Saturday, February 28, 2009

Partial Empty Nest Syndrome

DiablitaMy sister and her husband have four + two wonderful kids.

One is in law school [and freezing her backside off], one is about to graduate and one is finishing the first year of college life, then there are three in high school - all shining in their areas of interest. While she puts on a good front, I think this picture of Lily proves she is having difficulty with no little ankle biters to play with.

Do the jewels distract you from looking at the snaggle tooth?

Friday, February 27, 2009

Only a few of days remain...

to get your free copy of "An Invitation to the World: Russia".

Russia allows a persecuted man to take control of his life and find his other half.

Before his troubles, Russian businessman, Vasiliy Beketov bought an island in The World and it was to be his home away from home. At the lowest point in his life, Zura Girard enters his life as a designer and ends up meaning so much more to him. When they first speak, they both know there is a connection, but is it love?

Free Read available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for February only.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Fabulous Dressing Part V

The Oscars were on this past Sunday and as might have guessed, I was watching the red carpet and looking for that gown!

First, yes, I was disappointed. The designs were tame and often in the same color range [white, black and red]. However, there was one dress I saw walk down and knew, hands down, that was the best dress of the night. While there were a few others that were intersting, none struck me as better than the one Taraji P Henson wore.

The tiers and fabric were stunning, the white was okay, at least it didn't look like a wedding gown. And the fit was perfect for her, definitely not so tight you knew she'd have trouble sitting down in it. The necklace was pretty stunning as well, although I think I would've preferred a large cuff.

Marisa Tomei's was definitely unique, it was my second choice, but it was too much. Yes, Natalie Portman looked wonderful in pink, an actual color, but the gown was eh. I also liked Anne Hathaway's dress but she had trouble walking in the decorated column so passed.

On a side, fashion related, note, I'm on the TRS Blue Blog talking about where I think the wet t-shirt look started. It's interesting, honest.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Hump Day Reflections

Here is a side of Hephaestus, Greek God of the Forge and Master of Fire, that no one normally sees. Rather divine, excuse the pun - or not. This is actually from a statue built for the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis. It now resides in the Red Mountain, Birmingham, Alabama.

Go Alabama! Thank you for showcasing a sexy man and his delightful assests for all to see! It is also fitting for him to be in cast iron.

Now, speaking of the man, his story is in Love's Immortal Pantheon and the anthology received a 5 Blue Ribbon Review from Romance Junkies!

Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn: 978-1607670254
$12.99

Paperback is now available on Amazon.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

eBook and Book Talk!



This Book and eBook Talk looks at Pluto's Offering by Selena Illyria and is the third installment of the other stories that are with mine [Hephaestus Lays Down the Law] in paperback:

Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn: 978-1607670254
$12.99

Paperback is now available on Amazon.


Iriana is thrust into the future where she is branded as a witch and offered up as a sacrifice to the Roman, God, Pluto. She doesn’t expect to lust after him.

Pluto leads a lonely existence. When Iriana comes into his world his life changes. He finds himself wanting to experience the outside world he shunned and try new things. The only problem, he knows he must send her back to her own time.

Is he be willing to say good-bye to the woman that has touched his heart?


Excerpt

Pluto tried to ignore the way his body was reacting to his latest sacrifice or captive as he preferred to call them. His heart was hammering against his chest, he felt light headed, his balls ached and his cock was pressing against his breeches demanding its freedom. He absently adjusted himself as he walked toward his palace. He almost stumbled twice when his thoughts drifted back to the sacrifice.

She is lovely, her lips are quite tempting and despite her soaked appearance she is attractive. I just wish I could get her out of her clothes. He came to a sudden stop and cursed at himself. I am not going to sleep with her. She is obviously not of this time. I will send her back and wait for them to send me someone else. Someone who actually wants to be here. He continued walking. Keeping his senses open just in case she needed help walking over the rocky shore. A soft squeak caused him to turn around and find her on her butt, knees together, shins apart. Starting back to help her, he stopped when she pushed herself up and got to her feet, reaching behind to dust her bottom off.

