Poppy Dennison's Blog, page 7

Do You Believe in Magic?

What a shiny happy week this is! It's good to be me. Mind Magic released on Monday from Dreamspinner Press and is also available on Amazon. No one warned me what an absolutely totally and completely awesome feeling that would be!

I'm in the midst of a blog tour for the next few weeks so you can catch me on several blogs. This week, I've been over at Thorny's Blog talking about character inspiration in a post called Somebody's Watching You. In it, I reveal part of the super secret inspiration for Gray's character.

Then I stopped by You Gotta Read to discuss my reactions to the "I'm Christian, Unless You're Gay" letter from a teenager that really struck a chord with me. You can read the original letter here and my thoughts on it  in my post Getting Off the Pot.

More exciting things coming up this week. Today, I'm being interviewed over at Rom Fan Reviews. Friday, I'm blogging about the paranormal version of Gay For You over at Chicks & Dicks.

And then on Saturday, I'm having a wee little party over at the Dreamspinner Facebook page! I'll be there from 2pm-7pm EST, so stop by and ask some questions, read an excerpt or two, and help me party like a rock star. Well, okay...maybe not a rock star...I'll leave that to M.J. O'Shea. (Have you read Coming Home? If not, you should. It's wonderful!)

That's all the news for now. Stay tuned for next week's update, when there *might* be some incriminating photos of my meeting with the lovely ladies of Mantastic fiction and their book club. Mind Magic is one of the books they chose for their GRL-Albuquerque reading challenge, and I'm thrilled that I get to be there to chat about the book with them!

Suit Up Sunday: The Rat Pack

I love the music from the men of the Rat Pack. This pic is one of my favs. Man, these guys knew how to have a good time! (Too good of a time, perhaps!)


And as a wee little bonus, here's a video of them singing "Birth of the Blues"

Happy Sunday!

What's Up Wednesday

Slight blogger fail on my part. I didn't post a handsome fella in a suit on Sunday. I clearly need to get my priorities in check. To make up for it, I'll let you take a gander at this fella, the inspiration for my next book.

Now if you'll pardon me for a moment while I drool....

Okay, I'm recovered. Slightly! I wouldn't kick him out of bed unless he wanted to do it on the floor!

Lot's of excitement going on in Poppy's Playground right now. I'm gearing up for the release of Mind Magic. Twelve more days...let the countdown begin!

The amazing team at Princess Promotions has put together a blog tour for me and I'm giddy with excitement.


The first stop is at Stumbling Over Chaos, where the uber-amazing Chris is giving away an ebook copy of Mind Magic. Be sure you enter to win your copy! http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com/archives/18434

In the meantime, I'm in editing land for the sequel to Mind Magic featuring the delightful hunk pictured above. If you want to track my progress on my current Works-In-Progress, check out the WIP page of my blog.

And speaking of WIP's, I'd better get back to work. Hope you're having an awesome April and I promise to find a sexy suited hunk for your viewing pleasure on Sunday!

Music Monday: Mashups

Now, I doubt you'll be surprised to learn that I'm not a music aficionado. (Quiet peanut gallery!) Some things do catch my ear though, and lately that has been the mashups on Glee. Anytime I hear them, I stop what I'm doing and listen. That never happens to me. Here are my two favorites.


This first one, a mashup of Singing in the Rain and Umbrella started it for me. Fascinating! 
And then there's this one:


Fabulous.

Hope your Monday is fantastic.

The Lucky 7 Meme

The lovely Laura Harner tagged me in a meme. Here are the rules:
1. Go to page 77 (or 7th) of your current ms
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines-sentences or paragraphs- and post them as they're written. No cheating.
4. Tag 7 other authors. No cheating.

Well, I suppose I could give y'all the first sneak peak of Mind Magic. What do you think? Here's a 7 paragraph excerpt from page 7...



