Kiss and Tell

About to Blow

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

New release time again!

And I love this cover and this story. About to Blow starts a new series for me. One where I hope to stretch my wings a little. There's lots more Valkyrie, so expect to see a few more of these short novellas coming your way.

Mist is a Valkyrie. She also kinds of a junkie and when she shows up to usher Kurt Stone to his afterlife, well...let's just say things go so very wrong for my grumpy little Valkyrie. Kurt has his own ideas of what heaven should be.

Here's the blurb and a link to read an excerpt. I really hope you enjoy Mist and Kurt!

Valkyrie’s Vow, Book One

For a thousand years, Mist has shepherded battle-slain warriors to their choice of Valhalla or Asgard. It’s the task she was charged with upon her own death, the mission she chose when becoming Valkyrie. Never before has she fallen for one of those warriors. But then, never has she felt emotions like those evoked by Kurt Stone.

As an undercover cop, Kurt expected a shortened life. He didn’t expect an afterlife spent jumping from realm to realm, screwing a tattooed hottie who makes his blood boil. He should be choosing his next destination, but he’d rather spend eternity indulging in Mist’s delectable body.

The vicious betrayal that led to her death has made Mist reluctant to trust, let alone love. If Kurt can help her face ancient demons, they both might find their idea of Heaven…together.

Hope you enjoy it.

Excerpt: Here
Buy: Here

Kiss Kiss
~Mari

p.s. I am working hard on the last of the Hot, Hard trilogy. Look for the exciting end of the series to finish up before the Author's After Dark conference in New Orleans.

It's about to get Hexing in here.

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Quick break from NaNoWiMo to shout out some good news.

I have a release date for Hot, Hard & Hexing!

Sonja’s story, the second in the Hot, Hard series, will be available November 18^th !

When magic is attracted to magic, it's impossible to ignore!

Where Did The Time Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Home for a great trip to Ohio and the RomantiCon convention to find myself in the middle of October--Again. This time of year scares the crap out of me. Why? Because, in a couple of weeks it’s Halloween. I love Halloween; don’t get me wrong, but that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, then Christmas. You know the routine. The year is nearly over and I need to take a peak at the writing goals I set way back in January. Hard reality check. Panic. Fear. I’m soooo behind. I always am. Why do I torture myself with these goals?

Ha! Not this year. Where am I on the list this year? Check my flow-

1. Write Hot, Hard & Howling. Check. Came out in March.

2. Secret Steampunk mainstream project with Sam. Check.

3. Acquire and Agent for said project. Check. We signed with the ever energetic Eric Ruben in July.

4. Write Hot, Hard & Hexing. Check. On the editor’s desk as we speak.

Superstar Award for the Death by Dildo scene in Hot, Hard & Howling>>>

I thought that was an ambitious list when Sam and I sat down to plan our

year. I seem to have accomplished it. AND I also did a hot, little Quickie for EC titled About to Blow. Which is the start of series about modern Valkyries. ADD much? Well, that’s done and on Kelli’s desk too.

Last year, I missed on every writing goal I made. This year…hit them all and then some. Why? No big secret here. It’s the old ‘Butt in Chair’ adage. I plotted carefully, then sat down and typed. Could not have done it without Kris Daniels. She helped me out a ton. We hang out on Skype, doing writing sprints and generally pushing each other along. It’s hard work girls. I swear it is. lol

So, I have a couple of months before the end of the year… what should I write next? Another Quickie, get a jump start on the last of the Hot, Hard series….or maybe, just maybe I could start on that new book in the Birthright world that finally came to me on the road trip back form RomantiCon.

We’ll see what comes out when I sit down and start typing.

<<< Nick Soto. New Caveman/cover model. I'm pretty sure I gave Syneca a lap dance to ensure he's on my next cover.

Kiss, Kiss

~Mari

Ready for a Sexy Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle (Chloe Harris)) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:10:00 +0000

No? Me either. But it is the time of year for the Christmas Anthologies to release.

Our very first Christmas Story is out today in Silent Night, Sinful Night. I'm excited to have a story out in the same anthology as Aphrodisia greats like Sharon Page and Melissa MacNeal. Check out Stolen Chances with the very sexy Winston Matthews who has a thing for the thrill of almost getting caught.

Stolen Chances - Winston Matthews knows a thief when he sees one, even if she is stunningly beautiful. And so he offers himself as an easy target for a sensually sinful Christmas Eve seduction…

Also check out the great discounts for the other titles right now at Amazon. Paperback: $5.60 Kindle Edition: $6.89!!!

Biggest Loser...of clothes that is.

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:35:00 +0000

I was inspired by my friend and fellow HCRW chapter member, Sonja Foust. She participated in a crazy little challenge called Project333. Only 33 items in your wardrobe for 3 months. 33 total. Not me, said I. The thought actually made me shiver when she first blogged about it. I have far too much jewelry to even consider.But, like a bad dream I kept thinking about it. Sonja was a shoe Ho, works in a office for crying out loud… how was she living? Was she hyper ventilating everyday as she faced her closet? She must. I saw her at our RWA chapter meeting. She was smiling, looked her adorable self and didn’t seem emotionally scared at all.

She looked relaxed, confident. I thought back on that very morning. I had tried on three pair of jeans and about 6 different shirts until I was satisfied. She only had 6 shirts to choose from for cripes sake. No pressure.

That’s when it hit me! Wham. I got it. Sonja had no turmoil getting dressed because she loves everything in her closet. It’s there because she loves it. OMG!

I have no intention of storing stuff I know I won’t want as the program suggest. I know if I box it up, it will stay that way and clutter another part of my life. I won’t want it later. But, could I do a purge that works on a similar principle?

So I made my own goal on the spot and announced it to Sonja and all within hearing range in the coffee shop. 100…I could get it all down to 100. Right?

Well. Sunday I did it. I opened that closet door and threatened every fabric of my being and all the fabric hanging there mocking me. Fit me today… bloated, 10 pounds overweight and all, or you’re out of here.

And I went at it. Closet, drawers, big storage bags under the bed, they all bled. My exemptions were a little different than the website as well. Hey… My purge. My rules!

Bras, jewelry, costumes, sports jerseys were all safe in my world. And I added boots to this list as I got to them. I purged a bunch of my old riding boots when I left the farm. But the hot ones… they’re mine)

I have to admit it was tough at times. I made several revelations in the process of touching and evaluating my entire wardrobe.

1. I have a very sentimental attachment to some of these things. The leather jacket Allen bought me on vacation, the dress I was wearing at Big Girl’s 10^th birthday party, the dress I wore when HB and I went to a formal wedding. They all mean something to me, like wearable photographs. I’m still not ready to get rid of the Montana wedding cloths. Probably never will be. So be it.

2. This is a very frustrating exercise … grrrrr. Not for the weak. Maybe I’ll wear this black and white leopard suit-jacket again. Maybe? Not! It goes.

3. Ten pounds make a huge difference on me. Much of my clothing did not fit and it mocked me each and every day. Strong is the new Skinny for me. I can do 100 push-ups, 100 pull-ups and 100 sit-ups in 30 minutes. I am healthy, sexy and strong. Skinny is not coming back. Dump the size 3 jeans. Love the new curvy Levi’s. Move on.

4. and because of that, I now have only one pair of dressy pants. One. Tan. Not good. May have to add one thing to the closet. A black pair of slacks I love.

So here’s what happened. In 4 hours I dumped:

Belts: 14

Purses: 6

Jeans: 9

Workout clothes: 13

Misc long sleeve shirts: 37

Dresses: 15

Shorts: 7

Short sleeve shirts: 28

Bikinis: 6

Dress pants: 10

Business suits: 7

Sport jackets: 9

Shoes: 4 – recently purged

Bonus items:

Grocery bag of undergarments

Grocery bag of pantyhose (who wears these things anymore?)

2 straw hats

2 cowhide pillows

6 sun visors

1 iron

3 under-bed storage bags are empty

My total purged items came to 171. That included 14 things with the tags still on them.

I was left with clothing and shoes totaling 149 items. Total!

I am stoked. Now… this is ALL seasons. So if you divide 149 by 4… that’s 37ish. I almost made the 33 per season. (If you don’t include the 8 belts and purses and the 9 pair of boots. It’s my math… I can do how I like.) I did way better than I ever imagined.

All in all I found this to a very cathartic experience. Tomorrow, whatever I grab to put on will make me happy. I may not be in the mood for something hanging in that closet, but it will not look bad on me nor will it make me wish for 5 less pounds.

Another bonus. I also decided I do not need the 10x magnification makeup mirror I just had HB install in my bathroom this spring. Who needs to see all those tiny flaws? No one else sees my face the blown up to the size of basketball. Why should I?

This is an amazing thing for those who tackle it. Thanks Sonja. My morning routine will love you for a long, long time to come.

Additional bonus: Big Girl came home and whirled through her closet too… 79 items she added to the pile.

So you add that up and 228 things went to either goodwill or the consignment shop. Whoot!

Win. Win. Win.Considering doing this with every room and closet int he house. clothes, crafts, toys, everything!

You should really try this. Or something like it. What can you do to unclutter your life?

~Mari

Shout and save a life.

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:04:00 +0000

September is National Ovarian Cancer awareness month. Many of you may know much about this particular cancer. I did not. Even after meeting so many cancer patients while my late husband, Allen, fought his cancer battle.

One of my fellow Heart of Carolina Romance Writers members, Heather McCollum, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer this past year. She has adopted "SHOUT against the Whisper!" as her own personal motto and war dance. Ovarian Cancer is a sneaky little bitch of a disease many women don't even know they have until it's too late. The few quiet symptoms include: Persistent Bloating, Eating less and feeling fuller, Abdominal Pain, and Trouble with your bladder. Get yourself checked out if these symptoms are daily and last for weeks at a time.

To support Heather, our chapter has gotten involved in several activities this month.

Katherine Ashe, another friend and chapter member, and Avon are sponsoring Avon's K.I.S.S. and Teal Campaign. Buy a book with a special Teal Ribbon and Avon has committed to donating 25 cents from the sale of each book (print or e-book), up to $50,000. Buy those books!

In Raleigh-Durham Area, Lady Jane's Salon is having their inaugural salon this month in Cary, North Carolina. Wednesday, September 28 7:00 pm

Featured readers are NYT Best-selling Author Sabrina Jeffries, Heather McCollum and Lydia Dare. Admission is $5 or one gently used romance novel. All proceeds go to benefit The Shout Against The Whisper Campaign and the Wake County Public Library System.

Myself, Katherine Ashe, Deb Marlowe, Carol A. Strickland, and Virginia Kantra, will be taking donations for signed books at the Gail Parkins Memorial Walk/Run in Raleigh on September 17. Proceeds will go entirely to Ovarian Cancer research. You can also join Heather McCollum's OC Warriors team and walk or run for this great cause. http://dccc.convio.net/site/TR/Ovarianwalk/OvarianAwarenes

(Thanks to the most fabulous Heather Bennett from Decadent Publishing for the signed Run Devil Run anthologies. These are signed not only by me and all the other authors, but all members of the LA rock band Run Devil Run put a scribble in there too!)

If you’re not in the Raleigh area for

any of the above events, you can still help. Win a first chapter critique from one of six multi-published, award-winning, bestselling authors!

Do good. Feel good. And get something good in return!

To show appreciation for folks who donate to support “Heather's Warriors” on the upcoming walk to fund a cure, her writer friends have organized a critique raffle.

You could win one of five critiques being offered by

Avon author Katharine Ashe - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Nocturne author Cynthia Cooke - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Harlequin author Abby Gaines - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Berkley/St. Martins author Cindy Holby/Kassy Tayler - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Berkley author Virginia Kantra - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Harlequin author Emilie Rose - first chapter critique (up to 25 pages)

Go to “Critiques for Heather” and follow the 3 easy steps.

Pick one of these easy ways to help battle this disease. But for today…Will you pledge to tell your friends about Ovarian Cancer and its sneaky-assed symptoms? Yeah? Tell me so and leave your email in the comments section. One random commenter will win 2 ebook copies off my backlist.

Kiss Kiss,

~Mari

Author's After Dark Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:10:00 +0000

We’re fresh home from Author’s After Dark in Philly. I have to say Philadelphia is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited in a while. We were close to city hall, the streets were clean, the people were friendly and the food was wonderful. I would love to go and spend a little more time there.

--- Eliza and I on the Shifters Panel

We did manage to see the Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin’s grave site, but missed Independence Hall and The Constitution Center.

Not sure how, but we also managed to miss having a steak and cheese. Don’t tell anyone because I’m sure that breaks a number of Pennsylvania laws.

Sam and I with Geroge.---

As for this conference, the panels rocked. I sat on four, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, BDSM and Sexy Shifters. I also met some great Bloggers by hosting, along with Sam and a few others, a chocolate party just for Bloggers.

Panel attendees in Philly were great. I heard lots of interesting comments and questions. Tilly Green moderated two of them and created a good flow between the panelist and the attendees. Thanks Tilly.

In looking over the panels, I realize that I have a split personality. I write in many different sub genre’s. One reader asked me how I managed that. I have no clue. I’m a story-teller. Those ‘what if’ moments lead me where they may at times. Sometimes it’s funny and contemporary, often into the paranormal word, but it always boils down to character.

--- Lissa, Sam and I at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

It was also a great time to meet up with fellow Kiss and Tellers, Eliza, Lissa and Sam. We had a long breakfast and talked about our little blog here and giggled our way through a brainstorming session. Look for some exciting changes around these parts in the near future.

As usual, I came home having met a couple new-to-me authors and now have several yummy books on my eReader. (Anya Bast, Sahara Kelly & Theresa Meyers )

Did I say I love meeting new people at conferences? I do. I do.

This plaque is beside Franklin's Grave. The epitaph he wrote for himself. I love it.

Kiss Kiss
~Mari

Road Trip!

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:45:00 +0000

This morning I’m heading out to Author’s After Dark with Samantha. We’re meeting up with Eliza and Lissa too. Look for some exciting pics from the Con. Okay, well, they’ll be pics of us, so exciting may be a stretch. But I’ll see what I can do to wrangling up some good swag to bring back and give away here on the blog.

I love the conventions. It’s a great time to get out and meet readers, other authors and industry professionals. If you’re an aspiring author, one of my strongest pieces of advice would be to go out and meet other writerly peeps.

I’ve met publishers (who invited me into anthologies), agents, editors, and other authors who have all helped me along the way. Networking is crucial to a successful career in this industry, IMHO. Cons are a fun way to do that and connect with your readers.

Those of you who just love to read, the cons are an all-you-can-eat buffet of authors, free books and swag. Try out a local convention or venture to Author’s After Dark if you’re near Philly this weekend. You’ll love it. I promise.

Hope to see ya there!
Kiss Kiss
~Mari

I want...

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:36:00 +0000

Welcome Our Newest Addition to Kiss and Tell, Author Cat Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:40:00 +0000

It's official y'all. We're going to be adding some new blood to the Kiss and Tell Girls line-up starting with author, Cat Grant. Please welcome her warmly into our den of ill repute...Lissa

Allow me to introduce myself…

This is my first blog as an official member of the Kiss & Tell Girls! A big “thank you!” to Eliza, Lissa, Sam and Mari for inviting me aboard. It’s an honor and a privilege to be counted amongst these authors, all of whom I’ve admired for ages.

I’m Cat Grant, author of m/m and ménage erotic romance, though I seem to be leaning more toward the former these days. My latest m/m romance, A Fool for You, is now available from Ellora’s Cave. I’ve just finished a new m/m manuscript featuring a gay Marine discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I’m really jazzed about this story. I’ve been waiting a long time to write it, but I didn’t have my ending until the policy was officially repealed last December. Can’t wait till you all get to read it!

Let’s see, what else can I tell you about me? I’m a foodie – as long as someone else is cooking. I’m a cookbook addict, although my skills in the kitchen remain rudimentary. I can whip up an omelet or a basic stir-fry with no problem, but anything more complicated is iffy. I do like to make my heroes virtuosos in the kitchen, however. Nothing more intimate, IMHO, than sharing a meal with a new lover – especially a meal you’ve made with your own two hands. Seduction by gourmet meal has become one of my literary specialties!

Other vital statistics: I’m an unabashed Gleek. Have been from the very first episode, although – bummer of bummers! – I keep missing them when they go on tour. Dreamboaty Darren Criss has become one of my newest obsessions. I could listen to the Warblers album twenty-four seven!

And, well… this is Darren. Is it any wonder I’m captivated?

My other major obsession this summer is the new X-Men movie – or more accurately, Michael Fassbender, who plays Magneto. I’ve now seen the movie four times (!!!) and sought out all his older films. And this is now my new desktop picture:

Yup, when I get obsessed, I go whole-hog!

Something tells me I should try to put characters who resemble these two gorgeous specimens of manhood together in my next magnum opus. Which I should get going on pretty damn quick. With all this inspiration flying around in my brain, I can’t lose!

Cat Grant is the author of twelve smokin-hot erotic romances, including the Icon Men series from Ellora's Cave.

Like her on Facebook.. Follow her on Twitter.

What's On Your Reader?

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:27:00 +0000

Your feed reader that is. What blogs or websites are you subscribed to that you actually read every day no matter what?

I am currently subscribed to over 100 blogs and websites. Many of which go unread daily. Many of which I want to unsubscribe to but there is a hassle to it which I just haven't gotten around to going through yet.

I don't have time to read 100+ blogs/sites. I don't have the desire to read many of them either. A lot have nothing to do with me or with anything I am concerned about but that I felt I should follow for one reason or another. I follow food blogs, fitness blogs, home organization blogs, kink and BDSM blogs, self-publishing blogs, marketing blogs, writer blogs, review blogs.

The, let's say, 7 that I read on a daily basis without fail are:

1. How Sweet It Is (food blog)
2. Bob Mayer's Blog (self-publishing blog)
3. Kristen Lamb's Blog (social media/marketing blog)
4. Deliciously Organic (food blog)
5. Three Wicked Writers Plus Two and/or Romancing the Muses (group author blogs)
6. Fiction Groupie (author blog)
7. Gina's Skinny Recipes (food blog)

Now I know some people read way more author blogs than I do, way more publishing blogs than I do, way more etc... blogs than I do. It's just my preference. I love food blogs. In my next life, I'm coming back as a chef...grins. I love all kinds of food blogs from awesome to weight loss to tightly budgeted. It's my second greatest passion and so it's what I choose to focus equally on.

I sometimes learn something new author blogs, but it's not often that the content is new. Same as plots for books. The plot isn't new, it's the voice telling it that's new.

The 7 I listed are ones I read on a typical day without fail. There are others that I will check out once I find the time, there are some though that get marked as read without me even opening them up.

So, who is in your feed reader that you simply cannot do without reading every time they post?

~lissa

RIP Peter Falk

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:04:00 +0000

I know it's kind of late. I forgot to post earlier today. Again. I'm a bad blogger. But...it's summer! And...and...I was busy! Please don't sue me.

I was sad to hear of Peter Falk's death today. Another icon of my childhood gone. It makes me feel quite old, actually. Here are two of my favorite scenes with Peter Falk. The first is from The In-Laws, and the second from Murder By Death.

Death Star PR... loved this!

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:26:00 +0000

Now, I'm not a big sci-fi fan. There are a couple of things I like... Star Wars, some Star Trek, definitely The Fifth Element, but too much more than that and I could care less.

I was on Twitter just now after having gotten home from purchasing hair color for my daughter's hair... I swear I should get an honorary hair coloring certificate from Aveda or something for all the times I've colored her hair over the past 4 years. But, I ate my Boca Chik'n sandwich, had my banana pudding, and had just sat down to start on some more writing when I meandered over to Hoot Suite. I saw a link to the following and simply had to repost it here...

Death Star PR responds to the Time Magazine poll that states Darth Vader is the 3rd worst 'fictional' father...

http://deathstarpr.blogspot.com/2011/06/open-letter-to-time-magazine-re-darth.html

~lissa

Espresso Gone Wild

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza Gayle) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I am currently on vacation in Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. So far I've seen some of the most breathtaking scenery and the best small towns to have fun in. So much so that it's going to be hard to go home.

One of the many things I have fallen in love with here are the numerous Espresso stands that dot the countryside everywhere we go.

Now I'd already heard that Washington was known as the most caffeinated state but wow this is cool. Every time I see one I make the husband stop so I can take a picture. I'll have to put together a slide show of them all when I get home.

They definitely make me wish I drank coffee. Fortunately for me I do LOVE hot cocoa and its been cool enough here for me to partake.

The variety of themes these stands take are as creative as any artist or imagineer can come up with.

Boobies anyone? That's right! In the naval town, Bremerton, you'll find several Fantasy Espressos where they serve the coffee in pasties and thongs. And yes, we did stop and get a lovely white mocha from a half naked lady who had the coolest tattoos on her torso. I gawked.

And speaking of half nakedness...

I have a new release this week.

My latest BDSM menage romance, Submissive Beauty is now available from Resplendence Publishing.

Eager to understand her secret desires, Gabrielle enters “The Sanctuary.” Inside she’s immediately torn between fear of the unknown and a craving to learn more, until the lights dim. From the first sound of Thomas’ calm and controlled voice, she is mesmerized. With an underlying need in her emotional spirit that requires more than sex, she is easily seduced into a world of dominance and submission under false pretenses.

For Thomas, an experienced Master, Gabrielle is an interesting mix of defiant, naive and submissive. Her sharp mind and wit appeal to him as much as the curves of her lush figure. He accepts the challenge to help train her despite the danger she represents. Long term anything for him is out of the question. If he does his job right, his protégé David will end up the perfect Dom for her and Thomas will move on with his armor intact.

Their journey puts Gabrielle at the mercy of two men who teach her how to embrace her darkest needs within a tight bond of trust. Unfortunately, betrayal lurks on the path to total surrender.

Read an excerpt HERE

Have a great weekend!

Eliza

Make Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle (Chloe Harris)) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:47:00 +0000

Two things I want to talk about that kinda come around to the same thought.

First the big news, Secrets of Sin was given a D review by one of the biggest names in the Online Community! Jane at Dear Author didn’t find it to her liking. But I knew the kind of chance I was taking contacting her. And hey one of the big two knows who I am and took the time to read it and I’m cool with that. She had very valid thoughtful opinions and honestly I can’t fault anything she said. Some of it I even agree with. It was only the second full manuscript we’d completed and I’ve learn a lot since then. Others have liked it and some like her haven’t. Thems the breaks. I’m perfect okay with the fact that one of the biggest names in the romance blogosphere gave my book a D. I’m not depressed or crying that “I’ll never write again” and I’m not going to lose any sleep wondering “why doesn’t she like me!”

In contrast to that, another romance blogger went on hiatus this week with a post that made my heart break for her. She sounded so sad and vulnerable in the post I wanted to shout at the computer screen “No No No! Don’t let them know they’ve hurt you. Never show them your weakness or they will only exploit it more.” But I can also see when you’re that connected to the online community that is also where you’d go for support but it was uncomfortable to read. And I don’t really know this person so I don’t know if the slight she felt from others in the Romance Community was real or perceived. But I still just want to shake her and say “DON”T DO THAT!”

So as a writer and a student of the human condition my thoughts turn to why. Why am I able to let such a big disappointment roll off my back and she let something similar break her down. I’m still trying to figure it out but I think part of it goes back to a personal anthem I adopted a long time ago that has always served me well. So without further ado here is Incubus with “Make Yourself”

I've been...

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:23:00 +0000

...writing.

...visiting state parts like this one, Breaks Interstate Park, which spans Kentucky and Virginia

...fostering kittens and their mama...they were abandoned. If anyone wants one...

...perfecting my homemade caramel macchiato

...and about to venture into the world of self-publishing

What have y'all been doing?

~lissa

I've Released the Prisoner

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day, American friends! And for everyone else, Happy Weekend! Just a reminder, in case you didn't know, Prisoner of Love was released on Wednesday. That's the book, not the love slave in my basement. (Just kidding. I don't have a basement.)

Here's the cover:--->

Here's the BUY link.

And here's what some of my readers have said: (on FB and Twitter, and taken completely out of context, lol).

"LOVED IT! I am in love with these characters and wish they were my real friends!"

"It was as awesome as I was expecting!"

"finished PoL loved it."

"Just finished Prisoner of Love. Lovely, complicated relationships and super hot sex. Well done! Waiting for next one!"

"reading Prisoner of Love and loving it! up til 2 last night"

I love to hear from readers after they finish one of my books. It's so fun to get that immediate reaction!

Have a safe weekend, everyone! I'll catch you next week.

Guest Blogger Cat Grant - My Top 5 Fave Musicians

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Mon, 23 May 2011 13:28:00 +0000

My Top 5 Fave Musicians…

I have a thing for musicians – of both sexes! – probably because I have no musical talent myself. Oh, I studied piano and guitar in grammar school, but I failed miserably at both. I have no aptitude for playing music, but I adore listening to it.

My tastes are highly eclectic. I love all kinds of music, as long as it’s good. Pop, rock, alternative, jazz, country-western, classical – yes, even opera. Suffice it to say, my list of fave musicians is a rather mixed bag! So, in no particular order…

Tori Amos. – I was a bit late jumping on the Tori bandwagon. But when I heard “Caught a Lite Sneeze” playing over the PA system at my local record store (back in the Dark Ages before iTunes!) I marched up to the counter and bought all three of her albums to date. Now I await every one of her new releases with giddy anticipation. I’ve already pre-ordered Night of Hunters! (Coming this September.)

David Garrett. – I have a particular weakness for violinists, especially the hot, sexy variety who play Nirvana as easily as Mozart or Vivaldi. Make Garrett a brunet and he could step right into my violinist hero Matt Dugan’s shoes!

ADELE. – My gawd, have you heard this young lady? Twenty-one years old, with a set of pipes that literally blew me back in my seat. I’ve had “Rolling in the Deep” and “Turning Tables” on an endless loop ever since I got her new album, 21.

Jonas Kaufmann. – I told you I like opera, right? Kaufmann is the hottest new tenor on the scene right now, and no wonder – not only does he have an amazing voice and top-notch acting chops, but… well, look at him! He could be a movie star!

C’mon, be honest. Tell me you wouldn’t hit that! J

Darren Criss. – I’m an unabashed Gleek, and this young man who plays hunky, adorable Blaine Anderson (lead singer of the Dalton Academy Warblers) is part of the reason why. Every Tuesday I zoom over to the iTunes store to download the latest Glee EP, hoping there’ll be a new Warblers song on it. I guess you could say I’m a bit obsessed with Mr. Criss. I’ve made special Warblers playlists to listen to while I exercise. I’ve burned CDs to play in my car. Wherever I go, Darren’s sweet voice follows me!

And in fact, he became the inspiration for my hot blues guitarist hero Chase Aubrey in my just-released new m/m novella, A Fool for You. I couldn’t help it! Every time I imagined Chase, this face popped up in my imagination…

Nice, huh? That soft, pink mouth, beautiful limpid eyes… siiigh…

Well, as far as musicians go, I definitely have a type! Talent is sexy, yo. J

Cat Grant's new m/m novella A Fool for You is available today from Ellora's Cave! Check out her other steamy romances on her website and follow her on Twitter: @CatGrant2009.

Buying and Downloading books to your Kindle Without Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:30:00 +0000

I've had a lot of people asking me about this lately, and Prisoner of Love is coming out next Wed., May 25, at Ellora's Cave, so I thought I'd post a quick how-to here.

1. My two ebook publishers, Ellora's Cave and Loose Id, have many different ebook formats available on their websites. (If you follow the EC link it will take you to their information page which explains this process as well.) You will also find the various formats at independent e-stores such as All Romance eBooks and Fictionwise. Check out all these e-stores, because you want to shop around and get the best price for your books.

2. Some sites will offer the choice of format before you purchase (Loose Id) and some after you purchase (Ellora's Cave).

3. For Kindle users you want to download Mobipocket/prc format. The file will download to your computer. YOU DO NOT NEED MOBIPOCKET ON YOUR COMPUTER. Not unless you want to read the book on your computer. If you simply want it on your Kindle, you don't need Mobi. For Nook users, you want to download epub. (I don't have a Nook, so if I'm wrong, please let me know.)

4. If you want, save your new books to a special file.

5. After you have purchased and downloaded your books to your computer, plug your Kindle into your computer using the USB cord that came with your Kindle.

*The next set of instructions is based on a Mac, but if you have a PC the equivalent actions apply.

6. Go to finder. Kindle will now appear under devices. (On a PC, I believe you'll find it in Windows Explorer.)

7. Find your new books in Finder, either in the book file you created, or in the Downloads file.

8. Drag the new books to Kindle under devices.

9. Open Kindle. Drag your new books into the Documents folder.

10. Check your Kindle. Your new Mobipocket/prc books should appear on the home screen as new books.

11. Start reading! The formatting will be just fine. There is no difference between these books and books you bought from the Kindle store.

If you have a PC and would like to share the process in detail, please do! And Nook users, is the process the same, except with epub format?

He Inspires Me To Have Dirty Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Tumblr is my friend. Tumblr is my inspiration. Tumblr is my procrastination aid. Tumblr provides me escape. Tumblr is full if interesting people and photo blogs. Tumblr is not necessary. Tumblr is fun. Tumblr makes me LUST.

Leather gloves. Leather belt. Tattoo. Just enough chest hair that trails down below the waistband of his pants.

Oh, the dirty thoughts I have because of this picture.

My Tumblr address is http://lissamatthews.tumblr.com Enter at your own risk. It is not safe for kids or work or devout church going folk. My Tumblr blog is filled with naked men, naked women, naked couples, men in jeans, BDSM images, women in jeans, lingerie, coffee, cupcakes, food decadence, architecture, libraries.

Tumblr... I love you.

~lissa

Prisoner of Love- Cover and Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:02:00 +0000

It's coming! Prisoner of Love will be released as early as the end of May. I'm still waiting on a definite date. BUT, I have a cover. See?

A blurb:

Brothers in Arms Book 8

Veronica Thomas has been in love with two men since she was seventeen. One introduced her to passion. The other has shown her how to satisfy it. Now that she’s older, she still wants them both. Wolf Tarrant was more than willing to share Very with his best friend and lover, Lord Michael Kensington. But two years ago, Michael ran from the unconventional relationship growing between the three of them.

When Michael returns from America, things have changed drastically for all three of them. Rushing headlong into a scorching, passionate reunion may be a bad idea. His secrets have the power to keep them apart forever, but Very and Wolf have secrets of their own. Held prisoner by their fears, the three struggle to overcome lies and mistrust to find the freedom to love one another as they have always dreamed.

And a new excerpt:

“Fancy meeting you here.”

He kissed her roughly and Very wrapped her arms about his neck and held on. They fit together perfectly. They were practically the same height. When she was on her toes like this, their mouths were even. He tasted so delicious, like the cider they had drunk at the luncheon. His mouth was startlingly hot and slick, and Very moaned in appreciation. He left her mouth to trail kisses down her cheek and then along her jaw.

“Fancy it,” Very gasped.

Wolf laughed, his mouth pressed to the pulse pounding in her neck. She shivered as his breath caressed her skin. He rubbed her body against his, and she could feel his hard member against her stomach. She wrapped her leg around his, nearly falling as her skirt got in the way. “Damn,” she muttered, trying to kick free of it.

She jostled Wolf with her kicking, and he stopped kissing her neck. “Would you care to know what I’m thinking?” he asked, the calm question belied by his breathlessness.

“That these clothes are completely unnecessary, and in fact are the bane of my existence?” Very queried.

Wolf’s burst of laughter quickly settled into a gentle chuckle. He tucked a strand of hair that had fallen from its’ pin back behind her ear. Very was amazed that he seemed to have no trouble at all holding her up with one arm. “No. I was thinking that it hardly seems real, to have you here with me right now.”

Very felt decidedly unromantic at that moment because that was most definitely not what she was thinking. She was thinking supremely earthy thoughts, such as how his bare skin would feel pressed against hers in the heat of passion. She grew suspicious as she noted that he was deliberately trying to put space between them, as his breathing grew more ragged by the second. His cock was most definitely thinking the same thoughts she was, hard and long against her stomach. “Wolf, darling, what are you doing?” She tried not to sound too impatient.

A slight blush flushed his cheeks. “I don’t want to rush our first time,” he admitted. “I’m trying to make it good for you.”

Very blew out an exasperated breath. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. We’ve waited months, Wolf. Years. Slow is unnecessary. I want fast. I want rough, mad, passionate love. I want you to take me like a savage.” With each word his jaw clenched a little harder and his arms tightened around her. “Now. Let’s try that again. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That these clothes are unnecessary. So on and so forth.”

Wolf fought a grin for a moment and then feigned a thoughtful look for a second. “Close enough,” he agreed, setting her on her feet. “Off with them.” He got a wicked gleam in his eye. “Didn’t you once declare clothes were essential to your existence?”

“That was when I couldn’t take my clothes off for you,” Very told him flatly. “So don’t let it trouble you.”

Very reached behind her back to undo the ties on her dress and couldn’t reach them. Her eyes widened in dismay. “This is why Kitty asked if I was sure I wanted this dress! Oh, drat! Why didn’t she say something?” She spun in a useless circle, trying in vain to reach the ties.

Wolf stopped her before she made herself dizzy. “You really need to overcome your shyness,” he teased. “I certainly hope I won’t have to work this hard to persuade you out of your clothes in future.” She felt the ties loosen under Wolf’s deft fingers.

“Very amusing, Mr. Tarrant.” Very put her hands on her hips. “For that so-witty remark the clothes stay on next time.”

“That will not be a problem, so don’t let it trouble you,” Wolf whispered behind her, and kissed her exposed nape. “I can work around clothes.”

Very turned to him, holding her dress up with a hand pressed to her breastbone. “You too,” she said, gesturing with the other hand at Wolf’s jacket. He began to unbutton it, taking an aggravatingly long time to slip two buttons free. Very grew impatient and shrugged the dress off her shoulders. It fell to her waist, and Wolf took a step back to look her up and down, his hands frozen with the next button half undone. She was encouraged by the heated look in his eyes as they met hers, and pushed the dress over her hips so it fell to the floor.

“Good God,” Wolf whispered. “Is that what you normally wear under your clothes? If so, it’s probably a good thing I didn’t know it.” His fingers were fumbling with the buttons on his coat, until at last they were free. He tore the coat off, turning it inside out, and, uncaring of its welfare, tossed it to the floor.

Very smoothed her hands down the front of the diaphanous chemise she wore. It had a very low neckline, barely covering her nipples, and as she tugged it down she could feel the material clinging to those hard points, held on by sheer arousal alone. The flush on Wolf’s cheeks darkened and his breathing became more erratic as his gaze followed her hands down. She slid her palms around to glide down over her hips onto her thighs, pulling the chemise tighter against her front. She knew the material was so thin you could see the dark triangle of curls between her legs clearly.

“This is perhaps a little more revealing than my normal attire,” she admitted in a husky voice. Wolf’s devouring look had her pulse pounding everywhere his eyes touched—her breasts, her throat, her sex. She was thankful Kitty had steered her true in this garment at least.

“Can Kitty make you another?” Wolf finally asked. His voice sounded as if it were being forced out of his throat.

Very nodded. Kitty owned a dress shop. “Yes, she can make as many as I ask for.”

“Good.” With that one word Wolf stepped closer at the same time his hands grabbed the neckline of her chemise. Very gasped as he tore the garment right down the center. He challenged her with a smoldering look. “Is that passionate enough?”

Wolf’s arm snaked around her waist under the torn material and dragged her against him. The bare skin of her breasts and stomach against the soft material of his shirt and trousers was so erotic Very felt her sex clench tightly and a thrill of pleasure go through her. She closed her eyes and shuddered in Wolf’s embrace. When she slid her hands up the front of his thin muslin shirt she received great pleasure from the feel of his muscles rippling under her caress. He adjusted her against him, so that his cock was pressed to her mons, and Very’s arms went around his neck and she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt as she spread her legs and thrust her hips into his.

“Wrap your leg around me,” Wolf ordered her. She didn’t protest his high-handed manner. They were both thinking the same thoughts now and she had no desire to lead them off the path they were on. Instead she did as she was told. Wolf grabbed her thigh and pulled it higher so her leg was wrapped around his hip. It tipped Very off-balance, but Wolf’s grip on her was so strong she didn’t fear falling. He surprised a gasp out of her when he picked her up with one arm and took two steps forward. Then he rested his booted foot on the low wooden bed support, so that Very’s raised leg was supported by his, her other foot on the ground. The new position steadied them both, and they dove into another scorching kiss.

It was so different from their past kisses and caresses. Then their encounters had been rushed and furtive, leaving her unsatisfied. There was no sting of expected disappointment tingeing her arousal now, only anticipation. And the anticipation was a sweet ache, a desperate ache. She shuddered as her sex brushed against Wolf’s hard thigh. She wanted to feel more of him.

Frantically she reached for his cravat, yanking on it until it came loose. Wolf made a sound that could have been arousal, approval, or perhaps she had just choked him. She really didn’t care since the wretched piece of cloth was off now. Her hands delved into the open neck of his shirt. Wolf finally broke their kiss with a gasp, and Very sucked air into her lungs, not realizing until that moment how badly she needed to breathe. She’d been clinging to that kiss like it alone could sustain her.

She rained kisses on Wolf’s chest. It was hard, muscular and the heat of his skin made her lips tingle. He had hair on his chest, a heavy dusting of light hair in the center and she rubbed her nose and cheek in it. So soft. She let her hands slide under the material of his shirt and Wolf jumped when her palms encountered his small, hard nipples. She rested her forehead on the triangle of bare chest revealed by his shirt as she rubbed her hands in circles over his nipples. Wolf groaned. He reached between them and yanked the tails of his shirt from his trousers.

“Very, pull away.” He gently pushed against her shoulders. “I want to take it off.”

Very jerked back. “Yes. Off.” She reached for the bottom of his shirt and pulled it up at the same time Wolf reached behind his back to pull if off over his head. They both laughed as their efforts worked against one another.

“Me,” Wolf said.

“You,” Very agreed and dropped her hands to run them over his stomach as Wolf jerked his shirt off over his head and threw it away.

Very could only stare. He was like one of the Greek statues in the British Museum. She ran her hands over the soft skin of his torso. Her thumbs met in the thin line of hair that arrowed down his stomach to the top of his trousers. She followed the path, her hands splayed across his midriff. She felt his muscles quiver, heard him suck in a sharp breath. He wasn’t as muscular as some of the statues. He was sleek, though, as sleek as he’d looked in his jacket. But his muscles still bulged, from his chest, his shoulders, his arms, in a pleasing way, a way that said here is a strong, fit man, just made for love. Without thinking Very leaned forward and kissed his chest and Wolf’s hand cupped the back of her head.

MAY? Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Mari Freeman) — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Man, I guess there's a reason for the phrase 'time flies.' Because it does. It's May, people! May.
How did we get here so quick and who stole April? That's all I'm asking.

Once I hit the ground in Los Angeles, the weeks have been a blur. It doesn't help that I've been ill since getting back from RT and that moving sucked a great deal of the month away. I feel behind. And I need a swift kick. It's not that I haven't accomplished anything, I have! It's just how I FEEL. I suspect I'll feel that all the way through the summer.

Who am I kidding? I'll feel that way come Christmas. I must face it now. The year is over. Yikes!

So... I have not posted here in a while and as penance, I'm treating you to a nice long excerpt from Hot, Hard & Howling. It came out in March. You know, that month that comes before April that now seems like a year ago. And I hardly got to tease you with it.

Enjoy!

The moths had left the confines of the basement and were now happily occupying the entire house. She had gotten used to them already. Trent’s animal energy was another story. It was everywhere. He must have shifted. It made sense. He could easily hide in her garden or under the back deck and be very happy in his wolf form.

“Asshole.” She said it loud enough that if he were close to the house, he’d hear it.
There was very little of the moon left, very little of the night. She was starving. After pouring a big bowl of Trix, she shook the empty milk carton then put it back in the fridge. Covering the cereal with lime yogurt seemed a viable alternative. She choked down the meager meal. Needing a drink, she poked around in the fridge and found a soda hiding behind some out-of-date tomato juice. Right behind that was a package of hamburger meat.

She snickered, grabbed the meat and another bowl. She plopped the raw meat into it and stepped out onto the back deck. She looked around but there was no sign of him. She tried to concentrate, to find his energy. She felt it, but couldn’t narrow it to a location.

“Here, Trent,” she called. “Come on boy. I got some yum-yums for you.” She dropped the bowl onto the deck with a clank. “Come on, Trenton. Din-din.” She headed back into the house, feeling a bit guilty. Maybe that had been a tad harsh, but he had acted like a dog. He’d made love to her and then rejected her. No “sorry”, no “fuck you”, no nothing. She thought she’d meant more to him than that. Even if he didn’t love her, she deserved more than being tossed aside like yesterday’s training paper. They’d grown up together in this small town.

She ran up the stairs and flopped onto her bed. The angry tears burst forth with her usual exuberant manner. It was an ugly cry and it felt great to let it out.

Moths gathered on her bed as her sobs receded. She felt as if she’d lost him, really lost him. It was similar to the pain of her father’s death. She’d loved Trent so long, hoped and waited for years, knowing he would eventually feel the same way. Knowing he loved her too. Believing he was trying to think of his pack, or just being a young Alpha male who needed to live some before choosing his mate. She’d been patient and understanding, giving him time.

The knowledge that she’d been wrong, the realization that she could no longer think of her future as their future, left her empty. She closed her eyes to the rising sun.

She heard the clicking of nails on her stairs and the rustle of fur as he brushed past the doorjamb and entered her room. She knew the noise was intentional.

“I can’t fight you anymore,” she said without opening her eyes. She heard another rustling and felt the magic of his change push through the room. “I don’t have anything left, Trent.”

“I need to talk. I need to tell you.” He was silent for a minute. She heard a large intake of breath, as if he were gearing up for something. “My father and my grandfather both killed their mates in fits of rage.”

She head his footsteps cross her room. Nell held her breath.
“Probably my great-grandfather as well. It’s a sickness. I have it too. I feel it constantly. Even when you were gone, I felt the constant jealousy. When Mi-ma told me you were living in that Vampire nest, I destroyed half an acre of trees. Took an axe to them. Hacked for hours.”

“I—”

“Nell, let me speak, please.” His voice was soft.

She stayed still and kept her eyes closed.

“I’ve always loved you. And I have always fought to keep you far enough out of my life to keep you safe. I don’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to know what it was like to feel your body. Because I was afraid once we were intimate, I wouldn’t be able to resist. And then I’d be destined to repeat the sins of my fathers. I can’t, Nell. I can’t be what you need, what you deserve.”

Nell had heard stories about his mother’s death in high school, but considered them rumors based in teenage angst. She’d never even asked Mi-ma or her father about them.
So all this was to keep from hurting her? All these years?

“I’m trying to protect you, not only from Crey, but from myself.”

More tears started rolling down her face. She had been self-centered. In all this time, she had never considered he might have serious reasons for shutting her out. She had thought she knew and understood her wolf.

She was wrong. This changed everything.

She thought back to the last time he’d rejected her, back when they were kids really, and it had felt as if the world were ending. He’d been a jerk then too, intentionally pushing her away. Trying to get her to go on with her life even though he’d loved her. A romantic gesture, sure, but…

“Do you think I can just quit?” She wasn’t sure if he was still in the room or not. He was still close. Trent wouldn’t leave her vulnerable to Crey, she knew that, but was he still in the room?
She sat up to check. He stood at the end of the bed. He looked even more tired than she felt.

“You have to, Nell.” His eyes were pleading. “I don’t have the willpower anymore. I proved that on the playground. I can’t stand not touching you. At the same time, I can’t stand the thought of hurting you. I need you to do this for us, Nell.”

She’d never seen him show weakness to anyone. It broke her heart. “Come lay down.”
He closed his eyes and let his shoulders drop. “That’s not exactly helpful.”

“Just this once. I’ve been up for something like thirty-six hours. I’m sure you have as well. Let’s just lay here and take a nap. Tomorrow, later on, whatever, we’ll figure out the rest.” She held her arms open. “Just this once, let me hold you.”

Trent stood still for a moment. But she saw when his will broke. He stepped forward, crawled onto the bed and scooted toward her. Moths scattered. Nell wrapped her arms around him and held him tight against her chest as they lay back.

There was no way she was giving up on him. Not now.

More here.

How about that Romance Trading Card for Trent designed by Creations by Kendra?!?
Love them.

And may the 4th be with you...
~Mari

Cherry Pie with an Excerpt on Top

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:58:00 +0000

Cherry Pie came out this week over at Loose Id! Hooray! Snoopy dance and joyous celebration all around. Okay, at least around here.

So, without further ado, Cherry Pie ladies and gentlemen.

John Ford packed up his life a year ago and moved from LA to small Mercury, North Carolina after the death of his long-term partner. He’s been living in a kind of suspended animation, fixing up the old house he bought there, reclusive and alone. Until the day Connor Meecham appears.

Conn Meecham has returned home, only to find it isn’t his anymore. Someone else owns his mother’s house now. But Conn needs that house to find the man he left behind more than eight years ago—before the drugs, before prison, before his life derailed. Lonely, desperate, lost, Conn finds in John a kindred soul.

Mercury is a dying town. But John sets out to change that when he learns what it means to Conn. Through home improvements, sex, old friends, sex, misunderstandings, sex, and homemade cherry pie, John and Conn may finally discover that where they are now can be heaven on earth if they want it to be.

(A note on the blurb. All that sex? It started as a joke to make the blurb "sexy". And then it stuck.) :-)

Excerpt:

“What am I supposed to pay you?” John asked while they were taking a break a few hours later. They were sitting in the shade of the live oak, drinking a Coke. Apparently a “Coke” was any kind of soft drink in the South. John wondered how much that kind of advertising cost.

“What do you want to pay me?” Connor asked. He didn’t sound as if he cared one way or the other. He was just content to dig postholes and hammer nails, sweating in the humidity. John wished he could be so agreeable.

“Nothing.”

Connor just grinned at him, showing him a dimple, and then took a drink from the sweating can. A drop of water ran down Connor’s pinkie and onto his wrist, and then John lost it in the dark hair on his forearm.

“What’s the going rate?” John asked, and then he took a drink too.

“For making an ex-con dig postholes in the midday heat? Room and board.”

John paused with his can halfway to his mouth and slanted a look at Connor. He was still sitting there all relaxed and casual, but there was a watchful stillness about him that told John he was expecting a refusal. He’d framed it like a joke. John could pretend that was how he took it. He went ahead and took the drink, looking away from Connor, giving himself time to think about it.

He didn’t think too long. Being in this house alone had been harder than John thought. Maybe he was being selfish and not thinking it through, things Steve had always accused him of. But he didn’t want to be alone anymore.

“All right,” he said, rolling to his knees and standing up. “But you’ve got to clean that room up.” He couldn’t do it. Moving Steve’s things in there had been hard enough.

“I don’t need much space.”

John had to laugh as he took in Connor’s six-plus feet as the other man stood up. “Nope, not much,” he agreed and was rewarded with the crooked smile and dimple again.

They walked back over to where the fence posts were piled in the yard. Connor picked one up and then shoved it in a hole he’d already dug. He worked it in by twisting it from side to side, and John had to pause to admire the muscles in his arms as they rippled with his movements. He was lean, but it was clear by the way he moved that those muscles had been around a long time.

“What are you gonna do with the stretch over there?” Connor asked, pointing at the far side of the yard. The fence was covered in vines.

“Cut it out, I suppose,” John answered. He hadn’t really thought that far ahead. His new philosophy was taking it day by day. He hadn’t gone crazy yet under that plan. The look Connor gave him made him reassess that conclusion. “Or not?” he asked.

“You know what you got there?” Connor asked.

“Um, no,” John answered. “Clearly I do not.”

Connor shook his head and his lips flattened for moment. “That is a healthy wisteria vine,” Connor lectured him. “Took years to grow along the fence.” He pointed to the trees. “Now, you got to cut it off those trees, or it’ll kill ’em. Have you seen wisteria in bloom?”

John just shook his head.

Connor grinned, and John’s shoulders relaxed. Surprise skittered through him. He hadn’t realized he’d tensed up with Connor’s disapproval. He huffed a disgusted sigh at himself. He wasn’t supposed to let other people’s disapproval bother him anymore. Right.

“Big bunches of purple flowers,” Connor said, holding his hands apart in front of him with the fencepost held in place against his chest. “About this big. Look just like grape clusters.” Connor sniffed loudly with a look of pure bliss on his face. “Smell as pretty as anything. Prettier, even.”

John contemplated the fence so Connor wouldn’t catch him staring at him. John hadn’t seen him so animated since they’d met. He must really love those flowers. “Can we fix the fence without killing them?”

Connor leaned his crossed arms on the fencepost and nodded as he looked at the vine. “I think so. We need to trim it anyway. It’ll take over if you don’t tame it. If we slide the new posts in one at a time before we take out the old, it should be all right.”

John tipped his head to the side as he tried to imagine what Connor was saying. He nodded. “It might work.” He looked at Connor. “How do you know so much about it?”

Connor laughed and began to fill in the hole around the post. “Who do you think did the yard work around here? Mama supervised. I did the sweating.”

John grinned and squatted by the hole, packing the dirt around the post. “Yeah? Her own personal yard slave?”

Connor snorted. “Yard, house, you name it. We spent years fixin’ up this old house only to start all over again. First my dad, then me.” Connor wiped his face with the bottom of his T-shirt, the same faded one he’d worn yesterday. John froze as he came face-to-face with Connor’s flat, pale stomach, a line of dark hair slicing down the middle to the low-rider waist of his jeans. A strip of plaid boxers was visible above his waistband.

John’s mind went blank as his body sat up and pointed like a hunting dog. The shock of awareness that went through him actually made him jerk back from Connor, and he fell on his ass in a clumsy sprawl.

Connor gave him a funny look. “You all right? Maybe the heat’s gettin’ to you. People who aren’t used to it find they wear out pretty quickly.” Then, without any preamble, he whipped the shirt off over his head, wiped his face and neck with it, and tucked it into the back waistband of those damn faded jeans.

John found himself facing lean, hard pecs covered by a fine layer of dark, curly hair. His mouth went dry, and he scrambled to his feet.

“The heat. Yes. The goddamned heat.” He wiped the sweat off his forehead with his hand, backing away from Connor. “I need a minute. I’ll be back.” He turned and had to force himself not to run to the house.

Once inside he sat down at the kitchen table and put his head between his knees. The tears burned behind his eyes, and he welcomed the sting. Not since Steve… He couldn’t finish the thought. It was the heat, he convinced himself. It wasn’t Connor. It was the heat and the physical exertion and the unexpected sight of a naked man. Half-naked. Thank God, only half-naked.

After a few minutes he sat up, under control. This wouldn’t be a problem. It hadn’t been a problem in a long time. He could handle Connor being here. He was just so damn glad not to be alone anymore.

Writing and Sexy Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Lissa Matthews) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:55:00 +0000

I have been writing. My WIP has grown in length from 20K to 25K to 30K to 35K and now we're headed to 40K. Can you say ... Hell, I'm not even sure what to say. It's gotten a little larger in scope. It's become more emotional than had been originally intended and I've finally figured out what part of the heroine's issue is. Over the next few days, I hope to help her resolve it.

So, while I'm a little on brain is mush side and yes I know I should have blogged much earlier but, well, I didn't, I'll leave you with a question while I get back to working with Cowboy Justin and his girl Ella ...

What is your favorite sex toy?

Mine? No question it's the Hitachi Wand. If you don't have one, I would highly advise you to invest in one. You'll never view orgasms quite the same way... Trust me.

So, what's yours? Do you use sex toys? Little bullet vibes? Rabbit vibes? Vibrating panties? No vibes at all? C'mon... Spill it... Kiss and Tell it... We won't share it with anyone. Promise. It'll just be our little secret...

~lissa

Cherry Pie and Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha Kane) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:48:00 +0000

I have a new book coming out on Tuesday. Yes, I do. It's called Cherry Pie. The book takes place in a fictional, small North Carolina town called Mercury. It's a m/m contemporary romance. My second m/m, and my second contemporary. (I'm not counting my m/m/f books there, because I think they are vastly different than m/m, and require a whole different dynamic.)

This book was inspired by Miranda Lambert's version of the song "The House That Built Me". The first time I heard that song I loved it and knew it was going on my all time favorite songs list. And Connor Meecham jumped fully formed into my mind like a Southern, male Athena.

The song is very country. I love country. And the song came out right about beach time. We drive through the heart of North Carolina several times during the summer on our way to the beach. The stretch of highway between Fayetteville and Wilmington is filled with small towns like Mercury. Now, I'm not talking about 40 East. The smaller highways, 87 in particular. And I watched those towns, saw the boarded up businesses, and the empty houses and I wished I could have seen them when they flourished. And that wish gave Connor Meecham a home. It gave me Mercury.

I poured my heart into this book. The truth is I say that about every book I write, and it's true in a different way for each book. But Cherry Pie isn't just about Connor Meecham and his hero, John Ford, a transplanted Californian trying to figure out the Southern state of mind. This book is about North Carolina and the people who live here and make it so special. It's about my home and why I love it, thorns and all.

Excerpt:

With a shaky hand John set his coffee down on the table in the entryway. He blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair, which felt a little greasy and very messy. He unlocked the door. Now was as good a time as any to find out who this guy was and what he wanted.

As soon as he stepped out the front door onto his beat-up porch, the guy put his book down and stood up, his hands shoved in his pockets. He looked defensive. Not in a threatening way, just wary.

“Are you casing the joint?” John called out congenially. He casually leaned against the post at the top of the stairs. It was a big wraparound porch, the kind that made him think of a younger America -- families on the porch after church on Sunday, kids and dogs running up and down the steps while the grown-ups rocked on the porch and sipped lemonade and mint juleps. It was why John had bought the house. That and the backyard.

“No,” the guy answered. His voice was deep. He hadn’t even had to yell. John had heard that bass tone easily, spoken from across the quiet street. No kid, then.

John waited, but there was nothing more forthcoming. He frowned and pursed his lips. Thought about going back in. Rejected that plan. “What are you doing here, then?”

The guy looked down and scuffed his shoe in the dirt. “That was my mama’s house.”

A jolt of surprise went through John. “They told me there was no family. I bought the house at auction.”

The guy nodded and looked to his right, down the street. “Yes, sir. They couldn’t find me. I’ve been gone awhile.”

They stood there for a few more minutes, the stranger studiously not looking at John, and John staring holes through him. Finally he turned to John, and his direct stare shocked John enough to make him straighten up and take a step back.

“I just wanted to come in for a minute,” he said. He spoke quietly, but that voice of his carried on the cool morning air. “I just want to walk around for a bit.”

John shut his ears to the grief in the other man’s voice. “No.” He turned and went back inside.