Lacey Wolfe's Blog, page 45

New Years Memory H* O* P*

**This hop has ended.**
*Winner of my giveaway was Tammy Ramey* Happy 2012! I hope this year is full of everything you want it to be. Before I give you all the details to this awesome giveaway, I'm going to share a memory with you from a New Years I've had. Don't worry, I'll make it quick.

My favorite New Years is actually one from a year, maybe two ago. Geesh, I can't remember. We let both the kids stay up with us. My husband is from an Italian family, so we made lentil soup and ate it with money in our pocket for good luck. This is something his family has always done and we continue to do it. We watched several movies with the kids and finally got to watch the ball drop. Now I just painted a nice rosie picture to the evening. When in truth, my husband and I ate the soup, the kids complained. And by 10:30 my kids were so cranky I was ready to turn in, but they begged to stay up and they did. Right after the ball dropped, I loaded them into bed and crawled into mine with my husband. However, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I enjoyed  letting them stay up and experience it, that way I have the rose colored glasses story to tell. 

So, onto the giveaway. I am part of the New Years Blog Hop, so that means you get to comment on my blog and all the others one time on each blog. So I think that is 65 blogs. And what are those two grand prizes?

1. Kindle Fire!
2. (another winner) An $80 Amazon Gift Card

Two awesome prizes for two very lucky commenters!

And since you stopped by, I am also offering to one lucky commenter on my blog their choice of either of my book, Amber's Muse or Fool Me Once (each in ebook format). So be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if your the winner. **Both books are available now for purchase. Amber's Muse is currently on sale for $1.99!*

Good luck!

Sometimes it's the person you least expect who can satisfy all your desires
By day Amber's a librarian, and by night she hides away writing erotic romance novels. She has just one problem—not enough sexual experience to pull from. A recent steamy dream leaves Amber wondering if her neighbor Jax might be just the guy who can help her. He seems almost perfect to use as a sexual guinea pig, especially since she doesn't have to worry about falling in love with him. 
Jax has lived next door to Amber for a year and has tried everything he can think of to get her to notice him, but it hasn't worked. Until recently. When Amber approaches him asking for his help, he's ready to jump on board. When he learns exactly what kind of help she needs, he's definitely willing.
Becoming involved with someone like Jax simply isn't an option for Amber. He barely works, can't manage his money, and has no ambition in life. So why does he suddenly seem so right for her? 
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… 
Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he'd wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn't heard from him since. 
The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn't have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn't stay away any longer.  
 Skylar's determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he's just as determined to win her back. Although it won't be easy, he's up to the challenge, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.  

Novellas - love 'em or hate 'em?

Today I wanted to write a little about novellas. As a reader you either love them or hate them. They aren't quite a short story and they aren't quite full-length. They range from 15k-45k in length. They are typically to the point. You don't have tons of filler story. You get the story between the heroine and hero.

When I wrote Amber's Muse, it was a shorter novella at 15k. I just wrote their story. The reader met Amber and Jax at that moment, saw her ask him to be her sex guinea pig, and then got to read about how they fall in love. There was no background story (okay there was a little since she disliked him in the beginning). I didn't write about Amber's past or childhood and same with Jax. For some readers, they want that. That's why I think their is a love/hate relationship to novellas. 

I personally love them. I enjoy being able to sit down and read something in an afternoon. I have a busy schedule with taking care of kids and finding time to write.  And to be honest, many times as a reader in longer books I will become a skimmer. I like my books to keep the story going. And while it is nice to know a character in more depth sometimes I don't always find it necessary. If the characters keep it interesting and continue heating up the pages in their personalities, I don't feel as though I'm missing anything. I think you can learn a lot about them just from their thoughts and dialect.

Currently I am just a novella writer. I like knowing I don't have to get the book to a certain word count. I can let me characters have their story and do their thing. And if it ends at 20k, so be it. Hopefully I've filled those pages with heat and action that will leave me reader satisfied after they spent their afternoon or evening reading it.

So tell me. Do you love a novella or hate it?

Upcoming Round Robin

A few of the Beachwalk Press authors and I are going to be doing a round robin. 

What is a round robin?
Every week we each will have a day where we post a small excerpt from 100-500 words right here on our blog. We then link you to who is doing their story next. Each story will start with At the beach. And each week you will get an continuation from that authors story. 

