Romance with Sizzle

I'm Still Here...

2009-07-14T14:44:00.002-04:00

I'm slowly coming around. Just when I think I've got my feet back on the ground, I trip. While I've met someone else...and thank God, he understands me...I am still reeling from the loss of my hubby (Larry) last October. I thought I was ready to get back to writing (and edits) and take on coverart for two publishers, but I'm just not there mentally. Sitting for long periods just doesn't happen. Concentration and desire to create anything just isn't flowing. While I'd love to write again...and design covers...to do so at this point would be unfair to my readers and to the authors that want that artwork which screams "THIS IS IT!" So, I'm dealing with my mental/emotional demons. I miss all my friends here, and hope all of you are experiencing much success! I'll be back....in time....when it's right.

Why Am I So Quiet???

2008-12-17T11:19:00.005-05:00

After years of suffering with diabetes (dialysis) and rectal cancer, my darling husband - Larry - passed away at our home on October 16, 2008. I have been on hiatus for the past year while caring for him 24/7. This past year has been extremely hard beginning in January when he had his first heart attack; to be followed by TIAs (mini-strokes); and the devastating news in April when we were informed he may have six months. (Larry was unable to have radiation due to multiple medical problems and surgery was "iffy" early on in the detection.) He has always been my shelter and refuge from the storms; my light in the darkness; and, the laughter in my heart and soul.

I hope to be back writing and designing coverart by mid-2009.

Attention Authors/Publishers...Pirated ebooks

2008-12-17T11:11:00.004-05:00

Someone emailed me today that Andrea Connors enters ebook contests with the intent of winning and then turning around and selling the ebooks. I will be contacting Google, as she has a blog on Blogger, to take this blog down and hopefully ban her from using their services.
Her email is: connors21@cox.net
Her blog: http://connors21.blogspot.com/
Her other site: http://www.esnips.com/user/connors21
A lawyer suggested that whenever you are holding a free giveaway contest, before you give the book to the winner, you send an email with this in it:
"To...put the winner's name here...I do not grant permission for this book to be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program or as a prize in any other contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the US Copyright Law. When you no longer want the books, they must be deleted from your computer. If you agree to these stipulations, please email me back and I will send the books to you."
If they write back and agree, save that email, print it out and keep it in a folder specifically made for that. While this won't keep them from pirating if they are going to, it gives you a stronger leg to stand on should you ever need it.
Please share this with your author friends. Some readers may not be aware this illegal. The more honest ones, it will make think twice. The completely honest ones will understand completely.

The Mistress Diaries by Julianne MacLean

2008-08-28T10:26:00.000-04:00

The Mistress Diaries by Julianne MacLean

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first book I've read by Ms.MacLean, but it won't be my last. Although I found one or two diary entries out of sequence (at the beginning of each chapter), I put it aside and read it in one day. The characters were well drawn out and although the story's plot was quite "common", it was a good read. Of course, as with this type of book, you always know there will be an HEA by the end of the story.
View all my reviews.

A LITTLE BIT WICKED by Victoria Alexander

2008-08-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

A LITTLE BIT WICKED by Victoria Alexander

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an excellent historical romance! I read it in one day.

View all my reviews.

Someone To Love by Jude Deveraux

2008-08-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's been awhile since I've read anything by Ms. Deveraux, but this book reminded me of why I had previously read her stories. A great plot that carried the characters through the story. Well done!

View all my reviews.

Wicked Ties by Shayla Black

2008-08-22T14:31:00.001-04:00

Wicked Ties by Shayla Black

My review

An "okay" read
This was the first book I've read by Shayla Black and I was not impressed. I was dissappointed in her lack of knowledge regarding BDSM - in this instance, D/s - and was abruptly put off early on in this story by the initial incident between the two main characters. I also found it hard to believe that anyone would allow a perfect stranger to tie them up. The plot - which was weak to say the least - wasn't "thick" enough. It took me over two weeks to read this book. Would I recommend it to friends in the lifestyle? No way! It is obvious the author did some research into the lifestyle, but definitely not enough to write believeable fiction. Until the author knows the intricate workings of the lifestyle, I suggest she stick to writing "kinky sex/erotica" and leave the BDSM community alone.

Where have I been?

2008-06-30T20:38:00.002-04:00

I am currently on hiatus from writing and edits due to my husband's terminal illness. My energies are focused on his end-of-life care.

Once I can return to my writing, I will be finishing the edits on the first book (The Learning Curve) of my 5-book contemporary romance series titled Yesterday's Innocence. It is contracted through Freya's" Bower, which is an awesome independent publisher (ebook & print).

Double Take by Tawny Taylor

2008-03-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

Double Take
by
Tawny Taylor
(BDSM/Menage a trois/Gay)

Fallon dreamed of a dominant lover for years. Giving it all to a man who can master her sexually. What she never imagined was not one, but two dominant lovers, determined to make her wildest sexual dreams a reality. But perfect lips and to-die-for bodies aside, the identities behind her new Masters’ masks aren’t the only secret they’re keeping.

As Fallon is pulled further into the erotic web they weave, she realizes that being submissive to two dominant men isn’t just about the sensations they can rouse in her, but the emotions they unleash.

The biggest surprise is yet to come, the one that can either set her free to share a love and a life she never dreamed possible, or break her heart forever.

Read an excerpt/Buy

What's happening...

2008-02-28T13:43:00.006-05:00

Well, I didn't get a lot done in 2007. I had one story published in the Freya's Bower BDSM Anthology, A ROSE OF ANY COLOR: Book 2: MALEDOM. It's received some high marks with reviewers, although one or two reviewers weren't real happy with one of the scenes. However, those negatives have actually created quite a stir and I'm not complaining. My story, ON BENDED KNEES, is perhaps one of the more true-to-life D/s stories in the anthology. Those who understand the lifestyle haven't had a problem with it. As a matter of fact, one reviewer with no knowledge read the Foreword (which I also wrote under my D/s nick) and gave me one of the highest marks (5 champagne flutes). She stated it contained a quite beautiful love story and not to let the BDSM theme fool you.

I recently submitted (on 02/25/08) SOMETHING STRANGE ABOUT ANGELINA to Harlequin's Nocturne Bites ebook line. I've got my fingers crossed on this one. Wedging one's foot inside the door at this longtime romance publishing industry icon would be a major kudo for me. I found out they are looking to acquire paranormal erotica (includes vampires, shapeshifters, etc.) and ANGELINA is a shapeshifter erotica! I did go through it and make a few final edits on it before submitting it. The good news here is that they supposedly will pay an advance!!! Below is a short blurb for ANGELINA:

For over 10 years, Angelina Pratt has been a competent and competitive detective. Having to prove herself over and over again, she's earned the titles of "Freezer Queen" and "Frostbiter" within the precinct for good reason. The nicknames never bothered her. However, the gruesome murders of young women recently didn't affect her until she realized the heiroglyphics carved into their flesh actually matched the talisman she'd always worn around her neck. A medallion her father had placed there when she was a small child. He had disappeared without a trace. Numerous failed attempts, using her authority to find him over the years, had turned up nothing. Now his words that had warned her to never take it off so long ago echoed in her mind.

Stefano watches over Angelina from nearby with the aggressiveness of a ruffled black raven. He is her protector. He has to convince her she is in danger. The ritual murders are actually cases of mistaken identity and those who commit them are growing reckless and agitated. Angelina must find another sanctuary. A safe refuge. At least until her upcoming 35th birthday. Only then would she be able to fully protect herself. This woman, his promised mate in life, already exhibits traces of her intended destiny.

When Angelina's friend at the university decodes the heiroglyphics on her medallion, she's even more puzzled. Could her father be one of the perpetrators of the grisly killings? And who the hell is this "Rectifier" the heiroglyphics speak of? Is she going to have to remove the talisman in order to fight the evil that Stefano says is seeking her.

I'm hoping this will pique Harlequin's interest enough to contract it. Of course, they have the entire manuscript, but the cover letter has to push their buttons as well.

I've got another BDSM story started, titled THAT THING SHE DOES, and I've already got the coverart ready to go for this one too. I'm not sure where I want to submit this one once it's polished to within an inch of its life. I had actually wanted to send it to Freya's Bower, but I may steer it off in Ellora's Cave or Phaze's direction. They tend to be a bit more open to true-to-life D/s erotica than Freya's Bower. Heaven knows, I had a few "discussions" via email with the publisher regarding a reader misinterpreting that scene in ON BENDED KNEES. I simply refused to change anything within the scene as it had gone through the editor and the proofer and neither had a problem with it. Plus, I wasn't about to demean the lifestylers who might read it. I did agree to add more definition to the Foreword on the lifestyle and delve deeper into the psychology within the dynamics of a BDSM relationship. Frankly, I had to explain what a "mind f**k" is in so many words without actually using that particular term.

I'm working on the edits to THE LEARNING CURVE which is book 1 of the 5-book Yesterday's Innocence series. I got way behind in this, but I'm back on it once again. The publisher and I are targeting a June 2008 release date. Tentative depending on circumstances surrounding my personal situation. I think this is enough for one afternoon. And I should be getting back to those edits. Oh whooped-t-doo!!!

Another Great Review for On Bended Knees!

2008-02-14T10:39:00.003-05:00

And this one is from Two Lips Reviews! Read the entire review by clicking on the preceding link for Two Lips Reviews. Below is what she had to say about On Bended Knees and the foreword (which I also wrote for both BDSM anthologies).

Title: A Rose of any Color: Maledom: A BDSM Anthology
Author: Canice Brown-Porter, Miranda Heart, Kayleigh Jamison, Emily-Ryan Davis, Katrina Strauss, and Joe Wilson
Publisher: Freya's Bower
Genre: BDSM/Contemporary/HistoricalPublication
date: October 29, 2007
ISBN: 1-934069-81-7
Pages: 177
Series: Book Two
Reviewer: Victoria
Heat Level: BDSM, whipping, forced abduction, anal sex,
Rating:
Six stories revolve around male doms of differing times, places, and circumstances. What interconnects each to the whole is the beauty behind giving each submissive a single rose. What color will each rose be? How does its significance factor in the relationship between each man and his woman? How does each dominant lovingly show his submissive the way to ecstasy?

Canice Brown-Porter’s On Bended Knees gives us the seductive story of Morgan and Sir Evan. Morgan is a submissive who has almost completed her training with Sir Evan. Dreading the final goodbye, she wonders if she will be the sub Sir Evan will decide to collar. Sir Evan isn’t ready to let Morgan go just yet - he’s got one final scene which will push her boundaries, deciding once and for all if he will collar her to him for all eternity.

Victoria's overall review: I enjoyed some of the stories more than others in this anthology. In my opinion, the best novellas were the first and last ones. I enjoyed the way Sir Evan pushed Morgan beyond her boundaries, which made me rethink her foolish assumptions. The last story got me to think beyond the bedroom, looking at a mature couple and how they have adapted their relationship over the years. The heat rating in this review is deceptive because some stories were scorching (first and last), while others were tame in comparison.

I did like the informative BDSM article that preceded the novellas which explained BDSM, D/s, and power exchange situations very well.

Again, On Bended Knees is the first story in the anthology, and I wrote the "BDSM article" she references here.

2007-12-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

A Rose of Any Colour - Male Dom
Canice Brown-Porter et al
Freya's Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-81-7
Fiction, BDSM, Erotic Romance
Reviewed by Jasmina Vallombrosa

In their latest collection, Freya’s Bower offers us six enticing tales of male dominance woven around the timeless and eternal symbol of the rose. Highlighting some of the new storytelling talents of the genre, the authors include Canice Brown-Porter, Miranda Heart, Kayleigh Jamison, Emily Ryan-Davis, Katrina Strauss, and Joe Wilson.

Beginning with Canice Brown-Porter, she tells us the beautiful story of Morgan and how her desire to become the one and only for her Master soon becomes her all consuming passion. Miranda Heart continues with the journey of Kaitlyn. After reading her innermost secrets and desires written in her journal, her boyfriend decides to turn her fantasies into reality. Little does she know that she has touched something central to his core and that he is a secret dom.

Kayleigh Jamison then leads us on a delicious adventure with a historic twist. Anna’s brother has wracked up huge gambling debts. As the only one in her family to possibly work them off, she finds employment the only way she knows how. When the darkly handsome Vere shows up to save her from her fate, she quickly wonders whether or not it is destiny that has led them together. Emily Ryan-Davis continues with the compassionate story of a married couple going through difficult times. Will they find the strength to do something to save their relationship by disclosing their hidden wants?

Katrina Strauss continues with her haunting tale of eternal love mixed in with breathtaking memories of an artist and his muse. Joe Wilson finishes the collection with his delightfully tantalizing story of just how much fun building up trust with another human being can be.

All in all, this is a thoroughly entertaining collection of sensual stories. I personally enjoyed the variety of themes and plots, all linked to the image of the rose. Thank you, Freya’s Bower, for giving us readers yet another exciting collection.

TCM Reviews

4 Klover rating for A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2, MaleDom

2007-12-19T17:38:00.000-05:00

‘A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2, Maledom’ - 4 Klover rating - http://www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/aroseofanycolour_jennifer.html
Reviewer: Jennifer

On Bended Knees was well-written, with characters that sparked interest from the beginning. I loved the premise of this story as it began and I eagerly turned each page as the story built to its conclusion.

But then Lord Evan did something I could never have imagined a responsible Dominant would do. Without giving it away, I will simply state that I strongly feel Lord Evan broke Morgan's trust in the worst way, and trust is paramount in a BDSM relationship. Without it, you have nothing. I truly cannot imagine how Morgan can ever believe in her Dom again after the way he treated her near the end of the story.

If this story had been classified in the horror genre, and had an ending that followed the horror theme, I would have accepted it. But this was a BDSM romance, and so Evan's actions instead came across as simply abusive.

Canice Brown-Porter is obviously a talented writer, with the ability to captivate with her words, effortlessly creating imagery in the reader's mind to match her story. However, that one scene ruined this entire story for me.

I just read the above review that Jennifer at Kwips & Kritiques did on my story, ON BENDED KNEES. To say the least, I was happy with the overall review. Wanting to classify it as horror kind of threw me off. The Dom did nothing wrong to warrant him as abusive nor to diminish the heroine's trust in him. She wasn't physically harmed or maimed.

However, my story is fiction about a real lifestyle. I would never dishonor the lifestyle or the individuals by writing "fluff bondage" and calling it BDSM. If I am going to write BDSM, I'm going to write BDSM. My story contains several lessons in it regarding the psychology and the trust factor that go hand-in-hand in these relationships. Lord Evan taught his submissive a valuable life-saving lesson at the end without bodily harm. The reader must realize this entire story is in the heroine's POV and fear creates a cocoon as to what an individual is focusing on at any given moment.

While Jennifer wouldn't elaborate on the ending, she certainly said enough to pique interest in my story even if on a negative note. At any rate, I'll take the 4 Klovers and smile.

Congratulations to all the authors in this anthology!

4 0ut 0f 5 from BDSM Reviews of A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2, MaleDom

2007-12-19T17:34:00.000-05:00

Another great review for A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2, MaleDom from BDSM Reviews!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Rose of Many Colours
Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2: Maledom
Author: Canice Brown-Porter
Publisher: Freya’s Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-81-7
Genre: Male Dom anthology
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 4 of 5

As we’ve previously discussed here, reviewing anthologies can be a tricky business. There always seems to be some unevenness in the stories – one that shines brighter than the others, one that doesn’t seem to hold its own. In this case, I am pleased to say that I didn’t think any of the stories detracted from the anthology, which is a rare thing in any anthology and a nearly unheard of thing in an anthology about BDSM. Generally, I can’t call a single story my favorite, because I have more than one. All of the stories were worth reading, and they varied enough to have a little taste of many different types of domination.

I’m going to go through these individually, so each story gets a little mini-review.

