Barbara Elsborg

A taste of what's to come -7th Feb

2012-02-01T01:11:00.001-08:00

Less than a week to go before my two guys explode onto the world. I've had a few strange looks when I say I've written a totally MM book. Guys like to fantasize about two women getting down and dirty, so why shouldn't women like the idea of two men doing the same? It comes as a great surprise to most people that the biggest readers of MM books are women.
Not for everyone I know, but I really enjoyed writing this one.

http://store.samhainpublishing.com/cowboys-down-p-6636.html

What would you do?

2012-01-30T01:30:00.000-08:00

What would you do if you were taken at knife-point from your apartment?
How would you try to get away?
What if your abductor threatened to kill anyone you asked for help?
What if you saw him do just that?

My psychological suspense novel CHOSEN is on SALE. 77 pence in the UK 99 cents in the US!!!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chosen-ebook/dp/B00546EM5Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327916035&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-ebook/dp/B00546EM5Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327915997&sr=8-2

Circles

2012-01-27T23:33:00.001-08:00

Much to my huge relief, I set aside my writing last night feeling that current pile of crap was finally heading for a finale. I'd brought all the protags together, just one last bust up before bed and voila, it will be done.
Then I can't sleep because the thing is repeatedly circling in my mind. I tried to think it through - useless - so in the end, so as not to disturb husband, I wore one of the silly little finger lights I put in the family's crackers at Christmas. It made a lovely red circle on the ceiling, so I played with it and woke husband. Oh dear.
Started to think about next story and that sent me back to sleep.
Started to write today and realized I don't actually have a proper ending that makes sense for WIP.
Darn it.

Leibster blog award

2012-01-27T00:20:00.000-08:00

Huh - I'm supposed to thank the person who gave me the award. Thanks, Arlene!! So what else do I get? Champagne? Flowers? Chocolates?
What do you mean NOTHING!!
Just so you can see what a friend this is - here's a link to the wretch's website.

http://arlenewebb.blogspot.com/

She's actually been a fantastic friend to me and I wouldn't be where I am today without her. And where I am is shivering in a cold room, chained to my laptop. Not even a cup of coffee at my side.

AND I have to pay this thing on. Five more suckers- oops - friends.

Oh darn it, I don't have any. Arlene nicked them all.

The price I pay for not liking shopping

2012-01-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

I worry when husband goes out and is a long time away from the house. He loves shopping. He loves a bargain. The sales are like nectar to him. He can't resist. So this is what he came home with today. Our friends are going to love him. They'll be getting frying pans and saucepans and baking sheets for presents!

Note buddha in the background, throwing up his hands in horror.

Things that make me cry

2012-01-24T00:13:00.000-08:00

I DON'T like things that make me cry. I might be one of the few inhabitants of the world that never watched Titanic. I knew it would upset me, so I just avoided seeing it. I wasn't always like that. I was fine watching disaster movies and I didn't mind if I came out of the cinema weeping, but something changed. Maybe an awareness of mortality, a strong love for partner and kids so that the thought of something happening to them, as it did in a film, was too much to bear.

So stands to sense that if I don't go to see sad films, then I don't read sad books. Of course, I don't mind 'happy' sadness or the odd little scene where a minor character dies and I shed a tear, but full-on sad books - no, I don't want to read them.

Husband bought 'Me before you' by Jojo Moyes - home from his shopping trip. I'd read the blurb in the shop and put it back. I feared it wouldn't be happy. Since he'd bought it, I read it, but I was right. Oh gosh, it made me sob.
Will Traynor is paralysed from the neck down in an accident and wants to die. He gives his family six months to 'change' his mind and a carer - Lou - comes into his life. Lou falls for Will. So it is a romance but not as we know it, Jim. It's a story about family, friends, the way the able bodied treat the disabled, it's a story about love and hard decisions and I'm crying even as I type this.
You have to go into this book with your eyes and heart wide open. I wish in many ways, I hadn't read it. I didn't need to. I already know a family whose son was injured in a sports accident and left paralysed from the neck down. I know how hard his parents fought for him. Sadly, he died in hospital during an operation. Maybe because I've had that experience, it made the book more poignant, I don't know. But it was a compulsive read. I started it last night, finished it this morning. Yes, the ending was sad - but it was the perfect ending and it did finish with hope.

A good day

2012-01-22T02:52:00.000-08:00

Excuse me if I quote from Maya Banks blog - YES Maya Banks - I couldn't believe it! She liked two of my books - Strangers and An Ordinary Girl. This is what she said......

Awhile back I did a shout out on twitter to see if anyone had read Barbara Elsborg and if so what they thought? I didn’t get many response and they were varied but nothing just overnethusiastic. But there were two of her books that I had bought because the blurbs intrigued me. This was a few months ago and I finally decided to take the plunge last night.

Holy fuck, people.
Ok, I get that maybe I might be in the minority. Maybe a lot of people just haven’t read her. But wow did I love the two books I read. They were An Ordinary Girl and Strangers. I really don’t have the words to describe how compelling I found these books. I mean it was like I just couldn’t stop reading. They weren’t easy, “fluffy” reads by any means and I kept reading with this sense of dread KNOWING that the entire world was going to go to shit at ANY minute. I was holding my breath at some points and then was cursing because I was like damn it, this is stressing me out. Strangers was my favorite of the two but they were both just so good. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love me some angst and drama, the more the better and Strangers had it in spades. The ending of that book just had a huge knot in my throat and my chest was tight because I just knew what conclusions the hero had drawn based on how they “met” and that he was going to think she was dead because he couldn’t find her anywhere. And then they find her abandoned car… Ok I’ll stop but wowza, those books just hit all my buttons. They were meaty reads that had me absorbed from beginning to end.

http://www.mayabanks.com/blog/2012/01/reading-report-card/comment-page-1/#comment-9717

And to make a good day even better - I had a 5 star review for Just One Bite from Sensual Reads http://sensualreads.com/?p=8619

The cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-19T00:25:00.000-08:00

http://store.samhainpublishing.com/cowboys-down-p-6636.html

This is it. The cover for Cowboys Down. Scott Carpenter has done a fantastic job. Thanks so much to him and to my editor Sue-Ellen Gower for all her hard work and support.
I've fallen in love with these two guys. Pity they're not interested in women.

Gold star for An Ordinary Girl

2012-01-18T03:36:00.000-08:00

JERR has reviewed An Ordinary Girl and given it a fabulous gold star review. Yippee!!!!

http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com/book-review.cfm?bookID=988436120&reviewID=8742&sNav=nav03-01

Cowboys Down -7th Feb

2012-01-17T03:37:00.000-08:00

I've waited and waited and waited and I can't wait any longer.I don't have a cover to show you, though I've seen it and a GREAT cover it is too! But my very first MM story is due out on the 7th of February with Samhain. I've written lots of MM scenes in my MMF menages but this is the first time I've had two guys only in a novel.I had a lot of fun writing this! I hope you'll like Jasper and Calum.

Stockbroker meets stock breaker. But who’s taming whom?

London stockbroker Jasper Randolph flies to Jackson Hole with hopes as high as the Grand Tetons. Hope that the getaway will force him to let loose, get dirty, and overcome a deep-seated phobia about horseback riding.

He hadn’t counted on an attraction to the dude ranch owner’s son, a man with sun-tousled hair, eyes bluer than Wyoming skies…and a father who’d rather eat tofu than accept his only son’s sexuality.

The moment Calum lays eyes on the uptight, buttoned-down Brit, he’s lost. But with his own saddlebags full of emotional baggage, he knows he should be looking at anything but Jasper’s spotless riding boots and tight-fitting jodhpurs. Trouble is, Jasper makes his heart buck like a wild horse trying to break free.

Despite the differences that set them oceans apart, they fall hard and fast. Trouble isn’t far behind, and they’re in for a rocky romantic ride. Especially since there’s growing evidence that someone is willing to do anything—no matter how dangerous—to poison their love.

Product Warnings
Mix one sun-bronzed cowboy with a yummy Brit who’d give Darcy in his wet shirt a run for his money. Mix gently. Try not to drool.

You can preorder here -http://store.samhainpublishing.com/cowboys-down-p-6636.html

Interview with the fabulous Jo Myles!

2012-01-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

The way I found out about Jo shows the power of extracts! My book, due out soon with Samhain, has an extract from her book - Barging In - at the back. I spotted it when I read the galley proof. I liked the extract, bought the book and loved it.

Jo has graciously agreed to answer a few questions!

1. Can you tell us a little about you and your writing?

Hi Barb, and thanks for inviting me over. I write m/m romance (that’s gay romance, for anyone unfamiliar with the term) and had my first novel published in September with Samhain, although I’ve been publishing short stories for the last couple of years. I mainly write contemporary erotic romance, but I enjoy dabbling in other subgenres in short stories, such as paranormal, science fiction and BDSM erotica. They’re all about men loving men, though. I tried my hand at stories involving women in the early days, but for some reason my muse just didn’t get excited in the same way.

I live in Somerset in England’s beautiful West Country, and have a cheeky six-year-old daughter and a wonderfully supportive husband. He is starting to pester me about when the royalties will start coming in, though!

2. Five words to describe yourself?

Eternal optimist and shameless smut monger. Sorry – I know that’s six words but I figure the “and” doesn’t count!

3. How long did it take you to get published?

I’d been writing for my own amusement for about six months when I submitted my first short story to Scarlet magazine. It was a short and steamy piece of het erotica, and it was accepted two weeks later. I then spent the next year working on Barging In while simultaneously writing and submitting lots of shorts. I’m glad I did this, as the experience of working with all those different epublishers gave me the courage to submit Barging In to Samhain when I’d finally finished it.

4. Where did your most unusual plot idea come from?

I think that may well have been the short story, Insta-Love™, which is set in a cyberpunk future where you can buy drugs that make you fall in love for a few hours. I was bitten by the idea when I first started hearing book bloggers refer to the phenomenon of insta-love, and I thought it sounded an awful lot like a brand name...

5. What kind of books do you read for fun?

Honestly, I only really find time to read at the beginning and end of the day right now, so I’m generally very tired when I do so. I can’t concentrate on anything that involves intricate world-building, so I mostly read m/m contemporary romance and erotica. That said, I can always be persuaded to read something by the wonderful Terry Pratchett!

6. What do you feel is your strength as an author?

For me, stories are all about the characters, and they tend to be the thing most readers and reviewers comment on as being particularly strong. I’ve known an awful lot of strange, characterful people over the years so I have some great real-life case studies to draw from.

Also, the most important aspect of my writing for me is seeing how the men develop as they fall in love. I like to see them struggle with their fears and overcome them, growing into better people as they learn how to make their relationships work. And if showing all that involves explicit sex scenes, so much the better!

7. What's next for you? What are you working on?

I have a novella called Tailor Made out with Amber Allure on the 22nd January and have a couple of self-published short stories slated for release in early February. I also have my next novel with Samhain out on 20th April: Handle with Care. Those are all m/m romances.

I’m just starting on my next novel, which is going to be a bawdy romantic comedy set in Bath. A young man starts obsessing about the gay couple living in the flat below him, but little does he expect to welcomed into their bed! Yes, it’s my first go at writing a longer ménage romance, and I’m feeling really excited to get going on it.

9. Favorite food, favorite TV show, favorite drink?

My favourite food would have to be bruschetta smothered in goat’s cheese, basil, rocket and sundried tomatoes – I just can’t get enough of those wonderful flavours! My favourite drink is far less exotic, though: tea. I am horribly addicted to tea and drink it almost constantly.

My favourite TV show at the moment would have to be Mad Men. Not only is it superbly written with a wonderfully talented cast, but it gives a fascinating window into a bygone era when women were just starting to make waves in the workplace. Also, I am hopelessly in love with Don Draper and Peggy Olsen...

Jo’s bio:

English through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. Jo blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She’s beginning to suspect he enjoys it.

For more about her published work, saucy free reads and regular blog posts, please visit josephinemyles.com

Barging In

When the boat's a rockin’, don't come knockin’!

Out-and-proud travel writer Dan Taylor can’t steer a boat to save his life, but that doesn’t stop him from accepting an assignment to write up a narrowboat holiday. Instead of a change of pace from city life, though, the canal seems dull as ditchwater. Until he crashes into the boat of a half-naked, tattooed, pierced man whose rugged, penniless appearance is at odds with a posh accent.

Still smarting from past betrayal, Robin Hamilton’s “closet” is his narrowboat, his refuge from outrageous, provocative men like Dan. Yet he can’t seem to stop himself from rescuing the hopelessly out-of-place city boy from one scrape after another. Until he finds himself giving in to reluctant attraction, even considering a brief, harmless fling.

After all, in less than a week, Dan’s going back to his London diet of casual hook-ups and friends with benefits.

