Snippet Saturday – Humor

Today’s snippet theme is Humor. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Seducing a God…

With a barely stifled moan Paula Stroker wondered how much trouble she would get into if she jumped across the aisle and beat the wedding planner with that damn stick she was waving around. Everyone else was hanging onto every word the snotty piece of shit was saying. She couldn’t figure out how many times you had to practice to walk down the aisle. Sheesh you walked everyday for God’s sake. Frowning she resisted her impulse although she would have liked to shock everyone who saw her as the well-behaved one.

You’re just bitter it isn’t you that’s getting married. She almost snorted in laughter at that whopper. Her inner voice had a warped sense of humor. So what if she was single at thirty-five and her mother had resorted to throwing men at her who needed a zookeeper. As if she had heard her thoughts, her mother, Adrianna Stroker, glanced back at her with pity in her eyes. It took all Paula’s control not to scream she would rather have her eyeballs plucked out than get married, then bolt out the door. She tried a smile instead. Her mother nodded then went back to watching the wedding planner like the words coming out of her mouth were gold.

She knew exactly what her mother was thinking when she looked at her. “If Paris was ready to settle down why couldn’t Paula?” Glancing at Paris Stroker, her sister and the bride-to-be, Paula saw Paris roll her eyes. Stifling a laugh Paula still couldn’t believe it. Paris was getting married. Paris who had always said, “You won’t get me down the aisle unless I have lost my mind”. Yet here she stood the wild child ready to tie the knot. Put on the old ball and chain or any of those other silly sayings. Something had to be seriously wrong.

Looking over at Nathan Randall, Paris’ fiancé, she still couldn’t figure out how he had convinced her. Yes, he was handsome with his chiseled good looks, head-over-heels in love with Paris and smart. He was in charge of the Marketing Department of Tantalize Me, the company she co-owned with Paris. Three years ago Nathan and Paris had met at work and fallen in love. They had been living together ever since. She knew that Nathan had asked Paris to marry him many times but she had refused. At least, until a month ago when suddenly they announced they were getting married in a month. Mom had a fit, thinking Paris was pregnant. Since they had already been living together she and Paris hadn’t understood what the big deal was.

When their mother had explained that living together before marriage was fine but being pregnant before marriage was a huge deal they had just looked at her like she was missing a few bricks. Her mother had a slanted way of looking at things. They already knew her view on marriage. She had been living with Christopher for fifteen years and still refused to marry him. Her claim that she couldn’t dream of marrying anyone after their dad died was a load of shit since she could live with them.

After realizing that Paris was not pregnant but wanted to get married Mom had wondered how she could plan a wedding in that time. They had known she was just being coy. She liked nothing more than having a party. From the announcement to now, one week before the wedding, it had been non-stop preparations, fittings and all the wedding hoopla. Paula was sick of it. She couldn’t even try to escape as she had planned from this, the engagement party. Her mother, the wedding general from hell, and her little minion the wedding planner, the devil’s helper, had dragged them all into a separate ballroom away from the party to practice the walk down the aisle for the gazzlionth time.

The wedding planner went from person to person arranging them and telling them how to stand. When her turn came Paula gave the planner a look and she backed up smiling tightly. They had already had a run in with what Paula would and would not put up with.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Vivian Arend
McKenna Jeffries
Ashley Ladd
Kelly Maher
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels

Daydream Zone

One of my favorite things to do when I am having problems with a book is to daydream. One of my spots I like to use to day dream is my living room. I get my blanket, go to my living room, turn off the lights and TV put on some music really low then sit on my couch. I spread my blanket over me, lay my head back and close my eyes. My body relaxes as the music plays and the calm overcomes me. After a few moments I am in the daydream zone.

As my mind wanders I let what I have written so far in my story unfold in my thoughts. As the story goes the part I am stuck on comes up I daydream of various possible scenarios I can take with my story. If the scenario doesn’t work it stalls and I go onto another. When I hit on one that does my mind races with all I need to get back to work. Sometimes it take more than one of my daydream zone moments for me to get over what is giving me issue.

I’ve also been known to fall asleep during those daydream zone moments. LOL. But as I have said before many of my best ideas come from dreams. So if you see me somewhere with my eyes closed I’m working. Yep that’s what I am doing. Hard at work. (grin) Daydreaming or dreaming of my next story.

A note about Piracy

This notice covers all of my free reads whether written jointly, as part of a group or for Satin Notes - past and any in the future. For my site and Satin Notes, I will have this info posted on my site, and in front of all free reads on my site and those written jointly on the Satin Notes site.

