Time out for this *sweet heat level* scene between Sedona and Volcano, my heroine and hero in WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS. Since I always enjoy revisiting my Happily Ever After couples, I took advantage of a blogging opportunity to write this *summer recipe* scene.
Despite the devastation to Earth that occurred before and during 2012, Volcano is always asking his Sedona to recreate her recipes for him to try out, especially when they are together in their mountain cabin. Volcano’s ability to use manna ingredients makes this possible, of course.
Featured in the following scene is one of my favorite summer treats of all time.
~~~
The Romance of Creamy Fruit Kisses
Summer, 2013
Sedona marveled at the bright, nearly blinding light of the late afternoon sun. Sol’s rays captured the mountaintops making them appear like a distant shimmering land, one inhabited by fairytale characters.
Smiling, she shaded her eyes and luxuriated in the full sunlight. Sedona still had trouble believing the Earth had recuperated this quickly from all of the horrors inflicted upon her.
Silently blessing the Mother, she closed her eyes and let Sol’s healing light saturate her entire body. Two decades ago, she’d been a sun worshiper of sorts – laying in the sun even though her skin was fair – spending lots of time outdoors, gardening.
Sedona spun in slow motion absorbing all the glorious, golden-tinted rays.
“My Sundance Angel,” Volcano crooned from the back door of their cozy cabin.
Halting, she gave him a flirtatious smile. After all the timbre of his voice did the most delightfully wicked things to her. “I know what you want, you bad boy cherub.”
“The sweet cream of your body beneath mine?”
His tease had her playfully rolling her shoulders and giving him a smirk. “No, you want the sweet cream fruit salad I promised to make.”
With a careless move, he folded his arms and leaned lazily against the door frame. His smile beamed toward her, brighter in its own way, than the lowering sun.
“You win. You win.” Sedona strode toward him, her steps feeling ethereal, as if she danced on sunbeams. “Is the manna scintillating?”
Volcano moved before her. A hunk to be reckoned with, he stopped her entry into the kitchen. “The manna store is open, my woman. I have set out the bowls and the mixer.”
“I’ll give you credit, you do make it easy to give you what you want. Now, get out of my way, unless you want me to kiss you senseless.” Sedona heard her tone as way too dreamy – not commanding at all. She frowned.
As he allowed her inside, Volcano’s gaze met hers. Their intimate feelings for each other flared, hot and intense.
“After.” His growled promise shuddered through her.
Pivoting smartly, Sedona walked toward the counter where the bowls waited. “Strawberries, fresh and plump, please.” Her eyes widened fast as she recalled how he’d passionately used the word strawberry during their lovemaking. She added, “Don’t you say it.”
“At your manna service, my Sedona.”
From the corner of her eye, she watched him wave his hand in a gallant fashion. The ripe red strawberries appeared before her. Their delectable perfume enticed her to sample, but she didn't.
Instead, she shut her eyes for an instant, inhaling, then picked up the knife and began slicing the berries into the largest bowl. Joining her, Volcano did his share. “I do love how helpful you are, Mr. Sexy Kitchen Man. Next, I need some manna pineapple...”
She’d barely spoken it before the gorgeous whole pineapple appeared. Volcano held it up for both of them to admire. Again, the sweet-as-candy smell had her breathing deeply, had her filling her nostrils.
Volcano set the prize pineapple on the cutting board, then swept up a large knife and in under a minute he had the yellow fruit exposed. Soon, they both cut the juicy strips into smaller pieces, adding them to the strawberries.
“Bananas,” Sedona instructed. She licked the scrumptious pineapple juice off her fingers.
Volcano’s heated gaze caught her mid-lick. “Bananas,” he repeated, all too meaningfully.
Caught off guard for seconds, she blinked. “If you want a satisfied banana later, behave.”
Grinning in that seductive way of his, the one Sedona adored, Volcano raised his hand and opened his palm. Two luscious ripe bananas appeared.
“That’s better.” Snatching the nearest one, Sedona peeled it. Slicing the beautiful length of fruit, she added the thin pieces to the main bowl. The banana’s aroma enchanted her as much as the combined scents of strawberry and pineapple. Uplifted by the sight and smell of the cut fruit, she sighed with happiness. “Oh, I am loving this manna fruit.”
“And I’m loving you,” Volcano huskily whispered near her ear.
“Oh, oooooh... you’re distracting a woman with a knife in her hand.”
“You whip the cream, my precious woman. I’ll cut up this banana.” Volcano gently removed the paring knife from her fingers, and they switched positions.
Mentally shaking herself, Sedona ignored her lusty yearnings. “The celestial cows do give the best cream.” Dipping in a fingertip, she relished the thickness, then tasted the tiny bit on the end of her finger. “Yum... even without the vanilla and honey in it yet.”
“Yum,” Volcano echoed in a rasp.
Making herself focus, Sedona took hold of the seventies style portable mixer, preparing to whip the cream. “Slice,” she reminded. ‘Oh, and add some cloud flavoring.”
“How about pink sunset cloud?”
“Yes, oh yes.” Turning the mixer on high, Sedona created her own brand of magic, patiently whipping the cream in the cold bowl as she’d done since her teenage years.
“Dribble some honey on the fruit and stir?” Volcano asked, reaching for the honey bear container they kept on the counter.
“Mind reader,” she accused. “Yes, please. Then you can put in a splash of vanilla. The cream is beginning to stiffen... just right.”
Keeping one eye on the peaking, snowy-white cream, Sedona observed the deft way Volcano stirred the fruit. “Perfect,” she praised, then lowered the mixer’s speed.
Volcano poured in about half a teaspoon of the pure vanilla they’d found in a deserted warehouse recently. “Ready for the honey, honey?” he playfully asked.
“Ready.” After slowing the mixer’s speed even more because the peaks had become noticeably higher, Sedona positioned the bowl for him. The thin line of dark golden honey Volcano carefully squeezed onto the cream gradually changed the color to a richer, slightly amber shade.
“Enough.” Sedona turned off the mixer and set it down. “I’ll give it the taste test.” Before she could scrape a bit from the edge of the bowl, Volcano held out his whipped cream covered fingertip.
