Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 201

Starting Over: It Can Happen To You – Guest Post by Starla Kaye & Contest!!

This morning I have two very special guests on It Can Happen To You: Corbin Bradley and Matthieu DuCharme. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here today. Our audiences, both in the studio today and at home, are true lovers of happy endings. We all know there is far too much sadness in the world; the news is filled with it. On my show I like to focus on the good things that happen to people.

Corbin, you and Matt, are excellent examples of how love can find a way. Your story is a beautiful one and I am so pleased that you agreed to share some of it with us.

(Corbin blushes, but Matt just smiles at the audience and then at Corbin) I'll admit that when you asked us here to talk about our relationship, I was more than hesitant. Uncomfortable, actually.

(Matt gently pats Corbin's knee, his smile even warmer) I think that is putting it mildly. (He laughs and looks back at the audience) We've both watched this show and we talked about the focus of it. We strongly agree that happiness in life is hard to find. Fortunately, each of us has been blessed with having found love twice. Not many people can say that.

As I explained to our audience just before you joined me, each of you has previously experienced loving relationships. Each of you has faced losses that took great inner strength to get over.

(I look at Corbin, smile encouragingly) Corbin, you were married a number of years before you and your wife realized it couldn't work any longer. You had buried your true sexual interests for a long time. What finally made you decide to, as they say, "come out of the closet"?

(Corbin frowns in discomfort for a second and then sighs) I loved my ex-wife and she knows it. She's still my closest friend. (He looks sad, regretful) But, as people also say, the magic wasn't there. Had never really been there. Us getting married had been expected by others and it simply happened. Neither of us was really happy, at least not in the bedroom. (He glances at his feet, blushing when he looks up again) I couldn't keep her from finding someone worthy of her, someone who could satisfy her in ways I would never be able to do.

How did she take it when you admitted you were gay? (I watch Matt gently squeeze Corbin's knee again)

(Corbin raises his chin and looks determinedly at the audience) Actually, she was the one to force me to admit my true sexual preferences. I'd tried to hard to make her happy, never wanted to hurt her. (He swallows hard) It was a difficult confrontation. I attempted to deny it, but she wouldn't let me. We both ended up in tears as we struggled to accept the truth. She's an amazing woman. (He smiles and looks thoughtful) Actually, she's the one who talked me into contacting Madame Evangeline and her matchmaking service. She was determined for me to finally face who I was and get on with my life the way it should be.

(Corbin glances at Matt and they share a special look) I'll always be grateful to Pamela for loving me enough to push me away, to nudge me into starting over.

(I'm choked up at the intense emotion sparking between the men.) Matt, you, too, went through a difficult time before meeting Corbin. You lost someone special in your life.

(Now Corbin gently pats Matt's knee and Matt draws in a ragged breath) Yes. I thought I had found the one person that I was meant to be with the rest of my life. I'd struggled through a number of relationships before finding Henri. (He draws in another deep breath, looking lost for a moment) What we had was…well, special. But not meant to be.  He died. I wasn't quite sure how to go on after that. Until I was encouraged to give Madame Evangeline's 1 Night Stand services a try, to at least start over somehow.

I've heard such wonderful happy-ever-after stories of other matches this amazing woman has made. If I weren't already happily married, I would be tempted to try her services. (I smile at the men, who now look less uncomfortable) I'm so glad you agreed to come here today. We haven't talked a lot about the current relationship between you, yet I think everyone here in the studio can see how strongly you feel about one another. You've each found something special, someone who understands you, someone you love. Am I right?

Definitely (both men say at the same time).

BLURB

Corbin was finally trying to ease into his new lifestyle. He was scared shitless, wondered what had possessed him to agree to this 1 NightStand arrangement. He'd spent years fantasizing about this. As he neared the long, lean man with graying hair a bit shaggy, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams paled in comparison.

EXCERPT

Matt had considered changing his mind about this one-night arrangement. But as the tall, well-built man walked across the pool area toward him, all thoughts of that fled. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it called to him. He wanted to touch it, play with it. He forced himself to calm down. This was a virgin gay man. He would be his first male lover and he would have to find the inner strength to take his time. Could he?

Matt sat on a chaise lounge near the poolside bar, sipping on some fruity island drink the bartender had insisted he try. Not bad really, but he preferred beer. He'd been out here almost an hour and already had two women and a young stud make advances. He'd politely turned them all down, saying he was here with someone. Now he wished that someone would join him before he had to make excuses again to the Barbie-doll shaped woman heading in his direction.