My first post will be this Friday the 6th. I hope you come back to visit and follow my story until its completed.

Goals For The New Year

Its that time that we are all thinking about goals and resolutions. All the things we say we want to get better at and we do for about a month and then we slip back into our usual ways and say, maybe next year. So, I'm not pledging to get that pesky 10 pounds off. I've been trying for about two years. Each time I lose 5 of it, I get excited then I go back to my ways and I gain it back. Maybe next time. ;o)

But, this year I'm starting January 1st as an author. I'm no longer just a mom and housewife. So I thought, maybe I need some goals for the year. Things I want to improve on.

1. Quit checking my dang amazon rank so much. I must admit, I've gotten better with the release to Fool Me Once. When Amber's Muse released, I checked it hourly almost. I try to limit myself to once a day now, but I sometimes find myself there twice. I want to eliminate that need. I'm an author, not a rank watcher.  At that, I'm a brand new author. I need to be concentrating on my writing, not that pesky number.

2. And since we are talking about amazon ranks, I'm no longer going to check other books to see where they are compared to mine. I find I get unwanted feelings each time I do it, so I'm stopping. Perhaps amazon should just get rid of that crazy number.

3. Promote my fellow authors more. I try to be my best at this, but sometimes a day goes by and I releaize I haven't shared the love. So, I'm making a point to do this more! Especially on my facebook page. I often use it only for myself. 

4. And lastly, work on my word count. I write novellas mainly. They are typically 18,000-20,000. I set out to write a full-length recently for a new series, and I only got to 30,000 before it was over. But, that was an improvement. I already have a higher word count goal on book 3 in the Hot Bods series. 

So, here is to 2012. It will be here once I open my eyes tomorrow morning. I wish you the absolute best year at achieving your goals. Happy New Year!

Welcome Cassandra Carr

Today I have Cassandra Carr on the blog and she has a hot book out right now called Caught. Its a BDSM romance. I just finished it and man, it was hot. Don't miss out on this one.
How to Write a Sex Scene with Life by Cassandra Carr


When you read a sex scene, do you ever think to yourself – how did that writer bring that sex scene to life? If you're squirming in your seat or feeling the urge to fan your face, the writer has probably made the sex scene leap off the page (whoa, there's a visual!). So how do we do it? Well, first of all, writing sex scenes involves much more than insert tab A into slot B, and if your sex scenes read like that you'll soon have your reader either throwing the book across the room or falling asleep.
Take this example:

He pulled her panties off and then spread her legs.

Not very titillating, right? Now let's try this:

Trailing the pads of his fingers up the sleek muscles in her thighs, he reached for the waistband of her navy silk panties. He started to pull ever so slowly, working the material over her hips and now her legs, reveling in the vision he was uncovering with every downward inch of the material. The scent of her arousal wafted to his nose.

Now, yes, I used more words in general in the second example, but what else did I do? I added senses – he's feeling the sleek muscles, he's seeing her body revealed, he's smelling her unique scent. I also added details – what color panties she's wearing, where his fingers are, etc.

It's this "layering" – the adding of senses and details that really make a sex scene come alive. So the next time you read a great scene, ask yourself – how did the author weave this story so effortlessly and how long did it take her to make it sound effortless?
About The Author:

Cassandra Carr is a multi-published erotic romance writer who lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. Head Games, Buffalo Intimidators book 1, released on November 2, 2011 from Siren Bookstrand. Caught released December 6, 2011 from Loose Id, and Impact is coming in early 2012 from Ellora's Cave. For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, "like" her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

BUYING INFORMATION: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com

Please click the read more for and  excerpt to Caught




CAUGHT EXCERPT:

'They're really taking this politically correct thing too far.'
 
Stepping from the foyer into the living room, Callie spied a twinkling Christmas tree in the corner. On the mantel, a lit menorah burned, the candles flickering as the people nearby jostled for position as more and more guests crammed into the room. This was a boisterous crowd; already drinking like it was New Year's. Advancing further into the room, she noticed the Kwanza decorations and rolled her eyes. 

'Pick a holiday and go with it, people. You can't please everyone.'

