Romance Vixens

I'm a vampire...

2010-09-01T10:26:00.002-04:00

I've been accused of it for years, not because I have fangs or am pale or because I drink blood - Yuck! I don't do that either.

But because I stay up so late at night. My regular bedtime can vary between 2 - 3:30 am. Drives my acupuncturist crazy as it's now her life mission to reset my internal clock. "Go to bed with the sunset get up with the sunrise" (In what world?)

My clock has always been this way. Even as a kid, I never could sleep more than 5 hrs and I typically would lie awake from 9 pm until 2 or 3 am listening to music and making up stories until I could fall asleep.

A lifetime of sleep deprivation is what my acupuncturist proclaimed I was suffering from.

A vampire is what my loving family and friends call me always followed by laughs and a few crossing of forefingers just in case. (Bwaahhh)

But frankly, I love staying up late. No phone calls typically after 9 except for friends and family who know I'm up, but they're generally asleep by 11 pm, except for some of my author buds and one is in Australia and knows she can always IM me at 1:30 am. I can have 2 or 3 IM conversations going and we all feel normal being up at that hour.

When I worked outside the home, I did keep regular hours, but getting up at 5:30 or 6 am was like torture to me. Even if I got to bed by 12 am, I still would not fall asleep until 3am no matter how tired I was.

My fam and friends don't care that I roam about the house at all hours, writing, watching an old movie, writing some more, chatting with pals on IM at 2 am... They know me and accept my evil ways. BUT my medical practitioners go crazzzzyyy over my schedule. They don't get that the creative stream flows a bit closer to the earth from 12 - 3:30 and I am just naturally wired to ride it.

So to those who want to rewire me... Leave me alone! I'm happy like I am. (vbg)

And, yes, you can call me after 9 pm. I'm up and quite lucid until 4 am.

You are invited to a Release Party on 7/15!

2010-07-13T14:17:00.002-04:00

It's going to be a hot time on the web Thursday, July 15th!

Where? http://theromancestudio.com/party

When? 10 AM EST - whenever

Who will be there?

Mari Carr
Ava McKnight
Bryle Tyne
Jodi Redford
Christiane France
Mary Alice Pritchard
Deidre O'Dare
L.K. Below
Melissa Schroeder
Laura Tolomei
Tory Richards
Kate Hill
Vivian Arend
Louisa Bacio
Nicole North
Kayelle Allen
maddie james
Leah Braemel
Mary Winter
Mary Eason
PG Forte
Rhian Cahill

There will be prizes, fun, and a ton of new reads you won't want to miss this summer. =)

Please be there. We'd love to see you there.

Tina Pavlik

The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today.
http://theromancestudio.com
Tianna Xander
Carolina Valdez
Sierra Dafoe
Selena Blake

