Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hump Day Inspiration

SQUEAL!! Yes it's back.
Did you miss your weekly dose of hunky inspiration?
Well a coupla weeks ago I went to a wrestling match. My dad's a wrestler. And I must say I was inspired. Normally I don't ask for photo opps, but I couldn't resist.
So here are a few of the pics from the match.
This is Hades. He breathes fire. So cool.









And his tag team partner Xavier Justice.  I just love the hair.



And Chaz Montana.


These are a few of the wrestlers of Pure Pro Wrestling. I think it's really awesome that they took a little bit of time and indulge me?

Some of are probably wondering where are the sexy abs and perfect pecs? Well that's next week's post, but this week's inspiration is wrestling.

Yeah,  I've got the storyline all worked out.

Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

A Little Good News

I'm really excited about the way my writing is going. Many of you know I subbed to Evernight and received a contract. If not, here goes. I subbed Lust & Bound to Evernight Publishing and received a contract. A projected release is scheduled for July.
As I was writing this story, which took me a year btw, Busta Rhymes was the inspiration for the Zach.


There's just something about his whole persona. Maybe it's that bit of "bad boy" that comes through or maybe it's his voice, all deep and gravelly. Then again it could be the tats. Yeah, Zach has a rather extensive piece of artwork on his skin. A dragon/koi tattoo.

And for Trisha, even though she's a bit on the skinny side, I just love Jennifer Freeman's hair.
Such an unlikely couple, but boy do they make it work.


I'm also working on a few other projects. Three to be exact. One is an erotic suspense. I'm almost finished with that one. Then there are two new ones. I've grabbed a couple of familiar characters and brought them back to life. One day I'll have to introduce you to my muses. They are an interesting threesome. Oh and something totally new for me. A historical cowboy story. I know. How did that happen? It's an interesting story and I'll share it one day, just not today.

So stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on Lust & Bound's progress.
Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic

Monday, May 28, 2012

A Moment with Patricia Bates


1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I was born in a small community in northern British Columbia and moved a lot during my early years. Being the middle child I had to find a way to occupy myself and developed an amazing imagination. I have a wonderful little boy – whose teaching me about patience and understanding lol. Currently I live in Kamloops with two dogs, a leopard gecko, and four fish.
2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?
I always find time to read. You can’t write well if you’re not reading. On average I read about 15 books a month. There isn’t much I don’t read except for mysteries and horror, just can’t get into them. Favorite authors, OMG do you have a week or two – lol? I love Kresley Cole’s Immortals after Dark Series. I enjoy Julie Garwood’s historicals, Lacey Wolfe’s books – I’ve read one and her free reads are fantastic… maybe it would be easier to say who I don’t like because my list is so long.
3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?
I start a new project. If a character isn’t talking to me, I’ll often start a new book or even do some fan-fic writing to recharge my creative batteries. 
4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?
Ireland and or Scotland. There’s something about the highlands, the history, the romance of the area that I love. 
5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?
The sex scenes…there are only so many ways to do the same thing – and figuring out a way to be creative and original with each scene is something I often struggle with. 
6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?
Do I have to? Most of my characters are survivors, people who are tough, rough around the edges but are stronger than you think. Any of them would be a joy to be, but I have to say picking just one to live the life of would be hard because of the depth and layers to them. 
7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?
Bubble bath and candles. With chocolate of course. Having time for romance is hard when you have two people working full time – but somehow we make the time.
Reading has been such a large part of my life. I cut my literary teeth on such author’s as Louis L’Amour, Nora Roberts and Janet Dailey. For me it wasn’t such a jump from reading the wonderful tales these author’s spun to imagining my own.  
Soon I was writing poetry, short stories and by junior high I’d written my first full length romance novel. Since then I’ve taken my love of history and my passion for writing and combined them into what I hope will continue to prove a successful career.
With six books contracted, four of which are currently available in print. All are available in electronic format with the last two ebooks due for a release in May and the other in the summer. I’m currently working on three projects, an erotic paranormal romance featuring a witch who lovesChristmas, another Ancient Ireland novel, rich in the history of the Irish Celtic peoples, and plotting out a Cowboy Series tentatively titled “The James Gang”.
Of course I’ve got a lot more on the go. I’m developing and growing my editing company with some amazing authors, working on getting the books that Blade had revamped to fit the submission guidelines for some other publishers and keeping up on my writing and being a full time mom, working outside of the house…its amazing what I can manage in a 16 hour day.