She sought out the host and hostess, old friends from her grad school days, and said hello, handing over the obligatory "Thanks for inviting me" bottle of wine. They chatted for a bit to catch up before she grabbed a cocktail and made her way toward the dining room in search of other former classmates and some food. The smells of the various delicacies wafted by, making her mouth water in anticipation. She had just gotten into town and was starving. Plopping a slice of Cheddar cheese onto a cracker, she stuffed it into her mouth and then looked up -- and everything inside her came to a screeching halt.

Jack was there. 

With a beer hanging from his long, rough fingers, he leaned against the wall, casual as can be, while her world tilted on its axis. He looked so good-- still the same tall, well-muscled body, still the same olive skin, black hair, and full lips. His Italian ancestry lent him an air of exoticness, and she'd always been a sucker for that. 
Her stomach roiled. The cracker caught in her throat, choking her. As she began to cough and sputter, he turned to see what the commotion was, and their gazes met. Callie watched as his eyes went dark with heat and recognition. A blush rushed up her chest through her neck and into her face. With suddenly cold fingers, she touched her burning skin. 

He brought his beer to his lips and took a long pull, his tongue sneaking out to catch a stray drop from his top lip. Her gaze followed the movement. His own intense gaze never left her face. Even when his companion said something to him, he merely nodded and kept the whole of his attention on her. She took a fortifying sip of her vodka and cranberry juice, then another, longer gulp, trying to dislodge the cracker from her throat. And still he stared.

And she did the same damn thing she'd done three years ago when she'd gotten scared by his demands, his power -- she ran. Cursing herself for her cowardice, she nonetheless wove her way through the crowd, setting her drink down on the nearest available surface as she rushed past. But before she made it to the front door, she felt his hand, still chilled from holding the beer bottle, curl around her overheated arm. "Long time no see. Leaving so soon, Callie?"

He pulled her around to face him, he backed her up against the wall in the foyer. With him this close, with his touch and his smell and his sheer size surrounding her, her body betrayed her, just like it always had where he was concerned. Her nipples tightened, her pussy ached, and her breath quickened. "What are you doing here?" She sighed at her own stupidity for asking something so obvious.

"These are my friends. A better question to ask is -- what are you doing here?" 

"I came back to town for the holidays, and I wanted to see some of my old grad school buddies. I guess I-I didn't think about the possibility of you being here."

"Is me being here a problem?"

"No," she answered too quickly.

"I miss you." 

"I miss you too."

'Dammit! What else am I going to admit to him?'

"I still want you. I want to touch you. I need to touch you. May I?" At her silent nod, he lightly rested his hand around her throat. Not hard enough to choke, but enough to establish his dominance over her. 

'Like he needs to establish that. How could I possibly forget who and what he is?'

Callie shivered. God, she wanted him. She'd never been as scared or as excited or felt as alive as she had during the year and a half she had subbed for Jack. Seeing him again made her want to get down on her knees and give him anything he wanted. If she remembered correctly, that was everything. But could he give it back to her? Before, he'd been unable or unwilling to, and when she hadn't been able to handle loving him without reciprocation anymore, she'd left.

Her lips were parched, and she darted her tongue out to wet them. His eyes turned black as they blazed back at her. "I want you too." And it was the truth. She wanted him, and this time, she'd have him. If she ran away again, she knew she'd regret it for the rest of her life.
 
"Are you collared?"

"No."

"Seeing anyone?"

She turned the question around. "Are you seeing anyone?" A strange look passed over his face, but Callie couldn't interpret it before it was gone. 

"No. Answer me, Callie -- are you seeing anyone?"

"No."

Letting out a soft growl, Jack cupped the back of her neck in his large hand and kissed her. There was nothing gentle in his kiss -- there never had been. This kiss was one of possession, of establishing even more control. He pressed in further, molding his body to hers while he continued to plunder her mouth. He didn't force his tongue inside; he didn't have to. 

Surrendering, she relaxed and let him take her. He let out a grunt of satisfaction and changed the angle of her head so he could deepen the kiss. He slid a powerful thigh between hers as she moaned from the sensual onslaught. 

After long moments he pulled away, grabbed her hand, and led her toward the back of the house. Callie gasped when he pushed her into a bedroom and kicked the door closed. She whirled around to face him but couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye, reverting to the naturally submissive pose of staring at his feet, her hands behind her back. She hadn't subbed for anyone in the three years she'd been gone and was amazed at how quickly the submissive veil slipped over her again. He chuckled.

