Hello and Welcome.  So here we sit on the eve of the most under-appreciated holiday of the calendar, April Fools’ Day.  Every year, I do my best to bring attention to this neglected and much maligned holiday.  The myth persists that April Fools’s Day is an occasion for playing cruel jokes on others to make them look foolish.  C’mon folks, no one needs help looking foolish.  The true purpose of April Fools’ Day is to celebrate laughter.  I’ve celebrated in many ways; Comedy Central marathon’s, Funny movie marathon’s (among my favorites are My Man Godfrey and It Happened One Night), reading jokes on-line, and best of all reading romantic comedies (can anyone say SEP?).  I like romantic comedies so much that I wrote two, The Catnapped Lover and Devil May Clare then tied them both to this wonderful holiday that celebrates laughter.  I’ve included a short excerpt from The Catnapped Lover, below.  But before we get to that, I’d really like to hear from you about how you celebrate April Fools’ Day.  I’ll send swag to anyone with a US postal address who leaves a comment and tells me about his/her ideal April Fool’s Day celebration (real or fictional I don’t care). Don’t forget to leave an e-mail address where you can be reached so I can contact you with details about where to send an SASE.   

Now a little set up and then the excerpt: Our heroine, Rue Clancy has just startled our hero, Adam Talcott out of a sound sleep.   Concerned because, she found him dreaming in the hammock on her aunt’s front porch and her aunt is nowhere to be found, Rue and thought Adam was a vagrant.  He was so startled when she woke him that he tumbled from the hammock and broke the plate of sandwiches that her aunt had given him to snack on when he first arrived asking for work.  (If you’re worried about Rue’s aunt, don’t be, she had to run an urgent errand.)Rue found herself caught in a deep blue stare that soothed and frightened at the same time. For some unfathomable reason, she wanted to strip naked and swim in that clear shining light. Her thoughts rambled. I’ve never reacted to anyone this way. This man is dangerous. She shook herself.   “Sit, Mister…?”  “Talcott,” he said slowly. “Adam Talcott.”   Hold still, Mr. Talcott, so I can look at your head.”     He did as she asked.    “I’m Rue Clancy. My aunt owns Shea D’s Rest.”Rue dipped a corner of the towel into the water, then moved around in back of the chair where Adam sat. Gingerly she moved her fingers through his hair until she located a slight swelling behind his ear.He flinched when her fingers brushed the tender spot.   “I’m sorry.” She applied the cool cloth.   

I went out the other day to do some errands. The sun was bright, shining and it was hot. A few hours into my errands I was making good progress getting things done. As I walked along I noticed that the sky had become really overcast. Before I could wonder if I should think about heading home it started to pour. I mean pour like a waterfall. Although the weather man hadn’t said there was rain I always carry my umbrella with me. So I opened it but with the amount of rain I was still soaked by the time I found shelter. I wasn’t the only one caught unprepared and we were all dripping wet and wondering what had just happened. Lots of people around me were upset and cursing about this random weather change. I wasn’t upset I just got me a cup of tea and a seat near the window and watched the rain coming down. It was a beautiful sight. All that massive water, thunder and lightning.

My way of thinking of it is that things happen and plan changes. We don’t always have control so we need to just accept that it happened and move on. As I drank my tea and watched the rain my thoughts turned to how years ago I would have let things like the weather change upset me. Especially when I had plans to do something. With time I changed and realized that changes in plan or what happens around you can be a good thing. We might not always see it at the present time but eventually it will be revealed. Being upset or letting such things mess with you is not worth it. Now I do still get upset but I’ve learned not to sweat the small things. Like rain that I can’t control.

So as the rain continued to fall I sat, had a cup of tea and enjoyed my unexpected break in my busy day. It was fun to relax and watch people. Got my ideas flowing about what could happen during an unexpected rainstorm. Ah a kernel of a new idea. I wrote down some ideas as I watched the rain. When the rain stopped I went on my way and got what I needed to do done then headed home. With a new idea that happened due to something different than I had planned. A little change can be good.

McKenna Jeffries
http://www.mckennajeffries.com/
…. sensual, edgy, unexpected

Blog: http://www.mckennajeffries.com/blog
Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/McKennaJeffriesList
Free Reads Site: http:/ /www.satinnotes.com/

Conquering Jazz – What’s a woman to do when she unwittingly makes a tantalizing proposition to her best friend?

Be brazen, bold and set some ground rules. Her offer. One night of carnal bliss. No emotion allowed.

His counter offer. A continued affair to fulfill all their sexual cravings.

His hidden agenda. Conquer to make sure their affair never ends.

Buy here at Liquid Silver Book.

We all have experiences in our lives that direct us, mold us, and shape us into what we grow to be.  Just like a potter uses his hands to shape his pot, events shape our personalities and what we become.  I’m going to call these ‘life changing experiences’. Do you like it?  Yeah, me too.Anyway, my earliest memory of such an experience was at around age six.  While at Bi-Lo shopping with my mother, we were caught in an ice storm.  I would like to regal you with wild tales of how we were stuck for days without power or how we were forced to eat from the stores meager supplies to survive, but really it was nothing so exciting.What did happen was as we went to leave the slippery parking lot and everyone was slipping and sliding around in their vehicle, my mom asked me to pray we could get off the hill and onto the road.  I did as she requested and it worked!Another molding experience was having surgery.  You see, I have severe idiopathic scoliosis, which really means my spine is crooked and they don’t know why.  But at age eleven I had to have Herrington Rods, or metal rods, placed in my back.  If the surgery wasn’t daunting enough for an eleven year old then the nurse talking to my parents certainly was.  As they explained the intricate details of my impending operation, while I was in attendance I might add, they pointed out that I could die!  At eleven you don’t really think about these things.  Let’s just say blurting it out like that changed me.Other less dramatic things that have shaped my life include but of course are not limited to:  going away to college, getting married, and motherhood.  One of the most interesting of these experiences was giving birth.  Once you’ve went through that process, modesty is all but a dream.  I’ll never forget when I was in labor with my first child and a nurse came in and took special pains to cover my legs with huge sheets.  My eyebrow rose while I questioned what I perceived as a ridiculous action.  Here’s the kicker.  Her answer was, “The doctor is modest.”  Seriously!One of the latest life changing experiences for me has been becoming an author.  Never once did I imagine it was possible for me.  Unlike other authors I can’t say this was something I wanted do or something I’ve always dreamed of doing.Yeah, as a young teenager I received a typewriter for Christmas and I would go in and bang away on the keys.  I’d come up with one page stories but mostly I just typed about my frustrations of being a kid.  Don’t we all do that in some capacity or another?Really the author thing came about for me because of my love of reading, my love of romance, and the idea that as a stay-at-home mom I wanted something uniquely my own.  I guess I’m as surprised as anyone that it worked!What in your life has molded you?  What has changed your life?  Did it make your life better or worse?  Just like in my story “The Perfect Rose”, many things shape Ariel’s life.  Her life changing experiences mold her into what she becomes.  Can’t we all relate?      Felicia Rogers