She nodded and relaxed against him as Simon led them out of the house, past the man in the kitchen, who was still furiously cooking. The cabinet doors stood open and food spilled out onto the counters. The children eyed him suspiciously, and one of the younger boys grabbed Simon's free hand and clenched it tightly.The group hurried for the woods. The other human still counted where Simon had left him. "Five hundred thirty-seven. Five hundred thirty-eight."Simon kept moving, ushering the children forward. He glanced back frequently to check on the kids and make sure they weren't being followed. He tripped over a branch and stumbled, but the eldest boy grabbed his arm and steadied him. The children were nearly silent in the woods around him, their shifter magic giving them an advantage in this setting.He adjusted the little one he held, and she snuggled close to his body heat as her trembling eased. The little boy still holding Simon's hand let out a frustrated huff. "I want to talk to Alpha."The eldest nodded. "I do too. I thought we could call him when we got away from them.""Don't worry. We'll be at the car soon, and you can call him once we get away from here." Simon tried to sound reassuring and hoped it helped. It seemed to work, as the kids all looked at him and nodded. The eldest seemed to realize Simon was struggling in the dark and crossed over to take his arm. The others crowded close and held each other's hands. Simon felt a gentle push against his magic, and it suddenly seemed easier to maneuver in the forest. Puzzled, Simon opened his mind and sensed the body magic in them reaching out to help him. He adapted, his movements smoother and much quieter than before. The kids smiled and seemed much more relaxed.

Well...That was a strange place for an excerpt, but I followed the rules Laura (even though my character Simon doesn't!).

Suit Up Sunday: Levi Poulter

I'd like to dedicate this lovely image to the awesome-sauce that is Xara X. Xanakas. She introduced me to the hunky Levi, and I'm pretty sure my life hasn't been the same since. I mean, the sheer daydream power alone in this guy is enough to fuel enough plot bunnies to last at least a century!

Guest Post: Daniel B Johns-"The Average Joe"

 Guest Post for Flash Fic Friday "Inspired by Joe"


'The Average Joe'By Daniel B. Johns
 *** *** ***
 I take my laptop and begin my search for a 'chat room' that suits my needs. A buddy says there are many online sites to choose from, and of course, the one that catches my eye is titled, ADULT.I click on it and find three more options:  GAY, LESBIAN, and MARRIED BUT LOOKING. Since I am not a lesbian, nor am I married, I click the third option.  I have always been curious as to what goes on in these 'rooms'. Here is my chance.
My first instinct is to hit ESCAPE and LOG OFF, but something deep down inside makes me stop....My curiousity?My fear? My raging boner?
I click on ENTER. This isn't admitting anything, right?
Numerous chat boxes pop open immediately. I can't decide who to talk to,so I close my eyes and point at the screen. There is the lucky one!  I swallow hard,and take a gulp of my water.
PETESMITH63: hey there average joe!AVERAGEJOE: heyPETESMITH63: how are you this morning?AVERAGEJOE: finePETESMITH63: a man of few words. i like that!AVERAGEJOE: okPETESMITH63: what you looking for this morning?
*** *** ***

 Daylight Savings Time always screws with my sleep, so here I am wide-eyed at 6am on Saturday morning. I gulp more of my water and take a deep breath. It's now or never.Is this guy for real? Do guys just come right out and ask this stuff? What the hell do I do now?Before I know it, my fingers start typing.
AVERAGEJOE: lookin 4 cockPETESMITH63: lol...good answer.AVERAGEJOE:  can you help me out?PETESMITH63: out of?..your pants? the car? debt? talk to me!!!! lolAVERAGEJOE: hmmmm.... all of the above! but I will start with me watching you jack off!PETESMITH63: how do you know im doing that?AVERAGEJOE: a wild guess!PETESMITH63: pretty closeAVERAGEJOE: thought so. I like your sense of humorPETESMITH63: thanks,you too.your quickAVERAGEJOE: at some things...at others...I like to take my timeAVERAGEJOE: you hard?PETESMITH63: almost...getting there talking to youAVERAGEJOE: you need my mouth wrapped around that cock of yours?PETESMITH63: i think i mightAVERAGEJOE: how bout teabaggin those balls of yours too?PETESMITH63: now that sounds....soft and wetAVERAGEJOE: from there I work my way up your shaft and tease that cock headPETESMITH63: mmmmmmmmmmmmmmAVERAGEJOE: then up your belly and nibble a nipple.....or twoPETESMITH63: yikes... I belive I am ... turned on now!AVERAGEJOE: then...... I lick over your adams apple and up to a earPETESMITH63: now that feels goooood! feel me squirming?AVERAGEJOE: then I kiss youPETESMITH63: deeply i hopeAVERAGEJOE: any other way?
*** *** ***

