Happy Holidays!

A Politically Correct Holiday Greeting

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, nonaddictive, gender neutral celebration of the summer solstice holiday, practiced with the most enjoyable traditions of religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make our world great and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms:
This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her- /himself or others and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

Aw, to hell with all that mess. Here's the not-so-correct version. No matter how or what you celebrate, have a very Merry Christmas...



And a Happy New Year!

Christmas caroling party

Most people have filled their calendars for the holidays, but if you enjoy singing, then you may still have time to organize a Christmas caroling party. It could be a great chance to invite that guy you've been too shy to approach. Maybe you’ve just started dating a special someone or you and your lover are looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday season.

A Christmas caroling party can be a great way to spend more time together without the pressure of an official date. Just make sure your new love can actually sing or the evening will be disastrous.

==Where to start==

Make a list of people you know who enjoy singing and who would be fun to spend the evening with. A good place to start is your church choir and other church choirs.

Call your fellow carolers for an impromptu neighborhood caroling.

For a festive look, ask guests to wear red and green. If this isn't possible, then at least dress in holiday hats, scarves and don't forget to wear gloves. If you live in a warm climate, you can adjust your apparel to still be festive.

Purchase actual sheet music or a book of carols for each caroler or borrow hymn books from your church.

Map out your route. Now that everyone has the music and attire, you're ready to carol. If you can squeeze in a practice before heading out.

==A progressive Christmas caroling party==

This one will take more time to plan, but can still be done on between now and Christmas if you're willing to put in the effort.

To make things more interesting and fun, enlist the help of your carolers and those on your caroling route to host a progressive party. This can be very simple and be nothing more than a warm drink or other refreshment and one hors d’oeuvres or holiday cookies.

An added benefit of doing a progressive party is with each home you visit of your carolers, you can add another singing voice to your group or at the very least visit with each other’s family.

If you don’t live in town, but are in the country, then hook up a trailer, add some bales of hay and combine a hay ride with your caroling. Just be sure and call ahead of those on your route to make sure they’re home. If you don’t have access to a hayride, then create a caravan of carolers and stop at each home. Sing long enough to give everyone time to open their doors.
If strolling through a neighborhood, then continue to sing as you walk to create the ambiance of traditional caroling.

==Last Home On Route==

The last stop in your caroling route will be your home. Have someone assist you in preparing this final party destination. You'll want to serve your guests with beverages and finger foods. You can also have the carolers' families bring their leftovers and combine for a fun finale to an entertaining evening.

==The spirit of Christmas==

Just remember, this parfy is to be fun and festive. If it becomes too involved in the planning stages or begins to get away from you and you’re stressing out over the details, then reign it back in and make it simple. You can easily get three or four friends together and strike out on a spontaneous caroling trek, just make sure your neighbors are home.

Merry Christmas!

New Cover Goodness - Candyman

Once again, the amazing cover goddess, Syneca, has smiled down upon me. OMG! The cover for Candyman is purrrfect! Exactly what I imagined with the heroine reflected in the glass. Classy, hot, sexy...YUMALICIOUS. And the hero...rawr! Love those eyes. He's dark and gorgeous and...WOW! I'm in LOVE with this cover!

Candyman
Coming January 28, 2009 from Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Vampire

Elisa Wilde’s recurrent dreams transcend time and place. Dreams so real they seem to be actual memories of a bygone era. Driven to unravel the mystery and reclaim her life, she’s drawn into an amazing adventure—the search for another woman’s lover.

In a tragic twist of fate, Michael Claret lost his truelove. He has waited decades for her return, but getting her back is only a small part of the battle. Edie has changed, evolved into a different woman. Not only will Michael have to once again win her heart, he must also gain her acceptance of his true nature. And to keep her requires she make a huge leap of faith by completing the mating bond—a sharing of blood binding them together for eternity.

Fate is a cruel mistress who will not be cheated or denied. To make the most of their second chance, Michael and Lis must alter the path chosen for them, and rewrite their love story or be lost to each other forever.

True Beauty

What is beautiful? It’s rather hard to pin down a definitive answer as beauty means something different to each individual and each culture.

According to dictionary.com:

–adjective
1. having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind: a beautiful dress; a beautiful speech.

2. excellent of its kind: a beautiful putt on the seventh hole; The chef served us a beautiful roast of beef.

3. wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying.

–noun
4. the concept of beauty (usually prec. by the).

5. (used with a plural verb ) beautiful things or people collectively (usually prec. by the): the good and the beautiful.

6. the ideal of beauty (usually prec. by the): to strive to attain the beautiful.

–interjection
7. wonderful; fantastic: You got two front-row seats? Beautiful!