Love Me Tomorrow

2010-07-01T12:26:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th!!! Now, more than ever it's so important to remember all of the brave selfless people who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we have a 4th of July to celebrate. Have a great holiday and God bless America!

~~~~~~ ************************************************** ~~~~~~~~

I'm pleased to announce the single title release of Love Me Tomorrow, previously released in the Fated Mates anthology, which was reviewed by Romantic Times as a 4.5 star, top pick and also nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Award. I hope you enjoy this futuristic scifi love story. - Sally

Earth, 2360

Shalene Courers leads freedom fighters against the Demrons to retrieve a crystal that is the secret to Earth’s defense. When she captures the mysterious Mecah—tall, blond and very sexy—desires flame and the interrogation soon melts under his scorching passion.

Mecah’s possession of Shalene is more than lust—she’s the kismet mate he’s sought all his life, only she doesn’t believe him. Shalene and Mecah join forces to turn the tide of war, but without winning the heart and soul of his fated mate, he stands to lose his greatest battle.

Excerpt
She changed into a clean uniform, donning a fresh pair of black boots. If she was going to seduce him, then she needed to allow herself to enjoy it. Didn’t she? It was a direct order. She was a good soldier and did whatever she was ordered without hesitation or question. She squared her bare shoulders, looking at her reflection.

Strong arms were exposed from the tight bustier vest. Her breasts rose high and full above the leather lacings. The matching leather pants clung to every curve, and she knew with the high-topped boots, in another time, she would have looked like a dominatrix. All she needed was a whip. She laughed at herself and turned from the mirror.

She reached for the canister of brandy, noticing how her hand shook. The glass was cold against her sweaty palms. She poured the golden liquid into the goblet, letting the bottle tilt longer than normal, until the glass was full. That should bolster her enough to seduce Captain Mecah. It would be easy. He was a willing partner. But was she? Could she do this? It had been fifteen years since she’d been with a man and while it was her choice, it was still something she missed. Would she find, after years of abstinence, her ability to control her passion foolproof, or would the ever-present longing for the feel of a man overpower and dominate her?

The alcohol shot through her, fanning in warm layers, dulling her mind and giving her a relaxed buzz. That felt good. She picked up the helmet, feeling giddy and school-girlish.

Abber waited outside Shalene’s door.

“The prisoner’s demanding food. I ignored his request. I figured food would be part of the…ah…”

“Torture?” Her boot heels clicked faster as she hurried down the corridor with Abber a few paces behind her.

“The general ordered me to get some extra things, so I need to see about it.”

“What things?” She halted and turned on him, her rage seething just below her façade of control.

“Ah.” His face rushed crimson. “Wine, music, candles, ah—”

“You have to obey the general’s orders, Abber. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Her heart tugged for the pained look centering his eyes. “While you’re about it, grab a plate of chow for the prisoner and bring it to the room.”

“Aye, Commander.” He saluted and practically ran to the mess hall.

Her hatred for General Jacob flamed at the thought of him using Abber. He knew how close the youth was to her. She balled her hands into hard fists, standing outside the metal black door, dreading what she had been ordered to do. She was a solider and a commander. In spite of all attempts to accept the order, her anger toward General Jacob grew.

So be it! She’d not give Jacob any satisfaction. Donning the helmet, she stiffened her spine and took a deep breath. She would do this her way and to hell with Jacob! She keyed in the passcode and shoved the door open. Mecah jumped from the mattress, not even attempting to hide his excitement over seeing her.

“Commander? I’ve not had a leisurely shower in a long time. A plate of warm food would make this close to utopia.”

She noticed he’d plaited his blond hair into a single braid that fell below his shoulders. His strong, muscled body filled the military-issue pants and T-shirt, highlighting the raw strength of years of disciplined training. As a warrior she could appreciate his body, but as a woman she appreciated it more. She cleared her throat, trying to disentangle herself from the unwelcomed sensations fluttering in her stomach.

“We’re afforded baths because there’s plenty of water down here.” She noticed he had shaved and was surprised by the compelling desire to trace his square jawline with her fingertips. Instead, she tightened her hands into hard fists by her side.

“Plenty of water? Then we have something to bargain with.”

“What would that be?”

“Water in exchange for information.”

She looked away from his intense stare and pushed the helmet down tighter on her head.

“I thought something was wrong since you were gone so long. Had I known you were showering—” He sighed appreciatively and sat down on the edge of the bed, resting his forearms on his legs. “What’s with the helmet?” he squinted. “Oh, I see, ore lined. Just so you know, it won’t stop our minds from reconnecting. Once the initial contact’s made, it can’t be severed. Now, I do like your black leathers, and a lace-up bustier vest always makes me hot.” His gaze swept over her.

Shalene felt as though she weren’t wearing any clothes.

“Do take off that helmet, love, so I can see your silky hair. Frankly, had I known you were grooming for me—”

“Please don’t flatter yourself. I’ve been out on recon for days. And my delay was due to a very boring and typical debriefing. It certainly wasn’t in preparation for you. And you will address me as Commander or Commander Courers but never as ‘love’. Are we clear?”

“Do you really mean never?”

“Are you going to make this painful or painless, Captain?”

“Is that an invitation, Commander?” He flashed a devastating smile and she looked away, attempting to shield herself against his disarming magnetism, but his smile ripped a need through her that startled yet aroused.

“Interrogations can become very unpleasant, as I’m sure you know.” She closed the door behind her. The automatic lock jarred her pulse into an erratic throbbing. She glanced at the wall mounts where cameras had once been suspended. The general would not be playing voyeur. Perhaps Abber had removed them on his own. Relief washed over her.

“I only want to indulge in pleasure where you’re concerned, Shalene.” He took a step closer.

“I will remind you only once more to address me as Commander or Commander Courers.” She squared her shoulders and took a step forward, all the while studying the way the corners of his lips turned up in a very sexy grin.

A sudden urge to feel those lips pressed against hers overpowered all reason. She halted mid-stride, fighting against the impulse. Had he inserted the very desire into her mind without her knowing it? She fought the quivering heat slipping down her spine to her pussy and willed the aching need to leave her body. Instead, it burst white-hot in a passionate urgency to feel his mouth claim hers. Was he right? Was the ore-lined helmet useless?

“You feel it, don’t you?” His voice invaded her protective barriers, storming through her defenses as though they were mere vapor.

“What?” Her voice shook in spite of her attempt to keep it unemotional.

“Kismet. I feel it too. Do you have it in your culture?”

“Do you mean fate?”

He nodded with eyes turning dark plum. His look seared her skin in a fiery path as it dropped to her lips then wandered to her breasts. She knew the bustier pressed their fullness high above the leather lacings. With each rapid breath, the soft leather stretched against her nipples, creating erotic sensations.

“W-What are you saying about fate?” She leaned back, flattening her hands against the cold door for added support.

“There’s a Kismet between us, Commander Courers. Shalene.” He stepped closer.

The way he spoke her name sent excited goose bumps up her arms, followed by electrical jags of heat and desire racing to her pussy. Her heartbeat thumped harder. He was moving closer and with each step, her pulse pounded harder.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Whatever was going on, she clearly had no control over her own body. She stepped across the room in front of him, feeling his stare follow her, slipping down her back to her ass. She knew her body was in strong physical shape from training, yet had never felt such delight in a man’s appreciation. She braved a look in his direction and her gaze was immediately captured by his intense stare.

“You can deny. You can try to resist, but Kismet has its own agenda, as your people say. It won’t rest until it is appeased.”

“A-And just how is it appeased?” she challenged.

“The only way any hunger can be sated.” His laughter was deep and infectious.

Shalene swallowed back the lashing fire that threatened to consume her. Was it his passion or hers coursing through her? How could she discern?

“Stop trying to understand it. There’s no understanding. There’s no avoiding it. When Kismet declares itself to a man and woman, the only solution is submission to its power.”

“You’re a talented mind controller.” She turned her back to him, focusing on anything else that might break the connection with him.

“Like I said, there’s no stopping it. We can play this game forever or you can take that helmet off and sit down with me so we can talk.”

“You’re my prisoner, in case you forgot. I’ll decide when we sit.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Have it your way.” He sat down in one of the plastic chairs but continued to stare at her.

Scenes, unbidden, flashed in front of her. He stood over her as she lay naked beneath him, enjoying the way he looked down at her as she moved her hands over her body, spreading the lips of her pussy wide so he could see her better. His excitement charged her, sending a frenetic rhythm undulating to her hips.

Shalene squinted against the vision.

“Stop that!” she yelled.

“I didn’t give you any vision you didn’t want. I merely summoned your deepest desires. They did the rest.” He paused. “Care to share what you saw?”

“I’ll ask the questions.”

“The first being? What do I want?” He smiled.

“Exactly.”

“Aside from you? I want the same thing you do, Commander. The Demrons destroyed.”

Read a 2nd excerpt

Read a 3rd excerpt

Ellora's Cave

St. Patrick's Week @ TRS

2010-03-10T13:39:00.001-05:00

You are invited! To a special St. Patrick's week event!

Three parts, really simple.

First, on our Yahoo loops we'll be posting about all things St. Patrick and everyone is invited. Post about your St. Patrick's day romance stories, recipes, party ideas, etc. Holly will here enjoying all the fun and I'll check in too as I can.

We ask that for this event, which ends on 3/17/10 (midnight) that folks keep promos to a minimum so folks don't have so much to sort through to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day stuff.

The promo rule DOES NOT APPLY if your post is honestly about St. Patrick's Day in some way, shape, or form.

Second, we're having a scavenger hunt at the site and we have a lot of great prizes. You need to look for the little shamrock button, it's on the front door of our site now, and when you find it, enter for your chance to win the prize it lists. Right now, that's a print anthology from Ellora's Cave donated by one of the featured authors -- Elaine Lowe. (Hint: look for a very green section of our site.)

Finally, we have a 1/2 price advertising sale going on now through midnight EST 3/17/10. Take advantage of that too!

Thank you and we'll look forward to seeing you there!

Tina

Tina Pavlik
The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today.
http://theromancestudio.com

Love Me Tomorrow, Getting a second life

2010-03-02T11:51:00.001-05:00

It's always fun when a novella in an anthology is given a second life. EC has dusted off two of my former contributions to anthologies and given them a second life as single titles.

As a reader you may wonder why a publisher would do this. So did I, because I assumed anyone who wished to read my TTGBITN VI anthology contribution, Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle, had read it in the anthology released four years ago. My assumption was very wrong.

This was my first experience with a re-release where a novella was given a new life as a single title. I was taken aback by readers' reception of Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle as a single title. (Thanks again for those emails!) Readers who didn't read the anthology read the single title.

This just shows the diversity in reader tastes and how people view this kind of re-release. They know going in that this book was previously published in an anthology. Many readers had obviously read the anthology, yet some also wanted to read the single title.

Other readers who had missed the anthology read the single title release. So it's a wonderful way to get a book into the hands of readers who might have overlooked it in an anthology. I'm grateful that EC had the foresight to do this and from the emails I received, so were the readers!

Another fun part of a novella being pulled out of an anthology is that it gets a new cover all its own. I was a romance reader long before I started writing romance and I've drooled over many covers in my time. A new cover though is fantastically fun, not just for the author, but for the readers who simply enjoy covers as much as I do!

For this next re-release, Love Me Tomorrow, the new cover is so incredible. I was thrilled when I received it. Syneca, cover goddess of erotic romance, did more than create a great cover, she captured the essence of Mecah, the hero in Love Me Tomorrow.

This story is featured in the anthology, Fated Mates, which was nominated for the 2005 RT Reviewers' Choice Award. The anthology theme of scifi/futuristic was my first venture into a futuristic book and OMG, I had so much fun writing it. I'm a huge scifi fan, in fact, my family groans because I'll watch the worst scifi movie if I have to just to get my fix. Fortunately, there have been some amazing scifi TV series and movies over past few years.

Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy reading Love Me Tomorrow, whether you read it in the anthology or are reading it for the first time. I don't have a release date as of yet, but will be letting my newsletter subscribers know as soon as I do. Oh, before I forget, I have a new contest going on for a $25 Amazon gift cert for newsletter subscribers, if you want a chance to win, you can join the newsletter and receive info upon joining. Here's the blurb about Love Me Tomorrow and an excerpt. I hope you enjoy it!

Earth 2360

Shalene Courers leads freedom fighters against the Demrons to retrieve a crystal that is the secret to Earth's defense. When she captures the mysterious Mecah—tall, blond and very sexy—desires flame and the interrogation soon melts under his scorching passion.

Mecah's possession of Shalene is more than lust—she's the kismet mate he's sought all his life, only she doesn't believe him. Shalene and Mecah join forces to turn the tide of war, but without winning the heart and soul of his fated mate he stand to lose his greatest battle.

Excerpt:

The enemy began to settle down for the night. She lay on the desert floor seeking the traitor’s heat signature and found him curled up against a large boulder a few feet from the reps, who slept close to the roaring fire. She trained all her power onto the human and searched his mind but was met by a barrier. She frowned.

Had he been schooled in the catacombs of Scotland, too? Only an intimate could block such a screening. She didn’t recall him. She probed deeper. He must be an intimate. There were only a dozen of them, she being one, yet how had he come to be a traitor? She pushed the thoughts from her mind and focused harder, probing deeper. Not an intimate. She sensed a different energy. Something new to her. So what was he? A rogue? A lone practitioner? She closed her eyes and concentrated on manifesting a visual of him.

Blond hair, tall, muscular, a handsome face with a lopsided devilish grin, a typical trooper. What else was there? Lilac eyes! She gasped and opened her eyes.

“What is it?” Abber whispered.

“He’s not human.”

“What?” Concern tightened Abber’s voice.

“He’s not human, Abber. I don’t know what he is. But he’s not human.”

“Are you saying we have a new alien enemy, besides the Demrons?” Panic edged his voice, matching the nervous pitch in her stomach.

“So it appears.”

“Oh shit. Excuse me, Commander, what I meant, was, well, damn, this is just great. We’ll be going in at a greater disadvantage. We know nothing about this new enemy,” he whispered, straining to contain his fear.

“We’re going through with this, Abber. We can do it. They appear to be asleep. Signal for the troops to move up,” she ordered, steadying her laser on the sleeping reptiles. “And remember, the non-reptile is to be captured.”

“Aye, Commander.” Abber turned and signaled the troops with a laser flash. “I hope he’s not more formidable than the reps.”

“He won’t be,” she assured the youth as they waited for the troops to join them. She lay on the ground, watching the fire flicker shadows over the blond man. It had been a long time since she’d enjoyed summer nights like this one sprawled out on a lounge chair in front of her outside living room. She’d always brought leftovers from her restaurant for late evening meals with her husband. He’d light the outside fireplace and they’d spend a romantic night underneath the stars, eating, sipping wine and planning their future.

After the leisurely meal, they’d lie in the bed swing, make love then hold each other, sharing the day’s events, staring up at the stars, talking about the family they would have one day. Shalene swallowed the burning in her throat and pushed back the tears. It had been just such a night when the first strike had hit. She closed her eyes against the bitter memory. Fifteen years and it still felt like yesterday—sometimes.

“All troops in place, Commander. We’re good to go.”

She dragged herself from the vivid memories and stared into the bleak present. It had been a different life and she’d been a different person.

“Guns set to kill,” she spoke into the mic with her voice tightening around the memory’s residue. “Remember, the non-rep is to be captured,” she reminded and gave each trooper a glance. She was bestowed a nod of understanding. With her hand, she motioned for the troops to spread out and encircle the campsite. Once assured everyone was in position, she signaled the attack.

The sleeping reptiles were slow to react to the laser blasts, but Mecah was on his feet and firing at the attackers, deliberately missing his marks. He watched Bog take a blast in the chest and fall hard on his back. His long scaly tail writhed in the sand then was still.

“Hands up! Drop your weapon. Down on your knees.” The woman, dressed in tight leather pants and short bustier covered with a desert-camouflaged military vest, aimed a laser pistol at him.

His gaze traveled from the bluish beam back to the woman. She unstrapped the helmet and jerked it off. Long silky hair tumbled down her back in a long wavy flow, reminding him of a rush of dark water freed from a damn. Tossing the scarred, dull helmet to the soldier standing behind her, she took determined strides across the camp toward him, all the while keeping the laser aimed on his chest.

The moon emerged from the clouds and bathed her in silvery streams of light, highlighting her curly dark hair in shimmering flickers. Her oval face was smudged with camouflage grease and her knee-length boots were scuffed and dusty. Her upper arms, exposed by the vest, flexed as she steadied the weapon on him. Sculpted, feminine muscled arms indicated a trained and disciplined body, and beneath, governed by an equally trained mind.

Overall, she gave the appearance of a capable soldier, yet one thing contradicted the illusion and intrigued him—her aura. Unlike other human soldiers whose auras were usually a mixture of reds and oranges and in some cases blacks and grays, hers was a myriad of colors without the typical dominating hue, giving a rainbow effect of colorful shards that emanated from her.

Her oval face was set in a stern, almost angry expression, with large brown eyes reflecting a coldness that again contradicted her aura of a spiritually evolved being who knew the secrets of the universe.

“What are you grinning at?” she sneered, stopping in front of him. “What’s your name?” She lowered the weapon so it was at her hip level and pointed at him. Still kneeling, Mecah looked up into her dark eyes. The air stirred electric and when she moved closer, her aura merged with his.

Encased in her essence, his probing was immediately shoved aside as her barrier walls rose to block him. He pressed harder and his appreciation quickened when he crashed through her shield and found the truth he saw reflecting deep in her soul. Desire surged through his body, responding to her on the basest level while simultaneously connecting on the deepest of all spiritual levels that only Kismet mates could attain. How could it be? How could this alien be his Kismet? His breathing quickened. Dare he believe? It was against all Kyronian laws, but the sensation was undeniable. He’d waited for it his entire life and there she stood in front of him—his Kismet mate.

He slipped past her hatred and found recognition. The same recognition now reflecting in her liquid chocolate eyes. His heart was a staccato beat. She knew they were kindred spirits, too. What would she do now that she, too, knew? In spite of his attempt to control his thoughts, Mecah couldn’t help wondering about her. How could it be that he had to travel millions of light-years from his home to find his Kismet mate? The irony was too much and he released the welling emotions in a laugh.

“You find this humorous?” she asked, reinforcing her persona, bolstering her energy against his probing. At that very moment she knew, just as he did—they were made for each other. Designed by a greater purpose to come together at this fated moment.

