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Still diddling with pictures more than words. I think maybe becasue it’s less solitary, and right now, I’m sort of refilling my energy stores by being with friends. I’m blessed to have such good friends. They model for me, and let me play photographer so I can practice. Check out some more photos from a recent shoot with a friend. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
Want to see more of STR’s pictures from the same shoot? Click here.
It’s DIOLOGUE Day!
From UNRESTRICED ACCESS in the MOST WANTED anthology:
He went back and forth in his mind on if he was actually going to call the number on the note or not. And finally, just before the eleven o’clock news came on Wednesday night, he dialed.
She answered on the first ring.
“Hello Jackson,” a husky voice said clearly.
“This is a little unfair, you know,” he said, keeping his voice natural. He was pretty sure he was talking to Jillian, but he’d done as the note asked, and not traced the number, so he wasn’t one hundred percent sure. “I don’t even know what to call you.”
“What would you like to call me?”
“What’s your name?”
“I’m going to make you a promise right now, Jackson. I’ll never lie to you. And because I always keep my promises, I’m not going to tell you my name right now. You can call me whatever you want.”
“Sneaky bitch?”
Her husky laugh made him smile, despite himself. “If you like.”
“Naughty wench?”
“How about Miss. J?”
His cock twitched. “That works.”
“Did you like the gifts?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“I know flowers are an untraditional gift for a man, but they always make me feel special. So, I thought maybe they would do the same for you.”
Strangely enough, they had. It wasn’t the flowers themselves, either. He could take or leave them. It was the way they were given to him. He’d never had anyone put so much effort into getting his undivided attention before. Normally women just flash a smile, flaunt their cleavage or offer to buy him a drink, whether it’s coffee or a beer in a bar.
The deliveries didn’t feel as superficial as the normal pick-ups.
“They certainly got my attention.” He paused. She sounded sane and normal, and very sexy. His instincts said she wasn’t a psycho. However, he wasn’t an idiot. He needed to know if it was indeed Jill. “The coffee was very nice, too. How did you know I drink coffee?”
There was that husky chuckle again. “I know you Jackson, Just as you know me. I’m not a crazy psycho stalker or anything. I’m just a woman, who finds you very intriguing and attractive.”
Gotcha! “We know each other?”
“Casually, yes.”
“Then why the Secret Admirer thing? Why not just talk to me?”
For a minute all he heard was her breathing, and he wondered if she’d answer honestly.
“You have a wall, Jackson. An invisible wall that you throw up every time it seems like the attraction between us rises. I wanted to go over that wall, and see if maybe we could explore that attraction for a night.”
There was so much in that sentence that he wanted to deny, and even more he wanted to explore. He’d start with the important things first. “A night?”
“I told you, I know you. Yes, just one night. A night of erotic exploration … of fantasy.”
He dropped into his favorite recliner and closed his eyes. “What kind of fantasy?”
“I’ve masturbated to fantasies of having your naked body at my mercy. Of blindfolding you before stripping your clothes off, bit by bit, then teasing us both with light touches. I want to search out your hot spots, play with them a little until you can’t hold back a groan of pleasure. Then I’d move on, find another spot, touch you somewhere, taste you somewhere else. See what makes your cock swell and your breath catch.”
Jackson pressed the palm of his hand against the straining fly of his jeans. “You seem to have found that already.”
“Are you hard?”
“Oh, yeah.” He pulled the button of his jeans open and had the zipper tab between his fingers when her next words froze him.
“Don’t touch yourself, Jackson,” she said sharply. “Not yet.”
His mind slowed, his cock throbbed, and a shiver ripped down his spine. “Christ,” he muttered.
“Jackson?” The sharpness had left her voice, and he could hear Jill now. The way she’d said his name was unmistakable. He’d heard that sharpness in her tone before, and he’d responded to it subconsciously.
It was why he’d always fought his attraction to her, it wasn’t because she was his neighbor, it was because she had that vibe. Because she was a dominant woman, and she called to that part of himself that he’d buried long ago.
“Answer me, Jackson. Are you all right?”
Sucking in his breath he sat up straight and stiffened his mental reserves. “Yeah,” he said. “I’m fine. You just caught me by surprise.”
Rustling sounds echoed over the phone and he could imagine her resettling into her chair. Crossing her legs at the knee, the top leg firm against the bottom. No nervous bouncing for her. She would be still… in control.
“So…” When she finally spoke again, her voice was husky. “That’s the start of my fantasy night with you. Does it appeal to you?”
“Yeah.” It appealed to him on such a visceral level that it scared him.
” These installments are so good new readers will love them as well. The characters are strong-willed, multi dimensional and very personable. You have to love a heroine as strong as her hero, and an alpha male not afraid to match wills with an equally dominant female. These couples find interesting situations rich in magic, turmoil, danger, incredible passion and just plain trouble. Ms. White seems to have a little too much fun writing her stories and finding ways to both get her characters into tight spots and then manage to either find their way out of them, or revel in their “predicament.” I truly enjoyed this book, and look forward to whatever comes next.”
Read MIckey’s Review at YOU GOTTA READ Reviews
WAnt to read more snippets?
Visit these authors toay.
Beth Williamson
Cynthia Eden
Elisabeth Naughton
Eliza Gayle
Jaci Burton
Jody Wallace
Kelly Maher
Lacey Savage
Lauren Dane
Marissa Scott
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers
Sasha White
Shelley Munro
Sylvia Day
Taige Crenshaw
TJ Michaels
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
I haven’t read an Iris Johansen book in a long time, and I completely admit it was the cover of this book that had me picking it up and carrying it to the counter. And I ever glad I did. I loved it!
Devon Brady is a devoted veterinarian working in a makeshift hospital on a remote search and rescue mission. When a man arrives with his wounded black Lab, Ned, she has no idea that she is about to be plunged into a whirlwind of terror and destruction.
Jude Marrock is out for revenge and has no choice but to involve Devon in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with an escalating body count. She doesn’t trust him one bit, but when the shots start flying and friends start falling, she finds herself with nowhere else to run. And there are innocent lives, both human and animal, at stake, including those of Ned and his mysterious pack. Is Jude Devon’s salvation or her damnation? Are the secrets he’s protecting worth killing for…or dying for?
I’d link to the authors website, but to be blunt, it sucks. I tried to find the blur on there, or an excerpt to link to, but nada.
That, however, does not distract from the fact that the book rocked. The characters were very well developed. I was kept guessing almost to the end if one in particular was a good guy or bad guy. (Which to me is great storytelling) The storyline itself was unique. And the ending pretty much perfect. It was an all around engrossing read that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
I’ll definitely book looking for more books with some of these characters hopefully showing up again.
What’s up for Grabs on July 15th?
There are 2 separate winners form the July 15th. Draws
First up.. Erin Suitor!
Erin, you win…
Fabulous YA author Darlene Ryan has donated copies of
Rules for Life
Saving Grace
Responsible
and her latest, Five Minutes More
*Along with a selection of Green and Black’s organic chocolate because it’s way more fun to lay around, read and eat chocolate.*
Erin, you know what to do, email me your snail mail addy and aI’ll pass it to Darlene. Thank you for the donation!!
* * *
Second Draw is for the Writers Prize pack, and the winner is MAGGIE GENTLE
Also up for grabs is the A Writers Prize Package from me (Sasha White)
* Wishing Stones
* Inspirational Necklace (Of if a male is picked, then a Handcrafted Glass Bead Bookmark…more masculine;) )
* Copy of Rebecca McClanahan’s Word Painting
* Sasha White padfolio
*Critique of Partial manuscript from me, (3 Chapters and synopsis) Sasha White.
Maggie, email me you information, and I’ll get your prizes in the mail right away. Thank you for your donation!
Next Draw is on July 31 and the prize will be
A signed copy of Tempted by a Cowboy by Delilah Devlin.
A Signed copy of Jaded byKarin Tabke
A signed copy of winners choice from my available backlist
Coming in August for Prizes….
A totebag full of Foxy Fun:
*tote bag from Mari Freeman
*signed copies of Sunstroked and The Hotline by Cathryn Fox
*EC playing Cards
*Cathryn Fox T-shirt and Pen
*Author swag and surprise treat.
These books will be grouped together in a mixed bags of deliciousness.
Signed copy of Texas Men by Delilah Devlin.
Signed copy of Good Girl Gone Bad, Skin byKarin Tabke
A signed copies of winners choice from my available backlist in each package.
HOW TO ENTER THE DRAWS
Twice a month I’ll be drawing a winners for some free books and treats that have been donated by generous author friends. If you want to enter the draw all you have to do is donate to my charity fund. You can do so on THIS PAGE of the Run For The Cure site. Unfortunately on that site you do have to have a credit card to donate. IF you want to donate, but do not have a credit card, and wish to do it by pay pal. Please use the CONTACT form here on my website and email me with RUN FOR THE CURE in the subject header, and I’ll tell you how to do so.
For every $5 you donate, your name will be entered into the draw once So if you donate $20, you’ll get 4 entries. Once you enter, that enters you for every draw from then on. Your name will not be removed.
Authors: If you wish to donate prizes, please use the CONTACT link on my website to email me and let me know what you’re donating.
Today’s Saturday Snippet is a scene where characters are at work or play. Well, my snippet is sort of both.
I chose a scene from UNRESTRICTED ACCESS in the Most Wanted anthology. Jackson Barrows, the hero of the story, is a cop. As is his best friend (who was the hero in SEX AS A WEAPON from The Cop anthology) In this scene you see them both, playing while at work – sort of. Read on, and you’ll see what I mean.
“Unrestricted Access”
Jillian Furst has lusted after detective Jackson Barrows long enough and decides it’s time for some female seduction. She sends him flowers and a steamy letter with explicit instructions for a sexual fantasy that keeps them busy in bed all night long…
“You’re going down, Barrows.”
Shifting his weight Jack kept his muscles relaxed while he balanced on the balls of his feet, ready to spring into action in an instant. He eyed the blond, and some would say built man in front of him. “In your dreams, Pip-squeak.”
“Fuck you,” Kane Michaels threw back a split second before he lunged.
Jackson’s chuckle echoed through the hallow room, bouncing off the walls and drawing attention to them. Not many people would call the almost six foot wall of solid muscle in front of him pip-squeak, but Jackson had a whacked sense of humor. Besides, Kane might have twenty pounds on him, but Jackson was taller, and he was a dirtier fighter.
A solid punch landed on his cheek, and the fight began in earnest. Fists swung out, kicks were blocked and strikes were parried as the two men matched skills. Blood heated, chased through his system by fast and furious adrenaline as sweat began to break out on his forehead.
Sucking in his gut, Jackson jumped back just in time to avoid a hard right to his solar plexus, his own left snapping out to connect with Kane’s jaw. The lightweight gloves they used offered only minimal protection, and Jackson felt that connect all the way up his arm.
Using his forward momentum he stepped in, wrapped an arm around his opponents neck and took him to the ground.
A loud oof! told him he’d timed it right and Kane would be winded. They grappled briefly but Jackson quickly got the upper hand with a combination arm bar-choke hold. He applied pressure slowly until Kane grunted and tapped the mat.
Jack’s focus widened and he became aware of the sporadic clapping and voices talking around them. The gym in the basement of the downtown cop shop was busy, and they’d gained some spectators during the sparring match, as usual. His and Kane’s weekly sparring match had become a bit of a ritual, with some of the other cops placing bets on who would win.
Jackson ignored them as he stood and held out his hand to Kane. His partner took it and Jackson helped him to his feet. They’d agreed long ago to never bet on their own matches, or to keep score of who won more often.
“You were lucky,” Kane said with a mock scowl.
“Your grappling skills suck, Kane. I’ll win every time it goes to the ground until you admit it, and let me show you some technique’s.”
It was true. Kane was a good cop, and a good fighter. But he was a boxer. It was the classic boxer versus martial artist debate. Kane thought a solid punch was the best offense. Jackson was more the ‘whatever works, use it.’ school of thought. If Jack could get him on the mat, he had the upper hand.
“Ohhh, Jackson,” a fake falsetto sing songed. “Flower delivery.”
Jackson pulled the small towel he’d been using away from his face and looked around. “What the hell?”
Mitchell, the desk sergeant was sashaying toward him with a huge vase full of flowers. A cop…in uniform…sashaying with flowers. It was a fucked up sight that had everyone’s attention.
Mitchell stopped in front of Jackson and thrust out the vase. “Flowers were delivered to the front desk for you, pretty boy.”
“Is it your birthday?”
“What’d you do to rate flowers, man?”
“You’re supposed to send the ladies flowers, Jack. Not make them send them to you.”
Kane nudged him, grinning and laughing. The comments and catcalls rang in his ears, but he ignored them, flashing a self-deprecating grin. Sure, he had a bit of a reputation as a player. Women liked the way he looked and he was a single guy who enjoyed their company. But he’d never had flowers delivered before, especially to the station!
He grabbed the flowers and set them down on the bench without looking at them.
“Aren’t you going to read the card?”
He glared at Mitchell who’d lifted an envelope from within the bundle. He snatched the card from the guy’s hand and opened it.
I look at you and fantasize about your body being my personal playground.
Do you like to be played with?
Your secret admirer.
Heat flooded his system. Not the heat of standing in a basement full of sweaty, panting men in the middle of August, but the heat of a desire long buried resurfacing…hard.
“Holy shit! Are you blushing?” Kane crowed, which of course made more heat rush up Jackson’s neck. “He’s blushing!”
“Fuck off,” he muttered to his partner. He folded up the note and clenched it in his fist before anyone could try and grab it or read it. He flipped his towel over his shoulder and started to walk away. “I’m hitting the showers.”
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Kane called.
“What?”
“These.”
Jackson turned to see Kane three steps behind him the overflowing vase full of flowers in his hands.
MORE SNIPPETS from some other fabulous authors:
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Kelly Maher
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle M Pillow
Moira Rogers
Shelley Munro
S. J. Day
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Lauren Dane
I’m over at Romance Divas, talking about Burnout all day today.
COPING WITH BURNOUT: Keeping The Fire Alive Under Pressure with SASHA WHITE
If you’re not a member, you will have to register, but it’s free. :)
ANd if you haven’t rad Charlie’s latest post about Crazy Writers You’re missing out. It’s FABULOUS!
UPDATED TO ADD: Oops. I forgot abotuthe draw for my Donate and Win on the 15th!
I’ll post the winners later tonight. I have to run to work right now! Thanks for your patience
I wish I had somethign to post about, but honestly, right now I’m just sort of doing normal every day things. I’m finishing up my taxes for 2008 (Yes, I’m behind on them. This year has gone past WAY to fast.) I’m working 4 shifts a week at the bar, trying to watch what I eat, trying to get some writing in. Trying to get some photography in.
I am reading a lot. Not many new books though. Mostly old favorites. I try a couple of new books every now and then, but to be honest, I’m not finding many that interest me. It just seems like lately every time I pick up a book either it sounds too familiar (as in, I’ve read this over and over already) or it sounds great, I read it, and find the story itself, or the writing, lacking some magic. I’m not sure if that’s me being too picky, or the writer in me being too analytical. Or if there really is something missing from those stories. So, I’ve gone back to reading some of my tried and true favorites.
What are you reading right now? Anything you think I should give a try?
The Not Going To Conference Conference..
Starting tomorrow, From July 14th- July 18th at Romance Divas.com (IN the forum) There will be Online Workshops of all kinds for those of you not going to the RWA Conference in Washington. On July 17th, I’ll be giving a workshop on Burnout: How to Avoid it; How to Handle it. Something I’ve learned about over the past year.
Romance Divas is a huge community full or writers of all levels, and all sub-genres. You do have to join the forum, but it is free. :) CLICK HERE to view The line up for the week.
Also, be sure to check out PaperbackWriter’s blog all week long. She’s doing her own workshop every day, (and this woman not only knows how to write, but she’s awesome at explaining things so that even *I* can understand. ) Todays is on Conceptual PLanning, Construction, and Development. Even the title scares a panster like me, but honestly, I learned from it. You should go check it out. Plus, she’s also linking to others all over the internet.
Happy Monday!
This weeks theme for Snippet Saturday is prologues. Some readers aren’t fans of prologues, and I find it ironic that I’m one of them. Yet, I’ve been known to write them once or twice. However, I always work on keeping them short, and see them more as a way to set the tone of whats to come than anything else…
Since they’re so short, I’m going to give you 2 snippets. The prologue from WATCH ME (my story in the KINK anthology), and the one from LUSH.
Prologue
What is it about the tease that’s so hot?
You know what I’m talking about. That tingle you get between your thighs when someone exciting catches your eye, or when you catch his. The lingering looks, the hair toss, the silent communication. That time when your blood heats up and your body awakens as you feel the magic of “what if?”
It’s almost … intoxicating.
I used to flirt a lot. Men used to flirt with me. Then I got married. I haven’t gained weight or let myself go, but somehow, I’ve changed. I know it, and they know it. I think it’s because the chase is over. The magic of flirting, the heightened awareness that arcs between two people, the building of anticipation… it’s gone.
And I don’t know exactly when, or how, it disappeared.
The sad thing is, it also seems to have disappeared between my husband and me.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my husband. Grant is still very attractive in every way, and leaving him has never occurred to me. I’d never cheat on him, either.
Yet, I can’t deny that a certain restlessness has been building in me for some time.
For another excerpt from WATCH ME CLICK HERE
Prologue
At first glance it was rude. Yet, the longer Teal looked at it, the more details she noticed … and the faster her pulse raced. The photograph shifted from rude to … raw, as she looked past the shadowed anus and the pouting pussy lips.
She noticed the strength of the hands caressing those curved hips. The water droplets scattered over taut skin of beautifully molded buttocks and firm thighs, as if recently washed, but not dried. The background was dark, the bodies anonymous. There was nothing else to the photo. Erotic in it’s simplicity, the only thing that mattered was the touch of those hands and the sensations created.
The visible wetness that covered the woman’s swollen sex made it gleam lasciviously and Teal almost wished it were her that was bent over, being caressed, being prepared masterfully for a night of erotic attention. She swallowed and squeezed her thighs together as the photograph evolved from raw to…luscious.
It was in that moment that the idea came to her. She’d been feeling a little lost and alone, like she didn’t have a purpose. Her parents were happy in their corner of the world, and her brother had found a career he seemed to thrive in. Yet for her, jobs came and went, men came and went. Nothing seemed to challenge her anymore.
She knew there was more to life than partying and she wanted to have goals, she knew she could do anything if she put her mind to it. She’d just never had a clue what she’d wanted to do before. Other than be successful, be independent. But right then, when she looked at that photograph, a lightening bolt struck and she knew.
She could use her ambition and drive, her salacious mind and her ability to think outside the box, and finally carve her own special niche in the world. A successful and unique place that would be all hers.
And it would be called… Lush.
For more excerpts from the book LUSHCLICK HERE
Behind the Book, visit the LUSH Gallery
* * * * *
For More Saturday Snippets, visit these authors.
Shelley Munro
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Sylvia Day
TJ Michaels
Jaci Burton
Michelle Pillow
Lacey Savage
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson
Beth Kery
Mandy Roth
This is a picture I took when I was in Ireland years ago. It’s simple really, just a doorway I thought was very unique and cool that had a subtle Celtic vibe to it. I recently scanned the photo and wanted to do something unique with it, and came up with this.
What do you think? If you saw a doorway that led into space or another universe, would you go through it?
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