these titles are not
synonymous. Someone can be all three, or choose to just be a Top.

o Master- This is the dominant partner in a total power exchange relationship

o Top- This is the person who is in charge of administering some form of stimulation, pain, or pleasure. However, this control is not of the psychological kind.

o Dominant- Psychological control is an important trait for a Dom. It includes power over another person, and issuing orders which are to be obeyed.

· Slave, Bottom, Submissive- Again, these are not all one in the same.

o Slave- This person sees giving up their total power to someone as part of who they are. It is almost a complete way of life.

o Bottom- This is someone who may control exactly how much and the circumstances he or she will receive some form of stimulation.

o Submissive- A person who seeks a position or is in a role of intentional, consensual powerlessness, allowing another person to take control over him or her.

· BDSM- This means more than I thought it did.

o B/D- Bondage and discipline

o D/s- Dominance and submission

o SM- Sadomasochism

· Aftercare- A period of time after intense BDSM activity in which the dominant partner cares for the submissive partner.*

· APE/TPE- This is a transfer of control and power to someone for some duration of time or
even indefinitely.

o APE- Absolute power exchange

o TPE- Total power exchange (This is often referred to as the lifestyle or 24/7)

· Spanking/striking instruments:

o Bat- Thin flexible instrument of leather

o Crop- Used for striking, it is rigid but flexible with a handle at one end and a small leather loop at the other.

o Floggers- Types of device with lashes on it

§ Cat o’ nine tails

§ Dread coosh

§ Fire whip

§ Singletail

Safeword- A code word used to stop ongoing activity. They are often used in scenes of non-consent, for safety’s sake.

· Scene- 1. A specific period of BDSM activity; as in, We had a scene lasting about two hours last night. 2. Colloquial The BDSM community as a whole. 3. In the scene- participating in the organized BDSM community.*

· Sensation play- An activity in which unusual sensations are used as stimuli. For instance, being blind-folded while applying ice cubes.

· Shibari- Extremely elaborate and intricate patterns of rope tying, often used both to restrain and to stimulate the subject by binding or compressing the breasts and/or genitals. Shibari is an art form; the aesthetics of the bound person and the bondage itself are considered very important.*

· Safety: Being prepared for an emergency is one of those FAQs about BDSM I had no clue about. Some sites even go to lengths listing what should be brought in a medical bag, in order to make sure that no one gets hurt, or if something crazy happens, there are first aid supplies handy. Talk about “safe-sex.”

I know this is just the tip of the BDSM iceberg. There is so much more to be found within the society. I wanted to share with you a few things I was surprised by during my research.

First, while I was reading about dominant/submissive relationships, I found out that BDSM is varied within its own sub-culture. Furthermore, it isn’t about the Dom getting what he/she wants, it is about what the Sub wants. The Dom is in charge of giving that to the submissive. A
BDSM dominant is concerned above all else with the needs and desires of the submissive.*

Second, in order for the relationship to work, the dominant must be attuned to the submissive. He/she can’t be self-centered or seeking only his or her own gratification. It requires empathy to be in that control position.

Third, the aspects of this relationship are often driven by the submissive, not by the dominant. The submissive is in charge of instituting limits; deciding what can and can not be experienced, and has the capability to end the scene. The dominant, for the most part, is simply
a facilitator. It's the dominant's responsibility to create a setting where the people involved can explore the submissive's fantasies.

That third revelation above is where my muse went into high-gear. As a romance author, the potential for building such a relationship is quite attractive. Some of the suggestions for scenes that I read were highly erotic while some were gentle, seductive, and all about pleasure.

I hope to incorporate what I have found in my research within my new novel. If you would like to learn more, check out the following links but be warned…These are not work safe.

Bondage Fun Safe, Sane, Consentual Bondage Gear

* I would like to give credit for the quotes and information here which is offered by a Dominant named Franklin. He asked that all quotes be used verbatim. His site, Xeromag.com, has an amazing amount of information regarding the scene, presented in a concise manner. Check it out for the huge glossary of terms and FAQs regarding BDSM.

Also, the picture is from kindlevixen's tumblr #smutclub.

Christa

Last days of Summer

It has been a nice summer. Had a great time spending it with my family and hanging out. Been just chilling and relaxing. Ahh… I love summer. Summer goes so fast it was a blink. One moment we are complaining of the heat then the next we are layered in padding. It is a weird cycle.

