Inside the Mind of Lauren Murphy

Soooooooo...

2012-01-23T06:33:00.000-06:00

The writing/editing bug still has yet to bite me, but I remain hopeful that I will find the time and the motivation to get this last story completed (because I can assure you, it is made of total awesomeness). The good news is that I’ve had plenty of time to try new recipes and if you promise not to judge me for my blatant procrastination I will share one with you… alright who am I kidding, here you go.

Sausage and Spinach Alfredo

Ingredients
1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Regular Flavor Pork Sausage Roll
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
½ pound fettuccine, cooked, drained
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1bag (6 ounces) baby spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
Cracked black pepper to taste

Directions
1. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in stockpot over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain. Return sausage mixture to pan.

2. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 4-5 minutes or until most of the wine is cooked off.

3. Add pasta, cream and cheese; bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in spinach; cover. Let stand 3 minutes. Season with pepper.

Cook’s Tips For best results, use grated, not shredded, Parmesan cheese. Prepare using 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Italian Flavor Pork Sausage Roll. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese.

Yield:
Makes: 6 servings (about 1-1/4 cups each)
Check out this great recipe and more from the Jimmy Dean website. (http://jimmydean.com/recipes/italian-pasta-rockefeller.aspx)

Blame it on the holidays!

2012-01-16T06:23:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so what if I went MIA before the holidays, that’s still where I will be placing the blame. I have been ~~slacking horribly~~ super busy with family stuff and haven’t been keeping up with my writing ~~at all~~ as much as I would have liked. Soooooo I am getting my butt in gear again… for the trillionth time, and working toward the completion of SOMETHING. Ugh! I’ve been getting some self-edits done on a story I intend to submit someday and I am pleased to find it’s much better than I thought… and only getting better. Wish me luck. *goes off to do something that would not be considered slacking off*

Changes in the Weather

2011-10-30T06:11:00.000-05:00

I usually dread the coming of fall. I love the look of fall, but I don’t usually love the feel of fall. To be honest I really hate the cold. A lot of people like to try and defend the cold by saying that you can add as many layers as you want to warm up, but in the summer there is only so much you can take off to stay cool. And on that note I will have to strongly disagree. Sorry, but no matter how many layers I pack on I can still fill the chill of the cold penetrating my layers, and them I’m left bogged down with twenty five layers of clothes, barely able to move my limbs and guess what, still feeling the cold. No, there was no convincing me that there was anything good about cold weather.

Well this year… I still hate cold weather. BUT, I’m not dreading it like I usually do. I am still far friendlier with warm temps than cold ones, but for some reason I am looking forward to the other things that come along with the change in weather. I get to wear a different wardrobe for a while, heck even add to it. Also there will be nice cozy moments, INSIDE, where I can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, or spiked oops I mean spiced eggnog, and let’s not forget the holidays. There is nothing cozier than sharing time with the ones I love most. So, though there is no cure for my pure dislike of cold weather, I have certainly found some things to make it bearable, maybe even somewhat enjoyable.

Falling Out of Love…

2011-10-23T06:08:00.000-05:00

With Contemporary Romance (Yeah it's a long one). I don’t know if this is a permanent thing, but it saddens me. Recently, I’ve been trying some new authors and some new to me authors and either I’m a super picky reader (which I never thought I was until now) or the quality and types of stories (for the most part) are no longer appealing to me. There are some things we’ve come to expect from romance with the most important being an HEA/HFN. We’ve got to have our happy ending. In fact, that was what drew me to the romance genre in the first place. There is enough depression in everyday life if I wanted “reality” I could watch the news. When I’m reading for entertainment I want to feel good.

However I have noticed some reoccurring events or even themes happening in SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many of the contemporary romance books I’ve picked up just over the course of one week.

Okay so it’s no secret that I enjoy all types of romance, but my absolute fave is erotic. Hell I even write it. But one of the most recent things that’s been killing me is that in EVERY single book, and damn near EVERY single sex scene the hero has to stop everything and carry the heroine to the bed, and lay her gently and lovingly down before he… f*$&s her brains out. For real?! Okay before you come at me with torches and firearms I’m just saying. In every romance, I’ve read whether it was sweet or super spicy the heroine has to be carried to the bed each time. EACH TIME? Do you know how many times that happens in a book if the story is an erotic romance? That poor hero. His arms must feel like spaghetti noodles by the end of the book. I mean don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of women have a desire to be physically swept of their feet, but really, EVERY single time. And what about when it’s hot raunchy sex? They are up against the wall, at the front door, ripping at their clothes, with their hands down each other pants, but wait no… we have to stop everything to carry the heroin up twenty flights of steps and lay her down like a fine piece of china. Sorry but after the ten trillionth time of reading it my eyes started to glaze over. All these modern day women, and not one seemed to be able to get her own self to a bed. (Fine feel free to hate me now, I can accept it.)

Another one of all-time favorites *cough* is the super overbearing heroine who is stubborn and knows it all and just acts like an all-around b($*# when she doesn’t get her way. I can’t tell how many times I’ve read one of these heroines and wanted to gouge my damn eyes out. Really, this is supposed to be a representation of strength in women? Hell no! I refuse to except that I have to be an all-around know it all b*$&# who never listens to anyone (Especially men, because clearly since she’s a “modern woman” she should never have to listen to a man again) in order to be strong or savvy… or whatever. However I guess I am in the minority with my opinion here because I hear so many rave about this type of heroine, sorry but I won’t be jumping on that bandwagon… ever. Sticking up for what she believes against all odds is commendable and even admirable, but going into ragging b(*^$ mode because she wants her way, and she wants it now, is not my idea of strength. And the heroes always give in so she can have her way and won’t be mad and damn it I wanna slap the hell out of them too. The heroine of a story shouldn’t be given license to run all over everyone, just because the story is a romance.

The “no men/no falling in love every again policy” usually due to some event in the past where one man (occasionally a few men) in the near or distant past acted like an a$$ (though recently a lot of books have been using the he cheated on me so now I’m against all men premise), is really wearing thin on me. If I see this one again I’m going to slit my wrist. Really, no men/falling in love ever again… in life… ever… for real? Forgive me if I have just a tad bit of trouble finding this one totally believable. But this is oh so common in our contemporary romance books. I read (or tried to read) a good five books back to back and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM had some form of this “conflict.” Because of this, the heroine is given license to treat all men like doggy doodoo in order to “protect” herself, and resist the hero for virtually no reason. It’s a good day, if I can make it through an entire story, without a heroine spending the majority of the book taking her unfortunate past out on the hero, especially considering he’s never done a thing to harm her. I really struggle with understanding how the hero puts up with it. Sure, I want an understanding hero, but not a doormat! Just saying. Really am I being unreasonable by wishing we could find some other forms of conflict for contemporary romance books? I am so sorry, but this one really has been done to death. *dodges more rotten fruit*

The overbearing, supper possessive jealous hero. Again, I’m so sorry, but I find it hard to love a man that wants to turn me into a piece of property. He hates every man that’s so much as breathed a nice word to the heroine, has loved her or made love to her, and the heroine is excited about this jealousy and takes it a sign of love or deep affection? *blink* *blink* Really?! Is this the only way an alpha can show love and appreciation, by treating the heroine like a possession? And perhaps there are some that enjoy that type of attention, but forgive me if I don’t believe all women want a man that has to be overbearing and super jealous/possessive in order to still be dominant. Hell this behavior isn’t even reserved for just alphas or doms, now the betas are getting totally possessive and jealous. *sigh*

I guess I’m just looking for a bit more variety. I am certainly not saying these things are true of ALL contemporary romances, but the overwhelming majority of the ones I’ve read, whether in paperback or ebook forms have had a multitude of similarities. Feel free to continue throwing rotten fruit, I’m sure I’ve earned it by now.

Excited About Writing... Again

2011-10-16T06:56:00.000-05:00

So I spent a few months editing an old story, I mean I had written it years ago. The premise was good however when I wrote the story I honestly didn’t have the skill to execute it effectively. As time rolled on and I edited and edited… and kept on editing. I continued having a feeling that the story may not be working out like I’d hoped. The plot wasn’t working and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it without starting from scratch. So I kept plodding away tweaking things here and there hoping the small changes would make a difference. Honestly, I just should have realized that the best way to go was to scrap the whole thing and start over. But, I didn’t want to give up on all that work I’d already done. So, instead I made it all the way to the end enduring the nagging sensation that this story wasn’t what I wanted it to be. Once it was done I asked a few lovely, wonderful people to critique it for me… and low and behold they felt the same as I did. Certain elements of the story were fantastic, but the overall flow of the story and the plot were both muddled and lacking. So as you guessed I scrapped it… sort of. Out of that dismal failure was born a story idea so freaking awesome I can’t wait to get cracking on it.

Now, here’s what makes the whole experience even better. Not only did a lovely new story idea come from the disaster of the initial story, but I learned enough from it to work effectively on my current story. My current WIP is also one I’d started a while ago, however this time I was able to realize the issues this story had BEFORE I got too deep in. This time I was able to realize that cutting the parts that didn’t work early on instead of trying to save what I’d already written, would save me time and creative energy overall. The amazingness that has sprung from my current story is made of pure awesome and had I not had the experience with the first story, my current one wouldn’t be the loveliness it’s turning into. I have never enjoyed writing more than I do now, knowing that I have more of the skills required to turn mere words into art. Sometimes failure is really success in disguise.

Technologically Challenged

2011-08-07T06:33:00.000-05:00

So, I am completely behind the times. I don’t have an IPAD, IPOD, eReader or any other handheld type of device that will allow me to gloat about my technologically advanced nature… because apparently I don’t have one. My computer is like four years old which I believe makes it ancient, our sound system is even older (my face is flame red with embracement /sarcasm) and I still don’t own a smartphone (though mine does at least have a touchscreen, hey don’t judge me). Well, perhaps I will catch up with the times (and apparently the rest of civilization) and get one if not all of the above… but until my money starts growing on the plentiful trees outside our apartment complex I am open to donations. Just sayin…

I Love Poetry!

2011-07-31T06:51:00.002-05:00

I hear too many comments from people who for some reason think it's bad to know when you are good at something, or beautiful, or smart, or have confidence. You're too self important, conceited, full of yourself, or (insert word here that means bad to think highly of yourself) if you're not afraid to acknowledge and love your strong points. I have seen the effects this type of mindset has had some of the people dearest to me and I think it's very negative or unproductive for people to feel like they have to conceal how wonderful they are because there are some who don't realize that ALL of us have potential for greatness and that there is no harm in embracing it. So I wrote this poem and dedicated it to my dearest friend (she knows who she is) and sent her a copy of her very own. Enjoy!

Uppity
By. Lauren Murphy

Vision, fixated, on a vivid mirror,
Black diamonds, glitter back,
Through lovely,shimmering eyes.
My smile holds secrets,
Suppressed,
Behind shinning red lips.
The sway of rounded hips,
Captures lingering attentions,
As I glide past, on steady high heels.
Laughing sweetly,
Immersed, in compliments aplenty,
Flirtatious antics, sweet and sexy.
Confident, with knowledge,
No one can touch me,
My thoughts,my own,
To think, as I please.
Self-assured, strong in my beliefs,
Uncaring of your judgments,
Your business, your own.
Head held high, like a gladiator bold.
Malicious stares,won’t tame me.
Others point and whisper,
Don’t value my vitality,
Thirsting to humble me,
To drudge down their paths.
No gazingtoward the floor,
Ashamed of who I am,
Estranged from my greatness,
Or doubting my worth.
Hate me if you wish,
Speak loudly against me,
Call me out my name,
Hmm,
If you dare.
In love with who I am,
Enjoying my own skin
Never letting go,
Of the true love, within.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Too Many Video Games and Nursery Rhymes (Just wait… it gets better)

2011-07-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

Well if you’ve ever played Mario Brothers you’ll appreciate this… and why I want to kick The Man. So anyway, I had a new hairstyle… recently (I change it up regularly) and it required that I wore a bonnet while I slept. The Man is utterly ridiculous (which I particularly love about him) and he calls it a muffet, because when he was younger, little miss muffet sat on her tuffet wearing (guess what) a bonnet as far as most illustrations go.

So he calls my bonnet a muffet, because have I mentioned that he’s totally ridiculous (but in a good way). Moving along, this new hairstyle is sort of bigish (as most of my hairstyles are… I like big hair don’t judge me). When I put the “muffet” on it’s really puffy looking, because I am squeezing a grand deal of hair under this thing all in the name of beauty (no wonder I grew up a tomboy) so my hair could be somewhat in tact the next day. Well this big black “muffet” looks rather round on top of my head once it’s all said and done. Now, at this point you may be saying, “What the hell does this have to do with Mario Brothers.” Well they have these characters that live in the mushroom kingdom, and they have big red and white mushroomy heads.

Well, The Man (wonderful as he is) has a lovely imagination and has decided that I greatly resemble these people while wearing the muffet and constantly tells stupid jokes or horrible puns about mushrooms. So, the other night as I proceed to stuff all my stupid hair in this “muffet” I look in the mirror and start laughing immediately. Low and behold I really do look like the mushroom head people from Mario… I hate my life. Forget it, I will NOT provide an illustration.*mutters*

Six Sentence Sunday!

2011-07-17T06:38:00.001-05:00

I'm brand new to Six Sentence Sunday, but you know how I love trying new things. My six are from my new release Curse of the Demon Queen, available now at Cobblestone Press. Lilith doesn't want to take no for an answer, and Aamon is making her... this time.

“Look at that,” she whispered as her gaze traveled down his naked form. “I don’t think you hate me as much as you let on.”

“Oh,” he said, grabbing her hand, forcing her to stop touching him, “but I do.”

A dark sneer marred her feminine features. Her cat-like eyes narrowed, and her full lips disappeared into a thin line below her broad nose which turned up on one side. Damn, even in anger he wanted her.

Don't forget to check back at Six Sentence Sunday for more great teasers.

Bad Driving

2011-07-10T06:17:00.002-05:00

I’ve held my tongue long enough. Yes, I know I’m probably too opinionated for most, but though I love to share my opinion I do try to avoid ranting… much. I will admit that driving is one of my hot points, a place I have to woosah A LOT! But here’s the low down. My day job hours are from eight to five, luckily I don’t have to get on the interstate or I’d never get there. However there is still traffic on the street (I know you are wishing I would just get to the point and I am I swear it). There are a few basic things I believe every driver should be familiar with and if not perhaps they should consider taking some sort of class. Just sayin…

1. Green light means GO! That means you put your foot on the accelerator and increase pressure until you have at least reached the speed limit. Don’t sit there and stare at it like it’s alien lights and they’ve come to take you back home. Don’t text or talk to your BFF about the latest thing that happened with the cute guy down stairs. I mean if something major happens with your car, like it just shuts off you are exempt, but most don’t have any excuses for not complying with this most simple and important rule. Surely I can’t be the ONLY one who wants to get to work on time!

2. Please at least drive the speed limit. I’m not saying drive a trillion miles over the speed limit, get pulled over and have to pay your life savings for a ticket for reckless driving. But honestly, drivers that do 25 in a 35 (unless they are having some unfortunate car problems) make me want to do really bad things and say really bad words… well the words I actually say.

3. The above applies when there is a cop on the road. It is completely unnecessary and ridiculous to drive ten miles an hour in a fifty because there is a cop in the near vicinity. If you are doing the speed limit you’re obeying the law and thus won’t get pulled over. There’s no need to drive that slow and risk the angry mob that now wants to come after you with torches and pitchforks because you’ve made every one late for work… for nothing.

4. When changing lanes or making a turn, please use that little doohickey for the turn signals. You never know, people may want to know if you’re going to swerve in front of them or slow down to make a turn. Perhaps you don’t like you car but some of us like ours and if we could all just utilize that cute little lever right there near the steering wheel we’d all be better off.

That’s really all I have for now as those are the ones that shoot my blood pressure through the roof of my car faster than anything else. Using a little consideration would go a long way… just sayin.

Curse of the Demon Queen is Available Now!

2011-07-09T02:02:00.000-05:00

Fifty years ago, Lilith, Queen of the Demons, took the fall for something she wanted no part in and it cost her the only man she ever loved.

Betrayed and cursed, Aamon wants nothing but his freedom. Unable to let him go, Lilith watches him constantly, selfishly lusting for the love she destroyed. No matter how long he’s forced to serve, he’ll never forgive her.

The two end up on a treacherous ride of depravity and burning desire. Only absolute forgiveness will be able bring them back from this perilous journey.

Read a full excerpt here!

Available now here!

Available now at Cobblestone Press

Hiding Sex from the Kiddies (I am just full of touchy posts aren’t I?)

2011-07-03T06:43:00.005-05:00

It appears that there is a huge debate on how we (The US) should handle sex education. There are some who want their kids to be totally abstinent and not even know about the existence of sex. Then there is the other extreme who wants everyone to throw caution to the wind and just load them up with condoms and let them have at it. You know me, I am all about the happy medium.

Since I was never forced into the idea of abstinence or made blind to the fact that sex did indeed exist, I fail to see how keeping our children completely ignorant is going to help them make any kind of informed and intelligent decision when faced with dilemmas, and trust me, they will and probably are already facing them. As technology has grown so has our young people’s exposure to the world. And too many times, before parents even have the chance to have the talk with their kids, they have already heard about it from their friends… which could be alarming considering who our children might be friends with at the time.

Now I’m not saying we should drop a steady stream of porn in their laps and say, “Here ya’ go.” I certainly don’t think that’s the way to go either. However I think a lot of people (teachers and even parents) are trying so hard to avoid having these crucial conversations with their kids because it’s probably going to be awkward for both sides. But if they aren’t presented with the facts of the good and bad, information regarding the risks as well as the rewards from a reliable source then where else are they going to get it? Make no mistake, they will hear about it from somewhere.

My mom never forbade me to do anything (knowing it would make whatever it was all the more enticing if she did), but she talked with me about sex whenever she saw a learning opportunity (moment of mortification usually on my end). We had honest discussion (as she tried to ignore my beet red face) and went over what was appropriate and what wasn’t (based on our beliefs, the conversation may vary for some). But she never hid it from me. Now I am not against abstinence, however I believe children should have the knowledge to correspond with why they should be abstinent if that is your belief. Saying, “Just don’t do it because I said so,” isn’t going to cut it… I don’t think it ever has.

I am afraid for children who are kept in the dark since they are the most uninformed. I feel they are the likeliest targets for those that would wish to do them harm. When I see reports of girls birthing babies at thirteen years of age, I become concerned that we could be having these talks “too late” if at all. I believe that having an honest discussion with our children about why they should wait, or be careful and use protection (or whatever it is we want to teach our individual children) could have a larger impact than pushing it off until later (like preteen or teenage years when it could be too late) or never at all. Perhaps we won’t or can’t reach them all, but we could give them and ourselves a fighting chance. Just my opinion.

Time for a Poem!

2011-06-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

You know I must have been reaching really far back into the past... or channeling from some friends in the present because I really don't know where this piece came from. I am usually never so angsty (I can make up words if I wanna) but man, the words sounded nice to me so I wrote it anyway.

Disconnected Silence
By. Lauren Murphy

Clever words,
Roll across my tongue,
As I hide behind pretty lies.
Eyes glisten,
Savage seas toss turbulently,
Stinging,
Stealing breath,
As my throat closes,
Oversuppressed storms of misty misery.
Deep reaching,
Your succulent energy,
Enslaved me to this addiction.
Withdrawal,
Grips this cold battered heart,
My love disconnects from yours,
Shriveled,
Dead.
Harsh, dreadful clouds,
Clog, once clear thoughts,
Dragging me,
Into dingy recesses,
Of fearful loneliness,
Drenched inanger
As I stare upon your beloved face.
Deceitful untruths,
Release from parted lips,
Expressing feigned nonchalance,
While my soul shatters,
Into shards of broken anguish,
Reflecting tattered remnants,
Of a once solid connection.
Consumed with dark shadows,
Life leaks from tired limbs and shredded emotions,
I remain,
Shrouded,
In darkness,
Comforted by gloom,
Left,
In lonely silence.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Even More Edits!

2011-06-19T06:58:00.001-05:00

Perhaps I am enjoying these edits because I am actually polishing this story for publication. I’ve worked for a long time on this story and to finally see my vision on the way to being published is so wonderful. I’ve heard so many authors talk about how much they dread edits, but I haven’t had that experience, when I’m editing for myself before I sub or afterward making the corrections suggested by my editor. Sure there was plenty to correct, but it surely wasn’t the most laborious task I’ve ever partaken. I enjoyed once again doing work on a story that I’ve come to love after so long. *happy sigh*

Longest Post Ever but Really, Help Me Out Here! (Controversial and You Will Probably Hate My Guts.)

2011-06-12T06:27:00.001-05:00

First, let me just say, I know I am not an expert on anything, but I have made some observations over the years and this is just my POV. Having said that, over the course of my life I have obtained both male and female friends (often more male than female and for good reason sadly) I’ve often witnessed a lot of bitter sounding comments from both parties. In short there is a whole lot of blame coming from each side regarding the decline of today’s relationships. And I’m thinking there’s gotta be something to this. It can’t just entirely be the fault of one group, after all, it really does take two to tango. (So what if it’s cliché don’t judge me!)

The Initial Meeting:

Women want men to do all the work in the initial meeting. Women don’t get mad at me for saying it. I’m hearing it (maybe not in those words exactly) from both sides of the fence. Men are tired of doing the work. Traditionally it’s been expected that the men approach the women. However, I have had countless men tell me that they’ve been outright rejected on the “nice” approach. Apparently there are tons of men who’ve crashed and burned like a raging gasoline powered inferno using something similar to, “Hi, I’m (insert name) I’d like to get to know you better.” Women I’m sure you’re ready to beat be over the head with a stick and vehemently disagree but after hearing the same story from so many men I am inclined to see their viewpoint as valid. On the other hand, men, just because it hasn’t worked a few times doesn’t mean it won’t work ever. The women or girl you tried to be nice to could have likely been a juvenile idiot who wouldn’t have known a decent guy if she had possession of a nice-o-meter. You can’t judge every experience based on some bad ones. Still women, so many of us are claiming to be these “new age” women. So if we’re so advanced why can’t we get off our hineys and just tell a man we’re interested and while we’re at it, avoid playing those ridiculous games, such as feigning disinterest, when the guy you like does approach you. Let me provide a little clarity, to him, that is not a hint that you are interested and neither is a short stare from across the room, then quickly averting your eyes. Really, that could mean absolutely anything… or nothing.

Communication:

Now that everyone wants to kick my ass let’s talk about the horrid state of communication most couples dwell in. First off, when we first meet someone we are so busy trying to impress them that we’re being like 10% of our true selves (I’m really being gracious with that number by the way). We hide all our flaws while we’re in that cute lovey dovey honey moon faze and then try and act surprise when someone shows their true colors. What happened to getting to know people and trying to develop some sort of common ground or heaven forbid friendship with someone. No, we all want to rush right in to the relationship and then wonder why things fail. Most don’t have any real talk about their true interests or things that might have any substantial impact on a relationship (i.e. the fact that one of you hates kids and the other one wants to have twenty five). Nope, we have three dates in which we pretend not to have any flaws then hop right in the bed afterward proclaiming how great the “relationship” is. Both men and women are guilty of this so I don’t want to hear who’s responsible for this issue. I’ve counseled too many couples to have seen enough evidence. How about we try for a second to love who we are enough to show at least some of it to someone else and get to know each other as human beings instead of just glorified bed partners. *ducks rotten fruit* Oh you hate me now? I’m no where near done.

