Diving in to 2010

Well, 2009 is almost over and it's time to think of the New Year ahead. Resolutions I make usually get broken so this year I'm setting goals instead of making resolutions. Knowing me it probably won't be any different but a girl can hope, can't she?

I'd like to finish at least one MS this year so beginning now I'm going to write every single day if it kills me. Even if I write only one sentence a day it will add up to more than what I did this entire year. So my #1 goal in 2010 is to sit in my chair and write one sentence a day. Surely I can do at least that much. And for once I may even exceed my own expectations.

So, here I go. I'm Diving in to 2010.

It's a Wonderful Life

I watched my all time favorite Christmas movie the other night; "It's a Wonderful Life". I watch it every year, and every year I cry at the end. But it's not the actors or the set or the cinematography. It's the story itself.

Everything we do or say touches those around us. I love the idea that even I can have an impact on others in my life and I hope that impact is a good one. Sometimes we all wish our lives could be different, as if we missed out on something somewhere down the line. But in the end, our lives are exactly as they're supposed to be, no matter what we go through.

So, when you think things aren't going well in your life and you want to give up, think about all the people who have crossed your path along the way and how your not being there would affect them. I bet you'll be surprised that something as small as a friendly smile when someone is down could be the one thing that keeps that person going. And remember, It's a Wonderful Life.

Missionary

This young man is about to embark on a very interesting journey. He's leaving next week to spend four months in Nicaragua doing missionary work with the locals. If he's able, he'll be sending information about what's going on and I'll post here whenever I can. Stephen is a bright young man with a very generous heart. Good luck, Stephen, and be safe.

Christmas Memories

I remember one Christmas wanting a diamond necklace more than anything in the world. I was about 10 or 11 and I told Mom, even though I knew we could never afford one.

I woke up Christmas morning and we all gathered around the tree. There were no boxes small enough to be a diamond necklace and I was disappointed. I had hoped that maybe, just maybe, that necklace would be there.

All the gifts were opened except this huge box. Mom brought it to me and said it was mine, something I really wanted and she knew I'd love it.

I couldn't imagine what it could possibly be. It was heavy and when I opened the box, I found nothing but old newspapers and sweet potatoes. I remember looking up at mom and wondering what on earth was going on. She told me to keep going and so I took everything out and sat it next to me on the floor. The deeper I got into the box, the more confused I became. Finally, down at the very bottom, was a small jewelry box; my diamond necklace. I was so excited I couldn't contain myself. I got what I wanted and mom got to see my face move from disappointment, to confusion, to excitement.

Isn't that what we all strive for during Christmas? To see that the gifts we choose, whether something they've asked for or something we chose especially for them, give so much joy to those we love.

I lost that necklace (thank goodness it wasn't a real diamond) b/c I wasn't really old enough to treasure something like that. But the memory of how I got it will never be lost. And that's the true treasure.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

I'm Dreaming

Hmmm...to be snuggled up in a bay window, watching the snow fall outside, wrapped up in a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa, Christmas music in the background, and a good book.

I could look around the room at the tree decorated with memories from the past and swags of greenery, holly and poinsettas draped all over. A fire would be crackling in the fireplace where the stockings are hanging, full of my favorite chocolate and small gifts just waiting to be unwrapped.

Ah, to be so relaxed and content. Too bad I don't have snow, a bay window, cocoa, a book (good or bad), decorations or gifts.

Nope. I'm at work. But I can still dream.

Family Pictures

We did family pictures this weekend. They turned out great! I'm so proud of my family. The kids are doing great and my husband and I are still going strong. We're so blessed and I'm thankful for all we have. Here are just a few of my favorites.

This one's me and the hubby.
Aren't we a cute couple?


My three adorable babies.


And this is the most beautiful baby in the world. Yeah, I'm a little prejudiced, but so what?



This is my son's family. So sweet.


And this is the whole bunch.
What a great group of people.

Blurb

No ordinary holiday in the country...

