Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Sexiest Woman in TV: Nominee #12

Catherine Bell




Catherine Bell Army Wives
We know we’ve been remiss in our duties in completing the nominees for the sexiest women on TV, but we were on an out of town trip and had no way of making time to update this post.  But we have certainly recognized the error we have made and are here to give you our latest nominee Catherine Bell.




Catherine Bell Army Top and Denims
You might remember Catherine Bell as the feisty lawyer defending or prosecuting military officers as Lt. Col. Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie.   We know its an old TV series and should not be included in these nominations.




Catherine Bell as Lt. Col. Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie
So why did we include the voluptuous Catherine Bell in these nominations then you ask?  Well we were extremely pleased to find out that she plays the Denise Sherwood in the not so new TV Series Army Wives.




Catherine Bell FHM
Of course, we will not forget to mention Catherine Bell’s pictorials in Men’s magazines such as FHM, Maxim and Stuff.  How could we right?



Catherine Bell White Bikini
 Do you know that Catherine Bell also appeared as the hot news anchor Susan Ortega in Bruce Almighty alongside Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell?  Of course we would have preferred if she was a weather girl given a the current trend in weather girl reports right?




Catherine Bell News Anchor/Weather Girl
We were surprised to find out that Catherine Bell was born in London and that her mother was Iranian.  We always assumed she was either Canadian or Australian!  Catherine Bell’s Iranian heritage show in those lovely set of… eyes (geesh what were you thinking?)!




Catherine Bell Australian Style

You’ve got to admit those eyes are just alluring!  We were also pleased to find out that aside from Army Wives, Catherine Bell is still doing TV Movies as Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale in the 4th installment of The Good Witch series.




Catherine Bell as Cassandra "Cassie" Nightingale

We have to admit though that we fondly remember Catherine Bell more as Lt. Col. Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie rather than Denise Sherwood.
 



Catherine Bell as Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie

Win a Kindle Wi-Fi!!!

NOR (Night Owl Reviews) is having one helluva contest.

Enter for your chance to win a Kindle Wi-Fi (Grand Prize) and five ebooks from Silver Publishing!

Over a 100 prizes will be given out. Contest runs from October 1 through October 31.

Click on the icon to learn more.



Monday, August 29, 2011

And now for a commercial break

Sweet N Sexy Divas

Each month at Sweet n Sexy Divas we have openings for guest interviews and guest posts.

I'm currently scheduling for November and December. If you have an uncoming or current release you'd like to blog about, we'd love to have you. If you just want to connect with the blog's followers, that's good too.

Simply email me at tina@tinadonahue.com and we'll set a date.  :)

Saturday, August 27, 2011

CONTEST and interview with J.K. Coi!!!

Let's welcome J.K. to Sweet 'n Sexy Divas today!

Her interview and contest details follow.  :)

__________________

Please give us your website addy, a list of your books and a short bio.


http://www.jkcoi.com/

Available Now

FALLING HARD, Carina Press





IRON SEDUCTION, Ellora’s Cave Quickie

HOWLING SACRIFICES, Ellora’s Cave Quickie

THE MORNING AFTER, Ellora’s Cave Quickie

THE TROUBLE WITH DESTINY, Samhain Publishing

Coming Soon

BRAZEN GAMES, Ellora’s Cave

FAR FROM BROKEN, Holiday Anthology with Carina Press

CAGED, Agony/Ecstasy Anthology with Berkley Heat


J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.


How do you usually come up with a story idea? Dreams? Writer’s journal? Eavesdropping on conversations? Newspaper?

Ideas can come from all of the above! It’s turning them into something viable, that I can successfully make into a story that will hold my interest (and hopefully the interest of my readers) for up to 90,000 words…that’s the trick! It takes more than just a flicker of an idea to make a story, but at least that gets me started and then it becomes a matter of building on it with more and more layers. It’s both the hardest and the most fun part of the process.

Who or what inspires you when your creative mojo is lagging?

When the muse is uncooperative, I find I have the most success getting back into the groove by forcing myself to just keep going. Even if what I write is crap and will have to be self-edited later (with extreme prejudice) as long as I keep at it, things will come back into sync eventually. But if I stop entirely and do something else, my mind and body are like “hey, this is much easier. Why am I wasting my time doing all that hard work anyway??”

Who is your Yoda—your seasoned mentor?

I have a whole host of talented and creative people at my disposal in the form of my Romance Writers of America chapter. If I ever have a question about anything—publishing, craft, social networking, etc.—they’re the people that I go to. I was so lucky to have found them, and in fact, I’m glad that now I sometimes get to be the person who people go to for information!

What importance do you place on writing workshops? What workshops would you recommend to us?

I’ve taken a number of workshops over the years, and while I think that the best way to learn about writing is to do two things: READ and WRITE, the ones that I would recommend to absolutely everyone are by Margie Lawson (http://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-courses). I’ve taken two of her workshops, including her Deep Editing program, and she is wonderful at showing the writer how to recognize when their own work is missing something.

What person would you like to thank for inspiring you in your writing aspirations? How did this person help you?

I want to thank my son for inspiring me. When he was a baby (not too long ago) I remember being at home thinking that it was an awkward time. He was old enough to be going to bed early and sleeping through the night so that he didn’t need me every two hours for feedings and changings and cuddling, etc. But of course, it’s not like I had any social life. I was still stuck at home every night…and the television shows sucked big time. Although I’ve written since I was in elementary school, it had been a long time. But being a mom gave me that little push that I needed to get back into it. After I started writing, though, it was the online community that I met which kept me going. I really appreciate all the support I’ve gotten from the many different writers I’ve met over the years.

Have you ever used songs for inspiration?