“The Perfect Rose”  available at Astraea Press.  Also available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and were other ebooks are sold.

Felicia’s WebsiteFacebook/Felicia Rogers 

Picture it…a sprawling mansion in the woods, catering to the dark and delicious needs of everyday people looking for a sexual fix. Strangers wanting to fulfill their every fantasy, with the anonymity of a mask. Would you do it, if given the chance?

Spanking Lady Willow is the tale of a woman looking for release; a touch of excitement in her otherwise dull life. Meet Sasha, a soon-to-be divorcee, the newest member of Sinful Epiphany—an underground sex club.

This is her story…

Blurb:

Divorce has never been so sweet . . . .

Sasha Borden is about to be a free woman. After years of vanilla sex with a distracted husband, the decision was obvious to end their marriage. If they can’t find pleasure in their marriage bed, what else could they possibly have? Left with few options, Sasha decides to join the underground sex club, Sinful Epiphany, where strangers meet at a masquerade for a night of flesh-filled fantasy.

But what if the plan backfires, and the stranger gives her more than she ever bargained for? Will one night of stripped inhibitions lead to a lifetime of happy wife/happy life, or something more sinful?

Excerpt:

“Did I hear you right? You’re going to make love to a stranger?” Elisa asked.

Sasha Borden took in her sister’s bewildered, wide-eyed expression. She smiled as Elisa lifted her Cosmopolitan to her lips.

“No. I’m going to fuck him,” Sasha said.

Elisa sputtered and coughed over her drink, making heads turn in the classy C’est La Vie Lounge.

No doubt, the Suits surrounding them were shocked and appalled by their loud cackles and unladylike language, Sasha thought with another animated smile. Sensible women, the ones who frequented this particular establishment, were supposed to “be quiet and look pretty,” as Elisa often said.

“My god, Sasha, why would you do such a careless thing?” Elisa whispered, now leaning over the table. Her cheeks, neck, and chest had turned a deep shade of pink. Her gaze suddenly drawn to Elisa’s blaringly visible breasts peeking out above the sheer camisole of her white blazer, Sasha cocked a brow. She was amazed her sister wore something other than the strangling turtleneck for which she was known.

“Because that’s what careless people do, sis. I need passion in my life, a reason to look forward to the future. My life has been so bleak lately, and when Gage and I were together, we never did anything special.” She laughed softly, although deep down it hurt to bring up the past relationship. “And in bed, it was always the missionary position without any enthusiasm. There’s more to sex than that. There’s more to life, and I’m going to experience it.”

An image of her handsome ex wormed its way into her mind. Chiseled, whiskered face. Brooding, dark brown eyes that used to spark her inner vixen. Shoulder-length, chestnut hair pulled back in a ponytail—typical biker style. He had a reckless, dangerous way about him that pulled her in right from the beginning. But looks were deceiving. What she thought would be a beautiful, everlasting marriage, turned out to be wishful thinking. Disappointment coiled in her stomach. She fingered the toothpick spearing the olive in her martini, suddenly wishing she’d ordered a scotch, instead. When she looked up, Elisa’s brows were drawn together and her expression looked bleak.

“Did you ever tell Gage you wanted more? I mean, he’s such a sweet guy; maybe it was simple misunderstanding. Maybe he thought that’s what you wanted.” Elisa stared at Sasha, her gaze sharp, waiting for an answer. “Well, did you say anything to him?”

Sasha rolled her eyes, in preparation of the forthcoming, unwanted, sisterly advice. “No.”

“Well, little one, men need to be told what to do. If you don’t speak your mind, you’ll never get what you want. And trust me, some men need you to be blunt about it, or they’ll never figure you out. Think of them as puppies. When you cuddle and pet them and tell them what to do—they listen.”

Sasha laughed over the mental picture. “And when you don’t?”

Elisa giggled. “They piss on the floor, and then it’s up to you to scold them.” Elisa took another sip of her cocktail, then dabbed her burgundy-tinted lips with a linen napkin.

Shocked by the casual way Elisa had dispensed such explicit advice, Sasha simply stared at her, dumbfounded. Her sister was the epitome of beauty and grace, although her view of men put a certain harshness to her attitude. Since when did Elisa view men in such a dim light? Poor Harry, Sasha thought. An unwanted image of her brother-in-law kneeling naked before her sister’s heeled feet made her shudder.

Although Elisa was forty—ten years Sasha’s senior—you’d never know it. With curly, brunette hair teased to perfection, along with stunning make-up, the woman was a goddess . . . the exact type most people were afraid to approach. Perfect and stiff as a board. She probably cared more about her appearance than having a good, screaming orgasm. How could she possibly know what to ask for? Elisa didn’t seem the type to lose her inhibitions or even break a sweat.

Had she misjudged her sister all along?

Sasha knew what she wanted; she just didn’t know how to ask for it, which was probably why her marriage had fallen apart. She and Gage may have been married for five years, but you’d think by the way they communicated with each other, they were bumbling newlyweds regretting signing their life away. If only they could’ve talked more openly, but Gage never gave her the time of day, and she didn’t know how to voice her wants and needs.

