Snippet Saturday – Shopping

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

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Fifteen minutes later, Amara stood in front of the store at 18 Lauioe Square and studied the display. She glared playfully at Jacques. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this. I’ve lived in this area, been in this area many times and never seen this place. How the heck did you find out about it?”

“A friend.” Jacques pulled her toward the door.

Standing her ground, she asked. “What friend?” Amara winced as she heard the jealousy in her tone.

Jacques was amused. He kissed her on the nose. “No need to be jealous.” He pulled her into him and kissed her thoroughly before drawing back to met her gaze. “Although I like you being possessive, it was a male friend. He said they had some beautiful pieces.”

Amara glanced past him at the window again. The female mannequin was draped in a see-through, short magenta camisole and tap pants. There was fine gold embroidery detailing on the outfit, making it shimmer and tantalize. It aptly went with Tantalize, the name of the store that was in discreet gold script. Usually she bought her lingerie from Unveiled--a bigger store that had some beautiful things as well--as it wasn’t too far from where her offices were on Caspain Avenue. Unveiled had various in-house designers who made what they sold. You could get custom pieces or buy off the rack.

She focused back on him. “I’ve heard of them and always meant to check them out but never found the time. If I’d known they were so close to my house I would have been here sooner.” Amara rubbed her hands together as she stared back at the window of Tantalize. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go.”

She laced fingers with his, pulling him into the store. Amara stopped inside the doorway, taking in the plush chairs and wide array of lingerie. From what she had heard of Tantalize, they had an in-house designer who made everything. All the pieces were unique and the quality was superb. With brisk steps, she walked over to a floor-length peignoir. Amara touched the fine silk. She loved sexy things.

Jacques’ voice came from behind her. “You would be sexy in that.”

She smiled seductively. “So would you.”

Jacques laughed. Amara picked it up in burnt orange and continued to look around. Jacques took it and, as she picked up more things, she handed them to him. He followed behind her patiently. When she asked him his opinion, he nodded or shook his head. Amara reached for another piece, turning to hand it to him. When she saw the pile of things in his hands, she grinned sheepishly. “Umm ... sorry.”

Jacques laughed. “I love to see you shop. Don’t you want anything else?”

Amara stared longingly at the two-piece pajama set across the room. She shook her head. “No. Let’s check out and go.” She put her hand around his waist, walking with him to the front of the store. “Thanks for being so patient.”

Jacques gazed at her, his expression sizzling. “My pleasure.”

Amara laughed. “Most men would have run screaming by now.”

Jacques dumped the items on the counter. He put his hands around her waist. “I’m not most men.”

He kissed her softly. Amara shifted and glanced at the man behind the counter. Reaching into her bag for her purse, she was stopped by Jacques’ hand on her arm. She looked up at him. He was handing the man a credit card.

“Jacques--” she started to protest, but he put his finger over her lips.

“Shh... I’m paying. Now say, thank you, Jacques.”

She glared at him. He leaned down and she snapped her teeth at him. He jerked back, laughing. His other arm came up to encircle her. “Now is that any way to say thank you?”

Amara chuckled. “I’ll thank you later.”

She returned her focus to the man rang up the last of her purchases. She winced when she saw the total. Jacques didn’t even blink, just signed the charge slip. The man folded the items and started putting them in bags.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

Lissa Matthews
Ashley Ladd
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Vivian Arend
Mari Carr
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels

The Moments

The people I call friends will tell you I have moments. I can see the eye rolls and grins on my friend’s faces now. (Grin.) My moments can range from any sort of news good or bad in writing or daily life. For the good I scream, effervesce and all around make a fool of myself. I celebrate my own news but go nuts over the news of my friends. I know some probably suffer temporary hearing loss from my screaming. LOL. I’ve even been known to do a dance. Butt shaking and all. I send cards for releases, news and just because. Yeah I am a sap. For the bad moments I curse, cry and support with them. Then we talk about it and come up with another plan.

You’re probably wondering why I am telling you all this. Well because I read something the other day that made me realize that there are a lot of moments that people shrug off and just let pass. Life is too short not to dance at each victory and think on the failures then dust yourself off and move on. It’s the moments that keep us going. The moments that define who we are. Each second of a day there is a moment. Now I am not saying that you should dance each second but when you get that next promotion, compliment from someone, book contract, book release, or any number of things take a moment to acknowledge it is someway.

I shared a moment with a friend the other day and was glad they chose me to share it with. There was butt shaking, screaming and all in between going on. LOL.

The moments in life are precious and should be acknowledged. I make sure that I take time for my moments because I don’t ever want to forget how blessed I am to be able to have moments.

What are some of your moments?

Snippet Saturday – Homage

Today’s snippet theme is homage to another artist. I’m a big fan of Lauren Dane books. I’ve read almost everything she has written. Still reading some books. She writes real and interesting characters,. Below I have a look at one of her books. Enjoy.