She had no sooner wobbled up on her ridiculously high-heeled sandals than he spotted Corbin Bradley walking into the pool area. Well, well, well. Prime male and mine for the night. The thought surprised him, but he couldn't deny the way his pulse raced and his body went on high alert. He grinned, glanced past the twenty-something blonde, and waved at his roomie. "Over here."

Frowning her disappointment, the blonde walked off, muttering, "What a waste."

He'd heard that kind of comment many times over the years and didn't care a bit. He was comfortable with his homosexuality, even if others couldn't easily see it until he revealed it. Unconcerned with her reaction, he studied the tall, well-built man making his way across the pool area. The photo he'd seen of Bradley didn't do him justice. It seemed so wrong to ever hide those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, and incredible six-pack beneath a suit, even an obviously expensive, tailored one. He longed to smooth his hands over what he saw, feel the muscles beneath his palms, play with the nipples and the spattering of dark hair on his chest. He wanted to…. God! Get it together. Stop salivating and be cool.

His cock had hardened and pressed the front of his trunks, so he lowered the hardback book he'd been reading and tented it over his erection. "Any trouble getting here?" A lame question, he knew.

"No." He looked down at him and Matt saw uneasiness in his eyes. Yet he'd come all this way in spite of his rigid posture, the tightness in his jaw. He stretched out a hand. "Corbin, but I guess you know that already."

Matt gave him a reassuring smile and shook it. Their hands, like their overall size, appeared similar, except his was callused from work. "Matt."

With a slight nod of acknowledgment, Corbin eased onto the chaise lounge next to him, turning his head to take in the scene, the dozen sunbathers, the few people enjoying the pool. "I guess you can tell how nervous I am. I hope I don't disappoint you."

Matt relaxed. "I didn't come here with a lot of expectations other than getting away, seeing someplace new, sharing the experience with someone." He held Corbin's gaze and said, "I'm a little nervous myself, but I think we'll be fine together."

His dark brown eyes looked hopeful. "As long as you understand…."

"Don't worry about it."

As if he needed to make sure Matt knew what he'd meant, Corbin leaned closer and said so only he would hear, "I've never…well, never been with a man."

The admission took guts. Until that moment, Matt hadn't really intended to actually have sex with the date he'd been matched with, although he'd toyed with the idea. Now he intended to be Corbin's first male lover. He would guide him into what could happen between them.

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Genre: Contemporary, GLBT, Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 4

Buy Link: Decadent Publishing http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=92&products_id=325&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Author Website: http://starlakaye.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002ZH8K3U

Contest!

Starla Kaye will be giving away an ebook copy of Starting Over to one randomly chosen person. Just leave a comment to enter. Contest is International and ends October 2, 2011 at midnight EST.

 

 

REB: BDSM, Menage and Fetish Club edition

These are all books I've recently read and enjoyed. Thus, I thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy!

Club Shadowlands (Master of the Shadowlands #1) by Cherise Sinclair

Publication date: January 13, 2009 by Loose ID

BDSM, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman–an accountant–and surely isn't a submissive…is she?

Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, strong BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, restraints, spanking, etc), exhibitionism, voyeurism. 

Club Shadowlands is available from:

Loose ID
Amazon Kindle Store
B&N Nook Book Store
and more

Find Cherise Sinclair on her Website, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

***

Double Entry by Desiree Holt

Publication date: December 19, 2008 by Ellora's Cave

BDSM, Menage, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

Over one too many appletinis, Lauren Henderson created a sexual wish list for her birthday. Little did she know that her friend Marcia would recruit her mouthwatering next door neighbor, Scott Erickson, and his brother Curt, to make her wishes come true. Nor did she know that not only did both men lust after her, but their imaginations would turn her simple list into the most erotic night of her life. A night that would teach her what real sexual ecstasy is all about.

Double Entry is available from:

Ellora's Cave
Amazon Kindle Store
B&N Nook Book Store
Kobo Book Store
and more

Find Desiree Holt on her Website and Goodreads.

***

Confessions From the Carnivore Club – Dave and Nancy's Story by Kate Richards

Publication date: July 18, 2010

BDSM, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

What happens when a nice, engaged woman finds out that her conservative, lawyer fiancé is a member of the notorious Carnivore Club? She recreates herself and arrives at the club in full bondage attire, leather and lace from head to foot. And aware of desires she never knew she had. Dave is going to have to move fast if he wants to stay on Nancy's radar.