“Bad, bad Mr. Kitchen Man,” she murmured throatily. The blaze of his dark purple eyes held her in sensual thrall as she slowly sucked the cream from his finger.
Cocooned by their passion, they gazed into each others’ eyes, and remained motionless, that is, until Volcano leaned toward her. He pressed a swift sweet kiss on her lips.
Turning, he placed the bowl of ambrosia fruit near the whipped cream. “May I?”
Sedona reined in her rampant desires. “You’re so good at stirring, why not? However, you need to fold the cream into the fruit... like I showed you.”
Big spoon in hand, he waited for her to scoop out the whipped cream. Once she’d scraped the bowl clean with the soft spatula, he carefully blended the fruit and the whipped cream together.
As she watched, the whipped cream became delicate pink in color. Sedona loosed a sigh and allowed her good memories to surface. Once she'd released the beaters from the mixer, she took her time licking one of them clean.
“Done. And well done, handsome.” She offered the other beater to him.
With his usual irrepressible joy, Volcano made short work of it. He collected hers placing them both in the sink.
Sedona bent over the bowl and drew in the tantalizing ephemeral aromas of cream, strawberries, pineapple and bananas. “That does smell divine.”
“Heavenly because your love is one ingredient, my beautiful woman.” Volcano slipped the spoon in, presenting the first bite to her.
Sedona savored the spoonful, closing her eyes. “Yum, double yum. Manna ingredients are the best.”
When she opened her eyes, the fierce glow of his gaze caused her to sizzle deliciously. With her body molten desire, she moved close, and took the spoon from his hand.
Twisting at the waist, she scooped up a generous portion and slowly brought it to his lips. “Taste.”
Sedona watched him enjoy. It was as though he relished every particle. “Is the cloud flavor to your liking?” she breathy-inquired, and knew her eyelids were at half-mast.
Volcano swept her against him, hard. The spoon clattered on the floor. Sedona wrapped her arms around his neck as he planted a long swashbuckling kiss on her lips.
Only gradually did their mouths untangle. Volcano loosened his hold, but kept her embraced, tenderly rocking her.
“You taste exquisite, like cloud ambrosia, my beloved Sedona.”
Standing on tiptoe, Sedona clung brushing her lips against his for what felt like endless moments. “Nothing like the romance of creamy fruit kisses. Let’s eat, handsome.”
~~~~~~
ANGELIC FORECAST ~
For the following week, the Dark Side hits hard and fast on several fronts, ‘most’ of them monetary in nature. The current goal is to ‘force’ a one world economy, a company-store system no one can escape. Or, the idea is to ‘owe your soul to the global company store’, at all times.
Look for new ways to barter and to create your own community economy. Right now, all the heavenly vibes are assisting you toward this goal. Like never before, it is time to connect with like-minded neighbors and friends. Whenever you are able to do so, support your local businesses. Wherever you can, if you need to, homestead.
Also, the coming winter will be brutal for a lot of us. While the weather is good, it is wise to begin stocking up and to make your circumstances as self-sufficient as possible. Make certain to store water. For those in cold climates, an alternative energy source is a good thing to have this year.
On a brighter note, there is a new energy streaming down from the angelic realm in concert with the Aquarian Age. The revival the human spirit and the renaissance of humanity is here. Creativity and invention now rule our realm.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?
~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
~~~
~ HAVE A MOST MAGICKAL END OF SUMMER ~
~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~
Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
Siren-BookStrand Author of ~
All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]
When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]
Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]
Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]
Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ E-available August 2, 2010 ~ Currently a Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Angelic Forecast ~ #104
ALONE OR LONELY
This subject came up in another context earlier this week and it led me to thinking about what some people think of as lonely is what someone else considers being alone—quality time with oneself.
To me being lonely is craving or simply needing company. Needing someone to be there to talk with, do something with or fill in the empty spaces of our lives. It can also be something that one person projects on to another, generally someone who prefers their alone time.
Most of the avid readers I know enjoy their alone time. Solitude may perhaps be a better choice of word. We read for entertainment, simple enjoyment, to escape our day-to-day world for a period of time. We read out of choice; not because we have no other choice. I suspect that is in part why historicals, especially romances, are so popular—they transport us to a time out of our own. When I read, which is for a time every day, it’s because I want to. It has never ceased to amaze me how non-readers think I am doing so because I am lonely and have nothing better to do. They do their best to entertain me and fill in my time for me when all I really want to do is bury myself in my latest read. I generally have another book handy and will offer it up—in the hopes they’ll leave me in peace to read. Generally I receive a smile and a pleasant refusal of the book. And they still talk on. Nodding and not closing the book seems to work after a bit.
Growing up my mother was one of those people who couldn’t bear to be alone for more than a short time. She wasn’t very good at entertaining herself although she did knit and crochet and sew, she still needed to have someone to talk to. If no one was home she’d start her way through her phone book, calling everyone she knew so she could have someone to talk to. Interesting to me because she was an only child. She projected that desperate need for companionship on to me and it was really quite frustrating. She simply did not understand I preferred to be alone in my room with a good book. My favorite day of the week was library day—when we’d head on down to the library to choose a week’s worth of reading. I’ve sort of recaptured that day in the past year only now it’s picking out classic movies along with an occasional book. Given the economy buying books is a luxury and the San Francisco library has virtually every new release and it’s still free (several libraries in my area are starting to charge a rental fee for new releases).
My habit of sitting up in bed reading started young although back then I sat under the covers with a flashlight. The last time I sat in an otherwise dark room with a flashlight reading was when I was in law school and a fellow classmate asked me to join him for a movie. I didn't realize till we got to the movie he thought it was a date and I thought it was just two classmates getting out of the school rut…errrr pressure for a night. When he started talking about goodnight kisses I started talking headache. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten out of a car as fast as I did that night and then, out of an excess of caution, I hid in my walk-in closet for several hours, reading with my flashlight as my only source of illumination. Why?
The guy was one of those really sweet and considerate people who would have gone to pick up some medicine for me, brought it back and then sat with me till I felt better. I just wanted to be by myself and read something beside my law books for a short while.
