Well, get ready for more fun, season two is here!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Naughty Thought for Monday
Friday, June 05, 2009
A bit of random ridiculousness...
© Cliff Watts
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Fabulous Fashion News and More!
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| © Getty Images |
Check out this candid interview with her on WOWOWOW: The Women on the Web. It's interesting and keeps the positivity going.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
It's June and I bet you're wondering where my head has traveled this month. Well, it is a month I think of sun, sand, and surf and this picture from Surfer Magazine made me think of one of the things I do while at the beach - check out the surfers as they're checking out the waves.
Head over to check out this months Eye Candy and be inspired by what the sun brings out.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Book Talk!
Recently I read a Linda Fairstein book [she's my current go to author for an entertaining read without having to make a major brain or time committment] and am still dwelling on something that was mentioned, probably because I wasn't buying it. It wasn't a big deal, not part of the plot or character development, just a throw away comment that was completely opposite from what I thought. After a murder, the main character [a lawyer] mentions there were more guns in LA than NYC. Not gang related guns, but your common citizen owning guns.
Ummm, no, I don't think so. Growing up in So. Cal., I never once saw a gun and knew of one person who had ever been to a shooting range [job related]. Considering I go back a few times a year, nothings changed. On the other hand, having spent ten years on the other coast, I can count on one hand and have left over fingers, the people from our little town that I know [as in have weekend bbq's with] who haven't ever touched a gun.
Yup, that one statement jarred me enough to even ask others which place they thought had more guns. Half a dozen people asked [we were Indiana at the time so, other than me, neither coasts inhabitants were involved] and all agreed on NYC.
Did it ruin the story for me? No, but it sat in my mind as being off kilter.
This happened with another author I enjoyed reading only I couldn't let their throwaway comment pass so easily. My hometown was the setting and the heroine drove "the coastal route" down to San Diego, enjoying the view of the ocean and beaches along the way. Ummm, no, can't be done. Camp Pendleton doesn't open its gates to anyone to drive through. Besides that, the author mentioned the drive took an hour and a half, double no. Speed limit, no traffic, it's more like 45 minutes. I couldn't let this pass - if you're going to be specific, then be right. Anyway, I might pick up a random book by this author, although that's about it, no more automatic buys.
I'm not sure why I didn't react as harshly to Fairstein as I did with the other author. Maybe because I don't write mysteries that I'm more tolerant, maybe, although I don't think so. How about you? Have you not only been pulled out of a story, but also pulled away from an author?
Monday, June 01, 2009
Fabulous Advice!
Recently, the blog "How Publishing Really Works" posted a guest review on Elizabeth George's book "Write Away". In the review, it is noted that George offers some great advice on the first day to students in her creative writing course and it struck a cord with me.
The review is interesting, I've just bought a copy of the book for myself, but if you can't make it over there or read the book, then here it is:
"You will be published if you possess three qualities; talent, passion and discipline.
You will probably be published if you possess two of these three qualities: either a combination of talent and discipline or a combination of passion and discipline.
You will likely be published if you possess neither talent nor passion but still have discipline."
Fabulous advice for all writers!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Naughty Thought for Monday
Andrey Razumovsky's Racy Liquid Fashiontography definitely makes me look at the carton of milk in a different way.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Chance to Kill Two Birds!
Brenda Novack's Annual Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research is going on right now. There are some great things on offer, but there's only one where you get:
1. Admission to RomantiCon 2009, Ellora's Cave's first ever convention devoted to our exciting trademark brand of Erotic Romance called Romantica. Be there for this historic (and rowdy) event, including three days of parties, workshops, photo shoots, cover models
2. Food, Hotel Accomodations, and Roundtrip Airfare (Continental United States only!)
AND, BEST OF ALL!!
3. Your photo with the Ellora's Caveman cover model of your choice, featured on the book cover of your choice and 10 free copies of the book.
WOW! Head over and place your bid. Help kick diabetes booty and become a cover model!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Come one, come all!
Sorry, have the c-word on my mind - writing about a couple of cowboys and their chick...see, I have c's on my mind. Anyway, tomorrow I'll step out from under the laptop!
