Nona Raines's Blog, page 45
September 11, 2012
Catch up to Bombshell
Join me for a look at Book Three of The Men of Sanctuary series:
BOMBSHELL Jesus jumped-up Christ, I'm such a ho. When did I become a ho? What the hell was I thinking? Thinking? I wasn't thinking. My hoo-hah was thinking. And the man smelled like wintergreen, fer chrissakes, and I love the scent of wintergreen. Jeez, Loueeze, I didn't even get his name. Or his business card. Or his cell phone number. I don't know where he lives. Or, heaven forbid, if he's married. Shit, wouldn't that be a bummer. Then again, I'll never see him again—which is an even bigger bummer. The only verbalization Keko Holokai recalled using the night before had been, "Ooh, baby, do me like that again!" Hand to her forehead, she moaned aloud at the memory. The Demolition & Explosive Ordnance Disposal Professionals Symposium had ended. At checkout time, attendees scurried like centipedes when their rock is lifted. The Los Angeles International Airport overflowed with impatient crowds, the flights filled with hundreds of departing bomb experts. Business class had been overbooked. Keko's choices were to wait another day, or move to economy class. Since her itinerary did not allow for the extra day, economy class won. Being squashed in her window seat by a giant Hawaiian man, who took up both the center and aisle seats and who smelled sweetly of frangipani, grated on Keko's last nerve. Not only did her head ache, but so did the muscles of her inner thighs—as well as other, more intimate body parts, which she refused to acknowledge. To add to the physical and emotional turmoil, she'd discovered rug burns on her knees and elbows when she'd showered that morning. The sage green capris would hide the knees. But, how to keep her elbows hidden, dress appropriately for Honolulu in late summer, yet not grab unwanted attention? She opted for rubbing a bit of liquid foundation on the red blotches, then prayed the stuff didn't get all melty and rub off on her clothes. The Hawaiian continued to needle her in his soft singsong voice. "Perhaps the next time you'll heed my advice, my little blossom. Would I ever give you bad advice?" Trapped by his bulk, she couldn't even escape to the aisle. "Makaha, my head is pounding off my shoulders and my gut is churning. Please, I beg you, shut your poi hole. Let me rest in peace. If you don't, I'm going to slice off your shiny black ponytail, then feed it to the sharks. You'll never go to the happy luau in the sky if the sharks eat your ponytail." As a curse, it wasn't bad for making it up on the spur of the moment. He didn't miss a beat. "You're such a malihini." He thumped his chest. "I am Kamaka, the beloved one, not Makaha, the fierce. I'm just saying, the dude was like a total fox, totally buff, totally hot . . . but I warned you to slow down, didn't I? I tried to tell you that you cannot mainline Long Island Iced Teas like they're wimpy wine coolers, my little coconut. Did you listen? Noo, of course not. And poking him in his luscious manly chest because he didn't agree with you about the latest polymer compound to come from Navy Research was unladylike in the extreme." "Makaha, you're a gay Hawaiian demolitions expert. Other than relying on you for fashion advice, or asking which beverages to serve with dinner, why should I listen to you about dating? You haven't gotten laid in how long? A year? Two years? So, I swear to God if you don't shut your yap . . . ." "Ooh, girlfriend, that's harsh." Kamaka hmphed, then crossed his arms over his massive, Aloha-shirted middle. "I'm just saying . . . ." Keko slid the puny airline pillow from behind her head, plastered it against her right ear to muffle the sound of his unwanted words. Kamaka ignored Keko's rudeness. "Kailani, darling, as I was saying, if that big spectacular stud really gave your poor neglected hoo-hah the workout it so richly deserved—and I am so totally jealous—then I don't see what the problem—oof!" Her elbow caught him in the gut. "Damn, girl, you are a mean bitch!" She glanced at her watch. "In just over five hours I must deal with my mother, and I have no desire to deal with my mother. Why must we visit now? We could be heading to Massachusetts and home sweet home. I could crawl into the comfort of my own nice soft bed, instead of winging it over the Pacific." The packed jetliner shuddered as it rose to a higher cruising altitude. Her stomach lurched. "You let me