Nominated for Best Menage at LR Cafe!!!

Savin' Me was nominated for Best Menage over at Love Romances Cafe. How cool is that? Will I win? No idea. But honestly, being nominated was the best part. I'm stoked.

Auld Lang Syne

Cassandra Carr's Head Games!

Cassandra Carr is here today with her new book, Head Games. Want to know more? Here's the tour link. But I'd say stop by. Cassandra will be giving away one set of signed Romance Trading Cards to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and winner's choice one $10 GC to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble to one commenter during the tour. Pretty cool. So let's get started with the interview!

What was your favorite scene to write in Head Games?
It involves an apple pie. That’s all I’m saying.

Oh good gravy. (Turning away to pick up my copy and flip through it. Wicked grin.) What was the inspiration behind Head Games?
Well, I love hockey and love hockey players. And I love ménage. So what better way to meld two things I love than to write an entire series about various members of a hockey team who are engaged in permanent ménage relationships?

I can see where there's merit and a few other things. Grin, again. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Actually, the most interesting, and at the same time disconcerting, research that I’ve done is on prostheses, for an anthology I’m writing with a few friends. I will freely admit I’ve also done research on all manner of sex toys, BDSM furniture, collars, etc. That was also interesting. ;-)

If you can't research the BDSM toys and furniture, then what's the point of writing it? What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
The most frustrating side is how many other things you have to do besides write. There’s promo, of course, but there’s also editing and proofreading your books before they’re released (which I don’t really consider writing), talking to your editor and agent about what’s coming up, that sort of thing. Basically, just all the little stuff that takes you away from crafting the next story.

The most rewarding is hearing someone say they loved your book. BY FAR. And here’s a note for readers. You know how in the back of the book under the author’s bio it says “she loves to hear from readers”? She does! It makes our day (maybe even our week) to get a gushing e-mail from a reader. Seriously.

Yes, it totally makes my day to hear from readers. Makes me want to write more. Yeah, I'm with you on that! What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
*coughBritishcough*

Don't have to cough and hide it front of me. I still have a close encounter memory of a Brit at Disneyland. No, not sharing it here. Maybe later. Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I love John Hughes movies from the 1980’s, and my prom, which I went to with a 23-yo bisexual male who was my boyfriend at the time, was like one of his films come true – the star linebacker was dancing with one of the nerdiest guys in the school, both with their shoes off, gettin’ down, while the rest of us circled them and clapped along to the beat. I looked around and said, “WHAT is going on here?”

A good time if you ask me. If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What annoys you the most when you’re reading a book? If I got about a thousand answers to that question I would be willing to spend hours using my rusty Excel skills to figure out the stats on the answers so I could stop doing anything annoying.

No kidding. What’s your writing process like?
I don’t have one. It’s true. I’m not a plotter. I start with a vague idea. Sometimes I know where it’s going, sometimes I don’t. Right now I’m writing book 2 in the Buffalo Intimidators series. I’m at slightly over 30k, which is about 75% through the book, and I don’t know how it’s going to end beyond it being a happy ending. I really have no clue. Other writers want to slap me right about now, I would guess.

Nah. I'm the same way. I had a story about a gay man I had no idea where it was going. Didn't til I wrote it. Who knew? What can readers expect next from you?
*takes deep breath* Loose Id just released a BDSM holiday-themed novella of mine titled Caught. Ellora’s Cave will release a bull rider book with BDSM elements sometime in January. I’ll also be helping EC launch their brand-new line EC for Men with my short story, Take Me at the Ballgame.

How cool is that? Looks like my TBR list is growing out of control. What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?
The best thing is that I do something unique. No one else is writing exactly the same books I am. The worst is that it doesn’t make you rich quick.

Well if we got rich quick, then we'd all write what made us rich and that would suck. What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
I keep writing. That’s all you can do. As Nora Roberts said “You can fix anything but a blank page.”

I try to make the page blue. It doesn't always work, but it's better than looking at white space. What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
I have to. Once you get into this and get a taste of success you have a driving need to write. I think at this point my characters would drive me crazy if I didn’t write. They wouldn’t shut up inside my head!

Well, yeah. They do get demanding. Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
Caught is a BDSM holiday-themed novella with a reunion aspect to it. Callie comes back to her hometown after a three-year hiatus and sees her old Dom, Jack. They renew their BDSM relationship, but can either of them put aside old hurts and new fears long enough to fall in love? (Dec 13, 2011, Loose Id)

Impact is a bull rider story with BDSM elements. Connor Raub is a Dom, but only in secret. Even his best friend and traveling companion Brady doesn’t know. Then Connor meets a woman named Jessica through the tour and her natural submissive tendencies call to him. Will Jessica be able to convince him he can have it all – a career, love, and the lifestyle he craves? (January 2012, Ellora’s Cave)

I also have my short story for EC for Men, Take Me at the Ballgame. As of when I’m filling this out I don’t have a release date for that yet.

Busy, busy, busy. When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I read all the time. Writers NEED to read in order to get out of their own heads. Of course, I read widely within the erotic romance genre, and I could name about thirty authors I adore. I also love both erotic and non-erotic historical romance, particularly Regency. Contemporary non-erotic romance is good for a change of pace.

Yeah, but when you gotta get the fix, you gotta get the fix. What bores you as a reader?
Unrealistic scenarios, like when people decide they love each other after about 36 hours together. That’s a divorce waiting to happen. (Sorry to other authors, it’s just my opinion)

Doesn't tend to work in Hollywood, either. What is your favorite feature on a person?
Transparency. I am who I appear to be. I don’t stab people in the back, etc and I hate having it done to me.

You get what you get. That's me. What is your favorite time of day?
Probably after my daughter goes to bed and I sit down to write. Hey look, that’s now!

Well, then I'll wrap this up shortly. I know how hard it is sometimes to get time to write. What music gets you dancing?
Again, I’ve got to go back to the 80’s. Great music.

There is something special about the '80's. Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
The fact you can breathe the air, it’s temperate enough to live on, and food and drink can be found here. I’m a practical girl.

Practical is good. You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
I’d hit the bookstore, of course. Also NY & Company – I’m a walking ad for that store. Maybe a shoe store, and then round it out with a trip to a store to buy stuff, whether toys or clothes or whatever, for my daughter. I’d call people as I ran from store to store and tell them I’ll get them one thing if they’ll bring their trucks, vans, etc down to the mall to help me take it all home.

Sounds like a plan to me. If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
This is a business, and rejection isn’t personal. It’s not an indictment on your writing if an editor rejects you. I got rejected, I would guess about twenty or thirty times before my first book sold. And that was just by editors. I’ve probably been rejected by agents (who I think are tougher to get these days than book contracts) fifty or more times. When I finally got my agent, it wasn’t until I had four books under contract.

No kidding. It takes work and dedication, no doubt. If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I’d love to write historical Regencies. What a fascinating time period! Almost any historical time period has cool aspects to it.