Selfishness:

Once people have realized they don’t even know the person they’re with, they get angry… not to mention selfish. So many people want someone else to make them whole instead of taking the time to nurture and love themselves. Too many women want to be their man’s “everything”. If their man so much as tilts his head in the direction of another women is girlfriend is calling him all kinds of cheaters and liars. I have actually heard woman say that if their man looks at someone else he must not love her, be attracted to her, respect her… whatever. Perhaps the guy just noticed another woman, hell the man is only human and there are so many of us floating around, if he never looked at another woman again he’d damn near have to be blind to accomplish it. Now if he tried to sneak off after her then that’s a different story entirely. But men I will say, try not to make it a point to drool over some other chick for in incessant period of time, while with your lady, because then you would deserve a beat down. There’s a big difference between an admiring glance and a leer.
And here’s another one I don’t get. Sooooooooooooooooo many men seem to want women to be completely logical all the time and ignore their emotions. Um… for real. Earth to men, you already know that the overwhelming majority of women are emotional right? And that if you want to have a successful relationship with a woman you will have to learn to deal with this. Women enjoy their emotions and like to express them, and frankly what’s so wrong with this? Should we all be stiff robot type people who only go about life having discussions and experiences based only upon cold hard facts and intellect? How hard would it be to just for once take an interest in what your woman is expressing rather than judge her for expressing? Perhaps she won’t stop about it because she is feeling ignored and just a little bit of real quality time together could do wonders as far as bridging the gap between what everyone wants. However, women, there is a different between clear communication regarding emotions and unrealistic expectations. Don’t expect your man to be a mind reader. Throwing around veiled hints and hoping that he becomes psychic enough to catch your thoughts is ridiculous. Don’t expect him to catch the hint, be a grown up and spell out what you desire from him and guess what, if you’re in a loving relationship he’ll probably do it! Wanting to change your significant other into someone else to suit your needs is unrealistic and if you don’t like who they really are perhaps we should refer back to the communication piece and try to get to know people before rushing into relationships with them.

Relations (yeah I’m being a lil silly, but a girl’s gotta have some fun sometime):

Oh this is a biggy isn’t it? So many of us have vastly different view points as far as what is required or acceptable in a relationship. Some people want three times a week, some want three times a day, some want three times a month. Some like to role play and some like to be all consumed. Some like monogamy some like open relationships. All of these things would be discovered toward the beginning if we actually used that communication piece talked about earlier. If you know you aren’t compatible in this area you know it’s going to be an issue later on. Sure sex isn’t everything but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking it means nothing either. It’s important. It’s one of the biggest things couples argue about. People are afraid to have frank discussions about this for fear of pushing away their current squeeze. But seriously if this is that big of a concern, then your relationship has deeper issues. Talk about it, make your desires plane. Is this what most of us do? Nooooooooooooooo. Instead I’ve seen women more often than naught use it as a way to try and control their men. Making them sleep in a different room and withholding until you get what you want. Seriously, how does this make for a healthy relationship? If you have to go to these means to get what you want, again your relationship has deeper issues. Then when women withhold men find somewhere else to get it. Two wrongs don’t make a right people! Again, lack of communication causes a huge amount of issues. If everyone could just be real and say how they feel then maybe a lot of these issues could be avoided because we wouldn’t have to hint or learn to read minds.

Trust:

Oh this is HUGE! After putting each other through all of the unnecessary crap we are then afraid that our significant other is going to leave because they’re sick of it(and well… some of them rightfully so and then some are just too weak to deal). So we get suspicious, we don’t communicate as much or as clearly, we start to suspect ridiculous things and then treat our man or woman as if they are already guilty of something because we are insecure. We’re afraid they’ll find someone better, prettier, richer… whatever. Are we all that shallow that we would leave our lover for the next piece of fine *ss that graces our presence? If you answered no then why would you assume it of your significant other? The bottom line is that most of those suspicious acts and treatments (masked as investigative work to see if he or she is cheating) are what causes them to want to leave in the first place. Spending all your time looking for flaws in your relationship destroys the very relationship you think you’re trying protect. Why spend all your time looking over your shoulder for something bad to happen? Is that the way we want to live our lives? I thought relationships were meant to be enjoyed. Love and trust your S/O and if something happens then deal with it then. “Preparing for the worst” (I absolutely abhor this whole idea, by the way) only makes you miserable before, during and after. Why spend all your time in misery and doubt. Who exactly is that serving? Does it make anyone feel better to be able to point the finger, cast the blame and say, “I was right,” then proceed to be sad about proving your foregone conclusion? If most of us pick trustworthy people in the first place and stop trying to change everyone into the relationship type knowing they are never going to be that then most of this would be a non-issue.

Bottom line (again), some people are just jerks, yes this is true, but the majority of us are just people who want to feel loved and be happy in our relationships. So why can’t we stop complicating things, and then blaming it on the other person when everything goes wrong? It takes two in a relationship and before you get to pointing the finger at someone else maybe we should all start taking a good hard look in the mirror. For those who know me you may be thinking, that’s easy for you to say, you’ve been with the same man for ten years. Well how do you think we’ve managed it? Everything hasn’t always been flowers and roses and there are still some days that test the strong foundation we’ve built. But it’s because we DO have a strong foundation that we work. Just some food for thought.

Editing Woes (part three trillion and four)

2011-05-01T06:59:00.002-05:00

The editing fairies are eluding me yet again. I have this story, which I totally adore by the way, and I would LOVE to get this thing polished and sent to my CP for a read through… only the little fairy ladies who gave me the idea are now being especially difficult. Oh, yes I blame them. Arrrrrrrg!

*points accusing finger at editing fairies*

It couldn’t possibly be the fact that I am a raging perfectionist who stresses over every sound and syllable of every single page, paragraph… word. Oh no. It’s the fairies and I want them to stop being so difficult. Right now!

Ok thanks for letting me vent. Back to the drawing board. *mutters*

Poetry Share

2011-04-24T06:21:00.002-05:00

I wrote this one for a poetry contest that called for something filled with angst. Did I go a little overboard? I don't know lol. Here it is anyway. ;)

Please Don't Leave
By. Lauren Murphy

Why do you torment me, with your cold careless ways?
Has my beauty somehow failed me, is my love now invisible?
The pain in my heart, resides in my eyes, as they drip their wet sadness,
Bleeding from emotions, repeatedly denied, bringing me to my knees…
Please don’t leave.

Without you, I cease to be, my soul craves you, thirsty for affection,
Dry, parched, longing for your passion.
Just to get a glimpse of you, still fills me to completion,
With abundant blessedness. Baby, I need you…
Please don’t leave.

If only you could tell me, that you reciprocate my feelings,
That you need me, for nourishment, and without me you would perish
Maybe then I wouldn’t miss you so.
Damn it! Are you listening? I’m begging, I’m pleading…
Please…
Don’t…
Leave.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Her Own Best Enemy by Cynthia Justlin

2011-04-19T06:29:00.003-05:00

In honor of Cynthia Justlin's birthday later this week, she's holding a $0.99 SALE on her romantic suspense, HER OWN BEST ENEMY. This is a limited time sale, so grab it while it's cheap!

Desperate to track down her ex-husband who disappeared along with their son, Grace Stevens delves into his past and uncovers evidence of a shocking dual life. The man she thought was an ordinary computer consultant is in fact a former high-ranking Special Forces officer with unique skills in military intelligence. With nowhere to turn she is forced to plead for help from Keith King, the one man she hoped to never see again. Against her better judgment she’ll have to put her child’s fate into his hands.

Keith has officially hit rock bottom. Framed for the theft of deadly missile components, the cynical Special Forces officer is in danger of losing the only thing he can count on: his career. His one shot at clearing his name lies in locating Grace’s ex, who was working with Keith on a secret mission to take down a cutthroat military traitor. But to team up with Grace he’ll need to spend 24/7 with a woman who has every reason to hate him. Out to use each other for their own agenda, desperate mother and disillusioned soldier find they must work together to stay alive, and in the process discover that sometimes even the best of enemies fall in love.

Get it from Amazon or B&N!

SOLD!!!! (Could I be more obnoxious with all those exclamation marks?)

2011-04-16T18:04:00.001-05:00

I’ve been out of it the past few weeks and so out of touch. *prays for forgiveness* But I do have some fabulous news. Last week, I signed a contract with Cobblestone Press, and my novella, Curse of the Demon Queen, is going to be published! It’s been a nice long while since I’ve been able to make this type of announcement and it feels so goooooooooooooooood! I still don’t think I’ve come down from the high, and that’s all right with me. I am thrilled that my baby is going to be published. This story is dear to my heart and I can’t wait to share it.

Here’s a blurb.

For fifty years, Aamon has carried the pain of his lover's betrayal and her curse. He wishes to forget the harsh lessons he's been forced to learn, but the Queen of the Demons will not be so easily cast aside. Aamon does his best to close himself to Lilith's version of the past, but his raging emotions and lustful body shout down the reasoning of his mind.

Lilith has taken the fall for wrongs she didn't commit, and lost everything that truly matters. The irrevocable curse she'd flung at Aamon had been a result of her frustration, and now she is devastated that it may have cost her only chance at happiness. Since Aamon refuses to accept her explanations, her only hope lies in the power of love and seduction, but she doesn't know if that will ever be enough to undo the wrongs of the past.

Will the barriers Aamon has built between them hold fast, or will she finally convince him to follow the desires of his body and his heart?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope everyone will be as excited to read it as I was (am) to write it.

What Makes a Good Love/Sex Scene?

2011-03-20T07:59:00.001-05:00

As a writer of wonderful naughtiness, I am always interested in people’s views toward sex, but more specifically regarding romance books. A good sex scene can really amp up the intensity of a book. It can push characters past their limits or make them regress. Some sex scenes are all about inserting tab a into slot b, then rinsing and repeating. Then they may include a bunch of “dirty” words into, what I would consider, a strictly action based sex scene, where there is no insight into the characters deep thoughts or emotions. These types of scenes unfortunately do nothing for me.

The ones that really pull me in, have loads of sexual tension, so intense, the reader has to wonder how the characters have kept their hands of each other (whether the timeframe has been thirty minutes or thirty days). I want to know what’s in their heads, what they feel not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I don’t want to just know that it’s “good” I want to know how and why it’s good and the affect the experience is having on the characters. The scene can be expressed in the most adult, frank, language the author can conjure, it can be sweet, luxurious and lyrically beautiful or even a mixture of both. These are all things that can make a sex/love scene come alive for me. How about you?

Using Time Wisely for Writing (Or Motivation Issues)

2011-03-13T07:51:00.000-05:00

I’m still tweaking my time management plan. It’s been working somewhat, but now the issue is not so much that I don’t have the time, but more of being consistent with the time I have. I have certain times of day that belong to me and just me. Of those times I’ve decided which ones are going to be writing time and which ones will be… other.

In my mind I am very dedicated to my writing. I want to be productive and creative. I want to feel good about the time I use to focus on my writing, but when I feel the story is taking too long, or when I feel I’m being distracted by my environment, or when I feel the story isn’t getting my creative juices flowing the way it should I start avoiding my writing time, which I’ve worked so hard to establish. (Holy run-on sentence Batman!)

Recently, I’ve decided to give this consistency thing another go (there must be something to it, right?). I’ve edited everyday this week, for at least an hour, which is encouraging. I’m thinking if I can get myself used to doing it regularly it will become more like a routine and harder to get away from or “forget.” Wish me luck.

How About A Poem?

2011-03-06T07:41:00.001-06:00

I think this poem applies to writers especially, but also to anyone who as ever had to wait for anything, especially if it's something they've considered to be important or life changing. Enjoy!

Nervous
By. Lauren Murphy

Foot tapping on concrete floors.
Antsy jitters vibrate causing,
Sweaty palms and haggard breaths.
Head dizzy, thoughts bouncing.
Stomach clenching, heart pounding.
Tired of waiting, feeling anxious.
Frustrated screams never released.
Time running out for decision making.
What will it be? Did they pick me?
God only knows, how I hate waiting.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

The Summoning by Tatiana Caldwell

2011-03-04T07:52:00.002-06:00

NEW RELEASE: The Summoning by Tatiana Caldwell, from Liquid Silver Books.

Everything comes with a price …

Gailyn Bridges is a psychic who is ready to end her troublesome career as a private investigator. For the last time, she summons a powerful spirit to help her close a final case.

However, the mysterious entity who answers, Malak, is no ordinary spirit. He’s more than willing to help Gailyn save the would-be victim of a violent crime.

But who’s going to save Gailyn when Malak returns to collect payment for lending her his power?

Read a free excerpt and buy the book here.

Time Management

2011-02-27T11:40:00.000-06:00

Life seems to be an in-depth juggling act and often I have a tendency to get overwhelmed. Feeling like I’m to busy to be able to tell my feet from my head is certainly not how I want to spend my days, on other hand I want to feel like I am getting as much out of my days as possible. I have the day job, family and myself all to think of on a day-to-day bases and I am determined to find a way to get as much time in each portion of my life as I possibly can.

So, I have decided to work on my time management skills which have been pretty much nil for the longest. I believe that people can change (even me) so I’ve decided to section of my days and prioritize each portion. Now I am not a strict planner and just the idea of limiting myself to a certain structure each day, every day makes me cringe. However I do think that if I set loose goals for myself on a daily bases and make the most important ones a priority, then I can get more use or better use of my time.

In using time management wisely I have learned that there is nothing worse than stressing about what didn’t get done. I am human (though being a superhero would be *sings* awesome) and realize that there are some days my goals may not be completed. I have come to understand that I have to be ok with this in order for my process to work. Now I’m not saying that I should look forward to slacking off of on my goals, I will try my best to attain as many of them as possible. However, if I miss a few for the day then it’s okay and I can always try again the next time. I understand that as I move forward with this plan then I will become more efficient over time, which is really the most important goal over all. (This, of course all sounds good in theory, but I shall see.)

Another important part of time management (for me anyway) is to make sure that I give 100% to each goal as I am working on it. When I am at the day job I don’t dwell on something else I’d rather be doing (for the most part). I do my best to make sure I am focusing on being as efficient as possible on my tasks and the same goes for my family life and me time. When I am working at a certain aspect of life I am devoted to that aspect until it is time to move on. This makes it easier to concentrate on the task at hand and often allows me to feel happier about what I’m doing since I’m not moaning and wishing I was somewhere else.

So with that in mind, I am off to be productive and insure that I am managing my time to the best of my ability.

What's the Problem with Being Naughty?

2011-02-20T19:15:00.000-06:00

You know I have to go there sometimes, after all I am writer of awesome naughtiness. But, really I am curious about why anything of a blatant sexual nature raises so much controversy. There are some who have no qualms about accepting their sexuality, expressing it, sharing it and reading about it. On the other hand there are those who blanch even if you just mention the word sex. Now, I am not trying to say that any one is "right" and anyone is "wrong." Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and in my opinion right and wrong are often subjective as life tends to hover mostly in areas tinted with gray. In the blog title I’ve used the word naughty, not because I view sex as anything negative (I’m sure this is obvious) but just because it’s fun. I use it in a playful manner and embrace that being “naughty” can often be fun and sometimes enlightening as far as personal growth goes.

I think there’s a delicate balance between unhealthy and healthy expression of sexuality. There are some who are terrified of it and others who seem to be ruled by it. I think a healthy balance lies somewhere in the middle. However, my biggest issues are with those who insist on attempting to force their views on people like me, who enjoy writing about the discovery of the sexual journey. Since I’m a writer of erotic romance it’s safe to assume I believe that sex is a natural and healthy form of expression, when all parties involved have consented to participate. I and some of my fellow authors work hard to write books that are intense and heated but we also work to add emotional chemistry, a high level of emotion and characters that we hope will last in a reader’s mind, long after they’ve finished the book.

The most frustrating thing is when I hear comments about how sex “cheapens” or takes away from the deep emotional aspects of a story, or even a relationship. I’m really curious about where this point of view comes from. Are some trying to imply, every couple experiencing a healthy and exciting sex life has a shallow relationship or that their relationship has less emotion or companionship then a couple that doesn’t? I can’t say that I agree. I certainly don’t feel that sex makes a relationship, but it certainly doesn’t take away from it either. Actually I think these kinds of decisions are personal and the type and amount of sex had, should really be left up to each individual couple. Why do others feel the need to impose their beliefs and what could be considered negatives comments on others, when a lot of the time it’s really none of their business. If you don’t understand something, then way try to make a judgment call about it? And if you don’t like something, why bother to focus on it in the first place? Just curious.

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

2011-02-14T05:38:00.001-06:00

My Boyfriend's Back

A Short, Sweet Romance

by Chrissy Olinger

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance only .99

15,826 words

Available on Kindle
from Amazon.com -- BUY IT NOW

"Fear not! I bring you tidings of... DAMMIT!"

With those few words, Jack Lynch's world was turned upside-down. Once the nerd everyone loved
to torment, he has returned to his home town for his twentieth reunion. Now a multimillionaire, Jack has everything but the one thing that matters: his
true love. Twenty years ago he let her slip away. Now he's back, and determined to win her heart.

But screeching tires on an icy road change everything. If being temporarily dead weren't bad
enough, Norman— an angel in training— returns Jack's spirit to the wrong body— the class bully, John Lydon.

With the rockin' hot bod of his former nemesis, the help of a nerdy angel, and his own wits,
Jack has to get Rori to see him, love him, and bring about a miracle... without revealing this true identity. The clock is ticking, and he only has three days.

Jack's got the brains; his new body has the brawn; and Norman's got his back. What could possibly
go wrong?

*This book contains some mild language, no strong sexual content, and an excessive amount of silliness.

Poetry Time!

2011-02-10T08:32:00.002-06:00

A poetry contest was held at my job. The topic was diversity or how we see or feel about the adversities in life regarding our many differences. I entered, though I didn't final, I was asked to recite my poetry at the poetry slam they are having tomorrow. Here is my piece. Enjoy.

Thunder Showers
By. Lauren Murphy

Shriveled up, dry, filled with regret
Rooted in firm, unyielding hatred
Immersed, in a dismal drought
Caused by scorching bitterness
Overcast, clouds cover my minds eye
Distorted images, incoherent thoughts
Dangerous emotions, lashing out
Lightening striking, thunder rumbling
Tearing through, the sky opening
Glistening moisture, pouring down
Soothing feelings, of raw blatant
Aching, a waterfall of relief, a shower
Of forgiveness, relief flows through me
Nourishing my core, my heart begins to beat,
My mind calm at peace, steady are my thoughts
The sky begins to clear, clouds disappear
I become free, to love, once again.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

2011-02-01T05:20:00.001-06:00

SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums

Avoidance Stinks!

2011-01-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

Well I’ve made it over my hurdle of avoidance (with my writing) and have been editing again. I tend to avoid a story when I feel it has high potential. See, I really like the story I’m currently working on (OK I like them all lol), but I keep having a nagging voice in my head that keeps hinting that maybe I can’t do it justice. Perhaps it would be better left to someone who has more experience or even talent. At least that’s what the voice tries to tell me.

I don’t think this is just a “me” thing, or even just a writer thing. Most of the people I know or have spoken with on any level have revealed to me that they’ve had similar doubts regarding their own lives. Some people are concerned they are in over their heads at their jobs, in their relationships or raising their children. But somehow we manage to keep pushing through it all anyway.

The thing is, no matter how much the little voice of doubt pesters me I still keep going. I still keep writing, and polishing and submitting my work. I don’t think I could stop if I wanted to (and I don’t). I love being a writer, it’s who I am. So, I have decided not to let this negative little chatterbox get me down. I am going to finish this damn story and submit it! Go me!

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

2010-12-12T06:45:00.001-06:00

Sex, Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser

Holidays are all about relaxation. And what better way to relax than with a hot holiday fling?

On vacation in Mexico with her two best friends, forty-one-year-old Celeste Kopp vows to break out of her middle-aged rut and live life to the fullest. Taking surf lessons is on the top of her to do list. However, when she meets sexy surf instructor Ben, the idea of a holiday fling with a younger man becomes the only thing on her list.

Ben is more than willing to live out Celeste’s fantasies as well as a few of his own. But their holiday romance turns out to be more than either of them bargained for when the connection between them deepens. Being with Celeste forces Ben to deal with his own baggage in a way he never expected.

As the vacation draws to a close, Celeste realizes she wants so much more from Ben than a holiday fling, but can she convince him that their future together is worth the risk?

Buy Link

For more info on Lauren visit her website http://www.laurenfraser.com

Starch

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

This is not a post about health and wellness or changing my diet. I am talking about the stuff they put on your clothes at the cleaners. Now I am certainly a fan of clean clothes and I am an even more of a fan of anyone who will clean them for me… even if I do have to pay them. What I want to know is what is the deal with the starch?

Last week I dropped off my clothes at the cleaners, a pair of jeans, a few shirts and a sweater. The very friendly lady at the desk asked if I wanted starch and I gave my usual response, “Light starch on the jeans please.” The next day I went to pickup my clothes (they do have very fast service) and decided to put my clothes away immediately rather than procrastinate until later (which is what I usually do).

I successfully managed to get everything in the closet one by one, but stopped when I got to the jeans. They felt like cardboard. Out of curiosity I decided to put them on. I had to practically peal the pants open and jam my foot into the pant legs to get them on. Geeze, and this is what they call light starch? I wonder what’ll happen if I ask for heavy. Will my pants break when I try to pull them apart? Will they become ornamental jeans like those framed jerseys you see on people’s walls? I mean really, how much starch could one pair of pants need?

Editing… How I Love Thee?

2010-11-28T19:07:00.000-06:00

As most authors I know, I used to loath and despise the editing process. In my opinion (this was then of course… and by then I mean three weeks ago) editing was evil and cruel. Now I look forward to it in a way I never thought possible (Dramatic much? So unlike me, I know.) The more I’ve gone through the editing process I’ve really come to appreciate it. I have learned to be patient and take it page by page, word by word and really make each aspect of the story shine. I often surprise myself with how much I’ve learned and how much better I’ve actually become. I’m sorry to all those who loathe the editing process (probably still with good reason) but I am now crossing over to the dark side. Please don’t hate me. *ducks rotten fruit on the way out*

Carolina Pearl by Sela Carsen

2010-11-23T18:13:00.002-06:00

Carolina Pearl

A family legend could lead to a treasure more precious than pearls…or get them killed.

Between babysitting her very pregnant sister-in-law and fending off her mother’s nagging about her marital status, Blair Moreau is going insane. Her only hold on sanity is her daily walk for a guilty peek at her crush, the sexy neighbor who’s fixing up the old Cotesworth place.

Conn Lucas, the bastard son of Culford’s leading family, got way out of town a long time ago. When the only relative who didn’t despise him leaves him her 250-year-old house, Conn plans to refurbish it, flip it, and get back to Connecticut as soon as possible. Until a local beauty with a rare talent for DIY gives him a hand with some stubborn siding.

When he makes her mad enough to swing a two-by-four at his head, he realizes Blair is better than perfect. Especially when his efforts to keep her from killing him explode into an erotic rush of adrenaline that unleashes desires they’ve both kept hidden.
Breaking through Conn’s tough shell isn’t as difficult Blair’s next hurdle—telling him she’s a werewolf. First, though, they’ve got to deal with meddling ghosts and a bad ol’ boy cousin who isn’t above taking what he wants at nail-gun point…

Product Warnings

This book contains a smokin’ hot werewolf chick with serious DIY know-how and a man who thinks that’s sexy; illegal use of nail guns; things to do in a claw-foot tub; pirate references; piddling Dobermans and meddling ghosts. Which is better than meddling Dobermans and piddling ghosts.