Determined not to fall in love, both men dive into one week of indulgence…only to find themselves drawn deep into an undertow of escalating intimacy and emotional intensity. Troubled waters neither of them expected…or wanted.

http://store.samhainpublishing.com/barging-in-p-6461.html

See - it rains in Florida

2012-01-13T09:14:00.001-08:00

Son, his dog, daughter and daughter's husband undeterred by downpour. Hot water, cold beer and wet rain.

Some N-ice pics!

2012-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

On our recent trip to Orlando we went to see ICE in the Gaylord Palms hotel. There were some cool ice sculptures!

Made me think of my story - Snow Play - where my hero and heroine have fun in an ice bar at the top of a mountain.
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8422-snow-play.aspx

You might sense a theme!

2012-01-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

We recently stayed at a bijoux hotel in Brighton and this was our bed! Quite kinky. I shall say no more on that!! But the masks on the wall came off the hooks!
Brighton was fun. I've never been before and I hadn't expected the Brighton Pavilion to be so central to the town. I've also never been to a place with so many gay men. It was quite weird to be outnumbered by men in a town. Usually it's women who dominate the shops. We had fish and chips and walked on the pier and watched starlings make shapes in the sky as they swooped and soared in the early evening sky. Lovely...

Three in a bed

2012-01-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

My inspiration for writing a menage? - If the three little pigs can do it!!! Looks a bit chilly though and my menages are far from chilly.

The Small Print - a vampire, a were-vamp and a something else...

Rocked - a stonemason, a gargoyle and Pepper!

Anna in the Middle - My best selling book!

Susie's Choice - My second best selling book!

The Misfits - three characters who were ALL misfits.

Fight to Remember - the last in my Trueblood series.

My book due out in May with Samhain is a paranormal menage and I'm working on a contemporary one now. Since I never plan anything, I don't know quite how I slip into writing threesomes. It just happens. Er - but not in real life, I hasten to add. I think there must be something appealing about having more one than one guy lust after you, but the practicalities of the situation make successful threesomes rare, I suspect. I'm not the jealous type at all, but I can see how jealousy can arise. And then there is always the spectre of Mr Wolf lurking outside, ready to destroy everything. Which reminds me - I better get on with my current project. I have a villain to write!

Want to win books AND a goodie bag?

2011-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

http://30daysofdecadence.blogspot.com/

I'm blogging here about holiday disasters. Leave a comment for a chance to win. Decadent is hosting 30 days of giveaways. It's not too late to comment on the very first post as winners won't be drawn until 2nd January. There are some fabulous prizes to win - books, gift certs, food, etc etc.

A chance to win - On the Right Track

2011-12-26T05:41:00.001-08:00

Leave a comment on the blog detailed below and you could win a copy of my latest story!

I have problem putting links on so you might have to copy and paste - sorry.

http://decadent1nightstand.blogspot.com/?zx=9114b746f88c9d24

On the Right Track - out today!!!

2011-12-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

My short, sweet and sexy winter's tale - On the Right Track - is out today with the fabulous Decadent Publishing. It's one of their 1NS - one night stand - series.

BLURB!
Always driving through life along the straight and narrow, Hollie wants a break from staying within the lines. She hopes a hookup at 1NightStand with a tall fair-haired guy who’s organized and sensible, likes small-breasted brunettes, and can deal with any crisis life throws at him, will jar her from the mundane path she’s been on.

Except what seemed like the perfect plan when she set off, turns into the worst idea ever as the snow falls thickly. Slipping and sliding, her arms numb from clenching the wheel, she becomes frantic to avoid what’s looming in front of her.

Dark-haired Nick is on his way to a party with hopes of connecting with a busty blonde—assuming he’s even on the right road and can dig himself out of a heap of snow before he freezes solid. Too bad he never plans ahead, no coat and no shovel in the car, and soon he won’t even see a road at all, let alone any vehicle barrelling down it.

When two hearts get lost in a snowstorm of what they think they want, can Madame Eve's magic put them back on the right track?

Available here -http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=427&osCsid=4cb4cd65d04de490039775421c6595eb

Let sleeping dogs lie

2011-12-21T04:19:00.000-08:00

Should I? He's so cute!!! This is Winston Kennedy. My son and his partner's dog. A sweet natured long haired miniature dachshund.

Tampa Bay v Dallas Cowboys

2011-12-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Never been to an American football game before. It was quite a spectacle. Especially the raving lunatic a few seats away who yelled more or less continually at the referee, kept jumping out of his seat and waving his fists. I suspect he was a Tampa Bay fan! I loved the fireworks and the pirate ship and the flags. The football - eh - well - I can't figure out how a game that should only last an hour went on for more than three.

Out on 23rd December - On the Right Track

2011-12-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

I have a 1NS - a one night stand - story out on the 23rd December with Decadent publishing. The 1NS series is based around the matchmaking services of Madame Evangeline and the Castillo Resort hotel chain. There are some fabulous stories in this line and I'm thrilled to become part of the group.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Always driving through life along the straight and narrow, Hollie wants a break from staying within the lines. She hopes a hookup at 1NightStand with a tall fair-haired guy who’s organized and sensible, likes small-breasted brunettes, and can deal with any crisis life throws at him, will jar her from the mundane path she’s been on.

Except what seemed like the perfect plan when she set off, turns into the worst idea ever as the snow falls thickly. Slipping and sliding, her arms numb from clenching the wheel, she becomes frantic to avoid what’s looming in front of her.

Dark-haired Nick is on his way to a party with hopes of connecting with a busty blonde—assuming he’s even on the right road and can dig himself out of a heap of snow before he freezes solid. Too bad he never plans ahead, no coat and no shovel in the car, and soon he won’t even see a road at all, let alone any vehicle barrelling down it.

When two hearts get lost in a snowstorm of what they think they want, can Madame Eve's magic put them back on the right track?

The night I killed Santa

2011-12-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

Want to read how I managed that dastardly deed?
http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com

A blog about vampires and a chance to win a book

2011-12-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging today about why vampires are so popular. Stop by please and leave a comment. You have a chance to win a free book. If you already have that one, I'll substitute with another of your choice.

http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/12/vampire-monday-barbara-elsborg.html#comments

Chosen out in paperback!!

2011-12-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Now maybe my clueless - oops - dear wonderful friends who can't read online will buy and read my book. I promise this is one book that's hard to put down. (I've put glue on every copy)

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=394&osCsid=4cb4cd65d04de490039775421c6595eb

Scouting out locations

2011-12-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

This is me at Camber Sands. The place features in an upcoming story called Cowboys Down - due out at the start of February with Samhain publishing. I hadn't realised how many of the beaches on the south east coast of the UK are shingle, but Camber Sands is a vast expanse of - er - sand - and it's so different to the beaches around, it's quite amazing. My two heroes of Cowboys Down go to this beach and have some fun. When I went it was freezing - no way was I going near the water.

CHOSEN

2011-11-24T02:26:00.000-08:00

My suspense novel CHOSEN has 30% off at Smashwords until Monday morning! Use the code AP32U to get the discount. If you'd rather read it in paperback - it will be available in that form on the 28th November. I've already got an early copy - oh and its so lovely!! On my bookshelf with my others!!!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63970

This is NOT a fluffy, funny erotic romance. It's a hard hitting tale of how far someone will go for revenge.

Angels with a difference

2011-11-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing that by now - my fellow authors have said everything there is to say about Angels and Demons. Well, maybe not everything, we're authors after all, so we should always be able to come up with something to say.
This picture is of the Angel of the North. A sculpture by Anthony Gormley. It's on a hill near Gateshead in the north of the UK and it's wingspan is a big as a jumbo jet. It's something I love to see when I drive north - a sign of changing countryside, a sign of another world.

This is one of my favourite EVER songs - Angels by the fabulous Robbie Williams. I run to this song when I'm on holiday! Robbie's lyrics have inspired many of my stories. He also inspired the character of Charlie in my book Strangers.

The cover of this book by Becca Fitzpatrick is one of the most stunning I've ever seen. I don't buy books based on covers - well, I didn't. I did with this one. I thought it was amazing. The disappointment was that the cover gave away the plot!
But I wish I had that cover for my angel book - The Power of Love.

POWER OF LOVE

Joe is a lost soul.
When Joe is killed in the line of duty, the result of a blunder by his girlfriend Poppy, he ends up stuck between worlds, not quite in heaven, not quite in hell. Heaven is Poppy lying in his arms, hearing the sound of his name on her lips as he makes love to her, again and again. Hell is the knowledge that to save Poppy, he must convince her to let him go.

Poppy is a soul lost.
Joe was Poppy’s heart, her soul, and since he died she’s lost it all, including her sanity. Everywhere she looks, he’s there—talking to her, touching her, sharing ice cream, showers and making love to her like there’s no tomorrow. But tomorrow does come, and letting go of Joe could destroy her.

Sometimes love lasts a lifetime. Sometimes love reaches beyond death. Sometimes…love lasts forever.

The really GOOD news is that the book is only 99c. It's been reduced so if you don't win it - you could do me a favour and buy it!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7254-power-of-love.aspx

My other angel story is a short one, that won third place in the ARe Just one Bite competition. It's available to read for free in an anthology to be released on Thanksgiving. Volume Five!

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=series&qString=Just+One+Bite

To end on a joke
What did Noah say to the angel?
Are you an Ark Angel?

Happy reading!

Just One Bite - Ellora's Cave Quickie - out 23rd Nov

2011-11-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

My little novella - Just One Bite - is a paranormal erotic romance that I'd originally intended for the ARe competition but it grew and grew and grew!

THE BLURB
Liv is having the day from hell. Hit on by her piggish landlord, she’s the victim of an attempted mugging by a guy who bites, and then her hair gets caught in the coffee machine. Things go from bad to worse when she’s stalked on her way home, and the stalker turns out to be the morning’s mugger. Except he’s tall, dark and delicious, offering an apology, flowers, a body to die for and he wants to cook steak for her.

There’s just one snag. He’s a raving lunatic who thinks he’s a werewolf.

AN EXTRACT

It wasn’t the worst day in Liv Miller’s life, that spot was taken by the day she’d slipped her father’s brand new car into reverse instead of park, plowed over a set of golf clubs and through the garage wall to end up in the fishpond. Oh God. Who knew Land Rovers were so powerful and walls so thin? And that grown men could be so attached to sporting equipment? Good thing that she and her father were close. He eventually forgave her. Afterward, when anyone in the family had a bad day, someone managed to bring up that day to top it.

But this day was coming close to that all-time low. Liv had been late for work because her fat, balding, chauvinistic pig of a landlord had grabbed her as she exited her apartment. His suggestion of a way she might like to pay her next month’s rent made Liv’s stomach crawl. When his rancid breath hit her face, she heaved, and that saved her because he thought she was about to throw up and let her go.

Liv had rushed out the building and hardly turned the corner before some fuckwit attempted to mug her. They’d tussled until she’d recalled the one surefire way to hurt a guy. A knee in the balls. He’d doubled over and she ran.

Less than an hour later, Liv proved that accidents in the workplace were indeed a daily hazard when she managed to trap her hair in the coffee machine. Her vindictive boss cut her free, no doubt snipping off far more than she needed to. That hair wouldn’t grow back anytime soon. And now after eight hours of grueling work checking insurance claims, the most stupid of which was from a woman knocked out when she yanked a frozen chicken from her freezer, Liv was being bloody stalked.

She walked faster, certain she wasn’t mistaken. She’d caught sight of a dark-haired guy in a leather jacket staring at her as she left work. He’d popped up again as she got off the bus and had crossed the road after her when she’d tried to give him the slip by dashing over on a red light. There had been a squeal of brakes but no thump, so she guessed he’d made it.

“Excuse me?” a man called.

It had to be him. A stalker with manners was a novelty, but Liv kept going. Her apartment building and safety, assuming Creepo the landlord was out, lay around the corner.

“Could I have a word?” the guy asked.

The tap on her shoulder flipped her from annoyed to furious. Liv gripped her purse tighter, ready to swing it into his face, and turned to confront him. Then she froze, because in front of her stood the man who’d tried to mug her that morning. He held out a bunch of flowers, and when he saw her scowl, lowered them to cover his crotch.

“I have no problem kicking flowers,” Liv snapped. Not when the target lay just beyond.

“I can explain,” he said, taking a step backward.

She scowled harder. “You have five seconds.”

“Name’s Cal Masterson. Not trying to rob you. Wanted to ask for directions, but you didn’t give me the chance to speak.” He flashed a devastating smile.

Potential homicidal mugger slowly morphed into Mr. Tall, Dark and Delicious.

Still…he’d followed her to tell her that?

“You bit me.” Liv glanced at the marks on her arm. He’d drawn blood. She hadn’t realized until she sat down on the bus.

“That was your fault,” he said.

