Brilliant Birthday Pressie Idea

Okay, brilliant might be pushing the boat a bit, but I think we came up with a pretty good idea for someone who is turning 50 - that would make her born in 1961.

If you know me, then you know normally books are for birthdays, but I couldn't remember who she liked to read, so I was stumped.  Unheard of, but it happens.  However, we were under the gun, and we had no time to fuss about, so we went shopping.

Being me, I hadn't totally ditched the book idea, but then the cutie brought forth a a CD of 60's hits.  We walked around with it for a while and it finally hit me - find a bestselling book from the year she was born - and settled on James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, although Thunderball by Ian Fleming also sound pretty good.  And then I took it a step further and picked up a copy of the Oscar winner for Best Picture for the same year which was West Side Story.  That said, Breakfast at Tiffany's was another that sounded pretty cool.

I wish I could have found a candy or drink that had debuted that year, but I ran out of time.  In the end, it was fun to shop for this gift, at some point it had turned into a scavenger hunt of sorts.  So, next time someone you know is turning 50, give them the best from the year they were born.

It's Getting Hotter!

Is anyone else reminded of the old Coppertone ad when they see this gorgeous model named Kevin Baker in his Soul undies?

Okay, there's no dog and he isn't at the beach, but that's what I thought of and then noticed Baker is a rather fit man.

Thank you to photographer Greg Vaughan and Homotography.

Authors + Readers = At Their Best

Operation Auction went live on Sunday, March 27th at 12:01 am PDT and all items are in the Operation Auction ebay store!

Now for a few details:  None of the items will show up until the auction is live and not all items are going up at the same time. We have divided the items as equally as possible into three batches.

Batch One will be up March 27th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 30th at 12:01am

Batch Two will be up March 28th at 12:01 am PDT, ending March 31st at 12:01am

Batch Three will be up March 29th at 12:01 am PDT, ending April 1st at 12:01am

New donations are still coming in so be warned the enteries might be incomplete, however, there are categories in the store to help search for the items you want.

Shipping details will be in the description of each item. Please read those carefully before you bid to see if it is US only or international.
[Thank you to Black Raven's Erotic Cafe for the clear details]

I, Tilly Greene, happen to have a canvas bag filled w/signed books and goodies, and it ends March 30th - tomorrow - bid big as the proceeds are going to Fatin of  RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk blog.

The link to the Operation Auction ebay store is:  http://bit.ly/ifl6ZM or http://stores.ebay.com/operationauction2011

I love a man in a kilt, but...

Kilts, love them, but this one isn't working for me.  If I could think of a character who would sully the tartans fine heritage, it would be fun to write a character wearing one - although not the hero!  Never the hero!

Thank you, Trend de la Creme, for the interesting undies, sorry, thong.  Oh the horror!

A Great Movie You Might Have Missed

The other day I watched a movie called "9".  I remember wanting to see it and yet I don't remember ever seeing it hit the theaters.  Doesn't mean it didn't, just that I missed it, and so sat back to watch what turned out to be a fabulous flick.  Netflix says:

In a postapocalyptic world, a small community of rag-doll robots hides in fear from dangerous machines out to exterminate them. But when a brave newcomer named 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) joins the group, he inspires them to stand up and fight for their survival.

"9" started out as an animated short and, thankfully, was extended.  Personally, I can't wait to see what's next for the director Shane Acker.

Time to Eat Crow

I was wrong when I said there were no place on the East Coast that could make a good burger.  The cutie has made it his mission to help me find one that I'd enjoy and I finally found one!  It's close to home, too.  No, everything isn't perfect, but I'm okay with their finally being one I can eat.

At first it was Five Guys, those are good and the fries come in a bag so we can add some vineager, which gives the cutie a "chip" boost.  Next came Smashburger [picture to the right], lovely, especially their fried pickles, but the bun was too much for me to handle. 

Then, this past weekend, without any warning, the cutie took me to a Cheeburger Cheeburger.

Huge cheeseburger, but it was juicy, and the waiter suggested I cut it in half to take away for later [he also said don't order the small burger, it's all bun].  The onion rings were thin and lovely, and the fries were great.  The milkshake was yummy and made with what I wanted, thank you.  My suggestion is to share it all, there's too much for one person, but oh so good.

A Change of Pace

Usually on Wednesday I'll post a seriously hot dude, help people get throught the mid-week hump, but today I'm changing things up.

In this picture from Skinny vs Curvy, Raquel Welch shows off a fabulously female form. Curves, dips and valleys, otherwise called a shape.

Fabulous!

What's Next for Authors?