Sin's Bite: Lady Kora has spent three hundred years within the hallowed wallsof her ancestral home - now on the brink of becoming a full Vampire, she's faced with the hardest choice ever...claim her mate, one sworn to hunt her kind...or spend eternity alone.
Cowgirl's Christmas (reprint) For Holly Walker Christmas is about more than just flashing lights, it’s about having some sexy time with her husband. This year, however, she’s got a secret that could destroy everything…or save their future.

Firecracker: Widow Amy Harvard has spent years married to one man while lusting after another. Now she's free to follow her heart if only Bradley Harvard were more cooperative.

Phantom Pleasure: Forced into an arranged marriage, Frances MacKenny is murdered on her wedding night. After spending decades haunting her ancestral home, a handsome cowboy arrives. Shedding her one-hundred-fifty-year, self-imposed isolation, she decides to focus all her attention on the sexy male resident.
For the first time in years, Logan Harris has a shot at living his dream by owning the best horse ranch in Virginia. At first, everything appears to be lining up perfectly. But then strange things begin to occur. And when he finds himself longing for beautiful ghost, he fears he's losing his mind. Can true love transcend death?

Love Thy Neighbor: Rylee Parys, like her father and grandfather is a small time rancher with a big time problem. Embroiled in a bitter war over water and land, she stands alone against her neighbors who are dismayed to have a woman in control.
Ex-cavalry officer, Tom Duncan has returned home after the bloody civil war only to find himself in the middle of another war. Pitted against a slim, boyish looking woman, he’s uncertain who to believe. When the hostility boils over and becomes physical, Tom must make a stand.
As the clues add up these two bitter opponents must rely on each other to save not only their way of life – but the love that has grown between them.

Master's  Mistress: Sibling rivalry, deceit, and seduction flourish in Ancient Ireland as Amoda Ni Cormac struggles to free herself from the shadows of her enslavement.
His brother’s wedding brings Norse Prince Mykyl back to Bratthl’id Norway, and face to face with the proud Amoda Ni Cormac, a woman destined to be his oldest brother’s concubine. Driven by revenge, Mykyl steals the emerald eyed beauty.
Bound by duty, secrets, and lies, Mykyl and Amoda are caught in a battle for survival that will ultimately set them free.
Viscount's Prize: The rogue spy and his sheltered courtesan must fight to find a far more ephemeral reward than mere passion – they must try to survive falling in love in a time when love isn’t fashionable.
Bordering On Love:  With his future already planned out, US Marshall Marsden isn’t ready for the spitfire who interrupts his wedding - or the feelings she stirs on a wild chase to find his errant younger brother. For Marie Logan, defending her sister is just another day on the farm. That is until she finds herself falling for the one man she'll never have.


Sunday, May 27, 2012

Book Spotlight-Lessons from the Professor by Shyla Colt


Blurb
50 year old, Professor Sidney Rothman is no stranger to heartache at the hands of a younger woman. So when he meets the charming, sienna skinned beauty, Sutton he’s wary. Her sweet nature and natural tendency for submissive behavior over rule his fear, and Sidney decides to train her as a sub. 
Sutton Atkins is a woman who thrives on pressure. To reach her lofty goals and shoulder the weight of responsibility she’s sets aside her own emotional needs. After many years that practice is backfiring. Her life is lonely and her bed is cold. The electric connection she finds with Sidney seems like the answer to her problems. Until his introduction to BDSM unleash responses that frighten her. Good girls didn’t need to be spanked. Did they?
Can Sutton accept the lessons her professor has to teach her. Or will she lose out on love? 