"My pet, you're still a delightful submissive, I see." He took a gentle hold on her chin and pulled her face up to his. "I want you. I've always wanted you, since the moment you walked into my classroom. I know I'm a selfish bastard, but I'm going to ask for this most exquisite Christmas present anyway: will you submit to me again?" 

Callie nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak. 

"I want to hear the words -- I want you to be sure."

"Yes, I'll sub for you," she managed to get out around the lump in her throat.

"Good. Then you'll be available to me insofar as you're able to, barring other commitments. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," she answered, the word hardly loud enough to be considered a whisper. She licked her lips again.

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, Sir."

"By the way, I'm clean. I was tested a few months ago. You?"

"Yes, Sir, same."

He stepped forward and shoved her to her knees. She went willingly. Callie wanted this -- she wanted to show him she could handle him this time. Keeping her eyes trained on the floor, she waited for his next move. He let her stew for a minute and then pulled her to him, undoing his pants with his other hand. He guided his already-erect cock into her mouth, and she took it, letting his essence wash over her tongue, relearning the contours of the head, the smoothness of the shaft, as he sawed in and out of her mouth with brutal strokes. He'd never been easy on her, and tonight was no exception.

He pulled his still-hard cock out of her mouth, resting just the very tip on her bottom lip. "How long are you in town for?"

Callie drew back enough to answer, "Through the first of the year."
She looked up in time to see him smile. "Excellent. We have a few weeks, then." He thrust all the way to the back of her throat, and she struggled not to gag. He held the back of her head with both hands, forcing her to take his dick all the way to the root, and held it there for several seconds. "Where are you staying?" He pulled out again. He had always liked carrying on conversations as Callie sucked him -- reinforcing his dominance by repeatedly pulling out and then shoving back into her mouth as he saw fit.

"With Lora," she answered, naming her oldest friend.

"Ah, not far from me. I still live on Tremont. Is she going to let you play?"

"Lora lets me do whatever I want -- she doesn't judge." 

"I think I'm really going to enjoy the holidays for the first time in a long while." He went up on tiptoe and pushed back into her mouth, tilting her head until it was at the angle he wanted, and then began ruthlessly plundering her depths. "It's been a long time since you've tasted my cum, my sweet. You're going to swallow it -- every drop, like the gift it is." 

A scant few seconds later, Callie felt his cock swelling even larger, growing even longer, and then after pulling back until only his cockhead remained inside her mouth, he was coming; straining, as jet after jet of warm, salty liquid shot onto her tongue and slid down her throat. When he was finally spent, he withdrew completely and put himself back together. She remained on her knees, the denim of her jeans little protection from the hardwood floor.

Some might say she gave in too easily, but as Callie considered the man before her who'd turned her world upside down now for the second time, she knew that wasn't true. Not at all. Her soul was at peace for the first time in years. She was a different person than she'd been all those years ago. Callie was what and where she needed to be: she just had to figure out how to hold on to the fragile sense of contentment she'd discovered tonight.

He briefly stroked the side of her face, then leaned down to touch his lips to hers. "Give me your number." She started to reach into the purse that had fallen beside her on the floor. He chuckled. "You may rise." Standing up with her purse, she pulled a small sheet from the memo pad she always kept with her. "Still jotting notes, I see."

"Yes, you never know where or when you'll find inspiration," she answered, quoting one of his own mantras back to him. After writing down her cell phone number, she handed him the paper.

He held up it and kissed it. "I'll be in touch." After taking one last look at her, he left the room. 

She sat down on the bed, touching the tips of her fingers to her lips. Undoubtedly he thought he'd scored a great coup, bringing her back into his fold. Little did he realize, though… Sometimes the hunter becomes the hunted.
Copyright 2011, Cassandra Carr



On December 13th Caught will release from Loose Id. Here's the entire first chapter! More information can be found at http://www.loose-id.com/caught.aspx or on my website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com.