Yes! I LOVE music! Usually, I just have a generic playlist on in the background while I’m working. Something to keep me in the mood of the story, but music was such a large part of writing FALLING HARD that I had a really hardcore playlist that was very specific to the tone of the book. It included songs like Misery by Maroon 5, Love the Way You Lie by Eminem/Rhianna, I Don’t Wanna be in Love by Good Charlotte, When They Come for Me by Linkin Park, and Dance With the Devil by Breaking Benjamin (I know, it sounds really depressing, doesn’t it??) The thing is, that book was so darkly emotional, and Gabriel was such a hard character to write. (Truthfully, he’s not an easy person to like, either—although there are reasons, and once I came to understand where he was coming from, I really fell in love with him). However, the darker, harder music helped me to immerse myself in him while I was writing.

Do you read in a different genre than you write? If yes, why? If you read in the same genre that you write, do you feel that it influences your writing in any way?

I do read a LOT of paranormal and urban fantasy, which is what I write. I think that’s why I write it, because it’s usually what I want to read. But I also read a TON of other genres. Everything from straight horror to contemporary and historical romances, and the odd biography. Basically, I’ll read anything that has strong characters. If it influences my own writing in any way, I hope it’s for the better. I think it’s important for writers to read in order to keep improving.

What is your process from idea to first draft?

When I have an idea, I have to think about it for, like…ever. I can’t just start writing until I have a good idea where I’m going to go with it. I have to be sure that I can turn the idea into something that will carry all the way through. Then when I start writing, I write in a very linear fashion. I have to go from start to finish. I’m not the kind of writer who can write scenes out of sequence. I AM the kind of writer who ends up editing a lot as I go. I try not to, but it always happens anyway. It makes for a longer process from beginning to end, but when I’m done the manuscript is pretty clean and I usually only have to give it one more read-through.

Have you ever given assistance to a struggling new writer? Has another writer ever come to your aide? How?

I love to help other writers. I offer my services as critiquer extraordinaire when I can, and I’m always up for brainstorming, character naming, titles, or whatever else! I’ve received so much help and support from writers throughout my own career that I hope I’ll never have to turn someone down who honestly wants my assistance.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your career so far?

Every time I get an email from someone who has read and loved one of my books, I feel such amazement that something I’ve created has had an effect on someone else’s life, even if it’s only because they passed a few hours lost in my world instead of having to do laundry! It makes me want to continue writing just to make sure that people all over the world won’t ever have to do laundry again  LOL

If money, talent and fear were no object, what big adventure would you like to have?

I would really LOVE to go to China and walk along the Great Wall. Then I’d travel to Egypt and visit the pyramids. After that I’d relax in Italy for a few weeks and eat lots of homemade pasta before going to Paris to soak in the ambiance from the most romantic city in the world.

Although I love my home, there are SO many places throughout the world that have stories of their own to tell. As a writer (and a history major) I want to see them all! Scotland, Russia, Africa, Spain…

What characteristics do you like to instill in your heroes? What characteristics do you feel are necessary for a good heroine?

Gabriel, the hero of FALLING HARD, is a difficult person to like because he’s had a difficult past and he’s a rock star, with all of the selfish, egotistical failings of many rock stars. He has a quick temper and a serious potty mouth, and he doesn’t trust easily. BUT he’s also loyal, very strong, and he really wants to do the right thing. I wanted readers to see that he was far from perfect, but to look beneath that and find there was someone who would love FIERCELY.

In a bit of a twist, Amelia was the protector of the book, the one charged with saving the day. But she was also thrown out of her element, and she had to keep it together for both their sakes. I thought it was important that she be strong and be able to adapt, but also be feminine and vulnerable.

I’d love to answer any more questions that might pop up in the comments, but I’ll also take this opportunity to say thank you to the ladies here at Sweet N Sexy Divas for having me as their guest! I really appreciate the opportunity!

JK Coi

Website: http://www.jkcoi.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JKCoiAuthor

*** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT ***

Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win a digital copy of Falling Hard and a set of J.K. Coi's romance trading cards. Winner chosen at random.

Friday, August 26, 2011

CONTEST and guest post with Denise Agnew!!!

Please welcome Denise to our site!

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Romance novels have a happy ending, and that's one of the reasons why I love them. That doesn't mean that I don't like a novel with grit. You know, the type of novel that really is heart-wrenching, makes you think something seriously bad is happening to the hero and heroine and that they will have to fight for their lives and their happiness.


While I love writing contemporary novels, I've found my true voice in historical romance. Here I feel like I can sink my teeth into everything dramatic, romantic.

Research isn’t something I shy from when I’m researching a historical novel. In fact, it’s one of the elements I find compelling. Not only do I discover what I need to accurately portray the people and times for that novel, I love learning about a new time period and place.

Historical novels are calling on me at all levels lately. In summer 2010 Samhain Publishing released a reprint of my Jack The Ripper novel (original title Midnight Rose) under the title Dark, Deadly Love. On January 4, 2011 Samhain released For A Roman’s Heart. Both novels have stunning covers! Thank you to the wonderful artist Kanaxa. In June of 2011 Samhain released Before The Dawn and it also has a beautiful cover. Each novel started with a kernel of an idea and blossomed into a story I loved writing.

And what about the future? I have six…count ‘em…six historical novels either in the works or in the idea stages. The six are broken into two separate trilogies but they all involve paranormal elements.

Here’s a tidbit of BEFORE THE DAWN (Samhain Publishing www.samhainpublishing.com) to tantalize you.

**

A fallen woman must decide to stay down, or rise and fight…

Elijah McKinnon has been found innocent of a heinous murder, but it doesn’t erase the hellish years in prison he endured. He boards the train to Pittsburgh a changed man, certain he will never feel free until he’s wreaked revenge on the brother who ruined his life.

The passenger who catches his eye is intriguing, but he’s seen her kind before. The kind who puts on airs—and looks down on Irishmen. Still, he can’t seem to stop himself from stepping between her and a pack of ruthless cads.

Mary Jane Lawson is grateful for the handsome stranger’s help, but her journey has a higher purpose: to rise above her shattered reputation and declare her independence, come flood or famine. Propriety says she should refuse Elijah’s suggestion they pose as husband and wife—for her own protection, of course. Her practical side says it won’t hurt to pretend, just this once.

Come nightfall, though, their little charade must be carried all the way to shared sleeping quarters, where their vulnerabilities become painfully clear. And when danger past and present threatens, trusting each other becomes a matter of life and death.