A bit about me :
Shyla Colt is a Sound and Lighting Engineer turned Stay-At-Home Mom with two main passions, music and the written word. Her stories are a blend of the paranormal laced with humor, passion, and a “je ne sais quoi” that she’d like to call all her own. 
Married to her marine, she currently resides in sunny California where she allows her characters to tell her their stories while feeding her music addiction and raising her wild child. She credits John Hughes, Marvel comics, punk music and the first paranormal romance novel she picked up at thirteen for creating the unique muse that drives her. 
Links: 

Friday, May 25, 2012

Book Spotlight-Reluctant Revenge by Xandra James


Nash was bound to Sienna completely – by a blood connection and a deep desire. An Enforcer for the Supranormal community, he was obligated to protect his sexy assignment, despite her family devastating his world.
After being betrayed, Sienna falls into the arms of her surly protector; a demon with a secret of his own. But can she face her destiny knowing she's more dangerous than those Nash was protecting her from?


Luka was a bounty hunter who just wanted to do his job and get paid. Being a banished Shadow, he'd learnt the bitter lesson long ago that he was alone, after he was expelled from his home world by his own blood. Now, he needed to understand why he was wanted dead whilst his desire for the fiery haired witch erupted, out of control.    
As a rare moon-witch, all she'd ever known was a life of misery under the oppressive Fae-Guard. Nine years ago Cerys escaped the Meta-World after regretting the forced banishment of a Shadow. Now, she leads a normal life without her abilities and all she wants is to blend in. When a bounty hunter wants to take her back for a crime she didn't commit, she's willing to take a chance on her future by trusting the man who had no idea she'd wronged him years before. 
Xandra James has always wanted to write romance books. Even when she was sneaking peaks at the hot bits, too young to fully appreciate them, she dreamt of writing her own.
Now, older and wiser, she's got the opportunity to project her slightly dark and wacky, British sense of humor onto others, whilst still writing the hot bits - bonus!
When not writing, Xandra is thinking of excuses as to why she shouldn't be doing the housework, looking after a husband and cats that refuse to pick up after themselves and climbing the mountain in her house that's affectionately called her tbr pile.
She currently holds the crown for Queen Procrastinator – something she's very proud of – so you can usually find her online, somewhere, when she really should be writing.
Shadow Justice Excerpt
He watched as she looked incredulously at him and spun on her heel to march down the road in the direction they’d just come from. Her ass—the same ass he’d fantasised about when he hadn’t known it belonged to Cerys Bailey earlier—taunted him. So did that wavy red hair of hers. Luka had a thing for redheads. Who knew?
Cerys turned back to him, a fiery glint to her eye and stalked back toward him, standing toe to toe, “I was happy. For the first time in my life, I was happy. I wasn’t Cerys Bailey, moon-witch. I was Julie Travis, Ms Normal. And then you came along—”
“Technically, you’d already been busted. I was doing my job.” Luka tried not to grin, he really did, but she just looked so cute, all small and angry.
She spluttered for a few moments, the moonlight making her look wild as her hair fell in waves around her face and anger fisted her hands at her sides.
“I could tear you apart, inch by stupid inch if I wanted to.” She stood on tiptoes to face him almost eye to mouth, and Luka was temporarily distracted by the flowery smell that emanated from her hair. “I’m dangerous. Didn’t anybody warn you of that?”
Luka chuckled then laughed as steam practically erupted from her ears. “Sweetheart, if you could do more than heal yourself and look pretty, you’d have done it. I know that. Right now? You’re stuck with me until  we get out of the situation that you’ve got me into.”
“That I’ve got you into? Weren’t you listening? It’s you they want. I’m just a happy little bonus for them.” Luka scratched the stubble on his chin and shook his head.
“Either way, you’re still my bounty until I can figure out exactly where I stand.” Luka watched as Cerys’s mind ticked over and waited for the inevitable reaction, whatever that might be. She wasn’t a natural redhead, but she sure had their passionate temper, and that thought excited the hell out of him. 
What he wasn’t expecting from her was a kick to his groin and for Cerys to hightail it back along the track through a cloud of his pain and a mass of her hair. Any blood that had amassed down there retreated to his face and ears.
Luka staggered and he sucked in his breath, pain shooting into his stomach. Moments passed, and he couldn’t move.
“Bitch!” The word was wrenched from the depths of his soul.
As soon as his eyes began to clear from the tears that threatened to fall, he began to run like a drunk chasing a ten pound note in the wind with little focus at first, but slowly he gained on her. She glanced around in panic and stumbled, allowing him to gain precious distance. 