I can read them, but historicals take way too much research and I don't do research well. I always find that one thing that totally is wrong and run with it. Where can we find out more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!
Current work in progress…hmm. *mouses through the book* How’s this? Keep in mind this is FIRST DRAFT material…
“You wanna start now, honey? Let’s go.” Luc watched as Jake took possession of her mouth. Her arms wound around his neck and leaned into the kiss even more and Luc’s cock hardened further inside his jeans. He’d been half-hard all day thinking about this, and it looked like it was finally gonna happen.
Jake broke the kiss and Luc stood up. “Bedroom.”
Her eyes glazed over, Eva pointed down the hall. Luc picked her up and started in that direction, the other two guys trailing behind. He found what was obviously her bedroom, since the only other doors led to a bathroom and a home office, and lowered her onto the bed, following her down onto the mattress and lowering his body over hers. Plunging his hands into her hair, he kissed her. As his tongue sank into her mouth, his cock threatened to strangle him, his balls feeling like they were being twisted in a vise. He pulled back and Carter leaned down, turning her head for his kiss.
Luc sat to the side of her, and when Carter released her, he said, “Are you sure you’re ready for this, baby?”
Eva nodded. “I want this. I want you.”
“Then you’ll have us.” He glanced at his linemates. “A word outside?” They went into the hall and Luc turned to them. “How do you wanna do this?”
“I say we just go back in there, take off her clothes, take off our clothes, and see what happens,” Carter answered.
Luc said, “I agree. But I think our pants shouldn’t come off until the very last minute. I want to know that’s she’s on board with this; that she really wants it.”
“Definitely,” Jake responded. “Otherwise, we drive her crazy with pleasure and deny ourselves, even if it kills us.”
“Which it likely will,” Luc muttered.
They went back into the bedroom and found Eva still on her back on the bed. Carter climbed up and leaned on the headboard, pulling her up to bring her back flush with his chest. Luc and Jake went to each side of her, and Luc pulled her up and over her head.
“Oh God, I knew it,” Carter said as her hard nipples poked through the thin white tank top. “I knew you weren’t wearing a bra. You have the most perfect tits, ever, chica.” He pulled Eva’s tank top up just enough to reveal her bare breasts to their hungry gazes, and both he and Jake took advantage, each latching onto a rosy nipple while Carter held her tank up with one hand and used the other to tilt her head for his kiss.
Luc nibbled and sucked on the mouthwatering peak of Eva’s breast, still hardly able to believe he was here – they were all here. He’d wanted this for what seemed like forever, though it had only been a few months, and now his wish was about to come true. He broke off contact with her tit and reached for her jeans. She lifted her ass off the bed and he tugged them and her little bikini panties down and off her legs, throwing them in the general direction of the chair in the corner of the room.
Hmmm. That chair might be fun later.
For now, though, he needed to get inside her like he needed his next breath, but he ruthlessly tamped down on his own desire. It was time to make Eva crazy.

Dear dog I need a glass of something cold, pronto! Want to know more about Head Games? Here's the blurb:

Leo Laporte and Scott Schaeffer are teammates on the ice and roommates off it who also share women. They’ve been coming into Kelly Chase’s bistro after games for months, and they know they want her. As the attraction grows, the men realize they want more than a one-night stand - they want forever.

Kelly’s not so sure. Yes, she wants both men. But a permanent ménage relationship? That’s taking giving her heart away to a whole new level, and a chance she’s hesitant to take. Then Leo is injured and Scott’s on the trading block, and she realizes this may be her only shot at true, everlasting love.

There are so many questions swirling around inside Kelly’s head. Can she believe in Leo and Scott’s love? And will her business and her reputation survive once people find out she’s with two men?

ABOUT CASSANDRA CARR:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance author who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, will release on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, and Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id.

For more information about Cassandra:
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

Cassandra Carr Stops by Tomorrow!

Cassandra Carr stops by tomorrow with her book, Head Games. Want to know more? Here's the tour link. But I'd say stop by. Cassandra will be giving away one set of signed Romance Trading Cards to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and winner's choice one $10 GC to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble to one commenter during the tour. Pretty cool.

Want to know more about Head Games? Here's the blurb:

Leo Laporte and Scott Schaeffer are teammates on the ice and roommates off it who also share women. They’ve been coming into Kelly Chase’s bistro after games for months, and they know they want her. As the attraction grows, the men realize they want more than a one-night stand - they want forever.

Kelly’s not so sure. Yes, she wants both men. But a permanent ménage relationship? That’s taking giving her heart away to a whole new level, and a chance she’s hesitant to take. Then Leo is injured and Scott’s on the trading block, and she realizes this may be her only shot at true, everlasting love.

There are so many questions swirling around inside Kelly’s head. Can she believe in Leo and Scott’s love? And will her business and her reputation survive once people find out she’s with two men?

EXCERPT:
Only a half hour after the buzzer they were climbing into Leo’s Range Rover on their way to Kelly’s. When they walked in, she turned from behind the counter to greet them. Leo caught sight of her and his jeans tightened.

“Hey guys. Good game, both of you.”

“Thanks,” they answered in unison, sliding onto stools.

“How about some apple pie?” Leo said, licking his lips already. An image of him nibbling pieces of it off of her flew into his head. Man, was he horny tonight…

Kelly put her hands on her hips. “You know better than that. I never let you have apple pie until after you eat a good meal.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Fine.” Perusing the specials written on a chalkboard underneath the TV, he ordered shepherd’s pie. Scott asked for a chicken souvlaki wrap, and they settled back to relax as Kelly went into the kitchen to make their food. “I love those T-shirts. I’d give up a mil of my salary just to be that T-shirt for a day.”

“Don’t I know it…” Since it was late, Kelly was waiting tables herself in addition to cooking, and both of them tracked her as she bustled around behind the counter. Coming back over, she poured them both ice waters and plopped silverware in front of them before going into the back once again. There were still a few customers, but everyone gave the Intimidators their privacy here—it was one of the reasons Leo and Scott loved to come here so much. The primary reason, of course, was Kelly herself.

ABOUT CASSANDRA CARR:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance author who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, will release on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand, and Caught will release December 13, 2011 from Loose Id.

For more information about Cassandra:
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

Wednesday Flicks ~ The Goodbye Girl

When I'm feeling cruddy, I love to watch this movie. It's older than I am, but really, who cares? Richard Dreyfuss is hilarious. Plus they have some of the best quotes in this movie:

Paula McFadden: I thought you said you were decent.
Elliot Garfield: I am decent. I also happen to be naked.

~

Elliot Garfield: Out of where? Out of my rented apartment that you are staying in out of the goodness of my heart? I will bring home anyone or anthing that I choose, including a one-eyed Episcopalian kangaroo if that happens to be my kinky inclination. As for what is going on in there we're rehearsing Act 1, Scene 4 from Richard the Third. I happen to have a cretin from Mars directing this play and I need all the help I can get. However, if I choose to attempt to have carnal knowledge of that gorgeous bod that'll be her option, my problem and none of your business! And just for the record what do you think little Lucy's impression of what was going on in Mama's bedroom with Tony "Love 'em & leave 'em" DeForrest, huh? Hey Mac! Why don't you turn out some of these lights? We're running up a heck of a bill.

~

Lucy McFadden: Congratulations
Elliot Garfield: For What?
Lucy McFadden: I didn't know what else to say.

~

Paula McFadden: Be tactful.
Lucy McFadden: What's that?
Paula McFadden: Lie!

~

Enjoy!

Things Kids Say...

I got the idea for this post from a friend, Thanks Virgina, and well, after yesterday it was rather appropriate.

My small person was visited by the Jolly old Elf and treated well. The thing the tot wanted the most was an Optimus Prime Transformer that's blippen' huge. That was the big thing totlet got. Okay, fine. Totlet opened that first. Totlet was thrilled.

