Robin Badillo's Blog, page 26

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES!!!

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    REAL WOMEN DO HAVE CURVES!!    It wasn't just a good movie from a few years back staring America Ferrera, it's the simple truth!! 
    Full Figured, Voluptuous, Big & Beautiful, Big Boned, Thick or Plus Sized... call them what you will... ahem, correction, call US what you will, we are all that and more. We are nowhere near a size six nor do we want to be, we are happy, passionate, intelligent, bodacious, and we are here to stay!!
    WE are REAL women, with REAL issues and a whole lot to say!!!
    While watching the Golden Globes, I was struck by a shocking sight. An extremely famous actress, arguably one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, presented an award and I was instantly stunned by her gaunt appearance. 
    Considering I was watching the award show with my 16-year-old daughter, I was a little worried. 
    At first, I was concerned for the actress and hoped she was well and just preparing for a movie role that required the, in my opinion, "dangerously thin" appearance. 
    Then I worried about what my daughter thought seeing a famous role-model appearing as she did. 
    It ended up being a terrific opening for conversation. 
   She (my daughter) and her friends deal with the same things most high school kids do, and weight is most definitely a big issue for far too many girls her age.
    My daughter comes from a long line of full-figured women and though I want her happy, I want her healthy, too. 
    I do my part by encouraging exercise and proper diet, but most of all, I do what I can to keep her attitude and view of herself emotionally healthy and positive.
    As an author, I have an obligation to give readers what they want, but as a woman... a plus-sized woman, I have an obligation to create heroines who are real and represent women in a positive light. I think I have done that, with the one exception of creating a heroine more like myself.
    There really aren't enough romance novels out there with full figured heroines, but that IS changing!!  
     I plan to do my part by writing more responsibly and I even have plans to create a BBW (big, beautiful woman) or two in future books and NOT just as a sidekick to the main heroine!!. 
    I mean, let's get real for a minute. Most women have curves, especially American women. 
    We hear about it on the news every day. 
    Did you know that there are countries that hold plus-sized women in higher regard and actually chastise the skinny-minis? If you don't believe me, rent the comedy, "Phat Girls", starring Mo'Nique. 
    *Spoiler alert* Mo'Nique's character, an up and coming clothes designer, didn't lose out to the tall, thin super-model of the movie. She got her man and she did it by being herself and allowing someone to see her for who she really was. Yeah, it was a movie, but the message was loud and clear.
    Isn't that how we should all be anyway? Be ourselves? 
    You betchya'!!
    Look, I will never be a size six and I will never be the prettiest one n the room, but that doesn't mean, I'm not beautiful and can't be sexy. 
   I am a sensual being, and as a woman, I hold the greatest power of all in the palm of my hands. *wink wink!
   I am confident, strong and a survivor!! Tree very important qualities for any woman. 
    I've been gawked at, laughed at and ridiculed for my size, but hey...I'm here and I AM a WOMAN!! A Big, Beautiful Woman! 
    I'm not ashamed of the "label" and I'm not going to apologize for being plus-sized anymore than a super model should apologize for being the way she is.
   I hope that my daughters see that they are beautiful inside and out, no matter the package they're in. 
   All little girls should be comfortable in their own skin and it's up to me to make sure that whatever negative images threaten their self-esteem is countered with positive images to reassure them that they are perfect just the way they are!!
   If you know of a book or a movie that depicts REAL women in positive ways, please feel free to share the titles and/or links in the comment section below. 
   If this post has struck a nerve, by all means, share what's on your mind! 
    Your opinions are important to me, as my readers, peers and fellow humans... male or female... 
    Sealed with a Kiss is an equal opportunity sounding board...so let's talk about it!!!
BTW!! STICK AROUND FOR A BIT AND ENJOY THE MUSIC I SELECTED JUST FOR THIS TOPIC!!

BEST words EVER!!!!