Although I wish this wouldn’t need to be said. I have to say it. It has come to my attention that some free books/reads I have previously posted exclusively to Crenshaw Café, to groups I am part, to my site and Satin Notes are being uploaded/posted on pirate sites. I am not sure why. The free books/reads I post at various places are that free. On some of these pirate sites there are paid memberships and so on. Which means when it trickles down to it you are paying for books that are being offered for absolutely nothing. So with that being said, if any of my free reads/books end up on any of the pirate sites I will have to decide, at my discretion if I will continue to write/post anymore free reads. When books I write, either for free or published for sale, are given away on pirate sites it saddens me that it happens. It especially makes me not want to offer any more books for free. I want to continue too offer free reads as a thank you to readers but this can change if my free reads/books ends up on pirate site. I’m sorry it has come to this but this is how I feel when my books continue to be uploaded/posted to pirate sites.

Further about my book published for sale by my various publishers that are given away on pirate sites. Please stop. I work hard to write these books.

--- Taige Crenshaw

Snippet Saturday – Mistaken Identity

Today’s snippet theme is Mistaken Identity. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from God Style Temptation…

Picking up whatever she could get she threw it at him as she stumbled backward. Pots, food and knives—he caught each one effortlessly. Breathless she stopped backing up. The man stopped and watched her waiting to see what she would do next.

Frustrated Aurora screamed. “What the fuck are you?”

He smiled, a nasty little twist of his lips. “Besides the man who saved you pretty little ass from being a popsicle? A god.”

Hearing that Aurora felt fury flash through her. Not stopping to think she headed straight for him. The man’s eyes dropped and he grinned, a devilish quirk of his lips. Realizing she was still naked and he was ogling her Aurora was even angrier. Slowing she added more sway in her hips and watched his eyes light in appreciation. She looked at him and saw his smile widen. Returning his smile she let her hand flash up to deck him. He caught it.

“Uh-huh not that again. You’re such a violent little thing.” The man’s tone was calm.

Ignoring his comment she swung with her other hand. He sighed and caught it too. He raised an eyebrow as if saying “now what”. From how they were standing she estimated he was about six three to her six feet. Jerking her head forward she hit him with it. She felt his nose break, as was her intention. A grim smile curved her lips. He let her go and stepped back. Swinging at him again Aurora found her hand caught. Instinctively she swung with the other. He again caught it then turned her around and pulled them behind her back. Jerking her head back she tried to hit him with her head.

“Shit. Will you calm down?” the man growled.

Straining against his hold Aurora gritted out, “Fuck you, Cupid or Claude or whatever the hell your name is. I have eighty-seven more of those to give you. You mother fu—”

The man sighed and said softly. “I’m not Cupid.”

She stilled and gasped realizing she was plastered against his body. His next word distracted her.

“Although I can relate, why do you want to kick Cupid’s ass?” His tone was matter of fact.

“You’re hurting me. Let me go first.” Aurora demanded although he wasn’t.

He scoffed. “Liar.”

“Let me go.”

“Only if you promise not to hit me again.”

“Fine I won’t hit you again. I only connected twice.” Although it galled her to say it out loud.

The man laughed and his cock rubbed against her ass. Trying to keep still Aurora closed her eyes. She was getting hot over a man she barely knew and she didn’t even know if she liked him. He let her go. Spinning to face him she took a step forward and looked up into his amused chocolate gaze.

“Who the hell are you?”

His smile widened. “Nigel Ha’gan at your service Miss Aurora.”

He sounded very formal but his devilish smile belayed that.

“You’re very formal for someone who is naked?” Then it hit her what he said. “How do you know my name?”

A look of pain flashed through his eyes so fast she almost thought she imagined it.

“I figured since you were ignoring it I’d be a gentleman and do the same.”

“What?”

He shrugged a graceful movement of his shoulders. “Our nakedness.”

Aurora sighed. “You’re quite a handful aren’t you?” Realizing what she said her eyes automatically dropped and looked at his impressive member. Blushing she turned away from him and mumbled. “Crap, you know what I mean.”

“Now no need to be shy queinlos,” Nigel said the laughter plain in his voice.

“What does queinlos mean?” Aurora asked although she suspected it was something derogatory.

“Little warrior,” he purred.

His answer pleased her. The feel of soft cloth brushed her skin. Glancing down she saw light filtering around her body and a robe in a rich green, the same color as her eyes, covered her. He was now clothed in a similar one in dark brown.

“Thanks.” She winced when she saw his broken nose.

She knew it had to be hurting him. Grabbing his hand she pulled him to the table. He came willingly. She pushed him in the chair. Reaching to check his nose she gasped as his hand stopped her. Again she hadn’t seen him move.

