New Blog

Southern Fried Chicas Just Another Damn Group Blog Amie who shall always be cece in my mind Raine Denise McDonald Michelle Miles Go visit... I still don't get the myspace thing...

oops...

...as I was putting the label on the ebuzz stuff I came across this post. Which greatly amused me since jane is a fan of hers. hee shows what I know

No tell us what you really think...

Chick lit is a genre with a formulaic plot that most of us can see coming from 300 pages away: pretty, flawed girl makes her way around the big city in fabulous Jimmy Choos, regularly pausing between frappuccinos to fret about her diet, shop, dodge her rant-prone boss, sip mimosas with her classy and complicated girlfriends, and maintain a stalwart search for the dashing, debonair Prince Charming. "Chick lit," Merrick states in her introduction, "is the daughter of the romance novel and the stepsister to the fashion magazine. Details about race and class are almost always absent except, of course, for the protagonist's relentless pursuit of Money, a Makeover, and Mr. Right. full review here It seems to me we should be able to give a book a good review without feeling the need to tear down another genre. The thing I find odd about This IS Not Chick-Lit and This IS Chick-Lit would be their timing. Chick-lit is slowing down, as I am sure paranormal and erotica will, as we will prolly see the return of sweeter regency type stories at some point...

The Blame Game

As readers, if a book sucks who do you think is responsible? Is it the author? Because the book first, last and always is their creation... Is it the editor? Because they bought it (at least with ebooks right?) and their job is to prepare the book for publication. Is it the reader? Because we all have different tastes and just because one person thinks a book sucks rocks, there is someone else to think it is the bestest book evah. Is it the publisher? Because you know there are more than a few people that think Avon killed the historical star. Or none of the above and bad books just happen... pondering on... and on... This is something I started to give thought to while blog hopping last night. I think it was on angiew blog that one of her author's said something along the lines of if something is bad it is their fault (the author) but good reviews reflect on both the author and editor. Now don't get me wrong, I am sure kissing your editors ass is a good thing at times, although I would hope not a must *g*. But that sort of stopped me ... because to me... if you except the positive you also except the negative. And isn't it the job of the editor to correct, revise, and keep an author from killing his/her book? How much control does an editor have over the final product? If you buy a book, love the book, work with the author on a book and then for whatever reason do not feel the final product is a good book - can an editor kill the book? Does an author HAVE to make changes suggested by the editor, or does that depend on the line and editor? The book I ended up thinking about is Lord Ruin by Caroline Jewel. I LOVE this book. But have always thought of it as... this book would have seriously rocked if it had a better editor. Now this is without ever discussing this with the author so my thoughts are nothing more than mine. But the book reads like it had many things added, taken away and then added. And the flow comes across as choppy in parts and like certain ideas may have been added or story lines cut without removing all of the references to them. But the writing, plot and characters are for the most part grand. Caroline Jewel has a great style I really want to see what she can do next. And still hope The Rake (or whatever the title is now) gets published some day. So my thoughts on this... combined with lurking through a handful of editor blogs last night lead me to wonder if I was being fair. Unlike many I don't (didn't... jury is still out right now on this one) think Avon is to blame for killing many a good writer. Because regardless of whatever rules they do or don't have - each author has the right to print with them or not. So if you take your grand novel, sell it to Avon, and they tell you 'love it but you must do this to it' and then your grand novel turns into grand suckage - well you did it. It is your name on the book as the writer. Or not? Once you sell that grand novel, do you as a writer lose control over the book? I am not really clear on this. And lets say you have no choice, lets say you have another book due with them, well what do you do? Become Dara Joy?!? I mean you can't really come out and say Publisher X sucks ass and fucked up my book. Because then you would never eat lunch in this town again. Or can you? Although at the end of the day, regardless of who would really be at fault or not, it seems to me the person who will take the most hits from the booksuckage will always be the writer.

Paranormals everywhere...

Jayne interviews Berkley Editor Cindy Hwang No not that jayne as in dear author... jayne as in Jayne Ann Krentz cool... my favorite part is this answer: Cindy: Never fear, historical and contemporary romances are alive and well! Not everyone loves paranormal, of course, and in this age of diversity, I think it's more important than ever to give readers a choice. So publishers are still committed to buying and publishing historical romance and contemporary romance (romantic suspense, romantic comedy and contemporary romance). The problem comes when we can't find the quality we're looking for, because writers have decided that these subgenres won't sell and thus are no longer writing in these areas. It is true that for the most part, the historical and contemporary romance market isn't as strong right now as paranormal, but I think we (editors, publishers and readers) have been reading romance long enough to know that everything cycles around, and that as long as good books are being published in these subgenres, there will always be markets for them.

Dear Author goes 20/20

From Dear Author: The week of October 2nd through October 8th we will be featuring an interview and several reviews of an author that the Two Ja(y)nes and Janine love. Today marks the first of a three part series on Romance Publishers Promises to Romance Readers. Today’s articles addresses Advertising (the delivery of the promise), next week will feature an article on Branding (the promise), and finally we’ll end with What to Do When a Good Author Goes Bad (or when the promises are broken). First up: Advertising (the delivery of the promise) go forth and read... I could be wrong, but I don't think this is about the never ending debate of 'What makes a Happy Every After'. Is it marriage and a baby makes three? Can a Happy for Now be a HEA? Can a couple end HEA without a ring? So forth and so on... I *think* we are going with: Romance = HEA (YMMV on what that means ) Erotic Romance = HEA with steamy, throw the door wide open sex Romantica = same as ER but trademarked to EC which some people 'get' and know and some choose to ignore Erotica = Fiction story where the plot is driven by sex Porn = sex, sex, sex, and sex no rhyme or reason, plot? what plot? Personally I think all of the above are peachy and all have their fans. What I think the dear ja(y)ne's are addressing is, well, what they say they are addressing... Advertising and the way publishers choose to market their books. Jane please correct me if I am wrong.

ssssssooooooooo

Am I the only one who reads Samhain or the only one who reads the AAR Reader to Reader mb? rec people! rec!