Read an excerpt!

Buy Now!

It's been a while since I've shared a poem...

2010-11-20T14:16:00.003-06:00

For The First Time
By. Lauren Murphy

My eyes connect with the sky
On this starry night.

Enfolded in darkness
My weary soul rests.

Images of my life
Slowly swim by.

Running around wild with boys
Innocents gone, forever lost.

Carrying other peoples burdens
Doing their work for nothing.

Treating me like milk gone sour
When they get what they’re after.

Tears from my eyes fall freely.
False friends cause my suffering.

Putting a knife to my wrist enters my mind
Who would really care if I live or die.

I put my hands together knees to the ground.
Ask for guidance, a new place, a new home.

For days I had thought my prayers
Unheard unanswered

Once again played to the side
Cast aside like an unwanted child.

A new day arises the sun shines down
showering me with a new vision.

I begin to see the truth about me maybe
I don’t have to be somebody else’s plaything.

Maybe I should look no longer
For acceptance from others.

I begin to see the value
Of my own self worth.

More valuable than the most precious stone
Not to be left unseen loosing it’s luster, dull.

No longer capable of letting
Myself wallow in self pity

I close my eyes and hold myself tight.
And feel the warmth of self love for the first time.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Back to Work

2010-11-07T23:01:00.000-06:00

About two weeks ago I finished a naughty little story I'd been working on. While I'm letting that story rest I decided to take out another that's been resting for far too long. My favorite thing about letting stories rest is that I get to come back and see the good and not so good in my work. I think I'm going to have some fun revising/editing this one. It's so naughty, you know how I like them.

Some Like it Hot Writing Contest

2010-10-26T21:20:00.000-05:00

Announcing Tawny’s Taylor’s “Some Like It Hot” writing contest!

Starting October 25th, 2010, Tawny Taylor will be hosting a writing contest.
The final judge is an editor from Ellora’s Cave.

The Prizes? Read on!

All SubGenres of erotic romance accepted, including:
~Contemporary~Fantasy~Futuristic~ Shapeshifter/Vampire~BDSM~

*You may submit one chapter--not to exceed 5000 words. Stories must be complete and unpublished.

*Each Monday, two stories will be selected by an Ellora's Cave editor who is actively acquiring. At the end, six weekly winning authors will submit a partial (first three chapters, last chapter and synopsis) to the final judge for ranking.

The first place winner will receive ...

A critique of the full winning manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley!

The second place winner will receive...

A critique of the partial manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley (first three chapters, last and synop).

The third place winner will receive...

A critique of the first chapter by EC editor Grace Bradley.

Details at: http://www.tawnytayl...ingContest.html

I am back FOR REAL this time!

2010-10-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

Boy have I got some explaining to do. Yeah, I know. I’ve been gone for a nice long time, with no explanation as to my whereabouts. *hangs head in shame*

Well life went nuts, I got horribly blocked and my writing took a dive for a moment (a really, really long moment). But, the good news is that I really am back. I am no longer blocked (after a writer’s version of a 12 step program don’t judge me) and I have been a writing machine. I actually finished the first draft of a story I’ve really put a lot of energy into AND I have a totally amazing idea to rework a story I have worked on in the past.

I have to go have family time now *grumbles* but I promise never to disappear again… at least not without a damn good explanation.

Bye for now.

What do you think?

2010-06-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

Apparently it’s common knowledge that as people grow older they are supposed to mature. In theory the idea sounds great, but is that always the case? We’re supposed to learn lessons from our experiences that lead to richer more fulfilling lives, right? Perhaps this isn’t happening as much as we’d like to think it is.

The first thing that comes to mind, for me, is the in crowd. In high school there were popular kids, bookish kids, mean kids, jocks (I could go on and on listing different ways kids classified each other) and there were also the kids that just didn’t seem to fit into any particular category and paved their own way while sharing in one of the groups above. There was one thing that most students wanted (even if they tried to act like they didn’t care) and that was popularity. To be part of the in crowd was huge. But then on the other hand there was a feeling of exclusion amongst those that didn’t quite make the cut. I will say that some of the popular kids where nice and seemed to care about their fellow peers. On the other hand some were just plain mean, but they got away with it because they were popular. They said and did whatever they wanted and for some reason it was acceptable. On the other hand if someone who hadn’t reached that elevated status did something considered “out of line” the other kids made them regret it.

Fast forward to today and I see a lot of this same behavior among the adults I run into from time to time. I’ve seen people at work (and other professional settings), in restaurants and social situations who think that it’s okay to treat others badly because they are “better” than them. For some reason I was under the impression that the age of “let’s be cruel to other people because we can” should have been over once we reached adulthood. Maybe my expectations are too high but I’d really hoped that our life experiences would help us to understand the lessons most of our teachers and parents tried to drill into us as children. Treating others the way we want to be treated and learning to make decisions because they are right for us should be norms but too many times it feels like they aren’t.

What happened to common courtesy? Am I an old fashioned hopeful or am I just missing something?

Now let me just say that I certainly don’t believe all people (or even most) are thoughtless or uncaring. I really just want to know why unkind behavior seems to be more acceptable (or over looked like with celebrities) if the person is well liked and unacceptable if the person isn’t. Shouldn’t we all be held to the same standards? Talk to me.

Controversial Topic (Watch Out)!

2010-04-26T05:26:00.001-05:00

Lately I’ve seen quite a bit of discussion regarding people’s taste/disgust/opinion regarding the sizes and shapes of models/women. I personally have been hearing or seeing a lot of comments that basically say “smaller” is bad and “bigger” is good. This train of thought is a bit disturbing and here’s why. To uplift one group of people by degrading another is just plain mean. Comments stating that women/models that are a certain weight or not over a certain weight are “skinny” or “anorexic” while women/models that are over a certain weight are what “real” women look like is rather insulting.

Women come in all shapes and sizes and shouldn’t be considered “less than” because they don’t meet a certain criteria. Often it is stated that a slimmer woman who doesn’t have curves is unattractive or looks unhealthy. I used to be one of those girls and I can tell you that size discrimination goes both ways. The fact that I wasn’t considered a real woman because I didn’t have many curves and wore a size four still irritates me. For the record I couldn’t help my weight. I ate more than my grown father (and husband) and had a healthy active life. I can’t tell you how insulting it was when people insinuated that I was starving and insisting that I couldn’t have been eating enough. As a matter of fact I know some tall sized one women who can’t help their weight either and they can throw down more food than a football team and no they do not have eating disorders. But because I didn’t have a pudge here or a roll there people insisted that something had to be wrong with me. In fact maybe there was something wrong with me. All those people insisting that I needed curves and more weight to be attractive gave me a freakin’ complex. So I over-ate to try and gain weight so I could be beautiful. It’s not to say that I don’t think curves are beautiful, they are. But, it was hurtful that people looked down on me because I didn’t have curves. You know some women just won’t have them no matter what they do and there is NOTHING wrong with that.

After I had my first son I finally got some curves and little “roundness.” It has taken me a while to get used to my new sized ten shape but I like it. Now that I am a little bigger I don’t look at “smaller” women and assume that they are anorexic or unattractive because of their lack of curves or body weight. Just as I don’t look at “larger” women and assume they overeat or are lazy. We are all built differently and I see a huge variety of women every time I go outside and a lot of them can’t help the way they look. Sure there are things a lot of us could do insure that we are as healthy as we can be but some people are just stuck with the body shapes they have. It’s really unfair to make certain assumptions based on just how people look because we really don’t know their story.

Often it is said that the media pushes weight loss and being super skinny into our faces. That may be true. But is it the women’s fault or should the blame be placed more on the industry that tries to force people into a certain mold. I really don’t think it’s fair to insult these women because we don’t know their story. People say that these women set impossible standards for women and girls to live up to. My question is why are we trying to look like them? If we don’t like the way they look then why try and emulate it? I wonder if we were truly happy with ourselves would any of this really matter?
What is my point, you say?
Why can’t we all just get along? There is so much beauty in each and every different type of woman in the world and it should be embraced and cherished. To degrade one group of women (or even people) in order to uplift another is filled with negativity and is on the opposite end of the road to acceptance. Discrimination is discrimination no matter what end of the spectrum it comes from.

Just a little something to think about.

Double Dare by Jeanne St. James

2010-01-15T09:12:00.001-06:00

Today is release day for my first m/m/f interracial menage a trois, Double Dare from Loose Id!

BUY HERE!

What could be better than waking up next to a hot guy? Waking up sandwiched between two of them.

Quinn Preston, a financial analyst, is not happy when her friends dare her to pick up a handsome stranger at a wedding reception. What better reason to give up men when her previous long-term relationship had not only been lackluster in the bedroom but he had cheated.

Logan Reed, a successful farmer and business owner, can't believe that he's attracted to the woman in the ugly, Pepto-Bismol colored bridesmaid dress. And to boot, she's more than tipsy. After turning down her invitation for a one-night stand, he finds her in the parking lot, too impaired to drive. He rescues her and takes her home. His home.
The next morning Quinn's conservative life turns on its ear when Logan introduces her to pleasures she never even considered before. And to make things more complicated, Logan already has a lover…

Tyson White, ex-pro football player and Logan's business partner, is completely in love with Logan. He has mixed emotions when Logan brings home Quinn. But the dares keep coming and things heat up with the three of them. Nevertheless Ty wonders: will adding Quinn to the mix end up enhancing or destroying Logan's and his relationship?

Double Dare is an interracial ménage a trois (m/m/f) erotic romance that is sexually explicit, including light BDSM, anal sex, homosexuality, multiple partners, role playing and more.

Read Excerpts Here:

http://jeannestjames.blogspot.com/2009/12/double-dare-coming-january-5th-from.html

http://www.jeannestjames.com/bookshelf/double-dare-excerpt/

Available NOW here:

http://www.loose-id.com/Double-Dare.aspx

Compromising Positions by Jenna-Bayley-Burke

2010-01-08T07:20:00.001-06:00

Compromising Positions releases today!

Falling in love is the last thing on his busy agenda…but compromising positions can lead just about anywhere.

David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.

Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.

David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.

Warning: This is one exercise program you won’t need to consult your doctor before beginning…unless he’s hot and available for house calls. The Kama Sutra isn’t for the prudish or faint of heart, and neither is this story.

Read An Excerpt Online

REVIEWS

“With sensual love scenes, flirty repartee, and a man and woman clearly meant to be together, you get everything you could ever want in a romance novel. Overall, I have to say that Compromising Positions is a must read!”
~ Long and Short Reviews

"Compromising Positions would have to be one of the best contemporary romance novels I have read in a long time. Jenna Bayley-Burke delivers it all, romance, humor, and great chemistry between her hero and heroine. It is so well written. The pace is great, and the story line fantastic."
~ Fallen Angel Reviews

"This thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy has likable characters and a smart, spitfire heroine...Bayley-Burke delivers a really fun read. "
~Romantic Times

Question of the Day (Week, Year even)

2010-01-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

When was the last time you gave yourself an actual compliment and meant it? I mean really said (thought) something nice about yourself? Why do I want to know, you ask? You mean aside from the fact that I’m really nosy?

A few weeks ago The Man and I were at a forum. Sadly I can’t remember the main topic (kids kill your brain cells) but I remember we ended on a very crucial subject. A friend of mine, who happened to be at the forum, mentioned that she didn’t feel beautiful if her husband looked at any other woman other than her. She had to be the only woman he noticed or in her eyes he was putting her down and silently saying that she wasn’t good enough. Now I know them both personally and I know for a fact that he does not think this (he does not hide his thoughts) nor would he ever mention, murmur or mumble anything so ludicrous. So where was she coming up with these conclusions, if not from her husband? My answer, her own mind.

She has some self esteem problems (I know because I can sense them but also because she told me). She has an issue with self love and until she can come to grips with this fact and try to overcome it she will continue to have these issues no matter who she is with. Who he does or doesn’t look at is not the real issue it’s about how she sees herself. The most disturbing thing about this conversation was that she was not the only female with this point of view.

My question is, why are people (because this isn’t just woman thing though I do see it most often in women) putting their self worth in someone else’s hands. If we truly loved ourselves then we wouldn’t need verification from someone else of our greatness, smartness or beauty... would we? If we really knew it in our hearts then no one could tear us down.

The reason I am able to recognize these things in my friend is because I was once the same way until I understood what I was doing to myself. I believe that everyone wants to be loved and desired by their significant other and there is nothing wrong with that. What concerns me is how we are so willing to look to someone else for verification of these things instead of to the person who matters most. I think that self love can be a hard journey to follow but I also think it is one of the greatest. If you haven’t already started the journey then let’s do so now. Think about yourself, the real you, the one that no one else knows but you. Give yourself a real "feel good" compliment and bask in the glory that is so wonderfully you. I’m going right now!

LONE WOLF, book 2 of the Maxey Wizards by Teresa D'Amario

2010-01-01T09:20:00.000-06:00

LONE WOLF, book 2 of the Maxey Wizards by Teresa D'Amario

Tease Publishing LLC.
ISBN: 978-1-60767-082-7
EBook Buy Now

AllRomanceEbooks

Excerpt

Once the victim of scientific experimentation by the Government Control of Supernatural Activities (GSA), Damon doesn't have a past, and he isn't sure he has a future. He doesn't even know if his ability to change from human to wolf is a virus, or magick.

But the instant he lays eyes on the pretty cop from the local
police force, he knows he has to learn the secrets of his past
before they destroy her future.

Krystal is the best animal cop on the police force, hiding
magickal talent beneath layers of excuses and quick thinking.
For five years she's tracked Peter Burke, a butcher who
steals any form of canine to supplement his dietary needs.
The day she saves a wolf from losing his head at the sharp end of an axe, her entire life changes. And then there is Damon, the mysterious, sexy ex-soldier with no memory of his past who awakens fantasies of dark and sensual nights.

But the GSA isn't finished with Damon, and when the shadowy
government agency joins forces with Burke, Krystal too finds her life in jeopardy, the target of men and women led by their own desires. Damon and Krystal must work together to stop evil and destroy years of illegal research. But can their budding love survive when experiments distort Damon's shifting skills, creating a monster?

EXCERPT

Giving in to instinct, she licked her bottom lip, then teased it with the edges of her teeth, trying to ease the burning sensation of need. The need to press her mouth against his.

His eyes followed the motion. The sound of a soft growl rolled on the night’s breeze. Her body gave an unexpected shiver.

The wolf. The wolf must be able to smell them and didn’t like being left alone. Odd how the growl had echoed around them, giving the impression it had come from Damon.

She shook the thought away and motioned toward her door, breaking the connection of his gaze. “There’s my house.”

He turned and escorted her to the door, his arm never leaving her waist.

She searched for something to say, but the blood in her body was definitely not reaching her brain. They arrived at her door and she turned to face him. “Thanks for walking me home.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.

He moved a step closer, crowding her against the hard, cold wood of her door.

“My pleasure,” he murmured.

The sounds of the night disappeared, with only the beat of her heart echoing in her ears. Damon’s molten eyes rested on her lips and he dipped close. Heat from his body burned every where he touched, filling her with an aching need deep in her very core. Her muscles turned liquid, waiting. Hoping. He leaned in, one hand rested on the door beside her head.

“Definitely my pleasure,” he murmured again. He nuzzled her cheek, the soft edge of the day’s beard brushed against her skin.

She tipped her head back, savoring the sensual touch, ignoring the shiver travelling through her body.

His breath feathered across her face, hot and inviting. His masculine scent rolled over her, the same as the wolf’s growl had. Low, soft. Hot.

He closed the last excruciating inches, and when his lips finally touched hers, she almost moaned with relief. His first touch was gentle. His mouth was hot, burning her with his soft, sensuous touch. She’d expected hot, maybe even hungry. This romantic, almost worshipful kiss destroyed her reason. A soft whimper rose in her throat filled with craving. More.

At long last, he opened his mouth, as though sipping a rare vintage wine. He tested, tasting. She groaned, opening to him, wanting more. His tongue delved in and his taste exploded inside her. Wild, masculine, hungry. Their tongues tangled in unison, and she tasted his power, his masculinity. It was a part of him, deep inside. A power she knew had to be magick. It swirled around her, inside her, stealing every vestige of her reason and breath. Her head spun, sensations exploding throughout her body. She arched toward him, needing, aching. One large hand burned at her waist while the other still rested on the door by her head.

More. Please more.

Her own magick pushed inside her, hungry to escape, to wrap him in its touch, to own him and mark him as hers. Mark him? Something about this kiss wasn’t normal, but her fogged brain couldn’t make out what it was. For this single moment in time he was her one and only reason for being. He was her breath, and her heartbeat. And she liked it. No, she loved it, and needed more.

Damon slid his hand from the door, tangling it in her hair, angling her head to go even deeper. He hadn’t intended to kiss her, but the instant he’d seen her teeth teasing her lip, he’d lost all control. Now, her heated body pressed against his, driving the animal inside of him wild. The more he touched her, the more the wolf inside growled, demanding more. Her taste drove him to the very brink of control, exploding along his taste buds, drugging him with an insane need to drink more of her. He felt her knees buckle and he yanked her close, her body now flush with his.

Mine. The thought whispered in his mind.

From him? Or the animal?

For the first time since he’d awakened in that dank cell, he wasn’t sure there was a difference.

Her scent wrapped around him, like a gentle mist. Soft and sweet, hardened with the sharp edge of desire. Her breasts pressed against his chest, teasing him with their softness, dragging a moan from his throat. She was so beautiful. So soft and feminine, her body molding to his as though built for him. He slid his hands down her back, cupping the soft muscles of her rear. He let his fingers tease and massage her, holding her close to him. He wanted more. He wanted to crawl inside her, to be a part of her. He wedged one knee between her legs, pushing her thighs apart. She moved willingly, groaning her desire when he pulled her tight against his thigh.

His lips left hers, trailing down her cheek, burying his lips against her neck. Yes, hissed the wolf instincts. His gums itched and his fangs descended. Damon tried to shove the instincts back, to fight his thirst for her kiss, the thirst for her taste. He scraped the tips of the canines against her flesh and she moaned, tipping her head back. Such sweet submission.

A growl rolled from his chest. Hunger twisted inside him as his lips closed over her throat. An image of his teeth slicing into that sweet flesh flashed in his mind, blood oozing from the wound. He needed her, wanted her, was starved for the sweet wine of her blood.

Blood?

Horrified at the thoughts in his mind, he yanked away, releasing her so quick she stumbled against the door. He spun away, dragging his hands through his hair.

Don’t Judge Me! (Warning Rant Ahead)

2009-12-28T07:25:00.000-06:00

I will be the first to admit that I have some rather unorthodox views about life, love and spirituality. I believe that we should all be free to learn and discover and find beliefs that fit each of us individually. Sadly, there are far too many people who don’t share this point of view. During my lifetime I’ve been looked down upon, judged harshly, called all types of names (which I’ll be nice enough not to list) and told I was going to some not so nice places (which I will not name). I’ve been told I was wrong to live my life the way I do…as if they have the right. For people to make these types of judgment calls without even knowing who I am makes me sooooooooooo angry! Picture a large fire breathing dragon with a big ugly thorn at the bottom of its foot. Yeah, not pretty.

Anyway I personally feel that we shouldn’t be JUDGING each other anyway. We should be working to accept each other as we are. Our differences make us unique and beautiful. Diversity should be used to learn about our wonderful differences not used to tear one another down. None of us are perfect. Deal with it!

/rant

Queen Bee by Gail Roarke

2009-12-25T09:41:00.002-06:00

Daisy Cooper's fellow secretary likes to think of herself as a bad girl, but she'd be shocked to discover her unassuming co-worker's secret pastime. Every weekend Daisy sheds her mild demeanor and conservative image to revel in the hedonistic pleasures of the notorious Soixante-Neuf sex club. She knows exactly what she wants from the men there--and she isn't shy about getting it.

She also knows what she doesn't want--emotional entanglements. But when a new co-worker stumbles upon her secret, Daisy knows things will never be the same. Her only choice is how to deal with the changes.

To read an excerpt, or to purchase a digital version, click here.

For more titles from Gail Roarke, click here.

A Poem for Christmas

2009-12-21T09:33:00.000-06:00

A few years ago (maybe more than a few) a very nice lady asked me to write a Christmas poem. Since I adore her I couldn't possibly say no. I thought it might be something nice to share since it is that time. So here it is and I hope you enjoy.

A Beautiful Christmas Day
By. Lauren Murphy

The sun shines on a new day caressing us
with its rays and the warmth that it makes.

Little crystals drift from the sky one by one
coming together to create one perfect unit.

Men made of snow with sticks for arms and
carrot noses are constantly being created.

Angels brought to life drift by slowly spreading
love and happiness to all that are near.

Inside we sip hot cocoa as we sit mesmerized
by the fire and its rhythmic-hypnotic dance.

Colorful words flow from our mouths
as we tell tales of flying reindeer,

And an old jolly man with plump rosy cheeks
in a red suit riding around in a magical sleigh.

The fragrant aroma of a Christmas bird
sweeps through the house drawing us near.

We all speak words of wisdom and thanks
followed by a great amen and begin the feast.

Joy floats through the whole house
followed by a stream of anticipation it’s time to open presents.

The evergreen stands tall and proud
with dancing lights, and a glowing golden star.

Boxes covered with wrapping paper
sit underneath full of surprises and mystery.

Sounds of delight and excitement escape from
lips as the gifts shed their wrappings.

Love consumes the room as hugs and kisses
are passed around from one to another.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Christmas Magic by Adelle Laudan

2009-12-18T05:44:00.001-06:00

Let Christmas Magic take you away from all the stresses the season might bring you. At @2.99, it makes the perfect gift for each one of your cyber friends. After all, everyone can use a little Christmas Magic, right?

In Christmas Magic, a tragic fire puts a major damper on Laura Payne's holiday spirit. She'd just as well skip Christmas all together. A series of circumstances brings self-imposed bachelor, Justin Carron to care for his sixteen year old niece, Richelle, whom he's never laid eyes on.

A winter storm, and an unexpected turn of the wheel, on their way home from the airport, changes all three of their lives forever. Each one is faced with their own mortality, the prospect of becoming a family, and the kindness of strangers.

Mr. C. is a kind old man, who lives alone, and tends to a stable of deer. There is something different about the jolly old man with a white beard and suspenders. After a series of unexplained incidents, he shows them that all things are possible, if they'd just let go of the past, and believe in the magic of Christmas.

This is my first holiday themed story. I hope everyone turns the last page with a sense of hope for better days ahead, and maybe, just maybe...a little Christmas Magic.

Available NOW at Red Rose Publishing.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Magic HERE

Drop by my WEBSITE for Contest Details

From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our girl, Chachi

For the Holidays

2009-12-14T02:08:00.000-06:00

I'm in the winter spirit today so I thought I'd share a poem. Enjoy.

Winter Love

Frosty white branches
Of whipped creamy goodness
Wave in the winds
In a winter’s night dance

Delectably delightful
Little snow angels
Skip across blankets
Of frost sheltered land

Icy winds redden
The noses on faces
As children hip hop
Dodging orbs made by hand

Inside fires blaze
Sending smoke out of chimneys
While cocoa is sipped
With family and friends

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

The Christmas She Rules by Jennifer Leeland

2009-12-11T08:35:00.000-06:00

"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.

