A place I want to live

I’ve been spending some time reading the last book in a series that I haven’t written in for a little bit. I did start the next book in the series a while back but due to various personal things I didn’t get to finish it. So to get back into the world I decided to read the last completed book in the series. As I read I slid back into the world I had created. I love creating world, building towns and different types of family dynamics. It is a fun, complex and sometimes frustrating. But I love it all. It makes my mind race and my fingers tingle to get to writing.

As I read the last book in the series more ideas for the series came to me. Made me want to finish the next book and write even more in that world and about the various characters. This is why I love series. You get to explore deeper into the world/characters you’ve created. Heck it is why I love reading series too. I get to revisit the place/characters that I have become attached too. Get to see what is happening.

For some of the series I read I tend to read the series before the next book comes out. After I am done I long for the next. That is the sign of a great series - a compelling world that seems so real you want to go and live there. Become part of the fabric of that community. The characters feel like people you want to know and hang out with. The places in the world make you want to hang out.

Ahh… there is nothing better than writing or reading about a place I want to live.

Dreaming and Planning

Dreams come in all shape and sizes. There are dreams about the future, past or present. Things you want to work towards and so on. It is what you do with the dream that is important. I believe in using some of my dreams as a guide to aspire to what ever goal that happens in my dream.

I’ve had various dreams lead me down certain paths. One such dream was my dissatisfaction with my day job. Many years ago when I wanted to change jobs I sat a dreamed of the sort of job I wanted. Once I had the idea of what I wanted I planned for it. Now today it has been over 10 years in the job I dreamed and planned for. It was all in my going after the dream and keeping my expectations based in reality.

The many dreams I have gone after have ranged from dream fulfilled to dream best left alone. Each was a learning experience. In relation to my writing I have had some fabulous dreams that lead to wonderful story ideas. For example my Rarities Incorporated series came by a very vivid dream. I went with it and have loved every moment of fulfilling the dream. Lots of my books have started with an idea or dream. I let it flow and the magic happens then I plan it out.

The fun of pursuing the dream then planning it never loses it luster. No matter the outcome I am glad I took the chance to go with my dreaming and planning.

Snippet Saturday - Foodies

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

An snippet from Forever, I Do….

“Actually, I have another flavor for you to test.” She hurried over to the steel table in the center.

Ashley’s stomach rolled. He dreaded hearing those words each time he came by. In the last few visits, she’d always had something for him to try. All of them tasted awful.
He couldn’t understand why. Usually the pastries and cakes she gave away as samples in the bakery when she was trying to test a new flavor combination were delicious. Yet these new ones were nasty. The last one had made him sick all night. He kept telling her she didn’t need any new flavor. She hadn’t listened. If he didn’t know better, he would swear she was trying to kill him.

Ashley glanced at her suspiciously. She looked so anxious and nervous. His heart softened. He wasn’t used to seeing this expression on her. Reluctantly, he made his way over to the table and took a seat on high stool. At the sight of a hefty slice of tiramisu nestled in the center of a pink cake plate, he groaned. On his next trip to the dentist, he was going to beg Dr. Winthrop to remove his sweet tooth.

“Umm…sweet cheeks… Why don’t we take these samples out for everyone to test?” He reached for the plate.

“No!” she said sharply. As if remembering herself, she smiled. “I trust your palate, Benedict. And I want to be certain it lives up to the bakery’s other flavors before I add it to the menu.” She pushed the plate toward him. “Please, Ashley. Take a taste.”

When she used his name like that, Ashley knew he would do anything she asked. He picked up his fork and sliced into the Italian delicacy. However, when he brought the cake to his lips, his stomach clenched.

As he hesitated at the threshold, he glanced at her. Rosalind’s look was intense. He gulped, raising the fork to his mouth. His hand shook and his palms became clammy.

Come on, Benedict, you can do this. He opened his mouth, pulling the pastry closer.

“Rosalind, where are the extra ribbons?” Lacretia called.

“Under the counter.” Rosalind walked around the table to the door. She pushed it and went into the front.

Thank you, Lacretia!

Ashley looked around frantically for a place to ditch the deadly serving. Spotting a trash can by the back door, he hurried over and dumped the entire contents inside. Straightening, he walked back over to table just in time.

Seconds later, Rosalind came back into the kitchen. She looked at him, then the empty plate. A sad smile curved her lips. “So, how was it?”

He refused to feel guilty.

It was him or those awful cookies. And he liked himself more. Standing, he went over to her and put his hand on her waist. She stiffened, then watched him suspiciously.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine. Are you going to make me a happy man and finally accept my invitation to dinner?”

Rosalind watched him, then muttered. “Not enough fish scales.”

“What?” He frowned.

“Ummm… I’ve already scaled my fish for my dinner tonight. I can’t go out,” she finished
in a rush.

Watching her, he wondered why she was acting so strangely. Rosalind pushed his hands away and moved back from him.

“Besides, you see me enough. You come by here often,” she griped.

The annoyance in her tone pissed him off.

“You know what, Miss Fletcher, you won’t have to worry about me coming by.” He grabbed her, pulling her into his body. “No matter how you deny it, you want me.”
She opened her mouth.

“Hush. You do. Your body tells me every time we’re in the same room. The catch in your breath. The way your pulse races when I get close. Your nipples get hard, and I’m sure if I were to touch you I would find you wet. Wet and aching for me,” he whispered against the side of her face.

He felt her shudder. A frisson of pleasure shot through him, but he released her and stepped away.

“You’re going to have to come to me, Rosalind. When you do, no more running or backing away.”

He stroked a finger against her cheek, then turned and left.

Copyright © Koko Brown and Taige Crenshaw, 2009.
All Rights Reserved, Loose Id.

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

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace

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

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Priceless Family Moments

Summer has been very busy. I’ve been playing tourist in my own city. I had family visiting so we’ve been taking in the sites. It has been fun seeing things I see in a new light. I love when my family is visiting. We tend to laugh, talk and just have fun. There has been moments in their visit I know I will always remember.

The laughter when I got my brother-in-law with a whopper of a zinger. He has a sharp wit and is great with zingers. My sister, nephew and I dancing around the living room while watching So You Think You Can Dance. We were grooving to the tune and dances. Laughing as we chatted about other moments we had in the pass. Like when my brother-in-law screamed on the roller coaster and the picture of that scream. My cousin who loves to argue good naturedly with me.

There are so many times I spend with my family. I appreciate all of them. All these moments were priceless family moments.

Satin Notes Christmas Contest - 2010

Keeping this contest info on top. Scroll down for any new posts.

Okay, everyone. Contest time. As a Christmas gift and thank you to all you wonderful readers who have enjoyed the stories on Satin Notes as much as we have enjoyed creating them. This is a very simple contest with prizes we hope you will enjoy. The 2010 Satin Notes Contest will run from 15 August 2010 until 15 November 2010. Two winners will be chosen out of all the properly entered contestants.

The prize is as follows:

One print copy of each (4 books in total for each winner):

Brawich’s Way
Osborne’s Shelter
Kismet
A surprise story from Satin Notes

Each of these books will be signed by each of the Satin Notes author.

Now for the rules:

All you have to do is enter here http://www.satinnotes.com/contest.shtml and put all your information in the form. You must enter your first and last name, email address, and snail mail address. That’s it. No questions to answer, nothing. Just enter your first and last name, email address, and snail mail address. Please note all the information we requested is needed in order for your contest entry to be considered a valid entry. Incomplete entries will be disregarded. Your address will be kept private and not shared with anyone. After midnight EST on 15 November 2010 no more entries will be accepted. The winners will be chosen and their names, only their names will be posted.