As an author I can tell you that when I'm wearing my authors hat, I'm always looking for ways to give to the reader more to experience with the books I write.  I love what I'm writing and want to share as much as possible to make time you've spent reading even more interesting and exciting.

That said, there is only one author I can point to and say they've done a perfect step further into their unique world of books, and his name is Robert Sabuda.

No, his books aren't erotic romance, but are more interactive, and for folks of all ages.  They're pop-ups and he's created The Professional Pop-up Kit, and has it for sale on his website.  How great is that?  I think it's way cool, then again, I'm a fan of pop-ups.  I teach others to do them and, when I have time, play around and make my own, so I have a few of these items but am adding it to my must get list.

Kudos to Sabuda, challenge accepted!

How Well Do You Know Your Food?

Not all that well, at least the blog Lunatica Desnuda shows me I don't know what's going on behind closed doors, so don't know my food at all!

Naughty Veggies!

Time to Get Personal

You all know by now I'll be at AAD [Authors After Dark] this August in Philadelphia and you may also know I've been to the previous two conferences as well, however, there's more you don't know.  Yup, I'm not keeping secrets, but Grace from Livre de Amor [Books of Love] asked the right questions in her interview.

Head on over and discover what my hobby is, who I enjoy reading and who writes my favorite books in the genres I also write, amongst other things.  While you're there, check out what Grace is reading.

It was a fun interview and now I can't wait for August!

I'm Done with Winter!

There, I said it, and I mean it!  I'm done with dwelling on the frigid temps and piles of snow that surrounded me this winter.  With Spring on my doorstep, it's actually easy to look at the good side of the W-word, and the fabulous S [who keeps me laughing everyday, which I thank her greatly] sent me a bunch of pics that helped me see the fun only available during winter.

Ice sculptures.

There were close to 10+ pictures in the email she sent me, but here is just one, and you can see why I'm liking snow - the somewhere else kind of snow :-)

Something New!

Many of you may have heard all about this endeavor, but in case you haven't, here's a brief blurb from the fabulous folks handling Operation Auction:

"Fatin has been an integral part of the romance community for years – she owns and runs the RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk blog, is an administrator of the WriteMinded loop, an author assistant and a tireless advocate for romance novels. She is also a friend to many in this community.

On Tuesday, March 8th, she lost her husband in a senseless act of violence, leaving her alone with four children. You can read more about the tragedy here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/9233067/

The romance community would like to rally around her. Therefore, we will be holding auctions on ebay the last week of March. More information on exact days and donations will follow."

Usually, when something horrible happens, there isn't much we can do, which is why I'm very proud to be a part of Operation Auction.  Productive action is right up my alley.  So, I have a Mythological Messes Redux series Bag full of books and goodies, and there's also 2 day passes with authors for Authors After Dark 2011 in Philadelphia and another for the entire AAD 2012 in New Orleans amongst the many many offerings.

Check them out on the home page of Operation Auction, mark down the ones you'd like, and get ready to bid big!

Looking for Fruit and Veg?

Well, tomorrow is St. Patricks Day, where beer, brisket and soda bread will abound.

Thank you, We Love Guys [NSFW] and the hunkalicious James Nyman, for the grand selection but we have our carrots, potatoes, and cabbage ready to boil to distruction and yes, I'm going to try and get the cutie to make some bubble and squeak with the leftovers - yummy!

Seven Minutes of Seduction by Afton Locke

Dark closet + sexy boss + 7 minutes = too HOT to stop!

Wanna play 7 Minutes in Heaven?

Releases March 16th!

Ever had a fantasy about your boss?

'Fess up. We all have.

Despite Eliza Worth’s attraction to her boss, Zach Taunton, she’s so fed up with his unreasonable demands she’s decided to look for another job. Her matchmaking friend Margo, determined to give Eliza some sexual healing for her work stress, invites her to a singles mixer, where Eliza reluctantly agrees to play a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. In a dark closet, Eliza is quickly brought to the edge and beyond by a sexy mystery man. Her initial intrigue quickly turns to horror when she discovers her masterful, anonymous lover is none other than her slave-driving boss himself—and Zach seems to want her for a lot longer than seven minutes. But first he’ll have to relinquish some control and negotiate his way into her heart.

Watch the Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_K4oZAFAj8

Seven Minutes of Seduction
ISBN# 978-14199-32977
Ellora's Cave Publishing
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9201-seven-minutes-of-seduction.aspx

Afton Locke
www.aftonlocke.com



Excerpt (Adult)
(Copyright © AFTON LOCKE, 2011, All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.)

Her breath caught when she realized the room wasn’t just dark. It was completely black. She couldn’t see a thing now. Margo must have had special padding or weather-stripping installed around the edges of the door.