She made her way carefully over the stones until she reached him. “So let me get this straight, you are Pluto, Roman God of the dead?”

“That is what I said.”

She blinked. “And this is all real?”

“Yes.”

“Uh huh, do you have another name? You know maybe Hades?”

“That is my cousin.”

“Okay, so no other name. Can I call you P? Pluto reminds me of the dog, you know from . . .”

He held up a hand, “I understand, yes, you can call me P as you put it.”

Trying to hold back a chuckle, he turned and began walking. He could feel her behind him, carefully picking her way over the rocky terrain. Stopping again he turned, “Do you want me to help you?”

“Nope, nope, I got it P. I don’t mean to be rude but did your parents hate you?”
“Excuse me?”

“Did they hate you? I mean come on; you’ve got a planet named after you that was demoted and a dog from a cartoon. I can’t take you seriously with a name like Pluto.” She looked up at him and he couldn’t hold back the laugh. He laughed long and loud. The sound echoed off the walls and ceiling of the cavern back to him. When he finally stopped, he was wiping away tears. When his vision cleared he found her standing before him, her lips twitching as if she was trying to resist smiling.

“My parents did not hate me, perhaps they are disappointed with me but they don’t hate me. Come, I’m sure you’re hungry and need a change of clothes.” He nodded his head toward the palace and began to move.

“You really need to look into paving, walking this shore or whatever the hell it is, is a bitch.”

He chuckled in response. Pluto was quite thankful that she wasn’t peering closer at the stones she would have found she was walking on skulls and bones mixed in with rock. When they finally reached the steps of the palace she looked tired. He felt bad for her so without asking, he stooped down and scooped her up in his arms. “Hey, put me down, I can walk thank you very much.”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t have to. You made it this far, let me carry you. You must be tired.”

She didn’t look at him when she muttered, “I have legs and I know how to use them.”

“Yes, but you’re tired. Let me carry you. Please, it’s the least I can do.”

Iriana finally turned her head to look at him, weariness in her eyes, “You’re going to eat me aren’t you?”

His cock twitched in response. “Not unless you want me to.”

© 2008-2009 Copyright Selena Illyria, All Rights Reserved


eBook buy link at All Romance eBooks

Selena Illyria website, Facebook and MySpace

Monday, February 23, 2009

Naughty Thought for Monday

Will you save more or less with a humping piggy bank?

Friday, February 20, 2009

A bit of random ridiculousness...

My first ad [it was with Ellora's Cave for Highland Heat] in the Realms of Fantasy magazine turned out to their second to the last issue - what a shame!

This was an interesting magazine that had short stories, movie and book reviews, and showcased artists - all in the world of fantasy.

In fact, I discovered work of Daniel Merriam, whose "In the Lap of Luxury" was the cover. I'll be looking for more from him - maybe visit one of the galleries that is showing his work because I like them.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Together Again? is OUT!

Zeus, King of the gods, God of the Sky and Thunder, knows he has a pretty good existence, except for when it comes to Valentine's Day. For some unknown reason, this was the one day out of the 365 that his desires are ignored by all. With unfulfilled desire pushing him closer to being dangerously angry, he's ready to demand answers from the Moirae when a woman from his past comes to the throne room.

Suddenly, the day of hearts and love isn't looking so bad. Or is it? Leda is someone he wronged in the past and wouldn't blame her if she denied him again, but he cares for her, deeply. 

He is ready to do whatever it takes to have her again, but will she forgive his past mistakes?

"Together Again?", the second installment in the Mythological Messes Redux series, is now available exclusively at All Romance eBook [ARe].

Fabulous Dressing Part IV

Right now is fashion week in NYC and because of the economy, some designers have opted out of doing runway shows. However, there is one who is working on a high note and that would be Jason Wu.

The formal white gown Michelle Obama wore to all the inagural balls was by Wu. The pink dress she wore on the cover of this months Vogue was by Wu - from her own closet.

In my opinion, based on what I've seen from past shows and the current one for Fall 2009, he's good. His style is accessible and in some cases, I could see myself in a couple of pieces.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hump Day Reflections

Barney Rosset is someone who survived in the world of publishing despite feeling the backlash from people who were afraid of sex.