One final stipulation, if this contest is posted on any of the sweepstakes sites the Satin Notes authors reserve the right to terminate the contest at our discretion with no warning and none of the stated prizes will be given.

Enter the Contest here: http://www.satinnotes.com/contest.shtml

We would love to thank all of our readers for such wonderful support over the years. Y’all truly have no idea just how much we appreciate it. Thank you!

Aliyah, McKenna, & Taige

Snippet Saturday - Humor

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

An snippet from Wilde Seduction…

“But—” Mia growled at the sound of the dial tone.

She took the phone and started to push another number. A crackling sound stopped her. Turning around, Mia’s eyes widened. The stone statue on the ledge rippled, then burst open. Long wings spread high and flapped in the wind. They folded down and melded into a sleek back. Mia took a step back and gasped.

“Oh my,” she whispered.

Captivated, she took in the movement of his hard body. A perfect sun-kissed bare male ass flexed as he stretched his hands over his head. He shrugged bare shoulders in a fluid motion, and long fingers curled and released. Long, inky black hair flowed around him, blowing in the wind. The man turned and looked at her. His cerulean blue gaze seemed to glow. Mia’s eyes dropped, and she stifled a sigh to see he was now clothed.

The man jumped off the ledge onto the roof in an agile, effortless movement. He strode toward her with gracefulness and purpose in each step. As he came closer, she got a look at his flawless face. It was all carved planes and angles, as if put together by a master artisan. It was seductive and compelling. His full mouth curved was in a sexy grin that made her ache to take a nibble, and then suck his lips gently into hers. His blue eyes were even more captivating close up, surrounded by thick, curling lashes and heavy eyebrows. A shudder of longing raced through her. Mia licked her lips. His eyes followed the movement. His smile widened.

Mia blinked as the realisation of what she had just seen filled her.

He just came out of stone. No way are gargoyles real. Her eyes narrowed, and she grinned.

The man stopped just before he reached her.

“Who put you up to this? Reggie? Yeah, it had to be her. She knows I loved the Gargoyles cartoon when it was on. Goliath was my favourite—that voice and his personality.” She shuddered lightly, then continued, “Great trick with the wings. Where did you ditch them? You didn’t have to get dressed on my account.”

The man looked at her. Suddenly, there was a loud whoosh, then wings spread behind him. His shirt disappeared and his sculpted muscular chest glistened in the sun. Mia stepped back again and gasped. Laughing at herself for her reaction, she took a step towards him. He smiled at her and beckoned her closer. Mia took another and another step. The man gestured behind him, then turned his back to her. Taking his unspoken invitation, Mia stepped close enough to see and touch. Hesitantly, she looked, then gulped. The wings seemed to be coming out of his skin. Almost afraid to know, she reached out and ran her hand down between his wings, then along where they joined his back. Feeling only skin and cartilage, Mia gasped and stepped back.

The man turned and captured her arm before she could move away. She looked at him. He pulled her close to his heated body. His wings folded down and away. A shirt reappeared, covering his chest.

“Do not be afraid, miele,” the man rumbled.

Mia stilled a shudder. He sounded just like Goliath from the Gargoyles animated show. If she hadn’t touched his back and knew that his wings were real, she would have still believed that Reggie or one of her other partners was playing a trick on her. He was very real, and a gargoyle to boot. She didn’t know how she felt, but afraid wasn’t even close. Turned on and confused were just a few of the things she was experiencing.

“Please. I’ve dealt with irate clients who are more frightening than you. I’m not afraid. Intrigued more than anything else. So, you’re a gargoyle.”

“That’s the human term for it. The right term is Garlven.”

“Garlven,” she repeated.

“Yes. Good pronunciation.” The man smiled, obviously pleased.

“So, should I even ask why you’re hanging around a rooftop in Milan on the Wilde Hotel, or do you usually touch strange women?” Mia grinned.

“Just relaxing. And no, not usually.” The man laughed and released her hand, stepping back.

“You were listening to my conversation, huh? It’s not nice to eavesdrop.” Mia narrowed her eyes.

“I never said I was nice.” The man grinned wolfishly.

Mia laughed, and he joined her.

“You’re being very calm about this,” he pointed out.

“I figure I’m sleeping and having a really good dream, or I’ve lost my mind.” Mia shrugged.

The man laughed again, a rich sound. Mia grinned, flexed the hand holding her phone, and put the phone in her pocket. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“I’m going with it being a dream, and I’m enjoying it. So, you sound American, yet you’re on a rooftop in Milan. Are you on vacation too, um... what’s your name?”

“Ah…forgive me. Yes, I am American, and this is one of many rooftops I, my family, and business associates own. I’m actually working, I’m sorry to say, and not vacationing. I’m Remy Wilde, a Garlven from the Quilez clan, at your service.” He bowed regally.

“Mia Turner, of the human race and from the Turner family. Nice to meet you, Remy, a Garlven from the Quilez clan and owner in this hotel.” Mia chuckled. “A very nice hotel. “

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2009.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

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

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens

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Birthday 2010 - Movies, music and reading

I’m very excited today. It’s my birthday. I’m excited and plan on going to a movie with family and out to lunch. For my b-day I decided to but some books, movies and music. These are three of the things I enjoy doing. Reading, watching movies and/or listening to music. I sometimes do all three together.

I am off to start my b-day. After lunch I plan to chill out in my reading space. Have so much wonderful books to choose from to read and new music to hear. Ahhh... I love my b-day.

A Reason for Everything

My mom used to always tell me there is "a reason for everything". As a kid I used to not believe much. As a teen I started to believe and wondered how my mom was so wise. As an adult and getting older I realize that not only was my mom right she gave me a life lesson that has shaped the way I think about things.

The other day on my way to my day job I missed the train I usually take. I happened to be walking upstairs with another person and he mentioned he wasn't going to run. And there was probably a reason he missed the train. I glanced at him startled because it was the same thing I was thinking. When I mentioned I had the same thought it led to an interesting discussion on "a reason for everything". We compared incidences of things that happened and the outcome from such things as missed trains, not going such and such place, or not getting something we thought we needed/wanted. It was a lively conversation and very enlightening. Someone has the same thoughts I do. We talked until we parted ways at our various train stops.

As I continued through my day I thought of the "a reason for everything" in relation to my writing. I've been thinking a lot of the choices I've made so far in my writing career. I do have some choices I regret while others I don't. I made each choice with a clear mind and the facts I had at the time.

Next my thoughts turned to the future and so many things I plan to do. With the many things that have happened in my personal life I've gained a lot of clarity of what I want. How best to go after it and work toward my goals. I've been reading some of my series that I already have books out for, read some already completed books that are unpublished and some ideas I have been working on. I've worked out a plan to do them and get them done. I know how I want to spend my time and best ways to get things done.

No matter what does or does not happen. Or what trains maybe missed. (grin) It won't stop me. I'll just take another one and keep on moving. There is always many opportunities out there. You just have to see them and get on. Past, present or future there is "a reason for everything".

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Snippet Saturday – Black Moment

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

An snippet from Veils Rising…

Turning, Dilana glanced at Magni and smiled. He grinned, then his eyes widened. Turning quickly, she saw the woman break free then throw three dark green bolts at her, then disappear. From their color, Dilana knew they were soul eaters and she had no way of stopping them.