Liv’s jaw dropped. “How can you biting me, be my fault?” She activated her death-ray glare, able to repel a normal man at thirty paces. This one smiled more broadly.

“Your arm got in the way of my mouth.”

“I was trying to defend myself. I thought you were attacking me.”

He rolled his eyes. “You flung your arm into my face. My mouth was open. I was trying to speak when your knee unexpectedly made contact with parts of me I feel particularly fond of, and I bit you. Sorry.”

He pushed the flowers into her hand. Liv sagged. She’d reacted because of Creepo’s earlier grope and maybe she hadn’t given this guy a chance to explain. If he’d wanted to mug her, he wouldn’t have tracked her down to apologize. Liv was a sucker for guys with good manners. Oh damn.

“Apology accepted. I’m fine. Just a few scratches. ’Bye.” Liv turned and he was suddenly in front of her. Wow, speedy guy.

“The thing is,” he said, “and I’m really sorry to have to tell you this, but I might have infected you.”

Liv gulped as the bottom fell out of her world. “Wha-wha-wha…” Damn, she sounded like a helicopter. Her head flooded with thoughts of hepatitis, HIV, the Ebola virus, bird flu.

He bent to whisper in her ear, “I’m a werewolf.”

Liv’s jaw didn’t just drop—it hit the ground and bounced. Oh God, he was out on day release from an asylum. Tall, dark and delicious regressed to tall, menacing and…darn it, he was still delicious. Plus, she had to give him points for an original pick-up line. He looked at her expectantly.

Play nice with the lunatic. “I see,” Liv said, and nodded in what she hoped was a caring way, sliding her foot back as she spoke and looking round for men carrying a tight-fitting white jacket in his size. “I’ll be sure to look out for signs of rabies.”

He gave her a puzzled look.

Okay, not rabies. That’s good. Liv took another step back.

He moved forward and glanced up. “It’ll be a full moon tonight.” His eyes darkened.

All the better to… Oh God.

“Mmm.” Another step back. Next time she went out, she was buying mace or a machete. Maybe both. Liv spent her days dealing with the results of the unexpected, but even she hadn’t expected to ever meet a werewolf. Not that he was, of course.

“It’s possible nothing will happen,” he said. “But I can’t take the risk. I need to stay and look after you. I’d never forgive myself if you were hurt. You’re much too pretty.” He smiled again with those perfect teeth.

All the better to… Stop it. Liv exhaled. Hopefully it was a coincidence she wore a red dress. If only they’d been in a bar and he’d bought her a drink, or three, and they’d spent a few hours flirting, and he’d called her pretty a half-dozen times, then maybe, just maybe she’d have been up for this. Except for the werewolf bit, of course. She took another step backward.

“Going to invite me in?” he asked.

His question triggered a memory of a TV show. “No.” She stared at him. “So you can’t come in, can you?” Why did the attractive ones have to be either gay or nut jobs? “I haven’t invited you into my apartment so you have to stay outside.”

“That’s vampires.”

Damn, so it was. Her shoulders slumped. “So you don’t sparkle either?”

He glared. “You’re not taking this seriously.”

Liv put on her stern face and thought of her old Latin teacher who had eyes like a hawk, a sharp mouth and loved pop quizzes. Guaranteed to snap her straight into gloom. “I am taking it seriously.” You’re insane, that’s very serious.

She glanced around. Where were crowds when she needed them?

He sighed. “Please let me come with you to your apartment. No funny business, I promise.”

“Let me think. No.”

Actually, bad girl that she was, idiot that she was, Liv fancied a bit of funny business. It had been far too long since— She gave herself a hard mental slap. He thought he was a wolf. She was allergic to dogs. This was not a match made in heaven.

“I’ll cook for you.” He held up a bag. “Steak.”

He had huge black eyes, the longest lashes she’d ever seen, and her willpower was a weak, pathetic little thing easily stamped on.

Ouch.

“Oh all right,” she muttered.

It beat watching a rerun on the TV while she ate a soggy microwave meal, plus her father had always told her to be kind to those less fortunate than herself—such as basket cases. Especially if they made her heart jump and her bits tingle, except not if they thought they’re a werewolf. Well no, her father hadn’t said any of that. His advice when Liv left home was, “Keep your knickers on.” Bless him.

I’ll bear that advice in mind, Liv thought, trying to remember which underwear she’d put on that morning, and led Trouble with a capital T to her apartment.

I’m such an idiot.

If you'd like to read the rest!
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9764-just-one-bite.aspxhref="http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9764-just-one-bite.aspx">

A setting from An Ordinary Girl

2011-11-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

Beachy Head featured in my story An Ordinary Girl. It was where Noah went to think and ended up saving a child's life. It's the site of very many suicides in the UK. A steep chalk cliff that drops to the sea - but very pretty!! I've never been before and although I researched it for the story, I hadn't realised how far the car park was from the cliff edge. Ooops!!

Blog tour with free books!!!!

2011-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

The start of an angels and demons blog tour with a chance to win books from all authors!!

Nov 14 Jay Di Meo http://jaydimeo.wordpress.com
Nov 15 Ellis Carrington http://elliscarrington.wordpress.com
Nov 16 Daniel Christian Juris http://dcjuris.blogspot.com
Nov 17 JK Coi www.jkcoi.blogspot.com
Nov 18 Kiki Howell http://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com
Nov 19 Michael Mandrake http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com
Nov 20 Angel Martinez http://www.freewebs.com/angelwrites
Nov 21 Marie Dees http://mariedees.com
Nov 22 Sara York http://sarayork.blogspot.com
Nov 23 Barbara Elsborg www.barbaraelsborg.blogspot.com
Nov 24 Hayley B. James www.hayleybjames.com
Nov 25 Ryssa Edwards http://www.ryssaedwards.net/blog
Nov 26 Andi Anderson http://andiandersonauthor.blogspot.com
Nov 27 Arlene Webb http://www.arlenewebb.blogspot.com
Nov 28 Diane Hartsock http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/my-blog/
Nov 29 Kiernan Kelly http://kiernan-kelly.blogspot.com
Nov 30 Tour Wrap Up
Jay Di Meo, Misty Malone, & Marie Dees http://jaydimeo.wordpress

A Canterbury Tale

2011-11-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

Been on a trip to a part of England I've never seen before. Canterbury is a lovely city, dominated by its huge cathedral. I stood on the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was assassinated in 1170. The knights didn't make a good job of it and ended up chopping off part of his skull, stabbing him and he still lived, so they stabbed him with a sword and yanked out his brain - still reading?? Horrible story. Oh - that did kill him.

The cathedral had a few great gargoyles and ever since I wrote ROCKED, I've been interested in stone masonry and gargoyles.

The other picture is of a very crooked house that Dickens wrote about!

Like Angel stories??

2011-11-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow author Marie Dees has written a super MM angel story called 'Angel in the Middle'. It's hot and it's funny and I can really recommend it!

When Darius, the most naïve angel ever bounced out of Heaven, falls from grace and lands in Ybor City, Florida, he finds himself caught in a power play between Heaven and Hell. In desperation, he realizes he must follow the advice of Tribal, a fallen angel turned demon. Tribal advises Darius to seduce the demon hunter coming after him as a way to avoid going to Hell. But how can an angel, who has never experienced sex, seduce Franco, the big bad demon hunter, and just what does Tribal stand to gain by playing Cupid?

http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Angel+In+The+Middle&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

EXTRACT
Chapter One

Franco stepped aside as a second police officer flew out of the alley and hit the side of the Hummer with a thud. The man slid to the sidewalk and lay unmoving beside his partner. The rest of the Atlanta street crowd had become invisible. Franco knew they’d be watching the street, but no one wanted to be found nearby when something started tossing cops out of an alley.

The smell of cheap rum in the air hinted at what had tempted this one from Hell. Booze, not sex. After all, he’d just thrown away two perfectly acceptable cops, but then, Franco always appreciated a man who supplied his own cuffs.

Opening the back of the Hummer, he studied his options. The alley was too narrow to swing the sword. He considered the crossbow. Nah, for this one—he pulled a half-empty bottle of Maker’s Mark out of the SUV. The liquid glowed like gold as he held the bottle up. Well, the job did demand sacrifices. He gave the unconscious officers a quick salute with the whisky and strode into the alley.

The demon loomed halfway down a narrow space cluttered with garbage from overturned cans and ripped trash bags. “Do you know who I am, mortal?” it bellowed.

Franco removed the top from the bottle and made a show of taking a swig. The scent of the whisky helped to mellow the reek of the alley. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and studied the creature. It could almost have passed for one of the homeless with its greasy skin and ragged bits of clothing. Except the homeless weren’t eight feet tall with leathery wings. Damn, if this one took to the air, he’d need the crossbow.

“Nope, who are you?” They never gave their real names, and he never understood the priests who expected them to. Franco edged forward. He’d been hoping this was just a minor imp to send back down to his work in the pits; then he’d be off for a night at The Heretic. Instead he had a high-ranking demon on a binge. There was one name on the latest list. He just hadn’t expected to run across him so soon.

“Lucifer, cast down from the Heavens. Look on me and despair.”

Not that high ranking. Franco tilted his head and stepped forward, as if he needed to get a closer look. “Nope, don’t think so. Luc’s a good-looking fellow.” He took another step, holding the bottle out in front of him. The creature’s gaze moved to it. “His hair isn’t greasy, and he doesn’t have boils.”

With a roar, the demon made a swing for the whisky. Franco pulled back, letting the bottle drop onto one of the half-empty trash bags. The demon lunged for it.

Franco caught him by one ear. “By your name, Gressil, I bind you where you stand.” The demon howled, and Franco tweaked the ear. “Thought so.” He’d only had time for one guess, but this had to be Gressil, the demon of sloth and indolence. Any other demon of his rank would have torn the street apart. Gressil had hunkered down in an alley to get drunk. “See, I’ve met Lucifer. Made a bargain with him once. It went something like this—I don’t go to Hell if you do.” The agreement also meant he was provided with the names of any free-roaming demons. The priests would have been jealous. When it came to demon hunting, they were freelancers. He was staff.

He tweaked the demon’s ear again. Even a lazy demon would object to being returned to the pits. “By your name, Gressil, I send you back to your duties in Hell.”

The demon stretched out his hand, possibly in a plea for pity but more likely in an attempt to reach the whisky bottle. Then the air sizzled around him and he vanished, leaving nothing more than the odor of brimstone to mingle with the scent of spilled whisky. Franco put his hand out and felt the static in the air where the demon had been. The energy wrapped around his fingers and moved up his arm as part of the demon’s life force became his. He stood for a moment, evaluating the change. “Hardly worth the effort.”

He strode from the alley to find one of the cops stirring. Since he could already hear the wail of approaching sirens, he checked the second officer to confirm that he was still breathing, moved the first cop away from the Hummer’s wheels, and drove away. The men had been lucky. Gressil ranked high in Hell’s power structure, but he was a lazy demon without the motivation to do much in the way of real damage.

Franco noticed a few curtains flick as he drove down the deserted street. Tonight no one would talk. By morning three different gangs would be claiming responsibility for dropping the cops. And if he was lucky, he’d have a few days before the next assignment.

* * * *

Darius twitched his linen robe so that it covered the uncomfortable stiffness between his legs and tried to focus on the song. If he didn’t look at the Seraphim, the discomfort would fade. It had last time. If the Seraphim noticed his lack of attention to the song, he’d be assigned to other duties. Serving the Seraphim was a demanding job. Most others took breaks to buff armor for the Powers or run errands to those watching over earth. He only served the Seraphim. He longed for nothing more than to be near them, to listen to them, to sing with them.

He tried to lose himself in the song. When he opened his eyes to gaze on the nearest Seraphim he noticed the pale hair, the elegant hands, and the shape of the thigh under his robe. Darius shifted his position and rearranged his robe again.

Robes rustled as others shifted their positions, and for a moment, he worried that someone had noticed his inattention. But the heads were facing away from him to where Raguel stood, tall and stiff as one of the pillars, at the edge of the group. The Archangel’s gaze moved over the room, and Darius looked away before it settled on him. He focused on the rise and fall of the song and pushed all other thoughts aside. Raguel could see into an angel’s mind and never went anywhere unless he was seeking those who’d transgressed by thought or deed.

When he heard soft sighs, he dared to look around again. Raguel had departed. Darius gathered his robes about him and fled. Raguel could cast out even one of the Seraphim if he caught him with an impure thought.

As he walked through the golden light singing “Holy, Holy, Holy” to himself, he decided he’d overreacted. After all, nothing had happened. He’d just sit further away from the Seraphim next time so he wouldn’t be distracted. He’d focus on the holy singing, and if Raguel showed up again, he would see that Darius was devout enough to sing with the Seraphim.

“Hey, Choir Boy,” a voice called out. “Are you here to join the fun?”

