Sunday, July 31, 2011

Stand by Your Man...Well, Not Always

The typical romance starts with boy and girl apart. Incredible obstacles litter their path. The trail grows more and more difficult. A happily ever after gets harder and harder to imagine. Yet miraculously, they manage to maneuver each and every one of those obstacles to find happiness -- together.

But what happens when we make those obstacles too hard for the reader to get past them? Sometimes the line gets blurred between one of the characters going almost to the edge and when they have actually gone over the edge into hell.

I unknowingly took my characters too close to that edge in one of the first few stories I wrote. The editor didn't find it too close, nor did I. But after reading a particularly scathing review I realized that I actually agreed with the reviewer (who hated the story because one character's transgressions were too great to be forgiven). I can tell you that I never made that mistake again. You can write yourself into a hole as long as you can make your characters legitimately and believably crawl out of that hole.

Ultimately, the line between what's forgivable and what is not is eye of the reader, although some things are never okay to forgive -- physical abuse, for example. But where is your line? And have you ever read a book that allowed the characters to cross that line? Did you hate the book? Curse the author? I want to know.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Exciting news for all!

I know it's not my usual Saturday, but I can't hold it in for a whole week...
If you have a Kindle, I can sign your ebook! I'm serious! Kindlegraph allows authors to add a personal message and their signatire to your ebook, electronically.

Check it out! My author page is located at: http://kindlegraph.com/authors/GoddessAsh

You need a Twitter account to sign in, but after that you're golden. I can't wait to see how it works, so give it a try!

Ashlyn Chase

Friday, July 29, 2011

Squee! New Contract with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid!




I'm so excited! I just signed with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for my contemporary, fantasy erotic romance SANTA'S WAYWARD ELF!


Here's the blurb!

Santa's Wayward Elf

Being one of Santa’s elves isn’t all sugar plums and candy canes.

At least not for Sosie. Taller than other elves, she’s always had a problem fitting in at the North Pole, so when the transport sled she’s on breaks down in New York City on Christmas Eve, she can’t resist slipping away to explore the world of the “big people.” While she’s having fun, the transport sled takes off, leaving the naïve elf stranded. Handsome police detective Derek Clayton comes to her rescue. Having heard horror stories about the big people, Sosie is relieved to meet such a kind man. Not to mention one so gorgeous and well-built.

Although Sosie expects the North Pole to send out a search party, she finds herself falling for Derek. She desperately wants to tell him she’s an elf, but knows he’ll never believe her. When the lies and omissions start to pile up, Derek can draw only one conclusion—Sosie is working for the mob boss he’s been trying to put in prison for years. Just when things seem like they can’t get any worse, the chief of elfin security shows up to drag Sosie back to the North Pole.

How is a runaway elf supposed to overcome a determined security elf, dangerous mobsters and a suspicious boyfriend all while keeping her pointed ears a secret?





*hugs*
Paige

"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Titanic, Chocolate Truffles and Romance Novels

Which is bad for your health: chocolate truffles or romance novels?

No, it's not a trick question, but a recent article in the UK and also in the LA Times discusses the perils of reading romance novels and how it might affect your health.

You can read the article here, but basically it seems we're getting our fantasies mixed up with reality. I don't know about you, but I read romance for the same reason I like raspberry truffles.

They make you feel good.

And I'm not giving up either one.

Especially as I work on my latest novel, Katie O’Reilly, the story of an enterprising Irish lass who takes the place of the Countess of Marbury when the Titanic sinks, and how a dashing gambler, a wealthy industrialist and a bet made between them changes her life.

Enjoying chocolate truffles and an uplifting romance novel warm my writer's soul when I've finished my page count or editing for the day. And believe me, I've got a lot of pages to write and edit in a book that's getting close to the 500 page mark as I write this blog.

Whoever knew so much could happen on a ship that sank less than five days into her maiden crossing when Katie O’Reilly meets Captain Lord Blackthorn. Are they willing to risk everything for love?

The grand ship Titanic with her 2,228 passengers and crew sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912 on a cold, bitter night in the North Atlantic. Only 705 survived.

What did the passengers do during the crossing? Besides making mad, passionate love in luxury motorcars in the cargo hold or in a sumptuous Louis XV stateroom?

They read books.

Novels, mostly.

Both first and second class passengers had reading rooms where books were available to them. The first class reading room was designed with the ladies in mind (many gentlemen spent their time in the smoking room where the ship's one sheet newspaper, The Atlantic Daily Bulletin, was posted daily), painted in white with elegant furnishings.

I can imagine ladies sitting by the tall window and reading, a cup of hot tea and crisp finger sandwich by their side, then looking out onto the Promenade Deck while they warmed their feet by the roaring fire.

What would a lady be reading? Surely not a romance novel?

Guess again.