Fast forward oh, about three gifts. I don't remember what all was opened, but I recall a kick ball being one of them. The next gift was a copy of Dogzilla. Now if you have small people, particularly boys who enjoy Captain Underpants, you are familiar with Dav Pilkey. If not, thank your lucky stars. I have nothing against Mr. Pilkey. In fact, I rather appreciate him writing the books that get my totlet to read. Thank you very much. But the plethora of fart and toilet jokes gets old. (and I enjoy a good fart joke). Anyway, the art/work of Dav Pilkey is part of the totlet's life.

So totlet opens Dogzilla the book Kat Kong. Totlet says, "Now I finally get what I want."

Part of me wanted to scalp totlet. Now you finally get what you want? But part of me also knew that totlet really wanted both books and has been drooling over them when visiting the Dav Pilkey site. Still, Now you finally get what you wanted...

The things kids say...

I hope your Christmas was filled with food, fun, and fellowship. Mine was. Happy Holidays!

Who Won the Stuff Your Stockings for Christmas Hop?

So who won the $5 GC to Changeling Press?

Cathy MacDonald!!!

Congrats and I'll be in touch with you shortly!!!!

Thanks to everyone who commented and became a follower. I hope you find lots of great books here on my blog and I encourage you to stick around. You never know what's coming next! Enjoy!

Blogging About Christmas and Someone Like You!

I'm blogging about Christmas songs and my upcoming novella Someone Like You over at Whipped Cream Guests as Part of the Stuff Your Stockings With Books Blog-fest. Come check it out. There's a $5 Gift card to Total-E-Bound up for grabs. Click the banner to get there or click here.

Sunday Snoggin' with Someone Like You!

Someone Like You - Wendi Zwaduk

She’s the one he wants, he just doesn’t know it yet.



Arran Mayes. Confirmed bachelor. Loves a good bottle of wine, hearty conversation and men. Determined to open his own pizzeria, he’s not looking for love or a woman.

Then he sees her. Can a confirmed tomcat bachelor settle down in the arms of a good woman?
Mindy Dawson. She’s not interested in relationships or dating. She’s been through the wringer more times than she can count. College is for a BA not an MRS degree.
Until she sees him. Is she enough woman to tame Arran’s ways? Or will their love affair burn out before it gets started?

This story contains lovers who didn’t know they connected, finding their mutual satisfaction with anal sex and a few toys for fun.

Available in January from Total-E-Bound Publishing.

And now it's snoggin' time!!
Arran stared at her mouth. Lush coral lips, just a hint of gloss or lipstick. His mouth watered. No five o’clock shadow to abrade his face, but tickly wisps of her hair swirled over his cheek when she moved. He liked the scratch of a beard, but the tickle had promise.

“I want to kiss you.” There. He’d blurted out his intentions. When the fuck had things become so complicated? Men weren’t so hard to deal with.

“Um...so do it?”

Women couldn’t seem to make up their minds. Neither could he. “Min—"

Instead of letting him talk himself out of what he wanted, Mindy went for it and kissed him first. Soft lips connected with his. The pillow of her breasts crushed against his chest. Her hands roamed his shoulders and back. Arran groaned. Damn. If he thought kissing boys was fun, kissing girls, this girl to be exact, ranked right up there with perfect.

His jeans constricted around his hips and holy hell, he had a stiffy. Fuck, yeah. Heat flowed through his veins as she tangled her tongue with his. She tasted sweet, like mint and something else. Dew? Rain? Could one taste rain? If it was possible, then Mindy tasted like spring rain.

Mindy ground her hips into the vee of his thighs. Whoa. A new rush of heat and tingles shot to his cock. They had to stop. Had to slow down at least or he’d cum in his jeans. He wanted more than a quick fuck or petting session in the hallway. Arran broke the kiss first, cupping her face in both his hands.

“What?”

Her breath skittered over his cheeks. Her eyes dilated to just a thin ring of green surrounding the black. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in a honey coloured curtain. God she looked gorgeous flushed and a little mussed. “I need to tell you something.”

And the Winner Is...

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

So who won the Romancing Christmas Blog Hop? The $5 GC to Changeling Press?

Latisha Jean (tishajean@charter.net)

I'll email you shortly with the details! CONGRATS!!!!
Thank you to everyone who commented. May you find great things on my blog and new reads you'll love. Thank you!!

Blissemas and a Hot Holiday Bit of Flash Fiction with Wendi Zwaduk!

First, I want to thank Victoria Blisse for the opportunity to take part in Blissemas. Talk about being in the company of some fantastic authors! This is a fabulous group. Now it's my turn to celebrate Blissemas and when I sat down to plan out what I'd write about, well, it was a tad daunting. Don't write about what someone else did, don't reuse your own ideas, make it exciting, make it interesting. Was I feeling a little overwhelmed?

A little.


But the more I thought about it, the more I kept looking at the girly pic Miss Victoria sent out for promo. Can I just say she's a snazzy looking chick? Good, because I will. The more I looked at her, I thought, you know, she needs a bit of Flash Fiction. And it better be spicy because she just strikes me as a spicy girl.

Here goes....

Crissy fluffed the fur on the edge of her hat and finger-combed her hair. The glitter on her cheeks and eyebrows sparkled in the fire light. The corset fit just right and accentuated the girls to a tee. She rolled her hips and popped a pose. If the naughty look didn't work for him, tough. She loved the way the crushed velvet and faux fur made her feel sexy.

Merry Christmas to me.

"Crissy?"

Her heart fluttered and cream slickened her thong. Her Christmas wish had come true. She didn't have to turn around or peek into the mirror to know who stood behind her.

"Klaus." She leaned back into his taut chest. The spicy scent of his cologne wrapped around her. Her pussy clenched. Being good all year sucked, but having him for the reward was totally worth it.

"I've missed you," he purred. His breath tickled her neck and sizzled all along her nerve endings. "You've been a very good girl this year." Klaus yanked the collar of her robe aside, exposing more of her skin. He licked a path of fire starting at her earlobe, down the back of her neck, ending in a rough kiss on her shoulder. "I don't want a good girl."

Perfect. Crissy turned around in his arms and shrugged out of the robe. The silky fabric pooled at her booted feet. "I don't want to be a good girl."

A thick lock of his dark hair swept across his brow as he stepped forward. "Oh baby, better than I could've imagined." He thrust his fingers into her hair and captured her mouth in a feral kiss. With one hand still in her hair, he smoothed his fingers down her bare arm, down to her ass.

Crissy sighed and ground against him. She gripped his coat, yanking the zipper down. Klaus stilled her hands. “No, love. Let me. This is your Christmas wish.”

Arms still around him, Crissy allowed Klaus to walk her backwards towards the bed. The backs of her knees bumped the mattress. Blood thumped in her veins. This wasn’t exactly what she had expected, but hell, he was there. Who was she to complain?

Klaus dropped to his knees and nuzzled her belly. “You smell like sugar cookies.” He worked the buckle on her belt and dropped the accessory to the floor. Her breathing hitched as he bit the bottom button off her corset. Part of her wanted him to just hurry up. Part of her wanted him to go as slow as he could. She shivered as he popped another button on her corset.

Klaus glanced up and smiled. “Antsy?”

She nodded, unable to form actual words.

“Then I’m making your wish come true.” He flicked open the last button and opened the plush fabric. The rush of cool air kissed her nipples. She squeezed her thighs together to stave off her rising need for him.

Klaus nuzzled her inner thigh, then tugged her down onto the mattress. She plopped down with a squeak. “Oh!”

