Do Holidays Make You Happy? Or Give You The Blues?

Just now I'm sitting here thinking that Christmas is very close and I'm somewhat ready. The tree is up and decorated, the house is decorated. Some of the gifts are wrapped. I still have a few things to get...



The holidays are a happy time. I still have kids who believe in Santa and the year ended on a far better note than it started on. My husband lost his job of 20+ years last January and now, recently, he's got another -- better -- job even if the pay is a less. But it's been a challenging year. So there is much to be grateful for. Pluse I get time off. A gift because I pretty much work 7 days a week.



And there is much yet to do. Field trips, school plays, visits to folks you don't see for the rest of the year (isn't that terrible?), shopping, wrapping. Christmas costs you and the economy is making things hard on everyone...



You're happy. You get the blues.



Why is that?



How do you stay happy through the holidays? Do you shrug off the stress and pressure stuff? What shortcuts do you have? What works for you? Should I just forget all the unpleasant stuff and have some Godiva and a beer?



Share! Desperate minds want to know! LOL



Let me know what you think. Speaking of field trips, I'm on one today with both my kids so I'm not ignoring you. I'll be back in the early afternoon and promise to answer all your posts and give stuff away. I've got books. I've got stuff for authors too. =)



Thank you to the guys for giving us this spot on this fabulous blog. =)



Happy holidays all!



Tina Pavlik

The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today

http://theromancestudio.com/

3 Winners Announced!

Happy Holidays!

I wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season!



Congrats to the three winners of the Thanksgiving Contest! This contest was open only to newsletter subscribers. Because this contest was so popular, the next contest will also have 3 winners and is open to newsletter subscribers. Details will be in the next newsletter scheduled for December 18th, so join the yahoo newsletter list so you can enter! (Just send an email to: Sally_Painter_Paranormal_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com that's all )


The entrants for the Thanksgiving Newsletter Contest had to respond to the following scenario:

A demon has marked you for its own. You now have a red aura emitting around your body that lets other demons know you're taken, but you're not going quietly. You must hide from demons. What are the three things you must do or take with you to ensure you survive? Be creative.

Prizes: 3 autographed books awarded: 1 book to 1 winner: Reunited, Book 1 of Gargoyles Seduced, Midnight Treat, featuring To Kiss a Gargoyle and TTGBITN VI, featuring Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle.

Here are the winners' responses (all of the answers were fun and creative, so I'm glad it was a random drawing because it would have been impossible to pick from such great creative responses.

Gayle O. Won Reunited:
1. I would drink a lot of Blue Hawaiians to change my aura to purple
(red +blue = purple). They would then think I was royalty and not
Bother or harm me.
2. I would have a shotgun with plenty of silver bullets to shot them
In the head. Hey, it works for Zombies so it must be worth a try.
3. I would take my set of encyclopedias and read from them incessantly
Creating my own demon filibuster. Hopefully the sound of my monotone
Voice going on and on and on will bore them to death, put them to
Sleep or have them leave me alone as they don't want to hear my voice
Going on and on and on for hours on end. :)

Maggie J. Won TTGBITN VI:

1. Go to the beauty salon. Must look my best when on the run.
2. Whip
3. Lots of chocolate















Crystal B. Won Midnight Treat:

1. A magic cloak to cover me and hide my aura
2. A sword blessed by a priest
3. A Blackberry with all loyal contacts on speed dial to help me battle the demons

Big Hugs and Congrats to the winners and to everyone who entered!

Wanna dream lover?

Then you really need to read Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle. This book has everything! A fascinating story, romance and lovers who make you eager for their love to succeed.


But don't take my word for it ... See what Literary Nymphs Reviews has to say...

"Sally Painter knows her gargoyles. Each of her men is always sexy and willing to go that extra mile in and out of his mate's bedroom. Tessa and Amy have different personalities that keep the tale interesting and flowing, with very few bumps along the way. While each is determined when it comes to the project, they approach love differently. Tessa seems to fall in love with falling love, while Amy wants proof before committing. Their yummy dream lovers will truly make you want to join the mile high club. Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle is a great addition to the gargoyle stories, and will be a great read for those who enjoy paranormal erotica."

If you haven't picked up your copy, scoot on over to Ellora's Cave now and snatch one up!

Okay, our question for today...

We're all there. Gas and food prices are high. As many as one out of 10 people are out of work. The economy is possibly the worst of our lifetimes.

Still, part of the beauty of the romance genre is that it offers us a happy ending guaranteed escape from it all. Right?

So my question to you is this: how do you select what you will read?

Do you stick with your favorite authors?

Do you stick with your favorite publishers?

Do you stay with just vampire erotic, sweet historicals, M/M...? What's your vice?

PRIZES? Yeah, we'll do them. I'll pick out one winner to receive a crisp new print copy of The Year of Living Shamelessly by Susanna Carr.

Any authors who post will get one free year of featured membership at TRS. Yeah, this is a serious offer. LOL

Be sure to enter our book-a-day giveaway today and every day for a chance to win books: http://theromancestudio.com/bad_form.php

Can we (The Romance Studio) come play at your blog? If so, please email me at tina.pavlik@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Tina

The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today
Psyche Designs - http://psychedesigns.com

Reader and Fan Video Contest!

Romance readers -- we're having a contest! Make your own video supporting the romance genre! We did one above to promote TRS. (Come on! You can't do WORSE than that! LOL)

Promote your favorite books, your favorite local bookstore (that would be cool!), your favorite author, etc. Tell us how you smuggle books on family vacation. Show us how you pick out what to read. How many ebooks until your reader explodes? How many print books will fit into your clothes dryer? Be original!

The Rules: (because you know we have to have some!)

1. All videos must be uploaded to YouTube.com and meet all of their submission requirements BEFORE being submitted to TRS for our contest.
2. Videos CANNOT contain nudity (unless it's the guy and/or gal on the cover), profanity, or contain any material or language that could be taken as insulting to any group regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, planet, or anything else.
3. Be creative!

When?

Video entries will be accepted starting today (11/5/09) with a deadline of midnight EST on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. All approved entries will appear right here on our front door page. Voting will be open to the public and will be held from Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - midnight, EST Monday, November 30, 2009.

Prize:

The winner will receive a $50 gift card from Amazon and be interviewed at TRS about their video! The winner will be announced in the 12/1/09 issue of Studio Notes (that's our bi-monthly newsletter) and announced on our site on 12/2/09.

How do I enter?

Send the link or embed code of your video entry at YouTube.com by email to Katie Raines (click on her name for the email form). If you have any questions, you can contact Katie, Tina, or Holly at our Contact Us page. Thank you!

Thank you to our Veterans!

Happy Veterans Day and thank you for to all who have bravely served our country. Thank you!

Tina Pavlik
The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today

$25 Amazon Gift Cert Winner and Next Contest!

Congrats to Pamela S., who won my Halloween $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. Pamela emailed me today that she'd already used the gift certificate! Thank you all who entered. I enjoyed reading your entries and comments. You're such great fun!