“You’re not allowed to talk, starting now,” Margo said, her voice muffled.

Eliza fought down the urge to pound on the door and beg to be let out but knew that would make her resemble a childish idiot. Not being able to see and knowing nothing about who was in the closet with her sent her heart rate into the aerobic range.

Her other senses soon took over. She heard the rustle of curtain, a man’s breathing and…oh God. That was Zach’s cologne. The distinctive blend of exotic spices and understated class had distracted her mid-task more than once at work.

Coincidence, she told herself as she clasped her hand across her throat. Lots of men wore the same cologne. He couldn’t possibly be here.

This man, whoever he was, didn’t seem nearly as inclined to pause and analyze the situation as she did. She gasped when a questing hand brushed her waist and arm, followed much too quickly by two steely arms fastening around her. Goose bumps exploded across her arms as rolled-up shirtsleeves and very hot forearms slid across her skin.

A pair of lips found her ear with uncanny precision and slashed across it, sliding into a jagged path down her neck. Beard stubble—another reminder of Zach—scraped her skin, sending dual sensations of alarm and pleasure shooting down her spine.

With her arms all but pinned to her sides, she could do nothing but slide her hands around the man’s waist. His body was hot and muscular under her fingers. Muscles flexed beneath the soft shirt as he maneuvered her to stand against a row of shelves. The delicate scent of laundered sheets mingled with his cologne, reminding her of beds.

She turned her chin toward his mouth, needing to taste him. Suddenly his hands anchored both sides of her face, holding her in place for a kiss. No, not a kiss—an onslaught. He skimmed her lips with his tongue before biting, tasting and teasing. Without even knowing exactly how, she found herself slack-jawed and senseless, wanting everything he had to give.

He tasted like wine, with a slight salty tang, as if he’d eaten caviar. While he claimed her tongue with punishing swirls of his own, his legs pressed hard against her, his cock even harder, bruising the delicate flesh over her pubic bone through their clothing.

“One minute has passed.”

The automated voice nearly made Eliza jump out of her skin. Margo had thought of everything.

The sensation of tugging at her blouse brought her attention to her breasts. Her blouse went slack and threatened to fall off when he unbuttoned the few large buttons. Needing and aching, her nipples anticipated strong fingers or a hot, flicking tongue.

At the same time, alarms went off in her head. Exactly how far did people go in this game? Surely seven minutes wasn’t enough time to go all the way but she was at his mercy, whatever he planned.

If this man fucked her in the dark, she wouldn’t even see his cock. She would only be able to feel it, thrusting into her drenched pussy.

“Wait, I—” she uttered.



Releases March 16th!


Seven Minutes of Seduction
ISBN# 978-14199-32977
Ellora's Cave Publishing
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9201-seven-minutes-of-seduction.aspx

Afton Locke
www.aftonlocke.com

Nope, Never, Not Going To Do It - Ever!

I love fashion and get a kick out of when a designer steps out of the box, but I have my limits, and this one - this hat - is a no way!  Even if it does look like chocolate, which I love, this hat would never find a place on my head.

The two places I know where women still wear hats - and I have a thing for hats, hence Grace Strachan in Highland Heat being a milliner - is to church and weddings.  Can you imagine wearing this one to either of those two places?

Nope, neither can I, and the shock of seeing a penis sticking up in front of them might even kill a few folks.  Not good!

That said, New Power Studios fashion show in London is where the pvc penis hat made its debut, and thank you Racked for the photo.

Horrific Beauty

The Pop-Up City recently showcased the Spontaneous City in the Tree of Heaven project and whilst a beautiful honeycomb of living space, it will give me nightmares.

That's right, birds and I don't mix.

When Fashion is Art

Put "art, architecture, and nature" [from the PMA write up] together with an aura of modernity and you're getting close to describing Italian designer Roberto Capucci's designs.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of his work from March 16-June 5 and, yes, I'll be attending.

The dress to the right is called Nove Gonne [Nine Skirts] was designed in 1956 - pretty forward thinking, isn't it.

Fashion, Art, whatever you want to call it, I think it's yummy!

Another Reason to Love Thierry Mugler

When I first heard of Thierry Mugler he was a fashion designer, a great, push the boundaries kind of designer and he still is, but there are now a few more things on his plate.

Fragrance is one area he has a hand in and A*Men is the name of his latest offering for men.  Fun.  Anyway, Homotography posted two snippets from the ad with the new spokesman, Oscar Pistorius, and I loved it!

Yes, loved!

Why?