A grin spread on his lips. “The blush on your cheeks matches the color of your boots.” Klaus pushed between her thighs and cupped her breast. He pressed his face into the vee of her cleavage and hummed. She threaded her fingers into his thick hair, holding him to her. Leaving a trail of nips and hard kisses in his wake, he moved down to the hem of her thong. Klaus hooked his fingers in the elastic and yanked. Hard. The delicate fabric tore under his touch. Instead of moving the fabric, he left the remnants of the thong in place.

“Klaus.” His name came out so breathy, she hardly recognized her own voice. “Please.” Damn. She sounded needy. Trust Klaus to know how to break her resistance.

He chuckled and pulled away from her. “Lay down.”

Crissy did as told and grasped her hat. Might as well move it before it got crushed or worse. Klaus swooped in over her, placing his hand on hers. “No. I like it right where it is.”

Instead of moving off of her, he wriggled his hips. His cock slid over the slickness between her legs. The thrum of his pulse beat against her clit. Her legs quivered as the orgasm built low in her belly. Damn. They hadn’t even had sex yet. Klaus smoothed a hand between their bodies and dragged the destroyed thong across her nether lips. She closed her eyes and raked her nails down his back. She’d never last.

“Yes, babe.” Klaus arched up and thrust into her in one slick motion. “You’ll last and love it.”

Once, twice, three times, he slammed into her body. Crissy whimpered. “Too much.”

Klaus withdrew and slid his palms up and down her inner thighs, slowly bringing her to the edge of the bed. “What do you want, Crissy? Tell me.”

“You. In. Me.” Crissy wrapped her legs around his torso. “Need you.”

The grin returned to his lips. “That’s my girl.” He entered her once again, but this time he lingered. Klaus stroked her boot-clad leg and moved within her pussy just enough to build friction. She needed him. Needed him right now. Crissy bucked her hips, encouraging him to go faster.

Grasping her upper thighs, Klaus increased his movements. His balls slapped against her asshole, adding pinpricks of delight to the already heated moment. Crissy fisted the bed sheets and gritted her teeth. So close. So, so close. She opened her eyes, not wanting to miss the look in his eyes when she came. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

“Fuck, yes.” Klaus collapsed down on top of her and rammed her hard against the bed. His ragged breaths tickled her skin. “Mine,” he murmured. “All mine.”

Boneless, Crissy snuggled beneath him. She stroked his head and smoothed a lock of his hair between her fingers. The afterglow of the orgasm dimmed. Her true wish wasn’t just to have him for one night, but she’d been naughty through the year. She forced herself to remain calm. “How long until you have to leave?”

Klaus withdrew and stood. “How long do you want me to stay?” He helped her to her feet and turned back the blankets on the bed. “Climb in.”

“No.” Crissy folded her arms. “Every year you go away and I’m alone.” All the emotions she’d tamped down for the year came out in a flood. “I want you here always.”

“What was your wish, love?” Klaus sat down on the edge of the bed and tugged her into his arms. “Tell me.”

“To have you every day, not just Christmas day.” She refused to look him in the eye. Refused to let her heart and her hopes rise.

“Crissy. Look at me.” He rested his forehead against her temple and rubbed his nose on her cheek. “Always my stubborn girl.” He sighed. “Then it’s good I have a lifetime to love you and break you of your habits.”

Lifetime? Break... He’d be there forever. Crissy threw her arms around his neck. “I got my wish?”

“I couldn’t stay away from my wife any longer. I passed the torch to the next Santa Claus.” Klaus kissed her, laving his tongue over her bottom lip. “The Kringles, together at last?”

She squeezed him tight. “Together forever.”

I hope you enjoyed the bit of flash fiction Christmas-style. I had a great time writing it. I'd like to thank Victoria and the others taking part in Blissemas. This has truly been a blast. And if you want to enter to win the Kindle, all you have to do is leave a comment. Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances.

Happy Christms everyone!

Stuff Your Stockings for Christmas Blog Hop

Want to win a $5 gift certificate to Changeling Press? All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment! Comment about what you say? Your favorite holiday food!!!

Thanks for stopping in and the winner will be announced on December 19th right here on the blog. Click the banner to see who is also participating in the hop!

Cover Art - Thoughts?

I was looking at cover art the other day, trying to decide which book I wanted to spend my hard earned dollars on. Now, I am a self-avowed cover whore. I love me some pretty bodies in sexy positions. I got so excited when I saw the new Lust Bite covers and decided I wanted one. I know, goofy. Meh.

Then I was helping Megan with a cover. She wanted the thing to look just right and was in the process of filling out the form. And seeing her in action made me wonder. When we get the honor of inputting on cover art, what info is the right info and how do we make sure we're giving the poor cover artist the proper info to make the cover exactly what we thought it should be?

Now I am no expert on cover art creation. I do my best on my self pubbed free reads with picasa and a lot of trial and error. I give all the cover artists out there a lot of credit. It's HARD to create a pretty, eye-catching cover.

But when are we driving the cover artist crazy or just inputting the right ideas to make the cover pop?

I had one friend tell me the cover artist was thrilled when she sent along links for what she thought the characters should look like. Thrilled. Another said she'd done the same thing and the artist was mighty irked. Another friend had the cover done, but objected to the colors (ancient Greeks NEVER wore THAT color). Or there's the angel debate. How do you make the angle not look like he's got turkey wings on his back?

Now, before I go any further, I've seen my share of objectionable cover art. I realize that said, those covers are in the eye of the beholder. What I may not like might be the apple of the author's eye. Then again, what I think is beautiful might disgust other authors.

I just wonder sometimes if I'm being too pushy by saying I want this and this, but absolutely not this. Does that help the artist or hinder creativity? The guy can be built, but no furry chests. Does that really make a huge difference?

I still don't know the answer, so I'll go on wondering. Thoughts?

SQUEE!! Somewhere I Belong is Out TODAY!!!

I've been waiting on this book to come out, well, because I wrote it, but also because it's been a long, strange trip. Not all bad, lots of it great.

So what is it?
Somewhere I Belong
Contemp, molten, m/f, novella
Liquid Silver Books

Sullavan Tanner walked away from Jarvis, Ohio, afraid to give his heart to the woman he loved. He lived the rock and roll lifestyle, but never quite made it to the big time. Fifteen years later, he’s back and ready to claim what’s his—if she’ll accept his help.

Marley Lockwood’s done asking for help. The family farm is more than she can handle, but if she can survive a cancer scare, the loss of her parents, the abandonment by her first love, and a messy divorce, she can handle anything.

Until Sully shows up.

Although she’s not interested in rekindling the love affair, she’s not above accepting Sully’s hands on the farm. What’s the worst that could happen? They get the farm out of the red and into the black? That’s her plan. They actually fall in love? The past says it won’t work, so she’s not hedging her bets.

Too bad Sully’s not giving up this time.

Get your copy here from Liquid Silver Books!

I'm taking the book on tour in January, so grab a copy from Liquid Silver Books and keep your eyes peeled for the tour! Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Minnette Meador's The Belle Stalker

Today on Romance to Make Your Heart Race, I'd like to welcome Minnette Meador and her new book, The Belle Stalker! I'm excited to have her here! Check out the interview. Oh and this is pretty cool - Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter. Today's special prize, for those who comment, is a copy of The Belle Stalker. Want to win? Comment early and often!!