I don’t think I know what it’s like to feel lonely and that’s okay. I carry a purse large enough to hold a book in addition to my e-reading device—and with that I can have pretty much as many books as I want with me at any given time. I read on line at the store, waiting for a teller at the bank. I prefer in person instead of ATMs which may seem odd, but I figure if I go into the bank and speak with a person I’m doing my part to help someone keep their job. It’s the same reason why I won’t use the self-checkout at the grocery store. Can’t off-shore a grocery checker or teller job as much as the big corporations may want to because I’m not going overseas to pick up my groceries.
No, I don’t think I have ever had any idea what it is like to be lonely. If I’m craving a particular food I will go out to eat and bring a book. Riding the bus, waiting in line, it’s all found reading time. With interesting characters, their adventures, their mysteries, their dark moments, their happy endings and my imagination I’m never bored.
And with writing, as a fellow author said this week, her characters keep her company and are fascinating to be with. I suppose you could say with my steady ones from my series and the new people they encounter in each book, I’m never alone. Each new book takes me to a different place and in a sense I experience new events. Through research for my historicals I have a taste of life as it was lived in different periods. In my futuristics I create worlds I would choose to live in.
A reader is never really alone and even less so, a writer. I don’t think we are ever truly lonely either. Our worlds are fun at best and thrilling when we are in the midst of a good book and all from our cozy worlds.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Nice Review for Mind-Blown, a Sci-Fi Romance!
Oh! I just got some great news! My steamy Sci-Fi Romance thriller, Mind-Blown, just got a nice review from Novel Reaction!
Here’s some of what they said:
Mind-Blown is a Sci-Fi thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. The idea of a corporation influencing the minds of its employees and preying upon their need for an income was upsetting and believable... Jon and Holly’s relationship progressed at a believable rate and I enjoyed the give and take between the characters. I also really liked the scene where Jon convinces Holly to dress provocatively to distract the security guards while he broke into the company…
Here’s the full review:
http://novelreaction.com/2010/08/mind-blown-by-michele-hart-review/
Here’s a little more of Mind-Blown:
Jon Paige discovers his employer is developing illicit mind-control techniques. He quickly learns how to hijack the system and breaks down his beautiful assistant’s persistent walls. Will Holly forgive him for sneaking into her mind, if she ever learns of it?
Holly Maddox is determined not to dip her pen in the company ink, a policy that’s served her well…until Jon comes along. He steals her mind when he’s in the room, weakens her fortitude with every flash of his flirty eyes and secretive smile. How will she keep herself from falling in love with her boss when he melts her impulse control?
When Jon and Holly decide to sabotage the brain-washing experiments, they learn they’re up against a greater power than they’d bargained for. Doing the right thing risks lives. Will the truth of their beginnings wreck their sizzling affair?
***
Mind-Blown
by Michele Hart
Buy Link: http://www.BookStrand.com/mind-blown
Read an excerpt, catch the reviews, watch the book trailer at:
http://www.michelehart.com/b26-book.htm
Read and live an adventure.
I hope good news awaits you today.
Michele Hart
Sci-Fi Romance Author
~ Walk Another World ~ http:/www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/
Siren-BookStrand * MIND-BLOWN * LUMINOUS NIGHTS
Siren-BookStrand * LOOKS ARE DECEIVING
The Wild Rose Press * NO FUNNY STUFF! * Song of the Muses anthology
All Romance e-Books * ZERO-G * 28 Days of Heart
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Breaking the ceiling and letting the sky in. . .
I was reading an article the other day about writing erotica, and one of the points the author mentioned is how much freedom there is in this genre. In erotica, we can put things in our stories that you never find in other fiction novels. How many straight fiction novels deal with gay relationships? Or handle polyamorous romance with grace and humor instead of confusion? I've read some books where LGBT issues were touched upon, but usually in a tragic manner. What about interracial marriage? When was the last time you read a book where the heroine was a bit plump (and I'm not talking about a diet self-help book)? In a way, even sci-fi and paranormal erotica do this, often by dealing with inter-species relationships and having characters that grow up feeling different from everyone else (because they're werewolves, or witches!). This is a mirror of our own life and the issues we face with fitting in and learning when we need to be true to our inner selves, despite the pain it may cause.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday's Words for August 25, 2010
Of all the headlines I’ve ever read, this one struck me as the most bizarre: “100 KM Traffic Jam In China Enters Its Tenth Day”.
My goodness, can you just imagine?
On our vacation last year—2009—on our way to Connecticut, we hit the end of the New Jersey turnpike at an unfortunate time. A Yankees game had recently finished, and earlier that day, a helicopter and plane had collided, mid-air, over the Hudson River.
I didn’t realize we would be crossing the George Washington Bridge. I wish I had, I may have enjoyed the experience more. But by the time we made the bridge—a distance of no more than five miles—and the traffic began to move, nearly four hours had passed.
I thought that was the worst case of gridlock I would ever hear about.
I never could have imagined a traffic jam lasting ten days. Still can’t wrap my head around it. As I read the article on AOL, I was struck by one way in which the Chinese appear to be just like us, and one way that they are not.
Anytime I am in a traffic jam, I always notice at least a few people who don’t handle frustration well. You’ve seen them, too, I am sure. They go from lane to lane to lane hoping beyond hope that each new lane will magically move them forward. We know it doesn’t, of course, because we pass them again and again and again.
These impatient people jerk their steering wheels, or hit them, they curse, they stick their heads out the window and yell...well, you get the picture.
How many times have we heard, in the US and Canada, about incidents of road rage? It’s so prevalent now, that when we see these idiots in action we cringe, hoping they don’t notice us. In the middle of a traffic jam that has lasted anywhere near one hour, we wouldn’t be surprised if some of these impatient drivers got out of their cars and started a fist fight.
Curiously absent from the account I read was any mention of violence. One driver who had been in the jam for three days and two nights said that while detours are encouraged to ease congestion, he’d rather stay where he was, for to take the detour would increase his costs.
I’m sure if violence were a factor in this situation, the media of the world would have been reporting it. Three days and two nights, and the man sounded...sane. Amazing!
