Lily Harlem's Blog, page 304
June 16, 2011
Another great review for SHARED TOO
Today I'm over the moon at a 5* review just in for Shared Too from Night Owl Reviews.
Shared Too was complex book to write. I'd left Liam, Ariane and Quinn in their happy ever after at the end of Shared, but when the characters kept talking to me, swirling around my head, I was compelled to write more about their lives. I had so many questions about a polygamous relationship to answer, the 'what if's?' not to mention the fact that these are such spicy, sexy characters I couldn't resist.
Here is what Marika from Night Owl Reviews says -
Ten years have passed since Ariane answered the ad for a girl. She has been blessed with two men ever since. Ariane, Quinn and Liam are now married, have twin girls and have settled into a life on a farm and into a routine. Then one day, Quinn announces that he would like to be shared, too. This revelation rocks both Liam and Ariane to the core. Ariane doesn't know what to say except that she is hurt and confused by Quinn's request.I will confess that I didn't read Shared and still haven't but I really don't feel like I need to read it to understand the dynamics and personalities of Ariane, Quinn and Liam, but I will read it. Shared Too is a book that made me think, squirm, pant, and cry. Ms. Harlem takes us on a journey with a happily married threesome that has one of them wanting something a little bit more. As you know, most books with ménages end with the threesome happy and content. Ms. Harlem takes it one step further and asks the question, what happens when one person in the threesome, even though totally committed to the other two, wants something more, at least once? She takes you on an erotic maze of emotions, confessions, and sensual desires that melt your e-reader and your heart.I highly recommend Shared Too if you are looking for what happens after the threesome commit to each other and how their lives are affected when one of them wants to be shared, too. Great job and I look forward to more of Ms. Harlem's work.
Shared Too was complex book to write. I'd left Liam, Ariane and Quinn in their happy ever after at the end of Shared, but when the characters kept talking to me, swirling around my head, I was compelled to write more about their lives. I had so many questions about a polygamous relationship to answer, the 'what if's?' not to mention the fact that these are such spicy, sexy characters I couldn't resist.
Here is what Marika from Night Owl Reviews says -
Ten years have passed since Ariane answered the ad for a girl. She has been blessed with two men ever since. Ariane, Quinn and Liam are now married, have twin girls and have settled into a life on a farm and into a routine. Then one day, Quinn announces that he would like to be shared, too. This revelation rocks both Liam and Ariane to the core. Ariane doesn't know what to say except that she is hurt and confused by Quinn's request.I will confess that I didn't read Shared and still haven't but I really don't feel like I need to read it to understand the dynamics and personalities of Ariane, Quinn and Liam, but I will read it. Shared Too is a book that made me think, squirm, pant, and cry. Ms. Harlem takes us on a journey with a happily married threesome that has one of them wanting something a little bit more. As you know, most books with ménages end with the threesome happy and content. Ms. Harlem takes it one step further and asks the question, what happens when one person in the threesome, even though totally committed to the other two, wants something more, at least once? She takes you on an erotic maze of emotions, confessions, and sensual desires that melt your e-reader and your heart.I highly recommend Shared Too if you are looking for what happens after the threesome commit to each other and how their lives are affected when one of them wants to be shared, too. Great job and I look forward to more of Ms. Harlem's work.
June 15, 2011
Kat Holmes is here!
Hi Kat, thanks so much for dropping by and telling us all about your latest release WORKING UNDER COVERS which is Book 1 in THE GODS AT WORK Series.
Blurb
Due to the economy, the Gods of Olympus are now forced to work among mortals. Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty decides to open her own Internet dating service in Los Angeles. Taking on the name Ariel Schell to hide her true identity, she opens Venus Connections.
Jordan Cade is a retired cop turned PI. But when several women go missing, his former boss drags him back for one last assignment. The only thing the women have in common is a dating service.
All Aphrodite wants is to earn a living. All Jordan wants is to find the missing women. But Fate has other plans and a little under covers work may be needed.
Excerpt:
"We have three missing women. They've never met and have nothing in common, except this service!"
Jordan Cade watched his old boss pace his office, frustration and impatience burning a network of implacable lines into his face. Pete Bruckney must be at his wits end. There could be no other reason he'd come to Jordan for help.