“Don’t be a baby. I just want to check it out. I’m a doctor.” She touched it and he winced.
“Ah man, I’m sorry. She looked for some paper towel and got a bowl of water.

“Sorry you hit me or sorry I’m not Claude?” he asked.

Smiling she replied, “Both,” as she gently cleaned his nose.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

McKenna Jeffries
Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Mari Carr
Shelli Stevens
Elisabeth Naughton

The Road Traveled

We all travel roads. There are many twists, turns or obstacles along the way. These are learning experiences that shape us.

This part of my road started a little over two years ago. Over the last two years I have had five surgeries. Believe me compared to lots of other people out there who have medical issues worse than mine I am blessed. Blessed with family and friends who have been there for me. Blessed with the strength to go on day after day. Yes some days I was tired and it was hard but I got up and went refusing to let what I was going through keep me down. I already live with the belief life is precious and should not be taken for granted. During this time I was having health problems a lot happened that made me think and reflect on some things.

In the last two years as I went through tests, uncertainty of what was going on with my body, and fear of not knowing there were also things going on with my writing career. Some good, bad and ugly. Usually I am able to deal bad or ugly if I am well heck even better that I was feeling. But when these things (nope not going into details) were happening my mind, body and soul were tired and I let them go focusing on what was important - my health. Yet these things were festering insidiously messing with my psyche. I knew they were but the energy to shake it off just wasn’t there.

Months ago something happened to me that shook me. Some harsh words from someone I thought was a friend but who was actually a perpetrator shook me out of my complacency. On that day the “friend perpetrator” said those harsh words started an epiphany. At first I was hurt and reeling. Those “true friends” I have always tell me I care too much and take things to heart. It is true. When I call someone friend I don’t do it lightly. So to have this person say what they did to me hurt then I got angry and eventually lost my temper. “Angry” and “losing my temper” are very different things to me. Let me clarify I have been angry on occasion and it blows over quickly. When I lose my temper at first there is calmness before the worst hits. It is an eerie feeling. I’ve only lost my temper four times so far in my life and none of them were pretty. This lost of temper was a battle cry. A roar in my soul that woke me up out of the daze I was in.

I thought of all that has happened in the last two years and now with some distance I realized a few things. The two most prevalent and important are I know who my true friends are and I have dealt with the things that have messed with my psyche. Now I own them. They are in my control. It is a freeing feeling.

As I write, tears are wetting my cheeks and there is a smile on my face. I am at peace. My mind, body and soul are in sync. I feel better today than I have in a long time. Since my last surgery as I mentioned earlier I am feeling stronger than I have in a while. As for my writing career I am stronger than yesterday. I am ready, willing and able to go the distance. I have plans for what I want to do. Projects that I am working on and more I hope will come.

So as I continue traveling my road I am revving the engine and barreling forward in my journey looking forward to where I will be going next.

Anticipation

I’m looking forward to this New Year. I have a lot of things I am anticipating but won’t go into too much detail. One thing I will say is I am excited with what I am planning. Very excited. (grin) Once I get a few personal things taken care of I will be going full speed ahead.

In anticipation of my anticipation (try saying that 5 time fast LOL.) I some preparations last year. Planning is a great thing and makes things work so much better. I love to plan. I also love spreadsheets. LOL. Yep that’s what I said I love spreadsheets. They help keep me organized and things where they need to be. So I’ve got my plan ready to go. The fun part will be getting there.

Just like when I start a new book I have this feeling of anticipation. Anticipation of how the story will go, the characters, setting and so on and so on. As with life there are twists and turns that are unexpected but that is what makes it interesting. There are many paths that can be taken to make the end point whether it is the end of a story or everyday life. Some good, bad and in between. Each has a lesson to be learned from. No matter which it is I anticipate getting there. Await what is coming around the next corner then anticipate what more is yet to come.

This year will be to gear up for those twists and turns. A year of anticipation.

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Snippet Saturday – Pets/Animals

Today’s snippet theme is Pets/Animals. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Golden Seduction…

Laila looked forward walking to her entertainment room. The noise hit her first. With a glance up at the huge projection screen television she saw that House was on.

As she walked across the room to the couch and then around it she looked down. “There you are. Your Mommy is on the phone.”

“Put the phone on speaker then next to Renaldo.”

Doing as she said Laila sat next to Renaldo on the couch. Her attention between the TV and Renaldo she watched as the Siberian husky barked in response to Sonya’s voice. They were actually having a conversation. When Sonya started to tell him all about her trip and the things she had bought him Laila tuned out focusing on the show. She had no warning.

“Umph. Christ Gertrude don’t jump on me like that you’re heavy.” Laila winced as she kneaded her leg, then settled Gertrude, her mixed tabby cat, in her lap.

