Contemporary Romance and Erotic Contemporary Romance

Something Wicked This Way Comes

My writing pal Katalina Leon has hijacked my blog today to talk about her release Asterion, a part of the highly-acclaimed anthology Something Wicked This Way Comes. Don’t you just love the title – and what a cover!!

For now, here’s Kat!

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First, I want to thank Tina for being a gracious hostess and having me as a guest on her blog, I love visiting here!

As you might have already guessed, I’m here promoting a new book release, but this one is really special to me. One of my short stories “Asterion” is included in Ellora’s Cave latest anthology “Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 2”. There’s a little bit of a backstory here, so I’m going to back up a little…

I bought my first Ellora’s Cave erotic-romance a few years ago. It was Jaid Black’s “The Empress’ New Clothes”. I read it with relish and was both thrilled and a little shocked that it was so different from any traditional romance novel I’d ever read. There was nothing coy about the love scenes. Not only was the bedroom door flung wide open—a few other partners were invited in too. In short it was a lot of inhibition-peeling, naughty good fun.

Ten seconds after finishing the book I ran back to Borders book store and bought another Ellora’s Cave book, Diana Hunter’s “Secret Submission”. Wow, what a gorgeous trip down BDSM-lane that book was! It opened my eyes to a strong female character coming to terms, on her owns terms with a BDSM full commitment relationship with a life partner. I shared this book with my husband and it meant a lot to us. Thank you Diana.

Not long after my husband suggested I write a short story for him. I was a little nervous. I’d focused on other things all my life and didn’t consider myself much of a writer, but I wanted to try. Several heart felt stories quickly appeared, which I wrote in spiral notebooks with a fountain pen because my typing was so poor. At the time I didn’t have my own computer and wouldn’t risk documenting my thoughts on a family laptop where someone might accidently read them, typos and all.

When I had a new story to share, my husband and I would lock the bedroom door, climb into bed and I’d quietly read it to him by the light of a clip-on book light. The stories were a hit with him.

Soon I felt encouraged enough to type a story and submit it to Ellora’s Cave. I just about fainted when they accepted it!

So last year when Jaid Black aka Tina Engler “The Queen of Steam” grand Empress and founder of Ellora’s Cave sent out an email asking EC authors to submit 13k stories for an anthology—I was on it pronto! Did I mention the original deadline was two weeks from the date on the email? Uh! I started writing my story an hour later. The deadline was later extended but it was still tight.

I submitted “Asterion” which was my take on a young Greek woman’s experience in the labyrinth of the Minotaur. It contains completely fictional paranormal elements and I really enjoyed the challenge of trying to create something wickedly different for this anthology. I wanted my heroine “Larisa” to discover what first appears to be a monster is really a handsome prince.

One morning, I knew I’d made it into the anthology because my email inbox was suddenly full of congratulations from friends. I actually read a few congratulations before I fully realized exactly what I was being congratulated on…

I glanced at the original email at the bottom of the page and saw my name included in the same volume as Jaid Black and Diana Hunter and almost cried. Everybody has their little moment when something hits hard, and this was mine. This affected me more than any review or contract had ever moved me. It was so personal. Seeing my name beside those two talented ladies who inspired me to write in the first place was extremely humbling to say nothing of the amazing Laurann Dohner, Regina Carlisle—whom I’m in awe for her super hot “Lone Star Lycans” and Aubrey Ross, who is so creative and talented!

So if you’re game to try something new and taste a few fresh flavors “Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 2” might be just the treat for you. There are six Ellora’s Cave authors in one volume each offering something erotic, romantic and surprising.

Here’s the blurb:

Fatman & Robyn

Jaid Black

Jake Chamberlin, star quarterback of the New York Bloods, has a not-so-little secret—he’s into chubby chicks. He does all he can to resist temptation, but when Jake bumps into the gorgeous Robyn DiMarco at a bistro in Little Italy, all bets are off.

Scarred and Kilt

Laurann Dohner

Matty has a new neighbor, and she strongly suspects the kilt-wearing hottie is a vampire—he only goes out at night, has weird visitors and the blood bank is making regular deliveries. But he doesn’t seem to hurt anyone, so “live and let live” is Matty’s motto. Until she sees a guy armed with crosses and wooden stakes breaking into the neighbor’s house. Matty charges to the rescue—and ends up in Mr. Hottie’s bed…and on his desk…and…

Tinderbox

Regina Carlysle

Set in the same world as Jaguar Hunger.