* *

Product Warnings

A hot Irish accent mixed with high adventure may cause combustion. Beware of falling for this hunk. The heroine says he’s hers.

* *

She stumbled along in his wake, no energy to ask why they pushed onward into the woods where no one from the train could help them. Thinking that far ahead caused more trepidation, so she concentrated on planting one shoe in front of the other. After what seemed an endless time, a rocky outcropping and massive hill rose in front of them.

“Thank the saints.” He tugged her forward. “Here.” He released her hand long enough to shove aside shrubbery and reveal a tall opening. She saw his throat work as he swallowed hard. “Damnation. I don’t want to go in here, but we must. I’ll go first, you follow.”

His voice snapped like a general, and she flinched. His eyes went hard, unyielding.

The darkness beyond the crevice appeared to be a wide mouth without teeth. What horrors lay inside? Unreasoning fear stilled her courage. She sucked in a quick breath. If Elijah could conquer his apprehension, so could she.

He crawled in, headfirst. When he disappeared into the maw, all went quiet. Even the wind didn’t stir, and the rain stopped. Her entire body quaked. Nightmares of deep, unknown places from childhood tormented her from the edges. They beckoned, dared her to stay brave and to remain sane.

Elijah’s hand came out and then his head. “It’s larger than I thought. It’s a deep rock shelter.”

She clasped his hand and leaned down. He released her once she started inside. She crawled on hands and knees and discovered enough headroom to stand and several feet on both sides. Light penetrated from a large crack in the ceiling.

He inched around in front of her and made certain the hole stayed thoroughly covered by the foliage. Turning back, he stopped. He put one finger to his lips in a gesture of silence. He pulled his weapon from the inner waistcoat pocket and held it, prepared for use. They stayed that way for several minutes. Time stretched in front of her, an eternity of waiting, of anxiety ridden breaths and heart pounding apprehension. Safety still felt far removed. Now that they had stopped running, she heard her own breath rasping, her heart pounding in her ears as her body slowed. Reaction came without remorse. Tears flowed and fell to her cheeks. She regulated her breath by slow turns, and yet her body remained tense. After what seemed an eternity, he made his way past her and sat against one wall. He gestured for her to come closer.

She eased towards him on her hands and knees, her crinoline bunching up in the way. Frustrated, she frowned. She never hated fashion more than this moment.

“Take off the crinoline. We’re leaving it and the corset behind,” he said.

She hesitated and then realized the wisdom in his request. Mary Jane rose to her feet. “Help me. I have to remove the dress first.”

He nodded, his face etched with a harsh determination. She turned away from him. Methodically he unbuttoned the back of the dress while she pulled the hatpins out of her hat and hair. As his fingers moved, a fleeting thought raced by. Even in these desperate moments of flight, his fingers brushing with heat through dress, corset and chemise somehow made her incredibly aware of him as a man. Then the thought fled.

She tossed the pins in a corner and flung the hat aside. She was surprised the thing had not fallen off before now. Her dress stuck to her, sodden with rain and made the buttons more difficult to undo. She would have to dress in it again once she removed the corset and crinoline, but what choice did she have? Before she knew it the shoulders and the tight sleeves eased away from her skin. Eager, she pulled the garment off her arms until she peeled it all the way down and it fell around her waist. She wriggled to shove it off her hips. She stepped out of the dress and worked on the ties that held the crinoline in place. As they remained quiet, a sense of urgency filled the air. They must hurry in case his brother found them and they must fight. She shoved the horsehair padding downward, and he came around to the front and knelt in front of her.

“Here,” he whispered. “Lift your legs one at a time, and I’ll pull it off.”

She complied, and quicker than she expected, Elijah crumpled the nuisance and shoved it into a corner. Without speaking he returned to stand behind her and made short work of the corset laces. When it loosened around her ribs, she sucked in a breath. That felt so much better. Though she never worn her corset particularly tight, removing the garment was liberating. She took one deep breath after another. When he loosened it completely, he pulled it over her head. It, too, went into the corner.

Now that she stood in nothing but chemise, pantalets, stockings and boots, she trembled with cold. His hands rested on her shoulders for a second, and then he turned her around.

His eyes had lost their harshness, but they held no awareness of her as a woman. He had shut down for the fight, all efficiency in the face of danger. “I know the dress is cold and wet, but you have to put it back on. If they find us here…”

She put her fingers over his lips. For a few unguarded seconds, his eyes flared. She’d never imagined green eyes could burn this bright and hot with emotion. Quickly he shut it off, like a flame doused under a rush of water. He helped her back into the dress, which went much faster.

Once done, he sat, propped his back against the wall and stared at her. He drew up one leg and propped his forearm on his knee. With his disheveled hair, sweat beading on his forehead, and a harsh look in his eyes, he looked every inch the dastardly criminal. Part of her wanted to run from him too. After all, she was in this predicament because his brother had a vendetta with Elijah. His rumpled waistcoat hung open, dirt and something red smeared over one side. Worry speared her.

She sank to her knees in the damp earth in front of him. She grabbed the lapels of his waistcoat and parted them. “You are bleeding.”

“No. I’m not. That’s the blood of the man I killed.”

Her lips parted but nothing came out at first. She struggled with her words. “We both… I hit that man with a rock, Elijah. I killed him.”

“I know, darlin’.” His voice softened, the rough understanding lowering his husky voice. “I know.”

More tears came, and as they rained down, her face crumpled.

“Shhh…” He reached for her and pulled her into his lap.

He cuddled her close, his powerful arms providing shelter she desperately craved. She wept quietly, holding back the rage screaming fear. She shuddered and quaked. She saw a misery in his gaze, a genuine sorrow. She touched his face and felt the bristle of beard growing there. In those quiet moments, Mary Jane heard nothing more than gentle breaths, felt nothing more than his heat beneath her, cradling and comforting.

Understanding, like that she had witnessed before, warmed his eyes and softened his visage. His lips parted. She stared at that handsome mouth and wanted it on hers with undeniable desperation.