 Everyone at work tells me that I need to get back out there. It is time to stop hiding and start dating again, but I just can't bring myself to do that yet. I break out in a sweat at the thought of putting myself out there again. Call me paranoid, call me crazy, but I am just not ready. It's too soon after the break-up.I am content being single now and comfortable with being alone. I will admit that I get lonely sometimes. Sitting here chatting, with a total stranger, proves that point. I still dream of finding someone special again, but for now, THIS is my comfort zone.
PETESMITH63: well a soft wet one with lip nibbling is good sometimes...just sayinAVERAGEJOE: that is a morning after kissPETESMITH63: well thats good then.. I believe I just spent the nightAVERAGEJOE: hope you are not to tired after last nightPETESMITH63: just look down and see for yourself...just sayin..AVERAGEJOE: you hard and dripping yet?PETESMITH63: for you!AVERAGEJOE: where you thinking of putting that thing?PETESMITH63: well... hows anywhere u want as an answer???AVERAGEJOE: mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... I do have a few places in mindPETESMITH63: thats what i was hoping to hear
*** *** ***


 My own throbbing cock is in need of attention, and now!I reach down with my right hand and hen peck my words with my left. This bold flirting is not only making me horny as hell, but it is making me brave. I want to know more. I want to do more. I want to watch him jack off.

PETESMITH63: well JOE...tell me a lil somthing about u..how old.. body shpe... anything u wntAVERAGEJOE: lets see..... 37 yrs. old,6'1,250#,br/br..... how bout you?PETESMITH63: Damn! 36,6'2,255#,br/br..... facial hair?AVERAGEJOE: yepPETESMITH63: me too!AVERAGEJOE: you on here alot?PETESMITH63: about every weekend. U?AVERAGEJOE: first time herePETESMITH63: oh,a virgin! LOLAVERAGEJOE: hardly,LOL...u chat with alot of guys here?PETESMITH63: not really
*** *** ***

 This chat room stuff opens a new world for me, where apparently anything goes. In here, I can be whomever I want. Do whatever I want to do. I make the rules, and if things get to be too much...one click and I am gone.

AVERAGEJOE: U married?PETESMITH63: not anymore. u?AVERAGEJOE: nope. you str8?PETESMITH63: not exactlyAVERAGEJOE: ever let another man touch you?PETESMITH63: twice...years ago....but been wanting to try it again.AVERAGEJOE: did u like it?PETESMITH63: fuck yes! best BJ I ever hadAVERAGEJOE: lol....you know what they sayPETESMITH63: what?AVERAGEJOE: only a man knows how to really please another manPETESMITH63: I believe it! u stroking?AVERAGEJOE: yes,and getting closePETESMITH63: me too! wanna cam? we can cum togetherAVERAGEJOE: ok
*** *** ***
 This is the moment I have anticipated and dreaded all morning. The moment of truth. My mind suddenly fills with questions.What are fucking 'BOTS'?Will he be tall, dark, and handsome?What if this is a woman that just wants to watch guys jack off?I take a chance, accept his invite to view, and in seconds I see him...just as he described. His hand wrapped around his hard cock, stroking it. My own dick gets harder just at the sight of him. It gets harder to type as I gaze at the screen and this gorgeous man before me. I feel the pressure build inside me, and I watch as he speeds up his rhythm."I'm Cummin'!" I scream out to no one and jump to my feet. The first two shots coat my screen and camera.I watch his breath catch. He arches his hips just as the first rope of cum shoots from his body. A second and third quickly follow.The next few seconds are a blur as my heart rate returns to normal. He smiles at me, and I cannot help but smile back.
AVERAGEJOE: best saturday morning i've had in a while. thanksPETESMITH63: me too buddyAVERAGEJOE: wanna meet here next saturday?PETESMITH63: sounds like a date to meAVERAGEJOE: see you then. I better get going. take carePETESMITH63: you too
*** *** ***
 I log off, open a file of a photo he sent me, and watch as the trails of milky white protein run down it. I feel a loss for him already, one I didn't expect. This truly is the best Saturday morning I have had in a while. Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with being average.Here's wishing everyone a great weekend.......................................  'AVERAGEJOE'