Private investigators Nate and Daniel don’t expect to find their mate while working a case. But they recognize Olivia as theirs the second they catch the missing woman’s scent—the scent of a female jaguar shifter in heat. Nate and Daniel’s task? Find then claim Livvy in every raw, animalistic way possible…and release her inner beast.

Asterion

Katalina Leon

Betrayed by her village chief, Larisa is brought to a mysterious island and left bound in a subterranean labyrinth, where drops of her blood summon the mythical Minotaur. She expects the man-beast to take her life…but it’s her body that’s sacrificed. Darron, a shapeshifting being, ravishes Larisa, and she gives herself freely to the pleasure—a decision that will change both their worlds forever.

Book Video

Decadent Dance

Aubrey Ross

Surely the dress Zoe purchased did not transport her to an alien ship, right? No. Hallucinations. Must be. Though…the gorgeous alien who greets her seems real enough. And the sex? Out of this world.

Vaden has waited years for his Decadent Dancer, and though Zoe swears she didn’t know what the dress could do, Vaden has been lonely too long to be easily thwarted. He’ll use every sensual trick he knows to convince Zoe she’s right where she belongs.

Sahara Heat

Diana Hunter

As a favor to a friend, author Carla Braun agrees to meet with archaeologist Josef Anderson to discuss his recent desert find. To her dismay, the man’s infuriating…as well as tall, blond, gorgeous—and into BDSM. If she can look beyond Dr. Anderson’s cool exterior, Carla just might discover some scorching Sahara Heat…

If you haven’t seen the book trailer for “Asterion” see it here. This trailer was made by husband and presented to me as a gift. (Thank you sweetie!)

“Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 2” Is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble this Tuesday May 1^st  and Ellora’s Cave May 2^nd.

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Wicked-Comes-Volume-ebook/dp/B007L4T4LO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335462851&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/-Something-Wicked-This-Way-Comes-Volume-2-?keyword=%22Something+Wicked+This+Way+Comes+Volume+2%22&store=allproducts

And of course Ellora’s Cave/ Jasmine Jade

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10001-something-wicked-this-way-comes-volume-2.aspx

Thank you Tina for having me as a guest!

Please leave comments or questions, I’ll be checking back all day and I love to answer everyone in person.

XXOO Kat

My May Newsletter is Available Now!!

There’s great stuff inside:

1. Eye Candy (guys to drool over)

2. Upcoming events (what authors will be visiting me and where I’ll be so we can meet & chat), including CONTESTS!!!

3. News of my May contest

4. Free Reads (excerpts from my popular novels)

5. And more. . .

To get a copy of my newest newsletter and all my back issues, all you have to do is click here.

Don’t You Love It When…

Isn’t it enough that us non-techies – yeah, you know who you are – have to post to blogs, update websites, get savvy with videos and all that other stuff when all we want to do is write books?

You’d think so, wouldn’t you. But oh no. Those hard-core techies who run all the behind the scenes stuff somehow always see fit to change the process. While it may be good for them, it’s not so good for us. 

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Take Blogger for example. I run my other site Sweet n Sexy Divas from it. Imagine my surprise when I went there to check on the post of the day and discovered everything had been changed. Not the SNSD blog, of course, but the mechanics on how to post, where to find the posts, how to find my Blogger profile. Dear God, the list was endless.

It took me twenty minutes to figure out how to get to a place I’d gotten to in less than five seconds before. I suspect the techie who developed the new design thought it was far superior to the last one. Maybe for him (or her) but not for me. Why in the hell change it at all? Did it really need an upgrade that made it ten times harder to navigate?

It’s like going to your favorite grocery store, wanting to duck in for a few things, and seeing that everything’s been changed (yep, my grocery store has done that a few times). I guess they figure you have gobs of time to roam up and down aisles, searching for everything. Not me. I grabbed an employee, handed her my shopping list and said, “Write down the aisle everything is on or I’m going to your competitor.”

I absolutely hate it when these things are changed. If the changes were good – fine. But they rarely are. When the new IE came out, I dutifully downloaded it. OMG. What a huge mistake. Once it was loaded, I couldn’t post to WordPress (that’s this blog). I’d key into the field for the post, but none of the words would stick. The preview came up blank. The screen jumped around. Pictures wouldn’t post. My email was totally screwed up. I thought I had a virus.

I went online and described the problem. About a zillion entries came up stating something like “problems with the new IE”. Damn. I did the sensible thing and took it off my computer and downloaded the old version, which fixed the previous problems. I’d learned my lesson. Never again will I download a new IE. Never.

Given all the problems with these ‘improvements’  to IE, I have to wonder if maybe the techies were just making busy work for themselves so they’d have a job.