After serving twenty years as a police officer with the tenth precinct of Los Angeles, Jordan decided to leave the force and start his own private investigation firm. Two divorces and twenty years of dealing with humanity's scum had been enough.
Find Kat at her website where amongst other things she runs a blog radio show. How cool is that?
Thanks for stopping by Kat.
Lily x
Blurb
Due to the economy, the Gods of Olympus are now forced to work among mortals. Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty decides to open her own Internet dating service in Los Angeles. Taking on the name Ariel Schell to hide her true identity, she opens Venus Connections.
Jordan Cade is a retired cop turned PI. But when several women go missing, his former boss drags him back for one last assignment. The only thing the women have in common is a dating service.
All Aphrodite wants is to earn a living. All Jordan wants is to find the missing women. But Fate has other plans and a little under covers work may be needed.
Excerpt:
"We have three missing women. They've never met and have nothing in common, except this service!"
Jordan Cade watched his old boss pace his office, frustration and impatience burning a network of implacable lines into his face. Pete Bruckney must be at his wits end. There could be no other reason he'd come to Jordan for help.
After serving twenty years as a police officer with the tenth precinct of Los Angeles, Jordan decided to leave the force and start his own private investigation firm. Two divorces and twenty years of dealing with humanity's scum had been enough.
Find Kat at her website where amongst other things she runs a blog radio show. How cool is that?
Thanks for stopping by Kat.
Lily x
June 13, 2011
A CLASSIC WEDDING NIGHT
Earlier in the year Love Honey used my short story A Classic Wedding Night to promote their latest erotic fiction competition - I won this award in 2009 with my story Madam President :-)
A Classic Wedding Night is about Mr and Mrs Darcy's first night together as man and wife, it picks up where the story left off and like all my books gets raunchy! Love Honey made it not only into a FREE pdf for readers to pick up but also a FREE podcast.
I was trawling around yesterday, checking up on things and noticed that this podcast has been downloaded over 1,100 times in the last few months - WOW! I hope people are enjoying it. The story takes about half an hour to listen to and if you fancy it, click below for the link to all the details.
Oh, and I am hanging out at Kat Holmes site today if you have time to drop by and say hi!
Hugs
Lily x
A Classic Wedding Night is about Mr and Mrs Darcy's first night together as man and wife, it picks up where the story left off and like all my books gets raunchy! Love Honey made it not only into a FREE pdf for readers to pick up but also a FREE podcast.
I was trawling around yesterday, checking up on things and noticed that this podcast has been downloaded over 1,100 times in the last few months - WOW! I hope people are enjoying it. The story takes about half an hour to listen to and if you fancy it, click below for the link to all the details.
Oh, and I am hanging out at Kat Holmes site today if you have time to drop by and say hi!
Hugs
Lily x
June 9, 2011
THE UNWHOLESOME ADVENTURES OF HARITA
I am thrilled to have contracted my Mumbai based novella THE UNWHOLESOME ADVENTURES OF HARITA with Total-E-Bound as part of their fabulous new Bollywood series which is due to launch in September.
Here is the scrummy cover created by the mega talented Emmy Ellis.
And here is sneaky taste of what the story is all about -
Here is the scrummy cover created by the mega talented Emmy Ellis.
And here is sneaky taste of what the story is all about -
June 8, 2011
PLEASE WELCOME LAVINIA LEWIS
Today I am thrilled to have Lavinia Lewis hanging out on my blog. Lavinia is a fellow Total-e-Bound author, a friend and an incredibly talented M/M writer. Her series, Shifter's Haven, is going down a treat and she is going to tell us all about it. But first check out these hot covers - phew!!
Okay, Lavinia, let the grilling begin :-)
What inspired you to write this series?
I've been a fan of paranormal fiction since around the age of twelve, when I got my hands on a copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Of course back then Vampires were the bad guys, not the romantic heroes they are often depicted as today. Everything changed for me about three years ago when I read Twilight. Suddenly vampires and werewolves were sexy. Dark and dangerous, sure, but sexy nonetheless. I began to look online to see what else was out there of a similar nature and was amazed at what I found. EBooks to be exact, thousands of them and so many in the paranormal romance genre that I was spoilt for choice. Through EBooks I discovered M/M romance and loved it so much I read pretty much anything I could get my hands on. The many shifter stories available had me captivated and soon ideas began to form in my head for characters and plotlines of my own. I had so many ideas in fact that I knew I had to start writing a series. I got the first few hundred words down on the page and my Shifters' Haven series was born.