Darius stopped. The path around him had changed. The familiar golden light had dimmed, and the grass under his feet faded to a dull yellow brown. He spun around, ready to retreat, but only gray fog swam behind him. Ahead of him stood a group of angels wearing robes as gray as the fog. He stepped back. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you. I’ve walked too far.”

“You’re a pretty one, aren’t you, Blondie,” one said, moving nearer. He wore his robe hitched up in the cord at his waist so one leg was bare. Darius tore his gaze away before he committed an offense. The angel moved nearer. “Is it true what they say about choir boys? That you can’t sing if you’ve even had an impure thought?”

“I’m not one of the Seraphim.”

The angel licked his lips. “So you do have impure thoughts. I can help with those.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Darius stammered.

“I saw you gaze at my leg. Would you like to see more?”

“No.” Darius stepped back, bumping into someone who stood behind him. A hand grabbed his butt. He jumped in surprise and found himself in the arms of the first angel.

“Don’t be so eager to rush off, Choir Boy. We can teach you joys the Seraphim know nothing about.”

“No.” He’d never measured himself against another angel before, but this one stood a hand’s breadth shorter than he. He shoved him away. “This is not proper.”

He heard a laugh behind him, and someone grabbed his robe, stripping the loosely draped linen from him. He whirled, and his hair flew into his face, blocking his vision. He pushed it out of the way and grabbed for his robe, but the angel holding it tossed it to another. The first angel stepped close, his gaze moving over Darius’s naked body. Darius struck out with his fist, but the angel danced back, dodging the blow.

“Watch out, Blondie is getting angry. Wrath is one of the deadly ones, Choir Boy. Feels good, doesn’t it? We’ll get you to lust in no time.” He tugged his robe up to his waist, revealing his genitals. Darius stared at the thick, swollen penis. “Lust, Blondie, and you’re the one causing it.”

Darius turned away from the sight, but that only brought him nose-to-nose with the angel who’d been touching his bottom. That angel wrapped an arm around his neck and touched his lips to Darius’s. Darius shoved him, and he fell back a step or two with a smile. “Damn, but you are beautiful.”

“Almost good enough to be one of the Seraphim,” his original tormentor said. Darius wanted to deny it, but knowing eyes met his. “Bet you even think about it. Pride. Another deadly one. But lust, well, that one’s the most fun.” He reached down to stroke his thick penis. His hand froze, and his eyes widened in horror. “No, not now. Not yet.”

Darius watched as his tormentor fled, only to see him stop as fire flared in the fog. The angel spun around, eyes wide and his robe tangling around his legs. A fiery ring surrounded the group, and the other angels bunched together, leaving Darius standing alone. As the flames drew closer, he could make out the winged figures of the Powers, the warrior angels who guarded Heaven itself, each holding a sword of flame. They threw a wide band around the group, driving in stray angels from the fog.

Darius heard thunder and a yelp. He whirled to see a jagged crack in the brown grass. The crack grew, snaking its way toward the clump of condemned angels. The group split, shoving each other in their attempt to escape. One fell into the growing gap in the firmament and vanished with a scream.

Flames lashed upward, and the ground beneath Darius moved, tilting him toward the growing hole. He dropped to his hands and knees and crawled toward the Powers. He needed to get close enough for them to see that his soul light still shone pure. He heard another cry and looked over his shoulder to see one of the group that had been taunting him tumble into the gap. His stomach heaved as the angel’s soul light flared into fire, burning away his robes and wings. Darius lurched away from the growing hole. His fingers dug into the firmament, and he shoved himself to his feet. He rushed toward the holy warriors, skidding to a stop only when the nearest leveled a sword of flame at his chest.

He fell to his knees and raised his hands. “Please. I was only lost.”

“To be lost is to fall.” The warrior pointed his sword toward the pit.

“No, please,” he begged. “I don’t know what I’ve done. I’ve not been judged.”

“Raguel has judged. All here have fallen.” The warrior stepped toward Darius, his frown deepening as his gaze flicked over Darius’s shoulder.

Darius looked back and saw the three who had taunted him rushing toward him. For a moment hope flared. They could explain that he’d only wandered off the path. He rose and held his hands out to them, but they didn’t stop. The one with the hitched robe shoved him, sending him skidding toward the warrior. Darius swung his arms, trying to regain his balance. He saw the warrior raise the sword that would extinguish his soul altogether. Then someone else slammed into him, sending him spinning.

The flame of the sword brushed past him as the warrior shifted his attention to his attackers. Darius fell and rolled with the impact. He lay staring at the legs just inches from him. He could see every detail of the straps of the warrior angel’s sandals as they crisscrossed up the back of his muscular legs. He’d landed outside the ring of flame. The others had meant to use him as a distraction to rush past the Powers. Instead, they’d saved him.

His salvation was short-lived. Light flared as Raguel, tall and imperious, appeared. His shoulders drew back as he looked down at Darius. Darius clasped his hands together in a plea. But Raguel only frowned. Light crackled around the Archangel’s fingers. Darius rolled to one side as the first bolt struck, then the second. They missed him, but he felt the ground shudder beneath him as the firmament shattered. He fell in a rush of wind and a roar of sound.

Bizarre books!

2011-10-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

I just love these books!

Thank you!!

2011-10-28T23:44:00.001-07:00

Just a quick thank you to all those who voted for me in the competition!! I went to bed ahead and woke to find I'd lost out. Oh well. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride - er - oh yes, I did actually get married. Sorry, husband!!

Too much sex?

2011-10-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

No such thing - says my husband. Ha ha.
But when I'm writing, the balance of how much sex should be in the book is a tricky one. I write erotic romances, I can't NOT have lots of sex in my stories but there is nothing I dislike more than gratuitous sex. Well, there are things I dislike more - like Brussels sprouts for example, but you know what I mean.
I've realised too that my plots aren't very sensual. My stories are about how XX meets XY and maybe another XY gets involved but the plot is less about their sexual exploits and more about the external forces that want to drive them apart. So when someone tells me - my story worked without the sex, I'm really happy.
I'm not a great reader of erotic romance - is that a surprise? Though I've noticed more and more of the so-called straight romances have sexual scenes that are just as highly charged and detailed as those in my books - there are just less of them. And - hides head when I admit this - I skip those sexy sections.
Maybe I'm suffering from a surfeit of sex.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! shouts husband.

Through to the last four!!!!!

2011-10-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

I'm through to the last four of the competition!! If you think my story is better than the one I'm pitted against - please consider voting for Two Birds, One Stone!!!! I'm in with a real chance of a prize now!!! First three win something - so of course I'll come fourth!!!

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest_just_one_bite.html

Through to the last eight!!!!

2011-10-15T04:12:00.000-07:00

I'm through to the last eight in the All Romance e-books Just One Bite competition. It's a head to head and I'm pleading again for people to take a look at my story and the one that I'm up against and if you like mine best, please vote for me.

My story is called - Two Birds, One Stone. It's a funny story about two angels.

The link is

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest_just_one_bite.html

You have to be logged into the site to vote.

Thanks so much if you voted in the last two rounds and I hope you'll vote again. The story I'm up against had a huge number of supporters last time so I'm feeling very nervous.

Please welcome Starla Kaye!!! and win a free book!

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to welcome Starla Kaye to my blog!

What made you decide to try and be a published author?
I wanted to see my name on a book in a bookstore, but that hasn’t happened. In truth, I don’t care about that anymore. I have found my niche as an erotic writer in many romance sub-genres writing for four different online publishers. I’m not going to be a gazillionaire, but do I care? Not at all. I get to write what I want, when I want to, and with a publisher that I respect and enjoy working with.

Give us two random thoughts about yourself, something that might surprise your readers.
First, I’m absolutely crazy about taking pictures of trees. Everywhere I go. They are so unique, just like people. Some fight hard to survive. Some are so proud and really strut their stuff. I’m going to publish a book (probably just for me and those unfortunate relatives who will get one as a gift) of my favorite photos of trees.
Second, I design and make wall art quilts based on scene photos from places I’ve visited or seen (Blarney Castle in Ireland, Tuck Box restaurant in Carmel CA).

How long have you been writing? What is your main writing genre?
I have been writing since elementary school age, my first “wonderful story” being The Little Family. From that moment on I knew I wanted to write and create stories that would make people smile, or say “ahhh,” or pull at their emotional strings. My first published works were short stories in several magazines that quickly folded. Then I moved to publishing stories with some online sites for a while. And finally I started submitting books to print publishers, which I quickly tired of their horribly long process. So I published my first sweet romance, TUG OF LOVE, with iUniverse in 2000. Now I publish romances with Decadent Publishing, Black Velvet Seductions, Blushing Books, and Red Rose Publishing.

Title: Starting Over
Author: Starla Kaye

Publisher Link: Decadent Publishing http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=92&products_id=325&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Author Web Site: http://starlakaye.com

CONTEST: One randomly selected commenter will receive an ebook copy of Starting Over.

BLURB
A virgin gay man, Corbin is ready to ease into his new lifestyle, still, making the move scares him shitless. He’s spent years fantasizing about embracing his true self, but what possessed him to agree to a 1 NightStand? As he nears the long, lean man with shaggy, graying hair, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams pale in comparison, and easing in takes on a whole new meaning.

Though tired of being lonely, Matt considers changing his mind about the one-night arrangement until a tall, well-built man strolls across the pool area toward him, then all thoughts of leaving flee. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it calls to Matt. He wants to touch it, play with it. He forces himself to calm down. Matt will be his date’s first male lover, and he intends to find the inner strength to take his time.

Intense physical attraction and Madame Eve’s magic ignite a sexual fire, but will it be enough for two men starting over?

EXCERPT
Matt sat on a chaise lounge near the poolside bar, sipping on some fruity island drink the bartender had insisted he try. Not bad really, but he preferred beer. He’d been out there almost an hour and already had two women and a young stud make advances. He’d politely turned them all down, saying he was meeting someone. Now, he wished that someone would join him before he had to make excuses again to the Barbie-doll shaped woman heading in his direction.
She had no sooner wobbled up on her ridiculously high-heeled sandals than he spotted Corbin Bradley walking into the pool area. Well, well, well. Prime male and mine for the night. The thought surprised him, but he couldn’t deny the way his pulse raced and his body went on high alert. He grinned, glanced past the twenty-something blonde, and waved at his roomie. “Over here.”
Frowning her disappointment, the blonde walked off, muttering, “What a waste.”
He’d heard that kind of comment many times over the years and didn’t care a bit. He was comfortable with his homosexuality, even if others couldn’t easily see it until he revealed it. Unconcerned with her reaction, he studied the tall, well-built man making his way across the pool area. The photo he’d seen of Bradley didn’t do him justice. It seemed so wrong to ever hide those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, and incredible six-pack beneath a suit, even an obviously expensive, tailored one. He longed to smooth his hands over what he saw, feel the muscles beneath his palms, play with the nipples and the spattering of dark hair on his chest. He wanted to…. God! Get it together. Stop salivating and be cool.

Into the last 16!!

2011-10-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

I made it to the last 16 - please consider voting for my story - Two Birds, One Stone in the All Romance e-books competition.

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/contest_just_one_bite.html

A plea for votes

2011-10-01T03:26:00.000-07:00

I entered a short story called 'One Bird, two stones' into a competion with All Romance e-books and have got through to the last 32. The big prize is $1000 - that would be lovely, but I'd just like to get beyond the first couple of rounds. It's a head to head so I need votes to beat one other person in the first round. If I get through to next week, I'll need the same again. And so on.
I'd be really grateful if you'd consider voting for me if you think my story is better than the one I'm up against. You have one week to vote in the first round. The link is
http://www.allromanceebooks. com/contest_just_one_bite.html
Voting starts the 1st October
I'm afraid you have to register on the site to be able to vote but its not onerous. They don't want your blood!
Thanks so much for considering helping me! I need all the publicity I can get. It's hard to stand out when there are so many authors out there.

Interview with Chrystalla Toma - author of Rex Rising

2011-09-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Barbara: Hi Chrystalla, welcome. You just published your YA science fiction novel Rex Rising, and in the story summary you mention parasites. How did you come up with the idea for the parasitic element of the story?

Chrystalla: Science fascinates me; science magazines like American Scientist are crazier than any fantasy book I’ve ever read. Having a biologist as a husband means I have free access to lots of biology magazines and books and I get to see strange things first hand. Somewhere along the line we were talking about parasites and my husband bought a book called Parasite Rex describing all sorts of parasites and the way they affect their hosts. The rest, as they say, is history. The book opened up a brand new world for me and gave me ideas for my novel. Using parasites in science fiction is of course nothing new. A famous example is the movie Alien (and its sequels). My story isn’t horror/thriller like Alien, but the parasites do play a very important role nevertheless, changing the behavior of the characters and shaping the world of Rex Rising.

