Sealed with a Kiss...

Welcome Author Ashlynne Laynne

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's been crazy in the real world lately, so I hope you found other ways to keep yourselves entertained since my last post. If you've indulged in a few romance novels or two, then I'm sure you hardly noticed I was gone.

I'm thrilled you're here now and so happy you'll be able to help me welcome a new author to Sealed with a Kiss, Ashlynne Laynne!

AshlynneLaynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for vampires but grew tired ofthe garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan,she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature.This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing isunique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves.

The infinite possibilities, for such awickedly unique couple, intrigued her. There is no shortage of romance, steamand surprises in The Progeny. These books are for adults and contain adultsensuality and themes, but minimal profanity. She loves writing on the edge andteetering between the erotica and romance genres. She thinks of Ascher andShauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet.

She’s currently working on book two of theseries entitled Blood Bonds. In her spare time, Ashlynne enjoys cooking,reading and spending time with her family. Ashlynne juggles the hats of wife,mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time oneday soon.

Ashlynnelives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage son.

Thank you for coming, Ashlynne.

I have tons of questions for you, so let's get to it!!

How did you feel when you got your firstpublishing contract?

Ashlynne:I was elated.

How do you categorize yourself: pantser orplotter?

Ashlynne:I’m a little of both. I always start out with an outline—that may or may nothold up. Depending on my dreams (yes, I dream scenes and situations thatusually become parts of my books), the developments within a scene and even thetype of music I’m listening to could change a scene or the direction of a book.

What is the biggest piece of your adviceyou can give a beginning writer?

Ashlynne:Write every day even you don’t feel like it.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Ashlynne:(sigh) Okay, okay, if you’re going to force it out of me...I love watchingLifetime movies in my pajamas, but shhh...let’s just keep that between us.

What influences your writing? And why?

Ashlynne:Anything at any point in time could change a plot or the direction of a scene.I’m so obsessive that I have notebooks and pens strategically placed throughoutmy home. You just never know when an idea might hit you and you have to beready. I also keep a notebook on my bedside table for when my characters houndme in my sleep.

Name one thing readers don’t know aboutyou.

Ashlynne:I’ve written country music and I’m a poet. The epilogues of The Progeny and itssequel are my original work. If you think about it, the rhyme and meter thatsometimes exists in poetry is also evident in writing.

What are you working on now?

Ashlynne:I’m working on the second and third books in my Progeny Series.

Who is your favorite all-time author?

Ashlynne:Stephen King, without a doubt.

Are love scenes easy/difficult to write?

Ashlynne:They were at first but the more I write the more comfortable I am with them. Ijoke with my husband that by the time I end the series I’ll be a full blownerotica writer.

Do you write in one genre or severaldifferent ones? And why?

Ashlynne:I’m doing paranormal romance and straddling the erotica fence. An earlier,unpublished, work of mine was Christian Romance. I can’t imagine what apublisher, who might’ve taken that on, would think of my latest work. I’vealways loved anything having to with vampires and witches so it was natural forme to take a stab at my two favorite fantasy beings.

Do you have another career besides writing?What is it?

Ashlynne:I write part-time and have worked, for the last fourteen years, full time for amajor power company here in the states.

To date, which is your favorite story?Which one did you have the most fun writing?

Ashlynne:The Progeny is my first published novel but I feel very close to thesecharacters.

*Whipped Cream, Strawberry Sauce orChocolate Syrup?

Ashlynne:Hmmm...They’re all delicious but if I have to choose just one, I’ll choose thechocolate sauce. Whipped cream is not ideal and melts too quickly (surely, weall know this).

*What is the craziest/sexiest thing youhave ever done in public?

Ashlynne:Sorry to disappoint folks, but I’m not an exhibitionist. Or let me rephrase that, I haven’t been inthe past. In the interest of research, I may be persuaded to experiment. Checkback with me later and I may have new info for you!

Now for a little peek at Ashlynne's novel, The Progeny!!

TheProgeny Blurb

“No fate other than the one Ichoose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clanwith the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine groupcame one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half-human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose forhis existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or thevampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to awoman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing,the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternitywith a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life wascomplicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — andimmediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel aliveand vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns hisimmortal world upside down.

About The Progeny:

At itscore, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love, andthe fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccanhuman are secondary factors. It started as research about the Salem witchtrials, some rough sketches of a special family heirloom that my guys wouldwear and two names—Ascher and Shauna. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher isgrumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold andcareless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone—and he feels conflicted about his existence.

Allof that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguingand possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A warimmediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as hecraves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to controlhis urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins.His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus.Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccanrage complete the plot.

EXCERPT:

Ascherpulled Shauna behind him, his stance clearly a protective one. But why-?Surely, she didn’t need protection from her. His grip tightened around her arm,his knuckles straining with tension. Her mind finally registered his firm holdand sent messages to her heart and eyes.

Shewiggled away from him. “Let go of me, Ash! What’s wrong with you? Who is she?”

“I’mfine and she’s nobody. Ursula was just leaving.” He spoke with littleconviction.

“Thehell I am…” the stranger mumbled, an unsavory smirk turning up the corners ofher mouth. “Tell her, Ascher. Tell her who I really am!”

“Yeah,Ascher,” Shauna spoke in a mocking tone, her eyes becoming pieces of wet coalin narrow sockets. “Why don’t you tell me the truth…who is she?”

Hefroze, his youthful face chiseled with a mixture of shock, horror and anger.“There’s something you need to know.”

“Spitit out, Ascher. Tell her! Or I will!” Ursula growled, her hands flicking theshades away from her face.

Terror,worse than any horror movie Shauna had ever seen. More ghastly than any monstera mind could conjure.

Shaunaclutched her chest, stepping away from both of them. “Her eyes!” she screamed.“Ascher…what’s wrong with her eyes?”

Thestranger giggled and continued piercing her demonized stare into Shauna.

Ascherstruggled to control his mounting anger. He clutched Shauna closer. “Do youtrust me?”

Thefloor vibrated underneath their feet. Shauna’s eyes became cold, the glare ofdistrust swimming in them.

“No.I don’t! Why are you so nervous?”

“Youleft Katy alone. You should go back up with her. I’ll be up there in a littlewhile. Okay?”

“No.I want to know who she is. Right now, Ascher! Who…is…she?”

“Please,Shauna,”— he huffed with impatience— “just do it.”

“Forcryin’ out loud…” Ursula groaned.

“Iwarned you, Ursula,” he growled, every part of him aching to rip her to shreds.She had nerve. Were he not a gentleman, he’d finish her and be done with it.

“Youdon’t warn me. Looks like you’ve been keeping a lot from her. Afraid she mightnot want you if she knows the real you?”

Hislips strained against clenched teeth, begging to curl up and release a menacingsnarl. Control— He had to stay in control. Push the anger back down. Stem theraging desire to lash out at Ursula.

Herred eyes narrowed, the smirk taunting him, daring him to expose himself. He wasstrong in his gifts, but rage made her stronger. Her mind turned, fighting offthe subliminals he hurled at her.

Shecackled, “That won’t work, dearest. It’s time she knows everything.”

“Dearest?”Shauna questioned, her tiny fists balling.

Ascherreached for Shauna but she moved away from him.

“Don’ttouch me!”

“Ursula,doing this won’t change things between us,” he uttered, knowing she’d neverlisten to reason.

“No!She deserves to know the truth, Ascher,” Ursula responded.

“Ursula,please—” He couldn’t believe he was begging her for anything.

Ignoringhis pleading, she continued, “My name is Ursula. Ascher and I are to seal intwo days.”

Shaunadrew in a staggered breath. “Seal— as in marriage?”

Aschersighed.

“Isthis true?” Shauna demanded.

Hishead dropped in shame. “Yes, but…”

“Soshe is your fiancée? And let me guess, she’s the first.”

“Shauna,I can explain.”

Shaunaclutched her head with both hands screaming, “No!” The window, behind her,cracked. She ran towards the door, fresh tears flooding her face. Aschergrabbed at her, missing. “No!” she shouted again. The ceiling rumbled, waterraining down from the sprinklers. “Move!” she shouted, pointing towards thedoor. It flew open, nearly ripping off its hinges. Ascher appeared in front ofher. She scowled then pushed him back. “Go away!” she yelled then watched as anunseen force moved him from her path. She turned, backing away from both ofthem, her eyes fixated on the two. Her finger twirled then pointed at each ofthem. “Stay!”

“Ihope you’re happy now,” he growled at Ursula then sprinted after Shauna,catching her before she hit the stairs. He clutched her, turning her to him.Distress blanketed her face. “Shauna please, just let me explain.”

Astrange burn started in her legs. What’s happening to me? She’d had rage issuesall her life but never anything like this. Her normally clear eyesight was nowblurry and grey. The hall—she’d seen for three months and knew like the back ofher hand—became an unfamiliar maze, veiled by her fuzzy vision.

Shetook a step, stumbled then regained her balance against the wall.

“Itold you how important honesty was to me and you’ve been keeping this from methe whole time. You told me she was nobody… that it was only physicalcuriosity. It doesn’t look that way to me. She talks like she owns you. Youtold me it was over between the two of you. How were you going to cover up gettingmarried to someone else?”

“Iwasn’t, just listen to me...”

Sheshook her head. “I’ve listened enough. I can’t trust you. Without trust, wehave nothing. All you’ve done is feed me lies. You’re a liar! I despise liars!I can’t believe I was going to sleep with you—allow you to be my first.” Shegripped her stomach and doubled over. “I’m going to be sick…”

Hereached for her, again.

“Don’ttouch me!” Every ounce of restraint left her body. Chaos now flooded her brain.She wanted to lash out. No, she needed to lash out.

“Shauna.Just let me take you home. I promise I’ll explain things to you.”

“Whatpart of, ‘I don’t want to hear your lies’— don’t you understand?” she seethedthrough clenched teeth, her anger blazing directly into him. “Back…!” shebarked, pushing her hands away from her body, towards him. He flew back againstthe wall. “I don’t want to hear it! Don’t touch me, Ascher,” she sobbed intoher hands, “I hate you. I wish I’d never met you!”

“Shauna…?”he whispered, pain and disbelief creasing his face.

“Justleave me alone. I never want to see you again.”

“Shaunayou don’t….”

“Ohyes I do— I mean it and I quit! I can’t work here anymore.”

Sheran out the emergency exit, setting off the door alarm, sprinting—into thenight.

* * * * * *

Ashlynneappreciates and loves to hear from her readers. Contact her:

Twitter: @qlane

Facebook:Book Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Progeny-Series-by-author- Ashlynne-Laynne/129418917161599

AuthorPage- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ashlynne-Laynne/118945981513261

AuthorBlog: http://authoraslane.blogspot.com/

Email:ashlynnelaynne@aol.com

AMAZON LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328137562&sr=1-1

My Multi-Tasking Muse

2012-02-19T17:32:00.001-06:00

People often ask me where I find inspiration or where my ideas come from and it's often the same answer across the board. The characters come to me in the form of a conversation played out in my head or even as simple as visualizing a passionate kiss.

After I've started writing the story, I like to play around with how I see the characters as though they were already on the covers of the novels which will eventually tell their story.

There's a long gap between initial concept of a story and when that tale appears between the pages of a book (or e-book where my novels are concerned), so I like to use a little visual creativity to keep my muse flowing as a story progresses.

I've even made a page on this blog to share some of those muses in the form of book covers. I've found that making them calms me and helps strengthen the bond I already have with each character I write.

Sharing the characters and a little blurb about their story may even help others understand what goes through an authors mind, well this authors mind anyway, long before they actually get to read what I've written.

Enjoy!!

BLURB:

A serial killer is on the loose targeting young female singers in Houston.

The special victim’s task force has a lead, but the next singer they believe to be on the killer’s list, refuses protection.

Undercover detective, Scott Diamond, is the only one who can get close enough to keep Ronnie Layne safe without alerting the killer.

Forced to hide out at Scott’s grandparent’s farm, will he be able to keep her out of harm’s way, or will Ronnie’s stubborn streak lead her straight into the path of certain death.

When protecting your heart is just as dangerous as protecting a life!!

This one came to me from the point of view of the hero, Scott Diamond.

Often, the first scene in the book is actually how the story begins in my head and this one is a prime example of that.

10,000 words into it, this cover keeps the fire alive and helps me focus on the direction I want to go. So far so good.

Family Ties:

The concept of this one is so new and fresh I haven't even written a blurb for it yet. Another prime example of how differently each story manifests itself and how my muse interprets it.

I can share with you a little bit of the scene that presented itself in the imaginary world where all my stories are born:

Prologue:

Crouched on the floor between two dry-rotted pews, Tegan Blaid protectively clutched her stomach and kept a fearful watch of the old church doors. The relentless tightening of her stomach muscles only confirmed what she already knew. Her baby was coming soon, no matter how many wolves gathered outside, sniffing at the doors.

“Just a little while longer.” She massaged the hardened bulge extending from just under her ribcage. “You’re a fighter just like your daddy, aren’t you?” Licking dried, cracked lips, she tried to swallow away the ball of air lodged in the back of her throat.

Crying wasn’t an option. Not now. Not ever.