An snippet from Relentless by Lauren Dane…

This is where Abigail Haws lived? Roman took in the building. Not bad at all. He’d expected shabby once he’d left the Family living blocks near the Municipal Complex. While still within the first circle, he rarely got out this far. Roman realized he’d lived a sheltered life. He did get out from time to time, but it was usually on some sort of mission to view how the unranked lived, a visit to a school, something of that sort.

Listening closely, he knocked once he heard movement on the other side of the door. It was very late but he hadn’t wanted to let the day end without trying to see the woman. Once he’d read the file and spoken to Saul Kerrigan he’d been livid. He wanted to hear Abigail Haws’s side of the story.

“Who is it?” A pause as he heard the view port on the door slide open. “Oh, you. What in the seven hells are you doing here?” she snarled as her door flew open. A tiny sprite of a woman stood before him, long dark hair hanging loose to her waist, big brown eyes flashing behind a pair of spectacles. He hadn’t seen spectacles very often. Most of the time surgical treatment repaired vision problems.

“I’m…”

She had the audacity to grab his arm and yank him into the apartment, slamming the door behind them both. “I know who you are. Why are you in my house?”

He looked around, again, surprised. The place was lovely. Plants exploded from pots hanging, draping, perched and placed in the window sills. The furniture was nice, not expensive like his, but it fit the space.

He sniffed, trying to keep it to himself but a redolent, heady scent hung in the air. It came from her kitchen where a pot sat on a cook top. She cooked too? Pictures sat in frames on shelves and on tables. Abigail Haws led a full life and suddenly, he got a whole different perspective on her.

“Hello?” She snapped her fingers in front of his face, jolting him from his inner thoughts. She may have had a lovely apartment but her manners left something to be desired.

“Please don’t do that.” He stepped back. “I’m here because you left before I could meet with you today. Marcus, my assistant, assured me you’d be home and that your assistant had told you to expect me. Apparently that did not happen.”

“I was before an Administrator all afternoon. After you missed our appointment. I met with several of my clients at the lock-up, did research at the library and came home. I haven’t even eaten yet.”

“You left out speaking with a vid crew.”

She had the audacity to laugh and he had the audacity to be charmed in a startled sort of way.

“Oh that’s right. Yes. And spoke with a vid crew about yet another instance of a Family using the system to harm the unranked. I nearly forgot that part, thank you for reminding me.”

She turned, pushing that dark river of gleaming hair over her shoulder and headed to the kitchen. The scent of her soap wafting in her wake met his nose. Light, feminine, not much like her personality at all.

“Why are you using spectacles?”

“Why aren’t you using manners?” she countered, ladling the fabulously aromatic concoction into two bowls. “Would you like some stew? It’s nothing fancy but it’s good.”

He wanted to say no but he had to speak with her and he hadn’t eaten in hours. “Thank you.”

“Hmpf.” She placed the bowls on the table in the corner of her kitchen and turned again, returning with a pitcher of juice and some bread. “Sit.”

He did, surprised by how quick he’d simply obeyed her order.

Check out more about Lauren and her books at her website http://www.laurendane.com

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

Lissa Matthews
Ashley Ladd
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Vivian Arend
Mari Carr
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Hitting the Hot Spot – Total E Bound. Check me out here.

Extraordinary People – Writing Community

Something happened the other day that got me to thinking of all the extraordinary people in my life. What is extraordinary about all of them is that they are giving without looking for anything in return, they support when needed and you can trust them with any of your secrets. I’m going to give you some insight into who they are.

The 1st of my extraordinary person came into my life through our joint love of reading. We bonded over reading and became family over time. We are there for each other through rough and good times. Have great conversations about books we read. And she listens as I tell her my ideas and vice versa. The things we have shared are so much I can’t put it all down.

Next up is someone who started as a writer I knew and became a friend to count on. No matter how weird my ideas instead of saying no way she usually says yes what comes next. We talk and listen to each other. Listening is a key component to her extraordinariness. People listen but sometimes doesn’t hear. She listens and hears. She is there no matter what.

Another person started as a writer I knew and became a friend I admire and respect. I loved her books and the first time I wrote her I was shaking. But she was so cool and blunt that I laughed and knew she was real. When I met her at RT Convention in 2008 her first words about my covers made me smile then laugh. In 2009 we chatted even more. Her wisdom and wit are great. She is gracious and I love all her series. Each time she gets a contract I dance for her in joy. And her Writerly posts give such insights.

