Happy Thanksgiving 2013!

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing everyone who celebrates it lots of fun, eats and moments to remember! For those who don't celebrate it - I hope you have a wonderful Thursday.

Enjoy time with your friends and family!!

Between the Covers - Perfect Fit

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Perfect Fit (Singleton, Book # 2). Enjoy.

Regina put down her cup and stood. She strolled towards him, moving with an innate rhythm he’d always found so intoxicating. She stepped into him, pressing close. Automatically, he placed his hands on her hips.

“Had a nice sleep, Spencer.”

Although it wasn’t a question, he answered. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “It was very restful.”

“I bet.” She studied him, then smiled. “After the show you had.”

Spencer flushed with need. “You knew I was there,” he accused.

“Yes.” Regina straightened his tie. “You said no sex, but nothing about seduction.” She patted his chest. “I like that. I’m good at it.” She rocked against him.

Spencer groaned as she moved on his erection. “Behave, Reggie.”

“You forgot ‘mis’. I’m going to behave, all right. Misbehave. I want you back in my life all the way. Not this partial way with all these rules.” Regina moved her hips again and placed her face close to his, whispering almost on his lips, “Holding out for some belief of being comfortable together is a moot point. I’ve been comfortable with you from the time we met. And even if you deny it, so have you.” She placed her palm flat on his chest, over his heart. “I know your heart and soul. And most assuredly, your body. I know what makes you shiver.”

Spencer shivered.

“What makes you groan just so.” She widened her legs and rotated.

Spencer groaned, shaking.

“And that you belong to me.” Regina grabbed his hair holding him still, her green gaze fierce. “Mine, Spence.”

She slid her hand into his hair, held him firmly and kissed him. Spencer opened wide, moaning. Regina pushed her tongue into his mouth, moving along his, stroking. Spencer gripped her hips, cupping her ass and pulling her against him. He returned her kiss with equal hunger, grunting as she rocked against him. Spencer shuddered, about ready to come in his pants. Regina wrenched away, pulling out of his hold and he stepped forward to get her back.

“Whoa, there.” She put her hand on his chest. “I made my first move. Now it’s your turn to decide what you truly want.” She stepped back, grabbed her purse and briefcase off the stool from by the kitchen island then headed past him. She touched his ass as she did, then said by his ear, “I’m looking forward to our pillow buying excursion.”

Regina chuckled as she left the room. In moments, he heard the front door close. Spencer went to the island and sat, putting his hand on the counter, then under his chin. He slumped forward.

“Damn. I really am screwed.” Spencer rubbed his hands over his eyes then lowered it as he thought of her parting words. The pillow shopping was going to be hell. Not the buying, but what came with it after.

“So screwed.” Spencer rose and went to the door to go to work.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2013.
All Rights Reserved.

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November 2013 – Newsletter

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Ink Motions with Ayla Ruse

 

Interview with Ayla Ruse

Bio:

I love romance in any form and have all my life. I’ve always written—from the indulgent teen-age poetry to the scandalous, anonymous notes to my secret crush, but it wasn’t until I’d been married with kids that I finally took the scary plunge and submitted my work for publication. Now that I’m here, I can’t imagine doing anything else!

I love to hear from and chat with just about anyone, and I can be contacted in any of the following ways:

Website:  http://www.aylaruse.com

Blog:  http://aylaruse.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ayla.ruse

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AylaRuse

 

When or what made you decide to become an author?

I’ve always wanted to be an author. My grandfather wrote and his storytelling influenced me greatly.

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

For Five Courses, it was by watching the Food Network Channel and other cooking shows. Some chefs are sexy as hell, and it aroused my imagination to put a couple chefs—who are naturally dominating anyway—against a woman who tests their rules.

 

What is the inspiration you use?

If you look up “hot chefs,” or something similar, you’ll get pages of inspiration.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

I don’t use outlines or notes, but I have to ponder the story for a few days and work out what I want first. Then I’ll sit down and just write.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

Unfortunately, no one in particular. If I become blocked, I tend to shuck the writing and read a few days. Reading authors I love will tend to get me back on the wagon.

 

Walk me though the way you create a novel from conception to completion.

Oh, boy. Okay. First I think on it. Then I start writing. As I write, I don’t edit much, I just let it flow. I don’t write in chapters, either. I write in scenes. Keeping the end in mind, I write to that end. When I’m done, I’ll start at page one and work out the kinks at that point. It’s not unusual for me to completely rewrite scenes when I do this. I have a friend who laughs at how much extra work I put into doing it this way, and she’s right, but this method works for me.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I write mostly novellas at this point, but in total I have (or will shortly have including wip’s) 19.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about their writing that captures your soul?

There’s no one person or author I can excitedly point a finger to, but it seems I become most soothed and inspired when I read historical romances. I think, because this was my intro into romance, it’s like that comfy blanket you can’t let go.

 

What is your current work in progress and how did get the idea for the Work?

I’m about to start an erotic pirate romance. I’ve always wanted to write a pirate tale, so I’m glad I’m finally making the time to write one.

 

Describe the major conflict between the hero and heroine in your novel?

In Five Courses, the major conflict is when Melissa breaks the kitchen rules of chefs Trent and Mike. Her scandalous betrayal lead the men to discipline her in very erotic ways.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Just this: Write. No matter what, no matter when, no matter where. I wasted a lot of time in my single life thinking petty things like I don’t have the right computer or the right space or enough free time because this club is calling my name. Well, I’m doing it now with three kids, a husband, and taking care of my parents. And pets. And homeschooling. My desk is atrocious, my computer is old, and free time is a fantasy. But I love it! So would-be-writers out there—No Excuses!!