A group of authors [Jacquelyn Frank, Stella Price, Cat Johnson, Bianca D'Arc, Allie Boniface, Philippa Grey-Gerou and myself] will be visiting the Borders at 1 North Galleria Drive, Middletown, NY talking and signing books from 2-6:00pm.
Shall be a blast, so come visit!
Oops, there's that c-word again :-)
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Fabulous and Funky Fashion News!
This past Tuesday was The Costume Institute's Gala event held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. There's an exhibition on now until August 9 and I know I'll be attending.
If you're into fashion, then this is the event for you. The gowns are always top-notch, from the fabulous to the funky. This year, I liked a few dresses, but wasn't wowed by any of them.
However, what did catch my attention was Melania Trump.
Now, I admit that when I write about a female character wearing an evening gown, it's often with her nipples being barely covered. Hey, I write EROTIC ROMANCES and feel comfortable dressing them in this extremely sexy way, but here, it looks to me like an act of desperation for attention - not so sexy. I think Trump must have been worried if his wife took too deep of a breath, there'd be some serious flesh flashing.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Anyway, Errol Flynn, remember him? He was a film star who is best known for playing a swashbuckler type [like Robin Hood] and led a wildly exciting life off screen. The expression "In like Flynn" supposedly comes from his ladies man reputation.
Well, get this, he has a grandson, Luke Flynn, who just so happens to be representing Nautica cologne. Nice! Now that is a pirate I can deal with and remain happy.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Happy Kinko de Mayo!
Love that play on words and it's all for the readers!
Now through May 6th, get 15% off your next order at Phaze! Use the code KINKODEMAYO for the discount.
Also, they have CINCO free reads for you today - hot shorts by Jude Mason, Leigh Ellwood, Becca Dale, and Nona Wesley. Download them today!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Funky Fashion V
For $1.5 million dollars, you can buy a wedding dress that took eight people two months to make - using 2,009 peacock feathers.
To be honest, upon hearing about this dress, I built an image in my mind of what to expect, only it isn't this.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
eBook and Book Talk!
Earth Day is tomorrow meaning much of the media is spending this week focusing on green issues and I thought I'd take a moment to address something that falls in this arena and seriously bothers me about the book business.
Print runs.
Basically, they're ugly number wise and yet every author hopes they sell through their first and more than a second printing is needed. So let me give you a couple of numbers and see what you think.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling had 500 for the first run, 300 went to libraries. Ten years later, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows had 12 million. Interesting and shows what a great success the series was and still is. [Side note: Did you know they were published in the UK with one set of covers for children and another for adults? They were and the US should pay attention to this way of encouraging people to read outside their comfort zone.] Anyway, what strikes me as odd is that the Harry Potter series still isn't officially in ebook, but Lord of the Rings now is.
Why not?
Yesterday came news of the latest big print run and it belongs to Dan Brown, author of Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, amongst others. He has a new Robert Langdon book, The Lost Symbol, coming out this September and it's going to have an initial run of 5 million. Hmmm, the series is a success bookwise and in movie theaters, but there are two things that bother me about the size of this run. One, will people buy even though so much time has passed since he released a book [2003], and two, will people not buy because of the ugly copyright lawsuit filed against him? Brown won, but after watching last night’s 60 Minutes, will be proven innocent be enough for the public?
Okay, those are big selling books, so let's bring it down a bit. A mid-list author's mass market paperback will have an average around 50k for a print run and rarely come close to selling through. What isn't sold are left to be stripped [pulling the cover off and throwing out the inside] - that's right, thrown out. This doesn't happen to a couple hundred or a thousand, but ten's of thousands. On the other side, small publishing houses that use the POD technology have much smaller runs, reprinting at a moments notice, and escape the necessity of stripping, wasting raw materials.
The book business has its ugly secrets, but a day without books would be seriously bad. Me? I think it’s time for a massive and well thought out revamping of publishing as a whole. In regards to print runs, maybe if houses moved away from their traditional selling plan of hardback for a year and then some form of paperback for the remainder of the contract [and with only a select few going into ebooks]. Here's an idea, smaller print runs and simultaneous print/ebook releases. This would make everyone happy: the print and ebook readers each have their format of choice, authors make money, publishing houses supply books and make money, and environmentalists can calm down about senseless waste - all good.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
LIP gets 4 stars!