And then he switched.
Luka knew the moment it dawned on Cerys that he was no longer playing fair. The look of horror spread across her face as the inky blackness in front of her enveloped her and brought her down to the ground.
Although Luka preferred his human form, his Shadow made him feel alive—allowed him to become one with nature. He couldn’t touch her in his Shadow form but he could manipulate the air around her. It also wouldn’t stop his nuts from throbbing for the next few hours.
Appearing back to her in his human form, his mouth was inches away from hers. Cerys opened it to scream, but Luka took advantage and kissed her hard and fast. The woman was a menace. To herself and to him. The quicker he got to the bottom of all of this, the better.
She moaned beneath him, and any thoughts of resisting her charms, drifted away.
Luka didn’t want to feel anything from the kiss. He was scratching an itch that had been there since the moment he’d met her as far as he was concerned. Yet the more he tasted of her, the more he wanted. And that just wasn’t good.
Her skin was flawless, and he was momentarily taken aback by its perfection as he looked down at her. Luka swallowed as her tongue darted out to moisten her already damp lips. There was no way he should be doing this.
Pushing her away from him, he looked deep into her gorgeous green eyes and saw exactly what he was feeling—a deep longing desire. 
Shit.
Reluctant Revenge Excerpt
"I don't believe you."
"You don't believe what?" He made himself comfortable in the ratty looking seat and turned to her, his eyes already dismissive of anything she had to say.
"About the hunter thing. Why would you tell me that?"
"I don't lie, Sienna. Your family has been doing this for many years." He turned to look out of the windscreen. "Too many years. And they've hunted a lot of creatures." Nash turned to face her once more. "And even a human or two. Not that your family seems to have many qualms about that." His face had hardened, she noticed, lines appearing around his eyes as he glared at her. 
Sienna looked at him hard before actually making herself jump when a gurgle of laughter erupted from her mouth. He frowned at her which made her laugh harder.
"I'm sorry, I really am. But I think you might have inhaled too much gun smoke." She wiped her right eye where a tear had started to form. "I appreciate the save earlier on and obviously we need to get to the bottom of why I was chased, but I really don't think it was ghosts that were behind it all."
Nash looked like he wanted to throttle her. It sobered her slightly but the mirth still hovered. This sexy man was seriously cuckoo. Why were all the pretty ones gay or nuts? 
"Ghosts weren't behind it. I believe Strix were."
"And what are Strix, may I ask?" 
He hesitated for only a moment before speaking again. 
"Vampires who eat flesh with animal ferocity." 
Now, that was what she needed to snap her out of her sense of humour. He was talking blood suckers now. Did the police force know he should be suspended on medical grounds? She thought about her dilemma. Here she was, stuck in the middle of nowhere with a cop who thought vampires were real. Although she was pretty sure he wouldn't hurt her – hell, he'd saved her from certain death earlier on – he was still a tad unpredictable. Maybe she could talk to him about it all? Make him think she believed him until he dropped her off at the nearest police station? Mind made up, Sienna smiled sweetly. 
"Tell me about these vampires then. Are they like the ones in the movies?" 
"They are much, much worse. Believe me." He smiled at her and if she didn't know better, he had figured out she was just humouring him.
"So... can I see one?"
"That wouldn't be your smartest idea, Princess." Sienna nodded, pretending to be deep in thought and ignored the Princess quip.
"Are you one?" 
"Nope." 
"But you are human though, right?" Nash chuckled again, looking back towards the front windscreen. 
"Do I look human, Sienna?" Nash turned towards her and whatever she was about to say went out the window. Her breath caught in her throat and she stumbled away from the car door.
Eyes that were once green now shined in a golden hue, his pupils dilated into slits, reminiscent of a cat. But that wasn't what had caught her attention and made her hair stand on end. As she watched, the once tanned face that she'd admired minutes before was changing. No more was his skin clear but intricate markings had appeared in a line along the side of his face and disappeared down under the collar of his t-shirt. The hand that held the steering wheel caught her attention then and she watched in horror as the nails grew into small points and turned a deep black.  
Nash was a... he was a...
She didn't know what he was. 
Sienna's brain finally gave her two choices. Faint, which she longed for to put her into a state of unconsciousness. Or, run. 
Her feet made the decision for her.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Why Your Web Presence Could Cost You Readers by Camryn Rhys

