Nona Raines's Blog, page 43

#sixsunday Snip from Nona's Newest!

Happy Sunday, all! Here's a snip from my soon to be published FFM menage, His and Hers and Hers. This happens in the first chapter, before Cassie finds the courage to admit she's attracted to her best friends, Jordan and Kyla: 


"Okay. Open up now." Cassie obeyed and stared into Kyla's big brown eyes as her pretty round face hovered close. The scent of cinnamon made Cassie's nostrils tingle and her mouth water. Ky's full lips, glossed in a rosy shade, were close enough to kiss. All she had to do was lean in…
Don't forget to check out the other great Six Sunday offerings here!



Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
 www.nonaraines.com
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Reflections from The New Jersey Romance Writers Conference

The conference in New Jersey was exceptional. It usually takes me a while to absorb and process new information, and the past few days have given me a chance to understand what I've learned. The authors and presenters were so generous with their knowledge and experience. I was truly impressed and moved by some of the obstacles they had overcome.    Sabrina Jeffrieswas the keynote speaker at breakfast Saturday morning. She shared how she had to reinvent herself as an author at the same time she was facing many personal challenges.  Though she'd published a number of historical romances as Deborah Martin, her career had come to a standstill. She basically had to start over, building her career as a romance author from the ground up. As Sabrina Jeffries she took chances, listened to the advice of others, tried things she'd been reluctant to do before. Gradually, with drive and persistence, she met with success. Success? Hey, she's a bestselling author whose readers clamor for her next book! But it wasn’t quick and it wasn't easy.      I also sat in on a Q & A session with bestselling author Susan Wiggs. Things didn't come quickly for her, either. She worked for years as a teacher, so writing had to be done in the evenings, on weekends, or during school holidays. She had to sacrifice some "fun times" in order to write—but as she put it, "If something's important enough to you, you'll find the time to do it." And it was fascinating to learn that though she was very successful writing historical romances, she wrote her first contemporary romance on spec. She had established such a niche in historicals, she wasn't sure how publishers and readers would react if she moved to contemporaries. How lucky for those of us who love her stories she took the chance!
That's the thing about these successful authors. They take chances, they make changes, they do what they need to do in order to connect with readers. I really came away feeling humbled by everything I'd learned from them. ***A bit of news! My upcoming ffm ménage romance has undergone a title change. It is now called His and Hers and Hers.  It's coming this Fall, so keep your eyes peeled for more information! When I find out, you'll find out.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

Great News -- New Book Title

Definitely a yee-ha and whoohoo moment! Decadent Publishing offered a contract for my MFM erotic-romance-thriller novella, BLADE DANCE. I don't have any particulars yet -- such as projected release date -- but I will post the info when I get it.

Titillating Tuesday with Danica

After spending four days at the Renaissance Woodbridge hotel in Iselin, New Jersey, for the New Jersey Romance Writers' Put Your Heart in a Book conference, it was tough to leave, tough to return to our normal lives (if "normal" applies to anything writers do).

I frequently have brilliant writing moments on my laptop at motels and hotels (no, I don't work for an escort service [grin] -- my husband and I also travel with our Whippets to dog events), and this time was no different. I suffered a sticking point while moving scenes around in ALOHA MAN, so I traipsed down to the hotel lobby with my trusty legal pad and pen, and began scribbling away. Even the late arrival of a boisterous wedding party didn't detract from my mission -- by half past midnight, I'd solved the timing issues, returned to my room, and hit the keyboard.

Hindsight being twenty/twenty, working on the manuscript so late at night wasn't my best move. My brain continued to work overtime, and I didn't fall asleep until about 4 a.m. It's like having a tune running around in your brain from which there is no escape (last night, it was ABBA songs from the movie Mama Mia). As traveling companion Nona Raines already mentioned, the conference was fantastic, and there was so much to remember -- one should plan on a good night's sleep to take it all in.

I had two successful "pitch" appointments on Saturday morning, at which I promoted my/our next Sophia Roslyn book, HER SPECIAL FORCES, an erotic ex-military-themed romance with strong suspense and PTSD issues. Sophia books are those on which I collaborate with my daughter, Gina. She comes up with fantastic ideas, and then says, "Okay, Mom, now you can write the book." Kids -- ya gotta love 'em. Our first collaboration was DRAGONETTI'S MOUNTAIN, a erotic romance romp with a slight touch of suspense.