Guest Post: Karen M Candido-"Mr Clean"

Guest Post for Flash Fic Friday "Insired by Joe""Mr Clean" By Karen M Candido
"Why are you taking a picture of me while I'm eating?" Joe said putting down his sandwich
"Because Mom has been complaining she wants more pictures of her future son-in-law. So, I am taking as many pictures as possible. Hopefully that will get her off my back." Gabe said placing the camera back into his pocket.
Joe rolled his eyes "Seriously? You really think she wants pictures of me eating?"
"That's the point isn't it? Give her more pictures than she wants and she'll leave me alone for awhile." He held out his hand to help Joe up. "Now, come on, I want to get some of you cleaning the house."
Joe grabbed his hand and started laughing, pulling himself up. "You just want to get out of doing your half of the cleaning."
Gabe pouted. "How can you say that? I'm just trying to get some pictures!"
Joe pulled Gabe close to him. "Babe," leaning in and giving him a soft kiss, "I know you better than that."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright, let's go then and get this over with." He took the keys out of his pocket and started walking towards the car swinging his jean clad hips a little more than usual.
"And no using sexual favors this time either!" Joe said following Gabe along and throwing the rest of his sandwich into a garbage can on the sidewalk.
Gabe used the key fob and unlocked the doors of the car. Leaning against the roof he said, "Take all the fun out of it why don't you?" he groused.
"Oh, I don't know. Im sure we can have some "fun" with the cleaning." Joe said pulling the car door open. "You never know what might be dirty." He smiled at Gabe.
"Now you're talking my language!" Gabe jumped in the car, buckled his seatbelt and started the car at once. "Hurry up and get in here! We have to go clean!"
Joe got in the car and leaned over the console towards Gabe. Whispering into his ear he said "I think I know what might be dirty." He moved his hand down to Gabe's crotch and rubbed hard.
Gabe let out a little gasp as his head thudded against the head rest. "Yeah, definitely dirty." He said thrusting his hips towards Joes' hand.
Joe kept rubbing in little circles feeling Gabe's cock growing harder. "Are you sure its dirty? I seem to remember cleaning it this morning in the shower?"
"No" Gabe panted, "Its dirty again…very, very, dirty."
"tsk, tsk, tsk. Now, I'll have to be extra vigil this time cleaning it." Joe leaned back into his seat, adjusting his own tight jeans now.
Gabe lifted his head up and looked at Joe. "You're a tease, you know that?" Shifting in his seat he put the car into park and started to drive away.
"Oh, Im going to deliver don't worry. Once, you clean the bathroom. Then, you'll get your reward. One you will never forget." Joe said watching Gabe drive the car towards home.
"Then just call me Mr. Clean" Gabe said with a grin, hitting the gas just a little bit more.

Flash Fic Friday: Hasta La Vista (Inspired by Joe)

I noticed his height first. Commanding. His walk, controlled. Robotic. The Terminator searching for Connor comma Sarah. His eyes flitted over each man in the darkened bar. Scan, reject. Scan, reject. Scan, reject.

Then his eyes met mine. Locked and loaded. He began to make his way through the crowded room, target sighted. I leaned back against the wall, pinned by the power of his stare.  No escape, not that I particularly wanted to.