The first story in the anthology is Canice Brown-Porter’s On Bended Knees. The vignette opens with Morgan having just completed her training with Evan. The story which follows is an exploration of the power exchange of a submission. The issues of trust, limits, and communication are all explored with honesty and a good dose of reality. The lifestyle perspective (not just a little role play) is strong and clear, and makes for a balanced examination of the situation. However, so much emphasis is put on the situation that the characters are not as fully developed as I would like to see. The dialogue is quite formal – even stilted in some places. This, combined with the surface nature of the characters, very nearly overrides the connection between the Dom and sub. Even so, the story is well-executed and it is clear that the author is well-acquainted with the lifestyle. There is an extremely hot masturbatory scene, and a lovely description of the Ceremony of Roses. Overall, I’d say this was a solid, well-done glimpse into the most important aspect of dominance – the power exchange.

5 Champagne Flutes Review!

2007-11-23T11:32:00.001-05:00

A Rose of Any Colour. Book 2: MaleDom Freya's Bower
November 7th, 2007

REVIEWED BY:

OVERALL SCORE:

Author: Multiple
Publisher: Freya's Bower

REVIEW:

I found the foreword on this book very interesting. Not being part of the BDSM lifestyle, I was grateful for the explanation to that lifestyle before reading any of the stories. The foreword and understanding of the lifestyle is a must, in my opinion, before tackling BDSM as your reading matter. The reason for this is because without that understanding, the stories may very well have come across as perverted or wrong in some way to those people, like myself, who had no previous knowledge of what some people practise in their lives.

That said, here is my review.

Story 1: On Bended Knees – Canice Brown-Porter

The Dominant Evan has been training the submissive Morgan for four months now. Morgan, along with growing as a submissive and learning all she yearned to know about the BDSM lifestyle, has found that she has developed feelings for Evan. Her training comes to an end and, though she is glad that she's been a good student, she is also saddened that her time spent with Evan has come to an end. Morgan offers Evan the gift of her submission—but will he accept it and become her Lord?

Evan sends Morgan back to her home and instructs that she records all her feelings and emotions in a diary. She must show him all of her in these writings and obey all the instructions he sets out for her. He will know if she doesn't. The time spent alone without Evan is hard for Morgan—her longings and emotions are particularly well-drawn by Ms. Brown-Porter.

I enjoyed On Bended Knees for the understanding way Ms. Brown-Porter portrayed the lifestyle. I also enjoyed having a story to read as well as erotic content. On Bended Knees is actually a quite beautiful love story. Don't let the BDSM theme fool you there. Again, this is where the foreword was appreciated.

To read excerpts or to buy: http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/286/79/

5 Hearts from TRS for Beyond the Maze!

2007-11-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

5 Hearts from TRS for Beyond the Maze

from The Romance Studio!

Beyond The Maze

Canice Brown-Porter
Time travel romance
Available from Freya's Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-10-8
June 2006

It is the year 2006 and Aubrianna Sheffield inherited Chadwick Manor Gardens from her mother's aunt. Many come and pay money to visit the area, especially the maze and gardens of the estate. Aubrianna finds the maze a place of tranquil peace where she can often visit. Sometimes after a long day, and still dressed in her ninetieth century apparel attire, she will pay the maze a visit. Chadwick Manor Estates had another owner in the year 1857. Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV was considered a haughty lord who never tolerated disrespect. Of late he dreams of a certain woman but doesn't quite understand the meaning. On her way back to the house, Aubrianna finds a pair of skeleton keys, then suddenly finds herself in a dark mass only to be standing in front of Lord Chadwick. He wants to know what she is doing on his property, when she demands to know the same. She lets him know they are closed for the day but something is amiss when she sees him dressed in different attire than the present. Surely she not crazy, but Aubrianna has no idea of what has happened as she matches wits with the handsome man standing before her. It is a challenge that both are eager to play.

I thought Beyond the Maze was a sweet romantic story. The emotions alone captivate, and don't only transport Aubrianna into the past but the reader as well. The encounter between Aubrianna and Keane is very engaging and spins with sensational passion. Canice Brown-Porter crafts a tale that feels believable in everyway. The backdrop and characters are wonderfully sketched and leap from the pages. This is my first story by Ms. Brown-Porter and it promises not to be my last. For those who have yet to read this wonderful tale, you are in for a treat.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Linda L.
November 12, 2007

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/beyondthemazeporter.htm

Copyright © 2007 theromancestudio.com

Available Now from Freya's Bower! A Rose Of Any Color: MaleDom

2007-10-31T12:45:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to finally announce this release! I wrote the Foreword under my online nick, and the first story in the book. It is currently available in PDF format.

The collection features six sensual tales of dominance and submission, pain and pleasure, and the loves that blossom out of surrender. Click here for excerpts:
http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/286/79/

Included in the anthology:

On Bended Knees by Canice Brown-Porter

Morgan has finally found her place in the world...at Lord Evan's feet. But will he accept her as his submissive after her training or must she find another Dom?

Little Book of Fantasies by Miranda Heart

Kaitlyn couldn't have been more surprised than when her boyfriend of three months suddenly kidnaps her and drags her to an abandoned train car. She doesn't know whether she's going to be tortured to death or remain for his pleasure, so why is she titillated by the whole thing?

A Scandalous Arrangement by Kayleigh Jameson

A well-bred lady and a rakish earl escape the ton and shed their inhibitions in A Scandalous Arrangement...

Sold into the service of a brothel madame to satisfy her brother's gambling debts, Lady Anna Boscawen finds herself catapulted into the scandalous, seedy underbelly of the ton when she is given a new name and her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Vere Fane, Earl of Westmorland is rich, powerful, and devilishly handsome, known throughout society for his carnal inclination and the pleasure and pain he inflicts upon the women he alternately ravages and worships. Bound together by unusual circumstances, Vere leads Anna through a whirlwind of emotions, teaching her to find the ultimate freedom - in submission.

Unwrapping Amy by Emily Ryan-Davis

Amy and Mac Corcoran have known one another for 20 years. They've been lovers for 16. Married for 14. Twenty years, and they still have secrets. Will confession hold them together or tear them apart?

Efflorescence by Katrina Strauss

It's the spring of 1920. The wholesome Gibson girl is fading from grace, while the spirited Flapper has yet to emerge. In the midst of this transition, a young and bored Hannah struggles to find her place.When she models for Russian painter Pavel, she meets a kindred restless spirit. As their friendship evolves, their sessions lead both to question their taboo desires. But as Hannah and Pavel gradually explore these desires, can they also find room in their lives for love? With themes of bondage, and a guest appearance by a young Anais Nin, Efflorescence explores one girl's coming-of-age at a time when women, as a whole, redefined their role in a changing world.

Touching Down by Joe Wilson

Joe flies a thousand miles to give a pink rose to a woman he calls Pita, and to demand she submit. When she obeys, he challenges her values and fears with lust and pain … six miles above the ground … in a lavish casino resort … at a pillar with a whip and a poem, and that damn pink rose. On an unlikely journey, a jaded dominant and a wary divorcee begin an adventure that will take the rest of their lives and teach them once again about love and trust.

Discovery by Rob Graham

2007-10-29T16:54:00.000-04:00

Title: Discovery - A Phaze Heat Sheet
By: Rob Graham
Published by: Phaze.com
ISBN: 1-59426-904-1
Genre: BDSM Erotica
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter

Rated: 3.5 out of 5
Review for BDSM Reviews

John struggles throughout his adult life to keep his dominating personality from surfacing. The idea that he could be even remotely like the people who raised him prevented him from letting his guard down. Until his lesbian, dominant friend Marie convinces him that under the right circumstances, his dominating personality may possibly be a plus. She levels a friendly dare in the form of a test of his dominant nature, and although John maintains a non-competitive attitude, he agrees to the test. Marie invites him to a party and tells him she's invited a special guest - a submissive - that he will have to find on his own.

Ariel has experience in the D/s lifestyle. Once the submissive of a Master who abandoned her with no warning. He didn't even release her and remove his collar. She had failed to please him, and in turn been punished by him on a regular basis whenever he chose to show up. But then he finally just disappeared one day and never returned.

Can John handle the responsibilities of a dominant when he has spent his life refusing to acknowledge all traits of a dominant personality?

Being a lifestyler with almost ten consecutive years of experience as a submissive, I had to put this story down and come back to it several times before I could finish it. In the end, I had to view it on the basics of fiction, and fiction alone.

Mr. Graham has a wonderful grasp on storytelling. The characters are well defined. Descriptions and dialogue are proportioned appropriately. I enjoyed the settings and the premise the story is based on, but found it hard to believe that any female - inside or outside the lifestyle - would actually take a stranger, whom she has known for not more than 30 minutes, to her apartment. Much less allow this man to tie her up rendering her totally defenseless and vulnerable. Granted a mutual friend setup the meeting (blind date), but still...

As for the kinky sex -- and, yes, there is plenty of that -- it's all believeably erotic. The scene is well described and enjoyable. Slow down, Mr. Graham, and you'll do very well in the industry. Your skills as a writer are evident. As with any story of fiction, it should be entertaining. Discovery by Rob Graham meets and fulfills that goal.

***************

Reviewer's Note: For accurate research on the D/s lifestyle, I suggest castlerealm.com. The Safe, Sane, and Consensual creed is in place for a reason if a writer wishes to attract a loyal readership of those in the lifestyle.

Coming October 30, 2007

2007-10-29T12:05:00.000-04:00

A Rose of Any Color: MaleDom
by Various Authors

On Bended Knees by Canice Brown-Porter
Morgan has finally found her place in the world...at Lord Evan's feet. But will he accept her as his submissive after her training or must she find another Dom?
Read an excerpt.

Little Book of Fantasies by Miranda Heart
Kaitlyn couldn't have been more surprised than when her boyfriend of three months suddenly kidnaps her and drags her to an abandoned train car. She doesn't know whether she's going to be tortured to death or remain for his pleasure, so why is she titillated by the whole thing?
Read an excerpt.

A Scandalous Arrangement by Kayleigh Jameson
A well-bred lady and a rakish earl escape the ton and shed their inhibitions in A Scandalous Arrangement...

Sold into the service of a brothel madame to satisfy her brother's gambling debts, Lady Anna Boscawen finds herself catapulted into the scandalous, seedy underbelly of the ton when she is given a new name and her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Vere Fane, Earl of Westmorland is rich, powerful, and devilishly handsome, known throughout society for his carnal inclination and the pleasure and pain he inflicts upon the women he alternately ravages and worships. Bound together by unusual circumstances, Vere leads Anna through a whirlwind of emotions, teaching her to find the ultimate freedom - in submission.
Read an excerpt.

Unwrapping Amy by Emily Ryan-Davis
Amy and Mac Corcoran have known one another for 20 years. They've been lovers for 16. Married for 14. Twenty years, and they still have secrets. Will confession hold them together or tear them apart?
Read an excerpt.

Efflorescence by Katrina Strauss
It's the spring of 1920. The wholesome Gibson girl is fading from grace, while the spirited Flapper has yet to emerge. In the midst of this transition, a young and bored Hannah struggles to find her place. When she models for Russian painter Pavel, she meets a kindred restless spirit. As their friendship evolves, their sessions lead both to question their taboo desires. But as Hannah and Pavel gradually explore these desires, can they also find room in their lives for love? With themes of bondage, and a guest appearance by a young Anais Nin, Efflorescence explores one girl's coming-of-age at a time when women, as a whole, redefined their role in a changing world.
Read an excerpt.

Touching Down by Joe Wilson
Joe flies a thousand miles to give a pink rose to a woman he calls Pita, and to demand she submit. When she obeys, he challenges her values and fears with lust and pain … six miles above the ground … in a lavish casino resort … at a pillar with a whip and a poem, and that damn pink rose. On an unlikely journey, a jaded dominant and a wary divorcee begin an adventure that will take the rest of their lives and teach them once again about love and trust.
Read an excerpt.

Rating: Spicy to Beyond Sizzling
Book Length: Plus Novel
Genre: BDSM/Contemporary/Historical
Price: $5.95

Just In Time For Halloween

2007-10-17T17:18:00.001-04:00

The Goblin, the Witch, and the Single Girl
By Canice Brown-Porter

Five years after losing her parents in the 9/11 terrorist act that toppled the Twin Towers in New York City, Caitlin realizes she needs to take control of her life again and start fresh. Even if it means giving up the most eligible bachelor in the City.

Trips to Montreal as a young girl with her parents had taken her through the quaint, quiet little village of Rouses Point. Perched on the northernmost shores of Lake Champlain in New York state, the old Clabo Victorian home had been vacant even back then.

And now, here she stands in the middle of the foyer of her new home, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Will her life be as sweet as she foresees? Or will the other occupants in her house throw a wrench in her plans?

What They Are Saying
An excellent novella...charming... I thoroughly enjoyed reading it... My only regret is that it ended much too quickly."
Kathy Boswell
Reviewer for The Best Reviews
~ ~ ~

"a charmingly sweet fantasy tale that is just perfect for adult readers... I had to laugh at Niles frustration and determination to rid Caitlin of her boyfriend and his disappointment when he's unsuccessful... I have to admit I'd love to read more about the characters who live there."
4.5 Ribbons from Christy Dionne
Reviewer for Romance Junkies Reviews
~ ~ ~

"THE GOBLIN, THE WITCH, AND THE SINGLE GIRL is an enjoyable paranormal romance with an interesting take on the beauty and the beast theme...inspiring, and I recommend it to the reader of paranormal romance..."
4 Moons from Marlene Breakfield
Reviewer for Mystique Book Reviews
~ ~ ~

"beautiful and cute story...I will definitely read more of this author!"
4 Stars from Anne Chaput
Reviewer for Ecataromance

Read an excerpt at http://freyasbower.com/content/view/126/86/

BDSM Reviews: Discovery, by Cris Anson

2007-06-26T16:59:00.000-04:00

Publisher: Ellora's Cave: Quickies: Valentine Vixens

Title: Discovery

Author: Cris Anson

ISBN: 9781419909429

Reviewed By: Canice Brown-Porter

Rating: 4 out of 5

Reviewed For: BDSM Reviews

Becca is a middle-aged attorney who needs to explore her true nature. An identity she's suppressed all her life. After ten years of marriage to Steve, she knows they are in a rut. Perhaps this will rekindle the fire that had consumed them in the beginning. Finding herself and exploring the submissiveness she harbors deep inside could be just the answer they need. At the same time, she'd be able to experience her dark fantasies of exhibitionism. Becca just wants to let go and delve into the desires she's kept locked away. Just once, she wants to experience the unspeakable.

This is where her friend, Glynnis, had come into the picture. Through Glynnis, arrangements for a weekend getaway were in place. Steve would suspect nothing. She and Glynnis occasionally headed off for some "girl time".

However, the giant Dominant that greeted her at the door quickly had her mind racing. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea afterall. But, Glynnis had assured her she would be perfectly safe. And her friend wasn't about to let her back out now. So, when the giant motioned them both inside, Becca took that first step into Discovery.

This is a well written story that takes the reader into the world of BDSM with smiles, giggles, amazement, and sparks of fire. Ms. Anson conveys the true guidelines of a Dominant/submissive relationship. The presence of the BDSM creed for Safe, Sane, and Consensual is woven into the dialogue and actions of all participants.

Discovery is a story of a woman who wants to rekindle the passion between herself and her husband. She realizes this is only possible if she can experience and explore all her deepest, darkest desires. With a surprise twist at the end, the reader closes the book with a sated appetite for hot sex. I love it when authors get the truth of the BDSM lifestyle right.

Back in the land of Oz..

2007-04-23T14:11:00.000-04:00

Sheesh! Yeah, just plain 'sheesh'... I'm glad last week is gone! Anyway, looking forward... I've added a new page to my website. It has all the coverart I've designed to-date. Working on one now for another epublisher. This is going to be short, but felt I had to make at least one entry.

My booksigning - my first ever - is this Friday (04/27) at a large warehouse book fair near Charlottesville, VA. So, I'm busy getting that stuff taken care of. I've got about 7 chapters of edits to do that I fell behind on last week while my computer was down. And, I don't even want to go there!

So, check back over the weekend. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures to share!

Own Me by Dawn Montgomery

2007-04-01T23:47:00.000-04:00

Own Me, by Dawn Montgomery
Genre: Erotica
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publication Date: January 2007
Sexual Content: Erotic/light BDSM/spanking
ISBN: 978-1-60168-023-5
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter
Rating: 3 out of 5

Anna has a problem. Relinquishing control wasn’t something she relished. The demons from her childhood of growing up in a dysfunctional family had left deep-rooted scars. Scars that had interfered in her adult life, including her marriage to Leon. She loved him. And, she knew he loved her. So, why couldn’t she trust the one man she’d given her heart to?