worry about my hoo-hah. Now, please be quiet so I can get some sleep." Kamaka shifted his bulk to get more comfortable, squashing Keko even more. "Honolulu's airport is just over five hours from LA, girlfriend, but at least a dozen hours from Boston. So, we're already halfway there. Good planning on Grandmother Iekika's part so you can visit the family in Maui for a few days. As far as seeing your mother, she likes me more than she likes you. She misses me; you, she tolerates. And because we both know if you're already in Maui and don't show up for Aolina's new gallery showing and in enough time to dress appropriately, she'll send her squad of flying monkeys to snatch you up by your hair." "Makaha, please don't assault me with logic right now. I need recuperative rest, and you're taking unfair advantage." But she couldn't sleep. Closing her eyes didn't pose a problem. The difficulty surfaced when she couldn't blank out the previous night's images of the tall man's stunning hazel eyes. Or the feel of his incredible physique, naked, and perfectly aligned against her body. Or of her hands tangled in his thick, toffee-colored, sexy, Hugh Grant mop of hair as his mouth . . . ahh, hell . . . . (Warning ~ This Book Contains Sexually Explicit Scenes Described in Graphic Detail)
BOMBSHELL Jesus jumped-up Christ, I'm such a ho. When did I become a ho? What the hell was I thinking? Thinking? I wasn't thinking. My hoo-hah was thinking. And the man smelled like wintergreen, fer chrissakes, and I love the scent of wintergreen. Jeez, Loueeze, I didn't even get his name. Or his business card. Or his cell phone number. I don't know where he lives. Or, heaven forbid, if he's married. Shit, wouldn't that be a bummer. Then again, I'll never see him again—which is an even bigger bummer. The only verbalization Keko Holokai recalled using the night before had been, "Ooh, baby, do me like that again!" Hand to her forehead, she moaned aloud at the memory. The Demolition & Explosive Ordnance Disposal Professionals Symposium had ended. At checkout time, attendees scurried like centipedes when their rock is lifted. The Los Angeles International Airport overflowed with impatient crowds, the flights filled with hundreds of departing bomb experts. Business class had been overbooked. Keko's choices were to wait another day, or move to economy class. Since her itinerary did not allow for the extra day, economy class won. Being squashed in her window seat by a giant Hawaiian man, who took up both the center and aisle seats and who smelled sweetly of frangipani, grated on Keko's last nerve. Not only did her head ache, but so did the muscles of her inner thighs—as well as other, more intimate body parts, which she refused to acknowledge. To add to the physical and emotional turmoil, she'd discovered rug burns on her knees and elbows when she'd showered that morning. The sage green capris would hide the knees. But, how to keep her elbows hidden, dress appropriately for Honolulu in late summer, yet not grab unwanted attention? She opted for rubbing a bit of liquid foundation on the red blotches, then prayed the stuff didn't get all melty and rub off on her clothes. The Hawaiian continued to needle her in his soft singsong voice. "Perhaps the next time you'll heed my advice, my little blossom. Would I ever give you bad advice?" Trapped by his bulk, she couldn't even escape to the aisle. "Makaha, my head is pounding off my shoulders and my gut is churning. Please, I beg you, shut your poi hole. Let me rest in peace. If you don't, I'm going to slice off your shiny black ponytail, then feed it to the sharks. You'll never go to the happy luau in the sky if the sharks eat your ponytail." As a curse, it wasn't bad for making it up on the spur of the moment. He didn't miss a beat. "You're such a malihini." He thumped his chest. "I am Kamaka, the beloved one, not Makaha, the fierce. I'm just saying, the dude was like a total fox, totally buff, totally hot . . . but I warned you to slow down, didn't I? I tried to tell you that you cannot mainline Long Island Iced Teas like they're wimpy wine coolers, my little coconut. Did you listen? Noo, of course not. And poking him in his luscious manly chest because he didn't agree with you about the latest polymer compound to come from Navy Research was unladylike in the extreme." "Makaha, you're a gay Hawaiian demolitions expert. Other than relying on you for fashion advice, or asking which beverages to serve