Gertrude let out a rolling purr. Knowing what that meant Laila reached over scratched behind her ear and stroked down her back. Glancing back at the screen she was engrossed again in moments.

“Laila.” Sonya’s voice intruded.

“What.”

“I’ve got to go they are calling for more info. I can’t wait for this job to be over. How are the renovations coming?”

Laila knew she was asking about the brownstone next door they had recently bought to create a home lab to continue with their personal projects. “It’s ready to go except for getting the equipment.”

Sonya sighed then said. “At least something is going right. Don’t get Renaldo hooked on General Hospital again. I had a hell of a time weaning him off it the last time.” Sonya hung up.

Laila turned off the phone. Looking at Renaldo she grinned. “We won’t tell Mommy it’s too late already will we. Let her find out herself.”

Laila laughed then leaned back in the chair to watch the show. Gertrude jumped up onto the arm of the chair and walked around to hang over her neck. Renaldo tried to climb into her lap but only half of his body could fit he was too big. He barked.

Rubbing his coat Laila looked at him briefly. “She’ll be home soon. Now watch House solve the case.”

He nodded his head and settled his head in her lap turning to watch the show.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Ashley Ladd
Shelley Munro
Mari Carr
Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens
Victoria Janssen
TJ Michaels

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Snippet Saturday – Explosions

Today’s snippet theme is Explosions. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Shadow Dance…

Fury pouring through her Zarya raised her hand and blew the doors off the chamber.

Floating inside she looked at the object of her wrath and roared. “I told you if you fucked with my agents I would kill you.”

The man did not move from his seat on the chair. “Always good of you to drop by Zarya. How about a drink?”

A glass floated to her. Waving her hand she blew it up. Next she built a fireball and threw it at the man. He wavered just as the chair he was sitting in was incinerated. Zarya pulled her swords from her back sheath. With a smooth motion she pulled her weapons over her head then crossed them on the floor in front of her. The man waved then stood in front of her, his stance casual. It wasn’t fooling Zarya for a moment. She knew with a flick of his finger he could take out a continent. With a grim smile she knew she could do the same but he was her target.

“What have you done? This is not a game.” Zarya felt her power rise and knew if she didn’t calm down she would incinerate the whole area.

The man looked at her and smiled. “Ahh Zarya such passion. If only you would let me have a taste.”

“Is that all you think with, Solaris?”

Solaris looked at her and smiled. His white teeth were startling against his onyx skin. His burnished gold hair floated around his body while his golden eyes glowed.

“Sometimes. I find where you are concerned I am out of control.” He flowed toward her, his tall muscular body graceful.

He came right up to her. Zarya swung her swords at him. He caught them in each hand and using them drew her to him. Zarya knew she hadn’t wanted to hit him. If she had he would be dead. It was a galling to realize that she couldn’t follow through. It made fury burst through her.

“ Solaris what have you done?” Zarya demanded.

Solaris unarmed her and pulled her to him. “Nothing.”

“I don’t appreciate you using my company for your own means. You knew where The Eye of Ra was all along.”

Solaris shrugged. “Yes. No one is hurt, Zarya and there was no harm in it.”

Shrugging away from him violently Zarya brought up a Maji Star and flung it at him. He twisted out of the way. She flung another and nicked him. Solaris looked down at his bleeding shoulder then back at her. His gaze went hungry. He came toward her. Standing her ground although her instinct was to run, Zarya knew she could kill him if she had to. She cursed the soft spot she had for him. If anyone else had pulled what he had using Rarities Incorporated for their own means they would be a lot more bloody or even dead. He came to her then grabbed her, hauling her up against him. He licked his lips, as he looked at her. His head lowered. Suddenly the earth shook and he staggered falling to his knees, dragging her with him. He shielded her with his body as the walls started to cave in around them.

He swore and shimmered. Zarya looked around at the starry night. Solaris stood, pulling her up with him. He let her go and stepped back. He turned his face to the sky then closed his eyes. There was a stillness in him that made her heart race. Opening her own shields Zarya could feel nothing in the air. That absence frightened her the most. She saw his body shudder then an awareness rippled through him. After a moment he opened his eyes and she gasped at the pain in them.

“What is going on?” Zarya demanded.

Solaris shook his head. “Go home I will take care of it.”

Solaris shimmered and disappeared. Zarya narrowed her eyes. If he thought she would go home while he went where he was going he had another think coming. Using his power signature as a guide Zarya followed him.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

McKenna Jeffries
Vivian Arend
Ashley Ladd
Kelly Maher
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Mari Carr
Eliza Gayle
Victoria Janssen
TJ Michaels