December 17, 2008

The Tempting World of Lena Austin

Today we have the incomparable Lena Austin who is a “fallen” society wench with a checkered past. She has been a licensed minister, hairdresser, and realtor, radio DJ, exotic dancer, telephone service tech, live-steel medievalist swordswoman, BDSM Mistress, and investment property manager. Not necessarily in that order.

She never finished that degree in archaeology, but did learn to scuba. After a life like that, gardening is pretty restful. Of herself, Lena writes, “I’m tall, presently red-haired, and I look like an unholy mating between an Amazon and a librarian.” But she sure can cook!

Here are two of Lena’s Holiday favorites to tease your sweet tooth:

Eggnog Truffles
Source: 2006 Yearbook at http://www.Wilton.com

Ingredients:
• 1 pkg (14 oz.) White Candy Melts® coarsely chopped
• Dark Cocoa Candy Melts® melted, or
• Light Cocoa Candy Melts® melted, or
• White Candy Melts®
• 1/4 cup prepared eggnog
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ground (Freshly grated is best)
• Christmas Sprinkles Assortment

In microwave safe container or on top of stove, melt Candy Melts with eggnog and cream. Stir in nutmeg. Pour into shallow pan. Refrigerate 1-2 hours or overnight until firm but pliable. Roll into 1-inch balls. Dip into melted candy; roll in sprinkles.

Makes: Each truffle serves 1. Makes about 5 dozen candies.

Red Velvet Cheesecake

For the Crust:
1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted
1 TBSP granulated sugar

For the Filling:
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 TBSP unsweetened cocoa
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp distilled white vinegar
2 (1 oz) bottles red food coloring

For the Topping:
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup butter, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crust:
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 1 TBSP sugar; press mixture onto bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan.

For the Filling:
Beat together cream cheese and sugar at medium low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute.
Add eggs, unsweetened cocoa, sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar and food coloring. Mix on low speed just until fully combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 300F, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm.
Run knife along outer edge of cheese. Turn oven off and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes.
Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 m minutes.
Cover and chill for 8 hours.

For the topping:
Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
Remove cheesecake from refrigerator and spread topping evenly over top of cheesecake.
Remove sides of spring form. Garnish if desired.
Source: Southern Living Christmas Cookbook

While you’re indulging yourself with these tasty treats cruise on over to Lena’s website for more great recipes and a look at her soon to be released YULE FIRE from Aspen Mountain Press.

BLURB:
Belle is hiding her multi-millionaire preschooler from the press. Jacques is hiding his business dealings and playing the reluctant war hero Belle must host as a promo stunt for her magazine. All they both want is a quiet holiday season in each other’s arms, but not if Belle’s obnoxious boss has his way.

What are a witch and a war hero to do but become co-conspirators, determined to have a little food and fun with no strings attached? But Someone else has plans for them both that go beyond the holiday season.

Lena Austin

http://lenaaustin.com/

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

December 16, 2008

Too Much Holiday Can Mean Too Much Me

Hi Everyone, I’m Ginger Simpson. Traditionally, the holidays are a joyous time for me.  Although I’ve managed to marry two men in my lifetime who could substitute for the grinch, I still manage to keep the magic of Christmas alive. 

The way to a man’s heart and holiday spirit definitely comes through food and sex.  Since I’ve reached the age where there are more tantalizing dishes than me, I stick to the kitchen rather than the bedroom.  *lol*

I’ve always struggled with my weight, so this time of year is deadly on diets. I’m posting two rarely seen pictures of me. 

The one in red is from in the late 80s and the other (I lost my glasses and had to resort to sunglasses for the day) was taken in 1996 at my bridal shower. You can clearly see why I fear anything that has to do with excessive food. Actually, I believe you shouldn’t be able to utter diet and holiday in the same sentence, so I always remind myself I can undo the damage as part of my New Year resolution. It never works, but it assuages my guilty conscience.

And this is me today!

Since I’m not the only woman in the world with this problem, I wrote FOREVER FAITH, a book that explains what some of us go through and how we learn to find the real beauty in ourselves.

FOREVER FAITH
EternalPress

BLURB:
Faith Oliver suffers from a weight problem and has no real beaus in her life. In fact, she’s never been with a man. Maybe that’s why she’s surprised when a delectably handsome male invades her dreams and commands her body. Driven to diet to find a boyfriend to replace her hunky dream lover, Faith undergoes hypnotherapy to determine the meaning of her night visions. Her sessions draw her back to another life, to an era far removed…and a strange name she’s heard before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I tend to stick to the traditional menu as I’m not much of a cook.  What  I prepare is tasty, but don’t expect anything out of the ordinary.  Since I do turkey on Thanksgiving, I usually migrate to ham on Christmas.  This year we’re actually considering prime rib since the number of people at the table has declined.  Sadly, we live too far from most relatives and don’t speak to some of them.  Can you say dysfuctional?  *lol*

Anyhow, I’m so happy Sloane invited me to blog because it gives me an opportunity to get into the spirit by sharing one of my favorite, EASY, Christmas recipes with you.  It’s colorful (your choice), tasty, fast, and people always assume it was much more work than it actually was.  It’s my Cottage Cheese/Cool Whip Fruit Salad:

1 small container of Cool Whip
1 small container Small Curd Cottage Cheese
1 small box of regular Jello (red, orange, green)
1 can of fruit (your choice).  I like mandarin oranges or pineapple.

Stir together the cottage cheese and cool whip.  Add the jello powder directly to the mix and stir until throughly dissolved.  Drain the fruit, add it to the colored mixture, blend and refrigerate overnight.  You can decorate the top for the occasion.  I often use more cool whip and dollop it on top or display more slices of mandarin oranges.  You can be creative or not.  It’s good regardless.  And I did say, easy, didn’t I?  This is a low-fat, low calorie treat you can enjoy without too much guilt.

Always an early decorator, my house is usually holiday ready the day after Thanksgiving. I love my tree and all the little knack knacks I’ve collected through the years. Unfortunately, during my previous divorce, I lost some of the most precious–the decorations my children made when they were small. That’s a blog for another day.

Thanks again, Sloane, for allowing me space on your blog.  I’ll enjoy getting recipes from your other guests and giving them a try, but only the ones that won’t pack back on the pounds.  I’m having a hard time just gaining through inhaling.   I wish everyone a joyous holiday and share the hope that the New Year will be much more prosperous for us all.

Ginger Simpson
2009 EPPIE Finalist

http://www.gingersimpson.com/

December 15, 2008

Hellooooo Dollies!

G’ morning!

Celia Kyle here and the first to kick off Sloane’s series of yummy holliday sharing and I can’t wait to give ya’ll the low down on one of my traditions.

Now, first, you have to recognize what an accomplishment it is for me to even COOK.  Like, ever.  For example, my typical holiday feast consists of a ham from the Honey Baked Ham Company (yes, a company that sells fully cooked hams, woot!), boxed mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, bottled gravy, canned cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.

Notice a trend?  Celia, she does not cook.  However, there is always one exception to every rule and for me, that’s Hello Dollies.

Ingredient Group 1:

1 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/2 stick butter Melted

Ingredient Group 2:

1 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips – Semisweet
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1 Cup Coconut – Shredded
1 Can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk

Combine the Graham Cracker Crumbs and melted Butter, mixing thouroghly and then press into a 9′ x 11′ pan.  Then, sprinkle the ingredients listed in group 2 in the order which they appear above.  First, Chocolate Chips followed by Walnuts and finally the Coconut.  Then, pour the can of condensed milk over it all and press down with a spoon (the back) to make sure it’s all snuggly in there.  Then, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Voila!  Take one bite and you’ll be shouting “Hello Dolly” right along with me this holiday season.

And for those you who may be as clueless as I was when I started making these… you can buy a box of graham cracker crumbs at the grocery store.  You know, instead of using a plastic bag and rolling pin to crush your own…  Not that I ever did that or anything. 

Now if you’d like an interesting holiday cocktail, why not try…

SILK PANTIES

Ingredients
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
1 1/2 oz Vodka
1 Sexy woman with a penchant for silk

Lisa Bradenton is breaking out of her shell. What better way to take a walk on the wild-one-night-stand-side than a visit to the infamous Del Fantasma? At the urging of her friends, Lisa goes to the bar with the hopes of finding a lover to take her mind off her ex-boyfriend. Soon after walking through the doors she’s overwhelmed by the sexy bartender who has a quick smile, sexy eyes and deep rumbling voice. He is definitely one-night stand material. Definitely.

Jonathan and his inner beast crave the sexy, sultry and curvy siren’s touch. A smile and good conversation aren’t enough for him. Even after he’s gotten her in his bed, he still craves everything about the seductress. Her looks reeled him in, but her uncertainty and open nature snare him forever. But after one night of bliss, she disappears. What the hell is he supposed to do now? Lisa is his mate and without her, he’s lost.

Buy it NOW from Aspen Mountain Press!

Happy holidays!!!!

Celia

http://www.celiakyle.com/

December 8, 2008

Free Books & MORE!

December is my birthday month and I’m CELEBRATING! Friends are dropping in daily until December 14. I hope you’ll join us at http://www.sloanetaylor.com/blog for a fun time.

Each day I’m giving away a free download to one person in a simple contest. The winner gets to select the book of their choice from my releases. All you need to do is email me sloanetaylor @ comcast.net, no spaces, on the day you wish to enter the contest. Type BOOKS in the subject line and the title you’d like in the body of your email. Told you it was easy! You can enter as many times as you like. I’ll draw a winner each day and announce them on my blog.

Here are the winners for December 6 and 7;

LB who chose TEDDI TURNS ON.
JULIE who chose FRENCH DELIGHTS.
Their prizes have been sent.

Since today is special for me, I’ve decided to give out 8 books to people who’ve entered and not yet been drawn. The winners and their books are:

BRIAN – FRENCH KISS
DEIDRE – FRANCINE IN FIRE
JANE and MOLLY who each chose TEDDI TURNS ON
LESLIE and LEXEE who each chose FRENCH DELIGHTS
LORETTA – FRENCH TART
MICHELLE – FRENCH TWIST

Congratulations to all the winners and I look forward to giving away even more books!

Below are the marvelous authors and their days. Be sure to check them out. They’re a lot of fun and filled with amazing talent. You’re sure to find an exciting new author to read. Feel free to ask anything you like. These folks will check in throughout the day and evening to answer.

8 Sloane Taylor
9 Tabitha Shay
10 Jennifer Loy
11 Beth Anderson
12 Melanie Atkins
13 Pam Champagne
14 Melissa Bradley

Also, if you like bookmarks and postcards send your snail mail address to me, sloanetaylor @ comcast.net, no spaces, with FREEBIE in the subject line. I’ll be happy to send you a packet no matter where in the world you live.

Hope to see you on at least one of the days!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell
TEDDI TURNS ON 2009 EPPIE Finalist – Erotica www.aspenmountainpress.com
FRENCH KISS www.eternalpress.ca
www.sloanetaylor.com www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor

December 7, 2008

A Writer’s Life

So ever wonder what a writer’s life was like. Well let me tell you, it’s great.  Only thing is when the writing life is great, the real life sucks LOL

What do I mean by this you ask? Well the day I fond out my book Bare Bones was going print, I also found out my landlord was entering my apartment to snoop around back home. (Yes I was at the mine site while all this was happening and couldn’t do anything to stop it.)

So while I should be excitedly promoting my buns off, I am packing to move. Ever try packing to move kowing you have to leave for work until christmas eve? Anyway the important thing here is that my Book is going print! Woooohooooooo

So without further ado, here is a little on my book….Bare Bones

Bare Bones Blurb

On the run from the Lycan who turned him during the full moon on All Hallows Eve, Christian Clarke isn’t happy when he finds Joanna wandering through the woods searching for him. His inner wolf refuses to leave her side, yet his inner man wishes to keep her at arm’s length for fear that he won’t be able to control his inner demons.

Hearing her whispered profession of love, he reveals himself. Can he keep her safe from the pack that hunts him? Will Joanna love the beast he’s become?

Excerpt :

Throwing Joanna over his shoulder, he moved quickly and stealthily through the trees. It wasn’t hard avoiding Cain and his men. Despite his many years as a werewolf, the man still couldn’t walk through the forest when in human form without sounding like elephant in heat. Just because Cain had never added a woman to the pack, didn’t mean he never would and once he set eyes on Joanna it would be a fight to the death to keep her out of his hands. It still might…

Entering his cabin, he quickly bolted the door before taking Joanna into the back room and laying her on the bed. Standing back, he looked her over, running his eyes over every inch of her body like a man dying of thirst. She was still beautiful; nothing would ever change that. But she looked tired and worn. That wasn’t normal for her. Her long, raven colored tresses were tied loosely in a ponytail, strands escaping from the ribbon messily. She looked wild, free, and never more beautiful. Her skin was pale and she looked thinner than the last time he saw her. He hated seeing her this way; he liked her curves.

Joanna stirred as a shiver passed through her. Reacting instinctively, Christian fetched a blanket from the closet and gently covered her with it. “What do I do with you now, my dear Joanna? I can’t let you leave, not while Cain is out there hunting me. He’d take one look at your beauty and snatch you away for himself. Then I’d have to kill him for touching you.”

A barely legible murmur escaped her lips, pulling a smile from his lips. There were some advantages to be a Lycan. He heard every deliciously whispered word. No, he couldn’t let her leave; only now his reasons weren’t so unselfish. He wanted to keep her for himself, lose himself in her arms, and lips. Christian finally understood what his subconscious had been trying to tell him for the past year, that he needed her. She was his sanity, the thing that kept him holding on.

Reviews:

Dog Wild Blog Spot Review

Another quick story, but in the shape-shifter genre, was offered up by Aline de Chevigny in Bare Bones. Joanna didn’t realize she’d lost the true love of her life until he disappeared. On the one-year anniversary of his disappearance she feels compelled to try to find Christian one last time… These are two people who know each other, are comfortable with one another and are taking that last step to cementing their bond with each other, for a short story it accomplishes a lot.

To see review: http://dogwild.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-reviews.html

Romance Junkies Reviews: Blue Ribbon Rating: 5.0 Recommended Read

     Ms. De Chevigny has a masterpiece in BARE BONES.  It captivated me from start to finish.  I longed to be Joanna despite the possible danger.  Christian is the perfect alpha wolf, everything a woman dreams of.  It was a page turner.  I had to discover everything I could about Christian.  Rich scenery, heated intervals and a love to die for makes a perfect romantic dream.  This book has it all.

To read full review: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Bare_Bones.shtml

Red Roses for Authors Reviews: 4 Red Roses

     This was a fun book to read. The characters were very engrossing. This is a short story that is very entertaining.

To read full review: http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/04/bare-bones.html

Two Lips Reviews: 4.5 lips

In Bare Bones, Aline de Chevigny spins a wonderful short story of a love that lasts through time, even when threatened by regret and horror. Christian’s love for Joanna has kept him forest-bound, fearful of doing her harm. When Cain and his pack threaten her, Christian knows he will fight to the death to keep her safe. This is a very hot little read, that will leave readers applauding!

For Full Review: http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3039&Itemid=36

Bitten By Books Review: 3.5 Tombstones

The two main characters interacted well but it all came together a little too neatly for my taste. I’ve read other things by Aline de Chevigny and enjoyed them and will continue to read her writing, but this one just wasn’t for me.

For Full Review: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=395

The Romance Studio Review: 4 Hearts

Aline de Chevigny has written a rather light hearted story of friends who have known each other for twenty years finally admitting to the love between them. The dialogue is often tongue in cheek funny.

For Full Review: http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/barebonesdechevigny.htm

Happy Holidays!
Aline de Chevigny
www.alinedechevigny.com

December 6, 2008

You can never have too much Sole. Linda that is!

Today we have Linda Sole, an amazing author, as our guest. Linda has over 80 published books, most of which are in print, and everyone one a treasure to read. Please give her a warm welcome and be sure to check out Linda’s contest shown below.