Confessions From the Carnivore Club – Dave and Nancy's Story is available from:

Amazon Kindle Store
B&N Nook Book Store
Kobo Book Store
and more

Christmas Afternoon Delight (Tales from the Carnivore Club) by Kate Richards

Publication date: November 22, 2010

Holiday Romance, BDSM, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

Christmas afternoon isn't always about napping amid the wrapping and ribbons. For petite, lovely Lily it's about fulfilling the fantasy of a lifetime with the hansome and muscular Dom, Barry, who she met at the scandalous Carnivore Club. There's sure to be lots of hot BDSM play, but will this holiday happening make them the next Carnivore Couple couple to make a love connection?

Christmas Afternoon Delight is available from:

Amazon Kindle Store
B&N Nook Book Store
Kobo Book Store
and more

Find Kate Richards on her Blog and a list of her books on Goodreads.

Thanks for visiting!

Interview with Romance Author Sara Brookes & contest!

Welcome Sara! It's an honor to have you here. I've featured many of your books on my blog, but this is our first interview. To begin, can you tell us a bit about your writing style?

SB: I never, ever plan anything when it comes to writing. If I try, I fail miserably and just end up getting frustrated. It's funny when I think about it because I'm so big on organization. I love letting the story develop as I learn the characters so I can let go of thinking everything has to be a certain way and just let it come out as it does. I've always found things happen for a reason in my stories for a reason, even if it's not clear to me at first. So far, the characters have never steered me wrong.

You write several subgenres of romance, including science fiction, paranormal, and BDSM. What draws you to write in these subgenres?

SB: They're all subgenres that I myself personally enjoy reading. If you took a look at my shelves, you'd see all of those stacked right alongside one another. In alphabetical order. Yeah, my organization is…uh, a sickness. *g*

I'm the same way with my books, movies, CDs, etc. LOL I understand. Your Sypricon Masters series combines both Science Fiction Romance and BDSM. What inspired you to write this series?

SB: The BDSM I've touched on with previous stories was always done in privacy. In , it was a converted warehouse. In Ragged Edge, it was a room attached to a motorcycle shop. I wanted to do something in a club setting just to get to play around with the kind of things that can bring up. And making it a sci-fi was something that came along when I starting thinking about collars, toys and furniture at the club—again, I wanted to do something a little different. So I've kicked up things in that area a bit. There are still whips, collar, toys and such, but you'll find them very, very different at Tawse.

Perfect Limit is the second book in the Sypricon Masters series. What can we expect when we load it up on our ereaders, phones and computers?

SB: A sexy, emotional read that will touch your heart. Rayna is feisty heroine who came from a difficult childhood. She shows she's a survivor just by still living her life. Yet, she has a vulnerable side that comes out whenever she's put in the spotlight. Burke has always given in to her need to stay in the dark, even though he doesn't feel it's warranted. When he sees her admiring another submissive, envying her beauty, he's had enough and decides to show her—and everyone else—just how perfect she really is.

BDSM is a lifestyle choice and is misunderstood due to those who don't follow the rules and people who use it as an excuse to hurt others. How much research was involved when you first started writing BDSM? What is the most interesting thing you've learned?

SB: Copious amounts of research and it's always still a learning process for me, meaning I'm always learning. As I write different characters with different needs and desires, I have to dig in and learn something new. My characters know this stuff because it's their life so I need to know it too, or at least that's how I feel about it. The whole lifestyle has been intensely fascinating to me and I'm lucky to have the resources that I do.

I learned something interesting from one of your recent blog posts. Can you explain the significance of the yellow chair in your books?

SB: Ah, yes, the yellow chair. To be honest, I'm not sure how it started. Well, I know where I first used it, but when it showed up the second time, in a completely different book and then again in another, it did give me pause. I didn't think about it too much however, because it'd probably scare me to know the whole reason it shows up. And it doesn't always, my past couple of releases, it hasn't been around. However, it makes an appearance in Perfect Limit.

Quick questions:

Favorite SciFi book/series: I used to read the Star Wars books in the early to mid-90's and I love the Callista Trilogy (that's the unofficial name anyway). It consisted of; Children of the Jedi by Barbara Hambly, Darksaber by Kevin J. Anderson and Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly.