with dinner, why should I listen to you about dating? You haven't gotten laid in how long? A year? Two years? So, I swear to God if you don't shut your yap . . . ." "Ooh, girlfriend, that's harsh." Kamaka hmphed, then crossed his arms over his massive, Aloha-shirted middle. "I'm just saying . . . ." Keko slid the puny airline pillow from behind her head, plastered it against her right ear to muffle the sound of his unwanted words. Kamaka ignored Keko's rudeness. "Kailani, darling, as I was saying, if that big spectacular stud really gave your poor neglected hoo-hah the workout it so richly deserved—and I am so totally jealous—then I don't see what the problem—oof!" Her elbow caught him in the gut. "Damn, girl, you are a mean bitch!" She glanced at her watch. "In just over five hours I must deal with my mother, and I have no desire to deal with my mother. Why must we visit now? We could be heading to Massachusetts and home sweet home. I could crawl into the comfort of my own nice soft bed, instead of winging it over the Pacific." The packed jetliner shuddered as it rose to a higher cruising altitude. Her stomach lurched. "You let me worry about my hoo-hah. Now, please be quiet so I can get some sleep." Kamaka shifted his bulk to get more comfortable, squashing Keko even more. "Honolulu's airport is just over five hours from LA, girlfriend, but at least a dozen hours from Boston. So, we're already halfway there. Good planning on Grandmother Iekika's part so you can visit the family in Maui for a few days. As far as seeing your mother, she likes me more than she likes you. She misses me; you, she tolerates. And because we both know if you're already in Maui and don't show up for Aolina's new gallery showing and in enough time to dress appropriately, she'll send her squad of flying monkeys to snatch you up by your hair." "Makaha, please don't assault me with logic right now. I need recuperative rest, and you're taking unfair advantage." But she couldn't sleep. Closing her eyes didn't pose a problem. The difficulty surfaced when she couldn't blank out the previous night's images of the tall man's stunning hazel eyes. Or the feel of his incredible physique, naked, and perfectly aligned against her body. Or of her hands tangled in his thick, toffee-colored, sexy, Hugh Grant mop of hair as his mouth . . . ahh, hell . . . . (Warning ~ This Book Contains Sexually Explicit Scenes Described in Graphic Detail)
In Remembrance
On this day, please remember those lost on September 11, 2001, and their families. Be thankful for everything -- and everyone -- we have in our lives.
What Inspires a Writer?
How often do you read a book, and wonder where the writer came up with the plot elements that have you falling in love, or sitting at the edge of your seat, or pulling the drapes closed as you turn on all the lights?
From everywhere! The silliest situations can foster incredible ideas. Many of my character idiosyncracies come from doing research (okay, maybe from my bizarre-but-happy family and friends, but also through research). Sidebars to articles lead to more stories, more sidebars, more stories--before you know it, I have a character fleshed out, complete with the habits, preferences, dislikes that make each character real, make each character unique.
I love to drive. Sometimes I'll pop in CDs of my favorite stuff (vintage Meatloaf is numero uno), but most often I ride in silence, just thinking. Anything may trip an idea, flesh out a character or a scene. Sitting in the ATM line at the bank, after hours, and a person walks up to the drive-thru. Without sound, you can easily picture a mime, going through the motions. An elderly farmer pumping gas into his rusty, seen-better-days pickup truck. A young girl with a well-behaved dog who is nearly as big as she is, walking sedately through town, checking out all the lovely shop windows.
On our farm,it's my job to mow the fields to keep them from going fallow, if they're not hayed. My best ideas happen while I'm mowing. I brought a Dana word processor in a carry-bag with me on the tractor, and I would stop every time inspiration would hit, and type away. However, since that didn't work so well in the bright sunlight, I finally opted for a notebook and pen. Entirely due to my mowing (combined with Nona Raines, my weekly critique partner), books I'd planned for a three-title series grew to five books, then six and seven, finally eight. I felt so brilliant, it was scary!