The fine print: The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only; if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted; ALSO: PLEASE NOTE: Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com)

But let's get the interview started!!!
What was your favorite scene to write in THE BELLE STALKER?

That’s a really tough question. I LOVE the first kiss in a romance. It is the toughest and best scene for me. I also like the climax of the story. There is nothing more fun than bringing everything together with a big bang toward the end!

What was the inspiration behind THE BELLE STALKER?
I have always loved mysteries and thrillers ever since I read my first Sherlock Holmes story when I was ten. However, I also love urban fantasy, so I decided to write one asking this question: What would happen if you stranded a mythical being on earth for 2000 years? What fun this was to write! :o)

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
I was able to spend a day with a local cop on a ride along, being arrested, and exposed to some real crime in the city. In addition, I was also able to spend hours with the head of the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division and pick his brain about how they went about investigating a murder. I wrote a five-part blog post on my experience with them. Readers can find them here:

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/04/in-shadow-of-heroesprologue.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/07/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot-part_04.html
http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/08/inteview-with-homicide-behind-plot.html

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?
I’d say promotion is probably my least favorite part of writing, not because I don’t love my fans (and believe me I do – they rock!), but because I have to spend so much time on it and away from actually writing. I think that’s a common issue with authors. My favorite part is putting a book together, i.e. developing the plot, sketching out the characters, figuring out twists, turns, and surprises, finding humor where you don’t expect it. I LOVE to write more than eating…which is saying something!

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?
LOL There is nothing sexier than an Italian accent, but I love an English one too, and French! It’s too hard to decide. They all make me crazy.

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I get asked this question a lot… I’m running out of surprises. Let’s see… When I was growing up I wasn’t very popular in school. I spent a lot to time on my own making up stories to amuse myself. I would act them out on my walks home from school.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?
What kinds of book do you absolutely love, even if you hide it?

What can readers expect next from you?
I have been contracted for three more books by Resplendence Publishing, two in the Ghost series, and another one in the Centurion series. I am also taking time out to write a sci-fi that I am going to try to sell to New York. Here’s some sneak peeks (ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

The Egyptian Pirate - Hasani has a reputation to uphold as the world's greatest pirate; but that's hard to do when you're wasting away in a Syrian jail for making love to one of the Parthian king's daughters. For the first time in his life, his luck has run out and he faces a very real possibility of losing his head for good this time. When a mysterious woman shows up and helps him escape, he falls in love for the first time. The problem is... she is taken prisoner and swept away to Egypt, the last place he wants to be. Will he risk his life and riches to save her or follow old habits and simply walk away. There is something about this girl...

*Haunted Hearts - Book II in the Ghost Series. Dyna is having a bad day... a really bad day. Her house is now filled with ghosts, the neighborhood association is trying to get her evicted, a coven of witches won’t leave her alone, and she just found out she's pregnant with a demon child. To top everything off, a handsome cop thinks he can make it go away, but all he is doing is making it worse! What's a girl to do?

*Phantom Hearts - Book III in the Ghost Series. He's suave, he's debonair, he can say or do no wrong, the ladies love him, and life couldn't be any sweeter. That is until he finds out he's the devil's love child and strange things start happening around him. Enter a sexy, snoopy female reporter who not only seems immune to his charms but does everything she can to double his trouble. He simply can't resist her and that's where the fun begins. Will he fight the evil deeds blooming in his head or will he finally succumb to his father's wishes and "join" the family business. Only a crazy girl knows... and she's not talking.

*Arpeggios In The Darkness - Sci-Fi - It's hard being the first half-Alien/half-Human hybrid... Your mom and dad are gone all the time, the paparazzi follow you everywhere and you find out your voice can kill. Her only solution, hide in a derelict space freighter until it all goes away. But when the rusting bucket of space debris takes off, her life changes forever…and so does the universe.

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?
I don’t have too much trouble with that (she whispers very quietly and crosses her fingers). When I do, I usually just practice GYBIC… get your butt in the chair and write something… anything to get going. It usually works. I’m a marathon writer, which means I write 10-20K at a sprint, but then I take a lot of days off in between to “think” things through. I also edit as I go along when I don’t feel like writing. That usually does it.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?
Talking or brain storming with other writers, reading excellent books, finding something I wrote long ago that isn’t half bad, kicks in the butt by my fellow writers and my dear husband.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?
The next book will probably be Haunted Hearts, the second book in the Ghost series (see A GHOST OF A CHANCE). I’m getting information and research together for this book right now which includes visiting a Palm Reader, interviewing several modern day witches, gathering information on neighborhood associations, and studying gothic character models. If anyone is one of these, please contact me at mmeador@minnettemeador.com . I’d love to interview you.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?
I’m as diverse in my reading as I am in my writing. I just finished Dan Brown’s newest, am reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, A Fine Likeness by Sean McLachlan (a story about raising the dead during the civil war, which is absolutely fascinating), Haunted America, and I just finished the entire Nero Wolf series by Rex Stout. Oh, I’m reading a couple of Terry Pratchett’s newest as well. He’s a very funny guy! And I have Stephen King’s newest on my nightstand.

What bores you as a reader?
Very little, believe it or not. I will tell you that I didn’t finish Dan Brown’s because the last 30 pages his character was preaching on and on about the God theory. It was interesting for the first couple of pages but then it just went on and on. The first 100 pages of The Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo is also mostly back-story and can be tedious. It’s worth the wait however. The book really is amazing beyond that. I like a fiction to move along; if I wanted lots of back-story I’d read a history book (also one of my favorites).

What is your favorite feature on a person?
Hands down, their eyes.

What is your favorite time of day?
Late at night.

What music gets you dancing?
I butt dance to techno and funk. That’s where you sit in your chair and your butt just starts dancing!

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?
Sunsets, forests, and Margaritas. Not necessarily in that order.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?
The bookstore and the Apple store. I’m pretty strong and can carry it all.

If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?
Don’t quit. That the first reason people don’t get published, they give up. To help you, join a local writing association. If you write romance (hell, even if you don’t write romance) join your local or an on-line romance writers association. The best thing you could ever do. Writers may write alone, but they don’t create in a vacuum. Meet and talk to other writers, as many as you can. I can’t begin to tell you how invaluable those resources have been to me. And trust me: I am a complete hermit from the word go. I had to force myself, so you can do it too.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?
I think I’ve said this before, but I would love to write straight mystery, the classic whodunit. One of my favorite genres to read! One day. I’d also love to write books about history and wish I had the time to study more. I LOVE ancient history.

Where can we find out more about you and your work? To name a few…
Minnette's Web Site
Contact: mmeador@minnettemeador.com
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Coffeetime Romance

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

(CAUTION: ADULT CONTENT – HOT ~ HOT ~ HOT)
His cock rested gently on her belly, and her ensuing quiver went through him like a drug. The beat of her heart pulsed against the muscle, and Cranston had to find a deep reserve of discipline to control his urges.

Slowly, deliberately, he leaned forward and began to kiss her face, lick her neck and shoulders. With each new application of pressure, Belle squirmed under him. The skin touching his lips was hot and yielding, velvety against his rough tongue.

When he reached her breasts, he stopped, admiring the granite hard brown nipples and dark areolas. Belle’s chest rose, obviously frantic for his mouth, but he didn’t touch her. Instead, he looked into her eyes and smiled.

“Greedy girl.”

“You bastard,” she said good-naturedly.