Closer, closer still, he tilted towards her until…his mouth touched hers with exquisite gentleness. When her lips parted under pressure, his tongue pushed inside. Retreated. Caressed. Owned her mouth with sweet, deep thrusts. She arched into that kiss, breath puffing into him, mouth moving in response, tongue tangling in carnal dance.

Elijah broke away with a gasp, eyes still blazing.

He leaned closer until he whispered in her ear. “If we were anywhere else and completely safe, you would be beneath me. Naked.”

Blunt as his words were, they excited Mary Jane and made her forget their harrowing flight.

“But we can’t.” His burning gaze lingered on her mouth, then recaptured her eyes. “I would put you in danger, and that’s the last thing I want. Promise me something.”

“Anything.” The word, so definitive and complete, left her throat without a pause.

“If they find us here and anything happens to me, you fight with everything in you. You fight to live. You understand?”

“No—I— you are not going to die.” Her voice broke. “That will not happen.”

“If there’s one thing I learned incarcerated in Eastern State, it was that bad things happen and you cannot always stop them. If that bad thing happens, and I cannot keep you safe…you do what you need in order to live.” His gaze was fierce and demanding. “You understand me?”

“Yes.” The excruciating thought twisted a hot knife in her breast. “Yes.”

*** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT *** CONTEST ALERT ***

This evening I’ll pick one winner from the comments to receive a trade paperback from my backlist. Thanks so much for taking the time to say hello today!

Denise

http://www.deniseagnew.com/



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Guest Blog with Willa Edwards!

Wonderful writer Willa has joined us today. Please show her your love and leave a comment. :)

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What Makes You Feel Sexy?

 
Everyone has a different version of what makes them feel sexy. For some people it may be a scent or specific touch. For some women it’s a short skirt that shows off their long amazing legs, or an open back that shows of her sexy shoulders.

For me, I feel sexiest in a pair of high heels (it’s an extra plus if they don’t make my feet hurt). A low cut top that shows just a little cleavage without being vulgar, the sensation of silky fabrics against my skin and a little spray of a deep rich rose perfume. And of course, lacy red underwear.

Finding out what makes your heroine feel sexy is very important for writing a romance. It helps you determine who your character is. A woman who feels sexy in leather, and dominating her partner, probably won’t work in a daycare (though now that I’ve thought of it I kind of want to write that story). A woman, who loves the smell of orchids and the sensation of grass beneath her feet, probably doesn’t work as a race car driver. Just like every other attribute of your character, why makes your heroine feel sexy determines who she is as a person, and creates a deeper richer character.

It also helps you decide who the perfect man is for your heroine. If a woman feels most alluring when she’s dominated and tied up, her hero isn’t going to be beta male. He’s not going to be the geek from mailroom that can’t stop looking at his shoes. He’s going to be the boss, the dom, the alpha. If a heroine feels her most beautiful when she’s being watched, when she’s in control, then bring on that beta. If she feels most gorgeous when she’s snuggled up into a man’s chest hair, you’re not going to set her up with someone who’s bald.

But most importantly knowing what makes your character feel sexy is a major component to writing a really hot love scene. If you can find what makes your heroine feel her most sexy, and then have it converge with the hero and some deep rooted emotion, you’ll have an explosive night in the bedroom, or couch, or office, etc…

Love scenes are always hotter when the heroine feels sexy. Whether its submission, hooker shoes or satin sheets, when the heroine feels beautiful and appreciated she is more open. She’s more uninhibited. She wants to make her partner happier, as well as herself. She’s feels powerful, and she’s not afraid to ask for what she wants. Whether it’s for just the right touch or a special place kissed, when a woman asks for what she wants the sex only gets better. The characters can become closer, and have more fun in the bedroom. What could be better during a love scene?
So what makes you feel sexy? Is it that high cut slit, that lacy tong? Leave me a comment and let me know.

What makes my heroine, Alicia, from my most release with Whiskey Creek Press, feel sexy is bright colored heels, being bored at work, and of course her yummy boss, Ted. Here’s a little snippet to show just what happens to Alicia when all these elements combine into one fun filled afternoon.





Blurb


When Alicia notices her boss Ted has had a long hard day, again, she decides to help him unwind in the most sinful way possible. Sashaying into his office on high red heels and with lust on the mind she offers to do whatever he wants.

Ted may think he wants to be good in the office, but Alicia knows otherwise. With long blond hair, smooth legs and curves in all the right places, Alicia’s convinced she can get him to loosen up.

But Ted isn’t as easily relaxed as she intends. It will take everything in Alicia’s arsenal to drag Ted away from logic and responsibility. But Alicia is determined to help him let go, and she won’t stop trying, until he is hers—for good.


Excerpt

Alicia tapped her heel against the smooth tiled floor beneath her desk. The phones had been quiet all day. No visitors had darkened their door since yesterday.

Never exciting, her job was duller than usual today.

Elbow braced on the desk surface, Alicia pivoted her chin in her hand, looking to the large white-faced clock on the opposite wall. Still five hours to go till she could return home and pour herself a glass of merlot.

Alicia glanced over her shoulder into her boss’ office. Ted sat at his desk, focused on several papers spread across its surface. He massaged his temples, blinking down at the small print. His smooth linen shirt hugged his strong shoulders, stretching tighter across his chest with the extension of his arms. The top button was undone, giving a taste of the soft dark chest hair covering his pecs.

Ted looked delectable. He always did. Half the reason she’d taken this job was so she could stare at him all day. Most assistants didn’t have anywhere near the view Alicia did. He was the kind of man that could make any woman hot and wet in all the right places. But today, fatigue almost overpowered his gorgeous qualities. Exhaustion was written all over him, from the stoop of his shoulders to the wrinkles sketched across his brow.

Her boss wasn’t just yummy, Ted was also the best man Alicia knew. He never failed to put everyone else’s needs before his. Just as he had last night, when he’d pulled himself out of bed before the crack of dawn to sit by the side of a scared wife while her husband underwent emergency surgery. He’d looked beat when he’d walked in this morning, and three cups of coffee later, he didn’t look much better.