Since this is Titillating Tuesday with Danica, I hope you enjoy this quickie excerpt from my upcoming release, ABOVE THE LAW:

"Kiss me."
Joe turned into a pillar of salt, then he choked out a single word.
"What?"
"Kiss me."
He thought Abigail's bright blue eyes seemed darker, duskier. Maybe with emotion. Maybe with passion. Maybe with tequila.
"But, I thought you and Glennon . . . ."
She made a pouty face, totally unlike her.
"For once, Joe, don't think. Just kiss me."
Damn, she must have hit the margaritas early.
He leaned forward, pecked her on the lips. Okay, that felt too weird.
She made a face. "You call that a kiss? That was pitiful. Kiss me like you're serious."
"Abby, I don't know if this . . . .."
She grabbed his shirt, pulled him close. Her arms slid around his neck. "Now, kiss me, Collins. Properly."
His hands went to her waist, held her, then he leaned in. His mouth pressed against hers, hesitant at first. Then not so hesitant. Her lips were warm, soft, flavored like tequila, with a touch of sea salt. The tip of her tongue swept the inside of his lips, and he couldn't hold back the groan.
Joe's body reacted straight away with urgent need, without waiting for any direction from his brain. His sex immediately grew rigid behind the denim, and he pushed his hips against her. Oh, hell. His heart sank. This is not supposed to happen.
"Oh, God, Abby, I didn't intend . . . . "
She slid her hand down his torso until she reached his groin, then outlined the bulge in his jeans with her fingertips.
"I did."
"But why now?"
"Because this is the right time. Long past the right time."
He groaned again, ran his hands down her firm back, over her slender hips. "Abby, you're awesome."
"Yes, she is."
Joe spun around like a little boy caught doing something naughty behind the barn.
Glennon leaned, tall and lazy, against the kitchen door frame, no sign of the shoulder sling. "Don't stop on my account."

Danica St. Como
www.DanicaStComo.com
www.SophiaRoslyn.com
www.NobleRomance.com

Six Sunday with Rach

Morning everyone and welcome (back) to the Divas of Desire.

This am I'm going to tease you all with six sentences from my first book, An Affair Across Times Square. 

Hope you enjoy it...

TYLER LACHLAN COULDN’T believe what he saw through his office window. A woman across Times Square, eighteen stories high, scantily clad in the middle of her hotel room, pleasuring herself. And here he sat, staring at her like some sick Peeping Tom. His mother would be so ashamed, but he couldn’t look away. He could feel the way his body reacted to the sight of her. When he’d looked up from that morning’s briefing documents and gazed across the way to the hotel, he’d never expected to be greeted with such a sight. 


Well, there it is folks... a little snippet from An Affair Across Times Square. On sale now at these locations: 
Loose Id 
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Have a great Sunday everyone. Hope we'll see you back here soon. 

~ Rach 

Friday Fragments: Hello from Beautiful New Jersey

Hi everyone, Nona here. This is  going to be a brief post, because I'm at the New Jersey Romance Writer's Conference, having the time of my life. The Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel is beautiful, the workshops have been terrific, and everyone I've met has been welcoming and friendly.

This morning I was at a fascinating pre-conference workshop by multi-published, best-selling author Susan Wiggs. This afternoon I attended  a two part presentation by Angela James, Senior Editor at Carina Press, on "Building Your Brand" and "Using Your Website to Support Your Brand." She had so many great pointers, and you better believe I took plenty of notes. In the evening authors were honored during the Put Your Heart in a Book and the Golden Leaf Awards ceremony.

Tomorrow there will more fabulous authors to meet, more presentations to attend, and so much more to learn. I can't wait!

                                                        ***

Don't forget to scroll down, because the Hot In Handcuffs blog hop giveaway is still going on! I'm giving away a $15 gift certificate -- just check Wednesday's post for all the details. And don't forget to visit the other great blogs on the hop!

Have a wonderful weekend, all! 


Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog

Announcement!

Finally, a release date for ABOVE THE LAW, Book Four of The Men of Sanctuary. I don't have the cover yet (which I'll share as soon as it arrives), but ATL is due to be released by Noble Romance Publishing on October 29, 2012.

Danica St. Como
www.DanicaStComo.com
www.NobleRomance.com

Hot in Handcuffs Blog Hop begins Wednesday!

Hi, Friends! Nona Raines here. I'm so happy to be participating in my very first blog hop—and what a theme! Hot in Handcuffs. I think it's very fitting, considering my recent BDSM romance Uncollared has a very HOT handcuff scene, which I'll share with you in a moment.But first, a little about the story:
Submissive Mia Manetti is devastated when her first Master uncollars her just as she was hoping for a permanent relationship with him. Trying to move on, she agrees to sub for a powerful and sexy new Dom.
Chess Ryan has wanted Mia from the first moment he saw her at Club Restraint, but it was always "hands off" because she belonged to his friend Philip. Now, thanks to that friend's maneuvers, Mia is finally his. But only for a little while.
Mia finds it increasingly difficult to keep her feelings in check as she experiences erotic delights with Master Chess, sensual and sexual fantasies that she's never known before. Is she setting herself up for another heart ache?
Guilt, secrets and misplaced pride all keep Chess and Mia from being completely honest with each other. As they connect sexually and emotionally, they realize their relationship has grown too serious to be called "play". How far are they willing to go as Master and slave?