A snippet from the * * * * review is:
Mythology is the inspiration for this collection, which resonates with lust, love and liaisons. These seven tales offer fresh takes on the gods, portraying them as flawed individuals with the same desires as the mortals they hunger for. Their randy love-play, include menages and orgies, makes for a titillating read.
Reviewed by Gail Pruszkowski, June 2009, RT Book Reviews
Pick up your copy today from Amazon, B&N, BAM, Powell's or your local bookshop
Friday, April 17, 2009
A bit of random ridiculousness...
Normally, I'm all about forgiving and moving on, not wasting time dwelling on the good or bad, except for when it comes to one issue in specific. I know this isn't good and I do feel bad because I had [and still am having] a happy glow when I heard about a certain someone seriously big, failed so horribly, so publically.
As far as I'm concerned, they deserve everything they get and will continue to do so until I hear about them doing something right.
Who am I talking about?
The Yankees! That's right, the New York Yankees [management, not the players] are going to continue racking up losses [old field or new] until I can get over their horrific behavior toward my cutie.
Karma, baby, may it keep on kicking you.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Funky Fashion Part IV
This past week I received some fabulous news, Highland Heat will soon be released in paperback - woohoo! As you can guess, my mind right back to Scotland and, well, I forgot I had this gem in my files.
There's still a nip in the air, do you need something to keep your nipples warm? These tartan pasties can be had through Etsy, along with a cute knitted set.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Forget those ugly snuggly things, what you need is a a lovely soft blanket to ward off the chill.
By the way, another way to relax is with a good book and Phaze is celebrating it being April 15th with titles regularly priced $5-7 being offered at $4.01(k)! Use PHAZEWIN to save even more.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Book Talk!
It's a sad time in the usually fabulous world of books. This Saturday, Judith Krug, Founder of Banned Books Week, passed away.
As if this wasn't bad enough, the industry suffered another serious setback. It doesn't sound like much when someone says Amazon deranked a bunch of books, except it is, to everyone who loves to read. This particular deranking means authors and their books [for me it's Zandia and Hot Couture] in the erotic and GLBT categories are now difficult, if not impossible for a reader to find on the online bookstores cyber shelves and purchase.
Descrimination? Censorship?
For some people it is.
However, I'm someone who prefers to look at the positive side of things and have a great solution if Amazon's actions bother you and you don't want to support them, then don't worry, there are plenty of choices out there to ensure you have your books!
You can go directly to the publisher and their bookstores [Samhain has My Bookstore and More and Ellora's Cave has Jasmine Jade]. Then there are the shops like Borders, B&N, BAM or Powell's online bookstores...or you can go to IndieBound, type in your zip code and find independent shops near you to shop at. If they don't supply the books you're looking for, ask them to order them.
And, the best part of shopping locally? It boosts the economy on your doorstep!
Edited to Add: Amazon has re-ranked both Zandia and Hot Couture
Monday, April 13, 2009
Naughty Thought for Monday!
Oh, wait a second, were you thinking it was something else?
Naughty, naughty!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Bad, bad, bad!
Censorship - bad!
Discrimination - bad!
Amazon - bad?
Amazon is deranking books with "adult content" [a couple of mine included] which means readers may not be able to find one of your favorite erotic/glbt authors latest or oldest books at Amazon. Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books have explained it perfectly.
A few examples of how bad this move has been that I've seen on Twitter are:
Sex in the City book, deranked and Sex in the City movie, ranked.
Joy of Sex, deranked and The Anarchist Cookbook, ranked.
Heather Has Two Mommies, deranked and A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality, ranked.
Also deranked is Lady Chatterley's Lover and Lolita - CLASSICS!
I've read about two reasons for the mass deranking of erotic/glbt books: deranking those w/customer complaints for content [except it is happening to books not yet released] and the other is a technical glitch [no, it's been going on for some time].