There were, however, a few complaints from the drivers, and here we see a similarity between their culture, and our own.
Apparently, roadside vendors have increased their prices in order to take advantage of the golden opportunity before them—a captive audience, if you will. To quote the article, “One truck driver said he bought instant noodles from one vendor for four times the original price.”
Isn’t it a comfort knowing that greed knows now boundaries?
This is not the first time there has been major gridlock in China. Neither is it surprising, really. Their society is becoming more and more materialistic, and people—a lot of people—have rushed to enjoy their new affluence by purchasing their own cars. The nation’s infrastructure, however, can’t handle the volume.
They are emulating our way of life in one more respect: the Chinese government is working feverishly to build a road system modeled on the Eisenhower Interstate Highway system.
If that’s not ironic, I don’t know what is.
Love,
Morgan
Blogging Today: http://trsblue.blogspot.com/
Chatting Tonight 9 pm Eastern: http://www.kriscook.net/chat.html
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Heart of a Cowboy is up for pre-sale today!
Heart of a Cowboy
Missy Lyons
Genre: Paranormal Gay Romance, m/m/m
Price $4.50
Heart of a Cowboy is up for preorders and officially goes on sale Monday August 30!
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW OR READ AN EXCERPT
AVAILABLE: Monday, August 30th
[Ménage Amour ManLove: Erotic Alternative Cowboy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/M, Shape-shifter, Interracial]
Derek is only working for a month to pay off his debt to Jessie, but not everyone likes his openly homosexual lifestyle. He knows what it feels like to be beaten to within an inch of his life so he doesn't give a rat's ass what people think.
The attraction between him and the hunky Indian Ishwar is instantly satisfying. He finds himself begging for more every second he is near him, but when he falls into the arms of a stranger, things only begin to heat up, until an unforeseen peril puts him in danger.
Derek must prove he has the heart of a cowboy, and it will take every ounce of love and strength in his heart to make it through this ordeal alive.
A Siren Erotic Romance
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com
New Release! Luminous Nights, a Sci-Fi Romantic Adventure
My steamy new Sci-Fi Romantic Adventure, Luminous Nights, comes out today at BookStrand! If you like nonstop action and adventure, check out Luminous Nights!
Here’s what lurks in the pages:
Cop or convict?
How many faces can one man own?
An assassin wearing a holographic mask and a prison tattoo boards Rachel’s freighter during a prison riot, intent on collecting gadgets capable of changing a man’s identity from the black-market gang who'd stolen them. She’s never sure of Jack's identity nor his goal, but he claims to be an Alliance I-Marshal. Cop or convict? The clues never stop contradicting. Rachel's horrified to find the bright holographic mask conceals the gruesome face of a monster. And the badge doesn’t slow him from murdering people right before her eyes.
When Rachel learns Jack will trade innocent lives for the digital miracles, she determines to make the mercenary grow a heart. How could a stone-cold killer kiss her so hotly? How could she kiss such a dangerous deceiver?
Jack has done years in prison to learn who’d stolen the remaining Gemini ticks, 3-D magic. Nothing will keep him from gaining extreme-technology capable of unleashing galaxy-wide chaos. Forget feelings for Rachel. She can’t stop him from killing everyone involved.
***
Prison breaks, alien chocolate seduction, super weapons, doomsday devices, explosions, narrow escapes, murder-defying deceit, and threats of genocide, all while riding a harrowing roller coaster with a man wearing a holographic mask.
Crazy fun! Frightening adventure.
Luminous Nights
by Michele Hart
Buy Link: http://www.BookStrand.com/luminous-nights
Read hot excerpts, watch a cool book trailer:
http://www.michelehart.com/b15-book.htm
Read and live an adventure.
Have an action-packed day,
Michele Hart
Sci-Fi Romance Author
~ Walk Another World ~ http:/www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/
Siren-BookStrand * LUMINOUS NIGHTS * MIND-BLOWN
Siren-BookStrand * LOOKS ARE DECEIVING - a Readers Favorite Contest Finalist!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Angelic Forecast ~ #103
The Cherub extends his hand, a beatific expression lighting up his handsome visage. “Time to go,” he says.
I sigh, reluctant. “I was just getting used to the good company and the ultra-futuristic surroundings.”
Before I take his hand, I smile at Mr. Dragonshifter to let him know how much I appreciate him and his hospitality.
“There will be more dancing dates in our future,” he promises. A wickedly swashbuckling grin appears on his heroic-looking features. He rises and bows a farewell.
The moment the Heavenly One and I touch hands... zoom! Kaboom somewhere. ‘Moon Dream,’ I mentally shout.
‘She is with us.’ The Cherub’s voice resonates through me, a curious combination of drums and bells in tone.
I blink several times taking in the gorgeous mountain and valley vista before me. The sun is half-mast and pale lemony light slants over the shadowed peaks. The meadows are green, and so beautifully colorful with summer flowers.
“Why here?” I ask, as I slip my hand over Moon Dream’s soft-fur head. She has pressed herself against me.
~~~
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
This week and into next week, the ‘hits’ keep on happening. Big time. The Dark Force strikes against humanity continue, and will be obvious on the world stage in ways that cannot be ignored.
As well, the Light Force beams in their support of the human family. White beams. Gold beams. Celestial blue beams. The rainbow light of the heavens. To receive this light simply ‘will’ it, and accept. It is yours for the taking.
For many, this week may feel particularly surreal. That is, the Aquarian Age energies are ramped up. The old way of being, thinking and feeling is falling by the wayside. Humanity is in a state of flux. A concrete example of this could be moving from a home you have lived in for most of your life, to a new home located in another country.
Remember, to thrive in these new blue celestial energies ~ think of the song lyric ‘crystal blue persuasion’ ~ community is the name of the game. Mentally join hands with those of like mind. Join and work to build the type of world you desire. It is all up to you.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?