 I spent many years as a reviewer and a reader before I became an author, so I’m going to take a few moments to speak to some future authors out there, or new authors. 
As a reader, after I read your book, whether I like it or not, I’m probably going to check out your website. So make sure it doesn’t suck. There have been several great blog posts written recently about how to make good author websites. My favorite is Roni Loren’s. Check it out.
But think of it from the perspective of your readers. A couple of times, I read some marginally good books and went to author websites looking to connect with them, talk to them, or ask questions, only to be so disappointed with the level of professionalism, which reflects on my desire to read their books again. If you don’t take yourself seriously enough to run a good website, I probably won’t take you seriously enough to read your next book.
When I get connected to your books and your characters, chances are, I’m going to want to see something about them when I go to your website. Assume I will like them. Put something up that entices me to get to know them better. Maybe write a little story that happens after your book and bury it somewhere for me to find. Give me some more information. Reward me.
Also, if your only web presence is going to be your blog (or your main web presence), you’d better make that blog full of content I want to read. I don’t particularly care what kind of coffee you had for breakfast this morning, nor do I want to read a rant about your mother-in-law / boss. I do care about what you think about the writing profession, about your meetings with fellow authors or your agent, and where your inspiration comes from. Think of your audience, and write a compelling blog. Or don’t blog. You don’t need one, so don’t do it unless you’re going to do it well.
Things I care about: your characters, your writing habits, the books you’re reading and what you think of them, the new cover art you just got, what you listen to while you write, what you’re currently working on, and when your next book is coming out. There’s plenty to blog about. Make it count.
Speaking of next books, mine is out now. It’s called Misbegotten Gaines and it’s part of the Decadent Western Escapes series set in Freewill, Wyoming. Kyle is a chef, Jamie a cowgirl. They’re like oil and water at first. If you like Romance So Good You Can Taste It, you’ll love this book.
Also, I have a Cowboys & Corsets & Cocktails release party going on right now. Everyone who comments on or tweets about the books or the release party will be entered to win an e-reader and a grand prize package of my favorite western romances, or my favorite Steampunk romances.
Stop by my blog or my Twitter feed to win.
Thanks for having me!



Kyle Harris lands a job as the new chef at the Misbegotten Gaines Ranch just in time for the launch of their new Singles' Trail Ride. When his new boss, the alluring Jamie Gaines, mistakenly believes him to be married, he goes along with the ruse to keep his job. But things start to heat up between them and Kyle has to choose between losing his job and letting Jamie get away.

Camryn Rhys grew up on the border of Canada and the US, and still hasn’t decided which country to call home. She splits her time between the Alberta and Montana Rocky Mountains, with friends and family in both beautiful locations. After running her own restaurant for several years and acquiring advanced degrees in writing, foodie romance seemed the only logical option. When she’s not watching the Food Network, she’s reading a romance novel, or if absolutely necessary, working as a consultant. Someone has to put really excellent food on the table.

Excerpt:
When a guy says he’s gonna work on a dude ranch, he kinda expects it to be run by…well, dudes. Instead, the only two people Kyle Harris could see when he pulled up to the Misbegotten Gaines Dude Ranch were women. And they were hot with a capital H-O-T. 
Hot enough that it got a little toastier in his car, and in his formerly roomy boxers under his jeans. Kyle had big plans for spending long days at his new job out on the dusty trail with men he could consider his brothers. Guys always looked tight in those John Wayne movies his mom used to watch. He had a feeling the wild would do that to a guy.
But being in the Wyoming wilderness with two gorgeous women would not lead to any camaraderie among the men. Nor would it lead to silent nights around the campfire eating beans from a can and drinking coffee from a tin cup while the coyotes yowled against the midnight sky. 
Okay, so maybe he paid a little more attention during those movies than he’d like to admit. But still. The kind of backside(s) he could see promised a lot of things, and none of them peaceful. Maybe he wouldn’t have to extend his sex hiatus after all.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Cooking Up Love with Candace Shaw