I've recently come to realize that the extent of my vocabulary hovers somewhere on the level between a ninth and twelfth grade reading level. Pretty average considering I never made it to college, but seriously sad considering I make my living as a writer. How I managed to string my limited vocabulary together well enough to write 80k word novels is, in itself, a miracle.That being said, I decided to go on a hunt.... A WORD HUNT!!I've picked a few very interesting words and will now kick off my first edition of the... BEST WORDS EVER!!!!Feel free to borrow them... I didn't make the words up, I was just lucky enough to run across them on my word search!!
Jonquil Poltroon: a spiritless coward (chicken, cur, recreant) Jonquil: a Mediterranean perennial bulbous herb; has long linear leaves and cultivated for its yellow or white fragrant short-tubed clustered flowersLudibrious: sportive, ridiculous, wantonScintillate: to throw off sparks; to sparkle or shine ------------------------------------>>>>Denude: make bare, strip, expose (what naturally happens after a scintillating kiss) Kerfuffle: a disorderly outburst, commotion, disturbance, disruption Tumescent: abnormally distended especially by fluids; a clear example of this would be me after a weekend of NFL football playoffs.... so yeah, "I will be tumescent on Monday morning, so don't expect to hear much from me."  Stulify: to make useless, futile, or ineffectual, especially by routine. *note... lingering effects of previous word's definition!!
Flippery: something of little value or significance; ornate or showy clothing or adornment. Bumptious: offensively self-assertive, conceited.
*NOTE:I have no idea when I will ever use these words, but it's so much fun thinking about it and searching for words some of us have never seen before. If  you do happen to be one of those fortunate brainiacs who already knew them, please don't be a bumptious pain in the rear. Keep it to yourself!

They said WHAT???? Erotic Romance is PORN???

    


Originally, I set this event up with it's own page, but doing so just didn't give the idea a chance to be upfront and center, allowing it to garner the attention it so rightly deserves.
Therefore, once a week or so, we'll have a little get together and.... give 'em somethin' to talk about....Today's topic? What's with people referring to erotic romance novels as porn?Is it just me, or as a reader or writer of romance, do you feel as if you're constantly on the defensive when it comes to what you read or write? 
Do you feel the need to hide the latest copy of your favorite author's novel behind a magazine while in public, or did you buy a Kindle or Nook for Christmas just so no one would know what you're reading?If you're a writer, do you feel the need to explain yourself when people ask about your books? Do you feel misunderstood or prejudged just because of the genre you write?I do, and let me tell you why.  The characters in my books have SEX . **insert gasp here** Allow me to clarify this statement. My characters are ADULTS, over the age of 18, are in RELATIONSHIPS, whether it be complicated or perfect (like that exists) and EVERY instance is CONSENSUAL!! Yes , they get naked, which is sometimes the best part and makes things flow a little bit smoother.  Yes , they French kiss... 
(yeah, with tongues... but don't worry... they use their own), caress, fondle, lick, taste and sometimes even bite! (Most of my characters are of the vampire persuasion so it comes with the territory) 
They also argue, fight, cuss, misinterpret intentions, jump to conclusions (often the wrong conclusions), make rash decisions without thinking of the consequences, lie, hide things from one another and pretty much mess everything up along the way, much like we do in... oh my gosh, wait for it.... REAL LIFE!!! Imagine that. Life isn't always easy, but it is natural and that includes people having sex, making love, snogging, shagging, making whoopie, doing the horizontal tango and whatever other label you want to give it. If you've read my books though, you may have been disappointed if you expected porn!! Although, I do my best to make sure the love scenes are sensual, hot and sometimes a little dirty, I do try to be tasteful and I rarely use crude terms, unless the situation calls for it.Do I have a problem with the extra naughty terms? Hell no, in fact, anyone who knows me, knows that in the real world, I sometimes cuss like a sailor. *insert another gasp here*
When I write though, I'm all about the romance and though I think it can be hot, most of my encounters are more about the "love" behind the act rather than the act itself. I do read "those" kinds of books and some of my dearest friends are authors of "those" kinds of novels. (And I LOVE them for it)I'm a firm believer of "to each his/her own" and I'm not one to look down my nose at anyone. 

I know, I know...I just defended myself again, but for the record, this was more of a sincere statement of my opinion and an invitation for you to do the same.That being said, what DO YOU think about it??? Let's talk....

Sunday's Sneak Peeks

Happy SUNDAY Everyone!!! WhoooHooo!!I so enjoy making Sunday sound like a holiday. It may be lingering side effects from holiday overload or maybe it's all part of my plan for world dominance where I'll lure you in by promising new reasons to celebrate or just chill. Speaking of celebrating and/or chilling, SUNDAY just seems like the perfect time to do it. This Sunday, and perhaps even more Sunday's to come, I've decided to share snips, snippets, bits & pieces, sneak peeks, morsels, and yummy tidbits of my books with you!! Call it whatever you like... I'm just gonna serve it up and hope you dig right in!!Today, I want to share a little excerpt from my latest full length novel, Midnight Beckoning! (currently #64 on the B&N's Fictionwise list for Paranormal romance)I sure hope you like it!!