What was his big crime that sent him into court to fight for freedom of speech? Wanting to publish uncensored versions of books then called "obscene" but weren't, were they? Do you think D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover, Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer and William Burroughs' Naked Lunch are obscene?

Yeah, me neither.

This is a documentary about his plight and might be of interest to those who believe in the first amendment.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

eBook and Book Talk!



This Book Talk and eBook Talk looks at Erato by Cat Johnson and is the second installment of the other stories that are with mine [Hephaestus Lays Down the Law] in paperback:

Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn: 978-1607670254
$12.99

Paperback is now available on Amazon.


Welcome to Mt. Olympus, where erotic pleasures reign supreme and the ancient Greek gods engage in games that have no rules. When the lowly muse Erato is unwittingly used as a pawn in Aphrodite and Eros’ vengeful quest against Apollo, can he emerge the winner of their battle? More importantly, will he lose his heart to the unsuspecting nymph Acantha in the process?

Excerpt (PG)

“So, as I was saying my lovely Erato, your familiarity with the mortals is what makes you perfect for this assignment, and though I am loathe to part with you for even a short time, I must, for you are the best suited for the task at hand.”

Erato cleared the frog from his throat and steeled his nerves. “If I may, my perfect goddess, what is this task of which you speak?”

Aphrodite ran one nail down Eros’ sculpted arm. “Tell him, my golden one.”

Eros shot Erato another grin full of mischief. “It’s simple, my friend. You go down below, locate one particular female, and let her fall in love with you.”

Erato frowned. It sounded simple enough, deceptively so. Mortals were extremely susceptible to those who resided on Mt. Olympus, which was one reason why once a mortal entered the palace of the gods, they never willingly left.

One look into his eyes and the female would be his. One night in his bed and she would never want to part with him. But still, why him? “And why have I been chosen…specifically?”

Aphrodite looked proud of herself as she explained. “It may be required that you live among the mortals for some time. Mortal time, of course, is nothing for one of us, but still, any of the others would stand out among the commoners. You, however, with your strange preoccupation with those living below, will know how to blend in.”

Aphrodite thought he and he alone could blend in with the commoners? Erato wasn’t sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult. So he collected mortal literature. He was the Muse of Poetry, for Zeus’ sake. It was his job to be familiar with mortal writers.

Compliment or not, Erato said, “Thank you, goddess. And will Eros assist me with one of his arrows and his ever true aim to make the female fall in love with me?”

Now Eros’ involvement in the plan made more sense, since love was the goal. All that needed to be done was for Eros to shoot the female with one of his golden tipped arrows and she would be irretrievably in love with whomever she saw next.

“My arrow will not be necessary, my friend. She will fall in love with you as certainly as the sun rises and sets. What female could ever resist you? But I will be nearby. Do not fear.” Eros treated Erato to his cherubic smirk once more.

Erato nodded, not sure he was relieved by Eros’ assurance. “All right. When am I to leave?”

Aphrodite smiled. “Immediately, but treat me to one last kiss, Erato, before I lose you to the mortals.”

Erato rose at Aphrodite’s command, in more ways than one, and touched his lips to hers. Her mouth tasted of the sea and the familiar tang caused a tide of memories of all they’d shared to flood his mind. A moan of pure desire rose from Erato’s chest and he had to stop himself from pressing his body against hers, a presumption that would surely earn him more pain than pleasure.

The chamber around him began to swirl into an indecipherable tangle of sensations. Erato still smelled the scent of rosemary oil lingering in the room, his body still ached with wanting what pleasures it knew the goddess could provide, he still tasted the salty sea in her mouth, but things were no longer clear…

Dizzy and barely able to think, Erato heard Eros giggle and then everything went blank.

Find another excerpt and eBook buy link at All Romance eBooks

Cat Johnson website, blog talk radio show hostess and myspace

Sunday, February 15, 2009

There have been some...

hotels I've mentioned before with book themes.

First was the Library Hotel, where each room has a unique dewey decimal designation.

Another was the Algonquin Hotel, where they offer a Kindle loaded with the visitors favorite ebooks.