Owning and operating a custom bike shop kept him on a tight schedule, and when he did have time at home, he spent it watching television. The odd time they banged, it was always over far too quickly. They’d been separated for over a year, and with the divorce papers set to be signed next week, Sasha figured it was time to experience the dating scene. Gage didn’t seem to have any troubles getting around with young, barely legal women; why shouldn’t she feel the same excitement?

Forcing Gage out of her mind, Sasha cast a teasing glance at her sister. “Did you get your tits done?”

Elisa’s eyes bulged for a second, and then she giggled. “No. Why?”

“They look bigger today.”

Elisa settled back in her chair and pursed her lips, before a stunning smile lit her face. “I bought a push-up bra, and a few other outfits from that new boutique down the street. Harry loves it. He can’t keep his hands off me.” Her face glowed with happiness.

Sasha grinned. “Did you suck him off for the money, like in Goodfellas?”

Elisa gasped, and fresh color tinted her cheeks. “Of course not! What’s the matter with you? You’re acting so strange. Besides, Harry gives me whatever I want. Happy wife—happy life.”

She snorted. “Must be nice. Tell me, El, have you ever . . . you know . . . gave him a blowjob?”

Elisa darted a glance around the room and leaned farther over the table. “Yes and no.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Her sister made an exasperated noise. “I mean, I do, but I don’t let him . . . you know . . . .”

“Come in your mouth?”

They both erupted in raucous laughter. This time, their onlookers scowled and shook their heads in obvious distaste. Moments later, a waiter came to the table and shushed them. The second he turned his stiff back and walked away, they giggled some more.

“I joined a group, where members’ fantasies are brought to life, but I can’t tell you all the details. New people can join once a month. You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to, and nobody knows who anyone else is.” Sasha smiled, remembering her recent chat with the man they’d linked her to: Phoenix. “I chatted with my match online, and we agreed to meet at the next joining.”

Elisa looked as if she’d seen a ghost. “The next joining? God that sounds weird. What if he’s a rapist or a murderer? I can’t believe this—”

“Well, believe it. Master Beckwith has assured us safety and privacy at his home. It’s not like I’ll be in some secluded cabin in the woods alone with this guy. So, don’t worry, sis.” She sighed, anxiety and excitement making her heart pound. For the first time in a long time, Sasha looked forward to something. “He doesn’t sound like a loser, El, and besides, every member goes through a screening process precisely for that reason. It’s perfectly safe, and they set you up with a person of similar tastes. I’m so excited to meet him tonight.”

“Oh, my god.” Elisa finished the rest of her drink in one swallow. “I’d never have the balls to do something like that.”

Sasha laughed. “You wouldn’t need to. You’re married to a stud.”

Elisa smiled the kind of smile she wore when naughty ideas bloomed. “Maybe I’ll encourage something naughty tonight.” She checked her watch. “Oh! Speaking of that, I promised to meet Harry for a drink at the pub. When do you meet your mystery lover?”

“The party begins at midnight.”

“Well, good luck and be safe, my love. And don’t dare tell our mother what you’re doing. She’ll call the cops or something. You know she still thinks you and Gage will work things out.” Elisa stood, came around the table, and gave Sasha a quick hug. She whispered in her ear. “Tell me all about it in the morning, and I’ll let you know how my night went.”

“Say hi to Harry for me.”

They giggled like a couple of schoolgirls again and parted ways.

A short time later, Sasha headed home with a few hours to kill before the masquerade.

** Purchase Spanking Lady Willow here: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=246

 My next release, Soothe My Soul will be out March 28!

* * *

Also, please visit my sites, I’d love to have you. J

Website: http://www.blbonita.net

Blog: http://www.blbonita.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Bl-Bonita/100000861025212

Ciao for now!

Alaska, what do you think of? The cold and snow? Long dark nights, or Northern Lights? The remote wilderness, and a little hot lovin in a rustic cabin somewhere? Just the name conjures up mystery, and all kinds of things. Alaska is wild, adventurous and inspiring. I went with my daughter and niece in 2004 and it was the best two-week vacation! Someday I plan to go back. There’s something very romantic about that place and visiting there is what inspired me to write Someone to Love Me. Someone to Love Me comes out today with Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. It’s a full length torrid romance, about two strangers who find themselves stranded in a remote cabin in the mountains for the winter.

Previously released with a different publisher, it’s been given new life with added content, and hotter encounters between the hero and heroine. Someone to Love Me is probably the hardest story I’ve written, due to the fact that until the last two chapters, the only characters in the whole story are the hero and heroine.

Blurb -When Charlie’s plane goes down in the remote Alaskan wilderness she knows she’s in big trouble. She didn’t have time to radio in her position. So it looks like her decision to surprise her parents on their wedding anniversary wasn’t such a good idea. Now lost and in freezing temperatures, her chances of survival look bleak.

As Charlie heads out on foot, she faces a new danger when a white wolf appears. And right behind him is her salvation. A quiet mountain man with secrets, who takes her to his one-room cabin, where she finds herself stranded for the winter. To make matters worse, there’s an instant attraction between them they both try to resist.

Excerpt -

He pivoted toward the door, and was just about to step up the first step when he heard Charlie release a shriek of anger or frustration or both. He grinned, until he realized she was right behind him.

“What won’t work? Trying to prove that you’re human?”

She cut Luke off at the porch, moving around and in front of him before he could stop her. She walked up the steps backwards. “What buttons do I have to push, huh mountain man?”

Her words moved over Luke like warm honey. He tried to swallow but everything about Charlie assailed his senses all at once—the twinkle in her eyes, her spirit, the rosy glow on her pretty cheeks, and that sensuous mouth. Most of all that wild hair, which seemed to have a life of its own.

Luke pictured what she would look like naked, with it draped all about her. Like some medieval maiden waiting to be conquered by her lord. Covering just what it needed to cover to wet a man’s appetite and keep him hungry for more. He sucked in great gulps of crisp mountain air and warm woman. Arousal slammed him in the gut like a fist. She was too close and exhilarating.