~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
~~~
~ HAVE A MOST MAGICKAL MYSTICAL SUMMER ~
~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~
Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
Siren-BookStrand Author of ~
All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]
When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]
Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]
Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]
Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ E-available August 2, 2010 ~ Currently a Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
The Long and Short of Reading - and Writing
The Long and Short of Reading - And Writing
This past week several of us had a discussion on trends in reading and therefore, writing. Like many of us I’m a life long reader. How many of us were the ones back even in grammar school who preferred sitting with a good book than hanging around people? I was one. I was happiest sitting in my room, reading. The weekly trip to the library, as I recall on Wednesday nights when they were open late, were the high point of my week. More than once the librarian would speak with my mother about the kinds of books I wanted to check out because, in her opinion, they were beyond your average grammar school kid’s reading level. Talk about annoying! More nights than you can count were spent huddling under the covers with a flashlight and my latest read. My dad had a collection of the world’s greatest literature as well as the complete collection of Charles Dickens, in leather-bound volumes, which I still have.
Fast forward to my first job after college. Well, actually it was my second job—my first one wasn’t too far from where I lived and I drove to work. This job was just outside New York City and I took the Long Island Railroad to work. There I was, twenty-one to twenty-two years old and feeling like such an adult taking the train to work. At night I’d sit in the bar car and have a cocktail like all the other business-type people and even though I didn't care much for the drinks, feeling like a major grown up was fun. In retrospect, I must have looked utterly dumb.
But, each way, I read and my favorite books were the long ones. Books like The Ladies of the Club and The Far Pavilions were favorites because they took me more than a day to read and the characters became as familiar to me as the regulars on the train. The first romances I read, as I’ve said before, were Rosemary Rogers and Kathleen Woodiwiss. Ms. Rogers Steve and Ginny books are in the range of 600 pages and many of Ms. Woodiwiss’ such as Shana and Ashes in the Wind are in that neighborhood. My paradigm is that romances are long reads where you become immersed in the characters’ lives and see them through more than one adventure.
Consider Ginny Brandon-Morgan in Sweet Savage Love. We see her as a teen anticipating her first ball, she comes to America and travels west, finds herself in the middle of the Mexican Revolution, sees the beginning of the end and has a series of adventures in between. Alana in Ashes in the Wind is no slouch in the events setting the course of her life – she is accused of murder, poses as a young boy, witnesses events of the American Civil War and it’s aftermath and finds herself in Minnesota with a husband I think most of us are a little in love with. But before she can come to terms with her feelings about him her life is put in danger.
The earlier romances, no, not the Barbara Cartlands’ you can read in two hours, but the other icons of our genre, were all longer books. Stories took place not over a few days, but months; sometimes years. Even with the longer books, if I got down to the last 100 pages I always had the next book in hand because I couldn’t imagine commuting without reading.
This week I saw some stats about how shorter books are not more popular than longer ones. It gave me pause and then some things to think about.
I first “discovered” ebooks in 2001 and with my Franklin Ebookman in hand I didn't have to concern myself with carrying a second book with me just in case I finished the first. No, with my Franklin I could have 200 books all set and ready to go. Having a longer book on hand became less of a concern. And convenient? A few ounces weighing less than a 300 page paperback. The Franklin, and later my Palm, were the perfect platforms for smaller books and I bought my fair share of novellas.
But with those novellas I often felt like something was missing. While the stories can evoke an emotional response, I don’t feel like I really get to know the characters. They have one, maybe two, incidents, fall in love in a day, maybe two and ride into the sunset together. I’d read the blurbs for some of them and anticipate an action packed read only to find it over before it began. Story lines seem thin with little time for the reader to connect to the characters.
I tend to write longer books. Yes, I have 3 novellas out with a fourth on the way to round out my Four Cups series but in actuality, they could be combined into one book. Each story is about 100 pages and picks up where the other ended. The series is about four women looking at breaking out of one career and moving into another and the how the men in their lives stand by them. So while each part is short, the end result is a full length novel.
I recently had an editor ask me to cut down my paragraphs into four, maybe five sentences. To find a break point in ones that were longer and limit the number of sentences. The reason – they play better on an e-reader. The size of the screens is conducive to shorter paragraphs rather than longer ones. So instead of describing a room in terms of sight, sound and smells, I needed a separate paragraph for each. It made sense in that context but it made for a change in my writing style.
In light of the discussion this week I thought more about the books I’ve been reading lately. Even in the longer ones which now run from 280-310 pages, the hero and heroine more or less have one incident that brings them together, they fall in love in a week or two at the most, have their dark moment and then their happy ever after. Okay, that’s a general summation. But it’s a summation of what I have seen lately.
Initially I thought the higher novella sellers were primarily eroticas, but another author said no, her mainstream less steamy novellas sold as well as her eroticas did. So that led me to think it is more a sign of our times.
When is the last time you sat down and wrote a letter? For me it was 2004 when my uncle died. I began to correspond with one of his fellow priests who wasn’t much into computers so we wrote letters. Since then, for the most part, I correspond by email. Even my aunt, who is in her mid-80’s, communicates not just via email, but she’s a huge presence on Facebook.
We live in a cut-to-the chase world of 140 characters so it stands to reason we aren’t inclined to sit down and spend hours reading a book. Or are we?
My favorite days are those that are slightly cool, sitting under an afghan, the cats curled against me with a book. It doesn’t matter if it’s a print book or an ebook, but it has to be a book – a full length story where I get to know the characters, see what they are seeing and maybe miss them a bit when the story ends.
What is your preference?
Print of e?
Long or short?
And why?
Do you feel a connection to the characters if you have 50-90 pages to get to know them?
Do you prefer stand alone books or series?
Mind-Blown's First Review!
Good day, Siren-BookStrand readers!
I awoke to find an awesome review on my steamy Sci-Fi Romance BookStrand release, Mind-Blown.
Here are a few words from Nights and Weekends Reviews:
This romantic thriller caught me by surprise. At first, it appears to be a simple workplace romance, but it has a sinister plot. Suspense intensifies when the lead hunk discovers that his employer is conducting mind experiments on select staff. But the twisted doctor in charge has not factored in the sleuthing powers of sexy green-eyed Jonathan Paige, the new HR department head, or his witty brown-eyed assistant, Holly Maddox.