                                           I am offering a $15 gift certificate as a prize to one lucky participant in my contest: for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or (in case you're already swamped with bookstore gcs) Bath and Body Works. This will be a US contest only.
Since I'm a first-time blog hopper (be gentle with me please, lol) I'm going to KISS. Keep It Simple, Sugar! I'll tell you how to enter my contest at the end of this post.
I promised you a sexy scene, and baby, here it is! This comes a few days after Chess and Mia have caught a showing of the movie Laura on television:
The door led to the private rooms upstairs. Mia’s heart banged as she pulled it open.



A large suited figure stood at the top of the stairs. Chess. He wore a brown suit and tie, a white shirt, and a trench coat. On his head sat a fedora, a type of hat that she’d seen actors wear in old black-and-white films. “Miss Manetti?” Mia nodded, wondering what was going on. “Yes.” “This way, ma’am.” She climbed the stairs, and he ushered her into a sparsely furnished room. There stood a large desk with a chair facing it. Mia felt so disoriented that she didn’t even hear what Chess said. She blinked. “Excuse me?” He pulled a wallet from his suit coat, flipped it open momentarily, and slipped it back in his pocket before she had a chance to look at it. “Frank Ryan, ma’am, police department. I’m going to have to ask you some questions.” “Questions?” Her brain had a hard time catching up. “I don’t—” “First of all, ma’am, are you carrying any kind of weapons on your person?” “Weapons? Of course not—” “Then you won’t mind if I just check to make sure. Face the wall, please.” He spunher toward the wall, positioning her hands flat against the surface, fingers splayed. Suddenly her confusion vanished, replaced by raw lust as she became firmly entrenched in the scene. “Assume the position, please.” He snugged up behind her, bumping her ass with his hip as he nudged her feet farther apart, widening her stance. His breath burned her ear as he whispered, “You do know the position, don’t you?” Air hissed from Mia’s lungs, flames of need licking over her body. Her breasts grew heavy; her pussy ached. She flicked out her tongue to moisten her dry lips. “Yes, Officer.” “All right.” His big hands moved down her arms, and heat lingered everywhere he touched. He moved from her ribs to her waist and hips. She bit her lip and almost cried when he bypassed her breasts. They needed his touch so badly. It was surprisingly easy to get into her role, but not nearly so easy to withstand the power of his touch. Her voice shook as he went down on one knee to pat down her legs. “Please, Officer…can’t you tell me what this is about?” “We believe you’ve been withholding important information.” His voice was uninflected, matter-of-fact. Just the facts, ma’am. She pressed her forehead to the wall, needing that solid surface to steady her. “What kind of information?” “That’s classified.” Classified? Was he the police or the CIA? Mia couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped her. He’d seen too many thrillers and was mixing his metaphors, so to speak. His hands stilled on her calves. “I wouldn’t laugh if I was in your shoes, ma’am. You’re in some serious trouble. Veryserious.” His tone of warning made her melt. So did the hands creeping higher and higher under her skirt. She went still, holding her breath as his fingers skimmed the tender junction of her thighs. If he’d only move his hand one inch, just one little inch… She almost moaned in disappointment as he got to his feet. “No hidden weapons. Hands behind your back now.” Mia hesitated, not sure she heard him right. He gripped her wrists and moved them where he wanted them. “Behind. Your. Back.” Holding both her wrists in one hand, Chess removed something from his jacket pocket, and a moment later Mia heard a click. Her hands were held fast. Handcuffs? A fine mist of perspiration formed on her upper lip. He grasped her arm and guided her to the wooden, straight-backed chair. “Sit.” He shrugged out of the long coat and laid it and the hat on top of the desk. His dark blond hair lay slicked back the way Dana Andrews’s had been in the movie. He rested his ass on the corner of the desk and let go the weary sigh of a detective working too many hours on a case going nowhere. “Now, like I said, lady. You’re hiding information, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get what I need.” A shiver ran through Mia. Whatever it takes. “So let’s just stop playing games.” She shifted on the hard wooden seat with her hands cuffed at the small of her back, the hard metal circling her wrists. The cuffs weren’t comfortable, but neither did they hurt. They only made her aware that she was at his mercy, completely under his control.
I sure hope you enjoyed that little tidbit from Uncollared! Now, for a chance to win the prize I'm offering, all I'm asking is you do ONE thing to show a little love. You can: Follow the Divas of Desire Blog OR Like my Amazon page ORLike Uncollared at Amazon
THEN just leave a comment below answering this question: if you could re-enact a sexy or romantic scene from any movie, what would it be? Please remember to leave your email address so I can get hold of you if you win! The winner will be selected randomly.
Each of us in the HIH Hop is offering a prize, so make sure you check out the other sites in the link below.  There are lots of treats in store! The hop begins at 12:01 am October 10 and ends 11:59 pm October 15, so don't procrastinate!Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the Hot in Handcuffs Blog Hop! You can find the other bloggers here .Have a Happy Hop,
Nona Raines


Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com
Uncollared is available at:
Loose Id   Amazon  Barnes and Noble   All Romance ebooks

Reviews by Rach: Kiss the Dead by Laurell K Hamilton

Hey everyone,

So I'm going to be doing a few reviews of erotic romance, erotica, an urban fantasy books here and there to share with you. First up is Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton. Warning: There are a few mini spoilers below. Stop reading now if you don't want to be privy to them.


Kiss the Dead is the twenty-first book in Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. You'd  think after twenty books with the same main character, she'd run out of new stuff to tackle, but this book doesn’t disappoint. It certainly didn't disappoint me. Anita Blake, US Marshall, Vampire Hunter, Vampire Servant, Succubus, etc. finds herself once again in the middle of a police investigation right at the start of the book. She’s interrogating a suspect and is quickly thrown back into the throes of danger. Hamilton’s deep first person point of view allows readers to be inside Anita’s head at all times, with no authorial intrusion. As usual, Hamilton also uses quite a bit of second person through Anita’s eyes, but it’s done so seamlessly that it’s just another facet of Blake’s character. The first third of the book focuses on the case, keeping Anita separate from both her “live-in sweeties” and her other lovers. The normal big bads, Marmee Noir, and Belle Morte are missing from this book, and readers can almost find themselves waiting for the other shoe to drop, but Hamilton keeps the pacing and adrenaline high throughout Anita’s case and readers are not left wanting. Anita again battles with her character flaws – is she really the monster, is she emotionally too tapped to keep taking care of and be in love with this many people, will she be able to keep everyone safe? Aside from her main sweeties Nathaniel, Micah, Jean-Claude and Asher, the book focuses on three newer relationships.  The first is Cynric, the blue tiger Anita picked up a couple books back, who makes Anita doubt her own judgment and ability to love anyone else. The second man who has a leading role in this book is Nicky, Anita’s Bride of Dracula and a vampire. The third guy in the spot-light this time is Mephistopheles, AKA, Devil, or Dev, another of Anita’s tigers to call. As usual, Nathanial and Micah take up a good portion of the book and Anita’s bed, but the other three also get a good focus. Hamilton dazzles readers with her depth and specificity of characters. Only once or twice in the book did I get a bit confused as to who was doing what. Each character is physically and emotionally distinct, with scars, hair and eye color, body type, size, the way they speak and interact with Anita and one another unique to each individual. With such a huge cast of characters, she makes it seem effortless. By book twenty-one, I guess you get pretty good at this kind of balancing act. Some readers might miss the hot and heavy action that isn’t in the first third of this book, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and as the book continues, Hamilton gives us the goods. Several times, in many different locations and with different characters. As usual, the sex scenes are multiple and HOT. Overall, it was a fantastic read and it was so nice to be inside Anita's head again. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 Divas 

Six Sentence Sunday with Nona

In my new f/f short story, Irresistible Impulse, Tania and Latisha meet at a speed dating event and feel an instant connection. But that's not their first encounter. They've seen each other once before, and today's six sentence segment has Tania remembering that:

She’d been out one Saturday, shopping and running errands, and stopped for a late lunch at the Eighth Moon Chinese Buffet. While reaching for some fried pork dumplings on the steam table, her arm brushed against someone’s reaching for the long beans.

"Sorry." Looking up, she found herself mesmerized by a face with intelligent brown eyes, soft cocoa-colored skin, and full lips glossed with red lipstick. Gorgeous lips. Plump and soft-looking, as tempting as ripe raspberries.

Irresistible Impulse is available at:


The Wild Rose Press  Amazon  Barnes and Noble  All Romance ebooks
Thanks all, and don't forget to check out the other Six Sentence Sunday contibutors here!


Nona Raines

Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.comFacebook, Twitter, Blog