C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 167

The Good Guys You’d Love to Love

Okay, bad boy were easy to write about.  It’s probably just my nature.  There are some really sweet guys in movies that do have appeal.  Even I sigh when I see them.



I think most women will reply that Tom Hanks in “Sleepless in Seattle” was irresistable as the widower Sam Baldwin.  When Sam’s son calls a radio talk show on Christmas Eve saying that his dad needs a new wife, the radio host gets Jonah to put his dad on the phone. Unintentionally the still grieving Sam pours out his heart on national radio talking about his perfect and magical marriage to Maggie.

Thousands of women listen to his story, among them Baltimore journalist Annie Reed (Meg Ryan).  Annie who is engaged to be married can’t keep Sam off her mind.  Her love life with her fiance Walter is nothing like what she heard Sam talk about on the radio.  She writes to him.  If you haven’t seen “Sleepless in Seattle” which also is entwined with the older film “An Affair to Remember”, you will be happily surprised.

Oh, and have tissues on hand.  And chocolate.

It just so happens that the 10th Anniversary Edition DVD is now out.

Moving on with our Good Guy edition, I’m going to move an actor who has played Bond.  It’s long been a joke with my husband that whenever he yells “Bond is on TV,” that I stop everything and come running.  What do I mean by Bond?  Why James Bond, of course!

Now comes the debate on whether Bond is a good guy or bad boy.   From 1995-2002, Pierce Brosnan played Bond.  I loved him in “Remington Steele.”  I was excited when I finally played James Bond.  He brought his subtle charm and quick wit.  He was a great super spy.

But then everything changed.  The world was changing and Bond’s remarks in this day and age could be construed as sexist.  Then in 2006 in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig became Bond.  There was controversary over him being a blond Bond.  But personally I didn’t care about that.  I wanted to see how he was going to continue being the ultimate spy in a changed world.

I was surprised to see a sensitive, caring Bond.  Not really the womanizer of the past.  He as just as deadly as a spy, but you saw his feelings, his weaknesses, and in that his strengths.   Bond had become better.

There are lots of good guys, and I was torn as who to include or not.   Who would you include as a Good Guy You’d Love to Love?

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Characters, Mystery, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What A Writer Needs, What inspires you?, Writing Topics

What’s the next step after you write your book? by Marian Lanouette

New: each week I’m going to post what I’m reading. I ask that you leave a comment which starts with what you’re reading.

What I’m reading now? Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker, Next up, is Hedy’s Folly by Richard Rhodes.

Today’s post covers your next step after you type the end on your revised/edited manuscript. At this point, you must decide if you are going to query agents/publishers with your work or self-publish.

Either way, your next step should encompass several actions. First, and I can’t stress this enough, make sure you manuscript is agents/publishers ready. If self-publishing, then reader ready. You only get one chance to make a first impression. There are no take backs once you hit the send key.

Second, research the agents/publishers you want to send you manuscript to for review. There are several sites to check the reputations of these professionals. Writers Beware is one, another is Predator & Editors.com. I’m sure there are many more sites. Always check your facts, sites might not be updated. Also, make sure the agents/publishers you send your manuscript to represent your type of work. If you write romance, find agents/publishers who represent romance fiction. I would also check to see who their clients are. This more than anything will tell you what genre they represent.

Third, once your research is complete, you’re ready to send out your work. I like to send mine out with a return receipt. This lets me know when the email is opened. I then mark my calendar to do a follow-up in sixty days. I know that sound like a long time, but in the publishing industry, that’s a nanosecond.

I’ve been told not do follow-ups, but you know what? I almost missed an important opportunity. I never saw the offer or contract in my email. The business person in me kept nagging me to a follow-up and I’m so glad I listened. I now have two books coming out; the first in September 2012 and the second in the series in January 2013. You need to do what feels right to you. I would ask the agents/publishers up front when you’d expect to hear back from them, then contact them after that date.

If you get a rejection, don’t give up. And I can’t stress this enough, don’t contact the agent/publisher to ask why. Move on. There are plenty of agents/publishers out there to query. Stephen King once said, he had a thousand rejections before he was accepted by an agent. What did he do with all those rejections? The story goes, he wallpapered his walls with them. Now look at him today. He is the Best Selling King! Remember, always be polite and don’t burn bridges behind you. The publishing industry is a small community.

Good luck with your writing.

Next week, I’m posting the Pre-edited word list. These are words you should remove or use sparingly in your work. The list comes directly from my publisher. I now incorporate them into my editing process.

Photograph supplied by Apieling Pictures LLC

Filed under: romance

Meet Author Kathy Wheeler by Gerri Brousseau

I’m so excited to have Kathy Wheeler here with us today.  Kathy has been published and has also self-published, so I’m sure she will have quite a lot of valuable information for us.

Kathy, I know you have had two novels recently released, Quotable, from Soul Mate Publishing, June 6, 2012 and The Color of Betrayal, The Wild Rose Press – June 13, 2012.  Please tell us a little bit about each of them.

Kathy: Quotable is Genna Lyndsey’s story. She and her friend Lorianne own a little used bookstore called Renew Interest Used Books. She is brainy, introverted and prefers books over people—and when others become too intrusive, out pop obscure quotes to keep them at bay. Someone is sabotaging the bookstore property and things turn dangerous.

The Color of Betrayal is part of a project the Oklahoma Romance Writers are working with through The Wild Rose Press, Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll. Part of the criteria includes: a tie to Oklahoma; the curse being portrayed accurately; and true love breaking the curse.  My story is a contemporary where the heroine, Malia Kane, inherits the cursed doll upon her mother’s death. As such, she refuses to acknowledge Luke’s attraction because everyone she’s been involved with since the age of sixteen has been affected by the curse. But Luke is not to be deterred: He’d risk a broken nose for love.

NOP:  I understand the sequel to Quotable is due out in September.  Please tell us a bit about that as well.

KATHY:  Maybe It’s You is Lorianne Gentry’s story.  I mean, how can a girl who’s been rejected by Once Upon A Time ever believe that happily-ever-after even exists?  Lorianne is branded by deep-seeded insecurities.  Abandonment issues surface when she finds herself falling in love, totally pissing her off.  Ashton Turner III, however, was nobody’s Knight-In-Shining-Armor.  He’d jumped off that horse a long time ago­—the sex, however, was damn good.  When Lorianne’s grandmother delivers life-altering news, his past explodes into the present.

NOP:  In addition to this, you mentioned you self-published two books, The Wronged Princess – Book I and The Unlikely Heroine – Book II.  Please tell us a bit about those two.

KATHY:  Ah, these books are truly fun. The Wronged Princess – Book I is what happens when Cinderella loses her glass slipper. Of course, she feels quite smug when Prince Charming announces to his kingdom, he’ll try the shoe on every maiden until he finds his mysterious princess. Unfortunately, it slides just as easily on her evil sister, Esmeralda’s, dainty foot.

The Unlikely Heroine – Book II has Pricilla (she has the larger foot, which hurts her feelings) and Prince Charming’s dashing cousin, Sir Arnald, running for their lives when they stumble upon a hoard of villains.

There are actually two more: The Surprising Enchantress – Book III. A dainty foot means nothing when one’s eyes (Esmeralda’s) flutter fast enough to change the weather. A deterrent to any prospective intended.

Book IV – The English Lily, is another Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll story, which has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press. (At this time, there is no release date)  This is a big year for me!

NOP:  You have been published and have self published.  Which was easier and why?

KATHY:  There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to both. When you are contracted, you are under the publisher’s timeline, which in and of itself, is good and bad.  Good, because you know your work will be looked at by new eyes, good because you will have an actual date in which you must complete your work, and you inherit other marketing advantages. Bad, because you lose revenue, through editing (because you had better get someone good to go over your stuff) and of course, the publisher’s cut.  But writing and publishing are all in name-building and recognition. It will always be work, whichever way you decide.

NOP:  If you could be any character in any of your books, who would it be and why?

KATHY:  I love both Pricilla (The Unlikely Heroine – Book II) and Lorianne (Maybe It’s You). They are strong young women who defy the constraints of society’s expectations, yet are vulnerable, forcing the hero to look beneath the surface in order to understand his attraction. Which, he does, thus, making him a—hero!!!

NOP:  Of the books you have written, do you have a favorite and if so, which one?

KATHY:  The English Lily (The Wild Rose Press) was an interesting book to write. The heroine is introduced in The Surprising Enchantress – Book III. She is very young, and comes across as a spoiled English heiress. Yet, as you get to know her through her own story, things aren’t quite what they seem. She can’t read. One interesting note, is that when I submitted The English Lily to the editor, she sent a note back telling me her own sister’s struggle with the same disability. It was quite intoxicating realizing how she resonated so with the character.

NOP:  If they were going to make any of your books into a movie, who would you like to see play your hero/heroine?

KATHY:  The whole Cinderella series would make a fabulous series of movies. As they cover intrigue, betrayal, smuggling and murder. Though, sweetly written, of course! If they made a movie, who cares who would play them!  It’s a movie!

NOP:  What’s next for you?

KATHY:  I have two stories currently in the works. One is the fourth book following Quotable, Maybe It’s You, Two Equals One (not currently submitted, although written) is Little Kenny’s story. The other is a book my husband and I came up with on our way to Colorado back in March.

NOP:  What do you enjoy most about being an author?

KATHY:  I love the creativity. I love how the characters tell their stories through me. I feel very blessed by their honor and hope I do them justice.

Now for some fun questions:

NOP:  Who is your favorite actor?

KATHY:  I don’t get to watch a lot of movies, (though Brad Pitt is the cutest thing ever) Could I name a sports guy? Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Hardin?

NOP:  What is your favorite movie?

KATHY:  I really, really love How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

NOP:  What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

KATHY:  Chocolate! Without nuts, marshmallows, whip-cream, or any other funky stuff. Just chocolate.

NOP:  What is your favorite color?

KATHY:  Some days it’s yellow (for sunshine), other days it’s green (for spring); Other times, pink because I’m still a girl. But as a Leo—it has to be…Red. For fire and passion.

NOP:  Beach or Mountain lake?

KATHY:  Definitely, beach! I can take the heat! (Now, I need to diet!)

NOP:  One place in the world you would love to visit … and why?

KATHY:  Hmm, I’ve been to London, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Paris, Köln, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Puerta Vallarta, Grand Cayman.  I think I would love to visit the castles of Ireland and Northern England. I adore the rich, old history.

NOP:  If you weren’t an author, what would your profession be?

KATHY:  I would be on stage in Musical Theater.

NOP:  What kind of music do you like?

KATHY:  Uh, Broadway.  But I also love 70s, 80s, 90s, pop and rock.

NOP:  Do you write with music playing, tv on in the background, or in a quiet place?

KATHY:  The people talking in my head are most insistent that I don’t listen to music. Even though I tell them that I can tune most anything out!  Usually, when I write, I have sports or The History Channel on… very low.

Now for some excerpts:

Quotable – by Kathy L Wheeler (6/6/2012)

Excerpt:

Without so much as a second thought, he moved his mouth over hers in slow deliberation allowing her almost ample time to step back should she have wished. It didn’t matter that the door was to her back and she had nowhere to step back to.

Definitely, the wild honeysuckle drove him wild with desire. Just the feeling of her timorous nature kept him from devouring her outright, tempting as it was. His tongue touched her lips in a feathery motion drinking in her sweetness. He pulled her to him, her slight body leaning into his.

A sharp pain hit his leg. He grunted and broke the kiss, making the break as painful as the pain in his leg. He glanced down. She’d dropped everything she’d been holding, her hands clutching the front of his shirt. Her cheeks were flushed. With hunger? Need?

She seemed at a loss as to what to do next. He stifled an urge to smile, irritation dissolving for the moment.

He grasped her hands gently, surprised by the rising desire to safeguard her. Resisting the appeal to reclaim her mouth, he tugged them from his shirt. Kneeling down, he gathered the spilled belongings. Just as he suspected, he’d been besieged with books.

Blurb:

GENNA LYNDSEY is not a people person.  A short, too-skinny, wild haired waif, with crazy hair and sturdy nerdy glasses lives through books.  So it’s lucky she and her best friend own their own bookstore.  Her college days taught her that dating was too unreliable to depend on others.  It was then that she started resorting to obscure quotes to shield herself from others who ventured too close.

RICK JOHNSON, Fraud Insurance Claims Investigator, is assigned to look into an unusual number of claims filed by Genna Lyndsey.  He suspects Genna of sabotaging her own property for insurance money.  His investigation uncovers an adorable introvert determined to keep everyone at bay, while someone else resolves to put her out of business—no matter how great the risk.

The Color of Betrayal – by Kathy L Wheeler (6/13/2012)

Excerpt:

Seeming oblivious to his presence, her gaze spanned the room before dropping her face into open palms. “It’s old. It’s ugly. Why? Why would anyone want the blasted thing?” She had obviously forgotten his presence as the conversation she carried was strictly her own. “It’s that damned curse. It has to be.” She raised her head, staring out a window, its sill covered in dust. Her eyes squinted in the sunlight. “Oooh, it would serve him right if he did snatch the stupid thing.” Full lips pressed in a stubborn line had him lusting to trace them with a fingertip. Coax them into a curve.

“Who?” he demanded, but she didn’t answer. Luke decided to take charge of the situation before she completely lost all contact with reality. “What makes you think the doll is cursed? Not that I believe it for a moment.” It felt odd saying the words aloud, though the words from the note were carved in his memory.

She shot him a startled glance. Yes, that was surprise covering her features. Annoyed, he

promised himself he’d work on forging a less forgettable image later. Right now, however, she

seemed to be debating how much to tell him.

Malia opened her mouth to speak, and suddenly Luke’s brain ceased any rational functioning. A pressing need to kiss those parted lips overtook common sense, and he covered her mouth with his. How much more blatant a signal would he have to send for her to realize his attraction?

Blurb:

Luke Reiser has every intention of marrying Malia Kane, a difficult feat when she refuses to acknowledge his interest. When Malia’s grandmother asks for a doll left in his attic, Luke believes his luck has changed. He summons Malia to his office, but he doesn’t expect her reaction.

Malia doesn’t have time to do artwork for Luke’s company. She’s preparing for an art show to ease financial difficulties looming like a snuffer ready to extinguish a candle flame. But what she finds at Luke’s office is worse than bankruptcy—it’s that horrid doll bequeathed to her at her mother’s death. Malia has found out the hard way the curse breaks any would-be lover’s nose, and worse. Not wanting to risk injury to Luke, she takes the doll and runs.

Can an ancient doll bring the two together…or will Luke end up next in a long line of victims…with a broken nose as well as a broken heart?

Where can you get Kathy’s books?

currently available amazon, b&n, smashwords: The Wronged Princess – Book I

currently available amazon, b&n, smashwords: The Unlikely Heroine – Book II – May 25,2012

http://klwheeler.com

The Wild Rose Press – The Color of Betrayal – June 13, 2012

Soul Mate Publishing – Quotable – June 6, 2012

Soul Mate Publishing – Maybe It’s You – September 2012

http://kae-elle-wheeler.com

currently available amazon, b&n, smashwords: The Wronged Princess – Book I

currently available amazon, b&n, smashwords: The Unlikely Heroine – Book II – May 25,2012

The Surprising Enchantress – Book III – Summer 2012

WOW, Kathy, you are one busy gal! And … guess what, readers … Kathy has agreed to give away an ebook version of Quotable to one lucky winner! Here is what you need to do to qualify. Comment, and somewhere in your comment you must say the words, “I want to be quoted.” Thanks Kathy for sharing with us today. And good luck to all our readers who enter.

Filed under: romance

Author Interview: Jenna Jaxon

I can’t tell you all how happy I am to have author Jenna Jaxon on Nights of Passion today. I recently finished Jenna’s latest historical romance novel Only Scandal Will Do and I absolutely fell in love with her characters and the world she created. So with out further ado, let’s welcome Jenna.

Now Jenna, before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living (if you’re not a fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc.

JENNA: Thank you so much for having me here today, Toni!  It’s great to have this opportunity to share my writing with you, especially, my current book, Only Scandal Will Do.

I’m a Virginia girl, born and raised.  I live on the eastern coast, right near both the water (romantic) and historical sites (Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg).  Any wonder historical romance is what I write? J  I’m not a full time writer, unfortunately, but I do get to indulge my other passions in my day job.  I teach theatre at a local university.  Theatre is great training for a writer because you learn dialogue, plot structure, how to describe action.  Between writing, reading and theatre, my plate is pretty full.

Wow! It sure sounds like it but I can see how theatre would be such a help. So, why writing and where did Only Scandal Will Do come from?

JENNA: I’ve always been a writer–since 3rd grade.  But I only started it as a career when I needed another creative outlet.  I’d just finished a very successful theatre production and I wanted to do something else creative.  I’d just read Everlasting by Kathleen Woodiwiss and literally said, “I can write one of these.”  So I sat down and wrote a medieval romance. That was about 3 1/2 years ago and I’m just loving it!

Only Scandal Will Do is the second book I wrote.  The plot coalesced out of several different things–the story behind the last peer ever hanged in England, the trope of the heroine being sold at auction in several romance I’d read at the time, and Jo Beverley’s Malloren series that gave me a love for the Georgian period.  Then, I was reading the opening chapter of Mary Balogh’s The Secret Pearl, and the Marquess of Dalbury came up and started whispering in my ear.  I tried to put him and Katarina off–I was already five chapters into another romance–but they yelled loudly enough I had to stop that book and switch to theirs just to shut them up!

Well good thing you didn’t shut them up! What genre(s) do you write in and why?

JENNA: I write historical romance and erotic contemporary.  The historical makes sense–I was a history major, have always loved historical fiction and movies.  I love looking at how people lived in centuries past–how they were different and the same as we are today. 

The erotic came out of nowhere! LOL  I saw a call for submissions for an erotic fractured fairy tale, thought it sounded fun and started typing.

What is your favorite part of writing?

JENNA: Plotting.  I love to plot out all the points, what happens, when.  How things can be tucked in to make a connection with another part of the book.  This is the backbone of the novel and once I have it down, I can sit down and just start writing.

Gosh I’m jealous, I’m just so impatient to plot but I think it would make it so much easier if I could. What about your least favorite part of writing?

JENNA: Promotion.  There is so much to do, so many places where you have to establish a presence in order to get your name out there.  And that takes a lot of time.  Time that could be used to write.

I completely agree with you there. So who was your favorite character to write in Only Scandal Will Do? Do you have a favorite character of all time (so far) and if so, why?

JENNA: That is a hard question because I loved writing both Duncan (Marquess of Dalbury) and Katarina.  I guess, if you pinned me down, I would say Katarina.  She’s so resourceful, so forthright and no nonsense on one hand, and very tender and loving on the other.  And she has a wicked shoulder cut with a rapier

What is your typical day like? Anything you’d change about it if you could?

JENNA: That depends on the time of year.  During the school year I get up, go in to class.  Depending on my schedule I sometimes can write between classes.  If I’m in production I write before rehearsal.  I come home, write for a couple of hours and go to bed.  During the summer I try to write/promote from the time I get up until I go to bed.  Don’t always get to do that, but I try.  What I’d change?  I’d have my summer schedule year-round.

Writing is a never ending process of learning. What is an area you feel you’ve mastered and an area you’d love to improve upon?

JENNA:  think I have mastered dialogue.  My editor for Scandal said it was one of my strengths.  I attribute that to my work in the theatre where I’ve listened to dialogue and the cadences of conversation for a very long time.

What I would improve on?  Recognizing wandering body parts!  LOL  I have a tendency to overuse this convention, for example “His eyes flew around the room.”  Eyes don’t fly, though a gaze might.  Hands don’t rub a head, a person rubs the head.  I’d love to be able to write without using a lot of these phrases.

Tell us about your next book.

JENNA: My next historical will be the first book I wrote, a medieval romance that’s in three parts.  The book is called Time Enough to Love and is told in three novellas:  Betrothal, Betrayal, and Beleaguered. It’s the story of Lady Alyse de Courcy and Sir Geoffrey Longford, betrothed in an arranged marriage.  In Book One they work through the problems of their betrothal:  her infatuation with his best friend, his disloyalty to her, and a meeting of the minds (and bodies) when a tournament reveals Alyse’s darkest fear.

My next book coming out is 7 Days of Seduction, another erotic contemporary.  It’s about a girl named Ashley who parties too hardy one Friday night and wakes up the next morning to discover she’s slept with a guy she doesn’t know.  She’s about to start looking for him when he shows up–in her shower!  He’s Hunter Hopewell and he’s determined to introduce Ashley to all sorts of sexual experiences over the course of seven days, seducing her out of her inhibitions and into agreeing to a final experience that may just be too much for her.  It should be out this fall.

Wow, those sound great and I definitely can’t wait to read your next historical as I completely agree with your editor. I felt transported back and time just reading the dialogue. Thanks so much for your time here today and for sharing the blurb and excerpt for Only Scandal Will Do below:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.

Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

EXCERPT:

“I assure you, there was never a night like that before.” Lord Dalbury spoke quietly, and Katarina sensed a tension in him. “I had never done such a thing before. Never participated in such an auction. Never tried to take a woman unwillingly to my bed.” He stopped speaking. Just stopped. Then his breath hissed as though he’d slowly released it.

“I cannot find the words to tell you how deeply I regret I was not a better man that night.” He paused, and she held still and waited. “What I tried to do was madness, without thought, without honor. I do not even have an excuse other than my base desires, and that your abundant charms overwhelmed me.” His face was shadowy in the scarce light of the sickle moon, but he sounded contrite. “I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. I have no right to expect it. But I would ask you to allow me to attempt to remedy the situation.”

Kat shook her head slowly. “What on earth do you believe you could do, Lord Dalbury, that could even come close to a remedy for the terror and humiliation you put me through? Do you think now that I have met you, heard your feeble attempts at an apology, and rejected them, the memory of that night will magically disappear?” She fought to control her anger, though she yearned to blast him with it. “What magic potion would you have me take that would erase the memory of you pinning me to the bed? Because if you have such an elixir, then yes, I will gladly take it from you and obliterate you absolutely and irrevocably.”

He stood silent at her words, then said simply, “I have only myself to offer, my lady.”

“You would have me kill you, my lord? In that, too, I agree I would oblige you, but not at the cost of my own life. I understand the English law punishes those who do murder quite severely.” Kat was astonished when he lurched backward, as from a blow.

“No, my lady, I would not have you kill me,” he said, sounding grimly amused. “Though indeed that would probably give you most satisfaction. I meant I would have you marry me.”

His words surprised a laugh out of her. “Marry you?” The laughter grew. “I see, my lord, you think me both a whore and a fool.”

“I think you are neither, Lady Katarina.”

“Then you are the fool to believe I would put such a man as you in control of every aspect of my life.” That he thought she would even entertain the suggestion was insulting.

The pale moonlight shadowed his face, but she could read displeasure there just the same. “You judge me solely on one act that, I assure you, was grossly out of character for me. You cannot possibly know what kind of husband I would be.”

“And never will, Lord Dalbury. I can swear to you that I would not marry you if I were in Hell and you were my only hope of Heaven.”

He inclined his head toward her, a faint smile touching his lips. “I believe you made a similar claim about dancing with me, Lady Katarina. Yet we have indeed enjoyed a dance together despite your words.” His tone was soft, the sensuous, cajoling one he had used to seduce her that night in the House of Pleasure.

Kat trembled, recalling the incredible sensations of his hands, his mouth on her body. Damn. He could not do this to her again. Not just with his voice.

“Is there nothing that would entice you to leave your Hell for my Heaven?”

She struggled to answer, opened her lips to deny it, only to find her mouth completely sealed by his.

Author Links:

Blog:  http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570

Twitter:  @Jenna_Jaxon

Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Only-Scandal-Will-Do-ebook/dp/B008MNDCS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343150893&sr=8-1&keywords=only+scandal+will+do

Lyrical Press:  http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_28&products_id=515

ARe:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/

iTunes:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/only-scandal-will-do/id536593279?mt=11

Filed under: romance, romance novels, Toni Kelly

Anniversaries and Abductions by Leia Shaw

Last weekend was me and my husband’s anniversary. For the past few years, anytime we’ve had a ridiculous conversation (which is often) I jot it down to laugh at years from now. Because I love my husband – and also love to embarrass him – I’ve copied my favorite of the list I’ve compiled. So, in honor of our eight years together, here is my husband – the silly, overly-logical but still brave, kind, selfless man, who I still love as much as the day I said “I do.”And yes, this conversation is real and copied verbatim.

Me: If I was attacked, would you fight for me?

Hubby: Hmm…does the attacker have a gun?

Me: No. No weapons. Just a fist fight and whatever is laying around. Like a chair.

Hubby: So a chair fight?

Me: (rolls eyes) Sure. A chair fight.

Hubby: How big is he?

Me: Honey, the answer I’m looking for is a simple yes.

Hubby: Would I die if I fought?

Me: If you lost!

Hubby: Then I probably wouldn’t.

Me: What!?

Hubby: Well, if I don’t fight, at least one of us would be alive for the kids. If I did fight, there is a 50% chance our kids would be orphaned. I would do whatever I could to make sure one of us lives.

Me: What if the guy was small and you could take him?

Hubby: Maybe.

Me: Honey! Where’s the emotion? Where’s the fury? Where’s the passion?

Hubby: The mind doesn’t think sensibly when it’s full of emotion. I have to evaluate the situation and weigh the risks carefully to assess the likelihood of the outcome I desire.

Me: Too late. I’m dead. You have one second to decide whether to fight or watch me die.

Hubby: This is ridiculous. I’m not validating it anymore with an argument.

Me: Fine! You’re a terrible husband today!

Later.

Me: What if there’s no chance you would die if you fought?

Hubby: Does he have a gun?

Me: No. It’s a street fight. In a back alley.

Hubby: Then, yes, I would. I would be injured to any degree for you. I would even die for you if it meant you would definitely live.

Me: I would totally fight for you, live or die. I would pick up a brick and throw it at his head, then jump on him and slam his head on the concrete until there was blood everywhere.

Hubby: I hope not. That’s impractical. If you threw the brick and you missed, you wouldn’t have it anymore.

Me: I wouldn’t miss. Adrenaline enhances the senses. I would be faster and stronger. You really wouldn’t do the same for me?

Hubby: Depends. Who’s closer to the brick?

Me: Ugh! You’re impossible!

Pause

Me: Well, the point is moot anyway. I would never get abducted. I’m too smart and resourceful.

Hubby: I’m gonna hire someone to abduct you just to prove you’re wrong.

Me: That’s terrible! Someone could get hurt. Most likely you, when I found out!

Pause

Me: You wouldn’t really do that honey, would you?

Hubby: The fact that you even have to ask just proves your lack of faith in me.

Me: Well, I know you have some friends that would love that.

Hubby: (chuckle) Yeah.

Silence

Me: Stop plotting!

 

Honey, I love you and your weird sense of humor and especially that you’ve put up with me for the last eight years and plan to for many more to come. Happy anniversary!

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I’m not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.  In many ways, so are you.

The week ahead for:

Aries

Goblins like to wear pointed hats and masquerade as Gnomes.  Beware of appearances.

Taurus

Hone and hearth is the province of the hobbit.  Stay close to those who love and enjoy their company.

Gemini

Pixies run for cover when a storm is coming.  Do likewise.

Cancer

Werewolves are show-offs.  Someone fuzzy and adorable wants to show-off for you.  Let them and enjoy.

Leo

Vampires are great investors, but risk should entered into with caution.  Always figure how much you can expect to lose.

Virgo

Shapeshifters really love barbecues and movie nights.  Call friends together for a fun, small gathering.

Libra

Elves are great decorators.  Look around and consider changing color and arrangement.  Put some things you no longer use but want to keep away.

Scorpio

A fairy considers you fondly.  Good fortune is coming your way.

Sagittarius

Shapeshifters love getting a new look.  Time to review your look and make some changes.

Capricorn

Elves offer a deversion, but keep on your course.  It will be worth it.

Aquarius

If you haven’t taken your vacation, put in for it.  Dragons value sleep.  Travel could refresh you and help you sleep easier.

Pieces

Fairies have invaded your space.  Just close your eyes and enjoy the lighter feeling.  Let go of your stress.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: Weekly Paranormal-Scope

50 Shades of Invisible

Channel 4 had a pop doco on the 50 Shades phenomenon. The show had a mixture of good and bad, as these things usually do. I’ve been fascinated by the hostile responses to the books (or their success, depending on how you look at it). I understand people who just don’t like to read about sex (well, I understand that they exist O.O even if I don’t understand why), I understand writers envious of their attention (especially since most folks tell me the writing isn’t all that much to envy — note to self: while some people enjoy beautiful writing, just about everyone gets hooked into a good story), but I’m particularly fascinated by the often vitriolic hatred (especially by men) who loudly say they wouldn’t sink so low as to actually read it, but hate everything it represents.

Quite a trick to hate something of which you’re ignorant: it makes me think of Lady Catherine de Burgh fuming at Elizabeth Bennett:

“…Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you.”

“If you believed it impossible to be true,” said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, “I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far.”

I haven’t figured out if it’s the horror of thinking of all those women pleasuring themselves with the reading of it or just considering it ‘beneath’ women to be thrilled by such ‘trash’ (one American guy on Twitter actually said it must be representative of the failings of British men. I told him that was a very interesting remark revealing deep seated fears of comparison. He didn’t respond X-D). There seems to be a lot of anxiety about the ERMAGAD women reading SEX aspect, but some of it is suspect, too.

You’ll never find so many feminists as the men who trash the book because it’s ‘degrading’ to women. If only they had as much concern about wage differentials (but now we’re really talking fantasies…)

The programme had writers, a few ‘personalities’ who were women and fortunately, a few professionals (i.e. doctors). It was really wonderful to have them dispel the persistent misunderstanding that people drawn to BDSM (and the wide variety of practices that umbrella covers) because they are somehow ‘damaged’ or otherwise mentally unhealthy. They’re (gasp) just like other people. Best of all they had a nice regular couple in a D/s relationship. The downside was that they had ONE couple. Whenever you address a minority group with one example, it’s dodgy; I know friends who get really fed up with being asked as the ‘representative’ of their race in too many situations — as if we were each part of some monolithic tradition. Nonetheless, that they were sweet, affectionate to one another and cheery helped a bit to offset the popular picture. They also spoke with two professional doms, one male and one female, too.

One of the things that came through well is how much the books are fantasy. The D/s couple tutted about the abusive behaviour by Mr Grey. Writers spoke about the transparency of the female main character which allows anyone to enter the fantasy (her bland 22 virginity). And as one said, taboo turns people on and what’s more taboo than the woman who’s totally taken care of by a man in unbelievable luxury. For the women who still get paid far less than men and generally work longer hours, an appealing fantasy indeed.

Things that irked: the utter invisibility of women’s words still. “No one had heard of her”: well, the thousands of Twilight fan fiction readers sure had. The way the single largest selling genre in the world (romance) doesn’t seem to exist in popular discourse (or best seller lists). We’re still the pink collar ghetto in this genre. In some ways–looking at the reactions on social media, not just in the headlines–its popularity has hardened contempt for romance and erotic romance in the mainstream. People are seeing dollar signs in their eyes and cranking out knock offs. Those of us who were here before and will be after, we just shrug and keep writing. And the totally creepy interview with James on 20/20 where the woman went on about the MONEY and the FAME and James visibly recoiled. Sorry, it’s not everyone’s dream to be famous and we don’t all lust after solid gold rocket cars.

One final thing: conflating Rochester and Heathcliffe?! Come on! They are NOTHING alike, Channel 4. Know your Brontës! This aggression will not stand. #TeamRochester

Filed under: Business, C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, ebook readers, erotic romance, Kit Marlowe, Romance News, What Are You Reading?, What are you watching?, What inspires you?, Writing Topics

When Love is Mysterious

When love is mysterious there’s an additional appeal.   There are loads of heroes who fit the mysterious bill.  Let’s go over some categories.

Outcasts/expatriots who are trying to lay low/Bad boy businessmen who are unconventional:

I think most people will agree one of the most memorable heroes in American film is Humprey Bogart in “Casablanca”.  Rick (Bogart) clearly wants to stay neutral, but when he sees Isla (Ingrid Bergman) again all bets are off.  He doesn’t want to love her.  He wants to be angry at her for leaving the way she did.  He doesn’t want to help her and her patriot husband.  Who can forget this scene where he’s arranged for her and her husband to escape the Nazi  Major Strasser in Morroco.  (The following quote came from the memorable quotes page at IMDb.)

: And you never will. But I’ve got a job to do, too. Where I’m going, you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do, you can’t be any part of. Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that.

Understanding doesn’t make it easier.  Sigh.  I don’t know any woman who hasn’t cried. Yeah, yeah, I know real men don’t cry.  Hmmm.

For those of you who haven’t see “Casablanca”, it’s an experience I recommend.  Make popcorn and have a box of tissues really.

When I think bad boy businessman, I think Han Solo or the Star Wars movies.

If you remember correctly in “Star Wars: A New Hope”, smuggler Han (Harrison Ford) was being paid to take Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker to Alderaan.  Somehow one thing led to another like “no Alderaan” and the Death Star brings out the action hero in Han.  It didn’t hurt that Princess Leia caught his attention.

However, he really got our attention when in Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, when he is very honest in his own ruffian way.

HAN SOLO:  You like me because I’m a scoundrel. There aren’t enough scoundrels in your life.

PRINCESS LEIA:  I happen to like nice men.

HAN SOLO:  I’m a nice man.

Okay, I know you giggled at that.  But then we were faced by their betrayal to the Empire by an old friend of Han’s.  Our hearts are breaking when Han is about to be frozen in carbonite.

PRINCESS LEIA: I love you.

HAN SOLO: I know.

He became a hero to every guy in the movie theater in that moment.  I keep hearing how guys are still using that line, so watch out, ladies.  (Quotes are from: http://www.top10-best.com/h/top_10_best_han_solo_quotes.html )

My third bad boy business man became an outcast by fate.  Otherwise, he would have continued his life plundering and pillaging and just having fun with the Norse women in his father-king’s hall.  I’m talking about one hot vampire from “True Blood”–Eric Northman.  While Eric harbors some bitterness over the death of his family and the theft of his father’s crown, becoming a vampire for him was a choice.  Godric admired him and offered him an option to death in battle.   Eric, always the one to embrace opportunity, especially if it offers some form of life agreed.

One of Charlaine Harris’s most endearing book was the fourth in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead to the World.  In it Eric loses his memory.  He’s still a vampire but an endearing one that makes mistakes and hugs Sookie because he doesn’t want to be alone.  So cute and adorable.  He doesn’t remember that he’s the local big, bad vampire sheriff or how he lost his memory.  All he knows is that he loves Sookie, and well, she runs with the idea.  Honestly, wouldn’t you?

Whether you read the books or watch “True Blood” on HBO, Eric has a lot to admire.  Even when he gets his memory back, he turns out to be a man more in touch with his feelings and what truth he can live with.   It isn’t enough to be a vampire for Eric.  Godric, his maker, gave him a standard to live too.  Godric realized a one point that what he thought about vampires and life wasn’t really true.  It didn’t have to be like that, and in his final words he gave Eric a new view of his undead life.  (IMDb Godric quotes)

[in English]




[Eric gets to his feet as Godric rests a hand on his shoulder]



[Eric leaves]

Okay, Eric cried, but a lot of us did when Godric burst into flames and died.  It showed that maybe he wasn’t just taking advantage of Sookie, that maybe Eric was capable of love.

Whew…misting up… lol.  Okay, I think I will find us some good guys to love.  In the meantime, feel free to add your mysterious outcast/bad boy business man/expatriot in the comment box.  It would be cool to get a long, long list of bad boys.  I’d like to say no pun intended, but I’m in a mood and yes it was intended. (Laughing.)

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

P.S.  All my books are available in Kindle. YAY!

Filed under: Characters, Emotions, historical romance, movies, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, science fiction romance, science fiction with romantic elements, Susan Hanniford Crowley, True Blood, vampire books, vampire movies, vampires, What Are You Reading?, What are you watching?

How do you see your book? By Marian Lanouette

What happens when your vision of your book doesn’t match your publishers? I’ve heard rumbling lately and wanted to address this.

I love book stores and libraries because I can scan so many covers before I chose a book to read. And there are so many beautiful covers out. Let’s face most times the cover sells the book. I think we as authors we have a vision of our covers as we write our hero’s story. So what do you do when your cover is not what you expected and your opinion (contractual) is not wanted.

As new authors the publishing industry is a learning curve. First, you have to understand the show don’t tell concept. Only a few get away with the tell concept. Fifty Shade of Grey is a tell book who got away with telling instead of showing quite successfully. Next, after all your revisions and editing you market your book. This process is very involved and it is very important you chose a publisher or agent who represents your kind of book.

When you finally find a publisher the excitement inside you builds to the point of explosion.  You think I’ve arrived at last and my work is done. Wrong, your work has just begun. Now starts the content edits, the line edits then your work moves to the art department. I’ve have found that I enjoyed the editing process, because it makes my books stronger and more appealing.

But what happens when the cover doesn’t match vision, or worse, you hate it? A very wise, New York Times bestselling author gave great advice.  She said, “Cut your losses and move forward.” Difficult yes, especially for your first book cover, but that is exactly what has to happen. Focus on your next book. Offer in advance your vision of that book i.e., covers that caught your eye, or have a graphic artist design something you can submit to cement your vision. Remember, if your contract says have no input into this part of your book, you’re stuck. Your only other option is to seek a contract that gives you some control or find another publisher.  Make sure to weigh everything before you make a decision based on emotions.

Good luck with your books

Filed under: romance

What is The Undead Space Initiative by Gerri Brousseau

Nights of Passion is excited to have author, Casey Wyatt with us today to talk about her newest release, “The Undead Space Initiative.”  Welcome, Casey.

Thanks for having me as guest, Gerri! I’m thrilled to be back on your blog today.

NOP:  “The Undead Space Initiative” … what an intriguing and unusual name.  Where did you come up with that?

It came from that magical place in my brain that only seems to activate when I’m driving my car!

NOP:  What inspired you to write “The Undead Space Initiative”?

I admit, the idea was so wacky when it first came to me I almost ignored it. Instead, I decided why not? I wrote the book because I’d regret it if I didn’t!

NOP:  I love love love your heroine’s name, Cherry Cordial.  Where did you come up with that?

Her name popped into my head on the same car ride when I got the idea for the book. Actually, it happened like this, I was driving to my local Starbucks to meet with Susannah Hardy and PJ Sharon to talk about our WIPs (mine at the time was Mystic Ink), when the name Cherry Cordial popped into my head. And then out of the blue, it was followed by the words “vampire stripper on Mars.” No lie. I had to chant the name and those words until I stopped the car because I was afraid I’d forget the idea.

NOP:  Your story takes place on Mars.  What made you select that particular location?

That came with the whole package! Cherry decided it for me. And really, I’m a huge sci-fi reader. I’ve never read a book where the denizens of Mars are the undead. When you think about it, it’s logical. Vampires (zombies & revenants) aren’t alive, so they don’t need to eat, use the bathroom or breathe air. Perfect candidates for space exploration.

NOP:  Will there be a sequel for “The Undead”?

Possibly. I left room for one if I choose to write another. At the moment my brain is focused on completing MYSTIC STORM. I just finished another book called MISFORTUE COOKIE too.

NOP: You have had success with your first release, “Mystic Ink,” published by Soul Mate Publishing, which by the way, I loved.  Will there be a sequel?  If so, please tell us a bit about that and when it will be available.

Yes. The next book is MYSTIC STORM.  In a nutshell, the Fates have cursed Zephyr, God of the West Wind, for interfering in a Hero’s Journey. He tries to deal with the consequences while helping a Muse, Kalliope, find her missing brother. I’m still writing the book so no ETA on when it will be available. Soon, I hope.

Now for some fun questions:

If money were no object, what car would you drive?

If money were no object, I’d have a driver take me everywhere in a swank car!

Where would you live?

Near the ocean. However, and I know this sounds crazy, I’d want to see the ocean, but be high enough so no rogue waves or hurricanes could wash my house out to sea.

Would you rather have milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate all the way, but I wouldn’t say no to milk chocolate if you offered it to me.

Dogs or cats?

Both. That’s like asking me which of my children I love more.

Coffee or tea?

I also like them both. I drink tea first thing in the morning and coffee after lunch as a treat.

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Anything with the word chocolate or peanut butter in it.

Who is you favorite movie hero and heroine?

I love Belle from Beauty and the Beast. As to hero, my tastes change all the time. Currently, I love all of The Avengers, but, you know, my favorite is bad guy Loki.

If you could be any one of your characters, who would you be?

Hmmm… that’s a tough one. I’d probably be Galen Archer. He’s an elf warrior from my unsold book Ascension.  If I had to pick a female character, it would have to be Nix from MYSTIC INK.

Except from The Undead Space Initiative:

Reality settled in. We were leaving the Earth. I’d be strapped into a tube and hurtled into space. If we survived the journey, I’d be on my way to Mars.

My kneecaps dissolved to water. I clutched the railing, trying to calm my stomach and stay upright.

“You don’t have to go, Cherry,” Ian said from behind me.

I stiffened. His offer seemed more tempting by the minute, yet I couldn’t abandon my family. “I’m afraid to board the ship. But I can’t disobey my sire.”

“You could ask him to emancipate you. You’re plenty old enough.”

“Why are you still here?” Old enough? No woman likes to be told she’s old. Especially when it’s true.

“Concerned is all,” he shrugged and joined me by the railing. He stared out, side profile as handsome as the full frontal.

“Don’t be. I’m a big girl,” I chirped with way more bravado than I felt. Now I knew what Alice experienced when she fell into the rabbit hole. Afraid, confused. Freaked out. I reminded myself Jonathan was a great leader. Even though we had our personal baggage, he would do his best to ensure we survived. He hadn’t let us down yet.

Heavy machines moved into position. The workers unlatched more hoses, wires and mechanical items from the ship’s side. Blood pounded in my head, caused by my tight jaw and grinding teeth.

“I didn’t mean to offend. Or imply Jonathan can’t defend you.” Ian’s voice softened. The low tone made my toes curl. “I hoped we could prove our innocence together.”

Available now from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Undead-Space-Initiative-ebook/dp/B008SFZRB6/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344164814&sr=1-2

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1112373343?ean=2940014948333

Pink Petal Books – http://pinkpetalbooks.com/The-Undead-Space-Initiative-by-Casey-Wyatt.html

Bio:

Casey Wyatt has no personal knowledge of the paranormal, but she hopes someday that may change. If there are ancient Gods, elves or satyrs living nearby, they’re more than welcome to visit. Bring pizza and chocolate please!

Her paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels have won or placed in numerous RWA contests. When not writing, Casey enjoys time with her family, loves to read, and enjoys knitting and crocheting.

She lives in a bustling Connecticut town with her husband, two sons and an assortment of pets (none of which are shape-shifters).

Visit Casey on the web: www.caseywyatt.com  or at http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/. You can also find Casey on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/casey.wyatt.37 and Twitter (@CaseyWyatt1).

Filed under: romance