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?

Hahaha! I love that. Um, yes. I do have a few tucked away. Some complete and some not. The bones are pretty good on these old tries, so I keep them around with the hope that one day I’ll resurrect them with better polish.

 

What is a good villain?

A sexy one is a villain not because s/he gets off on evil for evil’s sake, but because they’ve been forced into villainy with the hope of redemption. But then, that kind of defeats the purpose of villainy, doesn’t it. If that’s the case, there is no “good” villain. If, on the other hand, you mean good as in bad, then it would be a person who has no conscious whatsoever.

 

Are there any last comments you may want to include?

Thank you, I’ve had a great time!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Below is a snippet from Five Courses.

 

Paying the price for breaking the rules has never been so delicious.

 

Trent and Mike rule their kitchen like they do their subs—with firm command and guiding strokes. Only they haven't enjoyed a sub in months, not since Melissa moved in with them. She's getting over a broken heart and seems so fragile that they don't want to scare her away.

 

When the men come home from their club early one night, they catch her breaking just about every rule they have in their kitchen. Now the gloves are off.

 

Melissa, trembling under their gaze, is given ten seconds to decide her fate—she can walk away and lose any hope of growing her relationship with these men, or she can stay and submit to their creative punishment for her misdeeds…
Excerpt: 
Mike sank onto the couch with an audible sigh.

“Nothing catching your eye tonight, either?” Trent asked.

 

Mike turned his head and studied his best friend and business partner. He didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.

They both suffered from the same problem. Wanting a woman they couldn’t have.

 

The music pumped loud through their favorite club, the lights dim except for the stations. Mike crossed his arms over his chest and watched one sub being spanked, another being flogged and still another kneeling before her Dom.

 

“This sucks,” Trent commented without heat. “I’ve never had it this bad for a woman. I look around and all I see is Melissa.”

 

Mike nodded his head in agreement. “I don’t know whether to thank you or punch you for talking me into having her rent the middle loft.”

 

“I didn’t have to talk you into shit, Mike. She had nowhere to go. You would have offered her the loft by the end of that night if I hadn’t mentioned it first.”

 

Mike grunted at the truth in Trent’s words. That impulsive decision to give temporary aid to a woman in need had led to their four-story building being infused with the sights, sounds and scents of a woman they couldn’t touch. Amend that—wouldn’t touch. In the months she’d been living with them, she’d shown herself to be trustworthy, fun, spontaneous, dependable and of course, sexy as hell. Even when she raided the industrial-size refrigerator in the middle of the night sporting that ratty-ass robe of hers that covered every inch of skin, all he wanted to do was strip it off and feast on her delectable body.

 

Mike set his hands on his thighs. He liked control. Savored it. Commanded it. But the constant thoughts of the woman out of their reach made him antsy, which irritated him to no end.

 

Trent interrupted Mike’s thoughts. “She seemed happy to see us go tonight. Makes me wonder what she’s up to?”

 

Mike sat back. “Shit, Trent, we have it bad. As far as Melissa, she’s no doubt fast asleep.”

 

“I wonder if she ever dreams of us?”

 

Mike laughed. “Okay, I think you have it worse than me. When has she ever given any indication that she’s attracted to us? Not only that, she seems too vanilla. Remember the asshole she was engaged to? That was the kind of man who wants a quick fuck on Wednesday night from the wife, but gets nasty with any hooker he can find on the weekends.”

 

Trent scrubbed his face, calling Mike’s attention to him once more. “Fuck, Mike. This isn’t working tonight. I know it’s early, but I’m ready to head home.”

 

Mike agreed and followed Trent outside. The cool air felt good as they made their way to the car.

 

“There’s the Crewson job coming up next week,” Mike commented, forcing his mind away from Melissa.

“When we get home, I think I’ll work on those new crêpes.”

 

“Sounds good. I’ll probably whip up a batch of gelato. It’ll take my mind off Melissa.”

 

Mike chuckled. “Do you think she knows?”

 

“What? That we’re Doms?”

 

“Yeah. She’s submissive through and through, yet she sees us as nothing more than a couple of roommates.”

 

“I know. But then we’ve never put her in a position to force her submissive side, have we?”

 

Mike shook his head. “No.” He tapped his foot and looked up to Trent, adding, “It’d be sweet, wouldn’t it?”

 

They shared a smile before they climbed into the car to make the long drive back to their building.

 
Tuck it away, Mike, he told himself, almost like a mantra, preparing to go home to a woman they couldn’t touch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can pick up Five Courses at:

Totally Bound

All Romance eBooks

Amazon

 

Blogging at C.A. Szarek’s

I'm also blogging at C.A. Szarek’s. Check me out here.

Ink Motions with Angel Payne

 

Interview with Author Angel Payne

 

When or what made you decide to become an author?  The desire to read great stories has always been like breathing to me. When I was a kid, it was Nancy Drew and the Babysitter’s Club. My tween years were filled with Danielle Steel (yeah, I matured fast) and Judy Blume. But the moment I absolutely KNEW I wanted to write was when I finished the 4^th book in Jude Deveraux’s Velvet series. I was so floored by the experience of following all those characters…and so bummed it was over! I remember distinctly saying to myself, “I want to make people feel like this!”