I for one will be enjoying these last days of summer 2010. Having as much fun as I can. Still have plans to go to various movies, take some long walks and spend as much time as I can in the sun. Feel the shine on my face and the breeze on my skin. I think my love of summer comes from me being born during the summer.

Summer is the time when family and friends get together to fun and frolic. This time towards the last days of summer people are getting together for the last days of summer vacations. Plans are fun and the execution of them enjoyable before the fall is upon us. Then with fall we start thinking of what we want to do next summer. But for now we are in those last glorious days of summer.

Ahhh… those last days of summer… What are your plans?

****

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.

Welcome Blood-Vine Series Author Christa Paige!!!

April: Today's interview is with Christa Paige, a paranormal and contemporary author, who lives her life probably even larger than her hero and heroines. Whether dirt biking, hanging out at the lake, or taking care of her family, she's making a splash at Liquid Silver with her Blood-Vine Series.


Welcome Christa!!  (My own sister's name is Christa :>)
I'll start out with the hardest question first: What’s the kinkiest, sexiest thing you’ve ever done?

Christa: I might have done some of the naughty things I wrote about in both Irish Kiss and Star Spangled Kiss. I’ll leave the guessing up to the readers.

A: Hmmm... research. I love that kind of research. LOL. In your writing, do you lean more toward suggestion or down right bondage?

C: I am going with middle of the road, right about Naughty Avenue with a left at handcuffs and spankings.

A: That reminds me of a horrible, in very bad taste joke that I heard this weekend --- When canoeing, the wife says over there, no to the left, harder... harder. Let's just say that someone said that the husband was probably used to it since she must be like that in the sack.

I know... awful!

Okay... back to the tough love questions :> What’s the best thing you’ve ever written—the best line?

C: This is from my first full length novel coming out summer 2010.

Ty didn’t bother to look at Gavin, his partner in the Narcotics Bureau. The fucking traitor had found his woman and thought Ty should find one as well. Gavin thought it would give them even more in common than they already had. Sometimes, Tyler thought Gavin was delusional, probably from all the lovey-dovey vibes Cassidy sent him. But Ty kept his mouth shut, not wanting to revisit the disagreement over his sexually nomadic lifestyle. Instead, he sucked down a swig of his warm soda and then set it on the little plastic side-table.

When Gavin shot him an I-know-you-too-well look, he decided to go on the attack, hoping to avoid the lecture he knew his friend was itching to give. “Leave it alone, man. Ever since you hooked up with Cassidy and the Domestic-Fairy sprinkled you with settle-down dust, you have been on a mission to drag all the rest of us happily content singles down with you. You are so whipped, man. You didn’t even put up all that much of a resistance.”

Gavin flipped a steak over on the barbeque, the meat sizzled, a spicy smell wafted on the smoky air. “Why resist?”

Ty dragged a hand through his hair. His partner could be so hardheaded some days. Now Tyler would have to address the issue for like the umpteenth time. Tyler should never have told Gavin about his growing desire for Sophie. Gavin had taken his continued interest as something more than just lust to have the hot social worker in his bed.

“Why?” Ty returned. “The whole ball-and-chain, collared-and-leashed, cramping-my-independence thing for starters.”

“Man, when you face three badass gang-bangers in a dark alley you’re tough as hell, but when it comes to a girl like Sophie you are a little pussy.” Gavin smirked as he reached over and grabbed the industrial-sized seasoning salt, which he used to vigorously douse the corn on the cob.

Ty itched to slap the smug grin off his friend’s face. “Bastard.”

“Yes, but I’m a happy and well-satisfied bastard. Ty, face it, the more you resist, the harder you’re going to fall.”

*

Detectives Tyler Mason and Gavin Marshall, from my Fourth of July novel Star Spangled Kiss.

A: There was a whole lot of lines ... good ones in fact ! 

So if you could pick a movie star for you Ty or Gavin or another hero of yours....who would it be?

C: Kivanc Tatalug is a Turkish movie star who fits the role of Traian Komar, one of my vampires. For my cop series I would love to have Chris Hemsworth to be cast as Tyler Mason from Star Spangled Kiss.