It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.

Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.

Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.

Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.

BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.

True to My Muse

2009-12-06T14:07:00.000-06:00

I am an adult writer that writes for other adults. First I write to please myself then I write to please my readers. I feel that if I don’t like what I’m writing how can I expect for anyone else too? I (as well as some of my other writer friends) have gotten comments that suggest otherwise.

Presently, I am enjoying where I’m at as far my writing career. I love my characters and the scenarios I throw them in. I love the way they interact… and they are never “perfect” (as if anyone ever is). My characters, curse, can be rude, make love, have sex, even fuck (well this is an adult blog). My characters make loads of mistakes and then they work to try and fix them and or learn from them. They are based on real people not a fantasy.

Regardless, I have gotten (heard) comments that sound to me like I should change my writing to make other people more comfortable with reading my work. For instance it’s “wrong” to curse so my characters shouldn’t do it. Or “people in love don’t fuck” so my characters shouldn’t. Pfft! (I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous). More comments then these have been flung my way but these two irk me the most. Don’t get me wrong two much if either of the above would probably distract me from the story and make me think twice about finishing the book. I do like for my characters to have tender sweet moments but not for the entire book. I need some edge, some variety. Should I really change my stories, my characters, my voice to fit into a mold that doesn’t…fit? For me writing is about the love of the story. It’s about developing the characters and emotions that fit them. It’s about allowing myself the freedom to express what the muse has given me in the way that best fits the story.

So what do you think; change to fit the mold or make the mold fit you?

The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian by R. F. Long

2009-12-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

"The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian" by R. F. Long

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

BUY IT HERE!
Read an excerpt HERE.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-12-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

I love to hear what people have to say, especially if they’re funny. I’m particularly fond of quotes that can make me laugh. I have a few websites I like to visit that have some of the best quotes ever. Today, I thought I’d share a few with you.

Thirteen quotes that make me lol. ;)

1. “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” - Louis Hector Berlioz (A side of the argument you don’t hear very often…)

2. “I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.” - Henny Youngman (I would have kicked him with the other leg after I was done laughing.)

3. “I have opinions of my own -- strong opinions -- but I don't always agree with them.” - George Bush (It’s just funny I don’t care what anyone says.)

4. “A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.” - Groucho Marx (I totally love Groucho Marx… I blame my dad who acts just like him.)

5. “Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing.” - Robert Benchley (I do this often… probably not often enough though.)

6. “I am free of all prejudices. I hate every one equally.” - W. C. Fields (I really know people like this… it’s not me either.)

7. “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” - W. C. Fields (I’ve never added it to the food…I should try that.)

8. “I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.” - Rodney Dangerfield (In my house it’s the other way around… just kidding.)

9. “I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.” - Joan Rivers (Holy cow!)

10. “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx (Again, I love him.)

11. “I used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass.” - David Lee Roth (When I picture it happening it’s even funnier.)

12. “I would talk in iambic pentameter if it were easier.” - Howard Nemerov (I shouldn’t have sipped that water BEFORE I pictured this one. *wipes down keyboard*)

13. “What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on?” - George Carlin (Dude, I ask this question every time and no one ever gives me an answer!)

If you want to check out more quotes click the links below.

http://www.coolfunnyquotes.com/

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_funny.html

Miscellaneous Musings

2009-12-01T19:51:00.000-06:00

I don’t have a lot of friends however most of the friends I do have are couples. Unfortunately our couple friends seem to argue a lot. I’m not saying The Man and I don’t have any issues but they are few and far between. We talk and actually listen to what the other is saying. Apparently this practice isn’t very common.

We’ve both noticed that our friends talk to each other but they don’t really comprehend what the other is saying. Often we’ve noticed that they hear what the other is saying but then turn it into what they THINK their significant other (SO) has said. “Honey, your ass looks great in those jeans,” turns into, “Honey, you have a fat ass and need to get to the gym now.” Okay, this may be an exaggeration (not really) but you get where I’m going.

There isn’t always some hidden code in our SO’s words. Sometimes they are saying exactly what they mean and we blow it out of proportion. I know I’ve done it a handful of times in the eight years he and I have been together and so has he. We move past it by talking and understanding the other instead of drawing our own (a lot of the times incorrect) conclusions.

I’ve also noticed that some of our friends seem to base their happiness entirely on the actions or feelings of their SO. They want their SO to change the way they act, think and view the world to fit their needs. This, I do not understand. I believe that my happiness is in my hands. I think if we base our happiness on someone else then we are always setting ourselves up for failure.

Yes, I want my husband to be happy, but should I have to totally change who I am to make him happy? I certainly don’t expect him to change for me. I married him because I loved him for who is was (and still is). I now don’t want him to be someone else. I am in charge of my happiness and he is in charge of his. Let me just clarify that I like to do things I know will put a smile on his face. I do. BUT, I don’t feel that we should become slaves to each other’s emotions or wants. I have enough trouble dealing with my own.

What’s your take on it?

So I joined facebook

2009-11-25T07:20:00.001-06:00

And it’s just as much of a time suck as I thought it would be. Trying to resist those stupid application invites is like trying to avoid chocolate cake (and I love chocolate cake). Seriously, why can’t I just click ignore and be done with it. Nooooooooooo I have to accept them (well most of them)… then become obsessed about leveling up and giving out free gifts (if only some of them were real). Now I’m stuck farming. Really, farming? I’m from Chicago I’ve never even been to a farm. If only I could make myself stop. There has to be rehab for people like me.

Okay, I won’t lie there are perks. Half my family is on facebook (it’s their fault I joined in the first place). I love the fact that I can still keep in touch with them even though we are 500 miles apart. I like seeing their pictures and hearing about their lives. I feel like I still get to be a part of things (in a way) even though I’m not there… but damn those applications. Facebook should come with a disclaimer!

I’m Back

2009-11-23T05:42:00.000-06:00

Did you miss me? Well, here’s a nice little update on my life. This past year, I moved to a new place, took on more responsibility at work (hopefully with some more pay to come shortly), got married to my sweetie on our eight year anniversary, participated in a mentor program with the most awesome mentor ever AND three months ago I had a baby. Yes I’ve been doing a lot which is why I’ve been MIA (please still love me).

The new place… well it could use some sprucing up but it’ll do. The work… well it’s work. The marriage is awesome. Our relationship is the same wonderful relationship we’ve always shared and now we have a nice license and pretty rings… which are lovely. The mentor program couldn’t have been any better. I had (have) the best mentor ever. (Hi Cup!) I’ve learned so many awesome things about writing and how to improve my writing. The great thing is it’s already paying off. One of my CP’s said my latest WIP is the best thing I’ve written and she could barely pay attention to the edits because she got so sucked into the story (SCORE!). Ahem… moving on. The baby is wonderful. He (yes I now have two boys) is wonderful and cute and sweet and cute and precious and did I mention cute? Being a mom so agrees with me. *happy sigh*

So that’s what’s been up with me. I am back and more determined than ever to turn out these WIPs. Stay tuned!

Poetry Share

2009-09-02T10:25:00.003-05:00

Yes it's me again participating in the Summer Reading Trail. I love poetry and so decided to share a piece I wrote for a contest a few years ago. It's a spicy little piece so you might get a little hot. ;) Enjoy!

Interlude
By. Lauren Murphy

I stare into midnight eyes, dark as the sky, I sigh

A moan escapes my lips, as you kiss my hips, you rise

Your wet tongue slips inside my mouth

So deeply aroused our tongues tangle, dancing, swirling, swaying.

Your hands on my breasts massaging my smooth tingling skin.

I'm on fire burning with delicious desire.

You gently nudge my back into the wall place your knees between my thighs

Dripping wet I'm drowning in ecstasy

Impatiently awaiting you to join my body

Your tongue grazes my neck as your

Fingers drift down my body lifting my dress

Exposing my naked fevered flesh.

Eyes boring into mine smoldering with lust.

I reach for your pants rip of your belt

And free your straining, beautiful erection I can't stand it!

I need you now, please don't make me wait

You place my arms around your neck

Slowly lifting me off the ground

Pining me tightly against the bathroom wall spreading my thighs

You slowly slip your finger in and out of my

Slippery wet valley of love as your tongue mimics your actions below

"Please" I whisper in a shattered voice

As another moan escapes my swollen kissed lips

"Please" I whisper as I slowly begin to slide my hand

Up and down your rock hard erection

You lean your head against the wall next to mine

And whisper a moan in my ear as you thrust into my body

The earth shatters as you smoothly slide in and out, with slow powerful strokes

My mind reels no longer capable of coherent thought

You kiss me to cover my moans of pleasure

Grabbing my hips as you thrust deeper, harder

Our bodies begin to shudder in ecstasy I close my eyes as you hit my sweet spot

Over and over bringing my body to unbelievable climax.

You pour your hot love into me with powerful spasms

As I tighten around your hard body

Time slows I begin to catch my breath

Releasing you a beautiful stranger an angel

I fix my clothes slowly gaining my composure

As I make my way from the bathroom, and back into the crowded restaurant.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Thanks for stopping by and please be sure to check out the other pieces on the Summer Reading Trail.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-08-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of times when I should be writing or doing something equally productive but I’m wasting time instead. I am in fact a master procrastinator. I’m so good at it I could teach classes. Today I thought I’d share some of my procrastination techniques.

13 Methods of Procrastination

1. Daydreaming. Oh yes this little bugger has gotten me into trouble since the third grade. Instead of paying attention in class I’d stare out the window (window seats are a bad idea for me) and imagine flying with magical unicorns. Not much has changed only now instead of ignoring a teacher I’m ignoring my manuscript (MS)…

2. Doodling. This is when I sit with a notebook (usually when I am trying to brainstorm ideas) and draw little hearts, balloons or something equally stupid instead of WORKING ON MY MS. Often I will get inspiration from number one to make the little pictures for this one even more ridiculous. No, I will not post examples of my illustrious illustrations.

3. Surfing the web. This is by far my biggest time suck and procrastination tool. I do research, usually for non related writing things. Today I learned a great deal of information about the great lakes… That I will NEVER use!

4. Romance Divas. One of the greatest places in the internet world. I would describe this place as internet heaven actually. This site is an excellent resource for writing information but also a great place for hanging out, making friends, posting life experiences… procrastinating. Of them all this is the one I would never even think about giving up.

5. Myspace. Seriously, that Tom guy has some serious explaining to do. I don’t know if he’s the one who invented this place or not but I blame him. The stupid apps, and messages, and status updates, comments… okay you get the picture. There is too much to do there and now they’ve attached the IM thingy to the bottom of the window so people can just contact you if they see you’re on. Not good.

6. Obsessively checking emails. I have numerous email accounts (probably a mistake) and I check them constantly even when I’m not waiting for a specific response about something. Really, they must have anonymous groups for people like me…

7. Blogging. *gasp* As much as I enjoy blogging sometimes I do it instead of working on my MS… like now, but I’m almost done so it’s okay.

8. Obsessively checking to see if anyone has commented on blog. Yeah I know I need help. Refer to the last sentence of number 6.

9. Staring for long moments (we won’t count how many) at a blank Word document (or unfinished document) while wondering if the story I’m starting or working on is any good and if there is a point to even writing it. What I should be doing is working on the damn story and not angsting over the nothing that I haven’t written!

10. Yahoo IM. OMG what a HUGE time suck! I spend more time talking to people on IM than should be legally allowed.

11. Talking on the phone. I do this with people I can’t reach on IM. Usually it’s my mom and we talk until the battery runs out on my cellphone. Yeah, that’s a lot of talking and very little writing.

12. Reading. Yes reading is fundamental but not when you’re actually supposed to be writing. Once in school I got in trouble for reading instead of paying attention in class… I think it was an omen.

13. TV. I can’t tell you how many brain cells I’ve lost watching it. I can say, however, that no matter how bored I get or how much I am trying to procrastinate I will NOT watch “reality” TV. Seriously, 99.9% of it is crap and not realistic in the least. I just can’t force myself to watch it. It makes me want to wash my eyes out with bleach whenever I’m forced to watch it… okay sorry went on a little tirade there but now I’m back.

So here is my list of procrastination methods. Do you have any?

The Future

2009-08-09T18:37:00.000-05:00

So I'm writing a story in which the hero can take people to see specific bits of their future. And this got me thinking. If I had the chance would I want to see certain parts of my future? You know like how many kids will I have or will I ever be rich and or famous? Come on like you don't wonder about some of the same things lol!

Anyway as I pondered this question I realized that perhaps seeing my future may not be all it sounds like it’s cracked up to be. I've had a lot of interesting experiences in life and I don't think they would have packed quite the same punch if I would've seen them coming. I mean these were some really awesome life lessons (not that I felt that way at the time). I think they wouldn't have been as effective if I would have experienced them in some other way. Also I think it would take away from the mystery of life. The wonder of not knowing that gives us that push to live to the fullest because, hey, you never know what's coming up next. I personally feel that without the mystery, life would be a little duller for me.

So tell me about you. If you had the chance would you take a glance at your future?

Thursday Thirteen

2009-08-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things in the world is traveling. I love to see new places and meet the people and learn about different cultures. When I’m older I plan on traveling the world but for the most part my travels have taken to me various places in the US. I’d like to share them with you now.

13 Places I’ve been

1. Disney Land (not to be confused with Disney World).
This one is sunny Ca. We were at a family reunion and I was very young… maybe four or five. My most unforgettable memories from this trip are from when I leapt into the hotel pool thinking I could swim and almost drowned in 3 ½ feet of water. The other is when we went on this ride that was totally in the dark. It scared me so badly I squished the hell out of Mickey Mouse cap, which I’d thrown on the floor of the ride so I wouldn’t lose it while going loopty loop. Yeah… good times/

2. Vallejo, Ca.
It was a sad event that brought me to this fair little city in Southern Cali. The Man’s grandfather had passed away and I was there for moral support. This was also the very first time I got to meet his family after having been together for six years. Though it was small I thought it was a beautiful place. This was the also the first time I’ve been so close to real mountains. I mean wow those things are huge!

3. San Francisco.
This occasion was much happier than the Vallejo trip. One of The Man’s Friends was getting married and of course I leapt at the chance to go to The Man’s home town. He’d already been to mine plenty. The thing I’ve noticed we have in common is that we both have mostly male friends so sadly I couldn’t hook anyone up. I think they decided to forgive me for that one. The city was sooooooooooo beautiful; I’ve been dying to go back since.

4. Washington D.C.
Going back to my younger years I actually used to visit our fair D. C. all the time. It’s where my great grandparents lived for a very long time. My great grandfather was very influential in politics. He knew people like Martine Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and John F. Kennedy. I went there all the time to visit them and I loved the city but my most vibrant memories of this place are the huge house they lived in… and the pattern in which my great grandmother used to snore in. I was young, what can I say?

5. Dumas, AR
This is actually where my grandmother (on my dad’s side) is from. She hated it so much she left as soon as she was old enough (maybe in her twenties) and never moved back. We went there later on for another of those notorious family reunions and I gotta say… it was really dusty. And there was also a huge bug that lived on the ceiling of our hotel room for the entirety of the trip. On a positive note this is where I ate at my first Sonic… we don’t have those in Chicago.

6. Milwaukee, WI
Being that it’s not that far from Chicago my parents and I used to go here often. It’s also right off the lake (meaning Lake Michigan) and they have an awesome zoo, where I rode my first elephant and camel. They also have a variety of fests during the summer where you can buy great food and listen to great music.

7. St. Louis, MO
I’ve actually been here a number of times since I have family there. I love to walk the city, especially downtown. I really love the area near the arch. It’s very grassy and pretty and the arch is just amazing to see up-close… though going in the arch I could have done without. It was nice to have the experience but the elevators were like shifty, shaky little ovens and I thought I might hurl before I got off…

8. Atlanta, GA
I’ve also been here many times. My mother and cousin both went to college there and loved the city. There are so many places to see since it is place full of history. I visited a number of historical colleges and the Coca Cola Museum which was awesome! I also got to do lots of shopping. The food’s great too.

9. Ontario Canada
I was about eleven when we went to Canada. It was during the summer so it wasn’t cold but it wasn’t too hot either. I thought it was one of the most beautiful cities. There were cobblestone streets and different shops and eateries. The architecture was fantastic; I think we even visited a castle. It’s a place I’d love to visit again only I’d like to maybe learn some French first.

10. Nassau in The Bahamas
Still the most beautiful place I have ever been to in all my life! The water was so clear I could see straight through it. The sand was beautiful and the temperatures were lovely. The food was excellent. I mean they probably caught it and served it to us that same day and the people were so friendly. It was the first time I’d ever seen a palm tree in my life. When a thirteen year old me said, “Oh my God mom look, palm trees.” on a bus full of people I new I was out of place. I never wanted to leave and I am so going back when I get the chance.

11. Universal Studios (Yes now this is in FL)
I had gone to St. Pete, FL with a friend for spring break and she and her mom took me to this wonderful place. I took a picture with The Grinch who I later found out was doing bunny ears. I also took a picture with Thing 2 from The Cat and the Hat (who we had to catch before we could take the picture). Also we took pictures with various XMEN and lastly Betty Boop… who was taller than I remember. Hmmmm

12. Miami, FL
It rained damn near half the time so I was pissed because I didn’t get my much coveted tan. Hey, I had planed on being dark chocolate when I left there not the same caramel that I was when I arrived. Anyway we went to a bunch of different clubs, made friends at a few bars, wore naughty little outfits (some of the time) and enjoyed the beach (when it wasn’t freakin’ raining).

13. Manhattan, NY
I went with my mom which could have been a mistake. We went by Central Park, past a couple of vendors and into the world of shopping. We walked so far we had to take a cab back. We also ate some delicious Brazilian food and went to see a show on Broadway. It was an awesome time. We spent all our money and came back with a t-shirt and a tie for my brother and father…

Pessimism or Realism

2009-08-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

My whole life I’ve heard people speak of this “preparing for the worst”. The way I understand it is that when there is the possibility of you either getting what you want or not getting what you want, your best bet is to prepare for not getting what you want. I believe the reasoning behind this is that if/when you find out that you actually aren’t getting what you want you won’t be as disappointed. If you actually get what you want then it makes it even sweeter.

Ok so I want to examine this on a personal level (because that’s what I do). Back when I sent in my first submission for publication I applied this practice. I knew the odds were against me and that most people don’t sell on their first sub. So I figured I wouldn’t be offered a contract and that it would be ok I could just sub elsewhere. Well, when the time came and I actually got that big R I can tell you that no amount of planning for the worst could have prepared me for the feeling it gave me. I felt like some one ripped out my little heart, stamped on it with cleats, coated it with a nice crispy batter and then fried it in hot oil. Yeah, not a good feeling. Even worse was that I had spent all this time telling myself how I probably wasn’t going to make it anyway. As an advocate for positive thinking this sat very wrong with me.

So my next sub I didn’t do any of this. I sent it in, didn’t get over anxious, but I did not prepare for the worse. I sent it knowing it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I got an R but that what I truly wanted was a contract. I let the wonderful idea of being a published author slide through my thoughts and I relished in it… then I let it go and went to a football game. *g*

Well, wouldn’t you know it? I got offered the contract! Now I’m not saying that I the only reason I didn’t get the contract in scenario one was because I thought negatively or visa versa for scenario two. What I am saying is that never in my life (that I can remember) has preparing myself for the worst ever benefited me in anyway. I make back up plans, or fall backs, if the situation calls for them but I do not dwell on them. I still think about and focus upon what it is that I truly want the majority of the time. I feel that life is meant to feel good and it doesn’t feel good (to me) to dwell on the negative things that can happen when the positive feels so much better. If bad things happen I still feel bad and when good things happen I still feel good. So why not concentrate on things that make us feel good and stop trying to worry about the things that are mostly out of out control anyway?

So where do you stand on preparing for the worst? Pessimism or realism?

Talk to me.

Letting In The Light by Fae Sutherland

2009-08-03T17:40:00.000-05:00

On sale now at Amber Quill Press!

When Rowan Lee arrived in small, liberal Provincetown, he heard tales of the eccentric, brilliant, possibly insane Finnegan Clark. A world-famous mystery writer, Finnegan’s been to the top of the bestseller list more times than anyone can count. It’s about the only place he goes, sequestered away in his mansion by the sea.

Enter Rowan. The free-spirited lovechild of aging hippies, Rowan believes all anyone needs is love, and when he makes a delivery to Finn’s mansion and meets the man himself, it’s infatuation at first sight. Not to mention lust. Never mind that Finn’s twice his age and snarls at him more than he speaks to him.

All Rowan wants is to make the world a better place, one person at a time, but all Finn wants is to be left alone. Sparks fly, and if Rowan can’t break Finn’s walls down, he’ll burn them down...one sizzling encounter at a time...

Letting In The Light by Fae Sutherland Click HERE to read an excerpt and buy your copy!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-30T06:26:00.000-05:00

Since I was a little girl I've been obsessed with Astrology. My parents even bought me a telescope which my little brother ruined... I've forgiven him for this (mostly). Anyway from time to time I still like to do some studying up on what's out there. I found some very fascinating information here and here. So here we go.

13 interesting facts about Mars

1. Mars has the biggest mountain in the solar system. It’s called Olympus Mons and is over twice the height of Mt. Everest.

2. The Egyptians gave Mars its first recorded name: Har dècher (“The Red One”).

3. In the 1970’s, the Viking orbiter took pictures of what appear to be giant faces and pyramids carved into the planet’s surface in the Cydonia region. Scientists disagree on whether or not they are just eroded mesas or evidence of an ancient alien civilization but still the idea is cool.

4. For a planet with so little atmosphere, Mars has some of the wildest weather in the solar system. There is a variety of windstorms, dust storms and small tornadoes and there are more of them when Mars is close to the sun.

5. There are huge deposits of ice underneath the planet’s surface.

6. Only 1/3 of all the missions to Mars have been successful. Mars is actually referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle” of the solar system. I would NOT plan a vacation there if I were you.

7. Mars doesn’t have an ozone layer; as a result, the surface of Mars is bathed in a lethal dose of radiation every time the sun rises. Really, a lethal dose? Yikes!

8. Although it is much colder on Mars than on Earth, the similar tilt of Earth’s and Mars’ axes means they have similar seasons.

9. Mars’ seasons are twice as long as those on Earth because it takes Mars 687 days to orbit the sun, twice as long as Earth’s 365 day journey. Eek! This would be great for the summer months but not so great in the winter.

10. During a Mars winter, almost 20% of the air freezes. Refer to pervious comment about winter.

11. The average temperature on Mars is minus 81 Fahrenheit and can range from minus 205 degrees in the winter to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. No good, I would have to move!

12. Until recently, it was thought that Mars’ polar caps were made from carbon dioxide (dry ice) with only a small amount of water. Later observations indicated that the polar caps were mostly frozen water with a thin layer of carbon dioxide. Why is everything here frozen? This is not a selling point!

13. If melted into liquid form, the amount of water in the southern polar cap would cover the entire planet to a depth of about 36 feet. Holy cow, let’s hope they don’t experience global warning!

That's it for this week. See you next time.

Dark Host by Kim Knox

2009-07-29T06:05:00.003-05:00

Dark Host was a finalist in the Brava Novella Competition and it’s also the first time I played with shifters. Oh and some zombies…of a sort *grin*

Blurb

Feline Mosaic, Charis Sur, thought her mission aboard the INS Pagidion would be quick and easy. All she has to do is watch her target and keep him alive until Betelgeuse goes nova.