 

How do you get an idea for your novel? I try to let the stories stem from the characters themselves but it’s hard because I really love big plots and dramatic ideas. But in general, I ask one big question and that is, “What is going to push these people to their limits? What experience is going to be their crucible?” For instance, when I started writing Ethan Archer’s story, I knew that he was a guy who didn’t like a lot of flash or drama, or people that only valued him for his pretty face. Where in the world would he be most uncomfortable? Hollywood was really a perfect answer.

 

What is the inspiration you use?  I get inspiration from so many places. Conversations with friends, great movies or TV shows I see, songs that move me…ultimately, it’s about feeding my creative beast, and that comes from a billion sources.

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes? I ALWAYS start with the characters. I sit down and find a physical model for them, then have them start to talk to me about what their past was like, how their life experiences have shaped them, and what kind of a person they are now. From there, I develop a “skeleton” of the plot but beyond that, I “pants it” on the rest. I’ve tried plotting every single twist and turn in the book, but I found it never worked because inevitably, the characters speak up and change the plan, anyhow. THEY’RE the ones in charge of ultimately knowing where the story is going to be its best.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?  I either exercise or do housework to “unclog the pipes.” I’m rarely blocked about plot or characters, though sometimes execution on the ideas is harder for me to put into place. Being active with my body in some way works to clear the cobwebs out.

 

Walk me though the way you create a novel from conception to completion.  I usually have the characters first. Once I start to think of them, I think about the themes behind their life stories, and how all that is going to fit into a romance story. There are particular romance “classics” I like to go to, and character types that attract me more than others, so I also try to think about how I’m going to switch it and be fresh with this particular book. After general ideas, themes, and major plot turns are settled, I dive in and try to get the first 5 – 7 chapters done, to see where the book is going and how the dynamic between the characters is flowing. If all looks good, then I send it off to my beta readers, who give me more feedback. Unless there’s something hugely wrong with the plot, I have a tendency to do minor edits ONLY here, and just plunge on to get through the middle third of the book, which is always the toughest for me. At about the two-thirds mark, I go back and re-read the manuscript, making edits and tightening prose as I go. (I really have a tendency to overwrite!) Once the first draft is totally done, it’s off to my beta readers again, as well as my paid editors for their “fine-toothed combs” and any major feedback on how to improve the plot or characters. By this point, I’ve personally been through the manuscript to tighten the prose, fix grammatical errors and spelling snafus. If my editors have given major revision notes, I do those at this time. Then it’s on to one last, intensive drive through the book. I’m freakish about making the manuscript as “right and tight” as I can.

 

What is the type of voice you use and why?  It’s a bit edgy, I guess. I’m a huge pop culture fan so some references do sink in. And I guess, in writing guys who deal with dangerous situations on a regular basis, I tend to think that would lend them to using humor as an antidote. Most of my W.I.L.D. Boys are pretty sarcastic.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?  Wow! Good question! Ummm, okay, so 6 books that will NEVER see the light of day (because they suck major ass…seriously), 5 historicals from the mid-1990’s, and then 8 books in erotic romance, which are comprised of the 3 Kinky Truth series stories, 3 W.I.L.D. Boys books that have been published, and the 2 I have on deck now.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about their writing that captures your soul?  J.R. Ward and Shayla Black. With Ward, it’s simply the INCREDIBLE talent she has of making you laugh and cry in the same scenes. Her men are so noble and yet SO sexy, over-the-top male worthiness. And her ability to weave perfect dialogue rhythms blows me away. But most significantly, she weaves universal truths into romances, and blows you away with her spiritual insights. Shayla writes incredible characters on both sides of the coin, male and female. She takes the themes of her books to such wonderful places, and literally has you DYING to know what’s going to happen in the next book. She an inspiration to me, personally and professionally.

 

What is your favorite plot line type?  Something that provides a good mix of external and internal conflict. I love big ideas and big settings—but it has to have that emotional, gut-wrenching twist, as well. A great example I can think of is the big battle scene from the last Twilight movie. Anyone who’s seen that would agree. I didn’t expect it at all, and it just wrenched me. I love that feeling, and hope I get to write moments like that in my own work.

 

What is your current work in progress and how did get the idea for the Work? I’m madly tapping away on a December release called “A W.I.L.D.er Wonderland: Sexy Stories for the Season.” It’s a compilation of 4 short stories that update the readers of the series about where the WILD guys and their women are now. I thought of the idea after receiving so much mail about people asking follow-up questions about the characters. I promise there’s going to be LOTS of steamy parts!! And possibly a few other “developments.” *Grins.*

 

Describe the major conflict between the hero and heroine in your novel? The newest book in my W.I.L.D. Boys series is about Ethan Archer and Ava Chestain. They shared a pretty hot kiss in the final act of the previous book in the series, Handcuffed By Her Hero. Well, Ethan hasn’t been able to forget that kiss, and he’s journeyed to Los Angeles to find Ava, to ask her directly why she’s ignored him in the months since then. Just when they seem to be reconnecting again, a terrorist plot to decimate the west coast intervenes. Oh yeah…THAT. LOL!

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write? Write every day, without fail. It can be a little or a lot but you MUST stretch that muscle. Give birth to your “baby” but then let it get beat up. Critiques are your avenue to getting better. And above all, never give up. Never give up. NEVER GIVE UP.

