The Color of Lust with L.M. Pruitt

L.M. Pruitt is currently offering a free Kindle short, Hole in the Wall. See below for details. Now, let's welcome her.

Some people approach choosing a bouquet of flowers with all the care they would show an active nuclear bomb. They hem and haw and rearrange and harass the florist until their selection is as close to perfection as it could possibly get. If something doesn’t look right, they’ll scrap the whole thing and start over from scratch.

Me? I just go for what grabs me. Which usually has something to do with color. Bright, sunny colors if I want to cheer myself up, muted pastels if I want to relax, and exotic blooms if I’m feeling upbeat and funky. I’ve never bought flowers with the idea of seducing someone, or expressing how much I desire them. For one, I just don’t roll that way.

For two, there aren’t a lot of purple flowers in the floral section of Publix.

When Louisa asked the question—What color is lust?—I automatically thought of the color purple. Not a specific shade, but just the color in general. However, the longer I thought about it and the more I mulled the idea of lust having a specific color, I realized that, for me at least, purple is the color that symbolizes lust.

First, let me clarify by saying I don’t think there’s just one specific kind of lust. Just like there isn’t one specific kind or flavor of love, I believe that there’s a type of lust for every occasion and for every taste. And for every shade or nuance or lust, there’s a purple that washes over it.

There’s the innocent kind of lust you feel whenever you see someone attractive—nothing big, just an acknowledgment of the fact that this person pushes your oooh button. I like to imagine this as a pale lavender, enough tint to be a color, but not enough to be overwhelming. It casts a lovely little haze and burns off quick and clean, baring the true colors.

Then you have the lust that comes from knowing someone, even if only a little bit. There’s a comforting familiarness to it—a soothing plum shade. It doesn’t bore you, but entices you into wanting to know more, to see more, to experience more.

Sometimes lust can come out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning when there’s not a cloud in the sky. Like magenta, this kind of lust sears through your senses, leaves you weak and breathless and not entirely certain of anything. For this lust—and this color—too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing.

And finally, there’s the kind of lust that simply grabs you and refuses to let you go. There’s no explanation for it other than obsession—not the dangerous, deathly kind, but the sort that seeps into your bones and blood until it’s as much a part of you as breathing. When I think of this, I think of the color indigo—deep, rich, mysterious, and addicting.

If I ever manage to find flowers at Publix that help me say any of those things, I’ll clean them out.

________

Shades of Desire
Book 2 Jude Magdalyn Series

All I wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Instead, I've got dead Covenant members and a steady stream of letters from the new guy in town. His beverage of choice? A 2002 Merlot, with a shot or two of powerful virgin blood.

On top of that, I'm breaking in a new police liaison, failing at playing matchmaker, and fighting nausea like it's a full time job.

Did I forget to mention that I've also got enough girls living at the Crossroads to start my own boarding school?

Peace and quiet? Out the window.

Buy Links 

Amazon Kindle

Hole in the Wall -- A Free Jude Magdalyn Kindle Short

Amazon Kindle

About the Author

L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She is the author of the Jude Magdalyn Series as well as New Moon Rising, featuring Cari Gravier, and Taken, featuring Frankie Post. She is currently at work on the next book in the Moon Rising series, Harvest Moon Rising, due out April 2012. Ms. Pruitt makes her home in Florida with two cats--one smart, the other not so much.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/LM-Pruitt/364776895104

Blog: http://www.lmpruitt.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/lmpruitt

A FAB New "Home" Away from Home

I'm pleased to announce that I've officially become a Flirty Author Bitch. What? You knew that already? Well thanks a lot! I'll be contributing once a month – specifically the fourth Thursday, kicking off today with the post "Because I'm FAB-ulous!" 


Come stop on by and say hello ... I'll see you there!

When Characters Behave Badly …

Over the years I’ve heard other authors complain about a character surprising them, or acting out of character. I’ve nodded, related and then snickered silently. I mean, come on: We’re the creator; we have the ultimate control, right?

Wrong.

The Evil Within.

No, I’m not that snooty and as a panster – a writer who doesn’t plot often but flies by the “seat of my pants” – I’m used to characters taking over and leading me through the story. Maybe that’s why I feel so close to the main players in my erotic paranormal series, The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf. They’ve come to life. Literally, I hear their voices in my head. At this point, there are five primary: Lawrence, Trevor, Lily, Silver & Nick, with a few recurring supporters. Right now, Silver wants center stage, but I’m not working on her story.

Currently, I’m writing book 3: The Voodoo King. The problem I’ve run into is with a new character that refuses to listen, or act in a way that I deem appropriate. He’s downright evil, and I don’t want him to be. 