Now there is Inn BoonBoro, author Nora Roberts hotel, where each room relate to a literary couple.

All I can say is that one of the most relaxing visits I've experienced was in a hotel that happened to be in a foreign country [not many bookshops offering English titles], actually had a library where people left their books for future visitors. Yup, I read one while sitting in a hammock on the beach and left a one behind.

Books/eBooks do a vacation good.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Exciting news!

WOW!

"Ride 'em" just won a CAPA from The Romance Studio in the Best BDSM category!

So very exciting!

In fact, you should be a member of my Monthly Scorcher Group to see just how excited I am :-)

Yeehaw everyone!

Award Season is Here!

The Romance Studio is hosting a party on their TRS CAPA blog today with two different and fantastic prizes on offer in celebration of their annual CAPA Awards. One of the prizes is a $100 gift certificate to Amazon! While you're there, check out Ride 'em, which has been nominated in the Best BDSM category.

Zandia has been nominated for two different awards and readers can vote for their favorites. RORR has this book listed for a Fantasm Award in the Best Futuristic Romance Novel category [vote here] and ireadromance has it nominated for an Ariadne in the Best Fantasy Romance Novel category [vote here]. ireadromance is also placing all voters into a drawing for a free ebook.

Putting your voting finger to work and have fun!

Friday, February 13, 2009

A bit of random ridiculousness...

While what is happening businesswise isn't funny right now, this video highlighting a sector is thriving, is.



That's right, people are buying more condoms.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Fabulous Dressing Part III

It was the Grammy's this past weekend. This event should run the gambit of fashion: from classics to seriously out there rock-n-roll, only it didn't. Don't get me wrong, there were some gorgeous dresses there, but far too Oscarish for this event.

Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, LeAnn Rimes and Kate Perry looked lovely, but nothing they wore said "I'm outside the mainstream", but who did this for me and still looked great was: Adele

I think it's the green satin coat over a simple black dress that made this young lady stand out. It was both formal and a touch sassy.

Yes, this was definitely the standout outfit for me.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Hump Day Reflections

To prepare for Valentine's Day...let the licking begin!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

eBook and Book Talk!



Over the next few weeks, here on Book Talk and eBook Talk, I'm going to be showcasing the other stories that are with mine [Hephaestus Lays Down the Law] in paperback:

Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn:  978-1607670254
$12.99

Paperback is now available on Amazon.

First up is:

Seduction in Moonlight by Diana DeRicci
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-60767-026-1

Blurb:
When Selene is brought to earth by a mortal man, the passion she finds is one she cannot leave, yet she only has three nights of the Flower Moon to experience this wonder. When confronted by Zeus, she risks everything to stay with the man who has stolen her heart.

This is a twisted retelling of the Selene and Endymion story.

Buy Now!

Read the full first chapter here!


Excerpt:
Edmon returned to the calm lake the following night. He had awakened from the most glorious dream that morning beside the lake where it looked as though he had fallen asleep. He had rested well, which was unusual. It had been a dream of a beautiful woman, a goddess that had bedazzled him. He had not drunk himself into a stupor that night, but could not think of one reason he would be dreaming of such a woman when his head should have been filled with battle strategies, wars lost and won. The occasional relief he found with a faceless, nameless woman seemed distant in his memory. This dream had felt so real, far too detailed. The color of her hair, the jewels that had been wound throughout, the scent of her skin. One that could make him ache with just the memory. He lifted a hand and stroked a finger across his lips, as though he had just shared her kiss. He swore he still tasted the sweet touch of her lips on his own.

He walked the edge of the lake far from the road, studying it in the darkness, taut with an ache that he could not release. Not even by his own hand, and he had considered it. Training in the fields until he was ready to collapse, had taken the worst of the boiling desire from his thoughts, but not now. Not in the place he had envisioned the woman of silvery light and beauty unlike any woman he had ever known.

He tipped back and looked at the luminous globe in the sky, hanging like a silver dusky disk still low in the horizon, her rise just beginning. A glowing jeweled nimbus created by the wisp of traveling clouds between the earth and the moon gave the sight a mythical and magical touch. Then he cursed at the cold beauty of it, craving what he should not.