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?  Oh dear lord, of COURSE! I have a completed urban fantasy called “Storm” that’s a mash-up of The Avengers and Twilight, but it’s just a mess in terms of form and execution. I also have a really cool project, sort of a book of my soul, called “Inside Me.” It’s a VERY sexy biothriller/romance about a pheromones project gone really wrong. I casted Channing and Jenna Tatum as the “physical inspirations” for the leads, and was loving writing it, but a lot of people said it was a bit too weird for the market. That’s the one book I’d LOVE to get out there. That story haunts me…

 

What is a good villain?  To put it succinctly: a well-motivated one. You need to know your bad guy as well as your good guy. They have to believe passionately in what they’re doing, be it a holy cause, or greed, or revenge, or even love. One of the coolest characters I’ve ever written is a woman named Luna Lawrence. She began as being in league with the bad guys, but her motivation, at least in her mind, was for love. Her character’s arc has taken her on a journey to realize what love really is, and I so love how she has grown, especially in Surrendering To Her Sergeant.

 

Are there any last comments you may want to include?  Just a huge THANK YOU to Taige for having me here, and to everyone who has supported the W.I.L.D. Boys so far. It’s beyond incredible to connect with so many readers, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to channel stories of nobility, courage, love and passion to the pages. Truly, I feel blessed!

 





 

Surrendering to Her Sergeant

Corporal Ethan Archer has just earned his sergeant's stripes, and a trip to the fun and sun of LA is just the celebration that the guys on his Special Forces team have deemed the perfect celebration. Ethan has ulterior motives for agreeing so readily to the vacation. He can't forget a magical hour in a North Cascades forest last winter, shared with an indigo-eyed goddess named Ava Chestain, who now calls LA her home.

Ava is a makeup artist for Bella Lanza, star of the wildly-successful nighttime drama Dress Blues. When Ethan and his buddies finagle a visit to the set, his reunion with Ava melts the months away—but their time is cut short by Bella, who’s determined to rekindle her own naughty past with Ethan. His efforts to push Bella off are thwarted when the unit is called to secretly cut their vacation short in the name of assisting the CIA on a harrowing plot to destroy the West Coast. Part of the plan? Someone has to get closer to Bella--and Ethan's the logical choice.

Though Ethan risks his career by telling Ava about the plot, her trust is an impossible gift to earn. Her passion is a different story. As his willing submissive, Ava gives him the fire his body craves...and the surrender his soul needs. She's a dream come true--until the cuffs come off and the sun comes up.

As Ava gives Ethan more nights with her body, it becomes harder to keep hiding her heart from his touch, too. Every time she drops at his feet, she finds herself tumbling for him in deeper, more disconcerting ways. Bella's interference intensifies her struggle against past demons, and the man who stirs them so.

When a terrifying turn of events escalates the terrorists’ plan into full reality, Ethan must make decisions that will either kill or save them all--and his plan includes the necessity of Ava's trust. Can surrender to him with everything she is--including what could be her last breath?

BUY: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance eBooks, Smashwords

 

Here’s a little sampling from my newest book, Surrendering To Her Sergeant. Hope you enjoy!

 

“Oh, yeah! Hollyweird, here we come!”

Zeke chuckled, accepting Rhett’s happy offer to knock bottle necks. Franzen and Garrett joined the toast. When the four of them swung expectant stares at Ethan, he somehow got his muscles to function at returning the chink. The action validated his new belief in miracles. How he functioned at all, considering how every blood cell in his body hit a red light at the same time, had to be divine intervention at work.

“Shit, Runway,” Garrett drawled. “don’t let all the excitement eat you up at once, okay?”

Zeke released a knowing snort. “Oh, he’s excited.”

Garrett seconded the laugh. “Figured your mention of a certain cousin might do it.”

Rhett grinned. “You mean the one he tackled into a pile of poof before Hawk’s wedding, thinking she was Hezbollah in heels? Or the one who did a personal GPS trek in lipstick across his face? Oh, wait. That was the same cousin, wasn’t it?”

“Goddamnit,” Franz snapped. “I missed all the good shit, didn’t I?”

“Not all of it.” Garrett scowled. “We finally got the vows in but Sage isn’t settling for the courthouse thing. Soon as the baby’s born, she swears she’s slimming down for the big dress and the Hollywood wedding production again. She wants to go ‘Nouveau Renaissance’ this time.”

“Oh, hell.” Zeke laughed his way around another swig. “Are goldenrod napkins involved again?”

“Not sure. But I told her if I’m wearing pants that button at my knee, I’d better damn well get a sword, too.”

The banter was background buzz in Ethan’s mind. For the chance to see Ava again, he’d hop on a plane to goddamn Antarctica. Okay, Rhett was right; they’d first met because he’d let paranoia into the party and body-slammed her into a mound of wedding fabric—but even that had been perfect. No stupid pretenses. No feigned interest behind a social handshake. Just their gazes, meshed with honesty, awareness…connection. Every breath tangled. Every touch a tiny fire. Every second a new beginning. It was the core of what he craved from being a Dominant—hell, what he was searching for in life­—yet seemed his personal Atlantis, a lost nirvana never to be realized.

Until Ava.

Fuck.

He took a long gulp of his beer, medicating his frustration. Summoning the memories back only reconfirmed that everything he’d felt seven months ago was so damn real. And damn it, those kinds of sensations weren’t possible without return ammo. Like the way she’d lingered near him even after he’d pulled her upright from his tackle. The way her eyes danced like the rarest, darkest sapphires when she’d invited him into the forest for those flowers. The way she’d followed him through the trees then begged him to grip her harder when he pinned her against one of them…

None of it added up to the way her radio had gone dark on him since. After Garrett and Sage’s wedding had gone down in a blaze of disaster, including Zeke being zapped with a neurotoxin and Rayna getting carried off by a psychopath with a huge ax to grind, Ava stayed long enough to be sure that Ray was officially out of harm’s way then headed straight for the airport, telling everyone she’d been summoned back to Hollywood by her whack-a-diva of a boss. He hadn’t bought the line for a second. Said diva had only been in the third week of recovery from an extensive nose and lip job. He doubted Bella Lanza was conscious enough to dial the phone let alone capable of a text or email. Ava had fled Seattle for another reason. In the following weeks, the crickets that greeted his calls and texts were ample proof of that reason.