The next contest for November is a Thanksgiving Contest that will have 3 winners. I'm giving away 3 autographed books:


Reunited


Midnight Treat


TTGBITN VI

Contest Scenario
You've been marked by a demon and bear the red aura for all demons to see. It's just a matter of time before the demon claims you. You're on the run.

What are the 3 things you take with you or do?

Details on how to enter are in the Current Contest File Folder in my newsletter yahoo group. If you aren't currently a subscriber, you can easily join by sending an email

*This contest is open only to my newsletter subscribers as a holiday treat.

13 Days of Halloween at TRS and more...

Starting on 10/19/09, TRS kicks off 13 Days of Halloween! Come by and visit. We'll have book giveaways, information on Halloween events from our featured authors and some fun stuff too. Visit our site on Monday to check it out!

We're also celebrating the end of Mercury Retrograde with an advertising sale! We'll be offering all our ads (aside from Google ads and ad designs) at buy 1 get 2 free on October 18th through midnight. Then it will be buy 1 get 1 free from October 19th -- Halloween! Don't miss this!

Thank you!

Tina Pavlik

The Romance Studio
http://theromancestudio.com

Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle

I'm thrilled that EC has repurposed Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle into a single title. It's great to have the fantastic Syneca cover for one of my first gargoyle books.

To celebrate, I'm holding a contest on my website http://sallypainter.com for a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. The contest ends at midnight October 31 and the winner will be announced on November 1.

Oh, and The Halloween Newsletter is up and if you wish to join the yahoo newsletter list, (Sally_Painter_Paranormal_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ) it's very low volume with only announcements and a newsletter every 2-3 months. Some of the contests that I've run in the past have been strictly for the yahoo group, so you may wish to hang out and see what's happening for the rest of the year and the big plans for 2010 sign up.



Below is an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Have a great Monday!

An Excerpt From: DREAM LOVERS OF GARGOYLE CASTLE
Copyright © SALLY PAINTER, 2006
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

He led her down a hall and paused in front of a door. The air was electric. Keenly aware of his body so close to her, Tessa panted, trying to refrain from reaching down and grabbing his shaft between her hands.

“I have prepared a nice retreat for us.” He opened the door. Candles flickered in the dark room, giving an instant rush of warmth and romantic glow. Before she could comment, he shoved the door closed and gathered her into his arms.

Demanding lips covered hers. He tasted strong, virile and hot. Oh, so hot and ready. His thick cock pressed against her abdomen and large arms ribboned with powerful muscles encased her. The need to feel him inside her blazed white-hot. He was like a rock of male flesh against her tender breasts. Big hands were everywhere, grasping her buttocks, massaging her breasts then plunging beneath the gown to squeeze tender nipples hard.

She moved her lips over his and opened her mouth to taste him fully. Thrusting his tongue inside, he captured hers in a frenetic twisting and curling. Her mind burst with all kinds of longings and fantasies. He would do whatever she asked, after all it was her dream. Long, powerful fingers threaded into her hair as he pulled her head back to receive the rapid plunging of his tongue into her mouth. Electrical pulses streaked to her clit sending the need for relief racing up her spine in jagged, fiery streaks.

“I knew ye would be mine from the first moment I saw ye. I’ve waited for someone all these years and it was ye,” he said and lifted her from the floor, taking long strides across the room to gently lay her onto silky linens. The cool material greeted her but quickly warmed. His eyes reflected the fire scorching inside her.

“This feels so real. It’s the best dream I’ve ever had.”

“I will be the best lover ye ever had, Tessa.” He splayed his hand over her gown, letting his fingers massage her abdomen.

“I-I definitely want you to prove that to me, right now.” She reached around his muscular thighs and cupped his firm buttocks. The contact of his flesh under her fingers sent wild streaks of need pulsing harder to her groin. She wanted to feel him inside her.

He supported himself with both hands planted on either side of her head. His hard cock brushed her thigh.

“Spread yer legs,” he said in a deep husky voice that melted her into a mindless creature with only one thought, to do whatever he asked. “I want to see yer sweet pussy.”

Fire blazed through her. Trembling, she lifted her legs slightly, parting them.

A low appreciative groan vibrated from him.

“Now, remove yer gown,” he commanded.

Again, she did as he ordered with her fingers slipping against the material. Tightening the grasp, Tessa pulled the gown over her head and let it drop forgotten on the bed.

“Yes,” he said with his fiery breath fanning over her stomach. “Oh yes, ye are most pleasing.” He shifted and pushed her thighs wider apart and let his gaze move slowly over her. Waves of heat washed tender splotches over her following the path of his deliberate regard.

“Ye are indeed a gorgeous woman, Tessa, and I intend to make ye my woman.” He lowered his mouth to her shaved pussy, slipping his tongue inside the mounded crease. She moaned, luxuriating in the flicking motion against the tender flesh. His tongue pressed against the aching throb and flickered against her clit. She moaned, moving her hips to thrust against the building sensations. His tongue darted around her swollen nub, teasing against the hood of her pussy. He caught the folds between his lips in a slow kiss, sucked and tugged against her. The sensation made her wild and Tessa released a deep moan, wiggling under his expertise. Incited by her reaction, he plunged his tongue between the fleshy mounds once more and lashed against her clit harder and faster.

Undulating beneath the teasing, she matched the erotic rhythm. Her body tingled with a need greater than any she’d ever felt. When his hand trailed along her waist and to her breasts, her breath rushed from her in expectation. He closed his thumb and forefinger around the tip and squeezed. She gasped against the intense pleasure streaking to her clit. He released the nipple, only to squeeze a little harder, all the while flicking his tongue faster against her clit.

She twisted under the delightful flames lashing against her pussy. A fierce need roiled in her. His other hand trailed down to her leg and joined his mouth against her pussy where he slipped one finger into her, then another. She groaned under the added sensation of thrusting fingers as he finger-fucked her while flicking his tongue harder. His fingers plunged deeper, drawing her breath from her with each thrust. Cascades of pleasure and heat pulsed through her and up her spine, building upon each new wave of pleasure. The rhythm grew and she lifted her hips to meet it, rising higher with each scorching wave until ecstasy burst in shards of hot release. She shuddered and cried out, molten sensations carrying her deeper in wave after wave of orgasmic spasms.

He sucked against the rush of her juices flowing from her opening and eased his fingers from her pussy. He traced circles around her throbbing clit and the walls of her pussy clamped closed and opened again around his fingers.

“Aye, ye are a comely lass.” His words were muffled as he buried his head between her legs to lick her pulsing clit once more. “Let’s have ye on yer sweet stomach, shall we?”

You can also read:
EC excerpt
Sally's Website Excerpt

Memory's Eye

Book 1 in the Hearts of Fire series

My name’s Memory and I have a slight problem. I walked out on a business I poured my heart and soul into and took off across country to “find myself”. No luck on finding me yet, but I found something I wasn’t expecting. Marco Redwing. Sexy? Hell, that doesn’t even come close. Oh, the things I long to do to him. The kicker? He has a crystal pendant that’s an exact match to the one I’ve worn since I was eighteen.