I wouldn't be surprised if she was reading "Arrows from the Dark" by Sophie Cole written in 1909, which according to the Mills and Boon website, "Critics gave it a glowing report and by 1914, 1,394 women had bought a copy. The writer went on to pen another 65 thrilling titles for the publisher during her fruitful career."

So here we are nearly a 100 years since the Titanic sank and we're still reading romance novels and doing quite well, thank you.

Raspberry truffle, anyone?

Monday, July 25, 2011

Wizards Bargain

Below is a teaser from Wizards Bargain, a free short story available on my blog. Check out the full story there if you're interested.

****

Lightning charge exploded grenade intense through her body. Lina's fingers dug into the clasped hands holding the Wizards' circuit closed to either side of her. Sweat poured down her naked back, the control needed to stay conscious and connected in their work agonizing times infinity. The Circle swayed together in the shielded room.

Almost done. Keep it together, girl.

The last pulse of charge made a staggering lurch through their eighteen bodies and plummeted cold into the earth like it never existed.

With it, hands fell apart and she and her fellow Wizards dropped to the floor, the cool surface not making a dent in the overheated pulses firing her blood. The groans of her team echoed around her. Full of pain from the Draining and the lovely side effect of arousal that accompanied a Rebalancing. Her skin jumped, raw and needy.

She took several deep breaths and willed her heart to beat in a regular pattern. Damn holiday contract. If Mr. President wanted DC Rebalanced before Thanksgiving just so the average non-magical citizen could sit undisturbed around a stuffed bird and watch football drowsing on couches, he should have called them last week when the riots started. Not wait until two days before the holiday.

Lina raised her head, eyes shooting toward Devon collapsed on the other half of the room. He caught her look. The side of his mouth curved up and mischief sparked his eyes as he lowered his fingers to his cock and fondled the erection common after a Working. He winked at her, his cat green eyes complimenting his nape-long auburn hair, and licked his lips. Fond warmth shuttled through her heart, and that dash of regret she usually felt drifting to sleep each night. The sensation was separate from the sexual heat lingering in her breasts, clit and labia. Devon liked to tease her about detoxing from a Rebalancing together with sweaty sex. They'd hooked up a few times. But really they were too alike to make it work with just the two of them. Or work much beyond a quickie. However Devon's sexual talent was more than enough to make a quickie worth it. He screwed like an angel, though his killer bad boy looks made it clear he was all devil. She'd have to deal with the regret that they couldn't have more.

Holding in her tired laugh, she searched the piles of Wizards for Samuel. There he was propped next to today's Circle leader, Samuel's serious face concentrating on their conversation. He was probably debriefing the Rebalancing effort and evaluating its success. He ignored his own hard-on as always. If she hadn't known him her entire life, she and Devon his constant childhood companions within the creche where they were raised, Lina would have thought he'd been born with a metal rod up his ass. But she distinctly remembered his smile. Even as recently as five years ago.

The man had matured into GQ hot--gorgeous dark brown hair, chiseled facial structure, divot in his chin, and a lean muscled body more than adequate to fuel the daydreams of a nation of women. But from the asexual way he led his life, one would think him unaware of his appeal. She snorted. Samuel was too uptight for his own good. She loved him as much as she loved Devon. But his status as heir presumptive of the Head of the Assembly was killing him in slow measures. She noticed the tic at his shoulder as he continued engrossed in talk with Felix, the Circle leader. Okay, maybe not so slow measures.

Goddess, she was scared for him. A good man, he practiced selfishness to a fault, dedicating his life to Circle work and fighting the good fight against violence and corruption and hatred in their city. The country was a mess, and the workload enough to crush a sexually frustrated rhino. But Samuel never avoided his duty. She loved him for it more. Not that she'd agreed to give away her entire soul to the effort like him. That was just plain stupid. In the end Samuel would be left with nothing.

He needed a caretaker to keep him safe from himself and luckily she and Devon were perfect for that role. She didn't know why they hadn't thought of it years ago. The forest for the trees she guessed.

Lina stretched her aroused body, nipples taut and aching, shaking out the kinks and planning to head downstairs to the club section of Headquarters as soon as she could manage to walk without falling. She'd been mulling this over with Devon for days. It was time they took drastic action and plan an intervention for Samuel. Force him into their own twelve-step program for compulsive magical saviors. He needed to relax or the man would implode.

And who better to take control of the situation than the two sexual dominants he called his best friends? Poor Samuel. He might be one of the strongest Wizards born in generations, but he didn't stand a chance.

*****

Read the rest at the blog.

Be well this Monday summer day. Stay cool.




Saturday, July 23, 2011

Gearing up for my big, fat, blog tour!



It's time to promote my impending release of The Vampire Next Door, coming August 1st from Sourcebooks, Amazon.com, or a book store near you! For once, I'm a little ahead of the game. I've already turned in blog articles or interviews for about 3/4 of these stops. So...in order to know where I'll be and when, I'm posting the insane schedule right here! (I'll also update it on my new blog http://ashlynchase.blogspot.com

Blog tour...let the madness begin!