And last of the extraordinariness for this time around is another writer I’ve spoken with online a few time but it wasn’t until I met her RT Convention in 2008 but it wasn’t until RT 2009 that I was able to get my voice and speak. That happens when you admire not just the writer but the person. She was warm, blunt and oh so real. We talked, connected and she made me believe. Believe that grace comes not from success but from the soul. At RT she teased me about my delightful accent and nails and toes looking so fierce. It was fun and a joy to get to know her. I’m looking forward to her Wyoming Wilde series.

Those are a few of the extraordinary people who have touched me. Who are some of the extraordinary people in your life?

Snippet Saturday – Scary

Today’s snippet theme is Scary. Below is one of my favorite scenes from a book that I wrote with authors Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries for our free read site called Satin Notes. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Break Every Rule…

In a glance, she took in a gagged Taggart, tied to the chair in the center of the room. He was looking at her. The dogs were all laying on the floor, spread throughout the room. Instinctively, she turned and raised her hand.

“I’ll give you some love,” a voice hissed.

Dominique looked into crazed eyes. She pulled her hand back and punched out with her fist. Her assailant took the blow and hit her arm. The sharp sting of a needle registered a second after it plunged in and the depressor pushed.

Dominique’s surprised look was met with a chilling smile. “Welcome to my party.”

A woozy feeling filled Dominique. She shook it off and jumped at her attacker, but her aim was off. The target moved, then lashed out with a fist, catching Dominique on the side of the head. She fell back, then rushed the individual again, sustaining another hit for her trouble. Dominique lashed out, grunting as her fist hit flesh. She gripped a hand, twisted, and felt the arm break. A voice shrieked, and then another blow hit her in the chest. She stumbled back, but righted herself. Her head swam. Dominique refused to give into it. She swung and hit flesh again. A kick in her leg made it buckle, and she fell onto her back. The enraged face filled her vision.

“You broke my fucking arm! You cunt!” her attacker screamed.

Dominique smiled, a nasty grin. “I’m going to break more than that, Kelin.” She laughed.

Kelin roared, then punched out. Dominique caught her fist, then decked her. Blood spurted out of her nose. Dominique laughed again. Kelin growled and lashed out with her broken hand. Dominique grabbed it and twisted. Kelin howled, then kicked her. Pain blasted through Dominique, and blackness filled her vision. Gasping, she released Kelin, struggling for consciousness and breath.

“I’m going to kill you. Kill you,” Kelin sang in a broken voice.

Dominique fought to stay awake, but it was useless. Oh God, not again. I have to protect him. The darkness claimed her.

Dominique bit back a groan as she woke. Cautiously, she kept still and tried to figure out where she was. From the feel of it, she knew she was lying on the carpeted floor. She shifted slowly and felt the bite of ropes on her wrists, tied behind her back. A hysterical voice broke the silence.

“This would never have happened, Taggart, if only you’d have noticed me. We were so good together. All those late hours working as a team. A couple. Then you had to get all wrapped up in that bitch. You didn’t pay attention to the warnings I gave you. You should have left her!” Kelin raged.

She paused, then paced. Dominique heard the drag of her shoes on the carpet.

Kelin’s tone softened and went sickly sweet. “But I know you didn’t mean it. She had you in her trap. Once she’s gone, we can be together. You, me, and the dogs. They’ll learn to like me. We’ll have to put hers to sleep, of course.”

Kelin made a humming noise. Dominique opened her eyes to slits. Kelin’s back was to her as she straddled Taggart on the chair. Kelin made the sound again.

“I want a real kiss. I’m going to take off your gag.” Kelin laughed, attempting to sound sultry.

Dominique realized Kelin was kissing Taggart. She tamped down her rage. Kelin reached up, then swore as her left hand hung uselessly at her side.

“That bitch broke my arm.” Kelin looked over her shoulder.

Dominique closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. She heard the drag of Kelin’s footsteps on the carpet. Holding still, Dominique poised herself to spring.

“He’s mine, and he’ll forget you,” Kelin spat.

Her voice sounded too far away for Dominique to take her out.

A brief pause, and then her footsteps hurried back to Taggart. “Now for that kiss.”

Dominique silted her eyes again to see her. Kelin stood to the side of Taggart as she used her right hand to take off the tape from his mouth. Blood ran down the side of Taggart’s face. He looked at Dominique, his face calm, then turned to look at Kelin.

Blogging at Romance Junkies

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Snowy Day

Snowy, Snow. Lots of white fluffy snow. I'm on my way home from day job. Should have brought some skis. LOL.

Stay warm and safe.

Blogging at Raven & Romance Studio

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Snippet Saturday – Dumped

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

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Glancing at her desk, her gaze landed on the calendar. Gasping, Amara noted the date. She hadn’t realized today was the day.

A shaft of sorrow filled her. Absently, she rubbed her hand over her heart as she wondered when the pain would fade. It had been over three years since those last hurtful words justifying his actions had been aimed at her by her fiancé Kevin.