Ford Lenox, a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years forthe phenomenon of his birth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many hadeven been born. But only a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And noneshared the same requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his sideand become his queen.Until now. Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford'sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike. Lauren's demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans. Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!
***ADULT EXCERPT!!!***
"You shouldn't be here.""I know, butI am." Lauren strolled across the bedroom and eased up onto the bed. "No, really.You can't be here. Navina will kill me." Ford grasped her upper arm, holdingher at bay."We've donethis before and nothing happened," she cooed as she crawled toward him."But thistime is different. Drago knows how to reach you now. It's too dangerous." A tickleskittered across Lauren's stomach as Ford's finger slightly dipped beneath thestrap of her gown and touched her bare skin. She snapped a glance down to wherehis flesh met hers. When shelooked back at Ford, his gaze was fixed on her shoulder as well. "See? Youremember what I feel like, don't you?"He wound thestrap around his fingers and a frustrated grumble reverberated from his chest. "Iknow what a dream feels like. I want to know what you feel like in the fleshand this isn't it." His harsh tone scraped against her bones. "There isn'ta difference. Here we don't have to wait for some silly ol' birthday." Shepushed her body past his protesting hand and hovered over him. Ford, lyingon his back, gazed up at her. Laurenlooked down her body to the outline of her breasts and abdomen peeking throughthe thin white fabric. She didn't have to look back to know that Ford hadnoticed, too. Herbreathing increasing to a near pant, she grabbed him by his t-shirt, drawinghim to her. "Kiss me." "Kiss you? Iwant to do more than kiss you, foolish girl," he hissed. "Then do it."Ford tangledher hair in his hand and rose up to meet her lips.Fireexploded on her tongue as he plunged his deep into her mouth. Withoutargument, he flipped her over and settled on top of her, clumsily finding hisway under her clothing. Laurenhungrily tore at his shirt until she was able to bring it up over his head. Shepushed him back to gaze upon his rippling chest and abdomen. Biting her bottomlip, pleased with his athletic physique, she grinned devilishly. "See?""I see you'regoing to be a handful." He returned his mouth to hers. Sliding hishand up her stomach, he found the supple mound of flesh she'd been waiting forhim to touch. Laurennudged him downward, persuading him to venture under her gown. Wriggling it upher body, she removed it and tossed it onto the floor. She watchedhis gaze trail down her curves. He pausedlong enough to flick the hardened rosebud of her breast, nibbling and lappingat the sensitive nipple. Lauren gasped as electrified currents zapped andexploded between her legs.Ford wouldmake an excellent lover, and she couldn't wait to see how skillfully he wouldsatisfy her. They'd finally reached the point of no return. Hisbreathing hastened and his tongue trailed up her neck to her mouth were heresumed eager kisses. "Make loveto me, Ford," she breathed against his parted lips. Running herhand down the front of his jeans, she tugged at the button and zipper. Laurenunsnapped it, eased her hand inside and a playful giggle escaped her when shefound what she wanted most. With a loudwince, Ford pulled away and rose up on his outstretched arm. "Lauren, we'vebeen here too long. If we stay—""Don't stopthis time," she pleaded. "I have to.""Why? Don'tyou want me?" She grabbed his arm, trying to coax him back. "I want youmore than you'll ever know. But, I want you to live long enough to giveyourself to me in the real world, not just here." He sat up and glanced back ather. Laurenremained on her back with her naked body exposed. She strummed her fingersacross her breast to entice him once again. His gaze intentlyfollowed the flow of her finger against the nipple he'd suckled. She encircledit with her fingertip then plucked at it with her thumb and index finger. "Areyou sure?""Fuck!" hegrowled under his breath. "Tsk, tsk.Such language." She giggled. "Why do youpush me?" He stood next to the bed, the muscles in his chest rigid withphysical frustration. "Why don'tyou push me?" She rose up on one elbow. Ford reacheddown and picked up her gown from the floor. "You already know why and tomorrow,when you're awake, I'll explain it again." He pressed her gown into her hand. "Goback to your body and stay there before someone hears you talking in yoursleep."Laurenconceded with a deep sigh. "Okay, but this isn't over." She dressed and turnedto him before she left. "Will I remember tomorrow?"Ford walkedover and kissed her forehead. "I don't know. It depends.""On what?""On how youreally feel. Out there, you're still human and you're holding on to things inyour human life, like that Steven guy. Here, I'm all you have."Rising up onher tiptoes, she kissed him softly. "I hope I do remember."Fordchuckled. "I hope you don't."Her stomachflip-flopped. His answer vexed her. "Why would you say something like that?"He skimmedthe outline of her breast lightly with his finger through the thin fabric ofher gown. "Because if you remember, you'll know how much of an idiot I am forsending you away."
Midnight Beckoningavailable from eXtasy Books, Amazon & Fictiowise (a B&N company)
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7bua5s9
eXtasy Books: http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/
Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b130217/Midnight-Beckoning/Robin-Badillo/?si=0

