Anne Rainey's Blog, page 21

My Birthday

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So, yesterday was my 43rd birthday (oy!). My husband surprised me by taking the day off work. He's such a sneak! We headed into town and had a nice breakfast at Bob Evan's Restaurant, and then spent a pretty wonderful day alone together. However, before all that my husband and daughters woke me and told me happy birthday, then handed me my present.

First, chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. A huge Belgium chocolate bar, a pretty red and gold box that has little fudge-filled chocolate truffles inside, a ½ lb. chocolate bar with pistachios, and an entire bag of assorted chocolates that had three different flavors: dark chocolate with espresso, milk chocolate with mocha, and a creamy latte flavored chocolate. Last but not, least a yummy Symphony bar. Yeah, my family knows what I like. LOL

Then I got to the last box. It was brown and rather plain. I couldn't imagine what they'd bought me. I opened it only to find a printed out picture that looked a lot like the brand new Nookcolor. Wait, what?! I had to look at my husband for confirmation. He nodded and I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. It's to be delivered next Friday, as it's not even out yet! I CANNOT wait! *grin*  [image error]

Then around noonish, I got a delivery. Flowers. My sweet sweet Aunt Lorie sent me a gorgeous arrangement that came all the way from Hawaii! I teared up when I saw them. Below is a picture, but it's not very good. We had to take it with my daughter's cell phone because our digital isn't working. Anyway, aren't they pretty?!  [image error]

Later in the afternoon my oldest brother called. Oh, he got me but good this year. He left me a message on my machine that said (and I quote): 'Sissy, put the razor down! Step away from the razor! You aren't that old!' The brat! LOL! I told him I'm buying him a walker for his birthday next year (he's 3 years older than me). :P



My niece called and sang me happy birthday, which was super sweet of her. And both my girls texted me from school to ask if I'd been having a good day. I texted back, "I ate a huge sausage gravy and biscuits breakfast, had Starbucks afterward, then came home and took a nap with Nutmeg (our dog). Best day ever!"



I ended up with over 300 birthday wishes on Facebook and also got phone calls from family and friends. On Friday, my mom is taking me shopping and to lunch. I'll tell ya, I feel very blessed!



Thank you ALL for making my birthday so very special! :)





A Little Bit Naughty--out now!



http://annerainey.com

Are You Ready For Christmas?

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I admit, Christmas is easily my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The house all decorated with the many decorations we've collected over the years, the happy smiles from my kids when they see the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

I also love spending time with my brothers and their better halves. Going to my mom's and feeling all the warmth and love as we sit down to eat, everyone joking and teasing with each other. We don't get together very often these days. It's hard because we're all grown and we all have our own lives. But when we do it's a good time for all of us.

The other day my daughter wanted to turn on the radio station that plays Christmas music 24/7. At first, I was hesitant. I mean, Thanksgiving isn't even here yet! But as soon as Bing Crosby started singing about a White Christmas I was a goner. All those warm memories came flooding back and I was instantly ready to shop and decorate!

When I was a kid Christmas was a magical time. My brother would come in and wake me up and whisper to me that Santa came. We'd head out to the family room and see the presents and just sit in awe, almost too excited to stay still. Now that I'm a mother my joy comes from seeing that same wide-eyed wonder on my daughters' faces. They're in their teens now, but Christmas is still a magical time for them. We have our little traditions and it makes me smile. There's nothing better than seeing a smile on your child's face, is there?

No, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. We're a ways off from getting the tree out of the basement. Present one hasn't even been bought yet. Still, that doesn't mean I can't start getting excited! :)

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A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Friday Excerpt!

[image error] Sorry I haven't blogged this week. Been busy writing! So, I decided to pick a HOT excerpt for ya.

This is from my 3rd Vaughn story, Taking Chloe. In this scene, Merrick and Chloe have just arrived in Hawaii and Chloe is trying to get a shower so they can go out to dinner. Merrick has other plans though! *grin* 

WARNING: Adult Excerpt!



"Because I want to, damn it, that's why."



Chloe rolled her eyes at Merrick's reason for wanting to shower with her. "It would be faster if you'd just let me finish."



"I'm not leaving, so deal with it."



"We're never going to get to dinner if you don't leave, Merrick."



"Fuck dinner. I want to wash you, so scoot over. Besides, let's not forget the deal. I'm in charge."



"Yes, you're in charge…of our fun. This is a shower."



"And a shower can be mighty fun."



Chloe wasn't sure why she continued to resist. As husband and wife they'd showered together hundreds of times. This time it seemed so different, as if it were the first time. A virgin on prom night would be less jumpy, for crying out loud!



"Fine, but if we don't make our reservations, don't blame me."



His grin was one of pure male arrogance. "Duly noted."



Chloe tried not to drool when Merrick yanked his shirt off and tossed it to the bathroom floor. As he undid the fly of his jeans and slid them and his black boxers down his powerful thighs, she gave up on maintaining control all together. God, he was gorgeous. His muscled behind faced her, and if she leaned toward him a few inches, she could take a bite out of his delicious flesh. He straightened and turned toward her. His cock was huge. As she watched, it seemed to get even bigger. As her gaze snared his, he grinned. She lit up like a Christmas tree.



"Those pretty eyes are devouring me right now, babe."



She pushed her wet hair behind her shoulder and tried not to let his sweet, hard body get to her…too much.



"I can't help if I like what I see."



"I like what I see, too. A lot," he growled.



He stepped into the tub with her. Chloe moved to the side to give him room. He was twice her size and he took up most of the tub. Not that she was complaining. She couldn't remember the last time her husband had taken the time to shower with her. Too long. Much too long.



"You're so beautiful, Chloe. Inside and out."



His words and the sincerity behind them filled her heart with warmth. "You haven't told me that for a very long time. It's nice to hear compliments from you."



He slid the backs of his fingers down her wet arm, leaving little goose bumps in his wake. "You make me want to slay dragons and shower you with diamonds," he murmured. "I'm sorry I've been so wrapped up in work. I need to explain about that, but first I want to show you how much I've missed you. May I?"



He'd melted her completely. She'd become a useless puddle of pudding at his feet.



"Yes," she capitulated, "I think I'd like that very much."



He placed two fingers against her lips. "Shh, it's okay, baby. We're going to take our time, go real slow. I have a need to experience my wife to the fullest tonight."



She removed his fingers and asked, "What about dinner?" She didn't really care about food, but she should at least ask, for his sake.



"Screw dinner," he muttered.



As his mouth came crashing down on hers, Chloe fell against him, relishing the sensation of her nipples against the solid wall of his chest. At once he was everywhere, his arms sturdy and protective around her. He cupped her ass in his palms, lifted and pulled her tighter against his lethal strength. His hands squeezed, and she laughed. "Merrick, that tickles!"



"I know. Thought I'd forgotten, huh?"



Chloe feared he'd forgotten a lot of things about her, but she didn't want to reveal so much of her inner turmoil. "Well, you must admit it's not your typical ticklish spot."



"There's not a damn thing typical about your ass, Chloe. It's sexy as hell." He squeezed her flesh again, and she let loose a string of giggles. "When you giggle like that it turns me on like you wouldn't believe."



She liked the thought of Merrick turned on because of her. "What else turns you on?" she prompted.



"The cleft in your chin," he easily answered. His tongue came out and touched the little indentation. Her body flooded with liquid heat.



"Is that all?" she managed between pants.



"The length of your neck. You have a regal bearing, and your neck just begs to be kissed and nibbled."



He proceeded to prove his point by angling his head and teasing the side of her neck with his lips. He slid her wet hair out of the way and skimmed his tongue up and down her flesh, directly over her vein. He bit down and her pussy pulsed and swelled with need. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, fingernails biting into flesh and muscle. She closed her eyes and gave herself over to the moment. His mouth drifted lower, sliding over the tops of her breasts. When he kissed each nipple with tender affection, her legs shook with anticipation.



"The bellhop eyed your sweet tits like a mocha latte. Pissed me off," he gritted out. "But I have to admit, the kid has a good eye. You do look delicious, baby."



and my inspiration for Merrick:



[image error] Have a great weekend, everyone!



A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Cell Phones with Remote Start

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So, today is usually my Thursday Thirteen, but I'd like to talk about cell phones instead.

Once upon a time, phones were used for talking. For instance, you could call your cousin who lives three states away and have a nice with her/him. Phones were used for emergencies. If your child fell and broke her/his leg you could call 911 and have an ambulance there in a jiffy. Then along came car phones. Remember the first ones? The big bulky black box and cord? Companies tweaked and tweaked until now we have a small device that fits in our palm. We can still call our cousins and dial 911, but that's minor compared to what else cell phones are used for.

For instance, you can download ebooks. Have a boring doctor's visit? Bring your phone and read the latest hot romance story instead of those boring outdated magazines doctor's offices always carry. You can connect to the internet and chat with your Facebook/Twitter buddies. You can search google and do some online shopping. Not sure where you are? Just bring up your navigations system on your phone and get directions in the blink of an eye. Is it cold outside and you don't want to trek out there to start your ice-covered car? Just press a button on your handy dandy cell phone and voila! The car starts all by itself!

As I was watching an ad for the latest and greatest Droid, I had to ask myself, 'what did we ever do without cell phones?'

So, I'm curious. What sort of phone do you have? My husband just got a Droid and he loves it. Hell, I love it! I want one! My phone is old and outdated and I'm ready for a new one. But I'm not sure which one to get. Any recommendations?[image error]



In other news--



Two fo my fellow International Heat authors have brand spankin' new releases today. Get over to Ellora's Cave and grab your copies!



Shifting Gears by Jayne Rylon is out:    http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8723-shifting-gears.aspx


&



Doing Logan by Rhian Cahill is out: 

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8774-doing-logan.aspx



Happy reading,





A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Hump Day Hunks!

[image error] Sorry I'm late with the hunks! It's another busy writing day!

I've been to the beach, but never once have I seen something this cute wash ashore. lol

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Yum. Nuff said. [image error]

I've never been big on nipple rings on a guy...til now. ;-) [image error]

And for today's Hunk Quote I've snagged a scene from Body Rush, out now with Kensington.

Hunter Trace has been coming to Jeanette's coffee shop for six months, but it was never the coffee he craved.

"You run a good business. In the few months I've been coming in I've noticed an increase in customers."



"Thanks. I know coffee shops are a dime a dozen, but it's my hope that when you mix quality with friendly service word gets around."



He pointed at the large menu hanging behind the counter. "I'm ashamed to admit I've never eaten here. Guess I'm not big on Danishes."



"Ah, but I do more than Danishes. In fact you really should try my double-chocolate brownies. You'll change your mind."



He chuckled. "Not that you're bragging or anything, right?"



Her chin lifted. "It's not bragging if it's the truth."



Hunter folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. "I don't know. Brownies don't do much for me."



"Double-chocolate," she stated, as if he hadn't heard her correctly the first time. "Everyone loves double-chocolate."



"How about I come back at closing time?" He let his voice drop to a whisper. "You can show me what I've been missing."



Her gaze drifted to his lips and stayed there. "You're hitting on me," she murmured. Her tongue swiped at her lower lip and Hunter's cock flexed in his jeans.



Mmm, lick it, baby. "Yeah, I am," he growled.

A Little Bit Naughty--out now! http://annerainey.com/

New Release: Thief by Anitra Lynn McLeod

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Hi All!I just finished voting. Did you vote? If not, go! Every vote counts!

Okay, with that out of the way, I'd like to tell you all about a new Samhain release. Thief by Anitra Lynn McLeod JUST came out today and I'm about to go over and grab my copy.

I first read an excerpt the other day on THIS blog and fell in love! I needed more. Do you know how long it's been since I've felt that sort of instant attraction to a story? Too damn long. The characters sucked me right in and I just had to know more about them. I love when that happens to me. I guess because it happens so rarely. And don't you just love that cover? Those eyes...yum.

Anyway, here's a blurb, and below you'll see a link to the excerpt. Thief is also available on Amazon Kindle.



MBaM | KINDLE Anitra's Website"Thief" by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Buy from MBaM!

Read An Excerpt Online

Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic



ISBN: 978-1-60928-238-7

Length: Novel

Price: 5.50

Publication Date: November 2, 2010

Cover art by Kanaxa



On the edge of freedom lies a dangerous love.



Fringe, Book 1



Nothing has ever come easy for Jace Lawless, captain of the salvage vessel Mutiny. Forced into thievery after a virus unleashed by the InnerWorld Government killed his family, only one ambition burns at the back of his mind. Kill the next IWOG officer he has at his mercy.



Bargaining over goods with a middleman isn't exactly his strong suit. But who in his right mind spends an entire salvage job's profits on a woman, even if she has a body built for sin and eyes so fathomless a man could lose himself in them? He must be getting soft.



Once Kraft realizes Jace expects only the "cook" part of their cook-whore contract, she sets out to change his antiquated ideas about women. A challenge she relishes, especially if it earns her the freedom and money to get her own ship. Her big mistake is letting down her guard.



Shameless flirting only intensifies the itch to ride Jace hard and put him away wet—several times. It's an itch it would be dangerous to scratch. Exposing her heart could reveal her secret, one that the still-grieving Jace must never know…or showing her mercy will be the last thing on his mind.



Warning: Contains a celibate ship captain who can't abide swearing, a kick-ass woman with a marshmallow heart, a motley crew of misfits, interstellar battles, thwarted groping, sensual seduction, and a total bastard who owns his own planet.









Happy Reading!





A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Happy Halloween!

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http://annerainey.com/

A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

Coolest Halloween Costumes!

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I don't usally blog on the weekend, but I ran across these costumes and just had to share!

Cool Costume #1How fun would it be to walk around with him if you were a kid?  [image error]

Cool Costume #2 Very clever! I've never been this clever, I admit. LOL [image error]

Cool Costume #3 As a kid THIS would be the way to do Halloween, lol. [image error]

Cool Costume #4 Okay, I'm a sucker for babies and that little grin is just too cute! [image error]

And my personal favorite... LOL! How adorable!! What a little cutie! [image error]

And here are my girls when they were little. What's not to love about Clifford hugging a cat? =)

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Do you have any fun Halloween memories? Costumes? Tell me!



A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Shifting Gears by Jayne Rylon

[image error] Yay! It's Friday! Anyone have fun plans this weekend? I'm personally hoping to get caught up on some reading. I have two Lora Leigh books to read as well as "Crescendo" by Becca Fitzpatrick. And now I have "Shifting Gears" by Jayne Rylon! It just released today and it looks like a scorcher!



[image error] Read Excerpt | Buy

From Jayne's website:



A standalone book in the Cougar Challenge series, this book picks up the story of Mark Rossi (introduced in Driven). Books in the Cougar Challenge series do not have to be read in order to be enjoyed.



Mark envies his friend Sebastian and the Cougar who tamed him. For years he's had his eye on a sexy, older, married woman. Despite his and Bastian's sexual adventures, he refuses to poach outside his steamy fantasies.



Sloan travels with the race car drivers as the league's publicist. Living abroad can be lonely, especially when touring somewhere like China—where beautiful landscapes surround them but language and cultural barriers are high. Until she meets Lynn, who shares her love of erotic romances. In Lynn, she gains more than a friend because sexy-as-sin navigator Mark is never far from the Cougar and her fiancé, making Sloan wonder if it's time rejoin the dating scene after a nasty divorce.



When Lynn notices the chemistry between Mark and Sloan, she issues the Cougar Challenge. Sloan never imagined she might grant her younger lover the strength to explore the sexual tension that has been building between him and his friend since their Cougars entered their lives.



Four friends, two couples, one night none of them will forget.



Reader Advisory: Novel contains a f/m/m/f ménage.



Read Excerpt | Buy





And now a few hunks. I told Lucy I'd offer dessert since I served up breakfast, lunch and dinner on Wednesday. So, here's dessert! Enjoy! [image error]

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A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com

Thursday Thirteen--Anne

[image error] So, for today's Thursday Thirteen I've decided to tell you all 13 things about ME. Hope it's not too boring, lol.



1. I have naturally dark hair, but when I was younger I went all blonde. My family was shocked. And out came the dumb blonde jokes. lol [image error] 2.  I always remove at least half the meat when I get a deli sandwhich, otherwise it's just gross.

3.  For some reason I tend to leave at least one bite of food on my plate. Not sure why, but there it is.

4.  My husband tells me that I always have to be right in an argument. I disagree, clearly. lol

5.  I always have to try and guess who the killer is when I watch a suspense movie, drives my daughters crazy.

6.  I can't start a manuscript until I have a title. Title first!

7.  Most days I eat my breakfast/lunch at around 8am. I'm a morning eater.

8.  I hate movies with bad endings. It's annoying!

9.  I need background noise when I write. The T.V. usually.

10.  I once worked at a hotel. I was the person who stocked all the little refrigerators in the hotel rooms.

11.  When I write I tend to be a plotter and a pantser both.

12.  I write poetry and I've also done some sketching, nature scenes mostly.

and finally...13.  My biggest pet peeve is people who are two-faced. It gets under my skin!   

A Little Bit Naughty--out now!

http://annerainey.com