What is the name of your latest book in the series? And how did you come up with the title?
The latest book in my series is called Cody's Revelation. Cody is one of three Morgan Brothers whose stories make up the first three books in the series. Each book in fact contains the name of one of the lead characters, so for example there are Luke's Surprise, Cody's Revelation, Kelan's Pursuit and Aaron's Awakening etc. I wanted to use the characters names in the titles so that they become memorable to the reader and easily distinguishable from each book but also to give a slight hint as to the plot of the story.
What books are you reading now?
I used to devour books at an alarming rate. At least one a day. However since I started writing my own and have less time, I read less. I was always the type of person that read one book at a time, finished it and then started another. Recently all that has changed. At the moment I have four books on the go and I dip in and out of them whenever I have a spare few minutes. Usually that's at bedtime when my brain has turned to mush and I'm not able to write another word. The books of the moment are Anything For You by Ethan Day, Liquid Crimson by Carol Lynne, Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan and Italian Weddings and Funerals by A. J. Llewellyn. I'm absolutely loving each of them for different reasons.
What do you snack on when writing?
LOL. What don't I snack on would be a better question. I love food. I'll eat anything and everything but I particularly love savory foods. Like most women I know, I'm on a constant diet so I do try to limit my snack intake. But give me a cheese sandwich with mayo, a packet of crisps or a bowl of cereal and I'm a very happy woman.
What are your current projects?
I'm currently in the middle of writing books five and six for my Shifters' Haven series. The working titles are Nate's Dilemma and Gregory's Rebellion. And at the request of my publishers, I'm lengthening a story I submitted for an anthology so that it can be released as a standalone novel. But like all writers I know, it doesn't stop there. Every day a have a new idea and have to get it written down. My laptop is littered with stories at various stages of completion that I swear I'll get back to as soon as I have a spare few hours to devote to them.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more than to write full time for the rest of my life. I think it's pretty much common knowledge that romance writers don't make a great deal of money but you can make a living from writing romance, and a good living if you are dedicated and take it seriously. If you treat it as a job and not a hobby then writing can most certainly be a career.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I'd being making up stories since I knew how to write but my fate was well and truly sealed when my parents bought me a Brother typewriter for Christmas when I was eleven. Being an only child I was used to amusing myself but when I got that typewriter I'd literally shut myself away for hours writing stories, and I haven't stopped since.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I'd have to say the main challenge for me is keeping track of all the characters, events and timelines in a story. I am one of the most disorganized people you are ever likely to meet. Unlike so many writers, I don't plan. I guess I'm what you would call a 'pantser'. Basically, I wing it. I open up my current manuscript and write the story as it comes to me. I did try writing an outline once by I found it stifling and impossible to stick to. When I got a few chapters into the story and the characters personalities started to develop, I found they often didn't want to do what I had planned for them so I threw away the outline and just went with it! That's all well and good in theory but in practice it means I often have to go back and reread the last few chapters to see what I'm up to and quite often I go back and read from the beginning. That's not a huge problem but it is time consuming. Sometimes I do wish I could be more organized when it comes to my writing but I suppose we just have to do what works for us.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Motivation can be a big problem for me. As much as I adore writing there are days when I have to force myself to sit down and open my current work in progress. Although when I do and I manage to write a few thousand words, I get a great feeling of accomplishment. So now I've learnt of things I can do to motivate myself that seem to help. Firstly I think it's important to make writing a part of your daily routine, like cooking dinner or doing the washing up. It's a good idea to set aside a certain time of the day for writing, and be specific about that time. For example plan to start writing at 9:17 at night for one hour or 8:24 in the morning for an hour and a half. Choose a time that fits around your lifestyle and stick to it. Make sure it is a realistic time when you are least likely to encounter any distractions. I find that if there is a precise time that I have to open up my manuscript and write, I am more likely to do it. And be sure to switch off the internet so you are not tempted to chat to friends on Facebook or Twitter. Sometimes the smallest distractions can completely derail us. Take away those distractions and make writing a part of your daily routine and you'll be amazed how much you will accomplish.