It’s almost too good to be true. Problem is, every time I’m around the man my crystal pendant goes crazy. Damn thing sends off energy spikes I’m afraid are going to electrocute me.

Could I really find the man of my dreams in this charming southern city? And that’s the real problem. The crystal is supposed to lead me to the man I’m destined to mate with. Which sounds damn fine to me. But it also lets me know there’s something not so good getting closer.

And that’s the rub. There’s a demon after me.

Free Book - Danu, the Return

I'm thrilled to offer readers another FREE READ from EC. This is part of The Hussies series. Be sure and let me know how you enjoy it! And, thank you all for being such loyal readers!

The story:

Danu has one weakness—hot, sexy dragon-hunter Ragna. As leader of the Hussy Warrior Hunters, she reaped eternity with him in the Netherworld—until now.

Destiny calls Danu back to Earth—alone. Torn between her sacred duty and her lover, Danu agonizes over losing Ragna forever. Strong, fearless Ragna makes her mindless with desire, and each time he touches her, Danu melts. Ragna is powerless to stop her from being ripped from his arms. His last words ring in her ears… He’ll find a way to return to her.

Get your FREE COPY

Virtual Signing & Blogging Away

Hi Vixens,

Thanks for having us again. Over at Night Owl Romance we are up to a whole lot of partying, blogging and author signing.

Join us next week as Joy Nash virtually signs her books for readers. All readers who purchase a Joy Nash book between 5/15 - 5/31 will get a very special goodie package including something signed by Joy. So, for the price of a book you get so much more cool goodies to go with it.

On the blog we have lots to interest a reader - posts on vampires, werewolves, book cover design, cover shoots and so much more. It's not to be missed as authors share the ins and outs of the industry.

Click to find out what we are up to now.

Contests -

Coming in June get ready for a fun web hunt as Ravenous Romance and Night Owl Romance join forces to showcase some fabulous titles and prizes. Lots of free ebooks for the winners.

Until next month keep you Inner Vixen primed and ready. Come party with us.

The Night Owl Romance Ladies

http://www.nightowlromance.com

FREE BOOK - Not Just an Orgy

NEW BOOK RELEASE TODAY!

Here's another free book read as my way of saying THANK YOU for being such loyal readers!

NOT JUST AN ORGY

Alexia was in trouble the moment Haden Tate kissed her. The months trying to gain access to him had been worth it. His passion overwhelms her and Alexia's plans come undone in a moment of lust. Desire burns her to her toes and her resolve to remain unemotional about the handsome man and his secret sex club melts under his possession.

Haden is hiding more than a private voyeur club within the walls of his Savannah nightclub. He's protecting a darker secret and if this sexy bombshell reporter doesn't stop teasing him, he may just reveal the naked truth to her.

Title: Not Just an Orgy
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9990100000060 Ebook (Digital)
Publication Date: April 20, 2009

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
An Excerpt From: NOT JUST AN ORGYCopyright © SALLY PAINTER, 2009
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Alexia Wrightman knew she was in trouble the moment Haden Tate's demanding lips touched hers. Her pulse throbbed. She had to remind herself to stay focused on the reason she was there. It had taken three months to charm him into this date. Every night during those months she'd pretended to be a thrill-seeker determined to be his next most-willing conquest.

And here she finally stood on the precipice of uncovering the truth about the club, River Rat, and its rumored private room, and all she could think about was how good he tasted—a hint of wine mingled with spicy hot. She wanted more. Excitement pounded through her, yet it wasn't because she was so close to landing the biggest story of the century. The tingling sensations racing down her back were because of the man. Not his naughty secret.

She tugged from his kiss, gasping for air. The last thing she wanted to do was sabotage herself by allowing this sexy man to distract her beyond all reason. And the way he kissed…such firm soft lips…

Focus! The mission was to ferret out the rumor of a mysterious secret room called The Sanctuary where he held private orgies. Only a handful of nightclub patrons were invited to enter and tonight she'd just become one of the lucky few. She was alone with Haden. The man of her dreams. The man she'd wanted for her own ever since she'd first seen him months ago. The mysterious club owner who could have any woman he wanted and he'd chosen her.

"Don't you like kissing me?" he asked, and tilted her chin to receive another one.

Firm lips covered hers. Groaning, Haden trailed his fingers down the column of her neck, dipping over the exposed mounds of her breasts. His touch scorched her flesh and her breath caught in her throat as he fingered the bodice edge of her dress. She sensed his longing to plunge his hand beneath the silk and tease her nipples into hardened buds, and held her breath, waiting…

Anticipation trembled all the way to her toes. She was on fire and rubbed against him, writhing under the excited pulses throbbing to her clit. Her nipples ached for his touch and when his fingers finally brushed over the silk bodice, her heart slammed against her chest. A low moan vibrated in her throat. He stroked her, rubbing his thumb in circles to tease her nipples. A streak of pleasure shot to her clit.

Alexia broke from the kiss again and her head fell back against the steel door. She was tempted to remove the rhinestone barrette from her hair and end this charade, but the hair clamp concealing the mini-spy cam was her only protection should things get out of control. She wondered what her cohort Ollie Underwait was able to see through the scope of the lens. Right now, probably the ceiling.

Haden pressed kisses over her cheek, working his way down her neck to the cleavage of her breasts rising above the bodice. She didn't look down, not wanting her best friend on the other end of the hidden camera to witness her succumbing to Haden's skillful seduction. She was lost in a riot of delightful sensations.

Her fingers caressed his strong muscled back beneath the crisp dress shirt. All concerns about Ollie vanished. All desire to prove her journalistic skills seemed unimportant. She nuzzled Haden and he lifted his head. At that moment she only cared that her wildest fantasy was coming true.

"Haden," she panted, and he stopped kissing the fleshy mounds and straightened.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered in a deep silky voice that made wet heat dampen her panties. His brown eyes darkened with desire and fire lashed at her throat. He leaned down to kiss her and she was lost once more. His tongue teased her lips open and slipped between them inside her mouth. God he felt so good. She combed her fingers through his black hair, marveling how soft it felt.

Not Just an Orgy (FREE BOOK)

Thanks and I hope you enjoy it!

Sally:)

The Romantic Times Convention - Workshops, Parties and Friends

Hi Vixens,

Thanks for having us again. Tammie King here with Night Owl Romance.

It's that time of year again when we all start buzzing around and getting all the loose ends tied up and jetting off to the Romantic Times Convention. It's a great place to meet other readers and authors and just hang out with people who have the same hobby in common. Last year was my first time attending and I can say I had a blast...but was totally exhausted when I returned. This year it's in Orlando, so we also get to take in Disney World and be tired from that.