When is sexy, just too damn sexy?

Is that even possible? Probably not when we're talking about strong, alpha male heroes. I mean come on. We all know sexy men come in many different packages, but do romance readers prefer those packages hard, hot and always ready to satisfy? To be completely honest...uhh, yeah! 


Spartacus, portrayed by
Andy Whitfield b. 1975 - d.2011Would you have preferred Spartacus to diplomatically enter the arena and discuss the issues he had with his Roman oppressors, or was "kicking butt" and eventually starting a revolution, more likely what made you sit up and take notice? 
Personally, for me,  it was the loincloth! 
As a species, no matter how evolved we've become, hetero-sexual females still keep our eyes out for the prefect mate. That guy with the three P's!!! The ability to proficiently protect, provide and procreate.
Yes, even in the 21st century, there's an instinctual part of us that still adheres to the rules of natural selection. It may be different for each of us, but it's there nonetheless. 
He can rip off his competitor's head in the arena one moment, then tear your heart out with one tender touch, the next. Why is it so easy for him? Because he's just too damn sexy!! 


Then we must take into consideration that other part of a woman's brain that has the uncontrollable need to fix and care for that sexy beast we're dead set on giving our hearts to. 
The brooding-alpha grunts in lieu of actual conversation and yet we'll bend over backwards to translate his actions into emotions. 
By the way, big mistake, ladies. 
As a writer of male characters, trust me, what they say and what they think aren't necessarily the same thing. How do I know? Because I'm a woman and HUMAN and so is that sex-god leaning across that table there. His eyes could be telling me that he's had a bad day and would rather be left alone just as easily as he could be begging me to come kiss away his pain then slip into a steamy hot-tub and... oh, my, see what just happened? I became caught up in the intoxicating spell of a good lookin' man and would have probably sold my soul to the devil if he'd asked me to. And why?? He's just too damn good lookin'!! That and he's probably dripping with charm that supersedes his sex appeal. 


There's no need to leave nasty comments saying I've made women sound  like pushovers. I'm not saying that at all. 
What I am saying is that when we see a character in a movie or read a "to die for" description of a hero in a romance novel, we tend to overlook flaws or at the very least, hope and pray he redeems himself for whatever mistakes he's made. 
Does it all have to do with the way he looks? Possibly, but if he's written well enough, we soon look beyond the baby blues and six pack. At least I do anyway.
Perfection is all part of the illusion. 


Would Prince Charming be nearly as inviting if he had a beer-gut and bad breath? Probably not. 
Though sincere when we say that we'd overlook just about any human flaw for true love, there comes a point where we have to draw the line when it comes to our fictitious heroes. I can find a man with a beer-gut and bad breath at the corner gas station. Give me a man with broad shoulders, a strong, flexing jawbone, and abs made of steel and I'll be one happy reader. 
Does that make me superficial? No, it makes me one of those women who want a fantasy when I read because let's face it, for most of us, we aren't exactly hooking up with Brad Pitt every night. Kudos to Angelina for having that privilege.


Am I saying there's something wrong with the man who currently fills our life with happiness? Heavens no. 
After all, he's the guy who sees us Saturday morning after having one too many Mojitos the night before, and he hasn't run for the hills, has he? 
Those guys are the REAL heroes, right? There must have been something about them we found attractive. I mean, we share a mortgage AND maybe even children with him, don't we? THAT's reality, for sure. 
But what would a little fantasy be without including a little bit of the unobtainable?



Would we jump at a book that had 
Larry the Cable Guy sprawled across the cover? Some of us, maybe. But most would rather the see the beefcake, right? 