Just for fun –
Beer or wine - WineHot or cold HotSweet or savoury - SavorySummer or winter - SummerQuiet or loud - QuietSki or beach - BeachApples or bananas - Uh, Pineapple?
If you could choose any Hollywood star to be the main characters in your books who would it be?
Lol! I'd have Josh Holloway as every character in my books if I could.
Do you have a pesky day job which interferes with your writing time?
At the moment I temp which suits my lifestyle perfectly. I could do a three month contract and then nothing for several weeks or I could be asked to go in for just a couple of days a week. I love those weeks because on the days I'm not in the office I get to sit at home and write all day long.
Tell us where we can find you
Website : lavinialewis.comTwitter : lavinialewisBlog : lavinialewisuk.blogspot.comFacebook : Lavinia Lewis
Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today, Lavinia - I am so with you on the Josh Holloway thing and Twilight vampires!! I hope your series continues to be a wonderful success and please feel free to drop in any time and let us know how you are doing.
Lily x
Oh, and just for you .....
Okay, Lavinia, let the grilling begin :-)
What inspired you to write this series?
I've been a fan of paranormal fiction since around the age of twelve, when I got my hands on a copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Of course back then Vampires were the bad guys, not the romantic heroes they are often depicted as today. Everything changed for me about three years ago when I read Twilight. Suddenly vampires and werewolves were sexy. Dark and dangerous, sure, but sexy nonetheless. I began to look online to see what else was out there of a similar nature and was amazed at what I found. EBooks to be exact, thousands of them and so many in the paranormal romance genre that I was spoilt for choice. Through EBooks I discovered M/M romance and loved it so much I read pretty much anything I could get my hands on. The many shifter stories available had me captivated and soon ideas began to form in my head for characters and plotlines of my own. I had so many ideas in fact that I knew I had to start writing a series. I got the first few hundred words down on the page and my Shifters' Haven series was born.
What is the name of your latest book in the series? And how did you come up with the title?
The latest book in my series is called Cody's Revelation. Cody is one of three Morgan Brothers whose stories make up the first three books in the series. Each book in fact contains the name of one of the lead characters, so for example there are Luke's Surprise, Cody's Revelation, Kelan's Pursuit and Aaron's Awakening etc. I wanted to use the characters names in the titles so that they become memorable to the reader and easily distinguishable from each book but also to give a slight hint as to the plot of the story.
What books are you reading now?
I used to devour books at an alarming rate. At least one a day. However since I started writing my own and have less time, I read less. I was always the type of person that read one book at a time, finished it and then started another. Recently all that has changed. At the moment I have four books on the go and I dip in and out of them whenever I have a spare few minutes. Usually that's at bedtime when my brain has turned to mush and I'm not able to write another word. The books of the moment are Anything For You by Ethan Day, Liquid Crimson by Carol Lynne, Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan and Italian Weddings and Funerals by A. J. Llewellyn. I'm absolutely loving each of them for different reasons.
What do you snack on when writing?
LOL. What don't I snack on would be a better question. I love food. I'll eat anything and everything but I particularly love savory foods. Like most women I know, I'm on a constant diet so I do try to limit my snack intake. But give me a cheese sandwich with mayo, a packet of crisps or a bowl of cereal and I'm a very happy woman.
What are your current projects?