Simple. Until one of the passengers drops dead in front of her.

Suddenly everything is not simple. Her life depends on a successful mission and she has to protect her target from whatever killed this man. That throws her into the path of Jason Narak, the one man she never wanted to see again. The man who burned her six months before. Yet, even as her past with Jason hurls her mission, her life into disarray, Charis finds that…something…is waiting for them aboard the INS Pagidion.

It calls itself darkness. And it needs a host.

The buy link is here and you can read the first chapter here

Marriage

2009-07-27T18:05:00.000-05:00

I’ve known a lot of people (men and women actually) who agonize over this one little word. A lot of people seem to be in a rush to “make” it happen or else something must be wrong with them. Like being single is some type of personality disorder they must over come.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am certainly not against marriage after all I am married, but why is so much emphasis put on it? I’ve seen people marry a person they don’t care for, that much, just so they can say they are married. I have seen people try and force everyone they date into being the marrying type. I have seen people marry just for the sake of the kids. But what happened to just marrying for love? Marrying not because you can’t live without that person (because honestly you can) but because you just don’t want to.

You want to hear my story? Of course you do. ;)

I met my husband in chemistry lab my first semester of college. Yes we were lab partners. Neither of us was looking for a relationship. We ended up finding friendship in each other (when I wasn’t busy pissing him off lol). Over the course of the entire school year we talked and got to know each other on a real level because we weren’t busy trying to impress each other. Finally at the end of the year my BFF said, “What the hell are you waiting for? Just hook up already!” What can I say? The girl is smart. We got together that day and shared our first kiss. OMG it was awesome!!!!

Anyway our relationship was not all roses and sunshine and we even had a rough spot were we thought we weren’t meant to be. Somehow through it all we just couldn’t (or didn’t want to) let go.

Eventually (after three years) we decided we wanted to move to the next level. We were still in school and wanted to progress slowly… so we moved in together. People often asked, “If you’re living together why don’t you just get married?” Our response was, “What’s the rush?” We liked the pace our relationship was going and who were these people to tell us the “right” way to live?

Well, about four years later we had our first child. OMG I think the sky might have fallen. People were on The Man’s case about not marrying me. I wanted to say WTF? Ok in some cases I did. It wasn’t just his decision not to marry. WE didn’t want to get married just because we were having a child. I had heard too many stories where people got together for the sake of the children and regretted it so much that even the children were miserable because of it. That was NOT going to be me. The only reason for us to get married was because we loved each other. End of story.

After The Boy turned a year old we decided we were ready. Our relationship was the strongest it had ever been and we felt in our hearts that we were ready. A year after that we got married. We did it our way and it was one of the happiest days of our lives (though looking at the pictures I often wish I was more photogenic).

If I had the chance to do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing. We really got to know each other. My mom says we test drove the relationship before we decided whether it was right for us. A lot of people looked down on us because it wasn't the “right” way to do things… according to who I don’t know.

So now I'm curious. After having my own experience I realize that everyone is different. Some people find the right one and immediately want to get married. I don’t think anything is wrong with that. On the other hand some people decide to take things slow and feel things out. I don’t see anything wrong with that either. What I have an issue with is people who think a relationship is less than because you don’t have that piece of paper that says you belong to each other legally.

I can tell you without a doubt (and The Man will too) that our relationship has not changed since we exchanged those rings. Somehow, though, people want to act like our relationship is more legit since we are married but I don’t see why. Before we were married we were giving advice to other people who were married because we had already learned so much from each other and about each other. We were closer and more in tuned then most of the married couples we knew but since we didn’t have that piece of lovely paper then our relationship wasn’t as meaningful. I want to know why? Why is this the view the majority of people seem to share? What am I missing here? I’d love to know what you think.

Free Read Part Two

2009-07-25T12:40:00.010-05:00

Ok for all who have been following, I posted part 1 of my free read last month for the Summer Reading Trail as well as Excerpt Monday. I'm a little early for both but I guess I'll live. ;)

For those of you who missed part 1 or would prefer to have a copy of the story in its entirety here it is.

When Darkness Falls

Part 2:

Liya leaned up and placed a light kiss on his lips. As soon as they touched, fire roared through her veins, igniting her very soul. He moaned into her mouth as their tongues mingled and it drove her crazy.

She broke the kiss to stare into his hungry blue eyes and gave his chest a slight push. He took the hint and relaxed on the couch, a light sheen of sweat covered his brow. His breathing was ragged. He was totally into this and she loved it. Taking control was something she never thought she’d be able to do. But something about him made her feel secure and unashamed of her new found sexuality.

The more she thought about it the more she burned to touch him, feel him. She pulled open his shirt and blazed a trail of open mouth kissed down his chest, following the line of hair that disappeared into his jeans. God, she needed to get rid of those.

She pulled at his belt and tossed it aside. She couldn’t get his clothes off fast enough. Her heart hammered in her chest and her breath came in short, quick bursts. He lifted his hips to help her remove his jeans and boxers. Finally she had his hot, heavy erection in her hands. Her pussy was wet just thinking of the things that she could do with such a magnificent tool.

As she slowly slid her hands up and down his rigid shaft his, body jerked and a moan escaped his lips. “Oh, my God, what are you doing to me?” he asked in an agonizingly sexy voice. It was almost enough to make her come right then.

She continued to stroke his cock slowly, lovingly. Watching him writhe and moan under her touch was hot. She leaned her head down and took him into her mouth, sliding his dick slowly between her moist, full lips.

“Oh God that feels good,” he said groaning out the words. She felt his hips spasm with every movement. “Oh shit, that feels so good.”

His reaction was driving her crazy. She was so aroused it was a shock she wasn’t dripping all over the floor. She increased the tempo, using her tongue to make sure his dick stayed slick, and wet with every stroke. He grabbed her head and thrust into her mouth, his eyes squeezed shut.

“Oh shit, don’t stop.” Sweat poured down his hard body and he started to shake. He let out a deep growl as he came in her mouth.

At first it was a shock but the warm liquid flowing into her mouth invigorated her. She had done this. He had been under her control and she reveled in it. She sucked and licked until she had milked him of every last drop.

“Mmm, that was good,” she said, instantly wondering where the thought came from. She had never been so forward in her life. And it was fantastic.

His eyes smoldered and his cock sprang to life at her comment. He had just come. How was that possible? In her limited experience, if a guy had an orgasm that was it. Shows over, let’s all go home. But Hawk was ready for more. His desire for her smothered her, making her gasp for air.

* * *

Hawk was in a complete state of shock. His body was rearing for action but his mind was having trouble keeping up. He took a few deep breaths to steady himself but it was useless. His heart was slamming against his ribs, his mind was a mess and all he really wanted to do was slip inside Liya’s luscious body and fuck her until she screamed.

It wouldn’t be so hard to control himself if he couldn’t sense how aroused she was. Her scent had overtaken the room until his nose was filled with nothing but her. The way she gazed at him from her position between his thighs was wreaking havoc on his brain. Fuck it.

He grabbed her and placed her on his lap, straddling him. He could feel her pussy clenching and unclenching through her pants. He needed to get her undressed. She had on way to many clothes. He pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it across the room. Her full breasts rose and fell with every breath. He snapped off her bra and sucked in a breath at her perfect tits. He swirled his tongue around an erect nipple and gently rolled the other between his thumb and forefinger. A soft moan escaped her lips and she squirmed in his lap, making his erection ache to be inside her.

God she was on fire. He moved to the other breast while he worked on her pants. He slid them off and rubbed her clit through the flimsy material of her underwear. Her hips gyrated against him as he pleasured her. She was so wet it was seeping through her panties, leaving traces moisture on his cock.

He had wanted to draw out her pleasure as long as possible but he couldn’t wait any longer. He needed her now. He went for her panties and piece of dry wall fell on his arm. Shit, shit, shit! This can’t be happening.

He looked up and to his dismay the ceiling was about to cave. He had been afraid of the damage that had been done to the structure, but since nothing had happened he’d forgotten about it. He grabbed her hips to stop her movement.

“What?” Her eyes were hazy with lust.

“We have to stop,” he said in a harsh tone. He was so pissed. He was going to have to get them out and he didn’t know how he was going to get his dick to fit back into his pants. “The ceiling is about to cave.”

“Holy shit.” Her eyes bugged out in alarm.

Yep they were done.

“I can get us out, but you’ll have to trust me,” he said staring hard into her eyes.

“I don’t care what you have to do— just get me out of here.” He could tell she was trying not to panic, but her heart rate was through the roof and she was having trouble catching her breath. She was tensing her shoulders and biting her lip. He had to get through to her. She needed to keep her head. He couldn’t afford to have her to lose it wile he was trying to get them out safely.

He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a little shake. “Calm down. I promise that you’ll be safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Her eyes were the size of saucers but she nodded. She visibly relaxed and her breathing was somewhat normal. She wasn’t completely calm but it would do.

“Now, I’m going to break the door down but the foundation is no longer secure. As soon as I get through you need to run out as fast as you can before the rest of the ceiling crumbles.” Debris was falling around them steadily. She looked like she might not make it after all. “Can you handle this?” he asked looking her square in the eye.

“Yes,” she replied with an unsteady nod.

“Good.” He moved them closer to the door. “On the count of three, I’ll break down the door and you start moving.”

She took a deep breath and lunged, ready to run. “Do it.”

She was amazing. Even though she was terrified, she could still do what needed to be done. He found that insanely attractive in a woman, but he didn’t have much time to daydream about Liya’s endearing qualities. There would be plenty of time for that later. He turned his mind back to the task at hand.

He stooped to a low crouch and prepared his body for the collision. If he did it just right, he could knock the door off with one try. He steadied his mind, focused on his goal, and took off. He slammed into the door, putting all his strength behind it, and the door flew of the hinge with a protesting groan. Liya flew out the door in a blur and he was right on her heels.

His feet touched the ground and the brisk evening air sent chills down his spite. He was standing face to face with the hunters. Shit, he couldn’t catch a break.

His breath snagged as he realized that one of the scumbags had Liya in a choke hold. His body overflowed with rage at the sight of the hunter’s hands touching his Liya. The guy had no clue that he had just made the last mistake of his worthless little life. He spat on the ground in disgust. He was about to make them pay.

Hawk took a good look around. There were three of them and they were stupid and careless. He could scent their misplaced confidence in the air. He would be sure to wipe those sappy smirks of their faces and he would enjoy it.

Before they could blink, he attacked. He leapt in the air and slammed his foot into the jaw of the one closest to him. His neck snapped with a sickening crack and hit the ground with a thud. A stream of blood leaked from his motionless lips and began to pool around his head.

Fear rose into the eyes of the other two. Confused glances passed between them. The second guy started to back away then turned to run. Apparently he had come to his senses…but it wasn’t soon enough.

Before the man took two steps, Hawk had him by the throat, squeezing the life from his lungs. The guy kicked and flayed, trying to get free, but Hawk had an iron grip on his neck and he wasn’t letting go. He could feel the man’s pulse slow to a stop as he died. Hawk released him from his grasp and his head made an audible thunk on the ground. Two down, one to go.

The scumbag holding Liya looked like he was ready to bolt as well, but he could forget it. He had threatened Liya, unknowingly signing his own death certificate. Hawk straightened to his full form emitting a low growl. The guy looked scared enough to piss his pants.

He pushed Liya toward Hawk and made a break for it. Hawk took one quick step and rammed his fist into the guys back, breaking his spine with a nauseating snap. He crumpled to the ground like an old rag doll, immobilized.

Hawk had contemplated draining the guy of every drop of blood, but decided against it. He didn't want to be contaminated by his tainted blood. Instead, he crouched down and turned the guy’s face to look him in the eyes. Hawk’s body was a consumed with anger. He knew his eyes were fiery red. Scumbag trembled, fear huge in his gaze as he realized he was going to die.

"You're dead," Hawk said, grabbing his head and twisting hard, leaving the guy there with look of frozen terror across his face.

Liya's shattered breathing pulled him from his trance like state. He stood to face her, a feeling of dread seeping through his very core. Her face was painted with horror at the gruesome scene before her. This was his every day life and it scared the shit out of her. He let out a harsh, painful sigh. Who was he fooling? She wasn’t cut out for this.

She was a beautiful, sensual, caring woman and he lived in a dark, ugly world. How could he ever have thought he could make a relationship work with her? She was able to make him feel whole and alive, where so many others had failed. She was the one he could see going the distance with. And she was the only one that he couldn’t have. There was no way he could ask her to give up her life to be with him, no matter how much he wanted it.

“Let’s get you home,” he said trying to keep his voice steady. He didn’t want to show her the pain it was causing him. She had been through enough that night as it was.

* * *

“Take me home?” she asked a confused frown on her face.

“I want to get you to a safe a place. And that’s not with me.” His voice was dark, sad even, though she was sure he was trying to hide it.

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “You can’t mean that.” Sure, what had just happened had frightened her. But she wasn’t afraid of him. Never of him. He had kept her safe, when her own people had tried to harm her. They truly were monsters, these hunters. It was clear that they would stoop so low as to hurt one their own if it meant gaining an opportunity to slay a vampire. She didn’t want him to leave. She needed him, she realized that now. This was ridiculous. He had wanted her so badly before. Why this sudden change?

“I do mean it.” His eyes were dull, tired. “I can’t be around you. Everything that happened was all because of what I am. I couldn’t stand it if something where to happen to you because of me.” His eyes pleaded with her to understand, but she couldn’t. If you really cared about someone, you didn’t just leave them.

She shook her head in denial. “You can protect me. I know you can.” Her voice shook with desperation. She stopped to collect her composure and went on. “Please,” she begged, looking into his eyes, grabbing his shoulders, and trying to shake some sense into him. “Please don’t do this.”

Pain streaked across his face. He shook his head and looked off into the distance. “I’m sorry.”

“Fine,” she replied softly. A sharp pain lanced through her chest. Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. She knew he didn’t want to leave, but, damn it, being left was being left.

He followed silently to her small house and walked her to the door. She turned for one more glance at his beautiful face. She wanted to memorize every line, every hair, every feature. He had changed her life. In his arms, she had felt free. Free to be who ever she wanted and it was the greatest feeling in the world. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her and he was leaving.

* * *

He gazed into her eyes for long moments unable to move, hypnotized by her magnetic eyes. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if he stayed. It wasn’t him she was afraid of. Maybe he could protect her. He opened his mouth to speak but changed his mind.

No, there was no way he could bring himself to do it. She would be in constant danger if she stayed with him and he couldn’t allow that. For once in his life, he would do the right thing, no matter how much it killed him. This had to be goodbye.

“Look,” he started unsure of what to say. “I wish…”

“Please don’t,” she said shaking her head. “Let’s just say goodbye.” She leaned up and placed a light kiss on his lips, sending a shiver down his spine. The fact that something so small could affect him so much was still a mystery to him.

“Goodbye,” he said forcing his feet to turn around and leave her, forever. The thought made a lump form in his throat. He had to fight to keep from turning around and making her his, despite all the odds stacked against them. This was the right thing to do. One lone tear burned down his cheek as he left the one woman that could truly make him whole again.

* * *

Two weeks later, Liya found herself trying, but failing not to wallow about losing Hawk. How had she come to care for him so deeply in such a short span of time? Every day since they’d parted, she paced her house hoping that he would come back. She wished she could go looking for him, but she didn’t know where to start. The only place she knew of had been demolished and she was sure he wouldn’t be going back there any time soon.

After wearing out her mahogany carpet she decided she was tired. She trudged to her room and set down her mug of steaming green tea on the nightstand. Plopping down on the bed, she stared out the small window near her full size bed. Usually a comfort, her room only made her feel lonely now. How was she supposed to move on if she couldn’t get images of Hawk to vacate her brain?

With a tired sigh, she laid her head on the soft cotton pillow and tried to relax. Her mind wondered in circles about what she could have done differently to make him stay. She new, that he wanted her and not just in the physical sense. The emotions were there. She could see them in his eyes as he forced himself to leave her.

Damn it! Why did men have to be such idiots? Why couldn’t she have a say in their future too? She was a big girl and she could decide what was too dangerous for her. This was down right torture. Not knowing where he was and if he was okay. The uncertainty was eating her alive.

She sat back up and took a sip of tea. The fluid burned down her throat and ended in a heated pool as it landed in her stomach. Hot tea normally relaxed her but nothing was working anymore. All she wanted was Hawk.

A knock at the door made her jump, almost spilling her tea. Who could it be at this time of night? She padded to the front door wearing nothing but her robe and peered through the peep whole to get a glimpse of her visitor.

An involuntary gasp escaped her lips and her breath caught in her throat. It was Hawk. She swung the door open and stared at the most beautiful sight in the world. A dripping wet Hawk standing at her front door.

It had been pouring rain for hours and wherever he’d come from he had walked. Her heart slammed into her chest, her brain clouded with happy confusion. Why was the floor getting so close?

Suddenly all went dark.

She came to, staring into the eyes of a concerned Hawk. She couldn’t believe she had fainted. She had never fainted in her entire life. And him being there wasn’t a dream, he was actually in the same room with her. But why, she wondered sitting up to place herself on more even playing field?

“What’s going on?” she asked once she forced her thoughts into making some type of sense. “Why are you here?”

“I had to see you,” he said, his eyes filled with intense emotions. “I couldn’t stay away.” He leaned in close and toyed with her freshly washed hair. He buried his face in her locks, inhaled deeply and shuddered. His response to their closeness made her long for what she couldn’t have. Him.

Tears she could no longer hold back leaked from her eyes. Quiet sobs racked her body. She was tired of being alone.

“Please don’t cry,” he whispered into her ear, tugging her closer.

“I can’t help it. I’m so tired of being lonely.”

“Why are you lonely?” he said with a frown. “Where are your friends, your family?”

She stared at the floor. Could she tell him? She didn’t even know if he was going to stick around. Did she really want to open herself up to him, when she was feeling so unsure about where they stood?

“You can tell me.” Holding her gaze with gentle eyes.

“I don’t even know how to begin.”

“It’s okay, just take your time,” he said, rubbing her back in a circular motion.

She nodded, took a deep breath then released it slowly. “When I was nine, my parents were killed in a fire.” She paused to collect her composure then continued. “As if that wasn’t bad enough, later on we found out that it was done intentionally.”

“Arson?” he whispered.

“Yeah. This guy was in love with my mom but he didn’t want to let her go.” She stopped, no longer sure she wanted to share this with him.

“It’s okay you can tell me,” he said with an encouraging nod.

She went on with a sigh, “I thought I would die from the pain of loosing them. I was left completely alone. That psycho, crazy asshole ruined my life. He took them from me all because he couldn’t stand that my mom didn’t want him!”

She swallowed and rubbed her tired eyes. ”I haven’t been able to trust anyone since. I always find myself looking over my shoulder, afraid that someone is going to come after me. Because of him, I have no family, no friends, nothing.”

She lifted her head to see into his eyes, his irises were black.

“What’s with your eyes?” she asked deciding to change the subject.

“The color of my eyes shows how I feel, which is why I never want anyone to look at them. They turn four colors. Red when I’m angry, blue when I’m aroused,” he said with a wink, which made her blush. “And black when I’m unhappy. Any other time they’re just brown.”

“They’re black right now. You‘re unhappy?”

“Hell yes, I’m unhappy.” He sighed and shook his head. “Very unhappy. I hate that you’re alone. I hate that no matter what I do I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re all I dream about, you’re all I want. And I really hate that I’m afraid of what’ll happen to you because I can’t stay away from you.” His black eyes pierced her soul with their intensity. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

“So do you mean that you want to give us a shot?” Hope welled in her chest at the thought of having a chance to be with Hawk. It was everything she had dreamed of for the past two weeks and now that he was here she wasn’t giving up without a fight.

“I don’t know what I mean Liya.” His gaze danced across her lips, her eyes and her body. He was holding back, hopefully not for long.

There was a long silence that followed his last remark. His mouth said one thing but his eyes said another. “I like them,” she said, her voice quiet.

“You like what?” he said shaking his head. “You can’t just start a conversation in the middle. How do you expect me to keep up?”

“Your eyes,” she said smiling, mesmerized by his masculine beauty. “I think they’re beautiful. I think you’re beautiful.”

He grazed her face with his fingertips, stopping at her lips. Then he stared at her, looking as if he wanted to devour her, his eyes turning a beautiful shade of deep blue.

She reached between his thighs and rubbed his already hard erection through his pants. “So blue really does mean aroused?” she asked, a mischievous little grin gracing her lips.

He closed his eyes, swallowed and leaned his head back. “Yes.”

She touched his face with a soothing caress, loving the way his perfect skin felt against her hands.

He let out a soft moan. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stop.” He opened his eyes, staring her down with a heated look. “I held back the first time I touched you, but I don’t think I can this time. I haven’t fed for a week and I may not be able to control myself this time. I could bite you.”

“Do you mean to tell me that biting is somehow connected with sex?”

“Yes,” he said as he shifted trying to get comfortable.

“But I thought vampires needed human blood to survive,” she said with a frown.

“Human blood is required to fully nourish our bodies, but we can drink vampire blood as well. Think of it as more of a delicacy. We only do it when we’re mating. It takes the whole experience to another level.”

“But what about diseases?”

“We don’t catch diseases. Our blood is immune to them. A protective measure since we are required to drink blood to survive.”

“So,” she said, taking a deep breath while staring at a spot on the wall behind him, “What would happen if you bit me?”

“Well, for one thing you wouldn’t be turned into a vampire,” he said with a smirk playfully rolling his eyes.

“Would it hurt?”

“No, it won’t hurt. It may feel like a little pinch for a second after you are bitten, but that wouldn’t last for long.”

“Oh,” she said, tapping her finger on her chin. “So what about children? You said that you had a son. How do vampires have children?”

“We have sex. But we have to perform a special mating ritual first. It requires drinking a fertility potion. I know it must sound ridiculous, but that‘s the way it‘s done.” His blue gaze consumed with passion as he stared intently on her mouth.

Her body tingled with arousal at the thought of his hard muscled body thrusting inside of her, mating with her. She closed the distance between them and, feeling bold, she straddled his lap. Leaning forward she gave his neck a soft slow lick, eliciting a moan from his lips.

She turned his head to face her and gave him a gentle kiss making him squirm beneath her as she teased his mouth with her moist tongue.

He let out a tortured groan, grabbed her waist and started to grind into her body. Their breath came in rushed puffs as the fire of their arousal burned bright with heated desire.

She gave his ear a gentle lick and he sucked in large breath.

“Oh God, what are you doing to me?” he moaned.

“I need you…right now,” she replied as she caressed his mouth with her tongue until he let her in. They both sighed with pleasure as their tongues danced and mated, their heated bodies melding against one another.

“Where’s your room?” His voice was gruff, anxious. She pointed to the back of the house. He carried her down the hall and guided them down on the bed, smothering her lips with his.

He broke the kiss to take a few deep breaths then pulled her robe open. He concentrated on her breasts first, took one starved look and closed in, drawing slow circles around her left nipple. She moaned his name and rocked her hips in anticipation of what was to come, her thoughts coming in a blur.

I never dreamed it would be like this, she thought, as thick juices flowed from her throbbing pussy. She had never been so turned on in her entire life.

He pulled one taught nipple into his mouth, driving her mad as he licked and sucked on her sensitive flesh.