It's human nature and although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, insane beauty is still a sight to behold. 
No matter what type of man you prefer to share your life with, read about or watch on the silver screen, they're all sexy in their own way. And if you find yourself sliding in the direction of maybe being jealous of the women who have the hearts of these sexy beasts depicted here, I just have to remind you of one last little reality check...
Show me a sex-god and I'll show you a woman who's tired of putting up with his crap. 
Gotta LOVE romance!! 

Resolutions: Settin' Yourself up for Failure

Happy New Year everyone!!  I want to take a moment to thank my readers for visiting, and all of the authors who posted information about their books over the New Year's Weekend! I'm confident that the 700+ hits weren't just from me checking in. I hope everyone left happy. I know I was quite pleased with the event. Now that 2012 is underway, it's that time of year when we wake up on January 1st, wipe the sleep from tired puffy eyes, stretch, groan and prepare to face the day, and a new year. One of the first things that probably crosses everyone's mind is that little phrase which, in recent years, has made me cringe!!  NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION!! Or as I've come to think of it ... the first step on the road to failure!Why so cynical you ask? Uh, how about over 40 years experience. We set goals for ourselves and get all excited. The natural way to handle new changes in our lives, right? The first few days, or even weeks, sail by, often times, flawlessly...then the newness wears off and whatever the goals were, get tucked away in some "things to do" drawer that we somehow lose the key to. Well, that just sucks. Plain and simple. Why go through all the trouble to plan something, just to turn around and forget about it? Who benefits from that? Nobody, that's who. Especially not you. Not you personally and certainly not you professionally. So, this year I'm doing something new. I'm lowering the bar. What? Lowering the bar?Yep, but not in the way it sounds. I'm lowering the size of the goal...you know, setting goals that are practical and easier to complete. Let me explain my reasoning. Last year I had TEN books release and let me tell you this...that kicked my butt and wore me out. How can I keep up that pace? I can't. That's the problem. Because I wrote so much, so fast and spent the rest of my waking hours promoting, I burned more than brain cells... I burned up a lot of the drive and love I had for writing in general. Losing that inspirational part of me was never my intention, so when the desire to write faltered, it nearly broke my heart. This year I'm taking back control, one goal at a time. Here's a few of my ideas:
#1 Set Writing goals!Decide how much time you actually have each day that can be set aside for serious, uninterrupted writing. I generally set a word goal since I know where my breaking points are. For example, I used to write 5,000 words a day...A DAY!! An 80 K word book? No problem. But now? I learned the hard way that pushing myself that hard and that fast was burning the candle at both ends. Half of that is a pretty decent amount. It's a bit more attainable and won't feel like a failure if I can't manage 5k anymore. Think of it as a mind trick. Our brains and emotions respond better if we feel successful, so why not give yourself a break and ensure that success can be gained. 

#2 Reading!!Yes, READING!  I don't read enough and any writer can tell you that reading is like studying for a pop quiz that you never know when you're going to take. Words are food. An award winning chef can't prepare meals fit for a king unless he/she tastes what they're cooking!!Race-car drivers can't win races unless they know how to drive on each new track. Writers can't write unless their minds see words...and not just words from a take out menu. Real, honest-to-goodness words, in sentences and not just from the genres you write. Expand your tastes!! Try new things. You'll be glad you did.                                                      
#3 Hone your Craft 
Start looking for new ways to improve your writing skills. The internet has an infinite supply of information and much of it is free. Simply type in the words, "Writing Tips" and voila, whatever you want to know will be at your fingertips. Also, consider reading biographies of other authors, especially the great ones, and learn the steps they took to become the wonderful writers they are/were. The knowledge alone will be a reward in itself!!
The next few ideas are for anyone, not just writers. 
#4 Eat Right Don't set a goal to lose weight. Set a goal to eat right! Your body will thank you for it. Nothing can ruin really good intentions like the plateau of a diet. That time that comes...and it will come, when no matter how hard you've tried and how viciously you've starved yourself... the day will come that the pounds will cling and take root in places you didn't even know you had. Trust me, I speak from experience. But this year, I want my health to take priority and that will need to start somewhere...why not my tummy?
#4 Get plenty of sleep and relaxation!! 
'But Robin, I can sleep when I'm dead!!'
Yeah, well if you don't give your body and brain some time to recharge, you'll get all the sleep you need, much sooner than you wanted. What good is working yourself to death if you're not around to reap the reward. Taking a nap when your body says your tired is nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, your kids and/or significant other may even suggest it if you get grumpy like I do. A hot relaxing bath, soaking in bath salts or bubbles can turn a toad into a prince/princess in a matter of moments. 
Finally, may I suggest some quality time with the family. Let 'em go wild and savor the chaos every once on a while. Your brain will appreciate the break from all the working and thinking. A writer who's all work and no play is... well, a lonely old recluse, living all alone with too damn many cats. 
It doesn't matter what you do or where you are, your life depends on your mental and physical well being. So take care of every aspect, starting with turning over new leaves with the flip of the calendar. 