I'm currently in the middle of writing books five and six for my Shifters' Haven series. The working titles are Nate's Dilemma and Gregory's Rebellion. And at the request of my publishers, I'm lengthening a story I submitted for an anthology so that it can be released as a standalone novel. But like all writers I know, it doesn't stop there. Every day a have a new idea and have to get it written down. My laptop is littered with stories at various stages of completion that I swear I'll get back to as soon as I have a spare few hours to devote to them.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more than to write full time for the rest of my life. I think it's pretty much common knowledge that romance writers don't make a great deal of money but you can make a living from writing romance, and a good living if you are dedicated and take it seriously. If you treat it as a job and not a hobby then writing can most certainly be a career.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I'd being making up stories since I knew how to write but my fate was well and truly sealed when my parents bought me a Brother typewriter for Christmas when I was eleven. Being an only child I was used to amusing myself but when I got that typewriter I'd literally shut myself away for hours writing stories, and I haven't stopped since.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I'd have to say the main challenge for me is keeping track of all the characters, events and timelines in a story. I am one of the most disorganized people you are ever likely to meet. Unlike so many writers, I don't plan. I guess I'm what you would call a 'pantser'. Basically, I wing it. I open up my current manuscript and write the story as it comes to me. I did try writing an outline once by I found it stifling and impossible to stick to. When I got a few chapters into the story and the characters personalities started to develop, I found they often didn't want to do what I had planned for them so I threw away the outline and just went with it! That's all well and good in theory but in practice it means I often have to go back and reread the last few chapters to see what I'm up to and quite often I go back and read from the beginning. That's not a huge problem but it is time consuming. Sometimes I do wish I could be more organized when it comes to my writing but I suppose we just have to do what works for us.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Motivation can be a big problem for me. As much as I adore writing there are days when I have to force myself to sit down and open my current work in progress. Although when I do and I manage to write a few thousand words, I get a great feeling of accomplishment. So now I've learnt of things I can do to motivate myself that seem to help. Firstly I think it's important to make writing a part of your daily routine, like cooking dinner or doing the washing up. It's a good idea to set aside a certain time of the day for writing, and be specific about that time. For example plan to start writing at 9:17 at night for one hour or 8:24 in the morning for an hour and a half. Choose a time that fits around your lifestyle and stick to it. Make sure it is a realistic time when you are least likely to encounter any distractions. I find that if there is a precise time that I have to open up my manuscript and write, I am more likely to do it. And be sure to switch off the internet so you are not tempted to chat to friends on Facebook or Twitter. Sometimes the smallest distractions can completely derail us. Take away those distractions and make writing a part of your daily routine and you'll be amazed how much you will accomplish.
Just for fun –
Beer or wine - WineHot or cold HotSweet or savoury - SavorySummer or winter - SummerQuiet or loud - QuietSki or beach - BeachApples or bananas - Uh, Pineapple?
If you could choose any Hollywood star to be the main characters in your books who would it be?
Lol! I'd have Josh Holloway as every character in my books if I could.
Do you have a pesky day job which interferes with your writing time?
At the moment I temp which suits my lifestyle perfectly. I could do a three month contract and then nothing for several weeks or I could be asked to go in for just a couple of days a week. I love those weeks because on the days I'm not in the office I get to sit at home and write all day long.
Tell us where we can find you
Website : lavinialewis.comTwitter : lavinialewisBlog : lavinialewisuk.blogspot.comFacebook : Lavinia Lewis
Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today, Lavinia - I am so with you on the Josh Holloway thing and Twilight vampires!! I hope your series continues to be a wonderful success and please feel free to drop in any time and let us know how you are doing.
Lily x
Oh, and just for you .....
June 7, 2011
Bite with Height by Lucy Felthouse
The lovely Lucy Felthouse has a new F/F release at Noble Romance which I just can't wait to get my teeth into.
Blurb
When Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she's intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.
Excerpt
Meg was hungry. Or, to be more precise, she was thirsty. Taking her usual route down the Boulevard de Clichy, she knew she'd find something suitable to drink if she waited long enough. The Pigalle area was notorious both in Paris and further afield, known for its sleazy bars, clubs, and sex shops. Most young women traveling alone would avoid it like the plague. Not Meg. For her, it was the ideal hunting ground.
At this time, just past sunset, it was always full of people, some going about their daily life, which just happened to take the crowds through one of the city's seediest areas. Others came to stare, bug-eyed, at the voluptuous women trying to entice them into lap-dancing clubs. They giggled behind their fingers as they shuffled past shop windows advertising all manner of equipment for use in the bedroom.
Then there were stag and hen parties—groups that descended on Pigalle, spent an evening causing havoc in the bars and clubs, then left, having laughed themselves hoarse and having drunk a skinful.
Most of these people were utterly harmless. The area was an attraction, a bit of fun. For others, it was much more. Attacks on working girls were not uncommon. Or at least, they hadn't been. The crime rates had dropped dramatically since Meg had moved to the area. Nobody, much less the police, knew why. And Meg didn't intend for them to find out.