Favorite BDSM book/series: Cherise Sinclair's Masters of the Shadowlands books

Favorite movie: Stand By Me

Favorite drink: Diet Pepsi w/ Lime

Favorite time of day: Sunrise. Just me, a mug of java and the quiet as the world starts to wake up.

Favorite way to relax: Curling up w/ a book. This one is hard to come by sometimes, so when I find time for it, I absolutely love it. Sometimes I miss the times where I could curl up with a good book and not move for the whole day.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

SB: Yes! There are two most stories upcoming for the Sypricon Masters before the end of the year. No Restraint is about a hot-shot space racer and a Dom at Tawse who doesn't care about all that racers fame and fortune, he treats her (yep, the space racer is a female) the same as any submissive. And then there's Slow Break, which will mark the first m/m title for the series. A former member of the club is back to ask for forgiveness from his Dom, but his Dom isn't going to relent very easily (as he shouldn't).

 

  

Where can readers find you?

SB: I have a love affair with Twitter and love to chat with people there (http://twitter.com/Sara_Brookes). I keep my website as up-to-date as possible (http://www.sarabrookes.net/) so readers can always look there for information about my upcoming releases. I'm on Facebook at well (http://www.facebook.com/brookesofbooks or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Brookes/138079535325) and love to connect with readers there as well.

Thank you so much, Sara for joining us today! I wish you all the best with this release and the many others that I look forward to reading.

Contest!

Sara Brookes is giving away an ebook copy of Perfect Limit. For your chance to win, simply leave a comment. Contest is international. Contest closes October 2, 2011 at midnight EST.

Six Sentence Sunday #47: 09/25/11 – Carrie sees Frey's profile

Thank you to everyone who keeps coming back to read and comment on my excerpts every week. I appreciate all of your support.

This week I'm going back to Celestial Seduction. Blurb and links here. Here's Carrie and Tamara's reaction when they see who Carrie will have her one-night stand with:

She thought about sending a reject message back, but when she took a closer look at the profile on her computer, she decided to wait for Tamara.

Six foot one, her date owned a successful construction company, and the picture….he resembled every man she'd ever fantasized about. His dark brown, wavy hair looked perfect to run her fingers through and his eyes…bedroom didn't even begin to describe how enticing they were. She got wet just looking at them in a picture. Oh, she needed to see them up close.

"God, he's gorgeous," Tamara said.

Visit http://www.sixsunday.com/ to find out who's participating in Six Sentence Sunday this week or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.

REB: Some Hot 1 Night Stand stories & more from Decadent Publishing!

These are all books I've recently read and enjoyed. Thus, I thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy!

Somewhere In Between (a 1NightStand story) by Stacey Kennedy

Publication date: September 13, 2011 by Decadent Publishing

GLBT, Menage, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

U.S. Marshal, Wyatt Tanning is in a race to catch a serial killer who has evaded the authorities. Just as the case hits a dead end, an unexpected email gives him a lead. As much as he wants to share the surprising message with his lover, Rye Daniels, he must hunt a killer first. 

Darby Grant never expected that one night would change her life forever, but that's exactly what happened. Not only has she been abducted, but she is in a situation that nightmares are made of. As she begins to lose all hope, fate steps in to offer her aid, but she's well aware things will never be the same again. Soon, though, Darby begins to realize that might not be such a bad thing…

Somewhere In Between is available from:

Decadent Publishing
Amazon Kindle Store
and more

Find Stacey Kennedy on her Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

***

One Hot Australian Night (a 1NightStand story) by Liia Ann White

Publication date: July 15, 2011 by Decadent Publishing

Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

When it comes to love, Zalia is a cynic. After her last boyfriend cheated on and dumped her on Valentine's Day; who can blame her? But after three years of her friend's pestering, she's decided to get back in the dating game. She agrees to contact the reputable dating agency 1NightStand with the understanding that if it doesn't work, it's a sign she's destined to be single. 

After a month of no luck, Madame Evangeline finds what she believes is Zalia's perfect match. 

Xavier is a hot successful lawyer. Two years after his wife's sudden death he wants to find love again, but doesn't know how. 

When they finally meet will sparks fly or will it be a failed attempt at happiness?