December 21, 2012

For those of you not in the know – or too busy to have the time to worry – this December 21st is supposed to be the beginning of (or the day of) the endtimes. In other words, when all hell breaks loose.

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According to Wikipedia:

The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on 21 December 2012.^[1][2][3][4] This date is regarded as the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been accepted by mainstream scholarship.

A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era.^[5] Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe.^[6] Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, or Earth’s collision with an object such as a black hole, a passing asteroid, or a planet called “Nibiru”.

Scholars from various disciplines have dismissed the idea of such cataclysmic events occurring in 2012. Professional Mayanist scholars state that predictions of impending doom are not found in any of the extant classic Maya accounts, and that the idea that the Long Count calendar “ends” in 2012 misrepresents Maya history and culture.^[3][7][8] Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the proposals as pseudoscience, stating that they conflict with simple astronomical observations^[9] and amount to “a distraction from more important science concerns, such as global warming and loss of biological diversity.”

This weekend, when I found absolutely nothing on cable’s 6000 stations to watch, I finally settled on The History Channel’s Nostradamus 2012 series. Whoa. Scary stuff.

Do I believe this will happen on December 21. No – or at least I hope not. Do I believe the end of the world will come? Sure. Most likely sooner than later if the world governments don’t stop acting like testosterone-fueled teens with oatmeal for brains and a score to settle.

So…does this upcoming date worry you???

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Release Party for Sinfully Wicked at TRS!!

I’ll be posting all day today at The Romance Studio for my newest release Sinfully Wicked, a contemporary menage.

If you leave a comment, you’ll be entered for your chance to win one of my ebooks. Here are the choices:

1.  Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2. Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3. Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4.  In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5.  Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6.  The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7.  Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

8.   Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR

So please join me today at The Romance Studio!!! 

*** To find my posts, once you get to TRS, simply look to the right and scroll down until you see a column entitled “Show Me Posts by” then keep scrolling until you find my name – click on it – and you’re there.

GOOD LUCK!! 

CONTEST and guest blog with Erika Lindsen

Erika’s highjacked my blog today to introduce you to her awesome release Soul. She’s also hosting a contest (more on that later).

For now, here’s Erika!!

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The bad boys or the sensitive ones?

            As readers, especially women, I think we all have a spot in our hearts and fantasies for either the bad boy or the sensitive one. Me, personally, I’m all about the vampire. Why? I think the risk and danger that goes with the “Will they or won’t they?” is sexy and interesting. In my latest paranormal romance release Soul, my hero is definitely a bad boy. Drebin is a seven-hundred-year-old demon sent from Hell. In the opening scene, which you can read below, Drebin is sent to entice his victim to kill herself so he can take her soul to Satan. His edginess and total disregard for human life I found beyond appealing as I wrote him. Dangerous. A man that will tell you how it is even if you don’t want to hear it. Call me crazy, but how sexy can it get?

            On the other hand we have the sensitive guy. He doesn’t have to be the nerd in class or the crying type. How about a man that cups your face as he leans in to kiss you? Or lays you down on a warm blanket and makes love to you under the stars? Massages with lotions and oils? Heck yes! We all swoon for him. He can still have the perfect six pack but when he falls in love with your family, children, even your dog, how can you deny this guy?

            The perfect man, I feel, is a mixture of the two. The bad boy that will take down any person wishing you harm, but will still sweep you off of your feet and gently hold you throughout the night. Swooning again. Ladies, we need to put our feet down and demand more of the cross-type guy. More chiseled abs mixed with guns and attitude, along with gentleness and kissing. I don’t want to spoil the book, but Drebin goes from one to the other, but never loses his edge. Now if I could only get my husband to be embrace his bad self…

Blurb:

Blood runs across the floor like a winter’s creek. It always puts a smile on his face. As a Taker – a demon sent to entice humans to commit suicide in order to gain their soul for Lucifer – Drebin is at the top of his game. He has already claimed 421 souls and there is no sign of him slowing down. Much like a fine wine, Drebin gets better with age.

Alexia Downer is just a few months into her freshman year of college and still undecided about a career. Ally is more than eager to meet new people and live up to the college stereotypes. But her gentle nature may cause her to put trust in the wrong person.

The stage is set, the hound is released, but Drebin begins to have second thoughts about his next victim, Alexia, his 422nd victim. Her beauty is mesmerizing and her spirit is captivating.

As much as he tries, Drebin cannot bring himself to destroy her, yet he must. He has a higher, more vicious power to answer to, after all…

SOUL

Chapter One: Drebin’s Mission

A soul—something humans held onto it like it had worth. It was my job to take that wealth, and I did so with a smile.