Tonight she’d make an honest effort with Leon’s promise to stop if she couldn’t handle being vulnerable. Facing her fears was the only way she’d overcome them. And, either she’d rise to the occasion, or continue to wallow in the black depths of fear. Would being bound and at Leon’s mercy finally set her free? Or, would she lose the battle and remain forever locked in her fears?

Ms. Montgomery has written a sweet erotic romance with light bondage and spanking. However, this is more along the lines of a couple using aspects of BDSM as a form of therapy. While the story was well written, it lacked in emotional descriptions. Although it contains graphic language and situations, I felt the author skimmed over the emotional aspects of what the heroine was feeling. The concept was present. It just didn’t dig deep enough.

All-in-all, if you are not into explicit descriptions, but enjoy a little kink in the bedroom, this is a good, quick read. On a heat level scale for erotica, it would squeak in as a two.

My First Book Signing Scheduled

2007-03-29T19:12:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! Well, it's definite. My first REAL book signing will be on April 27th at a huge week long Book Fair. I'm thrilled that the organizer contacted me. As a matter of fact, he's been trying to pin me down for a date that I could be there. LOL So, on Friday, April 27th, I'll be THE author of the day! How cool is that? I'm so excited, and have so much to do in the way of planning.

BUT, I'd like to do something special for FB and WCP and its authors. No reason not to showcase all of us in one fell swoop here in Virginia. So, if any of you would like to send me autographed books, bookmarks, candy, etc. for me to include in a huge Giveaway to one lucky person that day, please email me at CaniceBPorter(at)aol(dot)com. I'll send you my mailing address and you can get your donations in the mail to me. I'll need them no later than April 24th. That'll give me at least 2 days to do all the final touches on the basket.

I'll be sure to post pictures on my website of the event as well.

Dear John by Cassidy Kent

2007-03-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

Dear John by Cassidy Kent
Publisher: Amber Heat
ISBN-13: 978-1-59279-670-0 (Electronic)

Dane Harley grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, a foster kid with no true home and no direction. In her last year of high school, she met John Stratton, a Pittsburgh rich kid with a penchant for trouble. When they both ended up in jail for petty theft, Dane realized she'd been dragging John down. She left town in hopes that he'd have a better life without her.

Ten years later, Dane is a social worker devoted to placing foster kids in stable, nurturing homes. She returns to Pittsburgh two weeks before her ten-year reunion to reconnect with her childhood friend, Roxy Jordan. While reminiscing about their high school days as goth-girls, Roxy reminds Dane of her turbulent relationship with John and their messy break-up. Dane decides to get in touch with her first love again, with disastrous results.

When a pretty young woman answers at his door, Dane knows he's moved on. Perhaps John hasn't exactly been holding his breath for her return, but he can't resist the allure of Dane and their subsequent affair speaks of the torrent of passion and love that still ties them together. Will they be able to reconcile their past and have a future? Or will she accept the inevitable and settle for a life without him...

Review: Breaking Skye by Eden Bradley

2007-03-22T18:26:00.000-04:00

Breaking Skye by Eden Bradley
Format: Phaze Fetish HeatSheet eBook
ISBN: 1-59426-906-8
Published by: Phaze
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter

Skye Ballard is ready to relinquish control of herself for one evening just to experience her darkest and deepest fantasies. She's sure she'll get it out of her system once-and-for-all, so she places a personal ad on bondage.com. What she didn't expect was Adam Dunne. Dominant extraordinaire. Or, at least that's how she perceived him. Without being overbearing, he took control of her during their initial meeting in a public cafe. And, he had done it with little fanfare. Adam Dunne was the epitome of domination.

So, why didn't she run? What had made her agree to more than one evening with him? She should have said no and high-tailed it out of there. But, instead, three nights later a cab dropped her off in front of his home as he had subtly commanded of her. Even as she knocked on his door, her brain screamed 'run'until his masculine figure stood framed in the doorway.

WOW! Ms. Bradley has packed not only erotic physical action inside this short story but the emotional aspects as well. By the end of the book, I was wiping away tears. The beauty of the BDSM lifestyle just shines through in Ms. Bradley's writing skills. If you haven't read a story by this author, you need to immediately purchase anything she has published out there. If you are a lifestyler, you'll love this author. She knows what she's writing about and eloquence and technique are merged into poetic soul mates.

Rose Petals Vol.3 Released!

2007-03-18T19:18:00.000-04:00

ROSE PETALS VOL.3 RELEASED!
Anthology

Desert of Desire by Dara Edmundson
New York reporter Eve Mason is perfectly content in her comfortable world shunning romance for fear of the inevitable heartbreak. When she's sent to interview reclusive author Red Calloway in Sedona, Arizona, she discovers the passion she's been missing her whole life in his desert paradise.

Second Chance Rose by Terry Odell
Rose has had her one true love. After her husband's death, she moves across the country and discovers the special garden her mother told her about in childhood bedtime stories. When she meets Richard, friendship blooms. But can there be second chances for true love?

Garden of Sin by Jennifer Leeland
Shy but brilliant and unsure around women, Forrest Sterling asks Mira Serrano for help. Despite her misgivings, she agrees and a favor turns into something neither can forget. Eight years later, Forrest is back to claim the woman he never forgot. Now, he's giving the lessons to convince Mira that they belong together and he'll use any method to do it.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Congratulations to this year's ...

2007-03-01T09:47:00.000-05:00

Amber Quill Press AMBER HEAT WAVE™ CONTEST WINNERS!
Amber Heat has announced this year's winning manuscripts. Only 7 out of 200 entries were chosen. My manuscript wasn't one of the chosen, but congratulations to those who were!
• Adeno by Gabrina Garza (Fantasy)
• Bondmate 1: The Guardian Of My Soul by C.J. England (Sci-Fi / Fantasy)
• Covet by Karen Erickson (Contemporary / Interracial)
• Heading South by Owen March (Gay [M/M] / Contemporary)
• Just Friends by Anne Thomas (Gay [M/M] / BDSM)
• The Powers Of Love by J. M. Snyder (Gay [M/M] / Fantasy / Superhero)
• Samantha White & The Seven Dwarves by Mimi Riser (Sci-Fi / Comedy)

Newspaper Coverage!

2007-02-28T23:14:00.000-05:00

CANICE BROWN-PORTER PUBLISHED AUTHOR
By: Mary Racicot

Canice Brown-Porter is a former resident of the Village of Rouses Point and has recently contracted seven manuscripts with ebook and print publisher Freya’s Bower. The new eBook promotes the Village of Rouses Point, Fort Montgomery, and Lake Champlain.

Her latest novella release, entitle The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl, is now available in several ebook formats from her publisher. What makes the book so special? Ms. Brown-Porter has placed the characters in this delightfully humorous, sweet romance ebook smack–dab in the middle of Rouses Point.

"I have a deep love for the Village, and learned so much while I was a resident there," Ms. Brown-Potter stated. "The history and lore of the area is perhaps one of my strongest reasons for falling so in love with the area. And, as I did while living there, I think promoting Rouses Point as a travel destination is important. People are missing so much by not putting this quaint village on their travel itineraries. I would love to go back to visit one day."

Ms. Brown-Porter also has an historical time travel romantica ebook of two short stories entitled Beyond the Maze published through the same publisher. The ebook is listed as one of the publisher’s best sellers. The first book in her Yesterday’s Innocence series - a five book contemporary romanctica series - entitled The Learning Curve is scheduled for released this month. The series will be offered in ebook and paperback formats. Canice Brown-Porter is a pen name for Brenda Brown who lived in Rouses Point in the 1990's and ran DOC Graphics and printed a weekly newspaper.

You can view the article online at: http://champlainislander.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=74&Itemid=47 The Islander is a favorite weekly newspaper published in Vermont with a distribution area including Vermont, northeast New York state, and points within southern Quebec Province, Canada. It is owned and operated by Doug Fowler.

Breaking Skye by Eden Bradley Now Available

2007-02-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

BREAKING SKYE, Eden Bradley's newest e-book is available now from the Phaze Fetish line!

Skye Ballard has always wanted to experience her fantasies of sexual submission. She craves to be commanded, taken over. She is convinced that all it will take to purge this yearning from her system is one night. Skye searches out the perfect Dominant for the job-it must be a man who is powerful, attractive, and naturally dominant. But when she meets Adam Dunne, she finds a man beyond her wildest dreams.

Adam convinces her one night will not be enough for what he sees as a process, rather than a single experience. Skye soon discovers that being with him only makes her crave more. And while he begins with the idea of training her to be the perfect submissive—for someone else—soon all he can think of is making her his, making her yield. All he can think of is breaking Skye—and keeping her for himself.
Buy this book now at Phaze!
Direct link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Bre...by+Eden+Bradley

Getting Antsy

2007-02-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, in just a few short days, I'll know whether or not Amber Quill Press is accepting me as one of their new authors. They announce the winners of their annual contest - held the first two weeks of each year - on Thursday, March 1st. I can't believe March is just around the corner already!

I've been getting some fantastic reviews on The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl. Romance Junkies gave it a 4.5 rating and so far all 4's from everyone else. I'll post some of them with the links here in a bit. In the meantime you can always read them on my website at http://www.canicebrown-porter.com/goblin.html.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:
I had friends drive down from Charlottesville and take me out to Cattle Annie's for the Chris Young concert. Had another friend join us to help me celebrate my birthday, too. However, I really have to plug their fantastic opening act, The LoCash Cowboys. What an absolutely phenomenal group. They are on myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/thelocashcowboys. Be sure to check them out. They've got music there of their latest songs and they said last night that they have now gotten a recording contract! Magnificient. Because from what I saw and heard out of them last night...they are awesome! My friend took a picture of me with Chris and his brother Preston - the two lead singers. Cuties they are! I'll get the pic posted here soon, too.

On Friday, I got a real job working at home. I went in to the office (about 2 hours away) on Friday and I went back today for hands-on training. I'll be working from home and the starting pay was really decent considering my commute will take all of about 10 seconds.

Okay, I'll post more later. Happy writing and reading everyone!

Just Notes...

2007-02-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

I just found out last week that the first book in my 5-book series (Yesterday's Innocence: The Learning Curve) should be out somewhere around the 7th of March. It seems the final edits got "lost in the shuffle" and it is now back in the proofers' hands. I got an apology for the error from the publisher, and it should get some added exposure/promotion since it is being released near their anniversary date.

I will also find out next Thursday whether or not "Something Strange About Angelina" made the Amber Quill Press cut. I'm hoping it did! (Well DUH!) This is the first dark fantasy/thriller I've written, and I am very pleased with it.

Still working on the edits prior to sending to my publisher, the 2nd book in the Yesterday's Innocence series entitled "InnocentLies/Dangerous Truths".

Does anyone else have a tight schedule? Or, is it just me? LOL

What's Happpening!

2007-02-16T00:58:00.000-05:00

I just picked up a parttime cover artist position with Twilight Fantasies Publications!

Mrs. Giggles reviewed The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl. While she gave it a 68 (high average) rating, she did state she liked my "voice" and would enjoy the story even more should I make it longer. I'm not complaining, because as any author will tell you, you have to either have balls of steel to submit your work to her for review, or just be straight, flatout out of your mind to do it. Of course, some of us could just have masochist tendencies.

I'm not sure what's going on with all the review sites that my Goblin novella was submitted, but very few have reviewed it to-date. So, I've begun submitting it to more sites.

Still no word yet from my publisher on when The Learning Curve is going to be released. Hopefully, soon as I've gotten several emails from readers who are anxiously awaiting its release.

I've Posted a FREE Valentine's Day READ

2007-02-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

I've written a short story for the Romance Divas eBook Challenge which debuted on Valentine's Day. Multiple talented authors have written special stories just for readers and posted them as free reads. You can read them online and some have them setup for PDF or HTML downloads!

My story started out as a paranormal/contemporary erotica. However, my characters had their own ideas about where they wanted this story to go, so it is now a BDSM erotica with a Divas rating of XXXX. It's hot...steamy...graphic...and sensual. It's about love gone wrong. Love and desires hidden to save friendships. It's about mending love and misunderstandings. There is FF and FM action. Not for the faint of heart, but an endearing love story, nonetheless. It's available to read online or as a PDF or HTML download. The links are available on the main page of my website, and the story is titled HOLLY'S VALENTINE'S DAY SWEET TREAT. As always, I designed my cover art.

For more exciting FREE READS go to the Romance Divas eBook Challenge site for a complete listing.

Available now at Freya's Bower!

2007-02-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

A legendary relic, a dragon-wrought amulet, the Heart of Fire may be the salvation of her people, and Sorcha is willing to pay any price to obtain it, but when she discovers the price is the loss of her humanity, she learns caution too late. Only a hero can save her, and he isn't human.

An ancient relic of dragon magic; its price? Nothing less than Sorcha’s heart.

For more information, visit Freya's Bower!

Winner Announced!

2007-02-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

The Romance Studio holds a Book-a-Day Giveaway at their website - www.theromancestudio.com - and on February 4th my ebook novella, The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl was one of the books they had up for their giveaway. The winner was Rachel Watson, whose name was drawn from about 75 entries. I sent her the PDF copy of my novella. Congratulations, Rachel! And, thanks for entering the contest at TRS!

Call for Submissions: Summer Lovin'

2007-02-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

True, the weather outside might be frightful right now, but at Freya's Bower, we're dreaming of sunshine and hot steamy nights.

To celebrate summer in all it's glory, we'll be offering a new fast, fun and flirty line of beach reads on June 21, 2007, the official first day of summer. We're looking for some great short reads (short stories from 10,000 to 15,000 words and novellas from 15,001 to 30,000 words) dealing with the theme of summer, sun, and love. All romance and erotica subgenres allowed, as long as it fits within the theme. We'll take all heat levels, from sweet to sizzling, but no matter what the heat, make the temperature rise!

Deadline for submissions: April 21, 2007 (although decisions will be made on a rolling basis)

Submit your stories and/or any questions directly to Heather Sapp at hsapp@myway.com

Please follow the guidelines for submissions: http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/12/59/

What's Up With Canice?

2007-02-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

It's been hectic the past few months since my last entry. I was 6 weeks late getting any edits from my editor on The Learning Curve. That threw it late getting to the proofer. The Proofing Dept. was on the ball and I even got an unsolicited "kudo" for the book! However, it needed to go back to the editor, because the publisher says there is a limit on the amount of words in one chapter. Some of mine were double what she quoted to be the norm, so that had to be fixed. This pushed it up to Christmas. Revisions done, I sent it back around the end of December and the first of January. It was suppose to be released by the end of January, but I'm still waiting for an actual announcement from the publisher. This is the first book of five in the Yesterday's Innocence series.

This novella - Virtual Lovers - is a sci-fi erotica. Not my normal writing, but certainly a mind-boggling and thought-provoking read. This has absolutely nothing to do with online relationships. This propels the idea of interactive gaming to years ahead.

I subbed it last month to Freya's Bower, but got a rejection with invitation to re-sub to them from the editor, if I develop the characters and scale down the sub-plots within it. Not sure what I'm going to do with it, although I will develop the relationship between one of the main characters and her contrived lover. I have had an inquiry from the managing editor who would love to see me re-sub it to Freya's Bower perhaps around May when she can actually have a look at it herself. That is encouraging. Although I had originally written this book with two other publishers in mind, I decided to sub it to Freya's Bower because they have been so supportive of my work right from the beginning. I don't know if I want this manuscript to sit around until May though. So, it's still up in the air. I'll decide once I've gotten the rewrites done on it.

I entered the Amber Quill Press contest on January 15th. The last day to sub an entire manuscript of no less than 10K words. Something Strange About Angelina is another uncommon area of writing for me. It is a Dark Fantasy/Contemporary erotica. Amber Quill holds this contest each year and it is the only time a new manuscript can be subbed to this publisher if you are not already published with them. They announce the winners of this contest on March 1st, and publish the winning manuscripts in June. This is the first time I've subbed to them, so I'm hoping to get in. You can visit their website at http://www.amberquillpress.com/. I've got plenty to keep me busy, so this month will go by quickly.