Make January your secret weapon and work out a new plan of action to ensure success all year long!! You'll be surprised by how good it will make you feel.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

End of the Year Author Blowout!!!!

Welcome to the end of the year author blowout.  If you're an author and want to give a shout-out regarding any of your books, feel free to leave a comment below and include your blurb, buy links and links to your blog/websitein the message!This event will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!
If MY books are the reason you're here...then hot-diggity!! Links to each of my TEN novels are available <--------on the sidebars.-------->and below: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/author&author_id=442
There is also a page dedicated to my books which includes blurbs and reviews!!Click the tabs at the top of this page!Make yourselves at home and please feel free to follow my blog as well....
There's always a party goin' on somewhere around here!!




READERS Just copy the links listed in the comments below and paste them in your browser... CYBERSPACE will do the rest for you!! HAVE FUN!!

2011... Bidding a Fond Farewell

WOW!! Another year down and wasn't this one a doozie!!So much happened, I'm not even sure where to begin. Eight of my ten releases hit the literary world in 2011. My blog has grown with leaps and bounds. Dozens of talented authors have visited and had their books and projects spotlighted here and more friends have been made than should be legal for one person to have. The latter is probably the best thing of all. I'm so looking forward to 2012 and I really hope none of you are bored to tears with this down home, Texas girl just yet!!2012 is sure to bring new exciting possibilities and if you'll stick with me for just a little while longer, hopefully we will experience them together. Here's a look at my year in review:

The third book to my first young adult paranormal romance trilogy, "Scorned", released in February 2011!! I had a lot of fun writing this trilogy and wrote it with my daughters and their friends in mind. This and the first two books of the, "Journey of the Damned" series can be found on Amazon and the Devine Destinies Publishing site. 





The "Blood Hunter" trilogy was next up and marked my entrance into the world of erotic paranormal romance. I so enjoyed writing this trilogy as it was my first try at writing in 3rd person and from a male character's point of view. I acquired my muse while writing this trilogy, when Jason Craft, the hero from book #2, "The Betrayal", decided to stick around and help me with my later books. I owe him so very much!!
Blood Hunter: "The Beginning", "The Betrayal" and "The Return" can be found at Amazon and eXtasy Books!
Next up came my first shot at a novella, when "Whiskey Road" released, initially from Trapezium eBooks then later with Amazon and eXtasy Books. I hadn't written a non-paranormal before this one and it turned out to be a great dry run. I finally had an opportunity to show my southern side, as a Texas born and raised writer, and introduced Texas sized characters in this little "second chance at love" romance. 


Having opened the door to the contemporary erotic romance genre, I dove in head first with one of my favorite writing ventures to date. Dylan Banks has wiggled his way into many a heart, including that of heroine, Julia Benson. The "boy next door" never looked so good in "Flesh Wounds"!!




"Midnight Beckoning" brought me full circle as I stepped up my love of the paranormal romance genre and found new species to write about.Who knew that damphyr, vampires and one really evil incubus could create so much trouble?  The characters in this romantic adventure journeyed through Heaven and hell to survive... you'll have to read it though to see if they made it out alive...well as alive as vampire and damphyr can be, anyway.



We ended 2011 on a high note with my first ever Christmas novella, "The Long Way Home". Switching back to contemporary romance, we celebrated the holidays on the road between Texas and California in this coming of age, romantic road trip story, where two college kids from different sides of the track find more than they bargained for on the long drive home for Christmas. 


ALL 10 OF MY TITLES CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON AND eXTASY BOOKS. AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Badillo/e/B004R7M2JY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
eXTASY BOOKS: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/author&author_id=442
It's safe to say that 2011 was indeed epic for me and I hope it was for you, too. I also hope we'll keep up the momentum in 2012. I have several stories in the works and may even get to drag out and dust off my never before used pseudonym, Tyler Robbins, when I tackle a romance based on the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of our Nation's military. So many stories to tell and so many lives to be touched. 2012 is shaping up to be as phenomenal as 2011. I hope you will all accept my invitation to join me through it all. Life just isn't the same without my readers. Your input, comments and support has propelled me to where I am today and words could never express how much each of you mean to me. So, as I raise my glass and salute 2011 for all it has given me, I offer a toast to you as well. Cheers and God Bless!