Almost all of these blog stops have a giveaway. Juat leave a comment to be entered into the drawings.

July 28--The Romance Studio release party
July 31--authorsoundrelations.blogspot.com
Aug 1--catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com
Aug 2--Bitten By Books release party
Aug 3--casablancaauthors.blogspot.com Launch party
Aug 4--The Qwillery qwillery.blogspot.com
Aug 5--sinmckye.blogspot.com
Aug 6--naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
Aug 7--Goddess Fish Promotions release party
Aug 8--maggienash.blogspot.com
Aug 9--Preturnatura interview suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com
Aug 10--Delilah Devlin's blog
Aug 11--lasrguest.blogspot.com
Aug 12--fangtasticbooks.blogspot.com
Aug 15--freshfiction.com/pages.php?id=blog
Aug 18--www.nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com
Aug 20--naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
Aug 22--book-obsessed.blogspot.com
Aug 24--www.loveromancepassion.com
Aug 26--www.sizzlinghotbooks.net
Aug 29--starcrossedromance.blogspot.com
Aug 30--sosaloha.blogspot.com

On Aug 31st I will be on a lounge chair in my backyard.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Titanic and the Loo

A funny thing happened to my heroine, Katie O’Reilly, on the way to the loo when she boarded the Titanic. She couldn’t believe what she saw in the stateroom of Captain Lord Blackthorn (Jack):
“I’m still waiting for you to remove your clothes,” Jack said, agitated. She was not listening to him, marveling instead at the modern appointments in his elegantly furnished cabin. She seemed especially intrigued by the bathroom with its double sink and commode.

Had the girl never seen an indoor toilet before?
I’m sure you’re wondering why his lordship asked Katie to remove her clothes. I’ll tell you this: it’s part of his plan to hide her from the captain and the ship’s officers during the crossing. Kate is reluctant to do what he asks:
“I’m leaving me homeland to be rid of such frippery and do fine and proper work.” Katie started putting her clothes back on. She wasn’t set on going to America all blushes and roses only to be pushed back into service. “No, me lord, I’ll take me chances with the captain.”

“Then you won’t change your mind?”

“No.”

“Too bad,” he said with a smug attitude. “The countess’s stateroom has its own private bathroom.”

Her eyes bugged out. “You wouldn’t be fooling me?”

What Katie is about to find out is that Titanic’s first class passengers enjoyed such luxuries as an electric heater in their bathroom, linoleum tiles and pure Vinolia Otto toilet soap smelling of lemon and spice. The captain enjoyed his bath with a choice of fresh or seawater, hot or cold.

Third class or steerage had plenty of lavatories, but they didn’t wash much if the number of tubs on board was any indication, as Katie found out:

He shook his head. “I hear there are only two tubs in steerage for seven hundred passengers.

“Two tubs for all them people?”

“Rather cozy, if you ask me.”

“And you call yourself a gentleman?” Katie said. A girl might be convinced to take off her clothes with that kind of talk. That and a private bathroom. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you were like them gents who took advantage of a lady and kissed her full on the mouth.”

He smirked. “The ladies I’ve met have never objected.”

Captain Lord Blackthorn is quite a rogue and finds Katie more than he can handle. Can this plucky Irish lass win the heart of a titled British gentleman?

Or is it just a shipboard romance he’s after? After all, he’s used to a life of privilege and entertaining the most beautiful aristocratic ladies.

Wealth came with its own set of rules and the first passengers played it for all it was worth…will Captain Lord Blackthorn see that his world is coming to an end before it’s too late?

Before he loses Katie?



Next time on Titanic Wednesdays: Titanic, Chocolate Truffles and Romance Novels

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Dark Side

I have lots of writerly friends who pen paranormal stories, including my critique partner and some of my fellow Naughty Author Chicks, but I've never been one to venture into those murky waters -- until now.

I just started writing a paranormal novella and I've got to say, it's a challenge, but it's fun. The best thing about writing something in the supernatural realm is that I can make all the rules. It's my world to create. There's a lot to be said for that.

In truth, though, I think readers who regularly pick up books of the genre have certain expectations. They know that a witch casts spells, that a vampire exists on blood and that a shape shifter shifts from human to some animal form. But beyond that, the world in which those creatures of the night exist can take on many, many forms.

Something else I like about the genre? Well, your typical villain can be stopped with a gun, a knife, brute force, etc. But even after the villain in a paranormal romance is outed, there's no clear cut method for taking him or her on. Something else I can play fast and loose with!

The very best thing about paranormal romance is that readers can't seem to get enough of it. Gotta love that. What about you? Do you enjoy reading about supernatural beings or do you prefer to stay in the known dimensions?

Friday, July 15, 2011

New Release! Enter a World of Spanking, Bondage and Out-of-this-Galaxy Sex in PIRATE'S WOMAN!