Blood dripped from her wrist in little plunks of crimson drops. Her life was fading away. I pulled a knife from my pocket and gently scored the blade across my forearm. I couldn’t believe I’d taken over four hundred lives. Tonight was just the end of another day at work.

I looked down at the red puddle growing beneath her. Humans always left behind a mess. Just the sight of her disgusting fluids oozing made the fibers of my being thankful I never had a soul.

“Maybe I should go to the hospital,” the girl whispered.

Gently stroking her cheek, I shook my head.

“I…I can’t kill myself.”

I sighed. “Bethany, we’ve talked about this. Look at yourself; I’ve never seen a girl as fat as you. Cottage cheese has less curd.”

“I could lose weight.”

“My dear, you’ve been saying that for months and yet you grow larger every day. And don’t get me started on the waste of oxygen you are at work; the middle cubicle everyone avoids. Last week, while you were sick, they had a party. The alcohol flowed, and the laughter spread throughout the building. Life was better without you.”

Her blood-soaked palms covered her face, muffling the sobs. I picked up her sweater and tossed it at her. Bethany looked at me, confused.

“Wipe your nose. You look disgusting with snot dripping all over.” I peered down at the blood that gushed from her wrist; it was almost time.

“Drebin? Are you sure this is what’s best?” She was searching for an escape. There was no escaping Hell.

“Yes.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek. Her finger pressed against the droplet. As she glanced at the tear, her body started to sway. She was dying.

“Goodnight, my dear Bethany.”

“Thank you, Drebin.”

“Shh. Soon you will be where you belong.”

“In heaven?”

I smiled, “No, not in heaven. Hell.”

Her eyes widened moments before the light dimmed in them.

Four-twenty-one’s soul was mine. Lucifer, my Savior, would be pleased at my progress. Snapping my fingers, my notebook landed in my hands. I wiped the blood from the floor and scratched off Bethany’s name.

Next on the list was four-twenty-two: Alexia Downer. Not even a prayer could save her.

Another Excerpt:

Chapter Five: Drebin’s Coffee Shop

She was intrigued. Good. I already had her trust, next came interest. She agreed to lunch so easily. Humans believe everything they are told.

The little chick would be mine soon enough. Ever since she saw my face in the alley, she knew there was more to me than a savior. This girl was smart. I would have to work extra hard to keep her close.

Close. It was dangerous to be near to her. Alexia lying in bed, surrounded by satin sheets, nothing between her body and my own; the image repeatedly popped into my head. Of course, I had to be close to her. We had to be friends for her to believe my ploys. Yet, I knew getting close to her would cause problems. I couldn’t seem to protect myself from the effects of her beauty. It shouldn’t be that difficult. If I stayed focused on the task at hand, her looks would never enter the equation. She was human, and I used to be human. I remembered those last days of my life…

“How’d it go?” Sil plopped down on my bed.

“How did what go?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. This new girl…how is she?”

Beautiful. Mesmerizing. “Doomed,” I whispered.

His laugh filled my bunker. Sil enjoyed the thrill of suicide more than anyone else. He lived and breathed it.

I changed the subject: “How is your patsy?”

“Dead.”

“How? Slitting of the wrist? Gun in his mouth?”

“Hung himself. It was perfect. I’d been telling him work would be better without him. He was insecure and felt like a failure, so I toyed with him. This morning, he came home early and called me. He informed me that after a meeting, he was fired. It didn’t take much push to convince him suicide was the only way out. He tied his belt around the shower rod and jumped from the toilet.” Sil chuckled. “He dangled like a Christmas ornament.”

Normally, I would have been intrigued. The kill was the ultimate high, like doing a drug. But at that moment, I felt sick. The thought of Alexia swaying from a shower rod curled my stomach. “Strong rod, I guess…” I muttered.

“So,” Sil said, “when are you going to take out your patsy?”

“Just about to call her.” I picked up my cell and dialed her number. It rang twice before she answered.

Her beautiful voice came on the line. “Hello?”

“Ally?”

“This is her.”

“Hi. This is Drebin. You know, the guy that saved you.”

Her voice became lighter. “Of course I remember you. How are you?”

A smile started to tug at my lips. I had to turn to keep Sil from noticing. “I couldn’t be better. Listen, I’m calling to see if you’d like to meet me for a cup of coffee.”

“Absolutely! I’m free now. That is, if you are?”

“Yes. We could meet.”

I could hear the excitement in her tone. “Where?”