Heartbreaker by Diana Palmer

Le sigh... Why? Do I keep reading her?

Smelly Socks

Smelly Socks Just a note... I am not the blog police. And just because I think you are behaving like a dumbass and doing something amazingly stupid doesn't make it my place to 'out' anyone. I have tons of respect for HelenKay Dimon. Like her or hate her, read her or not - she is a grown up and if she says it she owns up to it. MDJ could be a bitch from hell you think hates her readers or not - either way she owned up to her words like a big girl. I often don't agree with the way Angiew censors herself or the extremes she does it to but again I respect if she can't say it as herself she doesn't. I HATE socks. I understand why authors feel the need to do it but I don't agree with the action. It is dishonest and one of the quickest ways I will lose respect for you. It is worse to do it and stupidly paint a big fucking star on your forehead and say I. AM. HERE. The anon's, mice, BIG NAME AUTHOR, anotherscaredauthor so forth and so on bullshit that plays out on blogs and message boards means jack to me. Because I very rarely believe you ARE a big name author or anyone I should give a shit about. So that opinion of yours that you are so scared to say as you but must get off your chest has little or no value because you don't exist. So whatever is clever. I do wonder, am I the only person this annoys? I mean lets face it, this is the internet. I post under redwyne, you might guess that isn't my name *g*. But I am always redwyne and for good or for ill it is no secret my name is sybil. Even if I had never shared my name, redwyne identifies me. But you only know what I tell you to be true. So you can make the argument we are all socks puppets used to hide behind to voice our opinions on the internet. Well unless I was posting under Sybil and Redwyne - trying to pass them off as different people. Just think... you could have TWO or me *g*. See why I think that is such a bad idea? What about authors? If you write under the name susieq and post under that name, then have an account luvs2read you never link to susieq - is that okay? Is it only kosher if luvs2read isn't susieq's biggest fan evah? Would you as a reader feel lied to if you formed an online friendship with luvs2read and later found out she was susieq? No matter what... if you are going to do it... I have ten things you should keep in mind because nothing is worse than a smelly sock.

New to me Blog

The Berkley Babes

And yet again...

Booklist: Core Collection: Erotic Romance, by John Charles and Shelley Mosley from the ever fab Kate Duffy: In 2006 Kensington launched Aphrodisia, an erotic fiction line. Although it can be difficult to distinguish between erotic romances and erotica, Duffy has a simple yet effective way of separating the two kinds of books. "While there is often a lot of really great sex in an erotic romance, the focus of the story is always on the romantic relationship between the two protagonists. In erotica, while there might be a relationship between the two protagonists, the focus of the story is on the really great sex." Thanks jay!

How to Sock 101

What is a sock? 1. Best to have your 'real' blog or website not be similar to your 'fake' blog or website. 2. Review, Review and then Review again your post before you hit post. Words 'you' use often shouldn't be used on the 'newyou' blog. 3. Decide who the 'newyou' is and stick to it. Saying you are one thing, which conflicts with what you say in your bio to then editing it out will just help #4 happen faster. 4. Once you have told one person it is just a matter of time before you will be 'outted'. 5. IP address are not your friend. Make sure you down load a really, really, really, good program to hide your IP, city and state you post from. Then be really sure you don't post on anyones blog with the 'newyou' where you have posted as the 'realyou'. 6. Do not cover the same topics in both blogs within days of each other. I won't even get into doing it on three blogs... 7. Don't sqqquuueee about the same authors on both blogs. 8. Using completely different graphics and themes would be a good thing. 9. Read number 5 again. Really important that.... depending on the tracker, the blog owner can see your IP addy, where you posted from, what time you posted, number of hits from your IP, what site you came from, what posts you looked at, what posts you commented on, what city you came from, what service you use and more 10. Do not 'hang' with anyone at least not for the first few days out of your million years of lurking about but you know, just not posting.

If you haven't seen this

read it great post... shall tie into some other posts later...

My Favorite Rabid Fangirl Argument Evah

You can't be a true fan unless you love everything the author writes, thinks, says or shits. That was paraphrased from Ventrue's comment... I am sure it is hardly a secret I am a fangirl of wards. And where I do agree with Dylan on many points, I disagree on some as well. The main thing being - don't go to a fanboard expecting discussion and never ever, evah have someone come in and 'get your back'. Someone who is a regular on the board, cool. Someone who would have been there anyway, cool. Someone that goes because they think you are being beaten up on isn't cool and as a moderator that would piss me off. My main beef with the Avon Ladies board is it tries to paint itself as a welcoming, fair, open minded discussion board. I admit I have spent way lil time on ward's MB or yahoo group but I have never gotten that feeling from them. It is a zoo, so I don't generally go there cuz I don't wanna be a fananimal. But hey good for them, have at it, have fun... Personally I am a holly fangirl and think Dylan is beyond cool (don't really know the others well but since they are in such good company I bet they rock). At the same time I can honestly say I think JR Ward is the shit and not to the point where she believes her own press. Of course if I have a question I email Ward and I spend lil time in the MB or Yahoo group... so there you go. It sucks that the rabid don't understand they aren't doing their gods and goddess any favors. And it sucks that some people can't love something and still respect others might not or view ANY questioning as unfanlike. But this isn't the first time and it won't be the last... so what do you do?

Do we put on Poltergist II and say...

They're back... Or is this a new writer?/reader looking to put all message boards, authors and blogger back in their place? I am all for making fun of rabid fangirls and stupid behavior but setting yourself up as the net police pretty much makes you look stupider than the ones you are trying to make fun of. Or at least I think so. Gosh guess we are all screwed unless she sets up the rulz so we all know what is allowed and not allowed in romanceland. must. get. more. popcorn.

shocking...