I'm so excited to announce I have a new book out with Ellora's Cave called PIRATE'S WOMAN. It's hot, sexy and has a hero you're going to absolutely fall in love with!

I have to admit I usually ignore those themed calls for submissions - you know the ones where the publishers will ask for stories about firemen, or lifeguards, or men who dress up in chicken costumes (okay, I made that one up!). I usually ignore those calls for submissions because I'm not an author who can easily write to a particular theme - mainly because I tend to write whatever story grabs me, which doesn't always fit the theme (okay, it never fits the theme). And by the time I come up with a story idea that does fit the theme, it's past the deadline. But that all changed with the pirate-themed Ahoy! books from Ellora's Cave. The moment I read about it, I immediately came up with a story, mostly because I've always thought pirates are so damn sexy! Blame it on all those historical romances I read as a teen. There was nothing hotter than a big, strong handsome pirate falling for the feisty woman he either kidnapped, rescued or whatever. LOL!

But while my experience with pirates was in the historical genre, I didn't want to write an historical. Instead, I wanted to do sci-fi. And I wanted it to be hot! So, I came up with a story about a beautiful woman named Teyla who agrees to let the sinfully handsome pirate Slayter sell her as a sex slave on the auction block in order to pay off the enormous debt her family owes him. Teyla is determined to bring in as much money as she can, but is afraid she won't fetch a high price because she's inexperienced when it comes to men. That's when things get really fun because she asks Slayter if he'll teach her how to pleasure a man. Just to improve her value, you know? Of course, he agrees. How could he say no, right?

Now, here's where the story gets complicated. While he's instructing her on how to be a sex slave, Slayter starts falling for Teyla, and she for him. But she agreed to pay off her family's debt and he needs the money for his ship and his crew. What can either of them do?

You'll have to read the story to find out! And to give you added incentiive, I'll tease you with a steamy excerpt.

Enjoy!



Blurb:

To honor the debt her family owes Slayter Cardona, beautiful Teyla Dunai agrees to let him sell her as a sex slave in the markets of Arkhon. Determined to bring as much value as she can on the auction block, but inexperienced where men are concerned, she asks the handsome pirate if he’ll teach her how to pleasure a man. Intrigued, and more than a little attracted to the lavender-eyed beauty, Slayter agrees.

As he initiates her into the world of bondage, spanking and out-of-this-galaxy sex, though, both Teyla and Slayter find themselves falling for each other. But Slayter has a responsibility to his crew, and Teyla knows it is her duty to pay off her family’s debt. With the deal already agreed upon, there doesn’t seem to be any way for their story to have a happy ending. Or is there?


Excerpt:

“Have you ever been to Arkhon before?” she asked, trying to distract herself so she wouldn’t stare at him.

Slayter sopped up what was left of his stew with a piece of bread. “Once.”

She would have thought he’d go there more since he was a pirate. “What will happen when we get there?”

He hesitated. “I’m not quite sure. I’ve never sold a slave before, but I imagine it will be the same process as selling anything else there.”

Meaning she would be put on the auction block and sold to the highest bidder. “Do you know if buyers look for certain things when they purchase a sex slave?”

He frowned slightly. “I suppose.”

“You don’t think they’ll want to…sample the merchandise before they buy, will they?”

“I’m sure some buyers might, but I don’t think the people who run the auction would allow that.” Slayter must have seen the relief on her face because he gave her a reassuring smile. “You don’t have anything to be concerned about, Teyla. You’re a very beautiful woman. Any man can see that.”

Considering the situation, the compliment shouldn’t have warmed her like it did, but she felt herself blush anyway. “It’s just that I don’t have very much experience when it comes to sex. I mean, I’m not a virgin, but I haven’t been with a lot of men, either. I’m concerned potential buyer will know right away that I’m inexperienced.” She looked at him from beneath lowered lashes. “I don’t want you to come out on the short end of this exchange.”

He shook his head. “I really don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

She frowned. “Maybe, but my family would be very embarrassed if I didn’t earn enough money on the block to cover the debt.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “This is very difficult to ask, but do you think you might be able give me some advice on how best to please a man?”

“Advice?” His eyes went a little wide at that, and he cleared his throat. “Uh, actually, sex is more of a…hands-on thing.”

“Oh.”

Teyla chewed on her lower lip. She couldn’t believe she was even contemplating what she was about to do, but the thought that one of her sisters might end up where she was if she didn’t earn enough money to cover the debt was enough to give her the courage she needed.

She lifted her gaze to look at Slayter. “Would you be willing to give me hands-on experience then?”

He arched a brow, but didn’t say anything. From the expression on his face, though, it was clear he was taken aback by her request.

“I know I probably shouldn’t be asking you for favors, but I just want to make sure you receive the money my family owes you.” When he still didn’t answer, she added softly, “If you don’t find me pleasing enough to bed, I understand.”

She was afraid to think what that would mean when it came to her value on the auction block. What would happen if no one bid on her at all?