On that note... Night Owl Romance will be attending the convention and handing out goodie bags and raffle tickets. For your chance to score some books, gift cards and other goodies make sure to seek us out for your ticket. Quantities are limited so the sooner the better. We will have a booth at the Wednesday Expo.

As the owner of Night Owl Romance I will also be on a panel with our lovely Ciana Stone. Join us Thursday - 11:30 till 12:30 - for the Why The Rich Get Richer: Promotion Secrets from the Experts panel (room Longboat). I'm also writing a book on Romance Book Promotion. I can say it's almost done :0) - The book includes interviews of authors and what their marketing strategies are. I also interviewed Danielle Jackson. She is the lead publicist for Sourcebooks Casablanca. She shared what she does and what has worked promotion wise for her and her authors. So, look forward to that coming out later this year. Details at: http://www.romancebookpromotion.com/

Now onto the Romantic Times Parties. They are not to be missed - from fairy balls to beach and jungle theme parties there is always something going on and loads of free stuff to be had by all. It's a book lover and authors dream.

If you are not able to attend this year join us next year in Columbus, Ohio.

On a secondary note. I want to invite you all to our first Virtual Signing. Angie Fox, author of The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers will kick off our signings on 5/5/2009. Angie writes humorous paranormals that even had my hubby laughing when we read the excerpt together. She is one of my local Rose City Romance Writers and her second book is due out later this month. For those readers who purchase an Angie Fox book during the signing you will get a special author goodie pack direct from Angie. Including something signed to go along with your purchased title. Click here for details!


NOR will also have a contest going during each chat. One lucky poster will get an Amazon card for $10 or a copy of one of the featured authors books. USA shipping only.


Other Virtual Tour Dates:

Jennifer Ashley - May 11th, 2009


Joy Nash - May 26th, 2009




Candace Havens - July 7th, 2009


Elisabeth Naughton - July 28th, 2009



That is it for this month :) - I'll see you all next month with some new and exciting news.


Tammie King



Night Owl Romance



http://www.nightowlromance.com/

Behind the Scenes - Reunited, Now in Print

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

When I was asked what inspired this book, I had to stop and retrace my life to 2001 and 2002. The last two months of 2001 and the first half of 2002 were the months I spent discovering this secret world of gargoyles. I put the book away for nearly five years and when I picked it back up, I found myself consumed by the characters. It became almost an obsession to see where these characters would take the story and what would happen to them next.

Reunited was not an easy book to write because each of the characters were strong. I often had to rein in Starn. Even though he’s a secondary character he was dying to tell his story. He is such a misunderstood soul, that I thoroughly enjoyed writing. Stan however had a real problem which was constantly upstaging my hero, Garrett. Needless to say, Starn will eventually get his own story in the series. Once I promised him that book, the rogue gargoyle settled down – somewhat. He plays a very important role in Reunited and maintained a very strong presence throughout the book.

So did all of the other characters. I can’t recall when I’ve had such a cast of characters demanding the spotlight as those in this book did. I think their individual stories brought a great depth of emotion to the overall story of the gargoyles’ fight to survive. Jen Ormand, the heroine, certainly did because of her haunted childhood and destiny’s determination to constantly put her into the thick of things. Jen’s role, even though she starts out as an unwilling participant who just wanted to have a normal life, proved a challenge to balance so she was vulnerable yet strong.

Which brings me to the part where I’m often asked about portraying Jen in her reluctance to step-up to the plate and claim her natural abilities. I believe all people who have special abilities and talents that they find burdensome must at some time in life come to terms with their inner demons. Jen is no exception and although the majority of the demons she fights are very real, she still has an inner war she must wage and win.

Garrett, is the classic broken hero. He has flaws that I purposefully incorporated into his character that I knew would be difficult to portray in a heroic way. He showed me how to do this and I hope it made him even more lovable as the hero. From the reception he’s received, I believe it’s his flaws that make him a strong hero who has to overcome not just the insurmountable duty of saving his race, but getting out of his own way in order to accomplish this last act of heroism.

Reunited by Sally Painter
Book 1 in the Gargoyles Seduced

Jen Ormand vowed never to return home. Traumatized by visions of demons only she could see, followed by a spell in a psychiatric hospital, she's determined to create a new life away from her hometown's dark past — until her parents die.

Now she's back and the demons are after her — again. Late one night they attack and sexy Garrett Dermonté saves her. When he sprouts wings and flies off into the night, Jen's sure she's suffering another psychotic break, especially since tall, dark and delicious makes her wet and hot for a lot more than rescuing.

Garrett has finally found the woman prophesied to reconcile his gargoyle clan. Jen is destined to lead them into battle against the demons, but can he convince her in time? Consumed by an uncontrollable lust for her, Garrett worries he's finally succumbed to the virus ravaging his species. Can he resist committing the unforgivable sin of making love to a human or will his hunger for Jen doom the world to demonic rule?

EXCERPT:

Garrett gazed down at the woman in his arms, finding it impossible to believe he was holding the Reconciler. He’d found her! Just in time too. Her aura bore a demon’s mark. She’d been recently tagged as a target, judging by the intensity of the reddish haze radiating off her. How long had they known about her?

His mind crowded with questions but the sudden whiff of her scent, a seductive mixture of earth and flowers, encircled him like wispy tendrils, numbing all thought. He drew the sweet fragrance in through his nostrils and electric currents zinged through him. What was that?

Taut muscles flinched and his heart drummed a new rhythm. A strange and perplexing beat that matched the anxious quaking in him. The sensation spiraled to his gut, twisting until it wound tight like a corkscrew and then released in a powerful surge of need. Primal. Urgent.

“What the fuck?” he panted, looking down at the woman still cradled in his arms.

Full rosy lips parted and a soft moan rushed between them. He raked his tongue over his lips, imagining how she would taste. Just a slight touch of his lips to hers… He held her closer against his bare chest. Sweat trickled down his back. Garrett shook his head as though he could disentangle himself from the seductive spell but his mind filled with the image of her naked body writhing beneath him.

He’d never experienced such a compulsion. His mind raced with possible reasons for the emergence of such a highly charged energy and then a fearful thought struck him. He’d heard of overwhelming urges taking control when a gargoyle was in the first stage of mutation.

Infected gargoyles claimed to be victimized by their inner natures, no longer in control of their free will. This couldn’t be happening to him. He couldn’t mutate. Not now. Not when he’d finally found their salvation. He looked down at the Reconciler.

Fate wouldn’t be so cruel.

He groaned. Heat pooled in his groin and his cock throbbed. The gargoyle nature was one of discipline, Garrett reminded himself. He was a trained warrior, able to control all desires, especially any unwanted reactions, yet at that moment he didn’t feel in control. The desire wouldn’t abate. In fact it stretched against the fraying threads of self-control.

“I won’t be defeated. Not by a primal instinct to mate a human. Not after all the battles I’ve fought against demons.”

Resolve was quickly supplanted by impulse and his feverish mind clouded as he looked down at her. God, she was so beautiful. She had a warrior’s physique, toned and firm, yet at that moment she was every inch of feminine softness. Gentle curves pressed into him as she lay unconscious in his arms, seducing him with the forbidden.

“Sweet paradise! I won’t allow this to happen,” he rasped and willed the arousal away.

The energy relented and twisted to his belly, churning into a hard knot. Licking his lips, Garrett studied the goddess cradled in his arms. Ethereal and irresistible. Moonlight bathed her face, tracing long dark curls that cascaded over his arm. His fingers trembled. He needed to caress the shimmering fall…no, what he needed was to sink his cock deep inside her warmth and find release.

Mercy! Was there no mercy? Not for mutants. A feeling of hopelessness settled in his gut. None for him.

“I’m not a fucking mutant,” he growled. There must be another explanation for what just happened. Something he was overlooking.

Her perfume filled his nostrils and Garrett frowned at the oval face, so perfectly formed…

Realization struck him. The emergence of his baser self must be because of her. It wasn’t the virus. Somehow— Maybe it was a special power she held as the Reconciler.

If it could do this to him, what would it do to gargoyles weakened by the virus? It would mean chaos not salvation. Garrett squinted. It couldn’t be her. He knew the Legend inside and out. Nowhere did it mention the Reconciler having this kind of power over gargoyles or that her scent was an aphrodisiac.

His stare traced the slender column of her neck to the front of her blouse. Full breasts rose high above the first button, luring his gaze to dip beneath the material in search of rosy tips. The imagery shot liquid fire to his groin, pooling at the very tip of his cock. Pre-cum leaked past his attempt to stop his body’s response to her as the feral instinct seized him.

He clamped his mouth shut, straining to control the surge of power coiling tighter and tighter in his gut, threatening to break free. He tensed his body against the force but it raced up his throat, clawing against his clamped jaw. A low groan vibrated against his teeth, curling his upper lip into a snarl. Neck muscles constricted and his head fell back as the building pressure pried open his mouth. A fierce roar burst from him, echoing into the night and startling nearby dogs into frightened yelps.

“Son of a bitch,” he wheezed and gulped for air. “I have to get out of here.”

Car. Go to the car.

Garrett forced his feet to take a step forward. One foot in front of the other. He carried her back to the SUV and opened the passenger door where he lowered her into the seat. He paused, staring down at her, longing to touch her face. He reached over to buckle the seat belt around her.

As he straightened, his hand brushed one of her breasts. He froze. It had been a simple touch, yet every cell in his body sparked to life. Strong nails dug into the flesh of his palm as he tightened his hand into a sweaty fist. The hot night air pressed down on him, offering no relief for his fevered flesh. Visions of her lying naked in his arms with legs spread wide for him, revealing tender flesh, pink and moist… He swallowed past the dryness in his throat. Raw nerve endings ached with the need to feel his cock scrape past the velvety folds of her pussy and plunge deep inside her.

He shook his head and shoved away from her. This must stop. He pounded his fists hard into his chest but the pain from the blows didn’t break the spell. The hunger consumed him.

Garrett knew if he remained there any longer, he’d lose this battle for his self-control. He slammed the car door shut and hurried around the front of the vehicle but glanced at her through the windshield. By all that was holy, he wanted to throw open the door, steal her from the vehicle, and disappear into the night with his prize.

His mind raced. He must think about something else. Demons. Shit, he had to get her out of there. They would return with reinforcements. His legs shook as he walked around to the driver’s side.

“What the fuck is happening?” he breathed.

Ellora's Cave - REUNITED

The Reviews

A Book Contest per Blog Day Keeps The Husband Away!

Even during these though financial times a girl needs her books.

What is she to do when it's hard to find two dollars to rub together?

She has to put a plan together to both keep her in books and pay the bills. Just paying the bills won't be enough; she needs to find that happily ever after between the covers of a book as everything else looks to be falling down around her.

One of her key strategies would be looking for book deals, discounts and contests. Well there are lots of them out there if she looks at different sites and keeps her calendar up to date with what's happening in reader land. If she does this she could be a few buck ahead and have a few books in her cute little pocket.

Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave graced readers with deep discounts on print books recently. Whooo hooo did this girl get her shipment(s) worth.

The ladies of Night Owl Romance bring readers the opportunity to win books every featured blog day and via other avenues as well - Including chats, featured author contests and our newsletter. Click for Details


Many companies offer free shipping when ordering a specific dollar amount or amount of titles.

So, if you are like the girl above. Don't let reading go by the way side. Find alternatives to giving up the realms of romance and fantasy. Support your authors as they are going through the same difficulties as you are. As they tour the web join them and look for the opportunity to win a few books along with purchasing the rest. If we all stick together we will come out smiling on the other side as we will have our books, fantastical lands and a few dollars to rub together.

And on an end note, don't fight with that special someone even as tensions run high and change runs low. You will need each other during these trying times. It's hard going it alone.

The Night Owl Romance Ladies

Wanna do a little Sexploring?

Sexploring with Ciana Stone and Sahara Kelly:

I have a special series out from Ellora's Cave this year that's near and dear to my heart. One of my bff's, Sahara Kelly and I put our heads together to come up with a series about women - not just their romances and sexual escapades but about their lives and more importantly, their friendships. The result is SEXPLORATIONS - a series about self-discovery, love and the bond between women.

This month we celebrate the release of My Fishnet Fetish. Written by Sahara Kelly, this book introduces one of the most entertaining women of the series, Nadine (Dini) Summers and an oh-so-fine detective that has a definite thing about fishnets -- especially when Dini's wearing them.

Just a week after release, My Fishnet Fetish is already garnering great reviews:

"MY FISHNET FETISH is just as wonderful as the first two books in the SEXPLORATIONS series. The friendship between Fenny, Dee and Dini is just as vital as the budding relationship between Dini and Jonas. The conversations between the women are simply delightful with phrases that are laugh out loud funny and leave a vivid image in your imagination. I could completely understand Dini’s reasoning for her outlook on sexual relationships and just how hard Jonas would have to work to change her mind. This is one of those rare stories, and series for that matter, that is an honest to goodness pleasure to read and certainly worthy of adding to the keeper shelf. Sahara Kelly and Ciana Stone have certainly pulled out all the stops and brought their wacky personalities to the forefront for this series – and I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to get to know these characters through the authors’ eyes. --Romance Junkies

If you haven't gotten your copy yet, you're missing out on a laugh-out-loud, sizzling tale! Do pay a visit to the Sexplorations site where each month we have a new contest running.

And maybe it's time to think of having a little Sexploration of your own:)

Happy Weekend!!

Ci

Romance Your Lover

It seems like such a simple thing, very easy to accomplish, but for some reason, it’s not.

If you want to romance your spouse or lover, then you need to think back to how you treated your spouse when you were first dating. That bloom of romance inspired you to impress and go out of your way to win her or him over. It’s human nature. Eventually, we relax and allow the other person to see all sides of us, well, most of us do.

So what happens once you have that special someone? Life. It’s all about schedules, work and perhaps taking care of kids. And even beyond those daily demands, it’s also human nature to become a tad complacent, too comfortable with each other and unfortunately, often taking the most important person in your life for granted.

Infusing romance back into your relationship will take a little effort, but that’s all. Time, effort and energy all directed toward making that special someone happier. In turn, you will, too.

Little acts of kindness

Don’t save those little acts of kindness just for strangers. It’s the little things we do for each other that adds cement to our bonds with each other and endears us to each other. Loving someone naturally inspires but life’s demands can interfere with the all important follow-through. Don’t let that happen to you.

Make a list of some of the nice things you can do for your lover to make her or his day brighter. This doesn’t need to cost money, just time and effort.

Leave a love note in a lunch bag, business trip suitcase, coat pocket, or purse.
Call during the day just to say I love you
Touch your lover. It sounds so natural, but people often forget that special touch, squeeze of the hand, stroke of the face.

Block out the worries, fears and cares of the world and steal a moment, a fleeting second to feel that love and then express it. That’s really all it takes and you’ll soon be smiling more and more because one small act will bring an avalanche of romance back to you.

Music to romance by

Looking for the perfect romantic music for your candlelit dinner or to share a glass of wine at sunset? Try the Second Movement of Bach's Double Violin Concerto in D Minor.

Yes, it's a mouthful, but well worth the effort to locate this piece.

String orchestras are some of the most romantic musical instruments, especially violins when playing a movement like this one. The two violas compete with each other like two lovers desperate to let the other know, "I love you".

While most musicians will tell you the construction of this piece is an excellent example of a technical composition known as counterpoint, you don't have to know anything about music in order to appreciate its beauty. It'll carry you to emotional highs that are a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.

Still, if you're curious, it might make good table conversation to know a little about the piece. The technique, counterpoint, focuses on two instruments or sections of the orchestra playing different melodies in a kind of duel - note against note. Each violin's melody is independent of the other yet when played together, they fit. The two harmonize and blend into a wonderful bigger sound that is exciting and breathless.

As you listen to the building of the melody, the strings wail with heartfelt emotion and rise almost to a crescendo only to fall back into the melancholic rhythm gradually rising once more.

So set your table, light those candles and enjoy this piece while dining, knowing you're setting the perfect romantic mood.

Wallis Simpson and King James VIII

Best romantic couples countdown - # 44

Wallis Simpson was an American socialite and married the former King of England. It was a love affair that caused great upheaval. Rumored to be lovers while she was still married to her third husband, Wallis divorced her husband when Prince Edward ascended to the throne in 1936.

The new King of England proposed to her, but there was such an outcry within the royal court because she’d been divorced two times and both ex-husbands were still alive. Gossip and whispers surrounded the love affair and engagement and escalated to the point where King Edward had to choose between his love for Wallis or his duty as King.

On December 11, 1936 it shocked the world when King Edward VIII announced that he was abdicating the throne to “marry the woman I love”.

The controversy their relationship caused didn’t stop there. Rumors followed them wherever they went with rumors about their loyalties to the crown throughout World War II and long after. They were married for 36 years until Edward died in1972.

Kiss me baby!

We all do it. Love it. Enjoy it. We all remember the first time we did it - Kissed a lover.

Scientists believe that the biological process and motivation of kissing is more than just an attraction or a chemical response. It's all about taste testing. A kiss can help you determine if the recipient is a good match for your life partner. So what does the taste test tell you?

There are many subconscious messages been transmitted to each of you when your lips meet that first time, but there are more conscious messages being processed and evaluated.

It's a known fact that if your romance is escalating and moving to the next stage, the first kiss is going to determine if you keep going or if everything comes to a screeching halt with the sound effect of a needle scratching across an old vinyl record echoing in your head.

Many wonderful romances have been doomed by a bad first kiss. Chances are if that first kiss doesn't curl your toes, you aren't going to grant a do-over. No second chances with the first kiss because you've got all the information you need to make that decision.

So will being a good kisser help you in this taste test? Surprisingly, this is one time practice and expertise doesn't mean much.

The first criteria is to put your heart into it. You can't just kiss someone without genuine emotion and expect your partner not to sense it. Kissing should be fun and exciting. It should set your heart pounding and your senses tingling. If the chemistry isn't there, no amount of kissing techniques can change it.

On the flipside, if that first kiss spark ignites a wildfire, then you're on to more great kisses and romantic moments with your newfound love.

So pucker up those lips and get ready to taste test romance..

Internet Romance Gone Bad

You’ve heard stories of successful internet romances and then there are the horror stories of deception and in some cases tragedy.

How can you avoid this kind of incident to your internet romance?

It’s easy for people to disguise themselves over the internet. It’s not a unique story of a woman flying to meet a man. She's out of her own territory and trapped.

What can you do to assure this scenario doesn’t happen to you?... Read rest of article

Romance and Frienship - two of my favorite things

My first book in the Sexplorations series is now out -- The Thing About Cowboys. Here's what the heroine has to say about this book:

Delilah Jackson. That’s me. My business is making people look good in photos. My passion is writing sexy romances. Becoming the next notch on Cam McIntyre’s belt isn’t part of my plans, no matter how much he strains the gauge on my lust-o-meter.

Cam doesn’t make it easy to say no. Damn man’s sexy as original sin. My best friend Fenny says maybe I should give him a chance. She could be right. I do have this thing about cowboys and Cam’s one hell of a sexy Texan. I’d be willing to bet that he’d give a whole new meaning to the word “satisfaction”.

Maybe I should consider saddling up for a test ride. After all, what’s life without Sexplorations?


This is what Romance Junkies has to say:

Rating: 5 blue ribbons

Delilah ‘Dee’ Jackson loves her job as a photographer and takes a no nonsense approach to her craft. She also writes smoldering hot romances on the side but her personal love life is non-existent. Her latest assignment has her photographing Cam McIntyre. Sexy as the Texan cowboy is, Dee has no intention of becoming another notch on his bedpost.

Dee’s a challenging puzzle that Cam can’t resist. He’s used to women throwing themselves at him and Dee isn’t falling into the normal worshipful behavior he’s accustomed to from women. She’s not falling for any of his flirtatious cowboy behavior and all his money and prestige isn’t enough to entice her to his bed. If there’s going to be any lovin’ going on between them then he’s going to have to face the fact that he is not a god and she is not about to become a Cam worshiper!

Dee’s had a long dryspell in the sex department but she isn’t one for indiscriminate sex anyway. She’s got a couple of great friends with whom she shares her feelings regarding Cam over alcohol and chocolate – plus lots of laughter. After her rant over Cam’s audacity at calling her ‘sweet thang’ and ‘sugah,’ Dini and Fenny point out that if she’s getting this worked up over the whole incident then maybe she should wonder why she’s reacting this way. Since Dee nagged Fenny into giving her man a chance Fenny feels that Dee should listen to her own advice and give Cam a chance.