Not knowing Ally’s college town, I turned the question on her, “Where do you like?”

“Heather’s. She makes the best drinks around!”

“Okay. Be there in thirty?”

She answered, “Deal. See you then!” The phone clicked off.

Sil’s expression was that of a child hoping to get a toy. The hunger oozed from him.

I decided to play dumb. “What?”

“Is she meeting you?”

“Yep.”

A low chuckle began in his chest and worked its way up to his mouth. “How fast do you think you can nail this girl?”

I hated his question, but I didn’t understand why. Unless… “Oh, no time at all.” I smiled back. There was no doubt, even though I was feeling differently for this patsy.

* * * *

“Nice to see you again,” Alexia Downer said as she walked over to my table.

I smiled curtly, partially excited to see her as well. “How are you feeling?”

“My leg is really sore and my wrist’s sensitive, but fairly good, considering.”

“Good to see you’re able to get out.” I stood up and pulled the chair out for her. “What can I get you?”

 “A frozen hot chocolate, please.”

I laughed, “You come to a coffee shop and get a frozen hot chocolate?”

“It is amazing!”

Her innocence was thrilling. “How can something be frozen and hot?”

She winked. “Guess you’ll just have to try.”

For a moment, I was held by her gaze. Such beauty and depth hidden. With a sigh, I realized it was my job to destroy that. The mission was going to be harder than I expected.

Walking up to the counter, I felt very out of place. The place was predominantly filled with women. There were all ages: young, college type girls, older grandmothers, and of course, burned-out housewives. They sat and talked about the joys of life, yet I could see how miserable they were. Liars hiding behind masks.

I stood behind an older woman at the counter. I watched as she slowly pulled out exact change, one dime at a time. It was painful. When she finally had enough money, she turned to me. Her smile was sweet. I returned it until I saw what was around her neck. A crucifix dangled in front of me. My body trembled, my knees shook and my stomach turned. I could feel my demon soul burning. Concern on her face, the woman took a step closer.

I screamed and fell to the floor in convulsions.

The world whirled around me as the cross hovered above me. I kicked and thrashed, yet each movement brought the woman closer. She touched my hand in a comforting way. It didn’t help. I screamed again. It took all of me not to teleport out of the coffee shop.

Finally, she backed away.

 I began to calm. My body relaxed.

“Drebin? Drebin, listen to me! Are you okay?” Ally was kneeling next to me.

The concern in her eyes was interesting. “Yes.”

“Get 9-1-1 on the phone. Now!” Ally yelled to the employee.

I put my hand up in defense. “No, no. I just need some air. I will be quite all right.”

Ally looked at me skeptically.

I answered, “I promise.”

She helped me up. The entire shop was eyeing me. I waved to everyone to let them know I was okay. The woman with the crucifix smiled and took her coffee to a table.

I led Ally to the parking lot. Ally asked, “Are you really okay?”

“Yes. I feel fine.”

“That didn’t look fine. What happened?”

“I don’t know,” I lied.

“Then we need to get you to a hospital.”

 Hospitals take blood. Mine was black. “I should just lie down.”

“I’ll drive you home,” she offered.

I live in Hell. “I’ll walk.”

Her face was stern. “Look, Drebin. I will not let you go alone after a seizure.”

I needed an out. “Why don’t I call my friend, Sil?”

“Who’s he?”

Lie. “My roommate.”

She smiled. “Okay, give him a call.”

I pulled out my cell and dialed Sil. He answered in a very “Why are you calling?” tone.

“Hey Sil, can you come pick me up?”

“Drebin,” he responded through the receiver, “why are you calling?”

“I had a seizure and need a ride home.”

“Oh. I’ll be right there. Car?”

“Yes.”

“A car I can do. Give me a few.”

I clicked the phone off. Ally had concern and yet some hope flashed across her face. “He’s on his way,” I said.

“Good. I’ll sit with you until he shows.”

To my surprise, she laid my head down on her shoulder. I stiffened, not sure what to do. It was relaxing and took away the pain from the crucifix. I eased into it and allowed her to soothe me. Ally began running her fingers through my hair. Strange, a woman had never done that before. Apart from my mother, no human has ever shown me the kindness Ally now exhibited.

She made my job harder than it had to be.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Sil asked from above me.

I jumped up and lightly kicked at the air out of embarrassment. “I wasn’t feeling well.”

He smiled. “Ahh. So she took away your pain?”

“Yes.”

His gaze narrowed on my face before offering to Ally, “Hi. I’m Sil. I happen to be Drebin’s best friend.”

