Wanna do a little Sexploring?

Sexploring with Ciana Stone and Sahara Kelly:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Weekend!!

Ci

Romance and Frienship - two of my favorite things

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

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

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

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


This is what Romance Junkies has to say:

Rating: 5 blue ribbons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Thursday:)

Ci
www.cianastone.com

What I know about romance...

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

Legend of the Red Reaper

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

I LOVE YOUR BLOG AWARD!

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

After receiving the award we must:

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

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

1. 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


2. 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!


3. 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!
   
4. 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!
   
5. 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!
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.

Only two more days!!!!!

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

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 lives

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

The Day the Music Died

And no I'm not about to start singing "bye bye Miss American Pie". I'm referring to the fact that before dawn on Friday my laptop crashed and even though I was able to get it back up and running (after many hours with tech support) I lost all of my muic.

Yes, I had a "waaaaa" moment. More so over that than the fact I lost a book I was writing and had only two chapters left to finish it. The book I can rewrite - and make it better than the first time around. The music? That stabs deep.

Music plays a big part in my life. Each book I've written has a certain kind of music attached to it. Each important event in my life has music associated with it. Every time I get romantic or frisky with my honey ... you guessed it, there's a musical theme.

Today I'm rewriting that book I lost and the music that's playing is one of my all-time favorites from a lady I think is one of the biggest talents ever....



Hope you find some love sneakin' up on you:)

Happy Sunday!!
Ci

Eye Candy and Aged Wine

I'm one of those people who spends most of their life either taking photos of, or working with images of deliciously handsome, buff men. Yeah, you'd think I'd be in a perpetual state of heightened arousal, right? Well, models are certainly easy on the eyes and a heck of a lot of fun to work with - delicious eye-candy.

And don't get me wrong. Candy is good. Real good. But there are times when I crave a nice 'aged wine' - in other words, a mature man. A man who's appeal isn't in his ripped six-pack abs or rock hard quads. It's in his life experience, the books he's read, the places he's visited, the hard knocks he's overcome and the knack of surviving he's mastered.

This weekend I'm in one of those moods when I'd like a little of both. I mean some candy is good with wine, right? And while I'm going to have to wait a bit, soon I will get a good helping of both in an upcoming film star Jason Statham (young and yummy) and Burt Reynolds (he's been raising my hormone levels for years).

Here's a little teaser that demonstates the appeal of both the eye candy and aged wine:



This is Ci wishing you a great weekend filled with whatever masculine treats tempt your palate:)

Old Toy, New Tricks?

It doesn't require batteries. There are no moving parts. It's cheap and it's fun. What is it? Why the hoola hoop. Remember back in the days of yor when as kids we'd hoola up a storm? A few months ago I decided it'd be a good idea to take a blast into the past and revive my hoola skills.

** Note. Do NOT purchase a hoop that has a cloth covering.

Yep, that's what I did. And after fifteen frustrating minutes was ready to throw the hoop in the trash and myself on the floor. I couldn't keep it going. One turn and it'd head straight to the floor. Naturally I got some ribbing from the local men folk ... "no hula left in your hoop?"

And naturally I challenged them to give it a try. Three men and no success. That hoop wouldn't hoola. Ha! Take that men folk. I grab my handy-dandy scissors and whacked the fabric from the hoop. Said a little prayer to the gods of hoola and gave it another try.

VICTORY! I do have hoola left in me. And you know what? It's fun. It's good exercise. AND honey man seems particularly attracted to me when I'm hoola-ing. Hmmmmm.

So, if you're looking for a cheap and fun way to spice things up, give the hoop a hoola. All that swaying, hip wiggling action is likely to net you some fun of another kind.

And take a look at some of the action in this hoola hoopers at the 2004 Burning Man. Oh wow, I've got to practice!!

Happy weekend!!

Ci

Hula Hooping Burning Man 2004 - For more amazing video clips, click here

When Ahhhhh turns to Euuuuwwweeee!

Okay, there you are, Saturday night, alone with your man. It's a moonlit night. The floating pool lights cast a magical glow to the water. Stars twinkle overhead. The air is warm, but not as warm as the water, so you sink in, floating in that glowing warmth.

Your man swims over. Pulls you up against him. Oh yeah, that feels good. His hands move along your back. Nice. He walks you around the pool, your bodies touching, the water rippling around you.

You're caught up in the moment. Too caught up at first to notice. Why do you feel something on your shoulder if both his hands are otherwise occupied. Gulp! You turn your head to look.

A shriek cuts through the night. There's a freaking frog the size of Alabama on your freaking shoulder!

Euuuwwweeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Honey man to the rescue. Captures the beast and tosses it into a potted plant beside the pool then swims back over to you.

Too late. The mood is gone. Damn frogs. So much for moonlight swims. Where's the tequila?

Just another manic Monday

Well color me a dull vixen because it's Monday evening and I don't have a darn thing to say. My only excuse is that it's MONDAY people!! The day AFTER I've had two days to sleep late, stay up late, spend the day in either boxer shorts and tank top or a swim suit, skip the gym and pretend the house is going to clean itself.

Monday is a hard slap in the face. A ringing alarm at 4:30 am. WTF?? It's hours till dawn. It'll take two pots of coffee to get my engine started. I'll have to brave the bathroom mirror and the Monday face. Monday always is a bad hair day, a day when a zit appears, when the luggage under your eyes looks like the family size jumbo deluxe and your favorite shorts came out of the dryer refusing to conform to your form.

It's the day you make notes to yourself - and promises. You'll add another mile to your run. You WILL remember to moisturize EVERY night. You'll throw away that bag of chocolate and eat carrot sticks. You'll lighten up on the sugar in your coffee. You won't use the F word today. You'll do another set of crunchies even if it makes you puke. You'll remember to buy a birthday card that should have gone in the mail last week. You'll clean off that thing you call a desk - you know, that area that looks like a bomb went off on it. You'll answer the phone without growling hello. You won't use the F word today. (Yeah, I know I said that already, but on Monday it takes two reminders).

And then you find yourself at the end of the day trying to think of something witty to write. Well, news flash. There's no zip in my do-da. I know lost at least half the zip in mile three of the run, right after my sports bra blew a strap. WTF? Nothing like being lopsided. Such a nice look. The other half vanished when I went for that extra set of crunchies and decided that women don't need abs.

So, bottom line, this vixen is a dud today. Maybe Tuesday will be better. Maybe I'll go to bed at 8pm. Maybe I'll remember to moisturize. Or maybe I'll take honey-man's suggestion (he just strolled by) and pretend it's Friday, go for a naughty swim, stay up late and whine long and loud when that Tuesday alarm rings. Hey, a gal's gotta go what a gal's gotta do to rezip her do da.

Hope you've got plenty of zip:) Happy Monday!

Romance & Food

When we think of food and romance, most of us envision a glass of wine, candlelight, a scrumptious meal and a decadent chocolate dessert all back dropped by romantic music and attire. Sigh. And that is a wonderful way to blend romance and food. But there are many other ways aside from the obvious of chocolate covered strawberries and champagne.

Simple ways to tease your lover with food:

1. Arrange with the restaurant to spell out a message on your lover’s dessert plate.

2. Bake cookies and leave for him in his briefcase, lunch, gym bags, or car.

3. Buy expensive chocolates, wrap in a nice package and leave on his pillow. (Hey, guys like this touch, too.)

4. Barbecue his favorite meal and set the patio table as a surprise in place of pizza night.

5. Set a romantic evening with candlelight around the tub or hot tub, champagne and sexy chocolate body paint.

6. Slice up fruit wedges and share while watching the sunset.

7. Pack a picnic and feed your lover tasty morsels.

8. Surprise him with breakfast in bed.

9. Buy or bake a small cake and decorate with his favorite sports’ motif.

10. Serve an after dinner special blend coffee or share a new blend of tea together.

Here’s a great romantic food recipe that's very different and just right for a new romantic taste adventure!

Coconut Kisses

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 egg yolks
1 tbs butter or margarine
1 lb grated coconut (fresh)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together. Stir over medium heat constantly, until able to see pan bottom. Then pour onto a plate and let cool. Let set for 24 hours then form into balls. You may wish to grease palms before forming balls. Roll in sugar (granulated is best, but powdered works too). Place on decorative plate and serve. Yields about 30 kisses. (Your lover might give you that many for this one!)

What you want

Baby I got it. Remember that old song by Aretha, our lady of soul. Well today I'm singing that phrase because Romance Vixens is honored, thrilled, delighted and excited to announce that we have something every woman dreams of.

What you ask? Well, what else? A dashing, sexy-as-sin, body-to-die-for man who actually IS all about the romance. Our very own Rogue, the talented Mr. Andrei Claude.

Internationally acclaimed male model, 2005's Mr. Romance and now an actor, Andrei's incredible looks and talent have been enchanting women all over the world. He arrived on the scene with impact and each year he just gets better. What you may not know is that Andrei is more than a handsome face, great body and talent. He's a true romantic, sophisticated, intelligent, fun and a little dangerous. If you list all of the elements we writers of romance want in a dashing Rogue, then you've described Andrei.

Talk about blessed with good fortune. This little vixen was doing one excited happy dance when Andrei accepted the invidation to be our Rogue.

We'll be having regular updates on Andrei and what's happening with him. Images and videos of Andrei can be found on our new website and on Andrei's site. We're inviting you to write in and ask Andrei questions. Once a month I'll post Andrei's answers and comments, and new pictures for your pleasure. The short clip below will treat you to Andrei on film.




Join me in welcoming one of the uncontested sexiest men in the world to Romance Vixens, our dreamy Rogue, Andrei Claude. He'll be checking comments and if we're lucky may even make one of his own.

Andrei, thank you. You really are an inspiration and an incredibly romantic and generous man.

Hugs to all,
Ciana

Romance is alive

Fads come and go, fashions change, society takes on new attitudes...but one thing that remains constant is our thirst for romance. Inside the heart of every woman is a yearning to be romanced, swept off her feet or wooed slowly. We read about it, think about it and dream about it.

Make no mistake, it isn't just sex we're after. We want that emotional punch, that feeling in our belly that flutters when we think of that man, the way we can't get him out of our mind and yes, even the way it can make us crazy trying to figure out how to fix our hair or what to wear for that next meeting.

And what is it we want from that special man? Why everything of course. We want to be his ruling passion, to know that we're in his heart and mind with every breath he takes. Or, as it goes in one of my favorite songs ... we want it to be All for Love.



Okay, gotta pause to fan myself. I have such a case of the hots for Sting and Bryan Adams. Either one of those fellas could be a fire in my night:) But that's a bit off topic so...

This is Ciana, wishing you a safe and happy weekend and hoping you're making time for some romance in your life. Like the song says "all for love".