Cerise DeLand's Blog, page 66

Just Romance Me Blog Hop for Valentine's Day

Be sure to post here to be eligible for prizes and leave your email address on your post! You must visit each blog and post at each one!
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Here's my story:

Diego parked his truck at the service entrance to the Stanley Hotel's restaurant. He cursed at the traffic that had delayed him.  Who knew so many people would be up at five on Valentine's Day?He was up…for Cherry. In more ways than one.He jammed the gear into Park, slid the key out of the ignition and grabbed his package.Running like hell past the idling postal truck, he flung open the door and made for the kitchen.As he passed the walk-in refrigerator, he saw Cherry's short, skinny bald sous chef leaning over a large dark object on the floor. The cook held a long blade in his right hand. The thin plastic strips that kept the cold air inside the place were cloudy, but the scene was clear to Diego.Diego charged on, toward his goal. She stood near the stoves, giving her staff their instructions for the morning. Her back was to him, her long wild red hair caught up in a net and chef's white toque. She was tall, but not as tall as he. And god, to look at her curves, especially her ass, was always a treat. And the reason he was so Up this morning.One by one, her staff members spied him and tried to suppress a grin, and then failed.She spun, curious to learn what drew them.And when she saw him, even though she had last glimpsed him—naked, gloriously Up for her and driving right into her luscious body—she beamed at him. "Diego! Darling, what are you doing here? Oh!" She cooed at the sight of his armful of three dozens red roses. "I see. You brought my favorites for Valentine's Day.""You are my day," he told her as he wrapped one arm around her waist, drew her to him and let her know how Up he truly was. "My day, my night, my moon and stars. Marry me, Cherry, baby."She cooed her agreement as she rubbed her body against his. "Yes, yes, yes!"She framed his face with her warm hands, her elegant fingers soft against his cheeks. "I cannot kiss you, Cherry."Crushed at his rejection, she examined his face."In a moment we will kiss and show all your staff how you make love with your lips and tongue and teeth." He grinned at her. "But first, I must tell you that in your refrigerator, your postman is dead."Everyone gasped."He was stabbed by your sous chef, my darling Cherry. I had to give you these first. Now allow me to call the police. And then I will kiss you and make your staff jealous."She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and brushed her breasts against his chest. "I always knew you were my hero. You solve crimes, you bring roses, and you are always Up."
Here is the link to continue on your hop: http://justromance.me/

Anne Holly with an erotic comedy for Valentine's Day!

V-Day, an erotic romantic comedy for Valentine's Day: By Anne Holly It all started with a serenade…
A family like Daniel's and the solitary pursuit of musical excellence is enough to make a young man crazy. No wonder all Daniel Vouks dreams of is getting away. He knows his violin will take him places in life, but the only place he really wants to be is next door. He's been in love with his neighbor since he was fourteen, but can he ever make her see him as more than just a lovesick kid?
V-Day is the story of a Valentine's Day weekend Daniel fears he may regret, but will never, ever forget.
Excerpt: Daniel retreated to the music room, thankful he didn't have a class or a practice scheduled on campus today. He didn't even have to give any lessons until next week. The weather really didn't look all that welcoming and he was grateful he could huddle inside as his family bustled off to their various destinations. After school, his parents would be off for the weekend, dropping his sister and her flotilla of luggage off at Kayley's so the girls could get ready to go to the dance together, which meant leaving Daniel officially on his own until at least Sunday afternoon. Glorious.
Allowing the noise of their departures to roll off him as he sat absently at the piano, he plucked out a few strains and watched the sun glint off the fresh snow in the backyard. It was really beautiful when you could view it from a cozy place.
Blah! Another Valentine's Day. His nineteenth one as a single guy. And, he thought ruefully, his nineteenth year as a confirmed virgin.
Jesus, even his baby sister had more going on than he did. Selby, his girlfriend in tenth grade, had been about as close to any action as he'd ever gotten. Her pathological fear of pregnancy made it absolutely essential that he keep his pants on at all times. Other than that, any girl he'd ever liked had tossed him into the "friend" basket and never bothered to reassess him.
Kelly, his best friend, did that. After Daniel followed the cute redheaded soprano around for weeks like a puppy, she finally took pity on him and explained he was simply too nice to attract her. After that, they formed an easy relationship through which both had a pal, and a no-fuss "emergency date" when necessary.
Flipping open his phone, he hit Kelly's number.
"This better be good," she grumbled after the fifth ring.
"Hey early riser," he chuckled.
"Well, if I had my mom bringing me my morning coffee in bed…"
"Okay, truce," Daniel winced. "And my mom doesn't let me drink coffee."
"Why not? Afraid it'll stunt your growth, stretch?" Kelly asked with a crystal clear laugh despite having just woken up.
"Something like that," he said, flecking a flower petal off the top of the piano. "Listen…You're probably…I dunno…busy tonight, right?"
"Are you trying again, Danny?" she groaned.
"Well, no. I just thought if you weren't, maybe we could do something."
"I have a date."
"Right," he forced a chuckle. "Yeah, I figured you would." He straightened in his chair. "Being Valentine's and all. No problem, just wanted to check."
"Ahhh, Danny," she sighed. "What about you?"
"I got a hot date all weekend," he said over a grimace. "With that friggin' tango, I guess."
"Danny, do yourself a favor," she said firmly. "Go get yourself laid. I told you that's what's missing from your tango."
"Well then," he quipped. "Support the arts and break your date. I can be there in an hour."
"Har har har," she said and then laughed for real. "Seriously, go fall for someone. Preferably someone who will fall for you back."
"Okay," he agreed. "For you, I'll try my best."
Daniel hung up and pounded out a few more notes on the keyboard in front of him, contemplating Kelly's method music theory that said you could only sing or play what you'd experienced. If that were the case, his tango would remain a virginal one if his luck so far was any indication.
*For more information about my adult (18+) Valentine's Day erotic romantic comedy, V-Day, please see my holiday stories website: http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/valentinesdaytales.htm * Anne Holly  is a Canadian writer of romance and erotic-romance, as well as a mother and teacher. You may visit Anne at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReads, Facebook and Twitter  (@anneholly2010). Sign up for her newsletter here. Email: anneholly2010@gmail.com.

Free Books and more on this Valentine's Day Blog hop!

Come join hundreds of my fellow authors as we celebrate the DAY OF LOVE!
You must see all the prizes!
Mouth-watering, delicious reads!
I am giving away books too.
Happy days are ones in which you get to sit down and read a great romance.

Meet Holt DeLand! PR Assistant extraordinaire!

Holt DeLand, PR Dude for Desiree and CeriseDesiree and I could not be more fortunate! A man who cooks, knows wine, chocolate, books our travel and does all things vital to 2 madcap authors who have no time to do anything except write, promote, brush teeth, write, promote...well, you get me!
He's a sweetie, bang on smart, graduating from very very decent places of higher you-know-whats.
He is available for blogging...and has gotten his first invitation. Friend him on FB and follow him on Twitter!
His Thang? (It's big, I know, I know.)
PR.
With every post he gives out One Piece from his Package. Ah. His PR Package. (That's right. Is that right, Des? Nodding over here is Desiree Holt.)
Okay.
The other night, he cooked dinner for the both of us. He had bought a Joel Gott Charddonay to go with our  steaks, salad and dessert.
Try this wine!
$16.00 down here in Texas. A Napa Valley product. We plug all our homemade products, because we believe in Buy and Made in America, whenever possible. Stick with him and you'll get more tips.
Cerise does the lingerie and recipe Thang, and Holt DeLand does the wine.
What a pair.

Tracey Kitts grabs life by the fangs with her Werewolf Tamer! YUM!

Listen to them, the children of the night … Hey, they're not just for Halloween anymore. These days you keep hearing the term "paranormal romance" more and more. But a lot of people are still unclear about exactly what that means. Hopefully, I can help answer a few questions here and maybe help you decide if paranormal romance is something you or a friend might enjoy."My name is Tracey H. Kitts, and I write paranormal romance." That simple statement usually gets me more weird looks than admitting I think Dracula is sexy. I was at an event the other day and a woman picked up one of my flyers. She read it and said, "Oh, I like romance, but what does paranormal mean?"I said, "Well, in my case it means there are werewolves and vampires involved." She wrinkled her nose and said, "Oh, I don't like anything weird." Really? That's why she was about to buy a copy of Terminator. Cause people sending their father back in time to get their mom pregnant while avoiding capture/termination by a cybernetic nemesis is "normal."Another misconception is that the word paranormal only relates to ghosts or horror. While it could mean that, the literal interpretation is anything that is out of the ordinary. So many people I talk to are shocked when they realize that True Blood is a paranormal romance. Twilight also falls into this category. These stories could be about demons, angels, witches, anything out of the ordinary and of course, romance.My latest release, Frank and The Werewolf Tamer is about a vampire and a modern (and sexy) version of Frankenstein. To me, paranormal romance is an adventure for women. We just happen to consider a relationship to be part of the adventure. I believe that people crave something different. The two most common creatures of the night in this type of story are werewolves and vampires. When you think about it, it's not a mystery why they have such appeal. Wolves for example, mate for life. Who doesn't crave that kind of commitment? Especially if it comes in a wicked hot package, right? And what about vampires? They can offer what no wrinkle cream ever could: eternal youth and beauty. To never grow old is a fantasy to everyone on some level. Whether or not you'd want to live forever, most people would want to remain younger. Even if it's only in appearance. An automatic level of danger is required to even date someone like this! But would it be worth it to have your own loyal protector, your very own knight in shinning moonlight? More and more people seem to think so. So, if you or someone you know is wondering if this genre is for you, maybe I can help. Paranormal romance is an adventure where a woman falls for someone "not typical." Every relationship has challenges. What about sunlight or the full moon? Different things, different people, but the same desire to be loved. If you're feeling adventurous, why not give it a try?You can find out more about Tracey at: www.traceyhkitts.comGrab life by the fangs!Tracey's latest book is Frank and The Werewolf Tamer, available exclusively on Amazon Kindle. Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Werewolf-Tamer-ebook/dp/B006PU2JBW/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

Candies for Valentine's DAY? The ones with the words printed on them!

BE MINE is my Valentine for you! Feb. 3 from Decadent Publishing along with my SASSY 7 gal pals who brought you the TOYS-4-US series.Why shouldn't an eligible man like Jason Sherwood plan a Valentine's Day merger with a woman whose elegant body melted at his touch last year on February fourteenth? A mysterious woman who disappeared like a wraith. A vibrant creature who came apart in his arms like only the right woman does for the right man.But Mara Richardson left Jason for a good reason…and after a year of looking for her, he still doesn't know why. But he has to learn. Has to get her naked, wild for him again. Give her those little sugary candies that say, Be Mine, and show her that, despite only hours with her last year, he needs her to be his. Forever.
Excerpt, Copyright Cerise DeLand 2012, All rights reserved.A sharp knock at the door had her jumping. She glanced at her watch. Two o'clock. Time enough to listen, dicker and still catch her plane. Mr. Capitol Communications better have a swell counter-offer or we're both dead meat.She swung open the door. "Hello, Mister–"Her throat closed. Her heart pounded. Her nipples beaded reminiscent of that night when that savage hungry mouth had shaped them and sucked them. Her pussy gushed, memories consumed her of how this man had used those firm lips to lick her clit and give her the best screaming orgasm of her entire life."Sherwood, Mara. Jason Sherwood," said the incomparable creature outside her door. His blue eyes wore an appealing apologetic look. His mouth tried for a smile but couldn't quite make it. He was nervous. He was apprehensive. He was so very damn good looking. And he was determined to come in. "May I?" He nodded toward the conference room. "I brought some things. Hungry? I am."She stepped backward. For a former press aide who ate journalists for breakfast and a media trainer who taught people how to tick off talking points like time bombs, she was for once in her lonely life utterly speechless.And the only thing she cared to do was look at him. Absorb him into her skin. Treasure him.His sea blue eyes. His sun-kissed hair. Wet from snow. His pink cheeks. Chapped from the icy wind. His comforting height. Five, maybe six inches taller than she. And stepping right up to her, drinking in her confusion and her delight at his sudden appearance, growing confident now. Grinning down at her."Hi, baby," he whispered, one big fist sinking into her chignon and destroying it. "I missed you something fierce. Let me kiss you. Now that I've found you, I'm not letting you go until we know so much about each other, you'll either hate me or never leave me again."

A man writing straight contemporary erotic romance? For real?

Yes!
Welcome Tim Smith! Wading Through QuicksandBy Tim Smith
Here's something you don't run into on an author's blogsite every day – a male author of straight contemporary erotic romance. Okay, I know what you're probably thinking – "A man writing romance stories who gets the details right? It can't be done!" Trust me, I get that a lot. I began published life as a writer of mystery thrillers set in The Florida Keys.  Two of my three novels won awards and I had a nice following. While they all contained romance and sex, I never considered writing a full-fledged romance novel. Why should I, when I had what appeared to be a niche career?
That's when I decided to wade into the quicksand known as "contemporary erotic romance." A few years ago I wrote a romantic comedy, Anywhere the Heart Goes. My friends who eagerly anticipated another thriller were aghast and asked me "How could you do such a thing???"  The answer is pretty simple. I was attending a book festival and while my books were selling well, I noticed other authors drawing bigger crowds. They were selling romance novels and after reading one of them, I thought it would be fun to write one of my own, but told primarily from the man's perspective and with more humor. I also knew I could write something better than the one I'd read. This first one did well enough that I followed it with two more lighthearted erotic romances and a romantic mystery. I recently released a romantic intrigue story, Memories Die Last.
No matter what type of story I'm writing or where it takes place, I strive to make it as atmospheric as possible. I love it when a reader tells me they felt like they were in the scene with the characters. I use realistic dialogue, writing what I hear people say on a daily basis. I also take great pains to craft characters with human flaws and quirky personalities, to make them step off the page. I'm not a fan of cardboard characters and heroes who come off as perfect. The one difficulty I had to overcome when I switched genres was the way I wrote sex scenes. They were abundant in the first three books, but for this new market I had to turn up the heat and be more explicit. I'll admit it was a little awkward at first, but I soon reached my comfort level and stopped blushing when I wrote something down and dirty. The nicest compliment I can receive is when someone tells me they can't wait to read my next book. Man, it doesn't get much better than that!

Here's the blurb for my latest release, Memories Die Last:
He's as cool as a Mojito on a Key West beach, he's the kind of guy your mother wouldn't let you play with, and he's every bad guy's worst nightmare. Former CIA operative Nick Seven finds his peaceful life in The Florida Keys turned inside out by the surprise appearance of an old nemesis he thought was buried alongside the painful memory of a personal tragedy. He reluctantly gets back into the spy game to settle an old score and is pleasantly surprised to find himself paired with beautiful Felicia Hagens, a former co-worker from Barbados. Together they uncover a complex maze of intrigue, espionage and high-level government corruption. The assignment gets more complicated when they realize they have unrequited feelings for each other. Can Nick finally hit the elusive target and reclaim his personal corner of paradise? Will Felicia decide to stay with the rugged former spy she's always had a secret thing for? 
Now that you've read the trailer, here's the feature. This is a G-rated excerpt. A hotter one can be found at www.extasybooks.com. More information about all of my books can be found at my website, www.timsmithauthor.com.(Copyright 2012, Tim Smith. All rights reserved.)
    Nick drove them to The Flats, a former waterfront shipping and warehouse area that had been converted into an upscale dining and entertainment complex on the Cuyahoga River. He and Felicia found seats on the outdoor deck at Shooter's On The Water and ordered drinks. Nick took out a cigarette, tapped the butt end on his lighter a couple of times then lit up."You oughta quit those, you know," Felicia said.Nick chuckled and looked at her. "Still thinking about me, aren't you?"Felicia returned his gaze and absently brushed a strand of hair back from her face. "I never stopped.""Tell the truth, I never did, either.""So how come you don't write to me all that time I'm back on Barbados?" "Nothing to say, I guess.""Not even a card at Christmas. I thought about you lots the last few years, wondered how you were and what you were doin'.""Ya know, Barbados isn't that far from The Keys. You could've hopped a plane and came to see for yourself if you were that interested."Felicia paused. "No guts.""You? No guts? The woman who almost single-handedly took on the PLO? I don't believe it." "Maybe I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me."Nick pondered her statement for a moment. He looked at Felicia and appreciated anew her natural bronzed beauty, including the deepest, most sensual brown eyes he'd ever gazed into. They were eyes he could lose himself in with no trouble, and often had when they were together before. He had always liked Felicia and at one point he had briefly toyed with the idea of asking her to run away with him, but the timing wasn't right.  "Not a chance," he finally answered, "and you're right, I could've caught a plane myself. Maybe I was short on guts, too. Felicia, I never forgot the kindness you showed me after what happened. You really made it easier for me to get on with my life."Felicia glanced down in embarrassment and let out a soft laugh. "So what's it like on Key Largo?"Nick sat back in his chair and propped one leg on the other. "Gorgeous. Great temperatures year round, bright blue water, all the fresh seafood you can handle and the most beautiful sunsets in the world.""What you do for action down there?""I have a bar and restaurant on The Gulf.""You like it?""Yeah, I do.""Can't be as excitin' as this."Nick puffed his cigarette. "I had enough excitement in my former life, thank you very much." He sipped his drink. "So much for me. What've you been doing on Barbados?"Felicia paused. "Survivin'. It was kinda strange goin' back there after everything I did here. Took some gettin' used to.""I have to ask. Were you really working as a bouncer in a waterfront bar?"Felicia chuckled and tossed him a wink. "It was one way for me to stay in shape. Those roughnecks like to let off some steam after a couple months at sea.""What did you get from it besides exercise?""I learned never to bend over in front of them."Nick laughed. "Yeah, I can see where that would cause a problem." His laughter subsided. "Why did you leave? You could've stayed with the program and had your own team. Why bail?"Felicia took a sip then glanced down. "Tough to explain. When you transferred to The Farm and became an instructor they gave Brodie your team but it wasn't the same.""He wasn't leadership material?""He was okay, but it was kinda dull, no spontaneity. Too much by-the-book crap. It was like without you there to call the shots he had to get someone's permission to take a leak."Nick smirked. "That explains why they promoted him to Deputy Director. So that's why you left?" "It stopped bein' fun so I decided to go back home where my family was until somethin' better came along.""And you never found it?"She slowly shook her head while looking at him. "Not yet, but I'm still lookin'. What about you? Did you find what you were lookin' for?"Nick gazed into her eyes. "I'm working on it."
Author bio:  Tim Smith is an award-winning author whose books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. He is also a freelance photographer. When he isn't pursuing these passions he can often be found in The Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito.

YUMMY, new a quatre by Myla Jackson

Welcome my buddy, Myla Jackson, with her new yum yum a quatre erotica romance! (I want all 3 Kiowas, Myla. For lunch, please.)

BOOTS AND CHAPS by Myla Jackson Ugly Stick Saloon , Book 1 She gave up stripping to go legit…until three Kiowa cowboys bring on the down-and-dirty. Jackson Gray Wolf is turning thirty, and what does he have to show for it? A ranch. No wife, no kids, no dates. He's had his eye on the pretty owner of the Ugly Stick Saloon, but their one accidental encounter was interrupted before he could get her out of her take-me-now red cowboy boots.
Audrey Anderson isn't in the market for a man. Been there, done that, has the scars to prove it. She retired her pole-dancing boots after purchasing the Ugly Stick Saloon, and now manages a stable of strippers. When she winds up one stripper short for a private party, she's forced to slip on a mask and into the role of the mysterious Kiki.
Jackson didn't want the birthday bash his twin brothers are throwing him, but his vow to ignore the rented stripper goes awry when she shows him exactly how far she's willing to go—for all three of them.
Audrey can't forget the sizzling heat between her and one sexy Kiowa in particular. Jackson. Trouble is, she's not sure if he wants the bold, brassy Kiki, or if he's ready for the wounded woman underneath. Excerpt:  (Copyright 2012, Myla Jackson. All rights reserved.)She only took one step before Jackson hooked her arm and pulled her back into the storeroom. He kicked shut the door, spun her to face him and then backed her against the wood panel.Her heart pounding, her vocal cords locking in her throat, Audrey stared up into the midnight-black, smoldering eyes of the Kiowa Indian. Every one of the Gray Wolf brothers had the signature hair and eyes, blacker than the night, and broad shoulders that filled any room they entered. But only Jackson captured her attention and held it so tightly she could barely breathe. He was strong, powerful and reeking of male testosterone. She wanted him to command her, to force her to submit to his every desire.Audrey fought to regain her breath, bad memories rising to the surface. Suddenly she felt the need to run before she did something she might regret, like fall for the guy. "I really should be getting back to work."He planted a hand against the door, effectively blocking any attempt on her part to escape. His brawny arm stretched beside her, the sun-kissed skin smelling of the outdoors and leather. "Do you work all the time?"Audrey's inner panic dissolved as her panties dampened, the stirrings of lust gripping her so strongly she couldn't shake it. "I could ask you the same thing." Was that really her voice, usually so strong and clear, now breathy and husky?"I'm here, aren't I?" He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear."Only as designated driver to your brothers." She leaned her face into his hand. "They're adults now. You didn't have to come.""And miss the opportunity to see you?"Her eyes narrowed. "Since when did you care if you saw me?"He inched closer, his lips hovering over hers, his knee pressing between her thighs. "Since forever.""Liar." Audrey flattened her hands against his chest with the intent to push him away. Instead, her fingers curled, dragging him nearer by the fabric of his chambray shirt.With his lips so near, Audrey couldn't think, couldn't breathe. When he didn't seal the kiss, she glanced up, her gaze meeting his."Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are as blue as a rain-washed summer sky?" His deep tone resonated against the cardboard boxes of liquor lining the storeroom walls.Audrey laughed, her stomach fluttering, her knees turning to liquid. "No.""Well, someone should. Because they are very beautiful." His mouth descended, crushing hers with the force of his kiss.She gasped, her lips parting to allow him inside.He swept past her teeth, delving deep to tangle and twist, thrusting in and out to the rhythm of lust. His fingers laced in her hair, tugging hard enough to make her scalp sting. The blasts of pain only made Audrey hotter.Her thighs clenched around Jackson's knee, her cunt rubbing along the rough denim of his jeans. She ached with the need to be naked, to feel his skin against hers.
Kindle Nook Samhain Publishing
About the Author Twenty years of livin' and lovin' on a South Texas ranch raising horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus left an indelible impression on Myla Jackson, one she likes to instill in her red-hot stories. Myla pens wildly sexy, fun adventures of all genres including historical westerns, medieval tales, romantic suspense, contemporary romance and paranormal beasties of all shapes and sexy sizes. She lives in the tree-covered hills of Northwest Arkansas with her husband of 20+ years and her muses— the human-wanna-be canines—Chewy and Sweetpea.
To learn more about Myla Jackson and her stories visit her website at www.mylajackson.com.
Books visiting the Ugly Stick Saloon: Sex Ed Boots and Chaps Dirty Tricks: One Up On You Dirty Tricks: Two Can Play That Game Dirty Tricks: Three's a Charm Dirty Tricks: Four Play Dirty Tricks: Five-Second Seduction Dirty Tricks: Six Degrees of Desperation(coming soon)Myla Jackson.................Sinfully Sexy*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* That Voodoo You Do (Alluring Tales Night Moves) - Kindle, ARe, Nook, etc. Five-Second Seduction(Dirty Tricks) - Kindle, ARe, Nook, etc. Boots and Chaps - Samhain Publishing  Body Snatchers  - Elloras Cave*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

2012: My Resolutions for Fun & $$$!

Need an Italian lover?For 2012, I am into FUN and $$$.
To ensure the laughs and my fat wallet, I promise myself to:
1. GO AFTER PIRATES more often.  WEEKLY.
Hey, all these people are ripping me off to the tune of THOUSANDS of $$$. What if I came to their house and did that??? Besides, Congress--those folks who haven't worked all year but collected their $150,000 salaries--are debating Our Anti-Piracy Bill like it was an attack on business. SAY WHA? Yep. Google and their buddies are fighting this bill, saying it would "criminalize" their business. NEWS FLASH: Pirates have already criminalized it. Google needs to step back, THINK and get a new way to make a buck, not off my back!
2. ADVERTISE more.
Yeah. It costs. But people, time or money? I am only one people, have only a bit of time and some money (esp. if I kill these pirates, I'll have more)!
3. Love FACEBOOK and TWITTER more.  This stuff really works to get the old name out there.
Color me happy.
4. Stop cruising the net. 'nuf said.
5. Invite all of you to come to my blog to post! Often! Any time!
6. Go to the gym 3x a week.
I need it.
My office chair is wunderbar, but it does not ensure my a$$ is any skinnier.
7. My last Res. This I am offering a saying to you for your consideration as one of your resolutions. This one, I used as a kid when things were tough. And they often were, especially at holiday time.
What is it?
One I wish some of the HOUSEWIVES of X-city, the Kardiasians (sp.?) and Snooki, and all her generation would use, cuz they give me HIVES with their narcissism!
Don't criticize and Don't complain.
Use facts only.
And the pix at the top?
Shameless Self-promo.
My very first EC release about a lovely widow and a smokin' hot Italian stud.
My Sweet.
Mia Dolce! Go here for author page for all my EC books: www.jasminejade.com/m-560-cerise-deland.aspx

UNWRAPPING SCROOGE! What a man! Anne Holly's newest!

Bestselling author Kale McKinnon is a modern Scrooge – eccentric, misanthropic and reclusive, made bitter by the coldness of his wealthy family. But when optimistic Canadian graduate student Molly Gillis visits Oxford and invades his space, he realizes Christmas is about to change for him forever. But can he make her stay, and force himself to un-Scrooge enough to be the right man for her? For more info, see my holiday website: http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/christmastales.htm
Anne Holly is a Canadian writer of romance and erotic-romance, as well as a mother and teacher. She is the author of the novel  Strings Attached , which was described by The Romance Reviews as "a classic contemporary romance." She has been published by Wild Horse Press, Decadent Publishing and Rebel Ink Press, and in 2012 by Pink Petal Books. Anne's work is characterized by its unusual heroes, sweet/spicy balance, witty dialogue, responsible citizenship, and its positive, optimistic nature. She has found a particular niche in holiday romance. You may visit Anne at her blog or website, or find her on GoodReads, Facebook and Twitter  (@anneholly2010). Sign up for her newsletter here. Email her at anneholly2010@gmail.com.And today, Anne gives us a family recipe for the holidays: A Family Favourite: ShortbreadAnne Holly
Part of the December holidays for me growing up in rural Nova Scotia was my mother's delicious, coma-inducing shortbread biscuits (cookies, in other parlance).
Nova Scotia is a wonderful mixture of German, Loyalist, French, Native, Scots-Irish, English, etc, etc, cultures, which has evolved in a very distinct local cuisine, in which carrot pie sits beside lobster, grape nut ice cream and seaweed stew. In my family, we had significant British/Irish influences on the things we ate, especially at the holidays.
Shortbread is a pretty English thing, and always made an appearance at Christmas – we were not the richest folks, and I think the rich cookies cost too much in butter to make all year around.
In my books, foods always make an appearance, and in my Decadent Publishing novella, Unwrapping Scrooge, the heroine, Molly, a good Nova Scotian girl, eats shortbread during her Christmas in England, bringing back memories of home.
So, try this one out. Especially wonderful with a glass of cider or eggnog, or a nice cup of hot cocoa!
Easy Shortbread
1 cup soft butter (unsalted if you're health conscious, though my mum used salted)1/2 cup confectioners' sugar1/4 cup cornstarch1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 190*C (375*F), while you furiously stir up that butter - or whip it with an egg beater. Stir in the sugar, cornstarch, and flour as you go, keeping it smooth and even. It should become like a fluffy, lumpless, paste. Spoon dollops of the dough on an ungreased cookie sheet, about two inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should stay white, with maybe some toasted colour at the edges, but they need to be somewhat hard. Cool on racks before storing. This recipe should make about twenty cookies, but this will depend on your dollop size.
Now, these are clearly not the best of diet foods, but you can adjust the nutrition and sinfulness by choosing your butter carefully. However, barring any major health issues, I say live a little and enjoy a full-fat, full-flavour cookie. It's only once a year, and if you offer a dish of these up at a gathering it's unlikely you'll be able to steal more than one!
Thanks to my mum for the recipe.
Enjoy, and happy holidays!- AH