Hey everyone! For all those that got to go to the RT Conference Welcome back!

I don’t know about all of you but April has been a super busy month for me. Since I work in accounting at my ‘day’ job I was relieved when the 15th came! I got back to writing this month which sure is a relief. My husband bought me a new computer and I am so enjoying writing on it. Bigger and wider screen is coming in handy, not having to squint at it, Lol!

April 20th came with my release Pack Alpha. The first book in The Were Chronicles! I have been holding my breath waiting for it! I have received some good feed back. If you haven’t picked up your copy I hope you’ll give it a try.

Here’s a little more from Pack Alpha.

Excerpt-

Marissa felt her back meet the grass as Gage laid her down. His weight quicklycovered her, sending electric currents through her body.His eyes met hers briefly before he reclaimed her mouth.

This kiss wasn't as forceful as the last, but more coaxing. As if he was trying to get her body to trust his.

Her body didn't care about trust—it just wanted him hard and fast.When his mouth started to trail down, she took the opportunity to pull off historn shirt.

She yanked the remaining material from his body. He sat up between her legs and she felt his gaze burn into her as he slowly lifted the T-shirt shehad dressed in earlier. He had more control, more patience than she did, and when Marissa raised her hand to help, he slapped it away.

"Mine," he growled at her.

Marissa tried to close her legs in hope of relieving the ache between them, buthe only spread his knees wider moving her legs with him. If she had been naked,she would have been spread out wide for him. The way she wanted to be.

"Gage. Now. Please now."

He bent his head and smiled at her. "Giving the Alpha orders, little one?" Heran his tongue over the silky cup of her bra. "You shall be punished for that."When he licked one hard nipple through the silk, Marissa's body jerked.

"OhPlease."Running his teeth over the opening clasp of her bra, he chuckled. "You willbeg, little one. Before I am finished, you will beg." He used his teeth to tear open her bra.

Marissa thought she might explode right there when his hot moist mouth coveredher nipple. She lifted her hands to the back of his head to hold him to her. Her body screamed for more.

Without removing his mouth, he grabbed her hands and placed them over her head."Keep your hands there" he told her before moving to the other breast andnipple.

Marissa tried—she really did—but when his body started moving down hers, her hands automatically to his shoulders.

Gage growled and nipped at her wrist. Thesharp pain had her gasping and arching into him at the same time. He placed her hands back over her head and gave her a stern look, before trailing his tongue down her body.

Liquid fire slide over her, around her, and in her.Marissa desperately tried to grab onto anything to keep her hands still. Clawing at the grass and dirt, she dug her hands in, trying to anchor herself. She'dnever felt this hot, this needy. he was torturing her.

Also, I wanted to mention that on May 11th The anthology Caught in the Middle will be released! My story Magical Menage is one of the books.

Magical Menage Blurb-

Non-practising witch Madison Montgomery can't decide between the vampire and werewolf...is it possible to have them both?

Madison Montgomery craves and wants two very different men. Instead of choosing one, she avoids both. Tired of waiting for her to make up her mind, Master Vampire Dante and the local wolf pack's Alpha Tom come up with an agreement of their own.

If she won't choose one of them, she'll have both.The pleasure she's given is more than she ever thought possible. One night will never be enough. If she thought it was hard to pick one of them as a lover, once she has them both, it is next to impossible to imagine being without both of them.

When Madison gets a visit from the past, Dante and Tom have to work together to keep her safe. Once that is accomplished, they just have to talk her into permanently accepting a threesome.

I hope May finds all of you well. Its already heating up here in Texas. So cuddle with a good book and enjoy a glass of wine. Happy Reading!

RT come and gone.

Hey all!

I missed my day last month, I was at the NECRWA, but this month I get to recap RT. YAY!

RT was very fun for me this year. I met more readers then I have previously and I sold out at the signing day in less then an hour! I did a panel on demons, a meet and greet at club RT and finally got to meet my awesome editor Michelle and the TEB head honcho Claire. I love them. They were so classy and wonderful, I'm looking forward to seeing them again in the future, though when is anyone's guess.

Claire hard at work

The TEB table!

I gave away a lot of promo (including some large magnets for Beyond the Vision of Dreams) and had a great time. It was awesome. Speaking of the snake book, THANK YOU to everyone that bought the book so far and entered my contest. The winner of the Beyond the Vision of Dreams prize pack is Gail Martin! Congrats Gail, I'll be emailing you soon for your address!

I'll be doing another give away for BVD goodies soon, and the way you can win is by posting a review. The goodies will be worth it!

So now I have one more thing to look forward to that HUGE on the horizon: The Authors After Dark Paranormal Weekend. Its going to be amazing, and I cant wait to see the awesome readers that I met at RT at the event. We have so much planned, October cant come soon enough.

Soon though, we have out the next in our Knossos West series, Surrender in Moonlight. If your following the books, this one was out already back in the day, and will probably be expanded a little in the edits. I cant wait to get it out to everyone. We have already given in the third book, A Gift of Daybreak, and that will be out in August. So are you enjoying the stories? LOL.

XOXO

Stella

New release - You First!

Hi everyone,

There are a few things that I think top out most writers list of favourite things.

Release Days, Good Reviews and... actually that's pretty much all it takes to keep me happy at the moment. Especially since I've got one of each to share with you!

My new book, You First, comes out today with Total-e-bound and Carole from Rainbow Reviews gave it five stars.

She also said:

“You First is the first in a series of books with the theme “Perfect Timing”. And perfect is right - lots of things are quite perfect about this book which is the best D/s relationship book I've read this year … I read this book multiple times because I liked it so much! And I will read it again; it will go into my 'keeper' file … If you like hot, sexy books with a firm power exchange between two men falling in love, you should buy this one today.”

As you might have guessed I'm pretty chuffed with all that!

You can read the rest of the review here. Or, if you’d prefer to find out more about the book (which I was pretty excited about even before I got the review, by the way!) instead, here’s the blurb:

All Luke had to do was come after Justin. How difficult could that possibly be?

There was only one thing that stopped sex with Justin being completely perfect for Luke. The timing. That wasn’t so perfect. In fact, the timing really sucked – and not in the fun, fellatio related way.

Justin was five years younger than Luke and relatively inexperienced. Luke had enjoyed more lovers than he could count or remember—he knew he was good at sex. There was no good reason why Justin should outlast him every time they hooked up.

All Luke had to do was come second, set his mind at ease, and everything would be perfect between them. Hell, if he could do that, he might even consider the serious relationship idea Justin seemed so taken with.

How difficult could that possibly be?

And here’s a quick extract:

Luke Anderson was not going to come first.

He repeated the mantra over and over inside his head as he held his hands out to be bound. Justin Collins deftly buckled the soft leather around his wrists. Tugging on the chain between the cuffs, he positioned Luke on his hands and knees in the middle of the bed.

Justin attached the cuffs to a little hook screwed into the headboard for that precise purpose. He pulled at the chain, testing how securely it would hold Luke in place. The metal links clinked together. Luke took a deep breath. All his best sexual experiences occurred to that theme song. The sound went straight to his cock.

Luke was still not going to come first. He was Luke Anderson, newest and highest flying barrister in the best chambers in London. He could bloody well do anything he set his mind to.

Justin’s hand applied pressure—a steady pressure to the back of his neck. Luke lowered himself onto his elbows. The pressure didn’t ease. Luke turned his palms up and rested his head in his hands. Head down and arse up, Luke closed his eyes. He told himself for the thousandth time it must be possible.

Just because he hadn’t outlasted Justin yet, didn’t mean he couldn’t do it. He just needed to focus. He was twenty-three years old—five years older than his lover. He’d topped and bottomed more partners than he could count or remember in both genders. False modesty and jokes aside, Luke was well aware he knew tricks even most really expensive professionals hadn’t mastered.

He shifted his knees further apart on the mattress as Justin moved into position, kneeling on the bed behind him. He had to outlast Justin just once, just so he knew he could do it. Just for pride’s sake, because Luke knew his lack of self restraint was the only thing that kept sex with Justin from being perfect.

Justin’s fingers slipped briefly inside him, checking he was slick, relaxed and ready to play. Luke bit his lip and held back a moan as Justin crooked his fingers and found his prostate.

He could do this. Practicing a little bit of restraint wouldn’t kill him.

The rustle of the packet when Justin slipped on a condom was his only warning. Justin slid into him in one smooth movement. Luke gasped. For a perfect moment, Justin stilled inside him, stretching him and filling him completely. He began rocking his hips, building up the movement in tiny increments. Only when Luke whimpered his frustration did Justin begin to thrust into him in earnest.

In what felt like moments, lethal frustration was a growing possibility. Each stroke pressed against Luke’s prostate in a rhythm calculated to throw him over the edge at any moment.

He tried to remember he didn’t want to fall into pleasure—why he didn’t want to jump over the ledge with his arms spread wide in enthusiastic abandon. All he could think about was just how glorious it would feel when he came with Justin still buried balls deep inside him.

But still, in the back of his mind the mantra continued. Luke was not going to come first.

Desperately trying to concentrate on anything other than Justin’s erection pounding into him, Luke scrambled for any other details and senses to focus on.

The cotton sheet underneath him was pale blue. At this angle, with his nose barely an inch from the surface, Luke saw it was actually two shades of thread blended together. He couldn’t bring himself to care. His prostate sang inside him, coaxing him to join in with it in harmony, groaning his pleasure at every inch of delicious friction.

The scent of their arousal filled the room, mingling with Justin’s aftershave. Justin always smelt fantastic. Another perfect thing to add to all the other perfect things Luke had noticed over the months they’d been hooking up for sex. He always smelt like old sandalwood and well worn leather. Luke loved pressing close against Justin’s body and taking deep breaths of his scent when they danced together. He loved sliding his fingers up into Justin’s hair and pulling him close, to wrap Justin’s scent around him.

Luke threaded his fingers through his own hair. He pulled at the thick blond strands, hoping the pain might kill off some tiny bit of his arousal. The tug increased with each connection of Justin’s hips against his arse. It did nothing to help his increasingly frantic desire not to come.

Justin’s rhythm increased another notch. Cradling Luke’s pelvis in his strong grip, he held him steady and absorbed part of the impact from each thrust. Luke rocked back with every motion. As he focused on the pressure of each fingertip against his skin, Justin’s right hand left his hip.

He reached underneath Luke and started to jack him off with an expert touch. Luke pulled at the cuffs around his wrists. He couldn’t reach down and push Justin’s hand away. He had no choice but to accept the touch or say his safe word.

Thanks for reading.

You First is available here.

Kim Dare.
Kink, love and a happy ending. Do you Dare?

Man Cave vs. Girl Cave

Man Cave vs. Girl Cave.

No, we're not back in prehistoric times - we're right here in the twenty-first century.

I'm speaking about the latest idea to help romantic relationships endure -

The Man Cave.

Some call it ‘Mantuary.’

It is the room in the house, designed for, and by, a man, so that he can have his own ‘space.’

Supposedly, this ‘mancave’ is keeping marriages and relationships alive. It makes sense – after all, if your guy wants to keep his beat-up, ratty old recliner (that chair he just looooooooooooves to sit in), why argue about it? He can now put it in his mancave and enjoy it to his heart’s (and butt’s) content.

There are all kinds of ‘mancaves.’ From the ridiculous to the tricked-out. All that is needed is a garage, part of a basement – even the backyard shed. A guy just needs a place to hang out and have a drink, smoke a cigar; play a video game on is Xbox 360.
Celebrities are big on mancaves. The most tricked-out contain fancy cars, pool tables, pinball machines, and all kinds of media like huge, flat screen televisions.

So all of this got me thinking: Why can’t I have a ‘girlcave?’

LOL – As I’m telling my husband all about the celebrity, tricked-out mancaves, I said I’d be blogging about ‘girlcaves’ today. I told my hubby I wanted my own ‘girlcave.’

His reply?

"You’ve got the entire house!"

Yeah, well, that’s not entirely true. Over the years I’ve shared my entire abode with him, my two kids, and two cats. We’ve also had assorted houseguests. (You know the kind...the ones that don’t ever seem to leave unless you kick them out).

At one time, not too long ago, I had my own office. Yeah. Really. I was soooooooooo happy! I could go up to my own room, in my own house to write, or do whatever and then...

My daughter moved back home and into my office (it was her bedroom to begin with).

Sigh.

So, I think I’m entitled to a girlcave of my own.

Here’s what I’d put in mine:

Chocolate
Wine
Whine (hey, that’s why I have a girlcave!)
Flavored cigars (yeah, well, okay – I admit it. I love flavored cigars. The ones that taste like chocolate, vanilla, etc.)
A big, beautiful, fresh flower arrangement in an elegant crystal vase
My laptop
Cell phone
TV (flat screen or otherwise – I’m not picky)
Every episode on tape of ‘Two And A Half Men’ so I can laugh at those manly men – hey, I’ll bet they want mancaves!
Every episode on tape of ‘The View’
Every episode on tape of ‘King of Queens’ – I just love Carrie
Large, four-poster canopied bed
Four hot, hunky guys with large, palm-frond fans
(...to cool me off when I’m writing those spicy love scenes as I lay in the large, four-poster bed)
Foot massager (human or machine - it doesn’t matter - as long as someone or something rubs my feet)
Head massager (it could be one of those hot, hunky guys or please just anyone who’ll run their fingers through my hair when I ask)
A journal and all kinds of fancy writing implements (so I can chronicle what it feels like to have my own ‘girlcave’)

So here’s my question for you – if you had a girlcave, what would you put in yours?


Catherine Chernow
http://www.catherinechernow.com/

Mama Mia - I love Sweden!

Once a year, my family has an opportunity to travel to countries far and wide to participate in the IBM ICPC international programming contest. It's the Oscars and the Nobel Prize of collegiate programming. This year, speaking of the Nobel Prize, the contest was hosted in Stockholm, Sweden.

We took everyone this year, even the kids, although 18 hours of travel with bored preschoolers and a teenager was a risk. The gamble was worth it...

Stockholm is a gorgeous city, it's people are friendly, and they scoured up the best spring weather we could ask for. It was nippy, not cold, and sunny. We walked all over, pleased to find that there were several 7-Elevens and a McDonald's nearby (either that or one of our children probably would have starved). Personally, I enjoyed trying all the new food, although I didn't like some of it (herring, shudder). The bread was to die for although their idea of pizza didn't match up to my expectations.

The one thing I didn't like was the cost. Sweden has a very high tax on everything, but it funds their medical and educational needs (as well as other items). I had to stop calculating the cost of our food and souvenirs, as it got downright scary to think that the cheeseburger my four-year old had to eat at the Golden Arches (either that or starve) cost approximately $13.60!!! Gasp.

Throughout the trip, the music of ABBA was ever present, we were even treated to a concert by Waterloo, one of the top Swedish ABBA bands. Songs from my teen years (giving away my age there) played in my head like a soundtrack and has inspired quite a few story ideas. It's a good thing, too, for right before we left, I finished up edits for a naughty little tale that will be released in June, so I'm just about ready to jump into writing something new. Especially with all those tall, blond, beautiful men to use for inspiration!

Also, when I got back, I received a fantastic review for The Lady is a Vamp. "This story is fun and lighthearted in areas and dark and deep in others. There is something to entertain all lovers of paranormal tales." Steph B., The Romance Studio.

Of course, I'm still recovering from jet lag and have a pile of laundry to rival Mt. Everest, which will put a small damper on my creative juices, but the weekend is right around the corner and, even better, after spending all that time with my family in a small hotel room, I'm going to be heading up to Silicon Valley for the All Writers, All Weekend conference on May 1st. Oh, and I'm not sharing a room! LOL.

Ericka Scott
www.erickascott.com

Plenty of room at the inn

When Jude Mason and I were deciding on our second series for TEB, we had some mad brainstorming sessions. We'd already done shifters, knew we wanted to stick with M/M, and toyed with the idea of ghosts. The possibility of a haunted inn arose, and we ran with it.

In Kindred Spirts Book One: Ethan's Choice, we introduce readers to Whiskers' Seaside Inn, a charming little haunt (so to speak!) off the west coast of Canada. Ethan Roberts is a sane, reasonable man who's never had a reason to think about ghosts before. When he comes to stay at Whiskers', he encounters not only ghosts, but a hunky handyman who gives him more to think about than shrieks in the night.

Here's a little more information about our fourth co-authored title, coming May 11 from TEB:

Kindred Spirits: Ethan's Choice

When two insanely hot guys encounter a few distressed spirits in the beautiful Whiskers' Seaside Inn, love becomes entangled with a mystery that must be solved.

Whiskers' Seaside Inn doesn't sound like the most exotic location for a weekend getaway, but it's certainly intriguing. Ethan Roberts is smitten the moment he sees the weathered clapboard inn, and even more so when he meets the establishment's hunky handyman.

Cade Wyatt seems like a good man to have around. He's muscular, handsome and very protective of the inn and its occupants. He falls into lust, and then bed, with Ethan.

The inn has two paying guests, but Ethan discovers there's another cast of characters who come and go. Cade might be nonchalant about the ghosts, but Ethan's not sure he feels the same. He wants Cade more than anything, but Cade won't leave the inn. Somehow, Ethan must find a way to live with the spirits as well as the man he's come to love.

Excerpt:

“I was wondering if you knew where I might find Cade.”

Stan simply stared.

“Your, uh, hired man?” Ethan said stupidly. The fellow knew who Cade was. He just wasn’t being very forthcoming that morning. “I broke the lock on my suitcase and thought he might have the right tool I could use…” He’s got a tool I want to use, all right. Ethan smiled hopefully.

Stan nodded towards the beach side of the property. “He has one more hedge to trim. I think he said he’d finish it today. Should be out there.”

“Thanks.” Ethan refilled his paper cup and snapped the lid into place. He strolled through the dining room then wandered outside to the backyard.

Cade was exactly where Stan had suggested and looked as sexy as he had the day before. He reached over his head, using both hands to work the manual clippers and trim the tall hedge. The muscles in his back rippled with each snip, giving Ethan a fine view of the man who seemed to like wearing only cut-off jeans.

Ethan watched for a moment, hating to interrupt but afraid his erection would become noticeable if he ogled the stud for much longer. “Good morning,” he managed, stepping around a concrete bench to get closer. At that moment, he wished he truly did have a broken suitcase lock.

Cade stopped trimming and turned towards him. His face showed a flicker of interest before he smiled pleasantly. “Morning.”

“Another gorgeous day.” Ethan looked around. “You do a wonderful job around here. Everything looks to be in top shape.”

Using his forearm to wipe a trickle of sweat from his brow, Cade shrugged. “It’s not hard. This is a fantastic place.”

“It’s got a quirky name, but the inn seems great.”

Cade’s smile broke into a full-fledged grin. “You think our seal pup is quirky? I’m rather fond of the little guy. He garners lots of attention. A real conversation starter with the guests, too.” He sighed. “I really like it here. I’d hate to think about moving on if the inn gets a new owner.”

“I’d hate that, too,” Ethan mumbled, then realised he’d spoken out loud. “I mean, you just seem to know the grounds so well. I’m sure the new owner would value an employee like you.” I sure as hell would. I’d value bending you over that bench behind me and fucking you senseless.

Cade shrugged again. “I guess time will tell. So, did you sleep all right?”

“I did. Had a little run-in with another guest around midnight. Little girl and her music box. I told myself I was lucky she wasn’t into rap music.”

“Another guest?” Cade’s eyebrows rose.

“Yeah. I’d thought the only other person here was an older woman, but I saw her daughter last night. Or maybe it was her granddaughter.”

Cade smiled. “Mrs. Nelson lives by herself. No grandkids.”

Ethan was confused. “But the child—”

“I guess you met Laura. Didn’t take her long to make herself known. She must like you.”

“Laura?” Ethan blinked.

A big grin spread over Cade’s handsome face. “She’s one of our spirits.”

Copyright (C) 2009 Jamie Hill and Jude Mason

No Touching??@@##!!!

Okay, pretend you're in a world where you can never touch the man to the immediate left. Why? Because touching is bad. You can't slap him on the back, high-five him, or kiss him--God forbid.

Are we talking about a futuristic world in which touching is verboten? A place where laws have been created to prevent the conception of superpowerful beings who will rise in revolt of the oppression forced upon the poor indigenous populace? Sounds like a terrific idea for a story.

Unfortunately, this rule is already in place in the good old U S of A. In a middle school.

Yep. It started off with a principal declaring dodge ball to be too violent, and it was taken away from the physical education curriculum. Now, I was always a big fan of dodge ball. It hurt like hell to be slammed in the body with that rubber ball. But to be the final kid left standing? Like winning a freakin' Oscar for gym class.

But in today's world of political correctness and schmaltzy kindness, dodge ball has been stripped away. Yet, just taking a "violent" sport from class wasn't enough. The same principal then decided to enforce a no touching rule. What, you say? That's right. No touching. No high-fives, slaps on the back, hugs or kisses. Kids can't touch one another at all. Oh, and the concept of tag, you're it? Now they play "shadow tag," where to make someone "it," you have to step on his/her shadow.

Okay, waving the bullshit flag. In a desire to prevent injury, the principal is, in effect, removing from the students what it means to BE a child. No roughhousing, no normal social interaction. By not forcing children to obey rules and deal with one another in a proper manner, she's taking away their ability to reason right from wrong. The easy answer: the poor kids can't touch one another, period. But what happens when they're in the real world and someone touches them? Will they know how to respond to a slap on the back, or will they cry foul?

(Please forgive my liberty with the English language, but if some idiot can enforce "no touching" then I can create a word.) I'm so disgusted with the saccharine over-niceness pervading society. I'm not talking about common courtesies and pleasant manners. I'm talking about people who are afraid of every damned thing. If your kid doesn't have a bruise or two, he or she is not living. How can you enjoy the swings and playground without skinning a knee or smacking your shin once in a while? Will we soon stop running, just in case we trip? Or stop smiling in case we split a lip? Maybe if parents would parent, and teach their children how to behave around others, educators would stick to educating. Now, because some children go hog-wild at school, a stiff-lipped administrator has taken charge, and to everyone's detriment.

Can you imagine what no touching might translate into if that rule was passed as an institutional law through adulthood? No more touching=no more courtship=no more procreation. But who knows? It might increase sales for our books, since people would only be able to fantasize about sex without ever doing it.

To the principal of that poor, poor school, Gimme a break.

Marie
www.marieharte.com

Learning The Ropes

Last December, I had an amazing opportunity. My friend Jean, who manages Spa Excess, the largest gay spa in Toronto, made it possible for me to visit Bent Inn. I love the name and it is perfect for the business found there. Bent Inn is a gay bondage bed and breakfast. I wanted to learn more about BDSM and Dennis and Rod who run the B&B were more than happy to enlighten me. I spent most of a day there talking and touring the three story building. It is a beautiful space and the rooms are amazing.


Here's the back garden of Bent Inn.



Each room has a different bondage bed and various items of bondage equipment. This room had a lovely wooden stock in the corner.


But it's the bondage basement in the lovely Victorian house that is totally incredible! I'll show you what was there.


The bench and the box:



The barber chair and the wall web:


Specialized chairs and stools:


Medical examination table and a gurney:



Ropes and slings:



St. Andrew's Crosses and cages:






Here are some views up and down the basement:



If you forget to bring your paraphernalia, Dennis and Rod will gladly let you borrow something.



Thank you to Dennis and Rod for their great generosity in allowing me to see into an all male world that would normally not be open to me.

Check out Bent Inn.

Make sure you keep your eye out for my next Total-e-Bound release, All Tied Up, coming May 18th. You just might find a little bit of Bent Inn in it.

Check out All Tied Up.

Kaenar
www.kaenar.com
Tales to seduce and entice...

Oh my gosh - turning 40!

I don't usually think as much about the age I'm turning on each birthday. I generally enjoy birthdays, my own and those of my friends. Forty, however, is one of those milestone birthdays, at least from my perspective because I feel kind of in-between in a strange sort of way.

At this age, it takes longer to lose those extra pounds when, years ago, they'd melt off simply by cutting out red meat or sugar. My skin and hair take more work to keep looking shiny and healthy and well, the cottage cheese look of my butt and inner thighs - I'll just veer my thoughts away. lol.

That said, I wouldn't trade where I am in my life for anything. Twenty years ago, my life was in disorder. I was very unhappy, didn't have a direction and couldn't really enjoy anything. I did have one best girlfriend and we are still close, so that's good, but the rest? Depressing.

In the years in between, I've had the great fortune of hooking up with the man in my life. He's older than me and saw my potential but that I needed to feel loved by someone and hadn't had that. Being a romantic at heart, I saw the chance that I read about in romance novels and in spite of my own personal difficulties, took the plunge. It's been fourteen years and I've faced many things inside I was afraid to face. At one point, I dug enough to find the writer inside me and let her out. Thirty-one books later, I'm still typing away and the stories keep bubbling up, a tribut to the love that's inspired me and helped me get my life back.

At forty, I have the inner and outer life that I'd pretty much envisioned for myself and I'm incredibly grateful. I just wanted to share that.

Just real quick - my acutal birthday isn't until the twenty-sixth (next Sunday) but I needed to share now because this is my blog day. The other cool thing about my birthday is it's the same day as Jet Li's birthday. I love sharing that day with someone so cute and so cool! Hugs, Sedonia

Small World & Reconnecting at RT

I was talking the other day about how it is truly a small world. I was on the train going to the day job when I spotted a familiar face in the crowd. After glancing at them trying to remember where I recognized them from I realized it was one of my high school teachers. We talked about what we had both been up to since high school oh so many years ago. To soon my high school teacher reached her stop and we parted ways. We talked so much we forgot to exchange contact info. I was cursing myself for not thinking of it when we talked. I haven’t kept in touch with much people from my high school year. Heck even my college years. I do try but we grew apart. But with it being such a small world maybe my high school teacher and I will run into each other on the subway again and this time before I start talking I will get her contact info so we can keep in touch. It was great reconnecting with her and brought back lots of memories.

This unexpected meeting on the train had me thinking of my upcoming trip in a few days where I will be going to the Romantic Times convention. There are a few people I chat with online that I can’t wait to see again at RT is person. I’m excited to reconnect with them. Talking online is good but I am a more face to face person. So seeing friends at RT is a plus for me. Having long conversations, laughing and just having fun. I can’t wait. RT I’ll be there in a few. If you are going to RT I hope to see you there and get to chat with you.

Who have you reconnected with lately?

Taige Crenshaw
http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/
…increasing the sizzle factor

Blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog
Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe
Newsletter: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/newsletterandgroups.shtml
Free Reads Site: http:/ /www.satinnotes.com/

Man to Man

I've been writing for Total-E-Bound ever since the site launched. Normally my royalties are fairly stable from month to month. In December 2008, though, I was shocked and delighted to find that my royalty total was 200% higher than usual. During December, TEB released my first M/M erotic romance, Tomorrow's Gifts. That one title sold more copies than my other books in the previous six months combined. Now, I was pretty proud of that book, but not necessarily more so than my other releases. I started to wonder whether the readers were sending me a message.

It is common knowledge that M/M romance sells well with female readers, but I was astonished to see the effects in person. To try and understand the appeal, I ran a “M/M romance” contest. I asked participants to email me, telling me whether they enjoyed homorerotic romance, and if so, why. I gave away a book to a randomly selected entrant.

The responses that I received were enlightening. One person said that she'd never read an M/M romance, though she was open to doing so. Every single other message offered enthusiastic approval for the sub-genre.

One reader wrote:

I love m/m romance. I think it's the thrill of the unknown for one thing, and the fun of exploring men's feelings and thoughts. Of course it doesn't hurt that I have a great appreciation of the male body--LOL.

Another said:

I think it's really sexy to "see" two men in sexual acts. The sex is usually more intense and raw. It has a vaguely voyeuristic quality which is quite exciting. In heterosexual romances, which I also enjoy, the story is usually told from the woman's perspective, with the man's feelings/thoughts coming in second. In contrast, MM romances give a unique perspective to how men are in relationships.

A third person commented:

I have to say that I do enjoy reading m/m romances, probably because I think that the self actualization & realization of their sexuality is a journey worth witnessing. I appreciate the way passion and love is written from a male perspective, where it is both soft and tough at the same time. I love the aggression and the gentleness, the contrasts constantly present; I hope that makes sense to you.

Then there was this endorsement:

I love M/M romance. I started reading it about 3 years ago and have been hooked every since. It has added new insight to my sex life!

So a major draw in M/M romance seems to be the transgressive nature of M/M love. Women enjoy imagining scenes that they might not be likely to see in real life, namely two men in a sexual situation. I find it fascinating that romance readers seem to be so visually oriented. This seems to violate the common wisdom that men are aroused by things they see, women by what they feel.

On the other hand, feelings are also tremendously important to these readers. Many participants commented that they enjoyed both M/F and M/M romances because love is fundamentally the same regardless of gender.

One person said:

It is also nice in m/m books, that you get to see the softer side of men in love.

And another mused:

I find the m/m romances are beautiful, they are a love between two that they could have been m/f or f/f, it totally doesn't matter. I read one recently and cried, it was just so emotional a read as well as sizzling.

My informants made it clear that they were not interested merely in M/M sex, but in how the protagonists in a M/M story relate to one another, and to society.

The irony is that most M/M romance is actually written by women. It's not clear that the vision of homoerotic love or male emotion that they portray is particularly accurate. They offer a woman's perspective on gay love – a perspective that appears to be very popular with other women.

I have read a certain amount of gay male erotica. Although you do find romantic, emotionally-charged stories, many tales in this genre focus largely on the physical, celebrate anonymous sex for its own sake, and depict M/M relationships as rough, even cruel.

What is the truth? I don't think that's a meaningful question. In fiction, the author articulates his or her vision of the characters and their journey. One author's perspective is neither more nor less valid than another's.

Women romance readers clearly enjoy reading about sensual, caring relationships between two men. I doubt that it really matters whether these stories are “realistic”, as long as they are believable. And from my experience, emotional authenticity is a more important determinant of what a reader will believe than objective fact.

If I were concerned only with my royalties, I'd probably stop writing anything except M/M work. I really try and resist the temptation to write what's popular at the moment. When I do, I risk strangling my muse. However, I recently had a M/M plot and characters pop into my mind, almost fully formed. I'm now trying to clear my desk of other commitments so that I can sit down and write Kyle's and Rob's story.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with an excerpt from Tomorrow's Gifts, which I hope will illustrate the mixture of gentleness and toughness that my respondents seem to like.

Neil gave my rigid cock a firm squeeze. “What a good boy,” he murmured. “You still haven’t come.” Intent on his pleasure, I’d almost forgotten about my own release. He stroked me gently, reawakening awareness of my painful desire.

“I haven’t given you permission yet,” he crooned. “So you must hold on.” He tickled the underside of my rod with one hand, cupping my balls with the other. “Let me see what an obedient slave you can be.” Pre-cum leaked helplessly from my slit. He smeared the liquid over the bulb, making me gasp. I was determined not to disappoint him.

He played with me cruelly, deliciously. I thought about the crop, remembering the pain, trying to blunt the pleasure. I recalled his fierce yell as he exploded inside me. That was what I wanted, what I needed. To serve him.

Finally, he removed his hands. The sudden lack of stimulation was nearly as bad as the previous sensory overload. He waited three breaths. “Well done, boy,” he said finally. “Come now.”

Blind and grateful, I let go. Orgasm ripped through my body. My limbs jerked helplessly. Endless surges of cum flung themselves from my shuddering penis into the dark. I felt Neil, close to me, heard him panting with excitement. I imagined my white essence clinging to the black hair on his belly, and convulsed again.

After the storm, I stood quietly, waiting for my next instructions. Neil untied the blindfold. “Relax, boy,” he said. “That’s enough for tonight.”

The next thing I knew, he had me in a bear hug and was nibbling at my neck. Not exactly what I’d expect from a stern and implacable master. But it was what I needed.

Indulge your Senses

With the Night of the Senses Anthology. You get six stories from your favourite Total-E-Bound authors each one focusing on a particular sense and I am proud to be oner of those authors. My Story "Spiced Vanilla"focuses on the sense of smell, one that I think is often skimmed over in literature but can be incredibly evocative if used right.

Chocolate, cakes and domination, what more could a girl want?

Emma hadn't stepped out of her flat in six months. When she did it was the smell of a local patisserie that lured her down the street. Every day she walked to Jacques to admire the cakes and enjoy their scent, then she discovered Jack.

Jack, the patisserie owner and baker is just the dominant, commanding man she wants, but can she learn to accept her submissive nature? Will she indulge her appetite for sexual spice and ignore her good girl guilt or will she resist the temptation and regret it forever?

So if you feel like you need to indulge your senses for a while you can pamper yourself with a copy of this really sensual anthology. If you need any more persuasion here is a particularly scent filled excerpt from "Spiced Vanilla"

“Hey, we’re all locked up now.” He smiled and slid off his T-shirt. “I’ll get in the shower after you.”

I thought he meant after I’d finished, but when I’d climbed in he was there behind me before I could wrap the shower curtain around me.

“Oh, right,” I gasped as his hands wrapped around my waist.

“I’ll help get you clean, sweetheart.” He smiled as he picked up the shower gel and squirted a good amount into his hand. All the while he was wrapped around me, his chest along my back and his surprisingly hard cock resting between my buttocks.

He put down the bottle. “Spin around,” he said, and I did. He rewarded me by slapping his sudsy hands onto my breasts. He rubbed them leisurely, the masculine musk of the shower gel overpowered me with his familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon and musky spice. It did not smell the same on me, the highlights of vanilla coming through more over the heavy spices but I knew that I would be reminded of him as long as it lingered on my skin.

I did not think much more as his hands rubbed over me. I felt and I smelled and I experienced the joy of his body as it rubbed against mine. It was as if he worshipped me. He lingered over every curve and straight, and I felt treasured with every moan and gasp he freed from his lips as he thoroughly cleansed me.

His hands were warm, wet and slippery, and they lifted me to a high level of excitement after only a few strokes. Arms, hands, breasts, hips, thighs, he washed them all. He renewed his suds and enveloped me in a hug as he scrubbed my back. His lips met mine, and we kissed as the steamy masculinity of his scent, hot and liquid, fiery in my nostrils like inhaling the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns caressed my senses.

His hands dipped lower and cupped my buttocks. As I gasped in pleasure, his tongue plunged between my lips and dominated my mouth as I so longed for him to dominate the rest of me.

“Now, your hair.” He smiled as his lips deserted mine and left me a panting, wanting wreck. He picked another bottle from the side and flicked open the top. I watched as the thick liquid glooped from the bottle and to the palm of his strong hand, then I heard the click and clunk as the bottle was closed and put away. “Turn around,” he said, and like a good girl, I did. My hair was wet form the constant prickle of the shower water, so he went straight in with his fingers to massage the shampoo into my hair.

I’d always loved to have my hair played with. I’d never made a fuss at bath time as a kid. Even then, I’d found the process of having my hair washed soothing. This experience was anything but soothing. His fingertips on my scalp aroused me, and the way he wrapped my curls around his fingers made me think of rough sex and made my pussy long for it.

The scent was stimulating, too, sharp mint and tangy citrus zinged through me, fresh and vibrant like it must for him as he woke up at ohmygod-o’clock in the morning to begin the baking process. After thoroughly massaging the shampoo into my scalp, he pulled me back, so that the water that had cascaded down his back and just splashed onto my skin was now directed directly at the top of my head. The multiple slaps of rain-like drops sensitised me all over, and I felt myself growing even wetter between my thighs.

What scents really arouse you? I am partial to citrus scents, cinnamon, fresh cut grass and the sea. And of course the scent of my husband which is uniquely him. It is amazing how quickly a smell can evoke a memory,especially sexy ones I find. So create some sexy memories with this hot Total-E-Bound Anthology -Night of The Senses!

Heroes and Harlots

Who doesn't love a hero?
And doesn't every woman have a little harlot in her?

The first novella in the Heroes and Harlots series, Every Desire, is slated for release April 20th, by Total e-Bound.

Evey Desire introduces us to Montgomery La’Croix, a Madam who runs the only brothel in town, aptly named Every Desire. Known as a no-nonsense, take no crap woman with a good head for business, she has managed to become one of the wealthiest women in Nevada. However, her livelihood is suddenly threatened when a new sheriff moves to town.

Running from a murky past, Sheriff Wayne Ravenclaw Kincaid (nicknamed Cade), comes to the small town of Redemption hoping to lay his demons to rest and carve out a place for himself in the untamed land of the western frontier. Elected by the folks of Redemption, he promises to help them clean up the town and change their image in order to attract more families. The first item on his list? Moving Madam LaCroix’s brothel out of town.

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as he thought it would be, so he is surprised and relieved when she decides to offer him a compromise. He will get what he wants--she will move, but in turn, she will get him--for three whole nights.

The deal is on the table--if he warms her bed for three nights then she will pick up her brothel and move out of town. Will the Sheriff's iron clad morals stand in the way? Or will he set his pious nature aside long enough to show the madam there are still a few tricks she has left to learn?

I am so excited about the release of Every Desire. I truly enjoyed writing about the fiesty, fiery, foul mouthed Madam LaCroix!

~Nadia Aidan~

Spring Cleaning, Writing Pals, and Making Time

First, my apologies for posting this late. I didn't realize my kids had today off of school (that will teach me to step away from the computer and glance at their school calendar once in a while) and I have a lot to get done in preparation for Easter dinner--I was somehow swindled *gg* into hosting this year. :)

It took me a while to come up with something to blog about this month. Oh I had many ideas and any of them would have done just fine, but then I got to thinking about spring--and it's a beautiful spring day even here in Minne-snow-ta--and just writing in general. So that's what I wrote about. LOL

To me, Spring cleaning can be many things. Oh there's the whole cleaning the house, and I'm doing that...reluctantly. ;-) I won't share the horrors of what I found when I pulled the fridge and stove out. *shudder*

Aside from the obvious, this is the time I find I get organized and more on the ball with a writing routine. Every year. I don't know if it's the sun shining/longer days, the fact I'm not freezing my tush off 24/7 or what, but my writing really takes off in the spring.

I've gone through all my idea folders on my laptop and have a plan in motion for the spring and summer months. I've gotten more words written in the last two weeks than I had in the previous two months. A lot of that had to do with going and visiting my friend, Gwen Cease. No body kicks my butt into gear like Gwen.

It really drives home the importance of having like-minded people around you. Oh, my husband is extremely supportive (as is much of my family), but he doesn't 'get' it when I am having trouble with a uncooperative character or when I'm just completely stuck on where to go with a particular story. Gwen is someone I can call and whine to LOL or brainstorm with. And I'm here to do the same for her--kick her in the tush whenever needed.

We both have busy lives--Gwen's a elementary teacher (and most of you know that's a more than full time job), I'm a mom of four who has a day job. We've often talked about how little time we have for writing and have often reminded each other that we don't MAKE time for writing. Even though it's awfully tempting to veg out in front of the TV after working all day, that time would be better spent writing. That's not to say vegging out shouldn't happen once in a while. I think it's good for the soul. ;-) It's just something I don't need to be doing every week night, no matter how tired I am. So I've made a deal with myself. Every night I sit down to write--no excuses. I have to write for one hour. If after an hour, I don't want to continue, I stop. Nine times out of ten, though, I don't even notice when the hour mark has passed. I'm too into the story and characters.

So, how about you? Do you find Spring to have an effect on you and things in your life? Do you have that friend/pal who understands you better than anyone and who will push you farther than you'd push yourself?

Thanks for taking the time to read. :) I wish everyone a great weekend, and for those who celebrate, Happy Easter!

Best,
Jess

www.jessicajarman.com
The Fey: Waters of Fate-Coming May 2009

A little personal, but a question: Fantasy Vs. Fear

Fantasy VS. Fear!
By Sascha Illyvich


Warning: A bit personal information coming up! But this is Hitting the Hot Spot, where fantasies can become written word! So tell me readers, do you have any sexual fantasies you’re afraid of? I mean not fearing in such a manner as to suggest you’d die. But fantasies that define that hidden part of you that you refuse to acknowledge even in your stories?

I’ll share one of mine to give you an example and then we’ll analyze that fear. The fantasy is simple. I want to be dressed fully as a woman and then surrounded by a number of men who would jack off on me or in me, and the last two who came could pull down my panties and fuck me or let me blow them.

The fantasy could get wilder or milder depending on how fast “I” get off. Or how much more fun I’d like to have.

The problem/fear with this is pretty interesting. First off, I can’t really discuss this with too many of my friends, and don’t even THINK about telling the Girlfriend. Both Dommes see this as hot btw.

Next up is my fear of a repeat performance with anal sex. The first and only time I’ve been penetrated just…well let’s say I got off and that guy still buys me dinner occasionally. But it was less than perfect minus my orgasm.

Then there’s the entire issue with me cross dressing. Oh, I don’t have a problem. Most of the people I deal with who know I write, know I’m kinky. Some are okay, some are jealous (I look DAMN good in garter/thigh highs and other assorted lingerie!) But the men in question who would want to play with me- well experience has taught me that they either want to kiss and cuddle, which I’m not fond of. Or they want to treat me like rough trade --which I don’t do because to me that implies I’m not in control. Yet, I want to be a total slut in this manner too. So what the hell am I to do?

I’m pretty strong but if I had seven or eight guys and didn’t have the proper judgment in who came over, well it could be a blood bath and huge mess.

Or am I overreacting? One solution I came up with was to have one of my dear friends be “security” for this party/orgy because she’s got a bigger knife collection than I do and isn’t afraid of anything. Another of course would involve my Dommes and their supervision. But the panic would still set in to some degree until perhaps lust overrode it. That’s my hopeful anyway.

So how about you? Do you have any fantasies that you’re deathly afraid of but want so bad that sometimes you masturbate just thinking about that one thing alone?

A Perfect Dominant

Honestly, is there such a thing as a perfect Dominant? No more than there exists such a thing as a perfect submissive, a perfect man, a perfect woman. But part of life is seeking perfection or seeking to perfect. Recently, I attended Beat Me in St. Louis and learned all kinds of new and interesting things. One thing I took away from that enticing conference was what, in my opinion, it takes to become a perfect Dom.

(DISCLAIMER: I fully realize that all Dom are NOT male, nor are all subs female, but in the interest of the flow of words, I will stick with the “he” pronoun for Dom and the “she” for Sub.)

Strong – Duh! Of course a Dom needs to be strong, but I don’t mean just animal, brute strength – although that is nice as well – but strength of mind and spirit, a commanding presence. A Dom should be strong enough to admit a mistake, to ask forgiveness, to seek advice if needed.

Intelligent – Again, a personal preference, but a Dom should be smart enough to know when a scene is dangerous or just plain stupid. For me, intelligence is the biggest turn on there is.

Observant – Often, a submissive is unable to see (blindfold, sub-space, eyes lowered). The Dom must be his/her eyes. He/She must be able to notice when a sub has been pushed to the limit, to notice a loose knot in a rope, a jagged piece of wood on a frame, a sharp piece of exposed metal.
Firm – A rule is a rule. If a Dom sets a rule in place, enforce it.

Realistic – The above statement notwithstanding, a Dom needs to realize that circumstances, moods, likes, dislikes, physical characteristics all change – for both the Dom and the sub. Change with it. For those who live the lifestyle 24/7 – fabulous. For those who “play” – fabulous. But in both lifestyles, a Dom should have realistic expectations of both himself and his sub.

Gentle – Nothing will bring me to my knees – figuratively and literally, like a gentle Dom. A firm spank combined with a soft word; a gentle touch on a breast mixed with pulled hair and a bruising kiss.

Compassion – Care, truly care about your sub. Care about her emotions, her body, her hair, her fears, her love. Forgive mistakes and dwell on successes. Place her on a pedestal; show your gratitude in her trust of you. Her devotion, her aching need to serve and please you is a reflection of your treatment of her.

Humour – Have a healthy sense of humour. Laugh at life, yourself, sex, your sub. Laugh during sex, after it, before it. If something goes wrong, don’t get angry, see the humour in the situation and move on.

Life is hard and often filled with sadness and grief beyond our control. You are the Dom. Control what you can with graciousness, strength, and love.

(Now for the apology. I've been seriously overworked lately with 2 jobs, kids, elderly, etc., etc., so I actually posted this on my blog about a week or so ago. If this offends anyone, I apologize. But I would rather repeat an entry than go without one. Hope you enjoy.)

Other Writers

I've been very, very bad the past year and haven't written much. That said, I'm back working - just an FYI for anyone who gives a hoot, and I'll be at the Romantic Times convention end of this month, along with my lovely editor, publisher, and other writing buds like Alexis Fleming.

Today, one of my local friends has a book out and one of the area newspapers did an interview with her, if you care to check it out. Go to Examiner.com or click Carla Cassidy to get to the link. (The name should take you directly there.)

The LATEST releases at TEB are here! And don't you LOVE SL's newest cover???

And I'll hopefully have some updates for you from Orlando next time.

Ciao, babes!

Younger Men

I feel like a bird with a broken wing, or maybe just a clipped wing.

A couple weeks ago I slipped in the bathroom (it seems more injuries occur at home than out of the home) and hurt my arm.

11 stitches and several bruises later, I'm going nuts. Luckily it was my left arm and and I'm right handed so I can write by hand with no problem. Extended typing doesn't feel too good at the moment, however. So I'm going crazy.

I have another story handwritten and another one started, waiting to send to my critique partner. I'm not the patient type and can't stand to sit still or stop production. But I'm also grateful it wasn't worse. So if my editor reads this, she won't be surprised in a few weeks when I send two or three submissions all at once.

Meanwhile, my hubby and my kids are taking good care of me. They're also policing me telling me not to overdo it and write too much. Right now, my arm is screaming at me to give it a break for the night. I will as soon as I finish this post.

My hubby, btw, is a younger man. Not by much, but I used to like only older men, so when he told me he was younger, it was almost a deal breaker. It really bothered me even though we graduated high school the same year and he's several inches taller. I couldn't understand the allure of boys (vs. men).

Now that I'm maturing, I like younger men. They're hot and oh-so-cute.

In most of the movies and books I read, as well as most of the couples I see in real life, the men and women don't reveal their ages. I can't tell who's older and who's younger. And it really doesn't matter. Should it? I've been married to my "younger" man 29 years now and we have 5 children and 2 grandchildren, so we've done just great. My son, btw, is younger than my d-i-l and they're extremely happy.

Thus, in my January TEB release, "Last Man On Earth", the hero is younger than the heroine and I think he's very hot. If you like younger men, too, check it out. :)

After Earth blows up, Astronauts Colonel Genie Siska and Major David Randolph are kidnapped by aliens.

Astronaut Major David Randolph is the last human male alive after Earth blows up. Colonel Genie Siska and David witness Earth's explosion from their space ship. In shock and despair, the couple run through a myriad of emotions. Although Genie's always been highly attracted to the major, he's also fourteen years younger than her. Even though he's literally the last man left alive, she still doesn't know if she can take a man so much younger than her as her lover.

David's always been in love with his commanding officer, and he's frustrated that even now, she resists him. They are literally mankind's last chance for survival. Or are they? When they are "rescued" or is it kidnapped by aliens, the whole picture changes. However, they are not sure if it's for better or worse.

Excerpt from: Last Man on Earth

USAF Colonel Genie Siska gaped at the blinding lights pinpointing the Earth. In shock, she wasn’t sure if she was speaking aloud or thinking, “My dear God. What’ve they done? How could they?”

“God save our souls,” Major David Randolph whispered beside her. His shoulder crowded hers and his hip bumped her as he ran back to his station.

The com channels were frantic with chatter. Maydays arose in every language. Reports of massive death and destruction filled Genie’s ears as she stared in disbelief from the command link to the planet below. Her fingers dug into the ledge in front of her, and she feared she’d sink to the ground if she let go. “How can they do this?”

She prayed to God for forgiveness and deliverance.

“Don’t just stand there, Colonel!” David grabbed her and dragged her into their escape ship. “We’ve got to get out of here now. If the planet explodes, it’ll blast apart the station.”

Earth explode?

She gulped. Her heart shattered as she envisioned the fiery deaths of all the children of Earth. The babies. The animals. All innocents. None deserving of the fate their elders decreed.

Mutely, swallowing hard, hoping David’s words weren’t prophetic, she forced herself to focus. But she couldn’t wrap her mind around the possible reality.

She helped David steer the ship out into space far enough for safety but close enough to see their home. When he put his arm around her, she didn’t demur. Rather, she wrapped her arms around him and laid her cheek on his shoulder, taking comfort from his steady heartbeat and the rise and fall of his chest. “Why is this happening?”

He squeezed her shoulder and huskily murmured, “Who really knows? Greed? Selfishness? Stupidity? Religious fanaticism?”

A sad snort arose from her lips, and she struggled to hold back tears and not damn all the religious nuts to hell. For heaven’s sake, USAF Colonels didn’t cry. In particular, female officers couldn’t show such weakness or her troops lose respect. She’d rather be a tough bitch. But against orders, tears clung to her lashes, and she tried to blink them back. “So we blew ourselves up in the name of God?”

He pressed his lips to her temple. “Quite possibly. We’ll never know.”

He sounded so much more mature than his mere twenty-eight years, and she burrowed into his strength.

The ship rocked with shock waves, and she gasped. Blinding light and meteors hurled at them.

“Damn! The idiots really did it,” David seethed and gathered her closer and held her tightly as if he craved the human contact.

Anxious for affirmation she wasn’t alone in the big, cold universe, she clutched him. Tears dropped unchecked from her eyes and sobs racked her throat. Although she’d never married nor had children, her heart ached for her nephew and her sister, for all the lost souls, for lost dreams, for the terror and pain everyone must have felt.

Furious at the sons of bitches who’d turned the doomsday switches, she flung back her head and howled her rage, and she pummelled her fists against David’s chest. “We’re dead! This is the end of the human race. How could we?”

A million visions collided in her mind, changing with such lightning speed she grew dizzy and crumpled to the floor. Gasping for air, her sobs came on hiccoughs. Irony in her voice, she mused, “I never thought it fair to marry or have kids as I thought my mission too dangerous, that I’d be the one to die in this godforsaken space…and now we’re the only ones left.”

David hunkered down on his haunches and stroked her face. His intensely blue gaze bore into her. Very sombrely and seriously he said, “We weren’t the only satellite orbiting Earth. The Russians and the Chinese are up here, too.”

“If they didn’t get pulverised.” Acid tears burned her eyes and hovered on her lashes. They burned her eyes much like the explosion burned away Earth’s atmosphere.

Again, David pulled her close and rocked back and forth with her in his arms. “Shush. We’ll make it. We’re resilient.”

She peeked out the window at the spookily empty space—empty barring all the dust and debris from their home.

Damn it! It shouldn’t be so beautiful, like sparkling fairy dust.

Available at http://www.total-e-bound.com

Ashley
www.ashleyladd.com
www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com

Also just released:
"Secret Admirer" an M/M romance at TEB
"Night of the Senses" an M/M/F romance at TEB

Coming soon:



"Truth, Justice, And The Vampire Way" an M/F vampire romance at Ellora's Cave April 22nd

"Caught In The Middle" an M/F/M romance at TEB May 11th

The four hour erection, or the effects of chemical stimulation

I don't usually watch television, commerc ials. I have to admit it. I'm real;ly sorry for all the advertisers who think they're going to capture my attention with their promos that run the gamut from cutesy to bizarre, but I just find most of them stupid and distasteful. However, my brain pops to alert when the ads for Cialis and Viagra coem on the air.

First of all, I've discovered to my shock and amazement, that the majority of the male population, at least in the United States, must suffer from a raging case of erectile dysfunction. Otherwise, why run so many commercials that you can't seem to get away from them? And the percentages of men dealing with this turn out to be quite amazing, according to what the ads say. What's with all these men, anyway? I remember when you couldn't get a man to keep it in his pants. Now it seems he can't take it out without chemical assistance.

And then there are the warnings - beware of side effects: back pain, drop in blood pressure, muscles aches. Men used to get these after sex, not before. But the warning that really gets me is: Be sure to see your doctor if you have an erection lasting more than four hours. Four hours? Where is this man? I want to find him right away.

Now, I have to tell you, I am no spring chicken and I have seen a lot of life. B ut I can honestly say that I've never met a man who had an erection lasting four hours. Good lord! I shoujld think the women would be lined up at his door, taking a number. Think of the money he could make, even if he only performed one night a week. And then of course there are the book rights and the movie rights, and... Well, I guess it shows what a difference chemicals can make - from nothing to everything.

What I want to know is what's happened to the male population that at thirty they need chemical help getting an erection? Did they wear it out at an early age? Did they not know how to use it? Did they forget to take good care of it?

I've decided that this would make a great sotry - a man experimenting with drugs for erectile dysfunction comes up (you shoujld excuse the expression) with an erection that won't go away and decides to see how long he can perform before it does. Hmm. A new project for Desiree Holt.

And watch for me next month at Hitting the Hot Spot when I tell you about the article I read that says the reason women are susceptible to multiple partners is because men are born with a selfish gene.

Until then, when you're out shopping and walking around in the stores, or in a restaurant or bar, keep your eyes out for that guy who has a permanent tent in his pants.

LOL!

DEAR TIDE!

I am writing to say what an excellent product you have. I've used it all of my married life, as my Mom always told me it was the best.

Now that I am in my fifties I find it even better! In fact, about a month ago, I spilled some red wine on my new white blouse.

My inconsiderate and uncaring husband started to belittle me about how clumsy I was, and generally started becoming a pain in the neck One thing led to another and somehow I ended up with his blood on my new white blouse! I grabbed my bottle of Tide with bleach alternative, to my surprise and satisfaction, all of the stains came out!

In fact, the stains came out so well the detectives who came by yesterday told me that the DNA tests on my blouse were negative and then my attorney called and said that I was no longer considered a suspect in the disappearance of my husband. What a relief! Going through menopause is bad enough without being a murder suspect! I thank you, once again, for having a great product.

Well, gotta go, have to write to the Hefty bag people.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Minds_Eye_of_Dark_Fantasy/

www.ellenashe.net