Above and to the right is one ad of Oscar, an athlete for South Africa who was denied a chance to run at the 2008 Olympics because his legs were considered an advantage.  He went on to win in the paraolympics, but it still bothered me that his artificial limbs, yes, artificial limbs put him above everyone else.  I hope they do!

Below is the ad that I think is the best, the guy looks fast, fit, and seriously sexy.  Amen to Mugler!

Allow me to introduce you to...

...the hero of Tied Up For Love, to be released on April 15.

I just realized that I've told you Marsyas is the latest Ancient Greek mythological figure to be treated to a fresh ending, actually fresh start would be more apt, but then again, that is what the Mythological Messes Redux series is all about, however, I haven't shown you the man himself.

So, without any further ado, let me introduce you to the real ipotane, Marsyas. To the right is a picture from the Getty Collection of a remnant that also happens to be one of my all time favorite pieces of art.

He isn't big, less than 20", and the artist added horns which the real Marsyas didn't have, however, the man is very sexy as sin and I came to that conclusion long before I knew his sad tale.

What Are You Looking At?

Fabulous photograph by Robbie Fimmano and there are more in Interview Magazine, as well as on Homotography.

Now, the question is:  are you looking at the watch that's trying to be sold or just at the hot guy?

I was actually looking at the watch first!  I know - what a surprise!  But that's a job Fimmano has done before, sell watches through sexy images, and kudos to him for doing it so well.

Read an eBook Week is almost here!

2011 should have an interesting Read an eBook week, running March 6-12.

Why interesting?

Well, there's more information available for those who haven't dabbled between the electronic pages yet, and even more ebooks available.  In fact, did you know eBooks have been around for 40 years?  I didn't know and read all about it on the Read an eBook week history page.  Cool.

I've a few ebooks loaded up and at the ready on my iPod Touch, what will you read your ebook(s) on this week?

Oscar Fashion Thoughts

Safe, that's what I think Oscar fashion was  this year.  It's not a bad four letter word, just not very exciting.  There were wonderful gowns, worn well, and seemed to suit the person who put it on.  Great, lovely, but eh - not anything to jump and down with glee over.

That said, here's how it broke down for me.  First up, those who dressed as suited their public image, and it worked fabulously.  They are Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein, Jennifer Hudson in Versace, and Michelle Williams in Chanel.

Each is totally different and they look beautiful, probably because they were happy with what they were wearing and weren't dealing with something wearing them.  Loved the liquid gold look of Gwyneth's dress, the blood orange [some said tangerine] color of Jennifer's, and the don't need to flash the flesh to be sexy of Michelle's.

Next would be the rarely talked about gals who looked better than great, but the pundits didn't take the time to highlight them - but I will.  Aishwarya Rai in Armani Prive and Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco. 

Gorgeous ladies, not matter what they're wearing, and both have seriously handsome partners, but the media focused on fashion said nothing.  Shame.  I should confess that Aishwarya Rai had a hand in shapping my heroine for India, so I'm biased when it comes to her.

And then there are the two that made me smile - which is close to an ooo or ahhh.  Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive and Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa.

Reese's hair and simple gown was perfect, she looked great and comfortable in what she had on.  Hailee is fourteen years old, fourteen, and she looked the bomb!  Love it from her shoes to headband.

Last, but not least, is the one gown that made me think - well, now, that is fashion!  Hilary Swank in Gucci looked great.  She wasn't as physically tight as she usually is, which made the match of her and her dress work really well.  The last time I adored her choice was when she wore the Guy Laroche to the Oscars and won.

There you have, the last of my fashion thoughts from this years award season.  Thank you mannaismayaadventure for the pictures.

Sun and Surf is so Sexy!

This is Lee Kholafai and here he definitely makes me think of the Sun and Surf as Sexy!

Thank you Hunk du Jour [NSFW] - you made my day.

A Small Snippet About Tattoos

My Angel, New Zealand, and Dragon Lust [a seriously naughty free read from All Romance] are three books of mine where the heroes have tattooes.  I've also mentioned before about the hero in Missing in Paradise has tattoos and thought I'd share a bit more about ink.  The ones I mention the hero having are very personal to him and are unique in style.

That's right, if you don't know much about the ink, then I'll tell you there are many different styles in how they're drawn.  I recently stumbled across Venus [above] and tracked it back to the original Washington Post article, Thinking of Inking?, where you can run your mouse over the examples and read where they came from, as well as other images of how they work to how to take them off.  Very interesting.

One I didn't find any information mentioned, but unearthed during my research, I used in Missing in Paradise was a 3D style - an example of which is to the left.  I was intrigued by this type of tattoo and redesigned it for my hero who has it in a place that covers something up, cool, right?