She wished he wouldn’t work himself so hard. That he’d find a little time for himself. Maybe even take a day off.

If only there was something she could do. Alicia’s lips curled into a wicked smile. An evil plan formed in her mind.

She’d make him relax, even if she had to force him.

Flushed with excitement Alicia leaped from her chair, running to the thick wooden portal that separated her reception area and Ted’s office from the rest of the building. She twisted the ancient lock. The click of the bolt sliding home sent a shiver up her spine.

Alicia wasn’t the most skilled assistant. She wasn’t great at filing, and a message or two often got lost on her desk. Her computer skills were subpar at best. But she had other skills to offer up, and it was about time she started using them for Ted’s advantage.

She stepped to Ted’s office door, tugging her dress down so that her breasts peeked out from the top of the plain neckline to emphasize the shadowy valley of her cleavage. No reason not to put her best asset forward.

Alicia took a deep breath as she raised her hand to the smooth wood door. This wasn’t going to be easy. She smiled as she brushed the hair from her face. But it would be fun. For her as much as him. She rapped her knuckles against the wood, throwing the door open before Ted had a chance to respond to her knock.

He didn’t look up from his desk as she stepped to the entryway, giving Alicia a moment’s pause. His gaze trained down with iron focus. With bouncy blond hair, ample breasts and long smooth legs, Alicia wasn’t used to men maintaining that kind of concentration around her. Especially when she gave them all the signals she was interested in more than photocopying. Maybe she shouldn’t have bothered him. It wasn’t too late to abandon her plan. She could toss off some simple excuse and slink back to her desk with him none the wiser.

“What is it, Alicia?” Ted growled. Sable locks pointed out in disarray around his head, as if he’d been running his fingers through them all morning. Her palms twitched with the urge to comb through those silky strands and right his mane. To then use her grip to pull him close enough to smell the woodsy cologne and natural male scent he wore. Her desire to comfort him, to touch him, gave new life to her convictions and revived the power inside her.

Ted needed to enjoy himself, he needed to relax, and only she could give him that.

Her fiery red stilettos clicked on the pale smooth floor as she entered the office, giving an extra saucy sway to her hips. Ted’s eyes slid slowly up from the desk as he attempted to hide his stare. The draw of her steady steps and the brilliant flash of color were too tempting to ignore.

Due to their numerous conversations about her wardrobe during her first few weeks on the job, her heels were the only color she wore today. While she’d originally come to his office in vivid reds, pinks, teals, and purples, it hadn’t been long after that Ted’s visitors had started to complain.

Many of the older patrons found her jewel hues and flirty styles too sensational. She’d hated giving up the clothes she loved, the colors she enjoyed, but she hadn’t wished to make his life difficult by standing up to his guests on principle.

She’d conceded on her clothing, evident in the plain black dress and white unbuttoned cardigan she wore. But the shoes remained her rebellion. She couldn’t give up her bright flirty shoes, especially not with how he looked at them as she walked around the office.

She always felt powerful and beautiful in her bright heels. His warm caramel eyes followed her as she paraded around the office, clicking about the stiff floors with her vibrant shoes. Their clack across the hard tiles as she completed her tasks distracting him from his work. She loved the thrill that ran through her when his eyes would slip from her heels up her toned legs. She could almost see him trying to gauge how soft and long her legs were, imaging them wrapped around his torso. It made the thirty minutes she spent on the treadmill every day worth it.

“What are you here for Alicia?” Ted snapped, rubbing his temples again, trying to redirect his attention to the page before him.

“Whatever you want, Sir.”

Buy Link: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=598&zenid=4181e5115d2f2990cb163f1dddc61055


Willa Edwards has dreamed about being a writer since she was four years old. When she picked up her first romance novel at fifteen she knew she’d found her place, and she’s never looked back.

She now lives in New York, where she works with numbers at her Evil Day Job and spends her nights writing red-hot tales of erotic romance. When she's not at her computer, you can usually find her curled up in bed with her two furry babies, her nose pressed to her e-reader.

Find me on the web at http://www.willaedwards.com/
Follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/willaedwards
Friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/willa.edwards


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Sexy Dads in Real Life & Fiction

Now, if we're talking about our own fathers, I'm sure most of you will say something like "I can't go there." However, let's talk about sexy men that are also dads. I don't know about you, but a man with a baby or a kid can be extremely sexy.



Look at this picture of Taye Diggs with his daughter and wife. Sure, he's sexy all by his lonesome, but here we see that he's a father, and somehow it just adds to his sexiness.





This next example is a photo of Ben Cohen, an English rugby player, who posed for this picture as part of the "Problem Shared" campaign that supported first time fathers. Again, on his own there is no doubt of his sexiness, but the look of happiness and complete trust on his daughter's face brings another dimension of sexiness to the picture.





I know when I think of my husband and why I find him sexy, his role as a father figures in to the equation. As writers, I think we should remember that our stories don't have to be limited to men without children. One of my favorite paranormal romance books is Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward, but I also loved the novella she wrote afterwards Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story. It's a heart wrenching look at how the birth of his daughter forces Zsadist to deal with his past. I dare anyone to read that story and not be touched by the interaction between him and his daughter.



Recently I read Highland Mist and Highland Nights by Donna Grant. The first story in the series features Connall MacInness and Glenna MacNeil. Midway through the story he finds out he has a daughter, and I loved the way the author included not only his reactions to his daughter, but also the feelings of the heroine. In the second story of the series his daughter again makes an appearance, and the author shows us a special side of another character in relation to the little girl. In both stories I felt the scenes with the little girl were a wonderful addition.



There are many other examples of stories that include children, and I always feel it adds an extra dimension to the characters as we see how they react to parenthood.



How do you feel about heroes who are fathers? Would you rather have them single, carefree bachelors or do you enjoy learning about them as fathers?



~Brenda



Brenda Hyde has been a freelance writer of home and garden articles for over 20 years, and now she's also writing paranormal romance through short stories and novellas. You can find her at the Wayfaring Writer blog here: http://moonsanity.blogspot.com/.