His was hard as stone and hungry.

“Well?” Her tone was low and husky. Their gazes clung.

“I can see it in your eyes, mountain man. You want to let go. Do it Luke. It feels good.”

She had the gall to wet her lips and smile. As far as Luke was concerned she’d just crossed the line. He dropped his line of fish, grabbed Charlie by the shoulders, slammed her up against the cabin door, and pinned her there with his hard body. He heard the breath leave her lungs with a loud whoosh, watched her pupils dilate with emotion. He wanted to believe it was fear, but his gut told him Charlie didn’t frighten easily. As he closed in she tilted her head, meeting the anger in his eyes. She didn’t back down one inch. The need to taste her was so strong that it frightened Luke. But not enough into letting her go.

“Is this what you want, Charlie? Is this the kind of reaction you’re looking for?”

Anger raced through Luke’s blood that she’d pushed him into touching her. Something he didn’t want to do. The feel of her small, vibrant body against his was weakening his resolve to remain indifferent. His lips thinned as he lowered his face closer.  “Are you happy now?”

“It’s a start,” she said foolishly, those incredible eyes of hers filling with a glint of satisfaction, and something else. Victory? “Doesn’t it feel good letting your emotions go for a change?”

Luke didn’t like the calm in her voice, the confidence that she knew what she was doing. He wanted her as torn up inside as he was. He wanted her hot.

“You have no idea what you’re inviting, Charlie.”

He had no idea he was going to kiss Charlie until he was doing it. With a hungry groan he slanted his mouth over hers, quickly cutting off any smart remark he sensed was forthcoming. He didn’t care that he was stealing the breath from her, or that he’d forced his tongue inside her mouth to battle her sweetly responsive one. Sensations he hadn’t felt in a long time exploded through his body with the force of a cyclone. It made him hungry and afraid at the same time.

He knew once he’d touched her he would be hard pressed to let her go. Since the moment they’d met he’d reacted to her like a man to a woman. Everything seemed to be leading up to this moment of madness, in spite of trying his damnedest to deny those feelings and keep his distance. But damn her, she’d made it exceedingly difficult. Well, he hoped she was happy now because he was giving her the human reaction her goading demanded. The sounds of a satisfied purr rumbled low in her throat, giving him the answer to his thoughts. Making Luke realize the situation could easily turn dangerous, and much more intimate, between them.

Her response caused sharp arousal to uncoil from deep inside his gut, shaking him with its intensity. His senses were suddenly alive and throbbing with stimulation, the blood in his veins turning to molten lava. He could feel the heat of Charlie through their clothes, sensed the need flowing through her blood was just as urgent as his. Her soft whimpers became hungry moans, rendering him powerless to stop from grinding his cock against her. Only he knew relief wouldn’t come until he was buried deep inside her pussy. His hand fell to the zipper on her jacket. He pulled it down until he could part the material and cover her breast with his hand.

The soft fullness seemed to swell even more in his palm. She cried out beneath his mouth. He ignored it. Every fiber of his being demanded he take what she seemed willing to give, but when she arched into his intimate act, Luke ended the kiss abruptly. Because, if he didn’t find the will power to stop now he wouldn’t.

Out of breath, he rested his forehead against hers for a moment, struggling for control. Charlie was panting too, her breath intermingling with his, their hearts pounding wildly against each other as one. It took super human strength not to take her there, standing against the door with all of Mother Nature looking on. Luke wondered if she’d shut up about wanting to see a human response out of him then.

Tory Richards Website

Well as some of you may know I write crime, mysteries and romantic suspense. People always ask me what makes a good villain.  What do I look out for or do to make my villains stand out.  Villains are my absolute favorite characters and I am excited to tell you why.

For me villains AKA bad guys/girls move the story and carry the suspense. I don’t care what genre you write, there is no way you can have a kick-butt story without a fabulous villain/antagonist. To perfect my creation of villains, I’ve studied what makes villains so effective. The problem is that a lot of authors do not know how to write good villains. There is an art to it.  A villain must be more than just a bad guy.

You might like the heroine and you might love the hero, but without that antagonist pulling your nerves or making you jump in your seat, there wouldn’t be true tension.  People can only stand to watch squeaky clean characters for too long. You have to shake things up, make folks continue to turn the pages, make your villain someone people WANT to see. That’s the key right there. The villain has to be someone people either care about or are interested in.

I’ve opened my treasure chest of secrets to give you an idea of what makes a darn good villain.

1. Remember that Villains are Human Too

There is nothing more predicable or worse than making a villain all bad and no good. No one is all bad. Even the worst people in the world have a heart. Some of the most unforgettable villains from cinema and literature are heart-string stroking bad guys who win the audience’s pity, sorrow and concern.  One of my favorite villains is Norman Bates. Bates was a stone cold killer but through Hitchcock’s brilliant mind and Anthony Perkins’ electrifying portrayal, Norman evokes almost every emotion known to man from the audience. And by the time Psycho is over, we’re wondering how the heck we could feel sorry for someone so twisted and insane. But the point is that we do.  That’s a TOP villain.

2.   Give Your Villains Real Emotions

I hate books where the villain just does bad things and has no conscience. This is not realistic. Show different sides to the villain. Let him or her go through heart-wrenching moments.  Show a glimpse of their softer side.  Readers need to embrace characters’ emotions in order to feel the impact of the story.  It also keeps readers on your toes. You can have a villain that’s spent his time killing women, yet he cries when he sees the story of a murdered child on the local news. It’s in-your-face realism.  It jolts the audience and shows the villain has a heart.  It keeps them on their toes and that’s what you need to engage the audience.

3.     3. Avoid Cliches

Last but not least, a big way to make a kick-butt villain is to ditch cliches. I don’t know why authors do all they can to avoid cliches for the hero and heroine, yet the villain or antagonist is a cutout copy of something from a million other books or movies. Go outside the box when creating your villain. Give them lives and circumstances that show they’re human. Don’t have your villains sitting around plotting about their next scheme through the entire book. Show them out of that zone. Show the softer side. Your villain might be a master manipulator, but what kind of job does he have? Is he a banker? Does he work at a zoo? Is he rich? Is he married and in love? Does he have kids? Does he have hobbies? It works for male and female villains. A female villain doesn’t have to be some seductress on the prowl where her only goal in life is to steal the hero from the heroine.  Give her a life outside of that. What are her talents? What does she like to do? Show her good qualities outside of the bad.  Make your villains REAL people and the audience will remember them when the book is over.