Barbara: Did it take you long to write?

Chrystalla: Novels are big animals, so they take time to take shape. From the moment the first idea about Rex Rising popped into my mind until it was published, a few years passed. That doesn’t mean that every novel takes so long, but this one was born in stages. First came the idea about the world of the Seven Islands, that was in 2001, I believe. Then came the parasites and the way they might change the world and the people in it. Finally came the characters and their story. So it took me a few years, but in fits and starts. I wrote down the first draft in 2008, and revised it over the past year.

Barbara: Is YA literature your first love?

Chrystalla: Fantasy/science fiction is my first and true love. When I started writing, I didn’t think I wrote for a specific public – after all, as a child I read literature meant for adults and as the years passed, I saw adults read literature for teenagers (like Harry Potter and Inkheart). However, once I started writing my own novels, it was pointed out to me that they have many elements of YA literature, and only then did I realize that I was indeed writing YA. The young age of the protagonists, their inner conflicts and issues with sexuality, love, family and purpose in life, they are typical of YA fiction.

Barbara: I think readers would be very surprised that English is not your first language - do you think in English when you write?

Chrystalla: True, my native language is Greek, but I feel quite confident writing in English, since I studied it and have been reading it for many years. As to your question, absolutely, I do think in English when I write. I even hear the voice of my characters in my ear as I write, their inflection and tone.

Barbara: Your cover is fantastic. Did you do it yourself? - (I know you did)

Chrystalla: Thank you, Barbara. Yes, I made the cover myself. I bought a stock image and changed it to my taste. I love the idea of making my own covers just as I want them to be. I guess this is one of the main advantages of self publishing.

Barbara: Who are your favorite authors?

Chrystalla: Right now I love Cassandra Clare for YA paranormal, but also Patricia McKillip and Cecilia Dart for epic fantasy, and for science fiction I think Ray Bradbury’s stories (I especially love the Illustrated Man) are wonderful, even if they are old.

Barbara: Do you write full time?

Chrystalla: I wish! :) I have always written in my free time after work. At this moment, I just resigned from my job due to stress-related health problems and plan to look for freelance jobs as a translator (which is my profession), hoping that way I will have more time to write and publish. That would be really lovely!

Barbara: When is the next book out!

Chrystalla: Well, I have set myself a deadline for the first draft of Rex Cresting (sequel to Rex Rising): end of 2011. I do hope to have finished it earlier, though, but by the time it is ready to be published, more months may pass. Therefore I aim for January for the release, but it could be February or March.

Barbara: Thank you for telling us about yourself and your stories.

Chrystalla: Thank you for having me here today!

Visit Chrystalla’s blog for more information on the world of Rex Rising and her other works:
http://chrystallathoma.wordpress.com

You can find Rex Rising at the following distributors:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon DE
Smashwords
Watch the book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-6Gxf8oQas

Free on Smashwords

2011-09-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Four writer friends and I have got together to produce five little paranormal stories and we're offering them free!!!!!!!!!

LOVE BITES

When night falls. you never know what creatures prowl in the shadows…

A guardian angel… with an ulterior motive? Dragons… racing? A girl… with an unusual offer? A gargoyle… searching for love? A charity run might mean a run for your life.

Only you hold the power to control them by reading… Love Bites.

Classified by Jay Di Meo
Sefu's guardian angel is supposed to keep him safe, but who'll keep him safe from the angel?

Dragon Race by Barbara Elsborg
In this race between lovers, who wins and who loses?

Jacquelyn in the Box by D.L. Jackson
What would you give up for love?

Laying Claim by Cate Masters
A curse for one means salvation for both, Celia finds.

Run by Arlene Webb
A run for charity turns deadly, and two strangers learn they have a lot more to give than blood.

All Romance e-books - my story!!!!

2011-09-22T02:02:00.000-07:00

I made it through to the last 32 in the All Romance ebooks Just One Bite competition. Yippee. Voting doesn't start until the 1st of October and it will be a head to head competition - in other words 16 individuals against 16 others for one week, then 8 against 8 etc I already know who I'm paired against and have read her story. Gulp! If you register on the ARe site you can read all 32 stories but you can't vote yet, but if you'd like to read mine - it's there.

www.allromanceebooks.com/contest_just_one_bite.html

If you feel mine is the best, I hope you'll vote for me on the 1st October!

Not me on the picture, by the way - I can't jump that high!

Cover for my INS with Decadent publishing!!

2011-09-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

On the right track
Hollie has very specific requirements for her New Year’s Eve 1NightStand—a tall, fair-haired guy, who’s organized, sensible, likes small-breasted brunettes and can deal with any crisis life throws at him. Except what seemed like a good idea when she set off, turns into the worst idea ever as the snow falls thickly, her fingers clench the steering wheel, and she veers off track.
Dark-haired Nick is on his way to a party with hopes of connecting with a busty blonde—assuming he’s even on the right road and can dig himself out of a heap of snow before he freezes solid. Too bad he never plans ahead, no coat and no shovel in the car, and soon he won’t even see a road at all, let alone any vehicle barreling down it.

Dragon Race

2011-09-19T03:55:00.001-07:00

Finished a little short story that will go into an anthology with several of my writer friends. This is a do-it-ourselves venture that will be out soon. I started to write this story for the All Romance e books competition but it felt wrong so I stopped. Started another and that didn't work either - the third was the charm and it made it into the last 32 - voting starts in October!Came back to Dragon Race and liked it again, so turned into something I hope is readable.
Now I have no excuses about delaying work on my sci fi romance. Weather is crap, no pile of books to read - I can start right away - er, after coffee, after breakfast, after taking dog for a walk, ooh I need to vacuum, empty the dishwasher, send pics of the dog in the pool to husband... should be free to write about lunchtime - oh and darn it, kids need to use my computer so I'm going to have to wait a while before 'A New Life' gets going. (Temporary title - I have to call it something other than - this piece of crap)

Jet lag

2011-09-17T03:34:00.001-07:00

Bad enough that humans get jet lag but when the dog has it too..... poor little critter spent 4 hours in his crate before take off, over nine hours in the air, another two hours waiting in the cargo place before we opened the door to let him out. Hyper dog alert!!!! Five hours difference in time to the UK so he's waking in the night wanting to pee and I'm probably freaking out the neighbours by wandering around outside in my nightie. Can't let dog out on his own as we'd do at home, I'm worried a raccoon will get him - or an alligator.

Into the last 32!

2011-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

My story 'Two birds, one stone' has made it to the last 32 in All Romance e-books 'Just one bite' short story competition. All 32 will be published in e-anthologies but in October, the judging will start to find a winner. It will be a one against one vote off to get 16, then 8 and so on.
I'll let you know when the judging starts so you can read the stories! But I'm thrilled to have got this far.

Decadent open for submissions!!!

2011-09-08T00:19:00.001-07:00

Decadent Publishing is actively seeking stories that fit our new Honor
Guard line.

The Honor Guard line is composed of contemporary multi-national romance
stories with a heat level of 3-5 and word count between 10k-30k.

Setting: US embassies around the world. The hero can be any alpha male
having to do with embassy operations: Marines, MP, CIA, Homeland
Security, NSA, etc.

The heroine can be an American or foreign national. Her age should be
25+ (can be Late Escape--romance between couples age 50+--as well). If
your setting is in India, Australia, Norway or wherever, we need "local
flavor". Tap your travel experiences!

If you write about the military, make sure it's accurate. Give us fun,
adventure, romance, interesting settings, strong characters and hot
lovin' combined with cultural insights. HEA is mandatory.

Decadent is also taking submissions in our popular 1Night Stand line and
is open for general sunmissions in the following catagories. Please keep
word count between 5-50k at this time.
See SUBMISSIONS page on the website for details.
http://www.decadent publishing. com/index. php?osCsid= 084930d6cc456d4a e1915\
b6958c5a3e5& content=submissi ons
5b6958c5a3e5& content=submissi ons>

Historical paranormal romance
Late Escape romance (couples who are 50 years of age or older)
May-December romance
Comedy (romance or mainstream fiction)
Time travel (romance or mainstream fiction)
Erotic Romance
GLBT (especially F/F)
Non-Fiction (Biography, historical, memoirs, autobiography)

One day

2011-09-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

I read the book One Day quite a while ago, long before the hoopla and I really liked it. Today I went to see the film and whilst there were bits I didn't like, generally I enjoyed it. I didn't flinch at Ms Hathaway's accent - it didn't detract from the film and I think critics were wrong to pick on it. Just as they were with Kevin Costner in Prince of Thieves.Even though I knew what was coming in the film - won't say what because I don't want to spoil it - gosh it made me jump!! I still prefer the book but I loved Dex in this. Just as I'd pictured him and he'd be perfect for Charlie in my book Strangers. I wish I knew a film producer to send Strangers to. Sigh.

But I did have a problem and it had nothing to do with the film. I've realised going to the cinema makes me feel ill. I was REALLY ill after 3D Avatar and thought it was just the 3D effect but One Day made me feel ill too and now I'm thinking maybe I can't go to the cinema any more. That's disappointing. I suspect it has something to do with my focus on the screen but unless anyone has any suggestions, I'm doomed to wait until films come on the TV.

A very long walk

2011-09-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Walked with son and his partner along the Leeds-Liverpool canal - a distance of around 10 miles. Winnie the dachshund came too and his little legs are now even shorter. Had to run to catch the train back and then walk another mile to get home up a long hill. Consequently - I might not be moving from this chair for the rest of the day. Did have one thought on the way - not easy to hide a body in a canal - too shallow and too clean.I like to keep a list of possible sites!

We do like to be beside the seaside

2011-08-28T08:38:00.001-07:00

Went to Hunmanby Gap today for a walk along the beach. It's one that can be used all year round by dogs so we took Winnie - who had a bit of a mishap. Thought the water was a shallow puddle and turned out to be deep so he had to swim. We laughed. He didn't think it was funny. Had fish and chips in Filey and walked back again. Not long now before the kids emigrate so it was lovely to spend the day together. Now I'm shattered.

Out with the old

2011-08-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

Sad day for my son today. When he was a kid, he spent a long time collecting videos of films that he liked - mainly ones no one else in their right mind would have any interest in watching. He bought them from closing stores, off the internet or from shops and then spent hours cataloguing them. He had hundreds!
Today he gave them all away to charity. He's going to live in another country and he can't take much with him. Certainly it's not worth the cost of transporting something that's technologically out of date.
He is taking his soft toy dog that he slept with as a kid though!!

The Creative Process

2011-08-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

My ideas for stories come from everywhere - dreams, life, music, books. I usually grab the thought and run with it - I lie in bed in the moments between waking and really waking and consider whether the idea would make a story. If I think it will, I write it. No prep, no plot, no nothing - other than a few random notes of things that occur to me as I go along. I might end up with seven pages of ideas by the time I'm writing chapter two.

BUT - when I see the calls for specific submissions - I think - oh can I come up with something for that? Usually the answer is no, because I just don't think that way. I can't start with a premise and then write a story if it wasn't my premise. It doesn't even have to be a premise - even something like - we're looking for vamp stories with a twist - has me scratching my head - unable to come up with a single original thought. I did manage to write a story for ARe's competition but that was only after I reread the requirements and realised I could write any paranormal story I liked. I really want to write a one night stand story for Decadent Publishing - who are Soooo lovely - but can I think of anything? NO.
I'll keep trying but I've realised that I'm creative in a very specific way! My way.

Short versus long

2011-08-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, anyone who reads my stories knows that I write l...o...n...g. That's not to say that I can't write short - two freebies for Ellora's Cave, a short for Ravenous Romance and a slighter longer story for EC called Snow Play. Well, I've written two more short pieces. Pause for applause. One I've sent in for a competition. When I don't get anywhere with it - how's that for confidence!! - I'll offer it as a free read somehow. The other story is about 10,000 words - a paranormal romance that I hope is funny. I've tried to make it funny so of course, it won't be.
Rambling over - what I wanted to say - was how hard it is to write short stories. They are a different life form to novels. It's so hard to fit everything in and end the thing in a satisfactory way - a twist, an aaahhh moment -but definitely HEA>

A new book

2011-08-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Only as I start writing a new book, do I remember how much I hate starting a new book. I lose faith in my ability, in coffee, in everything. Each word is a huge effort. Not helped by the fact that this book is a bit different. I'm sure the premise in the hands of Stephen King - would be a winner - but it's in my hands and it's struggling for life. The irony is for once I have a title right at the outset - A New Life.

31,483 Downloads of Saying Yes in May

2011-07-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my giddy aunt. I could hardly believe that figure when I saw it!! Free is obviously popular. Now all I need to do is convert that to sales of my other books and New York Bestseller List - here I come! Or not, as the case may be.