His thoughts unleashed to explore deeper, needing to know everything about her. Intuitive females who evolved to her level not only knew the secrets of the universe but had a greater appreciation of the art of lovemaking. Orgasms were achieved using their minds as well as their bodies. He’d heard all the legends of such highly evolved women and their abilities to reduce a man to little more than a sex slave. He watched the emotions struggling to escape her rigid control. Oh yeah, he’d gladly be her sex slave. The response to his musings tightened in his crotch.

“Get up,” she barked.

Embarrassed by the telltale sign of his arousal, he stood from the blanket. Immediately, her attention was drawn to his erection bulging beneath his tan pants. A slight smile lifted one corner of her mouth.

“You have a strange reaction to being captured, ah…”

“Name’s Mecah, Captain Mecah. And what can I say? I appreciate a beautiful woman,” he grinned.

Thanks for reading!

You are invited to the 7th Annual CAPA Awards!

2010-02-10T15:40:00.002-05:00

As is tradition at TRS, we're holding our CAPA Awards on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2010. It will start at 1 PM EST and last until whenever. =)

The CAPA's are the Cupid and Psyche Awards for excellence in romantic fiction and today, I have to be honest, and say that means more to me now than it ever has.

We have some really super talented authors at TRS, both those we review but haven't met and those we promote gladly and review. It amazes me with each new book I read how very lucky we are as a site to be able to offer fellow readers such talent. The authors and publishers in our community ARE TRS along with a dynamic staff that inspires me every damn day.

With all the growing concerns about ebook piracy, in the coming weeks, we'll be forced to make some changes at our site that I'd personally rather not make. But we're going to do our part to protect our epublished authors and their publishers because we want more books from these wonderfully talented people. I don't know about you, but I don't what I'd do without that small escape each day into worlds I'll never be able to visit in reality. I'm blessed to have a good life and family but even still, I enjoy those personal journeys. And life without them, because of ebook piracy hurting the authors and publishers I enjoy, is unimaginable.

So come on out to our celebration of romantic fiction! It's at our CAPA blog at http://trscapa.blogspot.com. The nominees are posting each day right now and it's great fun to read. We'll be announcing the winners over several hours on 2/14 and with all the posts, it's a lot of fun. We'll be doing giveaways....

Oh AND we'll be announcing the 2009 5 Heart Sweetheart -- the first time we've actually done a yearly vote.

So come join us! We'd love to see you there. And please remember to support the authors and publishers of the books we love. Buy your ebooks from the publisher or from reputable venues like Fictionwise and All Romance Ebooks (my personal favorite!)

Don't share your ebooks with friends. It IS different than passing your girlfriend a great paperback you bought. That's just one paperback. The ebook you share can in turn be sent to literally thousands of other people.

Don't post ebooks to file sharing sites like Altavista, Astalivista, and more. Same thing. That one copy you share can be downloaded by hundreds of people -- some of whom might not realize they are stealing to download it. Don't let people fool you into thinking you're actually helping the author gain popularity. You're not. You're hurting their sales and their means of support. Without that, why should they continue to write?

Only you are granted permission to read that ebook you bought. Recommend it to a friend if you love it. Write and tell the author that you love it. Post your good vibes on the book at Amazon.

But don't share. Please.

Thank you so much for your support!

Tina Pavlik

The Romance Studio ~ the romance genre today.
http://theromancestudio.com

Changes that New Years Bring

2010-01-04T12:36:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

It's that time again, the beginning of a new year. It's a time when we shrug off the past and move blindly into the future. If you're like most people, you do this with a twinge of trepidation and a whole lot of hope for a better year.

2009 was a starting over year for me and my family. We were caught in the last three months of 2008 bank failings since our livelihood was in that industry. I read an astrology article recently about how we change directions in our careers and lives every 10 years due to planetary shifts.

This made me start thinking about my past careers and amazingly, this proved to be true. What about you? Do you see a ten-year period of job changes, promotions, or even complete career changes? Some changes are easy to make while others are very painful and difficult. I think the best thing we can do when change is forced upon us is to accept it. Resisting just makes it more painful and tends to drag the process out longer than necessary.

It's natural to want to hold on to what we've built, I certainly did, (g) but as I've discovered this past year, change is good when it's made with the right attitude. It's getting to that point of having a good attitude that requires all the work. (g)

If you were caught in the wave of change in 2008 and 2009, I hope you've managed to come ashore and find a new path that's rewarding. My family has been greatly blessed ever since we rode that wave into shore. If you're still paddling, have faith and take heart, the sand will be beneath your feet once more.

I wish you and your family a very happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2010! God bless!

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

2009-12-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-01T12:46:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-11-12T07:07:00.003-05:00

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...

2009-11-11T11:19:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-11-11T10:56:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-11-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-11-04T18:41:00.001-05:00

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...

2009-10-14T13:51:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-12T15:55:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-03T08:13:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-22T07:56:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-20T14:13:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-20T14:04:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-15T17:36:00.008-04:00

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

2009-03-31T02:32:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-18T12:27:00.008-04:00

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?

2009-03-14T08:33:00.005-04:00

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!!

Romance Your Lover

2009-03-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-26T10:41:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-22T01:18:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-02-21T01:04:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-20T10:43:00.008-05:00

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

2009-02-19T17:09:00.005-05:00

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!

2009-02-18T15:18:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-02-17T01:09:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-16T01:24:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

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?

2009-02-14T01:02:00.000-05:00

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…

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

Hobbies?

Favorite school year?

Favorite musical group?

Dream car?

Favorite color?

Best friend’s name?

Deepest passion?

Cherished dream?

Biggest challenge overcome?

Favorite book?

Shoe size and clothing sizes?

Ring size?

Least favorite thing to do?

Favorite food?

Worst memory?

Biggest fear?

Closest relative?

Biggest challenge facing him/her?

Valentine's Day proposals

2009-02-13T01:08:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-12T01:01:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-11T18:19:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-10T01:51:00.000-05:00

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.

Personalized Valentine's gifts

2009-02-09T01:56:00.000-05:00

If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little more personalized and says what you want it to say instead of limited messages, then Personalization Mall is for you.

There are all kinds of products to choose from to express your love for your special Valentine.

Some of the gifts include:

Personalized Frames

Choose from wood, acrylic, marble, sterling silver, canvas and more

Love Letter

Engraved on a Lucite Heart You write the message from your heart and it'll be engraved forever on the sculpted heart.

Candy Jar of Chocolate Hershey's Kisses®
You write the love messages etched in 7 hearts.

Your Personal Love Letter Inside A Bottle
Write a love letter for your Valentine. It'll be scrolled onto parchment paper and tied with a red ribbon. Your love letter will then be corked into a bottle.

Personalized Canvas Art
You and your Valentine - Your names written in the sand in this artwork.

Chocolate Body Paint
French chocolate with a gold seal lid using your customized message.

Personalized gift – Perfect Valentine

For Him

For Her

Biltmore House - Valentine's Day romantic rendezvous

2009-02-08T01:35:00.000-05:00

If you've never been to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, then Valentine's Day is the perfect time to go.

Here's what the Bilmore has in store for you and your Valentine:

"Biltmore provides the ideal location for romance with Biltmore House, a stunning French Renaissance chateau built in the late 1800s, as a backdrop; spectacular gardens and woodlands perfect for leisurely strolls as well as horse and carriage rides; a winery, the most visited in the U.S., where guests can purchase sparkling wine for that special toast; and a 213-room inn with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations.On Sat., Feb. 16, guests can dance to live music from the band Emporium, and enjoy a delicious dinner at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant Wine and Roses Dinner, or savor an intimate four-course dinner at Bistro, located adjacent to the Winery. If guests are interested in extending their stay, Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering a Romantic Getaway package:"Romantic Getaway PackageEverything from champagne to candlelit dinner.

Included:

Accommodations
Valet parking
Estate admission for the length of your stay
Estate transportation
Audio tour of Biltmore House

Plus:

Champagne delivered to your room after check-in
Chef's breakfast buffet daily or breakfast delivered to your room
Dinner daily in The Dining Room or Bistro, gratuities and alcoholic beverages not included.

Reservations can be made online .

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

A Green Valentine's Day

2009-02-07T01:41:00.000-05:00

Looking for a Valentine's treat that is unique and helps promote green? You can do this while pampering your sweetie with a luxurious romantic getaway packages at Portland, Oregon’s Avalon Hotel & Spa.
The Pacific Northwest’s greenest hotel, The Avalon, invites guests to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul with packages including everything from:

Gourmet Chocolates
One Dozen Roses
Four-Course Italian Wine Paired Meals
3 Hour Couples Spa Treatments.

Avalon Hotel & Spa is the Pacific Northwest’s first USGBC LEED certified existing hotel building - the second in the World.

The Avalon provides luxurious accommodations in a sustainable fashion.
Part of the Avalon green:

Recycling bins in every room
Offers preferred parking to guest arriving in hybrid vehicles
Powers all hotel vehicles with biodiesel
Pampering packages including Valentine’s Is Not Always for Two and Cupid’s Couple Spa
Package are sure to appeal to the environmentally-conscious and luxury-seeking traveler alike.

Valentine’s Day Special Accommodation Packages:

One Night Valentine's Package:
This one-night accommodation package features a four-course dinner for one at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a glass of Prosecco Italian Champagne, a 35 percent discount coupon for spa treatments, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Two Night Valentine’s Package:
This two-night accommodation package features a Friday, February 13, 2009, four-course dinner for two. Saturday then features three hours of relaxation treatments at the Spa, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room, overnight parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Everlasting Love:
This one-night accommodation package features a three-course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Cupid’s Couple Spa Package:
This one-night accommodation package features a couples aromatherapy massage, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Imagine Me & You:
This one-night accommodation for two package features a three course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a couples aromatherapy massage, rose petals, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Avalon Hotel & Spa

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

Jaded Valentine

2009-02-06T09:28:00.004-05:00

Does jaded describe how you feel about Valentine’s Day? Perhaps you've had so many Valentine's Day celebrations that you've become rather jaded. Don't worry; you can still recapture that special feeling on this special day

Maybe you’ve allowed all the negative aspects of the economy to sour you on one of the most romantic days of the year. If you think having a special night out with a romantic dinner is a waste of time and money, then look in the mirror. That is the image of a jaded Valentine frowning back at you.

There is hope for you, however. You don’t have to stay in that sour state of mind and drag your poor Valentine down with you. Make a change. Start with the way you look. Treat yourself to a makeover. Buy a new dress. Get excited about life again and rediscover the romance of Valentine’s Day.

This is the perfect romantic day to infuse new romance into your love life. Don’t just sit at home and pout. Take control. While it’ll take a little effort, it could be the best Valentine’s gift you ever gave your sweetheart and of course, yourself.

Attitude makes a difference

It’s all about your attitude. You’ll need to change the way you think and the way you express your thoughts, but that’s easy if you get outside that dark cynical mood about love and romance. It's all about expectations. Most people are disappointed when things don't meet their expectations. Suspend your expectations this Valentine's Day and just go for the fun and romance.

One thing about negative thoughts is they love company. So refuse to give in to the tired old attitude that people are just going through the motions, because most of them aren’t when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s with their baby. People like to get dressed up and go out for a special dinner and evening of romance because it’s not something they do every day. That's what makes it a special time as a couple. You can rediscover that joy once more. It just takes a little attitude adjustment.

Your lover will certainly appreciate your efforts and who knows, you may even find yourself smiling and enjoying a very special romantic evening. Happy Valentine’s Day.

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

Venice: City of love and romance

2009-02-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

A trip to Venice is the ultimate romantic getaway and a perfect place to spend Valentine's Day. Imagine you and your lover gliding through the canals in a gondala.

Carnival

Februrary 13 thru 24

The famous Carnival begins the day before Valentine's Day and lasts until February 24. You can probably still get a booking by going to some of the travel auction sites or contact your travel agent. Last minute deals are always available.

Venice Connected: New Tourist Service

An inventive new service is now available to visitors. On February 1, the City of Venicelaunched a new website called, Venice Connected. This portal allows visitors to the city to plan their trip beyond the usual hotel, restaurant and touristattraction.

It gives you the opportunity to purchase in advance the services you might not consider in the budgeting of your trip.In addition to assisting the visitors, this online purchase center allows the city government to plan for the actual number of tourists for any given day or week. This means greater efficiency and a smoother trip for you

Here’s how it works:

You will first register on the site. Once you have your username and password set up, you’ll access the services area.

You select the first day of your stay in Venice and then choose what services you’d like to have included in your trip.

These services include:

Public Transport
Museums
Toilet Services
Car Parking In The Municipal Garage

Why bother to book these online? Because they are cheaper than when you buy them after you arrive in the city.

Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year. A brief guideline is given about the pricing:

Low/Medium season
Cheapest online price

Medium/High Season
Medium online price

Peak
Higher online price

*In order to get online prices, you must book at least 15 days before your arrival.

Be sure to read the description of each service as well as its terms and conditions so you’ll know what you are purchasing.

Each service selection requires you enter the date of service and will go in your shopping cart.

You’ll receive a voucher via email with a unique code (PNR) along with a summary of the services you purchased. You will need to print out the voucher and bring it with you on your trip. If you lose your voucher, you can always access it again online.

Live Webcams of Venice

There are four webcams set up throughout the city. While they are not the best cams, you can still get a glimpse of your destination. You'll need to refresh with F5 to advance the frames.

Venice Webcams

Calendar of Events

You can click on a calendar of events to help you plan your trip.

Venice Connected

**For more Valentine's Day ideas visit Sally at Romance Examiner

Cheap roses - best kept Valentine's secret

2009-02-03T14:00:00.008-05:00

So the economy has you reconsidering spending those bucks on roses for your sweetheart? Money is tight and most of us have to consider our expenditures more than we did this time last year. Stop. Have you considered alternatives? All that's required is an adjustment to your shopping mentality.

So before you nix the roses consider one of the best kept secrets in the flower giving world – the grocery store florist.

Wait. Before you turn your nose up, consider the economics of this alternative. Admittedly, It might not be as glamorous as your past flower giving, but buying roses from the grocery store will allow you to still give your sweetheart that dozen red roses.

Two Options:
You have two options when you shop at the grocery store florist. You can purchase a bouquet arranged in a vase or you can buy the roses wrapped in plastic and arrange the bouquet yourself.

Most grocery store florists provide bouquets of arranged flowers at a fraction of the cost you typically pay at a floral shop.

Arrangement Vs. Bouquet
An arrangement at the grocery store will cost more than the bouquet wrapped in plastic and sitting in the cooler, but it's still cheaper than what you'd pay ordering through a floral shop.

If you're going to buy an arrangement for Valentine's from a grocery store, call to place an order, if you just walkin on Valentine's Day expecting to find an arrangement, you'll be disappointed. Make sure you get the price because even the grocery store florists' prices go up on Valentine's week - $3- $7 more. That's still a savings over a traditional florist.

Here are some of the current prices at local grocery stores for a dozen roses floral arrangement:

$40.00

$38.99

$59.99

If your budget just can't take this price even at such a reduction, then consider buying a bouquet of roses that come wrapped in plastic and arranging them yourself, or getting a friend or family member to help you arrange them.

The cost will depend on what region of the country you live and from which grocery store you buy. Just add some baby's breath and/or greenery and you'll have a dozen red roses you'll be proud to give your Valentine.

A sampling from a few phone calls to local grocery stores for a dozen roses (not an arrangement):

$12.99

$15.99

$21.99

You can expect to pay $3 - $7 dollars more per dozen the week of Valentine's Day. Even so, this is still a great price for roses.

Add a nice vase and a few sprigs of baby breath and your cost will be between $20 - $30 for a bouquet of red roses in a vase.

Select healthy roses by avoiding those with darkened edges around the petals.
Don't have a clue how to arrange the flowers? That's the easy part.

Select a vase and make sure the mouth isn't too wide. 3"-5" is a good diameter. The smaller the mouth the tighter the bouquet and easier it is to keep your flowers arranged.

The height of your vase should be no less than 1/2 the height of the flowers. You don't want your vase to be top heavy and tip over.

Fill the vase half-way with water and if it came with an extended-life packet of powder, then add the packet to prolong the life of your flowers.

Divide the roses and set them in the vase. Try not to bruise or touch the buds.

Place the baby's breath between the roses. The sprigs will help keep the roses separated.

Next fill the vase with water, adding it from the rim of the vase and not the center of your arrangement. Let the water trickle down the inside of the vase. This method keeps from disrupting your arrangement and risking damage to the roses.

Add a card and a bow and you're set to deliver your bouquet to your Valentine.

Still think you can't afford roses this year but want to give flowers? You can buy other flower bouquets at the grocery store florist section that will cost less than the roses.

Explore alternatives and other ways to save money while still having the kind of Valentine's Day you want. Just because the economy took a nosedive doesn't mean your romance has to follow.

Alternatives to roses:

Potted plant

Pansies repotted in a nice flower pot

For the gardener:

Gazing globe

Garden art

Stepping stones

Tabletop water fountain

Just use your imagination and think outside your normal shopping mindset. And, remember, Valentine's Day is not about the gifts. It's about the romance!

Read other articles by Sally

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

Ready for Romance - Valentine's Day Gift

2009-02-02T09:20:00.003-05:00

It's not too early to start planning for your evening of romance. What makes Valentine's Day so special?

Some people think it's because of the excuse to get dressed up to go out with your most beloved while some think it's just a commercial excuse to get you to spend more money.

I prefer to think of it as the first reason. I've had many special Valentine's Day romantic evenings and weekends that were pure fantasy and abundant in romance. Attitude seems to be the determining factor of whether you have a wonderful Valentine's or if you become a jaded valentine. Sniff. Isn't that the way it is with most things romantic? It's all about your attitude and how you feel about the person you are with. If you're in love then you probably jump at any chance to show your lover how you feel. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse even for those who have a difficult time expressing their feelings.

Whatever you do to celebrate this special day with your special someone, remember that it's not so much what you do but that you take the time to spend it with your lover. Those moments all add up and create a strong basis for your relationship for the times when those bonds will be tested in the future. Cherishing each other is something each of us needs to take the time to do. Romance is not just for special days of love's celebration. Romance is for every day.

Gifts are things we give to show others that we appreciate them and care. I'm participating in the Ellora's Cave's new FREE READS called Naughty Nooners launches February 16, and one of my free reads, LAP DANCE will be given away starting on that day. I hope you'll enjoy it. Be sure and drop me an email and let me know what you think about it!

Here’s a little teaser:

“That’s it, now grind your hips,” Cat Ramey’s best friend coached her.

“Grind my hips? Are you crazy? I haven’t even sat down in his lap, yet.”

The man sitting in the chair laughed. It was a deep baritone sound that reminded her of warm sultry nights. She’d introduced herself after Pam had approached him to participate in their video.

She felt his stare moving over her and regretted letting Pam talk her into the provocative skimpy costume. Stiffening her spine, Cat met his dark gaze. Her pulse spiked.

“Get on with it, will you?” Pam whispered.

She turned to her best friend. “You have no idea how silly I feel, Pam. “I’m never going to be able to do this.” She turned to leave.

“Dammit, Cat.” Pam grabbed her by the forearm. “You want to win the contest or not?”

Her friend dragged her over to the alcove near the bar, her brown eyes narrowing into an angry squint.

She’d hated that look ever since the first time she’d seen it in kindergarten.

“You’ve accomplished four of the challenges. This is the last one and you have to do a better job than anyone else to ensure you win. You have to put your heart into this.

Pretend he’s your boyfriend. I don’t care what you have to do to make it real, but make it real.”
She glanced back. The nightclub was loud. The dimly lit club was filled with brilliant, strobe light, colors flashing around them. “I can’t do this. People are gathering around―”

“Yeah, it’s a club where lap dances are done. Duh! Come on, you’ve come too far to give up now.
Think about how much you want to go back to college. You can become the doctor you were going to be before your mom…well, you were a good daughter, Cat. You quit to take care of her. Now it’s your time. Stay focused on the prize and what it means to you. You’re going to win the car so you can get back to your classes. So suck it up and sit in that guy’s lap.”

“Grant,” Cat said. “His name is Grant Evanston.”

“Whatever, go lap dance your heart out just the way you practiced.”

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.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Pure Romance - reality TV show

2009-01-22T01:32:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendar for February 1 at 10 PM for a date with TLC's reality show about Pure Romance, Inc., the in-home party company of romantic intimate products. The title of the show is, Mother Knows Sex. Even if you've never attended a Pure Romance party, you'll certainly find this one hour show interesting. TLC plans to rerun the show three times in February (just in time for Valentine's Day).

Couples get ready to see inside the daily operations of this family business based in Cincinnati, Ohio. You'll follow founder, Patty Brisbane, as she reveals a few secrets of the largest women's owned business in Cincinnati. Founded in 1993, some of the products Pure Romance carries include Dust Me Pink, edible flavored dusting powder and also edible panties. The product line is vast and varied with intimate games for couples, vibrators and erotic gismos and gadgets to enhance your sex life.

This $80 million annual revenue company employs 95 Cincinnati residents. According to their website, a consultant holding only a couple of parties a week can earn over $1,000 a week. Another section breaks this figure down to your earning potential being between $300 - $600 per party.

Be sure to tune in on Sunday, February 1 and learn how Pure Romance can spark your love life.

Night Owl Romance

2009-01-21T13:05:00.004-05:00

Hi Vixens,

Thanks for having us and I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

All of us at Night Owl Romance are back in gear and pumping out great reviews.

You can check them all out by clicking here.

In the last month we also ended the 2008 Fall N.O.R. Awards.

Vixen Ciana Stone took third place in the Best Fantasy/Futuristic/Off World/Time-Travel Erotic Romance category with All in Time.

Congrats Ci!

Sierra Dafoe also took two awards in the Best Historical Erotic Romance category. She took second place with Immortal Lust and third place with His for the Taking.

Contrags Sierra.

If you like getting bookmarks make sure to check out our Bookmark Club. For a small fee that covers shipping and handeling you can get a set of bookmarks 4 times a year. It's just $5 a year to join and you can get introduced to some great authors and get wonderful bookmarks, excerpts and promo items in the mail.

Click here to join.

We also have a very cool WEB HUNT taking place. There are over 30 prizes to be had from author signed print books to ARC's and ebooks. You can find detail out by clicking here.

Night Owl Romance also will be attending the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando ... and bringing lots of prizes along with us. Make sure you find us for your prize. We will also be doing a basket in Club RT.

Thanks again for having us!

Tammie King & The Night Owl Ladies
http://www.nightowlromance.com/

New York the new Las Vegas?

2009-01-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

When most people think destination wedding, their thoughts turn to Las Vegas or the Caribbean.

In a bold, media-attention move, New York's newly renovated Manhattan Marriage Bureau believes the new facility will allow it to compete with Las Vegas. The vision is to become the #1 wedding destinations and nudge Vegas aside.

Can New York pull this off? New York has Broadway shows for entertainment, great food, art, music, sightseeing... but can any city compete with Las Vegas and win?
In this gamble to bring more tourist revenue into the city, the bureau renovated its 24,000 square foot facility with a focus on being wedding friendly.

All that remains to be seen is if the brides and grooms will come to New York instead of Las Vegas.

Joy of Sex is back - vibrators and foursomes

2009-01-17T02:00:00.001-05:00

If you missed it the first time around in the 1979, you can catch the new wave of the revised edition of "The Joy Of Sex". This was the book that helped bring the sexual revolution discussion out into the open.

So how has sex been revised? Well, it's been updated to reflect the modern view of sex and includes a section on STDs and of course, AIDS. Also added is a brief mention about the use of vibrators and helpful advice for multiple partners or foursomes.

The best-selling books had a face-lift with a new purple cover and pink pages.

You can read excerpts online

Never too old - 101 year old romance author

2009-01-16T02:00:00.000-05:00

You may think you're too old to start a new career or seize your lifelong romantic dream, but with role models like romance author, Jean MacLeod, who celebrates her 101 birthday on January 20, you may just change your mind.

Mrs. MacLeod hasn't let age stop her from doing the thing she loves - writing romance books for Mills and Boon (Harlequin). It's reported that she is currently writing romance novel # 130.

This is one romance author who literally takes the cake when it comes to not letting age get in the way of living or in her case, writing about romance.

Taco Bell Wedding

2009-01-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

It's true enough! In Normal, Illinois, a couple got married inside a Taco Bell but the fastfood restaurant didn't shut down for the ceremony.

Customers gawked as the ceremony took place. The couple, seated in a nearby booth, exchanged vows over the din of requests for value meals and extra hot sauce.

After the ceremony, the guests didn't have far to go for the reception food line.

Great web site -- does anyone visit it?

2009-01-14T12:24:00.003-05:00

When you first publish as an author one of the very first things you'll hear is - do you have a web site? You have to have a web site. Chances are you have one before you make the first sale and you include a link in your email signature, in all your blog posts, etc. That's great. Maybe you spent a lot to get a site with kick-ass graphics and design. Maybe you're lucky and you can do a little HTML so you do your own. You update it, run a contest here and there.

But here's my question. Does anyone actually visit it? Besides those people on the loops you told about your contest? Can Susie reader easily find your web site while she's looking for good books when she's never heard of you before?

Okay, here's a little test. Go to Alexa.com (http://www.alexa.com) and click Traffic Rankings. In the left column, type in your site's address in the Lookup Website: field. Click go and in a couple of seconds, your traffic rank should appear on the right. What did you get? Keep in mind, the lower the number the better. If you got, for example, the rank of 2,000,000 that means your site is the 2 millionth most viewed web site on the net.

Now, stick that lower lip back in. That's actually not a bad rank considering that there are many many millions of web sites on the net. That's not bad at all. If you're not in the top 5 million or 10 million or you get "NO DATA," that's when you know you have a great web site but people aren't seeing it.

How could that be? You have a lovely site? You hold contests and announce them? Why should you worry about the ranking thing anyway?

The rankings come from data used gathered, and compiled by the search engines like Google, etc. Think about it, if someone has never heard of you before and they are on Google trying to look up good romance books to read, how will they find YOU? That's why ranking is important. The better your rank, the more people are finding you and you have it in your power to improve the odds that they will...

6 Things That Will Boost Traffic And Improve Your Traffic Ranking

1) Reliable, professional hosting. Painful truth #1 Search engines often will NOT index a site hosted on a free service. Why? Often spammers and scammers will try to peddle their wares on these free servers because they can get as many as they want with no cost and get rid of them just as easily if they are reported.

Get a good professional hosting service instead. Yes, there's a cost involved. But you can get a good account with little or no down time for your site and loads of features that you might find helpful. You probably need only a basic account that might cost no more than $5 per month. GoDaddy.com provides good hosting, so does HostGator.com, and Psyche Designs (http://psychedesigns.com -- shameless self promo! LOL)

Also, remember this. You can't really complain if your site goes down for a couple of days on a free service. You can on a paid account. AND no ads!

2) Site content and layout. If you have a site that for whatever reason takes forever to load or doesn't have a lot of information on it, what's the viewer's motivation to look around or even stay? The internet has given us all a mild case of ADD. Most of us don't want to wait for a site to load. If we have to wait longer than, on average, 3 seconds, we'll leave and look for something else. Your site should load fast, be easy to read and easy to navigate. The font should be a good size and easy on the eye. Simple fonts and colors work best. Scrolly fonts are hard to read and if you put bright yellow text on a sky blue background, you're going to give your visitor a splitting headache. LOL

Also, make sure you've got something of interest right on the main page. Yes, that introduction letter that you lovingly wrote for the front door page is nice, but chances are the person reached your site by looking for books. They don't want to read that nice intro letter and might leave thinking they stumbled onto a site that doesn't have good books. Sure you've got good books. Put them on the front page!

Make sure your links work. One more thing - take it easy on java script and flash. Some people are on older computers - believe it or not - and can't easily view flash. Aside from that when the search engine bots come to index your site, sometimes the java and flash, if enough is used, block the bots from indexing your site - not a good thing. So go lightly please.

3) Watch your statistics. Aka known as don't just look at your stats program to see how many hits you've gotten. That's not enough. Take a closer look. Most statistics programs used now have very detailed information about your visitors and that's the key to everything.

NOTE: If you don't have a good statistics program with your hosting account, you can use Google Analytics free and it's a powerful tool. See http://www.google.com for more information.

A good stats program should be able to tell you what pages your visitors are looking at and how often. Pay attention and try to discern why they like one page over another. Can you make the less popular pages more like the popular ones? You might also have search string information. What's that? That tells you what someone typed into a search engine to get your site in their search results. Like "romance books, romance novels, etc.," Make a note of that for #4

4) Learn what meta tags are and how to use them. Those meta tags are not just sitting up there at the top of your web code taking up space. They are very powerful tools to those who know how to use them. Using meta tags, you can control the title of your site in search engine results - like google, you can control what the description says, and you can use keywords to make your site more popular and increase your traffic through keywords. This is a loaded topic for another day. Maybe next month's blog?

5) Links, links, links. Painful truth #2 - The more links you have to your site, the more the search engines perceive your site to be popular. And by links I mean links TO your site. You can put links to 200 sites on your site, but that will only make those 200 sites more popular - not yours. You need links TO your site on other sites and the more, the better.

How do you get those? Exchange links with other writers, readers, or related sites. Join popular web rings. Make sure your publisher(s) link to author sites and if not, ask if this could happen. Be creative, there are many ways to boost links to your site over time.

Keep in mind if you exchange links with your BFF's today that your rank won't increase overnight. But it will over time. It just depends when the search engines next index your site. It could be in a couple of days, it could take a couple of weeks. And the search engines don't all show up to index your site at the same time.

Do all those blog and forum posts you've made help? On some search engines, like Yahoo, yes, all those posts you've made with your site address in the signature line might do you good. Google, however, pays them no attention.

6) Submit your site to search engines. Especially if you got a "NO DATA" rank. Submitting your site to the search engines will put your site in the search engine's queue to be indexed. The bots from the search engines will visit your site, store the information.

Is one time enough? No. You should regularly submit your site to as many major search engines as you can. There are some free services out there that let you do that and there are some for pay. Keep in mind that using a free search engine submission service that only submits your site to 8 engines is better than nothing. This shouldn't have to cost a lot of money and will result in a noticeable improvement in your site's rank.

There you have it. Maybe your first basic crash course in SEO aka search engine optimization. Take a look at your site, see what you can do better and do your homework on meta tags. If you have questions, let me know. Thanks for having me!

Tina

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

Male sexual sweat - women's brains recognize

2009-01-13T10:04:00.003-05:00

Below is the press release sent to me that I found very interesting. I hope you do too:

New study by Rice University psychologist finds women's brains recognize, encode smell of male sexual sweat

Rice University
Office of Public Affairs / News & Media Relations

News Release

HOUSTON -- (Jan. 8, 2009) -- A new Rice University study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that socioemotional meanings, including sexual ones, are conveyed in human sweat.

Denise Chen, assistant professor of psychology at Rice, looked at how the brains of female volunteers processed and encoded the smell of sexual sweat from men. The results of the experiment indicated the brain recognizes chemosensory communication, including human sexual sweat.

Scientists have long known that animals use scent to communicate.

Chen's study represents an effort to expand knowledge of how humans’ sense of smell complement their more powerful senses of sight and hearing.

The experiment directly studied natural human sexual sweat using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nineteen healthy female subjects inhaled olfactory stimuli from four sources, one of which was sweat gathered from sexually aroused males.

The research showed that several parts of the brain are involved in processing the emotional value of the olfactory information. These include the right fusiform region, the right orbitofrontal cortex and the right hypothalamus.

"With the exception of the hypothalamus, neither the orbitofrontal cortex nor the fusiform region is considered to be associated with sexual motivation and behavior," Chen said. "Our results imply that the chemosensory information from natural human sexual sweat is encoded more holistically in the brain rather than specifically for its sexual quality."

Humans are evolved to respond to salient socioemotional information.

Distinctive neural mechanisms underlie the processing of emotions in facial and vocal expressions. The findings help explain the neural mechanism for human social chemosignals.

The understanding of human smell at the neural level is still at the beginning stage. The present work is the first fMRI study of human social chemosignals.

The research, co-authored by Chen and Wen Zhou, graduate student in the Psychology Department, appeared in the December 31 issue of Journal of Neuroscience.

The research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health.

Who Knew?
Located in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked one of America's best teaching and research universities. Known for its "unconventional wisdom," Rice is distinguished by its: size -- 3,001 undergraduates and 2,144 graduate students; selectivity --12 applicants for each place in the freshman class; resources -- an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5-to-1; sixth largest endowment per student among American private research universities; residential college system, which builds communities that are both close-knit and diverse; and collaborative culture, which crosses disciplines, integrates teaching and research, and intermingles undergraduate and graduate work.

New Year - Adventure and Discoveries

2009-01-02T11:43:00.002-05:00

I love the week of New Year's because it gives me a chance to reflect not so much on the past year, but what's yet to come. I love standing on the threshold of possibilities and unknowns.

A entire year awaits me to discover so many things that I could never imagine. Perhaps this is why the holidays hold so much excitement. The magic of exploring another year is one of the great adventures. It's all out there in the future just waiting to unfold.

This is the same feeling I have each time I start to write a book. Being a by-the-seat-of-the-pants kind of writer, means my motivation for writing is simple - I want to know what's going to happen next. I can guarantee that if I were to know what was in store for a story and how it would end, I wouldn't write the book. What would be the point?

The fun part for me as a writer is equal to that as me as a reader. The unknown and the excitement of discovery all urge me to write more. Find out more.

So the day after New Year's Day, I find myself asking these questions as I finish writing a vampire book. What's going to happen next? How is it going to end? When I find the answers to these questions, I'll be typing The End. After all, it's about the adventure, not the final destination. May your new year be full of love, romance and adventure!

Last Minute New Year's Celebration

2008-12-31T11:11:00.002-05:00

You partied throughout the holiday season and thought you’d just sit out New Year’s Eve with a quiet evening at home with your lover, so you turned down those invitations and now it’s too late to change your mind. Or is it?