The pack just outside the door wouldn’t kill her, they wouldn’t dare, but they wouldn’t rest until they brought her home either. Their alpha, Aiden, had made that quite clear. Tegan was to be returned to the pack unharmed. Nothing was to get in their way and that included the father of her unborn child.

She drew in a deep breath and bit back a whimper as the pain intensified with a gripping contraction. “Hurry, Tucker,” she begged under her breath.

Tegan peered through the broken stained-glass window above the dilapidated altar. Escaping under the cover of darkness would be her only advantage. Time was running out and if she didn’t get help soon, her baby would be born in the middle of a battle she couldn’t fight alone.

As you can see, for me, there is no set formula.

Next is another example and once again, the concept, genre and setting are nothing like any other I've written. In fact, this one will be my first "cougar" type story, something new my muse latched onto and refuses let go.

The characters first appeared in my head as the heroine peered out a kitchen window, trying to convince herself that she could never have the man standing behind her, mostly because of the ten year gap in their ages... the hero, however, had other plans...

UNEDITED EXCERPT:

“You really shouldn’t be here. Someone may get the wrong idea.” Kate grabbed her teacup from the table then turned away and placed it in the sink. The nerves at the nape of her neck tingled. She knew he was watching her every move.

“Everyone’s gone to the square for the fireworks,” Vander replied in a hushed almost whispering tone.

The security light from the Gibb’s Body Shop across the street, shone bright through the small kitchen window above the sink. The setting sun cast an eerie yet peaceful glow across the evening sky and Kate held her breath as his footsteps moved nearer. “Have you set-up and prepped for later?”

Hot breath filtered down her back as Vander leaned over her shoulder. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to do, Kate.”

Kate’s heart pounded louder, to a near deafening level. “Please?” Her body ached for his touch, defying everything she knew was right. “You really shouldn’t be here like…like this.”

“There’s no other way I can be here, Kate. I’m done with pretending.”

She gripped the counter and squeezed her eyes shut. If only she could wish him away. If only she could make him see how impossible all of this really was. The threat of tears burned her eyes. Why won’t he just stop?

And finally, my muse not only stirred up a story that leaped across my genre field, it's forced me to drag out and dust off my never before used pseudonym, Tyler Robbins.

Just so readers won't be confused, this alter ego will be able to have her own moment in the sun and so will the genre she plans to tackle... Male/Male romance.

SHOCKED? Join the club.

To tell the truth, the initial idea behind this story wasn't my own.

Although I enjoy M/M romance and joke quite often that I love boys who love boys, I hadn't planned to tackle the genre so early in my career. However, that all changed a few months back shortly after the withdrawal of the U.S. Military's policy of "Don't ask, Don't tell", when I was approached my the parent's of my youngest daughter's best friend.

They (a heterosexual couple, just in case you're wondering) happened to mention that they would love to see a story written "after" the policy was no longer in practice... sort of a reality of it all type story.

I've played around with the premise and have even started writing it, but trust me...THIS one will be written with the utmost respect for our Nation's Military and those brave men and women of all religions, race, sexual orientation and the like.

The primary message my heart wants to relay is that no matter our differences, we all love our country and all have a right to protect it.

Will I lose readers? Maybe, but the way I see it, if I lose readers because I believe in equality for all, then they probably weren't reading my books in the first place.

If you follow my blog or have read my books, then you probably already have an idea of how I think... everyone has the right to love...even shapeshifters and vampires!! LOL!

Excerpt:

“Hey, um, where are you from anyway?” Jared’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down.

“Texas,” Michael replied. “Near Houston.”

A crooked smile spread across Jared’s lips, those oh so kissable lips. “Dallas,” he snorted. His shoulders shrank and his blue eyes darkened as the mood in their hideaway took on a solemn air. “It’s nice to know there’s another Texan around. You know? Someone who understands the way we think. The way we were raised here in the south…”

Michael wasn’t sure what Jared meant. “I’m not following.”

Jared’s cheeks flushed bright red. “You know, someone from up north or the west coast may get the wrong idea, the two of us in this stall… at night…alone…”

Michael squared his shoulders, suddenly feeling two feet taller than he had when he first walked into the bathroom with the much larger man. He leaned into Jared’s neck area and purposefully inhaled slow and deep, subtly inching Jared against the wall behind them. “Anyone with brains would know right away what this is, Corporal.”

Jared’s eyes widened and all color drained from his cheeks. “And wha—what is that?”

Michael eased even closer, placing his mouth millimeters from Jared’s ear. “Two grown-ass men having a smoke.” Michael gave the wall a quick pound and pushed open the stall door.

Halfway across the room, he heard Jared exclaim, “Shit!”

Michael smiled, knowing full well that just because Jared Prophet may have swung his bat on the down-low, didn’t mean he and Michael weren’t playing for the same team. Sweet.

Well, there you have it. Another peek into the strange and sometimes twisted mind of a romance author.

What I've learned over the last couple of years is that although there is no sure fire method to my madness, the final product is what counts, the journey just makes the story all the sweeter.

If you don't believe me, just check out some of my already published works.

I'd love to hear your thoughts of how you think they turned out.

You can download them by clicking their links on the sidebars. I may not have been the cover artist for those titles, but my publisher certainly did a great job translating the way I pictured them in my head.

**NOTE** To anyone who wants to leave a comment: I am having serious issues with blogger, so although you can leave a comment, I unfortunately cannot reply.
Sad, but true!!
I am reading them though, and appreciate you taking the time share your thoughts and opinions.

The Valentine's Day Blog H0P results are in!!!!

2012-02-15T12:30:00.000-06:00

I hope your Valentine's Day plans with your significant other or whatever you did to celebrate the day set aside just for lovers, went the way you planned.
As for me, it was very nice, though I was a bit under the weather.
I am pleased to announce the winners from the blog hop and hope you will come back later this week when I introduce the final member of the Wickedly Sexy Writer's Group, Stacy Brush!!
Next week should be fun as well. One never knows what's going to happen around here. I guess you'll just have to check back in to find out.

As for the results of this weekend's Blog Hop, here they are:

Dana Littlejohn wins a copy of Midnight Beckoning

Rhonda D wins a copy of Flesh Wounds

and Mary Abshire wins the Grand Prize of the $20 Amazon Gift Card.

Be on the look out for an email from me.

Once confirmation has been made, your prize will arrive soon after via email.

Have a super week!! See you all on Friday!!!

H0P across my Blog & Be My LUCKY Valentine!!

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

February 11 - 14

Cupid shot this hop right through the heart with a golden arrow!

So here’s how the hop goes...

Each of the participating authors below will run a contest on their blog for readers to enjoy!
Make sure you hit ALL the stops on the
hop and leave a comment.
You won’t be disappointed!

Contest starts February 11, 2012 and
ends February 14, 2012 at midnight.

TWO lucky SEALED WITH A KISS
readers who leave a comment or
follow my blog
will win a digital copy of
Midnight Beckoning OR Flesh Wounds!
ONE reader will win the
GRAND PRIZE!!

Winner to be announced Feb. 15th!!

Click authors name to go to their site…

Drea Becraft: Necklace, Ring, and Promo goodie bag

Jean Joachim: [Unknown]

Elizabeth Black: A copy of either “Filthy Leuker” or “Feral Heat”

Sandra Sookoo:$10 Amazon GC plus $10GC from Bath and Body Works

Lindsay Klug: 2 GCs to an online book retailer

Malia Mallory: Winners choice of any current release eBook

Belinda McBride: Winner’s choice of a book from my backlist

Kellie Kamryn: 8×10 print & choice of Backlist

Kelly Jamieson: Copy of Rule of Three

Dawne Prochilo: Callie’s Way- The VW Club Book 1

Laura Tolomei: ebook The Sex Book 1 Virtus Saga

Margay Leah Justice : Electronic copy of Sloane Wolf

Opal Carew: A print copy of Insatiable

PD Singer: Choice off backlist or The Rare Event & a PD Singer keychain

Sarah Grimm: Free digital download of one of my books

Tara Lain: A choice from my backlist and a $10 Starbucks card.

Tracy Sumner: Copies of my entire set of releases

Venessa Johnson: Ebook of their choice from my titles at Red Rose Publishing

Cassandre Dayne: Copy of Treacherous Hunger – full length novel

Havan Fellows: 2 winners – choice of book from my backlist

Dakotah Black: Copy of The Flamingo Wrangler – second in the Pinked Series

DH Black: Copy of Inferno – the second in the Retribution Collection

Selena Kitt: Winner’s choice – any TWO of my ebooks!

Ella Jade: $10 Amazon GC

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy: Ecopy-A Patient Heart & print-Love Never Fails

Elizabeth Noble: [Unknown]

Sara York: $20 at Amazon

Kharisma Rayne: 2 backlist Ebooks of choice

Simply Erotic Reviews: [Unkown]

Trinity Blacio: two of my books in pdf & a copy of one of my print books.

Carrie Ann Ryan: $10 Amazon GC

Mary Abshire: ebook from my Soul Catcher series

Julie Lynn Hayes: Winner’s choice of backlist.

Jayne Rylon: $10 gift certificate to Samhain Publishing

Doris O’Connor: One of my available titles, Winners Choice

Barbara Westbrook: Ebook copy of Standing on Stolen Ground

Shannon West: ebook copy of Georgia Heat

Crymsyn Hart: [Unknown]

Robin Badillo: $20 Amazon GC & copies of Midnight Beckoning & Flesh Wounds

Gabrielle Evans: $50 Amazon GC

Louisa Bacio: See’s Gift Certificate, 1 .pdf book from my backlist.

Desi Moon: Ecopy of Summerland and an Ecopy of The Tempting Cupid

Daryl Devore: A copy of my twisted fairy tale – Sexy Red Hood

Victoria Adams: 2 copies of contemporary romance – Circles Interlocked

Natalie-Nicole Bates: pdf of Change of Address & a limited-edition perfume

Sarah Ballance: PDF copy of UNFORGIVEN

Tara Lain: The winners choice of any Tara Lain book (two winners)

W. Lynn Chantale: [Unknown]

Laura Kaye: $10 amazon gift card

Stacey Kennedy: Ebook of Supernaturally Kissed

Kelly Jamieson: Copy of Rule of Three

Daisy Dunn: A copy of The Portal ebook and a $10 Amazon gift card

Rawiya: A choice of ebook on backlist

Lee Brazil: 6 ebooks

Kacey Hammell: Ebooks, author goodies

Xavier Axelson: Ebook copy of Never Say Never Anthology

Heaven Eldeen: 2 See’s Candy GC, 2 copies of The Demon Side, & 6 book marks

Vanessa A Johnson: $10 GC to Red Rose Publishing and ebook copy off backlist

Wendy Smith: $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com

Anne Barwell: An ebook copy Shadowboxin

Staci Brush: Ecopy of From Your Valentine

Natasha Blackthorne: [Unknown]

Marie Rose Dufour: A ecopy of Fated Mates and a $10 GC to ARe or Bookstrand

J.D. Faver: A choice of downloads and a Bad Girls Need Love Too…tee shirt

Cari Quinn: $5.00 Amazon/B&N gift certificate and 2 of my backlist ebooks

Tara Manderino: E-copy of Taking Chances, or Heart Quest

Carol DeVaney: Copy of A Perfect Match

Naughty Night Press: ecopies of Spontaneous Liaisons & Seeing Red

Heather Boyd: A PDF copy of The Almack’s Alternative

Fiona McGier: 2 signed paperbacks of winner’s choice from my backlist

Cassandra Dean: A copy of ENSLAVED, plus signed author goodies.

Lucy Felthouse: Winner’s choice of my single-author backlist titles

Tarah Scott: Copy of When A Rose Blooms

Penelope Rivers: Ecopy of my Valentines Day Short

Kerry Adrienne: $25 GC to Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Lou Sylvre: e-book copy of Delsyn’s Blues

DC Juris: winner’s choice of 1 pdf from my backlist

Harper Kingsley: 4 ebooks to 4 different winners. 1 signed print book.

KT Bishop: Ecopy of Careless Heart

Karen Cino: A copy of my book of love poems

Elaina Lee: Bath and Body Works Paris Amour fragrance set

Dawn Roberto: $10 gift certificate to All Romance Ebook Store

Giselle Renarde: [Unkown]

S.J. Frost: Winner’s Choice of one title from my backlist in ebook

Keta Diablo: 2 PDFs of Crossroads

Kayelle Allen: [Unknown]

Kaily Hart: [Unkown]

No Boundaries Press: 1 Book A month for 6 months & 3months

Tammy Dennings Maggy: free electronic copy of my book of poetry

Lyric James: E-copy of A Gift of Chocolate and $5.00 gift-cert to Amazon

Casey Crow: e-book copy of Can’t Fake This

Empi Baryeh: 2 copies of Most Eligible Bachelor + a $10 books gift certificate

Guilty Pleasure Book Reviews: 22 books from the participating authors

Kiru Taye: 2 copies His Strength eBook & 2 copies RWoWA Anthology

Siobhan Kinkade: (1) copy of Something In the Air

Olivia Starke: $10 Amazon gift card to anyone & Sweets & Swag to 1 US winner

Mike Woody: Free copy of ’Twisted Hearts Tales.’

Coral Moore : 5 eBook copies of my stories, winner’s choice

Jambrea Jo Jones: pdf copy of Magnus

Velvet Rose: Copy of my ebook, Sexy Little Bites

Shelia Goss: Two ebooks: Her Invisible Husband and Tosha’s Invisible Man

Lily Sawyer: winner’s choice of one of my books

Naomi Bellina: Winner’s choice of ebook and an Amazon gift certificate

H.B. Pattskyn: A signed copy of Heart’s Home

Brenda Williamson: $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree + A pdf copy from my backlist

Ruth Hill: Any book up to $10 from Book Depository

Jane Wakely: [Unknown]

Kaye Manro: [Unknown]

Kathryn R. Blake: Beautiful Jewlery

Shay MacLean: [Unknown]

Naughty Author Chicks: 10 ebooks and $20 gift certificate too

Frances Pauli: Three winners can select any e-book from back list

Jennifer Labelle: ebook copy of Leather and Pleasure & A Wicked Wager

Jennie Marsland: Copy of ”Shattered.”

Avril Ashton: Two ebooks from backlist

KB Alan: ebook of Sweetest Seduction & a necklace

Erica Pike: e-copy A Life Without You, Hot Hands, A Grade-A-Sex-Deal.

Anne Rainey: winner’s choice of one of my ebooks

Willa Edwards: $10 gift certificate to bookstrand.com

Kimberly Gardner: 1 ebook copy of The Shape of a Heart

Carol Preflatish: I’ll be giving away one of my books

D.C. McMillen: Choice of book from the erotic humor series, Nauti-Lust

Sean Michael: An ebook copy of Smoke and Fire

AJ Jarrett: $25 Gift Card to Amazon

Sarah Mäkelä: Digital copy of Captive Moonlight

Cassidy McKay: $10 Amazon or B&N GC & Choice off backlist

Gabrielle Bisset: Gift card

Norma Nielson: Amazon GC

Taryn: kindle book giveaway

Wynter Daniels: Ebook download – Burning Touch

Rhian Cahill: Winner’s choice of two backlist or $10GC for bookstore of choice

Tory Michaels: Free copy of Blood Rage

Suzzana C. Ryan: 2 ebooks

Carly Fall: One ebook copy of each of my three books

Sandra Bunino: Copy of Marooned in Miami ebook

Ella Jade YA: A copy of my YA (ages 18-24) Novel Jocelyn’s Choice

Suzanne Barrett: An e-book of An Irish Rogue, plus handmade (by me) earrings

Ruth J Hartman: Reader’s Choice of any of my romances in ebook form

Amy Romine: 3 free ebooks

Allison Merritt: Copy of The Treasure Hunter’s Lady

Elise Mairon: $5 Amazon gift card 1 copy of one of my ebooks

Ayla Ruse: [Unknown]

Anne Holly: 1 ebook in Kindle or PDF – winner’s choice

Blair McDowell: 2 copies of The Memory of Roses

Malia Mallory: Free ebook of new release

Ambrielle Kirk: [Unknown]

Diane Alberts: a backlist copy of one of my e-books

Darcia Helle: 1 signed print copy and 5 ebooks copies of any of my 8 titles

Dianne Hartsock: An ebook of any story in my ‘Shelton’ series

Jennifer Lynne: $10 Amazon Gift Card

Elyzabeth M. VaLey: [Unknown]

Heather Thurmeier: $10 Amazon.com Gift Card

Tarah Scott: Digital copy of The Pendulum

T.C. Archer: Digital copy of For His Eyes Only

Joyce Cortes McGuire: $50 Amazon Gift Card

Myne Whitman: 2 eBook copies each of A Heart to Mend and A Love Rekindled

Cammie Eicher: e-book package of Shadow Ancient

Sandy Sullivan: Print of Love Me Once, Love Me Twice & Before The Night Is Over

Kay Springsteen: [Unknown]

Cynthia Arsuaga: Necklace and PDF of A Vampire in Paris

Jena Jaxon: Copies of two of my books and swag

Kristabel Reed: copy of The Masque & 2 $10 GCs to B&N or Amazon

K.E. Saxon: $25 Amazon GC

Brenna Zinn: Copy of Mi Toro

Lyda Frazier: $20 Gift Card

Karenna Colcroft: Winners choice off backlist

Raven McAllan: A copy of Taken Identity

Nichelle Gregory: Ebook copy of As You Desire

BA Tortuga: Pamper yourself Gift Basket

Lissa Matthews: Ecopy of Twisted Up

Ren Thompson: $25 GC

Wendi Zwaduk: Winners choice off backlist

Megan Slayer: $5 GC to Changeling Press

Stephanie Danielson: Winner’s choice off backlist

Linda Nightingale: Faux pearl necklace

Bianca Swan: Copy of Hot Spanish Nights

Judith Leger: Copy of Dragon Wish

Naughty Edition Reviews: Chocolate,ebook, bubble bath, & candles

R. Renee Vickers: promotional copy of Sly’s Surrender.

Mia Natasha: Ecopy of Ghost’s Chance

M.S. Spencer: Choice off backlist

Dana Littlejohn: t-shirt and mug

Jaxx Steele: T-shirt and Mugs

B.A. Knight: Ecopy of Immortal Love

Cara Bristol: $10 GC to Loose ID

Gemma Parkes: Ecopy of Master Me, Master You

Victoria Valentine: Desert Noon romance poetry book and $10 GC

Stephanie Beck: Valentines Grab Bag [US Only]

Beth D. Carter: Winners choice off backlist

Lizzie Star: $5 Amazon GC each day

Abby Hayes: Ecopy of Seeing Red

Kate Hill: A pdf download of Victory Stallion and Impassioned

Jocelyn Modo: 3 Kindle Copies of Revolution Lovers

Desiree Holt: Ecopy of Cupid’s Shift

Julia Devlin: Choice off backlist and $10 Amazon GC

Ellie Heller: 1-$10 Noble GC & 1-$10 Amazon GC

Alvania Scarborough: Choice off backlist and $10 B&N GC

Kelly L Lee: Ecopy of Murdering Eve

Nan Hawthorne: Ebook or print copy of An Involuntary King

L.M. Brown: ebook copy of the Gift of Love anthology.

Cerise DeLand: A Copy of Mia Dolce & Lady Featherstone’s Fervent Affair

Natasha Blackthorne: Choice of two Erotic Romance Novellas

Billi Jean: Copy of Silver’s Chance and a $10 CG for Noble Romance Publishing

Naomi Shaw: $10 Amazon GC

Lynn Crain: The whole Santa Elves series in ebook

Jana Downs: First three books of the Ravyn Warriors series in .pdf format

Ericka Scott: Silver Heart Pendant, signed copy of Once Upon a Midnight & chocolates

Jorja Lovett: e-book copy of Pyramid of Passion

Sable Hunter: Ebook of My Aliyah

Tamara Monteau: E-copy of Haven’s King

Natalie Baum: Ebook, body lotion, & $10 Amazon GC

Jianne Carlo: 3 eBooks – Valentine Voodoo and a Hallmark Gift Card

JL Oiler: E-copy of any backlist title

Jennifer Zane: E-Book of Gnome On The Range

Seawood Tice: ebook copy Live In Position

Sherry Gload: Several book marks. A pdf copy of The Wrong Target

West Thornhill: Copy of Transcend

Zathyn Priest: eBook of The Curtis Reincarnation

Breathless Press: 3 Winners – choice of book from our back list

Eden Glenn: E- ARC of Novellette “Raynia’s Magic”

Jessica Subject: Ebook copy of Never Gonna Let You Go

Barbara Robinson: PDF of ebook Southern Superstitions

Ann Jacobs: Sony Reader (Pocket Edition)

Layla Hunter: Ecopy of Skin Deep & a $10 GC to SCP

Sam Cheever: Giant box of chocolates and an autographed book

Blackraven’s Reviews: [Uknown]

Blackraven’s Erotic Cafe: [Uknown]

The Readers Roundtable After Dark: [Uknown]

Dark Diva Review: [Uknown]

AJ’s Reading Nook: [Uknown]

Jennifer Conner: 3 ebooks & Valentine basket, coffee & chocolate

Holley Trent: $5 Starbucks eGift Card

Tamara Monteau: Electronic copy of Haven’s King, Haven’s Realm 4

Day Dreaming: International e-book giveaway

SL Carpenter: 2- ebooks Owned & Remember When

Joan K Maze: [Unknown]

Melissa Keir: $10 Amazon Gift card and Swirled Glass necklace.

Ursula Whistler: $20 Amazon.com gift card

Rita Schulte: June Hunt book or The blessing by dr john trent

Chris Verstraete: Copy of ebook, THE KILLER VALETINE BALL

Kristyn Nichols: $10 Amazon GC

Charlie Cochran: A goodie bag of very English toiletries

Savannah Chase: Ebook copy of Unwrap Me

Nichelle Gregory: Ebook copies of Lovin’ Leela or Hearts & Diamonds!

Wendy Siefkan: [Unknown]

Karen Mueller Bryson: Ebook off backlist

Close Encounters of the Night Kind: [Unknown]

Eliza Knight: Signed copy of Pirate’s Past

R.F. Ricks: A copy of Foolish Endeavors

Regina Cole: An ebook copy of DEAR ADDI

JoAnne Kenrick: 1NS author swag

Charlie Cochet: Ebook of When Love Walked In, $10 Amazon GC, & a bookmark!

K-Lee Klein: ebook copy of either Love & Patience or Theme of Hearts

Shannon Leigh: Handmade necklace

Jennie Andrus: ebook off backlist

Lani Rhea: $10 Amazon Gift Card& The Ark Hotel:Under Bonded Contract

Athanasios: 10 ecopies of Commitment

Katriena Knights: A copy of Ring of Darkness

Donna Steele: A ecopy of a book

Selah Janel: ebook ‘mooner’ and $10 Amazon GC

Zillah Anderson: $10 Amazon GC

Laura Harner: $15 ebook bucks from All Romance eBooks

Kimber An: ecopy of Drive-By Valentine

**** I'm having technical issues with Blogger, so I haven't been able to reply to your comments. So, sorry about that!
I am getting your comments, though, so no need to worry about the contest!!
All of you are entered and the winners will be announced Wednesday!!!
Thank you all for hopping by!!!

Sybil has nothin' on author Rawiya

2012-02-09T20:15:00.000-06:00

Guilty by Association again?

When it comes to author Rawiya... yes, yes, and yes!

If you don't know this uber-talented author, then you're missing out on one of our most Wickedly Sexy Writers to date!!

Rawiya isthe sweeter and sensual muse of author Sharita Lira. (See, I'm not the only one whose muses come to life, even if it is within my own mind.) Sharita's muses write, too!

Rawiya has shorts publishedthrough XOXO, STARbooks, and will have her first novella released in Februaryfrom Naughty Nights Press part of the Something New on the Menu collection called Timeto Make the Donuts. Rawiya considers herself the real world eroticaauthor, penning all of her work in contemporary settings that everyone canrelate to.

Don't let her modesty fool you, the woman behind Rawiya, B.L Morticia and Michael Mandrake is awesome.

In fact, one could say she's once... twice... three times a lady... oh, and one super cool guy, too! *hey, Michael, honey!

Like I said before, Sybil has nothin' on this multi-personality crew!

This author comes not only with multiple personalities, she comes with different genres and so many different stories with different messages it boggles the mind.

Rawiya is far from the least when it comes to those delicious tales. But don't take my word for it, let her work speak for itself:

Andre,a customer, comes in and pays him a visit. The two lock eyes and immediatelyconnect on a personal level. Because of this, Christopher decides to pursuewhen Andre passes him his card. He wonders what the young man does for a livinghowever, he’s so smitten by him, Chris doesn’t give it much thought.

Littledoes the shop owner know, Andre actually works for his biggest competitor as asecret shopper and has been told to use any method necessary to find out thesecrets of the shop as well as convince him to sell his shop and become part ofthe national chain.

WhenChristopher finds out, he has a surprise for Andre and deals with him in arather humorous way. Will he trust Andre once he finds out this fact? Will hegive up his shop under the pressure the well-known franchise?

You can learn more about Rawiya and all the other muses who live inside the creative mind of Sharita Lira, but visiting her website and a few other cool sites. Check them all out!

The Triad

http://www.thelitriad.com/

Naughty Nights Press

http://naughtynightspress.wordpress.com/

Naught Nights Press Blog

http://naughtynightspress.blogspot.com/

Wickedly Sexy Writers

http://wickedlysexywriters.wordpress.com/

"Sinful Writings" and author Mindi Ferrari

2012-02-07T21:02:00.001-06:00

They say confession is good for the soul. If that's truly the case then I should be in great shape by the end of this post.

My GUILTY by ASSOCIATION admissions are picking up steam and today's Wickedly Sexy Writer will sincerely make the ol' Sealed with a Kiss engine hum.

Please help me welcome Mindi Ferrari!

I met Mindi shortly after becoming published. She's not only an author of paranormal romance, she's a big fan, too.

Mindi and I bumped into one another a few times on a couple of yahoo author/reader loops and I found her quite amusing and eager to help out other authors... a classy quality in my book!

I got to know her even better after she reviewed one of my books. Overwhelmed by her praise, I was beyond flattered by what she had to say.

Not all authors review each other's work, but when we do, most are usually quite honest. And I'm not just saying that because she liked it. Had she hated it, I would have respected her opinion, just as I would any other reviewer. If you know me, then you know how I roll... (no not to the nearest buffet... though I am a little hungry.) :-)

Mindi is a remarkable lady and her website and blog could make even an erotic author blush... I should know, I am one and I have blushed while visiting.

I've learned much more about her in the last year and I'll share some of that with you now.

Raised in Las Vegas,Nevada Mindi Farrari always had a passion for reading and writing. Since shewas 10 years old, Mindi dreamed of writing horror novels. That dream quicklyended when she realized boys and girls were supposed to not only get along, butthey were so supposed to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Mindi has taken justabout every course college had to offer, majoring in criminal justice, and minoringin elementary education. She ended up opening her mind to a world with so muchdiversity that it enabled her to write about different genres, giving hercharacters a depth that only she could describe.

For Mindi, writing Romancenovels is the one thing she enjoys more than life itself.

Here are a couple of those novels now...

MIDNIGHT ASSASSINS:

Annie was definitelynot ready for the life that was about to be handed to her. She was dealing witha job she liked, but a boss she hated. She had no family and only one truefriend. One horrible day took her life by surprise. Beaten and almost dead shefinds her life in the arms of a handsome, over bearing vampire and wantsnothing more than to stay put there forever, but can't seem to let go of herpast.

Nicholie was definitely on a mission in his life; to kill the huntersthat killed his sister Emma, and maintaining his life as an assassin which wasmore than time consuming. Closing in on a lead, he ends up finding Annieinstead, and falls head over heels with this breathtaking human that he wantsto make his own, testing his very belief system as a vampire.

Sorrow's reaping skillsgo above and beyond any other Reaper that has lived, yet she fights with thememory of her father’s death and tries desperately to search for his killer.Signing over her soul to do the Heaven’s dirty work she ends up running into aman who she remembers as trying to kill her and her family. The man she hatesjust might end up becoming the man she needs to fight this deadly war that’sbrewing.

Vengeance is a trainedassassin that falls madly in love with the one woman he was supposed to killdecades ago. Searching for most of his life and traveling all over the world tofind her he ends up losing all hope. That is until the two meet from what theythought was a chance encounter but was really a set-up.

Mindi can be found alongside me and all of our other Wickedly Sexy Writers anytime, or you may find her at home on her own website and blog.

Here are her links:

"Sinful Writings"

http://www.mindiferrari.com

Wickedly Sexy Writers:

http://wickedlysexywriters.wordpress.com/

Still waters really do run deep! Welcome Lucy Felthouse

2012-02-05T21:51:00.001-06:00

I have an extra confession to make today regarding my never-ending GUILTY by ASSOCIATION proclamations!

Though I am not ashamed in the least to declare how pleased I am to be part of the WICKEDLY SEXY WRITER'S BLOG along side my amazing cohort, Lucy Felthouse, I am mortified to admit that she has never been a guest on Sealed With a Kiss!!

Say it ain't so!!

A gross, though unintentional, over-site on my part, I assure you.

I'll have lots of time to make up for that blunder now that we share a "child" together, a.k.a. WSW. Anyone who runs their own blog can attest to that comparison. We're fortunate that our 'village' is made up of some quite domineering authors.

And domination is right up Lucy Felthouse's alley!!

If you don't believe me, just check out one of her seriously hot titles, Punish Me Good...

Twohot tales of fem-dom and BDSM that you won’t forget.

Punish Me Good

Gorgeous,sexually talented and above all, completely obedient, Malachi loves to pleasehis beautiful mistress. Humiliation, spanking, switching; he’ll take it all andmore, for the heady taste of Avery is something he literally cannot livewithout.

Trophy Boyfriend

Ethanis what most would call eye candy. He looks good, and is dynamite in the sack.Sadly, he’s also as dumb as a box of rocks, a fact that his girlfriend can nolonger overlook. Deciding to end things with the minimum of fuss, she plans fortheir relationship to go out with a bang.

Trophy Boyfriend hasbeen previously published in Cleis Press anthology, Best Bondage Erotica 2012.

I've titled today's post, 'Still Waters Really Do Run Deep' for a reason.

I mean, just look at that angelic face. Would you suspect her of telling such yummy tales? Probably not.

This photo, with those cute little braids and unassuming smile, may exude the innocence of "Dorothy" from the "Wizard of Oz", but could it also hide something devilishly wicked? Judging by her résumé, one could argue, yes.

No wonder she's a major player at the Wickedly Sexy Writer's blog. This lady has it goin' on!

Even upon closer examination, you probably wouldn't be able to tell, that much like Dorothy, Miss Lucy Felthouse isn't in Kansas anymore, in fact, this darlin' lass hails from all the way across the pond, in England. An interesting fact for sure.

There's even more to discover about this Wickedly Sexy Writer, indeed. Here's just a sliver of what I've learned.

LucyFelthouse is a self-proclaimed chocoholic, a writer, a marketer and a web geek.She dabbles in a bit of everything; but primarily does the following things:

Writeerotica

Readerotica

Createwebsites

DoPR & Marketing

Lucyhas been writing for as long as she can remember, and has been published since2006 in magazines, books and online.

Whenshe graduated from University, Lucy started working in PR & Marketing. Inearly 2011 she decided to become self-employed; writing for part of the timeand doing web design, PR & Marketing for the rest of the time. You can findout all about the services she offers on her website, Writer Marketing.

Lucygraduated from the University of Derby in June 2006. Her final yeardissertation was on erotic literature; and how women’s roles in the genre haveincreased as social attitudes change.

Shehas written seriously since secondary school, but it wasn’t until the secondyear of her A Levels that she decided to go to University and study Creative Writing.In her first year at University of Derby one of her friends persuaded her tohave a go at writing erotic literature. So Lucy wrote “Sam & Katie” which was based on her friend’s fantasy of havingsex with his high school teacher. She took the completed piece into Universitywhere it went down incredibly well with her friends that read it and she’s neverlooked back.

Lucyhas written for various magazines and websites, and you can find a list ofbooks she’s appeared in on her Published Works page.

Herhobbies and interests include; reading and writing, watching films, checkingout other writers’ websites and blogs, spending time with friends and family;walking and camping.

Lucy's website has more information about how she began writing, whereshe’s been published and so on.

http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

Youmay check out Lucy’s blog to see what’s happening with her latest projects, orhead on over and check out her book reviews (which aren’t just of eroticbooks).

Ifyou’re looking for more general information on erotic writing and authors, shesuggests heading on over to Erotica For All. Yes, that’s one of hers!

http://eroticaforall.co.uk/

Here's a sample of some of Lucy's e-Books...trust me, she has enough titles under her belt to make your Kindle, Nook or other e-Reader happy for weeks!!

Links to these titles are all on her website, soooooo.... why are you still here? Go on, you know you wanna check them out!! I'll still be here when you get back!!

Wicked OCD's & Author Drea Becraft

2012-02-02T22:30:00.000-06:00

If you didn't know OCD's could be used to your advantage, then you haven't met Drea Becraft!

Continuing my GUILTY by ASSOCIATION confessions this week, I proudly admit to being connected to this Wickedly Sexy Writer, without hesitation.

As I've said before, Drea is a phenomenal woman, period!! A wife and mother of three precious girls, this lady has her hands full enough without tossing in the stress that comes along with being an author.

What? Did you think we have it easy just because we're romance authors?

Hardly.

But somehow, Drea makes it look easy. So easy, in fact, that I told her once if I were in the market for a wife, she'd make the perfect one! I even affectionately dubbed her my "wifey"!

We planned it all out. She and her girls would move from Ohio to Texas and we'd share parenting duties... meaning my older kids would keep an eye on her younger kids while we did the "writing" thing.

Her OCD tendencies would allow her to do all the housework. Of course, I would cook meals and whatever else was needed, but knowing her, there wouldn't be much left to do.

While I'm sure she'd rock an apron, I'm not sure my tiny house could handle six kids, two dogs, all of Drea's cats and that overgrown kid, Shane, a.k.a., "the husband".

Drea Becraft is much more than a mother, wife and friend. She's a Jackie-if-all-trades. She heads up a reader/author yahoo group, a Facebook group for WSW, her personal blog, JBP Reviews as well as that Wickedly Sexy Writers group we've been talking about this week. She certainly has used that self-diagnosed OCD quite nicely.

Here's a little more about Drea:

Growing upDrea Becraft wanted to save the world one dead body at a time as ahomicide detective. After high school her dreams turned to the waysidewhen she found out she was going to be a mother. Eight years later she isnow the mother of three beautiful girls, who are a handful, and married to herhigh school sweetheart. When she is not frantically getting two kids toand from school, to cheer practice, or cleaning up the after a full householdshe enjoys reading anything and everything she can get her hands on. After a few years of simply reading for enjoyment she began to get excellentideas for stories of her very own and began to write them as much as time willallow. Watching as her dreams and characters become solid on paper hasbeen exciting to say the least. Drea can’t wait to share everydream one story at a time. Until then she enjoys tons ofconversation and laughs on twitter, Facebook, and yahoo loops and wouldlove to hear from you on any or all of them.

Speaking of stories, here's something you may enjoy...

Forget The Yesterdays

Somesay the past defines us, others say to forget it and move forward. For JackMcCloud, the past plagues him with what could and should have been. After thedeath of the only woman he ever truly loved, Jack finds that forgetting theyesterdays is harder then he ever imagined. Impossible, until one woman comesinto his life and turns it upside down making him rethink where his futureleads, and whether he really wants to survive it on his own.

SamanthaLarsh, a single mother, only wants what is best for her and her newborn son. Sowhen offered a job at ARC Management, she is elated at the opportunity toprovide the life they both desperately need. One day, one job, and one secretlater her life would be forever changed. Can the future handed to her by fatebe enough for her to look forward to tomorrow, or is she forever doomed to livein the shadow of yesterday’s ghost?

The awesomeness doesn't stop there.

Check out a few of Drea's other titles and even one that will be coming in April. You can find all of her titles on her website and several other places she's been known to hang out!

Drea Becraft's Website:

http://dreabecraft.com/

FaceBook:

https://www.facebook.com/DreaBecraftAuthor

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/dreabecraft

JBP Reviews

http://jbpreviews.com/

Wickedly Sexy Writers

http://wickedlysexywriters.wordpress.com/

Different Degrees of Wicked- Cassandre Dayne

2012-01-31T23:36:00.000-06:00

If there is one thing I have learned since joining the world of romance writers, it's that there are different degrees of wicked!! From the flirtatiously sweet to downright scorchers and Cassandre Dayne's novels top the list of stories that keep the heat blazing.
As we further explore confessions of my wicked deeds, I bring to you yet another reason of why I'm GUILTY by ASSOCIATION, and frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Cassandre is another of those phenomenal writers I've bragged about lately who shares the Wickedly Sexy Writer's Spotlight over on our united blog, Wickedly Sexy Writers!!
She's also a prime example of the variety our group offers when it comes to genre and level of heat available to our loyal readers.
Romance is also brought to us by authors from all walks of life.
And when it comes to walking, if I could spend a day in another author's shoes, they would have to be Cassandre Dayne's.

Allow me to tell you why:

Cassandre writes highly erotic romance stories and novels inthe contemporary, science fiction and paranormal flavors. Currently she hasthirteen erotic romance novels published with Rebel Ink Press and several moreunder contract. She’s also had three releases with Naughty Nights Press and isunder contract to provide several novels and stories to be released in 2012.

In addition, as her alter ego Bethany Halle, she is the hostof two blog talk radio shows with Robin Falls Red River Radio. The Fire of Fantasy& Darkness airs every other month highlighting writers and other artists inthe fantasy, science fiction and paranormal genres. Dare to Take the Plungealso airs every other month featuring writers, publishers, cover artists andreviewers in the erotic romance genre. She also is a weekly/monthly contributorto Naughty Nights Press, Erotic Diaries, After Dark Online, Kinke Magazine andQueer Magazine Online.

As Bethany Halle she is also the Director of Communicationsfor Rebel Ink Press and currently serves on the Nominating Committee of theRWA’s Passionate Ink. She will serve as President Elect for Passionate Ink in2012.

She was a Passionate Ink finalist for their Passionate Plumecontest with Treats in a Plain Brown Wrapper andhas received several four and five star reviews for her work.

Memberof: Virginia Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, Passionate Ink, EPIC,ARRA – Australian Romance Readers Association.

Just relaying that information has worn me out!
I don't expect you to take my word for it about just how talented this author is. I'll let her work speak for itself!!
Take a look at Hearts Forged in Fire...

For rancher ZekeParker, every day was difficult. Not only was Rattlesnake Ranch falling on hardtimes but he couldn’t get over the horrible grief plaguing him for over a year.The death of his lover, David, had nearly stripped away his soul. AsValentine’s Day drew near his sister Sandi was determined to drag him out ofhis private hell. Agreeing to be a part of a charity auction for the humanesociety, Zeke figured one date with a wealthy woman wasn’t going to kill him.But during dinner at Sandi’s house, Zeke meets movie producer Drake Wilson,who's scouting locations for an upcoming movie, and sparks fly.

After an impetuousmoment of heat, both men are skittish and each have their reasons for pullingback. But Cupid has other ideas in mind. When a rouse brings the two mentogether, passion roars between them but damning secrets are too much foreither to deal with. Just as Zeke is determined to give up on love forever,Cupid intervenes again and this time, the arrow goes straight through Zeke'sheart.

I hope you will take a few moments to check out more of Cassandre Dayne's books! The variety will astound you. If you don't believe me, just take a look of the few samples I've included here today!!

You may find these yummy titles and more about

Cassandre on her Blog & Website:

Blog

http://cassandredayne.wordpress.com/

Website:

http://www.cassandredayne.com/

and you may find her books

on the following sites:

Book Strand:

http://www.bookstrand.com/cassandre-dayne

All Romance Books:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Cassandre+Dayne

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cassandre-Dayne/e/B004U2K1YY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_2

Guilty By Association: Avril Ashton

2012-01-29T22:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome, Everyone!!
I've been guilty of a lot of things in my life, most of which I may have even tried to deny, but lately I've been guilty of a lot of really wicked things... Uh, GUILTY by Association, that is!
Lucky for you, I'll be confessing all my wicked deeds over the next couple of weeks as Sealed with a Kiss introduces you to some very Wicked Sexy Writers.

As some of you may know, I'm part of a wonderful community of talented authors from all over the world.
This big ol' rock we call home offers a variety of people, places and things and I was fortunate to have found some of my favorites things all in one spot, when I met Avril Ashton. Otherwise known as my "sister from another mister."
She's not only one of my favorite people, she lives in Brooklyn, New York, a place I would happily give my left pinkie-toe to visit AND she writes one of my favorite genres... gritty, sexy, romance with heroines who kick ass and take names just as well, if not better, than the heroes!!
Avril has visited Sealed With a Kiss many times since she and I first became acquainted a while back through a mutual publisher. She keeps me on my toes and is quite proficient when it comes to threats if I've slacked off on writing.
Needless to say, when a phenomenal group of writers invited me to join forces for a blog Avril was also part of, nobody had to twist my arm, though I'm sure "Avi" would have gladly done so had she needed to.

Click Banner to visit Wickedly Sexy Writers

Which brings me to the reason we're talking about her now.
Avril is really making her mark in the publishing world and her phenomenal books are popping up all over the place.
Let me tell you a little more about her, then we'll get to those tasty novels!!
Avril always wanted to have a sexy bio, one to reflect who she is, but after drawing a blank, she thought up this gem: I eat cake and I read books…ooh, and I write‘em too. Though I thought it suited her, she claims no one liked it and after massive peer-pressure, she managed something much more extensive.

A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y with a Spousal Equivalent of eight years. Together they raise a 7 y/o daughter who loves reading and school (wonder how long that will last). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of The Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother

Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing thing in August of ’09 and has never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Avril remains a believer of love in all its forms.

Now for the BOOKS!!!

Everyone has secrets. Some people simply bury theirs deeper. Kingston Hughes is one of those. Painful childhood memories plague him, sending him spinning out of control and running from any kind of commitment. He pretends not to feel the pain and loneliness while indulging in sexual encounters with nameless, faceless women.

With the twist of a doorknob, his carefully cultivated façade is shaken by the woman he’d forbidden himself to need.

The daughter of a recently slain mobster, Elina Vicente has secrets, too. They weigh her down, stealing her strength and her dreams. She’s developed an unhealthy crush on Kingston though he’s never looked at her as anything but his sister’s quiet friend. When she walks in on him in a compromising embrace, Elina seizes the chance to move Kingston from her dreams and into her arms.

For only the second time in her life, Elina takes something just for her, but try as she and Kingston might, they can’t prevent their pasts from intruding. Shadows of pain and bitterness rise with a vengeance and the lovers will have to decide whether to break free or remain bound…In Wicked Chains.

eXtasy Books

http://www.extasybooks.com/in-wicked-chains/

Amazon

http://tinyurl.com/823tm57

All Romance

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inwickedchains-665437-144.html

Pretty hot, huh? Well it doesn't stop there. Avril Ashton has several novels under her belt! Take a look at her bookshelf...

These books can all be found on Amazon, eXtasy Books, All Romance, Evernight Publishing, Book Strand, TotalEBound, & Fictionwise.

Links to all of these novels can be found on Avril's Website:

http://avrilashton.webs.com/

or visit her Blog:

http://avril-ashton.blogspot.com/

Real Romance Behind the Romance Novel...

2012-01-27T02:11:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week, I was given a link to a blog of a gentleman, and I use the term loosely, regarding his opinion of, and I quote, "The Problem with Romance Novels."
Rarely am I offended by what bloggers or anyone sharing an opinion has to say. It's just an opinion, right? In fact, here on Sealed With a Kiss, we welcome it.
This guy, and a couple of his seven followers, said some pretty offensive things. Things that not only hurt, but really made me mad. Professionally and personally.
Without going into great detail, he stated that romance novels were, "purposefully meant to be a lesser work," and that included the skills of the authors who write them.
He went on to say that romance was "inexplicably" the best selling genre and that the nearly 50% illiteracy rate in the US was partially to blame, siting that, "Many people don't have the reading skills to rise much higher than children's books or romance novels."
Well, I beg to differ.

People don't read romance novels because they can't read Dickens or Jane Eyre, they read it because, often times, they're looking for that escape from reality and feel good, happily ever after stories give us that momentary reprieve from our everyday lives.
They're stories we can relate to... even the fantasy or paranormal stories are, in most cases, more about the romance that the paranormal effects.
For me, it's more about the entertainment factor. And, by the way, I know for a fact that most of my readers HAVE read Dickens, Jane Eyre and other classic love stories.
I write romance novels as an outlet for the stories brewing in my head and as a way to deal with things that haven't always been so perfect in my life. Every story I write touches on real issues that real people suffer from everyday. I've said this until I'm blue in the face.

Let's be honest, the classics may deal with betrayal, greed, politics, death and similar problems, but are you going to find anything about dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism, autism, drunk driving, child abuse and the like? Maybe, but times are a lot different than they were a hundred years ago. Hell, things are different than they were twenty years ago. People want to connect with something they can relate to, something that at least looks and sounds familiar and current. Unless, of course, they're die-hard fans of Historical or Western Romance. But even then, the feel and tone is easier to understand and relate to.

Readers also want the "Happily Ever After" and the classics don't always offer that.
I also write romance because that stuff really does happen and I can prove it.
I posed questions on Facebook regarding romance, in hopes that real people would open up about the romantic gestures they had experienced in their lives, either as the one perusing their intended or as the object of another's affection.
Guess what I discovered?
Romantic fiction isn't far from reality at all. In fact, in my opinion, a couple of people who shared their experiences may have even had it better than any book could ever get it. Long term, monogamous, mutually beneficial, gratifying relationships. The real deal.
If I wanted gloom and doom, I'd pick up Wuthering Heights, though reading it again won't change anything. Heathcliff and Catherine aren't going to get it right this time around anymore than Romeo and Juliet will ride off into the sunset together and fill Verona, Italy with further generations of beautiful children and grandchildren.

I want something with hope. Something that will make me laugh, cry and hopefully even blush. Which brings me to another point... romance leads to more than marriage, it leads to sex. Not that all romance novels have sex, a lot don't, and that's fine, too.
That's the beauty of today's romance novel. The degree of heat and sexual content spans from one end of the spectrum, as found in religious type romances, all the way across the board to full blown, no holds barred, bend me over the kitchen table, press me up against the bedroom wall, "fornication."

Is that wrong? Why should it be? Real people have sex and in the post women's liberation and equal civil rights world we live in today, we can do it without ridicule or fear of punishment.
Does sex take away from romance? You tell me. But the way I see it, religious or moral beliefs aside, how could it? As far as I'm concerned, throwing two unlikely characters together, add a little sexual tension, toss in some flirtatious banter and you have the beginning of a romance that's likely to pack a punch.

The blog post I mentioned before not only insulted the writing of romance novels, but even went so far as to suggest in later comments that the content was unbelievable because those types of romantic gestures and story-lines never happen. Maybe not in their world, but I've witnessed it and have even experienced some of those moments myself.

In a later post on the same blog-site, one of the comments said that romance novels glorified rape by creating alpha-male heroes who ravaged unwilling women, only to have the them fall in love with their attackers later. Okay, well anyone who has a brain and lives in this century, knows that yes, before the world stopped turning a blind eye to those kind of things, some authors did write those types of story lines. But no more.

In today's publishing world, I can assure that rape and other sexually deviant behavior, is not tolerated. Admittedly, there could very well be unscrupulous publishers in some third world country that may produce that kind of story or even people who manage to fly under the radar and self-publish, but they are held in the same regard, we as a society, place child pornographers. The genre is not only "frowned upon", it's downright unacceptable and unwanted in the legitimate publishing world. Don't worry, we'll have a much more in-depth discussion on that topic for another day.

For now, I just want to say before I close, that regardless of the sub-genre or heat level you prefer, the author who wrote it, did so with the intent of making you, as a reader, smile.
No matter what some ignorant blogger does to insult our intelligence or yours, Romance novels are here to stay!! You can count on it!

That's easy for you to say!! Wicked Word Wednesday!!

2012-01-25T11:36:00.000-06:00

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"!!

If you grew up in my generation or are perhaps even as young as 30, you may know what that word is and where I first heard it.

Julie Andrews sang it to us in Walt Disney's wonderful musical, "Mary Poppins", alongside Dick Van Dyke's, "Chim Chim Cher-ee".
So many memories from my childhood are associated with music and of course, really cool words!
Today I thought I would look for some of those words and share them with you. I hope you enjoy them!

Superfluous: being beyond what is required or sufficient; serving no useful purpose. (probably a good word to describe this blog post by the time it's over)

Bowchikawowwow:
the sound made when foretelling something sexual in nature is about to or has just occurred. (It refers to the lame music often played in the background of cheezy porno movies! Not that I would know anything about that!!)
For me, it's the music that plays in my head every time Ian Somerhalder enters a scene on the WB's "Vampire Diaries". Yeah, I'm Team Damon! Love my bad boys!!

Grundfuttock: Large groups of naked angry dwarfs wielding oddly shaped hammers wearing cock-rings (I swear I didn't make this word up. I really found it while wandering around on the internet)
*shaking my head and heading off to find a very dark place to hide!

Floccinaucinihilipilification:
flok-suh-naw-suh-nahy-hil-uh-pil-uh-fi-key-shun:
Rare, the estimation of something as valueness (encountered mainly as an example of one of the longest words in the English language)
I don't know if you're sensing a theme here, but I sure am.

Fabulator: to tell invented stories; create fables or stories filled with fantasy (in other words... ME!)

MacGuffin: coined by Alfred Hitchcock; a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot of a work of fiction, (ie., what every writer strives for and pretty much the complete and total opposite of this blog post today)

onomatopoeia: the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it; ie., buzz, hiss or the term hiccup (this was one of my children's favorite words they learned in Elementary school. I've always liked the sound of it myself)

Well that's about all I have the gumption for today, my friends. I hope you've enjoyed this break from whatever tedium may have infiltrated your lives this fine hump-day. Mine was wet and gloomy, so a little escape was just what the doctor ordered.

Desperately Seeking a Sexy Muse!!!

2012-01-21T16:42:00.000-06:00

People often ask how my stories come to me, or how I visualize a character. I've always explained that the character originates as a voice in my head, whether it be female or male. It's a rather peculiar process, but it usually leads to a little bit of daydreaming and mental scene weaving.

To help put a face to the voice requires a little bit of torturous research that can lead to time consuming distraction. Allow me to elaborate.

Let's say I have a character already named and visualized in my head, but now I need him/her to come to life. To do this I must scour the internet searching for "that" guy/girl. Often, I Google a description like "sexy male model".

WOAH!!! Can that be dangerous! Of course, it may depend more on what your search settings are. Since my kids don't ever use my laptop, I leave the "safe search" feature off. Hence the distraction!

Once the shock wears off, and a cold shower or three, I then click though images until the one I'm looking for pops out at me. This can be frustrating, especially if I find more than one model appealing, and trust me, they are ALL appealing.

Take Jason Craft for instance, who just so happens to be my favorite character to date AND my muse.

He came to life in my "Blood Hunter" Trilogy. First mentioned in book #1, The Beginning, then fully evolved, live and in person in Book #2, The Betrayal, and #3 The Return.

I found several models who could have easily embodied my vision of Jason.

Choosing just one was hard, so to be fair to my muse, I've allowed him to change at will, thereby having all of those gorgeous models rolled into one. My own little sexy harem, if you will.

When I began my next paranormal endeavor, Midnight Beckoning, I had another difficult task. I had to find the perfect models to embody two sexy guys, one Damphyr and one Vampire. And let's not forget a dynamic heroine I planned to toss in the middle.

Not only that, but I needed the perfect location where the story took place, which was a hidden lair inside a mountain.

Okay, so that part wasn't so hard. But finding creatures to represent hell demons? Not so easy.

After turning a bunch of cyber-rocks, I finally found something close enough.

Granted, it wasn't exactly necessary, but my muse must have what my muse wants and keeping him happy is my life's goal.

That being said, after getting the technical stuff out of the way, the fun part began.

<--- Meet Ford Lennox!!

This gorgeous creature is model, Bernardo Velasco. Yeah, his name is as sexy as he is! Imagining him in tight jeans, a long, black duster and a massive Glock shoved in the back of his waistband, wasn't so hard at all. Can you see this beefy hero/Damphyr King, tossing a damsel in distress over his shoulder and scaling the side of a building, to escape flying hell demons? It happens every day in my head.

Destined to find the perfect mate, he had to be worthy of the queen he'd been seeking for 300 years.

Now, imagine the distressed damsel, just waiting to be saved, and I give to you, Lauren Neil!! The human meant to fulfill the prophecy, unaware that the Damphyr lurking inside of her is about to be awakened.

Flaming red hair and looks to die for!

Sounds easy, but red haired beauties aren't always easy to find. I lucked out though, and this darling girl suited Midnight Beckoning's lucky heroine to a "T".

So far so good, except for one thing...Temptation!

Meet, vampire, Evan (a.k.a. model, Leonardo Corredor), the proverbial wrench thrown in to stir up confusion and possibly create a little dissension in the ranks.

How can the Damphyrs unite with the Vampires when the Prince of the vamps wants your queen for himself?

And Evan isn't even the eveil nemesis of them all... the Incubus behind the entire war!!

Yes, that IS Jason Momoa as Conan the Barbarian. Now before you get too excited, Drago, the evil incubus who sired Lauren, isn't described how Jason Momoa is depicted here, but finding a model for the character proved impossible. It happens sometimes, so I had to imagine the next best thing and Mr. Too Good to be True, worked for me. Of course, the book was written before Jason portrayed Conan the Barbarian or even Khal Drogo in The Game Of Thrones.

My creative process isn't perfect, by any means, but it IS how I get things done. It's different for everyone and I find that intriguing.

I hope that when you read Midnight Beckoning, you will envision each character with your own unique interpretation, or perhaps my examples will satisfy your need to put faces to the story.

I hope you enjoy these hot little excerpts... they may be short, but a little taste of this sexy triangle is called for.

****WARNING****

Adult Content

Lauren & Ford...

Reaching up to touch his mouth, she allowed thevery tip of his fang to pierce her skin. Ford’s tongue wrapped aroundher finger and he sucked the blood droplets trickling down.

“How long have you wanted to taste me?” shewhispered as he sucked harder. Her blood rushed to the surface of her skin. Ableto sense the path it took flowing down his throat when he swallowed, thethought of it engulfed her with a sensual burn.

“Three hundred years,” he hissed as he bit downharder on her finger, drawing more blood.

“I’m inside of you.” Laurenleaned back, pressing her head against the shower wall allowing warm water tosplash down her face and body.

“As I am in you,” he growled, lifting her uponto his waist, clutching her thighs.

Lauren wrapped her legs around him,accommodating the girth of his hardened shaft as he gently slid inside.

A loud gasp filled the room as he pulled herdown, plunging himself deeper.

Ford lifted her as though she weighed next tonothing and worked himself withinher depths as they writhed together in the shower.

Deep passionate growls vibrated in her chest increasing witheach passing second as she clung to his massive body and clenched her thighstightly around him. Reality far surpassed what she expected from the brieftimes they’d spent together in the stolen moments of her dreams.

Lauren dropped her legs, forcing him out, and instantlyturned away, facing the shower wall. Leaning over her shoulder, Ford kissed theback of her neck, sending thousands of electrical currents across her flesh.She ran her hand behind her back and down to his crotch where she stroked him,urging him to enter her again.

Ford took his cue and did as he was prompted. He slid hishand between her legs from the front and immersed his fingers deep into thewarmth of her slick folds.

Entering her from behind, he massaged her swollen clitrhythmically with his middle finger. Each stroke caused Laruen’s body toshudder under his touch. A ball of electricity gathered between her legs andthe pressure built like a volatile volcano.

Lauren & Evan....

Confusion whirled in her mind. What could they do? “I don’tknow.” She meandered aroundthe furniture, suppressing thoughts of another need that built inside her. Asubtle burn began to grow in the back of her throat. Only this time it wasn’t ahunger for blood. It was something else. Something she only dared to share withFord.

As a damphyr, sensual desires came all too frequently, theone trait inherited from being sired by an incubus. Usually she could satisfythe craving by beckoning Ford to her bed in a dream, or even better, seduce himin the flesh. Now, she was alone in Drago’s lair with Evan, and there was noway to scratch the itch gnawing at her. Betraying Ford wasn’t an option nomatter how bad her body painfully ached for a man’s passionate touch.

“Are you okay?” Evan came up behind her and lightly grazedher hand, capturing her attention.

Turning to face him, she wasn’t about to reveal what hissimple, innocent touch did to her insides. Heat radiated up her arm, across herchest, down her torso, finally settling between her thighs. “Yes, I’m onlyworried about you,” she lied.

Evan gently clutched her arms below her shoulders. “I alreadytold you that I’m fine.”

Lauren drew in a deep breath and stared into his piercingsilvery eyes as a determined thought took over her mind. “How loyal are you tome, really?”

He tilted his head to the side, furrowing his brow as thoughconfused by the question. “I’ve pledged my undying allegiance to you, Lauren.Don’t you believe me?”

“Yes, I believe you, but I want to know how far you’rewilling to go to please me,” she leaned in, her heart racing so loud the sound of itboomed in her ears.

Evan licked his parched lips as he stared at Lauren’s mouth. “I think we covered this part a while ago. Iwould stop at nothing to please you,” he breathlessly whispered.

She cupped her hand around the back of his neck and leaned intohim, pressing her mouth against his ear, she whispered back, “Then feed.”

I hope you enjoyed yourself today and if you have something to say, please share!!

You can find Midnight Beckoning and all of my other books at eXtasy Books, Amazon and Fictionwise as well as many other third party retailers.

Here are some of those links...

eXtasy Books: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/author&author_id=442

Amazon:

http://tinyurl.com/78yb8yg

Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/servlet/mwsearch

If you want to see more blogs with more great books, blurbs and excerpts, check this out!!

click to leave Sealed with a Kiss

The Fine Line Between Protection and Censorship!!

2012-01-18T16:26:00.000-06:00

Anyone who's turned on a television or surfed the web in recent days should have heard about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect-IP Act (PIPA). Both sides have weighed in and each have valid points.
Anyone who has a website, blog or produces a product sold online, has or will be affected by both the pros and cons of this Act.

If nothing is done, authors, musicians and any other individuals or groups dependent on the internet to survive, grow or maintain their businesses will be left defenseless against piracy. The flip side, is that too much Government involvement could potentially lead to disaster along the lines of censorship and limited right to information.
Now, I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon in favor or or against either side, because in all honesty, I've found myself torn.

As an author, just the word censorship makes me cringe.
As a citizen of a country based on the inalienable rights of a free-thinking society, I worry about government sanctions on something that is essentially "international space" (I think of it like that part of the ocean that eventually becomes International waters where nobody has the upper hand).
Of course, my business is romance and not politics, so I may be way off in my analogy of the internet. That being said, this entire post has more to do with how this issue effects me personally, more so than taking a stand for either side. At least that's my intention.
This is how my world works.
I am a single mother, raising my children on a VERY limited budget and we are like many Americans who live hand to mouth to survive. I know how to make a dollar stretch and doing so is the only way I'm able to keep a roof over our heads... a leaky roof, but a still a roof.

I'm also a writer and my books are what keeps the roof maintained and everything under it fed, and protected from the big bad world. I have put thousands of hours into each book I've written and 99% of the promotion to get my books seen and read by the public is payed for by me and only me. Essentially that means that my book sales basically pay for my promotion and trust me, even that is sparse.
If unscrupulous individuals download one of my $5 e-books then posts it on another website, giving it away for free.... my family loses everything and I do mean EVERYTHING. (Fortunately, nobody knows who I am yet, so I've dodged that bullet for now. Many of my peers haven't been as lucky)

I know the music and movie industry are the front-runners when it comes to fighting piracy, and I really understand how bad the problem is. Stealing is stealing and that's all there is to it.
That being said, I have to be blunt and say that I really don't shed many tears for those industries because I know they get their money from the $10- $15 movie ticket I buy when I splurge and go to a theater for a new movie release. (Don't even get me started on the $5 soda and the $10 bag of popcorn.)
Yes, bootleg music and movies cost them financially, but let's be real, they aren't going bankrupt by any means. Hollywood's A-lister's kids aren't going to have to settle for community college and Jay-Z and Beyance's beautiful new baby girl, Blue Ivy, isn't going to have a smaller silver spoon than other musician's kids. They'll all be just fine, I'm sure.

On the other hand, authors, especially independent authors and those signed with small publishers, like me, do lose the bulk of our very livelihood from pirated books. So while big business ie. Hollywood and the music industry, will get what they're asking for from having government involved protection, who's looking out for me? Or do they even care?
Will SOPA/PIPA really protect my rights and keep my books from being stolen and handed out to the world for free? I personally don't see how.
The internet is too complex and pirate sites go right back up with different IP addresses five minutes after they're shut down. It's a proven FACT! I'm sure nobody can or will dispute that. It happens!!

Will policing and eventually censoring the internet help? I don't know. In all honesty, I don't really see how, but what I do see is the potential for the internet I use for research to soon become limited in what I can see and learn.
It frightens me that there will be some government agency somewhere deciding what I have a right to see, say or research. Kind of sounds like China and North Korea, censoring what their citizens are allowed to see online.
Do I think there should be laws about pornography? Definitely when it comes to crimes against children or women, but should someone somewhere decide whether or not "Joe Citizen" living in "Wherever", USA has the right to watch willing adults participate in consensual "whatever"? My answer would be a resounding, NO.

Should I be limited in what I write about here on my blog or in any of my books? Not unless I'm hurting someone or unless what I write is in some crazy way, criminal.
What scares me the most is, what would stop the government from deciding that simply writing romance novels with sex in them is illegal? I could be arrested and that's NOT a world I want to live in.
Am I saying it will happen? No. But on that note, I can't say it wouldn't either.
All I know is that whatever entity is going to make the decision regarding SOPA/PIPA, do so with regard to everyone, including the little guys, like me.
Is it a far stretch to assume that this Act could lead to serious government censorship bordering on Communist type governing? Perhaps, but stranger things have happened.

Show me a plan that effectively stops or prevents pirating and you will have my support, but don't hide behind something we DO need, to slip in and pass something that could violate my rights as a US citizen. I'll throw a flag on the field every time, along with the rest of them.
Here's your chance to share what's on your mind, and please feel free to do so with the respect and decorum all of you have always maintained as a guest here at Sealed With a Kiss!!

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES!!!

2012-01-16T02:25:00.000-06:00

Click to go to AMAZON.COM

REAL WOMEN DO HAVE CURVES!!

It wasn't just a good movie from a few years back staring America Ferrera, it's the simple truth!!
Full Figured, Voluptuous, Big & Beautiful, Big Boned, Thick or Plus Sized... call them what you will... ahem, correction, call US what you will, we are all that and more. We are nowhere near a size six nor do we want to be, we are happy, passionate, intelligent, bodacious, and we are here to stay!!
WE are REAL women, with REAL issues and a whole lot to say!!!

While watching the Golden Globes, I was struck by a shocking sight. An extremely famous actress, arguably one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, presented an award and I was instantly stunned by her gaunt appearance.
Considering I was watching the award show with my 16-year-old daughter, I was a little worried.
At first, I was concerned for the actress and hoped she was well and just preparing for a movie role that required the, in my opinion, "dangerously thin" appearance.
Then I worried about what my daughter thought seeing a famous role-model appearing as she did.
It ended up being a terrific opening for conversation.
She (my daughter) and her friends deal with the same things most high school kids do, and weight is most definitely a big issue for far too many girls her age.

My daughter comes from a long line of full-figured women and though I want her happy, I want her healthy, too.
I do my part by encouraging exercise and proper diet, but most of all, I do what I can to keep her attitude and view of herself emotionally healthy and positive.
As an author, I have an obligation to give readers what they want, but as a woman... a plus-sized woman, I have an obligation to create heroines who are real and represent women in a positive light. I think I have done that, with the one exception of creating a heroine more like myself.

There really aren't enough romance novels out there with full figured heroines, but that IS changing!!
I plan to do my part by writing more responsibly and I even have plans to create a BBW (big, beautiful woman) or two in future books and NOT just as a sidekick to the main heroine!!.

I mean, let's get real for a minute. Most women have curves, especially American women.
We hear about it on the news every day.
Did you know that there are countries that hold plus-sized women in higher regard and actually chastise the skinny-minis? If you don't believe me, rent the comedy, "Phat Girls", starring Mo'Nique.
*Spoiler alert* Mo'Nique's character, an up and coming clothes designer, didn't lose out to the tall, thin super-model of the movie. She got her man and she did it by being herself and allowing someone to see her for who she really was. Yeah, it was a movie, but the message was loud and clear.

Isn't that how we should all be anyway? Be ourselves?
You betchya'!!
Look, I will never be a size six and I will never be the prettiest one n the room, but that doesn't mean, I'm not beautiful and can't be sexy.
I am a sensual being, and as a woman, I hold the greatest power of all in the palm of my hands. *wink wink!
I am confident, strong and a survivor!! Three very important qualities for any woman.

I've been gawked at, laughed at and ridiculed for my size, but hey...I'm here and I AM a WOMAN!! A Big, Beautiful Woman!
I'm not ashamed of the "label" and I'm not going to apologize for being plus-sized anymore than a super model should apologize for being the way she is.
I hope that my daughters see that they are beautiful inside and out, no matter the package they're in.

All little girls should be comfortable in their own skin and it's up to me to make sure that whatever negative images threaten their self-esteem are countered with positive images to reassure them that they are perfect just the way they are!!

If you know of a book or a movie that depicts REAL women in positive ways, please feel free to share the titles and/or links in the comment section below.
If this post has struck a nerve, by all means, share what's on your mind!
Your opinions are important to me, as my readers, peers and fellow humans... male or female...
Sealed with a Kiss is an equal opportunity sounding board...so let's talk about it!!!

BTW!! STICK AROUND FOR A BIT AND ENJOY THE MUSIC I SELECTED JUST FOR THIS TOPIC!!

BEST words EVER!!!!

2012-01-13T21:42:00.000-06:00

I've recently come to realize that the extent of my vocabulary hovers somewhere on the level between a ninth and twelfth grade reading level.

Pretty average considering I never made it to college, but seriously sad considering I make my living as a writer.

How I managed to string my limited vocabulary together well enough to write 80k word novels is, in itself, a miracle.

That being said, I decided to go on a hunt....

A WORD HUNT!!

I've picked a few very interesting words and will now kick off my first edition of the...

BEST WORDS EVER!!!!

Feel free to borrow them... I didn't make the words up, I was just lucky enough to run across them on my word search!!

Jonquil

Poltroon: a spiritless coward (chicken, cur, recreant)

Jonquil: a Mediterranean perennial bulbous herb; has long linear leaves and cultivated for its yellow or white fragrant short-tubed clustered flowers

Ludibrious: sportive, ridiculous, wanton

Scintillate: to throw off sparks; to sparkle or shine ------------------------------------>>>>

Denude: make bare, strip, expose (what naturally happens after a scintillating kiss)

Kerfuffle: a disorderly outburst, commotion, disturbance, disruption

Tumescent: abnormally distended especially by fluids; a clear example of this would be me after a weekend of NFL football playoffs.... so yeah, "I will be tumescent on Monday morning, so don't expect to hear much from me."

Stultify: to make useless, futile, or ineffectual, especially by routine. *note... lingering effects of previous word's definition!!

Flippery: something of little value or significance; ornate or showy clothing or adornment.

Bumptious: offensively self-assertive, conceited.

*NOTE:

I have no idea when I will ever use these words, but it's so much fun thinking about it and searching for words some of us have never seen before. If you do happen to be one of those fortunate brainiacs who already knew them, please don't be a bumptious pain in the rear. Keep it to yourself!

They said WHAT???? Erotic Romance is PORN???

2012-01-12T00:11:00.000-06:00

Originally, I set this event up with it's own page, but doing so just didn't give the idea a chance to be upfront and center, allowing it to garner the attention it so rightly deserves.

Therefore, once a week or so, we'll have a little get together and.... give 'em somethin' to talk about....

Today's topic?

What's with people referring to erotic romance novels as porn?

Is it just me, or as a reader or writer of romance, do you feel as if you're constantly on the defensive when it comes to what you read or write?

Do you feel the need to hide the latest copy of your favorite author's novel behind a magazine while in public, or did you buy a Kindle or Nook for Christmas just so no one would know what you're reading?

If you're a writer, do you feel the need to explain yourself when people ask about your books? Do you feel misunderstood or prejudged just because of the genre you write?

I do, and let me tell you why.

The characters in my books have SEX. **insert gasp here**

Allow me to clarify this statement.

My characters are ADULTS, over the age of 18, are in RELATIONSHIPS, whether it be complicated or perfect (like that exists) and EVERY instance is CONSENSUAL!!

Yes, they get naked, which is sometimes the best part and makes things flow a little bit smoother.

Yes, they French kiss...
(yeah, with tongues... but don't worry... they use their own), caress, fondle, lick, taste and sometimes even bite! (Most of my characters are of the vampire persuasion so it comes with the territory)

They also argue, fight, cuss, misinterpret intentions, jump to conclusions (often the wrong conclusions), make rash decisions without thinking of the consequences, lie, hide things from one another and pretty much mess everything up along the way, much like we do in... oh my gosh, wait for it.... REAL LIFE!!!

Imagine that.

Life isn't always easy, but it is natural and that includes people having sex, making love, snogging, shagging, making whoopie, doing the horizontal tango and whatever other label you want to give it.

If you've read my books though, you may have been disappointed if you expected porn!!

Although, I do my best to make sure the love scenes are sensual, hot and sometimes a little dirty, I do try to be tasteful and I rarely use crude terms, unless the situation calls for it.

Do I have a problem with the extra naughty terms? Hell no, in fact, anyone who knows me, knows that in the real world, I sometimes cuss like a sailor. *insert another gasp here*

When I write though, I'm all about the romance and though I think it can be hot, most of my encounters are more about the "love" behind the act rather than the act itself.

I do read "those" kinds of books and some of my dearest friends are authors of "those" kinds of novels. (And I LOVE them for it)

I'm a firm believer of "to each his/her own" and I'm not one to look down my nose at anyone.

I know, I know...I just defended myself again, but for the record, this was more of a sincere statement of my opinion and an invitation for you to do the same.

That being said, what DO YOU think about it??? Let's talk....

Sunday's Sneak Peeks

2012-01-08T12:39:00.000-06:00

Happy SUNDAY Everyone!!! WhoooHooo!!

I so enjoy making Sunday sound like a holiday. It may be lingering side effects from holiday overload or maybe it's all part of my plan for world dominance where I'll lure you in by promising new reasons to celebrate or just chill.

Speaking of celebrating and/or chilling, SUNDAY just seems like the perfect time to do it.

This Sunday, and perhaps even more Sunday's to come, I've decided to share snips, snippets, bits & pieces, sneak peeks, morsels, and yummy tidbits of my books with you!! Call it whatever you like... I'm just gonna serve it up and hope you dig right in!!

Today, I want to share a little excerpt from my latest full length novel, Midnight Beckoning! (currently #64 on the B&N's Fictionwise list for Paranormal romance)

I sure hope you like it!!

Ford Lenox, a natural born damphyr, waited three hundred years forthe phenomenon of his birth to be repeated. Many had been conceived. Many hadeven been born. But only a few made it to their twenty-first birthday. And noneshared the same requirements as he, to assume their rightful place at his sideand become his queen.

Until now.

Lauren Neil was born three hundred years to the day after Ford’sbirth, and it was no coincidence that he found her only days before hertwenty-first birthday. Little did she know that the damphyr lurking beneath herhuman surface was about to be unleashed, prominently placing her on the throneto rule over damphyr and vampire alike.

Lauren’s demonic sire slash father, Drago, an incubus, straightfrom the pits of hell, has other plans.

Can Ford fulfill the prophecy and save Lauren and their kind? Orwill a new species be created to rule the world?

Even a match made inheaven, may have to go through hell to survive!

***ADULT EXCERPT!!!***

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“I know, butI am.” Lauren strolled across the bedroom and eased up onto the bed.

“No, really.You can’t be here. Navina will kill me.” Ford grasped her upper arm, holdingher at bay.

“We’ve donethis before and nothing happened,” she cooed as she crawled toward him.

“But thistime is different. Drago knows how to reach you now. It’s too dangerous.”

A tickleskittered across Lauren’s stomach as Ford’s finger slightly dipped beneath thestrap of her gown and touched her bare skin. She snapped a glance down to wherehis flesh met hers.

When shelooked back at Ford, his gaze was fixed on her shoulder as well. “See? Youremember what I feel like, don’t you?”

He wound thestrap around his fingers and a frustrated grumble reverberated from his chest. “Iknow what a dream feels like. I want to know what you feel like in the fleshand this isn’t it.” His harsh tone scraped against her bones.

“There isn’ta difference. Here we don’t have to wait for some silly ol’ birthday.” Shepushed her body past his protesting hand and hovered over him.

Ford, lyingon his back, gazed up at her.

Laurenlooked down her body to the outline of her breasts and abdomen peeking throughthe thin white fabric. She didn’t have to look back to know that Ford hadnoticed, too.

Herbreathing increasing to a near pant, she grabbed him by his t-shirt, drawinghim to her. “Kiss me.”

“Kiss you? Iwant to do more than kiss you, foolish girl,” he hissed.

“Then do it.”

Ford tangledher hair in his hand and rose up to meet her lips.

Fireexploded on her tongue as he plunged his deep into her mouth.

Withoutargument, he flipped her over and settled on top of her, clumsily finding hisway under her clothing.

Laurenhungrily tore at his shirt until she was able to bring it up over his head. Shepushed him back to gaze upon his rippling chest and abdomen. Biting her bottomlip, pleased with his athletic physique, she grinned devilishly. “See?”

“I see you’regoing to be a handful.” He returned his mouth to hers.

Sliding hishand up her stomach, he found the supple mound of flesh she’d been waiting forhim to touch.

Laurennudged him downward, persuading him to venture under her gown. Wriggling it upher body, she removed it and tossed it onto the floor.

She watchedhis gaze trail down her curves.

He pausedlong enough to flick the hardened rosebud of her breast, nibbling and lappingat the sensitive nipple. Lauren gasped as electrified currents zapped andexploded between her legs.

Ford wouldmake an excellent lover, and she couldn’t wait to see how skillfully he wouldsatisfy her. They’d finally reached the point of no return.

Hisbreathing hastened and his tongue trailed up her neck to her mouth were heresumed eager kisses.

“Make loveto me, Ford,” she breathed against his parted lips.

Running herhand down the front of his jeans, she tugged at the button and zipper. Laurenunsnapped it, eased her hand inside and a playful giggle escaped her when shefound what she wanted most.

With a loudwince, Ford pulled away and rose up on his outstretched arm. “Lauren, we’vebeen here too long. If we stay—”

“Don’t stopthis time,” she pleaded.

“I have to.”

“Why? Don’tyou want me?” She grabbed his arm, trying to coax him back.

“I want youmore than you’ll ever know. But, I want you to live long enough to giveyourself to me in the real world, not just here.” He sat up and glanced back ather.

Laurenremained on her back with her naked body exposed. She strummed her fingersacross her breast to entice him once again.

His gaze intentlyfollowed the flow of her finger against the nipple he’d suckled. She encircledit with her fingertip then plucked at it with her thumb and index finger. “Areyou sure?”

“Fuck!” hegrowled under his breath.

“Tsk, tsk.Such language.” She giggled.

“Why do youpush me?” He stood next to the bed, the muscles in his chest rigid withphysical frustration.

“Why don’tyou push me?” She rose up on one elbow.

Ford reacheddown and picked up her gown from the floor. “You already know why and tomorrow,when you’re awake, I’ll explain it again.” He pressed her gown into her hand. “Goback to your body and stay there before someone hears you talking in yoursleep.”

Laurenconceded with a deep sigh. “Okay, but this isn’t over.” She dressed and turnedto him before she left. “Will I remember tomorrow?”

Ford walkedover and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know. It depends.”

“On what?”

“On how youreally feel. Out there, you’re still human and you’re holding on to things inyour human life, like that Steven guy. Here, I’m all you have.”

Rising up onher tiptoes, she kissed him softly. “I hope I do remember.”

Fordchuckled. “I hope you don’t.”

Her stomachflip-flopped. His answer vexed her. “Why would you say something like that?”

He skimmedthe outline of her breast lightly with his finger through the thin fabric ofher gown. “Because if you remember, you’ll know how much of an idiot I am forsending you away.”

Midnight Beckoning

available from

eXtasy Books, Amazon &

Fictiowise (a B&N company)

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7bua5s9

eXtasy Books: http://www.extasybooks.com/midnight-beckoning/

Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b130217/Midnight-Beckoning/Robin-Badillo/?si=0

When is sexy, just too damn sexy?

2012-01-06T00:37:00.000-06:00

Is that even possible? Probably not when we're talking about strong, alpha male heroes. I mean come on. We all know sexy men come in many different packages, but do romance readers prefer those packages hard, hot and always ready to satisfy? To be completely honest...uhh, yeah!

Spartacus, portrayed by
Andy Whitfield b. 1975 - d.2011

Would you have preferred Spartacus to diplomatically enter the arena and discuss the issues he had with his Roman oppressors, or was "kicking butt" and eventually starting a revolution, more likely what made you sit up and take notice?
Personally, for me, it was the loincloth!
As a species, no matter how evolved we've become, hetero-sexual females still keep our eyes out for the prefect mate. That guy with the three P's!!! The ability to proficiently protect, provide and procreate.
Yes, even in the 21st century, there's an instinctual part of us that still adheres to the rules of natural selection. It may be different for each of us, but it's there nonetheless.
He can rip off his competitor's head in the arena one moment, then tear your heart out with one tender touch, the next. Why is it so easy for him? Because he's just too damn sexy!!

Then we must take into consideration that other part of a woman's brain that has the uncontrollable need to fix and care for that sexy beast we're dead set on giving our hearts to.
The brooding-alpha grunts in lieu of actual conversation and yet we'll bend over backwards to translate his actions into emotions.
By the way, big mistake, ladies.
As a writer of male characters, trust me, what they say and what they think aren't necessarily the same thing. How do I know? Because I'm a woman and HUMAN and so is that sex-god leaning across that table there. His eyes could be telling me that he's had a bad day and would rather be left alone just as easily as he could be begging me to come kiss away his pain then slip into a steamy hot-tub and... oh, my, see what just happened? I became caught up in the intoxicating spell of a good lookin' man and would have probably sold my soul to the devil if he'd asked me to. And why?? He's just too damn good lookin'!! That and he's probably dripping with charm that supersedes his sex appeal.

There's no need to leave nasty comments saying I've made women sound like pushovers. I'm not saying that at all.
What I am saying is that when we see a character in a movie or read a "to die for" description of a hero in a romance novel, we tend to overlook flaws or at the very least, hope and pray he redeems himself for whatever mistakes he's made.
Does it all have to do with the way he looks? Possibly, but if he's written well enough, we soon look beyond the baby blues and six pack. At least I do anyway.
Perfection is all part of the illusion.

Would Prince Charming be nearly as inviting if he had a beer-gut and bad breath? Probably not.
Though sincere when we say that we'd overlook just about any human flaw for true love, there comes a point where we have to draw the line when it comes to our fictitious heroes. I can find a man with a beer-gut and bad breath at the corner gas station. Give me a man with broad shoulders, a strong, flexing jawbone, and abs made of steel and I'll be one happy reader.
Does that make me superficial? No, it makes me one of those women who want a fantasy when I read because let's face it, for most of us, we aren't exactly hooking up with Brad Pitt every night. Kudos to Angelina for having that privilege.

Am I saying there's something wrong with the man who currently fills our life with happiness? Heavens no.
After all, he's the guy who sees us Saturday morning after having one too many Mojitos the night before, and he hasn't run for the hills, has he?
Those guys are the REAL heroes, right? There must have been something about them we found attractive. I mean, we share a mortgage AND maybe even children with him, don't we? THAT's reality, for sure.
But what would a little fantasy be without including a little bit of the unobtainable?

Would we jump at a book that had
Larry the Cable Guy sprawled across the cover? Some of us, maybe. But most would rather the see the beefcake, right?

It's human nature and although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, insane beauty is still a sight to behold.
No matter what type of man you prefer to share your life with, read about or watch on the silver screen, they're all sexy in their own way. And if you find yourself sliding in the direction of maybe being jealous of the women who have the hearts of these sexy beasts depicted here, I just have to remind you of one last little reality check...
Show me a sex-god and I'll show you a woman who's tired of putting up with his crap.
Gotta LOVE romance!!

Resolutions: Settin' Yourself up for Failure

2012-01-01T20:23:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!! I want to take a moment to thank my readers for visiting, and all of the authors who posted information about their books over the New Year's Weekend! I'm confident that the 700+ hits weren't just from me checking in. I hope everyone left happy. I know I was quite pleased with the event.

Now that 2012 is underway, it's that time of year when we wake up on January 1st, wipe the sleep from tired puffy eyes, stretch, groan and prepare to face the day, and a new year.

One of the first things that probably crosses everyone's mind is that little phrase which, in recent years, has made me cringe!!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION!!

Or as I've come to think of it ... the first step on the road to failure!

Why so cynical you ask? Uh, how about over 40 years experience.

We set goals for ourselves and get all excited. The natural way to handle new changes in our lives, right? The first few days, or even weeks, sail by, often times, flawlessly...then the newness wears off and whatever the goals were, get tucked away in some "things to do" drawer that we somehow lose the key to.

Well, that just sucks. Plain and simple.

Why go through all the trouble to plan something, just to turn around and forget about it? Who benefits from that?

Nobody, that's who. Especially not you. Not you personally and certainly not you professionally.

So, this year I'm doing something new. I'm lowering the bar. What? Lowering the bar?

Yep, but not in the way it sounds. I'm lowering the size of the goal...you know, setting goals that are practical and easier to complete.

Let me explain my reasoning.

Last year I had TEN books release and let me tell you this...that kicked my butt and wore me out. How can I keep up that pace? I can't. That's the problem.

Because I wrote so much, so fast and spent the rest of my waking hours promoting, I burned more than brain cells... I burned up a lot of the drive and love I had for writing in general. Losing that inspirational part of me was never my intention, so when the desire to write faltered, it nearly broke my heart.

This year I'm taking back control, one goal at a time.

Here's a few of my ideas:

#1 Set Writing goals!

Decide how much time you actually have each day that can be set aside for serious, uninterrupted writing. I generally set a word goal since I know where my breaking points are. For example, I used to write 5,000 words a day...A DAY!!

An 80 K word book? No problem. But now? I learned the hard way that pushing myself that hard and that fast was burning the candle at both ends.

Half of that is a pretty decent amount. It's a bit more attainable and won't feel like a failure if I can't manage 5k anymore. Think of it as a mind trick. Our brains and emotions respond better if we feel successful, so why not give yourself a break and ensure that success can be gained.

#2 Reading!!

Yes, READING! I don't read enough and any writer can tell you that reading is like studying for a pop quiz that you never know when you're going to take. Words are food.

An award winning chef can't prepare meals fit for a king unless he/she tastes what they're cooking!!

Race-car drivers can't win races unless they know how to drive on each new track.

Writers can't write unless their minds see words...and not just words from a take out menu. Real, honest-to-goodness words, in sentences and not just from the genres you write. Expand your tastes!! Try new things. You'll be glad you did.

#3 Hone your Craft

Start looking for new ways to improve your writing skills.

The internet has an infinite supply of information and much of it is free. Simply type in the words, "Writing Tips" and voila, whatever you want to know will be at your fingertips. Also, consider reading biographies of other authors, especially the great ones, and learn the steps they took to become the wonderful writers they are/were. The knowledge alone will be a reward in itself!!

The next few ideas are for anyone, not just writers.

#4 Eat Right

Don't set a goal to lose weight. Set a goal to eat right! Your body will thank you for it. Nothing can ruin really good intentions like the plateau of a diet. That time that comes...and it will come, when no matter how hard you've tried and how viciously you've starved yourself... the day will come that the pounds will cling and take root in places you didn't even know you had. Trust me, I speak from experience. But this year, I want my health to take priority and that will need to start somewhere...why not my tummy?

#4 Get plenty of sleep and relaxation!!

'But Robin, I can sleep when I'm dead!!'

Yeah, well if you don't give your body and brain some time to recharge, you'll get all the sleep you need, much sooner than you wanted. What good is working yourself to death if you're not around to reap the reward.

Taking a nap when your body says your tired is nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, your kids and/or significant other may even suggest it if you get grumpy like I do. A hot relaxing bath, soaking in bath salts or bubbles can turn a toad into a prince/princess in a matter of moments.

Finally, may I suggest some quality time with the family. Let 'em go wild and savor the chaos every once on a while.

Your brain will appreciate the break from all the working and thinking.

A writer who's all work and no play is...

well, a lonely old recluse, living all alone with too damn many cats.

It doesn't matter what you do or where you are, your life depends on your mental and physical well being. So take care of every aspect, starting with turning over new leaves with the flip of the calendar.

Make January your secret weapon and work out a new plan of action to ensure success all year long!! You'll be surprised by how good it will make you feel.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

End of the Year Author Blowout!!!!

2011-12-29T20:39:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the end of the year author blowout.

If you're an author and want to give a shout-out regarding any of your books, feel free to leave a comment below and include your blurb,

buy links and

links to your blog/website

in the message!

This event will be open

Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!

If MY books are the reason you're here...

then hot-diggity!!

Links to each of my TEN novels are available

<--------on the sidebars.-------->

and below:

http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/author&author_id=442

There is also a page dedicated to my books

which includes blurbs and

reviews!!

Click the tabs at the top of this page!

Make yourselves at home and please feel free to follow my blog as well....

There's always a party goin' on somewhere around here!!

READERS

Just copy the links listed in the comments below and paste them in your browser... CYBERSPACE will do the rest for you!!

HAVE FUN!!

2011... Bidding a Fond Farewell

2011-12-26T14:57:00.001-06:00

WOW!! Another year down and wasn't this one a doozie!!

So much happened, I'm not even sure where to begin.

Eight of my ten releases hit the literary world in 2011. My blog has grown with leaps and bounds. Dozens of talented authors have visited and had their books and projects spotlighted here and more friends have been made than should be legal for one person to have. The latter is probably the best thing of all.

I'm so looking forward to 2012 and I really hope none of you are bored to tears with this down home, Texas girl just yet!!

2012 is sure to bring new exciting possibilities and if you'll stick with me for just a little while longer, hopefully we will experience them together.

Here's a look at my year in review:

The third book to my first young adult paranormal romance trilogy, "Scorned", released in February 2011!!

I had a lot of fun writing this trilogy and wrote it with my daughters and their friends in mind.

This and the first two books of the, "Journey of the Damned" series can be found on Amazon and the Devine Destinies Publishing site.

The "Blood Hunter" trilogy was next up and marked my entrance into the world of erotic paranormal romance.

I so enjoyed writing this trilogy as it was my first try at writing in 3rd person and from a male character's point of view.

I acquired my muse while writing this trilogy, when Jason Craft, the hero from book #2, "The Betrayal", decided to stick around and help me with my later books. I owe him so very much!!

Blood Hunter: "The Beginning", "The Betrayal" and "The Return" can be found at

Amazon and eXtasy Books!

Next up came my first shot at a novella, when "Whiskey Road" released, initially from Trapezium eBooks then later with Amazon and eXtasy Books.

I hadn't written a non-paranormal before this one and it turned out to be a great dry run. I finally had an opportunity to show my southern side, as a Texas born and raised writer, and introduced Texas sized characters in this little "second chance at love" romance.

Having opened the door to the contemporary erotic romance genre, I dove in head first with one of my favorite writing ventures to date. Dylan Banks has wiggled his way into many a heart, including that of heroine, Julia Benson. The "boy next door" never looked so good in "Flesh Wounds"!!

"Midnight Beckoning" brought me full circle as I stepped up my love of the paranormal romance genre and found new species to write about.

Who knew that damphyr, vampires and one really evil incubus could create so much trouble?

The characters in this romantic adventure journeyed through Heaven and hell to survive... you'll have to read it though to see if they made it out alive...well as alive as vampire and damphyr can be, anyway.

We ended 2011 on a high note with my first ever Christmas novella, "The Long Way Home". Switching back to contemporary romance, we celebrated the holidays on the road between Texas and California in this coming of age, romantic road trip story, where two college kids from different sides of the track find more than they bargained for on the long drive home for Christmas.

ALL 10 OF MY TITLES CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON AND eXTASY BOOKS.

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Badillo/e/B004R7M2JY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

eXTASY BOOKS: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/author&author_id=442

It's safe to say that 2011 was indeed epic for me and I hope it was for you, too. I also hope we'll keep up the momentum in 2012. I have several stories in the works and may even get to drag out and dust off my never before used pseudonym, Tyler Robbins, when I tackle a romance based on the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of our Nation's military.

So many stories to tell and so many lives to be touched. 2012 is shaping up to be as phenomenal as 2011.

I hope you will all accept my invitation to join me through it all. Life just isn't the same without my readers.

Your input, comments and support has propelled me to where I am today and words could never express how much each of you mean to me.

So, as I raise my glass and salute 2011 for all it has given me, I offer a toast to you as well. Cheers and God Bless!

Sharing the Holiday Spirit and EYECANDY!!

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

I hope this Holiday finds everyone in good spirits and surrounded by family and friends. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and hope Santa beings you all lots of goodies... ahem, for those of you who were good anyway... those of you who were naughty... well you've probably been rewarded by the naughty deeds you did already, so don't push your luck.

I found this poem while doing what I do best--- Googling!! I hope you enjoy it!!

'Twasthe Night of Christmas Leftovers

'Twas the night ofChristmas,

But I just couldn'tsleep.

I tried countingbackwards,

I tried counting sheep

The leftovers beckoned

The dark meat andwhite,

But I fought thetemptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turningwith anticipation,

The thought of a snackbecame infatuation!

So I raced to thekitchen,

Flung open the door,

And gazed at thefridge full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkeyand buttered potatoes,

Pickles and carrots,beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swellingso plump and so round,

Till all of a sudden,I rose off the ground!!

I crashed through theceiling, floated into the sky

With a mouthful ofpudding and a handful of pie,

But I managed to yell

as I soared past thetrees ...

HAPPY EATING TO ALL,

PASS THE CRANBERRIESPLEASE!!

And what would a little Holiday spirit be without the second thing I do best???

EYE CANDY!!

I stole him from another author's blog ... shhh!, don't tell!!