Remember, while agonizing over character development for your hero and heroine, throw that same attention to your villain and you’ll have a tension-filled book of excitement with readers turning the pages.

To get a glimpse of my kick-butt villains, check out my upcoming release, “Giving up the Ghost”(Book 1 in the Bree and Steven Interracial Romantic Suspense series).

It’s now available on Kindle and Nook!

http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Ghost-Publishing-Presents-ebook/dp/B004QZ9OXO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1299672324&sr=1-9

 http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Giving-Up-The-Ghost/Stacy-Deanne/e/2940012238443/?itm=22&USRI=peace+in+the+storm+publishing

 http://www.stacy-deanne.net/files/Giving_up_the_Ghost_Free_Sample.pdf

Print edition coming April 1, 2011 (Peace in the Storm Publishing).

http://www.stacy-deanne.net

To get an inside look inside the series visit the new Bree and Steven Series site: http://breeandstevenseries.webs.com/

Look me up on Facebook!

http://www.twitter.com/stacydeanne

The Season of Sin (Book 2 in the Bree and Steven Series) Coming Winter 2011!

Best Wishes!

With the colder weather I’ve come up with a plan to do my outside errands one day. That way I can be in the cold one day getting everything done instead of daily. Yes I am in the cold longer but since I am on the move going here and there I don’t feel it as much. I’ve come up with an organization to get everything done in a timely manner.

Well yesterday was errand day and I was up and out of my house at the crack of dawn. Had to take the train to most of my errands. As I went from place to place and things I had to do I was pleased with my progress of what I got done. By the end of the day I was burnt out. Dragging hard. But I was pleased that all my errands were done. My organization worked. Yay.

I was so pleased and surprised at how things went. Got more done than I usually do when I spread my errands out. I think I’ve found the way I’m going to do my errands.

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

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

Indigo Rain – To save the world and humanity from extinction from a being that can herald Armageddon a woman must trust a man whose race destroyed the people she held most dear. There’s more at stake… their hearts.

Buy here at Summerhouse Publishing.

I’m so excited to announce I have a new book out with Ellora’s Cave!  It’s a paranormal romance called GHOST HUNTER, and it’s got a hunky hero, a kick-ass heroine and a serial killing ghost that’s scary as hell!  Not to mention a smokin’ hot cover!

I love when I come up with an idea for a book out of the blue, which is what happened with GHOST HUNTER. When I heard my local RWA chapter set up a lecture with a team of paranormal investigators, it got me thinking right away about writing a book about a ghost hunter. Because the chapter is far from where we live, though, we didn’t actually go to the lecture. I was a little bummed about that, especially since they were giving out EMF detectors. On second thought, maybe it was better we didn’t go. Ghosts freak me out, so having something that can detect them probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Enough about me, back to the story behind the story. While I knew the hero was a ghost hunter named Trace, I wasn’t quite sure how the heroine fit into the story, or even who she was. So, my hubby and I played around with a few ideas at our local PF Chang’s (we come up with a lot of story ideas there!) We both decided that having the heroine Cassidy need the hero’s help because her house was haunted or something like that didn’t seem original enough, so we made her a budding romance writer who tags along with the hero and his team to do some research. Like any good story, though, it had to have some conflict, which is why Trace and Cassidy completely rub each other the wrong way right from the beginning. Actually, he thinks he’s a jerk. But don’t worry, Cassidy discovers underneath that rough ghost hunter exterior, Trace is just the man she’s been looking for. It doesn’t hurt that he’s hot!

Okay, so we had our hero and heroine. Now we needed a bad guy. That’s where the ghost comes in. He’s not your standard, everyday ghost, though. He’s a serial killer who attacked Cassidy that comes back from the grrave to continue his string of grisly murders, and she’s at the top of his list. To make things even more interesting, not only can he do all the regualar ghostly stuff like walk through walls and materialize out of thin air, he can also take solid form. 

I’m not going to tell you any more than that, though. Don’t want to give too much away, you know.  I will add that my editor at Ellora’s Cave told me she got so caught up in the story, she completely forgot she was reading a submission!

Now that you know the story behind the story, I think I’ll tease you with an excerpt.  Enjoy!

BLURB:

Almost getting murdered by a serial killer gives Cassidy Kincaide a new lease on life and convinces her to go ahead and tackle that ghost-hunter novel she’s always wanted to write. So, she hooks up with a gorgeous paranormal investigator named Trace McCord to do some research.

Cassidy and Trace rub each other the wrong way right from the beginning, but they have to put aside their differences when the serial killer who attacked her comes back from the grave to continue his string of grisly murders, with her at the top of his list.

Trace has to keep Cassidy close to keep her safe, and as they try to stay one step ahead of the ghost while figuring out how to stop it, he and Cassidy end up in each other’s arms. While Trace has a whole list of reasons why he shouldn’t get involved with her, he finds himself falling in love with the beautiful blonde anyway. And even though Cassidy started out thinking he was a jerk, she learns that underneath the rough ghost hunter exterior, he’s just the man she’s always been looking for. Now, all they have to do, is live long enough to be together.

EXCERPT:

Trace was only a few miles from the address Robert had given him for Cassidy when his cell phone rang. At first he wasn’t going to answer it, but some sixth sense made him change his mind. Now he was glad he had.

He was about to disconnect the call when he heard a muffled scream on the other end of the line. It was quickly followed by a loud clatter, then nothing.

“Cassidy!”

No answer.

Trace felt his chest tighten. Swearing under his breath, he shoved his cell phone in the pocket of his jeans and floored the pedal on the Hummer, running a red light to get through the intersection. The other drivers honked their horns as they squealed to a stop, but he ignored them. There was no way he was going to let Cassidy die.