Holly is a fun-loving person, but she’s avoiding men right now to concentrate on job security and being a good mom. Jon is tempting, though—and it doesn’t hurt that he smells like a cedar stick! He’s extremely resourceful—always ready with a disguise for secret visits to the medical lab—so he decides to use a little science for his own gain, to get inside Holly’s head.
Though the two are constantly joking around, they still manage to pull off some awesome stunts as they try to put an end to the doctor’s sinister experiments. But while the mystery solving is intense and quick-paced, their sensual moments are electric.
The suspense of it all is thrilling. Mind-Blown is definitely a page-turner—or, I suppose, a “page-scroller,” since it’s an e-book. I stayed up late reading it, just to find out what would happen next. For those of you who have never read a romantic thriller, give this one a try—it might just blow your mind.
There's much more. Don’t take my word for it. I’m a fiction writer! :-)
Check out the entire review here:
http://www.nightsandweekends.com/articles/10/NW1000339.php
Read a couple of excerpts, cruise the reviews, watch the book trailer:
http://www.michelehart.com/b26-book.htm
Buy Link:
http://www.BookStrand.com/mind-blown
Have a fantastic day,
Michele Hart
Sci-Fi Romance Author
~ Walk Another World ~ http:/www.ILoveShapeShifters.com/
Siren-BookStrand * LUMINOUS NIGHTS * MIND-BLOWN
Siren-BookStrand * LOOKS ARE DECEIVING - a Readers Favorite Contest Finalist!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
DARK SECRETS now available as a paperback
Blurb :
Friday, August 20, 2010
"Take a Bite Outta This"
Winning Virgin Devotion, Book Five in the Winning Virgin Series is coming to Siren Publishing on Monday, August 23, 2010. Pre-order your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion now through Sunday, August 22, 2010 and you could win a snazzy Winning Virgin T-shirt like the one below!
How to enter: Purchase your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion while the e-book is being offered as a pre-order selection: http://www.bookstrand.com/winning-virgin-devotion
Send a copy of your receipt to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com with TAKE A BITE OUTTA THIS in the subject line.
On Monday, August 23, 2010 ONE RANDOM winner will be chosen and the winner of the Winning Virgin T-shirt will be notified via email. Winner’s name will be posted at: http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com.
Please note: The only size we have in stock is an ADULT MEDIUM. Winner will not have the option of trading this prize for another future or past prize. Image on the T-shirt is WINNING VIRGIN PROMISES. In order to verify your purchase of Winning Virgin Devotion, please copy and paste your receipt in an email and follow the directions above. Without the c/p receipt, we’re unable to verify book purchase. This contest/sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.
Front:
p>
Back:
Don’t Miss the Best of the Winning Virgin Series—Ghosts, Vampires, and an unforgettable shape shifter guarantee to keep the paranormal reader flipping the pages!
Contest ends at 12:01 AM PST on Monday, August 23, 2010.
Good Luck!
Destiny
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday's Words for August 18, 2010
It's been my experience that there are always going to be people who would rather tear down than build up.
If you look at it in the physical realm, you understand that it's easier to demolish a building than to build one. To construct a building that is safe and sound and will last, takes planning, co-ordination, skill, patience and time.
Any donkey-butt with a wrecking ball or a stick of dynamite can reduce a building to rubble.
Thanks to a very heated discussion I’ve been reading on a couple of my author loops, my attention has once more been focused on the subject of commentary aimed at authors, and reviews. Now, I’m not even in this case referring to credited reviews. No, I’m referring to the “anyone who purchases can review” kind of review. I call them soul-sucking reviews.
If you’re an author, it is hard to develop a thick skin. Because we are writers, and writers down to the bone, we tend to be sensitive. We have to be, in order to perceive the nuances in the world around us, and write about them. Unfortunately that which makes us open to inspiration also leaves us vulnerable to attack.
I agree that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I also know, and fully understand, that not everyone is going to like every book produced. That being said, let me tell you what I really think of those who go around trashing other people’s work—and here, I’m talking about those who buy books online, and then trash them.
First, for nearly every e-book you can name, there are excerpts available for you to peruse, so that you can get a feel for the book, and the author’s voice and style. Also, for many books, there are professional reviews posted at the distribution site. So before you click on the “buy” button you should have a very good idea what it is you’re buying.
Most sites that offer e-books for sale—from publisher sites to mega-sites like Amazon—offer the purchaser the opportunity to rate a book, on a scale of 1 to 5. Some also allow for comments.
To my way of thinking, you should only rate a book a 1 or a 2 if one or more of the following conditions apply: the book is riddled with grammatical and spelling errors; the plot, as suggested by the blurbs and excerpts is completely other than advertised; if there is no plot; if the characters are vile, or just unlikeable, or just plain too stupid to live.
Does that sound unreasonable? I can read a book, tell you it’s not to my taste, but I wouldn’t rate it a 1 or a 2 for that. Would you?
I doubt it’s possible, really, but maybe one or two of these “poopy review deliverers” actually reads my essay each week. On the off-chance that they do, this next part is directed to them.
Does it give you a thrill to hurt other people’s feelings? Do you also enjoy stealing candy from children and kicking puppies and kittens? Do you understand that your “1” or “2” lowers the ratings average on the books in question, and that you, by your actions, are actually costing authors sales?
I have no objection to a poor review if that is truly what the work deserves. Goodness knows, there are authors out there who need to get a few 1s and 2s so that they understand they need to get busy and get better. But to trash a book either for the hell of it, or out of jealous spite, or to give someone you like a boost vis-Ã -vis crippling the competition, is a mean and nasty thing to do.
The only thing I can hope is that eventually, if you do it enough, you’ll get banned from giving your opinion on these sites.
If that isn’t something distribution sites consider as a possible course of action, it certainly should be.
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fire Pages Review: Eris (And Contest)
New review and it is totally worth sharing!
"...Renee takes pride in developing rich, three-dimensional characters that continue to grow at every turn of the page... I found myself stalking the novel, devouring each page, and craving to know what happens next. I was also incredibly impressed that there wasn’t a single grammatical error in the book, which is something I’m quite critical about when reviewing novels... I don’t do ratings, but if I had to categorize Eris, I would call it “Literary Perfection.”"