Meg thought she had a thorough measure of the area and its inhabitants, so, she was completely taken by surprise when she saw the girl. By now, Meg was much further up the boulevard, on a strip of pavement between the Moulin Rouge and the inevitable branch of Starbucks. Glancing across at the coffee house, Meg spotted her. The girl sat at a table outside, gripping a cup of something-or-other as though her life depended on it.
She was beautiful. She was also completely out of place. At this time, the majority of people were here because they wanted to be. This girl looked as though she would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere else. Wondering if the girl had been coerced into coming by a boyfriend, Meg gritted her teeth and crossed the road.
As she drew closer, she realized there was no other cup on the table, no evidence at all to suggest that the girl was there with someone else. Meg headed inside and ordered a Cappuccino with an extra shot. Caffeine always did her the world of good. It warmed the blood. Taking her beverage outside, she heaved a sigh of relief as she noted both that the girl was still there, and that the seat beside her was the only one available.
Moving toward the girl, Meg smiled and asked, "Do you mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is taken."
Momentarily startled, the girl looked at Meg and smiled shyly. "Sure, no problem. There's nobody sitting there."
"Thanks. I'm Meg, by the way," she said, extending a hand.
"Grace," the girl replied, temporarily removing a hand from her cup to shake Meg's. She put it straight back on again, but not before Meg noticed a slight tremble. The girl looked as though she was about to go back inside her own head, so Meg spoke quickly.
"So, what brings you here? I can't help but notice you're not local."
"Oh," Grace said, as if surprised that Meg was still there. "I live in Paris. I moved here with my boyfriend, but . . . ." she looked at her hands.
Suddenly, a piece of the puzzle clicked into place.
"I'm sorry," Meg replied. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm just a little lonely, I guess. Just making conversation."
"You?" Grace replied incredulously, studying Meg. "If you're struggling for company, then there's no hope for me!"
"Depends what kind of company you're looking for. Can't say there are many desirables 'round here, though!" She looked around, as though to prove her point. "Say, you want to get a proper drink?"
Meg stood, hoping Grace would follow her lead. She looked down at the girl, smiled, and held out a hand. She watched Grace's posture visibly relax, and her grin grew wider as she put down her cup and took the offered hand.
If you like the sound of this check out Lucy's website and see all her books then don't forget to nip over to Erotica For All which is her brain child.
Have a great day.
Lily x
BlurbWhen Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she's intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.
Excerpt
Meg was hungry. Or, to be more precise, she was thirsty. Taking her usual route down the Boulevard de Clichy, she knew she'd find something suitable to drink if she waited long enough. The Pigalle area was notorious both in Paris and further afield, known for its sleazy bars, clubs, and sex shops. Most young women traveling alone would avoid it like the plague. Not Meg. For her, it was the ideal hunting ground.
At this time, just past sunset, it was always full of people, some going about their daily life, which just happened to take the crowds through one of the city's seediest areas. Others came to stare, bug-eyed, at the voluptuous women trying to entice them into lap-dancing clubs. They giggled behind their fingers as they shuffled past shop windows advertising all manner of equipment for use in the bedroom.
Then there were stag and hen parties—groups that descended on Pigalle, spent an evening causing havoc in the bars and clubs, then left, having laughed themselves hoarse and having drunk a skinful.
Most of these people were utterly harmless. The area was an attraction, a bit of fun. For others, it was much more. Attacks on working girls were not uncommon. Or at least, they hadn't been. The crime rates had dropped dramatically since Meg had moved to the area. Nobody, much less the police, knew why. And Meg didn't intend for them to find out.
Meg thought she had a thorough measure of the area and its inhabitants, so, she was completely taken by surprise when she saw the girl. By now, Meg was much further up the boulevard, on a strip of pavement between the Moulin Rouge and the inevitable branch of Starbucks. Glancing across at the coffee house, Meg spotted her. The girl sat at a table outside, gripping a cup of something-or-other as though her life depended on it.
She was beautiful. She was also completely out of place. At this time, the majority of people were here because they wanted to be. This girl looked as though she would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere else. Wondering if the girl had been coerced into coming by a boyfriend, Meg gritted her teeth and crossed the road.