Five minutes later, he slid into the parking lot outside her apartment, running over an ornamental fence and a flower bed to come to a screeching halt a few feet from the front door. Jumping out of the Hummer, he ran around to the back and grabbed his duffel bag full of gear. Throwing it over his shoulder, he raced up the steps and charged through the door into the building, scaring the hell out of two women carrying laundry baskets.

“Where the hell are the stairs?” he demanded, not wanting to waste time with the elevator.

The women timidly pointed around the corner.

Trace didn’t thank them as he ran in that direction. He hit the steps hard, taking them hree at a time. Once on the fourth floor, he ran down the hall, checking the room numbers on he doors. When he came to the right one, he didn’t even bother to slow down. Instead, he icked the door in as hard as he could, reaching into his bag for his shotgun as the frame plintered and the door flew open.

He looked left and right as he entered the apartment, but there was no sign of Cassidy or el Vecchio. Trace’s blood ran cold at the scene that met his eyes. The living room looked s if a cyclone hit it. The couch and throw pillows were sliced to shreds, stuffing still floating hrough the air. The coffee table was lying on its side, as were the two end tables, and the amps that had been on them were smashed to pieces along with practically everything ele in the place. Even the walls had been slashed.

“Cassidy?” Trace called.

“In here.”        

Trace followed the sound of her voice until he came to the kitchen. Cassidy was standing in the center of the room inside a wobbly drawn circle of salt, ready to throw a handful of something in his face. She sagged with relief at the sight of him, letting the stuff in her hand trickle out onto the floor. That was when he realized she was holding a big container of oregano.

“Is he gone?” she whispered.

Trace nodded. “Yeah, he’s gone. But I’m getting you the hell out of here anyway.”

He didn’t wait for an answer, but simply slung the shotgun over his shoulder by the strap, then walked into the kitchen and swung Cassidy up in his arms.

She put one of her own around his neck. “Is it safe for me to leave the circle?”

“Yes. I’ll keep you safe. Trust me.”

Apparently she must have believed him because she didn’t resist. She cuddled the container of oregano close to her body and leaned against his chest.

He frowned.  “Cassidy, you did great with the salt circle. It saved your life without a doubt. But what are you doing with the oregano?”

She looked up at him with big, blue eyes. “Isn’t it what you used to get rid of ghosts?”

His mouth twitched. “That’s sage and garlic. You can ditch the spaghetti spice.”

“Oh,” was all she said. Resting her head on his shoulder, she let the container of oregano tumble to the floor, then put that arm around his neck, too.

Giving the place one more look to make sure Del Vecchio hadn’t come back, Trace carried her out of the apartment and right passed the alarmed neighbors who had come out into the hallway to see what the ruckus was all about. Trace imagined they got their money’s worth seeing a big guy with a shotgun and a duffel bag slung over his shoulder carrying a beautiful half-naked woman in his arms. He abruptly realized he probably should have taken a few minutes to let Cassidy grab some clothes. But then the lights in the hallway flickered and he decided he could get her clothes later. They were getting the hell out of there.

“Is she being kidnapped?” one elderly woman asked another in a low voice as he and Cassidy passed them.

“If she is,” said the other old woman, “then I want to want to be kidnapped next.”

Any other time, Trace would have laughed, but right now all he wanted to do was get Cassidy someplace safe. Fortunately, he knew exactly where to take her. 

Get your copy of GHOST HUNTER at Ellora’s Cave!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9148-ghost-hunter.aspx

http://www.jasminejade.com/m-615-paige-tyler.aspx

 *hugs*

Paige

“Stories so hot, they’ll make your cheeks blush!”

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com

http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Once upon a time not so very long ago, four writers were at a crossroads. At the crossroads were several signs pointing them in many different directions and none of the directions were a suitable path to where the four writers wanted to go. Road hazards were all around them. They were four people navigating the literary highway on four separate road trips, but none of their adventures were going completely as planned yet. Until one day all four of their separate highways converged and something wonderful happened. They all climbed in the same woody station wagon and began to drive. They each had something to contribute to the collective trip and found that travelling with companions was much better than travelling alone. Things weren’t so frustrating anymore. One person was great at reading a map, one was great at figuring out the quickest and most efficient way of getting to point B, one person knew all the best sights to see, and one knew the best place to get coffee. Each person was a vital component in making the whole. Things became much clearer and everyone was happy. The End.

Well, it’s not really the end. Writing can be a very lonely, frustrating, and tiring experience. Writers spend the majority of their time sitting in front of a computer screen talking to their invisibly friends and telling their stories, then sitting alone in wait as they go through the submissions process, and then sitting alone is accompanied by pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth when the manuscript gets accepted and the marketing plan kicks in. Which for most writers is the least savory part of the creative meal. But, it doesn’t have to be lonely, frustrating and tiring. Networking with other writers is important, but finding the other writer or writers that are the vital components of your collective whole can be tedious and can take some time. The four writers were us. BethAnn Buehler, Christopher Craven, JL Oiler, and Lila Munro. We each were at a crossroads in our career and most, if not all, of us were ready to throw in the towel and quit. Until we found each other. Once we did we sort of became our own little crazy family with all the dynamics of a family unit. We’ve laughed together, cried together, cheered on each one’s successes, and mourned over the failures. We complete each other and help each other along this place we call the literary highway. The result of our banding together has been some pretty amazing things. We each now have defined goals and are doing all we can to help each other achieve them, we’re all happy with the direction in which we are travelling, and a terrific writing experience has taken place. Much as we found each other and are a family, our characters in our anthology are also their own crazy little family. A very tight close knit family of marines. They stick together, help each other out, laugh together and cry together. We’re pretty proud of our little accomplishment.

Our advice to other writers—don’t go it alone. Find another writer or group of writers you can lean on and prop up. Not feeling alone is so important in this industry. We promise when you find your family you won’t be sorry you did.