Even when I watch television, I keep a notebook handy, especially during episodes of Discovery or the History and H2 channels. My characters are usually military, former military, law enforcement, or psychotic bad guys--so I check out the Military channel, anything to do with the FBI or Secret Service (the "old" SS, not what's been making the news lately). Maybe one of your characters, even a secondary character, is a fantastic chef or a real foodie. You have a plethora of food channels to choose from. Maybe use an old family recipe, and weave it into your story line (Nona loves the meals my characters cook or eat--says they always make her hungry.)
Fall is approaching. The weather is cool and breezy, the trees are dressing in their colorful autumn cloaks. Look around you--your story is there, waiting to be written! Stories, waiting to be read!
From everywhere! The silliest situations can foster incredible ideas. Many of my character idiosyncracies come from doing research (okay, maybe from my bizarre-but-happy family and friends, but also through research). Sidebars to articles lead to more stories, more sidebars, more stories--before you know it, I have a character fleshed out, complete with the habits, preferences, dislikes that make each character real, make each character unique.
I love to drive. Sometimes I'll pop in CDs of my favorite stuff (vintage Meatloaf is numero uno), but most often I ride in silence, just thinking. Anything may trip an idea, flesh out a character or a scene. Sitting in the ATM line at the bank, after hours, and a person walks up to the drive-thru. Without sound, you can easily picture a mime, going through the motions. An elderly farmer pumping gas into his rusty, seen-better-days pickup truck. A young girl with a well-behaved dog who is nearly as big as she is, walking sedately through town, checking out all the lovely shop windows.
On our farm,it's my job to mow the fields to keep them from going fallow, if they're not hayed. My best ideas happen while I'm mowing. I brought a Dana word processor in a carry-bag with me on the tractor, and I would stop every time inspiration would hit, and type away. However, since that didn't work so well in the bright sunlight, I finally opted for a notebook and pen. Entirely due to my mowing (combined with Nona Raines, my weekly critique partner), books I'd planned for a three-title series grew to five books, then six and seven, finally eight. I felt so brilliant, it was scary!
Even when I watch television, I keep a notebook handy, especially during episodes of Discovery or the History and H2 channels. My characters are usually military, former military, law enforcement, or psychotic bad guys--so I check out the Military channel, anything to do with the FBI or Secret Service (the "old" SS, not what's been making the news lately). Maybe one of your characters, even a secondary character, is a fantastic chef or a real foodie. You have a plethora of food channels to choose from. Maybe use an old family recipe, and weave it into your story line (Nona loves the meals my characters cook or eat--says they always make her hungry.)
Fall is approaching. The weather is cool and breezy, the trees are dressing in their colorful autumn cloaks. Look around you--your story is there, waiting to be written! Stories, waiting to be read!
September 10, 2012
Why Times Square? A Q&A with Rach
So someone asked me this weekend why Times Square? She was really curious as to why I set An Affair Across Times Square in NYC, specifically in Times Square. I didn't have to think much about that, since I really had a great concept of where the whole idea for the book came from. I was at a conference in NY and staying at a hotel in Times Square and I came back to the room one afternoon to change between sessions and I looked across the street and could see into the office building there! And an idea was born. In the opening scene of the book, Layla Morgan goes back to her hotel room, gets partially undressed and... let's of some steam, shall we say? In full view of the building across the square. Then she does it again... while he watches! It's a hot opening scene and it was the germ for the whole rest of the book.
It couldn't have been set anywhere else in the world. I wish I had a shot from inside the room into the building across the street for your viewing pleasure, but I do not. Instead, here's a shot of Times Square that I took about five years back during a trip to NYC. I've always loved Times Square and all the craziness that ensues there. So it was a blast to set a book eighteen stories above the craziness... separate from it, but also so much a part of it.
I used this photo as part of the promo video for An Affair Across Times Square. Check that out below:
An Affair Across Times Square is available on Loose Id, Amazon, Barnes & Noble.
Thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to enter our Three-Way Giveaway Contest - follow us, be entered to win three free books!
~Rach
It couldn't have been set anywhere else in the world. I wish I had a shot from inside the room into the building across the street for your viewing pleasure, but I do not. Instead, here's a shot of Times Square that I took about five years back during a trip to NYC. I've always loved Times Square and all the craziness that ensues there. So it was a blast to set a book eighteen stories above the craziness... separate from it, but also so much a part of it.