During the past two books, he’s been illusive, hiding in the background – as if he didn’t want to be known, yet. This time around, he’s using power to fuel his own greed, and in some instances feeding his own sexual amusement (and not in a good way).

Within this series, I’ve written some dark moments. In fact, good friend, fellow OCC/RWA writer and sometimes beta reader Bren Aubrey told me that she stayed up late – afraid – while reading the first book, A New Orleans Threesome. I didn’t purposely write it scary, but with Stephen King as one of my favorite authors I’ve always possessed a dark side.

It’s a tough situation, because I don’t want to make him do anything that would be contrary to his personality. Unfortunately, within life some people are simply evil. In fiction and films, readers and viewers tend to want a happy ending, not a reflection of real life. Bad things happen to good people.

For right now, I’m going to keep writing and hope that at the end he comes up with some additional complexity, a redeeming quality that ties it all together.

Until then, been there, done that? Any advice for me? 

Beneath the Regency Layers with Kristabel Reed

Such a divine guest today! I'm a sucker for a good historical read. Add in the erotic and ménage elements, and heaven! Make sure to comment to enter Kristabel's contest!

So many believe it was a world of the prim and proper. Of rules and chaperones, the proper etiquette of calling on someone and strolling along the promenade. But there was so much more to them.

And there was so much more wickedness to them!

In Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale, Charlotte, one of those debutants finds herself wanting not one but two returning solders. Not quite the typical Regency romance! My ménage tales explore the very wicked situations that could (and probably did!) exist in this era. It was very common for a Regency bride to already be pregnant on her wedding night. Chastity before marriage wasn’t as important to the Regency set as it was to later societies such as the highly virtuous Victorians.

Granted, I go to the extreme in the ménage tales of not just parings but trio love, but there’s really nothing to say it didn’t happen. It’s not exactly something they would have advertised or wrote a journal entry on. I try to explore situations that are eminently plausible but are deliciously debauched.

Imagine Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice ball scene with Mr. Darcy. Across the room, Charlotte eyes her two lovers knowing that society is none the wiser as to her living (and sleeping!) arrangements. Or from Risqué, Alix searching the room for her lovers so they can sneak off for an illicit, and highly erotic, tryst.

Playing with the erotic situations in my various stories is not only fun but challenging. Servants can be an issue! As of course can those pesky chaperones. But as I discover ways around both inquisitive servants and curious chaperons, I also realize that the real Regency couples would have been far more creative than this!

I hope my ménage tales provide a glimpse into the erotic Regency past! Come join the decadently corrupt Jane Austen book club.

I’ll be giving away a PDF copy of Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale, to one commenter. Just tell me what you’d like to see in a Regency! (and leave an email address to be contacted)

Blurb:

The truest torment is wanting something you know you can never have. Charlotte Tremaine knew this feeling all too well. She covets the freedom to do as she pleases, but has never let herself dream of being with the man she loves. The problem is, she loves two men.

For the last three years, Charlotte has survived her stifling home life by living through correspondence with two childhood friends now off at war. Once they return, will she be able to summon the courage to tell them of her feelings? Or will she let the convenience of mourning an aunt she despised keep her hidden and isolated?

Fear lurks in the shadows and threatens to keep her cloistered. When William Stanton and Grayson, Earl Warrington return from war, she teeters on the brink of having what's she has always wanted. Torn between William and Grayson, Charlotte must first learn to trust herself before she can trust her heart and body to them.

  

Excerpt from the end of chapter 1:

“Thank you for your advice, Lydia,” Charlotte began. Even she could sense the expectation in her voice and knew all her self-control had vanished with the arrival of that carriage. “However, if you don’t mind—”

Lydia shook her head, a resigned grin on her face. “Go ahead,” she said with a wave.

Charlotte barely heard her. In no time she had on her sturdy walking boots and new cloak and stood before Cook as the older woman prepared a pot of stew for Lady Warrington, her excuse for visiting unannounced.

With a deep breath, Charlotte tugged on her gloves and exited Willow Hall. It didn’t occur to her to ask for a horse, or even take the carriage the short distance between her manor and Fox Hollow. She walked across the frozen field that separated their two estates, slipping on spots of ice in her haste.

It took entirely too long, yet the walk was over before she knew it. Charlotte stood before the front door, out of breath from the cold and anticipation of seeing them, either of them, both of them, again. She knew she looked like a ragamuffin with mud staining the hem of her gown and her cheeks no doubt pink from the cold and walk.

Charlotte didn’t care. They were home, and that was all that mattered.

The butler greeted her warmly, as he did every day, and took the pot to deliver to the kitchens. She handed him her gloves and cloak, and only then did she become aware of another person in the foyer. Not a servant, not one of the many footmen or maids Lady Warrington employed.

Another presence, a commanding one that captured her attention.

She spun on her heel and saw him.