Would seeing her again explain anything? Prove anything?

At first, the hollow walls of his beer bottle were the only response he got. But suddenly, something replaced that fucking uselessness—something besides the anger, the exasperation, the loss. Resolve. It started in the core of his chest but spread out fast, making his extremities flex and his spine straighten. Once it got to his mind, it met up with a new friend: the Dom deep inside who now issued a surprising update. He hadn’t given up on the goddess in the forest. He hadn’t white-flagged it on a second of the desire in her eyes, the need in her kiss, the urgency in her voice when she’d begged him to pin her down harder. He hadn’t let go of the hope that she wanted more from him…had more to give him in return.

And he wasn’t giving up unless she told him to. With her own lips. Standing face-to-face with him.

He grinned. Somehow he found that harder to envision than their Hummer turning into a Lamborghini.

And once he had Ava in front of him again, he’d get to the truth—even the naked version, if she forced his hand—of why she’d decided to go AWOL on him after what they’d shared in that Washington forest.

 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

All Romance eBooks

Smashwords

Angel Payne is a book lover, hopeless romantic, pop culture geek, shoe addict, coffee-aholic, and occasional vinophile, too. She's been hooked on books since childhood but it got even worse in her twenties, when she discovered romances—the hotter, the better. Her path toward erotic romance novelist took a few detours via a concert-reviewing gig for her college newspaper, artist interviews for a Beverly Hills dance music mag, and a very, very bad try at a Young Adult novel. These days, she lives in California on a street that looks like Brigadoon, with her amazing husband, beautiful daughter and a terribly crazy dog. She has the best life ever, and never forgets to thank the Big Guy Upstairs for it.

 

How to contact Angel:

 

Webbie Thingie: www.angelpayne.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelpaynewrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelPayneWrtr
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/angelwrites/

 

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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Power of Enticement – Cover Art

Cover art for Power of Enticement (Blackstone Haven, Book #3). There are 2 covers for the book - a US version and a UK version. I love them both. Power of Enticement (Blackstone Haven, Book #3) will be released on January 10, 2014 at Totally Bound.

US Version

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK Version

Ink Motions with Kerry Adrienne

 

 

 

 

Ink Motions - Interview with Kerry Adrienne 

 

How do you get an idea for your novel?

I’ve always loved Ancient Greece and Rome and minored in Classical Studies. It seemed natural to set a novella in Ancient Greece and since theater was all-male, it felt like the perfect place to set a m/m romance.

 

 

What is your writing style?  Do you just sit down and write or do you create character sketches, outlines, or notes?

A little of both. I usually have the general plot and the characters in my head before I start. Then, I sit and write until I feel the need to outline the plot points. Oh, and it seems I am always researching.

 

Who is the "Writing Muse" in your life? I.E. who gets your juices flowing when you are blocked?

Haha that is easy—Green Day or Marilyn Manson.

 

How many novels have you written including all work in progresses you are currently working on?

I have nine contracted books (3 are not yet written), and another novel that I am editing before I send to my agent.

 

Who is your "writing idol"? I.E. Who do you like and what is it about there writing that captures your soul?

Wow, that is a difficult one because there isn’t just one. Of authors that are dead, I would say Keats, Poe, and Steinbeck. All of them were magical wordsmiths.

 

What is you favorite plot line type?

I love romance where one or both of the main characters is emotionally wounded and learns to love again.

 

Is there any advice you can offer to anyone who would like to write?

Nothing will write itself. Unless you commit to butt-in-chair time, you won’t write. Writing is work. Sure, it is fun work—but it takes a great deal of discipline in addition to craft and creativity.

 

What is a good villain?

A good villain is someone who is multi-dimensional. Someone who has a past, and a reason (at least to him/her) for motivation. Someone who the reader can empathize with—at least a tiny bit. Someone who is human and makes mistakes.

 

 

Kallistos, a shy playwright, has been chosen to compete at the Great Dionysia festival in Athens. His plays are strong, but he faces Sophocles, the man who has won almost every contest. Kallistos, the beautiful one, has eschewed intimacy—yet the dark Alexios pierces his armor with philosophies he’s never considered, and he falls hard.
Alexios, a shepherd, aspires to be an actor in Athens. His trip plunges him into a plot of deceit and lies when Sophocles hires him to sabotage his competition. Sophocles promises money and a part on stage—but challenges Alexios’ beliefs and honor.

 

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 Ellora's Cave

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An Excerpt From: BEAUTIFUL ONE

Copyright © KERRY ADRIENNE, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Alexios watched Kallistos fill his wine cup. By the gods, the man was gorgeous. In the lamplight, his body gleamed like spun gold and his light hair sparkled as if it was wet with dew. His simple tunic clung to him, its belt cinching his narrow waist. Spending time with the beautiful one would be a delight, not work. And he wouldn’t have to work at finding the pleasures that body had to offer, given the chance. What harm would come if he added a little enjoyment to the job?

A large man stepped in front of him, blocking his sight of Kallistos and Alexios moved so he could keep his view. He had to approach the beautiful one soon—and hopefully talk with him. The man acted almost anti-social. Too beautiful to be so reserved.