The corner of Slayter’s mouth curved. “I find you quite pleasing, Teyla. Perhaps more than I should.”

Her pulse quickened. “Then you’ll teach me?”

There was a very long pause, then, “Yes, I’ll teach you. If that’s what you really want.”

“It is. Can we start now?”

They only had a few days before they reached Arkhon, and she didn’t want to waste any time.

He hesitated, then nodded. “If you’d like.”

Slayter might have seemed hesitant when she’d first brought it up, but now that he had agreed, she could see the fire burning in his eyes. Something told her the pirate would be a very thorough teacher. Heat pooled between her thighs at the thought of him showing her all the different ways she could pleasure a man. She might learn more with him in a few days than she probably ever would have with the men on her planet.

Slayter stood and came around to her side of the table. Taking her hand, he gently pulled her to her feet. Teyla had known out the pirate was tall when she’d stood in front of him in the cargo hold earlier, but now she realized just how tall he really was. She barely came up to those broad shoulders of his.

She waited for Slayter to say something, but he simply gazed down at her. The smolder in his gold eyes took her breath away and she swayed toward him. Her reaction to being so close to him caught her off guard, but before she could steady herself, he lowered his head and covered her mouth with his.

The kiss took her by surprise and for a moment she didn’t know how to respond. She hadn’t expected Slayter to do something so intimate. She’d thought they would shed their clothes and get to it. But as his mouth moved slowly and deliciously over hers, she melted against the hard wall of his chest. He slid his hand in her long hair, deepening the kiss with a groan. Teyla parted her lips under his, sighing with pleasure when his tongue invaded her mouth to claim hers. She ran her hands up his chest to clutch his shoulders, afraid if she didn’t hold on to something that she would fall. She didn’t know a man’s kisses could be so intoxicating.

Or that the feel of his hands on her body could set her afire. But as his free hand slid up her midriff to cup her breast through the thin material of her dress, the heat that had pooled between her thighs earlier completely engulfed her. If she responded to him like this when they were fully clothed, how was she going to react when they were both naked?

That was when she remembered the purpose behind what they were doing. She was supposed to be learning how to pleasure Slayter, but instead it was the other way around. She wondered if she should remind him of that, but as he trailed kisses along the curve of her jaw and down her neck, she decided to play the willing student and leave the teaching part to him.




Watch the Trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyq9-yodfYM


Buy it from Ellora's Cave!
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9266-pirates-woman.aspx



*hugs*
Paige

"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Titanic: The “Millionaire’s Special”

Money, money, money….American millionaires had it and they wanted to spend it. While there were only 19 millionaires in 1850 in the U.S., by the end of the 1890s that number had grown to 4,000.

At the time of the sailing of the Titanic, seven of the men on board were worth $420 million dollars in 1912 currency.

The Titanic was their playground.

Built as a “floating palace,” the Titanic had 318 first class passengers aboard who enjoyed every luxury, according to the Denver Times (“Men of Millions, Famous Beauties, on Wrecked Ship wrote one reporter).

Sensual Turkish baths with a Moorish theme; a gymnasium with up-to-date equipment, including a mechanical camel; squash racquet courts.

Three electric lifts.

First class dining saloon located on D deck with exquisite chinaware by Spode (which was recreated for the new TV mini-series about the Titanic to be broadcast in 2012).

Even the captain of the ship was a perfect choice for her maiden voyage. Known as the “Millionaire’s Captain,” Edward J. Smith was popular with passengers and intended to retire after the crossing across the North Atlantic.

How does my heroine, Katie O’Reilly, figure into all this?

Through a series of escapades, Katie finds herself in first class on the Titanic, the likes of which she’s never seen. This was a time when steerage passengers were confined to E deck and below. Or the third class promenade “poop deck” located aft.

Not our Katie.

She sneaks up to the first class promenade deck and runs into Captain Lord Blackthorn, who is trying to help her:Katie knows he’s right, but she doesn’t regret trying to better herself. She worked briefly in a grand house when she went into service (reluctantly, I might add) with her sister, Mary Dolores, so she had experienced a taste of fine living, but she was poor Irish and proud of it.
They stood close together, their frosty breaths as one, their eyes meeting yet she revealed nothing more, as if she chose to keep her secrets hidden from him for a while longer. He should let her go, but first he must tell her what he knew. “They haven’t given up looking for you, Katie. If you’re caught, I won’t be able to do anything to help you.”

But what girl wouldn’t want to sleep in damask silk bedding and--

Glory be, can you believe some first class cabins even had their own private bathroom?


Next time on Titanic Wednesdays: Titanic and the Loo

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

And the Fairy Tale Continues...


Alert! Alert! This blog is egocentric and may contain elements of pride and boasting.

Once upon a time, there was an author who released a book entitled Loving the Beast and it was the first book in a series called, Fairy Tales Unleashed. After reaching #1 at
All Romance eBooks , Breathless Press bought the second book in the series, A Perfect Fit, based on Cinderella...that's right!! I sold the second book and danced naked under the moon in celebration! Okay, maybe not, but I did shimmy in my sweats.