In reply, Cranston pursed his lips and began to blow on her right nipple. The creamy areola immediately broke out in large bumps, the rough dark nipple grew in size, and Belle let out a startled gasp. This was something new, and a wave of satisfaction plowed through Cranston. He knew Belle would love it.

Moving to the other side, Cranston repeated the motion and Belle’s hips bucked under him, burying his cock into the skin of her stomach. He lifted it from her, and she groaned.

“Patience, princess.”

She hissed angrily through her teeth, and Cranston laughed. Letting go of her hands, he bent down again and licked the soft skin around her nipple, careful not to touch it. Then, without warning, he pulled the tiny bud into his mouth and bit it gently.

Belle exploded beneath him. Her body jumped involuntarily, and Cranston could feel the earthquake of her need ripple through him. He decided to torture her further.

THE BELLE STALKER – CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
~ ~
THE BELLE STALKER
An Urban Fantasy Thriller
by Minnette Meador

The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her...is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

And here's the linkys:
http://youtu.be/avY8W6i0rw4 Audio Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/p/books-by-minnette.html Written Excerpt

http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/ Blog URL


RESPLENDENCE PUBLISHING (all eFormats except Kindle & Nook):
http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/381-200-103-422-5--the-belle-stalker-by-minnette-meador.html

AMAZON BUY LINK: (Kindle)


AMAZON DIRECT LINK:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Belle-Stalker-ebook/dp/B0064PA6LI/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321749531&sr=1-8

BARNES & NOBEL DIRECT (Nook):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-belle-stalker-minnette-meador/1107087599?ean=2940013589698&itm=1&usri=the+belle+stalker

All Romance eBooks:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebellestalker-625303-140.html

Minnette Meador Stops by Tomorrow!

Tomorrow I am welcoming Minnette Meador right here to Romance to Make Your Heart Race as part of her tour for The Belle Stalker. And you know, you very much want to comment. Why? Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter.

The fine print: The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only; if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted; ALSO: PLEASE NOTE: Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com)

Come back tomorrow to read the interview!!!

THE BELLE STALKER
An Urban Fantasy Thriller
by Minnette Meador

The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her...is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

And here's an excerpt:

A faint laugh echoed against the steel I-beamed ceilings—a man’s laugh.

Or was it?

Belle pirouetted on the hard asphalt. Her hips warmed when they hit the hot side of her car. She squinted at the blinking fluorescent lights. They stuttered against the garage in fitful illumination.

“Hello?” The word echoed back to her unaccompanied, sending pins and needles through her hand as it tightened on the strap of her purse.

Belle’s senses sharpened almost painfully: the metal keys biting into the flesh of her palm, the blood slamming against her eardrums. A gust of fear rushed through her spine, setting her ears ringing, preparing her to fight—or maybe run.

Instincts. The word pulsed through her thoughts quickly.

She pushed her head forward, straining to listen, trying to penetrate the shadows to locate that chilling laugh. Instead, all she heard was the tick-tick-tick of her engine cooling and the muted hiss of silence.

Was it real?

A moment of doubt made her step away from the car. She stared at the oily surface of the garage floor, mesmerized. The scuffed blacktop triggered a memory.

A pale hand coiled around her face, clamped hard against her lips and nose, cutting off her oxygen. She desperately bit, clawed and fought, but nothing loosened that unnatural grip. It clung to her face like an iron mask.

Belle squeezed her eyes tight, willing the memory to go away. She knew the deeply masculine violation had permanently infected her confidence. There was nothing she could do about it. Uncertainty was her constant confidante. She had to pull strength from a deep will to fight the trembling.

It’s just a memory. A memory can’t hurt you. The mantra lost juice in the silence.

Even with a year of therapy and all her martial arts training, a cold chill still ran through Belle in this eerie-ass garage. The attack was a year ago today, wasn’t it? She knew anniversaries sometimes triggered memories, but knowing that didn’t help.

Broken lights deposited black shadows in one corner. Peering into the darkness, Belle fancied she saw two beaming pins of white, like eyes. Another blaze of recall weakened her knees.

Sliding backwards on broken heels into the shadows, she was a rag doll in his arms.

Belle shook her head violently to dislodge the flashback and deliberately rushed toward an elevator that seemed to fall away from her as she moved. Frozen bumps formed on her neck.

Ripples of static tingled against her face, electrifying her hair until it danced. A sweet smoky smell enveloped her senses. His smell. She couldn’t move—wouldn’t move—a kind of desire pushed through her, forcing her to comply. Her body went limp in his embrace, as if he had opened her soul and thrust himself inside her—

Pulling in a shaking breath, she scanned the solid concrete pillars as she moved and found the exact spot where John had stood that night, hoping that memory would expel the others.

Her ears rang with the sound of a stranger’s voice bouncing across the concrete. “Hey! You! What the hell do you think you’re…”

The monster dropped her. Her tailbone snapped sending waves of nausea through her bowels. She threw up and curled into a ball of shock. Everything fizzled like an ailing balloon into black.

From out of the shadows around her, another sound eclipsed the laugh.

Belle.

Her feet and heart stopped simultaneously. Fire rose in her cheeks and the back of her hands. The whispered word was soft, haunting—close. Ice wrapped around her spine.

“Who’s there?” she demanded, but only silence answered.

Brahms’s Fifth Symphony suddenly buzzed like a hornet’s nest from her purse, impelling her into the air. Pinpricks like fireworks traveled up her arms. “Shit!”

Belle pulled the cell phone out of the side pouch and flipped it open. The neon green JOHN IAN on the screen fortified her enough to get her legs moving again.

“Hello?” She scurried toward the elevator, the jarring click-click-click of her heels against the asphalt vibrating up her naked legs.

“Are you all right?” John’s voice sounded strange, far away and full of static. She barely recognized it.

“John?”

“Who else would it be? Are you all right?”

“Yeah, fine.” Belle hit the up button next to the elevator door hard then turned around and bit her lower lip. “Thought I heard something. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Do you want me to come over?”

“All right.”

The elevator slid down to meet her and the doors whisked open.

“I—surprise—you.” The words broke into pieces.

“What?”

“—soon.” There was a strange lilt to John’s voice, but the phone went dead. She looked at the screen, and the call was gone. Probably just the connection. She’d call him when she got upstairs.

Putting the phone away, she backed into the metal box and jabbed the first floor button, a buzz of fear forcing her finger to hit it several times.

When the door closed, she blew out a breath and slumped against the cold metal wall.

The clang of steel on steel as the little room hummed its way up the cables was somehow comforting. Smells of cooking garlic mingled with flowery air freshener and the greasy mechanics of the old lift. Twisting her neck from side to side eased her muscles but not the persistent rapid beating of her heart.

Belle hated herself for being so paranoid. It was why she had let John talk her into his tae kwon do classes to begin with. It was also why she had allowed him into her life when she wasn’t looking for anyone. He did rescue you from that maniac, sister. She would have done just about anything he asked.

And I did…

A shot of guilt tensed her shoulders. She liked John, was grateful to him for everything, but she didn’t love him. They had become friends over the past year, but she knew John wanted something more significant from her. To make matters worse, in a moment of weakness spurred by his warm caring nature and a few glasses of wine, Belle had slept with him. That hadn’t helped at all. Another pang of guilt joined the first making it unanimous. Her roommate Cary asked her on a daily basis why she didn’t just dump John, but it was complicated. She didn’t want to hurt him.

A daily calendar taped to the elevator wall reminded her it was Wednesday; Cary would be out with his boyfriend tonight, so she’d have the apartment to herself.