Maybe the two of you are inspired by the weather or you really want to go some place overnight. Is it too late? Surprisingly no. You can thank the economy for this holiday gift. Now, it may take some time and effort to locate a place that has a vacancy for the evening or even a weekend getaway, but if you’re diligent, you can still find a romantic holiday setting and surprise your lover.

There are some tickets, reservations and events for New Year’s Eve still available:

New Year’s Eve Tickets to events in major cities. Believe it or not, there are still many tickets available. Hurry and grab them now!

Last Minute Around The World New Year’s

New Year’s in Florence, Italy

Find a New Year’s Eve Party

Miami Nightlife Events Examiner

You don’t have to fly to Italy to have a romantic New Year’s Eve celebration. If you don’t have any luck with local last minute parties or tickets, don’t get discouraged. Consider taking advantage of a First Night that’s so popular in most cities.

These are big town parties similar to a block party only grander. You can opt for casual attire or dress up. The event has a fee that grants you access to all of the entertainment and events hosted in various buildings in the downtown area. You can enjoy holiday music played by an orchestra, jugglers, choral, ballet, and a wide range of other entertainment by going from one event to another. You can enjoy one of the local restaurants, or sample treats from the many street vendors and at midnight, you’ll be in the right place to enjoy all of the fireworks.

Whatever you and your lover decide to do to ring in the New Year, just remember, romance isn’t about how much money you spend or where you go. It’s about who you’re with.

Happy New Year!

Night Owl Romance New Years Web Hunt

2008-12-18T00:36:00.007-05:00

Hi Vixens,

Thanks for having Night Owl Romance join you again.

This month we want to tell readers about how we will be bringing in the New Year.

We just had our 4th anniversary on 12/13/2008 and are looking forward to another successful year.

To get the New Year rocking we have teamed up with a bunch of authors to host the Night Owl Romance 2009 New Years Web Hunt. The official start is 01/01/2009 and it end 02/01/2009.

Details can be found at: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/2009WebHunt.asp

Because of Adult Content and Shipping Costs Contest this is only Open to USA Citizens 18 Years and Over!

We have wonderful prizes for winners ranging from ARC's and Lip Balm for this winter to ebooks copies of some wonderful books.

Here is a look at some of the contest prizes -

Dani Harper has provided a free ebook of Heart of the Wolf to every winner!

Delilah Marvelle is giving away 4 signed copies of her debut novel - Mistress of Pleasure -

Kathryne Kennedy is giving away the last two books in the Relics of Merlin series -

Christie Craig is giving away Note Cards, Pens and a Book -

Joanna Waugh is giving away a PDF of her ebook Blind Fortune -

Sue-Ellen Welfonder is giving away one Signed - ARC of Seducing A Scottish Bride and 3 copies of DEVIL IN A KILT -

Allie Mackay is giving away one Signed copy of Highlander In Her Dreams (Rhapsody Hardcover) and one copy of Tall, Dark, And Kilted

and the list goes on!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday. It's snowing at the Night Owl Headquarters and freezing up. Luckily the mail is still landing on our doorstep and in our ebox.

Both Print and Ebook publishers have been so great to us over the last 4 years. So, we also wanted to shout out and say thanks for all they have done for us. Thanks for the wonderful books and for making the process of reviewing as easy as possible - So we give a shout out to Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press, Loose-Id, Total-E-Bound, Amira, Eternal, The Wild Rose Press, Penguin/NAL/Berkley, Dorchester, Pocket, St. Martins, HarperCollins, Bantam Dell, Lyrical, Highland Press, Avon, Hatchet, Medallion, Soucebooks/Casablanca, Liquid Silver, Whiskey Creek/Torrid, eXcessica, eXtasy, Linden Bay, Aspen Mountain Press, Resplendence Publishing, Mystic Moon and many more.

Hugs,

Tammie and the Night Owl Romance Ladies

2008-12-14T09:54:00.005-05:00

Most people have filled their calendars for the holidays, but if you enjoy singing, then you may still have time to organize a Christmas caroling party. It could be a great chance to invite that guy you've been too shy to approach. Maybe you’ve just started dating a special someone or you and your lover are looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday season.

A Christmas caroling party can be a great way to spend more time together without the pressure of an official date. Just make sure your new love can actually sing or the evening will be disastrous.

==Where to start==

Make a list of people you know who enjoy singing and who would be fun to spend the evening with. A good place to start is your church choir and other church choirs.

Call your fellow carolers for an impromptu neighborhood caroling. For a festive look, ask guests to wear red and green. If this isn't possible, then at least dress in holiday hats, scarves and don't forget to wear gloves. If you live in a warm climate, you can adjust your apparel to still be festive.

Purchase actual sheet music or a book of carols for each caroler or borrow hymn books from your church. Map out your route. Now that everyone has the music and attire, you're ready to carol. If you can squeeze in a practice before heading out.

==A progressive Christmas caroling party==

This one will take more time to plan, but can still be done on between now and Christmas if you're willing to put in the effort.

To make things more interesting and fun, enlist the help of your carolers and those on your caroling route to host a progressive party. This can be very simple and be nothing more than a warm drink or other refreshment and one hors d’oeuvres or holiday cookies.

An added benefit of doing a progressive party is with each home you visit of your carolers, you can add another singing voice to your group or at the very least visit with each other’s family.

If you don’t live in town, but are in the country, then hook up a trailer, add some bales of hay and combine a hay ride with your caroling. Just be sure and call ahead of those on your route to make sure they’re home. If you don’t have access to a hayride, then create a caravan of carolers and stop at each home. Sing long enough to give everyone time to open their doors.

If strolling through a neighborhood, then continue to sing as you walk to create the ambiance of traditional caroling.

==Last Home On Route==

The last stop in your caroling route will be your home. Have someone assist you in preparing this final party destination. You'll want to serve your guests with beverages and finger foods. You can also have the carolers' families bring their leftovers and combine for a fun finale to an entertaining evening.

==The spirit of Christmas==

Just remember, this parfy is to be fun and festive. If it becomes too involved in the planning stages or begins to get away from you and you’re stressing out over the details, then reign it back in and make it simple. You can easily get three or four friends together and strike out on a spontaneous caroling trek, just make sure your neighbors are home.

Merry Christmas!

Read more articles

Do you like them dark?

2008-12-06T12:10:00.008-05:00

Good morning Vixens,

Do you like em dark? Your heroes, that is. My name is Emma Petersen and I LOVE em dark. From Angel/Angelus, to Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Edward Hyde (In Mary Reilly. OMG How sexy was John Malkovich in that movie? It's still one of my absolutel favs!) my favorite heroes have always been dark. To me, these heroes were just as sexy and appealing when they were bad as they were when they were good.

So that makes me wonder. Is there a place in romance for a unrepentively bad hero? (I don't mean like puppy kickin or child abusing bad) A group of writer friends and I were talking about this very subject the other day. I had started to worry that my hero in my upcoming release (Seducing St. Nic - December 10th - Ellora's Cave. How's that for drive by promo?) was just a tad bit too dark. And the worry carried on to my hero in the next book in the series and the next.

In the 1st book, there is a cloud of suspicion around the hero. Had he killed someone?

And in the 3rd, it is known from the outset that hero has killed, whether purposely or accidentally isn't known until the end.

I think there's always amount of leeway with vamp heroes because more than likely they may need to kill to survive.

But what about a human hero? What if he was a hit man? Or a crime lord? Would that change the image of a traditional hero? Can there be a truly bad hero in a romance? Or would readers feel as if it defeated the purpose of what a romance is supposed to be?

For me, it wouldn't. It would actually make for a more compelling story and satisfying HEA if love can make a once questionable man embrace a little bit of the light for the sake of love.

Maybe this is why vamps, demons and other sups are so popular among readers. Because by their very nature they have permission to be just a little more bad than your every day average mortal hero.

Do you like em dark? Can a human hero be bad and still be appealing? What do you think?

Examining Romance Books

2008-12-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

If you're new to the romance genre or have never read one, you may want to spend some time examining romance books.

==It's all about the romance==

Romance readers are a very loyal bunch. We need our romance fix and love our favorite authors. Many times readers will stick with only one sub-genre. Many historical readers don't venture beyond their beloved past while others may read many sub-genres. It's like anything else and depends on the individual.

==Boy Meets Girl==

It all starts with boy meets girl. Then the boy either loses or nearly loses the girl due to a conflict, but then the boy gets the girl back. That is the reader expectation of a romance novel and what separates it from a book with romance elements. A romance reader is assured that the story will end with a Happily Ever After affectionately referred to by those in the genre as the HEA.

==Examining Romance Books==

While examining romance books you may believe these stories have a fairytale essence about them. With the happily ever after ending, sure, they do. But, make no mistake that these books can be gritty, hard and powerful. You can read romances that have action, death and mayhem. You can find heroes who are cops, firemen, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, gargoyles, demons, faeries, soldiers, cowboys, furturistic aliens or humans, historical figures, and well, just about anythingyou can imagine. Some of these books may have explicit sex while others may have little to no sex. Romances can be sweet or inspirational. That's the overall appeal of the romance genre- there's always something there for everyone.

What I know about romance...

2008-12-03T17:18:00.002-05:00

What I know about romance? Unlike my sistah, Sally, if you take everything I know, bundle it together ... well you might fill a thimble. Seriously, I am romantically challenged. A fact that became abundantly clear last week when I was on vacation.

My neighbors were in from across the pond (from Europe) and they were over having drinks. They were preparing for a 4 day cruise and were talking about how romantic it was going to be. Dressing up, dining, strolls on deck, drinking, dining, sitting on deck, etc.

Well, to be honest it all rounded rather boring to me. Dressing up? Ugh. Dining? Ding dong- hear the bell, I'm a vegetarian, we typically don't get jazzed by food. Strolls on deck, drinking, dining? Oh someone shoot me.

And naturally you know I expressed my opinion. (I'm nothing if not opinionated). But it a nice kind of way .. something along the lines of "I'd rather have a root canal."

That sparked conversation. What was wrong with me? Didn't I like romance? And just what DID I consider romanctic? Wellllll... yeah, I guess I am a little. Mu honey can take me whitewatering or rock climbing or hiking, or riding (horse or dirt bike)and at the end of the day build me a nice fire and let me sit or sleep under the stars and I'm completely swooned. He can rent me a bulldozer and let me dig up some earth and I'm really frisky. He can buy me a new chainsaw and he'll definitely get lucky. Or he can take me out for a day on the disc golf course and when we're getting cleaned up from our day, I'll be very affectionate.

Buy me flowers? Not unless I can plant them. Why kill a plant? Bring me candy? Oh yes, please. I already spend two hours a day at the gym... bring me something that will increase that and I'm more apt to growl than meow.

My friends stared at me in horror. I apparently don't have a romantic bone in my body (According to them) - in fact, I apparently have quite "manish" taste. Hmmmmm... well I guess they're right. I've spent my life "hanging with the boys", getting dirty, playing, raising a little hell and having a whole lot of fun. BUT...

I have a man who tells me that life is nothing without me (what a smooth talker, eh?) and who backs it up every morning when he brings me coffee in bed and every night when he gives me that delicious back or foot massage. I get warm and fuzzy just snuggling up on the couch and watching television or piled up together in bed reading.

Does that count?

And where is it written that a woman HAS to like being wined and dined, taken on lavish trips and have a ton of money spent on her to qualify as romantic? Isn't that a rather materialistic attitude?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but money (and the things it buys) not only does not buy happiness, it also doesn't spell romance.

But hey, I could be wrong. Maybe romance isn't part of my vocabulary. Someone want to lend me a dictionary?

Hope you're having a great week!!

Hugs to all,
Ci

Romance is More than Words

2008-11-25T10:57:00.006-05:00

It’s true, that romance is more than words. Thanksgiving affords us a time to reflect and count our blessings. It’s also a time when you can show your love and appreciation of your lover by introducing a little more romance into your relationship.

==No place for complacency==

So often couples become complacent and even negligent when it comes to taking the time to make those little gestures of love. These nuances of a relationship are vital to a healthy romantic relationship because when it comes to romance, actions do speak louder than words.

== Romance is more than words==

Are you in a lip-service mode? Do you go through the day on remote control when it comes to wooing your lover? What an antiquated word – wooing, and yet it’s such an eloquent word for the artform or romancing your lover.

==Gestures Vs. Words==

When you say, I love you, do you back it up with a little romance or are you just mouthing the same phrase over and over without feeling anything new or without giving any gestures that demonstrate just how deep your love runs? Next time you say those three words all lovers wait to hear:

Surprise your lover with a dramatic flare when giving her/him a kiss.

Literally sweep your lover off her feet and dance around the room, humming in her ear.

Present a single red rose as a token of your love.

Kiss her hand in a gesture of devotion.

Whisper ‘I love you’ softly in her/his ear.

Hand him a love letter where you’ve shared your deepest thoughts of love.

Surprise your lover and brew a special blend of coffee for breakfast that just the two of you can share in a quiet morning before setting off for the day.

Steal your lover away to a movie or play at the best theater in town.

Surprise your lover with a carriage ride through the holiday lit streets.

Take your lover on a surprise holiday house tour.

==Many ways to show appreciation==

There are so many ways you can show your lover how thankful you are for having her/him in your life this Thanksgiving. Just remember romance is more than words.

Sally writes a romance column for examiner.com.

Clothes Make The ....

2008-11-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

They say that clothes make the man (or woman). I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know how often we use clothing as a disguise. Think about it…

I’m sure you’ve done this yourself…you’ve hidden your body behind a shapeless dress or skirt when you’re not feeling confident. Alternatively, you’ve donned that slinky gown or scanty underwear when you’re feeling confident and sexy. That bustier and garters make you feel just a little naughty and that gives you a boost of confidence, right?

I'd like to thank the fabulous Vixens of Romance for having me as a guest blogger. What I want to share with you is how clothes help in my latest release from Ellora's Cave.

In Changing Hearts, the heroine knows all about hiding her body in shapeless shirts and blouses. She knows how to disguise her “assets” and she’s comfortable doing that – mainly because all of her life, she’s been made fun of because of her shape. See, Joie Landry is, to put it mildly, stacked…think Dolly Parton stacked.

The hero of Changing Hearts definitely appreciates Joie’s more obvious assets. It’s only as he gets to know her that he understands her reluctance to show off those assets. You see, Malcolm Slade would like to see Joie wearing one of his sleeveless t-shirts and nothing else…he’s quite obvious about his interest in her body.

Joie uses clothing to hide, Malcolm uses clothing to entice…they’re on the opposite ends of that particular spectrum, but they both agree on their desire for one another.

So what do you wear when you want to entice your lover? Are you a sexy, satiny gown type or do you go for the more obvious demi-bra and thong? Let me know because I’d love to hear from you. And while you’re at it, check out Changing Hearts from Ellora’s Cave. I’d also love it if you’d visit my website and read the excerpt I have posted there. I think you might enjoy it.

Buy a copy of Changing Hearts to see how Malcolm and Joie give into the love that burns them up on the steamy bayou banks of Louisiana.

That Old Black Magic

2008-11-22T08:11:00.005-05:00

What is it about a magician? He’s certainly mystifying. And exciting. And a little frightening. And even a little sexy – or a lot sexy, depending on the magician. His hands are graceful and practiced. If he does his job right, you believe he can do anything. Even make your dreams come true.

I’ve never been one of those people who want to know how the illusion is done. I love the fantasy. The possibilities. And the romantic, sensual aspect of many illusions, especially with a beautiful assistant doing her part.

And I love the commanding personality of the magician. Because, of course, he has to be confident in his abilities to pull off the illusion. To be a master of smoke and mirrors.

So when I set out to write about a hero who is an illusionist, I knew I wanted him to be confident, almost cocky. Dark and a little bit dangerous. And I had to give him a heroine who could hold her own. Who knew all about illusions and wasn’t taken in by the fantasy. Even though she wished she could.

As I was writing this story I was delighted to discover all the tools of the trade, so to speak, that fit right in with the bondage aspect of my story. Scarves. Blindfolds. Handcuffs. Ropes. Cages. It was so much fun to weave it all together into a sexy, sensual story.

You can check out Smoke and Mirrors here.

So how about you? Do you like the illusion? Or do you want to know how it’s done?

Natasha
Romance with more…sizzle
www.natashamoore.com

Night Owl Romance Bookmark Club & More!

2008-11-19T16:22:00.014-05:00

Hi Vixens,

Thanks for having Night Owl Romance again. The month is just breezing by and it's almost Thanksgiving and then onto Christmas. It's such an exciting time of year.

This month we wanted to focus on a few items that Night Owl Romance has for readers and Authors.

To start out we'll talk a bit about the Bookmark Club and how readers in the USA can get a free package of bookmarks, excerpt brochures and other small items from romance and erotic romance authors. And it's all free to readers!

It's very simple - You just sign-up on here! Make sure you put in your full address and name. Every three months - JAN, APR, JUL, OCT you will get a special package in the mail of the above items!

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We also wanted to spotlight something that we think readers will love. It's the ARe Charity Calendar. It's full of hunks. You get them all for a great price and support a charity. To purchased the calendar just go to our homepage and click on the graphic. You can't miss it! It's a larger form of the graphic over here on the right. You can get the calendar both in print and as a Wallpaper download. How cool is that! Get the hunks on your wall and on your computer screen.

http://www.nightowlromance.com/
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Now for a few things we have for authors!

We have a lot of great opportunities for authors to promote their books on the website. Many are free!

Get Reviewed!

One way to get a book promoted is via a book review. We are not able to review every book that is sent to us, but we do as many as we can. We try to review 200 a month - both ebooks and prints. If you would like to get your book reviewed just read the requirements and fill out our easy online form. Getting reviewed is a free service to authors Get Reviewed

Schedule A Chat or Blog Date!

Night Owl Romance hosts live Internet chats and also has a blog. Readers love to come to the chats and find out about new authors and books. It's a great way to meet new readers and authors and just have fun, while also showcasing a book. Each featured author at the chat gets their book cover posted with a purchase link. So, it's like an online book signing without the signing. lol - Authors can also sign-up to have their own personal blog day where they do a journal entry on our blog - It's their day and they get to blog about what ever they think readers would be interested in - So, if you have never blogged with us make sure to take advantage of a great opportunity - This is also a free opportunity for authors - Schedule a Chat or Blog Date

Author Interviews!

Readers love to get to know authors and an author interview is a great opportunity for you to let them in on some unknow facts and interesting tidbits. It's also a great time to let readers know you have in the works and what's newly out. And of course this is also another free service for authors. Get Interviewed