Ick, not liking this at all but, maybe with the economy so bad, this is the perfect time to reintroduce yourself to your local independent bookstore.
Amazon Rank!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Looking for Something Interesting To Do?
Want to meet and talk with the author? Find out where the idea for the story came from? Find out what they have coming out next and get them to sign your copy?
Then come over to Unique Books [464 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002] this Saturday [April 11] from 1-4:00pm and chat with Tilly Greene, Stella Price, Cat Johnson and Ciar Cullen!
A good hot read is the perfect choice.
What is Tilly doing today?
Talking about menages and inspiration.
Sounds like an odd mix, doesn't it? Welcome to a normal work day :-)
Actually, they are two different blog entries, in two different places, and were both a pleasure to write.
'To Menage or Not' lays out what it takes for a menage to work in a story and is to help celebrate Selena Illyria's Menage Week.
'How did you come up with that idea' peeks into what inspires me to write a story and is a guest entry on Shiloh Walker's Blog who is a seriously busy woman right now.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Funky Fashion Part III
Low-rider jeans that are so low the designers added a bikini [and some have thongs] to them.
Hmmm, there'll be no plumber pant problems that's for sure.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Main Street Magazine Debuts With Heat!
OH WOW!
Check out the fabulous new interview with Tilly Greene in the debut issue of Main Street Magazine - "The magazine that women have been waiting for-Where intelligence is sexy-Where the men are eye candy-Where you are the expert- And the attitude is free.".
What an honor and pleasure this was!
Make sure and drop a comment to the editor, Tilly Rivers [editor @ mainstreetmagazine. net - minus the spaces]. She did a wonderful job.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
eBook and Book Talk!
Tuesday is usually when I talk about books and ebooks that are on my mind, today, I'm going to shake it up a bit and all because of a bit of "news" I saw on the t.v. this morning.
President Obama and his wife Michelle are headed on their first international trip as president and first lady. The story was short but it caught my attention. It featured the what the British press thought the people would think of Michelle and I was stunned by what they said. A few of them stated that they didn't think she would be well liked because she was a confident, independent thinking and successful woman and the British people preferred doey eyed submissives like Princess Diana [their words, not mine but I can't put in quotes in case I missed a few words out].
Another member of the press, a woman, said in reference to Michelle Obama's fashion sense, she'd probably receive a Jacqueline Kennedy [Jackie O] type reception, although Obama had more substance to her.
Oh man, was I angry. Not enough to boot the Brit beside me out of bed but enough to use today's eBook and Book Talk entry to first state the press don't speak for all people who live in the same country as they do, nor should they pretend to.
Grrr!
Did you know that the female characters I write about are independent, confident and successful? I do and wouldn't have it any other way! A few stories take place in Britain [The Gilded Cage and Highland Heat] and one takes on sexual equality, with women coming out on top [Zandia].
Turn away from this type of negativity and read/write/think something positive about women today.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
What are you doing this Saturday?
Saturday, March 28, a groups of authors [Cat Johnson, Stella Price, Jacki Kessler and Tilly Greene] will be talking and signing our books at The Spotty Dog: Books and Beer [440 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534] - stop by and jump into Spring with a nice hot book!
Tilly Greene
WARNING! Red hot romances ahead!
http://www.tillygreene.com/
Time for a good laugh!
French and Saunders + Patsy from AbFab = Red Nose Day Fun!
Part 2 is here.
Mama Mia was a hit in the UK, no, not just a hit but a monumental HIT and now they have a good laugh to make some money. Have to love this attitude!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fabulous Fashion News!
The trailer can be seen here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Enjoy!
How To Shower Like a Woman
Take off clothes and place them sectioned in laundry basket according to lights and darks.
Walk to bathroom wearing long dressing gown.
If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas. Look at your womanly physique in the mirror - make mental note to do more sit-ups / leg-lifts, etc.
Get in the shower.
Use face cloth, arm cloth, leg cloth, long loofah, wide loofah and pumice stone.
Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo with 43 added vitamins.
Wash your hair again to make sure it's clean.
Condition your hair with grapefruit mint conditioner enhanced.
Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub for 10 minutes until red..
Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut and jaffa cake body wash. Rinse conditioner off hair.
Shave armpits and legs.
Turn off shower.
Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower.
Spray mold spots with Tile cleaner.
Get out of shower.
Dry with towel the size of a small country.
Wrap hair in super absorbent towel.
Return to bedroom wearing long dressing gown and towel on head. If you see partner along the way, cover up any exposed areas.
How To Shower Like a Man
Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed and leave them in a pile.
Walk naked to the bathroom.
If you see partner along the way, shake willy at her making the 'woo-woo' sound.
Look at your manly physique in the mirror.
Admire the size of your willy and scratch your bum.
Get in the shower.
Wash your face.
Wash your armpits.
Blow your nose in your hands and let the water rinse them off. Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower.
Spend majority of time washing privates and surrounding area. Wash your bum, leaving those coarse bum hairs stuck on the soap.
Wash your hair.
Make a Shampoo Mohican
Wee.
Rinse off and get out of shower.
Partially dry off.
Fail to notice water on floor because curtain was hanging out of bath the whole time.
Admire willy size in mirror again.
Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor, light and fan on. Return to bedroom with towel around waist.
If you pass partner, pull off towel, shake willy at her and make the 'woo-woo' sound again.
Throw wet towel on bed.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fancy a little romance?
If the answer was yes, then here's your chance. Saturday, March 21, from 5-9:00pm there will be a wine and cheese party with 10 Romance Authors at Chicklet Books [Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison St, Princeton, NJ 08540].
That's right, every sub-genre from contemporary to paranormal to futuristic, from sweet to erotica, will be there with such authors as Tilly Greene, Stella Price, Cat Johnson, Jackie Kessler, Ciar Cullen, Toni Andrews, Allie Boniface, Leigh Ellwood, K.A. Mitchell and Selena Illyria.
One more thing, there will also be plenty of prizes to be won.
What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday night! Come and join the fun.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Funky Fashion Part II
Just think, pull this out at any time, put it on with a simple but short black skirt and there's no way your Captain Kirk or Mr. Spock will be able to keep their hands off you. Remember, their mission was "to boldly go where no man has gone before."
Okay, maybe not where no man has gone...never mind, it's a fun fashion statement! Pick yours up here.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Love of the Irish is still with me, so how about a few sexy men from the Emerald Isle to brighten the day.
Roy Keane, retired football player and was a coach until his temper had him storming off the pitch. I used to call him 'My Pirate'.
Jason O'Mara, star of the Life on Mars t.v. series in the US.
Cillian Murphy, actor from the very scary 28 Days Later.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Book Talk!
Being that it's St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd share a bit of something personal. When I was 17 I made my first trip to Ireland and it was definitely a unique adventure. To give you a little background, let me tell you that back then, as a small town beach bum, I did things I wouldn't recommend any young lady do. That said, I was a free and easy spirit who trusted everyone but maintained my responsibilities. Meaning, still being a student, I brought some work along with me to do on the various train and boat trips.
I was reading up on Voodoo [Vodou, Vodon, etc] for a paper due when I returned. The book was Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis. I found the subject interesting and the book taught me a great deal about the subject I, up to that point, had only preconceived ideas and a brief amount of facts to work with. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best reading choice for a young lady traveling alone. I remember people asked questions and were genuinely curious, but it wasn't all peaches and cream.
Why?
On the train from the west coast back to Dublin, I shared a table with an elderly couple and another American [w/guitar] guy [maybe in his early twenties]. The chatter was friendly and by the time we pulled into the station, I decided the guy wasn't out to hurt me and it would be safe enough to walk with him to one of the hostels. I'd been prepared to return to the b&b I'd stayed in upon arrival but the guy said the hostel was a good one and located in the city center.
Fine and dandy, except the guy turned into a stalker type and seriously scared me! In the late afternoon, he started sending people into the women's dorm for me and I didn't understand why. Eventually, I told one of the ladies sent to hunt me down that I didn't really know this guy and he was starting to scare me and she kindly arranged to put me into a married persons room with a lock on the door. I was happy and content. Later on, I ventured out on my own. After picking up something to eat and simply walking around, I came upon a spontaneous U2 concert on the outside balcony of a local hotel! Wow, it was so exciting!