Just in case there is anyone in the world who hasn't read it....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Saying-Yes-ebook/dp/B004K1ESM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311953267&sr=1-1

Decadent Sale!!!

2011-07-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

In a week's time, Decadent Publishing will be one year old. To celebrate they are making half their books, half price - Including mine - CHOSEN

If you enter the code given on the page below - you can get the book for half price!!!!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63970

Endings

2011-07-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Trying to write the last chapter of my current paranormal menage and it's making me ill. I assume it's stress because I can't quite get my head around how to choreograph the finale. I know how I want it to end but I don't know how to get rid of my villain - or villainess as it happens. To kill or not to kill? Well, as usual, I'll put off the decision until tomorrow in the hope that inspiration will strike and turn me into a decisive authoress or more likely, I'll spend the day editing the chapters that come before, just in time to end the day without having finished - yet again.

Want a bargain??

2011-07-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but 'Power of Love' is on offer on Amazon.

How can you resist!!

Power of Love - Erotic £1.06

www.amazon.co.uk/Power-of-Love-ebook/dp/B0032C99HS/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069725&sr=1-10

OR $1.70
www.amazon.com/Power-of-Love-ebook/dp/B0032C99HS/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069732&sr=1-7

Joe is a lost soul.
When Joe is killed in the line of duty, the result of a blunder by his girlfriend Poppy, he ends up stuck between worlds, not quite in heaven, not quite in hell. Heaven is Poppy lying in his arms, hearing the sound of his name on her lips as he makes love to her, again and again. Hell is the knowledge that to save Poppy, he must convince her to let him go.
Poppy is a soul lost.
Joe was Poppy’s heart, her soul, and since he died she’s lost it all, including her sanity. Everywhere she looks, he’s there—talking to her, touching her, sharing ice cream, showers and making love to her like there’s no tomorrow. But tomorrow does come, and letting go of Joe could destroy her.
Sometimes love lasts a lifetime. Sometimes love reaches beyond death. Sometimes…love lasts forever.

Book two
NOT EROTIC
Digging Deeper
£1.06
www.amazon.co.uk/Digging-Deeper-ebook/dp/B003L76XDM/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069725&sr=1-3

OR
$1.70
www.amazon.com/Digging-Deeper-ebook/dp/B003L76XDM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311069732&sr=1-1

Archaeologist Beck isn’t expecting much to come out of this summer’s dig. While his colleague spends the summer in Italy, Beck draws the short straw supervising a group of archaeology students excavating on the grounds of Hartington Hall in Yorkshire. Little does Beck realize when he saves a redhead from the attentions of an amorous ram, that this accident-prone female will throw his ordered life into chaos. The last thing Flick needs in her life is a digger, because some secrets are meant to stay buried. Very deep. But Beck is irresistible. She’d love to get him into bed, though after the incident at the swimming pool, the collapsing wall, the snake bite and the unexploded bomb—a hospital bed looks more likely. As their relationship lurches from one disaster to another, Beck has to delve deep to get to the bottom of this irrepressible redhead. One thing is clear—you never know quite what you’re going to find when you start digging.
__________________

Moreover - Lucy in the Sky is out in paperback - today!!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9467-lucy-in-the-sky.aspx

Chosen - a top pick with Night Owl Reviews!

2011-07-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Online Link : http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Laurie-J-reviews-Chosen-by-Barbara-Elsborg.aspx

Score: 4.50 / 5 - Reviewer Top Pick

Review:

Right from the first this book held me in its thrall. Kate Evans is kidnapped, raped and tortured by a madman who uses her as a sort of game piece in a battle against his domineering father. The pieces finally come together into a complete mosaic that reveals the surprising intricacies of long-remembered, never-forgotten hurts and hatreds.

This book is written in a style and with a voice that is unrelenting in its intensity. The author cleverly weaves in past events and episodes, in small chunks, that ensure each character became pinned onto the storyboard in my head and stayed there. Well-written, fast-paced, and genuinely terrifying, with unexpected twists that are guaranteed to make your heart race, this is not a story for the faint of heart. In most cases, I thought Kate did an outstanding job of trying to escape and survive her nightmare, but there were a couple of times I almost felt like reaching into my kindle and shaking her. An unconscious man becomes even less of a threat if you tie him up (duh!), for instance!

The author excelled at continuously ratcheting up the tension until finally, at the end, I could suck in a luxurious deep breath and heave a contented sigh. This is a not-to-be-missed thrilling romantic suspense.

FIND ME HERE TODAY!!

2011-07-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

Facts about me!

http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com/

Advice from me!

http://silviaviolet.com/blog/2011/07/12/guest-blogger-barbara-elsborg/

I am not infallible

2011-07-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

I am one of the few people in the world who actually doesn't like food. I personally can't wait for the day I just have to take a pill to give me all the energy and vitamins etc that I need. Yes, I know I'm weird. Having said that - family still needs to eat, so I have to cook. Saintly husband shops - which is a mixed blessing. I love that I don't have to go to the supermarket but I have to be prepared to deal with the 'bargains' he brings home.

I CAN cook, I just prefer not to. But the other day I thought I'd make some almond macaroons. Recipe was straight forward. What can go wrong?

Quite a lot as it happens. They looked NOTHING like the picture though they tasted okay, especially after I'd broken them into bits and added cream. But it was a salutatory lesson in how - no matter how well you plan, how carefully you do what you're supposed to - sometimes life throws you a curve ball.

My daughter - who made and decorated this cake - obviously doesn't take after me!

Lovely 5 hearts review for An Ordinary Girl

2011-07-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/07/ordinary-girl-by-barbara-elsborg.html?zx=a80f5cfbb63fd7f0

The review is lovely - sigh!!!

name that goat!!

2011-07-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Daughter and partner are going to the Royal Ascot Goat races in Uganda and have to name a goat (or two!)

The naming format goes - [name of goat] out of [mother goat] by [father goat]

So Marigold out of Judith by Rufus

But that is boring.....

Better would be

Broke out of Cash by Mid-month

Willy out of Pants by 6pm

Any ideas??

Giving authors a second chance

2011-07-01T02:00:00.001-07:00

I suspect, like most readers, if you try a new author and don't like their book for whatever reason, you're unlikely to give them another go. I've plenty of authors I've thought that of - but after reading the third book by a particular author and enjoying it, I then bought books one and two. Not a series so no problem there. I read book two first. It was okay, interesting premise about a boyfriend who has a nervous breakdown, though not as good as book three. Then I read book one, her debut story. Oh dear. I didn't like. Bits of it weren't bad but I realise that had I read this book first, I wouldn't have looked for more by her and I'd have missed book three - which is a keeper.

So, I've revised my reading strategy and unless the books are in a series, I won't go for book one, on the basis that like any job, the writing will likely get better.

I like to think my own writing has improved over the twenty or so books I've written. I know my first paranormal - The Consolation Prize - was a steep learning curve for me and it's the least well written of the Trueblood series. I still grumble about calling it a series because the books all stand alone. Anyway, if any of you have read The Consolation Prize and not wanted to read another of mine - for the first four who comment on this post, I'll send you a copy of Falling for You - FREE!

Assuming you want to give me another try!

Bouncing back

2011-06-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

Daughter and partner had great fun bouncing on the castle hired for her party. I had a go. Boy, is it hard work. I don't know where kids get their energy. Still, I went on several times.

Bouncing on that was still easier than bouncing back from bad reviews. I can see now the value in using a different name for different genres. I really thought I didn't need to, that a warning a book was NOT like my others would be enough. Clearly not. Still, I'll try to bounce back - but my bounce will have less spring in it.

Writing the ending first -

2011-06-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

Apparently lots of people do that! I suppose I do know how my stories will end - happily ever after - snigger - but it's never occurred to me to actually write the last two paragraphs before I start. I always have a little difficulty with the final few words - partly because I'm sad to finish, partly because I want those words in particular to be perfect.

A few of my endings!

“Home,” Matty said.
Turner smiled. “Home and you’re ours forever. It was in the small print.”

Caspar stared into her eyes and smiled. His star had risen. That star was Ally.
“Don’t need to,” he said. “My wish has already come true.”

Then things went on as though nothing had happened, but inside Piper, the life that had waited for just the right moment began to grow.

“Not as lucky as me.” He got to his feet, swept his little bolt of lightning into his arms and stalked toward the coach house. “Life’s perfect.”

How long will I last?

2011-06-16T03:51:00.001-07:00

I should stop googling myself. It's a terrible habit but when I need a break from a scene I'm writing, I find my fingers itching to see if anyone has written any reviews about my recent releases. Generally I find the answer is no, so after skipping down a few pages I get trawled into a slow realization that every bleeping word I've ever written is there for all the world to admire, laugh at or ignore.

I am careful about what I say - mostly - but how long are those words going to be there? Forever? Is this my afterlife, my immortality? My pronouncements about TV shows, my son's dog, my ever patient husband, my kids? Why didn't I study astrophysics at university so that I could have at least left some intelligent words for the world. No, instead the world gets an insight into what is clearly a strange mind - one that writes about MM sex and MMF menages and MF sex and murderous psychotic bad guys like Jack in CHOSEN. Oh God, is that how I'm going to be remembered?

STOP PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Finally, finally, the world has chance to read a book that I've had the great fortune to watch come to life. My invaluable, brilliant crit partner, Arlene Webb has published the first book in her series about what happens when light energy splinters. Oh but it's about so much more than that. Arlene has woven a complex tale of fascinating characters who interact with the humans they meet in ways that will make you laugh, cry, and gulp. I can't tell you how much I love this book and the ones that follow. All right - I can. I LOVE THEM!!!!!

In a nutshell, book one is about five, complex and flawed personalities (byproduct of a splintered particle of light) finding themselves grounded. They are suddenly trapped in adult human bodies on Earth and wanting to go home, without memory of where that even is. Splintered Energy concerns their journey to reunite, and survive each other and mankind.

Meet the Primaries.

Aaron kicked off his sandals, threw open the gate, and ran. Near the surf’s edge, David struggled to carry what looked like a woman with flowing green hair.
David halted, collapsing to his knees. A dark emerald dress clung to the motionless form. Shallow saltwater ebbed close to her bare, honest to God, green legs.
David gasped, “She’s breathing.”
“Good Lord, son, can’t you find pretty shells like normal people?” Aaron dropped to David’s side.
“She’s cold. She wasn’t completely in the water, but shouldn’t her skin be bluish? Why’s she green?”
“Maybe she’s an actress or something.”
Erotica no less, starring Aphrodite dipped in food coloring. The flush on Aaron’s face had to match his son’s. Her skin wasn’t Exorcist-vomit pea soup, nor gingerbread-trim lime, but a soft, immature apple—almost the same shade as the shirt David wore. Delicate emerald lashes curled against her cheekbones. Small breasts, flat stomach, and he could see the outline of her ribs through the silky dress.

* * *
Strawberry ice cream. Yep, that’d be the flavor du jour. Jaylynn pressed her foot down. The sun sparkled and heat reflected off pavement. Good ol’ boring I-87, where one could go the entire drive to civilization without seeing a soul. Perfect for DWD—driving while daydreaming. The pressures of an empty fridge had encouraged her to flip the “open” sign on her bookstore door, and head out on a mission for something tasty.
Jaylynn rounded a familiar curve and blinked. A man at the edge of the road? She blinked again. A red man wearing dark shades and no shirt?
Red? Foot eased from the pedal, she took off her sunglasses.
He still looked—he looked damn good.
Bright, unruly crimson hair fell past his shoulders. Over six foot in height. A shade of continuous red, his chest appeared marred by streaks of black soot. Tight jeans surely clad the body of an athlete. He not only looked hot, he sprang with ninja grace.
Brakes slammed, and she swerved off the shoulder. A seatbelt would have been smart.
No frickin’ airbag? Her face smashed into the steering wheel.
Spots of bright vermillion faded.

* * *

The policeman blinked hard. A weird burst of light had darted across the sky. Either something screwed up with a satellite, electrical discharge out of whack, or he needed to get his eyes checked. He shrugged and approached the sedan parked on the shoulder, propped by a deflated rear tire. Inside, he found an adult male slumped sideways, and his jaw hit the asphalt.
Heart attack, aneurysm, seizure…or something much worse. The man had short blue hair, baby blue dress shirt and black pants, and his arms and clean-shaven face were a soft blue.
At 9 AM in Cleveland? Maybe a rock star struggling for attention, some idiot drinking colloidal silver.
Screw it. He hadn’t survived this long by taking chances. He pulled on his latex gloves and opened the driver door.
“Metro, Adam seven.”
“Go ahead Adam seven.”
“Yeah, I got a 10-24 here. I-90, southbound, just before exit 27. Appears to be a non-responsive Caucasian—well, sort of Caucasian—male. Some kind of blue skin discoloration. Let the EMTs know about the blue skin. You copy?”
He brushed his fingers over the neck artery—bingo. He swallowed his relief and stepped back. Not that he rated male beauty, but this unconscious guy would certainly cause a flutter from the double X side of the species.