On Site Book Promotion!

Last but not least we have some great paid for advertising options. Advertising on our site helps keep the doors open and the books shipping. Most of the procedes from advertising go directly back into the site. We have to ship books for reviewing, send out contest items and keep the the site online. We say thanks to all the authors who have helped keep the site continuing on. This December will mark 4 years! We have some of the best rates in the industry and even have discounts for authors who write for the publishers we review for. We give a generous 20% discount off our standard rates to those authors who write for publishers we review for - Some are Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press, The Wild Rose Press, Loose-Id, eXtasy Books, Total-E-Bound and the list goes on! So, if you want to get more readers looking at your book Promote Your Book Via Advertising

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Ok that's it for this month!

Withing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. We'll see you again before Christmas.

Tammie King & the Night Owl Romance Ladies

Holiday Shopping - Romantic Gifts

2008-11-18T00:10:00.001-05:00

So you’ve started to think about the holidays and buying your special someone that perfect gift to convey the depth of your love.

This is probably one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make during the holiday shopping season and it’s not too early to start a list.

==New in a relationship==

If your relationship is fairly new and you haven’t gotten to know each other well enough to have a lot of gift choices, sit down and make a list of your new love’s likes and dislikes.

This will give you an instant list of what not to buy.

==Seasoned lovers==

It seems like this would be the easiest shopping of the season, but typically it proves to the most difficult for two reasons. One reason is because you’ve been together for so long and had so many gift-giving events that you’ve run out of ideas. The second reason is that you simply can’t decide because you have too many choices. It’s usual one extreme or the other.

For your two lists, make one header known and the other unknown. Under the known write down everything you’ve heard your lover say would be great to have. Under the unknown, write down items based on how well you know your lover that would make excellent gifts.

Before you know it, you’ll have a nice column under each heading.

==Still uncertain==

If after all of this you’re still uncertain there are a few things you can do.

Take an hour to window shop through your lover’s favorites' file on the computer. Open the closet door and take a brief inventory of the most items there. Note color, size and style. Changes are this is a favorite.
Same thing for jewelry inventory. If your lover is a woman, include cosmetics and perfumes. Is she running low on her favorite perfume you gave her last year.

Ask the best friend as long as that friend won’t tell you asked.
Look through your lover’s magazine stash. Anything circled? Any catalogs?

==Buying the perfect gift==

If you're like most people, you're looking for one main gift, oftentimes called the big ticket item. This is of course an individual choice, and in today's economy you may opt for a main gift that isn't considered a big ticket item. Whatever you choose, make sure you know your lover’s likes and dislikes.

Bottomline on romantic gifts, if you 're uncertain your lover will like the gift, ask a best friend. It won’t mean a lack of love on your part. It’ll mean you really want to buy the perfect gift for your lover and when it’s opened, you’ll be glad you took the time.

Romance is more than candlelight, music and wine, it’s all about the time you spend nurturing your lover.

(Read more romance articles by Sally at National Romance Examiner)

Music's Role In Romance

2008-11-17T10:45:00.006-05:00

Music's role in romance is greater than most of us realize. How many times has a song burst through the air and brought joyous memories to you so powerful it's as though you're reliving them?

Music can set the mood of any moment or event. The wrong music can destroy that special moment while the perfect music can add to the ambiance of the evening.

==Music's role in romance ==

This new section of National Romance Examiner where I''ll be examining some of the most powerful pieces of music that carry their magic through the centuries. These concertos, symphonies and modern pieces remain just as impressive and emotional as the first time ever performed for the public.

==Adagio for Strings==

Chords filled with the melancholy of stringed instruments convey one of the most bittersweet pieces of music carrying the listener through a range of emotions from emptiness to bittersweet sadness. The harmonies seize you and send you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Granted, this isn't the kind of music you'd play to seduce, but it's still very romantic and of course is classified as belonging to that wonderful genre - Romantic Era. It's powerful and emotional. One to experience when in the right mood.

==Composer, Samuel Barber==

Written by the American composer, Samuel Barber, (1910-1981), during the Great Depression, it's no wonder this piece carries such a depth of emotion in its dramatic lifting and falling melody. The sorrowful yet bittersweet music was used in The Elephant Man and Platoon.

This is definitely the kind of music you'd play when needing a moment to relive some of those lost love memories. Barber's music was typically classified as belonging to the Romantic era genre, even though he was a contemporary composer. He also wrote two American operas, Vanessa (Pulitzer Prize winner of 1958) and Antony and Cleopatra (1966).

==Romance and Music==

Try to recall one of your most memorable moments of love and music's role in romance. You may be surprised to discover how often you associate a certain song or piece of music with a romantic moment.

Legend of the Red Reaper

2008-11-15T10:23:00.003-05:00

I know this is a little off topic, but I'm firm believer that people involved in the arts should support one another. So, today I'd like to do a little "shout out" for some dear friends and very talented actors who have an upcoming film soon to be released. Tara Cardinal and Christian Boeving star in The Legend of the Red Reaper. It's directed by Matt Dean, a tremendously talented director.

Ya'll check it out and if you're so inclined, visit their page on MySpace and drop them a note.

And have a fantastic weekend!!

Hugs- Ci

Red Reaper Trailer Voice Over by Tara Cardinal

Heart Symbol for Romance

2008-11-13T00:52:00.005-05:00

The heart is probably the most recognized symbol for romance and love. It's been a long held ideology that our emotions come from our heart. We even have catch phrases using heart as a metaphor for how our emotions are conveyed:

♥ Speak from your heart

♥ Put your heart into it

♥ Heartfelt

♥ Heartless

♥ Breaking my heart

♥ Cold heart

♥ Heart of stone

♥ Heart on his sleeve

So just how did the symbol for the heart become something other than the actual shape of the human heart? There are several theories about this unique symbol.

==Magic==

During the time of alchemists, the heart symbol was used and accepted as the symbol for romance and love. These masters of chemistry and magic used heart symbols in their spells. Certain rituals also utilized this symbol in an effort to strength love relationships.

==Christianity==

The Sacred Heart of Christ is well documented and used within the Roman Catholic Church. The symbol is one of divine love, compassion and good will. Within this emblem of religion is also the message of divine truth. So the heart symbol becomes the purest form of expression for love. All kinds of love. It was cemented into the church’s symbolism sometime in the 1600s. This was when Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received a vision. In this moment of enlightenment, the shape of a heart inside a crown of thorns was revealed to her.

==Ancient Egypt==

The heart is also symbolic of the soul. In ancient Egypt, the heart was removed from the dead and weighed on a scale in balance to the Feather of Ma’at, Maat, or Mayet, (pronounced, (Muh-aht) Egyptian goddess of truth, balance, justice, law, and mortality. This symbol represented the judging the dead and determining if the person's heart was lighter than the fabled feather. If it was, then the soul was deemed worthy enough to cross over into paradise. (No documentation exists about the results of this weighing in only that it was a death ritual.)

==Playing cards==

In the 15th century, the suits for playing cards were created and the heart was used as one of the four suits, clubs, spades, diamonds, and hearts. The color red was used to symbolize blood.

==Human anatomy==

Others believe the shape depicts several female anatomical attributes. It’s further believed that the symbolism was created during a time when there was male dominance in the world. This gives the symbolism a very different meaning and removes it from love into lust.

==Silphium seed==

In Cyrene, located in ancient Greece (7th century BC) now present-day Lybia, the silphium plant was abundant and a big commodity for the city. While it was marketed as a spice and seasoning, it was also used as an herbal method of birth control. This enormous fennel type plant, which is now extinct, had seeds that were heart-shaped. It was so important to the Cyrene economy that the coins minted by the city depicted a heart-shaped seed of the silphium plant with a double outline around the heart.

==Swans==

The mating ritual of swans has long been depicted in various romantic symbolism. When their long necks arch so they can butt heads, the shape formed is that of a perfectly formed heart.

==Hearts are an expression of romance==
The heart symbol for romance seems to be ancient. The heart shape we use in so many everyday expressions of love and romance will no doubt remain an emblem to convey those emotions.

For more romance articles visit Sally at Romance Examiner.

Hello from The Romance Studio!

2008-11-12T18:12:00.003-05:00

I was worried I'd miss our day entirely but after an emergency run to get a new DSL modem, I did make it. Better late than never. =)

I'd love to tell you something philosophical and meaningful today but we've just been so darn busy at TRS with things, that my mind is spinning. So what's going on?

Well, first, we're posting reviews because we'll begin the nomation for the CAPA Awards shortly. What? What are the CAPAs? I'm glad you asked. The Cupid and Psyche Awards for excellence in romantic fiction are awards created by TRS and given each year on Valentine's Day. They are unique in that you can't really apply for the awards, they are just given to the best books our reviewers read in the past year. Nominations in a variety of categories are made exclusively by TRS reviewers - non-reviewing staff doesn't even get to nominate, including me! The nomination process will start when we return from Thanksgiving break - the site will close from 11/26-11/30. The nominees will be announced on the last day we're open for the year on 12/23/08. Okay, you can read more about the awards here: http://theromancestudio.com/capa.php and if you want to be among the first to know who was nominated, join our Studio Notes newsletter. http://theromancestudio.com/mailinglist.php

What else? Well, by popular demand we now have a TRS web ring. We'd love to have you all join it. Just click here: http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/nr2227/

Anyone who loves the romance genre and our favorite books is welcome to join with their site, blog, MySpace - whatever. I'd love to see us have an enormous ring. So please join!

We've also finally got our site, Psyche Designs www.psychedesigns.com launched. There we're offering web services like hosting and design, but some neat things too like search engine optimization services and Google ads - without the pay per click. Hope you'll check that out too.

Finally, just come visit us. We have today's best authors there - including our lovely vixens who let us play on their blog each month. You'll find some great interviews, eye candy in the form of beautiful covers, information on new releases, drawings, blogs, chats - you name it. There's a lot to read, do, and see and we'd love to see you there.

Just like we love to read all the great posts here. Thank you so much!

Moments of Romance During Thanksgiving

2008-11-11T12:40:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving isn't exactly a holiday event we associate with romance, but just because you're dining with the family doesn't mean romance is prohibited.

Romantic Thanksgiving meal

Light candles for your big turkey meal
Add a Thanksgiving centerpiece to the table
Linens, china, crystal, and silverware are usually brought out for turkey day. Change it up a bit this year.
Add other decorations and candles to the buffet or sideboard
Soft music playing in the background low enough for your friends and family to talk adds a nice touch of romance everyone can enjoy.

Stealing moments of romance

There are also many ways to have romance in a crowd. You can let your lover know you're thinking of him/her with simple but profound gestures.

A tender smile
A wink
A touch
A whispered word
Steal a moment from the crowd and go outside to spend a quiet moment together.

Cleanup can be romantic, too

After the meal comes the big clean up and sharing the chore with your lover can be fun. Infuse some childish pranks and play into the menial task. Forgotten how to be a child?

Teasing
Flirting
Splashing water
Tossing dish towels
Tell a joke to pass the time
Share memories of past Thanksgivings

Romantic afternoon delights

After the family meal, share a romantic afternoon with your lover.

Ride horses in a park or countryside
Go on a lazy afternoon stroll and enjoy the fall leaves
Cuddle up in front of a bonfire or outdoor fireplace
Take a car ride through the country
Glide a canoe down a lazy river or paddle a rowboat over the glassy waters of a pond
Watch a movie cuddled together on the couch.

Evening filled with romance

Make the evening about just the two of you and share holiday romance

Take leftovers home with you, add some wine, music and a roaring fireside picnic
Make a reservation just for the two of you at a nice restaurant. A great way to end a day of thanksgiving
Enjoy a carriage ride at sunset
Share a slow dance
Turn on the hot tub and sip champagne
Fly over the city in a helicopter
Spend the night at a hotel and order champagne and chocolate cover strawberries
Decorate your bedroom with rose petals and scented candles

Keeping romance alive during hectic holiday celebrations can be challenging, but worth the effort. Make your holidays special by taking the time to create moments of romance.

You can read more romantic tips and aritcles at Romanceexaminer.com

I LOVE YOUR BLOG AWARD!

2008-11-10T01:00:00.010-05:00

We're thrilled to have been awarded the I LOVE YOUR BLOG Award from Night Owl Romance.

After receiving the award we must:

Add the logo of your award to our blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on your blog.
Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So who did Ci and I award this great award to?

First up is The Romance Studio's Blog. They have a great mixture of authors who blog with them each month! We love The Romance Studio's website and all they do to help promote romance books! TRS blog

Next is another blog where romance authors contribute eachmonth. The RomErotica Writers blog founder Marianne LaCroix is a great writer and promoter of other authors. Our hat's off to her generosity!

Four Ladies Reading is a super site of four 'addicted' romance readers. We love WK, Livia, Debora, and Thia and their blog. You vixens rock!
Sex Talk for Wicked Women is the Lady Jaided's general blog and is full of witty and irreverent sex talk and topics women are interested in discussing! Regular contributors, Jaid Blakc, Susan Edwards, Syneca, The Empress and Marshmallow. Thank you for exciting and controversial posts!
The Hussies. Near and dear to our hearts are our fellow hussies. Outstanding authors and incredible women. We love them and enjoy sharing the journey with them. Hugs Hussies!
Nicole Austin Nic is a dear friend and amazing author. She spends time on her blog helping to promote fellow authors with her amazing reviews. She's a very special person and deserves this award for such an outstanding selfless giving to readersa nd authors alike.
Cerridwen Press Authors - A dedicated and fun-loving group of fellow authors of Jasmine-Jade Enterprizes imprint Cerridwen Press. We're inspired by their ability to make such engaging posts!

Well, that's our list. It was easy and difficult to choose from so many great blogs. Thanks again, Tammie King and Night Owl Romance for the great honor.

Fact versus fiction

2008-11-09T08:45:00.002-05:00

Weekends are my time to write, to get lost in another world and follow the adventures of someone whose life is far different than my own.

Yes, far FAR different. A point that became real clear yesterday. I got up, checked my email and had a message from a fan...."I bet your life is really interesting and exciting."

Oh my yes. While working on a scene where my heroine gets slicked down with scented soap in the shower then gets an added bonus from the oh-so-fine fellow sharing the shower, I realized that this was my weekend to take on a project I'd been putting off.

Regrouting the shower.

Oh the thrill, the joy, the excitement. I had to laugh. I guess I could use that and have my heroine or hero grouting a shower and it turn into something sexy and slippery. But sliding around on wet grout isn't exactly appealing. I mean, when that stuff dries, it's hard!! But I did consider it. After all, we writers are encouraged to write what we know, correct?

Hmmmm... I know how to hammer a nail ... now where can I use that? Oh I know. In dialogue... "well, I think you've hammered that nail home."

I can lay brick. Where would that be useful? His bicep was hard as brick? How about driving a tractor or back-hoe? Oh I can't even write what comes to mind there.

As for the grout -- well now my shower looks brand new. My hands are raw, my back hurts and I'm still finding bits of hard grout adhered to me even after two showers (in another bathroom, thank you. Not going to mess up my handiwork).

All in all Saturday was good. Now I have a day to write. Write what you know, write what you know. Maybe I'll let my character fall off a building while setting a roof truss, land in mud and be rescued by the hunk on the other end of the truss. Mud might dry but if you wet it, it DOES wash off.

Happy Weekend!!
Ci

Fae's Gargoyle Excerpt!

2008-11-04T03:21:00.001-05:00

EXCERPT

Maria Jennings opened her eyes and was startled to find a naked man lying beside her. Her erratic heartbeat pounded in her ears. She jerked up in bed but the painful throbbing in her temple forced her back down onto the pillow. The room spun around her. Swallowing the dryness in her throat, she tried to remember what had happened. How had she ended up here? Naked?

The sound of the ocean pounding outside the open patio door matched the hammering in her head. The last thing she remembered was standing in Danu’s castle saying goodbye after months of training. It was time to begin her mission, so why was she naked and in bed with—just who was this man?

Gingerly, she lifted up onto one arm and blinked against the diffused light. The room illuminated brighter each time the silk draperies billowed out and a breeze rushed across the room, carrying the scent of ocean and tropical flowers. Her spirit soared with the smell of home, only something was missing within the familiar scents. Something was very wrong.

Moonlight rushed across the room and fell over the muscular man lying beside her. Shadows swayed and the light moved across indented buttocks, then rose past broad shoulders to stretch toward dark wavy hair. Before she could glimpse his face, the light flittered away with the retreating breeze.

She held her breath and waited until the next gust of wind shoved the draperies aside in a fluttering mass and once more bathed the naked man in soft light. It moved over him like an ocean’s tide and this time touched his face.

Her pulse spiked. She sat straight up in bed and smothered a gasp with trembling hands. This had to be a dream!

She was in bed with Denton Prescott!

It couldn’t be. She closed her eyes, but when she opened them he was still there. Denton Prescott? In bed with her? Naked? He shifted onto his stomach, turning his back to her. Maria dropped her gaze. Heat rushed to her cheeks. His buttocks were just as fine as she remembered. Well, she’d never seen them in the flesh, only in stone when he’d stood to take flight but had been caught in the rays of sunrise.

The moment rushed back to her as though it happened only yesterday instead of ten years ago. They’d been chatting on the campus steps late into the night. Time had seemed endless until the first rays of daylight struck his face. She’d been in awe as she watched his magnificent gargoyle form emerge and his clothes singe to ash. The hardening had spread over him until he was completely cast in stone.

She released her breath. It seemed an eternity since that night. A painful eternity when he was called to war, never once contacting her. And when he returned home a hero, he was quickly caught up in the life of a celebrity. She stared down at his hard, muscled body, her fingers itching to stroke the fine planes. Instead, she closed her hands into fists. How cruel this was. Her fondest fantasy come true and she was unable to touch him.

Unable to tell him how much she loved him. Not that he cared.

The air stirred cooler and she shivered. What had Danu been thinking, plopping her down into his bed? She had long since tamped down her feelings for him, but at that moment realized when she’d been captured forever. Ever since he’d flashed that first devastating smile.

Oh, Danu, what have you done? Maria shook her head. The ancient guru wasn’t a cruel creature so this had to be a mistake. She tried to recall arriving there but met a thick fog where memories should reside.