I used this photo as part of the promo video for An Affair Across Times Square. Check that out below:
An Affair Across Times Square is available on Loose Id, Amazon, Barnes & Noble.
Thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to enter our Three-Way Giveaway Contest - follow us, be entered to win three free books!
~Rach
September 9, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday with Rach
Quick note before we get to the goods: Don't forget to tell your friends about our HOT Three-Way Giveaway. Follow our blog, be entered to win a free copy of An Affair Across Times Square by me, Uncollared by Nona Raines, and Bombshell by Danica St. Como.
***
And now for Six Sentence Sunday! Here's an excerpt from a hot little scene from An Affair Across Times Square...
She felt the heat of his body through her thin dress, the cool air slipping between her bare thighs, chilling her slick folds. On the right of her body, she felt Tyler’s hand slide under the hem of the dress. She forced herself not to react, not to let everyone in the small space know how close she was to coming. His fingers stilled a moment, and she heard a soft groan behind her as he caressed her bare hip.That’s right, baby. No panties.
You can buy the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Loose Id.
***
And now for Six Sentence Sunday! Here's an excerpt from a hot little scene from An Affair Across Times Square...
She felt the heat of his body through her thin dress, the cool air slipping between her bare thighs, chilling her slick folds. On the right of her body, she felt Tyler’s hand slide under the hem of the dress. She forced herself not to react, not to let everyone in the small space know how close she was to coming. His fingers stilled a moment, and she heard a soft groan behind her as he caressed her bare hip.That’s right, baby. No panties.
You can buy the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Loose Id.
September 7, 2012
Friday Fragments with Nona
Don’t forget our Three-way Giveaway Contest is going on until the end of September! Just follow The Divas of Desire Blog and you'll be entered for a chance to win THREE books: An Affair Across Times Square by Rachell Nichole, Bombshell by Danica St. Como and Uncollared by moi. What could be simpler?
***
I know some authors don't care about reviews, and some won't even read them. But many of us dream of getting great reviews. Those five stars can really dazzle your eyes. And they can make a big difference in sales, too, especially if you're not a million-seller.
Yeah, five stars are fantastic. But sometimes a lesser review can be just as meaningful. Her Perfect Man, released in June, recently received two four star reviews that really touched me. One came from an Amazon reader and another was published at The Romance Reviews. The reviewers' thoughtful assessments of the story let me know that they connected with Kim and ultimately cared about her.
Kim's not a nice character. Sometimes she's bitchy. She feels sorry for herself. She speaks without thinking. The Amazon reviewer said at times she wanted to put her hand over Kim's mouth. But she also wanted to hug her. Cozy Reader at The Romance Reviews was frustrated by Kim's bad attitude, but admired the way she helped out her friends. I was moved by the fact that both these readers cared about Kim in spite of her being her own worst enemy.
I didn't always like the things Kim did, either. But she had to go through these steps to become the woman she needed to be.
Her Perfect Manis as much about Kim's learning to change as it is about her romance with Charlie. But Charlie is the impetus for her change. His belief in her helps her realize that she doesn't have to live down to others' low expectations. Sometimes all any of us need to move "into the light" is to know that a friend is on our side. Charlie is that friend, that lover, for Kim.
Cozy Reader's review of Her Perfect Manat The Romance Reviews.
***
Irresistible Impulseis released one week from today! This short story features Tania and Latisha from One Good Man and Take This Man, and tells how they first met.
Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but she lost a stupid bet. Checking out the slim pickings, she's convinced the evening will be a total bust--until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot.
Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately--and strongly--enticed by the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?
Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know the beautiful woman. Latisha is drawn to Tania as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?