A: Oh... two new guys I've never heard of... I love learning about new, sexy men! So... um... since we're on the subject... LOL... Size counts… on average how loooooonnnnnggg do you like your (um, how do we put it delicately) manuscripts to be ;> ( in words silly, not inches) and how steamy?

C: Stories at about 45 to 50k so far. Steamy, like a hot whirlpool on a cold winter’s night.

A: What are the hardest scenes to write for you? :

C: Usually the opening scene stumps me for a while. After that, it’s the first sensual scene where I want to pull my hair out and curse at the manuscript.

A: First lines give me hernias... the first scene... I'll spend weeks on it.

Now a more personal question: How close in real life have you gotten to one of your fantasies?

C: Half-way there.

A: Ohhhh, deliciously brief. You're leaving a lot to the imagination there.

What would you want other writers and your readers to know about you?

C: I am a people person and approachable. I love reading and talking about what I have read. My life is busy with many different things like homeschooling, hanging out with my kid on-set in Hollywood, watching my other child do Optional Level gymnastics and camping. We love to go on quick three day get-aways. I like to be funny and find it wonderful when someone gets my humor.

A: Your life sounds really full. I've got to find out how you have time to write ... and did you say HOLLYWOOD. Hmm... is Christa Paige an alias - are you perhaps someone the Paparazzi go after during her lunch breaks? I"m intensely curious. It's too bad we're out almost out of time. Darn. Hmph.

Okay, I'll stick to the last writing question then :>. Anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself?

C: My second Vampire story is due to release the week of my birthday, 2/22/10. Bound By Rebellion is a story about reunited lovers and the hero Lucas is one of those Alpha males I truly enjoyed writing about. Right on the heels of that release is another novella release, my holiday story, Irish Kiss. It is a Saint Patrick’s Day romance that is one scorching hot ride. Cassidy and Gavin have such intense passion, the pages practically light up. I had the opportunity to write some hot scenes for that story and enjoyed being a bit wicked too.

For excerpts check out the books section of my website: http://www.christapaige.com/blog/?page_id=8

If you’d like to read the first vampire story in the Blood-Vine series, Bound By Deception, it is available here: www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/boundbydeception.htm

Sultry Sunday- My Favorite Threesome

Yes I'm sure by the title of this blog, your minds have wandered down the path of sex, erotic scenes and lots of flesh.

Imagining multiple limbs entwined. Hell, just imagine multiples.

Body fluids being swapped. Sex. Sex. And more sex.

Two men and woman. Two women and a man. The possibilities are endless.

But alas, the truth comes out...no sex on this Sunday (at least in my blog post).

My three favorite pastimes, of course after making love to the one I love with passion filled eyes, sweet whispers and...oops, getting off track again. It's hard (no pun intended) to keep my mind off of sex, making love, romance, passion, erotic thoughts, whipped topping...damn, there I go again.

Back to the topic of this blog.

My favorite threesome on a typical Friday night is sitting with my laptop writing, sipping a glass or two of wine to loosen the thoughts and listening to my playlist. The wine gets the 'creative' juices flowing while the rhythm of Nickelback, Godsmack or Theory of a Deadman keeping my fingers tapping the keyboard.

So ladies, hwo do you get your creative juices flowing? Share your little writing secrets...we won't tell.

SINful Indulgence on a Saturday Afternoon

I remember in Highschool skipping a class to run home with a large pack of peanut M n M's in one hand and a copy of a new Bertrice Small (writer of erotic historical romances) in the other.

This image still seems to embody utter indulgence to me. 1. Playing hooky 2. Chocolate 3. Doing nothing except what I enjoyed that afternoon 4. Chocolate!


I have been trying to go back to that mindset, before I had so many commitments, and a little voice inside me saying "should". Should you really take a day off? Should I eat this chocolate? (followed by a close second of calculating my calories for the day, and listing mentally what I need to do)

It's not always a fun way to live. This week I did an experiment of doing what I wanted to do because I had some time off.

Instead of doing the piles of laundry, I picked up the phone to friends and family and made plans through the day.