“You’re lousy in bed and that’s why I had to get my needs filled elsewhere.” She had thrown him out as his last insult was hurled. “No man wants to get frostbite in bed. Call me when you melt.”

At that moment, with all her contempt, she had wished him dead. She had hated him with every fiber of her being.

“Amara, are you okay?” Jacques asked with concern in his voice.

Pushing back the memories, she nodded and glanced up at him, smiling. She didn’t think it was very convincing but he watched her a moment before returning his attention back to the sheaf of papers.

Holding herself very still she tried to stop the memories, but they overwhelmed her. Hours after their last words, when the police came to tell her of his death, she hadn’t wanted to believe. They said the crash had happened less than two miles from her house. Since he had no family and she was listed as his next of kin, she had gone to the morgue to identify him. The sight of his lifeless body made all the pain and self-doubt rush to consume her. She had pushed it aside to plan his burial.

At his funeral, which she paid for, she learned the truth of his duplicity. A woman approached her, spraying venomously that Amara had killed him with her selfishness. Amara had no idea what she meant. She had thought Kevin was happy, that they were in love. The woman pulled a little boy forward who was the exact image of Kevin, and proceeded to tell the child to study the woman who’d killed his and his unborn sister’s daddy. A glance at the little boy, who appeared to be no more than three years old, and the sight of the woman’s enlarged belly made Amara realized that Kevin had been cheating a long time. Maybe Kevin had been right, she had driven him to cheat. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known.

The whispers and titters around the room had increased as the woman’s ranting escalated. Amara had been too numb to even think or move. Dominique Rule, her friend, led her away to a private room. Imani, her sister, joined them and tried to help console her. The room quickly filled with friends, old family friends and various Trescott Cove residents that she knew, who wanted to know if she was okay. Her other friends Sienna Zain and Hunter Willis quickly came and cleared the room of all the people who cared but at that point were too much to take. She didn’t need their concern or pitying glances. The incident had killed whatever love she’d had for Kevin and the guilt she felt.

Coming back to the present, Amara watched Jacques engrossed in the contracts he was reading. Something had always held her back from real fulfillment or entanglements and she never realized what it was, at least until now. Silently she admitted she still hadn’t fully gotten over what Kevin had said about her. She had tried one-night stands and they had only left her empty. It had been over a year since she had been with a man and hadn’t had any serious connections since Kevin.

You should leave well enough alone. You’re successful, have a great home and are happy with your life as it is, Amara thought.

Happy? Are you really happy? her inner voice asked.

Amara jumped when Jacques spoke.

“Thanks for all your work on this.” Jacques signed the papers and stood.

Pushing aside the thoughts, she focused on business. Standing quickly, she put out her hand. Jacques accepted it in a firm grip. Goosebumps raised along her skin. Biting her lip, she cursed her attraction to him.

Jacques spoke again. “Sampson was correct about your discretion ... and tenacity.”

Pleased with his compliment, Amara came around her desk to escort him out. “Thank you. Congratulations on acquiring Tevron Corp. I’ll forward the copies to you at Falcone International in Milan and give Sampson the original when he returns.” At the door, she waited for him to step through and leave.

Jacques stopped and studied her, an unfathomable expression on his face. “Amara, I want to give you a gift for all of your hard work. What do you want?”

The words tumbled out before she could even think about them. “I want you naked on a chair and ready to do whatever I want.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

Lissa Matthews
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Eliza Gayle
Vivian Arend
Mari Carr
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro

Think before you speak/post

Silence is a powerful tool. Not everything you say needs to be said or shared with the world. The need to know in this case is a need to not know. There are times when it is best to keep things to yourself. Think before you speak or post. I cringe when I hear people discussing things that go into the TMI- Too Much Information - territory.

I read something today which fell in the TMI territory. And this is not the first time this person has shared too much or said something that was not cool.

They need to learn and obey the saying ‘silence is golden’. Sigh. Somehow with their history I don’t see that happening.

Thinking Zone

Another of my favorite things to do when I am trying to decide something is to think. I again go to one of my spots I like to use to think - my living room. My loveseat in my living room to be exact. I use my couch to daydream and my loveseat to think. 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 loveseat. I spread my blanket over me and lay my head back. My body relaxes as the music plays and the calm overcomes me. After a few moments I am in the thinking zone.

As I sit there my thoughts turn to what I have to think about. I’ve made lots of important decisions during my thinking zone moments. Both personal and professionally. I work through the pros and cons of whatever decision I am trying to make. According to the decisions it may take a few times in my thinking zone for me to make a decision or choice.

A few weeks ago I had a difficult decision to make and spent over a week in my thinking zone before I reached a decision. Now that the decision is made I feel much better and have a clearer mind what I need to do. It will be sometime before I know what will happen from my decision but no matter what I am good with it.