He followed Kallistos onto the darker streets away from the square where the noise lessened and the crowd thinned to very few. In the distance, fires twinkled on the Acropolis like tiny sparks of stars, fizzing and bursting. The Parthenon, though it had only stood for a short time, crowned the Acropolis like a golden diadem and light radiated from behind its columns. Athena smiled down from her position of guardian, high above the city.

Alexios sighed. Athens was magical. Sure, the land where he tended sheep was charming with its rusticity, but Athens held an enchantment that was unparalleled. To live in the city, attend its parties and act on its stages would be a life’s dream. He quickened his pace to catch Kallistos.

“Kallistos. Wait,” he called.

Kallistos stopped and turned. “Who calls my name?”

“An admirer.”

“Step into the lamplight.”

Alexios’ stomach trembled at the tenor of Kallistos’ voice. Was everything about the man beautiful? He stepped out of the shadows into the half-light of the street.

“What do you want?” Kallistos asked. He held his wine cup steady and looked away. “I’m too tired to entertain.”

The way Kallistos dipped his head in slight embarrassment, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke, warmed Alexios from the inside out. “Begging your forgiveness,” he said, “but I wanted to talk to the playwright Kallistos and maybe share wine. It would be an honor.”

Kallistos paused for a moment before speaking, digging his sandal toe against the dirt road. Would he yell or rebuff the intrusion? He brought his wine to his lips, tipping the cup high. The muscles in his neck clenched as the wine went down his throat. Alexios silently gulped. Maybe this wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought.

“You have me at a disadvantage,” Kallistos said, lowering the empty cup. “You know my name, but you’ve not told me yours.”

He moved closer and the air seemed to grow thicker with heat—Kallistos’ heat. Alexios coughed. “I’m Alexios.”

“Alexios,” Kallistos repeated. The name rolled off his tongue like a silken promise.

“I’ve come to Athens for the festival and I heard about your plays.” The words stumbled out, and Alexios shifted. Since when did a man make him quiver without a touch?

Kallistos frowned. “What have you heard?”

“I’ve heard your participation in Great Dionysia will rival Sophocles.”

“I am thrilled to accept the challenge.”

“Your wife and children must be proud.” Was his attempt to gather information too bold?

“I have no wife, nor wish to find one. My plays are my lovers.” Kallistos looked up toward the moon and fiddled with his wine cup. “I have to go. But I’d like to see you again, Alexios. Perhaps we can discuss philosophy over some finer wine.” He smiled and briefly made eye contact.

Alexios fought the shudder that racked his body. “I’d like that. It isn’t every day a shepherd shares philosophy with a famous playwright.”

“I’m not famous, but I’ll count you among my fans, shepherd.”

“Do so.”

Kallistos met his gaze for a few longer moments before looking down. “Until another day, then.” Kallistos turned to leave.

“Wait!” Alexios grabbed him by the arm.

Kallistos gasped, his eyes wide in the soft moonlight.

Alexios trailed his hand down Kallistos’ bare arm, feeling the soft blond hairs under his fingertips. He gulped as heat shot straight to his groin. “May the gods, if they exist, shine favor on you.”

Kallistos shivered and Alexios’ stomach tightened.

“And may Dionysus himself guide your travels tonight,” Kallistos said. He lingered for a moment, then slipped out of Alexios’ reach and walked off toward the residential area of Athens.

Alexios stood still on the darkened street, watching. His breath caught at the thought of what might have happened if he had pulled Kallistos closer into an embrace. Had the beautiful one been offering himself? He shook his head. Surely, he was not. He was only being kind. A stiff wind whipped through the street and Alexios held his fluttering tunic against his body. He had to keep focused on his job. He hadn’t been hired to befriend Kallistos, or even take him as a lover, though that would be a welcome addition to the plan. No, he had to stay focused. He had to destroy Kallistos’ chances of winning the festival.

Bio

Kerry is working toward her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University. She has extensive freelance editing experience, and teaches various fiction writing classes at a local college. She is currently a part-time Senior Editor at Decadent Publishing.

In addition to editing, Kerry writes and reads science fiction, romantic fantasy, and paranormal romance and has published several novellas and a novel. She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/KerryAdrienne/216668511686869

www.kerryadrienne.com

https://twitter.com/kerryadrienne

Perfect Fit – Out Now

Perfect Fit…Buy here.

Perfect Fit – Available Now

Perfect Fit
By: Taige Crenshaw
Total-E-Bound
Available Now
ISBN #: 978-1-78184-812-8
Series: Singleton, Book # 2
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book
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When your love for someone is tested, how do you get beyond the silence and pain to get back to what made you become an us…

Regina Jacobs, after a busy day, gets home to the empty house she used to share with her husband. The sight of the divorce papers waiting for her devastates her. She loves her husband, and although they have not lived together for a while, or really talked, she thought they could work it out. She pushes off the hurt and embraces the fury. She would not give up her ‘us’ without a fight. Determined to reclaim the man who she has known was hers from the time she was a teenager, Regina seeks out her husband—the man who knows her heart, soul, and body, lighting each equally aflame.

Spencer Jacobs knows he is doing the right thing, taking the step of filing for divorce. It is painful, but he knows it is necessary. He loves Regina, but sometimes love is not enough. When Regina comes to him after receiving the papers, Spencer doesn’t know what to make of her words that he was giving up so easily on them. He’s fought already for them, but is bruised and battered from the loss of the woman who makes him forget all else but being hers. It will take everything he has to return, and this time he knows failure means the end.