The thought of spending the night alone in her little sanctuary helped to slow her breathing. Her wonderful office/bedroom was the only place in the world Belle felt safe. Smiling, she could almost hear her therapist saying in the background, Now, Belle, you need to expand beyond your little world into the bigger one. Go out. Have fun. Don’t stay cooped up so much. Belle couldn’t help it; her books, her research, her life was tucked into that four hundred square feet of security, and she wasn’t about to leave it for anything.

It suddenly dawned on her that she had just told John to come over. After spending several hours in high heels lecturing at Portland State, she just wanted to fall into bed with a book and a glass of wine. Her new graduate students were a lively bunch; they had questioned her raw. Belle thanked her stars that the adjunct professorship would end in the spring when she would leave for a Celtic dig in England.

The elevator eased to a stop on the first floor, and the familiar creak calmed her heart as the doors whisked open. By the time Belle stepped out, the voice in the dark seemed distant, almost silly. Maybe I should start parking on the street.

The lobby was deserted. She could make out O’Donnell’s back through the glass double doors, his uniform as wrinkled as ever. He rocked on his heels watching the street, cigarette smoke circling his head, a stolen break from the security desk that gleamed in one corner of the lobby.

Belle really liked the rugged Irish guard. He was friendly, funny and had developed an almost fatherly devotion to her. Why, she didn’t know, but she didn’t mind. Despite her deeply rooted, almost radical independence, secretly she thought it was nice having someone looking out for her. Pride had kept her from asking him to escort her from the garage each night, though he had offered many times. She knew the demons she had to confront were her own, and she had to face them that way.

She was tempted to linger and chat, but her eyes were already drooping. Maybe tomorrow.

Crossing to the bank of golden mail boxes, she pulled a small key from the bunch. It slid easily into the worn keyhole, and the little door popped open under the stress of mail behind it. Belle pulled out the bundle and sorted it above the recycle box next to the panel of little doors, throwing most of it away.

Junk. Junk. Junk. Bill. Junk. Bill.

She froze at a small white envelope with her name printed neatly in the middle and no return address. Her heart caught in her chest.

It was from him.

As the police had instructed, she was careful not to handle it much. She wrapped a small flyer around the menacing post and tucked it under her arm, wiping her hand on her hip when she was done.

Belle imagined the stacks of little white envelopes tucked away somewhere inside police headquarters. There must be almost a hundred now. Each typed on plain white paper, folded exactly alike and stuffed into a common envelope. Every single one of them containing the same four words:

Just so you know.

She always turned the letters into the cops, and they always gave her the same answer: no fingerprints, no clues, no step closer to catching the son of a bitch who had taken away her independence—her innocence.

The night of her father’s murder snapped into her head unexpectedly, sparked by those four words, reminding her of what she had hidden from the police—from her therapist—from herself.

Those eyes—

In a panic, Belle pushed that memory as far down as she could manage, but it was getting harder all the time.

The world is deadly… there is no safe place…

With an audible, “Stop it!” Belle got herself under control by biting down on the inside of her cheek. “You’re not going to let him do this to you!” she whispered to herself. The top of the white post gleamed at her, and, in a frantic move, she stuffed it further into the flyer. She didn’t open the letters anymore. Her therapist had insisted.

Searching for anything to appease the anxiety, her mind took her to the one thought that always instantly trumped the rest.

Cranston could have solved this case in a heartbeat. She had almost called him more than once, but each time she managed to control the impulse, knowing it was a bad idea.

Cranston was the only man she knew who could drag the best and the worst from her. He was arrogant, irreverent, completely maddening and one of the most exciting men she had ever known. Is that why you married him? The question made her tighten her lips.

Since their divorce, she had seen him maybe a dozen times: police fund raisers, weddings of mutual friends and even a chance meeting once or twice. Every single time he had managed, with no effort at all, to anger her to the point of violence while at the same time reminding her deeply of emotional and physical needs that hadn’t been satisfied since their break up. It was infuriating that he could still touch her like that. She had moved on, made something of her life without him—hadn’t she? The thought of her ex-husband back in her life, in whatever capacity, sent a quick shiver down her arms. Belle wasn’t sure if it was pain or pleasure.

Let’s not go down that road, girl! Forcing her thoughts to behave, she couldn’t suppress a little smile. Belle had to admit, it was a lot more pleasant thinking about Cranston than it was about the asshole who had ruined her self-confidence.

Turning toward the elevator, she caught O’Donnell’s eye as he held the door open for a group of laughing, obviously drunk, tenants. He winked at her, which animated the kind old face, and tipped his hat. The worn uniform was dull gray against the dark night behind him.

Belle sent a quick smile his way and stepped inside before the noisy group crowded into the elevator. Tucking herself in the back, she leaned against the wall, tilted her head and closed her eyes. God, she was tired. The group stumbled out on the seventh floor, leaving her alone for the journey to the tenth.

When she reached the door to her apartment, she slipped the mail under her arm and searched for the key from the bundle. Glancing to her right, the lights from downtown Portland dazzled her for a second. The city was lit up like Christmas.

She found the right key and shoved it into the lock.

That’s odd. The door was unlocked.

A bolt of shock turned her knees to rubber and another flashback triggered. There was something about his touch…

Belle squared her shoulders and tightened her jaw at the door. “You’re not going to run my life. Cary probably just left it unlocked. Piss!” she whispered to the hallway. Cary was a dear friend, but he had the responsibility of a herring sometimes. Just Cary being an idiot.

But that didn’t stop a murky premonition that started as a pain in her left temple. Maybe she should call O’Donnell. And tell him what? That you’re afraid to go into your own apartment. Belle, you’re tougher than this!

She turned the knob and pushed the door open with deliberation.

The apartment was dark. Closing the door, she eased into the little hallway off a large sunken living room. Her instincts blazed like cannon fire, but Belle knew to ignore them; PTSD playing Russian roulette with her nerves, that’s all. She could defend herself. Hell! She had earned her brown belt in less than a year.

Setting her purse and the mail on a small table, she flipped the wall switch.

The kitchen lights flooded through the half-open wall and blinded Belle. Making her way down the two steps into the living room, she rubbed her eyes.

When they cleared, a jolt of cold wrapped around her head. She stopped.

There was something there. Something big.

It covered the sable couch, spilled over the white carpet, broke the black marble table under it into two sections. It was dripping syrupy pools of liquid onto the floor.

A gasping sound started in her chest, and she took a step back. Her mind couldn’t wrap itself around what she saw. Shock choked her throat. Her hands went numb. Everything faded from her vision except the tunnel that formed around the incongruity in front of her.

Spread over her furniture lay John Ian’s mutilated body.

Belle screamed.

Romancing Christmas Blog Hop!!

The Romancing Christmas Giveaway Hop is being hosted by Reading Romances!

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White Hot Christmas: Stranded - A Review!

I love to read the seasonal collections with Changeling Press. It's fun and I always manage to find at least one new to me author.

Here's one of the White Hot Christmas books out this week and what I thought.

White Hot Christmas - Stranded
S Michael
contemp, m/f, m/m/f, anal sex, spanking, fetish, toys, bdsm, holiday
novella
Changeling Press
Available here: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1735

Stranded in Vegas was not how Gretchen had planned to spend her Christmas, but that's exactly what's happened to her and hubby Russ. Just when she thinks it couldn't get worse, a stranger trips over their luggage and sends its contents flying. It turns out their stranger, Dave, is in Vegas for the holiday and he has a suite he's willing to share.

