To whet your appetite, here's chapter one... I hope you enjoy it.
Best, Lindsay
Lindsay Townsend
Susan and I were having a drink in our local pub, The Flying Swan. Inside, it looked like a typical English pub. However, you'd soon guess you were in North America rather than my hometown, London, because the staff were polite and they served you at your table.
The server gave us our drinks and asked if we wanted to look at the menu.
“I just fancy a dessert,” Susan told her.
The server produced a dessert menu from the pocket of her apron. We both selected chocolate dishes with enough calories to sustain us into the following week.
When the server had gone, I opened an envelope I’d brought with me and extracted a picture of the cover of Win, Lose or Tie.
Susan studied it. “Yes, I found it on the coming soon page. Bit risqué, isn’t it?”
“Oh, why?”
“Looks as though Coming Soon could have been the book title.”
Susan had critiqued an early version, and suggested I doubled the length of the sex scenes. Or perhaps that was a statement about our sex life. She could be subtle at times.
“The woman on the cover is not an ex of yours is she?” Susan asked.
I almost said “I wish” but figured she might interpret that remark as a criticism of her. “I’ve no idea who she is. Our graphic artist, Jinger, found the photo for me.”
“Well, I must say the pose she’s striking guarantees that people will read the blurb,” Susan said.
Our desserts arrived. The server looked at the picture. “Coming Soon,” I said. She grinned then departed.
“What about the actual story?” I asked.
“I’ll give you the verdict later, after you’ve reenacted the re-written juicy bits.”
I sighed and diverted my attention to the chocolate mousse.
Susan picked up her spoon. “But I particularly liked the HEA ending. I hope that’s still intact?”
“Yes, and I added an extra page to it. In fact everything is lengthened: the ending, the sex scenes, and the hero’s…”
Fathers are amazing people.
In my life, up close and personal I’ve observed five fathers; my own—whom sadly I lost when I was only eight; my husband; his father; and my two sons.
Here is what I know about fathers. The best preparation for fatherhood is having had a good father, otherwise it’s all on-the-job-training.
Fathers are expected to provide for their families. Yes, I know, that sounds old fashioned and one-sided, and the truth is that in today’s economy both parents have to work, but the expectation still rests on Dad’s shoulders in the eyes of society-at-large. Fathers are not only expected to provide the home but to keep it safe and secure as well.
They’re expected to know how to fix everything from broken bikes to broken dreams; to be equally adept at chasing away nightmares and bees; to brave all the fierce elements of nature when necessary to retrieve a cherished item, a stranded pet, or a child. They are expected to be there, every hour, of every day, solid, dependable, a rock.
One of the things I’ve noticed at the pool I go to each day, is that it’s no longer just mom who takes toddler for her daily dip; sometimes it’s mom and dad, and often just dad. You have to remember that I’m no spring chicken, so to see this and to observe the care and consideration these dads exhibit really makes an impression on me.
My memories of my father are like tiny snapshots isolated in time. I can remember my daddy taking me to my bed and tucking me in by warming each of my blankets, one at a time, on top of the oil space heater that kept our small house warm in winter. And I recall one incident with my dad that even to this day makes me smile.
I had snuck from my bed and crept into the living room. I kept myself as small as a five-year-old could be, scrunched down beside the high arm of the sofa. I sat cross-legged and quiet, my long white nightgown tented tightly over my bent knees, just able to see the television and the forbidden movie that played there. The movie was forbidden only because it was on after my bedtime. I was the baby of the family and the only one supposed to be in bed.
“Would you get me a small glass of pop, please?” My father’s voice.
“You’ve got a cup of coffee.” My mother’s.
“Yes, I know. But I’d like a small glass of pop, too.”
I had heard the munching of potato chips; now I knew they also had soda. There were sounds of movement, and fearing discovery, I scrunched myself down lower, even as I tried not to think about the treats I couldn’t have.
“Here you go one glass of pop.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
In the next moment, a hand came down and dropped a small mountain of chips onto the cloth ‘table’ of my sleepwear. Before I could blink, there was a glass of cola being held in front of my face. I looked up to see my father’s smiling eyes and a ‘hush’ signal.
My eldest son Christopher is, I believe, just such a dad. The father of three, he has always involved himself in the lives of his children to an incredible degree. This time of year, when community sports teams thrive, he has but one evening off—Sunday. Each of his children, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years, is involved in at least one sport. He and his wife not only always attend each practice and game, they both volunteer with the teams, coaching some of them.
Chris is a true 21st century man. He’s employed full time in a supervisory capacity for an aggregate company. But that is only one facet of him. He cooks and cleans; he can make a pumpkin pie from scratch; and he can knit and sew. In his spare time, he writes. I’ve never seen him lose his temper or turn a child away—not even when it was obvious that child simply wanted to be the focus of attention in a room full of adults.
We women often lament the job of motherhood as being one that is 24/7 and never ending. But being a father isn’t easy, either. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart or the light of patience. It isn’t for anyone who seeks to occupy the center stage of life. The role of fatherhood is one for which the thanks are few, but the rewards great and long-lasting and far-reaching.
Today’s good father can look ahead, and know when he sees his son or grandson excel in their role as parent it is thanks, in no small part, to him.
Love,
Morgan
www.morganashbury.com
www.myspace.com/writer_morgan_ashbury
At long last, Menagerie by Lara Santiago will be released at Siren tomorrow. Woo Hoo! :)
Don't you just love the cover?
As usual, Jinger did and exceptional job. :)
To read an excerpt of Menagerie Click Here
And I've put the blurb below.
Enjoy,
L
What’s a girl to do with five hot guys who need her for their sexual survival? Create a weekly schedule.
Accidentally transported to an alien spaceship, Valerie Thornhill inadvertently volunteers to be a virtual sex slave for five men.
A shortage of females and her blatant curiosity aboard the alien vessel conspire and set fate in motion. The fact that the five are sexy and attractive is helpful when she learns the term of service is three years.
Forbidden to show favoritism within her unusual household for the duration of the long trip, Valerie still can’t help falling in love with the most intriguing one of her male harem. The fact that she is apprehensive about his demeanor and overall size only heightens her desire for him.
When the aliens discover Valerie’s indiscretion, the ultimate price for her desire may jeopardize the return trip to Earth for all of them.
Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Erotic Sci-fi/Multiple Partner Romance
Length: 70,000 words
Lee
Lee Silver
Romance with a Twist
THE TWIST, Coming July 8, 2008 from BookStrand Publishing
http://www.leesilver.org
Kip, student reporter: Miss Carmody, do you think Mudflat has a higher or lower crime rate than the rest of Seattle?
Claire Carmody: Crime can happen anywhere, even in Mudflat.
Obvious direction to look, according to Seattle law enforcement, is adjacent houses used for meth labs or by pushers. Mudflat knows better. In this neighborhood, look for a cranky wizard or a crackpot vigilante. Look for old magic.
Either way, I don't like hanging around my cousin's place because yikes, somebody is shooting at us!
What we really really need right now is a hero!
Mudflat titles from Bookstrand:
Tarbaby Trouble, July 2, 2008
Welcome to Mudflat, October, 2008
Excerpt from an interview with Claire Carmody for the Mudflat Neighborhood News, written by Kip, student reporter:
A Mudflat backyard is capable of containing anything, because Mudflat is where old magic lives.
So that's where I'm looking, in my cousin's backyard. Somebody is causing a whole lot of bad stuff to happen and I am betting on magic.
Obvious direction to look, according to Seattle law enforcement, is adjacent houses used for meth labs or by pushers. Mudflat knows better. That kind of stuff can happen any place else. But in this neighborhood, look for a cranky wizard or a crackpot vigilante. Look for old magic.
Either way, I don't like to hang around.
Because somebody is shooting at me
What I really really need is a hero.
5 Flags! --- "Cowboy Games is an incredibly steamy story. The heat between Gavin and Rebecca is scorching and I’m amazed the pages weren't smokin’. I’d lasso this book right quick and have yourself a good ole’ time, just make sure you have something cold nearby to cool you off – you’re gonna need it!" - Euro-Reviews
To read the full review, click here!
SRR GRADE - A
"Wendi Darlin’s Cowboy Games is one smokin’ story. From the first page through the last she takes us on a non-stop ride of sexual tension, teasing and a whole lot of loving. The setting is Wyoming on the “Fantasy Ranch” and by the time you finish reading you’ll be looking for some brochures yourself. The characters are strong and tender, stubborn and loving and all together realistic....Cowboy Games is well written, humorous and filled with smoldering passion. The sexual tension oozes throughout and the secondary plot is strong enough to keep you on edge worrying for our hero and heroine. All things must come to an end and the week at Fantasy Ranch is no different, but we can hope that Ms. Darlin will invite us back for more experiences in the future. Squeezing itself onto my keeper shelf, I’ll be looking for more of Ms. Darlin’s books to read. I highly recommend you pick this one up and enjoy a little trip to the Fantasy Ranch." - Simply Romance Reviews
To read full review click here
"...The sexual tension that developed between Gavin and Rebecca was so hot you would have thought you were in the Mohave Desert. Cowboy Games was such a well written book by Wendi Darlin . When you think of a cowboy as well as how he should be, Gavin is that cowboy. He is sexy, knows how to handle a horse, has that great charm cowboys have about them and he fills out a pair of jeans in all the right areas..." -Cheryl, Fallen Angel Reviews 
To read the full review, click here!
Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed? is now available at Siren. If you haven't picked up a copy, you can get one at: Buy Now
Paraskavedekatriaphobia.
It's an awfully big word, and my first new word in a long time. I have no idea how to pronounce it, nor am I likely even going to try. It is the word for fear of Friday the 13th. This word is, I'm told, an improvement over the formerly used (at least by me) triskaidekaphobia, the more simple fear of the number thirteen.
I've been trying to verify where the tradition came from - that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. I'd looked into this a year ago, and at that time it seemed (according to sources) that the source of the superstition was the decimation of the Knights Templar culminating with the arrest of the last Grand Master on Friday, October 13, 1307. Now, I'm reading that this was a 20th century 'invention', and credited to Dan Brown's book, The DaVinci Code.
But whoa - the first time I read about that source of superstition was in Linda Howard's Son Of The Morning, and this book pre-dates Brown's by nearly a decade (it was published 1997).
Meanwhile, I live in a small town in Southern Ontario, about a half hour's drive from another small town, Port Dover.
For the town of Port Dover, Friday the 13th has become a very lucky day indeed. This community on the shores of Lake Erie is the scene of a "biker bash" every Fiday the 13th - and sadly for them in 2008 there is only one, and it was yesterday.
Small town Ontario biker bash, you're thinking. How many bikes, exactly? This morning, the news estimates put the number at 30,000. Yes, thirty thousand. And the financial influx into that very small town and surrounding area, from this one day event? Five million dollars.
I used to joke to family and friends that I was so unlucky all the time, I considered Friday the 13th to be my lucky day. But as near as I can recall, nothing remarkable has ever happened on any Friday the 13th of my experience.
For the most part, it's always been just another day.
Today I received my cover for my historical romance coming out in September at Siren. I fell in love with it at first sight. Jinger, the cover artist, did such an amazing job on it. The cover turned out to be better than I ever imagined. Now that I have my cover, I get to look forward to doing the edits for Lady Knight. I can't wait to get started on it.
Marisa Chenery
Book Review
WHO’S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY BED?
Siren Publishing
Released on June 12, 2008
Jami Davenport knows how to spin a sexy fairytale! Wow! I literally could not put Who’s Been Sleeping in my Bed? down.
Hunky land developer, Jake Reynolds comes home on a rainy night ready to climb into his nice warm bed, but someone else has beat him to it. And if she hadn’t broken into his house, he wouldn’t mind having her in his bed at all.
Harlee Davis has returned to the San Juan Islands and made herself at home, only to find she’s been away too long. The house she used to be welcome in is now owned by an incredibly hot man who is intent on destroying the camp for at risk youth that she is determined to save.
Harlee will do anything to save the camp that turned her life around and Jake must follow through with his plans to develop a ritzy resort on the camp’s land, or his family’s business could face financial ruin.
The chemistry between Harlee and Jake is sizzling and Jami Davenport keeps you wondering how they’ll ever overcome the obstacles that keep them apart. I loved the humor woven through the story, and there were some really well-developed secondary characters who are begging for books of their own.
Put this on your MUST READ shelf and pick up a copy today.
http://www.sirenbookstore.com/
Our household is returning to normal—well, as normal as this household can be, at any rate. We ended the week having two young grandchildren here successfully, in that none of us was truly sick of the others when they went home.
I think the seven days just passed proved to be a tremendous learning experience, all around.
For example, I learned that the name of the ‘middle’ finger on the human hand has been changed, officially, to the ‘rude’ finger.
I learned that contrary to popular belief, a girly-girl granddaughter can be as enthralled with the female pursuits of make-up application and pedicures as she is with hunting for wild slimy creatures.
My granddaughter learned that her grandmother can yell really loud and does not like two foot-long garter snakes brought into the house and waved in front of her face.
I learned that how long a day seems to be is directly related to the mood of the children within the house. Ah, but this was a lesson previously well known, and somehow forgotten.
I don’t remember being quite as drained at the end of a day when my three small ones were running around. Of course, I was a quarter-century younger then, which may have something to do with that. I do know that I managed to balance three young children and a full time job, but not much else. My hat’s off to today’s mom who manages to balance a job and a family—especially those moms who then put in time each day or night working on a dream of some sort, be it writing, painting, or playing an instrument.
One thing I learned that warmed the little cockles of my grammar-loving heart. The children decided to make a banner for their mom’s return. I was asked how to spell ‘welcome’; but the little dears wrote “you’re the best” all by themselves and used the right ‘you’re’.
The best thing that happened over the course of this last week was that I re-discovered something I think I needed to re-discover. Kids are great. They’re fun, and energetic. They have ‘faith that can move mountains’. They can incorporate the words, “what if” into their vocabulary, followed by what we jaded adults would call some impossibility—and do it not only unselfconsciously, but often. They stay active all day, never tiring, rarely stopping before changing course. Little things—like heat, or bugs, or noise—don’t bother them in the slightest. They don’t let much get in the way of their good time. At the end of the day they fall asleep in moments, and sleep solidly through the night.
They don’t care if, in the course of their play, they get dirty or banged up a little. They don’t give a darn what their clothes look like, if their hair is brushed, or if their socks match. They can get mad, or cry, but it’s over quickly, usually with a minimal dose of TLC and a ‘there there’. And no matter how many times you’ve had to chase after them to pick up their toys, put their dirty clothes in the hamper, bring out their discarded popsicle wrappers, stop jumping on the furniture, quit teasing their brother/sister, not splash water out of the bath tub, not slam the door when they go outside, not stand there with the fridge open while they decide what to get—in short, no matter how many times you have to act like a grown up, they eagerly come and give you hugs and kisses goodnight.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I understand as never before those long ago words of my mother’s: don’t be in such a hurry to grow up; this is the best time of your life.
Love,
Morgan
Romance...with that extra bit of heat.
JOIN ME ON FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH AS I CELEBRATE MY VERY OWN AUTHOR DAY ON NOVEL SISTERHOOD.
COME AND CHAT, AND PARTAKE OF FUN AND PRIZES 9AM TO 3 PM EST
HERE’S THE PARTY ADDRESS: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/novelsisterhood/
http://www.morganashbury.com
WIN a signed PRINT copy of Going Topless!!
I am being spotlighted on writer/reader/reviewer Tiffany James' blogs today and tomorrow. Stop by and leave a comment on EITHER blog and be entered to win one of two PRINT copies of Going Topless!!
It's that simple. Tiffany has two fab blogs--so check them out!
To comment, please visit:
http://armchairheroines.blogspot.com/
and http://norestforthequerying.blogspot.com/
What they are saying about Going Topless:
5 Flags! “FANTABULOUS! Absolutely entertaining, charming, witty and real! Renee Knowles is definitely in touch with her feminine side as she breathes life into the various female characters of this book, allowing them to grow and develop as the story progresses. The European setting and additional references to pop culture were well written (a bonus was her knowledge of Tracy Chevalier and love for Colin Firth). A must read!”—Aya29, Euro-Reviews.
5 Kisses! “Renee Knowles is a brilliant author. She really understands the different journeys all women go through in their lives... You will really not regret Going Topless.” –Tina, Two Lips Reviews.
5 Roses: "Going Topless is an erotic trip not for the faint of heart. The passion and spark will have you wanting more. Renee Knowles is hot, hot, hot!!! Renee has captured the true meaning of friendship between these three amazing women and filled their characters with so much spunk, sass and outward sensuality, that I could not pick one I liked best. Cheers, Renee, for a huge hit!" —Deb, Sensual Reads
Looking forward to seeing you at the blogs!
Renee Knowles
Sensual, Sassy and Slightly Sinful
Going Topless--"A must read."--Euro-Reviews Out Now! Siren
Guilty Pleasures--Summer 08 Siren
Courting Trouble--Regency Historical--July 23rd! Wild Rose Press
www.reneeknowles.com
I'm very excited about my new release, "Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?" This sexy and fun contemporary romance set in the San Juan Islands has been getting great reviews. Check out a sample chapter and blurb on my website and join my release party on June 12 on Siren-Bookstrand's Yahoo Group (link on this page).
Starting June 12 through July 10 --Win one of four San Juan Island gift bags, which will include several items purchased in Washington State's San Juan Islands. Winners will be drawn from my Yahoo newsletter list and comments on my blog. See my website for details at: http://www.jamidavenport.com/.
This is the view from Rosehill Farm in my book.
____________________
"Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?"
Contemporary Romance
Siren Publishing, Available June 12, 2008
What happens when a reformed bad boy discovers a racy Goldilocks sleeping in his bed on a dark and stormy night?
Jake Reynolds returns home to discover a racy Goldilocks sleeping in his bed. Instead of doing the first thing on his mind or even the second, he hires her to organize his disorganized construction office. When his wealthy family meets the suggestively clad, polyester siren posing as Jake's assistant, they fear he's slipped back into his former role as the family bad boy.
Harlee Davis didn't know she was sleeping in Jake's bed. She was seeking refuge from two storms—the storm raging outside and the storm created by her screwed-up life. When she learns that Jake plans to demolish the very camp she’s been entrusted to preserve, Harlee mounts a crusade. They wage a war of wills while battling their conflicting interests on a professional level and too much interest on a sexual level. One of them stands to lose everything in a game where there is no winner.
Read Chapter 1 at http://jamidavenport.home.att.net/Whos.htm
Goldilocks never had it this good. The characters are superbly written. Romance, suspense, and passion fill this book."—Review Your Book
Fun, whimsical, and full of romance. I can’t wait to check out more books by Jami Davenport.--Fallen Angel Reviews (5 Angels )
Well this week is certainly different.
My second daughter—the former fiancé of our late son, and the mother of his two children—has recently graduated her nursing program and is enjoying a week in the tropics before beginning her new job. This is her first vacation in a long time. She’s worked long and hard to achieve her goal, sometimes working back to back shifts at her part time job, and always going without herself in order to provide for her children. We’re very proud of her, and very pleased she managed to plan this get-away for herself.
The children are with us.
Temporarily going from a household of 4 to one of 6 involves a great deal more than simply adding two people. It’s called for a complete change in routine as well.
We purchased one of those inflatable beds so that we’d have someplace for the kids to sleep. Next, we sat down and figured out who would do what—since one child goes to school every day, and the other one every other day, with day care thrown into the mix.
But mostly, the adjustments have been in the little things.
Even with a teenager in the house I’ve been able to get away with living in my own little world for the most part. Tough to do when you have a 7 and a 6 year old in close proximity.
“Grandma, you play on the computer a lot.” Ah, to be judged and found wanting by a seven year old!
I know these kids well, of course I do, as I see them at least once a week, and they’ve had several “sleep overs”. But that’s not the same as knowing them in a day-to-day-living kind of way. Being a writer, and a fairly straight-forward person, I decided the best way to find out what I wanted to know would be to ask.
I can report to you that this particular granddaughter has ‘rolling her eyes’ down to a fine art.
Me: How often do you have a bath?
Her: I bathe!
Me: I know, sweetheart, but I’m trying to get a sense of your routine. (and yes, I speak to her as if she’s an adult because, well, that is how she answers).
Her: Well, at least every other night, but sometimes every night. I didn’t have one last night so I need one tonight.
Me: (eyeing her hair that almost reaches her butt) Do you wash your own hair? (she is, after all, only seven).
Her: (eyes rolling). Well, yes. I wash my hair, I wash my body, I wash everything!
Me: (looking fast for some sort of redemption) Do you use conditioner on your hair, or not?
She was patient with me when I insisted she use conditioner. I even provided her with a bucket of warm water she could use to rinse her hair as I was leery of allowing her use of the shower wand. She may sometimes talk like an adult, but she’s pure kid.
Lunch for school was another matter for interrogation. It’s been a long time since I made kids’ school lunches, and I wanted to make sure I got it right. Now, I wasn’t one hundred percent convinced that she usually took a sandwich, a drink, and five snacks. I guess I should have checked with mommy beforehand. One thing you can count on, and that’s my granddaughter’s superior negotiation skills. We settled on three snacks for school, and she even made me feel as if I’d achieved something in the bargain.
By the time the dinner was over and dishes washed, the children bathed and given their “bed time snack”, the little darlings tucked in and school lunches made, I was done. Seriously. Done.
One side benefit of having a lot of people around all the time is that the concept of going away on vacation is starting to sound pretty good.
Love,
Morgan
Romance…with that extra bit of heat.
http://www.morganashbury.com