Grayson stood there, hands clasped behind his back as he silently watched her. Just as handsome as she remembered: his dark brown hair cut short, the childhood scar cutting across his temple by his left ear, the angular jaw and patrician nose. His light blue eyes met hers for the barest of moments.

Charlotte wanted to run and embrace him, but held herself immobile. Too many servants lingered in the foyer, too many people watching their every move. But she needed to feel him, touch him, to make sure he truly was real. That he stood before her as she had dreamed.

“Grayson,” she said with a happy smile and knew it radiated from her. Charlotte forced herself to close the distance between them as gracefully and calmly as she could.

Grayson, Earl of Warrington, nodded formally to her, face as expressionless as a statue as he looked at a spot just over her shoulder. He showed no reaction, no smile on his face. When she looked into his light blue eyes again, she saw no joy in them. He stood at attention as if he was back in His Majesty’s Army.

Did he tease her? Surely this was a jest. Charlotte hesitated slightly but there was no change in his demeanor.

Her pleasure vanished with each step she took toward him. The smile fell from her face, but she straightened her shoulders and raised her chin as she stopped before him. There seemed to be absolutely no response to her presence; only cold formality.

 “Good day, Miss Tremaine.”

Fae Symbolism with Allison Pang

Allison is giving away 10 signed copies of A Sliver of Shadow tour wide. Please make sure to enter through the Rafflecopter link at the end of the blog.

One of the main premises of the Abby Sinclair books is that of the CrossRoads – silver roads to other worlds and planes of existence where the creatures of myth and fantasy reside. The OtherFolk, as I call them, are split up  into three paths, based off the poem of Thomas the Rhymer – Heaven, Hell, and Faerie.

Although they all have their own lives and existences, many of them do rely on mortals for various forms of sustenance – whether it’s dreams (as in the case of an incubus) or blood, or even just an appreciation of mortal gifts of talent.  However, the OtherFolk are limited to the times and ways they can travel between worlds. It requires a Door – a magical gateway between the CrossRoads and the mortal world.

The key thing to remember is that the OtherFolk can only travel through these Doors at certain times of the day – Noon, dawn, dusk and midnight.  Unless they have a TouchStone, that is. A TouchStone is a mortal who has entered a written Contract with an OtherFolk being. In return for being an anchor in the mortal world (which allows the OtherFolk to traverse the Doors without waiting on the specific hours), the TouchStone is usually provided some sort of gift – a wish or some other sort of OtherFolk magic.

Contracts can last for minutes or years – each one is very specific and very personal.

But there are times of the year when the Door to the CrossRoads are thinner than others – allowing the OtherFolk free access through the Doors for that period. These would be the Equinoxes and Solstices– or cross-quarter days like Samhain, Beltaine, etc. 

It’s a fairly common mythological trope to say the “veil between worlds” is thinner during these times – which makes sense if you take something like Halloween – where we have our traditions about spirits or otherworldly creatures coming into the modern world, for example.

So it only makes sense that the OtherFolk in the Abby books would take full advantage of that – and they do. Usually in the form of some pretty big parties. Thus far, I’ve only touched on Samhain a little bit – specifically at the end of A Brush of Darkness, where the OtherFolk convenes at the Hallows bar, complete with costumes. (Only instead of glamours, they have to use mundane materials, so it’s rather funny.)

Much of the CrossRoad mythology has to do with the fact that True Thomas met the Fairy Queen at a Hawthorn tree. In a Sliver of Shadow, Abby gets to visit that same tree, which is the very heart of the CrossRoads.  (It’s a symbolic off shoot of the World Tree, so there’s a lot going on with it.) It’s very likely that any sort of celebration that dealt with life or fertility, such as the Spring Equinox, would be held there, particularly by the Fae as they hold it rather sacred.

________

Blurb: 

Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding eleven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

Buy Links:

Amazon     B&N

Review:

From her sparse opening words, “Run, Abby,” Allison Pang grips the reader and sets the fast pace in book 2 in the Abby Sinclair series, A Sliver of Shadow.  

For fans of fairy tale-inspired TV shows such as Grimm and Once Upon a Time, A Sliver of Shadow covers familiar territory. Here’s a glimpse at one description that Abby experiences on her quest:

“The last part was said with an exceptionally feral grin, her teeth clipping hard upon each word. I caught the faint outline of a fox muzzle overlapping her mouth, nearly superimposed upon her face, but it was gone before I could truly see it.” (pg. 200)

(Note, with publishing production schedules, Pang’s novel was written prior to the fall season of shows. Talk about great timing!)

The book combines touches of paranormal with fantasy, and it’s easy to relate to Abby’s emotional journey. Pang’s syntax and word choice is simply enchanting, and readers should enjoy getting reeled into her world. 