This four book adventure has been a work in progress for close to a decade now. It’s very cool to hopefully have book four go live by January, 2012. All the books can be read as stand alone titles. There's no - oh my god, how will they get out of that, at the end!! The only thing I haven't read is the very end and I can hardly wait to see what happens.

www.arlenewebb.com

www.smashwords.com/books/view/66190

www.amazon.com/dp/B0055L2FHU/?tag=kindleboards-20

Psst - keep this quiet

2011-06-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

Hi there. My name is Winston Kennedy and I want to complain about the way I'm treated by my slave, Barbara. She spends far too much time sitting on her backside with a shiny flat thing on her lap when she could have a fluffy thing - me! Trying to get her attention when she's writing is almost impossible. I have needs! Often. Frequently. Food being one of them. I'm getting fed up of eating the same thing every day - what dog can live on chicken breast? - and her expecting me to be grateful for it. What's worse, she keeps dragging me outside for a walk and then not letting me sniff every lamppost. She rips the fun out of my life. I don't ask for much--just a few treats every now and again, her NOT TO LEAVE ME ON MY OWN - and why can't I go in the loo with her?? What happens in there? And why did she buy me that squeaky ball only to get cross when I run round the house and squeak it??
If you'd like to read about my adventures - which frankly are a lot more exciting than her scribblings, I have my own blog. www.winstonken.wordpress.com

That's a picture of me - on the right - with my mother and sister. I'm the good-loooking one, obviously.

Chosen - out with Decadent Publishing -3rd June

2011-06-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

This is NOT an erotic book. This is the story of a woman put in a desperate situation, who fights for survival with every ounce of her being. It's an adventure story, a thriller, a tale of psychological suspense and a murder mystery - all rolled into one. I'm very proud of this story and thrilled to pieces that Decadent have published it.

CHOSEN

Some crimes can never be forgotten.

Kate Evans doesn’t take risks. She chose her apartment with care—a safe district with a good neighbor—a place where she can live a quiet, unassuming, under-the-radar existence. Then she makes one mistake and opens her door to accept a delivery of flowers from a secret admirer and her life will never be the same again. A guy she’s never seen before bursts into her apartment and asks her to marry him. Jack Thompson won’t take no for an answer and drags Kate on a cross country journey to hell.

Invalided out of the police, Nathan Beranson works as a private investigator in San Antonio, Texas where he spends too much of his time following unfaithful spouses and delivering the bad news to their partners. When his fiancée cheats on him with Jack Thompson, the half-brother Nathan’s only just met, he becomes obsessed with Jack in the same unhealthy way as his revenge-seeking clients. By the time Nathan finally realizes putting the ghosts of the past to rest is a wiser option than settling an old score, it’s too late. He’s already been drawn into his sibling’s latest deadly game and Nathan and Kate find their nightmare is only just beginning.

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=279&osCsid=93bdcbd83547fd075b1642d8854094af

For the chance to win one of my ebooks and find a little information about my journey to my twentieth book visit - the site below.

http://spacefreighters.blogspot.com

Yippee for An Ordinary Girl

2011-06-01T01:04:00.001-07:00

I've won a trailer for An Ordinary Girl

2011-05-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

An extra-ordinary review for An Ordinary Girl

2011-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've had a fantastic review for An Ordinary Girl by The Long and Short of it. My book is now up for book of the week. Yippee. Voting only over this weekend. I'm not going to beg for votes. I'd love to win but I don't know enough people - oh darn it, yes I am going to beg. I don't know that many people but I do love this book and believe in it!

http://www.whippedcream2.blogspot.com/?zx=55df996c23217c69

Rocked - out today!! With Loose-Id

2011-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Rock
Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.

The Stone Maiden
Much to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.

The Hard Place
His hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.

The link -http://www.loose-id.com/Rocked.aspx

How to get myself on the best seller list at Amazon

2011-05-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew. I just read a fascinating article by a guy who did manage to do that by writing a book that was called something like - What Men Think About Apart From Sex. The book was full of blank pages. I'm wondering now if I should issue my own version - What Women Wished Men Thought About Apart From Sex. Trouble is, it wouldn't sell, would it? We women already know the answer and men don't want to hear it.
So I'll just have to try to get 'Rocked' - out next Tuesday - with Loose -ID to sell a million. I shall spread the word on Facebook - to my handful of followers, on Twitter to even fewer followers, to my family - who gulp at my depravity, to my loyal readers to whom I send virtual hugs and to the dog, who I know would buy hundreds of copies if I'd lend him the money.
Actually, Rocked won't be out on Amazon straight away, I suppose, so I have time to work on my master plan for world domination.
Unfortunately, I'm too honest to put my own raving reviews on about my own work, too honest (and too poor) to buy hundreds of copies to boost ratings, so I have to rely on people spreading the word.
If you like my writing, please tell others! If you don't like it, don't tell anyone. Not even me - not on Thursdays anyway.

Now to cheer me up - above is a picture of my foot cushion.

Manipulating Characters

2011-05-17T02:55:00.000-07:00

Usually, I start writing with no idea where the story is going, nor what my characters will be like. But those details come fast once I get going. For some reason, this time, I decided beforehand what I want my characters to be like and now they are NOT cooperating.
First version they were cool dudes. Second, they were cheeky flirts. Third version - somewhere between the two. I've tried sitting and thinking it out. Tried swimming it out at the gym, but they've not formed yet in my mind. The female has - but it's the relationship between her and the two guys that has me flummoxed this time.
I don't want to leave this story alone because I've been dying to write it. The alternative is my story about Walmart. Which will probably have to be renamed Tarmart or Sexmart something. That's going to have a big cast of characters, so I really need to grab the current three by the neck and make them behave. Since i can't even control the dog, I don't stand much chance.

Ashes by Arlene Webb - out May 20th!!!!!!!

2011-05-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

Ashes by Arlene Webb

Lyle holds his murdered brother and wants his life to end too. When the unbelievable happens, he’ll sacrifice anything to avoid the final stage of grief, and comes to learn life is just beginning.

Not happening. Four hours pass while Lyle Logan holds his brother's corpse and pretends he’s the one not breathing.

Those responsible are dead. Only one reason to live now—vengeance.

Please. Lyle will do anything to alter reality. But he can’t. Instead he fills his stomach with ashes and unwittingly devours a myth.

I want to die. Guilt holds hands with grief. Lyle doesn’t care when authorities conclude that he committed the crime of Cain.

Acceptance. Lyle has no choice but to acknowledge the entity burning within.

When five stages lead to a precipice, Lyle takes the next step. So what he’ll lose his humanity and hold a miraculous creature hostage.

Resolution. Ashes to life, he will find a way to his brother.

Why I can’t lie

2011-05-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

I think I might be programmed not to lie. Every time I’ve tried, I’ve come unstuck. For example, took my son to see a 12 years-and-over film when he was 10. Yes, I know, bad, bad mother but he really wanted to go and he was tall for his age so – before we reached the kiosk to buy the tickets, I’m standing there practicing giving his brand new date of birth. The woman selling the tickets says – how old is he? Ten I say. My daughter kicked me. I mean 12, I blurt. I think the ticket seller took pity on my kids for having such a hopeless mother and she let us in.

Today, I took my daughter to a wholesale warehouse that sells silk flowers and everything a florist or interior designer would need—ever. I had to borrow my neighbor’s card to get in because I don’t have one. Fearing I’d have to sign in – I spent twenty minutes practicing her signature. Of course, the moment I started to sign in the warehouse, my writing morphed into something completely different. A bit like a five year olds. Luckily they didn’t check it against the card. But all the way round the store, my daughter teased me saying they’d make me arrange flowers before they let me leave. We reach the checkout – confirm your name, says the cashier. Oh darn it, not one of my finer moments.

You’d think when I spend most of my time making up stories, I wouldn’t have such an issue telling fibs in real life but I do. I blame my mother. In fact, I blame her for everything. None of it’s my fault. Ooh, maybe I can tell fibs.

What she says and what she means

2011-05-04T07:08:00.001-07:00

I’m not upset………………………I’m furious, you complete moron!

I feel like it’s fate that we met……I’ve been stalking you for weeks

You’re so…big……………………You’re fat

Put out the lights…………………I’m fat

I never do this on a first date……I always do this on a first date

I love alpha males………………..You’re going to buy me drinks and a meal

You have a unique style…………You look terrible

It’s not you, it’s me……………… It’s definitely you

That’s a strong aftershave………God, you stink

I’m really picky…………………...I’m desperate

The wedding

2011-04-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the whole nation was glued to the TV if they weren't crowding the streets of London for a glimpse of the glittering couple. We went to the beach. I was quite happy to watch the edited highlights later - though we did listen to some of the service in the car until I started to doze off. Not a good idea when I was driving. I understand the need for tradition and solemnity etc etc but how about a touch of modernity and reality? Don't want to be mean so I'll say no more - lovely dress (I happened to wear Nottingham lace too) - though our reception was in a local pub and I didn't get a honeymoon until nine months later. Oh no, not for that reason - kids came much later. But now the parties are all over and we Brits can go back to being glum.

Treespeaker - Katie W. Stewart

2011-04-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to help critique this fab story. Katie is a great writer and also a wonderful artist. We had lots of discussions over who the book was aimed at - and although the main character is an adult, his son is also heavily involved and it makes the book suitable for just about anyone as Katie says below. It's the story of a man's journey and the perils that he faces and his inner strength that enable him to continue.

Jakan, Treespeaker of the Fifth Tribe of Arrakesh, knows from the visions he received at the SpringSpeak, that the stranger who has just arrived in his village is not the innocent, interested visitor he claims to be. As the villagers succumb to the mind-bending sorcery of the man, Jakan becomes more and more desperate to be rid of him. But when he accuses the stranger of an act of sacrilege, events take a sinister turn and it is Jakan himself who is expelled from the forest.

Sent on a journey across the treeless land outside the forest, Jakan finds himself fighting for survival – for his people and himself. Somehow he must find a man he hasn’t seen for twenty years, but as a Treespeaker —bound in spirit to the forest — his life hangs by a tenuous thread which grows ever thinner.

Meanwhile, his son, Dovan, must find the strength to carry out the new role he has been given while his father is away, for who knows if the Treespeaker will ever return?

This is not a book about good versus evil. It is a book about belonging, balance and belief. It's an adult fantasy, but suitable for anyone 12+

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XDBOJG

My book

2011-04-22T00:51:00.001-07:00

I finally have in my hands copies of my book -Strangers. I am so thrilled I can hardly speak.

Thank God, says husband.

I've had to wait for them to come from America and now they have I want to squeal.

Please don't, says husband.

This book is BIG, it's like a proper paperback and I just love this story so much - more than husband at present!!!!

The cover is superb!! I can really picture these guys as Kate and Charlie. Sigh.... moment over. Back to reality.

The ironing.

Cartier's Ring by Pearson Moore!!!!!!!

2011-04-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of Pearson's book - Cartier's Ring- and I'm delighted to welcome him to my blog to tell us about it. This story has everything, love, adventure, suspense and crime - historical facts mixed seamlessly with an exciting tale of an individual's journey to greatness and also that of a nation.

A Longing In Our Hearts

He is gorgeous.

Every woman in the village looks on him with that overwhelming amalgamation of fear and longing and wonder that inhibits all thought and action. He is the strongest warrior, the kindest man in word and deed. The other women look on him and dream. You look on him and blush, for your glances are the only ones he returns. You are the one who fills his heart.

But “they all lived happily ever after” is not in the cards for you. Everyone in your village conspires to distance him from you with a cruelty no one should have to endure. A powerful government, far away across the vast ocean, moves to keep him in its clutches. An enemy state captures you and makes you its slave. For endless months and years that turn to decades you never see his face.

* * * * *

Such is the beginning of my first novel, “Cartier’s Ring.” The romance between Myeerah and her beau is a sub-plot, but it is important to the final resolution of the novel. I started “Cartier’s Ring” in 2007 as an experiment in writing. I coupled a very forceful first-person narrative with something rarely attempted in fiction: present-tense storytelling. I knew authors hardly ever used present-tense structures in writing, but I didn’t really understand why until I began my experiment. Quite simply, it’s hard to write in present tense! The past tense provides an anchor for both author and readers. Present tense is only slightly more difficult in casual situations, but conveying a sense of peril is an order of magnitude easier in past tense. The author can invoke the detachment that past tense allows, methodically going about painting a verbal landscape of a scene, taking her time to convey ten seconds of intense conflict over the course of five pages. When the novel is rendered in real time, no such detachment is possible. Authors get around this problem by slowing things down. The character may think to herself, “It was as if time stopped, and everything happened at once,” giving the author licence to spend five pages discussing those critical ten seconds. That is an artificial construct, though, and one that really defeats the entire purpose of writing in present tense, which is to force readers into the world the author has created. An alternative is to avoid intense conflict, but this again defeats the purpose of providing direct and raw appeal to the reader. It took three years to write the novel—and now I know why! In my foolish stubbornness I refused to compromise present tense immediacy. I think the novel is stronger for it, but it was a long time in the writing.