Buy Now!

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci
Best Selling Author
http://srnwrites.blogspot.com/

Monday, February 09, 2009

Naughty Thought for Monday

an idea for Valentine's Day...his and hers!

Dear Diary have some fun and saucy undies to give to your partner.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

There have been some...

interesting articles about books, ebooks, authors - basically, all things tome-related, this past week. Here they are as noted in my twitter account:

An author's view on bailout request from WSJ and some good suggestions of how to do it better - http://tiny.cc/3gopD

An interesting find in the historical sex/BDSM lifestyle - quite a surprise: http://tiny.cc/HABvv

Oh man, when they are needed most, things are not looking so good for libraries - http://usat.me/?34027456.

Dear Author has a great article up on what should be in an eBook-some of it is really obvious, but isn't done-why? http://tiny.cc/excfE

The perfect set of bookshelves as designed by Stijn Disscheroux - http://tiny.cc/5XrhI

A fabulous example of purple prose romance - Steve Martin and Stephen Colbert reading Danielle Steel - http://tiny.cc/LmTCi

Friday, February 06, 2009

The Chocolate Social is HERE!

The Valentine's Day Chocolate Social w/15 authors is tomorrow [Saturday, February 7 2009] from 2-6:00pm at Borders, 1600 South East Road, Farmington, CT 06032

There will be door prizes, a meet and greet, Q&A, readings, games and snacks [including lots of chocolate goodies :-)].

The 15 authors are:

Stella Price, Jessica Andersen, Marie Force, Cat Johnson, Tilly Greene, Allie Boniface, Annette Blair, Isabelle Santiago, Emily Bryan, Denise Eagan, Toni Andrews, Donna Michaels, Leigh Ellwood, Kristan Higgins and Kathryn Smith

Shall be a great time - hope to see you there!

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Where is Tilly Greene?

I'm thinking about chocolate!

Here are a few things that won't be at the event this coming Saturday [Chocolate Social] but looked so good when I saw them in a catalog, magazine, or was told about and am still thinking about them :-)

Chocolate of the Month club from Dean & Deluca







13 Moon Club Haut-Chocolate from Vosges




Ooh-La-La Chocolate Cake also from Dean & DeLuca







A visit to Chocopologie [by Knipschildt Chocolatier], which happens to be in Connecticut!!! What's such a big deal about that? Because the Chocolate Social is being held there [Borders,1600 SE Road, Farmington, CT].

Yes, they are all totally decadent, but so lovely for a true chocolate fiend.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Hump Day Reflections



Duke, from G.I. Joe fame, and how he used to look,

versus



how he looks in the G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra flick...no cammies, no muscular forearms or chest peeking through his clothes, but I think I'm okay with that.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Book Talk!



When it comes to my more adventurous reading choices, I've discovered I do that in the ebook format. This is so if I don't like it, I can put it in a file folder and maybe I'll try it again later, maybe not. If I do like it, I make a file folder for the author and start working through their backlist or waiting for something new. There's more space to play with the ebooks.

Hardcover, after donating over 3000 books, is now reserved for my keepers* and that list has recently dwindled by more than a half dozen authors. Paperbacks are those I purchase and leave in whatever hotel or airplane I'm on when I finish.

So, who do I have on my waiting to be released list thus far for 2009:

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Skin Trade by Laurell K Hamilton
Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens
A Rogue of My Own by Johanna Lindsey
Promises in Death by JD Robb

*="keepers" are the books that sit on full to the brim bookcases set up in every room of our house [including attic, excluding cellar, bathroom and bedroom]. There must be a space for them, so something must go into the donation pile.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Naughty Thought for Monday

Whenever I look at this picture, I'm thinking about the incredible pose - yes, an interesting pose.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Just for February!

Whiskey Creek Press Torrid has "An Invitation to the World: Russia" as its FREE read!

As an extra bit of sweetness, they've also put "Come, Sweet Creature" and "Extreme Speed, Total Control" at a discount!

What a fabulous way to kick off the month!