About the Author:

A marine biologist in a former life, Allison Pang turned to a life of crime to finance her wild spending habits and need to collect Faberge eggs. A cat thief of notable repute, she spends her days sleeping and nights scaling walls and wooing dancing boys….Well, at least the marine biology part is true. But she was taloned by a hawk once.  She also loves Hello Kitty, sparkly shoes, and gorgeous violinists.

She spends her days in Northern Virginia working as a cube grunt and her nights waiting on her kids and cats, punctuated by the occasional husbandly serenade. Sometimes she even manages to write. Mostly she just makes it up as she goes.

Find Allison Online:

Official site 

Borrowing Heaven, Subletting Hell Blog 

Word Whores Blog 

Facebook

Facebook Author page 

Twitter

"The 10 Commandments of Book Reviewing"

As a writer, certain questions usually are asked: Where do you get your ideas from? How do you get published. At the same time, though, I’m also regularly asked how did I start reviewing books. So while I don’t feature many nonfiction books, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing intrigued me. 

The “how-to” manual offers valuable and insightful tips into getting into the industry, and writing fair and balanced reviews. The book is separated into three parts:  1) The Art of Reviewing; 2) The Influence of Book Reviews; and 3) Resources.

The authors touch upon subjects such as starting one’s own review site, and the importance of “overlooking” an occasional typo (we’re all human, right?). Further, if a reviewer doesn’t care for a book, how to handle potential backlash from an author or publisher.

Best of all, in my opinion, is that The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is approachable with its easy-to-read nature. As a perfect example, following are “The 10 Commandments of Book Reviewing” by Mayra Calvani.  

1. Thou shall have no other gods before the reader. The review is not about the author, nor the publisher, and especially, not about you, the reviewer. Reviews are all about the reader. Don’t try to impress with pompous words in an attempt to glorify yourself or appear scholarly. Give readers simplicity and clarity. They’ll appreciate it. If they want verbose and fancy, they can read Shakespeare.

2. Thou shall not lie. Honesty is what defines your trade. Without it, you’re doing nothing but selling copy. When you give facile praise or sugar-coat a book, sooner or later readers will take you for what you are: a phony.

3. Thou shall try not to offend the author. Just as honesty is important, so is tact. There’s no need to be harsh or mean. A tactfully written, well-meant negative review should offer the author insight into what is wrong with the book. Instead of saying, “This is a terrible novel!” say, “This book didn’t work for me for the following reasons…”

4. Thou shall not eat the evaluation. Some fledgling reviewers write a long blurb of the book and leave out the evaluation. The evaluation is the most important part of a review. A summary of the plot is not an evaluation. Saying, “I really liked this book” is not an evaluation. The evaluation tells the reader what is good and bad about the book, and whether or not it is worth buying.

5. Thou shall not reveal spoilers. Nobody likes to be told the ending of a movie before having watched it. The same thing is valid for a book. If you give spoilers in your review, not only do you lessen the reader’s reading experience but you also risk being sued by the publisher or author.

6. Thou shall honor grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Don’t be one of those reviewers who are more in love with the idea of seeing their name online than making sure their reviews are well-written and thorough. Your reviews may hang around on the internet for years to come and will reflect on your level as a writer. Run a spell check, edit, revise, and polish your review, as if you were posting a short story. Get a good book on grammar, and punctuation, take an online course or listen regularly to podcasts such as The Grammar Girl.

7. Thou shall honor deadlines. If you join a review site where the turnaround for reviews is 3 weeks, then you should respect that agreement. If you promise the author to have the review ready in two months, you should honor this too. Be honest and straight forward from the beginning. If you’re so busy your turnaround is six months, make sure to let the person know. If for any reasons you cannot meet the deadline, contact the person and let him know. It’s your responsibility to maintain a do-able schedule.

8. Thou shall not be prejudiced against thy neighbor. Don’t assume that a self-published or small press book is poorly written. Give it a fair chance and let it speak for itself. Likewise, never assume a book published by a major NY house has to be good. You’d be surprised by the high quality of some small press books by unknown authors, as opposed to those written by big name authors whose titles are often in the bestseller lists. In general, most subsidy books are mediocre, but there are always exceptions. If you’ve had bad experiences with subsidy books, then don’t request them nor accept them for review. If you decide to review one, though, don’t be biased and give it a fair chance.

9. Thou shall not become an RC addict. RC stands for Review Copy. Requesting RCs can get out of control. In fact, it can become addictive. You should be realistic about how many books you can review. If you don’t, pretty soon you’ll be drowning in more RCs than you can handle. When this happens, reading and reviewing can change from a fun, pleasurable experience into a stressful one. If you’re feeling frazzled because you have a tower of books waiting to be reviewed, learn to say NO when someone approaches you for a review and stop requesting RCs for a while. Unless you’re being paid as a staff reviewer for a newspaper or magazine, reviewing shouldn’t get in the way of your daily life.