So I'm pretty doggone excited! I even have a bea-u-ti-ful cover! See? No. Look to the left. There it is. You want to read the blurb? Well, okay. If you insist! LOL!





Blurb
Once upon a time there was a young woman of beauty, grace, and good-nature...

Blah. Blah. Blah.

Rowyn Jeong knows her no-nonsense, less-than-warm personality cannot compare to her stepsister, Cindy's, bubbly charm and beauty. Hey, everyone has their niche, right? But being the plainer, wicked stepsister has never bothered her more than when Darius Fiore reappears in her life. Darius Fiore—the man she indulged in a one-night stand with six months ago, the businessman threatening her position within her stepfather's company, and the man her sister has her eyes—and hands—on.

Rowyn has never forgotten the man who allowed her to be someone else for a few, sex-filled hours. Now that Darius has turned up in her territory, will he see past the hard exterior to the woman beneath, hungry for love and acceptance?

More, you say? An excerpt? Well, sure!

Excerpt *Warning: Includes the bad words!*
Who was Rowyn Jeong? The contained, aloof businesswoman? Or the sensual, uninhibited lover who had disappeared without a hint to her existence except for the lingering scent of sex on his bedsheets and a beautiful necklace and pendant.

Determined to find out, Darius stepped forward. He noticed her back stiffen as he approached, but she didn't turn around to face him. He didn't pause until the lapel of his jacket grazed the deep red satin of her dress.

He shoved his hands in the pockets of his slacks. It was either that or grab her arms, turn her around, and lick the plump bottom curve of her lip before sliding his tongue deep into the mouth he'd had wet dreams about.

Their eyes met and held for a brief space of time in the darkened window that reflected their images. Unlike Cindy, the top of Rowyn's head grazed his chin, and he didn't feel like a hulking giant next to Thumbelina. From experience, he knew her sexy curves complimented his body like a perfect puzzle piece. Again and again, her breasts had pressed to his chest, his hips to that beautiful rounded ass. He inhaled. And like a deer scenting water, his body reacted to her skin's perfume.
His breathing deepened; his skin prickled. His cock hardened to the point of sweet pain. Fuck, the smell of her was like a hot palm squeezing his dick.

"Did you just smell my hair?"

The husky tone contradicted the sharp words. Her back remained to him, but Darius glimpsed the narrowing of her eyes in the window.

"Yes, I think I did." From her silence, he assumed his candor surprised her. He could have lied. Probably should have. But considering the lurid images that had been running through his mind from the moment she'd walked through that living room door over an hour ago, smelling her hair seemed pretty low on the you're-a-sick-fuck list. Hell, every time she'd closed her lips around her fork he'd pictured Rowyn as she'd been that night—kneeling before him, her pretty mouth stretched wide around his cock, her moans vibrating along his skin, dark eyes gleaming with pleasure…

His skin felt like a "dry clean only" suit that had been washed: tight as shit. His cock throbbed, and lust gripped his gut in a headlock. In six months, no other woman had made his dick twitch, much less harden to full erection. Shit, if not for the fact it jerked and erupted in his hand every night to thoughts of this woman, he would've believed an emergency regimen of Viagra was in order.

Rowyn turned to face him. Without flinching, she tilted her head back to meet his stare. No fidgeting. No hint of coyness. No flirting. And damn, wasn't that hot?
"At the risk of sounding cliché, it's a very small world." The understatement of the century, he scoffed.

"Somehow I don't believe Jiminy Cricket meant bumping into someone he'd seen naked. And in his parents' home."

Though the image of a tuxedo-clothed cricket bumping uglies was disturbing, he couldn't suppress the spurt of humor at her dry wit. It had been one of the characteristics that had captured his attention and kept him pinned to that barstool all those months ago. It was also one that had failed to make an appearance this evening until now. Now, as then, it only enhanced the natural beauty and allure that even her cool demeanor, restrained hair, and subtle clothing couldn't hide.

A Perfect Fit releases September 2, 2011! Thank you for allowing me to be crass and narcissistic!

Monday, July 11, 2011

The Writing Mind

Writer's evolve, true? Our writing never stays the same from the initial moments we decided we'd sit down and begin (more importantly finish) our first project. So it figures each novel we publish would be different in some substantial way. But I've been facing a conundrum recently about my writing. It's not so much that my writing itself has evolved, but my life process has changed. I've been facing the dreaded writer's block -- gasp! Not because my muse has disappeared. I'm pretty sure she's there smiling indulgently at me. And so is her partner. (My consultants are a female/male team. Aren't you jealous?) The block per se isn't the problem, it's that my mind has begun to work differently.