~ Zee, Fire Pages Reviews
Full Review:
http://firepages.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/eris-by-d-renee-bagby/
Along with the review is a contest: Absolute Chaos Giveaway
- Leave a Comment on the Review
- Leave a comment on the interview to be posted Thursday 19 August
AND
- Subscribe via email to Zee's blog
Prizes:
- $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon, or Bookstrand (winner's choice)
- e-copy of ERIS
Contest ends Friday 20 August
Good luck and have a happy!
~ Renee
---
D. Renee Bagby
Building New Realms of Passion
http://dreneebagby.com
Monday, August 16, 2010
New Website!
I am so excited with my new website design I had to pop over here on the Siren Blog and share it. Rae Monet did a fantastic design. She took time to talk to me about what I wanted to convey and I think she hit the spot. Please be sure to pop on over and let me know what you think. Oh, and notice, I have THREE more releases coming this fall and winter from Siren. I am super excited about Delila's Downfall(sequel to Conquering India) and my first two Hawaiian Holiday books, Mele Kalikimaka, Baby and Sex on the Beach. There is a third that I am writing right now:)
One more thing. I have moved my blog to blogger, so if you are following my summer of love contest, be sure to pop on over there.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Angelic Forecast ~ #102
“Oh!” I remember, once we’ve all boogied and danced our fill. Moon Dream is parked comfortably beside me as we lounge, drinking yummy juice concoctions straight out of a Star Trek-looking Replicator. “It was the two year anniversary of your story, a couple of days ago. Honestly, I’m working hard on your celebratory scene.”
The Cherub glows a smile at me, his gaze understanding. I twinkle inside.
“Why don’t you share the first few paragraphs?” he suggests “Sedona and I haven’t passionately engaged yet.”
~~~
Sedona and Volcano ~ Two Year Anniversary
Mars, Here We Come
December 21, 2014
Awed, Sedona murmured, “It isn’t a dream.”
“No, my angel woman. We’re flying through the celestial skies.”
Their small crystalline ship slipped through the ether mist, a field of energy thinly blanketing the material realm. Volcano had created the ship for interplanetary travel. The castle-looking structure sustained both their physical bodies and their spiritual essence, and kept them in a balanced state.
“Now this is my idea of traveling in space.” From the corner of her eye, Sedona watched Volcano rotate his palms over two shining crystal obelisks, fine-tuning their resonance with each other.
“Sedona, my beloved, do you know how often I dreamed of you when I was away on mission?”
~~~
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
This is a week of critical mass, meaning the old structures, what are considered to be some of the cornerstones of our world ~ will fall, or will begin their giant-crashing fall. Boom! The resounding explosions, the impending crash, will be heard around the globe. The rot of corruption will be exposed. Decades of lies will become more and more obvious as the light of truth glares, bright as the summer’s noonday sun.
What is the opportunity? Seize this time to create anew and renew. That is, take stock of your situation, and build on your own dreams. Join with those who are bringing about their personal dreams. Remember, it’s all about community. The more you return to doing business locally with your family, friends and neighbors, the more ALL of us will prosper.
Also, hang onto the tiger’s tail. In this Chinese Year of the Tiger ~ during this week you will need to hold on tight because most of us are in for a wild, maybe unexpected ride.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?
~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
~~~
~ HAVE A MOST MAGICKAL SUMMER ~
~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~
Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
Siren-BookStrand Author of ~
All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]
When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]
Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]
Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]
Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ E-available August 2, 2010 ~ Currently a Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Now Available...
Isabelle first fell in love with Sean when she was fifteen years old. Six years her senior, he saw her as a gawky teenager. While at college, Isabelle has found the perfect boyfriend. Justin is patient, kind and a complete gentleman. Sean’s feelings for her have changed, and he is tired of sitting by while she is with another man. Driven by desire and love, he does everything within his power to win the woman that he loves.
Justin, the once-perfect boyfriend, begins to fall apart at the idea of losing Isabelle. In a moment of rage and desperation, he does something horrific, effectively changing their future forever.
Will Sean’s love be enough to get them through the pain? Or will Isabelle walk away from Sean forever? And does love truly know no boundaries?
Available in: Mobipocket, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Adobe Acrobat, EPUB
Price: $5.50
PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE
Check me out on my author's blog: http://www.nicolemorganauthor.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 14, 2010
SLC Examiner Interview!
Fran Lee of the Salt Lake City Romance Novels Examiner interviewed me.
Check it out and leave a comment.
~ Renee
-----
D. Renee Bagby
Building New Realms of Passion
http://dreneebagby.com
Thursday, August 12, 2010
5 Delightful Divas for ERIS
This one slipped past me, but I'm sure happy to see it. :D
5 Divas!
"If this were a movie, it would be a box office smash... So if you’re looking for a fast paced book with hunky immortals born in the thirteen century who find themselves captivated by a twenty first century woman, this book is definitely for you!"
~ Dakota, Dark Diva Reviews
Full Review - http://ddrreviews.blogspot.
Eris by D. Renee Bagby
Genre: Fantasy Mainstream Menage (m/f/m), Interracial, Unorthodox Time Travel
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Menage Amour Imprint
ISBN: 1-60601-837-X
Length: 160,003 words (508 pgs PDF)
Format: eBook
Price: $6.99
Read First Chapter
Time is on their side and they can be together, assuming the truth doesn't ruin everything first.
Renee
-----------------
D. Renee Bagby
Building New Realms of Passion...
http://dreneebagby.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday's Words for August 11, 2010
Vacation is over and we’ve returned, safe and sound, to our humble abode. I don’t know about the rest of you, but my first couple of days back home always seem surreal. It’s as if I’m occupying strange space, in a way. I don’t know if I can adequately describe this feeling. It’s very close to disorientation. Here I am, back home, and I see my familiar surroundings through refreshed eyes, or maybe eyes that are looking at everything instead of taking the view for granted.
I’ve been home for only four days, yet it feels as if our vacation happened ages ago, instead of just these last two weeks. Why is that? Is it because the pace of everyday life is so hectic, and the vacation was not?