The bolts reached her and Magni jumped in front of her. He collapsed under the strength of the power. The bolts sucked into his body and rolled though him, searching for escape.

She could see the heat from the bolts rolling around his skin. Dropping to her knees she gathered him in her arms and screamed, “Magni!”

He whispered, pain in his voice. “God, that hurt. How bad is it?”

Tears blurred Dilana’s vision as she watched the bolts start to suck out his life. “Damn you. Why did you go and do that? I can’t live without you.”

He reached up and touched her face. “I love you Dilana.”

His breathing grew labored. Dilana threw back her head and screamed. “Sari.”

A light flashed, then gold smoke formed. From within the gold smoke stepped a devastatingly beautiful woman. Her skin was onyx, her hair was silver piled atop her head in a ponytail that fell down her back. Mirrored shades covered her eyes and rested against sculptured cheeks. She took them off and her catlike green eyes gleamed while her full lips parted in a blood-red smile. A red-floor length coat covered a silver skin-tight leather vest which stopped above her navel and her matching skirt started below her navel, flowing to mid thigh. Her boots were red like her coat. She cocked her head and sniffed the air. A shudder rippled through her.

She turned back and looked at Dilana. “Death.” There was a pleasure on her face. She circled the clearing, sniffing the area.

Dilana said nothing as Sari struggled with her nature. Sari turned back to Dilana, her face cold and eyes blank. Sari looked around and took in everything. She turned and headed for Aunty King.

“No, save Magni,” Dilana demanded.

Sari didn’t stop or look at her. “She has a more immediate need.” Sari stopped over

Aunty King’s still body and said, “Live.”

Aunty King gasped, then sat straight up. She looked up at Sari. They looked at each other.

Aunty King nodded, “Thank you.”

Sari looked at her titled her head and asked. “You do not fear me?”

Aunty King laughed and replied, “Blunt, aren’t you.”

“Yes.”

“No, I don’t fear you,” Aunty King answered Sari’s original question.

Sari laughed, then put out her hand. Dilana was surprised, Sari didn’t touch anyone she didn’t know very well or trust and even then it was a rare occurrence. Aunty King looked surprised, then took her hand and stood. They looked at each other and something passed between them. As one, they turned and walked over to Dilana.

Sari stood next to Magni as Aunty King kneeled. Sari looked at him. She did nothing.

“Help him.”

Sari looked up at Dilana and replied, “I can’t. He’s going to die.”

“No. You have to help him.”

Sari watched, her a cold look on her face. “I can’t.”

Dilana watched her in disbelief, then anger overcame her. Putting Magni down, Dilana stood and stepped into Sari’s face. Sari didn’t change expression. Dilana grabbed her by her coat and jerked her forward.

“Help him before I kill you,” Dilana growled.

Sari didn’t change expression. She looked over Dilana’s head, pushed Dilana’s hands up, broke her hold and swung her to her side, all in one motion. Dilana watched as more dark green soul-eater bolts raced to them. They hit Sari in her chest. The bolt circled her then a sucking sound came and it was gone. Sari looked over at the female Banshee.

“Die.”

The Banshee screamed then rent apart and was no more. Sari turned back to Dilana.

“Where were we?”

Dilana shook her head. “Never mind. Please, Sari, help him!”

“I can’t,” Sari repeated.

Dilana dropped to her knees beside Magni. Taking him from his aunt, she held him close.

He looked up at her, his eye glazed with oncoming death.

Sari continued, “You can help him.”

Dilana looked up at her, “What?”

“You can save him.”

“I don’t have the power to heal soul eaters, Sari.” Dilana shook her head.

Sari shrugged. “Zarya said to tell you life is about living and death will follow without it.”

Dilana’s eyes narrowed. One of Zarya’s powers was that of a seer and she loved to talk in obscure terms. As she thought about Zarya’s message, Dilana reached up to push her hair back from her face. When her hand ran along the side of her neck, she felt a burning sensation. Looking down, she saw the Zerquel around her neck. She hadn’t put it on or called it. Suddenly she remembered what Zarya had said, the Zerquel did as it pleased.

Instinctively, she leaned over Magni and kissed him, passionately eating at his mouth. She could feel something coming out of his mouth and into hers. Leaning back, she threw her head back and gulped it down and felt it burn her throat. The Zerquel heated, then the feeling was gone. A firm hand touched her cheek. Looking back down she saw Magni’s clear amber gaze watching her.

He smiled. “Ah, cherie, give me the words.”

“I love you.” Dilana was surprised at the raw texture and deepness of her voice.

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:

Lauren Dane
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels

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Series Landscape

I’m in my organization mode and revisiting my series landscape. Since I was offline dealing with some things I’m now playing catch up. Getting back into my writing schedule. Working on my writing calendar. Yeah I have one. I’m an organization freak. LOL. The good thing about having a writing schedule is that I have an idea of what I will be writing next. I also have my schedule set so it leaves flexibility for me to change and shift things around. This helps keep me on track and set long term writing career goals.

The schedule helps me a lot with my writing and planning out my various series. I love writing series because I get to get deep into the worlds, see previous characters and develop more. It is fun and of course time consuming. You must make sure that you keep the thread of the series accurate to your previous books and so on. LOL. But I love it. It’s like a puzzle that keeps getting more pieces that fit together to create a beautiful image.

On the Satin Notes the free reads site that Aliyah Burke, McKenna Jeffries and I co-write stories for we are building two towns with lots of people, place and so on. Bringing you into their lives and world. It is fun to do and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I’ve also written a few stories that are set in both Trescott Cove and Savoy Valley that has been released by various publishers and have some more that I am working on that I will be sending out once complete.

With each of my series I build a landscape and keep building it. I love creating worlds. I have something that I am working on for my chat group Crenshaw Café which will be exclusive to the group. Shhh… I haven’t announced it yet.

I love revisiting my series and writing the next book. Or creating a new world to play in. It’s like opening a candy jar and finding my favorite candies. I guess that is why I tend to like to read series too. To get into the world and so on. I’m off to continue working on my series landscape. What are some of your fav series and why?

Balance

Trying to get things done in a timely manner is a major balancing act. I’ve learned to prioritize what I need to get done.

I’ve learned to prioritize the most important. Sometimes it is hard when you have so many things pulling at you. Everything seems as if it is a now when in reality there are a few that really now’s. Yeah it sounds weird but it’s just as if someone calls you and yells fire and when you run there isn’t actually any fire. You look at them and wonder why you almost broke you neck getting there.

So I’ve learned to balance what is my priority. In the past I have let some of my important things be pushed aside. Now I know how to balance those things. I need them. So my writing, personal life, friends, me time and so many other things are all done on levels of priority. Some are higher up on the list than others and instead of trying to be everywhere at the same time I work by priorities one at a time. I find now that I have more balance for everything.

Prioritizing is a wonderful thing. Now I am off to do one of my top priorities some much deserved me time.

Uno… memories of the game

From the first time I saw it was intrigued. My first Uno game was when I was a kid. It was a Christmas gift and one that I to this day feel was the best gift ever. When I opened the deck, read the directions, explained to my family and then all my family present at Christmas sat down to play it was magical. It was fun, loud and exciting. When I won my first game and shouted “Uno” I was hooked. After that we played often. There was laughter, fun and teasing. I took my Uno game wherever I could and played with whoever was willing.