She smiled and held out her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

Sil eyed it for a moment before taking her hand in his and shaking it. His grip must have been rough, I guessed, due to Ally’s expression. She was uneasy.

I turned to her. “Thank you.”

“No problem. Any time. I owed you after you saved my life.”

Sil cut in, “That’s right. You’re the dog girl.”

I could tell she was ready to be as far away from him as possible. “Listen, Sil. We’d better get going. Ally, it’s been a pleasure even though it was a disaster.”

“Maybe we could do this again some time?”

“I would love that.”

She smiled as she turned to her car. I walked over to Sil’s and got inside. Her yellow car pulled out behind us and I breathed. “That was pure hell.”

“Seizure?” Sil asked.

“Crucifix. Damn thing was dangling in my face.”

 He laughed. “Let me guess, an old lady?”

“You are good, my friend.”

“Please don’t call me good.”

I peered out the window. There were so many trees in Ally’s college town. So much life. It was my job to force death. “Sil, where did you get this car?”

“Stole it.”

 “Figured.”

“So, my dearest best friend,” he announced, “I’ve never studied your work so closely before. Sure were awful affectionate with the lady.”

“That’s the plan. Become good friends, and then destroy her.” As the words flowed from my lips, I began to feel the nausea again. I didn’t want to think of Ally killing herself. I’m not sure why, but the image tore me apart. Dismiss it, Drebin. You have a job to do or Salem will have your ass.

I remembered the first time I had ever met Salem. Different time…different name…

 *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT ***

One lucky commenter on today’s post will win a copy of Erika’s Soul. Woot!!

Like Yours Rough or Sweet? This Book Has it All

I’d like to introduce you to author Leigh Clark. I love the cover of her book. Read on to learn more about it and leave a comment to show your love.

Lapiz Lazuli – The Leigh Clark Collection

From fetishistic and rough, to sapphic or sweet, this anthology of eight hand-picked dirty stories spans the whole erotica range.

If stories of frantic, sensual lovemaking excite you, Lapiz Lazuli is guaranteed to grab your attention. These short stories explore the sensual delights of sex; whether it is a quick romp in a hallway, the caress of a razorblade, the helpless sensation of rough sex or a furtive public holiday experience, arousing accounts and unabashed tales of kinky sex await!

Available from:

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http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lapiz-lazuli-leigh-clark/1109541477?ean=9781781660966&itm=1&usri=lapiz+lazuli+leigh+clark

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*****

Lapiz Lazuli

The day’s first customers were a pair of forty-something women, sisters from the look of them, one heading for the airport after a visit—you can always tell out-of-towners by their clothes. I was still pinning on my ‘Caroline’ badge when they walked in. Nobody calls me Caroline but it’s company policy to have full names on badges—I’m Carrie to my friends, I made their skinny macchiatos and half-listened in to them as I continued setting the counter up for the commuter rush.

“It was lovely to see you,” said the one with the city clothes. “But it will be nice to have the place to ourselves again.”

Out-of-town sister scowled. “I didn’t realise I was such a bad guest.”

“Honey, you’re not. But tonight, me and Tom … well, we want our privacy.” Town-sister played with a chunky lapis lazuli and silver ring on a chain around her neck. She looked good for her age, and happy with it.

Out-of-town smiled. “After six years, are you two still romping?”

“Six years last month and still spending as much time in bed as out of it. Look what he gave me for our anniversary.” Town sister held out the ring.

“Very … pretty.” 

I could tell out-of-town was as unimpressed as me. Cheap gift or what?

“The chain’s platinum,” said townie, looking smug. “But the ring … now that’s the best gift I’ve ever had.”

She so wanted her sister to ask why, and I so wanted to hear the answer, that I nearly asked her myself.

“Why?” said out-of-town.

“Well …” town-girl leaned over the table and I had to strain my ears to hear. “I wouldn’t tell anybody else this, but I’ve always told you everything … I like a little pain with my pleasure. Know what I mean?”

Out-of-town looked puzzled, but I knew what she meant, did I ever!

“You know!” Town-sister blushed. “A little slap, a little bite, something to push you over the edge into …” She put her hand on her chest, fingers splayed, and threw her head back, panting. It was a pretty good impression of orgasm I’ll admit – very When Harry Met Sally. Now her sister blushed and laughed.

Town sister continued, “Well Tom doesn’t like to hurt me, but he sure likes to make me happy, that kind of happy. So this ring, see, with all its bumps and lumps? Well when I wear it around my neck, Tom knows that the same evening I’m going to slide it onto his finger and he’s going to press it against my …” she paused and lowered her voice even more. “… my love button, when we make love.”