10. Thou shall honor thy commitment. Remember that any books you’ve agreed to review beforehand are being sent to you in exchange for a review. If your policy is not to review every book you receive, state it clearly on your blog or site so the author or publisher will know what to expect. If you have agreed to review a book, but have a valid reason for not reviewing it, let the review site editor, author, publisher, or publicist know.

Blurb:

Are you passionate about books? Do you have the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers, yet are unsure about what makes a good review? Are you curious about the influence reviews have on readers, booksellers, and librarians?

If you’re an experienced reviewer, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will serve as an excellent reference tool and amalgam of resources. If you’re a beginner, this book will show you how to write a well-written, honest, objective and professional book review.

Available via Twilight Times Books, and Amazon. 

About the Authors

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She’s had over 300 stories, articles, interviews and reviews published both online and in print, in publications such as The Writer, Writer's Journal, Acentos Review, Bloomsbury Review, Mosaic, and Multicultural Review, among many others. A reviewer for more than a decade, she now offers numerous book reviewing workshops online. She also offers workshops on the art of picture book writing. She's represented by Mansion Street Literary and Savvy Literary. Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com  

Anne K. Edwards is an award-winning multi-genre author, reviewer and editor of Voice in the Dark Ezine. Her latest novel is the suspense thriller, Shadows Over Paradise, published by Twilight Times Books. Visit her website at www.AnneKEdwards.com

Do You Have the Luck of the … Italian-Irish?

Yes, this post is part of the St. Patrick’s Day BlogHop! See below for prizes and make sure to leave a comment with and email address to enter, and check out the gift basket that’s potentially available from Morgan K. Wyatt below.

Such idioms have ingrained themselves within our language and culture. It doesn’t matter if you’re not Irish, you better be wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, or else you’ll be pinched.

What’ll happen if you pinch someone by accident, and they are actually wearing green? They get to sock you! Ouch.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, my family actually will be celebrating another saint day – St. Joseph’s Day. The name-saint’s day actually falls on March 19 but since my father will be out of town, and it falls on a Monday, we’re celebrating a little bit early. The family will get together, make limoncello liquor, and give my dad homemade gifts.

When most people read “homemade,” they probably think arts & crafts. Well, there’s not much crafty about these gifts. One year, my daughters and I hollowed out loaves of French bread and made shoes for him. Last year, my aunt Bedazzled a pair of black boxer shorts, and the fashion show will forever be embedded within my mind! Do a little bit of research and you’ll learn that fava beans often play a role? Don’t know what a fava bean is?

Most are familiar with them dried, but they also sell them fresh – much tastier. And green! Here’s an image:

And that’s a reminder, no matter what we do, we’ll also be wearing our green … but drinking yellow alcohol. Ah, the luck of the Italian-Irish.

BlogHop Prizes!

More than 120 authors are going to be telling anything they can about being Irish, celebrating the day, wearing green, drinking green beer... pretty much anything!

Each author will be giving away a prize. Like a swag pack, gift cards, ebooks, print books, and so much more.

PLUS We have TWO Grand Prizes for TWO different winners! *gasp*

Grand Prize 1: Winner’s Choice of a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

Grand Prize 2: Winner’s Choice of a $90 Amazon or Barnes&Noble Gift Card

Isn’t that exciting? LOL. So you as a reader – what do you have to do? Well, come on over to these websites on Friday, March 16 and comment on as many as you want (with an email address so we can contact the winners!). The grand prize winners will be chosen at random from the commenters – meaning you can comment on EACH blog – meaning 120 entries to the grand prize.

What can you win here at Love Knows No Bounds? How about a $10 gift certificate to Ravenous Romance and a Goody Bag.

Tell me: What’s your item of green on this emerald-hued holiday? Not wearing green, and use some creative licensing (make it up!). Please make sure to leave your email address in order to be entered into the contest.

"My Cougar Journey" with Morgan K. Wyatt

Morgan has some creative & cute giveaway prize pack baskets that's she's giving away to a lucky commenter. Each basket includes a stuffed cougar (beanie baby), dark chocolate, bath salts, flower seeds and (possibly) a bracelet. Make sure to leave your email address with a comment to be entered. Contest ends Monday, March 19, 2012.

I am a historical romance writer, not an erotic romance writer, and I have a half dozen unpublished books to prove it. When I saw the submission call from Secret Cravings, I read it, and considered it. The email came through one of my writing groups. It wanted stories about women in relationships with younger men. There is new phenomenon out there called cougars, where the older female pursues the younger guy.