Sharing the Holiday Spirit and EYECANDY!!

I hope this Holiday finds everyone in good spirits and surrounded by family and friends. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and hope Santa beings you all lots of goodies... ahem, for those of you who were good anyway... those of you who were naughty... well you've probably been rewarded by the naughty deeds you did already, so don't push your luck. I found this poem while doing what I do best--- Googling!! I hope you enjoy it!!
'Twasthe Night of Christmas Leftovers
'Twas the night ofChristmas,But I just couldn'tsleep.I tried countingbackwards,I tried counting sheepThe leftovers beckonedThe dark meat andwhite,But I fought thetemptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turningwith anticipation,The thought of a snackbecame infatuation!So I raced to thekitchen,Flung open the door,And gazed at thefridge full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkeyand buttered potatoes,Pickles and carrots,beans and tomatoes.I felt myself swellingso plump and so round,Till all of a sudden,I rose off the ground!!

I crashed through theceiling, floated into the skyWith a mouthful ofpudding and a handful of pie,But I managed to yellas I soared past thetrees ...
HAPPY EATING TO ALL,PASS THE CRANBERRIESPLEASE!!





And what would a little Holiday spirit be without the second thing I do best???EYE CANDY!!
I stole him from another author's blog ... shhh!, don't tell!!

Spotlight Author, Beth Trissel

It's been a while since we've hosted another author, and I hope you will all forgive me for that. I plan to make up for it by introducing a fantastic author with an even more fabulous book! 
And true to my word, I'll be turning the show over to our guest today... so please help me welcome, Beth Trissel and her novel, "Somewhere the Bells Ring."

*Image of old family home this story isbased on. Somewherethe Bells Ring (The Wild Rose Press) is book three in my 'Somewhere'series with a Christmas theme.  The common thread in the series is thatthe story opens in one place, so far an old Virginia home, and then transportsthe reader 'Somewhere else,' either back in time in the same house or anotherplace entirely such as the Scottish Highlands. Set in the beautiful old Virginia home place where my father wasborn and raised and I grew up visiting over the holidays, Somewhere the Bells Ring opens in 1968 duringthe tumultuous age of hippies, Vietnam, and some of thebest darn rock music ever written.   That nostalgic erabeckoned to me as did an earlier one, 1918 and the end of World War One.  If you enjoy an intriguing mysterywith Gothic overtones and heart-tugging romance set in vintageAmerica then Somewhere the Bells Ring is for you.  And did I mention the ghost?



Caughtwith pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestralhome in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal,until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued.Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't sobad.




ToEric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feelsno less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-likebeauty gives him reason to hope--until she tells him about the ghost hauntingthe house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.



As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees tohelp her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will themagic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and theghost--before the Christmas bells ring?






Excerpt:"Bailey." He spokesoftly, so as not to startle her.She turned towardhim. In her long, white nightgown, hair tumbled down around her, wearing thatlost look, she bore an unnerving resemblance to the mysterious woman in WilkieCollins' classic mystery, The Woman in White. Eric fervently hoped thesimilarity ended there. As he recalled from the novel, that unfortunate ladyhad been unhinged.Leaving the doorajar, he stepped inside. "We missed you at breakfast."She answereddistractedly. "I wasn't hungry."He limped to whereshe stood, the hitch in his leg a little less pronounced today. Maybe he wasgetting stronger. "Why are you here, looking for ghosts?""Or a door to thepast."He tried to coax asmile to her trembling lips. "Did you check inside the wardrobe?""Eric, I'm beingserious.""That's whatworries me." Leaning on his cane with one arm, he closed his other around hershoulders and drew her against him. Such a natural act, and she accepted hisembrace without pulling back. She smelled of flowers from her perfume and woodsmoke. "Mercy, child," he said in his best imitation of Ella, "it's as cold asa tomb in here.""It wasn't lastnight."~
* Beth and friendsAvailable in variouseBook formats from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Kindle, All Romance Ebooks, Barnes & Noble's Nookbook and other online booksellers.Formore on this and my other work please visit my blog: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/