Let me offer a little teaser today:
Tania enjoyed subverting the mild-mannered librarian stereotype. It was so stupid. As though a person couldn’t love books and sex. She’d never had a problem getting all the dates and all the sex she wanted. When she was younger, she’d wanted plenty. And it had all been great fun. But lately, the possibility of something less fleeting teased her. Could it be the wild, untamable Tania Talcott was looking for a permanent relationship? Fat chance of finding one here. Nah, tonight would be a bust. Not that she expected anything else. Until her gaze fell on the striking African American woman sitting a few seats away.It was her.Tania didn’t know her name, had only seen her once before. But she’d never forget the reaction she’d had to this beautiful woman.
Please join me next Saturday, Sept. 15 at fellow author Rachel Leigh's blog where I'll be celebrating the release of Irresistible Impulse and sharing more with you!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com
September 3, 2012
Follow Us, Win Free Books, Any questions??
Good morning bloggerverse,
The Divas are happy to announce a new contest for the entire month of September!!!!!! Here are the details:
PROMO: A THREE-WAY giveaway contest!The Divas of Desire are sponsoring a contest and all you need do to enter is to follow us!The randomly-selected winner will receive a book from each of us: An Affair Across Times Square by yours truly, Bombshell by Danica St. Como and Uncollared by Nona Raines. That's three free books, folks!
The winner will be selected on September 30.To follow, just click the blue button on the right that says JOIN THIS SITE.
Don't forget to tell all your friends!
The Divas are happy to announce a new contest for the entire month of September!!!!!! Here are the details:
PROMO: A THREE-WAY giveaway contest!The Divas of Desire are sponsoring a contest and all you need do to enter is to follow us!The randomly-selected winner will receive a book from each of us: An Affair Across Times Square by yours truly, Bombshell by Danica St. Como and Uncollared by Nona Raines. That's three free books, folks!
The winner will be selected on September 30.To follow, just click the blue button on the right that says JOIN THIS SITE.
Don't forget to tell all your friends!
September 2, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday from Nona
Hi all!
Welcome to our first Six Sentence Sunday! I'm starting off with a blip from my latest, Uncollared. This takes place in the club where Mia is waiting for Master Philip. But someone else appears instead.
“Master Chess.” Mia shouldn’t have been surprised to see him here—Chess was a frequent player at Club Restraint. He wore black jeans and a short-sleeved shirt of the same color. A silver stud winked in his earlobe. Mia’s mouth went dry. He was gorgeous.
Uncollared can be purchased here:
Loose Id Amazon Barnes and Noble All Romance ebooksHave a great holiday weekend, everyone! Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com Facebook, Twitter, Blog
August 31, 2012
Friday Fragments with Nona
There's good news on the book front for me recently. I've just been notified that Irresistible Impulsehas a release date! It's coming out on September 14 from The Wild Rose Press and am I excited! This short story is special to me because it features Tania and Latisha, the lesbian couple who appeared in supporting roles in my first two books, One Good Man and Take This Man. I came to love these two characters and it was a lot of fun to provide them with their own story.
In One Good Man, Latisha and Tania are already an established couple. Irresistible Impulse is something of a prequel to that story and tells how the women first met. It's love at second sight!
Ordinarily, Tania Talcott wouldn't be caught dead at a speed dating event, but she lost a stupid bet. Checking out the slim pickings, she's convinced the evening will be a total bust--until a classy, sensual, African American woman enters the room. A woman Tania met briefly once before and never forgot. Latisha Hobbs is only attending this event to support her young cousin, who's ready to start dating again. Latisha's heart has been on ice for quite some time. But she finds herself immediately--and strongly--enticed by the friendly overtures of a vivacious redhead. Or are they more than friendly?
Fueled by an irresistible impulse, Tania wastes no time getting to know the beautiful woman. Latisha is drawn to Tania as well, but memories of an unhappy love affair make her reluctant to act. These two opposites definitely attract, but will their differences be too much to overcome?
People often wonder where writers get their ideas. Well, I can't take credit for this story's idea. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly who proposed it, but the suggestion came from one of the members of the Short Story Seductions group (now on hiatus). The thought was to create a romance based on the theme of speed dating. Most of the authors were going for m/f, but one thought she'd try an m/m story and that gave me the idea of trying an f/f. And who better to write about than my two lovelies, Tania and Latisha?