Eating Indian Buffet for lunch
Getting made up at the Mac Counter 
Spraying myself with expensive perfume I couldn't afford to buy
Going to an amusement park, where I not only went on all the rides, but tried Deep fried butter and  a Deep fried Mars bar for the first time
Going to a nearby Island to swim and lay about for the day
Ate dessert at each meal I wanted, without the inner critic scolding me


So what is your SINful indulgence for the day? Carve out even an hour or two and ask yourself what you really want to do, and do it with no regrets.


Have a SINFul Saturday just for you....!

Flirty Friday- Could you be in a threesome? Foursome?

For this WIP I let my mind drift to places that I never would have years ago. We all know a man's fantasy is a threesome (two women and him)...but what is a woman's fantasy in the bedroom.

If anyone had told Emily Parsons that you could or should only love one man at a time, she would've called them a liar. She wouldn't have meant it in a malicious way but because she knew she could prove them wrong. Because she did love more than one man.

She loved three of them. She shared each of their beds twice a week. She catered to their needs and they in return met her desires...all three of them while living under the same roof.

Derek. The brain who challenged her.

Rob. The fun loving hard worker who kept her laughing.

And Kent. Mister Thoughtful always full of intense passion that piqued her sexual curiosity.

All of them equally meeting her needs and fantasies.

So, give it up ladies...what is your fantasy?


A hot man waiting for you in bed?









A sensual bubble bath?









Sex in the office?


Share your "dirty" little fantasy...

Thursday Thirteen

This is my first time at doing a Thursday Thirteen, so be gentle, ya'll! I thought I'd write about 13 things that make me happy. They're not in a particular order, because what makes me the most happy now, probably won't be in six months... although some of these are keepers.

Okay, here goes!

1. The smell of the earth after the rain. That wonderful woodsy smell that makes it feel like the earth is completely clean.
2. A hug from a child. They love so sweetly and completely, and there is nothing like a hug from a little one who tries to squeeze all their love into you -- with tiny little arms that won't quite go all the way around.
3. Petting a docile cat. Granted, these are far and few between, but how wonderful when you find one!
4. Winning a game of cards when you're playing with a friend you know would never "let" you win, and the feeling you get when you know you played really well.
5. Getting home just in time to catch a favorite TV show and getting to watch it without interruption by phone calls. This is not the same enjoyment as watching a prerecorded show at all.
6. Shopping for a specific item that you really need or want -- and finding it on sale.
7. When you know the people at your favorite store aren't just good at customer service. They really are glad to see you because you've become their friend.
8. Getting a gift that is exactly what you wanted in the right size and color -- and even better -- realizing the person who gave it to you knew what you wanted.
9. A soothing cup of relaxing tea and a good read before bed.
10. Lunch with a friend you haven't seen for awhile.
11. Reading a sexy book and having those nice hot feelings satisfied completely.
12. A great massage.
13. Still my favorite after many years of marriage: Knowing you really and truly are loved.

Okay, gang. That's my contribution to the Thursday Thirteen. Like it? Have any favorites to add? I'd love to hear some of your favorite things.

Five Things to Love about Male Friends

I was pressed for a list recently by a guy friend who wanted to know what his best attributes were. He was filling out a "get to know you" form for a group, and couldn't think of anything to write, so he called me. Under some conditions, that might have put a person on the spot -- fortunately, this friend was one I knew well and loved dearly. I had no trouble naming several.

That made me stop and think. Were the things I thought were wonderful about him true of other friends? What about guys in general? Were these different from things I liked about my female friends? For me, it fit most of my friends. Did I tell you I was lucky? Yeah, I am! *grins*

Here's my list, with enough changed to protect the guilty. ;)

1. He's dependable. If he commits to do something, you can count on him to follow through and not change his mind at the last minute.
2. He's a man of his word. When he says he'll stop by and bring you something on his way to work, you can count on having it.
3. He's kind. He will tell you what he thinks and be honest, but he is not cruel in speaking his mind.
4. He is fun to be around. He laughs easily, offers to share what he has, and can be counted on to make a gathering enjoyable.
5. He looks out for others. When there's a storm, he calls people he knows in that area and checks on them. He'll go out of his way to help a friend in need.

Once I made the list, he looked like a paragon of virtue. ^_^ I thought, gee, who wouldn't want to be friends with this guy? Btw -- that's not his picture. I just happened to like the pic. And being a friendly sort myself, I decided to share with you. (courtesy of photoexpress.com) I'd hang out with this guy just for the view. But for me to like him, he'd have to be a whole lot like my friend.