Interview: Ella Jade on Embracing The Unexpected

1. Tell us a little about yourself Ella Jade. 
I'm a SAHM to two active boys who keep me really busy. Now that they're in school full-time I'm able to devote my days to writing. Its something I've wanted to do for a long time. The stories have always played out in my head but I never knew what to do with them. That all changed when I discovered the eBooks industry. I live in NJ with my husband and kids. When I'm not writing I like to scrapbook, kick box and spend time with my family.

2. What genre or genres do you write? 
Mostly Contemporary Romance. 3. Your newest release Embracing The Unexpected just released yesterday, tell us about this book. 
I fell in love with the idea of this book. It practically wrote itself. Its a story of two people who find they have a deep emotional connection and very much need one another. Here's the blurb...

Sometimes love can be found where we least expect it.
When Parker Phillips, a successful attorney, has a confrontation with his friend Ava's abusive boyfriend, he finds himself facing assault and battery charges, and he's ordered to attend an anger management course. Parker, who has never been attracted to a man, is drawn to Dr. Jace Cross, the psychiatrist leading the class. But how can that be, since Parker is straight?

Jace accepted the fact that he was gay many years ago, and he's comfortable in his sexuality, but he's been single for some time now. He throws himself into his work to fill the lonely void.

Although sparks fly whenever they're together, Parker's reluctant to embrace these feelings he has for another man.

Can the sexy doctor help him discover who he truly is?

4. This is your first M/M book. What part of the book was the easiest to write and what parts were the hardest.
The love story was the easiest part to write. These characters felt very deeply for one another so giving them their HEA was easy.The hardest part... blushes... the intimate scenes. I almost didn't write the book because I wasn't sure I could write m/m. Once I started writing it all seemed to work itself out.

5. What does your husband think about you M/M story?
He doesn't get it. lol But I have a feeling he'd get it if I wrote an F/F.

6. As you have mentioned in past posts, you really enjoy writing in the male POV and I must say you do it wonderfully. Can reader's expect more of this genre from you?
Thanks! I do enjoy writing from the male perspective. I like being able to make the guys do and think what I want. lol I am working on a new m/m and hope to have it completed in January.

7. What is a must have to eat or drink while you write?
I like to have a Starbucks Iced Tea while I write. I usually put my last one of the bus in the morning and then head to Starbucks before starting my writing routine.

8. A holiday tradition you and your family have.
We have many, but one of our faves is decorating the tree, lighting a fire and watching Elf.

9. If you had to choose one, which book that you've written is a favorite of yours?
 I love them all, but Embracing the Unexpected has a strong lead. I simply adore Jace and Parker.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share today?
I would just like to say thanks for having me and I look forward connecting with you all. Come see what I'm up to at ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com. Happy Holidays.

Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Beachwalk Press / AllRomance

Fool Me Once - Available Now!

Oh happy release day! Fool Me Once is now available for purchase!  Read a blurb and excerpt
Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Beachwalk Press / AllRomance / Bookstrand

Happy Reading!
And don't forget, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave a review on amazon, goodreads, or nook. Or send me an email laceywolfe (at) live (dot) come.

Stuff Your Stocking Winner

Congrats to EveP! You've won a copy of Amber's Muse! I will be emailing you shortly. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you to everyone who entered. I hope everyone found something good to stuff their stockings with.

Six Sentence Sunday - Fool Me Once

Welcome! I'm happy you have stopped by. Today I have six sentences from my newest novella Fool Me Once, which is the first book in my Hot Bods series. It officially releases on the 19th, but its already on Amazon. A quick background before this six. Drew has just stopped by unexpectedly at Skylar's apartment, and she just happens to be getting out of the shower and she is only dressed in a towel.

"Just sit, I'll even move all the way over." Drew scooted to the very end of the couch. "See, I can't even reach you." When she didn't sit, he added, "I think maybe you're worried that you can't behave yourself around me."

The heat rose in Skylar's cheeks. How dare he think she couldn't control herself?

To see more great authors and their six sentences, visit www.sixsunday.com
Buy links: Amazon / Nook

Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop

Welcome! I'm Lacey Wolfe and I'm a romance author. As part of the blog hop I'm offering the winner a choice of my debut novella Amber's Muse or my novella that is being released on December 19, Fool Me Once. Simply leave a comment for your chance to win. Please let me know which you'd prefer in your comment and include your email.

To see the other's who are participating click the picture or HERE Read Blurb Read Blurb Thanks for hopping by!