“Cartier’s Ring” is Myeerah’s story. Enslaved at the age of eleven, circumstance forces her to a resourcefulness few people ever achieve. She learns the healing arts, her fiancé gives her archery lessons, and she teaches herself to hunt. She wins her man not by beguiling supplication, rare wit, or unequalled beauty, but through raw courage and tactical prowess: Myeerah becomes a warrior.

I tried to write “Cartier’s Ring” to appeal to just about any well-read person interested in seeing vivid conflict and spectacle play out before her. Four conflicting cultures are personalised into the lives of Myeerah and her co-protagonist, François. Theirs is the most intimate relationship depicted in the novel, but they are not lovers. Myeerah’s journey is completed not when she finally gets her man, but when she passes on to her great granddaughter the legacy of her people, symbolised in the gold ring she entrusts to Yandessrha’s care. Myeerah calls it a promise. In reading the novel, you will come to understand the full significance of the ring to Myeerah. As you read, you will face slave traders and heartless leaders, but also saints and women of vision. There are personal conflicts, clashes of culture and personality, and epic battles that level entire cities. The fast pace and the stormy backdrop should appeal to any fan of action-adventure stories. The philosophical depth and historical authenticity should find resonance in the minds and hearts of the most discriminating readers of historical fiction.

I researched “Cartier’s Ring” beginning in 1998, and continued my research through the first draft in 2007 and completion of the novel in 2010. I enlisted dozens of historical figures as minor characters, including Jacques Cartier, Francis Drake, Samuel de Champlain, Michael Lok, Deganawida, Martin Frobisher, Hernando de Alarcón, and many others. Intensive research in primary sources, including original-language voyage logs of Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, and Francis Drake, as well as the Jesuit Relations from 1610 to 1649 and original source documents in French, Spanish, and Nahuatl provided the background I needed to construct an historically accurate backdrop. But it is the emotional depth of Myeerah's story that brings the novel to life. You will feel her pain as she is beaten and enslaved, touch her tear-streaked face as she witnesses the ritual torture and execution of her brother, share in her joy as she overcomes deprivation and starvation, and cheer when she vanquishes her enemies. My hope is that the story affects you personally, at a deep level. You see, “Cartier’s Ring” is about the birth of a nation, and every nation begins as a hope in our souls and a longing in our hearts.

In the Auschwitz death camp, a single word brought hope even to the starving and those who had lost their family, their pride, and their dignity. Those who should have been without hope instead invoked the name of the one place in which they would find deliverance from slavery. The inmates had a code word for freedom. The word expressed not only physical freedom, but freedom from the horrible spiritual torments of Auschwitz. They expressed freedom as a place—a place where people were free in mind, body, and spirit. When the inmates wished to console each other, when the torments became unbearable, they told each other this: "We will go to Canada." My novel, “Cartier’s Ring,” is about that place. I invite you to begin the journey to hope, to freedom—to Canada.

Want to win a book?

2011-04-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging at paranormal romantics with my buddy and fellow author, Arlene Webb. We've co-written a little tale using famous first lines. Leave a comment and you are in with a chance of winning an ebook.

http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/?zx=9345b3be95603f4a

An Ordinary Girl - out 6th April with Ellora's Cave

2011-04-05T00:42:00.001-07:00

Ash is an ordinary girl, leading an ordinary life, but behind her smile she hides a secret so damning she’s sure no one could ever love her.

Noah is a war photographer who’s come back from Afghanistan with a secret so dark he can’t escape its smothering grip.

Both need redemption. Ash looks for it by making people happy. Noah seeks it under the whip of a Dom. They’re damaged souls, drowning in guilt, unable to escape the legacy of their pasts. Then their worlds collide in an explosion of fireworks so strong it singes not only them but those around them. It’s said love heals all wounds, but sometimes before love enters the heart, the intense fire of passion has to burn a fiery path, lighting the way.

5 stars for Kiss a Falling Star

2011-03-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sizzling hot books reviewed 'Kiss a Falling Star' and gave it 5 stars. Woohoo. It's in with a chance for some extra publicity if people vote for it. The link is below.

Thanks so much!!!!!

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/03/kiss-falling-star-by-barbara-elsborg.html?zx=97e360ef09362202

To Kill a Mocking Bird

2011-03-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

I went to see a theatre production of 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' yesterday afternoon. It's ages since I've been to the theatre - even longer since I've been to see a serious play rather than a musical. The auditorium was full of school children who are presumably studying the book for their exams. We asked them if they liked the book. No, was the resounding answer. They did like the film but the play didn't please one of the boys behind who said a loud - Thank God - when the curtain came down. It was a brave attempt at a complicated story and the play lost some of those special moments in the book, but not the one where Scout is told to stand up because her father is walking by. That moment of respect for a man who did his best in the courtroom brought a lump to my throat. And it's a lesson for all us - to do our best, to stand up for what we think is right. Though according to my family - I'm usually wrong!

Looking for someone like me?

2011-03-26T05:27:00.001-07:00

I write the sort of stories I like to read. I must confess I don't read very much erotic romance which probably accounts for the fact that my erotic romances aren't like most others. At least I don't think they are. Not so long ago, I bought around 30 erotic romances in one fell swoop - okay it was a discount store but they were by a major publisher - and of the 30, not one was anything like mine. Some of the 30, I liked, but again - big confession - most I didn't like. I've realised that I'm not keen on books where the plot is sexually driven at the expense of other elements. I like a good story. I like deep characters. I like them to learn something and I like my books to have themes. Maybe the themes in my stories are missed by most but I know they're there. They're the driver that helps me write.
So ---- the challenge. Who else writes erotic romance like mine?

Woohoo news!

2011-03-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

My good friends Laurie and Sharon are both finalists in the 2011 RWA Golden Heart and Rita awards. This is a tremendous achievement. Laurie actually has two novels in the paranormal-sci fi category. Sharon has just landed a two book deal with Tor and this year was her last time of being eligible for the RWA award.
I have to admit to my ignorance here about RWA etc. I'm not a member so I don't quite understand all that's been going on but I do know my friends are thrilled to pieces. It's especially great for Laurie who's been going through a bit of self-doubt.
You go girls!!!!

ROCKED - coming soon from Loose-ID

2011-03-23T01:19:00.000-07:00

The Rock

Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.

The Stone Maiden

Much to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.

The Hard Place

His hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.

A new read from Decadent Publishing!!!

2011-03-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Decadent Publishing work really hard to promote their authors and it's my delight to help! I picked this book to put on my blog because it sounds intriguing. Hope you agree!

It's a hot sci fi!!

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=232&osCsid=9he50do2844ed131s3s8o4kcd7

The Ship's Mistress - Maureen Betita

Jahari gives herself to the starborne Etwa to save her little sister from life in a foul brothel. Ironically, tests reveal an aptitude for sensual service and Jahari is trained as a high court slut. A contract of seven years runs out on the planet Mentari, but the powerful Basba is determined to keep her. She escapes swearing to see him reported to the Etwan authorities.

Toseman is the captain of the Sea Horse, sailing the seas of Mentari. Several days from port a stowaway is brought before him. Her bright blue hair betrays her high slut identity and puts his secret at risk. Drawn to her, he accepts her offer to serve as ship’s mistress and promises to see her to the nearest Etwan spaceport.

They are pursued by her former master as the two join forces and with the help of the Sea Horse crew, they seek Etwan justice.

My bestest best best book out in paperback!!!!

2011-03-14T09:02:00.001-07:00

Strangers is out in paperback. I am so thrilled. Sadly, it will be a while before I have a copy in my hand because they have to be shipped to the UK. I love the cover of the book . For once, the guy looks as though he really could be the hero Charlie and the woman - though a little more sophisticated than Kate, is very beautiful. It's pot luck whether your idea of your main characters comes to life on the cover. With Strangers - I was lucky.

I find it hard to explain why this story - above all others - is my favorite. Two very flawed characters - but then most of mine are.

I have to think it comes down to Charlie. He's just very lovable. One of my favorite little scenes is when Kate paints his nails with a nasty tasting substance to stop him biting them. Only she does it when he's asleep so he get a shock later. The idea from that came from me painting the ends of my son's pencils and YEARS later, sucking the damn things myself and nearly throwing up.

If you'd like to buy Strangers - link below

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9193-strangers.aspx

Eaten by Zombies

2011-03-11T03:08:00.000-08:00

There was a craze - not so long ago - for romance stories about zombies. In fact, I saw calls out for such stories and thought - NO, NO, NO and NO again. How on earth could zombies be romantic when they have bits dropping off - and possibly important bits at that? So I didn't try to write a zombie story and wasn't interested in reading one either. Then I found a cheap book of zombie romances and thought - oh why not. Cheap is my middle name and my husband's first name.
Now I feel cheated. The stories did feature zombies but none were a male lead. So have I misunderstood something here? When the words zombie and romance were put together - it didn't mean the zombie was going to see any action in the bedroom?

Spacefreighters blog!!

2011-03-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Spacefreighter's Lounge has had 25,000 hits. Woohoo!! To celebrate they're offering all sorts of prizes. If you like sci fi romance - or even if you don't - pop over and have a look. My book Strangers - is one of the prizes. Newly out in paperback - it's my favorite of all I've written. Laurie, Donna and Sharon write fascinating posts. This site really is one to add to your favorites!

www.spacefreighters.blogspot.com

My interview at Deviant Divas!!!

2011-03-09T04:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.deviantdivaseroticbookreview.com/deviant_divas_erotic_book_review_home_page.html

If you're interested in how I started to write and why - pop along to Deviant Divas and find out!!!

KISS A FALLING STAR - OUT 4TH MARCH

2011-03-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

At last - the day is here

How far can you fall? Caspar had once shone brighter than any star in the sky. He led an exciting life, had a good job and the love of his family. Now he barely survives in a village where he’s shunned by everyone, even his parents. Unemployed, unemployable, he consoles himself with stringless sex—lots of it.

How hard can you land? Ally escapes death by a whisker when she falls in front of a train. Not an accident, someone pushed her, and she doesn’t hang around to give them another shot. But she finds herself falling in a different way when she meets Caspar, and she plummets hard and fast. He’s dark, he’s brooding, he’s hotter than any man she’s ever met, and she wants him—bad.

How high can they soar? With Ally’s adversary closing in, plus Caspar’s tendency to screw things up, if they don’t open their arms and catch each other, they’ll burn up in an atmosphere determined to keep them apart.

Shuttle launch

2011-02-25T06:28:00.001-08:00

To watch Discovery take off was an absolute privilege!! The crowds were huge and we weren't at an official site - just a bridge 8 miles away. The roar of the engines igniting, the huge clouds of smoke and then the flames as the shuttle rose into the air were awe inspiring. The sun glinted off Discovery's tail fin as it soared higher and higher. We saw the moment the booster rockets broke away and then Discovery was a small bright dot. My pictures aren't very good because in my excitement I had the setting for video on and its only a cheap little camera anyway but the memory will always be with me.

Kiss a Falling Star - out March 4th

2011-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

News Flash - Kiss a Falling Star - will be out with Ellora's Cave on the 4th March. Yippee!! Sorry, the yippee was for me.

Kiss a Falling Star

How far can you fall? Caspar had once shone brighter than any star in the sky. He led an exciting life, had a good job and the love of his family. Now he barely survives in a village where he’s shunned by everyone, even his parents. Unemployed, unemployable, he consoles himself with stringless sex—lots of it.

How hard can you land? Ally escapes death by a whisker when she falls in front of a train. Not an accident, someone pushed her, and she doesn’t hang around to give them another shot. But she finds herself falling in a different way when she meets Caspar, and she plummets hard and fast. He’s dark, he’s brooding, he’s hotter than any man she’s ever met, and she wants him—bad.

How high can they soar? With Ally’s adversary closing in, plus Caspar’s tendency to screw things up, if they don’t open their arms and catch each other, they’ll burn up in an atmosphere determined to keep them apart.

A little brag

2011-02-14T04:37:00.001-08:00

Saying Yes - the short story I wrote for Ellora's Cave - is currently the most downloaded free erotic story available on Kindle. Woohoo!!!! I hope people understand the limits that short stories place on an author. Not enough words available to go into a lot of depth. Considering nearly all my books are edging toward 100,000 words - think what a challenge writing a story in a few thousand can be!!
But if anyone who downloaded it ventures here - THANKS SO MUCH - I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT.