P.G. Forte's Blog, page 58
January 2, 2014
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
Welcome to out blog hop! As always, if you fall off somewhere along the line, just go to http://justromance.me to jump back on.
Today, I've decided to post an excerpt from my Futuristic/Sci-Fi/Menage, Finders Keepers. It's set in the winter (in Lake Tahoe, for the most part) and it totally fits the theme of the hop. It's also my first published menage, it's out in print AND ebook, and I love it. Here's the blurb and excerpt. Enjoy!
Blurb: Sometimes finding what you want is the easy part.
Caleb is a bionic soldier with little-to-no memory of his past. He's seeking the truth about himself and those missing memories.
Aldo's an undercover cop who just might have the answers to Caleb's questions. But if Caleb's the man Aldo thinks he is, how can he let him get away a second time?
Then there's Sally; she's an ER physician who used to be married to Aldo's late partner, Davis. Sally's not dealing with widowhood very well. In fact, it's getting harder, every day, just to find a reason to keep getting out of bed. If the truth about the men's shared past comes to light, she could lose them both. Along with her last, best reason to go on living.
This holiday season, chance will bring them together and give them an opportunity to help one another find what they each want most. But every gift comes with a price. And keeping what they've found once they've found it? Yeah, that's gonna be the hard part.
Excerpt:
“It’s pretty up here, isn’t it?”
Caleb turned as Sally came to join him at the railing. She
was wearing a fuzzy sweater—mostly purple, but with bright bits of pink and
gold and olive green mixed in that made her eyes look even bluer—over snug
jeans and carrying a steaming mug of coffee. In the sunlight her hair looked
almost iridescent. “Yeah, it is,” he said, smiling at her. “And it’s just
gotten prettier.”
That got him a smile in return—one of those knowing,
secretive smiles all women seemed to do so well, full of mystery and
promise—and a softly spoken, “Thank you.”
“Thank you for
letting me barge in on your vacation like this. I hope I’m not intruding?”
Amusement sparkled in Sally’s eyes, and another pretty blush
climbed her cheeks. She took a sip of her coffee and then said, “Aldo didn’t
tell you, did he?”
Uh-oh. “Tell me what?”
“I only agreed to come because he said you’d be here.”
“What?”
Sally shrugged. “He’d been pestering me about it for weeks,
but I guess I thought it would be too depressing. You know, just the two of us,
sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves? I know he thinks he needs to take
care of me, but he didn’t have to spend his holiday doing that.” She glanced at
him and smiled. “But then he told me you were coming up here with him and…”
She trailed off, eyes gleaming, cheeks even pinker than
before. Caleb felt his chest tighten in alarm. “I’m not with him,” he hurried to explain.
Sally ducked her head. “I know that. Or…at least I hoped
that was the case. After you left the other night, I have to admit I wasn’t
completely sure.”
Caleb sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run out
on you the way I did.”
“Yeah.” She put her coffee down, leaned her forearms on the
railing, and turned her head to look at him curiously. “About that. What
happened there? I thought things were going pretty well and then…?”
“They were.” He placed his hand on hers. “You know they
were. It’s just that I didn’t know about your husband at the time. And then
when I saw your home…I guess I got it in my head that you had a boyfriend who
was maybe out of town or, I dunno, maybe you two had had a fight or something,
and I didn’t want to get in the middle of that. I mean, I couldn’t get in the
middle of that. You know who I am, but it’s not supposed to be common
knowledge. But then you kissed me, and I stopped caring about that. Until the
phone rang and…” He broke off with a shrug. “I should have given you a chance
to explain.”
Sally nodded sadly. “I know. You should have. And I should
have told you about Davis. Aldo said the same thing.”
Aldo again. Caleb straightened away from her. “Sounds like
you two are really close.” He couldn’t believe how much that fact bothered him.
Sally nodded. “We are. He’s my best friend.”
“And you met him through your husband?”
“Other way around. I’ve known Aldo since college. He’s the
one who introduced me to Davis.”
“I see.” Aldo. Davis.
Caleb suppressed a sigh. He loved the way her tongue caressed their names. He’d
give anything to hear her say his name like that. “I guess I’m confused. I
thought he was older than you.”
“He is. But only by a few years. He was in the military for
a while. He went back to school after opting out.”
“Oh yeah? Where? What branch?”
“I don’t know.” Sally picked up her mug again and took
another sip. “He might have mentioned it once. Probably he did, but I don’t
remember and he never talks about it. Something happened to him there. I don’t
know what other than that it left him disillusioned about pretty much
everything—but don’t tell him I said
that. Like I said, he hates talking about it.”
Her words barely registered. Caleb’s attention had gotten
caught up in the way her tongue traced over her lips. The need to kiss her
again had been building inside him ever since he’d left her apartment the other
night. Now it all but overwhelmed him. He shifted closer. Her eyes widened in
surprise when he took the mug from her hand and set it on the railing, then
grew dark as heat and understanding took the place of surprise. Her lips curved
upward, and that was all the invitation he needed.
He gently caged her face in his hands. As he bent his head,
her mouth opened on a soft sigh. She tasted of coffee and cinnamon and woman, a
lush, spicy flavor that went straight to both his heads. He groaned as he
wrapped an arm around her back and pressed her close. He couldn’t get enough of
her. From the way her hands clutched at him, crushing fistfuls of his jacket,
he had the feeling maybe she felt the same. As she went up on her toes, her
hips brushed along the length of his erection, stroking him through his jeans.
Even that slight contact was enough. He sucked in a quick breath as desire
knifed through him.
He cupped her butt in his hands, and then he lifted her
against him, intent on grinding his hips into hers. A soft whimper left her
lips as she slipped her arms around his neck and teased his tongue with hers.
He had never been sorrier for all the layers of clothes that separated them.
Despite the fact that they were outside in broad daylight and it was cold as
hell, he’d have had them both undressed in an instant—if he could only figure
out how to do it without breaking her hold on him or breaking their kiss, or
without taking his hands off her for even a second.
It took the sound of a door slamming open and a loud voice
announcing, “Hey, c’mon. Breakfast!” to shake Caleb back to his senses.
He lifted his head. His gaze immediately locked with Nash’s
across the width of the deck. Nash stood just outside the cabin door. His hands
were fisted at his sides, and an odd, angry-looking flush was on his face.
There was a look in his eyes Caleb couldn’t decipher, even with his enhanced
vision. What was that?
Anguish? Longing? Jealousy? Need? It was gone before he
could figure it out, if it had even been there at all.
Certainly Nash’s voice sounded nothing but jovial as he
demanded, “Are you two at it already?” He spread his hands wide and arched one
brow and looked pointedly at Sally until she giggled and hid her face in the
front of Caleb’s jacket—for which reaction Caleb totally owed him. “I can’t
leave you alone for a minute, can I?”
“Oh, sure you can,” Caleb replied, loosely folding his arms
around Sally. “In fact, why don’t you just go back inside? Go back to doing
whatever you were doing and let us get back to doing…whatever we were doing,”
he added, consciously echoing Nash’s own words to him at the station the other
day. He wasn’t ready to give this up yet. He was enjoying it all too much—the
way Sally felt nestled against him, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms.
This was why he could never give up women entirely—or part of the reason,
anyway. It didn’t matter if a handsome man could turn his head from across a
room or across a redwood deck. It didn’t matter that, right now, for example,
the sight of Nash, with his thin navy pullover and well-worn jeans stretched
taut over his muscular frame, made Caleb’s mouth dry, made his knees feel
unacceptably shaky. Made him feel altogether too conflicted. Nash needed to
leave. Now.
“Hey, if you want to stay out here all day, it’s your call,”
Nash answered, those broad shoulders rising and falling in a small shrug that
only served to focus Caleb’s attention even more firmly on them. “No business
of mine. Just so you know, though, breakfast is ready, and I have a lot of
other cooking to do between today and tomorrow, so if you don’t come in now,
you’ll be eating it cold.”
“All right, you win.” Sally turned her head to smile at Nash
over her shoulder. “We’ll be there in a minute.”
Caleb tightened his grip, loving the way her head felt
pressed against his chest, loving the way her hair tickled his chin. “Better
make that two minutes.”
Sally looked up at him and grinned. “Or better yet, three.”
Aldo rolled his eyes, shook his head, and went back inside,
leaving Caleb to wonder when, in the last two minutes, “Nash” had become “Aldo”
and why it was that the sight of him walking away should leave Caleb suddenly
feeling…bereft? Why was he suddenly wanting to call him back, wanting to draw
him into a three-way kiss?
“So,” Sally purred as soon as the cabin door closed and they
were alone once more. “Where were we?”
Caleb glanced down at her and smiled, refocusing his
attention. “Somewhere right around here, I think,” he said as he cupped his
hand around the back of her neck. He loved the way she slipped her arms around
his neck once again, loved the feel of her body against his as she rose up on
her toes.
He sighed in contentment as he settled back into her kiss.
He could be wrong, but he was pretty sure they were going to miss breakfast.
Finders Keepers is currently on sale at Loose Id
Other buy links: Amazon, B&N, ARe
November 25, 2013
Going, going...
There's only a little time left to get this fabulous collection at such an awesomely low price. So, if you haven't picked up your copy yet...what're you waiting for?
There's also this contest going on:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'll be at Keira Andrew's on the 29th, talking about Finders Keepers as part of her Make the Yuletide Gay event.
And at Lex Valentine's blog Sunlight Sucks, on the 30th--part of her 30 Days of Christmas event. I'll be giving away goodies there too!
Finally, from December 9th to December 23rd, it's Sweater Season at the Nine Naughty Novelists!
Look for info to go up on the blog on the 6th. The weather forecast calls for fun, prizes, new stories featuring some of your favorite characters and some truly memorable (and not always in a good way!) Christmas sweaters.
November 19, 2013
Got Ink? Yes, we do!
Release day for Midnight Ink is finally here! And to celebrate, we've set the price for the entire anthology at only .99 cents. That's eight, brand new, tattooliscious novellas for less than a dollar! But you have to act fast because that price won’t last for very long.
Midnight Ink
One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for eight stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!
Jayne Rylon
Report For Booty
When Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon White a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans’ artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?
Sidney Bristol
Picture Her Bound
She’s a police officer desperate enough to break the rules. He’s the bounty hunter standing between her and ruin. Picture Her Bound–the first book in the brand new Bayou Bound series from Sidney Bristol–a story of right, wrong and binding pleasures.
Robin L. Rotham
Not So Over Eli
Paramedic Bart Rigger finally has the life he wants rather than the one his father dictated, thanks to hot new fiancée Rhonda Giannetti. But a whirlwind trip to New Orleans puts it all at risk when he’s forced to confront unresolved feelings for his first love, tattoo artist Elijah Bell.
PG Forte
Inked Memories
All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who used to rock her world. This time, they’ve both got scars and it’s still the ones you can’t see that are the hardest to cover.
RG Alexander
To The Bone Etta Santos has one resolution—to cover up the last visible evidence of her past. When Christie Ryder, sexy musician and new owner of Midnight Ink, pursues her, he seems too good to be true. His music touches her soul, but can she risk trusting another bad boy with her heart?
Eden Bradley
Dangerously Inked - A Dangerous Romance
When the tattoo artist Finn Carter lined up for his visit to New Orleans turns out to be the mysteriously alluring sub he played on New Year’s Eve at The Bastille, the city’s BDSM club, more than his skin will be marked forever—and Rosie is just the woman to bring this playboy to his knees.
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5)
In Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ink Inspired, the prequel to her upcoming Montgomery Ink series, Ice Princess Shea Little wants ink and a change. Shepard Montgomery not only wants to ink her, but get through that icy exterior. Together, they’ll heat up the streets of New Orleans…and each other.
Blank Canvas, Big Easy, book one
Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer’s about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play…all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master.
Midnight Ink is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and ARe.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 15, 2013
Only Four More Days!
Hey everyone. Only a few more days until Midnight Ink is released! Meanwhile, author Erin Nicholas and I are throwing a little contest. Since Erin's book, Best of Three, (book 3 in her Counting on Love series, available through Samhain) also releases on Tuesday, we've taken over the Nine Naughty Novelists' Facebook page for a little fun.
We're calling it the Friday Fight Club and we're pitting our two heroes against each other.
PLEASE stop by and vote for your favorite. And if Declan is your favorite, that won't hurt my feelings AT ALL. LOL!
I 've gotten a sneak peek at Best of Three, so I know Nate is absolutely wonderful as well, but if Erin's gonna publicly proclaim that her guy is best...well, I guess I am too.
Bring it, girl. Fight Club is on!
*ahem* As I was saying...
The guys will be answering 6 different questions and you can vote for your favorite answer to EACH AND EVERY question. That gives you six chances to win. You can vote for the same hero each time if you like...which apparently some of Erin's fans have decided to do. Not that I mind, or anything. [image error] OR you can vote for your favorite answer--you know, based on merit or something. OR, you can even vote for BOTH guys 6 times for a total of 12 chances to win. Hell, it's fight club, it's not like there are rules! Voting continues until Noon Saturday (PST) but, you know what they say: vote early, vote often.
What can you win? I'm glad you asked! We'll each be giving away a copy of our new books to one lucky winner. In my case, that means the WHOLE MIDNIGHT INK COLLECTION which includes stories by Jayne Rylon, Mari Carr, Carrie Ann Ryan, Eden Bradley, RG Alexander, Robin Rotham, Sidney Bristol and, of course, ME.
Yes! You read that right! We're giving away NINE super-hot, awesome new books just for going here: https://www.facebook.com/the9NN and casting your votes for Declan...um, or Nate. Sure, why not? I probably won't hold it against you...much.
LMAO! Seriously, vote for whichever guy happens to float your boat. It's fun either way. And good luck!!
November 4, 2013
October 6, 2013
Look at the pretty!
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Midnight Ink - November 19
Jayne Rylon
Report For BootyWhen Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon White a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans’ artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?
Sidney Bristol
Picture Her Bound (Bayou Bound)
She’s a police officer desperate enough to break the rules. He’s the bounty hunter standing between her and ruin. Picture Her Bound–the first book in the brand new Bayou Bound series from Sidney Bristol–a story of right, wrong and binding pleasures.
Robin L. Rotham
Not So Over Eli
Paramedic Bart Rigger finally has the life he wants rather than the one his father dictated, thanks to hot new fiancée Rhonda Giannetti. But a whirlwind trip to New Orleans puts it all at risk when he’s forced to confront unresolved feelings for his first love, tattoo artist Elijah Bell.
PG Forte
Inked Memories
All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who used to rock her world. This time, they’ve both got scars and it’s still the ones you can’t see that are the hardest to cover.
RG Alexander
To The Bone (A novella in the Bone Daddy series)Etta Santos has one resolution—to cover up the last visible evidence of her past. When Christie Ryder, sexy musician and new owner of Midnight Ink, pursues her, he seems too good to be true. His music touches her soul, but can she risk trusting another bad boy with her heart?
Eden Bradley
Dangerously Inked (A novella in the Dangerous series)
When the tattoo artist Finn Carter lined up for his visit to New Orleans turns out to be the mysteriously alluring sub he played on New Year’s Eve at The Bastille, the city’s BDSM club, more than his skin will be marked forever—and Rosie is just the woman to bring this playboy to his knees.
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5)
In Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ink Inspired, the prequel to her upcoming Montgomery Ink series, Ice Princess Shea Little wants ink and a change. Shepard Montgomery not only wants to ink her, but get through that icy exterior. Together, they’ll heat up the streets of New Orleans…and each other.
Mari Carr
Blank Canvas (Big Easy, book one)
Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer’s about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play…all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master.
August 5, 2013
More Dream Men of Oberon
Jasmine:
Hi everyone. I’m Jasmine Quinn. I know it’s a little early, but I’d like to welcome
you all to another round of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. We’re going to be getting
started in a couple of hours, but I thought I’d take some time now to introduce
you to today’s contestants. I’ve been asked to be your hostess today on account
of I know all three of these guys better’n anyone.
Seth:
Excuse me? You what?
Chay:
Hold on now, Jay, I don’t know if I’d go that far.
Brandon:
Wait, what? You know all three of us…how well?
Jasmine:
Guys! Minds out of the gutter! Jeez. All
I meant was that Seth and I practically grew up together, and—
Brandon:
So he’s like a brother.
Jasmine:
Right. And Chay is the brother of one of my closest friends. And she and I are
almost like sisters so—
Brandon:
He’s also like a brother.
Jasmine:
Exactly. And now that that’s cleared up—
Brandon:
But I’m not, right?
Jasmine:
Like a brother to me? Ewww. No. Absolutely not. Never.
Brandon:
That’s a relief.
Jasmine:
I can’t even believe you tried to go there. That’s just so wrong!
Brandon:
Hey, you started it.
Seth:
Are you two going to be finished with this any time soon?
Chay;
My guess is “no”. We still have two hours before we start, remember.
Seth:
Great.
Jasmine:
As I started to say earlier, I’d like to introduce today’s contestants.
Contestant number one is Chayton Johnson. I’m sure everyone here has at least
heard of him, right? Chay’s a long-time resident of Oberon. He founded the
Kotoola Chook Native American Interpretive Center offering field trips,
workshops and special events. Chay is also a renowned musician, flute maker,
dancer, story-teller and all around good guy. Did I leave anything out?
Chay:
You forgot tracker, animal rehabilitator and educator, but it doesn’t really matter.
At least you didn’t say “baker”. *winks*
Thank you, Jasmine, that was a lovely introduction. And hello, everyone. Thank
you for having me here today. I look forward to competing for your votes.
Jasmine: Contestant number two is a relative
newcomer to Oberon. So everybody give a big hand to Brandon Ablemarle. Brandon is
also an accomplished musician. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, stop by the
Temple Garden almost any Saturday night to hear him play. Although he originally
came to Oberon to pursue graduate studies at nearby UC Abraxas in business, he
stayed to pursue a career in music.
Brandon:
Not exactly.
Jasmine:
What are you talking about? You did too.
Brandon:
No, actually, I stayed to pursue you.
Jasmine:
Oh. Well, that too.
Brandon:
Hello everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today and an honor to be
competing for the title of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. Thank you for your votes.
Jasmine:
And, finally, we come to contestant number three, a young man who probably
needs no introduction. Please welcome Oberon’s own, Seth Cavanaugh.
Seth:
Wait—that’s it? That’s all I get?
Jasmine:
Hold on. I’m not finished yet. Seth is Oberon born and bred. He also has the
distinction of being the youngest contender for the title. Seth is the owner-operator of Cavanaugh’s Dog
Walking & Pet Sitting Services and can also be found helping out at
Cavanaugh’s Farm Fresh Produce or, occasionally, at the Milagro Beach Nature
Center.
Seth:
Very occasionally.
Jasmine:
Seth, is there anything you’d like to say to our audience?
Seth:
Uh…yeah. Hi. Nice to see everybody. Thanks for the applause. And, uh…stick
around, okay? We’ll be getting started
in just a little bit.
Jasmine:
Okay, it’s time for the first question of the day. If you guys are ready, here
we go. What is your deepest regret?
Chay: Wow.
Okay. Well, I’ve been warned not to say anything that might constitute a
spoiler, you know, so that eliminates the first couple of things that came to
mind. I guess I’d have to say, not being a better brother to my little sister
while we were growing up.
Jasmine:
Aw, that’s nice. I’m sure Chenoa appreciates that.
Chay:
I’m sure she doesn’t. But that’s also beside the point, isn’t it?
Jasmine:
If you say so. Brandon? How about you.
Brandon:
Not being able to do more to save my great-grandmother.
Jasmine:
You answered that kind of fast. Are you sure you don’t want to say something
else? Like…oh, I don’t know, maybe not
telling a certain someone you loved them a little sooner?
Brandon:
Now, sugar, you know how sorry I am about that, but Chay’s right about the
spoilers. So why don’t we just leave it, okay?
Jasmine:
Hmph. We’ll see. Seth?
Seth:
*sigh* Where do I start? That thing with
the dogs? I don’t know. This is stupid. What does any of it have to do with
being sexy?
Jasmine:
It’s to show off your emotional side. Girls like guys who are sensitive, you
know.
Seth:
If you say so. Okay, um…I guess…well, there were a couple of years when I
screwed up on pretty much a regular basis. In retrospect, I kinda wish I hadn’t
done that so much.
Jasmine:
So, basically, you’re saying you regret everything you did between sixteen and
eighteen?
Seth:
Yep. Pretty much.
Jasmine:
Seth! You can’t say that. You have to pick something specific.
Brandon:
C’mon, sugar, give him a break. That was
emotional. Besides, this is a sexy man contest, all right? Not a sensitive,
puppy-eyed man contest.
Seth:
Puppies? Was that some kind of dig? Are you trying to piss me off?
Chay:
C’mon, guys. Settle down.
Brandon:
Me? What’d I do? I was just trying to
help a brother out.
Seth: Okay,
fine. You want specific? I regret that I ever agreed to be in this
contest—how’s that?
Jasmine:
You have to be in it. All the heroes are.
Seth:
Oh, hell. You’re not gonna start with that hero crap again, are you? I’m not a hero, okay?
Chay:
As it happens, brah, I know a couple of folks who say otherwise.
Brandon:
Plus I think she’s talking about “romantic heroes”. You can do that, right?
Seth: Whatever.
That’s still my final answer. Take it or leave it.
Jasmine:
Oh, you’re no fun.
Jasmine:
Okay, moving on to question #2. Let’s see what you all do with this one. If
your life was turned into a movie, who would play you in it?
Brandon:
Matt Lauria, maybe? I don’t know. He photographs younger than he is—and younger
than I am too, for that matter. But I think he looks like me. Kind of. Or maybe
Jensen Ackles?
Jasmine:
Yeah. I can see both of those. But
there’s just one thing missing. Neither of them have your pretty brown eyes.
Brandon:
I guess they’ll have to wear contacts then, huh?
Jasmine:
Would your movie have a theme song?
Brandon:
Maybe. Is this your way of sneaking in
an extra question?
Jasmine:
Maybe. You gonna answer it?
Brandon:
Absolutely. Easiest answer of the day. Everything She Does is Magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_y5aB6Faa8
Jasmine:
Nice. Seth? How about you?
Seth: I
want to say Zachary Quinto. But I don’t know if he’s tall enough. Maybe Jared
Padalecki? Or John
Francis Daley?
Jasmine:
Okay. Those are good choices. Does your
movie have a song?
Seth:
*sigh* Yeah. Everything by Stereo Fuse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HjQr8kHPLY
Jasmine:
Oh. Wow. Okay, moving on. Chay, how about you?
Chay:
Well, he’s a little older than I am but I guess I’d have to say Rick Mora. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW4aVdxUpds
Jasmine: Okay, he’s hot.
Brandon:
Wait. You have your own tribute video?
Chay:
Rick. Not me. And for a song, I’d pick And We Shall Dance by Mary Youngblood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LYcLRahr58
Jasmine:
I see it’s time for another question. How about this one: If you could have
dinner with any 3 people, dead/alive, fictional/real who would you choose?
Chay:
Let’s see…Bob Marley, John Lennon and Chief Joseph.
Jasmine:
Okay, so…you and three ghosts?
Chay:
*shrugs* If I want to have dinner with living people, what’s stopping me?
Although, I guess there’s nothing stopping me from meeting up with all those
guys anyway. Hmm. Thanks for the idea.
Jasmine:
Uh…you’re welcome, I think. Brandon? Seth? Either of you ready to answer?
Seth: I…shit.
I have no idea. Who do I want to have dinner with? Who’s cooking?
Jasmine:
It doesn’t matter who’s cooking! Just answer the question.
Seth:
Of course it matters! It’s dinner, isn’t it? Okay, so I’m gonna choose Guy
Fieri so I know at least we’ll have something decent to eat. Tony Hawke, so I
can maybe get a little skating in afterwards. And Cesar Millan so we can talk
about dogs.
Jasmine:
Okay, that’ll work. Brandon? You ready?
Brandon:
Yep. I’m going to go with John Coltrane, WD Gann and your father.
Jasmine:
My father? Why him?
Brandon:
Because there’s something I want to ask him for.
Jasmine:
Oh? Oh! Okay. Well. *clears throat* I think we might need to take a quick
break. See you all back here in an hour.
Jasmine:
I’ve been thinking we should try something simpler this time around. So, here
we go. Guys, why don’t you tell me what your favorite season is?
Chay.
Winter, because that’s when it rains. I have a special affinity for the rain. My
love and I like to stay indoors. We spread a blanket in front of the fireplace
and I serenade her with my flute.
Brandon:
I’m going to have to go with winter too, even though I really don’t like the
cold weather all that much. But someone once told me it’s the most magical time
of the year. You can’t ever have too much magic.
Seth: Well,
I like summer. I like to work outside so, summer’s the best time of the year,
as far as I’m concerned. Plus it stays light later at night and there’s more to
do—concerts and festivals, camping, skinny dipping. All that fun stuff. And I
don’t care what you guys say, but if we’re talking about sex, being outside
naked beats being bundled up inside any day of the week.
Chay:
No one said anything about being dressed. That’s the whole point of the fire.
And a blanket beats sand any day of the week.
Brandon:
Yep. Plus, shared bodily warmth is still the best way to beat the cold.
Jasmine:
I hope everyone’s ready for our next question. What’s your favorite form of
exercise, guys?
Brandon:
I like hitting the gym. Weights, treadmill, the whole deal.
Jasmine:
Uh-huh. Yes, you do. And it certainly shows.
Brandon:
Thank you.
Jasmine:
You’re welcome. Chay?
Chay: I’d
have to say dancing.
Brandon:
Huh? Dancing is exercise now?
Chay:
It is the way I do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPm0S_K6XM
Brandon:
Yeah. I guess it is. Good point.
Jasmine:
Seth?
Seth:
Swimming. And that’s another reason I like summer. There’s nothing better on a
hot summer day than cooling off with a nice swim. Or, you know, almost nothing.
Brandon:
Okay, hold up. I’m changing my answer.
Jasmine:
Ookay. So what do you want to say now?
Brandon:
Sex.
Jasmine:
What? No. You can’t say that!
Brandon:
Sure I can. I just did. Besides, you know it’s true. Best exercise there is.
Chay:
You know, he does have a point. In fact, I might have to re-think my answer too.
Seth: Yeah.
Me, too.
Jasmine:
No! Forget it. No more changes. We’re moving on now.
Jasmine:
Last question guys. And this is a good one. What is the one thing in the world
that makes you cry?
Seth: What makes us cry? Do we really have to answer that?
Jasmine: Yes, of course. It’s part of the game.
Brandon: This is just payback for the last answer, isn’t it?
Jasmine: Nope. Not at all.
Chay: Well, I’d have to say music. If it’s played from the
heart with passion and sweetness, it can move you like nothing else. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/the-courting-flute.html
Brandon: I’ll have to agree with that. Music, dancing, any
kind of art, really. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/hed-been-surprised-when-she-turned-up.html
Jasmine: Really? Because I seem to recall your saying once
that art was useless.
Brandon: Nah, you must be thinking of somebody else, sugar.
I’m sure I’d never say anything like that.
Jasmine: Yeah, right. And anyway, these are terrible answers
you guys! Who cares about art and music? We want to hear something personal. We
want to hear about YOU.
Chay: Music IS personal.
Brandon: You just want more emo stuff and I think we’ve done
enough of that for one day. Cut us some slack, huh?
Jasmine: Well fine. Just don’t blame me when you don’t win. Seth?
You ready?
Seth: Yeah. My mom.
Jasmine: Your…what?
Seth: *nods* My mom. She doesn’t do it often, but when she
gets upset—you know, really upset? Like, when she breaks down and cries? it really gets to me. Every time. Especially
if I’m the reason. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/seths-regret.html
Brandon: There. You happy now? You almost made us all cry.
Jasmine: As if!
Hi everyone. I’m Jasmine Quinn. I know it’s a little early, but I’d like to welcome
you all to another round of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. We’re going to be getting
started in a couple of hours, but I thought I’d take some time now to introduce
you to today’s contestants. I’ve been asked to be your hostess today on account
of I know all three of these guys better’n anyone.
Seth:
Excuse me? You what?
Chay:
Hold on now, Jay, I don’t know if I’d go that far.
Brandon:
Wait, what? You know all three of us…how well?
Jasmine:
Guys! Minds out of the gutter! Jeez. All
I meant was that Seth and I practically grew up together, and—
Brandon:
So he’s like a brother.
Jasmine:
Right. And Chay is the brother of one of my closest friends. And she and I are
almost like sisters so—
Brandon:
He’s also like a brother.
Jasmine:
Exactly. And now that that’s cleared up—
Brandon:
But I’m not, right?
Jasmine:
Like a brother to me? Ewww. No. Absolutely not. Never.
Brandon:
That’s a relief.
Jasmine:
I can’t even believe you tried to go there. That’s just so wrong!
Brandon:
Hey, you started it.
Seth:
Are you two going to be finished with this any time soon?
Chay;
My guess is “no”. We still have two hours before we start, remember.
Seth:
Great.
Jasmine:As I started to say earlier, I’d like to introduce today’s contestants.
Contestant number one is Chayton Johnson. I’m sure everyone here has at least
heard of him, right? Chay’s a long-time resident of Oberon. He founded the
Kotoola Chook Native American Interpretive Center offering field trips,
workshops and special events. Chay is also a renowned musician, flute maker,
dancer, story-teller and all around good guy. Did I leave anything out?
Chay:
You forgot tracker, animal rehabilitator and educator, but it doesn’t really matter.
At least you didn’t say “baker”. *winks*
Thank you, Jasmine, that was a lovely introduction. And hello, everyone. Thank
you for having me here today. I look forward to competing for your votes.
Jasmine: Contestant number two is a relative
newcomer to Oberon. So everybody give a big hand to Brandon Ablemarle. Brandon is
also an accomplished musician. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, stop by the
Temple Garden almost any Saturday night to hear him play. Although he originally
came to Oberon to pursue graduate studies at nearby UC Abraxas in business, he
stayed to pursue a career in music.
Brandon:
Not exactly.
Jasmine:
What are you talking about? You did too.
Brandon:
No, actually, I stayed to pursue you.
Jasmine:
Oh. Well, that too.
Brandon:
Hello everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today and an honor to be
competing for the title of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. Thank you for your votes.
Jasmine:
And, finally, we come to contestant number three, a young man who probably
needs no introduction. Please welcome Oberon’s own, Seth Cavanaugh.
Seth:
Wait—that’s it? That’s all I get?
Jasmine:
Hold on. I’m not finished yet. Seth is Oberon born and bred. He also has the
distinction of being the youngest contender for the title. Seth is the owner-operator of Cavanaugh’s Dog
Walking & Pet Sitting Services and can also be found helping out at
Cavanaugh’s Farm Fresh Produce or, occasionally, at the Milagro Beach Nature
Center.
Seth:
Very occasionally.
Jasmine:
Seth, is there anything you’d like to say to our audience?
Seth:
Uh…yeah. Hi. Nice to see everybody. Thanks for the applause. And, uh…stick
around, okay? We’ll be getting started
in just a little bit.
Jasmine:
Okay, it’s time for the first question of the day. If you guys are ready, here
we go. What is your deepest regret?
Chay: Wow.
Okay. Well, I’ve been warned not to say anything that might constitute a
spoiler, you know, so that eliminates the first couple of things that came to
mind. I guess I’d have to say, not being a better brother to my little sister
while we were growing up.
Jasmine:
Aw, that’s nice. I’m sure Chenoa appreciates that.
Chay:
I’m sure she doesn’t. But that’s also beside the point, isn’t it?
Jasmine:
If you say so. Brandon? How about you.
Brandon:
Not being able to do more to save my great-grandmother.
Jasmine:
You answered that kind of fast. Are you sure you don’t want to say something
else? Like…oh, I don’t know, maybe not
telling a certain someone you loved them a little sooner?
Brandon:
Now, sugar, you know how sorry I am about that, but Chay’s right about the
spoilers. So why don’t we just leave it, okay?
Jasmine:
Hmph. We’ll see. Seth?
Seth:
*sigh* Where do I start? That thing with
the dogs? I don’t know. This is stupid. What does any of it have to do with
being sexy?
Jasmine:
It’s to show off your emotional side. Girls like guys who are sensitive, you
know.
Seth:
If you say so. Okay, um…I guess…well, there were a couple of years when I
screwed up on pretty much a regular basis. In retrospect, I kinda wish I hadn’t
done that so much.
Jasmine:
So, basically, you’re saying you regret everything you did between sixteen and
eighteen?
Seth:
Yep. Pretty much.
Jasmine:
Seth! You can’t say that. You have to pick something specific.
Brandon:
C’mon, sugar, give him a break. That was
emotional. Besides, this is a sexy man contest, all right? Not a sensitive,
puppy-eyed man contest.
Seth:
Puppies? Was that some kind of dig? Are you trying to piss me off?
Chay:
C’mon, guys. Settle down.
Brandon:
Me? What’d I do? I was just trying to
help a brother out.
Seth: Okay,
fine. You want specific? I regret that I ever agreed to be in this
contest—how’s that?
Jasmine:
You have to be in it. All the heroes are.
Seth:
Oh, hell. You’re not gonna start with that hero crap again, are you? I’m not a hero, okay?
Chay:
As it happens, brah, I know a couple of folks who say otherwise.
Brandon:
Plus I think she’s talking about “romantic heroes”. You can do that, right?
Seth: Whatever.
That’s still my final answer. Take it or leave it.
Jasmine:
Oh, you’re no fun.
Jasmine:
Okay, moving on to question #2. Let’s see what you all do with this one. If
your life was turned into a movie, who would play you in it?
Brandon:
Matt Lauria, maybe? I don’t know. He photographs younger than he is—and younger
than I am too, for that matter. But I think he looks like me. Kind of. Or maybe
Jensen Ackles?
Jasmine:
Yeah. I can see both of those. But
there’s just one thing missing. Neither of them have your pretty brown eyes.
Brandon:
I guess they’ll have to wear contacts then, huh?
Jasmine:
Would your movie have a theme song?
Brandon:
Maybe. Is this your way of sneaking in
an extra question?
Jasmine:
Maybe. You gonna answer it?
Brandon:
Absolutely. Easiest answer of the day. Everything She Does is Magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_y5aB6Faa8
Jasmine:
Nice. Seth? How about you?
Seth: I
want to say Zachary Quinto. But I don’t know if he’s tall enough. Maybe Jared
Padalecki? Or John
Francis Daley?
Jasmine:
Okay. Those are good choices. Does your
movie have a song?
Seth:
*sigh* Yeah. Everything by Stereo Fuse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HjQr8kHPLY
Jasmine:
Oh. Wow. Okay, moving on. Chay, how about you?
Chay:
Well, he’s a little older than I am but I guess I’d have to say Rick Mora. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW4aVdxUpds
Jasmine: Okay, he’s hot.
Brandon:
Wait. You have your own tribute video?
Chay:
Rick. Not me. And for a song, I’d pick And We Shall Dance by Mary Youngblood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LYcLRahr58
Jasmine:
I see it’s time for another question. How about this one: If you could have
dinner with any 3 people, dead/alive, fictional/real who would you choose?
Chay:
Let’s see…Bob Marley, John Lennon and Chief Joseph.
Jasmine:
Okay, so…you and three ghosts?
Chay:
*shrugs* If I want to have dinner with living people, what’s stopping me?
Although, I guess there’s nothing stopping me from meeting up with all those
guys anyway. Hmm. Thanks for the idea.
Jasmine:
Uh…you’re welcome, I think. Brandon? Seth? Either of you ready to answer?
Seth: I…shit.
I have no idea. Who do I want to have dinner with? Who’s cooking?
Jasmine:
It doesn’t matter who’s cooking! Just answer the question.
Seth:
Of course it matters! It’s dinner, isn’t it? Okay, so I’m gonna choose Guy
Fieri so I know at least we’ll have something decent to eat. Tony Hawke, so I
can maybe get a little skating in afterwards. And Cesar Millan so we can talk
about dogs.
Jasmine:
Okay, that’ll work. Brandon? You ready?
Brandon:
Yep. I’m going to go with John Coltrane, WD Gann and your father.
Jasmine:
My father? Why him?
Brandon:
Because there’s something I want to ask him for.
Jasmine:
Oh? Oh! Okay. Well. *clears throat* I think we might need to take a quick
break. See you all back here in an hour.
Jasmine:
I’ve been thinking we should try something simpler this time around. So, here
we go. Guys, why don’t you tell me what your favorite season is?
Chay.
Winter, because that’s when it rains. I have a special affinity for the rain. My
love and I like to stay indoors. We spread a blanket in front of the fireplace
and I serenade her with my flute.
Brandon:
I’m going to have to go with winter too, even though I really don’t like the
cold weather all that much. But someone once told me it’s the most magical time
of the year. You can’t ever have too much magic.
Seth: Well,
I like summer. I like to work outside so, summer’s the best time of the year,
as far as I’m concerned. Plus it stays light later at night and there’s more to
do—concerts and festivals, camping, skinny dipping. All that fun stuff. And I
don’t care what you guys say, but if we’re talking about sex, being outside
naked beats being bundled up inside any day of the week.
Chay:
No one said anything about being dressed. That’s the whole point of the fire.
And a blanket beats sand any day of the week.
Brandon:
Yep. Plus, shared bodily warmth is still the best way to beat the cold.
Jasmine:
I hope everyone’s ready for our next question. What’s your favorite form of
exercise, guys?
Brandon:
I like hitting the gym. Weights, treadmill, the whole deal.
Jasmine:
Uh-huh. Yes, you do. And it certainly shows.
Brandon:
Thank you.
Jasmine:
You’re welcome. Chay?
Chay: I’d
have to say dancing.
Brandon:
Huh? Dancing is exercise now?
Chay:
It is the way I do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPm0S_K6XM
Brandon:
Yeah. I guess it is. Good point.
Jasmine:
Seth?
Seth:
Swimming. And that’s another reason I like summer. There’s nothing better on a
hot summer day than cooling off with a nice swim. Or, you know, almost nothing.
Brandon:
Okay, hold up. I’m changing my answer.
Jasmine:
Ookay. So what do you want to say now?
Brandon:
Sex.
Jasmine:
What? No. You can’t say that!
Brandon:
Sure I can. I just did. Besides, you know it’s true. Best exercise there is.
Chay:
You know, he does have a point. In fact, I might have to re-think my answer too.
Seth: Yeah.
Me, too.
Jasmine:
No! Forget it. No more changes. We’re moving on now.
Jasmine:
Last question guys. And this is a good one. What is the one thing in the world
that makes you cry?
Seth: What makes us cry? Do we really have to answer that?
Jasmine: Yes, of course. It’s part of the game.
Brandon: This is just payback for the last answer, isn’t it?
Jasmine: Nope. Not at all.
Chay: Well, I’d have to say music. If it’s played from the
heart with passion and sweetness, it can move you like nothing else. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/the-courting-flute.html
Brandon: I’ll have to agree with that. Music, dancing, any
kind of art, really. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/hed-been-surprised-when-she-turned-up.html
Jasmine: Really? Because I seem to recall your saying once
that art was useless.
Brandon: Nah, you must be thinking of somebody else, sugar.
I’m sure I’d never say anything like that.
Jasmine: Yeah, right. And anyway, these are terrible answers
you guys! Who cares about art and music? We want to hear something personal. We
want to hear about YOU.
Chay: Music IS personal.
Brandon: You just want more emo stuff and I think we’ve done
enough of that for one day. Cut us some slack, huh?
Jasmine: Well fine. Just don’t blame me when you don’t win. Seth?
You ready?
Seth: Yeah. My mom.
Jasmine: Your…what?
Seth: *nods* My mom. She doesn’t do it often, but when she
gets upset—you know, really upset? Like, when she breaks down and cries? it really gets to me. Every time. Especially
if I’m the reason. http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/p/seths-regret.html
Brandon: There. You happy now? You almost made us all cry.
Jasmine: As if!
July 18, 2013
The Dream Men of Oberon
A Midsummer Night's Dream-Man
A JustRomance.me Bloghop
When I first heard about the theme for this blog hop, I had only one thought: Oberon. No, not the King of the Fairies from A Midsummer's Night's Dream, which would have made perfect sense as well. I'm talking about Oberon, California.
In case you don't know, Oberon is the fictional town in which my very first series takes place. The series has nine very dreamy heroes and starts and ends at Midsummer, so I knew I had to come up with something Oberon related for this post--but what?
Well, as it happens, for the last two months, I've been running a contest on Facebook to pick Oberon's Sexiest Man of the Month. I've decided to post some of the highlights here--questions and answers by the heroes of the first five books in the series. And pictures, of course. There have to be pictures!
Want to play along? Cast your vote for your favorite hero in the comments section and you'll be entered to win a copy of the Oberon prequel, Such Fleeting Pleasures!
Welcome
to Round one of Oberon’s Sexiest Man! Nick, Sam, Dan, I'd like to thank you all for being here
and I'm going to open with the most obvious question: What do you think makes you the sexiest man in Oberon?
Sam: I'd say experience, sophistication, a good sense of humor, an ability to roll with the punches.
Not to take anything away from these other fine gentlemen, but I have lived a
more cosmopolitan life than they have, at least until recently. Most of all,
I’d say it’s the way I treat the woman I love. I make every effort to make
Marsha feel like she’s the sexiest woman in Oberon. Because she is.
Dan: You
know, Sam, there’s experience and then there’s experience.
I think we all know what I’m talking about—not to put too fine a point on
it.
Nick: Yeah.
Better not put too fine a point on that, Dan, or Lucy’ll put a fine
point in you.
Sam
(nodding): Hide the steak knives.
Dan:
Laugh all you want, guys. But, c’mon. You know what they say. Practice makes
perfect, right? And I’ve had a lot of practice. Why do I think I’m the sexiest man in
Oberon? Because I am. Ask anyone.
Nick:
Just don’t ask when his wife’s around. I don’t want to have to cover up a
homicide.
Dan: I
think you mean “another homicide” don’t you, bud?
Nick: I
have no idea what you’re talking about.
Sam: Ah,
I believe we’re still waiting for your answer, Nick.
Nick.
Ah, good point. Okay, well, first of all I’m Italian. That gives me an edge
right there, don’t you think? I am passionate about everything: cooking,
driving, my family, my career, love. But most of all, I’m passionate about the
woman in my life. I’d do anything for her. And I do mean anything.
Okay guys,
it's time for Question #2: Strawberries,
whipped cream, or handcuffs? Why?
Sam: Strawberries—with champagne. The combination is as
sweet and intoxicating as my woman. I see us naked in the grass, sunlight
dappling her skin as we feed each other berries. After a few minutes, I’ll dip
a strawberry in champagne and stroke it over her
skin. I’ll follow up with my mouth, licking the berry juices and the wine off
her body very, very slowly…
Dan:
Okay, WTF? Sam, are you like…reading my mind or something? Because that is so
my thing. Except, why do we have to choose strawberries OR whipped cream? I’m
telling you, PG darlin’ that’s just plain wrong. They belong together,
obviously—anyone’ll tell you that. But if I have to choose just one, I’m gonna
have to go with the whipped cream. You really can’t go wrong with whipped
cream.
Nick:
Handcuffs? Really? I think you must have me confused with someone else on the
force. But, you know what? They are handy. And I can think of at least a couple
of occasions when they’d have been damn useful. Okay, wait. That probably came
out sounding a little more stalkery than I meant it to.
Here's Question #3: What would be your perfect date on a rainy
day in Oberon?
Sam: Honestly? I have to tell you, I’m not a big fan of
rain right now. But, as long as we’re not talking about flood conditions, I
can’t think of a nicer way to spend a rainy day than being at home
together—just the two of us. We’d soak in the hot
tub, share some tea, maybe read poetry to each other.
Dan:
Poetry? Damn it, you are reading my mind.
Sam:
Maybe. That’s what comes of living with a witch, you know.
Dan:
Yeah? Well it’s also cheating.
Nick:
Might be kind of hard to prove though.
Dan: No
kidding. You go first. I have to think about this a little more. I don’t like
the rain either. It’s entirely too dangerous.
Nick:
Okay. Well, I don’t mind the rain—as long as you keep out of the canyons,
there’s no reason anyone should run into trouble. It’s exhilarating. I think
we’ll drive out to the coast. There’s a diner there where we used to go back
when we were first dating. She loves their milkshakes.
Dan: All
right, I’m ready now. First thing I’d do is crank up the heaters in one of the
greenhouses. Then I’d fill it with tropical plants, order up some food from the
Temple Garden and create our own, private, tropical getaway right there in the
nursery. Damn. I don’t know why I never thought of doing that before.
Question #4: If money were no object, what would you buy
your girlfriend/spouse?
Sam: Money is no object. And anything she wants.
Personally, I’m partial to jewelry because that’s something she secretly loves
but hardly ever buys for herself.
Nick: I’m
partial to jewelry too, come to think of it. But I think I’ll go with a weekend
getaway—just the two of us. There’s a place on the coast she’s really fond of.
Or maybe we’d go to Paris, take in a few art museums. (turns to Sam) See?
Cosmopolitan is easy.
Sam: I never said it wasn’t. I merely pointed out
that it would be sexy. And I’d also like to point out that one of our most
memorable dates involved feathers, ice cubes, silk scarves and a blindfold—all
things she already had on hand. It doesn’t take a lot of money to be sexy.
Nick: Uh-huh. Tell me something else I don’t know.
(turns to Dan) You want to weigh in here?
Dan: What would I buy my wife if money was no
object? I dunno, driving lessons, maybe? Or an armored tank?
Nick: Man, you’re gonna need that tank for
yourself, if you can’t come up with something better than that.
Dan: True dat. But I can always talk her out of a
bad mood and that doesn’t cost a thing either.
PG: So, Dan, that’s your final answer? Driving
lessons and a tank?
Dan: I think so. That and chocolate. Oh, and maybe
a lifetime supply of lavender ice cream.
Question #5: What song
best describes your life and why?
Sam: That would be "Angel Mine" by
Cowboy Junkies. And the why is obvious. It
reminds me of my angel.
Nick: Yeah, this is
definitely an easy one. I'm going to pick "I Know You’re Out ThereSomewhere" by the Moody Blues. I
can’t even tell you how many times I used to listen to that song during the
years Scout was away.
Dan: "You’re Still the One" Shania Twain. And,
babe, I’m sorry if I messed up on that last question, but you are still the one
and always will be.
PG: Uh, guys, these songs are great, but they’re
supposed to describe your life--not the ladies in them.
Dan: Oh, like there’s a difference? That woman is
my life—and you damn well know it.
Nick: I totally agree. But, fine. Here’s one. It’s
a perfect driving song and sexy to boot: It’s AC/Dc’s "Fire YourGuns".
Dan: Damn. That is sexy.
Nick: Yup. I’m not here to fool around. I’m here to
win.
Sam: All right, in that case I’m going to go with
"Lucky" by Melissa Etheridge because I’ve always been very lucky in
my life.
Nick: You just had to get that Angel reference in
there too, didn’t you?
Sam (winks): Yes I did. You’re not the only one
who’s here to win, you know.
Dan: Yeah? Well, you can both get ready to lose
because here’s my choice: "Sixty Minute Man" by Billy Ward and the
Dominoes
Nick: Well, hell.
Sam: I have to admit, I’m impressed.
Dan: Damn straight. I’m not fooling around here
either.
We’re back with round
two of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. Dan is continuing on to this round, joined by Ryan
and Adam. Let’s get started, shall we? Here’s your first question: Do you
believe in love at first sight or do you believe it's fate?
Adam: That’s easy. It’s both.
Ryan: Bullshit. It’s neither.
Dan: *shakes head* C’mon, you guys. I know
you’re both new to this, but you have to at least try.
Adam: New? Would you care to clarify that?
Ryan: Hey, the bigger they are, the harder they
fall. Bring it on.
PG: Okay, guys, settle down. Dan? Want to show
them how it’s done?
Dan: Love to. For me, it was love at first
sight—no question. One look and I was a goner. I won’t say I’ve never looked at
another woman—
Ryan: ‘Cause we’d never believe you.
Dan: As I was saying, we all know I have.
Adam: Understatement.
Dan: Hey, I like to watch—I’m not going to deny
it or apologize. But that’s beside the point. There’s never been another woman
who’s affected me like that. Not before, not since, not ever.
PG: Very nice answer. Adam? Ryan? Either of you
want to expand on your answers?
Adam: Certainly. Like I said originally, it’s
both. I was fated to meet my soulmate when I did. I knew she was coming. I
dreamed her into my life. And when I first laid eyes on her? I fell even more
in love with her. It was an instantaneous reaction and yet, the truth is, I
knew I loved her before I met her.
Ryan: Yeah, yeah. You and Savage Garden. I still
say it’s bullshit. I believe in chemistry, okay? There’s probably a whole range
of complicated biological reasons for why we’re attracted to one another. But
looks aren’t everything and, you know what? It’s a damn good thing they’re not
too. ‘Cause there’re all sorts of complications in the world.
Dan: Complications? You mean, like…oh, I don’t
know, identical twins, perhaps?
Ryan: Yes, now that you mention it. That’s
exactly what I mean. Identical twins. That’s every guy’s fantasy, right? Well,
put them together with love at first sight, and you’re looking at a world of
pain, brother. A world of pain. And as for fate…you know, I think love would be
a whole lot easier if any of us were really fated to be together. It would be a
whole lot simpler. But is it? Hell, no. Instead we got hurt feelings, we got
confusion, we got conversations—which more often than not lead to even more
confusion. There’re complications all over the damn place. Love’s kind of a
pain in the ass, you know? I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but fate? Hell,
no. Fate would make things a whole lot simpler.
Okay, next question: What
books to you have on your bed side table right now?
Adam: The Alchemist’s Kitchen, World Atlas of
Wine and Smart Parenting for Smart Kids.
Dan: The Alchemist’s Kitchen? Really?
Adam: Yes. Why?
Dan: Oh, no reason.
PG: Dan?
Dan: Uh, sure. I just have one, at the moment, but
it’s big and very...comprehensive. The Encyclopedia of English Limericks.
Ryan: Not the Kama Sutra?
Dan: Nah. Got it memorized.
PG: Ryan?
Ryan: Right now…Zen and the Art of Motorcycle
Maintenance and a Guide to California Marine Life
PG: Is that it?
Ryan: Um…oh, yeah. One more. Stronger Than Steel
PG: Sounds interesting. What’s it about?
Ryan: *shrugs* It’s about recent advancements in
bulletproof vest technology. What? I have a very keen interest in the subject.
Oberon's Sexiest Man
competition continues with Question # 3: What is your favorite part of a woman's body?
Ryan: Her mind.
Adam: Oh, FFS. Seriously? Do you expect anyone’s
going to believe that?
Ryan: What can I say? I’m sapiosexual, all right? Intelligence turns me on.
Dan: *chuckles* That may be so, but I still don’t
think that’s the kind of thing they’re asking for.
Ryan: *shugs* Whatever. How about…I know. Her eyes.
No wait. Even better. Her hair. You know the way it feels when it’s wrapped
around your hand? Yeah, that’s it. Gotta love that.
Adam: I’d have to say her legs. And, just so you
know, if we’re talking about the way things feel when they’re wrapped around
you? You can’t beat a great pair of legs.
Ryan: And she does have nice ones.
Adam: Excuse me?
Ryan: Twins, remember? I have practically the same
set at home.
Adam: And your point?
Ryan: I’m just saying they’re nice, that’s all.
PG: Dan? You want to maybe weigh in here before
things turn ugly…or uglier?
Dan: Well, I’m trying to decide. You know I hate
choosing. I mean, one part’s better than the next—how am I supposed to pick
just one? But I guess…I’ll have to say…her mouth.
Ryan: Because of the way her lips feel wrapped
around your…?
Dan: *smiles smugly* Because the sweetest words
come out of it.
Adam: Right. So neither of you are taking this
seriously. Is that it?
Dan: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
PG: I think we’ll move on now…
Things are heating up
around here. And at this point it's anyone's guess who's going to win this
thing. (I've already lost track!) Very well,
gentlemen. If you were to make a romantic dinner, what would you make?
Dan: In my opinion, there’s nothing more
romantic than a picnic.
Adam: A picnic?
Doesn’t that seem a little too…oh, I don’t know. Casual?
Dan: Well, there are picnics and then there are
picnics, if you know what I mean.
Ryan: No, not really.
Dan: *sighing*Look, I’m talking about finger foods,
all right? I’m talking feeding each other, teasing each other. You know, like
Tom Jones.
Ryan: The singer?
Dan: No. The novel. By Henry Fielding.
Adam: I think the movie’s better.
Dan: Possibly. You could be right about that. Oh,
and al fresco. It’s not an absolute requirement, but if you can do it, it’s a
nice touch.
Adam: Yes, because nothing says romance to a woman
like bugs and rocks.
Ryan: Uh…well, when you put it that way, I hate to
say it, but he might have a point.
Adam: *rolls eyes* Whatever. It still seems a
little too casual for my tastes.
Dan: Not at all. “A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of
Bread--and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness-- Oh, Wilderness were
Paradise enow!” It’s not casual, it’s classical. Besides, I haven’t even
mentioned the most important part yet. It’s also clothing optional.
Ryan: Now that would definitely make a difference,
as far as I’m concerned. How about pizza? That’s always good. Or maybe
Cioppino. It was invented right here in California, after all. Plus there’s
nothing sexier or more romantic than warm fish stew on a cold, rainy day. Plus
the two of you can make it together. That’s romantic, right?
PG: Adam? What about you?
Adam: *sighs* You do realize I’m at a serious
disadvantage here, don’t you? I am married to the best cook in Oberon after
all.
Dan: No offense, but I’d say that’s debatable. Have you tasted my wife's cooking?
Adam: My point still stands. What could
I ever make for Sinead that could possibly be better than what she can make for
herself? Or for me.
Dan: A picnic, like I said. Not a lot of cooking
involved and you really can’t go wrong with it. Besides, you already have the
wine.
PG: I’m sorry, Adam, but you have to say something.
Adam: Very well. I’d order in. I’d get hold of
someone who’s also, reputedly, a good cook and who’s known her most of her life
and get him to prepare all her favorite dishes.
Dan: You have someone specific in mind, I assume?
Adam: Absolutely.
Ryan: And you think he’s gonna do all this for
you…why, exactly?
Adam: I’m not above using bribery to get what I
want. Or even a little bit of blackmail, if I have to.
Ryan: Cause nothing says romance like coercion.
Adam: I prefer to think of it as "all’s fair
in love and war". It’s the fact that I’d be willing to go to so much
effort and to such extreme lengths—that’s what she’d find romantic. Besides,
what’s family for?
Dan: Yeah, I’m not even touching that one.
All right, gentlemen.
Here's your final question of the day: If you had a recipe for love what would
it include?
Dan: The right woman. Once you find that, the
rest’ll just fall into place. Assuming you’re smart enough to recognize her
once you meet her, that is.
Adam: Oh, I hear that.
Ryan: STFU. Both of you.
PG: Uh, guys? Can we
be serious here for a little while longer?
Dan: I was trying to be serious. If you don't have
the right woman, you have nothing. And even with love at first sight, there are
times when you don’t realize what you’ve got until you come too close to losing
it.
PG: So your answer is…?
Dan: The right woman. Enough sense to know when
you’ve found her. Compatibility—
Adam: In bed?
Dan: Well, sure. That goes without saying. But it’s
important outside of bed as well. Also communication, commitment, and friggin’
nerves of steel; because even the right woman is going to do things that’ll
scare you shitless at times.
Ryan: Amen to that.
PG: Adam? Ryan? Do you have your answers ready?
Ryan: Yeah, everything he said less communication.
It’s nice if you can get it, but it’s kind of overrated. There are more
important things.
Dan: Such as?
Ryan: I dunno. Body armor and a good sense of
humor?
Dan: Fair enough.
PG: Adam?
Adam: Two souls. One dream. A little bit of magic.
And whatever else is necessary to make that dream a reality.
Ryan: Aw, that’s nice. But aren’t you leaving a
couple of things out?
Adam: I don't think so. What, for example?
Ryan: Oh, you know. Things
like a telescope and a bottle of tequila.
Adam: *clenches jaw* Twins. They really do talk too
much don’t they?
Ryan: *grins* They really do.
This summer, ALL nine books in the primary series (not the novellas...yet) are going into print for the very first time! To commemorate this momentous occasion, I've dubbed the second half of 2013 "Oberon's Endless Summer". I'll be hosting a variety of fun events both here on my blog and on my Facebook Group page The Crone's Nest.
A JustRomance.me Bloghop
When I first heard about the theme for this blog hop, I had only one thought: Oberon. No, not the King of the Fairies from A Midsummer's Night's Dream, which would have made perfect sense as well. I'm talking about Oberon, California.
In case you don't know, Oberon is the fictional town in which my very first series takes place. The series has nine very dreamy heroes and starts and ends at Midsummer, so I knew I had to come up with something Oberon related for this post--but what?
Well, as it happens, for the last two months, I've been running a contest on Facebook to pick Oberon's Sexiest Man of the Month. I've decided to post some of the highlights here--questions and answers by the heroes of the first five books in the series. And pictures, of course. There have to be pictures!
Want to play along? Cast your vote for your favorite hero in the comments section and you'll be entered to win a copy of the Oberon prequel, Such Fleeting Pleasures!
Welcome
to Round one of Oberon’s Sexiest Man! Nick, Sam, Dan, I'd like to thank you all for being here
and I'm going to open with the most obvious question: What do you think makes you the sexiest man in Oberon?
Sam: I'd say experience, sophistication, a good sense of humor, an ability to roll with the punches.
Not to take anything away from these other fine gentlemen, but I have lived a
more cosmopolitan life than they have, at least until recently. Most of all,
I’d say it’s the way I treat the woman I love. I make every effort to make
Marsha feel like she’s the sexiest woman in Oberon. Because she is.
Dan: You
know, Sam, there’s experience and then there’s experience.
I think we all know what I’m talking about—not to put too fine a point on
it.
Nick: Yeah.
Better not put too fine a point on that, Dan, or Lucy’ll put a fine
point in you.
Sam
(nodding): Hide the steak knives.
Dan:
Laugh all you want, guys. But, c’mon. You know what they say. Practice makes
perfect, right? And I’ve had a lot of practice. Why do I think I’m the sexiest man in
Oberon? Because I am. Ask anyone.
Nick:
Just don’t ask when his wife’s around. I don’t want to have to cover up a
homicide.
Dan: I
think you mean “another homicide” don’t you, bud?
Nick: I
have no idea what you’re talking about.
Sam: Ah,
I believe we’re still waiting for your answer, Nick.
Nick.
Ah, good point. Okay, well, first of all I’m Italian. That gives me an edge
right there, don’t you think? I am passionate about everything: cooking,
driving, my family, my career, love. But most of all, I’m passionate about the
woman in my life. I’d do anything for her. And I do mean anything.
Okay guys,
it's time for Question #2: Strawberries,
whipped cream, or handcuffs? Why?
Sam: Strawberries—with champagne. The combination is as
sweet and intoxicating as my woman. I see us naked in the grass, sunlight
dappling her skin as we feed each other berries. After a few minutes, I’ll dip
a strawberry in champagne and stroke it over her
skin. I’ll follow up with my mouth, licking the berry juices and the wine off
her body very, very slowly…
Dan:
Okay, WTF? Sam, are you like…reading my mind or something? Because that is so
my thing. Except, why do we have to choose strawberries OR whipped cream? I’m
telling you, PG darlin’ that’s just plain wrong. They belong together,
obviously—anyone’ll tell you that. But if I have to choose just one, I’m gonna
have to go with the whipped cream. You really can’t go wrong with whipped
cream.
Nick:
Handcuffs? Really? I think you must have me confused with someone else on the
force. But, you know what? They are handy. And I can think of at least a couple
of occasions when they’d have been damn useful. Okay, wait. That probably came
out sounding a little more stalkery than I meant it to.
Here's Question #3: What would be your perfect date on a rainyday in Oberon?
Sam: Honestly? I have to tell you, I’m not a big fan of
rain right now. But, as long as we’re not talking about flood conditions, I
can’t think of a nicer way to spend a rainy day than being at home
together—just the two of us. We’d soak in the hot
tub, share some tea, maybe read poetry to each other.
Dan:
Poetry? Damn it, you are reading my mind.
Sam:
Maybe. That’s what comes of living with a witch, you know.
Dan:
Yeah? Well it’s also cheating.
Nick:
Might be kind of hard to prove though.
Dan: No
kidding. You go first. I have to think about this a little more. I don’t like
the rain either. It’s entirely too dangerous.
Nick:
Okay. Well, I don’t mind the rain—as long as you keep out of the canyons,
there’s no reason anyone should run into trouble. It’s exhilarating. I think
we’ll drive out to the coast. There’s a diner there where we used to go back
when we were first dating. She loves their milkshakes.
Dan: All
right, I’m ready now. First thing I’d do is crank up the heaters in one of the
greenhouses. Then I’d fill it with tropical plants, order up some food from the
Temple Garden and create our own, private, tropical getaway right there in the
nursery. Damn. I don’t know why I never thought of doing that before.
Question #4: If money were no object, what would you buy
your girlfriend/spouse?
Sam: Money is no object. And anything she wants.
Personally, I’m partial to jewelry because that’s something she secretly loves
but hardly ever buys for herself.
Nick: I’m
partial to jewelry too, come to think of it. But I think I’ll go with a weekend
getaway—just the two of us. There’s a place on the coast she’s really fond of.
Or maybe we’d go to Paris, take in a few art museums. (turns to Sam) See?
Cosmopolitan is easy.
Sam: I never said it wasn’t. I merely pointed out
that it would be sexy. And I’d also like to point out that one of our most
memorable dates involved feathers, ice cubes, silk scarves and a blindfold—all
things she already had on hand. It doesn’t take a lot of money to be sexy.
Nick: Uh-huh. Tell me something else I don’t know.
(turns to Dan) You want to weigh in here?
Dan: What would I buy my wife if money was no
object? I dunno, driving lessons, maybe? Or an armored tank?
Nick: Man, you’re gonna need that tank for
yourself, if you can’t come up with something better than that.
Dan: True dat. But I can always talk her out of a
bad mood and that doesn’t cost a thing either.
PG: So, Dan, that’s your final answer? Driving
lessons and a tank?
Dan: I think so. That and chocolate. Oh, and maybe
a lifetime supply of lavender ice cream.
Question #5: What songbest describes your life and why?
Sam: That would be "Angel Mine" by
Cowboy Junkies. And the why is obvious. It
reminds me of my angel.
Nick: Yeah, this is
definitely an easy one. I'm going to pick "I Know You’re Out ThereSomewhere" by the Moody Blues. I
can’t even tell you how many times I used to listen to that song during the
years Scout was away.
Dan: "You’re Still the One" Shania Twain. And,
babe, I’m sorry if I messed up on that last question, but you are still the one
and always will be.
PG: Uh, guys, these songs are great, but they’re
supposed to describe your life--not the ladies in them.
Dan: Oh, like there’s a difference? That woman is
my life—and you damn well know it.
Nick: I totally agree. But, fine. Here’s one. It’s
a perfect driving song and sexy to boot: It’s AC/Dc’s "Fire YourGuns".
Dan: Damn. That is sexy.
Nick: Yup. I’m not here to fool around. I’m here to
win.
Sam: All right, in that case I’m going to go with
"Lucky" by Melissa Etheridge because I’ve always been very lucky in
my life.
Nick: You just had to get that Angel reference in
there too, didn’t you?
Sam (winks): Yes I did. You’re not the only one
who’s here to win, you know.
Dan: Yeah? Well, you can both get ready to lose
because here’s my choice: "Sixty Minute Man" by Billy Ward and the
Dominoes
Nick: Well, hell.
Sam: I have to admit, I’m impressed.
Dan: Damn straight. I’m not fooling around here
either.
We’re back with round
two of Oberon’s Sexiest Man. Dan is continuing on to this round, joined by Ryan
and Adam. Let’s get started, shall we? Here’s your first question: Do you
believe in love at first sight or do you believe it's fate?
Adam: That’s easy. It’s both.
Ryan: Bullshit. It’s neither.
Dan: *shakes head* C’mon, you guys. I know
you’re both new to this, but you have to at least try.
Adam: New? Would you care to clarify that?
Ryan: Hey, the bigger they are, the harder they
fall. Bring it on.
PG: Okay, guys, settle down. Dan? Want to show
them how it’s done?
Dan: Love to. For me, it was love at first
sight—no question. One look and I was a goner. I won’t say I’ve never looked at
another woman—
Ryan: ‘Cause we’d never believe you.
Dan: As I was saying, we all know I have.
Adam: Understatement.
Dan: Hey, I like to watch—I’m not going to deny
it or apologize. But that’s beside the point. There’s never been another woman
who’s affected me like that. Not before, not since, not ever.
PG: Very nice answer. Adam? Ryan? Either of you
want to expand on your answers?
Adam: Certainly. Like I said originally, it’s
both. I was fated to meet my soulmate when I did. I knew she was coming. I
dreamed her into my life. And when I first laid eyes on her? I fell even more
in love with her. It was an instantaneous reaction and yet, the truth is, I
knew I loved her before I met her.
Ryan: Yeah, yeah. You and Savage Garden. I still
say it’s bullshit. I believe in chemistry, okay? There’s probably a whole range
of complicated biological reasons for why we’re attracted to one another. But
looks aren’t everything and, you know what? It’s a damn good thing they’re not
too. ‘Cause there’re all sorts of complications in the world.
Dan: Complications? You mean, like…oh, I don’t
know, identical twins, perhaps?
Ryan: Yes, now that you mention it. That’s
exactly what I mean. Identical twins. That’s every guy’s fantasy, right? Well,
put them together with love at first sight, and you’re looking at a world of
pain, brother. A world of pain. And as for fate…you know, I think love would be
a whole lot easier if any of us were really fated to be together. It would be a
whole lot simpler. But is it? Hell, no. Instead we got hurt feelings, we got
confusion, we got conversations—which more often than not lead to even more
confusion. There’re complications all over the damn place. Love’s kind of a
pain in the ass, you know? I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but fate? Hell,
no. Fate would make things a whole lot simpler.
Okay, next question: What
books to you have on your bed side table right now?
Adam: The Alchemist’s Kitchen, World Atlas of
Wine and Smart Parenting for Smart Kids.
Dan: The Alchemist’s Kitchen? Really?
Adam: Yes. Why?
Dan: Oh, no reason.
PG: Dan?
Dan: Uh, sure. I just have one, at the moment, but
it’s big and very...comprehensive. The Encyclopedia of English Limericks.
Ryan: Not the Kama Sutra?
Dan: Nah. Got it memorized.
PG: Ryan?
Ryan: Right now…Zen and the Art of Motorcycle
Maintenance and a Guide to California Marine Life
PG: Is that it?
Ryan: Um…oh, yeah. One more. Stronger Than Steel
PG: Sounds interesting. What’s it about?
Ryan: *shrugs* It’s about recent advancements in
bulletproof vest technology. What? I have a very keen interest in the subject.
Oberon's Sexiest Man
competition continues with Question # 3: What is your favorite part of a woman's body?
Ryan: Her mind.
Adam: Oh, FFS. Seriously? Do you expect anyone’s
going to believe that?
Ryan: What can I say? I’m sapiosexual, all right? Intelligence turns me on.
Dan: *chuckles* That may be so, but I still don’t
think that’s the kind of thing they’re asking for.
Ryan: *shugs* Whatever. How about…I know. Her eyes.
No wait. Even better. Her hair. You know the way it feels when it’s wrapped
around your hand? Yeah, that’s it. Gotta love that.
Adam: I’d have to say her legs. And, just so you
know, if we’re talking about the way things feel when they’re wrapped around
you? You can’t beat a great pair of legs.
Ryan: And she does have nice ones.
Adam: Excuse me?
Ryan: Twins, remember? I have practically the same
set at home.
Adam: And your point?
Ryan: I’m just saying they’re nice, that’s all.
PG: Dan? You want to maybe weigh in here before
things turn ugly…or uglier?
Dan: Well, I’m trying to decide. You know I hate
choosing. I mean, one part’s better than the next—how am I supposed to pick
just one? But I guess…I’ll have to say…her mouth.
Ryan: Because of the way her lips feel wrapped
around your…?
Dan: *smiles smugly* Because the sweetest words
come out of it.
Adam: Right. So neither of you are taking this
seriously. Is that it?
Dan: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
PG: I think we’ll move on now…
Things are heating up
around here. And at this point it's anyone's guess who's going to win this
thing. (I've already lost track!) Very well,
gentlemen. If you were to make a romantic dinner, what would you make?
Dan: In my opinion, there’s nothing more
romantic than a picnic.
Adam: A picnic?
Doesn’t that seem a little too…oh, I don’t know. Casual?
Dan: Well, there are picnics and then there are
picnics, if you know what I mean.
Ryan: No, not really.
Dan: *sighing*Look, I’m talking about finger foods,
all right? I’m talking feeding each other, teasing each other. You know, like
Tom Jones.
Ryan: The singer?
Dan: No. The novel. By Henry Fielding.
Adam: I think the movie’s better.
Dan: Possibly. You could be right about that. Oh,
and al fresco. It’s not an absolute requirement, but if you can do it, it’s a
nice touch.
Adam: Yes, because nothing says romance to a woman
like bugs and rocks.
Ryan: Uh…well, when you put it that way, I hate to
say it, but he might have a point.
Adam: *rolls eyes* Whatever. It still seems a
little too casual for my tastes.
Dan: Not at all. “A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of
Bread--and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness-- Oh, Wilderness were
Paradise enow!” It’s not casual, it’s classical. Besides, I haven’t even
mentioned the most important part yet. It’s also clothing optional.
Ryan: Now that would definitely make a difference,
as far as I’m concerned. How about pizza? That’s always good. Or maybe
Cioppino. It was invented right here in California, after all. Plus there’s
nothing sexier or more romantic than warm fish stew on a cold, rainy day. Plus
the two of you can make it together. That’s romantic, right?
PG: Adam? What about you?
Adam: *sighs* You do realize I’m at a serious
disadvantage here, don’t you? I am married to the best cook in Oberon after
all.
Dan: No offense, but I’d say that’s debatable. Have you tasted my wife's cooking?
Adam: My point still stands. What could
I ever make for Sinead that could possibly be better than what she can make for
herself? Or for me.
Dan: A picnic, like I said. Not a lot of cooking
involved and you really can’t go wrong with it. Besides, you already have the
wine.
PG: I’m sorry, Adam, but you have to say something.
Adam: Very well. I’d order in. I’d get hold of
someone who’s also, reputedly, a good cook and who’s known her most of her life
and get him to prepare all her favorite dishes.
Dan: You have someone specific in mind, I assume?
Adam: Absolutely.
Ryan: And you think he’s gonna do all this for
you…why, exactly?
Adam: I’m not above using bribery to get what I
want. Or even a little bit of blackmail, if I have to.
Ryan: Cause nothing says romance like coercion.
Adam: I prefer to think of it as "all’s fair
in love and war". It’s the fact that I’d be willing to go to so much
effort and to such extreme lengths—that’s what she’d find romantic. Besides,
what’s family for?
Dan: Yeah, I’m not even touching that one.
All right, gentlemen.
Here's your final question of the day: If you had a recipe for love what would
it include?
Dan: The right woman. Once you find that, the
rest’ll just fall into place. Assuming you’re smart enough to recognize her
once you meet her, that is.
Adam: Oh, I hear that.
Ryan: STFU. Both of you.
PG: Uh, guys? Can we
be serious here for a little while longer?
Dan: I was trying to be serious. If you don't have
the right woman, you have nothing. And even with love at first sight, there are
times when you don’t realize what you’ve got until you come too close to losing
it.
PG: So your answer is…?
Dan: The right woman. Enough sense to know when
you’ve found her. Compatibility—
Adam: In bed?
Dan: Well, sure. That goes without saying. But it’s
important outside of bed as well. Also communication, commitment, and friggin’
nerves of steel; because even the right woman is going to do things that’ll
scare you shitless at times.
Ryan: Amen to that.
PG: Adam? Ryan? Do you have your answers ready?
Ryan: Yeah, everything he said less communication.
It’s nice if you can get it, but it’s kind of overrated. There are more
important things.
Dan: Such as?
Ryan: I dunno. Body armor and a good sense of
humor?
Dan: Fair enough.
PG: Adam?
Adam: Two souls. One dream. A little bit of magic.
And whatever else is necessary to make that dream a reality.
Ryan: Aw, that’s nice. But aren’t you leaving a
couple of things out?
Adam: I don't think so. What, for example?
Ryan: Oh, you know. Things
like a telescope and a bottle of tequila.
Adam: *clenches jaw* Twins. They really do talk too
much don’t they?
Ryan: *grins* They really do.
This summer, ALL nine books in the primary series (not the novellas...yet) are going into print for the very first time! To commemorate this momentous occasion, I've dubbed the second half of 2013 "Oberon's Endless Summer". I'll be hosting a variety of fun events both here on my blog and on my Facebook Group page The Crone's Nest.
June 22, 2013
Oberon's Endless Summer
As some of you probably know, the Oberon books are going into print!
Books one through five are already available at Amazon and--only while supplies last--SynergEbooks has the first three books on sale with free shipping!
The remaining 4 books will all be coming out soon. I don't have dates yet, but definitely over the next several months.
In order to celebrate all those shiny new books--AND my Oberon website overhaul AND my new Oberon Facebook page "The Crone's Nest" I'll be hosting what I've decided to call Oberon's Endless Summer.
Since both Scent of the Roses and And Shadows Have Their Ending are set at the Summer Solstice, this weekend seemed like the perfect time to kick things off!
Join me on Sunday, June 23 as I kick
off Oberon’s Endless Summer with a game! I’m looking to crown Oberon’s first
ever Sexiest Man of the Month. Your contestants this time around will be—Nick
Greco, Dan Cavanaugh and Sam Sterling. They’ll be answering questions and
you’ll be picking your favorite.
Up for grabs are two autographed
copies of Scent of the Roses—one will go to a participant on Facebook and one
to a commenter on my new App! (see links below for details)
Hope to see you there!
Download the app! http://my.yapp.us/LBF5FH
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/498786993521916/
Visit the Website: http://www.OberonCalifornia.US
May 21, 2013
Ashes of the Day
I'm so excited Ashes of the Day is finally seeing the light of day, so to speak! This book feels long overdue to me, mostly because several of the scenes that appear in this book were actually written for book two, Old Sins, Long Shadows.
You see, back in the day, I really thought this series was going to be a trilogy. Guess that shows how good I am at estimating things like book-length and word count. It also kind of explains how some of my Oberon books grew to such gargantuan lengths. Once the first book in this series (In the Dark) was written, I spent quite a few months struggling to fit the rest of the action into two volumes. And then into three volumes. Four volumes? Five volumes?
Screw it. Right now, I'm looking at a seven book series. Assuming I can keep my word count down to a reasonable number.
Anyway, to celebrate this release, I'm giving away cookies! If you read the book, you'll understand why this is an awesomely perfect prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And now, how about an excerpt? Here's one of those previously-missing scenes I mentioned above. Enjoy!
Night had fallen. The vampires were waking up. In the small efficiency apartment located over the estate’s garage, Julie Fischer’s eyes blinked open. She sucked in a quick breath and glanced around, surprised to find herself sprawled on the floor. Had there been an earthquake? Or had something else knocked her out of bed and startled her from sleep?
Whatever the cause, she was grateful for it. Her dreams had been so far from pleasant, she was glad for any excuse to escape them. An instant later, however, the dreams were all but forgotten. Somewhere close at hand, the anxious throbbing of a human heart begged for her attention.
Come and take me… Come and take me… Come and take me…
Fangs unsheathed, Julie went into a crouch and surveyed the room. The darkness aided her vision, which was always sharper by night, and she quickly oriented on the sound. There. Brennan stood just out of reach on the far side of the bed. Tousle-haired and naked, he had the look of a man who’d just had a good fright. Disappointment settled in Julie’s heart, fueled by an uneasy feeling of déjà vu. They’d been here and done this before. This was not the first time she’d seen that look on his face. This was not the first time she’d scared him.
It took her a moment to dial down her hunger the necessary notch or two, to keep it from showing too obviously on her face. While she waited, she licked her lips and peered at him curiously. He looked good—no surprise there—tall and dark with bright blue eyes and a day’s worth of stubble shadowing his jaw. He looked altogether scrumptious, except for the scowl. That scowl was all wrong. Julie cleared her throat. “Something bothering you, Bren?”
The scowl deepened. “Why don’t you tell me?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Julie asked as she picked herself up from the floor.
Brennan took a quick step back, his eyes never leaving her face, his expression shifting from annoyed back to fearful. “N-nothing. Never mind.”
“Nothing” it certainly was not. The telltale patter of his racing heart gave that away, but Julie decided to let the lie pass. She slid back into bed and waited for him to continue.
It took a moment. Finally, Brennan heaved a deep sigh and shoved his hands through his hair. “I guess, maybe… You musta been dreaming again or something, huh?”
Julie nodded. “Just one of my nightmares,” she lied. “I can never remember what they’re even about.” Oh, if only that were true! “But, never mind about that. Why don’t you come back over here now?” She shot Brennan an inviting smile and patted the bed beside her. “You still have some time before work, don’t you?” They both knew he did.
There was more than enough time for a quick snack or even a not-so-quick tumble between the sheets. The two urges were so closely aligned Julie occasionally found it hard to keep them separate, especially at times like these, with the scent of Brennan’s fear tingeing the atmosphere. It was an atavistic response, or so her uncle Damian had explained, a result of her combined human-vampire heritage.
Hunger and reproduction were no more than two sides of the same survival coin, inextricably intertwined. Both were thwarted when Brennan shook his head. “Nah, no sense in that. I’m up now, might as well get an early start to the day. I’m just gonna go grab a quick shower.”
But I’m hungry. Disappointed, Julie watched as he backed up another couple of steps, pausing only to snag his clothes from on top of his dresser before continuing his retreat. “Brennan…” Don’t make me force you to come back here. Don’t make me compel you to give me what I want.
She knew she could do it. She was pretty sure he knew it too. The real question was this: Would she ever? She’d never acted that way with him up until now and she certainly didn’t want to start. It was not who she was. It was not who they were. Or so she’d always thought. Until Brennan vanished into the bathroom and Julie heard the unmistakable snick of the lock.
Suddenly, she was a whole lot less sure. She let out an angry snarl. Still hungry! Then she picked up Brennan’s pillow and hurled it at the bathroom door in a fit of hurt and frustration.
Maybe she’d only been fooling herself. Maybe “they” were already not who she thought they were. Maybe they never had been.
*****
Buy link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/ashes-of-the-day-p-7402.html
Only blood can break your heart.
Children of Night, Book 4
New Year’s Eve, 1999. The world is braced for Y2K, but that’s not the only ticking time bomb in Conrad’s life. Damian wouldn’t be the first vampire to find a way to die, but Conrad is determined he will not be one of them.
Present day. Damian struggles to trust that fate could possibly be kind enough to give him a love as perfect as Conrad’s. Conrad balances on the keen edge of his own fear that one more slip of his formidable control could drive his lover away—permanently.
Julie learns the hard way it’s not just interspecies relationships that seldom work out. Even between vampires, love is not a smooth course.
Meanwhile, intrigue and conflict within the nest continue to grow, fueled in no small part by Georgia’s slipping hold on a deadly secret. Marc works to consolidate his position as leader of the ferals—and discovers that being a walking anomaly has certain advantages. Including some that are totally unexpected.
Product Warnings
Contains more love triangles, more power struggles, more tears and teeth gnashing, and even more graphic scenes of manlove between moody, domestically inclined vampires than in previous editions. Definitely not recommended for anyone suffering from ALSSD (Auld Lang Syne Sensitivity Disorder) or with aversions to ballrooms, evening clothes, sarcasm, or close-quarter stiletto combat.