When wayward, sophisticated Christabel is forced to take an extended country holiday she foresees only long days of bucolic boredom and sexual ennui. But she has reckoned without the hidden agenda of Nicholas, her deviously sensual husband, and the presence of unexpected stimuli within the grounds of a brooding old mansion house. Almost immediately, she is drawn into a web of transgressive eroticism, where power and pleasure shift and change like the shadows playing across Collingwood's secretive walls. Swept in with her are the delusional but libidinous Daniel, a prisoner of his own obsession with the past; his beautiful wild-child sister, Augusta; and the golden, ambiguous Jamie, personal assistant to the all-controlling Nicholas.

As the summer passes, and ever darker and more challenging liaisons unfold, Christabel quickly comes to relish her enforced sabbatical.

Excerpt

Reviews

Available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

8 Ways Onto The Naughty List
Rita Sawyer
ISBN Number: 978-1-897560-23-5
Genre: Holiday Romance
Length: Novella
Price: $2.99

Blurb:

Patsy has lusted after her boss for years, but lately it's getting harder to keep that desire hidden. She decides to quit before she makes a fool of herself. Her boss Dexter refuses to accept her resignation letting her out of her contract. So she sets out to get fired without actually screwing up her job, which means some big changes around the office.

Dexter finally admits he can't ignore the way he feels about Patsy anymore. He calls her into his office intending to ask her out to dinner and hopefully bring their relationship onto a more personal level. Before he can say anything she quits. He refuses to let her out of her contract. This gives him twelve weeks to get her to change her mind, so when she starts changing things around the office he gives it a chance hoping to show her another side of him.

Available Now at Blade Publishing
and ARe

"The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian" by R. F. Long

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

BUY IT HERE!
Read an excerpt HERE.

"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.

It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.

Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.

Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.

Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.


BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.

December

December is here and I haven't accomplished any of my New Year's resolutions I made back in January. Like, I'm supposed to have finished at least two MS's but haven't even gotten past chapter 3 on either of the two I've started. And now, here it is, only one month away from making new resolutions. Better get on the ball, girlie!!

Black Friday

Good Friday morning to everyone! It's the biggest shopping day of the year. Tons of people all up before the crack of dawn, waiting in line, fighting over being first in the door for that awesome deal.

Normally I wouldn't get up that early for anything in the world. But this morning I was up at 2am, dressing to be at the store by 3. Turns out that Sam's Club only gets about 50 people waiting in line unlike Wal-Mart's and Best Buy's hundreds. (I saw people camped out in front of Best Buy early last night. How crazy is that?) But Sam's Club (and several other stores) had an awesome deal on the Acer Aspire One 10" Netbook and I got one! I'm so excited. Even though I have to work today I brought my new toy with me and I've been playing on it all morning. Yay!

And to top it off, it's Friday and my grand-daughter is at my house waiting for me to come home to play. It's gonna be a great day!

RWA 2010

OMG! I just got the hotsheet for RWA and they've set speakers for the 2010 conference. Nora Roberts will be Keynote Speaker. I'm so excited. I love her books, like everyone else. I can't wait! Other speakers include Special Luncheon Speaker: Jayne Ann Krentz, Librarians’ Day Luncheon Speaker: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Awards Ceremony Emcee: Sabrina Jeffries

Oh, and they've set the prices for this year, too. For members: $425 for early registration; $475 for late registration; $575 for onsite registration. For non-members: $500 for early registration; $550 for late registration; $650 for onsite registration.

I'm definitely going this year. I'm so excited. Now, to finish this MS before then. *smile*

Triad of Hope

Contemporary, Inspirational, Interracial/Multicultural

Juliana, Rosa, and Shani--three very different women with a common bond: all are on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and hope. Join them as they conquer fears, forgive past wrongs, and come to terms with their inner selves. Do difficulties in life really make one stronger? Can a shattered heart ever heal enough to love again? When one's life seems hopeless, what lengths will one go to find hope?

BUY HERE

Celebrate my release with me at Author Island Cyber Launch PARTY HERE

November 19th All Day!

LOTS of prizes to giveaway!

Adelle Laudan

After defeating an obsessed opponent with some decidedly kinky plans for her, Leah Wright--Iron Maiden--finds herself intrigued by the idea of bondage. She's been in charge all her life and giving up control even for an evening sounds heavenly. Problem is, when you're as strong as Leah, who can possibly restrain you?

But Leah has underestimated fellow hero--and lover--Victor Kruger, the Black Knight. He knows just what to do. It's a simple matter of applying the correct leverage. The game they play is as much mental as physical--and win or lose, Leah's going to have an experience she'll never forget.

To read an excerpt, or to purchase a digital version, click here.

For more titles from Gail Roark, click here.

Stephanie Adkins new contemporary erotic romance suspense novella, Between Heaven and Hell, is now available from Liquid Silver Books!


Blurb: Somewhere between Heaven and Hell … there are nightmares. After being forced to confront an abusive ex-lover in court, Elaina Richmond wanted nothing more than to get away from the trial and the nightmares that came with it. Escaping to her Aunt and Uncle's vineyard in the rolling hills of Sonoma, California, she is reunited with her first love, Caden Russell. An old flame is rekindled. Though Heaven is found in his arms once again, Elaina soon discovers that the Devil has a way of finding you … especially when there's hope to destroy.


Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to purchase.

Visit Stephanie at www.stephanieadkins.com

Death took Jason from Clarissa, and she blames herself. Night after night, she throws herself into the arms of other men—men who abuse and pleasure her, but never take her far enough. She is waiting for the one who will take her over the edge and into death, so she can be reunited with Jason.

Death didn’t take Jason far enough. Every night, Jason watches. His immortal self is trapped inside the club Clarissa owns, and he longs to be with her once more.

Death is a dark angel. A handsome man. The promise of violence in his eyes draws Clarissa to him. Will a single night in bed with Death be all it takes to destroy Jason and Clarissa’s love neverending, or will it be just the beginning?



Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and content, violence, voyeurism.

(Authors note: This book also contains hot angels who sometimes do bad and/or dirty things.)

Buy it now at Loose-Id

NaNo Angst

Ok, so I've had to ditch Nano. Well, I'm still writing, but I'm not really participating even though I signed up and am supposed to be officially working it. My laptop died and I can't post my final words when it's over. So, even if I write it all out long hand, which I'm doing, there's no way for me to prove my wordcount at the end.

So, I'm writing but I'm not participating. Of course, I'll still have the satisfaction of knowing I did it!!

http://samhainpublis.../love-s-alchemy
“Love's Alchemy” by Ciar Cullen
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1-60504-690-7
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: November 6, 2009
Cover art by Anne Cain

She holds the key to unlock his past—or unleash hell.

Sidra Patmos has the ability to see the real underbelly of lower Manhattan—a horrifying world where wraiths, demons and a few quirky mortals battle for supremacy. Desperate, she seeks out a paranormal researcher to tell her why her life is a waking nightmare.

Instead of answers, her meeting with the dark and irresistible Van Barlowe unleashes a chain of events far more dangerous than her blackest visions. And a desire she can barely manage to hold at arm’s length.

After three desperate centuries, Van has finally found the Alchemist—Sidra. Somewhere locked deep inside her lies the knowledge that will rescue his family from ruin. The only way to reawaken her abilities is to hold his enemies at bay long enough to convince her to step through the mists of time.

Redemption waits there, and a timeless bond ignited by the undeniable pull between them. The missing ingredient: Sidra’s willingness to risk that Van’s attraction runs deeper than sexual chemistry…

Warning: This book is not work safe! Reading about sexy immortal heroes and feisty demon hunters getting it on can minimize productivity, increase daydreaming and lead to frustration eating.

Unleashed Temptation – Available Today from Ellora’s Cave

After finding out her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her boss, Carly decides her life needs a makeover. She trades in her winter coat for a bikini and heads south to Miami, Florida. Almost as soon as she arrives, she falls in lust with the sexiest man she’s ever laid eyes on. Too bad he’s her new boss.

Alpha werewolf Nick gave up hope of finding his mate a century ago. When sexy redhead Carly comes to work for him, she disrupts his entire world. Although he desperately wants to come clean about what he is, he keeps running into problems. Like the fact that an ancient enemy has set his sights on Carly. Nick discovers he’ll go to any lengths to keep her safe. Even if it means losing her in the process.


Read excerpt here.

Purchase digital version here.

For more titles from Savannah Stuart, click here.

For a chance to win a copy of Unleashed Temptation, visit Sarai J’s Blog here.