Monday, August 22, 2011

What's In Your Playpen? by Tim Smith

Every writer has a favorite place to meet their Muse. For some, it’s ‘neath the shade of a tree in the local park. Others may choose a cabin in the mountains. I know one writer who takes her laptop to the café at Barnes and Noble and pounds out stories while sipping Latte’s and munching biscotti.

My playpen is a spare bedroom in my house that evokes Fred Sanford’s junkyard. I like to think of it as organized chaos. The top of my desk is littered with papers that I’ve convinced myself are important, although at times I’m not sure why. I’m surrounded by posters from my favorite Bogart and Clint Eastwood movies. Alongside these I have a souvenir of one of my proudest achievements, a poster advertising a book signing tour I did in The Florida Keys a few years ago. There’s also a framed copy of a terrific interview I gave to a newspaper in The Keys.

Of course I have a bookcase filled with my favorite paperbacks by Mickey Spillane, Raymond Chandler and Ian Fleming. Another shelf is devoted to old books about movies. These fight for space with Roget’s Thesaurus, a dictionary, The People’s Almanac and a dog-eared copy of Catch-22.

There’s a couch that no one can sit on because it’s piled high with promotional materials, half-finished manuscripts I lost interest in, a few cameras and a stack of rare Sinatra LP’s. I believe there’s an e-reader in the pile, too, but I can’t say for sure. If I dug deep enough I’d probably find that overdue book the Library’s been hassling me about.

I have a credenza that’s filled with research material, including brochures, newspapers and photographs from places I’ve visited. Since I tend to gravitate toward romantic adventure stories, I have a book devoted to firearms so I can be accurate when describing what kind of gun the hero pulls on the bad guys. There are also a few how-to books, like Romance Writing for Dummies and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published. I didn’t say I had all the answers. Another research book that’s useful is The KISS Guide to the Kama Sutra. Not only good for writing sex scenes, it’s warmed up a few winter nights as well.

I think most writers have notebooks filled with random thoughts that hit them while waiting in the Dentist’s office and I’m no exception. I looked through a couple of them and found the following nuggets, some of which I’ve used.

He had all the charm of a statue but not as much personality.

She was as nervous as a hooker in a Confessional.

The office itself wasn’t much – slightly smaller than the Astrodome, with a desk you could land a light plane on.
The men were going for the drug dealer wannabe look – Armani suits over white muscle shirts and garish jewelry – that concealed their drab lives as nine-to-five office dwellers.

“You think he’s telling the truth?”
“I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

“You’ll need to speak to my secretary, Singletary.”
Vic gave him a blank look. “Singletary the secretary?”
“That’s correct.”
“Must get confusing.”

So what’s in your playpen?

Tim Smith is an award-winning author whose books range from romantic intrigue to contemporary erotic romance. He is also a freelance photographer. More information about his books can be found at http://www.timsmithauthor.com/.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Pondering The Poignant Passage

Years ago, when I first started writing my historical romance, RÆLIKSEN, it was for pleasure. I loved to write, and I always have. I guess you could say writing was a hobby, though I've always wanted to be an author ever since I was a little girl. At the age of *ahem* let's just say in my thirties, it was a run-of-the-mill pipe dream, never thinking I had it in me to finish a work in progress.

But once I wrote the final words of my project, the idea of pursuing publication didn't seem all that out of reach. It made sense to want to take a computer document filled with my sweat, blood, and tears and turn it into an actual book I could hold in my hands. I aspired to have a beautiful cover, complete with copyright page, ISBN, and a dedication. Logically, it seemed like the next step. Fast forward a bit, and I found myself signed with a small press, my pipe dream turning into a reality.

Now, I'm not superstitious by any stretch of the imagination, but along the way, I took notice of a few sayings or poignant sentences that struck me to the point of either remembering them word for word, or displaying them as a daily reminder.

The first of those was a fortune I found in my cookie not long after I signed. It read: "You will be honored with a prestigious prize or reward." As an author, one can not help but think of the ever-coveted title of NY Times Best Selling Author! and for that reason, it's been taped to my laptop ever since. Chances are, I'll not get to earn that esteemed label anytime soon, but I desire it just the same. Having it in plain sight reminds me of why I'm working so hard.

Looking around me, I realized I've collected many other quotes that have a special meaning me. For instance, hanging at the base of my King Arthur of Camelot picture (one of the most well known romance legends ever), is a saying that sums it all up for us romance authors: "And they lived happily ever after." Though it's become a hackneyed adage throughout the years, losing most of its spontaneous flare, I can't help but smile at its moving relevance.

Another quote that reminds me of the simple truths in life is "LOVE reveals all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." No matter how hard I try to develop yet another compelling story into which my readers can immerse themselves, sometimes it seems my hero and heroine just can't make it work in the end. Reading this quote, I'm reminded that nothing is impossible. That I can, through the magic of my words, bring two unlikely people together in a love story one will never forget.

By now, you've probably guessed that I LOVE quotes. (Hence, my Saturday Soulful Quotes segment at Nice N Naughty Authors blog every month.) And because I enjoy the "quoted text" so much, I'd like to share a few of my favorite quotes that will forever remain embedded in my head:

  • Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

  • There is no friend as loyal as a book.  Ernest Hemingway

  • All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney

  • Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln

  • Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. William Shakespeare



And since we're on the subject, here are two quotes from my first two historical romances:
  • “You are correct in saying that desires often come from things we cannot easily gain—mine, being that of your love. By all accounts, I do wish I could steal it. But I am not that sort of man. I will wait. Forever and a day…I will wait.” Dægan Ræliksen, RÆLIKSEN

  • “Mara, you are my next breath. You are the reason I breathe at all.” Breandán Mac Laim, MAC LIAM



So, how about you? What quotes do you key into, either famous or made up on the fly, and use in your day to day lives? As a reader, do you swoon at the heart-stopping things the hero says to the heroine and make a mental note of its brilliance? And, for the authors in the crowd, what inspirational written text has remained planted in your mind?