Other writing projects include: A BDSM novella for Freya's Bower's upcoming anthologies. They have two planned. One with female Dominants and one with male Dominants. I also have to have a 700 word Foreword written for each of the books. Although I don't need to have a cover for it, I always design one. My novella for the male Dominant anthology is titled Servitude: a submissive journey. This manuscript has to be in no later than March 31st. The story is based on a submissive woman who has been trained for several months by a male Dom who has now completed her training. The day has arrived that He will now remove His training collar from around her neck. No longer under His tutelege, the submissive has spent the preceding weeks practicing her offer of submission to Him. It is only in her POV, and she goes over in her mind all the trials and errors of her training under Him. The reader will "get inside her head" and understand the attraction of this lifestyle. Why would anyone want to serve another? With little or no say in choices made daily? Be prepared to empathize, sympathize, and visualize the beauty of a lifestyle that eliminates the power struggles of a "vanilla" relationship. Understand how a submissive actually controls the relationship through set limits. Understand how a submissive is not anyone's doormat in this lifestyle. Understand how strength of mind, character, commitment, and soul are required to kneel before any Dominant. Many may ask how I could write an introspective piece such as this. It's easy for me. I've been there, done that. I have first hand experience in this lifestyle. Eight years worth.

I'm also up to my eyeballs in polishing the 2nd book of the Yesterday's Innocence series which has to be to Freya's Bower by the end of February. Innocent Lies/Dangerous Truths follows the two main characters from book one, The Learning Curve.

I also wanted to submit a manuscript to Freya's Bower for their T.R.O.U.B.L.E. line, but that has a February 21st deadline, and I'm just not sure I can crank out a novel/category length by then, even using one of my manuscripts already in progress. Another time perhaps.

I have another historical time travel erotica that has laid on the back burner for a year now. I've wanted to work on it and get it ready to sub, but right now that's still on hold. I actually have this one earmarked for my search for an agent. You have to have a completed manuscript for the majority of them, so this one is the chosen one.

Goals for 2007: I want to seriously seek an agent. I want to start and complete another paranormal/shapeshifter set in Rouses Point like the novella published last November titled The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl.

Okay, this post is getting annoyingly long. I'll post more later.

Pre-Release Review

2007-01-28T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for over a month now. M.E. Ellis is a published author and one of the top new voices in suspense/thriller genre. She also edits for Freya's Bower, and will be the first to tell you she's not a romance genre fan. Which, in my humble opinion, makes her comment below even more credible. Thank you, M.E. *smile*

I've got a novel proof that I want to try and get finished by tonight. I read one half yesterday. It's The Learning Curve by Canice Brown Porter. 100K of romance/erotica. If the first half is anything to go by, this one is packed with saucy scenes that will fair make your heart flutter. ...M.E. Ellis

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

2007-01-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

Available Monday, January 29th from Forbidden Publications

Sela Carsen: The Virgin Courtesan (historical; sensual)
Stacy Dawn: Apple of His Eye (contemporary; mainstream [aka: nonerotic])
Elisabeth Drake: Wasting the Dawn (dark paranormal; carnal)
CJ England: Angel Eyes and Demon Lies (paranormal; carnal)
Dayna Hart: Wings of Love (fantasy; mainstream)
Loribelle Hunt: Be Mine (contemporary; sensual)
Crystal Jordan: Twice in a Blue Moon (paranormal; carnal)
Jennifer Leeland: Naughty Notions (contemporary; carnal)
JT Schultz: Cupid's Target (paranormal; sensual)
Shelli Stevens: Cabin Fever (contemporary; carnal)

While I'm Waiting...

2007-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, I feel a little better about yesterday. I updated my website, so it now has a whole new look. Although, I am still working on a couple of pages. I managed to help my bestest friend *and you know who you are* with her website. I read "Snow Falling on Lovers" by Adrianna Dane. Now all I have to do is write the review. Interesting read, because I kept waiting for the hero or heroine to mention the other's name, and nowhere in the whole story is there the use of a proper name. But, it worked well. No writing at all yesterday. Unless you count the writing I did while revamping my website. NOT!

Goals today:
• write and submit review for Snow Falling on Lovers
• try to write something on my story for the FB BDSM anthology
• start on the RD Valentine's Day short story

Goals through February 2007:
• polish/edit "Innocent Lies/Dangerous Truths" and submit to FB by end of February. (Book 2 of Yesterday's Innocence series)
• setup a new PayPal account for my writing income/expenses
• mail entry fee for The Stroke of Midnight contest (Passionate Ink) and submit e-entry per specs
• finish and post RD Valentine's Day short story on my website (Free Read/Download) no later than Feb. 10th
• finish TROUBLE story for FB no later than 02/21
• start working on historical time travel again (entry for the Stroke of Midnight contest)
Goals through April 2007:

• finish the historical time travel for the Stroke of Midnight contest
• actively seek agent representation

Two New Releases for Jenna Bayley-Burke

2007-01-23T22:49:00.000-05:00

Hi there everyone! I wanted to breeze by and annouce my double debut at The Wild Rose Press! I write romance for Mills & Boon, but love the challenge of a short story. I am so thankful WRP celebrates the medium, giving those of us pressed for time a smile and a bounce to our step.

The love after loss story, How About Tomorrow, is the first Rosette I contracted with WRP. My writing friends at Romance Divas helped me tweak it until it was just right...and then Leeane fixed that to perfection.

Jack hasn’t been out on a date since his wife’s death five years ago. Even his teenage daughter thinks it’s time he finally go on a blind date brokered by his sister-in-law. Jack’s unsure, until he meets Maria. She’s as timid as he is at first, but the more they talk the more they realize they should see each other again, and again.

My English Tea Rose, In Silhouette, was so exciting to write. I work mainly in contemporary romance, so stretching into Regency was difficult, but rewarding! I dedicated this story to my critique partner, American Title II finalist Suzan Hyssen. She writes intelligent, comedic Regency romances, when she is not busy with law school.

James Darby is bored by the ennui of country life, fervidly anticipating his return to London. When he spies Miss Hughes entertaining herself by cutting silhouettes at a party he’s captivated by her talent, and charm. How can someone so fascinating survive in a place so tedious?

In February, another of my stories will appear in the Dreams & Desires charity anthology. Keep a look out for my Last Rose of Summer Rosettes...they are coming soon!

Jenna

Cerulean Skye by R. Pia

2007-01-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

Available now at Silk's Vault
Skye Clearwater is devoted and diligent in every aspect of her life, especially when it comes to the people she loves. The galaxy is at war again. Skye’s father is called back to active duty by the Cerulean Brotherhood. When all communication with him ceases after a few mooncycles, Skye decides to join the conflict to search him out. Young Skye is thrust into the complexities of real life and galactic war. Skye is captured by the warring Hegemony and has to use her wits, skills, and powers to save herself and her love ones. What Skye doesn’t expect to find in the midst of chaos, is her soul’s reflection in another. . .

Link: Cerulean Skye

Mating Call by Emily Ryan-Davis

2007-01-23T14:56:00.000-05:00

Available now at Freya's Bower!
Cora Phillips has witchcraft in her blood, but she's convinced she inherited the recessive rather than the dominant trait. Her mother and sister are the real heiresses to the Lune tradition; Cora has neither the interest nor the inclination to take up the Dragonkeeper mantle. Years ago, she left the New York City Witch lifestyle to the other women in her family, and said goodbye to all the velvet and lace. However, during a moment of insomnia-induced insanity, she agrees to come back to celebrate Christmas/Winter Solstice with her family.

It comes as a shock to all three women when Cora, through clumsy fumblings to "get in touch with her goddess" at her sister's urging, calls a pair of ancient dragons into her meditation circle.

Cora swears it's a mistake. Her mother swears it's the correct course of events. Eventually, every Dragonkeeper issues the call to mate. Problem is, nobody expected Cora to summon even a single dragon, let alone two.

Before long, the dragons' guardians come knocking, literally, and ruin any hope of politely apologizing and returning the creatures.

For more information, visit Freya's Bower!

Now the Waiting Begins...

2007-01-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

Four days. A minimum of 10,000 words. Amber Quill Press contest. Deadline Today, January 15th.

It's the only way to get your foot in the door with this publisher. Once a year. From January 1 - 15, AQP hold their annual contest for published and unpublished authors. They choose the winners from the entries. Those stories which are chosen are offered a publishing contract with them. Of course, once you are "inside" they will accept submissions from you at any time.

Judging Criteria? Each story entered will be judged on the following...
— Plotline and Overall Story
— Story Pacing
— Characterization
— POV (Point Of View) Focus
— Genre Appropriateness
— Descriptives
— Dialogue
— Writing Mechanics (Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence Structure, Etc.)
— Originality of Writing Style

Gawd, I hustled, but at the same time edited, polished, and wrote each time I worked on this book. By 5:28pm (EST) today, Something Strange About Angelina went off to AQP, meeting their deadline. And, I had almost 13, 500 words! Not bad. What helped me meet this deadline? I wrote the story out in my journal when I couldn't sit in front of my computer. Then, I transcribed.

I originally thought it would fall into a shapeshifter/suspense, but entered it into their Dark Fantasy/Thriller line. This is not my usual writing style. (Which I've done a lot of lately...deviating from my usual contemporary, historical and time travel genres.) Don't ask me why? These last two stories came from out of the blue or a conversation I held with someone.

I submitted Virtual Lovers to Freya's Bower and am waiting to hear back from them. Soon, I hope.

The AQP entry? I won't hear anything from them until March 1, 2007. If my story is chosen, it will publish in June 2007.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Something Unexpected Coming 01/16/07

2007-01-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

My best friend, Miranda Heart, will have a new BDSM themed erotic released from Freya's Bower on Tuesday, January 16th! Be sure to check it out! She's an excellent storyteller and writes prolifically. She's well versed in the lifestyle.

Blurb: Beatrice doesn't understand her new found feelings for pain and pleasure until she meets the Marquis de Sade. As hard as she tries to deny her feelings, the Marquis and what he can do to her continues to excite Beatrice. Finally, she devises a scheme to get him alone. By the end of the night, she's sated but disappointed that she can't share her new tastes with her betrothed and must keep it a secret. Having had a taste of what she really needs, how can she endure a long, boring marriage?

And, yes, I did her cover art.

AMBER QUILL ENTRY COVER ART & BLURB

2007-01-13T13:48:00.001-05:00

This story is for the Amber Quill Press contest. It is an erotica shapeshifter/suspense. Angelina Pratt is a 10 year veteran homicide detective. When the naked body of a young woman is found brutalized, mutilated, and tortured in a ritual fashion, Angelina is plagued by nightmares. Something the "Freezer Queen" never has experienced before.

Angelina is dealing with more than the stress of her job. The medallion that she has never taken off since her father placed it around her neck just before he disappeared, matches the hieroglyphics that were carved into the victim's body. Is her father a murder? Connected to this cult and killing innocent women?

And, on top of all this, now she has to deal with some stupid nightmare where some dark figure warns her that her life is in danger. Run? Not in this lifetime!

Stefano is sent by his people to warn Angelina to seek refuge somewhere else. Those who have been tracking her are close at hand, and will kill her if they find her before her 30th birthday.

Although Angelina finds herself perturbed by the nightly warnings, she is strangely comforted and drawn to the black-clad male that visits her in her dreams. Something about him reaches into her soul and touches a part of her that no other man has ever done. But, he's a dream! He's not real. Or, is he?

Cover art by Brenda Porter/Novel Ideas Design

Available Now
BEYOND THE MAZE, an historical time travel romance and
THE GOBLIN, THE WITCH, AND THE SINGLE GIRL, a
paranormal/contemporary romance
from Freya's Bower at http://www.freyasbower.com

WooHoo! Virtual Lovers is complete and submitted!

2007-01-11T02:23:00.001-05:00

I finished Virtual Lovers (almost 20K words) and even sent it to Marci at Freya's Bower. It took a few twists at the end and will probably shock a few readers. LOL It was such a great write!

Now I have to get busy and write a minimum of 10K words for the Amber Quill Publishing contest which has a Monday, January 15th deadline! But, that gives me almost 5 days. I think I can do it!

Congrats go out to my best friend -- and cohort in crime -- Miranda Heart. Her new BDSM novella, Something Unexpected, will be released from Freya's Bower this coming Tuesday, January 16th! She asked me to do her cover art for this one, which I did!

Available Now
BEYOND THE MAZE, an historical time travel romance and
THE GOBLIN, THE WITCH, AND THE SINGLE GIRL, a
paranormal/contemporary romance
from Freya's Bower at http://www.freyasbower.com

Freya's Bower Issues Call for Submissions!

2007-01-09T15:14:00.000-05:00

A Rose of Any Color -- A BDSM Anthology
Freya’s Bower is compiling a two-book anthology for readers who love BDSM stories.

A Rose of Any Color -- Book One: FemDom
and
A Rose of Any Color -- Book Two: MaleDom

Each volume will incorporate the work of five authors. We are looking for three established BDSM authors for each volume. Remaining story slots for each book are open to newer writers to submit. Stories must be no less than 10K words and no more than 20K. Any sub-genre of BDSM is welcome with ratings of sweet, tangy, spicy, sizzling and beyond sizzling.

Both volumes are based on a rose theme. Whether the rose (or some form of a rose such as its thorns or petals) is integral to the plot or merely makes an appearance in the story, it is a requirement for all submissions.

Submit entire manuscript attached as a Word document to editorkatherinem@yahoo.com with the words “BDSM Rose” in the subject line. Established authors must include a short bio.

Deadline is March 31st.

Another Diva Release!

2007-01-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

Up In Flames by Ember Sinclair
Available January 12, 2007
from CobbleStone Press
Ember Sinclair's Website

Blurb

Kat Ashbrook has two things on her mind—catching a murderer and sexy new boss, Connor Mercer. She never expected his come-hither looks, but she’s betting she can resist if she keeps her mind on the job. Too bad a prank leads to her surrender and possibly their deaths.

A SOLDIER'S LOVE by L.K. Campbell

2006-12-26T19:29:00.000-05:00

RELEASING JANUARY 1, 2007!

A SOLDIER'S LOVE begins in the fall of 1941 just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor and America's entry into the second world war.

Ron Miller, an army officer on reserve duty while attending graduate school at the University of Maryland, is nursing a broken heart and cautious about falling in love again. Katie McNeill, a shy but beautiful clerk at the school, harbors a crush on Ron but is bewildered by his apparent lack of interest in her.

Tired of "sitting at home alone on Saturday nights," she becomes involved with a young student named Jimmy Garrett. Jimmy is a spoiled young man from a wealthy, dysfunctional family, who just happens to be sharing an apartment with Ron.

Sunday, December 7 will change all three of their lives forever when innocence is lost and the future becomes uncertain.

Available in trade paperback & ebook. For more information, visit A Soldier's Love Homepage

Virtual Lovers of the NON-online kind...

2006-12-20T23:10:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to wonder about my ever-expanding imagination whenever I sit down to start a new manuscript. This latest one, which I am so excited about, actually started out like any other, except it's a not-too-distant futuristic (2020). Below is a perspective I wrote that precedes the story itself.

The future is sure to arrive with technology far beyond the imaginations of those in our time. Just as it did for our families before us and those before them.

In only a few years, we have ventured into the outer edges of cloning, and games that are just beginning to develop virtual environments.

It is only a matter of a decade or two when virtual environments will be available to those who want more from life than what life has given them.

Beware of tampering with the natural order of things.

It is the undeveloped logic and misunderstood consequences of advanced technologies which could result in repercussions due to the creation of another existence within our own. One that we will be able to access on a whim, and alter the present state of our lives.

A technology so advanced, it is capable of erasing the thin line, which separates fantasy from reality...and the two become one.

Now, my new WIP is entitled Virtual Lovers. It has NOTHING to do with online relationships. This is a parallel world within our own exsistence and was brought about by the continued expansion of our technology of today and where it may well be in a short 13 or 14 years. It is about two BBW young women who are overlooked by men because of their size. One cautious. The other more of an adventurer who wants to know what it's like to be the center of a man's attentions. Dollars don't exist in this new world. They have been replaced by Units. A universal denomination. Governments around the world are ruled by one governing body, the World Federal Association.

This story is taking my imagination and stretching it to the unusual...almost bizarre. And, frankly, it's a little scary, because this is very, very possible. The characters are dictating the direction of the story. This was only suppose to be a short story...5k to 12k. I'm already at 2.5k and not even into the first virtual love scene good!

Author Chat on TRS tonight...

2006-12-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess I shouldn't have expected too much, since it is so close to Christmas and everyone is doing last minute purchases, but I at least expected certain individuals to show, that didn't. I had a great time, so don't get me wrong. Gave away a copy of The Goblin novella to a great lady by the name of Sheila. I guess I'm just in a funk and probably shouldn't even post this. But, heck...it's my blog...so, here it is!

Hopefully, The Learning Curve will be released soon. Maybe that will help lift my spirits. I don't know. In the words of my DH....bah-humbug!

Excerpt 2: The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl

2006-12-20T20:40:00.000-05:00

EXCERPT: Paranormal/Contemporary

A sudden chill filled the room, and Caitlin shivered. A spiral of blurred colors twirled behind Niles, and she stood immobile, staring in fascination. Purples, black, blues, and greens blended and swirled until moments later the woman dressed as a witch appeared.

"What the hell…"

A wicked cackle of laughter resonated through the foyer, and Caitlin gawked and took a step back. She never allowed her vision to waver from the pair that stood in her foyer. Niles turned to face the witch, his chin raised to meet the woman’s brilliant green eyes. Vinzella? Is that what he had called her?

"So, you are the girl who has come between my love and I," Vinzella sneered, her gaze molded on Caitlin. "Do you think I will allow you to take him away from me?"

"I…I don’t know what you’re talking about. Who are you?"

A tremor traveled down her spine. The fine hairs on the back of her neck prickled and sent little shockwaves of apprehension along her back, flooding out to her limbs. Her palms grew moist, and tension tugged at her temples. This woman is as crazy as her son, but she did call him her ‘love’.

"Niles has refused me even more adamantly since you moved into this house and toyed with his affection. I’m telling you to get out. Out of this house. Out of my Niles’s life. Or, I will cast a thousand demons upon you."

Caitlin took another step backward. "I think both of you need to leave. Go home. I’ve had enough of your insane games."

"Leave? I think not! You will be the one to leave. Niles has lived here for almost three decades. And I think he quite enjoys the view. However, the view has become disruptive with your presence." Vinzella’s voice conveyed a hidden threat. A depraved, almost demented, tone.

"I have never been your love, Vinzella," Niles interrupted. Anger and loathing coated each word that he spoke. "It is because of that very reason I have had to live in this body for the last three decades. I have told you to stay away from me. I will never love you."

"Don’t ever attempt to humiliate me in front of her, Niles." With those words spoken, Vinzella pointed her finger down at the goblin, and he rose into the air, twirling and somersaulting head over feet. "I will deal with you in time, my love."

She dropped her hand, but Niles floated helplessly in mid-air. Her attention returned to Caitlin, and she closed the gap that separated them. Caitlin retreated until her back pressed against the door she had struggled to open.

"Either leave this house, or you shall suffer the consequences. I will not hesitate to rid this house of you in my own way."

"I bought this house. It is my home."

"Count your blessings that all you will lose is this home. You have forty-eight hours to get your belongings and yourself out of here. I’ll be back then. If you are still here, I will destroy you."

A thick cloud of fog enveloped the witch. Caitlin stood paralyzed with fear, her mind locked in battle with each strange event she witnessed. Her eyes grew wide when the fog dissipated and Vinzella no longer stood before her. A loud thump diverted her attention, and she found Niles crumpled into a heap on the floor. He sat up cautiously, rubbing his forehead. His gaze met hers.

"Ohmigod!" Caitlin rushed to Niles’s side and squatted next to him, as she checked him for injuries. Her fingertips examined his forehead and arms for any broken bones. "Are you okay? How did she do that?"

Read more or purchase at Freya's Bower

Excerpt 1: The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl

2006-12-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

EXCERPT: Paranormal/Contemporary

Niles stood on top of a wooden crate and peered from the attic window down to the front yard below. A moving van sat in the driveway, and people were carrying even more stuff into his home. By the front entrance, no less! His ears wiggled in disapproval. No one had dared come through his front door in well over twenty years after he'd finally managed to frighten off that last couple.

A small sporty black car pulled to a halt next to the van, and he watched long, slender well-shaped legs precede the driver. Brunette hair whipped gently around her shoulders, the svelte woman stepped around the door and shut it.

"Ahhhh, so beautiful," Niles sighed. Placing a knobby finger on the glass, he smudged away the grime to get a better view. He sighed again and leaned his head against the cold pane. "I think I'm in love."

An aura of light glowed around her. She was different from all the others. He could feel it to the depths of his soul. No one else had emitted the halo that appeared to hug her body. She seemed almost familiar to him. Something about her tugged at his memory, and he challenged his subconscious to release the hidden images from long ago.

Faelyn. His beautiful little sister. What made him think of her? His gaze searched the soft feminine features of the young woman below. Faelyn! It can't be! There's no way fate could be that gratuitous. He stared hard, his face pressed against the pane. Faelyn's childhood mortal friend? The one friend that Faelyn had cherished above all others? What was her name?

The box tittered beneath his flat, grotesque feet, and he struggled to balance himself. His feet went flying up into the air, and the box slipped out from under him. Niles landed in a pile of old sheets and blankets bundled in haphazard disarray on the floor. Moths and dust scattered all around him. He coughed, sputtered, and grumbled while scrambling to his feet. He grabbed the box, placed it under the window again, and crawled back on top, quickly pressing his nose to the window.

Read more or purchase at Freya's Bower

Chat with me on Wednesday!

2006-12-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I'll be holding a live chat at The Romance Studio tomorrow, December 20th. It starts at 9pm (EST) and the link to the website is http://www.theromancestudio.com. I'll have excerpts, snippets, contests and a lot of Christmas cheer! Bring a friend or several. I always hold a "sneaky-behind-the-scenes" contest. The winner of this one could be the first person to attend; someone who stayed during the entire chat; the one to bring the most friends with them; or, just about anything! I'll be talking about Beyond the Maze and The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl, as well as my soon-to-be released The Learning Curve, which is the first book in my Yesterday's Innocence series of five full-length novels.

Hope to see you there!

Chat with Zinnia Today!

2006-12-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

All Day Loop Chat with me has started! Come join the fun. You can always unsubscribe from the group when it's over. Let's make Conspiracy of Angels a huge success!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zinniahope/

This author knows how to write! Always pulling in "high 5's" on reviews. And, the release of her latest book, Conspiracy of Angels, comes out today from Freya's Bower! Go meet this fabulous author now!

Nutter's Gang

2006-12-18T21:54:00.000-05:00

Have to thank M.E. here for her wonderful, unsolicited praise of The Learning Curve on her blog at Nutter's Gang. I was pleasantly surprised when I googled my pen name and found she had honored me with such a treat! This woman can write psycho stuff that just makes you shiver, and double check your doors at night to make sure they are locked! So, her praise of TLC really rocks in my book! Thanks, lil'darlin'!

I've put Boughs of Holly - my bdsm novella - on hold. It was suppose to be Christmas themed, but that's got to change now. At any rate, I was talking to my DH and DS yesterday out on the front porch, while enjoying these wonderfully mild temps, and came up with such a fantastic storyline! DH and DS are computer game diehards, and the DS started talking about the new features of the Wii system. It seems that this system actually senses your arm movements while playing a game, so you are kinda in a virtual environment. I spoke up and said I'd probably be interested in it if they ever came out with a system that actually created a virtual world, where you were actually within it. LIGHT BULB!!! So, last night I began working on Virtual Lovers, a futuristic world not too far away in the year 2020 (figured that would be good...hindsight...foresight...seeing well, etc.) The story is about two BBWs who live and work together. No b/fs to speak of since high school and these ladies are mid-twenties. So, this new, recently approved technology company opens in town in their neighborhood that offers Virtual Worlds for a fee. One doesn't trust the new technology...the other is dying for some tender loving care. When her friend refuses to try it, the other darts in and goes for it. This is going to be a stretch for me, but I found I enjoy creating new worlds/fantasy when I wrote my last ebook, The Goblin, The Witch and the Single Girl. I expect this one to be between 5k-12k, which will fit the Phaze Heat Sheets criteria! We'll see!

Was suppose to take DH back to Duke this week in Durham, NC, but we cancelled the appointment and will reschedule for sometime after the first of the year.

One of the 3 remaining aunts (my dad's side) isn't doing well and it is just a matter of time now. It's part of life, I know. But, once they are gone, all of his family (siblings) will be gone...the end of a generation. Kind of sad when put in that perspective.

I haven't done any Christmas shopping. Just not with it this year. Unusual for me, cos' I'm known to jump in with both feet for the Christmas holidays, but not this year. *sigh* Maybe next year. Oh, I have put up a small tree, a few decorations, and sent out Christmas cards. Even strung lights on a few bushes in front of my porch. But, it's not my usual flair. I wouldn't have bothered with that if it wasn't for my DH's health and not knowing if he would be with us next Christmas.

WCP rates Beyond the Maze 4 Cats!

2006-12-01T02:28:00.000-05:00

WOOT! Another great review for Beyond the Maze!
**********************************************
I really enjoyed the characters in this pair of short stories. Aubrianna is a fiery woman from the present day who isn't afraid to take on a rough and tumble man. Keane is strong and demanding and oh so yummy.

The plot was well thought out and quick paced, keeping me highly entertained until the last word. Ms. Brown-Porter has done a fantastic job here. Her description leaves you wanting for nothing and the stories themselves are a joy to read.

I rate Beyond The Maze four Freya's cats.
Reviewed by Bella Tyler © 2006
Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006
* * *
To read the entire review, visit http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/content/view/332/101/
To find out more about how to purchase Beyond The Maze visit Freya's Bower.

The latest from author Jenna Bayley-Burke!

2006-11-30T19:42:00.000-05:00

COOKING UP A STORM, the latest Modern Extra release from Jenna Bayley-Burke is on sale this December!

Available from Mills & Boon and AmazonUK.

When it comes to relationships, sexy venture capitalist Cameron Price sticks firmly to casual flings. But when relocation takes him to Seattle, his boss insists that finding a girlfriend will be a smart career move.

Still content with snacks rather than a full banquet, Cameron makes a deal with caterer Lauren Brody. To keep the husband hunters at bay, she will pretend to be his girlfriend, and in return he'll hire her to cook at all his corporate events!

But their first kiss is incredibly tasty! Soon, the chemistry between Cameron and Lauren is electric, and their shared passion is threatening to boil over - which isn't part of Cameron's plan!

The Veil, by H.A. Fowler

2006-11-27T10:05:00.000-05:00

The barrier between Earth and Hell is about to fall...
THE VEIL
by H.A. Fowler
ISBN 978-1-60088-060-5
Futuristic/Dark Fantasy Romance
Cobblestone Press/October 27, 2006

Five hundred years ago, a terrorist group launched a fearsome anti-matter weapon and tore open the fabric of reality, revealing a world of nightmares on the other side. After decades of war, death and destruction, a union of wizards and witches came forth with the magick to build a barrier and keep the monsters in their rightful home.

They called it THE VEIL. Detective Devon Harrigan is a hard-nosed skeptic, no fan of magick or its users -- an ironic stance for a vampire who was human when the Veil first fell. But he is a cop first, so when a serial killer stalks his home city of New Denver, Colorado, he'll do what he has to do to stop the carnage. Including play babysitter to the killer's sole living witness, a pampered high priestess of the most powerful witches' organization in the world, the creators of the Veil itself.

High Priestess Lady Helene Du Solaire has lived a sheltered life, and she has never met anyone as anachronistic -- or as fascinating -- as her new bodyguard. There is no denying the immediate attraction between them, or that giving into it could lead to devastating consequences. Not to mention it's a distraction from the matter at hand they can scarcely afford -- that Helene is the killer's target because she is the key to a ritual that, in only a few days time, will destroy the Veil and unleash Hell on Earth once again.

Helene and Devon must race against time and resist their growing feelings, put aside prejudices and painful pasts, and discover the identity of the being that threatens both Helene's life and the fate of the world.

Read an Excerpt

BUY NOW!
~~~~~

The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl Available Now!

2006-11-15T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl

Five years after losing her parents in the 9/11 terrorist act that toppled the Twin Towers in New York City, Caitlin realizes she needs to take control of her life again and start fresh. Even if it means giving up the most eligible bachelor in the City.

Trips to Montreal as a young girl with her parents had taken her through the quaint, quiet little village of Rouses Point. Perched on the northernmost shores of Lake Champlain in New York state, the old Clabo Victorian home had been vacant even back then.

And now, here she stands in the middle of the foyer of her new home, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Will her life be as sweet as she foresees? Or will the other occupants in her house throw a wrench in her plans?

Rating: Sweet
Book Length: Novella

Price: $4.75

Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary

Read excerpt

Topping Tora By Laura Bacchi

2006-10-31T01:27:00.000-05:00

ISBN 1-59578-294-X
Available now at Liquid Silver Books

Tora Wolff craves domination, and at Club Xotica, she expects to get it. When the man who tops her at work shows up to top her at play, Tora can’t believe her bad luck. And she hasn’t even found the dead body yet...

Jovan Creel wants a woman who’s willing to submit, and not just any woman. He wants Tora. But after all the fun and games are over, will she want him?

When Tora decides to explore her submissive side with another man, someone more experienced--and much more dangerous--Jovan soon discovers it's not a question of Tora wanting him when she returns to Atlanta. It's a question of whether she can return at all.

For an excerpt, click here. Contains: D/s, multiple partners, M-M-F, F-F, heavy spanking, light bondage, anal sex.

Deidre Knight Cranks up the Heat

2006-10-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

...in Her Latest Installment in the Parallel Series: PARALLEL HEAT

"Intelligent characters, hot romance and breathtaking adventure with epic feel—exactly what I want to read!" - Susan Grant, New York Times bestselling author

"A fantastic and riveting new voice in paranormal fiction." -Karen Marie Moning, New York Times bestselling author of Spell of the Highlander

"At times humorous, at others heart-wrenching, but always compelling, Deidre Knight offers readers a fresh, wonderfully creative glimpse at the complexity of human decisions. What a page-turner!" - Gena Showalter, Author of Playing with Fire

In the unforgettable, alternate world of Parallel Heat, two enemies are bound by betrayal, vengeance—and forbidden passion.

Warrior and royal guardian Marco McKinley has been assigned a vital mission on Earth, where a war between human fighters and otherworldly soldiers is rising in the far reaches of Wyoming. But he's also been warned about twists of fate yet to come-ones that will transform him into the enemy of his own people and appoint him the personal protector of beautiful soldier Thea Haven.

Little do Marco and Thea know, but they have met before in an alternate universe, and they are bound by betrayal and vengeance. Now, on a world at the brink of destruction, forbidden passion ignites—but will the destiny Marco has glimpsed unfold a second time?

Sign up for Deidre's newsletter and be eligible to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate, signed copies of her books, and plenty of other goodies! Just click here.

Check out the book that launched the series, PARALLEL ATTRACTION or order your copy of PARALLEL HEAT today! And coming in April, PARALLEL SEDUCTION.

Yesterday's Innocence: The Learning Curve

2006-10-27T19:42:00.000-04:00

**UNEDITED**UNEDITED**

SNIPPET #1

When Mark and Mickie stopped next to the table where Jimmy and Dee were sitting, they both stood up, stunned to see Mark standing there with Mickie. Jimmy reached out extending his hand to clasp Mark's in a firm handshake, while Dee hugged his neck.

“Mark, you came in,” Dee exclaimed, smiling at him.

“Finally,” he said, grinning.

“Damn, it’s good to have the four of us back together again,” Jimmy added, smiling.

“Jimmy, get the waitress over here with another pitcher of beer and a Diet Pepsi for Chelle,” Mark said, still standing with an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, honey. I want to dance with you.”

Leading her towards the dance floor away from Dee and Jimmy, Mickie followed him. As they stepped on the raised floor, Mark immediately pulled her into his arms and fell into step to the slow song the band was playing. With his hands splayed on her back, Mark savored the feel of her body next to his. Neither of them spoke, her fingers working their magic on the back of his head and the nape of his neck. He buried his face in the blonde, silky waves, and basked in the feel of her warm breath against his throat.

“God, I’ve missed you so much, honey,” he murmured next to her ear. He placed a kiss against her temple. “I’ve dreamt about this moment for the past six weeks.”

Mark pulled away, seeking out her eyes when she didn’t say anything. The crystal blue eyes that met his were shimmering with unshed tears, and the intensity of the desire meeting his gaze astounded him. “Oh God, Chelle...I love you more than you could ever imagine.”

* * *

She couldn’t speak over the lump in her throat. She was so emotionally wrapped up in him...in his arms. She had missed him so much, and now to finally be held by him again was almost too much for her. She couldn’t get close enough to him. She wanted to become part of him. It was a yearning...a craving. Her soul struggled to be one with his. Like millions of little fingers...talons...her soul reached out trying desperately to mesh with him.

But, she couldn’t accomplish it. He was her reason for being. Nothing else mattered to her except being with him. Being his. And she was his. She knew at that moment without a doubt, she would always be his.

“I love you, Mark,” she said over the raw emotion in her throat. “My soul will always belong to you...no matter what. There’s something so deep...so compelling...inside of me that wants to become a part of you...but I can’t...I don’t know how to do it.”

* * *

A tear trickled down her cheek, and his thumb gently wiped it away. They had stopped dancing, standing motionless in the center of the floor. The potency of her commitment to him hammered in his chest...into his mind. The anguish she felt was so profound, he could feel it. Never in his life had anyone struck him with such force. And, little did she know, she had just succeeded in accomplishing her quest.

“My God, Chelle...you are part of me.” His palms cradled her head, his fingers buried in the soft luxury of her hair. He kissed her with every ounce of the love he held in his soul for her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * END * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SNIPPET #2
His eyes slowly traveled to her tear-ridden face. There was a determination on her face he knew he had never seen in her before. He wanted so much to reach out and touch her. To just pull her into his arms and kiss her the way he used to do. In an effort to keep from reaching out to her, his fingers gripped the arms of his wheelchair. Exerting a pressure that turned his hands white, he could feel the muscles and tendons in his hands and arms protrude and constrict. He wanted desperately to be able to make love to her the way he did back at Christmas. To have her carry his baby and make them a real family.

But, that dream had died the day he had been told he was paralyzed. And as Mark held her unblinking stare, he knew he had to find the strength inside of him that would set her free.

As he started to speak, he struggled against the tightness in his throat, but he refused to allow his eyes to stray from hers. "I don't love you, Mickie. It's over for me. And, the baby was an accident. A mistake that you know wasn't suppose to have happened. It’s for the best."

God help me! Let me be strong long enough for her to leave the house.

His chest felt as if it had caved in and he was unable to draw in a breath. His eyes stayed rooted to hers as he watched the display of emotions that flickered through the windows to her soul. And then the cold hardness turned her face to something he couldn't name. Her eyes were ice and she struggled for a moment with the engagement ring on her finger, pulled it off and laid it on the table in front of him.

As she straightened, her hand shot out and slapped his face, the sound vibrating in his ears as he reached to touch his offended cheek. When his eyes met hers again, he saw the challenge in their depths that openly dared him to cross her.

"You bastard," she hissed. "I hope you feel that for the rest of your goddamn life. Because nobody... not even you, is going to tell me our baby is better off dead." She turned without waiting for him to respond and walked out of the room.

His eyes met the condemning blue gaze directed at him.

“You self-centered bastard,” Jimmy said evenly. “You’re right about one thing. You aren’t the same man anymore. You’re not even a decent pitiful excuse of a man anymore. You don’t deserve her, you damned coward.” Jimmy turned and walked out of the house, catching up to her at his car.

Hearing the front door shut behind Jimmy, his arm shot out and wiped everything off of the end table that sat next to him. "Goddammit!" Mark cursed as the pain he felt washed over him. The tears spilled down over his cheeks as he realized he’d just lost the only reason he’d ever had for living. "Mickie, I love you. God, let her know I didn't mean it! Dammit! Damn, I can't live like this!"

His mother stood at the doorway as Mark acted out the anger and frustration that had been locked inside of him for weeks. She watched as he reached over and picked the ring up from where she had laid it. Holding it to his chest in his closed fist, he let the tears slide down his face mourning the loss of something more precious than his own life.

"Mark? Are you okay?" His mother's voice was soft, but Mark turned quickly to face her, startled that she had been there. He stiffened perceptibly at her question.

"Hell no, I'm not okay! I wish to God I had died in that damned accident, because I'll be living in a hell of my own making for the rest of my goddamn life. I know she'll eventually get her life back together, and someone else will hold the only piece of heaven I'll ever know."

* * * * * * * * * * * * END * * * * * * * * * * *

The Goblin, The Witch, and the Single Girl

2006-10-27T18:16:00.001-04:00

“Trick or treat!” Voices rang out loud and excited. Niles wanted to drop his pillowcase and cover his ears with both hands. His ears hurt from the thunderous, chaotic youngsters. Why in the world did he think he needed to hide in the middle of these kids? He stood silent in the midst of the growing anticipation that erupted all about him. They make too much noise!

“Oh, most definitely treats!” she exclaimed, giggles bubbling over.

She reached for the bowl, bringing it back to hold at their level for each to grab a handful. One after another repeated a ‘thank you’ or ‘thanks’, took their treat, and made room for the others to claim their sugary treats.

Niles lingered until last, smiling, and grasped a piece of the candy to place in his pillowcase.

“Oh no, little goblin,” the happiness in her voice evident. “Take a handful. I doubt I’ll have that many more visitors tonight. That’s a wonderful costume. What’s your name?”

She grabbed a handful of the candies and dropped them in his bag.

“I’m Niles. I’m really not a goblin,” he answered, his palms sweating. “A witch put a curse on me many years ago.”

She chuckled. “Well, what will it take to break the mean old witch’s curse?”

“A woman to fall in love with him and kiss him,” came the raspy voice behind him.

Niles whirled around to face Vinzella flashing her a glare that he hoped relayed how angered he was at her appearance.

“Oh that’s so sweet,” Caitlin said, smiling at the witch that had walked up onto her porch. Her gaze fell back on Niles as he pivoted back around to face her. “Well, Niles, I certainly hope you find your love and that she will see past your current flaws to the wonderful person that lies beneath the exterior.”

“All in good time, I’m sure,” Vinzella interrupted, her smile sardonic. “Come along, Niles. There are other homes to visit. I’m sure this young lady has other things to do.”

Niles grudgingly went along with Vinzella. He had no other choice. He knew Caitlin had assumed the witch was his mother. Once out of earshot, Niles spun around and sent a chilly glare at Vinzella. He tossed his bag full of candies onto the ground at his feet.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Irritated didn’t even begin to describe how he felt at the moment, he thought. She could have messed up the entire evening with her busybody self. Vinzella appeared to have a knack for always butting in where she wasn’t needed and definitely not wanted.

“I was just following up with you. Besides, tonight is the one night we can prowl the streets among humans and not be ostracized or feared. Oh please don’t tell me you’ve never done this before?”

“Leave, Vinzella. Before I really lose my temper and resort to goblin tactics. Because the urge to do just that is stronger at this moment than it’s ever been in the past one-hundred years.”

Niles did a sudden pivot and stomped across the yard to the back of the house. Vinzella followed in silence, her footsteps crunching close behind in the fallen leaves. Upon reaching the vine-covered lattice, he began the tedious ascent to the attic window above.

“Don’t you want your treats?” Vinzella asked holding out the pillowcase. Her voice dripped with a smugness that pervaded the last of his remaining patience. “One more cavity in that rotten mouth of yours shouldn’t hurt.”

“Go to hell, Vinzella.” Niles spit the words out at her, swung backwards, and snatched the bag from her hand before continuing his climb.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * END * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Niles’ voice was strong and hard. His command momentarily stunned her captor, and Caitlin wrestled free, leaping towards the front door. Reaching for the knob, she jerked her hand back to safety as streaks of blue and white electricity zapped the metal. She stumbled back against the wall to find her captor hovering in front of her. His fingers snaked around her arm.

Jerked violently around, her back molded to his chest, facing the stairway and Niles. Caitlin shook her head in silence when Niles stepped down from the landing, taking each step with confidence and purpose.

“Don’t be a fool, warlock. You know I will destroy you if you harm her. Release her now!”

“Destroy me? You?” Peals of crusty laughter emanated around them. “You have no powers, goblin.”

“Are you sure?”

Caitlin felt the hesitation at Niles’ spoken words stiffen her captor’s body.

Niles continued his downward trek, stopping only when he reached the bottom of the stair. His eyes glowed a bright, neon green, and his ears stood straight up. Caitlin watched the unwavering glare directed at the warlock who stood against her back.

“Quite.”

In the blink of an eye, darkness enveloped her as the warlock’s cape swung up and around them. Caitlin felt a thousand shards of glass and fire consume her body. An inferno seemed to melt her very soul.
* * *
She stumbled, falling to the ground, and her hands came in contact with damp weeds and moist dirt. She glanced up, and rain pelted her face. Caitlin scrambled to her feet. Her unsteady legs barely supported her weight as she searched around her. Where am I? Where is Niles? She reached out to brace herself against a stone column. Where is the warlock?

A huge hand wrapped around her forearm, and Caitlin screamed at the top of her lungs, jerking away.

“No need to struggle, girl.” His dark voice pierced the ebony night air. “You are mine.”

Caitlin raised her foot, slamming it down on top of her attacker’s, and he cried out in an unnatural howl. His hand did not relinquish her from its iron-fisted grasp.

“You will pay for that,” he growled.

Dragging her behind him, the warlock pulled her into the cavernous building. She struggled, digging her heels into the mud, but he continued to drag her along as if she were an unruly child.

“Release her or die!” Niles’ voice echoed through the building, bouncing off the vast emptiness of the interior.

The warlock spun around, his cape flying out behind him, and he shoved Caitlin to the ground at his feet. “You will die,” he yelled in agitation. “I will not play these games.”
* * * * * * * * * * * END * * * * * * * * * * *

Beyond the Maze

2006-10-27T18:16:00.000-04:00

The door burst open and slammed back against the wall. Keane stomped into the room. Aubrianna whirled around to meet the ominous storm of masculine anger coming towards her. Her heart slammed against her chest. Her pulse quickened. She stumbled over the breath caught in her throat at the pure virility of the man.

No way can I be attracted to such a Neanderthal. Yet, the man appeared to be tormented by unknown demons. He exuded an aura of control and respect, but there was something in the lines around his eyes. Keane Chadwick dealt with an internal conflict that was quite obviously keeping him from restful sleep. A dark secret he was apparently loathed to share with anyone. His dark hair, still damp from the rain, clung to his head and neck. Dark eyes were leveled on her without so much as a blink.

“Leave us, Ella!” He stopped only mere inches away. “Now!”

I will not be intimidated. She nailed him with her own adamant glare. Aubrianna stood rigid, her back straight, wearing nothing more than her under petticoat and drawers.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing bursting into my room?”

His fingers wrapped around her upper arm, and he yanked her closer until they stood toe-totoe. “This is my room, in my house, and I will burst into any room whenever I damn well please!”

“Well, I beg to differ,” she said, her chin raised, her gaze melded to his. Her voice sounded relaxed and confident to her own ears, but her insides jiggled like Jell-O. “No gentleman would enter a lady’s bed chamber uninvited.”

She watched Keane’s eyes travel down between them. Perspiration beaded across his
forehead and upper lip before he exhaled a heated breath that feathered over her bare shoulders. He swung his eyes back to meet hers. She inhaled sharply. The thin white petticoat did little to shield her aroused nipples from his open gaze. He smelled of leather. His gaze drifted along the curve of her chin to her mouth. Feathery gasps escaped from her lips. The tip of her tongue slipped across her lower lip.

Smoldering heat ignited in the pit of her stomach, radiating outwards to consume her body. Her skin flushed from her cheeks to her toes.

She gulped a jagged breath when her body met the hard wall of his chest, and his lips crushed hers. His tongue licked along her lower lip. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples hardened into turgid little beads. She struggled to free herself.

His tongue swept into her mouth and sent sparks of desire skipping down her spine.
Delicious excitement built in the pit of her stomach. She whimpered, relaxing into him. Her hands, once flattened against his chest to push him away, now grasped his shirt. Aubrianna leaned into his kiss, deepening it. Passion licked every nerve, setting her on fire at the thought of Keane’s naked body against hers.

Their tongues tangled. Desire spiraled and exploded into molten heat that raced through her veins at breakneck speed. He reached for her hair and twisted it into a ball around his fist, holding her to him. She molded her slender figure to his large frame in perfect unity. His hard cock pressed against her belly, and a guttural groan escaped from the depths of his chest.

He released her, stepping away. Her lashes fluttered, and her eyes focused on his. Passion raged in his dark gaze. He stared transfixed, and she watched while reality began its slow descent. His body trembled. Or, was it her own?

“Get dressed and eat, then have Ella show you to my study.” He turned and left the room.

* * *

Aubrianna stared in silence, her fingertips pressed against her lips. What the hell had just happened? Shaking herself mentally, she turned towards the bed and finished undressing. She reached for the nightgown, slipped it over her head, and let it flutter down over her body, teasing her sensitive skin like a caress. Sitting on the edge of the bed, her mind attempted to make sense of what had transpired between them.

Did I write a "Trick or Treat" story?

2006-10-07T14:22:00.000-04:00

Do I leave the reader with a "trick" or a "treat" in this delightful, amusing halloween tale of goblins, witches, warlocks, and faeries? Could you fall in love with a short, decrepid little creature that looked like a reject from the Twilight Zone? And, give up the most attractive man in New York City that others would kill for, just to have his attentions turned on them for fifteen minutes? The City's most eligible bachelor? The son of the most powerful and richest family in New York State?

Would you hesitate to love someone because you're afraid of losing them? Caitlin Montgomery leaves NYC because the reminders of 9/11 and the loss of her parents in that terrorist act are too great for her to deal with on a daily basis. Even five years later, the twin beams of light haunted her.

She had remembered trips to Montreal, Quebec with her parents. They always drove through the Village of Rouses Point. And, her father always drove her past the old Clabo Victorian that stood on the banks of Lake Champlain. Now, she owned it. Her dream come true. Not that her parents couldn't have bought it years before. It had been empty for more than half a century.

Tales of it being haunted was legend. Just as 'Champy', the Lake Champlain sea monster, who was often referred to as the cousin to 'Nessy', the more famous and well known, Loch Ness sea serpent.

This is perhaps one of my favorite stories that I have written so far. This story is a novella with a Halloween theme. It's outside my usual sub-genre writing as it combines paranormal and fantasy.

THE GOBLIN, THE WITCH, AND THE SINGLE GIRL is scheduled for release near the end of October. Just in time for some Halloween fun!

List of Erotica and Romantica Publishers

2006-10-04T16:42:00.000-04:00

Here's a comprehensive list of publishers just in case anyone is interested.

List of Erotica and Romantica Publishers

Afrodite's Apples http://www.aphroditesapples.com/
Afrodite Unlaced http://www.aphroditeunlaced.com/home.htm
Afternoon Delight http://www.afternoondelightbooks.com/
Amber Quill http://www.amberquill.com/
Aphrodite Unlaced http://www.aphroditeunlaced.com/
Brava http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/
Circlet Press http://www.circlet.com/
Changeling Press http://www.changelingpress.com/
Chippewa Publishing http://www.chippewapublishing.com/
Clitore http://www.newagedimensionspublishing.com/citore.htm
Clobbestone Press http://www.cobblestone-press.com/
Ellora's Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/
Erotique Press http://www.erotiquepress.com/
Etchings Press http://www.etchingspress.com/
eXtasy Books http://www.extasybooks.com/
Forbidden Publications http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/
Freya's Bower http://www.freyasbower.com/
Genesis Press http://www.genesis-press.com/
Imajinn Books http://www.imajinnbooks.com/
Jovian Pleasures http://www.jupiterworldpress.com/jovian_pleasures_home.htm
Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
Loose-Id http://www.loose-id.com/
Midnight Showcase http://www.MidnightShowcase.com
New Concepts Publishing http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/
Ocean's Mist Press http://www.oceansmistpress.com/
Phaze http://www.phaze.com/
Pink Flamingo http://www.pinkflamingo.com/
Red Sage Publications http://www.redsagepub.com/
Samhain Publishing http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
Silk's Vault Publishing http://www.silksvault.com/
Siren Publishing http://www.sirenpublishing.com/
Starry Night Press http://www.starrynightpress.com/
Triskelion Publishing http://www.triskelionpublishing.net/
Venus Press http://www.venuspress.com/
Wicked Castle http://www.wickedcastle.com/
Wicked Velvet http://www.wickedvelvet.com/
Wild Rose, The http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
Whiskey Creek Press (Torrid) http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/

Join me and other FB authors!

2006-09-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

UPCOMING PUBLISHER/AUTHOR CHATS
Here's a list of all upcoming chats and loops on the internet for September 2006 where you can meet the authors of Freya's Bower. We hold contests and give away free ebooks and gifts!

Authors scheduled for the Coffee Time Chat.
Kay Derwydd • Bebe Thomas • Canice Brown-Porter • Aurelia Abbott
The chat is scheduled:
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
9:00PM until 10:00PM (EST) (2 am GMT)
Coffee Time Chatroom

2006-09-14T17:38:00.000-04:00

Hold on to your seats!
Halloween will never be the same!

Caitlin Montgomery just purchased the old Clabo Victorian homestead located right on the shoreline of Lake Champlain in the Village of Rouses Point, New York. Not immune to tales of the Champlain serpent, Champy, and other eerie legends, the Village of Rouses Point is about to lay claim to a couple of new paranormal residents!

With it's three stories, an attic, and cellar, plus the turrets on each front corner, Caitlin is anxious to setup housekeeping and settle in for the coming winter. She'd fallen in love with the character exuded by the old home. However, little did Caitlin know the interior of the house had its own set of characters.

When Caitlin settles down to some quiet time in the parlor with her long-term boyfriend, Wesley, strange things begin to occur. Wesley had objected to the purchase, saying the house wasn't worth the cost of remodeling. So, when he can't make a move on Caitlin without lights flickering or strange noises, he leaves.

Caitlin's first encounter with Niles - the goblin - sends them both screaming in opposite directions.

THE GOBLIN, THE WITCH, AND THE SINGLE GIRL is a delightful Halloween tale full of romance, humor, and a touch of fright. Release date TBA.

Yesterday's Innocence Series In The Works!

2006-09-04T22:17:00.000-04:00

Now that the contract is signed and my full manuscript has to be in my editor's hands by Saturday, Sept. 9th, I think I've got the cover designed that I want for the first novel, The Learning Curve. What do you think?

Reviews from Euro-Reviews & Fallen Angel Reviews Are In!

2006-09-04T21:50:00.000-04:00

Seems my ebook is holding pretty steady with a 4 rating. Not bad! I'm just so happy with this! I didn't even know there was a review until I "Googled" myself!

Euro-Reviews has posted a review for Beyond the Maze and rated it a 4 out of a possible 5.

Beyond the Maze is a beautiful and romantic story with an attractive cover. The story is filled with romance when a young woman somehow unwillingly takes a jump back in time. There she meets the man of her dreams, only it takes her some time to realize. Canice Brown-Porter has written a short story that will be loved by the romantic souls among us, but of course also by others.
Reviewer: Annick
To read the entire review, please visit: http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=735

#####

Fallen Angel Reviews (FAR) has posted their review of Beyond the Maze, as well, also giving it 4 angels out of a possible 5 angels:

2006 – Aubrianna Sheffield is enjoying a peaceful time in the garden maze of her manor when she encounters a mysterious pair of old-fashioned keys. Suddenly, the sky is dark and a misty fog arises. While trying to get back to the house, she runs into a man, literally. This isn’t just any man, either; he claims to be the lord of the manor, her manor. And he thinks she’s crazy, which does not bode well for their relationship.
1857 – Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV is perplexed and more than a little aroused. This brazen woman he’s found wandering in his gardens is quite unlike any other woman he’s even known. She challenges him and is utterly uncowed by his commanding presence, but worse yet, she inflames him almost beyond reason. Could she be telling the truth or is she just insane?

Beyond the Maze is a tale of the power of passion being stronger than the winds of time. In only twenty pages, Canice Brown-Porter manages to convey a bundle of emotion and creates trust between her characters. While a longer length certainly would have added more depth to this story, I was moved at the capacity for love that her characters showed in this brief, but very engaging tale. Well-written and engaging, Beyond the Maze by Canice Brown-Porter earns Four Angels!
Reviewed by: Michelle
To view the review at FAR's website, please visit: http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/August/Michelle-BeyondTheMaze.htm

TCM Reviews says "...sheer brilliance."

2006-08-11T22:37:00.000-04:00

Reviews for BEYOND THE MAZE have just been getting better and better all the time! Here's a snippet from TCM Reviews' Robyn Ashford:

Beyond the Maze is one of the best stories I’ve read in a while. The author brings the romance of the 19th century to the modern woman and adds in a touch of magical destiny. I thought that writing the first part of the story from Aubrianna’s perspective and then writing the ending from Lord Keane’s perspective was sheer brilliance. I love (look) forward to more stories by Canice Brown-Porter.

To read the entire review, visit: http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1168.html

I am absolutely thrilled with all the great reviews finally coming in.

WoooHooo! 4 Cups from Coffee Time Romance!

2006-08-09T14:29:00.000-04:00

I am really psyched about this review!

Excerpt from Ms. Barry's email to me:
I hope you enjoy reading my review as much as I enjoyed your book. ... Tonja B.

Excerpt from Ms. Barry's review of Beyond the Maze :
Beyond The Maze is a wonderful book. I felt like I had traveled back in time with Aubiranna. This is a tantalizing and passionate read. The characters and setting are well described and very realistic. I can't wait for Ms. Brown-Porter's next book.

Reviewed by: Tonjasturn, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Rated: 4 Cups out of 5

To read the complete review, visit: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevie...ondthemaze.html

Great Things Are Happening!

2006-08-08T02:18:00.000-04:00

I am now officially a member of Romance Writers of America! This was one of the goals I had set for myself for 2006.

Yesterday, Freya's Bowers' Managing Editor, Marci, announced that submissions of novel length or greater would be offered in print beginning this fall. What a wonderful surprise! I have my 5-book contemporary series, Yesterday's Innocence that I have always wanted to get into print. While LSB (Liquid Silver Books) had wanted me to resubmit after adding a few more sensual and/or love scenes, it would have been ebook format. With encouragement from Marci and Faith, I have submitted the first book - The Learning Curve - of the series to Freya's Bower for possible publishing! IN PRINT FORMAT! How great can that be?!

Freya's Bower is making waves in the world of epublishing and quickly rising to the top of the long list of epublishers in their own right. And now to announce moving into print! That's just fantastic! Way to go, FB! You make the authors proud to be a part of your expanding growth!

Come Chat with the Authors and Editors of Freya's Bower!

2006-08-06T23:14:00.000-04:00

Freya's Bower Publisher and Author Chat
Date: Friday, August 11, 2006 from 5 pm - 10 pm EST

Type: Live Chat

Location: Freya's Bower chat room

This chat is all about the senses. Be prepared to be titillated. You must be 18 to participate. Just sign in and join us. :) Authors and editors will be popping in and out throughout this time.

* * *

The Romance Studio Publisher and Author Chat
Date: Sunday, August 13, 2006 from 9 pm EST

Type: Live Chat

Location: The Romance Studio chat room

Just sign in and join us. :) Authors and editors will be popping in and out throughout this time.

WOOHOOO! Great news from Freya's Bower!

2006-08-06T22:36:00.000-04:00

Freya's Bower, and its parent site Wild Child Publishing, will be launching a print line (yes, as in paperbacks) this fall. Only certain works - novel length or longer - will be available in this medium. Our first two titles will be:

The Perfect Man by Sarah Dobbs

Conspiracy of Angels by Zinnia Hope (Release date in late August/early September)

Another Freya's Bower Release! Only difference...

2006-08-06T16:50:00.000-04:00

I designed this cover art!
The Perfect Man by Sarah Dobbs
Harriet is on a mission to get a life – and she's only got 28 days to do it. Her ex fiancé is getting married and Harriet is invited to the wedding - but under no circumstances will she go alone. If that's not bad enough, her recently deceased mother just won't stop meddling in her love life. Until now, Harriet's 'love life' has been a distant dream, but men are like buses: none for ages, and then three turn up. Who will Harriet choose? Sensitive Nicholas, sexy Frenchman Julian, or Salesman John, the man she can't get out of her head (or her bed)!
Rating: Spicy
Book Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary/Chick Lit
Read excerpt
Buy Now!

Sorcha's Heart

2006-08-04T20:17:00.000-04:00

Sorcha's Heart by Debbie Mumford
A legendary relic, a dragon-wrought amulet, the Heart of Fire may be the salvation of her people, and Sorcha is willing to pay any price to obtain it, but when she discovers the price is the loss of her humanity, she learns caution too late. Only a hero can save her, and he isn't human.

Available July 30th from Freya's Bower www.freyasbower.com

Join Debbie in chat:
Where: Freya’s Bower Chat Room
When: Saturday, August 12, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, Eastern Time
Who: Debbie Mumford
What: Discussing current books—Sorcha’s Heart and Glass Magic—and coming attractions!
Why: To have fun and get to know each other!

4 Plugs for BEYOND THE MAZE

2006-07-31T23:37:00.000-04:00

OMG! They haven't even had time to post this to their website! I just got it in my email!!! WOOT!

From The Romance Reader's Connection...

BEYOND THE MAZE
Canice Brown-Porter
Freya's Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-10-8
June 2006
Paranormal Romance (time-travel)

Aubrianna Sheffield has come to the maze - her place of solace - on the grounds of her home, Chadwich Manor Estates after a long day of tours. The weather changes abruptly and she finds that she is no longer where she thought she was.

Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV is walking through his maze when he stumbles across the woman of his recent dreams. How can this be? How could this woman step from the desires of his heart and his dreams, into his arms? He may not know how she got here but he certainly knows he won't be letting her go.

This is a very short story - but a good story indeed. The short format doesn't allow the reader to become emotionally invested in the characters but the storyline is compelling and draws the reader in. It is a delightful tale and it's interesting to see how the characters deal with how Aubrianna traveled back in time.

The author throws in a health scare and how the characters deal with this new twist in enjoyable. The sex scene is well written and descriptive. The characters are enjoyable and believable. Overall a good short story that I would recommend to people who enjoy this format.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Harden
Rating: 4 (4 Plugs Denotes a Book is Excellent)

And the winner is....

2006-07-30T14:48:00.000-04:00

Maria! Congratulations!

Thanks everyone who entered! This was fun! I'll be doing another one later this week!

2006-07-30T02:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, everyone! My "Win a Free Copy of Beyond the Maze" contest has begun! Be sure to post a comment on either today's or yesterday's blog posts. I'll draw the winner's name at 2:30pm Sunday, July 30th! I'll announce the winner's name in the Freya's Bower chat over on Novelspotters. One entry per person, please. My blog addy has changed to:
http://canicebrown-porter.blogspot.com
Be sure to update your records!

Here's Your Chance to Win a Copy of BEYOND THE MAZE!

2006-07-29T00:32:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! I'm Canice Brown-Porter, author of BEYOND THE MAZE, released by Freya's Bower about 5 weeks ago. I'll be holding a blog contest on Sunday, July 30th and giving away a copy of my Freya's Bower Bites ebook, Beyond the Maze! All you have to do is leave a comment on my post that day promoting my ebook! (The "K.I.S.S." theory at work here!) I'll put everyone's name - who leaves me a comment on Sunday - into a drawing and pull the winner's name at 2:30PM (ET). I'll announce the winner in the Freya's Bower Novelspotter chat which is being held from 10AM - 3PM (EST) that day. You must be a member to enter the chat.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/novelspotter/
Looking forward to seeing everyone there! My blog addy is http://canicebrown-porter.blogspot.com/
Bites are 6,000 to 8,000 words and consists of two short stories that share a common theme.

BLURB
Beyond the Maze
Aubrianna Sheffield strolled through the magnificient centuries-old maze of Chadwick Manor Estates at the end of every day just to unwind. Little did she expect to bump headlong into a gorgeous, masculine bulk on her way back to the manor. Too bad his disposition matched the sudden dark, angry thunder clouds overhead. And, when he demanded an answer as to why she was wandering around his private grounds, she questioned his sanity. Of all the nerve!

The Lord of Chadwick
Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV struggled with the dream-come-to-life, beautiful blonde he held steady in his grasp. Even soaked to the skin in the downpour, she was breathtaking. But that sharp tongue and uncultured speech of hers drove him to the brink of madness. His family had owned Chadwick Manor Estates for over one-hundred-fifty years, and this mere slip of a woman had the audacity to order him to leave. She should be locked away in an asylum!
Rating: Tangy
Warning: Contains graphic language
To read an excerpt or purchase BEYOND THE MAZE, visit: Freya's Bower

New Release From Freya's Bower!

2006-07-29T00:25:00.000-04:00

Sorcha's Heart by Debbie Mumford
A legendary relic, a dragon-wrought amulet, the Heart of Fire may be the salvation of her people, and Sorcha is willing to pay any price to obtain it, but when she discovers the price is the loss of her humanity, she learns caution too late. Only a hero can save her, and he isn't human. Available July 30th from Freya's Bower!

SHE'S GOT LEGS! from fellow author, Amanda Brice

2006-07-25T16:04:00.000-04:00

You won't want to miss Amanda Brice's, SHE'S GOT LEGS! Why not pick up a copy of this wonderful chick lit? Blurb and infomation below. SHE'S GOT LEGS! is a Freya's Bower Bites, which consists of two short stories that share a common theme. Bites are only 6,000 to 8,000 words long...a great quick read!

SHE'S GOT LEGS (chick lit 7500 words)
When the Clock Strikes
Daria Wyatt didn't want to go to her fifteen-year high school reunion. Although she has blossomed from a wallflower into a powerful Capitol Hill attorney, she knew seeing those girls in person wouldn't exactly do wonders for her self-esteem. If only her younger sister Kara hadn't insisted she go. Giving in to shut her sister up, Daria borrows Kara's high heels in an effort to jumpstart her confidence. But in her rush to get out the door, she picks up the wrong pair, a butt-ugly purple platform creation with bright green sequins...

After Midnight
Greg McCauley can't believe his bad luck. He finally meets a beautiful, intelligent, intriguing, confident woman, but she rushes off before he can get her number. He knows heshould put her out of his mind, but there's just something about her. Those lips, thoseeyes, those legs, those crazy shoes...
Rating: Tangy
Book Length: Bites
Price: $2.00
Amanda Bricehttp://www.amandabrice.com/ (although it's still just a placeholder for now)
She's got a blog now! http://www.amandabrice.blogspot.com/

3½ KISSES from Romance Divas!

2006-07-25T01:07:00.000-04:00

Below is a partial excerpt from my first review of BEYOND THE MAZE from Romance Divas, the NUMBER ONE romance writers forum on the net!

BEYOND THE MAZE
By::Canice Brown-Porter
Freya’s Bower, 2006
Reviewed by :: Stacey Brutger
An erotica, historical, time-travel e-book

Aubrianna Sheffield inherited Chadwick Manor, an old English estate that offered tours on the weekends. Many afternoons she visited the center of the maze to collect herself and unwind from the day. Still dressed in nineteenth century regalia from an earlier tour, she lost track of time. It was only when rain threatened that she came to herself and hurried toward the manor house. And managed to trip on the path! Disgruntled, she started to straighten when her hand brushed against something solid. A set of skeleton keys. Mystified, she held onto them and dashed along the path, hoping to avoid the downpour. Instead, she ran smack dab into someone. And a gorgeous someone at that, if it wasn't for his threatening demeanor.

Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV, found the woman in his maze both intriguing and infuriating. She persisted on telling him she owned the property when he knew darn well the inheritance was his alone. Keane needed to solve the mystery. Was she as insane as she sounded or did the innocence he glimpsed in her beautiful eyes hold the real truth?

Good beginning, an even better ending, made Beyond the Maze a fascinating read. The tension was good, but some parts were so glossed over and hurried, it could be a bit confusing. Aubrianna seemed a bit brash at times, but she could match Keane step for step when he was at his most overbearing. Their personalities seemed to suite each other perfectly. I love historical novels and although I would have liked more description of the time, I enjoyed this short piece. For a brief glimpse into the past, Beyond the Maze is the perfect read.
3 ½ Kisses

You can get your copy today - right this minute - in PDF or HTML formats at http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/65/88/

Win a Copy of My Bites Ebook Today!

2006-07-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

Join me and the authors and editors of Freya's Bower today from 2-5pm (EST)! Join us at http://www.romancedivas.com, register and click on the "Live Chat" link in the upper right corner of the diva forum
EXCERPT - BEYOND THE MAZE
The door burst open and slammed back against the wall. Keane stomped into the room. Aubrianna whirled around to meet the ominous storm of masculine anger coming towards her. Her heart slammed against her chest. Her pulse quickened. She stumbled over the breath caught in her throat at the pure virility of the man.

No way can I be attracted to such a Neanderthal. Yet, the man appeared to be tormented by unknown demons. He exuded an aura of control and respect, but there was something in the lines around his eyes. Keane Chadwick dealt with an internal conflict that was quite obviously keeping him from restful sleep. A dark secret he was apparently loathed to share with anyone. His dark hair, still damp from the rain, clung to his head and neck. Dark eyes were leveled on her without so much as a blink.

“Leave us, Ella!” He stopped only mere inches away. “Now!”

I will not be intimidated. She nailed him with her own adamant glare. Aubrianna stood rigid, her back straight, wearing nothing more than her under petticoat and drawers. “What the hell do you think you’re doing bursting into my room?”

His fingers wrapped around her upper arm, and he yanked her closer until they stood toe-to-toe. “This is my room, in my house, and I will burst into any room whenever I damn well please!”

“Well, I beg to differ,” she said, her chin raised, her gaze melded to his. Her voice sounded relaxed and confident to her own ears, but her insides jiggled like Jell-O. “No gentleman would enter a lady’s bed chamber uninvited.”

She watched Keane’s eyes travel down between them. Perspiration beaded across his forehead and upper lip before he exhaled a heated breath that feathered over her bare shoulders. He swung his eyes back to meet hers. She inhaled sharply. The thin white petticoat did little to shield her aroused nipples from his open gaze. He smelled of leather. His gaze drifted along the curve of her chin to her mouth. Feathery gasps escaped from her lips. The tip of her tongue slipped across her lower lip.

Smoldering heat ignited in the pit of her stomach, radiating outwards to consume her body. Her skin flushed from her cheeks to her toes.

She gulped a jagged breath when her body met the hard wall of his chest, and his lips crushed hers. His tongue licked along her lower lip. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples hardened into turgid little beads. She struggled to free herself.

Thank God, I'm Home!

2006-07-14T19:15:00.000-04:00

It's been tough trying to keep up with all that is going on andwith my writing. Personally, I haven't been able to write since hubby's tumor diagnosis. Now with his eye surgeries and all the running back and forth to Duke University's Eye Center...well, it's been tough. As a matter of fact, it's been so tough, I'm not even going dancing this week! I just don't have the energy.

Anyway, I finally read Bachelor Number Four written by Megan Hart. I even got the review written and submitted to my editor at Romance Divas this morning! WoooHooo! It's published by Amber Quill Press and has a heat rating of 2. Just spicy enough to keep things moving along. It's a great read!

I still have A Taste of Temptation by author Gayle Eden to read. Then, I'll write my review. I love historicals!

Maybe I'll be able to write on my own stuff in another week or two. In the meantime, have you bought my historical time travel, Beyond the Maze, yet? No! Oh My! It's a great quick read and at only $2.00 (USD)! You can read an excerpt and purchase it at http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/65/88 . Okay...so...what are you waiting for?

Just in from Freya's Bower Editor-in-Chief, Marci Baun:

2006-07-14T18:59:00.000-04:00

A chance to chat with our people.
Date: Sun, July 16, 2006
Time: 2 pm - 5 pm
Location: Romance Divas Chat Room — you must be a member to participate
Type: Live chat
We look forward to seeing your bright smiley faces. :)
Freya's Bower

Freya’s Bower Hot Summer Sex Chat -- TBA

2006-07-07T16:51:00.000-04:00

Freya’s Bower Hot Summer Sensual Chat !
Be prepared for explicit content and kinky prizes, to say OMG!, and to laugh your a$$ off! Have fun, be honest, and let your hair down.

Time: 5PM to 10PM (EST); come and go as you please during a five-hour live chat time.
When: TBA
Where: http://www.freyasbower.com/chat/ (You must register to participate.)
What to bring: your hubby, wife, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend, and let them sit and chat with you and us.

This will not be a dating/matchmaking chat. This is to discuss our authors books and what motivates them to write. Authors will be posting excerpts from their ebooks. We'll discuss what motivated or what inspired the author to write the particular excerpt.

Join the editors, authors, staff and - of course - readers who love their romance to sizzle and sting! Must be over 18 to participate! Freya's Bower is pushing the buttons and turning up the heat! Don't miss this blowout, never-before-attempted-online sensual promotional extravaganza! Invite your friends and coworkers! Bring a friend ... or more!

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

2006-06-27T13:25:00.000-04:00

First, I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to enter my contest making it far more successful than I had ever imagined it would be! It was great fun, and I truly enjoyed my day of "basking in the sun". So, now for the winner....

Doesn't it just kill you when people take forever to announce the winner? Yep...me, too! And the winner is...

*drum roll, please*

bubblygiggles (Marie)! Congratulations!!! Marie is a Canadian romance reader. It's really great to give books to your target audience! I'll have to do this again! So, make sure you watch for future contests...you could win a FREE copy of BEYOND THE MAZE and/or some really great prizes!

If you can't wait to read the book, you can always purchase it at Freya's Bower!

Thanks again, everyone!

BEYOND THE MAZE Release & Contest!

2006-06-22T11:19:00.000-04:00

Freya's Bower editor, Marci Baun, informed me yesterday that my Bites! ebook, BEYOND THE MAZE, will be released on Monday! I can't thank Marci and Faith enough for all their hard work! They've been terrific!

This ebook is composed of two short stories that are based on common elements/themes. BEYOND THE MAZE is a "Tangy" historical time travel romantica. Meet Aubrianna Sheffield, a self-employed, confident young woman of today. And find out how she ends up bumping headlong into the dashing Lord Keane Hamilton Chadwick IV on the grounds of Chadwick Manor Estates. Both lay claim to the property. And both have legal rights to the property. However, clashing over owner rights isn't all they find themselves up against!

I am also announcing that I'll be holding a "Release Day Celebration Contest"! I'll be giving away a FREE copy of BEYOND THE MAZE to one lucky winner! Just send me an email with BEYOND THE MAZE Contest in the Subject line along with your name between 12:01am Monday morning and before midnight (Eastern Time) Monday night. I'll draw the lucky winner's name on Tuesday, June 27th and notify you by email that day.

You can purchase a copy at http://www.freyasbower.com on Monday!

They found her!

2006-06-20T14:07:00.000-04:00

Majorie Jones' daughter Staci has been found!!!!! Staci has been found in San Diego and will be returning home to her parents within the next couple of days. She was safe. Read about it at the family website! http://www.marjoriejones.com/staci/missingx.html

RWA Chapter President Resigns

2006-06-16T19:29:00.001-04:00

This is not a hoax. This is real. Today on RWA Chaplink (for chapter presidents), Marjorie Jones posted a note that she was resigning as president of the Utah chapter and one of the reasons was her missing daughter. The author's daughter is missing. She is from Utah, and expected to be traveling to Texas. If you see her, please call your local police or click on the link below to contact the girl's mother!

I pray they find her safe/unharmed and return her to her home.

Taking a Deep Breath...Exhale Slowly

2006-06-13T01:54:00.000-04:00

UPDATE ON MY DH
Although I've been drained the past 2-3 weeks due to all the health upheavals my DH is going through, things just became a little less frightening. His colorectal tumor appears to be benign. All the biopsy results came back negative. However, the doctor says he still believes there are cancerous cells in the core of it. He also suggested the tumor be removed due to its size. So, I'm sure we will be seeing the surgeon again within the next week or so.

ROMANCE DIVA STUFF
I finally got the review done on fellow Diva, Dayna Hart's YOU AGAIN contemporary sweet romance. It's available now at Freya's Bower. This is a really great Bites ebook which contains two short stories. Ms. Hart has created an exceptional read for those who love romance. And it's a real bargain at only $2.00 (USD). Be sure to pick up a copy!

I also managed to get the other story read that's been sitting on my desk for a week or so. This one is a contemporary erotica from Amber Quill Press entitled TWO WEEKS IN PARADISE by Brit Blaise. Another marvelous writer! I'm hoping to get the review completed by Wednesday and turned into my editor at Romance Divas that day also.

UPDATE ON MY WRITING
Things have been a bit slow on my end. With all the stress, I've just been so tired my brain and muse refuse to deal with me. I have gotten some work done on my Yesterday's Innocence series. I am really trying to complete the editions that Liquid Silver Books requested. I'd love to get it back to them within the next couple of weeks. But again, a lot will depend on my DH's health and medical care.

I've created a logo for promotional collectibles regarding my writing. These are available for purchase at http://www.cafepress.com/gifts4everyone . Be sure to check it out and pass it along to your friends and family! I'll be coming out with more items as soon as I get the cover art to my Bites ebook from Freya's Bower.

Okay, this is getting long and I'm becoming drain-bread, so I'll close here and update again as news comes in.

So Proud of my Friend!

2006-06-01T18:14:00.000-04:00

My friend, Miranda Heart, has now joined the ranks of being a published author! I'm so happy for her. Below is the blurb for her erotic Bites ebook published by Freya's Bower at www.freyasbower.com. You'll find it under the Capture/Bondage section. Way to go, sissy!

Michael can not believe that his submissive Trisha has been so passive lately. Tonight is their eight-year anniversary and he has a surprise for her that she will not soon forget.

The night after their anniversary Trisha blatantly disobeys an order to stay home. Her insubordination does not go unnoticed and her master gives her another night that cures her of her insubordinate behavior for good.
Rating: Sizzling
Book Length: Bites
Price: $2.00

Just rambling thoughts...

2006-05-29T18:38:00.000-04:00

So much has happened in the past few weeks. Many know about my DH's recent cancer diagnosis, and with that comes all the new doctor appointments, testings, scans, pending surgery/ies, and whatever else may crop up along the way. As he says, "We deal with it one day at a time."

ANOTHER MOUTH TO FEED...OH, WONDERFUL!
Two weeks ago, my S-I-L and M-I-L both came to visit from SC. They also brought my DH a new friend/companion...a purebred dachshund. Rudy is adorable, but sheesh...not what I needed right now. Anyway, DH has always wanted a dog and I just can't find the heart to tell him "no" or complain about it right now. So, like everything else, I deal with it.

I'M A STAFF REVIEWER FOR ROMANCE DIVAS!
I submitted my first review on a story for an author with Ellora's Cave for Romance Divas almost 2 weeks ago. It still hasn't been posted to their review board, but it should go soon. I'm waiting on another book to review for them over the next 2-3 weeks.

GOT MY BITES EDITS
Marci sent me the edits on my Bites late Saturday night. I've been working on those as much as possible. There really aren't that many changes/suggestions. I hope to have the revisions done by late Wednesday.

If you haven't checked out the Bites that are available now and soon to be released at Freya's Bower, hop on over there! Some really great stories by some really awesome authors are offered at only $2.00 each. Now, that's a bargain!

KINDA SORTA GOT A REJECTION
Liquid Silver Books sent me a rejection on my novel. But...all they wanted was for me to up the spice and send it back. They also asked for anything else I have ready with a strong romance in it. One of their top experienced editors reviewed my manuscript and she said I definitely had good writing skills. The editor who I've always emailed told me that was high praise coming from her. So, I'm trying to kick up the sensuality a notch and send it back to them. If they take this one, I'll have to start on the next manuscript I have completed (except for the rewrites), because this is a five-book series! How great is that?

ON LIGHTER TOPICS
The weather went from mid 60s to low 90s here almost overnight. I love summer, but not all at one time! Still, I'm not going to complain. I'd rather deal with the heat than deal with the cold and snow.

I'm still going dancing on Saturday nights. I meet my sisters and friends there and have a great time. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to go due to DH's medical problems, but I'm not changing the routine around here until I absolutely have to change it. Heck, he told me a week ago that even if he's in the hospital on a Saturday night, I should still go. I looked at him like he had lost his mind. No way am I going to drive 75 miles one way while he's laying in a hospital! But, he's such a wonderful man. He knows how much I love spending time with family and friends and that dancing is such a stress reliever for me.

Anyway, I need to get back to doing some revisions.

Getting It Done!

2006-05-07T22:03:00.001-04:00

Well, I finished my two short stories for the ebook that will be published through Freya's Bower and their new Bites! line. I sent the rough drafts to my editor in the very wee hours of Friday morning. My deadline wasn't until Monday, but my CP had gone over it and I went over it a couple of times before I sent it. Now, I'll wait to hear from my editor, Melanie. Still don't have a publish date, but I should hear something in the next few weeks. Freya's Bower is really putting out some great cover art for these Bites!

Still waiting to hear from Liquid Silver Books. I imagine I've got another month or so on that one though.

I'm talking to Freya's Bower about their upcoming Goddess Freya series. I'd love to do a novella or novel length on this topic for them. The possibilities are endless. I'll be sending a short outline/proposal idea to them on Monday or Tuesday this week.

I have plans to try to finish my BDSM erotica within the next 2 weeks. I'd like to have it ready to submit to Liquid Silver or Ellora's Cave by June 1st.

My other WIP is the historical time travel I began back in February. I'd like to submit that one to Cobblestone Press. However, this one is going to be a full length novel between 60-80K words, so it will probably be July or August before it will be ready to submit.

I'm really pleased with the way my writing is going at the moment. I didn't think I'd meet my 2006 goal so early in the year. (To be a published author) I at least wanted a contract in hand whether the book actually came out in 2006 or later.

Where did the time go?

2006-04-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah...I was revising my manuscript. All 100,000+ words of it. Just finished it this past Wednesday. Had a request for a full from Liquid Silver Books on 3/19/06. So, had my CP go over what I was doing as far as changes.

I also found out that I'll be published by Freya's Bower through their Bites! line. I don't have an actual publish date, but I'm just beginning work on the 2 stories for the ebook. Needless to say, I've been busy the past couple of weeks.

Hubby is having some medical problems, so that's side-tracked me to some degree. Plus, I've taken up my line dancing again and hoping that it will help me lose the extra weight I've added through the winter. So far, I've lost 10 pounds. Still have a way to go, but all good things come in time.

Hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary yesterday. My hero...sigh.

Going to make a trip to the cemetery today. My dad passed away 3 years ago today. I don't feel comfortable with not going.

Speaking of traveling...what the hell are oil companies trying to do to us? They have used this same tired excuse of shortage ... or weather damage ... or whatever to raise prices. You would think after 40 years of shortages and damages, they would have done something to alleviate the problems by now! If they were employed by any other industry, they'd all be looking for jobs by now. NO COMPANY would keep employees that didn't correct problems in a timely manner. It's greed...pure and simple. Sorry, but most Republicans - which has been proven under this administration for the past 7 years over and over again - think of their own gains. When is the minimum wage going to increase to keep up with rising costs. Higher gas prices don't stop at the pump! They trickle down into everything you buy, simply because higher prices at the pump means higher transport costs which always comes back to the consumer with higher prices in the stores. Even Wal-mart isn't lowering prices every day, anymore. Most of the items I buy there on a regular basis have increased anywhere from a few cents to a dollar!

Okay, I'm stepping off of my soap box and running out of the door to do errands so I can head out to the cemetery.

Have a great day! And to all the writers I know...have a wonderfully productive day!