The next morning I ran into the stalker guy and I remember his attitude was a little scary as he explained not being able to get me out of my room. Let me tell you, I felt so bad when he explained he'd heard about U2 playing a few blocks over and knew I'd liked them.
Oh man, he wasn't a stalker after all! It was my imagination having run amok - surely it was that books fault! I relaxed my guard a bit and went with him and a group to go walking about. Everything was fine until we were separated from the others and he suggested we go into a pub for some pints. Yup, the gates in my head clanged shut and I left.
Reading choices or not, he was creepy, but I loved Ireland and went on to read more about Vodon [and not simply for the paper].
Monday, March 16, 2009
Naughty Thought for Monday
That's right, St. Patrick's Day!
Feeling naughty yet?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Random bit of Ridiculousness...
Even as a youngster I was never in to cliff diving.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What are you doing this Saturday?
A groups of us will be talking and signings our books at Borders [100 Viewmont Mall, Dickson City (Scranton), PA 18508] - stop by and say hello!
Funky Fashion Part I
I've been highlighting some fabulous fashion lately and thought I'd put one out there that I thought was interesting, but not for me.
How did I come across these? I found them while doing research for the next intallment in the A Passion for Fashion series is a shoemaker in Milan.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Chat Time!
On Thursday, March 12th, Tilly Greene will be celebrating Read an eBook Week on the Samhain Cafe from 10-11:00am [est]!
Hump Day Reflections!
Yes, I enjoyed the flick and now I understand a few comments I'd read before hand about a multitude of blue penises. There aren't that many and in fact I didn't really pay attention to them, okay - except for when he moved quickly and I looked to see if it moved as a separate limb - yup, it did. Anyway, what has been overlooked in all the talk about Dr. Manhattan is his spectacular backside! The scene I remember seeing it best was when he started meditating and man oh man, it is hard as a rock and perfectly shaped.
Penises, yes, but also an ass worth noting!
Did I mention the film was pretty good as well? It is and I'll be looking for the soundtrack.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
eBook Talk!
It's Read an eBook Week, so obviously I'm focusing on eBooks today. There are fiction to non-fiction, genre to classics, short to epic in length all available and more of them coming out everyday. This appeals to me because my reading choices vary on what I'm doing, where I am and what I'm in the mood for.
In the past two weeks, I've read [talking books here] on my iTouch:
"The Queen of Spades" by Aleksandr Pushkin [classic]
"Blood Bond" by Gwendolyn Cease [paranormal erotic romance/vampire]
"Peeping Tom" by Rachelle Le Monnier [contemporary/erotica]
"Price of Passion" by Susan Napier [romance]
"Career Novelist" by Donald Maass [non-fiction] [still reading]
"The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas [classic] [still reading]
I've read [meaning books again] on my laptop:
A snippet from Baal and Bondage by Selena Illyria [paranormal erotic romance]
To go alongside all the great ebooks, there are also some facinating advances going on in the device development sector, some great looking and sounding prototypes, and the ones I'm looking forward to seeing more about are:
Plastic Logic
iTablet
However, I personally think the for ereading devices need to come down. Way down.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Naughty Thought for Monday
In fact, I have no words for this one.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Are you ready?
Ready for what?
Read an ebook week!
Starting this Sunday, March 8-14 2009, is the official read an ebook week and there are some great offers to encourage readers to give ebooks a chance.
Check out both Go Green Read e and Read an E-Book Week websites for more information.
Personally, I've uploaded "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas onto my iTouch [it was available through the Classics Application which has a unique page turning motion, although it can be had for free on the Kindle or through Project Gutenberg for any electronic device] and will put all other reading aside for it. There are many publishing houses [both traditional publishers finding their way into offering e and epublishers already there] offering ebooks for free or as specials in celebration of this week either through their own websites as well as ebookstores.
If you're interested in having scorching hot reads for the week, then check out my ebook list. There's also two free short reads avaialble. "Special Delivery" is located on the Pink Chair Diaries and "The Chase Begins" is available as a pdf through The Samhellion.