“You taste so good,” he murmured, moving to the next nipple and giving it the same treatment. “Is this what you wanted?” he asked, shifting his eyes to look at her as he continued to suck at her breasts.

“Yes,” she moaned. “Please…more.”

“More what?” he said, still teasing her with his tongue. “Tell me what you want.”

“I want you to make me come,” she said, her breaths quick and shallow as he continued to pleasure her.

“How do you want me to do it?” he murmured as he slowly moved down her body.

“I want your tongue here,” she said her middle finger sliding around her clit. She was barely able to breath her lust was raging out of control.

His eyes burned into her, his nostrils flared and he was breathing impossibly fast. He looked wild and out of control. He was glorious. He stripped her robe completely off and began to draw slow, short circles around her throbbing clit with his moist tongue.

She cried out and spread her legs to give him better access to her pleasure zone. Strangled moans escaped her lips one after the other until they became one continuous melody.

He slipped one long finger inside of her tight, wet pussy, torturing her with pleasure as he slid in and out, caressing her silken walls. She bucked her hips, begging for more.

His tongue danced and circled around her naked flesh, her back arching with reckless abandon as he plundered her body. She screamed her release, convulsing into a chain of spasms. He continued teasing and nipping until he had coaxed the last cry of ecstasy from her lips, and her body finally relaxed.

A look of hard restraint on his face, she could tell that he had been trying to hold himself back from biting her, but he was struggling.

It was right then that she made a decision. She was nervous and excited all at the same time.

Taking a deep breath, she turned her head and exposed her neck to him. “It’s alright, go ahead.”

“I don’t have to do it. I can control myself. I don’t want to force you to do anything you may regret later.”

“I know what I’m doing. Just trust me.”

He stood up and threw off every scrap of clothing and then moved on top of her, bracing himself on his elbows.

He placed his rock hard erection at the entrance of her sex. His heated gaze bore into her, melting her. He rotated his hips, teasing her.

“Hawk,” she said with a whimper. “Hurry.”

He shivered and plunged inside of her soft flesh with one fierce thrust, biting her neck at the same time. She cried out, her mind unable to comprehend the extreme pleasure taking over her body. She never imagined that being bitten by a vampire could be so intense.

He moved inside of her with powerful strokes, sending ripples of intense, erotic bliss throughout her entire body again and again. He released her neck with a satisfied sigh and then muffled her cries with demanding, needful kisses, moaning into her mouth from the ecstasy of their lovemaking.

Her body started to shiver. She could barely contain what she was feeling. He pulled out of the kiss. His heated gaze captured hers as he drove into her again and again. Their bodies were out of control, moving of their own accord, a thick sheen of sweat covering them. They moved in perfect unison together—their bodies made for one another.

She rose to meet him with every powerful thrust. The tip of his cock repeatedly hitting her sweet spot, driving her out of her mind, she clawed at his back, their coupling ferocious, yet sensual.

Her body began convulsing, fierce orgasmic pleasure ripped through her entire being. She screamed his name as she came, covering his shaft with her sweet nectar.

He joined her with a hoarse shout as he poured his hot seed into her body, spasms of pleasure consumed him. He collapsed on top of her body with a satisfied groan.

They lie in each other’s arms, their breath mingling, as they recovered from their lovemaking.

Tears began to flow from Liya’s eyes and a loud hiccup escaped her lips. Hawk lifted up just enough to look into her face, smoothing back her hair. “What’s wrong?” he asked, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

“I don’t know…nothing,” she said, shaking her head.

“Nothing?” he asked, rolling over to his side.

She sat up wiping her eyes. “I’ve never even come close to experiencing anything like that before,” she said, still shaken by the beauty of what they had just shared. “I’m just overwhelmed I think.”

“Is that really all?” he asked sitting up.

“Well…” she began with hesitation.

“I knew there was something else. Please tell me,” he said, stroking her cheek.

“What happens next, Hawk? I mean…where do we go from here.” She paused, to look around the room. “I don‘t think I could bear it if you left me again. Not after what we just shared.”

Hawk placed a light kiss on her lips. “You don‘t have to worry about that anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Liya asked, gazing up to look him directly in the eyes.

Hawk smiled softly at her before leaning in to kiss her tenderly. “I can‘t imagine life without you. The past two weeks have been the most miserable of my life. I don‘t ever want to feel that way again.”

Relieved, but still a bit unsure, she bit at her lip. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“And what about when you need to feed? What about the men who tried to kill you? I think we both know they’re not going to stop looking for you. What about that?”

Liya looked up to Hawk in just enough time to see his eyes turn their deep, exotic blue. “One step at a time, baby. Now the way I see it, when darkness falls, we come back here and make love until we can’t anymore.” He touched her wounded neck with his fingertips. “Now, that’s something even you can’t argue with.”

A slow smile graced her lips. “You know, Hawk, I think you’re right.”

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed reading When Darkness Falls as much I enjoyed writing it!

Please be sure to check out the stories below on the Summer Reading Trail and Excerpt Monday!

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Kim Knox, Erotic Paranormal Romance (NC17)
Emily Ryan-Davis, Historical Western Romance (NC17)
Kirsten Saell, Erotic Fantasy Romance (NC 17)
Jeanne St. James, Contemporary Romance (NC 17)

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-23T03:07:00.000-05:00

As I searched through the web today at work on my... er break I found this website full if weird words and their meanings. Today I'd like to share a few with you.

Thirteen Weird Words and Their Meanings

1. Abligurition - Spending just an inconceivably large amount of money on food. (I'm personally going to start using this in every day lingo.)

2. Aprosexia - An abnormal inability to pay attention, characterized by near-complete indifference to everything. (There are definitely times I can be accused of this)

3. Bablatrice - A female babbler. (Seriously, how do these people know me?)

4. Bever- A snack between meals. (Gee I just thought it was called a snack...)

5. Coads-nigs! - An expression of surprise. (ROFL try using that in a sentence)

6. Deglutition - The act of swallowing. (*gasp* Just tell me, did your mind go there too?)

7. Emacity - A fondness for buying things. (I'm going to start adding this in my bios.)

8. Floccinaucinihilipilification - To establish or state that something has no value. (Say that three times fast. Hell, just say it one time.)

9. Hoddypeak - A blockhead or fool. (I'd like to throw this one around at work.)

10. Verticordious - To turn the heart from evil. (I have got to put this in a book.)

11. Windlestraw - A person who is tall, thin and un-healthy looking. (Am I the only one who thinks this description fits another word?)

12. Xanthippe - An ill-tempered woman. (Alright now I'm convinced that people have been looking in my window and making up things to call me.)

13. Zizany - A harmful weed. (Get out of my yard you Zizany... Ok I'm sorry I couldn't resist.

To see these and other weird words go check out the website I visited earlier. There are loads more where these came from.

Five Senses

2009-07-20T21:49:00.001-05:00

I consider myself to be very in tune with my mind and my body and how outside influences affect me. I often try to allow my five senses to lead me through life. If it smells good I want to taste it (for me smell and taste usually go together), if it feels good I want to hold it, if it looks beautiful I want to stare at it, if it sounds good I want to immerse myself in it.

I’ve noticed over the years that my sense of smell is by far one of my more dominant senses. I can smell things usually before other people can and also I’ve noticed that certain smells will trigged poignant memories or feelings. The smell of rain instantly relaxes me. The smell of freshly cut grass instantly makes me feel that it is summer outside. The smell of cake baking reminds me of my grandmother. The smell of collard greens reminds me of holidays with my family. The things that are triggered by my sense of smell are not just mild reminiscent either. When these smells engulf my senses I feel like I have been shot back to a place in the past instantly. Like I am right there by my grandmother’s side while we sit in the kitchen waiting for the cake to bake.

Somewhere along these lines was when I realized how important these five little things are to a story. The things the characters taste, smell, hear, touch and see make the book complete. They make a story come alive apposed to seeming flat and lifeless. They draw the reader into the story and make them feel as if they are there, or could be there. They can make a story truly unforgettable.

Tell me what you think. Do you agree or have I been getting a whiff of a little too much cake. :P

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love my new WIP... even if I'm not "supposed" to be working on it right now. Here's why.

Thirteen Things I Love About My New WIP

1. The hero. He is a brooding, sexy, cursed demon. Seriously, it doesn't get much better than that. All that angst. *sigh*

2. The heroine. Even though she is the cause of some of his pain she really doesn't mean to be. On top of that she's scarred, doesn't take shit and knows she's not perfect. Hell, who likes a preachy heroine?

3. I have this awesome secondary character (best one I've written so far) and she rocks! She's mysterious and a little sneaky but with a good cause. ;)

4. It's angsty but not so much you just want the characters to just die lol.

5. It's packed with emotion. There is so much love, hate and desire I sometimes find myself wishing I was in this story somewhere.

6. They're in a place that's really hot. Makes for a lot of sweaty scenes. Can't go wrong with that.

7. It's got a bit of sarcasm... just like someone else I know.

8. The intrigue is there. Let me tell you, I can't wait to find out what's next and I'm the author. Ok, maybe that's because I'm a panster but still I want to know!

9. My mom won't blush quite so hard when she reads it. I mean she'll blush a little, let's just be real here. This story is freakin' HOT! But just not as much as she usually does, so this is something new for me. I love new things.

10. I usually hate doing research but I did it for this story. The surprise was I actually had fun doing it... weird.

11. This story is a refreshing change of pace for me. It's quite different then a lot of things I've written so far. I like change... most of the time.

12. This WIP has helped me to fall back in love with writing. I had been wondering if I was ever going to feel that way again. Now I do. Yay!!!!

13. It just feels damn good to write these characters. I've had them in my head for at least six months and I was tired of them yelling at me. It's nice to let them escape.

Ok thanks for letting me ramble (like it's something new). Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-07-09T06:19:00.000-05:00

I seemed to have forgotten all the things I hated about pregnancy so in my ignorance I decided to have another one. What the hell was I thinking?

13 things about pregnancy I can’t stand!

1. Morning (more like all day) sickness. I’ve never gotten the full blown sickness but the halfblown was more than enough.

2. The constant bathroom breaks. Seriously I have never peed so much in my life… ever.

3. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough sleep again. Between the little munchkin in there stealing all my energy and the constant nightly bathroom breaks (up to 4 a night thanks) I’m never going to feel well rested again.

4. If my skin gets any itchier I think I may scratch it off. All the stretching can’t be good for me and there isn’t enough cocoa butter in the world to relieve me of my sadness. *sigh*

5. New wardrobe. Yes this is the one time in life where having to get new clothes is not a plus.

6. My face is so fat it might float of my neck at any second.

7. Pregnancy brain is the devil. Oh yes it does exist. I can’t remember a damn thing… er what was I saying?

8. Trouble breathing. There is a living being in there pushing against my lungs and other organs. Thanks a lot!

9. Cravings. Seriously how many helpings of brownies and ice cream can one person eat… have I mentioned that I don’t like sweets?

10. The constant hunger makes me feel like a vampire. I always need to feed… only food not blood… right, moving on.

11. If one more thing on my body starts to ache I can’t be accountable for my actions.

12. When strange people touch me I want to do violent things. People I do know can touch. If I’ve never before seen you in life, stay the hell away!

13. 9 (Really 10) months is like forever. It’s almost a year! Why am I being punished?

Well that sums up my life in a nutshell. I have to say that even though I totally want this to be over… NOW there is nothing like holding a fresh, newborn baby in your arms. All of this is totally worth it. I’m sure I’ll agree with that statement even more once the pregnancy is over.

Free Read

2009-06-27T00:12:00.008-05:00

It's been a long time and I promise I have a good explanation for where I've been. First I want to beg your forgiveness for leaving. How, you say? I will try and earn your love back with a free read from the Summer Reading Trail. I am also participating in Excerpt Monday for July. I'm a little early but if you can find it in your hearts to forgive me I'd appreciate it. Enjoy. ;)

When Darkness Falls

Part One:

Liya wondered which breath would be her last, as she stared into cold, glowing eyes. His hand like a vice around her throat, his sharp fangs elongated over the soft flesh of her neck.

The midnight air swirled around them, warm and pleasant against her skin, in contrast to the perilous predicament she found herself in.
For years she listened as others whispered about mythical creatures stalking the night, terrorizing people as they drank blood and created spawn. Real fear gripped her and sent shivers down her spine. She struggled to pull air into her laboring lungs as she contemplated her now dim future.

She tried to ignore the horrid images her stubborn brain kept conjuring but found it impossible. Would her end come in one vicious swoop or would he drag it out slowly and painfully? Hell, would anyone even notice if she was never heard from again?

The fact that she could barely see him only succeeded in making matters worse. In the unwavering darkness all she glimpsed was his gleaming red eyes and imposing frame.

His ragged breathing echoed throughout the night as his massive chest rose and fell with each puff of air that escaped his lips. Her mind was a flurry of activity trying to find some way to escape this predicament, but to her despair, the only thing that surfaced was a big fat nothing. Paralyzed with fear, she couldn't even bring herself to put up a struggle for her own life.

She tried not to kick herself for believing that vampires were only a myth and that people told stories about them just to keep their children in line when they misbehaved. She now knew that they were no more a myth than she was. And her body shivered with dread as she realized the price for her disbelief was going to be her life.

* * *

A breeze whisked by and Hawk’s nostrils were filled with the sent of her delicate skin. The smell washed over him and he shivered at the familiar aroma. He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly.

“Jade?” he whispered into her neck. The fragrance lingering on her skin drew him inexorably closer. He felt her body stiffen. He sensed her fear but he couldn't stop. Pulled into another time and place, he remembered loving arms being wrapped around his neck as they made passionate love…

What? He yanked himself out of the memory almost as soon as it hit him and reared back to pin his victim with a hard stare. What’s happening to me? He took a few deep breaths to gather his composure. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted. He hadn’t fed in weeks and was on the verge of losing it.

He shouldn’t care that her scent called to him the way a Siren called men willingly to their deaths. So what if she felt supple and soft under his touch. Having been denied a woman’s touch for an eternity shouldn’t have made any difference. By now he should have pierced her neck, taken what he needed and been on his way…but he hadn’t.

Damn it, he needed to feed. A mix of anger and confusion swept over him as he tried to force his body back to the task at hand. With a sigh he eased his grip on her neck but made no move to release her. He frowned in frustration. Shit…now what?

* * *

As the vampire continued to glare at Liya, something within her began to stir, something untamed and primitive. He appeared to be studying her, learning her, reading her, if that were possible. She in turn was becoming curious about what was behind his harsh stare and wary eyes.

This guy is supposed to be damn near invincible. What could he have to be uneasy about, she wondered, surprised that she was even considering the notion.

Somehow her fear began to subside and she managed to get a good look at her captor. She swallowed, the sound almost deafening in the uncanny silence of the eerie night.

He was exquisite. Enthralled by his smooth mahogany skin, not even a speck of dirt dared touch his awing beauty. His lips were lush and full and his intense red gaze caused a searing heat to develop at the junction between her thighs. She still struggled to breathe but not from fear, from blatant, undeniable lust.

Her pulse raced. Her heart pounded. She was dizzy with maddening desire. Her mind had been fighting to reject what her body was all too willing to embrace. She was insanely attracted to this man. But how? He was a ruthless killer hell bent on wiping humans off the face of the earth. How could she possibly want him?

She tried to resist, but she couldn’t help staring into his magnetic eyes, imagining how good it would feel to take him inch, by slow sinful inch inside of her moist, soft flesh.

At once his expression changed. He looked hungry, but not for food. She could feel the evidence of his arousal graze her thigh as his eyes shifted from crimson to a deep dark azure. A look of confusion swept across his face and his grip on her neck tightened again.

“You dare to look into my eyes? You must have a death wish,” he said in a calm tone. His deep rumbling voice sent shocks of pleasure racing through her. She braced her hands against the cool wall pressed against her back, which was all she could do to keep her knees from buckling under the onslaught of blazing desire overpowering her frayed senses.

“No,” she replied with a ragged breath. Chills consumed her, making her shiver, as luscious sensations stimulated her aroused body.

Under his heated gaze, her defenses collapsed until she was nothing but a pile of raw, smoldering need and he the only one who could bring her fulfillment.

* * *

Her desire was raw, passionate. Any vampire within a fifty mile radius would have been able to sense her arousal. It was managing to over power even his most primal instincts. Hawk’s heart thudded against his chest as he tried to control his lust, but it was impossible. All he could think about was touching her, slipping inside her until she begged him to make her come.

He melded his body with Liya’s rubbing his rigid erection between her parted thighs. Her juices started to flow and she was on the verge of begging him to thrust his hard shaft into her wet pussy.

She was panting now, no longer in control of her body. Her body craved him, burned for him. She closed her eyes in an attempt to steady her thoughts, but it only made matters worse. She envisioned being naked in his muscled arms as he drove into her yielding body again and again.

No, she thought to herself, not like this. Not on the street like some common whore.

He lessened his grip on her neck and tilted her head bringing it level with his own. Her reaction to him must have been surprising. She was sure that any other woman would have tried to fight him, but not her. She was silently begging for more.

“Open your eyes,” he demanded.

She did and their gazes locked.

“Do you not fear me?” he asked in a curious tone.

“No,” she replied through the tightness in her chest, amazed that she could speak at all. He looked stunned at her response, as if no one dared to admit that they were not afraid of him.

“Do you know what I am?” he said with a frown as he cocked his head to one side.

“A…a vampire,” she said with a stutter.

“Yes, a vampire,” he said then licked his sharp canines. “And do you know what vampires do?”

“Drink peoples’ blood and kill them,” she replied.

“Now if you know all of this about vampires, why do you not fear me, human?” he said in a cool deep voice mere inches away from her face.

Because I want to fuck your brains out, she thought, but wasn’t about to make the mistake of saying it out loud. “I don’t know,” she replied instead.

“Interesting.” He smiled as if he knew something she didn’t, then threaded his fingers through her hair and grazed his tongue across her mouth, inviting her to join him.

With that, the last of her resistance crumbled. She parted her lips as he thrust his tongue into her warm mouth, plunging in and out mimicking what she wanted him to do to her body.

She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and clung to him as a shattered moan escaped her lips. The kiss was more electrifying than anything she had ever experienced. Heat raced up her spine and exploded all over her body, making her ache to have him imbedded firmly inside her. A soft whimper escaped her lips, as he deepened the kiss, grabbing a handful of her locks and crushing her against the wall.

He used his other hand to explore her writhing, trembling body. His hand slid under her shirt and shifted her undergarment out of the way to gain access to the cinnamon peak of her left breast as it stood painfully erect awaiting his touch. He gently grazed her nipple until she started moving her hips in a provocative rhythm, calling him to mate with her in a dance of extreme fulfilling ecstasy.

As he devoured her lips, his hand continued on its downward journey, caressing her through the thin material of her pants. Her mind was a jumbled mass no longer able to make rational thought. She twisted and moaned with maddening desire begging to be sated.

She didn’t think she could take anymore and then he swiftly unbuttoned her pants, pushed her panties aside and caressed her throbbing flesh. She cried out in ecstasy and dug her nails into his shoulders as he pleasured her in ways she hadn’t known for ages.

The intensity of the feelings building inside her core frightened her. He rubbed her aching clit, increasing his speed has his smoldering gaze met hers. Her hips bucked and swayed as he continued his assault on her body.

A loud moan slipped from her lips, her breath came in ragged, moist breaths, caressing his ear. He shuddered and his body stiffened as if he were taking pleasure from giving it.

He slid one long finger into her warmth and her body convulsed, sending waves of agonizing bliss coursing through her entire being. The earth shattered as she screamed her re1ease, leaving her cream all over his finger. He kept going until he milked her of all of her juices, then withdrew his finger, dipped it between his lips and sucked her essence into his mouth with a satisfied groan.

Taking a large breath, he looked into her face with contentment tinged with confusion, as if searching for answers. Obviously he was as affected by their encounter as she was.

Oh my God what did I just do? Her face filled with humiliated heat. She concentrated on the impossible task of regaining what little composure she had left. She tried to fix her disheveled appearance, while he took a few steps back. Then their eyes met and time froze.

She couldn’t believe she'd just let a complete stranger touch her in such intimate ways, no matter how freakin’ hot he was. This is not me at all! It took all her might not to smack her forehead with the heel of her palm.

Confusion hounded her as she tried to make some sense of the situation. One second she was teetering on the edge of insane terror and the next she was coming all over his finger. Who cared if it was the most amazing thing she’d ever experienced in her boring little life, she never should have allowed it. Only…she had really wanted it. A part of her still wanted more.

What was she thinking? The guy had been this close to killing her and all she could think about was jumping his bones? She had lost her mind, plain and simple. It was either that or aliens had taken over her body. At the moment neither one of those options appealed to her. There had to be another, real explanation for her behavior. Right?

* * *

Hawk’s head spun as their interlude played over and over in his mind. He hadn’t touched a woman in years and now this. He'd been in her presence for what, two seconds? And what really threw him was the fact that he had loved it.

His body was still vibrating from the sensations that had coursed through him as she screamed out her orgasm. He’d never been so hard for anyone in his entire life. In fact, he hadn't been able to enjoy being with a woman since he'd lost his wife.

The affect she was having on him was mind blowing. If he could manage to untangle his thoughts long enough, maybe he could try and make some sense out of their situation. He needed to figure this out, and soon, or he was going to end up in certifiably insane.

Hawk chanced a quick glance at the woman’s face and noticed that she was beet red. Now she was embarrassed? He wanted to smile at her reaction but refrained. She already felt bad enough.

He watched her shift from foot to foot, casting a nervous glance in his direction. God, she was beautiful. Her full lips begged to be kissed. He imagined gripping a handful of her silky, black hair as he drove into her body.

He quickly grabbed a hold of his thoughts, urging his heated body to relax. But visions of her voluptuous curves, naked and writhing beneath him, made it all but impossible. At this rate he was going to take her against the wall here and now, consequences be damned.

* * *

Why the hell was this guy looking at her like he was starving and she was grade a steak. His eyes had turned back to a rich deep blue and he looked as if he was staring clear past her flesh into her soul. She was in over her head with this man and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud buzzing filling the air from behind them. Out of nowhere, she was being tossed over the large shoulder of an unfamiliar man and being carried away. A scream lodged in her throat as fear started to overtake her. Who the hell was this and what was going on? She felt like her head was going to explode. The entire world had gone nuts and she was the last person to know.

Her heart hammered in her chest. Horrifying images of being raped, killed and dumped in a dank alley, passed through her brain. She pulled short quick breaths into her lungs and tried with all her might to pull herself together. This was no time to fall apart, damn it!

All of a sudden the body under her crumpled to the ground and she was scooped up into familiar arms.

“We have thirty seconds to get out of the open or we’re dead,” the vampire said in a dark tone as if he had been through this before.

“Thirty seconds?” she asked, her voice shrill. Anger took over as reason dropped into non-existence. “What the hell happens in thirty seconds?” It was annoyingly impossible to keep her head from banging on his chest. She lifted her head to try and get a good look at him. His face was a stone mask of determination and he was completely blocking her out. Damn him for getting her into this mess.

“Who the hell are you damn it?” she screamed beating at his chest.

“Hawk,” he said in a short tone and that was it. No extra info, no nothing conversation over.

Her body tingled with warning, goose bumps surfaced on her arms. Why did that name sound so familiar?

Without hesitation, he threw her into a large, dark hole that seemed to appear out of nowhere in the ground. She started to think that maybe she would’ve been better off facing whatever awaited them outside, but Hawk, as he’d called himself, had already slammed the door behind them. Seconds later, a cataclysmic explosion shook the very ground around them. The heavy metal door caved with a groan and the walls rumbled in protest.

