Archive for July, 2008



Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Secret Thoughts- in Print!

Evil Editor Angie James has made it happen! Secret Thoughts: EROTIQUE and LUSTFUL have been combined to make one print collection. It will be released on October 28, 2008, and it’s Available for Pre-Order Now!.

Domination or submission? Menage a trois or man on man? What about voyeurism? A tease? A taste? Sink your teeth into this collection of erotica short stories from five top erotic storytellers.

Everyone has them. Those Secret Thoughts that bring forth your hottest dreams and desires. The ones you dont share, the ones that make your heart pound and your blood heat. What’s your pleasure? Kink? A lusty encounter with a stranger? Two strangers? How about man on man while you watch?

These authors draw back the curtain on your deepest, lustiest, most secret forbidden fantasies. Slow and sensuous. Or hot and hard. The pleasures all yours. Go on. Step through the curtain. You know you want to.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, D/s, light bondage, menage a trois, hot nekkid man-love from the naughty minds of Sasha White, Beth Williamson, JJ Massa, Laura Bacchi, S. Desires.

Read a short snippet of Connection, by ME, in the Secret Thoughts Collection:
Read the rest of this entry »

Friday, July 18th, 2008
Books I loved.

Okay,I’ve been reading a lot. A week or so ago I talked about how some books have been so disappointing..but in this post I’m going to talk about some that I really enjoyed.

TWILIGHT FALL by Lynn Viehl

In a market flooded with vampires, Lynn Viehl’s Darkyn stand out head and shoulders above the rest.

I started reading the Darkyn books with IF ANGELS BURN, mostly because I loved the title so much. Full of tension, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Intrigue, suspense, romance and history, IF ANGELS BURN lived up to its title, as has every Darkyn novel since.

TWILIGHT FALL is Valentin’s story….but to me, it was more Liling’s story. The female lead who is one of the Brethren’s ‘experiments’ all grown up. I can’t say a lot because honestly, so much enjoyment comes form reading the book and learning as you go
I hate to even hint at what might become spoilers. Dr. Alex is back, as are many others who make this book the wonderful story it is.

I do think readers will enjoy it more if they’ve read other Darkyn books, but the author does a wonderful job of leaking it the backstory a bit at a time, so that you’ll never feel out of the loop, and you’ll still fall for the characters.

FEARLESS FOURTEEN by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is back, and there has been talk. Before I read the book I read a bunch of online reviews, many of them not good. I Disagree.

Was it fantastic? Not exceptionally so.
Was it a good read? Yes. If you like any of the Stephanie Plum novels, you’ll enjoy this one too.
And that sort of sums up what I think was lacking for me. I love Stephanie Plum, and all that comes along in her stories, but this particular one, was lacking the ‘magic’ for me.

I can’t really pinpoint why, but I think it might be a combination of things.
~I missed Grandma Mazure. She wasn’t involved in this caper much, and I missed her.
~I also missed the tension between Steph and Ranger (Because personally I’d be all over Ranger, not Joe…*drool*)

I do love Stephanie, and this was classic Stephanie Plum. I enjoyed it, and am still a fan, will still buy the next one on the day it comes out, but I hope to see a bit more of the magic back next time.

THE GRIPPING BEAST by Charlene Teglia

This is a time travel story with hot Vikings.

The premise of the story is nothing too surprising - a modern woman thrown back in time and all the complications that come with that. The story is again, nothing really surprising or twisted. But Charlene Teglia does a great job with her character development, and she had me engaged from the beginning.

It’s not surprising that the book won several nominations and awards:
* 2006 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee, Best Erotic Romance
* Romantic Times 4 1/2 Star Top Pick
* Love Romances Reviewer’s Choice Golden Rose Award

Ms. Teglia draws a clear picture with her words, and keeps the tension hot and the sex hotter. With The Gripping Beast Teglia proves that if the author knows what they are doing, there is no such thing as a story that has been told too often. If you’ve ever had a Viking fantasy of your own, you’ll Love THE GRIPPING BEAST.

GABRIEL’S HORN
ROGUE ANGEL Series

GABRIELS HORN is book 13 in the ROGUE ANGEL series. This is a series that I saw in bookstores many many times before I actually picked one up. The title caught my eye, and the consistent and intriguing cover art kept catching my eye. But I just wasn’t ready to delve into another series. I know many readers love to delve into a series, but that’s never been me. I like stand alone books…at least I used to.

The first series that hooked me was Stephanie Plum books, then the Dark-Hunters, and the Darkyn, then Kitty the were-wolf and Mercy the shifter. And finally Annja Creed and the ROGUE ANGEL series.

The first book I picked up was PROVENANCE, and I’ve gotten every one since, and ordered the backlist online.

Annja Creed is an archeologist, and sometimes host of a TV show called CHASING HISTORY’S MONSTERS. Think female Indiana Jones or Relic hunter, but with a fantastic twist. She has Joan Of Arc’s sword.

Yep, at the start of each book there’s a bit about legend of Joan of Arc, and how her sword was shattered while she burned at the stake, and thrown to the crowds. I’m not sure how Annja got the sword (I haven’t read the first books yet) but she has it. It is always with her, in what she calls ‘the otherwhere’. All she has to do is concentrate, and she can pull it out of thin air, and use it. And she does. This is one kick ass heroine. She’s smart, and tough, and fights. Oh, and did I mention that she’s beautiful? Yet she doesn’t ever focus on her looks. And while there are sometimes men she’s attracted to, these are definitely not romance stories. I know who *I* want her to get together with, but I have no idea if that will ever happen.

Each book is packed with action, adventure, history, intrigue and suspense. I love Annja Creed and this series!

Oh, and the last two books that were released have the exact same price in US and CDN dollars on the back of the book…which thrills me. It’s nice to know that there is A publisher out there paying attention to the dollar value, and making sure their Canadian readers can keep up with the books.

Surprisingly, I’ve learned that Gold Eagle, who publishes the Rogue Angel series, is part of Harlequin. LOL Anyway, You can read more about the books here at the Gold Eagle blog.

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
Love this song

Really, is it a surprise I like this song? Playful, sexy, and catchy. It doesn’t hurt that Katie Perry is beautiful.. I’d kiss her.

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
Demonica is here.

Finally, Larissa Ione’s Pleasure Unbound is here. I waited for this book, and while I readily admit I hate waiting, it was worth it.

Y’know, I used ot say I wasn’t a huge paranormal reader, but authors like Lynn Veihl, Patricia Briggs and Carrie Vaughn have converted me. Now I’m adding Larissa Ione to that list.

Pleasure Unbound is the first in her Demonica series from Grand Central Publishing, and I’m thrilled that it’s just the beginning.

In PU we meet Eidolon (an incubus demon) and Tayla, (A demon slayer), and many others. This story is full of suspense and heat, just what I like in a story. I’m not going to go into any more details because I really want you to read the book, and enjoy stepping into the Demonica world on your own, learning as you go. To me, a great book is one that you just get sucked into and can’t put down, and this book is that…go get it NOW. You won’t regret it.

Monday, July 14th, 2008
LB&LI

LB&LI stands for Left Behind and Loving it. A series of virtual workshops that some of us who won’t be attending the RWA National Conference put on for anyone and everyone who wants to take part.

PBW has done it a couple of times now, and this year I’ll be following in her inspiring footsteps.

The week of July 28- August 3rd I’ll be doing a virtual workshop here on my blog titled VOICE: The Magic Behind the Words.

I readily admit I’m not a huge craft hound when it comes to writing, and there are few topic in the writing area that I feel confident enough about to give a workshop/lecture on. Voice is a topic near and dear to me, because not only is it something I feel makes an author special, it’s something I feel confident talking about. Not only has my writing voice has been called “distinctive and delicious” by The Romance Studio, but it’s something commented on often in reviews and by readers. If you want to learn what *I* think makes voice strong ….Join me here on July 28th and take part in my free Virtual Workshop.

OH, and There will be goodies to be won for those taking part. :)

VOICE: The Magic Behind the Words

What is it that makes a story stand out? We all want to know the secret, but the truth is
there is no secret. What makes one book stand out from the other, what makes one story memorable isn’t always the complicated plot or the unique characters. More times than not, it’s the author’s voice. In this five day online workshop I’ll help you discover and strengthen your personal voice and style, and show you the way to the magic behind the words.

Topics Covered

What Is Voice?
On the first day we’ll talk about what Voice is, and why it’s so important to develop your own. There will be exercises to help you discover your own strengths and discussion on how to capitalize on them.

What Is Style?
Your voice is part of your style, and your style is part of your Voice. The two are separate things, but they have to work together to create an individual flavor for each author’s storytelling. This day we’ll cover the different aspects of style and how to recognize your own.

Trusting Your Characters.
So you know your characters, and you’re ready to tell their story, yet you’re struggling. It might be because you’re not listening to them. Part of voice and style is the characters that you create. However, you’re not doing yourself any favors by creating fantastic characters, then not staying true to them within the story. I’ll share some my tricks with you on how to turn off your own mind so your characters can speak through you.

Trusting Your Instincts
We all have them, we just don’t always listen to them. You are now working for yourself, and you need to learn to trust yourself, in all aspects of your work from the words you put on the pages to the brand you want to build.

Last Chance Q & A
The final day will finish with a no holds barred Q & A period. If you have any questions left for me, this is the time.

Sunday, July 13th, 2008
First Review

I got the first review for MY PREROGATIVE today! It comes from JERR.

My Prerogative is an extremely well written book about a real woman, in my opinion. I would hug Ms. White if I could because I was so happy to read a story about a woman who is able to enjoy her sexual freedom and not be ashamed of it. Kelsey loves sex; she enjoys different scenes, men, and places. There was a lot of sex and men in this story but all were tastefully written and, best of all, hot and steamy! There was sex on the beach, the restaurant, the apartment and with toys. Oh my! There was some bondage play, submissive and mistress, spanking (hand and strap), voyeurism, and yummy straight sex. The storyline was very well written with secondary characters playing a key role in the story. The man for Kelsey, Harlan was well described and didn’t overshadow her. Ms. White created a story that I could relate to and I felt really good about Kelsey’s insight to what was missing in her life. I recommend My Prerogative to anyone who loves a strong female character and lots of sex.”
- Reviewer: LT Blue

The release date for this book is September 2nd but MY PREROGATIVE is up for PRE-ORDER at Amazon.com at a 20% discount.

I also learned fellow author, and friend Saskia Walker had something to say about WICKED, and me as an author, today. Yes, she’s a friend, but I know Saskia doesn’t say things she doesn’t mean, so I am thrilled at what she had to say on her blog after reading my latest release. CLICK HERE to go to her blog and check it out!

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Life Update

I feel bad about blogging only about books lately, but really, nothing exciting is happening in my life. I’m working a lot, trying to pay down the debt I incurred by working only 6 hours a week for the past 2 years so I could write. LOl I’m mostly enjoying work, but it’s totally hitting home how out of shape I’ve really let myself get. Working a full shift KILLS my feet. and my knees, and my back. LOL Makes me feel old.

Speaking of old….take a peek at my Mom. *grin*. Kidding! My mom may be older in years, but she does not look it, or act it… hmm…I think that trait runs in our family. Anyway, this is my Mom, who HATES having her pic taken.

I’m still focusing on my health the way I know I should, but… it’ll happen soon. I think I’m going to HAVE to soon.

Reading is another thing I’ve been doing alot of. I blogged the other day about being disappointed in so many books I’ve read lately, but there have been some awesome ones too. I’ll put up reviews for them soon. So watch for my thoughts on, Twilight Fall by Lynn Veihl, Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich, Nothing To Fear by Karen Rose, Reckless by Saskia Walker
lol

Also, there’s been a family dinner or two…here’s pic of my older bro… yeah, he’s not fond of having his pic taken either…but *I* want pictures of my family… so here he is.

He’s a forestry/environmental guy. And a hunter- weird combo isn’t it? He’s also one of the top ranked shooters in the nation. He helped me make Drake’s shot in Primal Male realistic, since Drake was a sniper when in the military.

Anyway, those are to come. LOL For now, I just wanted to post a couple of random pics, say HI, and that I hope y’all are enjoying your summer!!

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008
Sales

WICKED is now a Bargain Book for $4.99 at Amazon!

TROUBLE is a Bargain Book for $4.99 at Amazon.com!

GYPSY HEART is for sale witha 20% discount as well. That means it’s $9.20 at Amazon.com right now.

MY PREROGATIVE is up for PRE-ORDER at Amazon.com at a 20% discount.

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
Congratulations!

When I first decided I wanted to try my hand at writing a novel, I decided to target Blaze, because it was shorter than a full novel, and sexy. (This was 5 years ago, before novellas hit the scene, and EC was still a baby) I founf the eHarliquen website in the back of a book, and went there, and found a whole community of romance lovers.

I hung out in the I AM CANADIAN thread, and the STRUGGLING WRITERS CLUB. And even though I don’t hang out there anymore, I made several friends there that I still am in touch with. Some are just writer talk ones, but a couple have become more. Vanessa Jaye is one of those friends that has become more than a writer talk buddy. She’s been there for me through the good and the bad times, always there to listen, encourage, and sometimes to set me straight.

Not only is Jaye a good friend, but she’s a talented writer. I’ve known this for years, and I’m thrilled she’s finally at a place in her own life where she has decided to put more focus on her own writing. Surfing through my own blog posts the other day, I found this post from January 10, 2005 where I first mentioned her story FELICITY STRIPPED BARE. (And if you go read the post, you’ll see that Cece otherwise known as Amie Stuart, has been a bud for a long time as well.)
This is what I said about FSB then:

“I also was lucky enough to read Vanessa’s Golden Heart entry FELICITY STRIPPED BARE. I’m not a judge for the GH so it’s ok for me to rave about it! :hehe: I tell you, this was one story that has it all, Vanessa’s sharp wit shines through in her h Felicity, who is a street smart beauty struggling to find her own niche in life. The H, Daniel, is a real man that could make any woman drool. Even the secondary characters shine through with life and vitality. As it stands this ms is unsold
but I have NO doubt it will sell..and I’ll be getting an autographed copy!”

As we all know, life is hectic, and we can’t always find the time to do everything we want to. A couple of months ago Jaye finally got off her ass (Kidding!…sort of. ) and dusted the manuscript off and submitted it to a publisher. Today, I’m so absolutely freakin’ proud that Vanessa’s Jaye’s first novel, FELICITY STRIPPED BARE is finally published.
Check it out!

Just when things are looking up, she falls for the man of her dreams.

It’s been ten years since Felicity skipped out of high school, leaving behind the taunts of “retard”. Things have hardly improved since then. Her job waitressing at a strip club is just one more tick in the “sucks” column of her life. Now she’s signed up for tutoring and her future looks bright
until her hunky new landlord starts wreaking havoc on her libido.

And did he just say, “Evicted”? Not so fast, buddy. She may be dyslexic, but she’s not stupid.

Daniel MacKenzie is this close to achieving his dream of setting up his own renovation company, so he’s not interested in more demands on his time. Not even if one of those demands is a tenant wearing skintight jeans, teetering on four-inch heels and complaining a blue streak with the most kissable mouth on the planet.

Despite his resolve not to mix business with pleasure, Daniel not only teeters, he tumbles head-first into the scorching sexual tension between them.

He’s a man who’s used to getting what he wants, and he’s not above pulling every trick in the book to get—and keep—Felicity in his life. But she’s holding something back.

And he’s afraid it’s her heart.

And I’m not the only one who thinks it’s great. CHeck out what Azteclady says:

“Felicity Stripped Bare is Ms Jaye’s debut novel, published by Samhain. In my (never humble) opinion, though, this doesn’t feel, doesn’t read like a debut novel. Not at all. The characters are so appealing and the writing so compelling that I read it in one sitting…They are both painted so well, their feelings and struggles—internal, with each other, with their past, with their families—so real, that my heart was in my throat more than once while reading this novel.

Read the full Karen Knows Best review for Felicity Stripped Bare HERE. And you really should, as she has some great insight into the story and characters in her review.

If you don’t know Vanessa Jaye, you can learn more about her by visiting her NEW WEBSITE HERE.

If you want to read an Excerpt For FSB, you can do it HERE.

If you want to Purchase FSB, you can do it HERE.

Sunday, July 6th, 2008
News Bits

The Good, Bad, and Unread has posted a review for MEANDROS, the free read I just made available to everyone. Check it out HERE

In other news, I’ve started work on my next Aphrodisia. It’s a single author anthology titled MOST WANTED. The three stories will not be connected to each other, but they are all connected to my previous Aphrodisia’s. One story will be Lexy and Devon, (From THE CRIB in Pure Sex) one story will be Jackson Barrows (The cop in SEX AS A WEAPON in The Cop) and the last story will be Gabriel Mann’s, who is Caleb’s Brother form SEXY DEVIL )

I’m super excited about this antho because these are characters I get reader emails asking about, and who I’ve always meant to get back to.

I don’t have a release date, but I’m guessing it will be summer 2009. (I think)