Dee doesn’t get involved with people she works with but Cam tempts her in ways she’s never experienced. Once she caves in and accepts the challenge of one kiss that will supposedly ‘curl her toes’ there’s no turning back. Her teasing, refusal to simper and natural appearance prove to be an irresistible aphrodisiac. For Dee, the idea of engaging in a sexual relationship with Cam is a little worrisome… after all she’s older and gravity hasn’t exactly been her friend – and then there’s the little issue of shaving/or waxing … and we aren’t talking legs either. Still, Dee’s ready for a little SEXPLORATIONS and what better way to hop back in the saddle then taking a cowboy for a ride?

The second book in the SEXPLORATIONS series, THE THING ABOUT COWBOYS, continues to delight readers with the close-knit friendship between the women and an intense sexual relationship that Dee experiences with Cam. Ciana Stone brings humor (which I’m still smiling over), some kick butt action scenes and a heroine and hero you’ll fall in love with in this story. Dee’s independent spunky nature is absolutely perfect and I loved how she stays true to herself even when it would be so easy to simply go along with Cam’s attempts at helping her careerwise.

Ciana Stone and Sahara Kelly are authors with wickedly delightful senses of humor and excellent storytelling abilities. The SEXPLORATIONS series is a wonderful showcase of each of their abilities individually as well as how well Ms. Stone and Ms. Kelly compliment each other’s writing. While the romantic interests in these stories are passionate and everything a reader could hope for it’s truly the friendship between Dee, Dini and Fenni that I really enjoy. Men come and go but friendship is forever and these ladies are a prime example of friendship at its best!

Stop by the SEXPLORATIONS website to find out more about this writer team and all about the men, inspiration, and other books in this series.

Thank you Chrissy Dionne and Romance Junkies!! This review had be dancing on air!

I hope you'll join me and Sahara in more Sexplorations. There's a great contest running on the site and a new book releasing on March 11th - "My Fishnet Fetish". This is one you don't want to miss!

Happy Thursday:)

Ci
www.cianastone.com

NOR Contests & Giveaways!

Night Owl Romance has teamed up with publishers and authors to bring you some wonderful prizes. Ebooks, Print Books and goodies galore.

Currently you can enter for one of 5 prize packages. Hachette Book Group has joined with NOR to give away 5 prize packages with 11 books in each one. It's simple to enter. Just become a member of our newsletter. Deatils on the homepage of Night Owl Romance - http://www.nightowlromance.com/

The 11 books in each prize pack are:

1. Love in 90 Days By Diana Kirschner

2. Sundays at Tiffany's By James Patterson , Gabrielle Charbonnet ISBN

3. Free Yourself to Love By Jackie Kendall

4. The Italian Lover By Robert Hellenga

5. Looking for Mrs. Friedman and Other Really Bad Ideas Steve Friedman

6. Getting Naked Again By Judith Sills

7. We Take This Man By Candice Dow , Daaimah Poole

8. Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me By Ben Karlin

9. Sexcapades By HoneyB

10. Love and Other Natural Disasters By Holly Shumas

11. Send Yourself Roses By Kathleen Turner

****************************

Starting March 1st, 2009 start entering the Night Owl Romance March Web Hunt. NOR has teamed up with authors and publishers to form a fun hunt where you go to different authors websites and find a specific colored graphic. You write down what color the graphic says and fill out an online entry form to be entered.

Sourcebooks Casablanca has already donated - 8 books and each author will also be donating prizes. So, each prize pack is pretty large.

You can find out more details at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/2009WebHuntMarch.asp

More information will be posted as we closer to the start date.

We hope you enjoy the contests that Night Owl Romance has been bringing you and that you enjoy the ones in the works.

Have a lovely month and we hope to see you in March for the hunt!

The Night Owl Romance Ladies

Fae's Gargoyle - Top Pick!

The reviews are coming in for Fae's Gargoyle. Below are some snippets:


"Fae’s Gargoyle will sweep you up in erotic passion as the plot quickly pulls you into the dilemma that faces the destined lovers. The characters develop with each page to give you a well-rounded romance that sizzles and leaves you burning for more of Ms. Painter’s sexy gargoyle stories. Fae’s Gargoyle is a great read and a satisfying quickie..." Night Owl Romance

~~~~~

"Fae’s Gargoyle is like a smooth, rich square of silky chocolate; deeply satisfying, incredibly decadent and completely delicious. This one is sure to have existing fans whooping in joy and sure to create new fans in just a few pages. Ms. Painter is proving to be quite the force in erotic romance writing." Sensual eCataromance

~~~~~

"This erotic fantasy will keep you flushed and fanning yourself, as the newlyweds enjoy each other. The sensuality shared between them can only hold danger off for so long; soon trouble comes knocking on the door. Maria has to complete her mission which happens to include her new husband.