Places to find Renee Vincent

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Bring On the Sexy







Everyone has different things that they consider to be sexy. Some people are attracted to particular body parts, some of us get all hot and bothered for personality types, while others are into spicing things up with sexy role play.



As an erotic romance author, I see it as my job to incorporate as many different "sexy" elements into my stories as possible. While all things won't work for all people, if executed well, your readers will still be drawn to your characters reactions, and might even discover a few previously undiscovered kinks. :)



When trying to write what I consider a successful sex scene, the key is making sure for every physical action the character experiences, there is an equal emotional reaction. For example, if your hero and heroine (or hero and hero, or heroine and heroine)make love for the first time, the reader needs to see their internal reactions to those events.



Is the heroine shy about her body? If so, how does she react when the hero calls her beautiful the first time he sees her naked? How does he feel when she asks him to go down on her? Those glimpses of character insight not only enhance the sex scene, it gives us a greater view into your character.



In addition, these internal thoughts let you expand on what your characters view as "sexy". You can expand on those ideas with each consecutive love scene, which will also lead you to having a more powerful black moment. You'll have exposed their greatest fears when they are at their most vulnerable, making the issues they face to feel even bigger to the reader, who will be more emotionally invested.



Try it out! Play around with threading the action-response through each love scene in your book to get the most emotional punch from your characters, making them even sexier to your readers.





Christine d’Abo loves writing in the worlds of sci-fi, BDSM and romance. By combining the elements of those genres into tales of adventure and love, Christine creates the types of stories she loves to read. Christine is currently published with Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press, Carina Press and Berkly Heat. You can learn more about her at www.christinedabo.com.









Friday, August 19, 2011

They say you should write what you know, but my day job isn’t interesting, so who would want to read about it?

I have heard this statement many times, at conferences, on Twitter, Facebook, blogs and speaking with aspiring writers and even readers who want to dip their toe in the writing world.



What may seem mundane and uninteresting in our real lives can be transformed into compelling characters and a page turning storyline. One can do this by exaggerating what they do know into a bigger than life story. For example: Let's say in real life, an office clerk or administrative assistant may feel that what she knows about her career wouldn't make for a gripping read. However, as a writer if she can take what she knows and assign the clerical job to a lead character and giving it an intriguing twist--as in the clerk in her book is unknowingly working for a crime boss. Imagine the possibilities where the writer could take this character.



How about a librarian who lives alone and really doesn't have a lot of adventure in her life, and hasn't really done anything spectacular other than taking a Japanese linguistic night class. This librarian goes to the bank for a routine deposit, and suddenly the bank is held up, and she is a victim of a hostage situation. The bank robbers are speaking Japanese. She can understand what they are saying and what they are planning. Will she let them know she can understand them? Will that help the situation or make it worse? Again, the possibilities are endless.



Are you a hair stylist? How about a hair stylist whose has someone come in to her shop for a cut and dye job, and this person is on America’s most wanted or a famous celebrity?



Taking ordinary things in life things that a writer may perceive as being uninteresting can be turned into a wonderful work of fiction. It's all about taking ordinary characters and putting them in extraordinary situations.



Happy creating and writing!



About Selena Robins

Witty, humorous, suspenseful, sexy--words used to describe Selena’s writing style. A chocolate guru, in love with her husband, family, friends, books & red wine, she dances with her dog, sings into her hairbrush & writes in her PJ's.



Selena is the author of the contemporary romance, What A Girl Wants, paranormal romantic comedy, Sabrina's Destiny, Romantic Comedy, Short Story, Tempted by an Angel, and a children's novella, Pippy's Wish.



Selena's Website

Selena's Blog

Email Selena







Thursday, August 18, 2011

THE TRADITIONAL WEST--Branching Out!







In the category of “dreams come true”, here is my latest one. I became a member of the WESTERN FICTIONEER group about a year ago with the help of one of my friends, Kit Prate. Kit’s a fantastic western writer who’s been doing this a lot longer than I have, with many more “notches in her belt”—figuratively speaking—in the writing world. She put my name before the group and I was accepted—a greenhorn in the truest sense of the word.



I’m still totally in awe. Robert Randisi, Jory Sherman, Peter Brandvold, Kit Prate, Kerry Newcomb, James Reasoner, Livia Washburn Reasoner…the list goes on—these are the members of the WESTERN FICTIONEERS.



A few months after I joined up, they decided to put together their first anthology. Livia and James Reasoner worked tirelessly on it—collecting the stories from those of us who wanted to submit, editing, formatting, writing the introduction to the book, and even deciding the order of the stories. One of the other contributors, Pete Peterson, provided the gorgeous artwork for the cover of the book.



This book is not, by any means, a romance offering. But there are stories from 24 different authors with many different “takes” on the west. It’s the largest anthology of original western short stories ever put together, and though every one of them might not be to your liking, you’re sure to find some different authors you might want to try out for further reading pleasure from this fantastic collection.



My story is called THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS. It has a LOT of paranormal twist to it, but it’s one of my favorite projects I’ve ever worked on.



I’ll leave you with a blurb and an excerpt.



Jericho Dean is on a one-man mission: to track down the outlaw gang that murdered his wife and daughters. When Freeman Hart joins forces with him, Jericho isn’t sure which side this peculiar stranger is on. Determined to gain his revenge no matter the cost, Jericho finds redemption in a most unlikely circumstance. Will he take that fork in the road, or will his thirst for revenge end his chance for a new start?



EXCERPT FROM “THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS”



Jericho gave Dan one final pat. “Ain’t many men lost as much as I did on that day, Freeman. My wife, my daughters, and my desire to exist in this world without them.” He pointed at the growing pile of wood. “No fire.”



Hart gave a sage nod. “I see. You’re expecting to be reunited once you complete your mission—kill the Comancheros. Once you die, you think you and Elena will be together again, along with Maria and Ana.”



Jericho stood completely still. How did this stranger know the names of his family? How did he know Jericho’s own heart and purpose so clearly?