Read an ebook and enjoy the adventure!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Step on over to...
“Will you walk into my playroom?” said Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the naughtiest little playroom that ever you did spy;
The way into my playroom is up my winding stair,
I’ve many curious toys and things to show you once you’re there.”
Jena Flyno works for Tilton Spidermach, CEO of TS Properties, and spends her day as PR Director cleaning up after his debauched peccadilloes. She’s heard about his playroom and isn't about to become his latest prey.
Spider has been watching his lovely, but oh, so prim and proper PR lady for months. Jena is elusive, unattainable, and he has just figured out a way to ensnare her. All he needs is one little sign of weakness and she’ll be caught in his web.
Contemporary Erotic Romance w/Bondage and D/s
Buy eBook from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, ARe, Fictionwise or Amazon
Fabulous Dressing Part VI
The show runs from now until May 31 2009 and is a must see.
By the way, this man and Philip Treacy are the two milliners I used as inspiration for Grace Strachan in Highland Heat - yes, she designs fabulous hats for a living.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Hump Day Reflections!
Cowboys!
Actually one in specific. You briefly met him in "Ride 'em". That's right, I have Matt Wilson beneath my fingertips and writing about his time spent in Japan.
If you'd like to check out the other cowboys who are helping inspire me, then you need to visit my March Eye Candy selection!
Lovely.
Or, should I say, YeeHaw!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
WOW!
"Zandia" won a Fantasm for the Best Futuristic Romance Novel!
Wow! This is a special award because fans voted - so thank you!
If you haven't read Zandia, then get your fingers moving right now for an ebook from Samhain or a paperback from Samhain, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BAM, Borders, Powell's or your local bookstore.
eBook and Book Talk!
Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn: 978-1607670254
$12.99
Paperback is now available on Amazon, BN, Powell's, BAM or your local bookshop.
Becoming Persephone
by Dagmar Avery
ISBN # 978-1-60767-020-9
BUY NOW
Story one in the Fated mistresses trilogy.
Invited to the Eros Festival, Drea encounters many people calming to be gods, including Hades, a man that makes her body burn. Hades pursues her, but it isn't as easy as a normal hunt and chase. There are obstacles in the way, sexy, horny obstacles that want to keep them apart... and Drea has to decide... a night of meaningless pleasure at the hands of the gods, or a lifetime beside one, and only one, as Persephone.
Excerpt:
Drea felt his body before she heard his voice. The solid mass of him behind her, the smooth lines of his powerful thighs pressed against the backs of her legs, her ass, and the thick arousal riding high on the small of her back. His voice, of deep timbre, smoky and rich like her favorite claret, vibrated through her body.
"Beautiful night, is it not?"
She smirked and turned, looking him over with no small amount of amusement. Sexy? More so than should be possible, but when you’re dealing with the ‘gods’, it was often so. And along with the sexy came the arrogance, something you couldn't get around when dealing with them either. He stood there in black leather pants, his straight black hair cut short in the back, choppy and long in the front, laying over the right side of his face, partially hiding one if his brilliant blue eyes. His skin, a glowing, stunning alabaster, seemed to soak up the moonlight on the terrace where they stood. No shirt to mar his beauty, though he was not without adornment.
His nipples were pierced through with a sooty mat black ring, and he had a tattoo, seemingly burned into the left side of his torso, a swirling mass of what seemed like undulating shadow.
Was this to be her lover tonight? This stunning vision of a man, who looked at her as if she were a snack? She allowed herself to indulge in the thought of what could possibly come to be by morning. The thoughts were more than agreeable. She licked her lips and cocked her head. While he wasn’t the first she had met this evening, he was by far the most attractive. Zeus was pretty, but not her style, Hermes was sexy but blond, and Drea didn’t care for blondes, and Hypnos, while dark and stunning, went sniffing after Tansy before she could even return his greeting to her. No, this one was perfect, exactly her type, and what was better, he seemed quite interested.
"It is. And who might you be?"
The man in front of her smirked and nodded. "Hades."
Hades? Well tales about his uber yumminess were true, if that was who he really was. "I’m Drea."