As she drew closer, she realized there was no other cup on the table, no evidence at all to suggest that the girl was there with someone else. Meg headed inside and ordered a Cappuccino with an extra shot. Caffeine always did her the world of good. It warmed the blood. Taking her beverage outside, she heaved a sigh of relief as she noted both that the girl was still there, and that the seat beside her was the only one available.
Moving toward the girl, Meg smiled and asked, "Do you mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is taken."
Momentarily startled, the girl looked at Meg and smiled shyly. "Sure, no problem. There's nobody sitting there."
"Thanks. I'm Meg, by the way," she said, extending a hand.
"Grace," the girl replied, temporarily removing a hand from her cup to shake Meg's. She put it straight back on again, but not before Meg noticed a slight tremble. The girl looked as though she was about to go back inside her own head, so Meg spoke quickly.
"So, what brings you here? I can't help but notice you're not local."
"Oh," Grace said, as if surprised that Meg was still there. "I live in Paris. I moved here with my boyfriend, but . . . ." she looked at her hands.
Suddenly, a piece of the puzzle clicked into place.
"I'm sorry," Meg replied. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm just a little lonely, I guess. Just making conversation."
"You?" Grace replied incredulously, studying Meg. "If you're struggling for company, then there's no hope for me!"
"Depends what kind of company you're looking for. Can't say there are many desirables 'round here, though!" She looked around, as though to prove her point. "Say, you want to get a proper drink?"
Meg stood, hoping Grace would follow her lead. She looked down at the girl, smiled, and held out a hand. She watched Grace's posture visibly relax, and her grin grew wider as she put down her cup and took the offered hand.
If you like the sound of this check out Lucy's website and see all her books then don't forget to nip over to Erotica For All which is her brain child.
Have a great day.
Lily x
June 6, 2011
HOT HOCKEY PLAYERS
To celebrate the release of Cross-Checked I have a whole page on my website dedicated to the delicious guys who play this fabulous sport.
Check it out and be sure to let me know what you think.
Lily x
Check it out and be sure to let me know what you think.
Lily x
June 1, 2011
The Promise by Tory Richards
Tory Richards hot new release 'The Promise' is now available.
Blurb
Shannon Hayes' husband David was killed in Iraq nearly a year ago, and now she must face her first holiday season without him. With a toddler in tow, she travels to the Vermont farm where the rest of the family has gathered for the holidays. There she comes face to face with the man who was with him when he died, and her destiny, his older brother Ryan.
For the first time in years, Ryan returns home to keep a promise he made to David—to take care of Shannon and their daughter. It's a pledge Ryan is reluctant to keep because he's been secretly in love with Shannon since first setting eyes on her. Their attraction to each other is instant, intense and soon the promise isn't the only thing between them.
Also, and not to be missed, beginning June 1st The Promise will be making ten stops on a virtual blog tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Below is the schedule. Each blog will have a different post or interview from Tory. There's a prize involved! So be sure to hop on and leave your comments.
Here's a list of stops.
6/1/2011 Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
6/2/2011 Realmantic Moments
6/3/2011 Book Junkie
6/6/2011 Delaney Diamond
6/7/2011 Sizzling Releases
6/8/2011 Alisha Paige6/9/2011 Cali Cheer Mom
6/10/2011 Theresa Stillwagon
6/13/2011 Sugarbeat's Books
6/14/2011 D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters
Blurb
Shannon Hayes' husband David was killed in Iraq nearly a year ago, and now she must face her first holiday season without him. With a toddler in tow, she travels to the Vermont farm where the rest of the family has gathered for the holidays. There she comes face to face with the man who was with him when he died, and her destiny, his older brother Ryan.
For the first time in years, Ryan returns home to keep a promise he made to David—to take care of Shannon and their daughter. It's a pledge Ryan is reluctant to keep because he's been secretly in love with Shannon since first setting eyes on her. Their attraction to each other is instant, intense and soon the promise isn't the only thing between them.
Also, and not to be missed, beginning June 1st The Promise will be making ten stops on a virtual blog tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Below is the schedule. Each blog will have a different post or interview from Tory. There's a prize involved! So be sure to hop on and leave your comments.
Here's a list of stops.