From Shari with Harper Collins Those pesky rumors that keep circulating about the death of the historical are wrong, wrong, wrong! Avon is happy to announce that romance fans resoundly have announced their support of this subgenre, as part of voting for the AvonFanLit.com story premise. Given the choice between paranormal, contemporary, romantic suspense, medieval, Victorian or Regency – the Regency story idea won…by a mile! Visit to check out the online writing/voting/blogging action. Interesting that all these tech-savvy chicks are into good old-fashioned love and romance! le sigh... I love a good regency setting but really people... would it have killed you to pick something that doesn't make up 96.5% of the historical books on the shelves? Did people just not get out and vote? Or is this really really what the people want? The Story A couple of weeks back, we asked you to vote for your favorite story premise and your response was overwhelming. 2,400+ votes later, in a close election, you decided on Regency as the basis for your Avon FanLit novella. The Premise A beautiful young lady takes society by storm, fascinating the male members of the town and intriguing the female members. She claims she is a "lady," the daughter of an earl long-gone from London society, and her seductive charms seduce every gentleman she meets — all except one. This striking aristocrat doesn't believe a word she says. Is she truly a lady? Or, is she a desperate damsel in some sort of disguise?

Might be of help to some

Now or later... Hackosphere tis a blog with help on fixing up your beta blogger template... and this is a great post showing why this will be nifty, you know once it works... if it makes any sense to you Now me, not so much. HELP!!!!!!! I want to do this. Jane wouldn't it be fun to learn some new blogger stuff? :)

Alluring Tales ***March 2007*** (VA summary added)

Are you looking for salacious and thrilling action-adventure reads that will leave you breathless? The search is over. The award winning, bestselling Allure Authors offer you a scintillating blend of paranormal, contemporary, fantasy, futuristic, and science fiction tales all in one sure-to-please erotic collection. Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin from the Allure Authors site have stories in this book. LOL guess the title should have tipped me off ;) Quick Silver by Viva Anna In the year 2080, Sangria Silver knows what it takes to be a good messenger, a good delivery person. Ask no questions, and do the job no matter what. With a reputation for being quick, efficient and discreet, she’s the most wanted Conveyor in the New States of America. Contracted by the one of the most powerful woman in the NSA, Sangria takes on her most intriguing and most lucrative job to date. Two million dollars to transport a large metal case from the sparkling, sanitized streets of Los Angeles Proper to the skids of East Las Vegas, no questions asked. Along the way, she thinks she has it made and will be able to retire from the job, when she’s involved in a traffic accident and her car flips over. To her chagrin, the metal case is tossed from the trunk and smashes open to reveal the cargo inside. Not cargo but a man. Alive and sexy as sin itself. Now she has to decide whether to deliver him to the address or keep him all to herself... Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson Summary Cassidy Jones had high hopes for her and Houston Police Officer, TJ Evans, until she was attacked by a stranger late one night on the university campus. Now she’s destined to spend her life in the shadows, fighting to control raging lust for blood and sex. Afraid she can’t win against the inner beast, she hides in her house, without hope of ever living a normal life. Until TJ comes calling demanding that she give him the answers he deserves and that she leave the city before the hurricane arrives. TJ had it bad for, Cassidy, but he knows when he’s been given the brush off. He’d all but given up when he walked next door to deliver the edict that all residents were to evacuate Houston immediately. When Cassidy refuses to leave, they spend a turbulent night battling the storm ultimately surrendering to their passion. Will Cassidy restrain the inner monster? Or will TJ emerge from the storm a changed man? Excerpt Cassidy leaned into him and practically purred against his cheek. “Stop me now, TJ, before it’s too late.” While her words said one thing, her hands racing across his skin encouraged him to continue. With his mind caught in a cloud of desire, TJ couldn’t stop. Couldn’t pull free of her until he slaked his desire. Tension built, rising in surges, centering on the juncture of their joined bodies. Cassidy moaned, her breasts bobbing up and down in TJ’s face. He captured one of the pale round orbs in his mouth and sucked hard, drawing the rounded flesh into his mouth, laving the taught rosy nipple. She murmured her approval and nuzzled his neck, nipping at the skin with her teeth. The tender bites only fueled the fires and spurred him on. He spun around and pressed her back to the wall where he could leverage her while he plunged deeper inside. He pumped into her again and again, until his entire body tightened into an orgasmic knot. On his final thrust, he peaked teetering on the verge of shooting sperm deep inside her. At that exact moment, Cassidy clamped her legs tightly around his waist, licked his neck in a long, sexy swipe, and then she leaned in, her mouth opening to take his throat between her teeth. The pager buried deep in TJ’s trouser pocket beeped, cutting through their labored breathing and vibrating against his knee. The effect was to jerk him out of the sensual haze and remind him they’d used no protection. “Damn it!” Without pulling out of her, TJ fumbled to reach for the pants around his knees. With his cock still firmly entrenched in her channel, the task was impossible. The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones Summary A road trip. A storm that forces her to a roadside hotel. One passionate night. One perfect stranger… Jessica Montgomery needs an escape and a new outlook of herself as a woman. Her ex-husband not only left her for another woman, he called her sexually suppressed. Since then, she’s avoided relationships, using her work as an excuse. But deep down, there is a sensual woman who wants to be discovered. If only Jessica can find the confidence to let her lose. When a one night stand delivers Jessica to her sexy side, she faces the new day a changed woman. But what happens when her stranger appears again? Will she dare to find what lies beyond morning? Tempting Grace by Sasha White Summary At 35 reformed Bad Girl Grace Walters is finally content with her life. She’s a homeowner working her dream job of helping troubled teens, and acceptance in her community. Grace has worked hard to be where she is and she isn’t willing to let anything threaten her stable future. But when she's in an emotional downswing, and Lucas Martin makes it clear that he’s willing to do anything for her . . . Well, she can only resist temptation for so long. Grace knows getting involved with the much younger preachers son will threaten her new found acceptance, but how can she resist when she knows that being bad will make them both feel so good? Excerpt For the first time in over a year Grace Walters didn’t want to go home. She didn’t want to walk up the brick path and look at the pretty flowerbed she’d planted just last week. She didn’t want to open the door to the small two-bedroom cottage style house that she’d bought thirteen months earlier. The one and only place she’d let herself call home since she was fourteen and decided that she was better off on the streets than in a house where no one cared. She didn’t want to go home, because she knew she’d see that small pile of clothes on the dryer that belonged to Chelsea, and then she’d have to accept that Chelsea hadn’t felt at home there. That no matter what Grace had done, Chelsea had still gone back to the street, and this time, it had killed her. Grace didn’t want to remember. She didn’t want to think. “Why don’t you get them both?” She started when a deep voice broke through the thick fog coating her mind. “What?” She turned and found Lukas Martin behind her, less than a foot away. How had he gotten so close without her even noticing? Her instincts for self-preservation had always served her well before. “You seem to be having a hard time deciding between ice cream flavors, why not treat yourself and get both?” Lukas said with a smile. A pale eyebrow arched and a playful gleam lit up his chocolate eyes as he leaned even closer. “But if you want a real treat you should let me cook you dinner.” Grace started to say no, like she had so many times in the past month when he’d asked her out. But this time, the refusal stuck in her throat. As if he sensed her weakness, he stepped forward, the playful gleam fading as his gaze took on a more intense heat. “Grace?” Need blossomed from deep within. One she’d thought was long buried. She swept her gaze over his leanly muscled six-foot frame, and the energizing tingle of sensual awareness she always felt whenever Luke entered a room zipped through her. Grace knew intuitively that he could satisfy that need. It was a bad idea. Her head knew that, but her heart, her aching heart needed to feel something other than the pain of failure, and there was one thing she’d always been good at. One thing she’d always succeeded at … and she was too tired to deny the pull that Lukas’ eager-to-please attentions awoke within her. “One night,” she whispered. “One night?” “One night. You and me. No dinner, and no promises.” She met his gaze and let him see the need she felt rising from deep within. “Tonight.” A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day Summary Victoria St. John is a Familiar, and like most kittens, she likes to play. Unattached to a warlock, she's causing mischief. Too much trouble-making can cause suspicions in mortals, so the High Council assigns warlock and Hunter Max Westin to "collar" her, in the hopes that he can succeed where others have failed. From the moment Max meets the beautiful Familiar, he can't wait to get started. He loves hunting, relishes the taming, and isn't prone to hurrying matters. Reining in a wild kitten takes time, sometimes weeks, and he's more than willing to put in the effort with Victoria. A battle of wills and an erotic seduction. The result is a journey through the depths of desire to the heights of eternal love. Excerpt The Hunter had finally arrived. Victoria studied him carefully through the closed-circuit feed that monitored her office reception area. The urbane Armani suit he wore did nothing to hide the predator within. Tall and dark, the Hunter moved with a casual arrogance that made her purr. He didn't look around, completely focused on the moment when they would be together in the same room. Alone. As she rubbed her hands together, a throaty growl filled the air. The High Council was ready to tangle with her again. She smiled and preened, as was the nature of her kind. This Hunter was powerful, she could feel it even through the walls that separated them. It was a testament to her own prowess that they would send a warlock such as him after her. She couldn't help but be flattered. After all, she'd broken the laws on purpose, deliberately goading the very powers that had stolen Darius from her. And here was her "punishment", walking into her office with that luscious, long-legged stride. She couldn't be more thrilled with their choice. He flashed a devastating smile at the receptionist before she closed the door behind him. Then he turned his attention to Victoria and removed his sunglasses. Oh my. She crossed her silk stocking-clad legs to ease the sudden ache between them. Piercing gray eyes measured her from a face so austerely handsome she was almost inclined to leave her seat and rub up against him. That firm jaw. those sculpted lips. But, of course, she couldn't. She first had to see if he would reveal who he was or if he intended to pretend. The High Council still hadn't realized how much power Darius had bequeathed her. They didn't yet realize how deeply her awareness went. Her gaze moved to the crystal-framed miniature on her desk and the man with the rakish dimple who smiled lovingly from there. Captured beautifully in oil paints, glints of gold shining in his blond hair, the sight of Darius brought a familiar ache of loss and heartache that firmed her resolve. The waste of his life filled her with a need for retribution. Rising to her feet, Victoria held out her hand. The Hunter took it leisurely, the palpable force in his touch betraying him. "Mr. Westin," she breathed, fighting back a delicious shiver. She would have to thank the Council for this gift when she was done with him. He was so dark-his skin, his raven hair, his aura. Sex incarnate. She could smell it, feel it with his proximity. It was obvious why he was a successful Hunter. Already she was wet and eager. Max Westin held her hand a little too long, his thickly-lashed gaze clearly stating his intentions to have her, to tame her. Like all kittens, Victoria liked to play, so she brushed her fingertips across his palm as she pulled away. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, a tiny sign that she could get to him if she really put the effort into it. Of course, she intended to do just that. The Council only sent their best, most prized Hunters after her, and she knew how it chaffed Them when their elite met with abject failure. It was the only thing she could do prevent feeling helpless-give Them a harsh reminder of how great Darius' had been, and what They'd lost with his needless sacrifice. "Ms. St. John." Westin's voice was a rough caress. Everything about him was a little rough, a little gritty. A primitive creature. Just like she was. Victoria waved toward the chair in front of her glass-topped desk. Freeing the button of his coat, Max sank into the seat, his dark blue trousers stretching over firm thighs and an impressive bulge between them. She licked her lips. Yum. Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin Summary Upon overhearing Kili's conversation with a girlfriend, Gunnar "Ice Man" Rydeman's a little ticked Kili thinks all jocks are brainless throwbacks. When she dives into her mini-vacation, he pulls some strings to be the object of her virtual fantasy--only problem is, she's selected a primitive setting, and he suddenly finds himself in a fur loincloth, fighting prehistoric beasts with a single-syllable vocabulary. Now, how will he prove to Kili he's cleverer than the average caveman? Excerpt Kili sucked in a deep breath and blinked as her eyes adjusted to white, searing sunlight. Her first glance at her vacation setting sent her stomach plummeting. Where was the desert island with the horseshoe strip of pale sand and navy sea? Sure, heat radiated off the ground in suffocating waves, but where was the cabana boy in the Speedo? Instead, an endless savannah stretched in front of her with tall, golden grass waving in the hot breeze and gnarled, stunted trees dotting the horizon. "What the hell?" Stones skittered behind her and she spun to find a large, male figure standing on a rocky knoll. At least the program had gotten that much right. The Ice Man's incredible, burly physique was nude except for a furry loincloth that draped from a slender cord at his waist, leaving the sides of his tanned hips and his massive, sleek thighs bare. The breeze ruffled his pale hair as he strode toward her, his sharp gaze sweeping down her body, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Kili's heart thudded and her nipples tightened, the sensitive tips pressing into supple fabric. She glanced down and noted she too wore an animal's skin, tanned and buttery-soft. The miniscule top barely covered her breasts and was knotted between them. Another soft garment draped around her hips, and the breeze licking up her thighs revealed she was totally nude underneath the crude clothing. "Now, that's attention to detail," she murmured. But if this was her fantasy, why weren't her hips slimmer? When she brought up her head again, Ice Man's attention was directed behind her and his entire body tensed. He hefted a spear in one hand, holding it above his shoulder. She followed his gaze and saw an enormous creature crouched low in the grass staring back at them, cat-like with long fangs curving like tusks from its gaping mouth. Before she could gasp a warning, Ice Man let loose his spear and snagged her wrist, dragging her behind him as he ran back up the knoll. A hideous, snarling scream erupted, and Kili forgot that none of this was real-her heart accelerated and her breath rasped as she ran like the wind, flying up the rocks behind the gladiator, grateful for the fur-lined booties that shielded her feet from the harsh terrain. Just as they crested the knoll, the sound of heavy paws thundered behind them. She didn't dare look back, but Ice Man dropped her hand and drew another spear from the leather sheath strapped to his back. With a lithe twist, he turned and launched the spear straight into the large cat's chest. The animal dropped like a rock without a sound, dead before it hit the ground. Kili shivered and reminded herself--this isn't real. All that blood spurting in a gurgling stream from the creature's gaping wound was just part of the program hooked up to her brainwaves to deliver a virtual adventure. She'd never really been in danger, but her racing heart didn't seem to know the difference. The trembling that shook her body felt authentic, as did the excitement that thrummed through her veins. She drew a deep, steadying breath and lifted her head to find Ice Man's gaze leveled on her. His chest gleamed with sweat, his jaw was taut, and hunger glinted in his hard eyes. "I'm guessing this is where we're supposed to share celebratory sex, huh?" Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox Summary Centuries ago On the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she doesn’t love, Princess Caira Montright flees her father’s castle and secretly meets her lover, Zarek. Their plans to elope are foiled when one of Lord Montright’s vassals captures them. The all-powerful Lord Montright places a curse on Zarek, banishing him to an eternity of hell inside a portrait—a portrait that finds its way back to Caira in every lifetime. Zarek is forced to watch Caira throughout the centuries yet never be able to claim her as his own. The only thing that can break the curse is for Caira to recite the incantation on the Lover’s Locket. Then she must battle the forces of evil to free him forever. Excerpt “I see you have found the Lover’s Locket.” “What?” Startled by the woman’s sudden appearance, Caira jumped back. She hadn’t even heard her approaching footsteps. The woman gestured toward the beautiful silver necklace enclosed behind the protective walls of the glass case and motioned for her to take a better look. “The Lover’s Locket,” she repeated. Her aged voice cracked like brittle bones causing goose bumps to pebble Caira’s flesh. Palms open, Caira placed her hands on the glass. She was so mesmerized by the beauty of the exquisite piece of jewelry she almost found it impossible to speak. She fought to recover her voice. “It’s magnificent.” “You’re searching. Yes?” “Searching?” Caira didn’t understand the question. “For your true love.” She was surprised at how perceptive the old woman was. Uncomfortable talking about her personal life with a complete stranger, Caira turned the discussion back to the locket. “Is it antique?” The woman ignored her question and asked one of her own. “Should you wish to have it?” Caira gave a quick shake of her head. “I can’t afford-” The woman cut her off. “It is not for you to argue.” She opened the glass case, removed the locket, and placed it in Caira’s hand. The second the locket came into contact with her flesh an odd tingling began in her bloodstream. She was strangely fascinated by the piece. Strangely fascinated by the way her pulse kicked up a notch at first contact. Curious about its origins, she stared at the antique locket in awe. She’d never seen anything more beautiful. The woman touched her arm bringing Caira’s attention back to her. “You feel it don’t you?” she asked. Uneasiness closed in on her as she met the woman’s challenging gaze. She felt something, an unexplainable strange pull toward the locket, but she wasn’t about to admit it. She lowered her lashes, hiding her emotions from the woman’s probing gaze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Caira responded quickly, turning the locket over in her hand. A ribbon of sunlight burst through the window and reflected off the unusual intricate design etched in the silver. Caira squinted and stared at the inscription until the words in front of her blurred together. The gypsy curled her weathered fingers around Caira’s and squeezed until the locket was tightly enclosed in the safety of her small hand. “With this locket comes great power, but with all great power there comes darkness.” “What do you mean?” Caira asked, indulging her for a moment. Her gravelly voice became as smooth as silk as she recounted the tale of the Lover’s Locket. “It is said that if one recites the incantation etched in the silver, their true love will be revealed.” Suddenly, an anxious expression crossed the gypsy-woman’s beguiling violet eyes. “The incantation also awakens the Keeper of Darkness from his eternal slumber.” Frowning intently, she looked deep into Caira’s eyes. “The person who recites the incantation is the only one who can defeat the Keeper of Darkness. It is said that death is the price of failure.” Caira blew out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She remembered the old legend well. It was only a few years ago while babysitting her niece that she’d recounted the story herself. She almost laughed out loud at the foolishness of it all. She took a moment to recall the legend. It was believed that centuries ago on the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she didn’t love, a rebellious princess had fled her father’s castle and secretly met her lover. Their plans to elope were foiled when one of the Lord’s vassals captured them. The all-powerful Lord had a curse placed on his daughter’s lover. In retaliation, the princess acquired the help of an old gypsy woman. She had an incantation etched on her most precious possession, a locket given to her by her lover. Should the locket find its way to her in another lifetime, the princess could read the incantation and break the curse. But unfortunately, as the old woman had already said, with great power comes great darkness. The princess must battle the forces of evil to free her lover forever. “You know the story. Yes?” The worry in the woman’s voice gained her full attention. Caira forced a smile and addressed the old woman’s concerns. “It’s just a legend. A story told at slumber parties. The legend also says that only the princess can unleash its power,” she pointed out. Rolling her shoulders she continued, “So if this ever fell into the hands of the original owner-” A frown formed on her forehead as the old woman sealed Caira’s protest with her fingers. Caira repressed a shiver as a chill rushed through her. “What makes you think you’re not the original owner, Bella?” the woman asked. Caira’s skin prickled. The air almost seemed to crackle with electricity. Bella? Obviously the old woman had her confused with someone else. “My name isn’t Bella, it’s Caira.” The woman gave a slow nod. “Yes, of course, Caira. Forgive my slip. Perhaps this belonged to you in the past, Caira.” She met the woman’s glance and tried to placate her. “It’s ridiculous to believe the legend.” Waving her hand over her worn jeans and t-shirt she said, “Besides, I hardly think I was a princess in another lifetime.” “Yes, well, you’ll never know unless you recite the incantation.” The look in the woman’s eyes caused her skin to grow cold. Caira gulped, her stomach plummeted. Good Lord what was going on with her? What was she getting all worked up about? She shook her head to clear it. It was just a silly legend. Wasn’t it?

no matter how many times I see this or something like it

It annoys me (again from Karen Fox): Audrey LeFehr buys contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, thrillers and Aphrodisia. Aphrodisia is actually erotica, not romance. They are called erotic romance for the booksellers. They're always looking for talent. You can query Audrey in email, then send in entire manuscript if requested.

Harlequin Historicals

Info from Karen Fox's site (great site) Harlequin Historical Romance/Mills & Boon Historical Romance RWA Conference 7/2006: Now accepting up through World War II. They continue to offer one western and one Regency in each month's set. Books must be well-researched and 80,000 words. Don't overdo the period language. Historical figures can be used, but not as the hero or heroine. Looking for writers. Skip query stage and send in a proposal (three chapters and a synopsis). Now open to time periods from ancient civilizations up to and including the First and Second World Wars. Regency tales remain popular. Also looking for novels set during the Viking invasions through to the Middle Ages in Europe, Elizabethan England to 20th century families at war. Western America and Australian settings are welcome. Word length 80:000 - 95,000. New writers accepted. Happy to consider new, talented writers. Guidelines at Harlequin site No real point to the post other than it makes me happy to see *g*. I am trying to find a nifty list like I found for pocket and brava with the upcoming books for 2007. So far no luck :(.

Test me baby

I think people can finally post to beta blogger with their regular blogger account. try it and let me know Either way my beta blogger account will now post to an account that hasn't been fucked up upgraded to a beta blogger account without using the 'other' function.

nothing new here

But go check out Tara and Ro at RtB if you haven't already: Don't Feed the Sterotypes and Historicals, but not so much Have I mentioned I don't want to go to work?

beta blogger sucks and a note

So I have emailed beta blogger again. Something I hate to do cuz I am sure they have like fifty million emails from people hating them right now. Of course there has been no response. So the side bar will still only show the last ten posts and will not move. The bastard. So if you want to view an old post you need to do one of two things. You can search in the nifty lil google box (yes I know they own blogger) or pick the month of the archive. So if you are looking for JR Ward's posts, you would click on September and scroll. Sorry, I will have the recaps up for the last nine guest days soon, work is kicking my ass. le sigh... as I was going in at 3 and just found out I need to be there at noon! Other note for all you non beta blogger people... if you go to comment and hit post and get an error message, you SHOULD be able to right click on that error message, left click on BACK and get back to your comment without having to retype it. From there click OTHER - type in a name and website or blog - then hit post. And it should work. At least that is what I do when I forget and try and post on you nonbeta people's blog. sorry, I hope they will have this fixed soon... off to work with me. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

This is the best romance had to offer?

Quill Awards Nominees up for voting they say: The Quills celebrates the best books of the year in nineteen popular categories, ranging from romance to biography to graphic novels. then give us these five books to vote on: Nominees in the Romance category Blue Smoke Blue Smoke - Nora Roberts The Masque of the Black Tulip - Lauren Willig The Preacher's Daughter The Preacher's Daughter - Beverly Lewis Savannah Breeze - Mary Kay Andrews Undead and Unpopular - Mary Janice Davidson This is the best of the best out of romance? Really?

I need a friend

I wanna play! So someone be my friend and go sign up! Oh and email me and let me know ;). Pretty please... I never win but I am odd like that. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Stranger Nights

[click the question to see answer] First up the easy question, what is your current release? My current release is ASK FOR IT, a Brava historical. There are a lot of reasons why it means a lot to me, not the least of which is that it's the first book I ever wrote. It was written long before BAD BOYS AHOY!, which some readers find interesting. They assume books are released in the order they're written, but that's rarely the case. It was my first contest winner and won multiple times. It was the first book to garner requests for more from agents and it was the book that landed me my first agent. It's been the #4 Highest Rated book overall on Fictionwise for a few weeks now, and has been awarded a few Reviewers' Choice awards. Summary, excerpt, reviews and book trailer In November, I have two trade paperback releases of my EC e-books (This will take all of my EC titles into print, which is nice for my readers who only like that format) -- WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS (VOL. II) which features my holiday story "Wish List", and DECLASSIFIED: DARK KISSES which is a single-author anthology featuring MISLED and KISS OF THE NIGHT. What do you think Avon Red has to offer readers that is different from the other erotic romance prints? I think their decision to stay with one release a month is an excellent one. The market is flooded with erotic works. The tide will turn faster because of this, and then readers will be clamoring for 'sweeter' works. As I tell my husband, "Too much of anything is too much." The smaller number of releases allows them to be more selective. I agree with Toni in that the levels of sexual explicitness are all across the board. For those of you who are familiar with my work, you may be surprised to hear that one of the PotN edits was a request to kick the sex up a notch. This surprised me, but I kept it in the same style and quantity I've always written. Speaking of erotic romance, how do you define the difference between 'erotic romance' and 'erotica'. Erotica: stories written about the sexual journey of the characters and how this impacts them as individuals. Emotion and character growth are important facets of a true erotic story. However, erotica is NOT designed to show the development of a romantic relationship, although it’s not prohibited if the author chooses to explore romance. Happily Ever Afters are NOT an intrinsic part of erotica, though they can be included. Erotic Romance: stories written about the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction. The sex is an inherent part of the story, character growth, and relationship development, and couldn’t be removed without damaging the storyline. Happily Ever After is a REQUIREMENT to be an erotic romance. Sexy Romance: stories written about the development of a romantic relationship that just happen to have more explicit sex. The sex is not an inherent part of the story, character growth, or relationship development, and it could easily be toned down without damaging the storyline. Happily Ever After is a given as this is basically a standard romance with hotter sex. Do people know you write erotic romance? If your friends and family do know, how has their reaction been? Yes, everyone knows what I write. I'm very clear on that point so I don't shock anyone. My mom loves my books (of course!). My SIL, on the other hand, was shocked, but still liked them. Both women have done a great job of promoting my books to their friends and family, which I appreciate immensely. Word of mouth is so important, and they've done a great job of building that amongst their circle of associates. As a writer do you have any 'do not cross' lines or do you go wherever the story takes you? Have you looked back on something you wrote and been surprised you came up with it. Wanna share what it was *g*. I'm a vanilla sex writer. I use graphic verbiage, but the sex itself is your 'standard' sex. I've only used a sex toy once ("A Familiar Kind of Magic" in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY) and I've had one anal sex scene (MISLED). I'm happy with the "type" and "heat level" of the sex I write. I write at the limits of my comfort level. But yes, if a story started going into unchartered territory I would follow it, but I've no plans to deliberately set out to write anything beyond vanilla sex. Not that I have anything against those storylines that do. As a reader, I enjoy them. As a writer, I prefer to write m/f sweaty, gritty, no-toys-involved sex done in 'standard' sexual positions. :) The anal scene in MISLED still makes me blush. What is up next? We are book whores, give us names dates and summaries! I have LOTS coming up, thanks to my wonderful editors who schedule me in their line-ups fairly often (and buy lots of books!) The following are the trade paperback books that I'm presently contracted for: 2006 DECLASSIFIED: DARK KISSES - Ellora's Cave - 11/06 "Wish List" in WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS antho- Ellora's Cave 11/06 2007 THE STRANGER I MARRIED - Kensington Brava - 01/07 (Dec. 25 release) "A Familiar Kind of Magic" in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY - Avon Red - 3/07 PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT - Avon Red - 5/07 PASSION FOR THE GAME - Brava - 6/07 PERFECT KISSES (anthology with NY Times bestseller Susan Johnson and Aphrodisia author Noelle Mack) - Brava - 7/07 TBD - Brava - 11/07 Book II of the Dream Guardians series - Avon Red - 12/07 2008 One more single title with Brava three single titles with Zebra - a new futuristic mass market series I've also got another story contracted with Avon, but I'm not sure when it will be released. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

If you don't have time to read...

My TBR pile is almost ridiculous, because I keep buying books and then I can't read them. Stephen King says, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." and I agree with him. Sadly, I truly don't have the time. I've turned in three single titles this year, and two novellas. Between now and Feb. I have another novella due and two single titles. Then another ST in Apr, and Aug, and Dec. On one hand, I think it'll be nice to slow down. On the other, I know it takes years and years for some authors to build the size backlist I've built in just two and getting contracts is a struggle for many. So while I'm hugely busy, I'm doing what I love, and I never sit here and wish I were doing something else. I don't take for granted the opportunities afforded me by my editors and their enthusiasm for my work. I'm grateful every day. I'm most looking forward to reading SUGAR DADDY by Lisa Kleypas. I preordered it a long time ago. I'm also eagerly awaiting a new Shelby Reed release, as I'm a huge fan of hers. And all the upcoming Allure Authors' books. I can't wait for those! [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Pleasures of the Night **May 2007**

Aidan Cross is a Dream Guardian. In the Twilight between sleep and wakefulness, a battle ensues between his kind and the Nightmares, with the victor reaping the benefits of the energy created in slumber. Guardians recharge with various skills, Nightmares drain while thriving on distress. To keep the portal locked between reality and dreams is a calling that rules Aidan’s life, until he’s assigned to protect Lyssa Bates. Unlike the other women whose dreams he’s calmed with deeply erotic seduction, Lyssa recognizes him and his purpose. She welcomes him to her bed as he is, without the disguise of her fantasies, and offers him the first true solace he’s known in a lifetime of fighting. Her ability is a gift. And a curse. Because of her rare cognizance, she is said to be The Key they have all been searching for. The Key serves a terrible purpose—to open the Gateway and allow Nightmares in unlimited numbers to travel through the Twilight. From there, they have access to the mortal plane through the individuals whose dreams they control. So Aidan leaves the Twilight to protect her from both his own people and the enemies who need Lyssa to open the door to them. Stripped of the endless possibilities of dreams, they have only their will to live with which to conquer her destiny and grasp the elusive promise of love. There is a companion site for the series. It's a work in progress and is presently undergoing a full-site redesign, so by November visitors will find a whole new site and lots more content -- deleted scenes, sneak peaks at future installments of the series, games, etc. But there's an excerpt up now! And a little mini-trailer. (It's just something I whipped together myself while Circle of Seven works on the "official" trailer. *g*)

The Dream Guardian

The Dream Guardian series was partly a creative construct and partly a marketing-focused one. At the time I had a futuristic on submission that was running into a problem -- it was too futuristic for the romance imprints and too romantic for the sci-fi imprints. So my agent suggested that I return to the drawing board while we waited for word and think of something else. Kensington has my historicals, a futuristic was on submission, that left me with contemporary. I thought of all the paranormals I knew of -- weres, vamps, magic, faeries -- and wanted to do something different. I thought about it and came up with the dream/nightmare idea. "What if the man of your dreams was real?" Then my imagination ran with it. What if Nightmares were real? What if they were beings that fed off the fear and distress created by bad dreams? And what if good dreams were real? And what if the good dreams were the reason we have bad dreams? And what about wet dreams? The possibilities just kept stacking up. I had to research wormholes, spacetime, string theory, Roman rings, parallel dimensions, closed timelike curves, Shinto temples, and various physical ailments that affect restful sleep.

Guest Author: Sylvia Day

We are wrapping Avon Red Week up with an author I think could win a prize for the most books coming soon.... Sylvia Day She has books coming out from Avon Red, Brava, Ellora’s Cave and even an Essay in one of BenBella's Books. You can keep up with Sylvia on her blog, message board, Allure Authors, Your Virtual Book Bag, Out of the Blogosphere, Erotic Romance Authors, 2 B Read, Lust for Life, Avon Authors, Brava Authors, Fanlit and Romancing the Blog. ::blink:: And I prolly missed some places. I have no clue when she finds time to write. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Romance courting erotica

Erotic Romance, Erotica and or Romantica, no matter what you label it or how you define it, you can't argue that it is a hot market right now. HOT is an understatement, it has exploded and just about every publisher is coming out with a line or buying books to fit this market. It has been talked about, blogged about, printed in newspapers, made a talk show or two and now even has its own idiot's Guide. Since this is Avon Red Week, figured we would start with... WHAT THE HELL is erotic romance, erotica and/or romantica. In the interest of time (raining! make the rain go away!) we will retro post... because as I said, this has been blogged about before *g*. BUT first... Avon Red Where do you see this fitting? I think/thought it was Erotic Romance but the site at Harper (not updated and rather on the eh side of websites , sez I) says: In today's marketplace, Erotica is one of the fastest-growing segments of women's fiction. Avon Red is committed to providing the best, most sophisticated erotic fiction available in the industry, written by the most talented authors. With our striking cover designs and steamy narratives, Avon Red is in a class by itself. Erotica... is that a lack of understanding in the difference or could Avon be taking the opposite (and much better) approach of Aphordisia and marketing its books as erotica and allowing for a HEA or not. I could not find submissions guidelines for Avon Red but there was this note on Karen Fox's site: May Chen oversees the Avon Red (erotica) lines. They will put out one book a month in trade size starting September 2006. This is very hot but emotional sex. It can be historical, contemporary, time-travel, paranormal, urban fantasy, and short story or full length. She recommends you query her first. Send the query to (go look it up). If she requests you to snail mail the manuscript, be sure to include a copy of her email. Follow up with her if you haven't heard anything in a month. Maybe one of the Avon Red Authors will chime in and let us know if these are HEA only or not. Fever isn't such a new scene First Posted February 10, 2006: Helenkay blogged For Further Confusion regarding the March Romantic Times trying to, as Alison Kent sez: Define Eroticism . I happen to agree there is no right or wrong. But as I sit here trying to assign sensuality rating, the question is running through my head. I have read books recently that are called hot, hot baby but seem very mild to me. I am missing something? LOL or just too jaded and on romantic erotica overload ;). 1. How do you define erotic vs erotic romance in your personal reading or reviews? 2. Do you have any personal examples of authors you feel fit the two? 3. Where do you feel romantica fits in between erotic vs erotic romance? 4. Is the sensuality rating something you even pay attention to before you read a novel? Or do you look after? Do you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing? 5. If you do look at the ratings before - you are looking for hotter stories? Or are you looking for the sweeter ones? 6. If you write, is the level or page amount focused on sex something you even think of when you plot out a story (if you outline) or do you just 'let the characters lead?'? 7. Do you think we are flooding the market with too many hotter books? Or are you happy to see so many new erotica lines? 8. Where does BRAVA fit in with erotic vs erotic romance? lots of questions... and I have more! readers and/or authors answers as many as you want or not ;) ETA: Cindy's answers [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

RtB post by THE wendy

Interesting RtB post, Coming Out Of The Closet, by Wendy. It sort of kind of ties in with Avon Red week... [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Tales of Darkness

[click the question to see answer] First up the easy question, what is your upcoming release? Into the Darkness in April. What do you think Avon Red has to offer readers that is different from the other erotic romance prints? **I'm hoping readers will discover that, as with all Avon lines, the quality of the stories will surpass all others! I know for my part I pulled out all the stops, put my whole heart and soul into delivering the best book I've ever written! Speaking of erotic romance, how do you define the difference between 'erotic romance' and 'erotica'. **Erotic romance is still a romance story at the very heart of it. We don't close the bedroom door or shy away from frank language or description to tell the "rest of the story." Erotica is really all about the sex and titillation--a very different kind of fantasy. Do people know you write erotic romance? If your friends and family do know, how has their reaction been? **The people I work with know I write romance, but because I work with children I never tell them exactly what sort of romance I write! My family all know what I write and are very supportive. My mother is even one of my first line readers! As a writer do you have any 'do not cross' lines or do you go where ever the story takes you? Have you looked back on something you wrote and been surprised you came up with it. Wanna share what it was *g*. **Hmmm...the first time I tried to write an erotic romance I wasn't sure I had it in me. I shocked myself. These days, I've written so many different sorts of love scenes that I think I'm inured to shock! I pretty much let the characters tell me their fantasies! What is up next? We are book whores, give us names dates and summaries! In March 2007, Avon will publish an erotic short story, Kili's Ice Man, which will appear in Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy, followed by Into the Darkness in April. Unfortunately, I don't have a date for the sequel I'm writing at the moment. If readers are interested in seeing other books I've written (publishers shall remain unnamed here!), they can check out my website. I've been a very busy girl! Now it is your turn! Have a question for Delilah? Go for it!