Labels: inspiration

Labels: ramblings

Labels: Suz, Troubleshooters

Chains

An all new novel of erotic suspense...

They weren't friends. They weren't enemies. The only thing the three girls had in common was the high school they went to in Madison, Ohio -- until one tragic night. Now, fifteen years later, they're returning home where passion -- and danger -- await...

Renee Lincoln was the homecoming queen -- with the perfect boyfriend and the perfect life. After that horrible night, she rebelled the only way she knew how: by submitting to her wildest fantasies...

Tall, blonde, and athletic, Lacey Talbot was a golden girl with a bright future. She's found success as a photographer, but no man has ever been able to satisfy her. No man but the bad boy she left behind...

Sherra Salinger has always looked like a princess out of some fairy tale. The books she writes, though, stem from the nightmare of that one night. And she shrinks from any man's attention--especially the one stalking her...

They're coming back to Madison -- and it won't be happy reunion. There are three men, all dangerous in a different way. And when each of them surrender their bodies to the heat, when they succumb to desire, they'll find the safety they desperately need...

Excerpt (part four)

Lacey wasn’t entirely sure it was possible to focus on something else or somebody else when Seth Salinger was around. At least not for her.

Back in high school, he had been tall, on the thin side, with that brooding, sexy aura that drove teenaged girls nuts. He was still tall but not what one could call thin—lanky, maybe. Lean, definitely. Muscled shoulders strained at the shoulders of the simple, white cotton button-down he wore, long, lean legs in faded denim. As he absently pushed his hair back from his face, she noticed his hands and wrists.

Bony wrists—one of them adorned with a simple watch with a black band, an ordinary piece that could be bought at Sears for $25. Beautiful hands, no rings, nails clipped neat, but not manicured—she was getting damn tired of looking a man who spent more time on his appearance than she did.

Seth was sexy as all get-out, but it didn’t come from a two-thousand dollar suit, hours spent at the gym, baking under some hot lights to get that warm golden tone to his skin. It was just him.

Damn, she bet he’d be fun in front of a camera. She already knew he photographed very, very well…although Seth wasn’t aware of it. Those pictures were something she hadn’t ever shown anybody and they were her best work.

If she had the chance to do it again, do it right instead of sneaking pictures from a distance, she wondered what would happen. Were those pictures another fluke? Like that night?

The pictures she’d taken of him were sheer magic, but it wasn’t a fluke. She could do it again. Something inside her, that nagging, itchy need for her camera, started to burn. A couple of hours—if she had a couple of hours, Lacey could do it.

She knew she could. A few hours and she could find it. Find that elusive magic that had danced just out of her reach for so long.

That was what she wanted—what she needed. Finding that magic, that heat, that heart.

Heart…a memory, this one much more recent, rose up to taunt her.

You do beautiful work, Lacey. But it lacks heart.

It wasn’t her work that lacked heart—it was her.

Closing her eyes, she suppressed a sigh.

Yeah. She lacked heart. She lacked heat.

Passion…

Visit It’s Not Chick Porn for the next excerpt. You can also visit Shiloh’s blog for details-the blog will be updated to include the live links for each of the participating blogs.

Disclaimer: Only one entry per household. Open to everybody, as long as the author is able to purchase/email you a gift certificate for one of the major online booksellers-Amazon, BN.com, Borders, Powell’s, etc. Winner’s name to be posted on Shiloh’s blog-author will ATTEMPT to notify the winner via email, but cannot be held accountable if her email bounces back- please make sure you enter the correct email and that you add Shiloh to your addy book to prevent problems. Void where prohibited. Please do not post to sweepstakes sites-the author reserves the right to end the contest at anytime, and likely will end it early if the contest ends up posted to sweepstakes sites.

Labels: contest, Shiloh Walker

I am usually so bad about receiving/giving awards but this time I am going to be a better person. Inspired by Tracy, who gave me this sweet and wonderful "Let's Be Friends" award, I'm going to pass it on to a few of the most amazing friends I've met on the 'net over the last few years. These are the people I get to talk romance with, the ones who let me gush about a book or a hero and who are just lovely, sweet peeps.

Labels: awards, online friends

I'm sure by now most of you have seen the amazing YouTube video of Susan Boyle, the 47-year-old Scottish woman who blew away the audience - and dare I say the world - with her incredible performance on "Britain's Got Talent", England's version of "American Idol. I had never heard the song she sang, which was "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables', but by the time I watched it once, I was captivated. I ended up immediately watching it 3 more times. Since then, I've probably seen it 15 times, and each time, it manages to get to me and I get tears in my eyes from watching how she didn't let the laughter intimidate her but instead did exactly what she set out to do - she made that "audience rock". It was astounding. (For more of her of her incredible voice, listen to her 1999 version of "Cry Me a River". Just gorgeous).

While pondering the amazing reaction the world has had to Ms. Boyle, it made me think of how judgmental I personally am. If I hadn't heard all the buzz and previously known before watching the clip what a phenomenon she turned out to be, I can't say for sure that I wouldn't have been just as judgmental as most of the audience initially was. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would have been rather doubtful about her talent. I feel horrible for saying that, but I think it's the truth. I would have judged her before hearing even one note. Well, thank you Susan, for going out there, being brave, and showing us (me) how wrong we all were. She exceeded my expectations, big-time.

So anyway, Susan's knockout performance got me thinking about expectations in other areas. Like for instance, how I look at books. Sometimes I look at a book cover or read the blurb and it either catches my attention in a good way or it completely turns me off. Before even looking a bit further, perhaps reading a passage to see if it grabs my attention, I decide to either buy it or write it off as my my thing.

Now I know that is not unusual, especially when there are so many books, movies, t.v. shows, etc., to choose from, and there's only so much time in the day and it's impossible to grab everything that catches your fancy. But what I'm talking about is not being willing to give something a try, just pushing it aside at first glance because initially you don't find it appealing.

That's how I first felt about m/m romances. I was more than fine with the m/f/m storylines, where the heroine gets to enjoy the sensual attentions of two hot, sexy men who want to worship and pleasure her. Very hawt. Then I noticed that in some of the m/f/m books I was reading, the men weren't just pleasuring the woman, they were pleasuring each other, and enjoying the hell out of it. It was more about the emotional connection between all three of them, and I could accept it in the storyline. However it didn't take long before I was reading the sex scenes between the men with as equal enthusiasm as I was the ones between the hero(es) and heroine. They could be rougher, dirtier, more aggressive, yet that didn't make them any less sexy. I've read plenty of sex scenes between men and women that have been more empty and meaningless than a lot of the sexin' that goes on in the m/f/m and/or m/m romances. Because when the characters really care for each other, the sex can get extremely raunchy yet also be incredibly sexy and arousing. They are about something more than just the shock value or trying every sexual position known to man (and beast), because after awhile, when you read enough of it, if there's no connection, it can get pretty bor-ing.

So what I've learned from the experience is that though I thought I knew what I liked, and had strong convictions about what works for me, there are times I can be really surprised, in a good way, when I check some of my assumptions at the door and just give it a try. The bottom line (no pun intended *g*) is that I LOVE a memorable love story. I'm so glad I opened myself to the idea of romance being about the love story, period, whether it's a man and a woman, two men and a woman, or even two men. I haven't yet read a love story between two women that has captured my interest, but I think I'm ready to be convinced. That would definitely be reading about something that made me uncomfortable, primarily because f/f sex does not turn me on. These are the scenes in romances that I skim past. However I will make a full confession and say that the scene in Lacey Alexander's "Bikini Diaries" was kinda hot, though what really appealed to me about it was that the guys were so into it and it totally got them all horny. (Read Katiebabs' thoughtful post about writing outside her comfort zone).

Can you think of a recent experience that totally blew away YOUR expectations?

Was it good or bad?

Labels: expectations

Labels: Burn Notice, television

Labels: Beth Kery

I just started reading this one, a sexy romance by one of my new favorite authors, Beth Kery. It has some paranormal elements to it, but nothing outrageous, and I can already tell it's going to be incredibly hot (fanning self). Let's just say that Hope's and Ryan's encounter, where Ryan dreams they touch for the first time, is intense. Day-umn.

And for those who are interested in possibly winning a copy of this new erotic romance, Beth is having a special Daring Time contest going on until May 8th. Also, I will be giving a copy away around that time, so stay tuned....

Jill Shalvis, you rock my world. No, really, it's true.

I was so excited that I managed to snag a copy of the next installment in her "Instant" trilogy, and it's all thanx to Jill. And, if you've ever had the pleasure of visiting her blog, you know how much crazy fun this cookie-obsessed chicka is. Reading her daily antics, embellished or not, and seeing what Alpha Man, Mountain Barbie and the rest of Jill's gang are up to is definitely one of the blogging highlights of my day.

So when Jill was asking for reviewers for Instant Gratification, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I gamely offered up my meager reviewing skills for a shot at more yummy goodness like only Jill can do. It promises to be another wonderful story, I just know it. She keeps getting better and better, and the last one, Instant Attraction, has been my favorite Shalvis novel to date. And that's pretty impressive because I didn't think any book would surpass my Brody love. He's still numero uno, but he's got competition. So this is a shout-out to Miss Jill for always giving readers more of what we want.

I probably would never have noticed this book if I hadn't read some glowing comments about this debut novel by author Jennifer Haymore. So when RNTV sent out their most recent list of books to review, this was one of the books I chose. The fact that it's a historical doesn't hurt either, since I've been gobbling them up like potato chips lately.

The premise is about a woman who lost her husband to war, and after grieving for years, finally found love again with another man, only to have her supposedly deceased husband return home, wanting her back. Sounds like a tearjerker, to be sure, and it reminded me of the beloved story, Twice Loved, I read many years ago by the amazing writer LaVyrle Spencer. I'm curious to find out how this one plays out.

I saw this book at Barbara's blog, and the author, Sophie Renwick (aka Charlotte Featherstone), was looking for reviewers. It helps to be at the right place at the right time. This one is a June release, and my first book by Charlotte/Sophie. But it sounds wonderful, like my kinda story, and after reading some of the reviews for Charlotte's story, Addicted, I figured I was in for a real treat from a talented writer.

Plus, the cover is uber sexy with just some hot guy's half-nekkid torso for inspiration. That way he can look like anyone who currently flips my switch and won't distract me by having me imagining the face of some cover model instead of my own fantasy guy. Plus I do love those erotic romances. This is a June release.

[Note: I have to confess that I've been very blessed with the books I get to read, and I am deeply appreciative that authors have asked me to review for them. Reading is my most beloved pastime, hobby, vice, you name it. So it means a lot when someone values my output. And a sincere thank you to those who've sent me books for review. I hope to return the favor by paying it forward.]

Last but not least, I have listed the first full-length story in Kresley Cole's immensely popular paranormal series. Many people have loved these books and continuously raved about them, yet I don't think it was until I read a random Twitter comment made by Ana from the Booksmugglers that I finally decided to read the novella, and was totally blown away by it. I felt that wonderful thrill of excitement because I finally got it, that this was a series that stood out. It was fresh, alive, and immensely interesting. I immediately wanted more of what Kresley was dishing out. But since I have several books up for review, all books that I actually want to read, mind you, then I have to behave for a little while. But that's okay. I can wait. Right now I am in book heaven, and plan on savoring each one as it so richly deserves.

What's at the top of your TBR list?

Labels: tbr

Labels: reviews, Suzanne Enoch

I think the movie does a great job of giving backstory for those who've never seen the t.v. show, but having watched "Firefly" will only enhance your viewing experience. All the original characters are here, which was a true delight to see.

The movie starts pretty much where the series left off, although it's a bit darker. Things are getting tougher and tougher for the few Independence survivors left, as the Alliance closes in and tries to tighten the screws. Always one step away from complete disaster, Captain Mal Reynolds takes a job, hoping to secure suitable pay to fix Serenity enough to hold it together, and to put food on the table for him and his crew. He's faced with bitter resistance from Simon, who's concerned about sending his fragile sister River along with Mal and the part of the crew going out on this mission.

As always, the Alliance hasn't given up on looking for River, whom they believe knows a terrible secret the Alliance doesn't want known. With an assassin who truly believes in the Alliance at any cost, he will stop at nothing to find River, even going as far as to kill innocent people.

Mal, who has always lived on the edge since the war ended, has never really had anything to believe in until now. With all that is in him, along with the loyalty of most of his crew, at times grudgingly given, he will fight. He is not willing to surrender and let an innocent girl be destroyed for an ideal that can never really exist anyway....

Wow. Poignant, charming, funny, this movie went straight to my heart, just like I knew it would. The passion and love that went into making both it and the t.v. series is extremely evident throughout, even if you don't watch the bonus features, which include interviews with creative genius Joss Whedon. It was just such a touching tribute to a little series that didn't last even a season, but which wormed its way into the hearts of so many. I don't know if you would love this movie as much as I did unless you were a fan of the series, so I strongly encourage you to check out "Firefly".

What little known movie have you seen that you would strongly recommend?

Labels: Firefly, movies, Serenity

I've read many books where the heroine has never experienced true pleasure until she is in the arms of the hero. In fact not that long ago, it seemed every historical ever written about a widowed woman only depicted her as having either unpleasant sexual experiences, or none whatsoever (i.e. elderly husband). Though Caroline falls into the former category, it didn't feel old or stale, and that's because we see that she represented the women of her time who were considered no more than her husband's property, a person without rights, so she was essentially left helpless, especially if she had no family, or one that was relieved to be rid of her. As a widow, her status gave her reasonable freedom, though it was only because her husband left her with money that she was able to survive without having to remarry, a most unsavory consideration, to Caroline's way of thinking.

But despite her aversion to sex, Caroline also had to wonder if she was really at fault for her bad experiences. She began to question it so much that it was making her crazy, and when she heard about the wager between two of London's most reknowned rakes, she knew she had to find out for sure. She never would marry again, but she could find out once and for all whether her cruel husband was right about her lack of passion, and she was desperate to know for sure, even willing to possibly ruin her reputation in the process.

I liked the characters in this book a lot. Caroline was a smart, compassionate, wistful, lonely woman who's never had anyone really love her, and without realizing it, she was starved for affection. Nicholas sensed this almost immediately, clued in by her reactions and various revealing comments. He chose to take his time with her, which was exactly what Caroline needed. He was perceptive enough to see her fear, her hesitation, and rather than rush her into passion, he listened, and watched. He shared of himself and made her relax enough to seek out pleasure rather than endure it.

Derek also had a sensitive caring side, one that initially scared him when he realized his feelings for one woman was not the casual affection he'd had for most of his lovers but rather something deeper, more substantial. He reacted as most men would in his circumstances - he denied it and ran. And ended up regretting his actions more than he could have ever expected. Nearing 30, he began to see that his priorities were changing, and what he wanted out of life was more about permanence and family.

For my first Emma Wildes book, it was a most enjoyable read. I loved the characters, how they interacted with each other, how they made mistakes, and how they went about fixing them. This time it was Caroline stood out over the the heroes in this book - she was memorable, and strong, and very brave. I was definitely cheering for her while I read this book. Her HEA was definitely worthy of her, and you couldn't have asked for better heroes than Nicholas and Derek, true gentleman who knew how to treat a woman, in bed and out of it. Though Derek was a dunderhead, he redeemed himself quite sufficiently and got exactly what he deserved for it *g*

I certainly look forward to reading more by Ms. Wildes.

Labels: Emma Wildes, reviews

Labels: Easter

One of my favorite authors, Julie James, had a post the other day about the sexiest man alive?, and it got me thinking fondly of one of my favorite hotties of all time: Josh Bernstein. Those of you who've been visiting my blog for awhile know I got the chance to meet Josh a few years ago when he was in the Chicago area for a booksigning. Not only is he as good-looking in person, and rather tall, but he's also funny and amiable and extremely interesting. And there's just something about a smart guy that is so incredibly sexy.

Then of course, there are those brown eyes. I'm a sucker for eyes like melted chocolate...

Here he is, comfortable in any exotic setting...

A man not afraid to wear pink...and looking really hot, I might add...

Looking good from any angle....

Just because....

I believe he was/is on the Discovery Channel on a show called "Into the Unknown". I've not seen it, but I think I must get the DVD. You can never have enough Josh.

The sad thing in all of this, well for me anyway, is that no matter how much time I spent surfing the internet, I did not find one shirtless Josh picture. For someone who is as into the earth and health as he is, I'm sure that would be like the 9th wonder of the world, one that I would want to visit time and again ;-)

So this is my treat to you for this upcoming Easter weekend. Enjoy ;)

Labels: hottie, Josh Bernstein

Labels: ramblings