Force Recon, A Bit of History…

Force Recon exists large in part to JL Oiler.  During a late night chat between JL, Lila and BethAnn, JL asked if anyone was up for a joint project.  We started brainstorming and the only parameters we set for ourselves were that we wanted something that would make a great spring break read featuring non-paranormal bad-asses (JL’s favorite description of our guys).  Within minutes, we decided on a group of black ops warriors that found their personal lives far more treacherous than anything the enemy could throw at them. The three of us had been involved in a collective project Wicked Muses that had fallen prey to growing pangs and as a result we’d lost part of our team. Wanting to add a fourth Muse back to the team, we girls strong armed Chris into joining us and after several months of planning and sharing our characters with one another, Gabe, Aaron, Regan and Brogan came to life.  If the team survives their vacation to Beacon Bayou, we think they’ll be adding a couple of new members which also allows us the chance to welcome JA Lawson to our ranks. We hope you enjoy Force Recon: Beacon Bayou as much as we enjoyed working together and creating it.

And a look into the characters and their creators…

Lila: So, Chris–what did you find was the most enjoyable thing about writing the anthology?

Chris: The most enjoyable part of writing the anthology was learning about the marines and the role of black operatives in general. Until working with Lila, JL and BethAnn on this piece, I didn’t have a clue how the USMC played such an integral part in military ops and just how extreme  some men and women are willing to go to protect our freedoms. Jeanne– did you learn anything new about yourself while writing Aaron’s character?

Jeanne: I actually learned a good bit about my own way of thinking and communicating with others. Prior to writing Beacon Bayou, I had very limited experience really working so closely with others in story development. I was always able to allow my own ship to go where ever the water took it. With this story, however, we had a certain place we wanted to reach so my writing was much more guided and set. What I discovered is that the process taught me to organize my thoughts to produce a more cohesive piece of work.  In the end I believe this project has allowed me to improve as a writer. It also netted me some great friends.  BethAnn, what did you think was the most difficult part of doing the anthology?

BethAnn: In my opinion, the most difficult part of writing this anthology was making sure that every character got the chance to have his own voice.  In Beacon Bayou, readers are going to meet four very close-knit but uniquely individual guys and readers will get to live life through each of their eyes.  Given that the stories are so interwoven, I felt it was important that within their group life, each character had a chance to have his own story as well.  Lila, what inspiration went into creating your main character?

Lila: For people that are just getting to know me and may not know it, I’m the wife of a US Marine. I’ve been living this life for fourteen years now and the inspiration to create realistic military characters is all around me, I only need look out my door. I usually use marines as my heroes, but this time I decided to deviate a bit and give tribute to the guys and gals that keep our marines healthy both at home and while deployed. Corpsmen and women are an integral part of operations on any Marine Corps base as the USMC doesn’t have their own medical personnel so they tap the Navy for those jobs. In fact, my next door neighbor is a corpsman. I’m thankful that these people give their time so freely to help keep my husband and his brothers and sisters well while in harm’s way. So, Chris how did you see your character Regan develop and grow while resting and relaxing at Beacon Bayou?

Chris: Being the Hollywood pretty boy that he used to be,  Regan had to overcome several struggles in both the way he reinvented himself for the rigors of his job and the way he had to grow given his bent toward being rather emotional at times. I can’t speak for the other guys, but for Regan, he had two opposite kinds of obstacles to leap–keeping his own sexual preferences a secret and his love for Brogan, a man who was curious about his sexuality while posing as a hetero guy all along to keep “cover.” BethAnn, what was your favorite part about writing Brogan?

BethAnn: Without a doubt my favorite part of writing Brogan was setting his utter lack of self confidence in the bedroom against his bigger than life, take no prisoners attitude in every other facet of his life.  For me, a character is only as strong as their biggest weakness so to see this hunk of a warrior hit his knees wondering what in the hell to do with his feelings, and better yet, trying to get his hands around the fact that he might actually be in love, kept me coming back to the keyboard night after night. Jeanne, will readers get to see more of the team if they survive their vacation to Beacon Bayou?

Jeanne: Force Recon is in no way done yet. There are still missions left to complete and lives to save, including their own! Readers will get to learn even more about these sexy strong men as they head off on their next mission. Lila, any idea what lies around the corner?

Lila: I heard from their command that the team were last seen on the border of Mexico headed to Somalia. I know as far as Gabe is concerned, he and Ros have a rough road ahead with some tough issues to face. I’m also pleased to announce that we’ll be welcoming JA Lawson to our team in Force Recon book two. Jeanne did you have an prior experience with the military that helped you channel Aaron’s character?

Jeanne: I’m blessed to have come from a family filled with vets. Both my father and father-in-law served though neither were Marines.  And I’ve always had a thing for a man in uniform so researching the topic was like shopping in a candy store.  Aaron is also a survivor of a different sort. He has a lot of self-worth issues which he’s forced to face while at Beacon Bayou. I called upon a good friend who had personal experience in that area to help me get better insight into Aaron’s emotion and reactions. Chris, how did you feel about the final story?

Chris: I feel satisfied with the final story. For me, writing about a gay Marine was one of those controversial topics because of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” thing. But deep down, the story is more than just that. I felt as if we as a group utilized this anthology as a therapeutic technique of sorts.  This was a story that needed to be told.  Lila, when describing Roslyn in such detail, did you ever think it would be as emotionally “trying” as it turned out to be?

Lila: That’s such a great question. I’m known for tackling tough issues head on. My characters always have a ton of problems and I’m never afraid to talk about controversial ideas that might otherwise seem over the line so to speak. Not since writing Madi Melbourne in Bound By Trust have I had such an emotionally trying character. I do live through and with my characters in a very intimate way, and while I knew that Ros would take a lot out of me, I must admit she was probably the hardest character emotionally I’ve written to date. Her issues stem from a health stand point and I think a lot writers might find crossing that bridge out of line and taboo. For me, it’s important to share those real life experiences and I completely believe they can be dealt with with tact and compassion. At the same time, it’s emotionally draining to get so inside someone’s troubled thoughts and emotions. I found myself in tears more than once telling Ros’ story, but I’d do it all again. And I’m sure the tears aren’t left behind. There are more to come while Gabe’s in Somalia. BethAnn, you’re character Brogan is closest to Chris’ character Regan–do you think they had a satisfactory ending to their story and can you give us some hint as to where their relationship might be going later on? Any women in Brogan’s future?