It only took a few moments for his long legs to get him to where I stood. The crowd parted for him, knife through butter. Nothing between us but the throbbing bass of the latest dance hit. I watched him through my bangs, the highlighted chunks keeping me partially hidden from his view.

He scowled. His hand came up and cupped my chin. He forced me to look up. Had his grip been any firmer, I would have jerked away and aimed a well placed kick at his...well, at his knees. I doubt I'd be able to kick as high as his family jewels in these jeans.

He searched my face, his dark brown eyes boring into me, examining my soul. I shook off that fanciful notion and stared right back. The music changed to a slower throbbing beat. Strobe lights flashed, highlighting his strong jaw. He released my chin and stepped back, one step further with each blink of the white lights.


His hand came up, and he wiggled his finger. Told me to follow him in a simple gesture.

I could hear Arnold's voice in my mind. Come with me if you want to live.

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth. Bit down on it. "Fuck it."

The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile. He spun around and push through the writhing bodies of the dancers. I tried to follow, kept my eyes on his broad shoulders. Easy enough. With his impressive height, he towered over everyone else on the dance floor.

The distance between us grew wider with each step he took. The dancers who slithered out of his way seemed to twist right into my path. I took more than one elbow to the gut as I tried to squeeze between them.

I took my eyes off him, just for a minute, to navigate the sea of men who shimmied against each other. I could smell their heat, the sweat and cologne mixing in a way that stirred my already interested dick. No one caught my eye. I was ensnared already, a sparrow to the prowling cat.

A hand groped my ass. I jerked around to catch the culprit but no one seemed to be trying to get my attention. I ran my palm over my leather pants to brush away any offending fingerprints. When I looked up, he was watching, his eyes on my hand as it caressed my body.

I wanted to tease. Needed to see heat in his gaze. I ran my fingers over the net shirt covering my abs, lifted it up just enough to show the tanned muscles on my belly. My hair fell across my forehead and hid my eyes. A little scowl formed between his eyebrows.

I began to sway with the music, twisting my hips and raising my arms over my head. With each movement, I worked my way closer to him. This time he waited. Locked and loaded. I could see his body's response to me and I reveled in it.

News at 11: Bobby Got His Man

He definitely fell into the sinner, not saint club. His response to my strip tease was to pull off his own shirt.

His muscles bulged in all the right places. I've won a prize. First place, with honors. Damn. The man had muscles on his muscles. His jeans rode low on his hips. I began to push my way more forcefully through the crowd. No more Mr. Nice Bobby.

By the time I reached him, he'd gone back to his earlier smug expression. The heat was still in his eyes, though. I could tell that he wanted me. I consider myself a novice at this type thing. I'm no virgin by any means, but I've never really felt heat all the way from the tips of my shaggy blond hair to the tips of my recently pedicured toe nails.

No, I don't paint my toe nails. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But I hate having werewolf claws for toes. It's a big turn off. I wanted to see his feet, maybe lick his toes. If they were neatly trimmed of course.

Then again, there wasn't much on him I didn't want to lick, bite, tease, or taste.

My blood pounded through my veins. My heart pounded with excited anticipation. Now that he had me, what would he do to me?

My answer came faster than I'd imagined. He grabbed me by the hips and pulled me close. Leaned in until his warm lips brushed my ear. "Tease," he whispered.

The word was enough to make my knees weak. His voice, so deep, the rumble vibrating into me. God, my mind fell so fast into the gutter. I wanted to bend over for him, right in the middle of the dance floor. Let him have his way with me. And I hadn't even been drinking. No excuses.

He released my hips and grabbed my hand. Led me to the back door of the club. A red bar stretched across the handle. "Do not open. Alarm will sound."

Yeah, right. Everyone knew better. It might as well have been a revolving door to the alley.
Everything in me began to tingle with the dark thrill of what was about to happen. Hell, I didn't even know for sure. What would he do? Just push me to my knees and shove his cock down my throat? Would he shove me against the wall, jerk my pants down, and bury himself inside me?

I needed to know. Wanted to find out.