Can two people who have let the silence between them linger too long find each other again? It’s going to take opening wounds that led to the silence and getting back to their basic belief in each other, to rebuilding what has been broken. For these two, there is no one else that matches them. Together, they are the other half to a .…Perfect Fit.

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Perfect Fit – Teaser 2

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Perfect Fit – Teaser 1

Perfect Fit…Pre-Order here.



 

 

Perfect Fit – Teaser

Perfect Fit…Pre-Order here.

Between the Covers - Perfect Fit

Today's Between the Covers is an excerpt from my book.

Here is a excerpt from Perfect Fit (Singleton, Book # 2) which will be released by Total-E-Bound tomorrow - November 8, 2013. Enjoy.
Regina put down her cup and stood. She strolled towards him, moving with an innate rhythm he’d always found so intoxicating. She stepped into him, pressing close. Automatically, he placed his hands on her hips.

“Had a nice sleep, Spencer.”

Although it wasn’t a question, he answered. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “It was very restful.”

“I bet.” She studied him, then smiled. “After the show you had.”

Spencer flushed with need. “You knew I was there,” he accused.

“Yes.” Regina straightened his tie. “You said no sex, but nothing about seduction.” She patted his chest. “I like that. I’m good at it.” She rocked against him.

Spencer groaned as she moved on his erection. “Behave, Reggie.”

“You forgot ‘mis’. I’m going to behave, all right. Misbehave. I want you back in my life all the way. Not this partial way with all these rules.” Regina moved her hips again and placed her face close to his, whispering almost on his lips, “Holding out for some belief of being comfortable together is a moot point. I’ve been comfortable with you from the time we met. And even if you deny it, so have you.” She placed her palm flat on his chest, over his heart. “I know your heart and soul. And most assuredly, your body. I know what makes you shiver.”

Spencer shivered.

“What makes you groan just so.” She widened her legs and rotated.

Spencer groaned, shaking.

“And that you belong to me.” Regina grabbed his hair holding him still, her green gaze fierce. “Mine, Spence.”

She slid her hand into his hair, held him firmly and kissed him. Spencer opened wide, moaning. Regina pushed her tongue into his mouth, moving along his, stroking. Spencer gripped her hips, cupping her ass and pulling her against him. He returned her kiss with equal hunger, grunting as she rocked against him. Spencer shuddered, about ready to come in his pants. Regina wrenched away, pulling out of his hold and he stepped forward to get her back.

“Whoa, there.” She put her hand on his chest. “I made my first move. Now it’s your turn to decide what you truly want.” She stepped back, grabbed her purse and briefcase off the stool from by the kitchen island then headed past him. She touched his ass as she did, then said by his ear, “I’m looking forward to our pillow buying excursion.”

Regina chuckled as she left the room. In moments, he heard the front door close. Spencer went to the island and sat, putting his hand on the counter, then under his chin. He slumped forward.

“Damn. I really am screwed.” Spencer rubbed his hands over his eyes then lowered it as he thought of her parting words. The pillow shopping was going to be hell. Not the buying, but what came with it after.

“So screwed.” Spencer rose and went to the door to go to work.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2013.
All Rights Reserved.

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More about Between the Covers

Read all Between the Covers here

Ink Motions with T.D. Hassett

 

Where are the bodies buried? IE Is there any old work in progresses you threw aside and decided not to complete and why?

 

This interview question really called to me because, well Halloween just passed and buried bodies were all the rage.

This summer I started a novel about an incubus who falls in love with a young veterinary technician.  I got about 20,000 words in and I had to stop writing.  I can’t say that I won’t ever finish it, more that I just had to write a different book before I could.  The problem was that I would start writing about this paranormal love story and a mystery romance tale would just keep popping up.  The two protagonists would not leave me be and so their story is getting pushed to the front burner.  Perhaps another reason why the contemporary romance is in the lead is the setting.  The story takes place primarily on a secluded lake in Connecticut where some folks have gone missing.  I live on just such a lake, although to my knowledge no one has turned up murdered around here.  For a variety of reasons the hero and heroine will have to weather a couple of weeks together in a spooky lake house.  Passion, drama and mystery will ensue.  I promise a happy ending but I refuse to make it easy for this couple!

 

I love including some suspense in all my love stories. My most recent release, Loving Link, involved discovering the identify of a narcissistic woman intent on destroying the hero and finding fame.  The best part was writing about this really hateful creature who was just so dark and evil. I almost want to have her in one more book.

 

Well I plan to enjoy the bounties of fall and work on that to be read list that just keeps on growing.

 



 

Loving Link

T.D. Hassett

 

Can two artists salvage true love out of the unexpected consequences of one night of passion?

 

Link Jacks is done with women and determined to focus solely on music and rock-band Becket’s upcoming album. He’s been living as a marketing-prop bad-boy rock star for so long he doesn’t remember who he really is anymore. Not until he meets Madison, the emotionally guarded and theoretically off-limits younger sister of his best friend’s wife.

Madison just wants to get her fledgling tattoo career off the ground and stop relying on the generous charity of her wealthy brother-in-law to get by.  She knows she should never get involved with the likes of Link but his presence is downright intoxicating. Her indiscretion will lead to Internet sex video and media frenzy.  Their one wild night of passion will have scandalous repercussions and force each of them to confront their inner fears and emotional demons.

 

http://www.amazon.com/T.D.-Hassett/e/B00CJE2MPQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

Excerpt:

Madison had just finished up with her second to last client and was tired. She thanked him for trusting her to do such an involved and powerful tattoo.