One Hot Australian Night is available from:

Decadent Publishing
Amazon Kindle Store
B&N Nook Book Store
and more

Find Liia Ann White on her Website/Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

***

Dessert First by Emily Cale

Publication date: August 10, 2011 by Decadent Publishing

Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

Playing perfect daughter at her mother's parties isn't Alexis Arnette's idea of a good time. She always leaves grumpy and hungry. Unimpressed with the spread laid out in the living room, she sneaks off to the kitchen to find something a little more satisfying. What she discovers is chef Morgan Crane, a man who is even more delicious than his baked goods. When one taste of his creations leads to more and her good girl demeanor dissolves, would the boring evening turn into one she'll never forget?

Dessert First is available from:

Decadent Publishing
Amazon Kindle Store
Barnes & Noble Nook Books
and more

Find Emily Cale on her Blog, Twitter and Goodreads.

***

Lace, Lightning and Multiple Orgasms (a 1NightStand story) by Azura Ice

Publication date: August 28, 2011 by Decadent Publishing

Science Fiction Romance, Menage, Erotic Romance

From Goodreads:

When Madame Evangeline sees Ellecia Lightmaiden trying to call lightning from a clear night sky, she's a perfect candidate to experience the new Castillo resort on Planet Vyzani. Stuck on Earth, Ellecia has never been able to find a man who sates her sexual appetite to generate the power she craves. Goaded into going on a date her boss has paid for, she relents once she learns Madame Evangeline has chosen four younger men for her.

However, the method in which Ellecia must travel to Vyzani is terrifying. Can she trust science to send her through cyberspace without losing her body or re-assembling it wrong? And if she does make it to her waiting men, will they be compatible and quench her need for incredible sex?

Perhaps Madame Evangeline's perceptiveness has sent Ellecia across a galaxy to love.

Lace, Lightning and Multiple Orgasms is available from:

Decadent Publishing
Amazon Kindle Store
Barnes & Noble Nook Book Store
and more

Find Azura Ice on her Website, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Thanks for visiting!

A new contract!

Yesterday, I signed a contract for the first book in the Science Fiction Romance series I've been working on for three years. The Zurian Child is contracted with Silver Publishing and is planned to release sometime next year. I will keep you posted.
So, while I work on pre-edits, I leave you with some collages (as inspired by Tera Lynn Childs) for some of the characters from The Zurian Child.

 

 

Book Review: Love Beyond Time by Rebecca Royce (blog tour – WIN $50 Amazon gift certificate)

Love Beyond Time (The Outsiders book 1) by Rebecca Royce

Publication date: July 30, 2011 by Silver Publishing

Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal/Alternate World, Romance

from Goodreads:

Born one half of a perfect pair, Kal has spent his life believing his other half is gone. But when fate thrusts Isabelle into his arms, he will have no choice but to become the man he was destined to be. That is, if he can battle his own demons first.

Not willing to accept her heritage as an Outsider, Isabelle tries to hide from the truth. But when Kal's life is on the line, she will have to step forward and embrace her powers or watch everything she has come to love disappear.

First Line:

Abraxas Moore stared one more time at the unforgiving clouds forming above him.

My Review

Isabelle, a social worker, is out investigating after a child abuse call when she finds herself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire and no cell phone service.  A man storms out of the bushes and runs toward her. Voices in her head tell her to get away from this man. She runs, listening to the voices until she finds herself face-to-face with a man she had never met, yet has dreamed about every night since she was a baby.

Kal has travelled all over the world as a foreign correspondent, while in reality, trying to draw The Darkness that hunts his people, toward him. There are many more of his people, The Outsiders, around the world, but it is on a normal fishing trip with his non-Outsider friends that he runs into another of his kind, or rather, she runs into him.

He can sense the human manifestation of The Darkness that hunts Isabelle and vows to protect her, for not only is she an Outsider, but the voices tell him that she is his soul mate.

Isabelle watches as Kal defeats the man who was after her, using powers she didn't know existed. Kal tries to convince her that she too is an Outsider with powers of her own, but she is reluctant to believe.

After her own family falls victim to The Darkness, Isabelle is forced to depend on Kal. He takes her to meet other Outsiders and helps her to develop her powers. And on their down time, these soul mates become better acquainted with each other.

When the charms protecting the island the Outsiders have chosen as their home are broken through, Kal, Isabelle, and the other Outsiders must use their still unrefined powers to defeat the manifestations of The Darkness threatening to destroy them.