Her panic reached an all time high. “Oh, my God, what was that?”

“A bomb. Those were your people trying to ‘save’ you from me by kidnapping you and making an attempt to take me out at the same time.”

“Holy shit! This can’t be happening.”

She leaped up and began pounding on the door. “Help me!” she yelled through the hard steel of the impenetrable wall. She prayed to whomever was listening to get her out of this. Her life couldn’t end on such a bad note, trapped in a room with a blood sucking vampire. She just wouldn’t allow it.

“Oh, my God!” she said breathing heavily trying to force air into her burning lungs. She realized that if she didn’t get a hold of herself she was going to hyperventilate until there wasn’t a breath left in her tired body. But how could she relax when there was a dark cloud hovering over her future?

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Hawk said reaching out to comfort her only to have her smack his hand away.

“Don’t touch me,” she hissed, pressing herself against the wall, squeezing her eyes shut in an attempt to quiet her nerves.

He breathed a harsh sigh. “Just try and remain calm. I know it’s difficult, but just try. I need to sort some things out,” he said with a strained look appearing on his face.

Liya ran a hand through her hair, trying to make some since of her situation. Looking at the damage that had been done to this dismal cave of doom, she knew there was no hope of making an escape. The door had partially caved in and the ceiling looked as if it could fall at any given second.

She was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown but realized losing her head would solve nothing. At best she would tire herself out and be too weak to escape if an opportunity presented itself. At worst she’d be stuck here with this gorgeous, sexy vampire and that just wouldn’t do. He was a threat to the nice, safe little existence she had spent too much time building. She didn’t need excitement. She needed her common, day-to-day routine. No, the only option now was to try and get comfortable, to wait it out. God, that really sucked.

Hawk got up and lit a candle on the other side of what appeared to be a very spacious room. There was a small desk in the corner, and a large comfortable looking bed against the far wall. She made her way to sit in one of the cozy chairs located behind her, realizing that she was in some type of shelter.

After a while he looked at her from across the dimly lit room and began to speak. “I know you must have some questions…”

“Gee, no shit, Sherlock…”

“Hold on, Spunky,” he said, shaking his head with a smirk. “Give me a little bit of a break here. A lot of this is all new to me too.”

Even in the gloom of her current circumstances, she couldn’t help but notice how he was trying to make things more comfortable for her. He was keeping his distance from her as she had requested and she could tell that he was holding on to his patience by the way he kept clenching his hands together and pacing back and forth.

She found that she was even affected by the impact of his dazzling white teeth, his now light brown eyes and strangely charming personality. However, none of this excused the fact that he had put her life in danger by accosting her in the middle of this horrible, dreary night.

“Is that a fact? Exactly which part of this is new? The people chasing after you, almost being kidnapped, or damn near being blown to pieces by a very large bomb?” she asked in a voice heavy with sarcasm.

“I’m afraid that all of that is old news for me,” he said, moving closer to caress her face. “But what just happened with you and me…that was all new.”

“Really,” she whispered, unsure about where things were headed between them, she averted her eyes looking anywhere but at him.

“Yes, really,” he returned in a quiet voice, touching her chin to bring her gaze back to him.

He leaned in as if to kiss her, but then stopped short as she stiffened, still uncomfortable with being in such close proximity with him. His brows bent into a frown and he bit his lip. Then he sat back with a sigh.

“I felt something significant pass between us just from the one experience we shared a short while ago and I haven’t felt anything even come close to that in quite some time.”

Thinking that she knew where he was headed, she opened her mouth to interrupt, but he shook his head to silence her.

“Please…just hear me out, before you say anything?”

“Fine,” she replied still feeling unsure about their situation.

“I realize that we know nothing about each other, but there is something between us. Something strong,” he said aiming those beautiful eyes in her direction.

The manner in which he spoke gave her chills. He was so passionate and real. No man had ever professed to have any feelings for her at all, let alone strong ones in such a short period of time. She found it refreshing and nerve wracking all at the same time. How could he be so sure of his feelings when she was having trouble remembering the answer to two plus two?

He appeared to waiting for a response from her before he continued. She gave a nod of approval. “Go on.”

He let out a sigh and continued pacing back and forth. “I would hate to miss out on something good because we were too hesitant to take a chance.” He turned to look directly into her wide eyes. “But before we decide on what to do, there are some things that you should know. I think the best way to handle this is for you to ask me whatever it is you want to know and I’ll try and explain things the best way I can. What do you think?”

She studied him through weary eyes but decided to relent for now. “Okay, fine.”

“Good,” he said, tapping his foot noisily on the smooth cement floor. “Alright then, what’s your first question?”

“Wait a minute,” she said fixing her firm gaze upon his handsome face. “Earlier you said your name was Hawk, right?”

“I should’ve known that was coming,” he said with a slight bit of hesitation, then let out a tired sigh. “Yes, my name is Hawk.”

“The Hawk? The one that’s rumored to have slain over three thousand humans in the past five years? That Hawk?”

“Yes, that Hawk.” He shifted restlessly in his seat.

“So it’s true then, not a rumor?”

“I’m afraid so,” he said looking down at his feet.

As the realization hit, her eyes bulged out of her head, her breath stuck in her throat. She stood and walked to the opposite side of the tiny room. She just needed a some space, that’s all.

“Holy shit,” she said running her hands through her disheveled hair trying not to freak out but failing miserably.

Oh God, I’ve really done it this time. Once again she wondered how in the heck she had gotten herself into this predicament.

One moment she was going along minding her own business and then WHAM here comes some vampire guy and her quiet little life just goes up in smoke!

She whirled around to stare at him, one eyebrow arched in question. “Where did all of this come from?”

“Huh?” He scratched his head, his face turning into a frown.

“Well at first you wanted to kill me and now this? I want to know why,” she demanded.

“I’m not exactly sure…” he began but was cut of by her next outburst.

“What the hell do you mean you’re not sure? Mister…” Damn it, she was so irritated. However the tired glance coming from Hawk’s deep eyes silenced her.

“Please, just be quiet and let me talk,” he said as he stood up and began to walk back and forth. “I hope you’re not always so argumentative.” She cast a warning glance in his direction, but managed to remain silent.

He turned and pinned her with an intense stare. “I really need you to understand that you are safe with me regardless of how you feel about what happened earlier. Now the truth is…” he said, trailing off in mid sentence, his mouth turning down into a frown. “You know it just occurred to me that I have no clue what your name is?” he said then looked at her expectantly.

Her first response was to knock him upside the head with her shoe and tell him that her name was none if his damned business. Then she calmed down a bit and realized that she at least owed him that much for saving her life, even if he was the one that caused all this mayhem in the first place.

“My name is Liya.” Her voice was low in the quiet of their haven.

“Okay Liya, let me try to make it clear. I haven’t fed for over two weeks, which is a long damn time.” He sighed and sat back down. “When I saw you I just lost it. I needed to feed and there you were. But almost as soon as I touched you, I started to feel something odd, like I was connected to you some how.”

He blew out a large breath and scratched his head. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. To say I was confused would be an understatement and the fact that I could sense your arousal, well, it really wasn’t helping.” He glanced at her his now blue eyes full of unchecked desire as he continued. “It seems you tamed one monster just to bring out another. I needed to touch you. I couldn’t help it,” he said in a smooth silken voice as a visible shudder went through his body.

“You could sense my arousal…but how?”

He cleared his throat as he tried to explain. “Well, vampires have extremely heightened senses, because we’re night dwellers. One thing that I’ve noticed is that every emotion has a scent. Fear and arousal are the strongest among them. And yours is enough to drive a man wild.”

She blushed as a rush of memories from their recent sensual escapade flooded her mind. “Oh.” She took a seat and looked down at the floor, trying to hide her blushing face from his knowing gaze.

He chuckled and shook his head at her response to his last comment. “Well, anyway, does that kind of help you to understand why things happened the way that they did?”

“I guess so.”

“You guess?”

“That’s what I said, isn’t it?” she said with a slight roll of her eyes.

“Fine.” He backed off, putting his hands up in surrender. “So moving along, what else would you like to know about me?”

“Um, well there is one thing,” she said, not quite sure about how to ask her next question.

“Hey.” His voice, calm and easy, reassured her. “It’s alright, you can ask me anything. It’ll be fine.”

“Alright.” Her eyes danced around the room as she spoke. “Well you seem like an okay guy…I guess,” she said her lips quirking up at the corners, but she quickly sobered. “I need to know why you have killed so many humans. What did we do that was so terrible you hate us?” She bit her lip, unsure of why she cared so much about his answer.

The look that flashed across his face was so painful, she was no longer sure that she wanted to know.

* * *

Hawk closed his eyes and gave a harsh sigh. Memories he’d kept locked away for an eternity flooded his mind, making him shiver. He had never been able to move on from what had happened and he was afraid. Afraid of what she would think of him after it was all said and done. Would she think that he was a monster?

Doubts floated around his brain as he contemplated how to handle the situation. He didn’t want to scare her off but if he didn’t tell her everything, the secrets that he’d kept would haunt their entire relationship. If they made it that far. No, this was an all or nothing deal. He was going to tell her the whole truth and hope to God that she could understand.

He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Five years ago I had a wife, and a small son. We were happy,” he said bowing his head at the memory unable to look her in the eyes. “She had just given birth and wanted to spend some time with her mother while she gained her strength back. A raiding party came through and slaughtered every one of them in their sleep. Even my son.” He paused to catch his breath and collect his composure. His chest was burning it had become hard to breath, but he couldn’t stop. Not until he told her everything.

“He was just a baby for Christ’s sake,” he said, rubbing his forehead. On the verge of tears, he opened his eyes to distance himself from his memories and try to gain control of his feelings. He glanced up and noticed that Liya was crying.

Suppressing the desire to reach out and touch her, he pulled his thoughts together to continue on. If he stopped now there was no way he would finish. He needed to do this for her and more importantly for him.

“I was devastated. They had taken away my life, my reason for living. I wandered around like a zombie for days. One night I was at a bar, wasted completely out of my mind. I heard this guy blathering on about this vampire family that he and some of his low life friends had murdered during one of their night raids.”

He was trying to keep his emotions steady but he couldn’t. The crippling memories had become far too potent to keep ignoring. A single tear slid down his cheek as he forced himself to keep going, one agonizing word at a time. “I just lost it. I tore the place apart and anyone standing in my way never had a chance. The story of what happened got out and ever since people have been after me.”

He pinned her with a pleading gaze and grabbed her hands, lacing their fingers together. “Try to understand. I know that I lost it when I was in that bar, but that’s not how I truly am. Yes, I’ve killed a lot of humans, but they came after me, Liya. They were people looking to make a name for themselves among those who’ve decided to hunt vampires just for the fun of it.”

* * *

“Oh my God,” she said as a sob escaped her lips. The horror of what he’d witnessed must have been devastating. The pain in his eyes reached out to her, touched her, called to her. She wanted, no, needed to help heal his wounds, but how? She reached out and caressed his face with a feather light touch. He closed his eyes with a visible shudder.

She searched his face, wishing there was a way she could absorb some if his pain. He’d obviously been carrying these weighted emotions every since that horrible day. It broke her heart to see him like this. He gathered her in his arms and held her close, resting his face against her cheek. “Please don’t cry for me,” he whispered into her ear.

She dried her eyes with a corner of her shirt in an attempt to pull herself together. He needed comfort and here she was falling apart. Their eyes locked and she almost forgot to breathe. His intense stare was like a drug and she was an addict.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Thanks for stopping by and please be sure to check out the stories below on the Summer Reading Trail and from Excerpt Monday!

Summer Reading Trail Stories.

1) Rated Adult: J. Hali Steele - SCREWED
2) Rated Sexy: INEZ KELLEY Family Law : #4 BEAUTY AND THE BADGE

Excerpt Monday Stories!

1) Ali Katz, Historical Erotic Romance (R)
2) Leigh Royals, Historical Romance (PG 13)
3) Evie Byrne, Medieval Paranormal Romance (NC 17)
4) Alina Morgan, Urban Fantasy (R)
5) Crista McHugh, Paranormal Romance (PG 13)
6) Maya Doyle, Paranormal Romance (R)
7) Julia Knight, Fantasy Romance (PG 13)
8) Kim Knox, Erotic SF Romance (NC17)
9) Mel Berthier, Urban Fantasy (PG 13)
10) Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG)
11) Babette James, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
12) Christina DeLorenzo, YA (PG 13)
13) Nika Dixon, Romantic Suspense (PG 13)
14) Bryn Donovan, Paranormal Romance (PG13)

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-23T07:14:00.001-05:00

13 Things I Love and Miss about My Hometown
Some of you may not know this but I’m originally from Chicago, IL. It was like culture shock when I came to the south but eventually I learned to love it. There are still some things I miss and will always love about Chicago.

1. Hot Dogs. The Chicago style hot dog was one of the best inventions on the planet. It really is a meal on a bun topped with pickles, onions, tomatoes, Ketchup and mustard. Some people like to add or subtract but I like it just the way it is!
2. The Gyros Sandwich. I know they have this wonderful Greek treat in other places but in Chicago… wow. They are so big you have to eat it sideways and I have yet to finish one. The lamb meat is wonderful and succulent and they are best served with onions, tomatoes and lots of cucumber sauce. Yummy!
3. Pizza! Chicago is the only place I will eat a deep dish pizza. My favorite place is Gino’s East. OMG they make the pizza on a yellowish cornbread crust and the pizza is so saucy and flavorful. The pieces are so big I can only eat about two. *drool*
4. The Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite museum. They have exhibits that will interest people from 2 years old to 80. There are all kinds of buttons and walk through exhibits and information. It’s just wonderful.
5. Next is the Field Museum. The exhibits there are wonderful as well. You can learn about dinosaurs and see their bones reconstructed, soaring toward the ceiling or catch an adventure into an Egyptian tomb. Really how could you not love it?
6. The Shed Aquarium is to die for. There are all sorts of sea animals and snakes and lizards. They also have shows. It’s well worth the time and money and you’ll have to go more than once to see all there is to see and get the full experience.
7. Brookfield Zoo is excellent. I’m 26 and I still beg my mommy to take me when I go home during the warm months. They have so many activities and events depending on the time of year and it’s just lovely to walk through.
8. Barbeque. I know the south is supposed to be known for barbeque but they don’t do it the way we do. We do it in a pit. (ooh that sounded naughty) You can literally smell the food a block before you get to the place and you can order ribs, chicken, hot links and pretty much anything else. My favorite joint is Lem’s Barbeque House. The food is so good and the sauce is one of a kind.
9. The Taste of Chicago. I haven’t been in years but I want to go back so badly. You can get a taste of what everyone has to offer and meet a lot of people along the way. If you go on July third you’ll be treated to the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen. It’s good enough to stop traffic on Lake Shore Drive.
10. Harold’s Chicken. By far the best chicken joint I’ve ever been to. The chicken is tender and juicy and the sauce is to die for. You don’t go to Harold’s and not get sauce. I usually get a mix of hot and mild. *more drooling*
11. The Lake (That would be Lake Michigan). During the summer the lake is where it’s at. There are concerts, festivals and don’t forget The Taste (mentioned in number 9). It’s the best on an 80 degree. When you walk by you get that nice lake effect breeze and it… just… feels… so.. GOOD! And It’s huge. You can’t even see to the other side. The first time I took The Man there his eyes turned to saucers and he said, “That’s a Lake?”
12. Public Transportation. I love where I live now but the public transportation system sucks. In Chicago I didn’t even need to drive… and I didn’t. There are the buses (The CTA and the PACE), the L Train (which has multiples lines and there are two many to try and list them all) and the Metra. Some of them even run all night long. God I miss owl service.*sigh*
13. Last but not least I miss and love my family and friends. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and closest friends all still live there for the most part. They always make me wish I could live in two places at once. I love them all and miss them dearly. *kisses to all my family and friends*

Well it’s time to go to work but thanks for stopping by and sharing things I love about my hometown. See you later.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

Bath room etiquette or 13 rules of public/non private work place bathrooms that should never be ignored.

1. If there are 8 other perfectly usable stalls available DON’T SIT NEXT TO ME! Seriously could you not have used one of the other stalls?
2. If you insist on sitting next to me and I happen to be out of toilet paper the least you could do is hand me some if I ask. Don’t hoard an entire roll in your stall. No one needs that much damn TP.
3. Along the lines of TP don’t leave it all over the floor when you’re done. Again no one needs that much and if it’s trailing the floor (And now attached to the bottom of my shoe) then you’ve gone overboard.
4. Don’t pee all over the seat (especially women). I mean seriously ladies have no excuse. If you don’t want to sit your bare ass on the public toilet then use the seat covers or make one out of TP. Don’t make the rest of us suffer
5. If I don’t know you please do not try to have a conversation with me over the walls of the stalls… seriously if we don’t know each other the only time we should speak is if discussing number 2 and it should still be brief.
6. Speaking of briefs, if for some reason you feel the need to remove your underwear please don’t leave them behind. We don’t want to see them… trust me.
7. Also, women, if it’s your “time” of the month PLEASE do NOT leave behind used feminine products were others will be unfortunate to see them. Really. Those little trashcans in the stalls are there for a reason.*HURL*
8. Let’s talk about the handicap stall. I know it’s got the little blue sign on the door or near the door but seriously, if you are close to having an “accident” please just use it ESPECIALLY if there are no handicap people around. Really I’m sure they’d rather wait a few minutes than slip and fall on your pee.
9. If you feel the need to take your cell phone into the stall with you I beg you not to have a 30 minute conversation while taking up said stall. Really someone could be out there with their bladder about to burst. You wouldn’t want to have that on your conscience now would you?
10. The bathroom is not a conference room. Please do not hold extensive meetings in there with your buddies. Most of us are trying to get in and out quickly and chances are your “meeting” is in the way of more urgent matters.
11. When you’re done handling your “business” please flush. And if it all doesn’t go down the first time flush AGAIN. There is no such thing as limited flushes as far as I know and everyone who comes in afterward would be eternally grateful.
12. After exiting the stall please wash your hands. No other explanation needed on that I should hope.
13. When washing hands please try not to make horrendous mess. I know it can be difficult but the least you can do if the water gets out of hand is clean it up. Really I don’t want to lean to close to the sink and come back looking like a wash rag.

Can you tell I had a not so nice day? Let’s hope for a better tomorrow, shall we? *Sigh*

Insulting Vs. Opinionated

2009-04-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

I’ve been stewing on this one for a while now. I come from a long line of VERY opinionated people. We have loud discussions at family gatherings and even a few arguments. Most of us feel very strongly about our opinions, which I think is great. I think if you’re going to stand for something then you should be willing to support it. I take part in a lot of discussions and my favorite topics are often controversial. Usually the discussions remain respectful however there have been occasions when our very diverse, opinionated conversations have turned into insulting arguments. Usually (but not always) the arguments begin because of misunderstandings or hurt feelings because of the way someone has presented their case.

I am never one to say that people should not be allowed their point of view but when does it go from being opinionated to insulting? Personally (I know you didn’t ask but I’m giving it to you anyway lol) I think it’s in the delivery. I believe there is a way to say certain things and way not to say them, especially when it comes to controversial topics. I know that I have some views that are going to ruffle a few feathers but I always try to be careful about how I approach them with people.

For example I try to be mindful of who I am speaking with. If I am speaking with someone I know is sensitive I am going to take a different approach than with someone I know isn’t easily offended. Also I try to be careful how I word things, especially if it’s an online conversation. When someone only has my words to go off of and can’t see body language or eye contact they may not know that I’m being sarcastic or funny. In a nut shell I feel that it’s the way our different views are expressed that can lump us into either the Insulting or Opinionated category. Or maybe some of us can dabble in a little of both. I know that when we get passionate about something it can be hard to stop and consider whether or not what we are about to say or how we are about to say it could be offensive to someone else.

I’m curious about your thoughts. Please share!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things I Love About Spring.

1. The smell of freshly cut grass. It almost smells sweet.

2. The warmer weather. I'm a winter baby that hates the winter. The hotter the better.

3. Thundershowers. I know it rains during the winter but it rains more in the spring. The sound and the smell relax me and make me sleep like a baby.

4. Saving electricity. I love leaving the doors and windows open to let the breeze flow through. The fresh air just does something for me.

5. Kids. I'm from a generation where the kids liked to spend more time outdoors than inside (even though we still loved to play our video games). Seeing the kids playing outside, when it's finally warm enough just touches my heart.

6. Long walks. Once the weather finally turns, I love to spend time outdoors walking and enjoying the time with someone special.

7. Sitting on the patio (doesn't have to be your patio). What's better than sitting outside and enjoying the breeze? Sitting outside and enjoying the breeze.

8. Then there are barbeques. The smell of food cooking on a grill as you sit on the patio mentioned above is one of the best things ever. I know barbeques are sometimes thought of as a summer thing but around here we barbeque on the first day the temperature hits 70.

9. While enjoying the barbeque I like to watch the leaves come back. There cute light green color makes me feel good and happy inside.

10. The longer days are wonderful. I hate daylight savings time, really who wants to lose an hour, but having longer amounts of time with sunlight is so worth it.

11. I like the new wardrobe colors for the spring. Though the deeper reds and browns from fall and winter are lovely the blues and pinks of spring are my favorite.

12. Speaking of changes in wardrobe I like the new fashions of spring. The shorts, tanks and miniskirts are right up my alley.

13. Finally there are the opened toed shoes. I love to have my feet out and feel the air against my flesh.

It's supposed to be warm out today. I think I may go out and enjoy some of this spring weather!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-02T05:46:00.000-05:00

13 Woes of a Mom with a Two Year Old Son

1. Bad listening skills. I KNOW he understands me, I can tell by that little sneaky look on his face that says, “I know what you’re saying, but so what I’m going to do it anyway.”

2. The two letter word that should really be a four letter word! Sometimes The Boy is bold of enough to tell me NO… of course after I give him “The Look” he runs off and does whatever it is I’ve asked, which proves the validity of number 1.

3. Kisses! To balance out the horrors above sometimes he’ll give me kisses. They are sweet and a little moist and just melt my little heart.

4. Then he has to go and wipe off said kisses. I don’t know why we just can’t stay on a high note.

5. The running. It seems like just yesterday he was taking his first wobbly steps and now we’ve just skipped to running. There appears to be no such thing as walking.

6. Splashing in the bath tub. OK this one is actually kind of fun… as long as I’m wearing a shower cap.

7. Of course number 6 and pretty much everything else he does leaves behind a huge mess. It’s safe to say that my house will never be clean again.

8. Sleep time is my favorite time of day. He really looks so calm and peaceful and sweet… and quiet.

9. At one year old he wasn’t picky, he ate whatever we gave him, now he’s developing a list of “don’t likes” and I don’t like it. If I hand him a raison he should just eat it! I can’t be alone in feeling like this?

10. I mentioned kisses but forgot hugs. These are almost better then kisses because they are so warm and sweet… and he can’t wipe them off.

11. I totally love the conversations we have. Here’s this morning’s. Him: “How [are] you doin’?” Me: “Fine, how are you doing?” Him: “Fine,” cute little giggles. “How [are] you doin’?” Really this can go on for at least thirty minutes. For some strange reason the both of us find it amusing. Oh, God I must be regressing!