Chalk it up to life maturity or a devolution of maturity. The complete obsession that my brain had with my story lines, character development and plotting minutia has softened. My life has diversified. I can't blame this on children. I had children when I began writing. The same number and even younger, so the distractions were there. Yet the hyper focus on my stories has shifted. I'm less obsessive, the helpful traces of anxiety lessening. Who'd have thought that losing one's anxious edge would be a detriment? But it's true. And for a fantasy writer and world builder whose stories depend on constant building, revising and layering of intricacies, not to mention pushing the envelope of imagination, this is devastating.

I am still writing. And ideas still come; growing in the organic way from the initial outlines I've developed. But it's slower and less predictable. And my mind insists on thinking of other life matters as I drive around in my car, shuttling my children from place to place. Driving used to be a rich source of brainstorming time for me, but I can't seem to keep my focus on the gold ring as I zoom through traffic.

In many ways I'm a more balanced, happier person who has grown despite herself. (Not saying there isn't a long road ahead. That's true for us all.) But I am sad as well that the typical tempo to my writing has become altered. Although I'm still determined to find a new pattern to it. I am absolutely sure that it is meant to be a part of my life.

So tell me, has anyone else experienced a basic change to their writing mind? How have you readjusted?


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Titanic and how I found Katie O'Reilly's Irish voice in me

You know it when you hear it…that lovely Irish lilt in a girl’s voice that reminds you of warm currant buns and hot tea on a cold, rainy day.

But how do you write it?

The accent, I mean.

The answer is simple, you don’t.

Instead of trying to recreate Katie’s Irish accent with a lot o’ fancy apostrophes and local words not known to a wide audience, I decided upon another way.

Poetry.

Not rhyming stanzas, but the poetry of the heart that comes from Katie’s character.

Katie is nineteen, born in County Cork, her mum and da couldn’t read or write, but her upbringing is rich with their stories and sayings that intrigue the young girl’s mind and soul.

Also, Katie is Irish Catholic, so the stories of the saints and her catechism are also the roots of her way of speaking.

Writing Katie’s voice came naturally to me since I grew up as Katie did, hearing the Irish folk tales from the family and the good sisters and writing stories ever since I read my first book of fairy tales.

Here’s an example of how I give the reader the cadence of Katie’s Irish speech when she sneaks aboard the Titanic and a handsome gentleman finds her.

She was safe here. For now.

Closing her eyes she leaned against the staircase wall, wild thoughts racing through her mind. Where was she to go? Hide in a lifeboat on the Boat deck when it got dark, then she’d–

“I thought I’d find you here.”

That got her attention and sent the fear of God pulsing through like a holy sermon. She opened her eyes and let out a loud gasp. Dear sweet Jesus, it was him. The man she’d seen on deck, watching her.

She was all in a flap when she saw him, like a burst of golden sunshine he was, shining down on her after she’d been drenched by a cold, drizzling rain in her dark, grey world. Aye, he was a handsome gentleman, with black hair and black eyes that held dark secrets that could make a lass blush, though there was an aristocratic air about him that tamed his wildness just enough to keep him on balance.

And put her off balance.

When Katie boards the Titanic, she may not be a first class passenger, but her richness of speech and glorious way of looking at the world intrigue Captain Lord Jack Blackthorn. He intends to tame this wild Irish girl with red hair, but Katie has ideas of her own.

As you’ll find out in “Katie O’Reilly, a story of the Titanic.”

Next time on Titanic Wednesdays: Titanic: The “Millionaire’s Special”

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Steampunk Romance & Other News

I'm happy to say I finally got my contract signed with Carina Press for my Victorian / Pirate Steampunk Romance. Under Her Brass Corset is tentatively scheduled for release in the Spring of 2012.

The novel length story is a full house of interesting characters, including the sexy hero, Captain Jasper Featherstone, whom is a two-hundred year old pirate who has a penchant for inventions and lives aboard a flying pirate ship powered by steam. Along with the mostly normal heroine, Abigail Teach, Jasper embark on an adventure to show her myths and legends are realer than she ever imagined. And along the way, he hopes to share the love he has had for her, long before she knew of secretly watchful guardianship.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And that's not the end to my good news. I have also signed a contract for Cowboy Obsession. It's a contemporary m/m romance and has a tentative release date of August 2011. It's being published by Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure) under my GLBT pen name, Sineth Killiri.

This novella is about librarian, Braden Hollace moving to a small Texas town and meeting handsome rancher / mayor Eric McCaffrey. While they both have reasons for keeping their sexual orientation out of the public eye, neither can stop lustfully eyeing each other. But all cannot be at peace between them, until a ban on gay literature in their town is stopped.

Monday, July 4, 2011

And Summer Begins...

Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is celebrating with a good old fashioned barbecue and a dip in the pool or the ocean or even a lake. If you're lucky, you'll get to witness a spectacular fireworks display after dark. We usually stay home and DH and the kids pretend to be pyromaniacs and light firecrackers and assorted rocket type explosives that keep me at least twenty yards back with a can of Off. To me, Independence Day is the real kickoff to the summer.