Can this threesome turn a Christmas disaster into a Christmas delight?

So what did I think?

Grab a fan and a cool drink or two...This story is what the name says, white hot. Heck, grab the one you love for a little private time when you're done.

Why was it so hot? S Michael writes scenes that literally melt the computer screen. And this is a short enough read that you can read it over and over, soaking in the details.

I have to admit, I thought it moved really fast, especially for the circumstances the characters are in. As the story unfolds, it's clear why and that's what added to my enjoyment.

The writing is snappy and kept me right in my seat. I needed to know what would happen next. If you want a story that's got plenty of heat, and the mighty whack of a crop involved then this is the short story for you!

Lori Toland's Soul Seduction!

You should comment early and often. Why? The winner's choice of a $25 GC to either Amazon, AllRomanceEbooks or Loose Id for one randomly drawn commenter during the tour is up for grabs. How cool is that?

You can follow the tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/10/virtual-book-review-tour-soul-seduction.html I'm telling you, you want to comment. This is a great prize and a fun tour. Plus, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.

But let's get down to brass tacks and start this interview! Hi Lori, so glad you could be here.
What was your favorite scene to write in Soul Seduction?

I love writing the scene that introduced Terry, Ashlee’s slayer’s mentor. He’s a spunky, quirky character and I love him. That whole scene from beginning to end was a joy.

What was the inspiration behind Soul Seduction?

I’ve always loved demons and supernatural hunters but the truth is anime and gaming. And the enemies in those games just randomly respawn. So I built a world around something I love *puts on her geek hat*

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?

Sword browsing. I have some really great ideas for how the sword Ashlee carries looks like. I also had to research catacombs all over the world.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The most frustrating side is trying to get it just right. I’m a perfectionist and I would tinker with a manuscript for forever. I just have to let it go into the world. The most rewarding is meeting fans. :D It’s awesome!

What accent inspires you to do naughty things?

Apparently British ones. Just ask my husband. (He’s British)

Name something readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I was born in Hollywood, California.

If you could ask the readers one question what would it be?

Just one? Okay, I would ask about books, but this is much more interesting. Do I annoy you with all my talk about my cats?

What’s your writing process like?

Coffee+quiet+laptop=book. Very talented math going on there :D

What can readers expect next from you?

For my m/m you’re going to be excited! The next in the hopper at Loose Id is “The Long Con” (title subject to change)

As far as m/f, probably the sequel to Soul Seduction. I’m also working on a standalone erotic romance about a sex club as well.

What is the best thing about being a writer? The worst?

The best? Seeing the finished product. When you open your book and the words are there, it hits you that you worked on this with an editor.

The worst? My fear that my book will disappoint you. And that you will hate me for that. (Don’t hate me please!)

What is your method of breaking through writer’s block?

If I’m having trouble writing a certain book, I’ll go back and look at where my plot jumped the tracks, roll it back and viciously delete where I need to.

What fuels you as an author to continue to write?

My characters nagging me. I would stop writing if I could. My hands hurt, I have arthritis in most of my joints but the characters don’t listen.

Can you tell us a bit about what book(s) you have coming out next and what you’re working on now?

My next book should be “The Long Con” (title subject to change) and right now, I’m working on several books. 1. Sequel to Soul Seduction, tentatively titled Soul Salvation. Going very well too! 2. Replacement Guitarist 2 – because I’m almost done with it. It will be in Blaze (1st half) and Jason’s (2nd half) 1st person perspectives. 3. Save Me – a gay romance about a minister.

When you get a chance to read, what books do you love to read?

Anything romance. I have no boundaries. But I tend to gravitate toward shorter stories.

What bores you as a reader?

Pages of tiny details about some interest the character has. If your character is a podiatrist, I don’t need a manual on how he works on feet. Focus on the romance between your characters.

What is your favorite feature on a person?

On a guy, his butt. I do love eyes though on anyone.

What is your favorite time of day?

Early morning. I love dawn and the quiet.

What music gets you dancing?

Anything with a beat! Even if it’s bad, although I tend to want to make people laugh with my dancing.

Aliens have landed on the planet. What are the three things you would tell them that are great about this planet?

We all just want to be loved, deep down. Cats are awesome. Finally, before you go, you should really try In-And-Out burgers.

You have been locked in a mall and told you can get anything you want and when they open in the morning you won’t have to pay a single cent. What stores would you hit? Better question how would you haul away all your loot?

Well, at Millennia Mall, they have a Louis Vuitton and Coach so I would load up there. They also have a Tiffany’s and I could so some serious damage there. I would leave Juicy Couture alone :P and Jimmy Choo’s as well because I can’t wear heels. But I would also pick out stuff for my husband and my CP at the Apple store. Since LV has luggage, I would just create a massive luggage train straight out the door!


If you could share one major writing tip, to help other writers in their quest for publication, what would it be?

Never stop! Never give up, never say die. I made that mistake back in 2001 when m/m romance was NOT accepted anywhere. Of course I stopped writing altogether to start a business that is successful today but I shouldn’t have stopped. I should have kept going.

If you could write in any other genre what would it be, and why?

Steampunk. I’m currently developing a Sci-Fi Fantasy series with space pirates. But I love the idea of Steampunk. Who knows how it will all end?

Where can we find out more about you and your work?

http://www.loritoland.net

And finally, have you got a sneak peek excerpt from your current work in progress you can share with my readers and me? The hotter the better!

He looked as good as he did every time I saw him, except now he wore a green polo shirt. His grin held little apology as he said, “Sorry.”

He wasn’t being insincere, just mischievous. It reminded me of grade school when Bobby used to pull my hair and then apologize when I cried. “It’s all right,” I said, spying what was inside his bag. “Went grocery shopping?”

“I picked up a few things,” he said amicably, but then a silence stretched out between us. I got my key out, wanting to say so much more but not knowing where to start. “I see you did too.”

Oh my God. I covered up the side of my bag, even though I knew he’d already seen the big yellow rooster with Cocks-A-Lot emblazoned on the side. I really had to have a word with Terry about his packaging. “Uh, yeah.” Way to go. You’re really wowing him with the witty commentary.

He shifted his bag to dig for his house key. “So what’s in the bag?”

“I don’t really know,” I said slowly as my cheeks heated. Luke raised his eyebrow. “My friend owns the shop, and he was just getting rid of some stuff.”

“That’s great,” he said. “Would you like to try those out with me?”

Here's the blurb for Soul Seduction. Looks like a book you'll want to read. I do!

Ashlee Bennett has her priorities straight. Fighting demons is at the top of the list until she meets her sexy neighbor, Luke Byrne. Even though he is human, she can't stop dreaming about his buff body and sexy grin, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

Her world is turned upside down when Luke follows her one night but instead of being afraid, he is only more determined to stand beside her and fight. Ashlee knows she needs to keep her distance from Luke, not just to protect her virginity but her heart as well. But Luke may be the only one who can save her from the night, and her dreams.

Want to know more about Lori? Here's a bio!

CEO by day, erotic romance writer by night, Lori Toland lives in Orlando where the summers are hot but the romance between her characters is even hotter. Writing since the tender age of 13, Lori somehow finds time to play video games and watch movies while taking care of her beloved cats and a husband who will forever be her hero.

http://loritoland.com/
http://loritoland.livejournal.com/