Love button! It was all I could do not to laugh out loud. Did people still talk like that? But I looked at that ring, with its deep blue knobbly surface and imagined how cold it must be, and how hard, and my knees became so weak I had to hang on to the counter.

The sisters left, chatting and laughing, and the morning coffee addicts began to roll in, but I didn’t forget what I’d heard.

That weekend I took Doug shopping at the Flea Market.

“What are we doing here, Carrie?” he asked, looking at the stalls. But I’d already seen what I wanted on a table laden with semi-precious stones and costume jewellery. A big ring, with a greeny-grey, nubby, softly-contoured stone that the seller told me was moss agate. It fit Doug’s middle finger perfectly.

CONTEST and guest blog with Jo Sparkes!!!

Jo’s with me today and she’s giving away a $50 Amazon gift certificate to one commenter (drawn at random) during her tour for Feedback: How to Give It, How to Get It - a Writers Guide to Spinning Gold – woot!

You can find her tour dates here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/virtual-book-tour-feedback-how-to-give.html

Now, let’s welcome Jo. She’s going to answer a very important question from me before she offers you the blurb and an excerpt. 

_________

Jo Sparkes

Tina: What gave you the idea for your book and how difficult was it for you to write/get it pubbed?

Jo: A student asked a question. I was teaching at a college at the time.

His name was Tim, and he’d written a script for a short film. But the student director had hated it, and basically told Tim he knew nothing about writing. The director ripped it to shreds, and wanted a whole new story.

Tim thought he must do exactly what the director wanted. But worse, Tim worried that he couldn’t write. If he was a good writer, wouldn’t everyone love whatever he did?

The question struck such a chord with me, because feedback – criticism – was one of my own life challenges. When Tim’s question came in class, I suddenly heard myself answering beautifully, with all my heart. I thought, wow. I’d better write that down.

So the book was born.

As far as publishing, I’m not sure I ever considered any other way. I’d been editing another book for a client and friend, plus helping a former student with his book. Both of these wise people had chosen self publishing, so in watching their path I just naturally followed.

I love what’s happening to the distribution channels right now. For so very long the only way to publish a book was to find a publisher willing to do it. For a musician you had to have a label behind you; for a filmmaker you needed the money from Los Angeles. Money was always the bar, because it cost so much to make any of those – and even more to get it distributed out to the world.

But today anyone can go out and do it. People do it all the time.

There are many decisions to make, of course. Choosing who will actually publish the copies, which of the channels to be used. Pricing alone can be quite a challenge. And marketing – I know so little about marketing! Cover design was something I never considered, but of course it’s key in getting the book into people’s hands. You want something that can reveal the contents to the casual eye.

If your goal is to get the message out, what a wonderful way to do it.

For me, that was my goal. And somehow the book took on a life of its own. I’m just the proud parent.

BLURB:

Feedback … a kinder word for criticism, is an organic component to life.

Here, at last, is a simple process for getting the most from all the feedback the world offers us.

__________

EXCERPT:

      That toddler learning to walk is a great example to us all.

     The child has no fear of failure, no concern over how foolish he may look to others. He never pauses to consider if it’s worth the effort. And he pays no attention to anyone pointing out that seventy percent of his peers can already walk.

     He wants it. He keeps trying until he gets it.

     Somewhere along the path of life, we come to perceive mistakes as ‘bad’. We’re told ‘don’t make them; avoid them.’ You don’t get called in to account for yourself if you don’t make a mistake. Some people actually avoid mistakes by not doing anything at all.

     That’s the reality. The only way not to make a mistake is not to do anything. Which means no real achievement, no real success.

     I spoke to a friend who had achieved a very great deal – he’d made a huge amount of money as an entrepreneur. He was the type of person most would call wildly successful.

     Yet it turns out that before he made money, he had lost money. He’d lost enough that those same people labeling him wildly successful now would term him an abject failure. It cost him two businesses.

     But he believes if he hadn’t made that mistake, he would have never found the key to success.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A well-known Century City Producer once said that Jo Sparkes “writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read.” Not only are those words a compliment to Jo’s skills as a writer,but a true reflection of her commitment to her work.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington College, a small liberal arts college famous for its creative writing program. Years later, Jo renounced life in the corporate world to pursue her passion for writing.

Taking every class she could find, she had the good fortune to study with Robert Powell; a student of renowned writers and teachers Lew Hunter, and Richard Walter, head and heart of UCLA’s Screenwriting Program.

The culmination of those years was the short-film “The Image”, which she wrote and produced single-handedly. And in so doing, she became fascinated with the dynamics of collaboration on a project.

Since then, Jo hasn’t looked back.  Her body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct to video Children’s DVD, television commercials and corporate videos. She’s been a feature writer on ReZoom.com and a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network; where she was called their most popular writer, known for her humorous articles, player interviews and game coverage. Jo was unofficially the first to interview Emmitt Smith when he arrived in Arizona to play for the Cardinals.

She has adjunct taught at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College, has teamed with a Producer on a low budget thriller, and a Director on a New Dramady.” She went in front of the camera for a video, “Stepping Above Criticism”, capturing a popular talk with her students.

Her new book, FEEDBACK  HOW TO GIVE IT  HOW TO GET IT, shares her lessons learned with writers, and indeed everyone dealing with life’s criticism.

When not diligently perfecting her craft, Jo can be found exploring her new home of Portland, Oregon, along with her husband Ian, and their dog Oscar.

http://www.feedbackthebook.com

http://josparkes.com/

____________

“In her compact, wisdom-charged Feedback Jo Sparkes provides sharp, sharp, cogent, advice not only for writers but for all people who value creativity and seek to lead fulfilled, creative lives.

“This slender volume provides more bang for the buck than far longer, weightier tomes. It is a splendid resource to which writers will refer repeatedly.”

- Richard Walter  Chairman of Screenwriting, U.C.L.A.

“The lessons contained in “Feedback” are not for the writer who is merely looking for a compliment, but rather for those who are striving for accomplishment.”

- Barton Green  Author, Screenwriter and long-time friend

Jo Sparks simplifies the feedback process in this concise easy to implement guide to giving and receiving feedback.  As an actress, I believe everyone can benefit from her experience, not just those in the industry.

-   Tonetta Weaver, Actress

_________

PRIZE INFORMATION

Jo  will be giving away a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Time’s Growing Short for My Monthly Contest

Don’t forget to enter!!

APRIL CONTEST

Well, HELLO there!

Rules: Simply leave a comment about the above picture and yummy guy AT THIS LINK: http://www.tinadonahue.com/contest/ and you’re entered in my April contest! WINNER CHOSEN AT RANDOM.

Duration: Contest begins April 1 and runs through April 25 – Winner announced April 26

Prize: Winner chosen randomly and will receive her choice of one of my following books:

1. Lush Velvet Nights – ebook – Reviewer’s TOP PICK the Pagan & the Pen; 5 ANGELS Fallen Angles Reviews; 5 STARS JERR

GOLDEN NIB AWARD – MIZ LOVE LOVES BOOKS

FINALIST – EPIC 2011 COMPETITION

2.  Adored - ebook – 4 stars Romantic Times; Second Place Winner NEC RWA contest!

FINALIST – EPIC 2011 COMPETITION

3.  Deep, Dark, Delicious - ebook – 4 stars Romantic Times; nominated for Book of the Week Whipped Cream Reviews; 5 Stars, Reviewer TOP PICK – NOR

FINALIST – EPIC 2011 COMPETITION

AWARD OF MERIT – HOLT MEDALLION 2011 COMPETITION

4.  In His Arms - ebook – 6 FIVE STAR REVIEWS – recommended read TwoLips Reviews

FINALIST – DDRWA PICTURE PERFECT CONTEST

4 STARS - ROMANTIC TIMES

5. Sensual Stranger - ebook – Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) Blue Moon Reviews

Recommended Read TwoLips Reviews – Best Book rating Whipped Cream Reviews – Five Siren Stones Siren Books Reviews – 5 STARS Top Pick Night Owl Reviews

4 STARS – ROMANTIC TIMES

6. The Yearning – ebook – Bestseller

Recommended Read Two Lips Reviews; Nominated for Book of the Week Whipped Cream Reviews; 4.5 Stars Sensual Reads

7. Take Me Away – ebook

FINALIST – 2012 NEC RWA CONTEST

Hot Stuff – #1 Pick – Miz Love Loves Books; 5 Stars – Romance Writers Reviews; 4.5 Hearts – The Romance Studio; 4 Stars – JERR; 5 Siren Stones – Siren Book Reviews

8. Unending Desire – ebook

Best Book Rating – LASR (Long & Short Reviews) – Nominated for Book of the Month; 4.5 Stars Sensual Reads; Recommended by ARe (All Romance ebooks); Library Journal reports, ‘…a tale so steamy, it comes with a warning’

GOOD LUCK!!!

(Picture courtesy of PhotoBucket)

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