I love the summer! Not only are yummies like berries and watermelon plentiful at the store, but at Casa Daniels we get to play fast and loose with our schedule!

Another thing I like about this summer? A book release, of course. Burning Touch, a romantic suspense novel will release on July 6th. Here's a little about it:


When Devon Wise’s massage clients start turning up dead, she reluctantly leans on the sexy guy next door to help her clear her name. Having lost her parents at an early age, she doesn’t trust that anyone she cares about will stick around. Devon never lets her feelings get involved, keeping everyone at arm’s length. But after their first sizzling night, she can’t get enough.

Real estate investor Ben Stafford can’t keep his mind—or his hands—off the earthy beauty who happens to be his new neighbor. When the bodies begin piling up, he wonders if she’s as innocent as she claims or if he’s been spending all those lust-filled nights with a killer.

As if all that wasn't enough, I just contracted a three-book series with Ellora's Cave. The Long and Hard Series features three romantic suspense novellas centering on the Long Shot Security Agency, which is run by the three Long brothers. Long Shot Security provides protection for celebrities, dignitaries and the like and I can't wait to share these hunky PIs with the world!

What about you? Do you like summer? Did you do anything fun and special for the holiday? And a happy belated Canada Day to our northern friends.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Guest Author - Randi Alexander!

I want to thank ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­all the Naughty Author Chicks for letting me guest blog today. I'm Randi Alexander and I write cowboy erotic romance.

My first book, Chase and Seduction was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press' Cowboy Kink line.

The excerpt I included with my blog today has some steamy elements that I like to use in combination when I write a sensuous scene in a romance novel. First, there's the 'thinking about it' piece, where one character's inner voice is imagining what sexy thing he or she wants to do to the other person. Here are a couple sentences from the scene just before the excerpt: Chase knew what to do to get her mind off the different lifestyles they led. And it had to do with a king-size bed, her laying naked on it, and him pressing down on top of her. We're experiencing the character's fantasy with them, and visualizing through his mind's eye what he wants to happen.

Then there's 'talking about it' component. She stepped over the red pool of her dress and sashayed toward him, licking her painted lips, the glint in her eyes dangerous. Chase held his hands out to her, she put her palms against his, then-knelt. His body jerked, nearly poking her in the eye with his shaft. "Reno." She smiled. "You're going to like this, cowboy, I promise." When a character explains what they're going to do to the other, and both of them are sharing the same fantasy, the sexual tension doubles.

Then there's 'doing it'. Chase nibbled a leisurely path down her stomach to her belly button. His tongue in her ticklish spot caused ripples of desire to shoot directly to her core. He kissed lower, easing down her belly, driving her crazy with impatience, but wild with anticipation. Their bodies are together now, and the added element of the sensual connection takes the scene to its deepest emotional and physical level.

I include each of these three types of foreplay throughout the book, layering them, one atop another, until the scene is charged and crackling with passion. The first two are used to create sexual tension in the beginning of the book, but when I add the third component - touch - I've got a steamy-hot love scene that'll I'm hoping will curl a reader's toes and spark a shiver of delight.

What is your favorite piece of a love scene? The 'thinking about it', the 'talking about it', or the 'doing it'? Which one does the most to make you all gooey inside?





Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything-and he's never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.

Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase's arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?


EXCERPT: Over 18 only please.

Reno was already at the high bed, skimming her fingers over the navy silk comforter. She walked to the patio doors facing the Gulf, then she turned back to the fireplace and the big white leather sectional couch spread out in front of it. She glanced at him. "This is so beautiful." She gestured to the water. "Everything. The house, the view." She smiled. "It's like a fairy tale."

Damn, it was good having her here. She fit just fine, like she could make this her home. With him. And maybe a few little ones later.

He strode over to her, pulled off his hat, and tossed it onto the couch. "I wanted you to like it." Sliding his hands up her arms, he settled them on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"What's that look for?" she asked as she pressed her hands to his chest.

He shook his head and wrapped his arms around her, focusing on what he held right now. "It's good to have you here."

"I'm hungry," she said, her voice low and sexy. She grabbed fistfuls of his t-shirt and yanked the bottom up out of his jeans.

"Whatever you want, baby," His mind switched to sex just that easily, and his body juiced up, ready to show her how much he missed her. Shrugging out of his jean jacket, he let her pull his shirt over his head.

Her hands landed on his ribs and she traced them to his abs, where she slid her fingers down his stomach to his low-riding jeans. She looked up at him as she snuck her fingers beneath his waistband, touching the head of his hard shaft.

"I want you inside me, Chase," she demanded.



To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.





I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, http://www.randialeaxander.com And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.


Good luck, and thank you!
Randi

RandiAlexander.com
http://www.randialeaxander.com

WildAndWickedCowboysBlog
http://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpress.com/

Chase and Seduction available at The Wild Rose Press Wilder Roses
http://www.wildrosepress.us/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=827