So, what about you? Are these attributes you look for in a friend? *waves* Um...hello? FYI -- I'm referring to the list this time, not the pic. Just sayin'.

Five Card Stud

Roll With It... by Easton Corbin. 

I heard this song the other day, and being a country western music lover, it stuck in my brain all week. I applied the message this way:

Five Card Stud

Life's short- Eden Pace is twenty-five going on ancient. A bitter woman bent on revenge.
Work's a bitch-Bounty Hunter, Sam McCallister tracks  the worst of the worst to make a living.
Fun comes from unexpected places- Who would think a stage coach hold up could ever lead to seduction?
Sometimes you're lucky enough to draw a good hand- Sam knows he's holding all the cards...
Play your aces and enjoy it.- Eden always keeps a little something back--and rakes in the big pot right on time.

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Hope to see you there!

For Western Scorchin' Hawt Romance - Gem Sivad

A: I'm proud to introduce Gem Sivad - a self-proclaimed matchmaker even if she only gets to mess around with matchmaking in her writing.

She loves writing western romances and currently has a hot upcoming release from Ellora's Cave called Five Card Stud and currently has several books released with Liquid Silver and Siren BookStrand.

Welcome Gem!!!!

Let's get right down to the down and dirty. We like to release our innermost desires here so we go "deep". LOL

What’s the kinkiest, sexiest thing you’ve ever done:

GS: Sorry can’t answer that, the laptop caught on fire when I tried to type the words. This is a loaner so I’ll have to refrain from that mistake again.


A: Hahah... really. That Hot Hugh? Well, then let's stick to your writing. How bad do you get with your writing, are we talking just suggestion or down right bondage?

GS: Unless you’re talking about the prisoners of my bounty hunters, I don’t do bondage.

A: Hmm... bounty hunters did you say??? :> That's sexy enough without the bondage. Do you have a best line?

GS: From Bounty Hunters Book Two (wip): "He’s male, and that’s all I need for an edge, Eden thought, as she prepared to do whatever was necessary to lose this encumbrance to her plans. "

A: Oohhh.. I likeee. Eden sounds like she's a take charge kind of gal. Then men sound exciting - if they're as fiery as Eden.

If you could have any movie star take on a role as one of your heroes, who would it be?

GS: I’d cast Viggo Mortensen as Ambrose Quince in my first western romance, Intimate Strangers.

A: I LOVE Viggo. More woman could do well by some time with him - in or out of the sheets. I hear he's a poet and very romantic.  Sigh. And that body... that face. OMG. I think I should stop now. I like the name Ambrose. Why did that name fall out of popularity? Hmm...
Onto other speculations. Viggo's a big guy and size counts (well some people say that :>)… on average how loooooonnnnnggg do you like your (um, how do we put it delicately) manuscripts to be ;> ( in words silly, not inches) and how steamy?

GS: I like to write 60k manuscripts that have steamy sex entwined within the fabric of a panoramic western romance. I have to admit, my work is getting hotter, it must be the Texas sun *wink*.

A: Sure it's the Texas sun - Personally, one look at Viggo and I'd be getting hot - forget sun. It could be sub-arctic and I'd be... ahem... sorry. Back on track. What are the hardest scenes to write for you?

GS: I have a difficult time writing a scene that includes multiple people with dialogue from all of them. Keeping the words flowing and the threads straight so that the reader can follow the action of the scene is a bitch.
A: I agree. It gets really hard to keep the dialogue tags to a minimum, keep the story moving, and make sure everyone knows who is talking. That's difficult in m/m too. I admire some of those menage and m/m writers - just very difficult balancing act.

How close in real life have you gotten to one of your fantasies?

GS: Very.

A: YOU"VE "Tupped" Viggo?????????? What? When? I wanna know. LOL. Oh, whew. I don't think you meant that. I'd want the dets on that sexscapade :>

LOL... I'm so bad.

I guess we're almost up. Anything you would want other writers and your readers to know about you?

GS: I’m a compulsive researcher, an anal-retentive reviser, and a kick-ass western romance writer. Every story I write explores the influence and power of human sexuality on the decisions that people make, no matter what era they lived in.