Regardless how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed, she must fly away before he woke up and discovered her. Scooting out of the bed, she bent down and groped at the discarded clothes littering the floor. Her fingers closed around a dark-colored dress but she froze when he stirred again. She scooped up the dress and tiptoed toward the open bedroom door.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she hurried down the hall, all her attention focused on the arched doorway ahead. She emerged into what appeared to be a large den lit by a corner floor lamp. Her bare feet slapped against the terra-cotta tiled floor while she struggled to pull the silk dress over her head. She hurried toward the glass doors, determined to exit through the portico and fly into the night. The ocean sang to her and her pulse pounded like the waves beating against the sand. Just where the hell was she? Nothing seemed familiar. The gardens surrounding the pool were not the rich vibrant colors she was accustomed to seeing. There was no magical vibration in them. In anything.

She’d worry about that later. Right now she needed to escape. She stretched forward, but the familiar pop didn’t come. She checked the dress to make sure none of the material was covering her shoulder blades. The strapless garment fit fine. Nothing to block her wings. Again she flexed her muscles and mentally summoned her faerie wings to release.

Nothing.

Okay, maybe she was sick. That might account for her inability to recall how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed. Pain seared her temple and she gripped the back of a nearby chair. Oh, that was not normal. She massaged the throbbing ache with trembling fingers. She’d just leave by her own two feet and try flying once she was away from the house.

The image of Denton lying beside her flashed across her mind. Oh dear butterfly wings! She’d been in bed with Denton Prescott. Her breath came in hard, short pants. And she was running away from him because? She mentally shook herself. Because she had no explanation for being there. Because he didn’t love her.

But Denton…naked… She wrung her hands together, longing to return to his bed and at long last live out her greatest fantasy. Enough of this. She had to leave before he found her there. She took a deep breath and reached for the door knob.

“Where are you going?” came a groggy baritone voice behind her.

Caught! Her heart skipped a beat. What should she do? She pretended she hadn’t heard him and closed her fingers around the knob.

Ellora's Cave

Only two more days!!!!!

2008-11-03T09:31:00.004-05:00

Wednesday (yes this Wednesday) is a day I've been waiting for. It's the day Sally's book, Fae's Gargoyle releases. You know I'm going to be at the head of the line when the doors open on Wednesday to snag my copy!

And just to wet your whistle, here's a little teaser for you:

Maria Jennings awakes to find a naked man in bed with her—how he got there is a blank. Her shock soon turns to panic when she recognizes gargoyle warrior Denton Prescott, the man she’s loved—and hungered for—for years. Before she can steal away, Denton, the sexiest hunk ever to draw breath is seducing her again, and it’s every bit as hot as she ever dreamed.

Scorching sex aside, Maria is a Hussy, and her reawakened desires for him threaten her mission—to save Denton. But Denton has a mission of his own—convincing Maria it takes more than the loss of gargoyle magic to stop two soul mates from falling in love. He’ll use every weapon in his erotic arsenal to prove it.

Have mercy,baby, I can't wait to dig into this story. Congratulations in advance Sally!! I know this one is going to be smokin' hot and pack an emotional punch!

This is Ci saying have a super day, a great week and see you at EC Wednesday morning as we wait for the doors to open:)

Interview with Ciana Stone

2008-10-30T00:02:00.002-04:00

Caleb's the last of the single Russell men and that's fine with him. There’s plenty of women willing to scratch his itch. Life is good, even if it is a little predictable. Every now and again he liked to just get away from it all and spend some time alone.

And that's exactly what he was doing. Camping at the lake, kayaking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Until a woman falls out of the sky, capsizes his kayak and nearly drowns him. Then his predictable life becomes anything but predictable.

The woman who drops into his life isn't like any he's ever known. Maybe because he's never known a woman who isn't from this world. And he sure hasn't ever met one that can put as much starch in his shorts as she can with just a look.

Caleb thought he was a master when it came to seduction and making love. What he's about to learn is that he's only just touched the tip of the iceberg and better grab a raft because the ice is melting fast and things are getting steamier by the moment.

Interview with Ciana Stone

Ciana Stone is a multi-talented author who also wears the well-known hat in the romance publishing industry as Syneca Featherstone, cover artist extraordinaire.

Ciana took a break from writing her hot, sexy, cowboy books to talk with me about writing erotic romance and how her books always have a twist of the paranormal in the mix . She writes very strong heroines who are more than a match to their equally strong heroes.

Sally : What inspired you to start writing?

Ciana: Boredom. No seriously. I was in a period of my life where I was a little tired of art and photography but needed a creative outlet. My honey man suggested that instead of trying to create an image that told a story, I actually write one. Once I got started was hooked.

Sally: Who would you say influenced or had the strongest impact on your life and your art?

Read More

Romance Examiner and Love to Know

2008-10-29T23:51:00.004-04:00

Announcements:

This month has been exciting and hectic! I've been hired by the Examiner to be the National Romance Examiner. Join me at http://romanceexaminer.com for daily romantic tips, interviews with romance authors, romantic ideas, countdown of the world's best romantic couples, and all things romantic.

And if that wasn't enough to keep me jumping up and down and going nutso with excitement, I was also offered a job with Love to Know . This is another super site. You can find my articles on Feng Shui, Paranormal, Numerology, and Jobs/Careers.

I'm still writing books, but you know how writers are - gotta write... gotta write... gotta write. It's like breathing. Can't live without writing. (vbg)

Haunted Bloggy Carnival is Here! Over $3726.00 In Prizes! International Too!

2008-10-28T08:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Bitten by Books Haunted Bloggy Carnival Spooktacular event! The carnival starts at 8:00 am Central time October 27th ALL WEEK and ends on November 2nd at 11:59 pm Pacific time. Comments will be enabled at that time so you won’t be able to post until then.
The winners will be contacted and announced sometime the week of the 3rd. You will have to give us some time to sort through all of the hundreds of entries. Thanks for your patience on this.

Hang on to your seats and keyboards because we have a line up of prize contributions like we have never seen before. Right now we have over $3726.00 in prizes up for grabs!! AND another $2330.00 in prizes at our sister site Weird Stuff In My Desk! Check those prizes out here: http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=176. If we don’t have enough prizes for your blood, remember to visit all of the other participating blogs at the main Bloggy Carnival page here.

Keep checking back here, because the list will GROW eerily larger as more companies join in on the Haunted Blog Carnival fun! If you would like to contribute a prize and promote your books or business, please email us through our CONTACT FORM.

Now I bet you are wondering just how you can win some of this spectacular loot! There are a TON of ways to win. Do to different states laws you MUST be 18 to enter. You do NOT have to have a blog to participate.
OH!! and if you like FREE STUFF, be sure to stop by our Freeibies Page!

****************************************************
CONTEST INFO

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE OR ALL of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win. Check next to each contributors page to see if there are MORE ways you can get chances win.

Join the NEW Bitten By Books Community and start a page to talk about all things paranormal fiction! Meet authors, join in on upcoming contests an more! You can have your own blog where you can post about THIS contest (and that gets you an entry). You can start groups and chat in our forums as well as participate in live chat. Best of all it is FREE. Paranormal authors come and start fan page for yourself! Here’s the link! Sign up and join in the fun!http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/You get 10 additional entries for joining our community!

2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. You MUST verify your subscription via the email the site will send you. Unverified subscribers will not be entered into the contest. This option is for new subscribers only.

3. Post this blog post in it’s entirety with a link to our contest on your blog, groups, forums or websites and you will be given FIVE additional entries to win for EACH place you post. You MUST post the links where you have shared the info in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

4. Make a purchase between 10/27-11/2 from ANY or all of the retailers / book sellers participating on our page (see list below) and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for an additional FIVE entries. You get entries for every purchase you make. Be SURE to put BBB Contest Entry in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost in our spam filter. NOT valid on past purchases.

5. Check every contributor’s prize listing below for a way to gain additional entries. This is an easy way to get more chances and really increase your chances to WIN!

6. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks

7. Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436

8. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you!

9. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use.

10. Twitter the URL for this event throughout the week: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1526

11. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is.

12. Invite ALL of your friends! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get TWO entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!

13. Read through the Bitten by Books blog and find your favorite review and come back here and post the LINK to it. One favorite review per contestant please.
Be sure you leave a valid email and your name AND COUNTRY when posting here so we can contact you if you are the winner. We will contact the winners and request your first/last name and a valid email which we will give to the retailer whose prize you have one. It is up to the individual retailers to award your prizes. If we do not hear back from winners within one week of contacting you, you prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate or inflammatory remarks or comments. Bitten by Books is NOT liable for prizes that are not delivered, awarded or lost in the mail. It is the sole responsibility of each contributor to honor their prize obligation.

And last but certainly not least A BIG thank you to our fabulous contributors!!
Here is the list of AMAZING prizes you are trying to win!

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The GRAND PRIZE up for grabs this time around is a brand NEW Compaq iPAQ 3955 Color Pocket PC!!! Valued at $400.00!!

Been craving a way to read all of those awesome e-books out on the market? Well, enter to win this baby the week of October 27-31st, and your dreams may come true. This amazing prize has been contributed by the multi-talented author Ciana Stone. Visit her website today http://www.cianastone.com/ and be sure to sign up for her other contest. This site does contain adult content and you must be 18 to enter. Ciana is willing to ship this prize within the US and Internationally! *** For an additional contest entry go to Ciana’s site, find the book gallery. Pick a title you would like to read and then come back and post a LINK to that book’s page here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Hachette Book Group - 5 sets of the following TEN books (5 winners win all ten titles). Shipping to the US and Canada, NO P.O. Boxes please. Valued at $764.50THE HERETIC’S DAUGHTER By Kathleen KentISOLATION By Travis ThrasherTHE 13 BEST HORROR STORIES OF ALL TIME By Leslie PockellTHE MONSTERS: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein By Dorothy Hoobler , Thomas HooblerTHE MYRTLES PLANTATION: The True Story of America’s Most Haunted House By Frances KermeenGHOSTLY ENCOUNTERS: True Stories of America’s Haunted Inns and Hotels By Frances KermeenTHE TERROR By Dan SimmonsDRACULA By Bram StokerWHEN GHOSTS SPEAK: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits By Mary Ann WinkowskiTHE HISTORIAN By Elizabeth Kostovahttp://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Hachette Book Group site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Sue Durkin - An incredible prize package including a 1 hour intuitive consultation worth $80.00 and a copy of her book worth $14.95 to TWO winners. Valued at $189.90. Will ship the book internationally. I can do a long distance call 24/7 in the USA and Canada. International readings will have to be in email or messaging, unless they wish to call her.http://rebootyourlife.suesunshine.com/“I do intuitive readings/consultations and I am the author of Life is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies.”*** For an additional contest entry go Sue’s site, find the services page. Pick a service you would like to have and then come back and post a LINK to that page here and tell us which service package you wish you could have. Only one choice is necessary.
Marr Williams - $130.00 credit towards a blog customization. International customers welcome.http://www.13pumpkins.com/“Web and graphic design company that specializes in small business blogs and web sites.”*** For an additional contest entry go Marr’s site, find the portfolio page. Pick your favorite design and then come back and post a LINK to that page here. Only one choice is necessary.
Melissa Alvarez - $100.00 gift certificate good for a reading at her website. for any reading or service that I offer. It can be used in any combination - ten single questions or one general reading and a yes/no question etc.http://melissaa.com/a-psychic-haven/*** For an additional contest entry go Melissa’s site, find the store page. Pick a service you would like to have and then come back and post a LINK to that page here AND tell us which service you wish you could have. Only one choice is necessary.
Aspen Mountain Press - $100.00 in gift certificates to their online site. 4 winners will be drawn each will win a $25.00 gift certificate.http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/“Adventure, Mystery, Passion”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Aspen Mountain Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Mundania Press - 4 $25 gift certificates for the Mundania Press site. Four winners.http://www.mundania.com/“Science fiction, fantasy, and horror from talented authors.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Mundania Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Bitten by Books Review Staff - 2 electronic copies of the epic story “Nothing But Red”. This is not a paranormal story, but it is a book with a collection of stories that impacts women worldwide. The review team of BBB would like to spread the word about this important work and encourage each of you to purchase your own print or e-book copy of “Nothing But Red” in support of woman and ultimately humankind. About the book:“In April 2007, a group of men pulled seventeen-year-old Du’a Khalil Aswad into a mob. They proceeded to stone and beat her to death, a supposed “honor” killing for allegedly falling in love with a man of a different faith. Several camera phones recorded the entire incident from the front row, and videos later surfaced online. One month later, popular filmmaker Joss Whedon expressed his despair and outrage at the misogyny in all cultures on a fan-run blog. “Because it’s no longer enough to be a decent person,” he wrote. “It’s no longer enough to shake our heads and make concerned grimaces at the news. True enlightened activism is the only thing that can save humanity from itself. I’ve always had a bent towards apocalyptic fiction, and I’m beginning to understand why. I look and I see the earth in flames. Her face was nothing but red.” The arts anthology Nothing But Red was conceived as a way to raise both awareness of the issues he spoke of, as well as money for the charity Equality Now.” Buy the book here: http://stores.lulu.com/nothingbutredIf you purchase a copy of this book and send us the reciept, you will get TWENTY additional entries!
Lyda’s Pen - Contributing Three Prizes -1 Sterling Silver Necklace Heart - Valued at $20.00, 1 Sterling Silver Pair of Earrings with Matching Necklace Valued at $40.00 and a prize package including 1 Sterling Silver Necklace, Rectangle Turquoise Stone with Christine Feehan’s Book “Deadly Game” valued at $27.99. US shipping onlyhttp://lydaspen.wordpress.com/“Lyda’s Poison Pen, where the Pen is mightier than the sanity.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Lyda’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Bauble Bath - One Holiday Gift basket valued at $75.00 with 3 scrubs (Candy Cane, Sugar Plum, Gingerbread). We three Kings bauble set (3 scented with Frankincense and Myrh). Holiday Candy Bauble set ( 8 mini baubles in a variety of “candy” fragrances ), Snowmen and Penguin bath melts. 2 soaps in cinnamon and Honey almond and 3 Lip Balms. Shipping to the US and Canada.http://baublebath.com/“Thick Creamy scrubs as well as bath bombs in indulgent fragrances.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Bauble Bath site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.Minnette Meador - Autographed copies of four books! Including: Starsight Volume I, Starsight Volume II (epic fantasy), The Centurion & The Queen, and The Edge of Honor (historical romance - available December 2008). Valued at $75.00. US shipping only.http://www.minnettemeador.com/“My worlds…real or imagined…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Minette’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Brenna Lyons - Brenna is offering PDF copies of every e-book release she has in 2009 to one winner (approx $50 value) and one signed print book of choice to a second winner (approx $15 value). Shipping to US and Canada only.http://www.brennalyons.com/“Brenna writes milieu-heavy dark fantasy, science fiction and horror books, straight genre through erotic romance; all winners of Brenna’s materials should be age 18 or over.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Brenna’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
M.J. Rose - Two sets of the Reincarnationist Series by bestselling author M.J. Rose, including a copy of THE REINCARNATIONIST (paperback edition) and THE MEMORIST (hardback edition). Two winners. Valued over $60.00. US shipping only.http://mjrose.com/content/index.asp“Gripping… Rose once again skillfully blends past and present with a new set of absorbing characters in a fascinating historical locale.” –Library Journal, starred review.*** For an additional contest entry to win go to M.J.’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to the page and the book title. Only one book choice is necessary.Dahlia Rose - A tote bag with an autographed copy of each of her books. Paradise Found, Velvet Leather and Roses, When Angels Falls, Sensual Bites and The Collettes Trilogy. Valued at $55.00. US shipping only.http://www.thedecadenceofdahlia.com“Bestselling Author of Contemporary Erotica”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Dahlia’s site and find her book page, then pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Bad Girlz Bath Co. - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. US shipping only.http://badgirlzbath.com/“We’re the Passionate bath & body company. Check us out. We’re NOT your mothers bath & body shop, We’re Lot’s more Fun!!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Bad Girlz Bath site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Kettlepot Soap - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping to US and Canada.http://www.kettlepotsoap.com/“There’s something magical about Kettlepot Soap! Natural, handcrafted products for skin care.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Kettle Pot Soap site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Amanda Young - Gift Basket, including autographed copies of Missing in Action, Temperature’s Rising and other goodies, valued at $50.00. US shipping onlyhttp://www.amandayoung.org/**Adult Content**“Romance Without Inhibition”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Amanda’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