As the years went on I still played but not as often. In college I bought a new Uno deck so I could have some fun on those nights I had night duty as a RA for my college. And I found others who loved the game. During my night duty I would put out the word that an Uno game was on. People would come and we would have some cut throat games. Some with as high as 20 people with others waiting to take the place of the losers. It was a fun rotation of people to match Uno wit’s with. It was a great time. I even bought an Uno handheld game so I could play wherever I went.

But atlas time passed and I lost track of my Uno. At least until the last year or so. I noticed in the café at the day job there was a set of people playing Uno and my love of the Uno started to come back. Each time I passed the Uno players in the café I watched as they played and longed to join them. I didn’t but my Uno love continued to grow. Finally I asked to take part in a game and was accepted in. When I won my first game and shouted “Uno” it brought back memories of that first game. I was hooked all over again. Ahh Uno brought back so many memories or time spent with family and friends.

And since I love gadgets I am now in search of an Uno handheld game (grin). I love me some Uno. Now loud and clear. Come on and shout it with me “Uno”.

Snippet Saturday - Vacations/Exotic Locales

Today’s snippet theme is Vacations/Exotic Locales. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Carnal Awakening…

Glancing at the flower she saw it fold into itself then open again as if shooing her to him. Glancing back at him she cocked her head to the side and watched him.

“I don’t want to.”

He frowned then started to mutter too low for her to hear. As if reaching a decision he turned to face her, his face went blank and his eyes cold. “You don’t have a choice.”

At the challenge in his voice her blood heated. She liked nothing better than a challenge. Watching him under her lashes she waited for his next words.

“It is my duty to save you from yourself,” he stated as he held out his hand.

At the cold touch of metal she looked down, surprised to see the gold handcuffs on her wrists. Looking back at him she jumped. He was standing directly in front of her. She hadn’t even heard him move. Grabbing her arm in a firm grip he pulled her into him. Looking up into his face Shay raised herself on tiptoes and licked across his lips. He groaned. Using the opportunity, Shay stroked her tongue into his mouth. Lazily she savored him and he tasted as she expected—raw and male. His tongue dueled with hers playfully then he sucked her deeper into his mouth. Whimpering she leaned in closer.

Suddenly he wrenched his lips away with a mutter. “I am honor bound to protect you even from yourself.”

His eyes blazed and a green mist started to swirl around him. It encircled her and suddenly the floor disappeared from beneath her feet. Before she could even think about screaming the mist cleared and her feet hit ground. With a fleeting glance around at the lush plants in every color of the rainbow and the sounds of various animals calling out to each other Shay smiled. It was perfect.

Looking back at Mikhail standing a few feet ahead with his back to her, Shay could see the rigid way he held himself. He turned to face her and stated in a soft tone. “We have been taken off course Shay by the will of the Immortal Blossom. I need you to think clearly and control yourself, for both of our sakes.”

She didn’t know what he was talking about. Her mind was clear and she knew exactly what she needed to do. Holding her cuffed hands in front of her, she whispered, “Sericanas”.

His eyes widened as the cuffs started to heat on her wrist then disappeared. His arms jerked in front of him and the cuffs reappeared on his wrists. Seeing them Shay smiled then took off in a run straight for him.

Mikhail took a step back then stopped. The cool determined look in his eyes made her stop a few steps before she reached him. He licked his lips in a slow and deliberate manner. Following his movements Shay felt a ripple of heat go down her spine. From a distant part of her mind she knew she was in an elaborate fantasy but she didn’t care. She wanted this and nothing would stop her from having 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:
Jody Wallace
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Emma Petersen
HelenKay Dimon
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd

Blogging at Cynthia Eden’s

I’m blogging at Cynthia Eden’s. Check me out here.

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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

Snippet Saturday - Playlists

Today’s snippet theme is Playlists. I love music. It’s a big part of my creative process and my every day life.

I have a Writing Playlist that I created which I write to. Sometimes a certain book would call for a specific album or a variety of songs. Here is a some of the songs in my Writing Playlist.

Bleeding love by Leona Lewis
For my Broken Heart by Reba McEntire
If I Were a Boy by Beyonce
One by Mary J. Blige and U2
Maria Maria by Santana
We Gon' Fight by Jennifer Hudson
Purple Rain by Prince
No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
Killing me Softly by Fugees
Fallin' by Alicia Keys
I Nominate U by Fantasia

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Emma Petersen
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Ashley Ladd
Lauren Dane

Idea Spark –Candy Craving

I’ve been having a strong craving for candy. I’m not a bug candy eater. I can go years without eating any. Also I’m not into chocolate. Shocking. I do eat chocolate ever so often but when I crave it is for something else. I know you chocoholics out there are wondering what candy I am craving if not the all-wonderful chocolate.

Okay I will admit it. I am a caramelolics. Yes caramel is one of my fav candy. That nice sweet caramel is calling me. It is a siren call that I have been resisting but I am longing. Badly. Of course because of how much I am craving I have an idea come to me. A candy idea. An idea of someone who makes sweets for a candy shop and what happens when there craving takes on the sweetest temptation. LOL.

My craving has morphed into a story idea. Now I am off to fulfill my craving and get me some caramel. Yummy. So what is you fav candy that you crave?

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Movies that make you go hmmmm….

There are so many interesting movies being released this year. From the action packed, drama, animated, horror, and to the comedies there is something for everyone. I have noticed a pattern to many of the movies – love. They all seem to have some underlying theme of love. Love of friends or family, intimate love or even the obsessive “if I can’t have you no one else will” or “I will have what you have or be you”.

It is interesting that the exploration of love can be done in so many ways. As an author I find this so fascinating. This exploration of love in so many vastly different ways. This is why my TBR pile is so large and my book library even larger. This is why there are so many writers with so many stories to tell. Stories that one reader may love while another may hate or be ambivalent to.

The same goes for movies. If you different movie viewer's how was a movie you get a different response. The gush that is was great and then the details of why. The shrugs that it was okay then a vague description of movie. The it was sucky and then the lament of all that was wrong with the movie. No matter which opinion the moviegoer has they have one. The same as readers do.

I listen to the thoughts on the movie but then I make my own decision on whether to see it or not. I’ve had movie critics or people who have seen a certain movie say it was the best thing ever. Yet when I saw it if I decided to go it was fantastically sucktastic. In my own humble opinion. The like or not of anything goes by the person. That persons taste or what they like. It even goes by the mood you might be in when you see it.

Movies have evolved year after year. Getting more great, weird, fantastical, special effecty, animated, worst or on and on of what you think. So the next time you go to the movies think of what your hmmmm reaction was and share it with someone.

There are lots of more movies releasing this year and each year forward. I’m going to enjoy going to see various movies and seeing no matter good, bad or indifferent what kind of hmmmm reaction I will have. After all a movie at least for me it’s all about the hmmmmm….

Blogging at Raven

I’m blogging at The Raven Happy Hour. Check me out here.

Snippet Saturday - Dancing

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

An snippet from Lay me Down…



Rotating her hips, Syn let the music sweep her away. Raising her hands over her head, she grooved by herself, people a little distance away. When she had arrived at the club, she had been taken aback by some of the people in costume. Until Jian had reminded her it was Halloween, she’d forgotten what day it was. Some of the costumes were elaborate. Syn was in awe at the detailing of some of the costumes. She watched as the Boogie Man twirled the Faery he was holding.