A: Your books are fascinating. You've also got some wonderful cover art (fangirl moment here).

There are so many more questions I would ask but I think we only have time for one more... anything you would like to share with us, an excerpt, a tidbit, or anything else about yourself?

GS: Excerpt from wip Bounty Hunters II (yet untitled): Sam had recognized her the minute she sat down at the game. He could have taken her prisoner right then. But it had been a pleasure to watch her handle the cards.

His focus had changed in their first head-on match. He’d never met anyone who could run numbers in their head like she could. She was also wanted for murder. Both things got his full attention. She’d thrown him off stride again when she’d unfurled her cards and started her strip tease. Eden Pace calculated every move and it pushed Sam to stay ahead of her.

The mystery woman had chosen seduction as her weapon of choice. She’d named the game, and that he regretted. He didn’t force women, he wasn’t Ben Jenkins. He’d rattled her with the side bet. He’d have let her walk then, had she won. He would also have followed. He’d planned on talking to her, sorting out the reason for the killing, and offering to untangle her problem. Then, he’d planned on seducing her.

But she’d lost, and continued the game. She’d dealt the next hand as soon as she entered the room. And now, she stood indecisively looking at his gun as though maybe seduction hadn’t been the right game after all. He was caught by surprise when she sank to her knees between his legs. Her hair brushed against his thigh, and his cock swelled bigger, jutting toward what it wanted.

He didn’t suppress his groan of pleasure when her pink lips sipped delicately and her tongue explored the slit, tasting the pre-cum that seeped there. She lapped the head with feathery strokes that made him want to jut his hips and thrust deeper into her mouth and down her throat. But he didn’t. He held onto his control as she licked him like a kitten eating up cream.

Nibbling her way down his shaft, she applied lips and tongue in a wet caress. When she shrugged delicately against his thigh, he widened for her, spreading his legs and shifting to give her access to her target.

First the left testicle, then the right enjoyed the soft caress and tantalizing miracle of her mouth. His nuts were so hard and tight he risked shooting his load right then, but he set his back teeth, gripped the arms of the chair, and let her play. Her black hair cascaded around her face as she tilted her head to take more of him, working her mouth back up his cock.

By the time she reached the top, Sam’s control was lost. “Play times over sweetheart.” When her lips surrounded the head of his cock, he cupped her face and thrust into the cavern of her mouth, withdrawing, and then thrusting again. “Take more of it,” he ordered her. She widened her jaw upon demand and he angled her head to take him deeper.

He had intended to take her pussy first, but his cock had other ideas. “Suck on it,” he directed her effort to take his size. “Relax your throat and let me in, Eden.” His directions were unnecessary. She adjusted her position and swallowed his length, throat muscles caressing the sensitive head.

When she made a humming sound, her clasping flesh vibrated around his pumping cock and he lost his control, coming in hot spurts of cream that she drank from him.

He sank back against the chair and closed his eyes savoring the extraordinary pleasure she had just given him. “Give me a minute Eden and I’ll satisfy you.” He heard the click of a cocked hammer before he opened his eyes.

“I’ve found my own release.” Her husky reply mocked him, even as she stepped into her clothes and pointed the gun at him. She gathered his boots, belt, pants, and shirt, and backed to the window which she fumbled open without looking away from him.

When she threw the whole bundle out, he relaxed a little promising, “You’ll pay for that Eden.”

“So will you,” she replied as she topped off her satchel with his saddlebags, and closed it with a snap before walking out the door.

“Well I’ll be damned.” It was only the second time in his life that anyone had ever gotten the drop on Snake McCallister. The first time he’d been fourteen and an untried youth. This time he was a man and he had no excuse.

Sam sat naked on the edge of the chair and felt reluctant admiration settle over him. His face relaxed in an easy smile and a chuckle turned into a gruff laugh of amazement. “It’s your pot Eden. Shuffle the cards pretty lady. We have another hand to play.”

A: WOWSER... that's steamy. I think my own screen is about to fizzle out.

If you want to learn more about Gem, check her out at http://www.gemsivad.com/ .

Thanks Gem!

Sultry Sunday-

This is an excerpt from my erotic short story collection WIP. This particular short is called Stumble Inn. The enticing events that happen in a bar. Various patrons experience a variety of sexual escapades.