The Pen & Muse - 1 Apple IPod 1GB shuffle (winners choice in color).http://thepenmuse.blogspot.com/“The Pen & Muse blog is dedicated to writers who enjoy reading about a variety of things from new technology, book reviews, author interviews, and writing tips.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Pen & Muse Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Katie Bug aka Domestic Diva - $20.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://katiebugdomesticdiva.blogspot.com/“My own site where I post anything that pops into my head.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Katie Bug’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Eternal Press - 3 Halloween e-books. Three winners will be drawn each will win a choice of one of their Halloween titles. Valued at $17.85.http://www.eternalpress.ca/“Eternal Press offers quality ebooks at an affordable price. We’re not just a publisher; we’re family.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Eternal Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ann Tracy Marr - $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.anntracymarr.com/“Romance with a splash of magic”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ann’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post the name of that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Sidhe Na Daire - 1 eBook copy of Yesterday’s Dreams, 1 Autographed set of Yesterday’s Dreams and Tomorrow’s Memories and 1 eBook copy of Tomorrow’s Memories. Three prizes, three winners will be drawn. Valued at $44.00. US shipping only.http://www.sidhenadaire.com/promoTM.htmCelebrate the Launch of Danielle Ackley-McPhail’s Long-Awaited novel Tomorrow’s Memories, the sequel to Yesterday’s Dreams. Also, see webpage for details on how you could win a replica Scottish Claymore.*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Sidhe Na Daire site, find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Judith Rochelle - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.judithrochelle.com/“At my web site you’ll find sizzling romantic suspense”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Judith’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Desiree Holt - $25.00 gift certificate to Total-e-boundhttp://www.desireeholt.com/**Adult Content**“Visit Desiree and check out her hot erotic romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Desiree’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Diane McEntire - A prize package including a $20.00 Walmart Gift Card, t-shirt, cap, pen and other goodies. Valued at $30.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.dmcentire.com/ **Adult Content**“Paranormal, Western, Action/Suspense, and Historial Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Diane’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Karen Wiesner - One autographed trade paperback of WOODCUTTER’S GRIM SERIES (romantic horror). Valued at $20.00. Shipping to US and Canadahttp://www.karenwiesner.com/“The world of award-winning author Karen Wiesner”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Karen’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Selena Illyria - 2 e-book copies of Tartan Interlude, two winners. Valued at $7.00.http://www.selenaillyria.com/**Adult Content**“Werewolf Iain is in love with Katherine, a human. Katherine doesn’t think that anyone can fall in love in three months. Mating is one thing, love is another altogether.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Selena’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Carol North - A prize package including a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card and two e-book short stories “Fear Not” and “As the Seed Sown”. Valued at $15.00http://carolnorth.com/“Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Carol’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Gracie C. McKeever - (5) e-books (PDF) to five different winners (1 book each winner). Their choice between these five Siren Publishing titles: 1) Between Darkness and Daylight; 2) Eternal Designs; 3) In Plain Sight; 4) Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess; or 5) The Wolf in the Mansion. Valued at $24.00.http://www.graciecmckeever.com/“Cross-Genre Erotic Romance…on the edge”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Gracie’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Casey Daniels - Complete set of her Pepper Martin series including:Don of the Dead, The Chick and the Dead, and Tombs of Endearment as well as a bookmark for the upcoming book, Night of the Loving Dead. Valued at $21.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.caseydaniels.com/“The Pepper Martin books feature Pepper, a cemetery tour guide, who solves mysteries for the ghosts in her cemetery.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Casey’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Frank Say - 3 autographed copies of his book Nine Lives. Three winners. Shipping worldwide. Valued at $47.85http://www.franksay.com/“Announcing the release of debut novel, Nine Lives.”
Liquid Silver Books - 4 E-Books. 4 winners can chose one book from their entire eBook library and in their preferred format. Valued at $30.00.http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/ **Adult Content**“Liquid Silver Books is an Erotic Romance eBook publisher, selling classy, distinctive, and HOT Erotic Romance.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Liquid Silver site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Resa Nelson - Two autographed copies of The Dragonslayer’s Sword, two winners. Valued at $29.90. Worldwide shipping.http://resanelson.com/“The Dragonslayer’s Sword is a new fantasy novel about a female blacksmith who lives in a world of dragons, shapeshifters, and ghosts.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Resa’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Molly Harper - A prize package including a $25 Borders gift certificate, plus an early copy of her debut novel Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs as soon as it becomes available. Valued at $32.99. Worldwide shipping.http://singleundeadfemale.blogspot.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Molly’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Sally Painter - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://sallypainter.com/ **Adult Content**“Paranormal Erotic Romance Author of hot, sexy gargoyles, vampires, futuristic, and fantasy heroes.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sally’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Mayra Calvani - 3 books, 3 winners one book each. Prizes are The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, nonfiction, ebook. Dark Lullaby, supernatural thriller, ebook. Embraced by the Shadows, romantic horror/vampire, ebook, value $15.00http://www.mayracalvani.com/“Multigenre author and book reviewer.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Mayra’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to the book page and the title of the book you would like to read. Only one book choice is necessary.
Marilu Mann - A prize package including the November 7, 2008 release Changing Hearts (Lusting Wild 2) download and set of recipe cards. Valued at $7.99. US shipping only.http://www.greatmta.com/“The 2nd book in the Lusting Wild series, Changing Hearts is a sensual paranormal romance guaranteed to spice up your life.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Marilu’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Marta Acosta - A prize package including autographed copies of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula and Midnight Brunch http://martaacosta.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Marta’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Savannah Chase - A prize package including a handmade bookmark, a goodie bag filled with author promo items and a bath set. Valued at $20.00. Worldwide shippinghttp://www.savannahchase.com/“Satisfy Your Desire…Indulge The Temptation”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Savannah’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Shelley Munro - $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.shelleymunro.com/**Adult Content**“Adventure into romance with Shelley Munro–I write paranormal and contemporary erotic romance, set in New Zealand.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Shelley’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
The Wild Rose Press - $10.00 gift certificate to their websitehttp://www.thewildrosepress.com/“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Wild Rose Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
The Wilder Roses - Erotic romance website of The Wild Rose Press - $10.00 gift certificate to their websitehttp://www.thewilderroses.com/ **Adult Content**“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Wilder Roses Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Christine Norris -Prize package with swag PLUS an autographed copy of Return to Zandria. Valued at $25.00. US shipping only http://www.christine-norris.com/“YA Fantasy Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Christine’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Raine Delight - A prize package including a copy of Fairy Kisses (Out Nov. 7th) and a promotional envelope full of goodies. Valued at $5.00. Worldwide shipping.http://authorrainedelight.com/ **Adult Content**“Scorching hot romance amid the pages……”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Raine’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Beth Trissel - 3 prizes, 3 winners. One digital download of her book “Somewhere My Love”. Valued at $18.00http://www.bethtrissel.com/“Romance charged with danger from ages past!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Beth’s site find her books and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Spa Secrets - $30.00 gift certificate to their website.http://spasecrets.net/“Spa Secrets offers an amazing collection of luxurious bath and body, skincare, and aromatherapy products for your home spa needs.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Spa Secret’s site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Michele Bardsley - $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.michelebardsley.com/“National bestseller Michele Bardsley is the author of WAIT TILL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME, the fourth novel in her popular Broken Heart, Oklahoma vampire series.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Michele’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ericka Scott - $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card http://www.erickascott.com/“Author of Seductive Suspense”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ericka’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Lori Johnson - A prize package including a $15.00 Amazon.com Gift Card and 1 autographed copy of People of the Bear (available now) or Heart of the Bear (when released). Valued at $30.00. US shipping only.http://www.lori-johnson.com/“Find fantasy, romance and adventure in my Bearwalker Trilogy”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Lori’s site find the Bear Facts page and pick any fact, then come back here and post a LINK to the page and your fact. Only one choice is necessary.
Murdoch Hughes - Two books, two winners, one book each. One autographed copy of The Seattle Barista Killer and one copy of Death Mask Of The Jaguar. Valued at $23.90. Worldwide shipping.http://www.werewolfdetective.blogspot.com/“IMurdoch Hughes is the award-winning author of the Rick Sage Mystery Series and the Harley Wolf Mystery Series, which both feature paranormal elements; “Death Mask of the Jaguar” features a Mayan Jaguar Spirit, and the protagonist of the “Seattle Barista Killer” is a vegan werewolf detective.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Murdoch’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Adelle Laudan - 1- $10 gift certificate Wild Child Publishing and 1- $10 gift certificate Freyas Bower Publishing. Two winners.http://adellelaudan.com/“Changing the image of bikers…one book at a time.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Adelle’s site find her books and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Jeri Smith-Ready - Autographed copies of the full ASPECT OF CROW trilogy: Eyes Of Crow, Voice Of Crow, and The Reawakened. Valued at $44.85. US Shipping onlyhttp://www.jerismithready.com/“Author of romantic and urban fantasy, including the popular vampire novel WICKED GAME and the ASPECT OF CROW animal magic trilogy.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Jeri’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Dana Marie Bell - A $25.00 gift certificate to Books On Boardhttp://www.danamariebell.com/“Dance with an alpha in the pale moonlight…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Dana’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ann Cory - 2 each $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Cards, two winners.http://www.anncory.com/ **Adult Content**“Erotic romance author.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ann’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Gracen Miller - One copy of her e-book, The Devil’s Den, to five different winners. Valued at $35.00.http://www.gracenmiller.com/“Author of The Devil’s Den, a dark paranormal e-book”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Gracen’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Sapphire Phelan - 1 eBook. Winner can choose one of the following titles: Wedded Magic, Crimson Promise, or Beast Magic. Valued at $5.00http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/“Go beyond the usual, instead take the unusual that stretches the boundaries and find romance with Sapphire Phelan’s aliens, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and other supernatural/otherworldly heroes and heroines.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sapphire’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Miriam Newman - A prize package including two e-books: Confessions of the Cleaning Lady - a four-cup Coffee Time Romance contemporary fantasy romance and The King’s Daughter - winner of five blue ribbons from Romance Junkies, a historical fantasy whose sequel, Heart of the Earth, will be available in December, 2008, and a coupon for Heart of the Earth to be issued and honored upon the release date of the book. Valued at $19.50.http://www.miriamnewman.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Miriam’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Sloan McBride - A prize package including an electronic copy of “The Fury”, Book One in Time Walker Series, an autographed copy of her debut novel, “Highland Stone”, and a $25.00 eBay gift certificate. Valued at $35.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.sloanmcbride.com/index.html“Paranormal Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Sloan’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Cinsearae Santiago - An electronic copy of her book The Abraxas Series. Valued at $10.00http://www.bloodtouch.com/“Gothic/Horror & Paranormal Romance Author, jewelry designer and Gothic still-photographer.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Cinsearae’s site find the store page and pick your favorite piece of jewelry, then come back here and post a LINK to that page and tell us which piece it is. Only one choice is necessary.
Designing-Diva Boutique - A $25.00 gift certificate for their online store. Worldwide shippinghttp://www.designing-diva.com/“Artisan handcrafted silver and fused glass jewelry and home decor adornments for mortal goddesses everywhere!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Designing Diva’s site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Michelle Gagnon - Spend Halloween in the BONEYARD with Michelle Gagnon: Win a prize package including a $25.00 Amazon.com Gift Card and a signed first edition of the IMBA Bestselling thriller Boneyard. Valued at $31.99. Worldwide shipping.http://www.michellegagnon.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Michelle’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Pink Petal Books - A $10.00 gift certificate to their online storehttp://www.pinkpetalbooks.com/“Pink Petal Books publishes romance, because we believe that love is a beautiful thing.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Pink Petal Books site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Jupiter Gardens - A $10.00 gift certificate to their online storehttp://www.jupitergardens.com/“Nurture your inner worlds with products and services from Jupiter Gardens, LLC.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Jupiter Gardens site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Jennifer Turner - An autographed copy of Eternal Seduction and a 10 pc. Halloween Gift Box from Godiva. Valued at $32.00. US shipping onlyhttp://www.darknesswithinnovels.com/home.html“Dark Paranormal Romance Author”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Jennifer’s site find the book page and find the name of her 3rd book. Then come back here and post a LINK to that page and the book name. Only one book choice is necessary.
C.A.Milson - 5 e-books of his novel, The Chosen. 5 winners. Valued at $30.00http://authorcamilson.blogspot.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Chris’ Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Joey W. Hill - A prize package including a signed copy of her new release, A Mermaid’s Kiss and Set of David Delamare Mermaid Art Greeting Cards (The Grand Aquaria set) - Valued $35.00. Worldwide shipping.http://www.storywitch.com/“Surrender to a romance – Free excerpts from all of my books on website…”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Joey’s site find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Christiane France - 2 x $5 gift certificates for downloads of any of her e-books from Amber Quill Press. Two winners.http://www.chrisgrover.ca/**Adult Content**“I write adult erotic romance - contemporary, historical, paranormal, time travel, hetero, gay, and m/m/f.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Christiane’s site find the book pages and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Kelsey Lewis - A Prize package including a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card and an e-book copy of her book Reunion. Valued at $24.00.http://www.kelsey-lewis.com/**Adult Content**“Shamelessly erotic romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Kelsy’s site find the stories page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
John B. Rosenman - An autographed, trade paperback copy of my science-fiction adventure novel, Speaker of the Shakk. Valued at $12.95. Worldwide shipping.http://www.johnrosenman.com/*** For an additional contest entry to win go to John’s site find the coming soon pages and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Manic Trout - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.http://www.manictrout.com/“Manic Trout has a wide array of baubles and bracelets that will add a funky finesse to your next outfit.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Manic Trout site and pick any product you would like to own, then come back here and post a LINK to that product. Only one choice is necessary.
Erin O’Riordan - Three signed copies of The Erotica Anthology, three winners. Valued at $15.00 each. Worldwide shippinghttp://www.aeess.com/ **Adult Content**“AEESS is the home of quality erotica and more by Erin O’Riordan.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Erin’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Mary Eason - A Print Copy of her latest release entitled: The Things You Think You Want. Valued at $14.00. US shipping only.http://www.maryeason.bravehost.com/“Carrie Sinclair thought she knew exactly what she wanted from life until she came face-to-face with the bluest eyes in Texas.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Mary’s site find the booklist page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.
Ashley Ladd - A prize package including her electronic books”Wishcraft” and “Blessed Be” which are both Halloween romances. Valued at $10.00.http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com/“I write erotic romance and have several books published and available for sale.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Ashley’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.
Amira Press - Two $10.00 gift certificates to the Amira Press store. Two winnershttp://www.amirapress.com/ **Adult Content**“Publisher of Romance and Erotic Romance”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Amira Press site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
Source Books Casablanca - 2 copies of Warrior: The Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks and 3 copies of Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom. 5 winners. Valued at $34.95. US Shipping only.http://www.sourcebookscasablanca.com/“Sourcebooks, the largest woman-owned publishing house in the United States, is a twenty-year-old innovator in the publishing industry. Sourcebooks has been the #1 non-fiction romance publisher since 1997 with its Sourcebooks Casablanca imprint.”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Sourcebooks site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.
eXcessica Publishing - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store.http://www.excessica.com/ **ADULT CONTENT** ”An innovative, hot new publishing company bringing you everything from the sweet to the forbidden in erotic fiction!”*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the eXcessica Publishing site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back and post a LINK to that book here. Only one book choice is necessary.

Romance lives

2008-10-27T17:52:00.002-04:00

Oh yeah, it really does. And since this week I'm celebrating an anniversary with the man of my dreams, I thought this was a good time to shout out my eternal enthusiasm for love and romance.

I hear people claim that there's really no such thing as happily ever after. I have to shake my head and disagree. I've been blessed to have been loved by a man I admire, respect, like and love for more than 30 years. And not a day goes by that I don't count that as the biggest blessing in my life.

Does romance die after that many years? Not in my world. Not with a man who tells you every day that you're the best thing that ever happened to him and that he loves you more than life. And not with a man who backs those words up in his actions.

So color me a lucky gal this week and help me celebrate my good fortune, my happily ever after. And as a little something for that wonderful man.... here's the song that says everything I'd say (and do).

Hope your week is filled with love and romance!!

Hugs-
Ci

Romance is more than flowers

2008-10-26T09:28:00.005-04:00

Romance is more than just giving your lover flowers or a special gift. It’s the intimacy of sharing special moments just about the two of you.

Simply cuddling up on the couch to watch a movie can be highly romantic. Doing the tender things that convey ‘I love you’ and ‘you’re special to me’ will translate into romance if done with that special person.

Making time for each other is an act of romance. The greatest gifts you can give another person are your time… your attention… your care. To have an intimate relationship, you must be willing to be vulnerable. That’s the risk, but one that can bring great rewards in a satisfying loving relationship.

If you plan a perfect romantic evening complete with flowers, wine, dinner, and a romantic setting but don’t have intimacy then it is only window dressing. The driving force of romance is emotion. The feelings you share with your lover creates those special moments. It’s allowing your lover to see inside you and touch your soul.

That’s why watching a movie or shopping for groceries or taking a walk can be some of the most romantic moments in your relationship.