6/1/2011 Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
6/2/2011 Realmantic Moments
6/3/2011 Book Junkie
6/6/2011 Delaney Diamond
6/7/2011 Sizzling Releases
6/8/2011 Alisha Paige6/9/2011 Cali Cheer Mom
6/10/2011 Theresa Stillwagon
6/13/2011 Sugarbeat's Books
6/14/2011 D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters
May 30, 2011
COVER FOR SLAP SHOT
I have just approved the cover for SLAP SHOT the third book in my HOT ICE series. I am thrilled with it, the hero is Rick 'Ramrod' Lewis, the captain of the Orlando Vipers hockey team and the heroine is Dana, a feisty business woman with a past he can't resist.
Release date to be confirmed.
Release date to be confirmed.
May 27, 2011
VOTES NEEDED!!
HIRED is up for Book of the Week over at Whipped Cream Book Reviews.
Here is what the reviewer said, and if you like the sound of the book based on this, or you have read Hired and enjoyed it feel free to drop by and give Logan and Brooke a VOTE
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is, but what happens if the deal is just too good to pass up? Even karmic payback won't get in the way.
Brooke's life has never been easy. Her parents died when she was young, which led to the uprooting of her entire life. Her friend since childhood, Giselle, is now the only person Brooke can depend on. After a long overdue break-up with a boyfriend, Brooke turns to Giselle for a place to stay while she picks up the pieces of her life. Giselle's line of work has afforded her an extremely comfortable lifestyle, but Brooke longs for a more fulfilling career in nursing. Just one thing stands in the way of attaining her dream – money. So when the opportunity of a lifetime is presented, Brooke accepts under one condition – no sex.
Logan is the star bad boy hockey player in desperate need of anger management. His reputation has earned him many loyal followers in the form of "rink bunnies" and paparazzi, but this has also lead to one too many times in the penalty box and not enough team wins. Too many career and personal foul-up's have forced the team's owner to send Logan on a retreat to get his act together. The retreat was designed to get Logan's head back in the game, yet it also gave him something completely unexpected.
Ms. Harlem has now given me a newfound appreciation for hockey. Reading this story leaves little doubt that Ms. Harlem is a fan of the sport and now I am too! Readers should expect to be immediately drawn into the story and not allowed to leave until the last page. The dialogue and scenes flowed effortlessly.
Having a major focus on Brooke and Logan allows the reader to really connect and experience everything with them. It made for some intense emotional reading. The intimacy scenes between Brooke and Logan are exquisitely erotic with a dominating edge that will leave the reader breathless after reading each one.
Looking for a fantastic story with sun, sand, surf, and sizzling sex? Look no further! This new series is sure to please.
Here is what the reviewer said, and if you like the sound of the book based on this, or you have read Hired and enjoyed it feel free to drop by and give Logan and Brooke a VOTE
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is, but what happens if the deal is just too good to pass up? Even karmic payback won't get in the way.
Brooke's life has never been easy. Her parents died when she was young, which led to the uprooting of her entire life. Her friend since childhood, Giselle, is now the only person Brooke can depend on. After a long overdue break-up with a boyfriend, Brooke turns to Giselle for a place to stay while she picks up the pieces of her life. Giselle's line of work has afforded her an extremely comfortable lifestyle, but Brooke longs for a more fulfilling career in nursing. Just one thing stands in the way of attaining her dream – money. So when the opportunity of a lifetime is presented, Brooke accepts under one condition – no sex.
Logan is the star bad boy hockey player in desperate need of anger management. His reputation has earned him many loyal followers in the form of "rink bunnies" and paparazzi, but this has also lead to one too many times in the penalty box and not enough team wins. Too many career and personal foul-up's have forced the team's owner to send Logan on a retreat to get his act together. The retreat was designed to get Logan's head back in the game, yet it also gave him something completely unexpected.
Ms. Harlem has now given me a newfound appreciation for hockey. Reading this story leaves little doubt that Ms. Harlem is a fan of the sport and now I am too! Readers should expect to be immediately drawn into the story and not allowed to leave until the last page. The dialogue and scenes flowed effortlessly.
Having a major focus on Brooke and Logan allows the reader to really connect and experience everything with them. It made for some intense emotional reading. The intimacy scenes between Brooke and Logan are exquisitely erotic with a dominating edge that will leave the reader breathless after reading each one.
Looking for a fantastic story with sun, sand, surf, and sizzling sex? Look no further! This new series is sure to please.
