Tuesday, July 31, 2007

5 STARS/HEAT LEVEL O from JRR for Into His Keeping!!!!!

For some reason it's been a slow summer for reviews. Perhaps it's been a good summer for the really big names and reviewers are all busy. In any case, I'm so freakin happy to get a review these days. It's almost impossible.

Here is a quote freom JRR's Review...

"I quickly discovered Into His Keeping is not your typical ‘reunited with the lost love’ plot as it is abound with unexpected twists and turns which kept me riveted to the last page. The underlying themes of family devotion, soul-deep obsession, and BDSM make this full length novel a real page turner. Holdin, an admitted dominant, is an overwhelmingly powerful personality and he is constantly at war with himself to control his urges and responses. I was fascinated by his attempts to emotionally bond with his newfound son, no easy task with a suspicious, half-grown boy used to having his mother all to himself. The heroine Jill, a submissive by nature, is no longer the innocent girl Holdin once knew and I admired how she courageously sticks to pursuing her own agenda instead of giving in to Holdin’s constant pressure to take over her life. Holdin and Jill’s love-child, the unfortunately named ‘Drifter’, is an important character in this story and his actions as the conflicted teen, thrown into a totally unexpected and highly charged situation, ring 100% true." Anna Mae Garland - Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Thank you Anna Mae!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

One of those Days- Part 2

Okay, I have frantically rewritten after hearing from my lovely critique partner. Seriously, I am sooooo horrid at a lot simple things that you'd think an author person would/should know. Both my editor and my critique partner are Goddesses of amazing powers and talents.

However, neither of them have seen the rewrite so again - Proceed with caution and kindness in your heart.

I included the Author's Note because it's part of the beginning and I really enjoy it. You know how I love writing a good fable...sometimes it traps me into a series and junk. Wait, we're not discussing books that are not cliff... you know what I mean.

Moving on...here is it. Would you want to read this book from seeing this opening?

7/31/07 The post has been deleted due to more rewrites. **&^%@$!1!^*
I love them.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

One of those Days

I've been "polishing" a manuscript and have gotten to the point where just looking at drives me to apply head to wall with force. I suppose every writer gets there. Wanna see? Here is the opening I'm struggling with. This is the revised one. If anyone reads this, would you mind telling me if it's interesting? Average? Even if it's less than average.

Warning - Unedited manuscript ahead. Read at your own risk.

Was it possible for more innocent ass to be offered in any cruder fashion? If the family’s at tonight’s state dinner had been allowed, he’d bet the daughters would have been stripped for inspection. The last “lady” and her pedigreed daughter had been grimly amusing.

REST OF POST DELETE BECAUSE AUTHOR REALIZED HOW BADLY IT NEEDED EDITING AND SHE'S EMBARRASSED.

Friday, July 13, 2007

What makes a REAL writer?????

I submit the moment is as fickle as a butterfly in June. It moves from person to person, touching them at different times in the process.

For me, it was my first EVER acknowledgement from a reader. Since I’d never written an author in my life, it didn’t occur to me that people would actually tell me if they enjoyed the book. I was shocked. It was that giddy moment one is not sure “this” is really happening to me.

I understand that some people need to label everything. It’s like my need to rip up To Do lists. I NEED to destroy them. It’s not logical and it’s often a bad thing, but I wanna do it! Or the fact that I adore cookie jars. I don’t know why. They are large, often ugly and I can’t resist collecting them. It makes no sense. So putting out a set of standards that must be met to become a “real writer” makes no sense to me.

I still don’t feel like a “real writer” most of the time. Apparently RWA agrees with me most of the time. That might matter if RWA could cut me off from the publishing outlet I’ve chosen. They can’t, so I’ll just continue my merry blunder down the publishing path and enjoy the rewards of my “hobby.”

I do feel blessed in the extreme. Complete strangers have taken the time to contact me with their thoughts. I can’t think of a higher honor or award in this day and age.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

What I'm working on- Warning, Adult Content

Some of the words have been changed or whole phrases cut in an effort to reach PG-13 for this segment. Not sure it's working. I just enjoyed Troy's point of view in this moment.

TROY-
Marilyn’s hand slipped in the elastic waist of his sweats. Suspended above her, his body was easy to reach. Open handed she traveled down his groin, letting hot flesh glaze the side of her thumb until she reached her goal. Grasping firmly she gently pulled down. His mouth released her breast and his head jerked up to glare at her.

“What are you doing?” he demanded softly, his lower body resisting the tug.

“Arranging body parts where I want them,” she smiled into his fierce eyes.

“Not your call, baby. You want something to forgive in the morning, you’ll have to let me be in charge of the sinning.”

Marilyn slowly released the sensitive globes and her hand moved up hard flesh as she measured him. “But there is a large part of you that really doesn't object,” she countered as his eyes narrowed on her.

“That’s not the part in charge.”

Her thumb stroked across the wide head, spreading silky liquid over the sensitive nerve endings. Troy closed his eyes briefly as she stroked him. “I’m not going to forgive you in the morning,” he told her darkly.

“What?”

“I said, I’m not going to forgive you in the morning. You’re the only one here who’s interested in being Christian about this. You decide to take over, what happens next is on you.”

“That sounds like a threat,” Marilyn murmured. “What happens next if I take over?” Her hand released him reluctantly as she frowned up into the intensely beautiful man looming over her.

He regarded her in silence a moment. “Let’s not go there. Okay? I know what I’m doing. When we’re done you’ll agree with me, I promise.”

“And if I don’t?

“You made a choice, Marilyn. You chose me. You can change your mind about wanting me anytime, you can’t about who’s going to be the man between us. I don’t switch.”

Monday, July 9, 2007

WANNA PLAY, Ghost Unit - THANK YOU ALL!

Doing the idiot author happy dance! Thank you all for the support. I was going to leave this in the comment section, but well, I adore these guys. LOL

To answer one question: "Will the next three books be the end of the Ghost Unit?" I can't remember which book I pointed it out in, but there is a hint. I did tell you that Ghost Unit is a "legacy" title. There was one before. The original Ghost Unit functioned following Viet Nam through the Cold War.

Current Ghost Unit knows of them but does not know real names. With the exception of Gray. Gray freaking knows everything. He's a scary bastard.

The term Ghost Unit was earned on a mission they had no chance of surviving. It was the one time someone was left behind. The original team made a promise they've kept above every other loyalty. Breaking that promise is the one mission they want. Cold eyes look to the east and burn the dry-ice heat of Hell frozen over.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Blind Fire, Ghost Unit

Since so many of you are asking about Charlie's story, here is an excerpt. Remember, this manuscript is unedited and subject to change. My editor, Goddess of the Corned, has yet to whip me into shape on this.

Blind Fire, Ghost Unit
No publish date yet.

They both grabbed a couple bags from the back of the truck and headed in. Charlie shouldered the door open and held it for Sam. Smiling to herself at the polite act and marking it down as something he’d do for any woman, Sam entered to be confronted by a huge German shepherd sitting in middle of the entry with his head cocked to one side.

Sam immediately put down her bags and sank to her knees in front of him. “Hi there, big guy,” she murmured as the massive dog greeted her with a lick to her face and lazy tail wag. They’d met several times before, so Sam had no fear of the doggie smile she received as she sank her fingers into the fur along his shoulders and let him sniff her. Apollo glanced up at Charlie as he stepped around them now carrying the bags Sam had set down too, but made no move to follow into the kitchen.

Charlie raised a brow at the dog and then chuckled. Apollo was a male. Apparently he understood the value of attention from a woman. By the time Charlie came back for the next load of groceries Sam had one of Apollo’s front paws in her hand and was gently inspecting the lacerations. Apollo, the hound, was nuzzling her cheek looking for sympathy. He was getting it too, the quiet exclamations of, “Oh, you poor baby. Such a brave boy,” were all punctuated with her rubbing her cheek into his muzzle as she looked at his paws.

Charlie snorted as he walked by so Apollo would know what he thought of all the sucking up. Apollo glanced at him again and put his head back down to Sam’s ear, giving a little whimper as Sam picked up the other paw. That did it big time. There was more dog-adoration from Sam as Apollo let his ears hang down limply and gave her the big-eyed look with his head lowered.

Charlie almost gawked in amazement. He’d never seen that pitiful look on the high energy animal that was so damn fearless he’d probably kill himself trying to complete his tasks when they were on the job.

To be picked for this type of work, a puppy needed to be intelligent, want to work and have the drive to do it. They are the dogs who’d be difficult for most families because they are so active and intelligent, when they get bored they find ways to amuse themselves. Often not a good thing, the dog will always find something to do. Like investigating what the people put in couch cushions to make it just right for K-9 naps. Course, after the investigation the cushions are in shreds and the dog is banned from the house. Well, in most houses.

Stepping around them again Charlie glared at Apollo who wouldn’t even look at him this time. Now he was on his side with Sam investigating his chest and abdomen for injuries. It equaled a very nice tummy rub and Apollo was not about to give it up.

“He’s faking ya know.” Charlie informed Sam as he came back through for the last load of groceries. “He’s been looked at by the best vet in the business before we came home.”

“I can see he’s had some good work done.” Sam acknowledged, “but he’s just so cute.”

“Cute. Did you hear that, ya big faker?” Charlie directed his derision toward Apollo as he paused to regard them. “You are a hound, Apollo. She’s my woman and don’t you forget it.”

Apollo looked up at Charlie from the doggie bliss position of having his belly scratched and gave a low woof, then turned his attention to Sam and whined pitifully again. It worked like a charm. Sam bent over him and crooned into his face while she rubbed his belly.

“Awww, don’t listen to him sweetie, you are cute and such a good boy.”

Apollo licked her cheek and closed his eyes, dismissing Charlie. Charlie snorted again and went for the last load of groceries.

His house was originally a small fifties-style bungalow built on one of South Central Florida’s many lakes. Since it was in the central part of the state, the lake had remained undeveloped save for a few little houses along it. Charlie suspected that was about to change and he’d managed to buy property on both sides of his at very reasonable rates. He needed a lot of room to work with a K-9 partner, and a lot of privacy to do the other things he did.

Returning with the last of the groceries he stepped around them again and headed back into the kitchen. When he bought the place it had been a neglected rental so the renovations required were extensive. That naturally led him to make the additions he wanted.

Now the kitchen would have made June Clever proud. He hadn’t wanted to change the natural beauty of the era so he’d had the entire place restored to fifties perfection. Though the appliances looked original, they were state of the art in function. The front room, entry and kitchen had been subtly expanded, but it was the back of the house that had changed dramatically.

He’d enlarged the Florida room over-looking the lake and added a large deck off it. There was enough of a slope down to the lake that, with the additions, he had a natural space under the deck where he could pull the truck and work on things without worrying about aerial surveillance. Not that he really expected any, but hell, didn’t hurt to be prepared. He’d also added a master bedroom and bath big enough to be comfortable for a man his size, making the original his office.

“You done coddling the faker in there?” He called through the door while he started putting away the groceries.

“Hey, he’s a hero too,” Samantha defended herself as she stood and grinned down at Apollo who was now sitting beside her waging his tail. She headed into the kitchen and over to the sink to wash her hands, doing a surgical scrub up to her elbows as Charlie put groceries away. Finished she turned to Charlie. “Your turn. Let me see those injuries.”

“I come after the dog?” Charlie shot back at her as he closed the fridge. “How am I supposed to maintain alpha status with that pecking order?” He balled up the empty grocery bags and jammed them in the pantry, “We better straighten that sh... ah, explain it to Apollo.

“This is what I’m talkin’ about,” Charlie murmured as he walked right into her using his body to press her back against the counter. His arms came around Samantha to pull her upper body flush against his as he grinned into her surprised face.

“This is for the dog?” Sam questioned around a smile.

“Yeah. He needs a firm understanding of who’s in line for attention from you,” Charlie confirmed as his mouth lowered to hers. The kiss was a soft touch that nuzzled as they both chuckled.

“Charlie,” Samantha whispered into his mouth. “Apollo isn't paying attention. You can stop.”

“Samantha,” Charlie whispered back as his lips drifted down her cheek to explore her neck. “I don’t give a damn about the dog right now.” The luscious female pressed up against him took his breath away. She was sunshine and moonbeams captured in human form. The woman a rough commando like him watched from a distance.

Friday, July 6, 2007

WANNA PLAY today???!!!!!

It’s release day at last. Sorta a strange time for an author. We’ve finally let our baby go out into the world and then have to wait to see what people think. Akkkkkk!! It’s terrifying and thrilling. Living on the edge and knowing crash-and-burn is one reader away at all times.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Excerpt WANNA PLAY -coming July 6!!!!!!!!!!!

“Now you’re sure you can handle this?” Jackson asked again as she pulled on his leather jacket over the soft silk one and rolled up the sleeves. She hadn’t even protested when he insisted she wear it for protection if she crashed.

“If I can’t, you’re in deep shit.” She smiled dryly and turned to Blaster.

Her whole body changed as she looked at the rangy, blond man who ate her with his eyes. The she-predator morphed into an utterly sexual hunter. He was two steps away but her stroll into his body was fluid female approaching a male. She leaned in to him from knees to chest as her hands slid up his arms and around his neck in slow motion. There was no smile on either face as she flowed into him, her body a wave sliding around a rock. Her fingers sank into his hair and her lips stopped a breath away from his.

The air around them crackled with tension as they both remained perfectly still and wildly entwined.

“Don’t do this if you don’t mean it,” Blaster said quietly. “I’m way past a play date, Sheena.”

“Do you want my mouth, Huck?” she asked into his lips.

“No,” he growled.

“What then?” The hard evidence that he did want something burned into her lower belly.

“I want this.” His mouth slammed down on hers and the dam broke. They were kissing that fierce duel of lovers. They ate each other, hands clenching into flesh and bone. Bodies writhed as they battled and lost to lust, fear, passion, too little time and too much need. This was the first real kiss and it could be the last. His arms whipped around her, trying to absorb her into the heat that was him. Her moan answered him and her legs came up fast to clamp around his waist and shamelessly press her now-damp crotch to the rigid cock beneath it.

Jackson gaped at them. They were the elements—sex, life, death and need. Something about them was so decadently carnal that he couldn’t look away and yet felt shame that he watched. He could see their tongues moving as mouths pressed open in moaning need to taste more. Blaster’s hands each held one of those perfect bottom cheeks and he kneaded them roughly as her body rode him in undulating demand.

The clawing kiss escalated in intensity and Jackson felt the need to back up as if the heat rolling off them were scorching him.

Abruptly Jas’ body went ridged as her back arched to slam her hips into Blaster. Her head came up and a low snarl hissed out of her throat. Blaster’s mouth went immediately to her breast. His teeth clamped around a jutting nipple through her vest, biting down and sending shuddering jerks through her body. He was growling, a rumbling bestial sound that mingled with hers.

Jackson stumbled back another step and was grateful the truck bed wall hit him in the ass. Watching her forced him to control the need to come as her body undulated. He was shocked. She hadn’t come but he needed to. Jackson’s hands reached back to grip the truck bed on either side of his body, propping himself up as he gaped at them.

Jas slowly relaxed, collapsing into Blaster, her legs still wrapped around him as her body surrendered to his hold. Head on his shoulder, they both were breathing harshly, though Blaster kissed her neck tenderly. Deep rumbling growls interrupted the kisses. Her body melted while his remained rigid, though his hands gentled and petted. Jackson felt his own harsh breathing match their cadence as swirling sexual energy flowed around the couple.

Her legs slowly slid down Blaster until her feet were on the ground again but their hold on each other didn’t loosen.

“I want more than that, woman,” Blaster breathed into her hair.

“Then let me trust you.” Jas pulled back to look him in the eye. “Be there when I call you.” Jas turned away from him and strode to the bike. She slung a leg over and was mounted, grabbed the helmet and strapped it on.

“Lordy, give me strength. I’m as crazy as Blaster,” Jackson murmured as she fired it up.

The snarl of the big bike coming to life echoed into the twilight, a warning. It was the roar of a lioness across savanna planes. The huntress was hungry.

Jas idled down the engine and lifted her visor to look Blaster in the eye. “I want to trust you.” The big engine revved, she flipped the visor down and the woman took off.

Both men watched as she disappeared into gathering night. Blaster stared after her in grim silence.

Finally moving, Jackson went to the back of the truck and carefully closed the burlap over its gruesome contents, using the panties to secure it again since there was nothing else handy. He gently set the package in the toolbox behind the cab. “Going to stand there mooning after her all night?” he asked quietly.

“No.” Blaster strode to the cab. “You did get a mic in the jacket, right?” Blaster shot Jackson a narrow glance as both men strapped in and Blaster started up the vehicle.

“Of course. Only place I had to put it since I didn’t get a kiss goodbye.” Jackson grinned at Blaster’s dark scowl.