The alley had little light, but he seemed to find his way over and around the obstacles without any hesitation. I could hear the sound of other men having their own trysts. Grunts and groans. I'd be making some of those sounds myself. Soon, I hoped.

He found a relatively sheltered spot, not that anyone who wanted to sneak a peak wouldn't be able to spy on us easily enough.

He pushed me against the wall. My back thumped against it. A little thud, not painful, but forceful enough to let me know he meant business.

His hand caressed me. Down my arms, over to my rib cage. God, to the snap of my jeans.

Snick.

And then the zipper.

Oh god. All my blood pooled into my groin, my cock pushed against the leather. Wanting to be free.

He reached into my pants. Pulled me out.

My groan echoed throughout the alley. It was loud even to my ears. I wondered if everyone stopped to watch. Hoped they might. Wanted them to see him at my feet.

He stroked, one long hard pull from base to tip. "Gorgeous."

That voice again. It did me in. I wanted to be good for him, be more than that to him.

He dropped to his knees and I whimpered. This wasn't what I expected from the big guy. I'd expected another encounter like I'd had before. I was always the givee.

Not with him. I shuddered. His hot breath teased the sensitive skin of my thigh.

Please, please don't let him stop.

He didn't. His hot tongue lapped at the skin of my thigh, edged closer and closer to my cock. He nuzzled his nose against me and teased licked one long swipe from base to tip.

He grabbed around the bottom of my length, closed it tight in his fist, and pulled my cock away from my body. He looked up at me. My legs quivered in response. He opened his mouth and sucked me in deep.

"Oh god. Oh god."

I didn't realize I'd spoken aloud until I met his gaze and saw him smirking around me.

Not funny. But I couldn't scold him. He looked so beautiful in the moonlight and my thoughts were scattered from the unbelievable pleasure. I brought my hand down to his dark hair, threaded my fingers through it carefully. I didn't pull, even if I really wanted to just give it a tug and force his mouth further onto me.

He swept his tongue around the sensitive tip, nibbled it very gently. "Oh god. Oh my fucking god."

He laved the slit before kneeling back just far enough for me to slip from his mouth. I whimpered again, looked down at him and prepared to beg.

"What the..."

He smiled up at me. Fangs gleaming in the pale light.

Incredible pleasure turned into white hot pain when he struck, bit down on my upper thigh, right where the thick vein of my artery lay hiding beneath my skin.

I started to scream, but his long arm came up and covered my mouth. So fucking strong. He held my head pinned as he drank me down. His other hand began to stroke me. The sensations confused me, the pleasure and pain colliding in a maelstrom of mixed messages.

I struggled, but got no where. After a long moment, his teeth slipped from me. He grinned, his teeth stained dark from my blood. "Very tasty."

My knees buckled beneath me. He lowered me to the ground. Debris pressed against my back. He kissed his way up my torso to my neck. Stars flashed in front of my eyes, little pin pricks of light. I didn't know where they came from. He met my eyes again. "So beautiful. Mine, now."

Hasta la vista, baby.

Coming Soon: Mind Magic

Well, the moment has finally arrived. I'm trying to control my excited squees, but it's difficult. My first novel, Mind Magic, has an official cover and blurb. I wanted to share it with you all!

The Blurb:

Magical species must never mix. According to the rules, Simon Osborne should ignore the children's cries for help. After all, they're werewolf cubs, and he's an apprentice mage. But for once in his life, Simon breaks the rules and rescues the cubs, saving them from a demon intent on draining them of their magic.
Of course, all actions have consequences, and Simon's bold move earns him the displeasure of his peers and the attention of the cubs' alpha, a man named Gray Townsend.
The last thing Gray needs is a mage in his life, but Simon did save his son. Since Simon is now a friend of the pack, Gray doesn't have much choice about it—or the forbidden attraction that goes along with it. Unfortunately for the alpha, he needs Simon's help to track down the demon behind the kidnappings—before it strikes again. Simon and Gray must join forces to protect the pack, even as they struggle to resist the temptation that threatens to destroy them both.
Coming in April from Dreamspinner Press.