It was great fun imagining them getting together, and a bit of a challenge, since neither woman struck me as being interested in speed dating. So they each needed a reason for being there. It's a case of serendipity, because it turns out that this is not the first time they've encountered each other.
For a brief excerpt, please visit: http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=900
***
More fun news! I've been contracted by Loose Id for a new novella, titled His and Hers. It's an FFM ménage romance, which is a new one for me! This is part of the holiday themed books that the publisher has planned (fellow Diva Rachell Nichole's upcoming book is also part of this series). I'm so happy to be working again with Loose Id staff and my wonderful editor Rory Olsen!
***
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Guess what, guys? The Divas of Desire are having a contest featuring a THREE WAY! Giveaway, that is (okay, get your minds out of the gutter).
The randomly-selected winner will receive a book from each of our authors: An Affair Across Times Square by Rachell Nichole, Bombshellby Danica St. Como and Uncollared by Nona Raines. That's three free books, folks!
The winner will be selected on September 30. All you need do to enter the contest is to follow our blog! Simple as a dimple! So what are you waiting for?
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com
Facebook, Twitter, Blog
August 24, 2012
Friday Fragments by Nona
***Exciting News! Bestselling romance author (and fellow CNYRWer) Cari Quinn has a new release today! It's NO FLOWERS REQUIRED, Book 2 in the Required Love series from Entangled Books. It's sure to be another bestseller, so be sure to get your copy right away!***
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/no-flowers-required/
I'm at Cari's blog today with a super sexy excerpt from Uncollared and a book and gift certificate giveaway. All you have to do is stop by and tell us your favorite flavor of ice cream! Two random winners will be selected. Please stop by!
http://cariquinn.blogspot.com/2012/08/welcome-erotic-romance-author-nona.html
***
Three Great Reference Books for Romance Authors
Ugh. Just the thought of reference books makes one imagine heavy, dusty, boring tomes. Well, today I want to share some books that are fun and funny and of great help to anyone writing romance.
How To Write Hot Sex: Tips From Multi-Published Erotic Romance Authors edited by Shoshanna Evers
This book is a great resource for anyone who's writing sexy stories. The above mentioned Cari Quinn has a great little chapter on "Rx for the Sagging Sex Scene". Delphine Dryden gives advice on how to write BDSM themed stories and Giselle Renard's contribution includes fetish and niche market sex. Male/male romantic erotica is super popular now and Christine D'Abo contributes a chapter on writing for that market. Finally, regardless of what you write, you need to get it published! Editor Shoshanna Evers has been successful with well known publishers as well as self-publishing and has much wisdom to offer. There are a number of other topics addressed in the book as well. A very well-rounded collection.
Whip Me, Beat Me, Make Me Write Hot Sex by Tymbor Dalton
This book deals specifically with BDSM themed romance and erotica. The author is herself involved the BDSM community and knows whereof she speaks. She gives a breakdown of the terminology used, activities and important safeguards. She also addresses clichés and misunderstandings about BDSM. In other words Dominant does not equal bossy jerk and submissive does not mean doormat. One thing the author makes clear is that BDSM relationships are as individual and unique as vanilla relationships. As long as everything is "safe, sane and consensual", there is no one right way to do it, in spite of what some Judgey McJudgersons might think. A tremendous resource for anyone writing this genre.
The Virgin Widow's Heart Stopped When She Saw The Book That Would Change Her Life Forever by Sophie Gunn and Ellen Hartman
Oh God, this book is so funny. I'm not as familiar with Sophie Gunn's work, but anyone who's read Ellen Hartman's books will recognize the humor that makes her stories so much fun. The authors address the clichés that so easily can creep into an author's work. Clichés make your writing boring and generic, and rob it of individuality. The authors warn you away from the worst (I cringe when I think how many have slipped by me) and brave souls that they are, even include some bad examples from their own writing. The clichés don't simply refer to phrases (such as "her heart stopped"), but to clichéd characters (more cringing) and events in a story. Since reading it, I can't say I've eliminated all clichés, but I've become a lot more aware of them.
I've found all these books enormously helpful, and highly recommend them.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Nona Raines
Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com