BethAnn: Well, things were going pretty well until command interrupted the party, so to speak.  As the team heads off in the middle of the night to God knows where, Brogan finds himself wondering how to keep his head in the game on the job and keep an eye on Regan.  There’s no question that the pair are committed to one another, but between the women who keep landing on Brogan’s doorstep and the little lady that’s trying to get to know Regan better, the boys have their hands full.  And that’s not to mention saving the world while trying to stay out of harm’s way. Jeanne, care to share any final thoughts about the project with readers?

Jeanne: Sure, I think readers won’t be able to miss falling for the guys of Force Recon. They’re the injured knights in shining camo that we all want to save us. The story itself is so intertwined that instead of giving readers four separate pieces, Force Recon offers readers a single cohesive story with several points of view. We have drama, action, romance, and everything in between to help our readers  step into the world of our recon team like they’ve never experienced before. Any final thoughts from you, Chris?

Chris: Final thoughts? Wow!  I’d just like to share that I truly think readers will enjoy this captivating story that not only sweeps you off your feet with four hunky leading men, but offers a bit of suspense and shock straight to the chest when readers discover our guys have some extra baggage of sorts. Like the saying, “A house is not a home…” “A vacation isn’t a vacation” either. Bring tissues and a Crown and Coke–you might find you read the entire book in one sitting.  How about you, Lila?  Any closing thoughts?

Lila: I’d like to toss out that I think readers will be pleasantly surprised to find so many sub-genres encompassed in Beacon Bayou–we have everything from a sensual m/f relationship between Ros and Gabe, to a more erotic encounter between Aaron and Scarlett, to a steaming m/m relationship between Brogan and Regan. I think there’s something here for any lover of romance. It was a joy to work with such great talent and combine each of our “specialties” into one work.  I can’t wait to get the next installment finished. BethAnn, any final thoughts from you?

BethAnn: You know, this has been such an exciting project to work on, I’m just anxious to get Force Recon into readers hands and let the guys work their magic.  Being able to share in the creation of such a dynamic story leaves me wanting more of the recon boys.  I hope they all make it home safely…

 Looking for a splendid place to visit? Welcome to Beacon Bayou! Come wander Big Thicket National Preserve…  For one four man Marine Force Recon team, a vacation was just what the doctor ordered. Or in their case, the team corpsman.Fresh off a mission in the jungle of South America, rest and relaxation are Recon’s number one priorities.  But for Gunnery Sergeant Brogan Baker, Sergeant Aaron Wolf, Corporal Regan Maxwell, and Chief Gabriel Sanchez, this vacation will test their strength unlike any mission ever has.

After a string of failed relationships, Brogan Baker is questioning his sexuality.  Surely Regan Maxwell can’t be the answer to Brogan’s problems, can he?  Besides, Regan’s a former Hollywood pretty boy just trying to prove he has what it takes while keeping one foot firmly planted in the closet.  Then Kelli comes along.  Can the two men foster their growing relationship and survive the presence of one tiny female?

Aaron Wolf, the unit lost sheep, agreed to the Texas get away thinking he could finally overcome the short comings his father points out every chance he gets.  Meeting Scarlet might be the way out Aaron’s been looking for, but it’s the beauty Gabe’s got his eye on that shows Aaron there’s hope where he thought none existed.  After losing his first wife over fifteen years ago, Gabriel Sanchez has sworn off women.  But somehow Roslyn Romero manages to capture his heart.  The only problem is she’s got a host of her own issues that will push Gabe to the brink.

If that which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger, then the Force Recon team will either leave Texas in body bags or they’ll have a new found resolve to live life to the fullest.  Beacon Bayou beware.  Recon never backs down.  You can purchase Beacon Bayou at:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=publisher&qString=Rebel+Ink+Press

Please visit each of us at our respective websites:

BethAnn Buehler: www.bethannbuehler.com

Chris Craven: www.cravenheat.blogspot.com

JL Oiler: www.joiler.weebly.com

Lila Munro: www.lilamunro.weebly.com

Or at our newly renovated joint blogspot Wicked Muses at: http://www.wickedmuses.blogspot.com/

And check our publisher’s website for more Force Recon Anthologies coming in 2011:Rebel Ink Press: www.rebelinkpress.com

Thanks so much for hosting us today, and thanks to all the readers for stopping by and spending some time with us! We truly appreciate you all!  

I am a proud bookworm. My room’s spilling over with literature of all kinds and I think any passionate reader thinks to themselves, at some point or another, about creating their own story, whether they follow through with it, or not. At the point when I started writing Starless, over a year past the death of my pet, I thought that I could integrate some of the feelings of loss and grief that I had felt before, but depict it in a way that was more hopeful than heartbreaking.

One of the main focuses of the book is the metaphor of the earthquake and the aftershock. Starless Sky takes place during the aftershock. It’s the moments after the initial tragedy. Death, the earthquake, is the easy part. It’s the aftershock, the learning process of living without that loved one in your life, that’s the hardest. It’s an everyday struggle. Starless Sky isn’t about death. It’s about moving on from it and realizing that you need help along the way.

Coupled with the story of loss, is also a strong story of first love. One of the main things that help Kahlen is her love interest, Kennley.  However, Kennley did not start out as a love interest; he started out as a stressor, then a distraction, then a friend, and finally a love interest.  In the midst, Kahlen realizes is that he comes with a lot of problems of his own that she hadn’t bargained for. Kennley’s mysterious past, and how the two work through it, soon becomes the focus of the story. Kahlen learns that with love comes risks and ultimately has to decide if Kennley is a risk worth taking.  She had already lost her best friend.  Was she even ready to deal with a different type of hurt that can come with romance? Life without love is like a starless sky.

To read more go to my website, http://paigeagnew.com/. Listen to my audio excerpt, if you are intrigued to hear more, you can purchase my book there as well.