Her short skirt hugged her thighs as she swaggered towards the back of the room. The stretch fabric clung to her accentuating every luscious curve and toned muscle. You could tell there were no pantie lines. Thong? Or, better yet, nothing? It didn't take much for the imagination to wonder with this woman.

Her sex appeal and sultry manner was enough to make even a gay man rethink his sexual preference.

Her cotton camisole clung to her like a well-fit...wet tee-shirt at a contest. It molded to her body so you could see the outline of her skimpy bra's lacy and erect nipples. The twinge in his groin was alive and well again.

He shifted on the bar stool and tried to dismiss her existence but damned if he could. He tried to unpretentiously reposition his hard-on without drawing attention to himself. Not an easy task.

X-Snippet ~ BRANDED BY THE TEXANS ~ Only It’s Your C**k, Not a Gun

~~~ Sliders meets Bonanza meets the Three Star Republic of Texas ~~~

Chapter Twenty-Three ~ Only It’s Your Cock, Not a Gun

“No fair.” She spoke to his back, since he’d turned and resumed his stride. It was just as well, since she already burned. Just thinking about it, she felt her sex pulse, alive in a whole new way. “You’re like a gunslinger,” she partly shouted. “Only it’s your cock, not a gun.”
~~~

Happy Ridin’ and Ropin’ Summer...

Savanna

Savanna Kougar ~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

***
Blurb ~

What can three Texans do to a woman’s body and heart?
Kylie is about to find out.
Beyond her wildest dreams.
On a parallel Earth.

It’s 2009... Kylie is on the run from the law for a crime she didn’t commit. A promising doctoral student, she’s lost everyone and almost everything, except for what she stows in her car. Now, Kylie has to salvage the rest of her life. But, where in this age of GPS tracking, TV’s Most Wanted and cameras everywhere?

It’s 2009... Dillon, Dono and Dash are three brothers desperate for a wife to brand as their own. The Union made women scarce in the Three Star Republic by releasing a bio weapons’ plague during the border wars. These tough-as-leather Texans will do anything to keep the right woman, even if they have to lasso her like a wild filly and love on her until she loves them back.
~~~~~~

A Siren-BookStrand #1 BESTSELLER ~ http://bookstrand.com/branded-by-the-texans ~ http://bookstrand.com/savanna-kougar ~ Rated: SEXTREME
~~~

Flirty Friday- End of Summer Fun

The end of summer doesn't have to be sad...liven it up with a splash of your own heat.

Gone are the hot steamy sleepless nights- they are replaced with a special heat. Heat up the bedroom on those cool autumn nights.

Snuggle in with your lover.

Enjoy the cooler evenings outside- sit and talk. Play the remember when game...Remember when we made love outside? Remember the time we snuck away from the party... Remember when we used all the whipped topping. These little talks can (and will) lead to a night of passion.

13 MORE Ways to Say "I Love You"

13 MORE WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU:

I love you. Its three simple words. But how about switching it up a bit? Catch your loved own off guard… Let me know what’s your favorite? If you missed the first 13 ways to say “I love you” hop on over to my personal blog The Rantings and Ravings of Jeanne St. James…

14. I cherish you.

15. You are the light of my life.

16. I can't stop thinking about you when we're apart.

17. I worship you.

18. I'm a better person because of you.

19. I’m yours.

20. You’re my one and only.

21. You fill my heart.

22. You make me fly.

23. You light my flame.

24. You’re the one I’ve always wished for.

25. You rock my world.

26. You are my reason for living.

So what is YOUR favorite way to say "I love you?"

Jeanne St. James is an erotic romance author who loves to write about an Alpha male (or two). Especially one in uniform: cops, Feds, or even football players! She resides in south central Pennsylvania near Hershey chocolate and the Amish. Her hot and steamy contemporary romances can include a male/female, a ménage (male/male/female) or male/male relationship. It depends on what's floating her boat at the moment. She has three releases: a m/f contemporary, Banged Up, with Liquid Silver Books; a bestselling m/m/f interracial ménage, Double Dare, with Loose Id; and a bestselling, award winning, m/m erotic novella, Rip Cord, with Phaze.

You can find her on the web at http://www.jeannestjames.com/. Also, come friend her on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Check out her blog for her upcoming events and great guest authors.

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