Across the room, Jian danced against some guy dressed as a Weretiger. The man was breathing hard and having a difficult time keeping up. Other men elbowed each other, trying to get close to her. Jian ignored them and continued to dance with the partner she’d chosen. Shaking her head, Syn reinforced her stay-away spell. Suddenly, she stopped arrested by the man across the room.

From where Syn stood she scanned his long locks. He’d pulled them into a ponytail that fell down his back. His sun-kissed features were chiselled masculine perfection. He wasn’t in costume. His slim muscular frame was covered in a dark purple almost black shirt and tight slacks made her mouth water for a bite. It wasn’t his face or body that caught her. It was his eyes.

With her keen sight she saw they were rich lavender offset by curling lashes. They should have made him seem feminine but they only enhanced his maleness as he leaned against the wall. He continued to stare, his intense gaze never wavering.

Intrigued, Syn started to dance again. Rolling her hips gently, she watched his eyes. They remained locked to hers. He smiled, a seductive twist of his luscious lips. Syn felt a delicious tightening of her body she hadn’t felt in a long time. Continuing to watch him she moved seductively waiting to see what he would do.

 

I knew she’d come.

Micah had been restless earlier and come to the main floor of the club. After checking with the managers, he had circulated among the diners, making sure they were having a good time. Everything was going well. Normally, he would have returned to his office. Instead, he’d continued to the dancing area in the back.

When he’d opened the door he’d been blasted by the music blaring through the open doors leading into the soundproofed area. He’d stopped, pleased at the turn out to Club Immortality’s annual Halloween Party, then gone inside to check around. He’d spoken with Zayne, the club’s manager, who’d assured Micah everything was under control. Micah had a lot of work to do, but still he lingered, helping out behind the bar.

He’d sensed her as soon as she came in, although he hadn’t seen her. She’d swept over his consciousness with a heated touch of fire. Leaving the bar, he’d gone to the far side of the room and waited for her to appear. Bodies swayed on the floor in time with the throbbing music provided by the live band. It had taken a while before she was revealed. Thankfully, he was a patient man. When he finally saw her, she’d taken his breath away.

Now, he looked across the room at woman dancing so enticingly. She was a tall sensual goddess.

Her honey-toned skin glistened with a light sheen of sweat while her high sculptured cheeks beckoned him to cross the room and take a nibble. Her luscious lips tantalised him to get a taste. His mouth watered as he took in the way her bountiful breasts rose in her snug, black T-shirt. Her lush, jean-clad hips hypnotized him. Micah wet his suddenly dry lips and looked at her long legs, imagining how they’d feel wrapped around him as he drove deep within her hot, wet canal.

He’d enjoyed watching her dance. With his connection to the club it gave him a better ability to view all she or any of his patrons did. When she’d turned and looked at him he had been captured by her amber gaze. She’d stilled when she saw him before dancing in a way that enticed him.

Her confidence intoxicated him.

Her sensuality was an aphrodisiac.

Though she didn’t know it yet, she belonged to him. Their meeting had been preordained yet he hadn’t known when she would come. Moving from the wall, he walked purposefully across the floor. He ignored everything around him. He had one goal—her. Her chest rose and fell as he drew closer. Finally standing before her, he raised his hands and met hers with his, twining their fingers together.

He undulated his hips in time with hers and let her feel his hardened shaft. They hissed simultaneously at the first touch. Bringing up her arms and placing them around his neck, he put his face close to her neck and inhaled her scent. She smelled like sin and sex. The scent of her arousal gripped him. His cock hardened and lengthened even more. Running his hands along her forearms, then down her sides, he felt her quiver. He continued the path to her waist and cupped her lush hips.

She sighed and moved her body closer. Squeezing her firm butt, he dragged her against his raging erection. A growl echoed from her making her breasts rub against his chest. Her nipples beaded against his chest, feeling wonderful. In her low heeled boots she perfectly matched his height of six-four. Taking another deep breath, he drew back his head and looked into her compelling amber gaze.

She smiled.

The heat in her gaze made his cock pulse. He wanted to bury it deep inside of her. Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he leaned in and kissed her.

Soft and slow.

Once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

She blinked then her arms tightened around his neck and she dragged him to her. She suckled his lips and their tongues clashed. Micah murmured and drew her closer, letting her hunger sweep him away.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Emma Petersen
HelenKay Dimon
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd
Lauren Dane

Snippet Saturday - Is this a date?

Today’s snippet theme is Is this a date? Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Jacques pulled back and put his forehead against hers. “Want to play hooky?” He said it in a singsong voice.

“Let me get my bag,” Amara replied in the same tone.

She got her bag and coat. Jacques helped her into it. He pulled her hair from below the collar, trailing his finger from the edge of her hairline down until the coat stopped him.

Moaning, Amara asked, “What did my sister say to you?” Amara groaned as he kissed the top of her head. She viewed him expectantly.

“She threatened to unman me if I hurt you.” Jacques chuckled.

Amara glanced at the door, then back at him. “What’s funny about that?”

Jacques made a rude noise. “The idea she could do such a thing.”

Amara reached down and put her hand inside his jacket, stroking his cock through his slacks. Jacques’ eyes heated. She leaned against him and kissed him thoroughly.

Pulling away, she raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t underestimate my sister if I were you. But you don’t have to worry about her.” She released him and walked away.

“Why?”

Amara looked at him over her shoulder. “If you hurt me, the pleasure of unmanning you will be all mine.”

Jacques mouth fell open in shock before amusement filled his gaze. He walked over to her and put his hand around her waist. “You don’t have to worry about that. I won’t hurt you.” He kissed her briefly before leading her out the door.

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.”

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

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Jody Wallace
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Emma Petersen
HelenKay Dimon
Shelley Munro
TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd

Family Summer 2010 – Getting ready for mischief

My excitement is building my big sis, nephew and her hubby is coming for a visit. They will be staying with me. The great thing about them is they all know how I am with writing. Meaning I am attached to the comp or maybe on phone plotting something's. All good things. Well maybe sometimes a little wicked things. (wide grin) Heck if I don't write they ask me if I am 'ok'. LOL.

So I will be visiting with family and writing. Have some places we plan to visit so probably going to get some inspiration. We tend to have ...ummm... let just say adventures that seem to only happen to us. Yes we get into mischief. We don't go looking but it finds us. (wide grin). My big sis loves to go to the movies so I tend to see more movies when she is here. So I've been checking out the movies coming out for the summer. Has some great ones we plan on seeing. With fam visiting, my upcoming b-day (a few months but I like to start early) and summer I am doing my boggie of happiness. A little hip shaking and booty moving. (shake it, shimmy and slide) LOL.

In a few days I will have a house full of people. I can't wait. Mischief, movies and fun here we come.

Snippet Saturday – Apologies

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

An snippet from Shadow Dance….

“You have been messing with me since that first day,” Yadira said.

The woman nodded then whispered in a voice like silken sheets, “Yes. I am sorry but being so close to power has awakened me out of The Eye of Ra.”

“Sekhmet,” Dimitri’s tortured whisper reached her, confirming what she suspected.

Yadira saw the pain and joy in his face. Sekhmet reached out for him and he enfolded her into his arms. She was almost as tall as he was. They trembled together. Yadira could see the tears raining down his face as he held Sekhmet in his arms.

Dimitri pulled back looking at Sekhmet. “We thought you were dead. Kianga, they said you were dead.”

Sekhmet looked at him sorrow on her face. “Ahhh, Dimitri I have not heard that name in so long. It is appropriate that the Kianga name lives and lets the Sekhmet name die. I have missed you my brother.”

They embraced again. Dimitri stroked her hair.

“What happened to you?” Dimitri demanded.

Sekhmet looked over at Solaris. “Father contained me in The Eye of Ra.”

Dimitri looked at Solaris and stepped toward him. Sekhmet stopped him gripping his arm.

“No Dimitri. It was the right thing to do. I would have destroyed the world if he hadn’t.” Sekhmet looked at him sadness and regret on her face.

A cold wind blew into the cave whirling the dirt all around. Yadira shielded her gaze then looked at Dimitri who was standing before Sekhmet. He moved and she realized it wasn’t him, but Dominic. Dimitri stood still next to Sekhmet. “Sekhmet.” Dominic said, pain raw in his voice.

He dropped to his knees and rested his head against her bare stomach. The sound of his weeping filled the chamber. He trembled and shook with the force of it. Dimitri rested his hand on Dominic’s head while his arm encircled Sekhmet. Sekhmet looked down at him shock and pain lighting her face.

“Oh Dominic what has happened to you.” She leaned down pulling him closer to her.

He wrapped his arms more tightly around her and continued to weep. Looking up from him she looked at Solaris. “What have you done?”

Solaris looked at her. “Nothing. You must return to me Sekhmet for the sake of humanity.”

Sekhmet looked at him. “You will not contain me in The Eye of Ra again.” Solaris looked at her pain and sorrow in his gaze. “I must.” Raising his hand he shot bluish fire at her.

Pushing away from Dimitri and Dominic she stepped forward to meet it. It curled around her, swirled, then flowed to her mouth. She opened her full lips and sucked it in. Yadira started as a pop filled the air then the flames were gone.

Solaris looked at Sekhmet. “Ahhh daughter, I do not want to destroy you.”

Sekhmet raised her chin. “You will not have to. I will return home with you and fulfill any punishment you deem sufficient.”

Solaris nodded.

“Sekhmet,” Dominic cried.

Sekhmet turned to him and touched his cheek. “No Dominic. It is the right thing to do. I am sorry for all the pain I have made you suffer.” Tears rained down her cheeks and she turned to walk to Solaris.

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

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

Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Taige Crenshaw
McKenna Jeffries
Ashley Ladd

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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

A Dream of a Series

I’ve once again been getting questions on how I came up with my Rarities Incorporated series. Here is how it came to be.

I was talking the other day about dreams giving me some of my idea for my books. Dreams are indeed powerful. I’ve been known to dream of an outfit I want and then wake and make it. I love to sew. I also love to cook and have been know to dream of delicious dishes and then get up and make them. Yeah I dream of food. LOL.

Thinking of the dreams I’ve had It got me to thinking of one of my series that came from a dream. My Rarities Incorporated series came from a dream. Let me take you inside my dream that became my series.

It was a dark cold night when I dreamed. nah that’s not how it happened. Hey what can I say I’m a writer and kinda quirky. {Grin}. Here how it really happened.

I was in a deep sleep minding my own business when all of a sudden I found myself sitting at this table with a bunch of women. Each proceeded to introduce themselves. I was confused but let them have there way. When they were done the first one to introduce herself Zarya Burke lifted her hand and I was floating in the air. I rolled my eyes and told her to get to the point. The women looked at each other and laughed with me. They lowered me back to my chair and told me of a race called Zuri Maji. They told me of what they were and all they could do. That they had many stories to be told and would tell me more as needed.

I jerked awake and I had goose bumps. I ran to my desk and took pen and paper and wrote all I had been told. The women I had met in my dream are the women who were the owner of Rarities Incorporated which appears in my series. Each woman was distinct and I wanted to get what I had gotten from them down clearly. Once I was done writing I had books of information waiting for the first story to come to me.

Fast forward months later and again I was asleep and a Rarities Incorporated story came to me. It unfolded in a cinematic movie I went through all the steps the heroine and hero did. It happened at Christmas and in where I was originally born. Besides the Zuri Maji it had a race of beings that were both unique and beautiful. Again I woke revived and went to write furiously. Veils Rising took form and when done I was pleased and a story in Rarities Incorporated was started.

When an opportunity came up for me to be a part of a special theme with EC my publisher I was racking my brain on what to write it on. Again another dream and I was met by the women who were in charge of Rarities Incorporated at the table we had sat at before. They let me know the first story I had written was out of order in which the stories needed to be told and I needed to fix it. Then they sent me on my way to the adventure which became Golden Seduction. As I entered the dream of Golden Seduction I met my heroine who is an ultimate geek more comfortable with computers than people. When a man comes out of a tarot card she is confused but not shocked. She works Rarities Incorporated, a place with many beings. When she hears his plight she doesn’t think she can help him she is not athletic and more adapt at books. Yet the hero has fate in her and knows he needs her. She steps up and they have an adventure which shows the sense of hope and sensuality. The hope of the hero and heroine. The sensuality of their love story that touched many emotions. After I woke I wrote furiously.

Before I could even digest the story another dream came to me the next night. Shadow Dane featured a heroine who was tackle charge and knew what she wanted. A hero who has seen to much and trusts even less. His control is shredded by her and she wants him but not all the strings he offers. They find common ground. Have an adventure that led’s them to secrets and so much more. It was intense, exhilarating and sexy. Upon waking I was torn between which to write first. The two stories happened during the same time frame so it really didn’t matter. I wrote Golden Seduction then after it was done immediately wrote Shadow Dance. A While I wrote them I didn’t dream of anything but the stories. After they were complete I found myself once again at the table with the women who run Rarities Incorporated. They were pleased with what I had done and couldn’t wait to meet the world. They sent me off and said be ready for my next adventure soon.

They were right. Since then I have had many adventures in the Rarities Incorporated world and each one revels more and more. Besides the Zuri Maji there are many races I get to explore. I enjoy each adventure and imagine it all started with a dream.

A dream of a series.

Blogging at Raven

I’m blogging at The Raven Happy Hour. Check me out here.

Back in the groove

I’ve been offline for a few months dealing with some personal things. It’s been a hectic time but I made it through. I didn't get to go to the 2010 RT Booklovers Convention in April 2010 as I had planned to. Things came up which made me have to cancel the trip.

While I was gone I had time to read lots of great books on my TBR - to be read - shelf that I've been meaning to get to. I've been reading, sitting in my fav reading spot and working through something’s. Now that things are better I'm getting back into the groove of things. Writing is going well.

For Crenshaw Café - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe my chat group I have something special planned coming soon. This will be exclusively for the Crenshaw Café chat group members. You don't want to miss out. Not giving details yet but believe me it is going to be sizzling. If you are not a member join the group here Crenshaw Café - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe.

The June 2010 issue of my newsletter went out on June 7, 2010.

Updated my website. The Online Reads updated to reflect the exclusive to Crenshaw Café stories currently posted to chat group.

What has everyone been up to? Are you looking forward to summer as much as I am?

I'm so ready for all the fun summer will bring.

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Snippet Saturday – Risky Business

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

An snippet from Body Cravings…

“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.”

The shock on Jacques’ face mortified her. Amara turned and went quickly to the window. She prayed that he would just leave without saying anything. Misery ate at her. She laughed harshly. Who was she kidding? She wouldn’t know what to do with him even if he agreed. Visions of her riding him filled her head. Her body clenched in reaction.

The sound of his shoes on the floor as he left the office deflated her. She dropped her head against the windowpane and hoped he wouldn’t tell Sampson about the forward woman who’d propositioned him.

For a few moments she stared at busy Caspain Avenue. The people below hurried on their way for their Friday night plans. She vowed to forget ever laying eyes on Jacques Falcone. She turned and her breath stalled in her chest.

* * * * *

Jacques sat in the chair in front of her desk, calm and naked except for the condom on his semi-erect member. With a glance at his feet, she saw he had removed his shoes. That’s why she hadn’t heard him approach. He had a look on his face daring her to come touch him.

She clenched her fist to resist temptation. “Why?”

A devilish smile flashed across his face. With a casual shrug, he stood, seemingly unconcerned with his nakedness. He walked toward her with a sleek grace that made her mouth water in anticipation. A glance at his penis made her mouth drop open. He was huge, slick and very aroused. He stopped just before her, raising his hand to her face. He stroked a finger down her cheek, making her shiver.

“I want you and if you want to be in charge, I have no problem with it.” His voice deepened, going hoarse as he leaned closer and whispered “I would enjoy being at your mercy.”

Closing the distance between them, he leaned in and kissed her. It was bold, without the tentative touch of a first kiss. Amara moved forward to meet him, and gasped as he groaned when their bodies touched. The contrast of her fully clothed body against his nakedness made her feel powerful yet vulnerable all at once.

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

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

Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
Vivian Arend
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
Shelli Stevens
Taige Crenshaw
McKenna Jeffries

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Idea Spark – A phone

I’ve been having some nasty problems with my phone. A feedback that rings in my ear. Also being able to hear other people’s conversation. It has been driving me nuts but I’ve been so busy to have the time to call the phone company or make an appointment. The other day when I was once again talking on the phone I could hear someone else talking on the phone. Once again it was another person’s conversation. It wasn’t to clear but it was an annoying backdrop. When I hung up as I sat frustrated with the whole phone thing a thought came to me.

An idea for a story. A phone lines crossed idea. Ideas come from all over the place and my phone issues sparked one. It is interesting how that happened. An annoying phone issue becoming a future book. LOL.

I did call the phone company and have them come fix the issue but the phone gave me an idea that I might not have had. There is inspiration for ideas all around you. I’ve come up with ideas from various places. Many very unexpected. Any little thing can give you an idea spark.

Snippet Saturday – Fight Scenes

Today’s snippet theme is Fight Scenes. I love writing action scene. Enjoy a look at the fight scene from one of my books.

An snippet from Shadow Dance….

Sighing again Yadira widened her stance. A crackle filled her and in each hand she felt the cold touch of metal. Bringing her arm forward she crossed her swords in front of her. She looked up at them and felt cold purpose fill her. They stopped and looked at her, shocked.

“Shit you didn’t say she was a Zuri Maji,” a male voice said.

Yadira could hear the fear in his voice. She looked out at them through glowing eyes, smiling as she saw first fear on their faces, then speculation. She saw their intent in their eyes a second before they rushed her. In a blur of motion she moved, taking out the first set that came at her. Knocking them back and across the cave with the dull side of her sword she heard them hit a wall, then silence. She wasn’t trying to kill them, just incapacitate them so she could leave. She would let the Rarities Incorporated protector agents deal with the clean up. She flashed her swords in a quick slicing motion making the three remaining men stumble back up from her. Yadira watched them.

One man sneered, “You missed.”

Smiling she replied, “I didn’t.”

Even as she said it their shirts fell off of them in tatters while their pants dropped to their ankles.

Looking down Yadira tsked. “Big egos and little penises.”

Fury washed over the faces of the men. Then they bulked up. Surprised, Yadira realized they were vamps. Having already pegged the others knocked out against the wall as shifters she wondered what they were doing together. A sound behind her made her turn. As she jumped back from the reaching claws she felt them nick her. She saw blood well and start to drip down the side of her now gaping vest and shirt. Furious, she looked back at the shifter who had snuck up on her. Sizing them up, she knew they would not be taken off guard so easily.

“Bring it,” Yadira growled.

“You shouldn’t turn you back on your adversaries.” With her head thrown back the woman laughed—an ugly sound that made her beautiful face go savage.

Twisting out of the way, Yadira eluded the arms of the vamps behind her. She used her powers, ran to the wall and ran up it until she rested with her feet planted on the ceiling. The attackers looked at her and they started to climb the walls. Yadira felt a strange sensation then tumbled from the ceiling. She tucked herself into a ball, spun and landed on her feet. With a silent swear Yadira knew she had to make quick work of them. She reached behind her back and touched the tattoo at the base of her spine, felt it heat and bringing her hand up she threw the Maji Stars at the men in quick succession. They each exploded in a rain of ash. With a twist she threw the last one at the woman coming up behind her. The woman shifted out of the way and it nicked her in the shoulder.

The woman look was furious as she wavered and then was gone. “We’ll meet again Maji.”

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:

TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd
Lissa Matthews
McKenna Jeffries
Mari Carr
Vivian Arend
Juliana Stone
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw

Idea Spark – A Fro Affair

I was on my way home the other day when I passed this woman who was sporting a slamming Afro hairstyle. The woman’s fro was big, high and poufy. I think it was a wig but it was so good I couldn’t tell. She was also sporting the clothing to go with the fro. She looked fierce. People were turning and looking at her. Me included. People were complimenting her on her look. Like any good diva she said thank you graciously and kept strutting. As I watched the woman stepping looking cool and fierce my mind was racing.

Yep another idea was taking shape. As I walked home I thought of the Fro. The idea took shape for a book with a woman in a fierce fro and clothes to match.

A fro brought so much more than viewing pleasure. It brought an inspiration. I’ve mentioned before that there are inspirations for ideas all around you. Taking something that happens in the everyday life then using it create a concept and make it yours. The unexpected can lead to so much more.

Any little thing can give you an idea spark.

Snippet Saturday – Family

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

An snippet from Onyx Moon Rising…

Zaila nodded and walked around the clearing. Her eyes dilated and went blank. Suddenly, she gasped and then collapsed, shuddering. Rushing over to Zaila, Tashana picked her up.

“Zaila.” Tashana touched her face.

It was so cold. Zaila’s heartbeat was sluggish.

Jaynat touched her shoulder. “Let me.” She touched Zaila and murmured an incantation.

Tashana saw something move beneath Zaila’s skin. Suddenly, Zaila sat up and hit Jaynat in the chest, sending her across the clearing. Zalia turned in a blur and hit Tashana. Flying backward, Tashana flipped in the air and landed on her feet. She saw Jaynat use a tree as leverage, walk up it and lock her legs around the limb. Zaila stood and black smoke engulfed her. Tashana started to go to her and stopped, coming up against a barrier. Reaching out to touch it, she realized it was a shield. Zaila had locked them out and whatever she was fighting in. Using her power, Tashana tried to break down the shield. It wouldn’t budge. Jaynat was trying the same thing, but nothing worked.

A glance back at Zaila through the shield showed that a woman had taken shape. Zaila was locked in a furious fight with her. The woman shifted to smoke again. Using it against her, Zaila clenched her fist and twisted her hand while pushing out. The sound of Zaila’s chant rose on the air as her full power flared to strengthen her spell. Time stood still for a moment, then the woman shrieked. She solidified and clutched her chest. Blood bloomed from between her breasts.

The woman turned and looked at Tashana. “You’re all going to die.”

Zaila threw a fireball at her and the woman burned and melted away. The shield dropped. Tashana raced across the clearing, reaching Zaila the same time as Jaynat. Zaila staggered and almost went down. Gripping her from both sides, they held her. Her head lolled as she passed out. From past experienced they knew Zalia would be out for a few hours. Tashana opened a portal to take her home.

Stepping into Zaila’s bedroom, she and Jaynat lifted her up and took her to the bed. Laying Zaila down, they stepped back. She was pale but fine. Turning Jaynat motioned Tashana to the door. Not wanting to leave, she reached for Zaila’s hand.

You don’t have to stay and watch me sleep, Zaila spoke in her mind her voice weary.

You should rest, Tashana replied.

I will as soon as you stop hovering. I’m tired, not dying. Go away. Zaila sounded grumpy.

Chuckling, Tashana stood, watched her one last time and went out the door.

Jaynat was waiting for her. “You must find Sanjay.” There was urgency in her tone.

Tashana frowned. “What did you see?”

Jaynat looked at her. “Blood and death.”

Tashana gasped at the pain on Jaynat’s face.

Jaynat waved her hand. “Go, Shana.”

Urgency filled Tashana as she turned and ran.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

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

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

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

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

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Blogging at Romance Junkies

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

Snippet Saturday – Black Moment

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

An snippet from Veils Rising…

Turning, Dilana glanced at Magni and smiled. He grinned, then his eyes widened. Turning quickly, she saw the woman break free then throw three dark green bolts at her, then disappear. From their color, Dilana knew they were soul eaters and she had no way of stopping them.

The bolts reached her and Magni jumped in front of her. He collapsed under the strength of the power. The bolts sucked into his body and rolled though him, searching for escape.

She could see the heat from the bolts rolling around his skin. Dropping to her knees she gathered him in her arms and screamed, “Magni!”

He whispered, pain in his voice. “God, that hurt. How bad is it?”

Tears blurred Dilana’s vision as she watched the bolts start to suck out his life. “Damn you. Why did you go and do that? I can’t live without you.”

He reached up and touched her face. “I love you Dilana.”

His breathing grew labored. Dilana threw back her head and screamed. “Sari.”

A light flashed, then gold smoke formed. From within the gold smoke stepped a devastatingly beautiful woman. Her skin was onyx, her hair was silver piled atop her head in a ponytail that fell down her back. Mirrored shades covered her eyes and rested against sculptured cheeks. She took them off and her catlike green eyes gleamed while her full lips parted in a blood-red smile. A red-floor length coat covered a silver skin-tight leather vest which stopped above her navel and her matching skirt started below her navel, flowing to mid thigh. Her boots were red like her coat. She cocked her head and sniffed the air. A shudder rippled through her.

She turned back and looked at Dilana. “Death.” There was a pleasure on her face. She circled the clearing, sniffing the area.

Dilana said nothing as Sari struggled with her nature. Sari turned back to Dilana, her face cold and eyes blank. Sari looked around and took in everything. She turned and headed for Aunty King.

“No, save Magni,” Dilana demanded.

Sari didn’t stop or look at her. “She has a more immediate need.” Sari stopped over

Aunty King’s still body and said, “Live.”

Aunty King gasped, then sat straight up. She looked up at Sari. They looked at each other.

Aunty King nodded, “Thank you.”

Sari looked at her titled her head and asked. “You do not fear me?”

Aunty King laughed and replied, “Blunt, aren’t you.”

“Yes.”

“No, I don’t fear you,” Aunty King answered Sari’s original question.

Sari laughed, then put out her hand. Dilana was surprised, Sari didn’t touch anyone she didn’t know very well or trust and even then it was a rare occurrence. Aunty King looked surprised, then took her hand and stood. They looked at each other and something passed between them. As one, they turned and walked over to Dilana.

Sari stood next to Magni as Aunty King kneeled. Sari looked at him. She did nothing.

“Help him.”

Sari looked up at Dilana and replied, “I can’t. He’s going to die.”

“No. You have to help him.”

Sari watched, her a cold look on her face. “I can’t.”

Dilana watched her in disbelief, then anger overcame her. Putting Magni down, Dilana stood and stepped into Sari’s face. Sari didn’t change expression. Dilana grabbed her by her coat and jerked her forward.

“Help him before I kill you,” Dilana growled.

Sari didn’t change expression. She looked over Dilana’s head, pushed Dilana’s hands up, broke her hold and swung her to her side, all in one motion. Dilana watched as more dark green soul-eater bolts raced to them. They hit Sari in her chest. The bolt circled her then a sucking sound came and it was gone. Sari looked over at the female Banshee.

“Die.”

The Banshee screamed then rent apart and was no more. Sari turned back to Dilana.

“Where were we?”

Dilana shook her head. “Never mind. Please, Sari, help him!”

“I can’t,” Sari repeated.

Dilana dropped to her knees beside Magni. Taking him from his aunt, she held him close.

He looked up at her, his eye glazed with oncoming death.

Sari continued, “You can help him.”

Dilana looked up at her, “What?”

“You can save him.”

“I don’t have the power to heal soul eaters, Sari.” Dilana shook her head.

Sari shrugged. “Zarya said to tell you life is about living and death will follow without it.”

Dilana’s eyes narrowed. One of Zarya’s powers was that of a seer and she loved to talk in obscure terms. As she thought about Zarya’s message, Dilana reached up to push her hair back from her face. When her hand ran along the side of her neck, she felt a burning sensation. Looking down, she saw the Zerquel around her neck. She hadn’t put it on or called it. Suddenly she remembered what Zarya had said, the Zerquel did as it pleased.

Instinctively, she leaned over Magni and kissed him, passionately eating at his mouth. She could feel something coming out of his mouth and into hers. Leaning back, she threw her head back and gulped it down and felt it burn her throat. The Zerquel heated, then the feeling was gone. A firm hand touched her cheek. Looking back down she saw Magni’s clear amber gaze watching her.

He smiled. “Ah, cherie, give me the words.”

“I love you.” Dilana was surprised at the raw texture and deepness of her voice.

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:

TJ Michaels
Ashley Ladd
Lissa Matthews
McKenna Jeffries
Mari Carr
Vivian Arend
Juliana Stone
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw

Blogging at SEX

Blogging at SEX- Liquid Silver Books Blog for my blog day . Check me out here.

Power of Love

Love is such a powerful thing. It moves people in so many ways. As a writer of romance I love exploring the various ways that love unfolds. All the paths it takes are fun to explore.

This weekend I watched movies based on love. Each was so different and to see the ways love came and was shown made me think. The great thing was the movies followed families. The love, tribulations and all the things in between. From the beginning of time people have been falling in love. Love can make you crazy, giddy and bring you such hope and joy.

Love has many types - the love between friends and family. The love between lovers. Each has the core of opening yourself to another person and becoming a unit. With friends it is building a close knit relationship that stands through good and bad. The same with family. With family we share and love.

The love between lovers is what I explore in my books. From the start of the initial attraction, the first steps to getting to know each other, the dating and then finally the all encompassing feelings and knowing you belong together. There are of course the ups and downs and the times when you fall in and out of love. But when you find that right someone it is magical, exhilarating and soul moving. Yeah I am a romantic at heart. All the steps to the power of love fascinates me.

Blogging at Raven

I’m blogging at The Raven Happy Hour. Check me out here.