Love Beyond Time is yet another fabulous book by Rebecca Royce in a series about a society on the fringe. Whether they be werewolves or humans with super-human powers, her characters are always well-developed, real, and make you want to visit with them again, to know the rest of their story. I admit, there is a lot of back story at the beginning of this book, but it is necessary to understand the motivations of several characters' actions.

Love Beyond Time is an excellent introduction to this series, giving the reader Isabelle and Kal's story and hinting at what is to come in the series. Not only did I fall in love with Kal and Isabelle, but I'm captivated by the minor characters and want to know their story, to find out whether they will get their happily-ever-after.

I have read many books by Rebecca Royce and Love Beyond Time is yet another example of why I keep coming back for more. I recommend you go out and buy a copy of Love Beyond Time for yourself.

My Rating: 5 Aliens out of 5

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Love Beyond Time by Rebecca Royce is available from:

Silver Publishing
Amazon.com
Kobobooks.com
AllRomanceEbooks
& more

Find Rebecca on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
Giveaway!!

Rebecca will be giving away a $50 Amazon gift certificate as part of the Goddess Fish Promotions Virtual Book Tour.  In order to win all you need to do is comment on the blogs hosting her tour.  The more comments you make,  the more chances you have to win. You can follow her entire tour by clicking on the link below:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/08/virtual-book-tour-love-beyond-time-by.html

 

Success is a Journey, not a Destination – Guest Post by Layna Pimentel

I am pleased to welcome my good friend and critique partner, Romance author Layna Pimentel back to my blog. Take it away, L!

Howdy all! I'm so glad to be back here at Mark of the Stars with Jessica.

I wanted to take a moment to share a quote with everyone I read one morning on my way to an appointment, 'Success is a journey not a destination,' written by Brian Sweetland.

The quote rings true on so many levels and affects everyone differently. Do you remember saving up your allowance for that super cool walkman, or when bought your first car or house? Think of all the blood, sweat and tears you poured into attaining those goals. It's the time spent, passion and the emotional attachment to such experiences that make those personal items all the more worthwhile.

But while such acquisitions are very nice and comfy, success shouldn't only be measured on how much money you have or spent, the cars in your driveway or how big your house is. Think of all the small successes that you might have forgotten about: conquering your childhood fear of the dark, your first kiss no matter how sloppy it was, and finding your partner for life.

Now stop for a moment and think of how it applies to us writers both published and unpublished. I suppose success could be measured in a multitude of ways: landing the agent you've always wanted, getting a three book contract or as simple as falling in love with the cover art for your book.

Lately, my definition of success is simply finding a quiet corner in my house to think while I write. Oh and there's landing my first contract of course. And most of all, success to me is if I actually put a comma in the right place. LOL I could probably create an ongoing list of what I consider to be successful in writing, but you might get bored so we'll just leave it at that.

So how do you define success? It doesn't have to be writerly or monetary. Success could be baking a cake that actually turns out or cleaning a fish bowl and not killing any of your Siamese fighting fish. *shifty eyes* I swear I didn't mean to kill Blue! My girls will never let me live that one down. *sigh*

I'd love to know what you think. Be sure to leave a comment no matter how silly the success may be. These kinds of things are nice to share and reassuring that you're not alone. In fact, sharing those moments that may seem insignificant can be quite humbling.

Thanks again for having me over Jessica!

It's always a pleasure! Find Layna on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Six Sentence Sunday #46: 09/18/11 – Josh's surprise…

Thank you to everyone who keeps coming back to read and comment on my excerpts every week. I appreciate all of your support.

This excerpt is from my soon-to-be-released 1 Night Stand story from Decadent Publishing entitled Beneath the Starry Sky. Read the blurb here. Please note, edits have not been done yet. If you've read Celestial Seduction, this is Tamara and Josh's story, but find out what happens to Josh when he walks into his hotel suite:

He flicked on the switch then jumped back, seeing a woman on his bed. A very sexy, scantily-clad woman lying across the bed in a provocative position. But that woman wasn't supposed to be in his room.

Maybe they programmed his card key incorrectly. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I didn't mean to walk in on you."

Visit http://www.sixsunday.com/ to find out who's participating in Six Sentence Sunday this week or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.

Characters: Carrie and Tamara give you the facts

Carrie (from Celestial Seduction) and Tamara (from Beneath the Starry Sky) are guest blogging today at Daily Dose of Decadence. Find out more about the characters of my books and perhaps what's in store for them next.