For the second year in a row we took a two week break instead of just one from our work-a-day world, and traveled more than 2,500 miles in the process. That’s a lot of driving. We have a 2002 Buick Century which we bought four years ago, used. About two years ago, the light for the gear indicator and odometer burned out. To replace this light will cost approximately five hundred dollars, so I haven’t done so. This means, that for the last couple of years I have had no idea how much mileage I’ve been putting on the car.
The day before we left, I took my vehicle in for an oil change. This is something I see to on a regular basis. This time, I went to a new place. I’ve been looking for a garage and a mechanic that makes me feel comfortable ever since my long time mechanic retired about a year and a half ago. This new place specializes in oil changes. They provided me with an odometer reading (presumably from under the hood).
Imagine my surprise when that number read 531,000 kilometres. That’s about 318,000 miles. Our car gave us no trouble whatsoever on this latest trip. I tell you, that vehicle owes me nothing.
The states we traveled through this year were all ones we’ve been through before. To date, we’ve visited 28 of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
There are so many beautiful and interesting places to visit in the U.S. Even though I’m the one behind the wheel, I still get to appreciate the passing scenery. One of the sights I found fascinating this trip was the kudzu-covered trees and bushes along the Interstate highways in South Carolina and Georgia. I swear some of them looked like people, freeze-framed in mid-action.
The beach and ocean off St. Augustine was a delight, and the historical atmosphere of “old town” a pleasant discovery. We ate al fresco at a delightful restaurant there, and really wished we had more time to explore.
Disney World wasn’t as much of a trauma for these grandparents as we’d feared it might be. Yes, there were a lot of children, especially in and around the pool at our hotel [we did not venture into the greater theme park]. But how wonderful it was to watch mothers and fathers playing with their children.
Mr. Ashbury indulged his love of history with yet another mine tour, this one the No. 9 Mine and Museum in Lansford, Pennsylvania. I, of course, stayed on top of the grass. I’m funny that way.
We stopped at the Moonshine Church, just outside of Fort Indiantown Gap. Our friend detailed how the Church, and the graveyard across the street were haunted. He reported that if you stopped your car there at night and shut the engine off, you’d be unable to restart it, thus making you easy prey for the red-eyed spirits that roamed there. I asked him if he’d ever tested this theory.
He just gave me a look and declined to answer. I’m sure it was just coincidence that at that moment, I heard my first mortar round fired, as some National Guard units were training nearby.
Of course one of the things I enjoy best about traveling is meeting people, and seeing how others live. If you sit and listen, you realize there are regional variations in dialect and in the way people interact. Despite that, our similarities far outweigh our differences.
I had a wonderful two weeks off. And now it’s time for me to get back to work! And yes, I still have my pillow.
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
Monday, August 9, 2010
New Release: Damaged Cowboys by Stacey Espino
Word Count: 50,372
Heat Level: SEXTREME
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Cowboy Ménage a Quatre Romance, F/M/M/M, sex toys]
Emily returns to the country after a ten year absence. She’s almost twenty-two and very much a woman. Her first priority is getting into the pants of the three Macintosh brothers that she’s never stopped thinking about over the years. They’ve sure grown up and have to be the hottest cowboys she’s every known.
All three men easily fall in love with her, but aren’t willing to share. With such strong feelings for each of the Macintosh brothers, she could never choose between them. Her mission is to change their minds and convince them that sharing isn’t so bad after all. In fact, it could be down right amazing!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professional Reviews
5 TEA CUPS AND A RECOMMENDED READ:
"Who said that sharing is lame? The Macintosh brothers would beg to differ. In “Damaged Cowboys,” a girl from the past brings three struggling brothers back together. Ms. Espino brings her characters to life and plunges you into their world of loss, recovery, and smoking hot sex. Once you start reading, you will never want this story to end. One thing that I noticed in this book and in the other novel I have read by this author is that her characters have very realistic and complex emotions. She puts herself in the shoes of the character and it shows in her work. They are consistent, but still manage to throw out some surprises. And did I mention that the sex was hot? I do admit that I had some concerns going in about three brothers with one woman, but Ms. Espino made it work without making it weird. You will definitely need a cold shower after this one. “Damaged Cowboys” is definitely a must read if you are into cowboys, like ménages, or just want to read a good story. Can’t wait to read more from this author." -- Angelique, Happily Ever After Reviews
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Angelic Forecast ~ #101
“Time to P-A-R-T-Y,” the Cherub echoes.
I whirl in a dance move to face him. His tone is joyous invitation. The Heavenly One’s big charming grin prepares me.
“Your latest release, BRANDED BY THE TEXANS, soared up to the clouds and settled on the magic number, ONE.
For long moments, too long, I can barely breathe. Happiness and shock collide somewhere inside me. Teary, I come to a complete standstill. Unable to move, I blink for several more moments. “Wow,” I finally utter.
The music swells around me, irresistibly calling my name and my feet. “Time for a happy booty dance.” I give my posterior a good shake.
“Shake and bake.” Mr. Dragonshifter twitches his booty imitating John Travolta, but it looks more like Elvis Presley. He grabs my hand again, swings me around and we boogie down.
~~~~~~
The following week and for the following several weeks all heck will rage around economic matters. This will occur on the world stage and translate into the personal side of your life. As always in these times, look for the truth and follow your inner guidance. Do ‘not’ believe the words being thrown like darts and lances from the so-called experts. They are the hired guns who serve only their masters. Not you.
Currently there is a behind-the-scenes war going on for your assets, your hard-earned dollars. These are mind-blowing and mind-altering times that call for new and innovative solutions. The more you can think and act outside of the establishment to protect what is yours, the more successful you will be in keeping what belongs to you.
It is vitally important to avoid panic if it comes knocking at your door. Look for a strategy as if you are a cold and calculating character in a story. This week is all about HEAVENLY solutions.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down?
~~~ IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL, HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA and CHASING RACHEL ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
~~~
~ HAVE A MOST MAGICKAL SUMMER ~
~ MAY YOUR BRIGHTEST, MOST ROMANTIC READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~
Kisses from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
Siren-BookStrand Author of ~
All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]
When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]
Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]
Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]
Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ E-available August 2, 2010 ~ Currently a Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