Well, I thought I’d give it a try even though it was way out of the ball park as far as historical goes. The prompt for submission told me the hotter the book the better. Whoa, an entirely different angle for me. I have friends who write some pretty hot stuff, even with three ways, but not me. I am the type of person who did the fade to black. My couple who did the deed would wake the next morning to birds chirping that’s the only clue you’d have that they spent the night together.

The concept of writing about older women dating younger men wasn’t a hard one for me since I’ve spent a few years in the dating world. I chose not to write about the aggressive man eater who chases down her prey with a promise and a wicked smile in her BMW convertible. Nope, my characters were pretty normal as opposed to the obvious stereotype.

Ashlee, my heroine in RELUCTANT COUGAR, is surprised that a younger man would approach her, so much so that she brushes aside his advances. Men are willing to go out with anyone who strikes their fancy. They don’t ask a woman’s age or what she does before contemplating asking her out. This is a hard concept for both Ashlee and me. I even asked several men about it to confirm this. Yes, they’d go out with women older than then, but; they didn’t want women that acted older. Men who choose to date older women want vibrant, interesting women. Read: men don’t want to date a different version of their mother.

I wrote my first erotic romance putting in all the fears I had about dating younger men.  Ashlee questions what she is doing, until she starts to fall for Nick. I didn’t go with the obvious cougar type, but allowed the relationship to develop on its own just like any other relationship.

Reluctant Cougar was an interesting writing change for me. I have two more cougars novels published by Secret Cravings including CUB IN BLUE and PUPPY LOVE, and two more in the works. The experience has been fun because it has stretched me as a writer. At first, I rejected the idea of the cougar romance because I only saw it from the television angle. I chose to write it from a normal woman angle, someone like me. I dated younger guys before, not because I ran them down, but because they asked me out. In fact, I am marrying a younger man in less than two months. So I would have to say I definitely embrace the image, or at least my version of it. 

Blurb

The very last thing Ashlee expected was to meet a hot, younger guy Nick, at her boyfriend’s funeral. The tall, soft-spoken man comforted her with stories of her boyfriend since he studied under him. Grateful for Nick’s help and the shared connection they both shared with the deceased, they kept in contact.

Ashlee managed to ignore his hints for drinks and meetings putting it down to politeness. He felt sorry for her. There was no way he could be interested in a woman at least a decade older than him. That was until her work posse caught scent of the story and urged her to give the

man a chance. Ashlee knew she had to be the most reluctant cougar in the history of womankind, but what did she have to lose?

Available through Secret Cravings Publishing

About the Author

Morgan as a child had to suffer through movies with clueless heroines rescued by smart men. Her mother dutifully read her stories where princesses waited for princes to jumpstart their lives. There were no proactive female role models in the media at that time, with the exception of Wonder Woman. It is for this reason, and that it is fun, Morgan writes about strong women going after what they want, which is often a delectable cub. Those who wonder if the cougar tales have any reality to them should remember that writers often put themselves into every story they pen, even if it is a secondary character.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan-K-Wyatt/160636730670958
Twitter: http://twitter.com/morgankwyatt

Blog: http://datingafterfortyeight.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

Experience a Hot Aussie Weekend with Liia Ann White (@LiiaAnn)

Thrilled to be featuring Liia Ann White's new release, Hot Aussie Weekend. I had the pleasure of meeting Liia last year in New York, and am looking forward to hooking up with her again in Chicago. Until then, here's to some Aussie fantasies!


Blurb

Newlyweds Jaycee and Campbell are stressed. Constantly working, trying to set up a secure future for themselves, they rarely spend time alone, enjoying each other’s company.

So, to celebrate their first anniversary, Campbell whisks away his wife on a romantic getaway where he plans to pamper her and lure her into the ultimate relaxed state. But what is his ulterior motive? What secret has he been keeping from his new wife?

Whatever it is, it’s guaranteed to be a weekend full of eroticism, love, romance and some surprises on a Hot Aussie Weekend.

Excerpt

Jaycee let out a long sigh as the bath bomb fizzled out beneath her legs. Lying completely immersed in the hot scented water was just what she needed. She hadn’t realised she was stressed until she was on the car ride down here. The tension always knotted her neck and shoulders, which ached.

The fact that Campbell had even thought of giving her a weekend away where he could pamper her was enough. The fact that he was actually doing it? Oh yeah, he got extra brownie points for that. She could have jumped him the second she stepped through that door, but now she was so relaxed, all she wanted to do was curl up next to him and snuggle.

As the bath water cooled, Jaycee pulled herself out and dried herself. Assessing herself in the mirror, she noted her pink cheeks and the way loose strands of hair had curled around her face and neck. Knowing Campbell loved that look, she left her hair up in the messy bun she had and left the bathroom.

Wrapping the towel tightly around her, Jaycee wandered to the bedroom area, sighing when the cool air hit her skin. She’d sat in the bath for too long and overheated herself a bit – she did that every time.

The second she set eyes on Campbell, her temperature rose again. Topless and wearing only a pair of cotton pants, he was mouth-wateringly sexy. Her eyebrows rose and she smiled as she took in the sight of him standing at the edge of the bed.

“You look…” she paused, trying to think of an appropriate word, but nothing described how attractive he was. With a light moan, she stepped up to him and ran her hand down his bare abdomen, smiling when the muscles contracted underneath her fingertips.

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A Sweet Irish Kiss, a *Free* 1 Night Stand Book from JoAnne Kenrick

Sweet Irish Kiss is apart of Decadent Publishing's 1 Night Stand multi-author series.

1 Night Stand Blog | Decadent Publishing

The series is based around Madame Evangeline's match-making skills. A woman to be reckoned with, and owner of a highly successful matchmaking service; put the right two people together for just one night and anything is possible. Especially when the dates take place at the fabulous Castillo Hotels and Resorts in some of the most exotic places in the world. For more on Madame Evangeline.

BLURB

Rachel Taylor has issues. Her father broke her mother's heart with his cheating and Rachel swore never to let that happen to her, but one ruined relationship after another and she's realized she's got to get over being closed off to men. Perhaps a one-night stand is just the baby step she needs to begin to build trust again.

Shaun Bell, a divorced workaholic, spends all his time tending bar in his Irish Pub. He's ready to love again, but the women who visit his bar are only after his infamous Irish cocktails. At the advice of his darts team, over a tanker or two of Beamish, he applies to 1Night Stand to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the company of a woman specially selected for him by Madame Evangeline.
A match seemingly made in heaven...until morning rolls around and Shaun can't bring himself to say good-bye. Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?

"

Your Panties will be bunching and you will be sitting on the edge of your chair to wait and see what goodies Shaun has packed in his overnight bag ** grins **"-- Kat, Pageflipperz

GRAB YOUR COPY FOR FREE TODAY! LIMITED TIME OFFER TO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK'S DAY! AVAILABLE IN MOST EBOOK STORES...

99c 77p normally 2.99

Book Trailer Full Screen| Book Trailer Playlist

"Ms. Kenrick's writing style flows nicely throughout the story. Her attention stays more on the characters rather than the setting which is fitting for the genre of the novella. I like her ability to dig deep within the characters feelings allowing them to step up and tell their story. It is as if the author really took the back seat on this one. Very well written indeed! JoAnne Kenrick knows how to write unique, if not quirky, characters that stay with me long after I've finished reading their stories." -- Talina, Night Owl Reviews

This Sweet Irish Kiss excerpt has been edited to make it a PG-13. Please keep in mind that

the full story has a 4 flame rating and is therefore NOT suitable for minors.

I can’t believe I did that. What a great first impression. Not! And only I could top it off by going all defensive on his ass. Poor guy looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. At least he was a gentleman about it, though. Had any of my exes seen me go down like a ton of bricks, all Nia Vilvados style, they’d have pissed themselves laughing and grabbed their cameras. I’m the character who gets caught up in headphone wire when she sees a hot guy in that movie...Fat Greek Wedding, Big Fat Greek...whatever. I know what I mean.

Rachel shuddered. She’d fallen flat on her face because the hunkiness of her one-night stand had taken her by surprise. She hadn’t expected it. Not in the least. Average, that’s what his profile had said. It’s why she picked him. She figured he wouldn’t be up himself. Most attractive men who know they’re hot behave like monkeys in heat because of it. She wanted a man who would be thanking his lucky stars to have her in his arms, and one who would be romantic and polite. And when he rushed to help her, he‘d surprised her again.

Drop dead gorgeous and caring? This could be dangerous.

“Ya feeling better now?” Thick Irish accent, smooth like Baileys, coated each word her one-night stand spoke.

“Uh-huh.” She glanced up at his welcoming expression and caught her stare in his. “So, you’re Irish?” You’re Irish?

He quirked his mouth into a grin as if she amused him. She reminded herself that she wanted this and backed up. She sat on the nearest thing to her, a dining chair from the breakfast for two set, and chewed at her freshly manicured nails. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this nervous. Her stomach flip- flopped around the butterflies dancing in her gut.

“Ya, that a problem?” God I love his Irish brogue.

“Listen, Shaun, I’m sorry about the way I came down on you. I mean, not came down on you. Hell, I...I’m sorry for losing it.” He raised an eyebrow. “For biting your head off when you tried to help.”

“Hey, I get it. I’m not what ya expected.” Shaun, hands firmly rooted in his pockets, shrugged his shoulders. “Ya definitely not what I expected, either, but here we are. We can call it a day if you prefer or we can enjoy the rest of the evening. What do ya say? I can leave if ya like. The hotel room’s been paid for, so ya can spend the night and make the most of it. I’ll leave ya be, so I will. But I’d rather stay here...with ya.”

Her stare locked on Shaun, and she watched him grab his bag from the foot of the bed and stride toward the exit. His muscular frame, dark features, and great sense of style had her knees knocking together. She couldn’t remember the last time she actually wanted a man. But it wasn’t like she’d chase after him. The day she did that would be the day she forgave her daddy, or rolled over dead. The latter was more likely to happen first.

The following excerpt has been edited to make it a PG-13 excerpt. Please keep in mind that the book does contain adult themes and language, and is not suitable for minors.

Pretentious, that’s how Rachel described the infamous Knightsbridge store where she worked. She loved her job, though. It meant she could let loose, make crazy-ass window displays, and stretch her imagination beyond the high street fashion trends. Usually.

“Effing yuppie fashion.” She stood, pin cushion in hand, staring out the huge plate glass window. The rain drizzled over passing shoppers who huddled and shared umbrellas with loved ones. She wished she could have someone she could trust to protect her when life pissed all over her, but she didn’t have anyone like that. The big brick wall she’d built had seen to it.

A flashback of running through a downpour with her father hit her hard. He’d thrown his coat over her, sheltering her and leaving himself open to the elements. They giggled all the way home, running late for a Mother’s Day dinner.

She closed her eyes to try and block out the past, but the darkness acted as a blank canvas for her memory to play out the scene until a rumble of thunder in the distance brought her back to the present.

She sniffled back her feelings and grasped a plastic body to steady herself. A teardrop trickled down her face, and she smeared it away. Time to buckle up and get over it. Once a fond memory, it now served as a bitter pill. He’d tricked her, tricked everyone with his gallant gestures. He could never again be the genuine, kind man she remembered from her childhood. At least not to her, anyway.

“Effing life.” She threw a knit over a male model’s shoulders and fluffed to give it a casual yet purposeful style. “What are they thinking, asking me to decorate the mannequins with this jumped up crap? Men don’t dress like Prince William. No man I know anyway.”

Her pocket buzzed. Rachel flipped her phone open. “Hello?” Nothing. “Hell-o?”

Still nothing. She pulled it from her ear and glanced at the digital display.

“Email, not a call. I’m never going to get used to this stupid, high tech phone.” She pressed a few buttons. Some wrong. Some right. Eventually, she managed to open up the message.

A last minute check, to make sure your 1NightStand goes as you desire. May I suggest you wear a corset, my dear, to flatter your curves. He’ll be there before you, and I picked a room especially with a double door entrance so you can have a Scarlet O’Hara moment. Please don’t wear green. He hates the color. A bottle of Jameson would make a wonderful gift, should you wish to bring something along to break the ice. And best of all, Rachel, remember why you wanted this and enjoy the experience. Good luck, dear, I hope he’s all you need.

Bien a toi, Evangeline

— Is he ALL she needs? There is only one way to find out…READ THE BOOK FOR FREE! St Patrick's Day Promotion, free offer for a limited time only.

This excerpt has been edited to make it suitable for a general, mature audience. Sweet Irish Kiss is not suitable for minors.

“Put this blindfold on,” he ordered, “if ya want a surprise.” He wanted to put it on her himself. But knowing she had trust issues, it didn’t feel right to do so. Instead, he went to the bathroom to clean the toys with warm, soapy water as the packet had said for him to do. He hoped she would be sightless and under his demand when he got back.

He wasn’t disappointed. Still on all fours, she had done as requested. He smeared lube over the beads and eased them into her. As an anal newbie, he had no idea how much it would turn him on and drive him insane. He wanted to rip them out and shove his cock inside her tight little hole instead. His hard on throbbed with need already, and it had only been minutes since he’d come. Sure he would be able to perform again, and probably too soon if he didn’t grab hold of himself, he grinned.

When the fifth and biggest bead was inside her, he whipped on a condom, slipped inside her bleep entrance from behind, and plunged all the way into her slick warmth . The bumpity-bump of the latex numbs rubbing against him through her thick layer massaged his length as he moved, and he couldn’t contain the growl that emerged from deep in his gut.

JoAnne Kenrick

JoAnne Kenrick, an ex-Ghost Tour Guide turned Romance Author, is a Welsh lass who has lived in various countries around the world. She now calls North Carolina her home, where she lives with her husband, two children and a lazy cat. When they aren't demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading or baking up a British favorite in her N.C. kitchen. That is, when she isn't writing or chatting up a storm on social networking sites.

Kindlegraphs available.

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