"Yes I know, the most stunning of the possible concubines."
Concubines? Well that was new.
Drea was there for a party, her and two other friends, Pander and Tansy. They had been invited while out walking around Athens, a young boy bringing them an invitation addressed to the three of them to attend an evening mixer in praise of Eros. They had laughed, and figured why not, after all who could say no to a party in praise of the love god, especially when they were in Greece for an anything goes kind of vacation?
Alone in the world except for each other, they had come to Greece to mourn the death of the only woman who had ever cared for them. Amalia was the closest thing they would ever have to a mother, and her death had jarred them all severely. Her will stated that there was provisions for the girls to go to Greece, celebrate life in her name, and enjoy the month they would be there. The will also provided a small amount of money for each, which stipulated that they spend it on luxuries and clothes as to prepare themselves for their adventure abroad. It was to be a grand adventure, and no expense spared. Drea, Tansy and Pander all went into it warily, as everything they had ever had was worked for, and hard, but when they received the money, and a letter each from Amalia, stating that their destinies would be realized in Greece, they collectively took the chance, and threw caution to the wind.
When they had arrived at the party by way of gondola, bringing them across a large glistening pond just on the outskirts of Athens, a woman dressed in a super sheer sheath informed them of the kind of party they were at, one where the males were all gods, and were looking for new companions. They were told that they had been invited because they possessed individually and collectively much of what each of the gods was looking for. Now, how they knew this was beyond any of them, but if these revelers wanted to roll play something this ornate, and include them in the decadence, who where they to say no?
“I suppose so, though why you think so is anyone’s guess.”
Hades looked her over with no amount of undisguised lust. His eyes traveled up her legs, and frowned as he met her mid thigh, where the tops of her thigh highs were peeking, the black lace with the blue ribbons weaved through. The look quickly fled as his gaze traveled up her body further, past the black satin pleated skirt, and the blue satin shirt, lingering at the upper breast that peeked out of the satin then resting on the pulse in her neck for a moment. When he reached her eyes, for he did look her dead on, he had a very satisfied smirk on his face, as if he had indeed bought something perfect for him.
“On the contrary, your attentions will be in demand tonight. I’m lucky to have them now. Let’s hope the situation keeps.” He offered his hand. “A dance I think?” he asked and smiled at her, making her body tighten in low places.
“Why not.” She took his hand, letting the warmth of it seep into her pores and walked with him towards another room, one resonating with sound and darkness.
The music surrounded them, as her companion pulled her to him, placing his hands on her hips. They swayed, his body hard in front of her, hers yielding. The music took over and she soon turned and grinded her ass into his groin and bent over, coming up slowly, her dark raven hair around her head like a cloud as she arched.
His hands went to her hips again to steady her and then his right went to her hair and pulled her back, not violently, but enough to exert dominance over the situation. She whimpered, and heat pooled in the recesses of her body.
Hades tsked in her ear, and the sound made her shiver almost as much as his voice.
“Now pet, you’re just teasing, and I don’t do well with teasing. If you’re serious, we should move to a more comfortable spot.” He nibbled her neck. “I can’t wait to get inside you.”
Drea moaned at his attentions, and at the feel of his erection pressed against her once again. “Umm, and what makes you think you’re going to?” she said and rolled her hips. “What makes you better than the rest around here tonight?”
“Come with me and find out.”
Oh Lord did she want to come with him. Several times over the course of the evening if at all possible. Hades seemed like the kind of guy that could fulfill that fantasy ten times over, but she wasn’t easy, and as much as her body was screaming for it, she would have to make him work for it. No matter what her vacation goals were, a hot guy hung like a Clydesdale wasn’t going to get a piece of her after a five minute dance.
She rolled her hips once more, as if to prove her point, and then pulled away from him. He let go of her hair and she turned, smirking at him and walked further into the smoky room, intent on getting a game of chase out of it.
Dagmar Avery
~Sex, Blood and Rock and Roll~
Monday, March 02, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Partial Empty Nest Syndrome
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...
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
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!
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
Friday, February 20, 2009
A bit of random ridiculousness...
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!
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
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!
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!
"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
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