12. Hitting. The Man boxes so The Boy feels he must box… with boxing gloves that come up to his elbows. He does the bounce and “foot work” (his version of it anyway) and even falls down and waits for the count before he tries to get back up. I told them to stop playing that video game around the kid. *sigh*

13. Out of everything we do the best is I love you time! I don’t pick it he seems to feel the urge and there it is. We can do that for a good thirty minutes too but I can’t say that I mind.

OK now I think I need to hug him and go get my kisses wiped off.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-03-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

13 Woes of an Anguished Writer

1. Word length. Usually before I begin a manuscript I have an idea of how long I would like it to be. Never in all of my years of writing have I hit the targeted length. Every, single, time I go over… by a few thousand words at least. Yeah, longwinded much? *sigh*

2. Plot Bunnies. They’re like dust bunnies but a trillion (yes a trillion) times worse. Why can’t they stay in the back of my mind where they belong?

3. Uncooperative characters. Seriously, they should do what I WANT them to do, all the time! Don’t they know it’s not about what they want? Arguing with me is not good. *grumbles*

4. Scenes popping up in the wrong place. OK I will admit this is probably a side effect of being a panster but come on, can’t the scenes just come when they’re supposed to?

5. Blockage, for me usually due to massive amounts of numbers 2, 3 and 4. Being blocked is like hitting my head against a brick wall… for like a week. Not good.

6. Editing, OK please let’s have a show of hands to see who really likes editing. It’s slow and it’s painful but necessary.

7. Commas are the devil. I’m sorry to those of you who like them but you’ll have to face the fact someday.

8. Cutting. I hate having to cut parts of a story. After laboring over thousands of words having to suddenly cut them because they no longer fit with some stupid (OK probably brilliant) idea due to number 2 is like loosing a limb. *pout*

9. As much as I hate cutting I also hate layering. Seriously, when I’m done with a story I want to be done, not have to go back fifteen million times (I’m not exaggerating… much) to add something I forgot.

10. It’s probably obvious from numbers 6, 7 and 8 that I can’t stand revisions. Yeah, I’ll admit they usually make the story so much better but damn it, why couldn’t that stuff have made it in there the first time?

11. Submitting. I love getting my stuff out there don’t get me wrong but must I have an anxiety attack every time? Seriously, it shouldn’t take thirty minutes to submit an MS you’ve already finished. There is really no need to check the body of the email three thousand times, and the attachments two thousand times… is there?

12. Waiting for responses to submissions has to be the most nerve racking part of the whole process. After like a day, the panic sets in and I’ve become positive that I’ve screwed up at least one thing (if not all) in the submission package.

13. I’ve saved the best for last. Acceptance! (I totally skipped rejection because I didn’t want to depress people.) Receiving an acceptance letter is the most joyous of occasions and should be celebrated as if it were a major holiday. It’s what pushes every writer to do their best and go through all of 1-12 on the regular. Just the thought makes my little heart sing.

Alright now go write or whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. *Takes her own advise and skedaddles*

The Realistic Hero

2009-03-23T18:08:00.003-05:00

Let’s talk about heroes today. Yesterday when I was speaking to The Man about the differences between men and women (we actually have this conversation often and even crazier is that we usually agree) he confided in me that a lot of men can’t get into romance because the heroes are not believable. “Really,” I replied with shock and awe.

What it seems to boil down to is, SOME (obviously not all) romances portray men as women see them or want to see them and not as they actually are. He gave me some examples, two of which I thought were the most interesting. The Persistent Chase and The Suave/Debonair.

The Persistent Chase: In this scenario the man is ridiculously persistent for a woman he is so obsessed over (but barely knows) that he takes shut down, after shut down, after shut down until he finally wears her down and she gives him a chance and they eventually fall in love and make us go, “Awwwwwww” at the end of the book, movie or whatever it is.

The Man says most guys are not going to do this. They get shot down too much and in too many ugly ways (some of the time) to keep chasing after a woman who isn’t giving them the time of day. Apparently there is only so much rejection and certain types of rejection a man is willing to take before he just says, “Screw it.” So I found it rather funny that while I am awing over a movie a nice “Oh please” sign is scrolling across The Man’s brain.

The Suave/Debonair: The Man says that most men are not suave or smooth my nature… sometimes ever. They are forever saying the wrong thing. And half the time they don’t realize they’ve said the wrong thing until after they’ve said it. Apparently the right thing for one woman can be dead wrong for another. He says that most men spend so much time screwing up that when they actually manage to be suave (that one time in their lives when it may happen) they are so excited they inwardly (and sometimes outwardly) celebrate and then immediately run off to tell “The Boys”. According to The Man, the guy we may read about or fantasize about that is a perfect gentleman and says all these wonderfully phrased things to make us melt is a myth.

This leads me to a few other “myths” us women seem to believe about men.

1. Men don’t care about women’s feelings.
2. Men only want sex and emotions don’t matter.
3. Men can’t handle an aggressive or independent woman.
4. Men don’t talk to either men or women about what’s on their minds. They keep it all bottled up inside.

Now before you throw things at me I am not saying that all women say or think these things about men but I listed them because I have heard women repeatedly make these comments over and over. So I decided to ask The Man because maybe I was wrong in believing that maybe ALL men don’t feel, think or act the ways noted above. I’m sure some do but certainly not all and probably not even the majority. I will go as far to say that there are some men who have made these or similar arguments about women, but that’s for another blog post.

Any way The Man says:

1. Not true. Men care very much about women’s feelings they just don’t understand them or the motives behind them. There have been times when he has hurt me (unintentionally) and had no clue. A lot of our friends have said the same thing. They get so confused about what they can and can’t do because something that makes their women laugh at one point can make her go off the deep end the next. “I’m not a mind reader,” he says and to that I would have to agree.
2. Also not true. Though sex matters (*grin*) so do emotions. He feels that he has never purposely led a girl on just to get sex. I can even remember him telling me about one girl who liked him but since he thought they would not be compatible in any way and she would probably get hurt he didn’t do it. The surprise is that this is not the first time I’ve heard this from a man.
3. So not true he laughed out loud. A lot of men actually WANT an independent woman who can take care of herself and contributes in whatever way suits her best to the household or relationship. What they don’t like is a woman who is constantly holding things over their heads and throwing it in their faces that is she is doing better than him or can do without him. His thought is, if your life would be so much better without me then why are you here? He feels there is a difference between aggressive/independent and obnoxious.
4. This one made him chuckle. He says to me, “What do women think men do when they go out together?” He goes to the bowling alley (where they play pool) every two weeks to chill with his friends and talk (sometimes vent) about their lives. Not to mention that all of my guy friends talk to me all the time about things from girl trouble to what they want out of life. Oh yes, it’s true.

So I said all of that to say this. Are the heroes we see in romances realistic? I hear women say all the time they want to read about a realistic man or hero… but is that really the case? Let me know what you think?

Check out my alter ego’s blog to discuss the realistic heroine.

Thoughts I Couldn't Get Rid of...

2009-02-24T22:26:00.000-06:00

Being a woman in present day society is hard work. We are expected to walk, talk, dress and act in a certain manner. We have come a long way as far as what society thinks is acceptable and I think that's wonderful. However, I’ve noticed that women’s harshest critics seem to be… well other women.

I consider myself to be an open-minded, freethinking person. I try my best to accept people the way they are, even if I don’t agree with their lifestyle. After all, who am I to judge how another person lives their life? I don’t walk in their shoes, think their thoughts or feel their emotions so how could I justify “judging” them for any decisions they might make? I use the word judge, because anytime we look at a person from our point of view (with no understanding of how they got to where they are in life) and tear them down or even praise them we are making a judgment call.

I have noticed that one of the most controversial subjects is about sex. Women want to be treated with equality in every way and left alone to make their own decisions in life. If that’s the case then why are we (this is a collective we here) so quick to call another woman a whore, bitch or slut if we don’t like the way she acts. I’ve heard some of the ugliest name calling come from women (which is sad considering I know many more men then I do women).

I may not have chosen to make my money dancing on a pole, but who are we to judge the women who have made that decision. We don’t know what that woman’s circumstances may be. She could have felt that she had nowhere else to turn to feed her starving children or she could just have the confidence to WANT to do it. Regardless of which case it is I don’t feel any of us have the right to look down on someone who as taken this on as their profession. Why do we have to resort to calling them names or treating them badly? On that note I don’t feel any different about women who work in porn or any other “questionable” profession. If that's what they felt like they needed or even wanted to do, what’s wrong with that?

My position is, it’s not my life and I don’t have to live with the consequences of their decisions so why is it necessary to make such a clamor about it? People like to bring up the issues of morals and ethics as a reason to degrade these members of society. In my opinion it’s neither moral nor ethical to be rude or disrespectful to people just because they happen to partake in activities we may not “approve” of. Our approval is not necessary in order for them to live their lives as theirs is not necessary for us to live ours.

As woman we should be uplifting each other not trying to tear each other down because someone here or there doesn’t fit into the neat little guidelines of our moral code. I’m not saying we don’t all have a right to our opinion but when it gets to the point of judging others and becoming rude or hateful, I have to draw the line.

What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by.

V Day Free Reads. Yes I Said Free!

2009-02-13T21:23:00.004-06:00

Join Romance Divas for our Third Annual V Day Free Read Challenge. The stories are incredible and all about this special day. Come and show your support and I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. You can check out my comtribution in the Free Read section of my blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

This Day Sucks...

2009-01-30T06:28:00.006-06:00

Seriously, I have had to spend the majority of my damn day with one freakin contact lens. One! Do you know how annoying it is to only be able to see out of one eye? No? Well, let me tell you. I’d rather walk on hot coals (as long as I could skip really fast) then be missing a contact. I think fate is punishing me for something I did in a past life three thousand years ago. I’m sure I haven’t recently done anything bad enough to deserve this type of punishment.

That is all...

Thanks for stopping by.

Cinnamon Swirl Cake

2009-01-25T22:47:00.001-06:00

3 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. sugar
1 c. butter, softened
4 eggs
3 c. flour
1 c. milk
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder

Mix together 3 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.
At medium speed, beat butter, grmmadually add sugar and 1 egg at a time. Mix flour, salt and baking powder in small bowl. Add the salt, flour and baking powder mixture, blending in small amounts alternating with milk. Pour 1/3 of batter, then cinnamon-sugar mix, alternating with batter.

CAKE TOPPING:
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
Dash of salt
1 drop vanilla
Beat until crumbs form. Sprinkle crumbs on cake top. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Swedish Meatballs

2009-01-18T20:24:00.000-06:00

I love these. You can do them with rice or egg noodles.

2 lb. ground beef
½ c. chopped onions
1 tbsp. salt
¾ tsp. pepper
¾ tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 eggs
½ c. milk
1 ¼ c. dry fine bread crumbs
Mix all ingredients together and form into walnut size balls. Bake at 425 degrees until brown (8-10 minutes).
GRAVY:*
¼ c. fat from meat drippings
¼ c. flour
2 c. milk
13 ¾ oz. can of beef broth or 2 to 3 beef bouillon cubes and water

I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Gamble on Love!

2009-01-16T16:25:00.000-06:00

Let's help a family in need.

Come Learn About Epublishing

2009-01-12T06:36:00.000-06:00

Angela James, editor extraordinaire, is coming to Romance Divas for a 3 day class on Epublishing! Come join us Jan 13-15 and ask her anything.

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Epublishing (and some things you didn't know you should know)

Why doesn't epublishing offer advances? What are some of the pros and cons of publishing my manuscript via epublishing? How do I research publishers? Can I really make money in epublishing? What exactly is POD? Can you give me a snappy comeback for people who say that epublishing isn't real publishing?

Epublishing has evolved and grown, especially in the last 5 years, but with growth comes pitfalls and problems, and trusting an epublisher with your baby might seem like a risky proposition. We'll cover the basics of epublishing, from choosing an epublisher and contract details to methods of ebook and print distribution to reasons why you might not want to epublish your manuscript.

Bio:

In 2005, Angela James joined Samhain Publishing, Ltd, a small press company focusing on digital publishing, as its executive editor, where she has played an instrumental role in building the company from the ground up. In her executive position at Samhain, Angela is responsible for managing the publisher's editorial services division. Her responsibilities include the management of editorial staff, quality oversight, networking and marketing efforts at regional, national and international writing conferences to promote the electronic publishing industry as well as Samhain.

In addition to her administrative duties, Angela continues to edit more than 50 authors including national bestselling authors Lucy Monroe, Lilith Saintcrow and Deidre Knight.

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

2009-01-11T16:11:00.000-06:00

I really love my crockpot can you tell?

4 lg. chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ c. diced celery
1 c. minute rice
Mix in crock pot the 3 cans of soup and rice. Place the chicken on top of the mixture, then add diced celery. Cook for 3 hours on high or 4 hours on low. Makes 4 servings.

I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Tender Rough by Fae Sutherland

2009-01-09T08:20:00.000-06:00

A Tender Rough by Fae Sutherland

When Mason Palmer's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, aka Dixon, Alabama, the only person who can help him get to his destination is mechanic Beau Gaines. However, as the days pass and the two forge a bond neither expected, Mason begins to learn that sometimes it isn't the destination that matters. It's the places you discover and the people who change your life on the way there.

On sale NOW at Ellora’s Cave!

So Little Time

2009-01-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

I really think the amount of hours in the day has diminished from 24 to... 4. I wake up, go about the day and as soon as I blink it's over. Seriously, something's got to give!

Anyway at least I got a new car. It's been a long time coming and it drives like a dream. Yay for new car. Now if we could just close on this house the sky would open and angles would sing.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Millionaire's Fake Fiancee by Rita Sawyer

2009-01-07T08:01:00.000-06:00

ISBN Number: 978-1-897560-08-2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Category

Heat Index: Mild

Read an excerpt or buy it here!

Harley Taizer wasn't used to dealing with her greedy parents. They'd never wanted her and made it perfectly clear by giving her to her grandfather. It's funny how things change when money is involved. Discovering the trust fund her grandfather set up for her, her parents show up demanding the money be given to them. Afraid of just how far his son and daughter in-law will go to get it, her grandfather brings in a security specialist to help protect her.

Kasper Drake hasn't met a trust fund baby he liked, though he is one himself. Upon meeting his uncle's newest client he's willing to throw out all his preconceived notions out the window. He's trying to get Harley to admit to their fierce attraction when her father shows up demanding to know who Kasper is. She tells him that he's her fiancée. Kasper latches onto her lie hoping to make her see how good it could be.

GASP No Way!

2009-01-06T23:02:00.002-06:00

I was surfing the web today and discovered a sight that stated there are at least 101 sex positions. 101! Seriously, I'm tired just thinking about. Who the hell has the energy for all of that? I think it would take me a life time just to try half of those… but that doesn't mean I won't try. Would you?

Thanks for stopping by.

Be There or Be Square

2009-01-05T08:03:00.000-06:00

JANUARY 16th and 17th, 2009
Come participate in a Romance Divas workshop with an in depth look at the way successful Erotic authors have created a story that's not only HOT but also meaningful.
This workshop will be held in the Diva's Secrets Steamy section which requires special permission. Please contact an administrator HERE when you have created an account. There are no requirements other than your statement that you are over 18.
This is for readers and authors alike so come and join us.

Crock Pot Beef Stew. Yummy!

2009-01-04T09:07:00.002-06:00

2 lbs. stew meat in 1" cubes
¼ c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ c. beef broth
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic or chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. paprika
4 sliced carrots
3 diced potatoes
1 stalk celery, diced

Put meat in crock pot. Mix flour, salt and pepper and add to meat and stir to coat meat. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix. Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours. Stir well before serving.

I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Gamble's Game by Tara S Nichols

2008-12-08T06:39:00.000-06:00

"One is fun, two is company, three is not always a crowd, but four is more, and more, and more! The idea for Gamble's Game came to me one day while I ate my lunch in a local grocery store. Inspired by my surroundings, I saw erotic potential in a stereotypically sterile environment (excluding the produce aisle, of course). " ~Tara ~

Gamble’s Game

by Tara S Nichols

Now Available at Siren Publishing

Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance with elements of Ménage a Trois M/F/M and Ménage a Quatre M/F/M/F
Length: 33,814 Words

A notorious player, Desiree Jones resists all attempts to trap her in a relationship. According to her, it's what made her parents miserable, and therefore, it is what would make her miserable.

Once a lover of Desiree's, Andrew Gamble doesn't agree and it is his hope to be the one who makes her see reason. Smitten from the first kiss, Gamble has not touched another woman since, so a bet to go without sounds more like an opportunity to seduce her to him.

Desiree's other competition is Joshua Tully, perpetually single and harmless, until the temptation of two week's wages are up for grabs. After that, it is open season, and the three of them do what ever it takes to push their pals over the sexual finish line. A parade of firemen visit Desiree's cash counter, a pretendsbian tryst is performed for Gamble, and a date is arranged for Tully.

Released December 1st, 2008 Siren Publishing!

Chocolate Kahlua Cake

2008-12-07T20:36:00.001-06:00

Here is a recipe for a sinfully luscious dessert. Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE KAHLUA CAKE
1 Duncan Hines cake mix
1 sm. pkg. chocolate instant pudding mix
1 pt. sour cream
4 eggs
1/3 c. oil
1/3 c. kahlua
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
Combine cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, oil and kahlua. Mix until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into well-greased bunt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until tests done. To frost, sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool.

Thanks for stopping by.

Her Knight Before Christmas by Debora Dennis

2008-12-05T06:29:00.000-06:00

ISBN Number: 978-1-897560-10-5
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Length: Novella

Heat Index: Hot with Explicit Language

Read excerpts or buy it here!

Dreaming of the past.

Hannah Falcon loves her job cataloging medieval artifacts and setting up the displays at the Natural History Museum in New York. What she doesn’t love is her father’s steadfast refusal to let her go on any of his archeological digs, or her friends insisting she date more. When a man dressed as a medieval knight shows up in the museum, Hannah mistakes him for her friend’s latest attempt at a blind date.

Sent into the future:

Sir Gavin of Rogueforth is a battle-hardened twelfth century knight, having seen and caused his share of death in the crusades. He expects nothing more from life than to live and die by his sword. After Gavin rescues a woman and her daughter from a band of highway thieves, she sends him through time to protect another Hannah, claim her as his own and fulfill his destiny. He doesn’t expect a woman who refuses to be protected.

Timeless passion:

Can a man in chain maille convince a twenty-first century woman to follow her heart? Can a modern day woman show a medieval knight there’s more to life than being a protector? When two people from two different times explore Manhattan during the holiday season will time be an obstacle or will they find the magic to span centuries under the mistletoe?

I Need a Drink!

2008-12-04T22:04:00.000-06:00

I've been having issues with my car, or should I say ex-car. Anyway I haven't had the money to get everything fixed at one time so I've been doing it bit by bit.

Well I finally got the chance to take it into a shop last week. At first they told us it would probably be about $1000 between engine work and transmission work. I was ecstatic. This is a huge deal for a Cadillac SLS. Everything is expensive on that freakin' car. Anyway, they thought it would be done in a few days.

Well surprise they call The Man back to tell him it was much worse then they thought and due to all the parts it's now going to cost $4000+, do we still want to get it fixed?

Heeeeeeeell no!! Crazy people. I didn't even spend that much for the car. So now, I am somehow going to have to find the money for a new car because the old one is no longer worth it. *sigh*

Thanks for stopping by.

Carnal Desires by Crystal Jordan

2008-11-24T19:04:00.000-06:00

Centuries after the destruction of earth, several species of altered humans still survive. These shape-shifters are exciting and exotic creatures, and their human forms do little to mask their most primitive and passionate instincts...

IN HEAT
Mahlia is a snow tigress in heat and now that her tiger king has returned to rule the planet Vesperi, she can no longer deny her desperate need to mate. She greets him as a woman, but their desire for sex is uncontrollable as they come together with a primal passion.

IN SMOKE
When Lady Katryn is called back to her home world to join Lord Nadir's harim, she is curious to learn more about her weredragon nature. What she discovers is a scorching eroticism that consumes her all over.

IN MIST
Dr. Sera Gibbons is one of only two human survivors after a five hundred year cryogenic freeze. Save by the merman Bretton Hahn, she savors the way her caresses her and makes her live out her wildest fantasies.

And if you want to get it online rather than going to a brick-and-mortar store, here are the links:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Chapters.ca

Green Beans

2008-11-23T20:22:00.005-06:00

I haven't tried this one yet but I like the looks of it so I'll be making it tomorrow. Try it and let me know what you think. ;)

SLOW COOKER HAM, GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES*

2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
1 large onion, chopped
3 ham hocks
1 ½ pounds new potatoes, quartered
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
ground black pepper to taste
Halve beans if they are large, place in a slow cooker with water to barely cover, and add onion and ham hocks. Cover, and cook on High until simmering. Reduce heat to Low, and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until beans are crisp but not done.
Add potatoes, and cook for another 45 minutes. While potatoes are cooking, remove ham hocks from slow cooker, and remove meat from bones. Chop or shred meat, and return to slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, bouillon, and pepper. Cook until potatoes are done, then adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, use a slotted spoon to put beans, potatoes, and ham into a serving dish with a little broth.

Thanks for stopping by.

Since it's November...

2008-11-09T19:46:00.001-06:00

How about some recipes for the holidays. One of my favorites is collard greens. I know that you can eat them at any other time of the year but I especially look forward to making them on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here is the recipe. Enjoy.

COLLARD GREENS (CROCK POT)

3lbs Collards
½ cup Vinegar
2 Cups water
Seasoning salt
2 Smoked turkey wings or legs
Pepper

Wash green thoroughly pull leaves off the stems
Roll greens and cut them to desired size
Then wash greens again
Place 1 wing at bottom of Crock Pot
Put a little seasoning at bottom of crock pot
Stuff a layer of greens in and season and repeat until all greens are added
Place the other wing on top and season
Pour in water and ¼ cup vinegar
Cook for 11-12 hours
Stir greens add more seasoning and ¼ cup or more vinegar as needed to taste

Thanks for stopping by.

Cara's Christmas Fantasy is Now Available!

2008-11-06T18:59:00.001-06:00

Cara's Christmas Fantasy by Lauren Murphy

Genre: Contemporary Big Beautiful Woman

Heat Rating: Bonfire

Length: Long Story-17,000 words

Price: $3.75

With their marriage on rocky ground, will Mike’s passionate plans reignite Cara’s love?

Plagued by her weight gain, Cara’s self-esteem has taken a downward spiral. No longer feeling attractive she unknowingly pushes away the one thing she truly wants; her husband’s affections.

Mike considers himself to be an understanding man but enough is enough. He wants his old Cara back--the wild, vivacious woman he met and knows is waiting to be revived. His desire for her compels him to create a plan that will bring them closer together emotionally and sexually. But will Cara be able to open her mind and body to the man she loves or will she push him away for good?

Read a full excerpt here!

Available now here!

Foreplay

2008-11-04T17:46:00.000-06:00

Is it necessary or overrated?

This question came to mind as I was writing a nice hot scene from one of my recent WIPs. The hero gets the heroine all worked up until she is dying for him to lay it on her. She quivers with need, moans his name and begs for him to put her out of her misery and this is all before he even penetrates her. I'm warm just thinking about it. *fans*

Sure it's nice to read about it or think about it but is it always necessary? Sure sometimes I like to go slow and take my time but sometimes I am just ready to hop to it. What do you think? Is it something that's better off in books or our imaginations or is it something that needs to happen on the regular? Shy people I see you out there. Please come play with me, you know I really want to know. ;)

Until next time.