Even though this is a petite fable, it is savory. It is everything you would expect in a longer novel only compressed. The vivid writing will make you feel every caress and penetrating kiss." Bitten By Books

~~~~~

"Sally Painter writes passionate full-bodied whimsical stories that never fail to thrill readers. With FAE'S GARGOYLE we meet this unlikely pair (a fae and a gargoyle) who despite their differences and the troubling situation love with a single-mindedness that is simply enchanting. Of course there's plenty of conflict and butt kicking..." Romance Junkies

Fae's Gargoyle available at Ellora's Cave, Jasmine-Jade

Free Book - Lap Dance

Cat’s last task in the Extreme Challenge is to give a lap dance to a stranger. Simple—until she landed on Grant Evanston’s lap. Now she’s a pulsating wreck each time she rubs against him. The new challenge is to not have an orgasm in front of everyone.

Grant needs a woman to accept his true gargoyle form before sunrise or he’ll be imprisoned in stone for another twenty years. His extreme challenge just became to not rip the scant costume from the curvaceous Cat. The sexy redhead has set him on fire and there’s only one way this teasing lap dance can end.

EXCERPT

Stiffening her spine, Cat took a deep breath, before turning back to the handsome man still watching her. His blue eyes were like magnets and latched onto her gaze.

The crowd clapped when she returned and sexy Grant opened his arms wide in a greeting.

“Come on, Cat, I’ll be good. I promise,” he said, giving her a wicked grin.

She closed her eyes. This was the most humiliating challenge yet. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes to the knowing look moving over his handsome face.

“This is not personal,” she said.

“Wanna bet?” he asked with a deep chuckle.

She shook her head and straddled him, letting her bare legs fall against his thighs. He released a deep groan.

Did he have to do that? Her heart pounded faster. She locked trembling hands behind his neck. Well, damn, his neck was like a thick piece of human steel. What did this guy do for a living? Or was he one of those body-builder types?

Her palms were clammy and the nightclub seemed to close in around her. The shouts and cheers were deafening as she rolled her head forward and let her long hair cover his face.

She couldn’t think about how she was sitting on a stranger’s lap about to grind her pussy into… She swallowed hard. Was that…oh yes…it certainly was an erection. She lifted her head, peering at him through strands of curls. He shrugged and a slanted grin lifted one corner of his lips.

Oh, he had no shame or modesty. She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him again and started to grind against him. The last thing she wanted to see was that satisfied grin or the excitement dancing in his eyes.

Get Your Free Copy of Lap Dance

Science takes the heart out of romance

You feel giddy, flushed and unable to think about anyone but your lover. You’re in love and it’s all coming from your heart.

Wrong.

According to neuroscientist researchers it’s actually coming from your head. Science can now explain how romantic love really works and it’s all about hormones, genetics and of course the big processor – our brains.

According to these researchers it all takes place in four little areas of your brain. In other words, it depends on how you’re wired as to how you respond to love and romance.

Another disheartening find for die-hard romantics is that the emotion that love creates is really a chemical response that basically makes you addicted to love. Oh yeah, you already knew love was addictive, but now you have the science to back up your suspicions.

Does this explain why people die for love or even kill for it? Are we truly slaves to nothing more than chemical reactions?

Whether you’re madly in love or horribly heartbroken, it’s still just a chemical reaction that these scientists compare to a cocaine addiction.

So what next? A new drug to give you the same feelings of being in love when you aren’t?

Maybe you’re like the rest of us romantics and simply prefer not to think about the science but just enjoy the way love feels.









For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher .

How well do you know your Valentine?

Surprising, many surveys reveal that women know their men better than the guys know their gals. Okay, maybe you’re laughing about now because you already knew this. What would be the results of your personal survey ?

The following questions will help you determine just how well you know each other.Be sure and get your Valentine to answer the questions too.

You can highlight the questions and then print two copies for each of you. The first will be your answers about your lover and the second will be the answers about yourself. Once finished, swap papers and compare notes. Be sure and leave a comment on how you did.

What is your lover’s…

1. Ideal romantic weekend?
   
   
2. Favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day?
   


3. Hobbies?
   


4. Favorite school year?
   


5. Favorite musical group?
   


6. Dream car?
   


7. Favorite color?
   


8. Best friend’s name?
   


9. Deepest passion?
   


10. Cherished dream?
    


11. Biggest challenge overcome?
    


12. Favorite book?
    


13. Shoe size and clothing sizes?
    


14. Ring size?
    


15. Least favorite thing to do?
    


16. Favorite food?
    


17. Worst memory?
    


18. Biggest fear?
    


19. Closest relative?
    


20. Biggest challenge facing him/her?
    

Valentine's Day proposals

Getting engaged on Valentine’s Day may sound cliché, but about 10% of the Americans who become engaged each year do so on Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic evening to backdrop a proposal.

Some of the most popular Valentine’s Day themes for proposals:

Proposing With an Audience
Some couples opt to make their proposal a grand gesture in front of an audience, often times in front of strangers, but typically in front of family and friends. This is only advisable if you are certain your sweetheart is going to say yes. Otherwise, it could prove to be an awkward and miserable moment you’ll soon want to forget.

Singing Candygram
Some proposals have a flare of theatrics that includes a delivery of candy and flowers with the messenger singing the proposal. Typically your lover appears on the scenes with the ring interrupting the messenger. If this is your style, make sure you have great dialogue to go with the performance.

Billboard or Marquee
This can be expensive depending on location, but is a popular choice.

Sky Writing or Sky Banner
The revival of sky writing messages is on the rise and is a sure way to get your proposal delivered.

Radio Show
Some Valentines choose their sweetheart’s popular radio show to call in and propose.

Restaurant
This seems to be the most common choice of setting. You can enlist the help of the restaurant with special messages on plates or wine bottles. Never hide the ring in food. Last thing you want to do is choke your beloved.

White Knight
This one is always sure to impress. The knight in shining armor riding on a horse to deliver the proposal in person.

Pretty Woman
Still popular with movie fans, this proposal arrives in a limo, rose between your teeth and exiting through the sun roof, well, maybe you’ll just carry the rose to your beloved. If your sweetheart has a fire escape outside your apartment, all the better.

Dancing under the stars
Weather permitting, dancing with your beloved underneath a canopy of stars is a perfect prelude to your proposal.

Weekend Getaway
This offers you the chance to thoroughly spoil your sweetheart and create a private setting for your proposal.

No matter how you propose to your Valentine, it will be a day both of you always remember.



For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher

Go to Big Sur for Valentine's Day

Don't wait until the last minute to make special Valentine's Day plans for you and your lover.


There are some wonderful weekend packages available. Many have been created just for a romantic getaway. In fact, the Ventana Inn & Spa just created one for romantic souls or rather soul mates :

Kindred Spirit


This is a new romance package being offered by the Ventana Inn & Spa . Designed for those couples who feel a deep spiritual and soul mate connection, this package is the perfect Valentine's Weekend getaway.

Package includes:

• Two-nights deluxe accommodations


• Couples Spa welcome basket


• Dinner for two ~ $150 dining credit


• An 80-minute Couples Experience at Allegria Spa


• Special turndown amenity each night


• Complimentary daily activities including; welcome reception, sumptuous Big Sur breakfast, discovery walk and yoga session

Ventana Inn & Spa is located along the Big Sur Coast, between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

For more info: Visit Sally at Romance Examiner

You are invited!

Join us starting at noon EST on Saturday, February 14, 2009 for the sixth annual Cupid and Psyche Awards! We'll be posting the winners throught the day.

http://trscapa.blogspot.com/

2008 Capa nominees will be welcome to post and promote promos or giveaways throughout the day. For an invitation to our blog for the event, nominees will need a blogger.com/Google account (free). Please email Holly at hollytrs@gmail.com for an invitation if you were nominated in this year's awards.

For readers, we'll be offering prizes and contests - so don't miss it. Thank you so much and next month, I'll be back with another topic I hope you'll like. Thank you!

Tina

Tina Pavlik
The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today
http://theromancestudio.com
Open now! Psyche Designs ~ http://psychedesigns.com

Exotic Valentine's dinner

Looking for something exotic yet elegant for your Valentine's Day dinner? If you'll be in the Los Angeles area you might want to make reservations at the Rendezvous Court located in the Biltmore Hotel. This Spanish-style hotel has everything to make it a special evening for you and your valentine.

What you can expect

A Moroccan decor will set the mood immediately for a very special evening complete with cabanas and elegant pillows.

Let them entertain you

The enchantment doesn't stop with the decor or delectable food. Your dinner entertainment will have an exotic flare as you and your lover enjoy the professional performance of belly dancers.

After dinner

But, wait there's more. If you dine in the Rendezvous Court, you get free access to the hotel's Gallery Bar & Cognac room. You can enjoy an after dinner drink while listening to romantic Latin Jazz.

Spend the night

Be sure and book your romantic overnight package for an evening sure to please any valentine.