Hi, Lynn! Thank you so much for having me on your blog today.
Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I live in Metro-Atlanta with my husband of nine years and our pets, a parakeet and a weimaraner.  I’m originally from Florida but moved to Atlanta after I graduated from college. I write African-American contemporary romance novels. I read a variety of genres including historical and women’s fiction. I love to shop, garden and eat out.
What was the inspiration for Cooking Up Love?
Downtown Memphis, the trolley, blues clubs and barbecue. My husband and I went to Memphis in May, which is a barbecue and music festival that last the entire month of May. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the vibe. We stayed downtown in his cousin’s loft, walked or took the trolley whatever we needed to go in the downtown area and ate delicious barbecue. I didn’t want to forget the experience, so I incorporated some of it into Cooking Up Love.
Do you consider yourself to be more of a food critic or a chef?
While I do love to go to different restaurants and try new things, I’m also a picky eater so I wouldn’t be a good food critic. I’d hate everything with tomatoes! But I do love to cook new dishes, I guess I’m an amateur chef. I watch the Food Network and the Cooking Channel looking for ideas and then using my husband as a guinea pig. Plus, I come from a family of chefs. My grandfather and my uncles are chefs and own a few popular soul food restaurants in Atlanta and North Carolina. 
The tagline for my blog is 'Indulge Your Inner Romantic,' what do you do to indulge?
Like Shelbi and Justin, my husband and I love to cook together. About once a month we pick a recipe we saw on the Food Network and make it. We have jazz playing in the background, candles lit and some wine. Then we eat and cuddle on the couch…
What was your favorite part of Cooking Up Love?
Quite a few actually. But one that comes to mind is when Shelbi and Justin first meet on the trolley. She’s digging around in her purse for money to pay the trolley fare. People are behind her screaming at her to move or hurry up and then Justin appears. You can check out the excerpt below.
How did you choose the names for Shelbi and Justin?
The county of Memphis is Shelby. I’ve always thought it was a cute name in general, so it seemed appropriate to name my heroine Shelbi but with an “i.” Her last name, Arrington, is the maiden name of one my dearest friends and I’ve always liked it. My husband picked Justin’s name but no particular reason. I asked him for a name when we were driving back to Atlanta from Memphis and he said Justin Richardson. 
What's next in the Arrington Family Series?
I am currently working on Dr. Bria Arrington’s book, The Game of Seduction. She’s an allergist at the family’s private practice and prefers to incorporate naturopathic medicine with traditional. However, her father who is over the practice, is totally against it, causing Bria to make a decision to either stay or go to another practice. In the meantime, she finds herself falling for her sexy, mocha-covered friend, playboy Rasheed Vincent. I’m enjoying writing Bria and Rasheed’s book. This book has a sexy tone and there’s a lot of hot scenes including one where she blindfolds, handcuffs and places earplugs in his ears…This book will be available in fall 2012.
Blurb:
What happens when a suave, handsome chef meets a cute, sassy food critic?

When Shelbi Arrington accepts a position as a food critic in the hopes of burying her medical career and foregoing her residency, the last thing she’s searching for is love. However, that’s just what the doctor ordered especially when she lays eyes on the handsome chef, Justin Richardson. While sorting out her secret conflict of continuing her medical career, she falls for his mouthwatering charm, leaving her hungry for anything he has to offer.

Justin is leery of doctors because a doctor’s negligence caused his mother’s death when he was twelve. He has put his focus and energy into his restaurant, which had been a dream he and his mother shared. Justin is immediately smitten by the cute, sassy food critic that has him cooking up different ways to please her appetite. But when things start to heat up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that could extinguish the flame of their relationship. Will Justin be able to forget his pain and commit to the woman who has stolen his heart?
Excerpt
The red trolley stopped in front of her, and the door slid open. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the trolley driver who had a crush on her and gave her free rides whether she had money or not. She hoped the driver would have pity on her.
 “Good afternoon…um…”—she glanced at his nametag—“Mike. It seems I have given all of my change as a tip to the waitress a few minutes ago. All I have are these few…” She stopped to hold out her hand. “Pennies.”
The driver tilted his head to the side and looked down at her hand. “All you gave the waitress was some change?” he asked in a harsh tone.
Stunned at his remark, as well as embarrassed at the line of people behind her groaning impatiently, Shelbi didn’t know what to say or do. She checked her wallet, hoping she had a dollar hidden somewhere.
“Move it, lady!” a man behind her shouted.
“Hurry up!” a lady with a crying baby screamed.
“I have a slice of tiramisu you can have,” Shelbi whispered. “Never mind.” She turned to go before she said something rude, or worse, cried from embarrassment.
“I’ll take care of it,” a deep, concerned voice to her left said. A whiff of intoxicating cologne floated by as the considerate stranger dropped a one-dollar bill into the trolley’s money slot. 
“Thank you.” Shelbi looked up to see a chiseled, handsome face and a sexy smile that caused her breathing to stop. When their eyes met, an immediate rush of sensual excitement washed over her skin. She glanced at his hand that had just placed the money in the slot. No wedding ring, but it didn’t mean he was single. A man as chivalrous as him probably had women chasing him all over Memphis. 
“No problem.” He placed his hand at the small of her back. “Let’s go sit down.” The warmth in his voice and his kind gesture made Shelbi forget about her embarrassing moment.
While on their walk, Shelbi assessed his at least six-foot-one muscular frame, curly yet wild black hair, and a fair complexion with a slight tan as if he had just come from the beach. He wore jeans with a rust-colored corduroy jacket and a cream T-shirt, perfect for the first day of fall. 
Shelbi was used to the take-charge kind of guy thanks to her dad and her two overprotective brothers. However, the way the stranger glanced down at her, giving her a comforting smile, made her heart skip a beat or two and was anything but brotherly. 
Once settled in their seats, Shelbi turned toward him and once again was blown away by his strikingly handsome face. Her breathing unsteady, she tried to concentrate on the woman holding a baby the next seat over. Instead, her eyes were drawn to the good-looking stranger with dark, thick eyebrows and a neatly trimmed mustache with a slight beard growing in. He was sinfully delicious. If he were dessert, she would’ve devoured him right then and there. 
Giveaway Information:
One tour follower will win a $10.00 Starbucks gift card. Follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop to give you more chances to win. Plus, if you are a subscriber on my blog, you’ll have an extra entry. The winner will be selected on Random.org and I’ll announce the winner on June 1st on my blog. All entries must be in by 11:59 PM on May 31st.
Buy Links: 
Ways to Contact Candace Shaw


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Can We Talk?

These last few weeks have left me wondering what to do. On one hand I'm grateful to be living my dream. so to speak. I'm still waiting on the bestseller list and the royalty check that goes with it. :-) However this journey can be a little discouraging. I've thought about quitting. totally giving up blogging, promoing and everything that goes with this whole genie gig and then I meet someone who brightens things for me.

First there's Tara Chevrestt. She reviewed The Pick-Up Wife a couple of weeks ago and while she said some nice things about my story, there's only one thing I remember…The Queen of Sensuality. So do you think it will catch on? Should I use it everywhere? Maybe I should get a sparkly tiara and have half naked men fan me while they massage my feet and feed me peeled grapes.
No? Too much? *sigh* It was just a thought.
Then there was the lady who recognized my name from Facebook. Social media is working. I was tickled pink. :-)

Also I was invited by a group of fantastic authors to join their blog. How cool is that? Have you been to 69 Shades of Smut? Come give us a try. *grins* I'm well aware of what I said.

And the lovely Tonya Kinzer has asked me to be a guest on her blog this week, come check out an excerpt of The Pick-Up Wife. So stop in for some bubbly and a dip in the hot tub. Oh yeah and Tyrell will be attending to us all week. Ahhhh such is the life of a writer…or should I say The Queen of Sensuality?

Coming soon, I'm gonna be an APP!!!!

Until next time Indulge Your Inner Romantic.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Bad Boy of Romance-Sascha Illyvich



1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.
I am the bad boy of romance, have been writing for the last 13 years, published for as long and generally enjoy writing and reading erotic romance!  I throw bullwhips and singletails, am an occasional (hobby) bass player, teach, enjoy a finer quality of life and am a workaholic. 
2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?
I try, but it's very limited due to my hectic editing/writing schedule.  I read in my genre, mostly paranormal romance.  Lora Leigh is a new favorite as is Christina Dodd.  Oh and Crystal Jordan was just added because her characters and writing are damn sexy!
3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?
Alcohol…
4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?
Back to Hungary, maybe Italy.  
5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?
A crappy book.  Oh and I'm having trouble with the basic "concept" of a screenplay.  
6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?
Good question.  Probably either Lord Frika from Siddella's Submission and the followup, OR Bruce from Surrender to Love.  Lord Frika of the Black Angus is fae and powerful, Bruce has power through submission.  
7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?
I pour myself a glass of wine, bourbon, or cognac, light up one of my favorite cigars and sit outside in comfort, indulging in relaxation.  

Treasure has always had a thing for Mark, her best friend.  When he drops in unannounced, she's glad until she realizes his workload is keeping him occupied when the only thing on her mind is jumping him.   With the help of a very sexy friend, she uses the one thing designed to make Mark slow down and take notice.  What will he do at the temptation of two beautiful women?
Excerpt:
Mark looked at Treasure, wishing he could just fall asleep in beautiful pools of her eyes. Or swim naked with her.  
His cock hardened uncomfortably in his trousers.  Could Treasure feel his arousal?
Did she know the depths of wickedness he'd love to explore with her? 
He fought a yawn from the overbearing heat and length of his flight.  Closing his eyes, he leaned back in the chair and let out a breath.  The hectic schedule his travel required of him would exhaust anyone.  
The fact that his property was in Kingwood, he had to fly into Houston Intercontinental and then drive all the way back to Sugarland where Treasure lived added to his building fatigue, but hell, he’d do anything to see her standing before him, looking at him with a hidden mischievous grin and her hands on her hips.  Nipples would ache for him and jut out proudly while her oh so kissable lips moved.
“I’ve got all sorts of ideas, babe.”
“I’m sure you do,” she nodded.  “Just come to bed when you’re done.”
She walked away, ass swaying from side to side with each step she took.  Hands reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head before she disappeared, leaving him with a view of tanned skin, no bra and the need to slake his own primal needs tonight. 
“Damnit!”  Mark knocked back the drink and slammed the glass on the table.  He certainly didn't look forward to the next few weeks of very long Saturdays despite being so close to achieving his financial goals.  Not if Treasure intended to taunt him with hints at her naked flesh.  
He had to do something about his raging erection.  Maybe a cold shower.  Or maybe a long, hot shower featuring Treasure stepping into the large tub with him, setting her delectably round ass against his cock and coating his dick in her juices would...  
Sadly, Mark showered quickly, ignoring his hard on.  He dressed in pajama bottoms, a tank top that showed off his muscular arms and pale skin.  Bedtime included a nightcap, a large one designed to knock him out so he’d sleep without dreaming of Treasure’s body blanketing his while her pussy milked the life out of him.  
Mark slumped back in his chair, head hanging forward.  He took a sip of bourbon, let the liquid burn his throat before he took another longer swig.  Sitting up, he looked over the now neatly organized stack of papers
“Treasure?”
His lips curled upward.  
The bedroom door opened.  “Mark,” The soft lilting of her voice reignited the spark of arousal.  
Mark set his glass on the desk and waited.  “Yes dear?”
“It’s bedtime.  Come to bed.”
She sounded needy. Another man would have missed the subtlety of want in her voice.  “I have things to do before bed first.”  
“Then I’ll come to you.”  Her voice dripped with unmistakable husky lust.  
Mark arched a brow.  
A moment later, Treasure appeared before Mark wearing a black see through teddy that flowed out at the bottom with lace trimming and barely reached the top of her thighs.  A scrap of lace hid both nipples and obscured his view of her sex.  Dirty blonde hair fell around her shoulders in loose curls, bouncing with each step she took towards him.  Hands started at her shoulders, smoothed down her arms, over full breasts and down her round stomach until stopping at her hips. Treasure stuck one leg forward, took a tentative step closer to Mark and stopped mere inches from him. “Well?”
His jaw dropped.  He blinked several times to make sure he was seeing right before focusing on her expression.  
She frowned.  “You think I’m fat.  I knew it.”
“No!” He stood and took her hands in his.  His stomach tightened from the contact while his cock stirred against his pajamas.  Blood pumped faster down south and his mouth went bone dry.  “No, that’s not it. It’s just…just…wow Treasure.  I’ve dreamed of this for years.”
“What do you intend to do now?”  She tilted her head and her mouth curled into a wicked grin. 
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