Hart dropped the last two pieces of wood on top of the pile, then dusted his hands. “We need to have a talk, Jericho. A good long visit about things. I don’t aim to do it in the cold. And make no mistake, this night’ll be an icy one—way too cold to spend without a fire. Trust me, boy. They ain’t gonna know—or care—if you spend it warm or freezin’. Got a match on you?”



Jericho sized up the other man once more, a shiver running up his spine. No, things were not what they seemed, but whether for good or evil, he didn’t know. He cursed his luck, either way. He didn’t want to be burdened with whatever it was this Freeman Hart brought to the table. He hadn’t asked for it, either way. He remembered that he had deliberately not prayed, carefully refrained from asking God for any favors, so he wouldn’t have to be in His debt. Well, he still didn’t plan on owing Him anything, no matter how this all worked out.



He finally forced his legs to move, walking stiffly to his saddlebags. He put the brush away, and drew out the box of matches wrapped in oilskin.



Hart caught them when Jericho tossed them over, opened the box and struck one of them on the bottom of his boot. The match head flared in the gathering semi-darkness and Hart hunkered down, cupping his hand around the flame as it caught the base kindling of the pyre and the wood above it began to burn.



Jericho stood watching as the fire flared to life, remembering how he’d burned the cabin. After he’d buried Elena, Maria and little Ana, he’d poured kerosene throughout their home. The smell of it had made his stomach twist and roll over. He’d poured it over the cabinetry he’d built so lovingly for Elena, remembering how proud she’d been to have a pantry in her kitchen. He’d poured it across the bed where they’d made love. Made children. Made a family together.



He’d opened up the old trunk that had been Elena’s, full of her keepsake treasures. He had taken only one thing from the chest before he’d saturated the rest of the contents with the kerosene remaining in the can. He’d stood at the door and tossed in the match, watching as the trail of fire raced across the dirt floor of the cabin and began to eat the furniture, the woodwork, and finally the walls.



Then, he had turned his back on the entire dream he’d created and then destroyed, riding away from it as it burned. It maybe burning still, he mused. That entire northern part of Indian Territory could be nothing but acres of smoldering blackness destroyed by his hand. Right now, if he could, he’d set the entire world ablaze.

Yes. A fire would be good to have tonight.



“Say, Jericho. You hungry? Me, I’m so hungry my stomach thinks my throat’s been cut. I’ve got some tins of beans and peaches we can open up.” Hart rose and crossed to where his saddlebags lay, rummaging for the tins of food. He pulled them out and came back toward Jericho, who stood rooted to the spot where he’d gone moments earlier to get the matches.



Hart nodded toward the fire. “C’mon. Let’s get some grub. Talk a spell. I can see you’ve got some questions.”



“Who are you?” Jericho’s voice was hoarse.



Hart laughed. “I knew that’d be the first one.”



THE TRADITIONAL WEST is available at Amazon for Kindle

Cheryl's Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002JV8GUE



and here http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traditional-west-western-fictioneers/1104416089?ean=2940012796264&itm=1&usri=the%2btraditional%2bwest at Barnes and Noble for Nook. The print copies are also available.

Anne Hathaway Official Catwoman Picture!

Remember we were saying earlier that we have never seen but are very excited to see Anne Hathaway's Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises?

 
It comes from the official website!  We have to thank this site for the heads up! Of course we had to figure out where to find the picture!  When your cursor changes into a thumb just above the "The Dark Knight Rises" click it and it will lead you to this image.  If you want a link to it to save you all the trouble, click here.

It is not much, but it looks really cool, wish we could see more of the latex catsuit though!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Sexiest Woman in TV: Nominee #11

Following the trend of the nit so busty but sexy woman in TV, no its not another doctor, its a spy.  Interestingly,  Sarah Walker is one HOT spy!  And to top it all of, she's an American and loyal to her country at that! If you're a fan of the TV Series Chuck (and even if you're not!) you know we are talking about Yvonne Strahovski.




Yvonne Strahovski as Sarah Walker
 It would seem that Yvonne Strahovski came out of nowhere when we first saw her in chuck, but when we looked at her profile in IMDb we were surprised to find out that she has been in several TV show and movies before.  Well not in roles worth mentioning here, you could look at the IMDb link we provided if you want to find out more about Yvonne Strahovski. 




Yvonne Strahovski Exercise Routine
Yvonne Strahovski would pass for a real spy don't you think?  First of she plays an American in Chuck but she is actually an Australian born actress with Polish parents.  Her name makes sense now doesn't it?




Yvonne Strahovski in Pink
Yvonne's screen last name Strahovski is actually the phonetic equivalent of her real last name which is Strzechowski.  But you don't really want to know that do you?




Yvonne Strahovski Black and White Bikini
Yvonne Strahovski may not be your usual busty beauty, in fact she leans more toward the other side of the spectrum, but this shot here?  We'd have to say that we like her just the way she is!




Yvonne Strahovski in Nude Lingerie
This is another perfect shot of Yvonne Strahovski.  Her innocent face matches her flawless body perfectly.  We really think the producer's and casting director of Chuck was pretty pleased with casting her as Sarah Walker!




Yvonne Strahovski Yoga Position?
Yvonne Strahovski looks great in everything and she wears!  And that position on the chair, only she can make it look so relaxed!




Yvonne Strahovski Crawling
 The first picture was from the first few episodes of Chuck along with this one.  We think that Yvonne Strahovski would have rocked as Catwoman.  There it is again the reference to Catwoman!  We have to admit that we are eagerly awaiting the first picture of Anne Hathaway in her latex Catsuit(?) in The Dark Knight Rises as Selina Kyle.  




Yvonne Strahovski in Sexy Black Dress
That may be so, but that does not change the fact that in to day's TV... Yvonne Strahovski is indeed one of the sexiest women.  Here are mores posters of Yvonne Strahovski in Amazon.com
Yvonne Strahovski Sexy Legs Chuck Poster 24x36Yvonne Strahovski Poster 24"x36"

If you want to check out more of Yvonne Strahovski, you might want to check out these on Amazon.com

Chuck: The Complete Fourth SeasonThe CanyonLEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers