Mari Carr's Blog, page 105
April 11, 2011
Quote of the Day
Had the distinct privilege of hearing Maya Angelou speak once. What an amazing lady.
"I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind." – Maya Angelou, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
April 6, 2011
Goin' Hollywood!
This week I'm attending the Romantic Times Convention in sunny LA. Particularly excited about this trip because not only will I have the opportunity to hang out with my Ellora's Cave and Samhain editors (love, love, love those gals), I'm also spending the week with my fellow International Heat authors. I'm bunking in with Jess Dee, Lexxie Couper, Rhian Cahill, Lila Dubois and Jayne Rylon. These gals are some of my very best friends and there aren't words to express how much I'm looking forward to spending time with them.
As for the convention, I will be at the ebook expo and print booksignings, so if you live close to LA, I'd love to meet you! The ebook expo is Friday evening and the print bookfair is Saturday morning. This year I was asked to serve on two panels and I'm looking forward to discussing the topics of Ebook Marketing and Novels vs. Novellas with fellow panelists HelenKay Dimon, Eden Bradley, Kate Pearce, Jayne Rylon and Kristen Painter.
If you'd like to see more of the details about this awesome convention, you can check it out here.
April 5, 2011
Desiree Holt
This month Desiree Holt celebrates her 100th release with Downstroke from Ellora's Cave. Downstroke is the story of lover reunited after twenty years trying to bridge a gulf of bitterness while outwitting a killer.
Leave a comment here for Desiree. I will pick a name from the commenters for a winner of a choice from Desiree's backlist. Then, after you comment, go to www.desireeholt.com and enter the contest for the refurbished Acer netbook. You will also find a list there of all the other blogs participating in this celebration. Be sure to visit them and comment for more chances to win.
I had the pleasure of being asked to work with Desiree Holt on a series called the Cougar Challenge at Ellora's Cave. I can't tell you how excited I was when I learned Des was going to be a part of the project. I've loved her books for years and the idea of getting to work with her was SUPER thrilling. Since then, I've had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times and all I can say is this lady is one class act. She's beautiful and kind and I'm delighted to help her celebrate this amazing milestone. I told her once I wanted to be her when I grew up. She replied, "I don't ever plan to grow up!" LOL.
Today I thought I'd feature Desiree's book in the Cougar Challenge. I got to BETA READ it for her and I can tell you right now, this lady can write the hell out of a story!
Hot to Trot
Book four of the Cougar Challenge series.
Buying a ranch on eBay was the wildest thing Autumn Kelley had ever done. Past forty, she'd pretty much written excitement out of her life. But then she discovers the ranch comes with a foreman who makes her pulse pound and could give her an orgasm just by looking at her. As if that isn't enough, he has a friend equally as mouthwatering—and the two of them take Autumn on an erotic trip that outdoes any fantasy she could ever have imagined.
If sex with one hot boy toy is fantastic, sex with two at the same time is a whole new level of amazing. But what happens when Autumn inevitably has to come down from the orgasmic high?
Excerpt:
Autumn did her best to keep her head on straight where Mitch was concerned but the sensations rocketing through her body made it difficult. She'd taken Rachel's advice and dressed in a brand-new, skintight pair of jeans and an embroidered tank top, one with two buttons at the scoop neck that she casually left open. Every few seconds Mitch's eyes would stray to the swell of her breasts. If he caught her watching him, a slow, hot as sin smile would creep over his face. .
She was sure from the heat she felt and the tiny grin lifting one corner of his mouth that she was blushing furiously. She lifted her glass of ice water, draining it completely, hoping it would cool her off. Mitch's knowing smile didn't help much.
Come on, Autumn. Seductresses don't blush and act like shy virgins. You wore the damn top to catch his attention, so don't play coy.
The food was excellent. Trouble was she had difficulty concentrating with Mitch sitting so close to her, his very masculine scent teasing at her nostrils, her eyes glued to the muscles in his jaw and throat as he chewed and swallowed. It had been bad enough riding in the truck with him, very aware of the play of muscles in his arms as he drove and the way the worn denim stretched over his thighs. But sitting here with him her mind, let loose from its usual prison of inhibitions, kept picturing him naked.
Just as it had every day since they'd met.
She took a sip of the ice-cold beer in front of her and it suddenly occurred to her that this was the second Lone Star beer she'd downed without even realizing it. She'd been working long days, as much to get the house in shape as to work off the unfamiliar sexual energy charging through her. She knew she needed to get to a bed and crash but—surprise, surprise—she wanted Mitchell Brand to be in it with her. Now the band was tuning up and they opened up with something slow and sultry, matching her mood exactly.
"Come dance with me, Autumn." Mitch covered one of her hands with his. "A little music will relax you. Come on. Just one dance."
Dance with him? Let his body press close to mine? Am I ready for this?
Before she realized it she was on the dance floor, her body plastered to Mitch's.
Oh, lordy, I am in such big trouble here.
April 4, 2011
Quote of the Day
Seen on a T-shirt by Susan R. Too funny not to share…
"Smut is the Bacon of the Bookworld. You could live without it… but why?"
April 2, 2011
Saturday Snippet
This week's theme is a fun one that's sure to bring lots of variety in terms of the snippets you'll be reading. My choice of excerpt to share was easy. Today I'll be featuring a bit from the book, Happy Hour. Why did I choose that you ask? Because my editor just offered for Slam Dunk, the sequel and Trey's story! Woot! Woot!
Happy Hour Snippet:
"Take off your clothes," Jamie murmured against her flushed skin. "I want to see you."
She reached for the buttons on her blouse, noticing that neither man seemed inclined to give her much room to move. Trey's hands covered hers as he tried to hurry her up. Jamie's hands only left her for a moment as she removed the material, then he quickly returned to exploring the bare skin of her waist. As soon as her blouse hit the floor, Jamie's hands moved up to unhook her bra. In mere seconds, she was bare to the waist as well. She waited for some response, some hesitation when they realized what they were asking for by inviting an older woman to bed. It never came.
Neither stopped their assault on her senses and her sensitive flesh. Trey's hands returned to her breasts, his fingers plucking at her nipples until she was squirming against Jamie's covered cock. She was on fire and nothing short of being completely consumed by the flames would suffice. She pulled her lips away from Trey's kiss, sucking in some much-needed air.
"Please," she said, not sure what the hell she was pleading for—air, sex, more touching, more kissing, more everything. Her legs threatened to give way and Jamie's hands grasped her more firmly, pulling her back against his chest.
"Just relax," Jamie whispered.
"Relax?" Her voice betrayed her and she knew relaxing was the last thing she was going to be able to do. They both chuckled.
"Let us take care of you tonight, Gracie. We know what you need," Trey assured her.
"Well, that's comforting, considering I don't have a clue." She wanted far too much.
Trey's hands drifted from her breasts to the clasp of her jeans she'd quickly changed into before heading to Tully's and she sucked in a nervous breath. Moment of truth.
"You're so beautiful," Jamie said. "I can't wait to see you naked. I'm going to lick every inch of this soft skin."
She trembled, but felt relief at his words. She and Jamie helped Trey—six hands working her jeans and panties over her hips. She toed off her sandals, kicked off the denim and held her breath.
Trey's gaze raked her from head to toe while Jamie started to make good on his licking promise, his tongue and teeth toying with her earlobe as he reached around her chest to grip her breasts in his large hands.
"Jesus," Trey muttered. He licked his lips as his attention remained riveted to her chest and Jamie's hands. Before she could wonder whether his response was good or bad, he bent down and captured one of her hard nipples in his mouth. Her hands flew to his head and she ran her fingers over it, marveling at the rough texture of his short hair.
As Trey sucked, bit, devoured her breasts, Jamie's hands found their way to her ass. He cupped the cheeks, squeezing firmly before dragging one finger along the slit. She turned her head, anxious to see Jamie's face. She needed to know, to reassure herself that he was okay with this.
He smiled when he caught her looking, and then placed a quick kiss on her lips. "You're incredible, Grace. Perfect. I knew you would be."
She blinked back the happy tears his words provoked. "Jamie—" She paused, uncertain what to say, how to express to him what this night truly meant to her. She knew for them it was a one-night stand, a one-time deal and she was okay with that. A threesome was a fantasy, but definitely not something she wanted more than once. Jamie's hand touched her face gently and she fought back the realization of what she did want.
Him.
She wanted Jamie, alone, for way more than one night. The answer seemed so obvious, she wondered how she could have missed it.
"Stop worrying," he murmured against her lips. "Everything will be fine."
She nodded, wondering if he could somehow read her thoughts. She dismissed that thought. No, he clearly thought she was worried about the sex. Sex with two virile, healthy, young men.
Well, that thought certainly washed away every other worry. What was she doing here? How could she possibly satisfy both of them?
Jamie grinned. "Trey. I think we better move this show to the bed. Grace's head is starting to catch up with her body. We must not be doing something right."
She laughed at his jest. "Believe me, you're doing everything right."
Trey rose as Jamie took her hand and led her to his bed. He gently pushed on her shoulders, urging her to sit. She watched both men glance at each other and she giggled, suddenly sensing there were parts of this night that were just as uncomfortable for them.
"You guys okay?" She lifted her eyebrows to prove she knew what was holding them back. While they'd removed their shirts, she wondered how they felt about shucking their jeans and standing side by side with matching erections. "It's not a contest, you know."
She hoped her words would put them at ease. Jokes and teasing were second nature to their relationship.
Jamie shrugged. "I'm not gonna pretend I'm not worried about that myth surrounding black guys." His words were spoken lightly and she watched Trey grin at the joke.
"Who says it's a myth?" Trey challenged.
She laughed, her concerns about the evening drifting away. These guys were her friends and they always would be. The rest would just have to be sorted out come morning.
Happy Hour is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Fictionwise, Sony and All Romance Ebooks.
See what snippets these authors have chosed to share today.
April 1, 2011
No Foolin'
Ellora's Cave is slashing the prices of more than 150 books at third party vendors, like Amazon, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, and Barnes and Noble. Prices of books by ten Ellora's Cave authors, including me, Nicole Austin, Jory Strong, Shiloh Walker, Allyson James, Laurann Dohner, Jayne Rylon, Delilah Devlin, Myla Jackson, and Ciana Stone, will be reduced for the next 3-4 months. So if you've had a hankering to buy Sugar and Spice or Come Monday in Kindle or Nook format with one click, now's the time! If sales on these books is good, EC will continue the reductions, offering even more books by more authors at a lower price. Take advantage now and let's see these savings spread!
March 30, 2011
Comin' Up Cowboys
This week at Ellora's Cave, everything is comin' up cowboys. I have a new release today in the Lawless line called Inflamed. It's exciting enough getting a release date, but imagine my delight when I realized I'd be sharing the day with fellow Cougar Challenge pal, Regina Carlysle — one of my favorite authors and pretty much the nicest woman on the planet. This gal can write HAWT cowboy stories!
Today, we thought we'd celebrate our cowboy releases together by playing a little game. Here's the deal: I'm going to pose a question about cowboys. In order to be entered into a drawing for winner's choice from my backlist, you need to pop over to Regina's blog to leave the answer. While you're there, why not look around? She has some gorgeous covers and amazing excerpts.
THEN…check out the cowboy question Regina has posted, come back here and answer it to be entered into a contest to win your choice from her backlist. Sound like fun? Two chances to win! The contest will run through Friday night. Check back Saturday to see the winners' names.
OKAY–my question is this: Who is your favorite sexy cowboy? Remember–DON'T post your answer here. Post it over on Regina's blog. Check out her question and post the answer to that question here.
Inflamed
Stuck in a rut in every way possible, Keri's first step in a bid for change is moving back to the Texas home she left years ago. The second step? Spicing up her sex life with the crazy-hot cowboys she left behind. Too responsible (and smart) to touch her way back when, Max and Shaw filled Keri's hottest teen dreams. Now she's all grown up, and more than ready to make up for lost time.
Max and Shaw were always fond of Keri, but the stunning woman strutting back into their lives is a far cry from the serious, studious teen they remember. She wants to take a walk on the racy side—with both of them—and the cowboys are only too happy to oblige. As they suspected, the sex is explosive, though Max and Shaw aren't sure Keri can really handle everything they have to give.
Nor do they know if she can handle the sexy secret they've yet to divulge.
Read an excerpt.
Return to Delight
Harley June Baker left Delight thinking never to return, but when circumstances draw her back to this tiny town and straight into Cooper's strong arms, she knows she's in deep trouble. The man she'd loved and left behind is now one sexy devil-in-denim and hotter than a Texas summer night. With his every wicked touch throwing her senses into overdrive, how could any sane woman resist?
Cooper Dobbs is a man on a mission. He let Harley get away once, but never again. Knowing it's time to burn up some sheets with the delectable woman, Cooper plies her with a raw, savage passion that threatens to incinerate them both. It's gonna take plenty of panty-drenching sex and a fair amount of sweet-talkin' to make Harley his, but Cooper reckons he's up to the challenge.
Read an excerpt.
March 28, 2011
Quote of the Week
"There must be quite a few things a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
March 26, 2011
Saturday Snippet
It's Springtime, but you can't tell it here. Weather forecasters are calling for snow tomorrow! Apparently winter's not going down without a fight. Thought I'd try to warm things up with a little springtime snippet from Erotic Research.
The days turned into weeks and time lost all meaning as Julia worked relentlessly on her novel. She slept only a few hours a night, many times jerking awake in a cold sweat, Ross's name upon her lips. She ate when she remembered to, which wasn't very often. Twice, she ventured off the mountain to replenish her supplies. There wasn't a scale in the cabin, but by the looseness of her clothing, she suspected she'd lost at least ten pounds.
After Ross's departure, it had taken her nearly a week to pull herself from the bed and the deep depression into which she'd sunk. During that week, memories of her parents' deaths haunted her. She could swear she heard Duke meowing at various times of the day. The image of Ross's face when she laughed at his declaration of love tore her heart to pieces. Convinced she was losing her mind, Julia gave herself up to sleep to avoid the pain—only rousing to relieve herself, eat a few bites of food or throw an occasional log on the fire when the cabin became bone-chillingly cold.
After a week of self-pity, she roused herself enough to leave the sanctuary of her bed and make a plan. In spite of her best efforts not to suffer another debilitating loss, she had. Her own foolish fears had cost her the love of her life—the only man she could ever imagine marrying and having children with. Refuting Ross's declaration hadn't saved her pain, but given it—unbearable amounts of soul-rending, heartbreaking aches that took her breath away. For two days, she plotted and planned, determined to win back the heart of her best friend. With her course set, she sat down to write. Her words were her only weapon, her only power.
In the dark of the night, when she awoke with tears streaming down her face, she sat down to write. When loneliness ate at her insides like a cancer, she sat down to write. When the memories of Ross's arms around her felt like a vise squeezing the life out of her heart, she sat down to write. Only the novel kept her going.
Once she'd roused herself from depression and risen from her bed, she started taking long walks in the snow, communing with Mother Nature as she felt the wounds of the past slowly heal. There was a lot to be said for the healing effects of the natural world.
Finally, after two months and three more snowstorms, the manuscript was complete. As a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, Julia felt she was coming alive again. Pleased with her efforts, she spent the next four days cleaning the entire cabin from top to bottom and packing up to prepare for her return to the city. The real world. Ross.
Driving down the mountain, Julia felt hopeful for the first time in weeks. Taking her time, she traveled back to New York like a lady of leisure, a person with nothing but time on her hands. Mailing her novel to Ross at the first post office she passed, she bought a map and proceeded to take every back road she could find, eschewing the busy interstates in favor of exploring the small towns along the way, even stopping in Easton, Pennsylvania to tour the Crayola Factory. Walking around the displays with a tour group of elementary-school children, she felt very much like a child herself again. It was as if she were starting her life anew, everything fresh and unique. Unfamiliar and unexplored.
She took pleasure in the small things. Trying something different to eat at a restaurant. Stopping at overlooks along the way. Watching the arrival of spring and taking in the scenery as she drove—signs of the green season were sprouting up everywhere. A city girl by birth, she'd never fully appreciated all nature had to offer until her time in the cabin.
Riding with the windows down, she inhaled the smells of budding trees, blooming flowers and rain-soaked earth. Smiling, she took delight in everything she saw, feeling as if she were a blind woman who'd suddenly been granted the gift of sight. Even her return to the city—full of hectic traffic-packed streets, cursing, angry commuters, and taxicabs blaring their horns—did nothing to dim her new, happy outlook on life. For the first time in her life, she felt free. Free to chart her course and achieve her goals. Goals she would stop at nothing to reach.
Erotic Research is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, Fictionwise and All Romance Ebooks.
Why don't you spring over and check out excerpts by these authors as well?
March 21, 2011
Quote of the Week
"There are certain natures that cannot have love on one side without hatred on the other." – Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
