On Saturday the GSRWA brought in someone to speak on guns. I learned a ton and took lots of notes (not sure it was cute or pathetic that I compared loading a magazine to filling a Pez dispenser?) It was a lot of fun and interactive. We had members turn out whom I haven’t seen in awhile, so that made it even better!

Then this morning I woke up bright and early to go meet Dennis (the speaker) as his first guest to be taken out to the shooting range. The drive out there was so pretty, and when we arrived there were police officers doing some kind of practice drills (or something). So it didn’t feel quite as B.F.E.  So we picked a little range section to get off some shots. And Dennis was so great, he let ME do all the shooting.

I was a bit nervous to take my first shot. I mean, how do you hold a gun (and seriously I think I got close to getting it ‘right’ around the 1.5 hour mark!). I was afraid of the recoil everyone warned me about. That my hands would hurt. But after I got set up (he helped me adjust my hands) I took my first shot. And I was addicted. It was way better (and yet oddly similar?) to those little firework gun poppers that shoot out streamers. :P

So then I began to focus on things like my stance and trying to keep my arms from flying up after I pull the trigger. I actually HIT within the circles I was aiming at on the paper target, sometimes really close to the bulls eye. I tried out all kinds of guns (and I KNOW my ‘gun speak’ in this blog will not likely be correct). I used two different Glocks, a Lady Smith and Wesson, a bigger Smith and Wesson, and a…ugh, not sure but it shot .22? I kept the gold casings of each one I shot as a souvenir. I’ve got a .45, .40, .38, .22, 9mm. Shooting the .45 was pretty impressive. I’ll say the larger Smith and Wesson had the most painful/aggressive recoil. I didn’t shoot that more than a handful of times.

So overall, I think using the .40 with the Glock was my fave. Not too heavy and feel pretty awesome. The .22 (can’t remember the gun name) was super smooth and easy, but probably not as impactful. I have to confess, before today I was always a bit anti-gun. They scare me. But holding one, firing with them, and hearing more about them in the chapter meeting really took away some of the fear. It made them NOT so unknown.

I had a BLAST! Thanks, Dennis!

]]> http://www.shellistevens.com/blog/2010/03/08/shelli-and-guns/feed/ 3 http://www.shellistevens.com/blog/2010/03/06/snippet-saturday-lost-loves/ http://www.shellistevens.com/blog/2010/03/06/snippet-saturday-lost-loves/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:36 +0000 Shelli Stevens http://www.shellistevens.com/?p=2481 First, I’m up for best book of the week at Whipped Cream reviews! Protecting Phoebe received a WONDERFUL review that made me all teary. Come by and vote!

Welcome to Snippet Saturday. Today’s theme is for ‘Lost Loves’. My excerpt is from my novella in Sexy Beast VII. Read the excerpt below and then hop to the other blogs to enjoy more!

Big and bold, primal and powerful, these men have a seductive sensuality that no woman can resist. Come enter their world of carnal desires and wanton sexuality…if you dare…

“Chanku Challenge” by Kate Douglas

When Beth and Nick first discovered the amazingly sensual power of their Chanku birthright, the desire to mate was fierce and uncontrollable. But Beth remains haunted by an event from her past, and she must confront it in order to accept her new life and find the happiness she so desperately seeks…

“Eye of the Beholder” by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Terrified at the rumors of her new husband’s hideous disfigurement, Larra of Rellmon fears the night and his approach. But as the hooded Dauer caresses her body Larra’s shivers of terror become quivers of ecstasy, and under cover of darkness she willingly submits to complete sexual surrender…

“His To Reclaim” by Shelli Stevens

Five years ago Gemma gave her heart and soul to a fellow werejaguar only to have him disappear. Now Hunter has come back and kidnapped her on her wedding day in order to make her his again, and he will tempt, tease and taunt her body to the heights of hedonistic pleasure to get exactly what he wants…

EXCERPT

“I’ve come here to talk.” His gaze once again turned unreadable. “I want to explain why I did what I did.”

“I’m sorry, would that be kidnapping me on my wedding day? Or the part where you fucked me five years ago and forgot I existed.”

He was across the floor, pulling her up from the bed before she could blink.

“I never forgot you, angel,” he said thickly, his face pressed close to hers. “Let’s just clear that up right here and now.”

Her heart tripped, but she swallowed the hope that threatened. She couldn’t afford such weakness.

“Forget I said anything. It doesn’t matter anymore.” She swallowed hard, forcing herself to say, “I’m in love with another man, or have you forgotten?”

His nostrils flared, and he shook his head, mouth thinning. “Don’t lie to me, Gemma. I know you better than that.”

Was she really that transparent? Frustration boiled in her belly. It wasn’t right that he could read her so easily!

“Apparently you don’t know me that well.” She lifted her chin, forcing her gaze to be deliberately hard. “You have to let me go at some point, Hunter. So know this. Once you do, I’m going straight back to Jeffrey, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.”

He blinked, the only indication that she’d gotten to him was the slight tic in his jaw.

“Angel, what makes you think I’ll let you go?” he asked softly. His gaze moved over her body. “You promised me forever, and I don’t take well to people breaking their promises.”

She stopped breathing. Her legs weakened and her mind spun. He was screwing with her head. Of course she knew it. There was no possible way he could literally keep her hidden forever. But it still didn’t stop her gut reaction and desperate panic.

She clenched her fists. She couldn’t love him again. Wouldn’t love him again. Gemma reloaded with the only ammunition she had and then took her shot.

“You were not my only lover, Hunter.”

He flinched, his face tightening as if she’d hit him. But he recovered all too soon, saying stealthily, “But I was your first, Gemma. And I intend to be your last.”

The sheer arrogance of his statement had her reacting without thought, swinging her palm toward his cheek.

He caught her wrist, eyes burning.

She finally broke, everything inside her crumbling. There was no fighting him.

“I hate you, Hunter. Do you have any idea what you’ve done to my life?” she choked out, tugging at her wrist. “I was going to start over today with a decent man. I’d put you behind me. And in one day, you’ve demolished every step I took to get over you.”

“First, Jeffrey is not a decent man by any means.”

“Oh! What gives you any right—”

“And, second,” he ground out. “I don’t want you to get over me. Ever.”

She swung at him with her other hand, but he captured her second wrist just as easily as the first.

He dragged her body fiercely against his until her curves were squashed against every hard inch of his body; his cock jammed fully erect into her belly.

Heat flared in every inch of her body, and tingles of awareness seared her blood.

His mouth hovered above hers, his breath hot against her face. “You haven’t forgotten me any more than I’ve forgotten you, angel. Admit it.”

“But I deserve to,” she whispered. “I have every right.”

“Yes.” His forehead touched hers, his voice unsteady as he said, “But thank God you didn’t.”

He crushed her mouth with his, the ruthless invasion of his tongue leaving no doubt in her mind that he meant to claim her again tonight.

Leah Braemel
Emma Petersen
TJ Micheals
Ashley Ladd
Lissa Matthews
McKenna Jeffries
Shelli Stevens
Taige Crenshaw
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
Vivian Arend
Elisabeth Naughton
Juliana Stone
Lauren Dane
Shelley Munro

On a pre-wedding vacation to Europe with her friend, Lena learns her fiancé is cheating on her. Deciding she needs to have some fun herself, she indulges in the sexy New Yorker who’s been trying to get into her pants. But will she lose her heart in the process?

Business brings Tyler to Amsterdam, but a petite bombshell on vacation is what convinces him to stay. Each day brings them closer, and he begins to think she could be the one to curb his bachelor ways. Until he realizes that he’s just the pawn in a game of revenge.

EXCERPT

They reached the heart of the city and exited the bus, walking
around the shops and exploring at random.

Lena found a chunky silver bracelet and funky purse to buy for
Stephanie, and then picked up a necklace with an Eiffel tower charm on it
for Lakisha back at work.

The brief thought of getting Keith a paperweight crossed her mind,
but she quickly dismissed the idea. The bastard didn’t deserve the crumbs
from her croissant.

Tyler had picked up numerous gifts for his sisters and parents and
now hauled around a large shopping bag.

Suddenly, Tyler grabbed her hand and dragged her into a small
shop. He approached a sales lady and started speaking in French and
gesturing toward the mannequin in the window.

Lena frowned. What the heck was he saying? Jeez, she should have
paid more attention in French class. She went to look at the mannequin in
the window.

“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I could never wear this. This kind
of dress looks good on tall women who are shaped like a coat rack.”

Tyler raised his eyebrows as the sales lady came over and fussed
around Lena. She scowled as she went to work figuring out her
measurements.

A moment later, the lady shuffled her into a small fitting room as
she clutched the dress. She fought the urge to hurl it over the curtain in
rebellion. With a sigh of surrender, she started to undress. When she’d
finally figured out how to put the dress on, she turned to the mirror. Her
jaw dropped.

The black fabric was silk. A thick strap curved over one shoulder,
leaving the other bare. It clung to her curves and fell just above her calves.

“It makes my boobs look great,” she murmured, running her hands
over her torso. She turned, glancing over her shoulder to get a look at her
backside. “Not bad on the butt either.”

“Lena, are you going to come out and show me?” Tyler called from
the other side of the curtain.

She started to and then paused, biting her lip. “No, I don’t think I
will. You picked a winner. I’ll get it, but I want it to be a surprise when
you see me tonight.”

There was a pause from his side of the curtain. “Okay.”

When Lena came out a moment later, she saw Tyler signing a
receipt. Her stomach clenched, and she ran toward him.

“Oh, no. You can’t buy this for me. It’s insanely expensive.”

The sales lady gave her a sharp glance but didn’t comment.

“Don’t worry about it. And you weren’t supposed to look at the price tag.”
He plucked the dress from her hands.

She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. “You didn’t need to
buy that for me.”

“I know I didn’t, but I did. Deal with it.” He dropped a quick kiss
on her lips and then tucked the bag under his arm.

Grabbing her hand, he steered her out the door.

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

I was going to put pictures up of it (as I generally do when I discuss movies), but I’m still too angry at that life suck to give it much attention. Let’s just say we had been about to see Valentine’s Day, and changed it to Wolfman, thinking it would be a nice little paranormal romance. Yeah….not so much. More like a B movie slasher flick. And I like some B movies–Army of Darkness is a cult classic! But Wolfman was two hours of my life I’ll never get back.

Saturday was a Cherry Plotters day. A group of us authors get together and plot, plot, plot! I’m excited for the two authors who plotted for. So much fun and always good food. And a great view! Plus they’re helping me on our loop with my proposal I’m working with for my agent. Loving it!

Sunday…we shall not discuss. Or, okay, let’s just say my child had a ‘going problem’ and we didn’t leave the house. But what I did do during my hours of isolation, was put together and photograph my donation to the Brenda Novak Diabetes auction! I’ve got a cute little ‘bag’ (I say bag, because it’s in a bag instead of a basket, or really, if you win it, it’ll show up stuffed into a nice and neat flat rate box!). So here’s a peek at the pic I took. My auction page isn’t updated, but it’ll be here eventually.

(click to make it bigger!)

Anyway, off to bed. Because I slept like arse last night and I need to be up early to have a final doctor’s visit before my health care goes bye-bye. Sigh. I was so hoping for health care reform…..but that’s a whole other blog topic.

And I built a fire (yes! Without lighter fluid even! Despite my brother telling me it could not be done!) Check out the pics.

Then I did some beach combing the first day, and the second I took my daughter on a nearly 4 mile hike. She’s six, so what a little trooper she was. It’s along a bluff and up hills and down hills, and then back on the beach. She only got grumpy near the end (my bad, should’ve brought a snack!).

Here’s some pretty pics! This is from a trail on Whidbey Island.

(At the beginning of the hike, which started after a big climb up stairs and a hill!)

(Overlooking the prairie that’s been relatively the same since the 1850’s)

(Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula across the way)

(we were hiking up on the bluffs by the trees, then had to climb down to the beach!)

Bottom line I had a great couple of days. So nice to bond with nature and we had some great weather (high 50’s I think!). I have to confess I didn’t completely disconnect with the internet. I tweeted from my phone a couple of times ;) But for the most part…I chillaxed. Even watched some of the Olympics!

Must do this more often….

Voula’s was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network (which I’ll include the clip below). I ordered something called the Pinata Benedict. It’s like eggs Benedict, but with instead of Canadian bacon it has smoked pork (which they smoke in the parking lot!) Soooo good! And the people there are so much fun.

If you’re in Seattle, you totally need to check this place out! But for now, check out the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives video below!

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.” Oscar Wilde

“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.” Victor Hugo

“Whoso loves, believes the impossible.” Elizabeth Barret Browning

“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.” Author unknown, attributed to an 8-year-old named Greg

“Love doesn’t sit there like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all of the time, made new.” Ursula K. LeGuin

“A baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it.” Frank A. Clark

“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

“Love is a choice you make from moment to moment.” Barbara De Angelis

“Forget love – I’d rather fall in chocolate!” Sandra J. Dykes

“Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.” Amy Bloom

“Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” Albert Einstein

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” Mother Theresa

“Hate leaves ugly scars, love leaves beautiful ones.” Mignon McLaughlin

Details:

Saturday February 13th 5-7pm
ParkPlace Books in Kirkland!

Other authors signing besides myself are Megan Chance, Anthea Lawson, Deborah Schneider, and Rebecca Clark! We’re love to see some people drop by!

http://www.naughty-and-spice.com/ ]]> http://www.shellistevens.com/blog/2010/02/07/time-to-fess-up/feed/ 0