Hello Everyone,

A bit about me, I live in England and write every day of the week, even when I am on holiday in Spain. Sometimes I do just an hour, mainly when I am on holiday, but at other times I will put in a full day. Usually, it is when I am near to completing a book that I put in the extra hours, because I can feel the excitement of seeing a book come to its conclusion. And because I write for three or more publishers, I have to put a lot of hours in to keep up with my contracts!

I am up by about seven most mornings. I have breakfast wearing a bathrobe, catching a bit of the news on TV before coming upstairs to run my bath. I always open my email while the water is running, and when there is a heavy post from one of my groups I sometimes have to run to turn it off – usually too late! After the bath I take a walk to fetch the paper if it is an at-home day rather than a shopping day, and then I get to the computer. I like to write between ten and twenty pages a day – up to about five thousand words on a good day. If I do that I’m shattered when I’ve finished, because it takes so much out of me.

Some days I finish writing at lunchtime and then I like to sit in the sunroom, perhaps with a book or just talking to my husband. If the weather is nice we often go for a walk together, especially when we are in Spain. Over there I do a lot more walking, swimming and dining out on the sea front. I love people watching! I love the sea too, and we go quite often, perhaps once a week in summer. When I’m in my study I can watch the squirrels jumping through the trees in the wood opposite my window. It makes a break to watch them, and I feed them so they come often to our garden.

I write as Linda Sole for Red Rose Publishing and also in hardback for Severn House. However, I am probably better known for my Anne Herries books, which are usually in the Best Sellers at Amazon and sometimes in The Bookseller. I am quite often reviewed in Booklist, which is a magazine for libraries and publishers.

Cassie’s Sheikh, Chateau Despair and A Kind of Loving, all Linda Sole books will soon be in paperback with Red Rose Publishing. There are many more books to discover at my website, including the popular Upstairs/Downstairs series. You can find more information on my books at www.lindasole.co.uk

I am offering a bonus prize for one lucky winner who sends me a cover from an Anne Herries book – the prize is an ebook, winner’s choice of several. I will choose from whoever sends in to linda@lindasole.co.uk

You can find more information on my books and about me at www.lindasole.co.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CASSIE’S SHEIKH
by Linda Sole
Red Rose Publishing

BLURB:
Will the preconceived notions and stereotypes keep them apart or do opposites really attract?

Kasim has heard about a writer he thinks writes for a filthy rag, as he calls magazines that do personal stories. When he discovers that the daughter of the trainer his uncle is intending to use for his horses at Newmarket is that writer, he is scornful.

Cassie tries to persuade him she is fit to take over as a temporary trainer when her father needs time off for illness, but she isn’t prepared for the love/hate relationship between them.

Can she convince Kasim that she isn’t what he thinks – and can they overcome the differences between them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH
by Anne Herries
Published by Severn House
ISBN Number: 978-0727855946
Available from Amazon UK

BLURB:
1913. Beautiful but spiteful Marianne Trenwith has everything her younger sister, Sarah, wants, including the dashing Troy Pelham. But in a fit of petulance Marianne breaks of her engagement, much to Troy’s relief and her family’s mortification. As Lady Trenwith says, nobody likes a jilter, and Mariannes future, once so rosy, now looks bleak. As sarah and Troy’s friendship blossoms, Marianne warns her sister that a match will never be permitted and their parents will do anything to avoid a scandal. But with the war clouds gathering and women’s emancipation taking root, Sarah senses time is precious; how can social conventions be more important than the man she loves, soon to begin officer training?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A SHAMEFUL SECRET
by Anne Ireland
ISBN: 978-1-934475-41-6 (ebook)
ISBN: 978-1-934475-56-0 (print)
Amira Press

BLURB:
When Hester was young she was seduced by a man she believed loved her, but he left her and she discovered that she was with child. In the nineteenth century this was shocking and her parents sent her away to have the child, which Hester was told died soon after it was born. Hester has been subjected to humiliation by her family ever since. However, things begin to change when her aunt begs for her company on a visit to Bath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SONG OF THE MOUNTAINS
By Anne Ireland/Linda Sole
Eternal Press

EXCERPT:
They were swimming towards her, racing each other and calling out excitedly in the way young men will, reminding Morwenna of her young brothers who sometimes swam in the lake near her home at Bala. As they came nearer, she saw their shoulders were naked and realised they must have removed much of their clothing before plunging into the water. One of them had reached the bank a short distance from where she was sitting. He had not seen her because of the reed bed that partially obscured her and them.

She had a clear view of the man, who hauled himself from the river and stood shaking his long hair like a hound, the droplets sparkling in the sunshine as they flew around him. He was completely naked. His strong, muscled body open to her curious gaze as he stood laughing at his friend, clearly unashamed of his unclothed state and pleased to have won his race.
He was beautiful! Morwenna drank in the sight of his power and grace. The colour of his skin seeming to indicate this was not the first time it had been exposed to the elements, gleaming wetly like pale copper in the sun’s rays.

Song Of The Mountains is my latest book as Anne Ireland from Eternal Press. I have two others with eternal Press : Too Hot To Handle/Linda Sole and Trial by Fire/Anne Ireland.

I love to hear from my readers, so do visit my website and enter the contests or write to me.

Best Wishes,

Linda
www.lindasole.co.uk

December 5, 2008

The Queen of Hot is Here

Hi!

My name is Jan Springer and I’d like to wish my good buddy Sloane a very Happy Birthday and to thank her for inviting me to play on her blog today. Thanks, Sloane!

First, I’d like to mention for you to take a peek around our hostess Sloane Taylor’s site and check out her hot reads. They are magnificent!

Second, if you are looking for a print book basement bargain price, you may be interested in checking out the new Ellora’s Cave website. EC is having a Huge Book Sale of up to 80% off on many of their print books! (They are clearing out their warehouse for more incoming books.) P.S. It may be slow in getting access due to the high volume of buyers so keep trying. And you must also create new member information as with security purposes EC did not forward your info to their new site.

Click here and I do believe some of my prints are also on sale including “Jude and Luke: Outlaw Lovers ” which is on for $3.00!!!! Look at the print books section on bottom.

Third, after checking out Sloane’s site and the EC books please come back!!! I’ll be throwing two contests today and a draw!!

The draw is for you to have a chance to win a free autographed print book of my new Pocket Books release “Bad Girls Have More Fun” and the contests are for my ebooks “Tyler’s Woman” and “Christmas Lovers”.

Stay tuned…

Draw for one autographed print anthology “Bad Girls Have More Fun”.

I just got my print copies of this wonderful Pocket Books – Ellora’s Cave anthology that I am in with Arianna Hart and Ann Vremont. My contemporary erotic romance “Sinderella” is in “Bad Girls Have More Fun” and our heroine Ella Cinder is one bad girl if I ever saw one! She was really fun to write about. Sinderella is also available at Ellora’s Cave in ebook format.

For this draw all you need to do is sign up for my Jan Springer newsletter. A winner will be announced in my next newsletter which will be going out in a week or so!

Here’s a peek at “Bad Girls Have More Fun” now available in your favorite bookstore or at your favorite online store!

Description
When the ladies in these erotic tales show their naughty sides, the sex gets oh so good….

Arianna Hart
Convince Me

When socialite Sareena Wilton invites gorgeous police officer Brogan Donahue into her lavish apartment to explain how a beautiful but fierce jaguar rescued her from an armed attacker, they share a passionate night of unforgettable sexual adventures.

Jan Springer
Sinderella

Klutzy Ella is a dedicated gynecologist by day, but by night, she becomes a masked vixen in her erotic performances of Cinderella. When Prince Charming stands her up, her sexy colleague Dr. Roarke Stephenson comes to her rescue for one carnal night of hot, blazing sex…in front of an audience.

Ann Vremont
Saturn Unbound

Long fascinated with the polarity of artist Izzy Kirsch’s work, deliciously sensual world famous astrologer Maceo di Silvio is sure she is holding back artistically — and sexually. So when he commissions Izzy to paint a mural, he plans to stretch the limits of her wildest fantasies and unlock her deepest desires.

Find out more: Read an excerpt

Pocket, December 2008
Trade Paperback, 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1-4165-7769-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-7769-0

Stay tuned for the Christmas Lovers contest, coming right up!

Okay are you ready for a contest? Yes?

Answer the following questions and email me your answers with the heading Christmas Lovers Contest. Deadline is midnight Sunday December 7, 2008.

Join my newsletter. I’ll announce the name of the winner for the free download in my next newsletter which is out sometime next week!

You must get the following questions correct in order to qualify to have your name entered for the Christmas Lovers contest.

Here goes – The answers can be found here:

1. What is Kidnap Fantasies Inc?
2. Who gives Sergeant Connor Jordan a gift certificate to Kidnap Fantasies?
3. Which company is Nurse Tangle Sparks part-time employer?

Contest for Tyler’s Woman is coming up next!

Our next contest is for a free download of Tyler’s Woman. Tyler’s Woman is a futuristic erotic romance and book four of the Outlaw Lovers series at Ellora’s Cave.

Send me the answers to these questions and your name will be entered into the contest. One winner will be announced in my next newsletter – coming out sometime next week!
Deadline is midnight Sunday December 7, 2008.

Here goes…

1. What is Tyler Outlaw’s best friends first and last name?
2. What is the name of the law which states women are sexual property claimable by groups of men?
3. What is the name of the Wars that Tyler was believed to be dead?

The answers can be found at this link.

Have fun!!!

Time for me to go. Thanks for dropping by today and entering the contests and draws!! Thank you Sloane for inviting me to play on your blog!! Have yourself a wonderful birthday, girl!

As I wave good bye I just want to mention I have four releases coming in 2009.

Claiming Hannah – Jan. 7, 2009 – Ellora’s Cave – Futuristic Romantica (ebook)

Sex: Outlawed! – February, 2009 – Total E Bound – Futuristic Erotica (ebook)

Kiss Me – possibly early 2009 – Ellora’s Cave – Romantica Suspense (ebook)

Good Things Come In Threes – July 2009 – Pocket Books (print)

Wishing you all an upcoming Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!

jan *blowing her party horn*
www.janspringer.com
www.velvetwhispers.blogspot.com/

December 4, 2008

Clare London Turns You On

Hi there, to anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m Clare London and I write M/M romance and erotica. Thanks to Sloane for inviting me today!!

I have 3 print-‘n-e-novels out at Dreamspinner Press, several short e-stories with them too, and short e-stories also with Eternal Press, Torquere Press, Red Rose Publishing and Aspen Mountain Press. All the details are on my site and my Live Journal blog, addresses below.
It’s been a terrific year for me!

With Christmas in mind, I’ve included below the links and blurbs for my four m/m Christmas stories. With different themes and heat ratings, there’s something for everyone! And I think short stories are a great way to ‘try out’ either a new author (like me *wink*) or a genre.

And comment to me here on this blog (any time over the next week) and you’ll be entered into the draw for a free download of one of these stories.

So what have I got to Blog about today though, eh? With the end of 2008 approaching fast, I’m tempted to do one of those review things. No, not the ‘Worst Grammar Mistakes of 2008’ or the award for ‘Cheesiest Sex Scene in a Novel’ or ‘Author with the Most Inventive names for her Heroes’ Private Parts’. I mean just what I’ve learned as an Author – and need to continue working on.

Pass me the envelope, my trusty assistant!
How 2008 was for me – and in no particular order:

*The year of Publishing – and of seeing my name on Amazon (a personal ambition!).
*Developing writing skills, for long and short stories.
*Meeting new online friends, some of them Real Keepers (*smooch* to Sloane).
*Developing all those new subsidiary skills – web design, marketing, editing, running contests, meeting deadlines.
*New website to launch soon with a Fab new Image! (the website, not me, alas).

And yet also…
*The year of struggle, juggling writing as yet another job.
*Coping with rejection. Plenty.
*Mislaying my Muse for months at a time (where IS that mystical holiday destination where all the Muses go when they’re in a non-cooperative Mood?).
*Meeting not-so-lovely online people and aggressive or ignorant attitudes.

So this is what life is all about, right? The rough with the smooth. The two sides of the penny. You win some, you lose some. *Go me, the Philosopher*.

But seriously, being published has been a hell of a lot more than just that. It’s involved a whole new career and a whole new adventure for me. And a whole new slant on life, both virtual and real.

The logistical issues have been mind-boggling. I write perched on the end of my dining room table and with a hubby and the Sons constantly moving around me. And shouting, of course, that being a very testosterone characteristic. Oh, and the phone ringing. And Son#1 practising electric guitar.

And the creative side… well, it comes and goes, let’s put it that way. I work full-time and am quite often too knackered to THINK of an idea, let alone WRITE anything for it. I have at least 3 novels stuck at chapter 3 because the theme no longer looks remotely interesting and the characters have drifted into bland blancmange. And I constantly battle with the reality (to me, anyway LOL) that almost everyone else writes better than I do, and soon I’ll be found out, and I’ll never get another piece of work published ever ever ever again *blub blub* *hubby and Sons collectively roll their eyes*.

You get the picture?! LOL

You all have the same issues though, too, don’t you? (umm…?!) So tell me about it!

What’s the best about being a writer… and the worst?
If you’re not a writer yourself, what do you imagine is the best – and what do you imagine we have to moan about, for goodness sake?
Who do you envy – who do you sympathise with? (just generally, not specific authors)
What encourages and supports you – what demotivates and annoys you?

And what are your promises to yourself for 2009?

Join me again on the 20th here at Sloane’s, and as well as telling you what pigs we make of ourselves food-wise here in the UK, I can talk to you about MY Promises and Plans for next year.
Be warned – I’ll be frank! (well Clare actually, but you know what I mean…LOL)

Good to talk to you, thanks again to Sloane (*the beautiful EPPIE finalist*), and HAPPY READING!

Happy Christmas!
Clare London

WHERE’S SANTA?
Dreamspinner Press

BLURB:
Chris has been hired as the new Santa at Danny’s store, and he’s just the guy Danny wishes he had on his personal Christmas gift list. When Chris has a crisis of confidence and Danny finds him hiding in the stock room, it looks like Danny’s Christmas wish will be granted by a Santa who’s very real.

EXCERPT:
“I can’t go back on duty,” Chris groaned. “It’s inhuman cruelty. I quit, as of now.”
“Tell that to Mr. Stevens,” I said. “And he’ll tell that to your college board.”
“Fuck.” Chris looked very dispirited. “What can I do?”
I really wanted to put my arm around him, but I was worried it’d be taken the wrong way. Well, taken the right way, was more likely, but that might cause me even more trouble. I cleared my throat. “Just keep quiet for another half hour or so. Then when Mr. Stevens goes for his late lunch, you can smuggle your way out. Leave the suit here, and you’ll never be recognized among all the customers.”
Chris looked down at his pants. “I can’t leave these.”
I looked down at them, too, I couldn’t help myself. I was starting to feel uncomfortable, particularly in my own groin area. It was delicious in its own way, but not when I was trapped in my work pants and realizing I should have gone for the loose fit pair this morning. “Maybe I can find a pair of shorts for you from the summer stock, you can quickly change into them.”
Chris stared at me and there was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes that wasn’t there before. “I’m commando today. No boxers. Thought I’d be too hot in these stupid thick pants.”
“You’re…too hot…no boxers.” I couldn’t seem to manage a whole sentence.
“Danny.” He said my name very softly and a bit nervously. “I wouldn’t mind changing in front of you, though. Do you know what I’m saying?”
For maybe the first time in my life, I wished I’d listened more carefully to my friends’ dating advice. “I guess so. But me…?”
Chris laughed and reached for my hand. His grip was strong, like I noticed before. “I’m sorry if I read it wrong, but you were looking at me. That way, you know?”
I nodded, not knowing at all, but damned glad someone’s gaydar was working at full capacity.
“You’re very cute.” He looked flushed, I could see the darker shade on his cheeks. “I wanted to talk more to you this morning but we didn’t have time. I’m a bit shy about this stuff, really, but you looked like you knew what you wanted. Looked keen.”
I was too shocked to reply. My mouth opened and closed again, like a surprised goldfish, and his gaze was on me, his eyes following the movement. His tongue slipped out and he licked around his lips, quickly.
Suddenly it seemed the loose fit pants would have been a really good idea.
But before I could reach down discreetly and try to adjust my swelling cock, Chris lurched forward. I stepped back, startled, and shredded packaging floated up from the floor, attaching to the fabric of my pants. My nose itched, too: I’d dislodged one of the cobwebs on the nearby shelf and its sticky tendrils were clinging to me.
Then Chris kissed me and I forgot all the mess and confusion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME
Dreamspinner Press

BLURB:
“It’s the most horrible time of the year.” Isn’t that the way the song goes? Dan has let years of pain, indecision and upset get to his head, and now he’s managing to drive off his lover, Aaron. But one dream helps Dan find the right road to happiness.

EXCERPT:
“I didn’t know we’d be snowed in,” he sighed. “I’m sorry if you feel trapped.”
“Now who’s blaming himself for the weather?” I laughed and his body jerked behind me, like I startled him. “Maybe I need to be trapped. I need to stop running away – stop seeing life as something to struggle through, and enjoy some more of it. Make sure that you enjoy some more, too.”
Aaron spoke very slowly. “That’s not always easy.”
“No. But it’ll be worthwhile, right?”
I stayed spooned against him but I twisted my head back to look at him, making it obvious I wanted some more of the kissing. His lips were a little hesitant, but his hand tightened on my hip. His dick was thick and hot against my ass and his legs were tensing up, trying to keep an inch of distance between our bodies. I guessed he was doing that for my sake only. I wriggled up to him even closer, my head still twisted back against his, letting my tongue slide around his mouth, tasting him, enjoying him. “Hold me, Aaron,” I hissed. “Fuck me. I want you.” When he frowned, I blushed again, hoping he couldn’t see it in the dim light. “I want whatever you want to give me. Unless you’ve changed your mind – don’t want to inflict yourself on me any more.”
He stared at me. “Is this another joke?”
I didn’t answer with words. The night was getting too dark and too deep to need them, I reckoned. Instead, I reluctantly abandoned the kissing and rolled forwards, presenting my back to him and my ass a little higher, nudging it against his groin. Then I lifted my upper leg and bent it forward over my body, on to the mattress. I guess you could say I was in a recovery position. Rather apt, I thought. His hand slid down from my hip to between my thighs, his breath shallower than before. I felt his fingers brushing against my balls and the warm stickiness of his pre-come at the base of my spine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JUST LIKE SCROOGE
Eternal Press

BLURB:
Last Christmas was a romantic disaster for Ben. But will the ghosts of Christmas past spoil his chance of a future with Jacob, or will his dreams persuade him otherwise?

EXCERPT:
Jacob ran a hand through his tousled hair and grimaced. “Yeah, right, I see what you mean. Good time for a strategic retreat. You can share my cab. Better still, we could go on to my place for coffee−”
“The cab is good for me,” I interrupted.
He flushed. “Why do you always do that, Ben? Push me away?”
When I didn’t answer, he frowned. “I know you don’t want to talk about it. You’ve told us that plenty of times. Your break-up last year was hell for you, but I don’t see why you can’t think about moving on,”
“He. . . I trusted him.” My voice sounded muffled amongst the celebrations going on around us, but I knew Jacob heard me clearly enough. “You all told me he was a liar and a cheat, and guess what, you were right.”
“We didn’t like doing that,” Jacob said, sharply, though his eyes were gentler. “Telling tales. But we heard things about him you needed to know. You think we wanted you hurt? You think I wanted it?”
“No,” I protested. “I know, I didn’t mean that. That’s what friends do−I appreciated it. But it all made me feel like I’d messed up yet again. Just another bad date; another short, sour disaster; one more spoiled page in my scrapbook of romance.” I laughed, a brittle sound. “It’s just. . . ”
“It’s just. . . ” He echoed. “Yeah, it’s always ‘just’.” He sighed, dropping his gaze from mine. His fingers played aimlessly with the bottom of his shirt.
I got up and stepped down a couple of stairs so that I stood only a few inches away from him. His shoulder nudged mine, and I smelled his cologne, sharp and musky. A stray lock of his hair brushed against the edge of my jaw. I knew suddenly how his skin would taste on my tongue. The tang of saliva stirred in my mouth.
His gaze snapped up to meet mine. “Ben…” It was only a whisper, but that single word sounded full of longing. He looked uncharacteristically nervous, and I wanted to say something−to try to explain things I didn’t really understand myself−but he never gave me the chance. He took my arm and pulled me back into the shadows at the foot of the stairs, then slid a hand around the back of my neck and tugged me closer. Then he kissed me.
His lips were warm and tasted of fruit punch, but only for a second. Then they tasted of him, and only him—a rich and heady flavor. I savored something far more delicious than any alcohol. I’d tasted him once before−I’d dreamt of it many times since. As his tongue teased at me, I opened my mouth and welcomed his kiss.
Suddenly my memories were fresh and focused solely on this evening. I wanted to laugh aloud. I knew what happiness felt like—what it tasted like.
A moan escaped my lips, and I pulled away from him.
It wasn’t for me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SECRET SANTA
Eternal Press

BLURB:
Seb and Jamie argue over everything, even Christmas supper. But when they both receive an unsuitable Secret Santa present, it helps cook up something rather more exciting between them!

EXCERPT:
The temperature in the kitchen had increased by many degrees and not all of them were caused by the cooker.
Seb’s back was to the counter, the edge digging into his waist. He had a smudge of cranberry chutney on his nose. Jamie was only a step away from him, their eyes locked on each other. They were both breathing more shallowly than earlier in the evening. When Seb lifted a hand to wipe away the chutney, Jamie grasped his wrist, not harshly, but the grip was firm.
“I’ll do that.” With his free hand, he wiped the chutney gently off Seb’s nose. Then his fingertip continued to trail down Seb’s cheek, under his jaw and then along the lines of his throat.
Seb groaned aloud, a soft growling sound from the back of his throat. His head went back, baring his neck, and he swallowed heavily.
Jamie dropped his hand, leaning in closer. “I mean . . . I want . . .”
“What?” Seb’s voice was just a whisper. “Say it.”
“I want you.” Jamie’s murmur breathed heat and sweet excitement into Seb’s ear. He sounded both shocked and thrilled, but then hadn’t that been his permanent state, ever since he put an arm around Seb’s waist and pulled him in for a proper, non-cranberry caress?
Seb bit back a gasp. His body shivered. “How long, Jamie?” His words were hoarse.
Jamie watched the movement of Seb’s mouth, the drop of sweat on his upper lip. He thought he could watch it for hours. He’d never imagined quite how fascinating this vibrant man could be! “What do you mean?”
“How long have you wanted me?”
Jamie smiled. That was an easy question. “For always, for too long. Have I said the wrong thing again?” He realized he didn’t care anymore. He knew he spoke honestly and with care, the same as always. It was just that he was finding new words and new expressions now—and Seb was listening to him too. “We’ve never talked about these things; never stopped arguing long enough to discover an alternative way of communicating. Do you find it offensive?”
“Offensive?” Seb’s laugh was a little shaky. “I’ve wanted you since you first turned those icy eyes on me and told me to shut the hell up.”

Clare London, Author
Writing… Man to Man

http://www.darkpearldiva.com

http://www.myspace.com/clarelondon

http://claredivatoo.livejournal.com

December 3, 2008

Presenting– Gingersnap: Santa Paws by Lena Austin

Gingersnaps: Santa Paws
by
LENA AUSTIN
cover art by Renee George

CHANGELING PRESS

ISBN (13): 978-1-60521-098-8

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Hot Flashes
Themes: Werewolves, Christmas, Seasonal Themes, Elves, Dragons & Magical Creatures
Series: Gingersnaps
Length: Hot Flash

BUY LINK

Blurb:

“’Twas the night before Christmas…”

JR Thornton seeks redemption for his many unwitting evil deeds by dressing up in a Santa suit to deliver gifts to an orphanage, but the angry wood fairy guarding the house is more interested in blowing his head off.

Phaedra hates JR for destroying her home forest and the lives of her family. Now a caregiver putting herself through college, she’s determined to give the most evil and handsome man she knows a piece of her mind.

So why does she want so badly to sit in Santa’s lap?

PLEASE NOTE:
This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

BLURB:

JR Thornton’s Mercedes pulled to the side of the road long enough for him to check his newest delivery at the construction site just down the road from his destination. Yes, the huge truck was there, waiting for his crews to return after the holiday. One repayment on the long road to his redemption. He smiled to himself. Despite what his sister-in-law had advised, JR just couldn’t seem to let go of his lists and plans.

“Learn to be impulsive, you big furry idiot!” she’d told him. Charm wasn’t known for her tact.

He was trying, dammit. That was why he had sent his chauffeur home, donned a Santa suit — God help him if any of his colleagues saw him like this — and was now on his way to an orphan’s group home on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to a bunch of kids who weren’t even there. He pushed the accelerator and eased the car back on the road.

The Lucky Charms Group Home stood isolated in the middle of his project. He’d cleaned out the rest of the rundown subdivision surrounding the group home. In its place would be a planned community with modern homes, a shopping complex, community center, and even a library and post office. The fifty-year-old one-story ranch, owned by Charm and his brother, was the only remnant of the old neighborhood. ’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. At least he hoped the children were all nestled in their beds. This shit was still new to him, but damn, he felt strangely good.

JR parked and nervously jingled the keys, feeling very awkward in the padded costume. According to Charm, who was on her honeymoon with Lucky, the kids were at an all-night sleepover party in town. All JR had to do was lug in the presents, meet the caterer bringing the feast for the kids, and leave to spend another lonely holiday. Funny how you could be lonely in the middle of a werewolf pack, even if you were the heir presumptive to the pack leader. He wished he could linger to see the kids open their presents. Children had a joy for life he’d lost somewhere along the way.

He first grabbed the big red sack from the back seat, which contained the smaller presents, just in case a kid caught him. No spoiling their little illusions. If he hurried, he could get back home in time to watch the old Rankin/Bass classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He was a sucker for that movie show, though no one would believe it of him. Next year, he’d bring the disc with him and watch it with the kids here. Yeah, that was the solution. Holiday specials and cookies until they nodded off and were put to bed. Damn, why did Christmas only come once a year? He’d make a note in his planner to return next year with a holiday movie marathon and all the trimmings.

The key turned easily in the lock, and JR stepped quietly inside. The tree twinkled from its position on the wall opposite from where he stood. He hefted the bag and made one step toward his goal.

The clear ka-chink of ammunition loading into the chamber of a rifle stopped him cold.

BUY LINK

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

March 17, 2008

Happy St. Partrick’s Day

To all my Irish friends and those who are Irish only today,

May the luck of the Irish possess you.
May the devil fly off with your worries.
May God bless you forever and ever.

Erin Go Bragh!
Sloane Taylor