"No, thank you Madison. You’ve no idea how much this means to me. It's absolutely beautiful." the young private explained quietly, and then surprised her by wrapping her in a big hug and kissing the side of her head. It seemed to be an impulsive gesture and it took her off guard. For perhaps the first time she understood how important body art could be to somebody, how it truly was more than just something inked. She broke free of the embrace as her boss, Lori, came into the room. Madison froze in place seeing Link Jacks standing behind her boss and scowling. The private slipped her his card and was forced to squeeze by Link, who stood with his arms crossed, practically blocking the door.

Lori interrupted the awkward silence. "Madison, you might know Link Jacks through your brother-in-law. He's been having a dragon done over the last couple of months and I'm thinking you're the perfect person to do some of the scale work. I’ve seen you do some mythological pieces where the coloring is almost luminescent. That would be perfect for this piece. I've done all the lines and a good chunk of the fill but think if you wrapped up the scales it would be American Tats Magazine worthy." Lori stated in her no-nonsense way.

Crap, there's really no way to just say no, especially if Lori was thinking of putting the work on display. She had one more customer left for the day and was looking forward to a quiet night back at the apartment. She and Darling would probably just order pizza and watch a movie.

Maddie's befuddled brain flashed back to the spiel Lori had given her about no drama and she braced herself for whatever this could mean. I just need to keep my focus on the work.

"Sure, as long as Link is comfortable with me doing the work. I’ve got one more customer tonight but I'd be happy to make him an appointment," replied Madison.

Link’s icy expression slipped. He smiled at her and gave her a little wink, suggesting her stall tactic wasn't going to work.

"No need, I've switched your last appointment to someone else so that you could have time to work on this piece now," Lori smoothly added.

So much for putting this off until a later day. Lori walked away, leaving Link and Madison alone. Great, this would be a nightmare after what had transpired between them last week. She was already anxious around him and now she’d be spending hours touching his half-naked body. How did Monet ever paint those incredible nudes with such beauty just within reach?

Madison busied herself getting out sterile gloves and new needles. She focused her head on how best to color in the scales that she recalled so clearly from running her hands up his chest and arms. His low voice startled her when he asked what to do.

"Should I take my shirt off now and lie down, or just stand here feeling stupid?” Link questioned.

"Sorry, go ahead and lie down and you know, take off your clothes. I mean shirt." Maddie blurted out awkwardly. She finished assembling her things on the tray and turned around in time to see him pull his tight black shirt up over his head exposing a broad, well-muscled chest that her fingers ached to touch. It was going to be torture to put needle to skin, to have her hands running over his washboard abs and strong arms, yet the full sensation would be blocked by the latex of her gloves. She studied the work already done on the tattoo. It was a masterpiece in the making. She’d never seen such a large, detailed mythological piece and couldn’t stop herself from tracing the line of the dragon's tail from the waistband of his jeans up and across his chest and over his shoulder to where it ended on his back. The dragon's head looked across his shoulders, its eyes done so realistically you felt like the beast was watching. She could see the mix of colors and shading she’d need to complete the work. The artist in her was clamoring to get started but the woman was afraid to keep touching him lest she lose her head again. She looked up from his skin to notice his eyes had been watching her with an expression of longing. His hand was clenched tightly against the arm of the chair and she noticed the telltale bulge in his pants. Memories of him pulsing in her sent a wave of moisture to her core.

She needed to put aside the tantalizing images flashing through her head. He was just a man who could only hurt her if she let him. Isabel had shared stories about Links escapades with women while on tour. It seemed everyone in the band but Link had settled down, so they all laughed at his adventures. Now that Madison had been one of his conquests, she hated every other woman who had ever looked at him and she hated herself even more for feeling that way.

"Okay, I’ll get started but as you probably know, work around the ribs and other bony areas can get pretty painful, so let me know when you need a break. Any questions?" Maddie was proud of how calm her voice was despite the rolling pit of emotions swirling around her belly.

“No questions. Baby, I'm ready for whatever you want to do to my body; bring it on." Link answered with a cocky smile.

Damn him, he had to make this extra difficult. She'd made a mistake in what she did with him; she’d just been too curious a cat and she'd gotten her heart involved. But there was no way she would put that tail out there again for him to play with. Maddie had seen what heartbreak did to her mother and she knew better than to get involved with anyone who could do that kind of damage to her. Besides if Isabel ever found out what she’d gotten up to with Link she'd probably lecture her to death. And Thomas would probably kill Link; after all he had become quite the protective big brother to her after he and Isabel met.

Madison needed to focus on the task at hand and stop ogling him like … well, like some kind of groupie. She prepped a gun and tested the foot pedal, and then dipped her color, steadied her hand, and pressed needle to skin. The gentle vibration of the gun hummed to her as she worked a lower portion of the design over his right ribcage. She peaked across his chest, noticed another tattoo under his heart, and jabbed the needle in too hard.

 

Author Biography:

 

T.D. Hassett, romance author, grew up certain that life should be like a romance novel; lots of passion, some incredible adventures and a guaranteed happily ever after.  She earned a B.A. in history and a M.S. degree in clinical psychology before studying education.  Ms. Hassett lives in Connecticut with her very patient husband and two young children.  Her rambunctious family shares their home with 3 crazy cats and a darling golden retriever named Delilah.  Her relatives make her feel like the only normal nut in the family tree inspires her writing.

Visit her at http://tdhassett.wordpress.com

 

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