8. extraordinary; incredible: used ironically: Your car broke down in the middle of the freeway? Beautiful!

Culture has a great impact on our definition of beauty. In Brazil, France and here in the US, we are inundated with advertisements showing off the thin, beautiful people with their supposedly perfect bodies. When asked, most men in these countries will describe Barbie when defining beauty—large breasts, tiny waists and mile-long legs. Get real! The models in the ads have had a team of pros working them over to make them look picture perfect. The photos are touched-up and air-brushed to exemplify an unattainable image of beauty.

The ads make me want to run to the nearest plastic surgeon for an entire body overhaul. I have fought the battle of the bulge my whole life. Swimsuit model skinny is not physically possible for me. I will never be below a size 8 on bottom due to my wide pelvic bones, and even if I had my breasts surgically removed, I’d still be a size 10 on top because of my broad ribcage. Even when I was in the military and in excellent shape, I was still a size 10. And you know what, that’s all right. Personally, I think being curvy and healthy is a lot more attractive then looking stick-thin and starved.

Guess what? Without all that makeup and team of pros even movie stars lose their shine. Want proof, just look at Sharon Stone without all the glitz and glamour.

Throughout history and in many non-Western cultures, large women are considered desirable as they are seen socially as having wealth. Obesity is viewed with admiration in many countries, including Africa, where fat women are thought to be more sexually desirable. Being fat is seen as a sign of fertility, strength and prosperity. Women are actually fattened up before marriage.

Hmm…I may need to relocate. LOL!

Most of us have known someone who seemed pretty average or not that attractive upon first meeting. But then you get to know that person and they grow on you. What's happened is you've stopped judging by the outer appearance and seen that persons inner beauty. Then average Joe isn't quite so average anymore.

We are so superficial that we tend to judge beauty more by the outward appearance than what’s on the inside. IMHO, truly beautiful people are the ones who have beautiful souls. So don’t stress over your weight or what you perceive as your flaws unless they’re causing health problems. Be beautiful on the inside and it will outshine everything else.

Have a Little Faith in Me - Available Today!

Have a Little Faith in Me, a stand-alone book in The Hussies series, is now available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. I can think of no better way to spend Black Friday than safe and sound at home with a good book.

Genre: Paranormal/Interracial

Blurb:
Believing in the paranormal is no stretch for healthcare worker Andreana Costas. She’s used to dealing with things most people won’t admit exist. But convincing a man of science to have faith in her intuition—impossible. Andi has no choice. A mystical warrior assigned her a mission that will have a profound impact on all mankind. Success requires big personal sacrifices, like the career she loves and the hunky doc she desires.

Helping trauma surgeon Darius Raines race to the rescue and save the world just in the nick of time is going to require all the bravery and strength she can muster. That, along with some duct tape, several silk ties and a nice firm bed.

Excerpt:
*Nicole Austin’s books are intended for those readers 18 years old or older. If you are under 18, please click here.*

When the light changed, she drove to his middle-class family neighborhood. Kids gathered on one corner to wait for the school bus. Adults walked dogs, pushed strollers and collected the newspaper from green lawns.

She watched the house numbers for the address the doc had written down, and stopped in front of a modest ranch-style house with an average sedan parked in the driveway. Andi scratched her head and figured she must be on the wrong street. Every doctor she knew drove exotic cars and lived in big, expensive homes.

Prepared to pull away, she felt her jaw drop when the door opened. Dr. Raines stepped outside, cup of coffee in hand, and waved to a neighbor. As he bent to pick up the newspaper their eyes met. With the most devastating smile stretching across his sexy lips, he headed toward her car.

A legion of butterflies started salsa dancing in her belly. “Oh crap. He’s perfect…and you’re screwed.” Raise the white flag and toss in the towel. Like it or not, Darius Raines owned her heart.

He stopped at her door, bent down and arched his brow. “Plan on sitting in your car all day or would you like to come inside?”

Before she had the chance to work up a protest, he opened the car door and extended a hand. She reacted without thought, placing her trembling hand in his. Andi’s mind failed to function as he drew her in close. She melted under the heat of his dark gaze and welcoming smile. “I’m so glad you decided to come.”

She almost did, come that is, right there in his front yard with all the neighbors watching. As his head lowered she took a deep breath of his clean, fresh-out-of-the-shower scent and parted her lips for his kiss. His tongue plunged, twining around hers, filling her mouth with the taste of coffee and his own unique flavor.

The world tilted on its axis. Andi grabbed hold of his thick biceps and held on tight. They were both panting by the time he pulled back and stared at her intently.

“Get inside, Andreana…now. Before I no longer care who is watching and take you right here on the hood of your car.”

Rough with urgency, his deep voice got her moving. Fast. Andi raced toward the door, not even slowing when a harsh sound of animalist need rumbled through his chest from behind her. She hurried, pushing through the door without pause. He was on her before she made it past the foyer, a strong arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her in tight.

Darius felt out of control. All his plans for romantic seduction buckled under the force of his need. To hell with cooking her breakfast, taking his time and slowly working her arousal. The woman did crazy things to his insides.

Their bodies met and his hard cock pushed between the lush cheeks of her round ass. Her muscles contracted, squeezing him tight. His jaw clenched as he fought against the hunger raging through him, screaming for him to take her. Hard. Against the closest hard surface.

He forced down the savage need, determined to at least make it to the bedroom where she’d be comfortable. He didn’t take the time to explain or reassure. Grabbing Andreana, he slung her over his shoulder and charged down the hallway, not stopping until they landed on the mattress.

“I’ve waited too damn long for this, Andreana. I can’t do slow.”

Propelled by her own lust, she pulled at his clothes. Darius took her actions as agreement and let go. He had no patience for working Andreana out of her scrubs. Instead he grabbed the material in his fists and tore the scrub top down the center. He offered up praise to the inventor of front-clasping bras when her soft breasts spilled into his waiting hands.

Any remaining restraint he may have possessed escaped as he took in the erotic contrast of the creamy white globes overflowing his dark brown hands. He brushed his thumbs over her dusky rose areolas, mesmerized as they puckered and plump nipples lifted toward him.

“So fucking beautiful,” he groaned and buried his face in her cleavage. Her back arched as he drew a pebbled tip between his lips. Darius licked, nibbled and sucked on her succulent flesh, intoxicated by her sweetness.

They both continued to work at removing the layers of clothing keeping them apart. He tasted each new section of skin he discovered, reveling in her sexy whimpers and moans. She had no choice but surrender as he made his way lower, shouldering her legs apart and diving into the pink folds of her sex. Flattening his tongue, Darius licked from the bottom of her slit to the top. He coaxed her tender flesh open, dipped the tip of his tongue into each niche, tasted everywhere, taking all the cream she gave and demanding more.

Andreana undulated beneath him, thrusting her hips, fucking his face with her pretty pussy. He slurped, drinking her in as if he’d been dying of thirst…for her. She quenched and intensified his need, taking him to a heightened state of lust beyond anything he’d ever known.

She keened as he lashed her clit with his tongue. So close. He was dying to make her come. “More, honey. Give me more. Come for me, Andreana.”

ARC Winner

Congratulations to Maggie Johnson, who has won the ARC of Have A Little Faith in Me! The book will be available to everyone through Ellora’s Cave Publishing on Friday, November 28th.

Is it Friday yet? I can't wait!

Contest - Win an ARC

Have a Little Faith in Me, my next book in The Hussies series, will be available on November 28th. WOOHOO!

In honor of the occasion, I'm giving away an ARC (Advance Readers Copy) of the book.

Winning is easy, just answer this question. What is the title of my other coming soon book?

Hint: The answer can be found on my website and my blog.

Send an email with the answer to contest@nicoleaustin.net by midnight est on Sunday, November 23rd. Make sure to put "ARC" in the subject line. The winners name will be chosen at random by an impartial party (my son).

Good luck!

An exciting new film!

Today I'd like to do a little "shout out" for some dear friends and very talented actors who have an upcoming film soon to be released. Tara Cardinal and Christian Boeving star in The Legend of the Red Reaper. It's directed by Matt Dean, a tremendously talented director.

Ya'll check it out and if you're so inclined, visit their page on MySpace and drop them a note.

Red Reaper Trailer Voice Over by Tara Cardinal

Heart Symbol for Romance

The heart is probably the most recognized symbol for romance and love. It's been a long held ideology that our emotions come from our heart. We even have catch phrases using heart as a metaphor for how our emotions are conveyed:

♥ Speak from your heart

♥ Put your heart into it

♥ Heartfelt

♥ Heartless

♥ Breaking my heart

♥ Cold heart

♥ Heart of stone

♥ Heart on his sleeve

So just how did the symbol for the heart become something other than the actual shape of the human heart? There are several theories about this unique symbol.

==Magic==

During the time of alchemists, the heart symbol was used and accepted as the symbol for romance and love. These masters of chemistry and magic used heart symbols in their spells. Certain rituals also utilized this symbol in an effort to strength love relationships.

==Christianity==

The Sacred Heart of Christ is well documented and used within the Roman Catholic Church. The symbol is one of divine love, compassion and good will. Within this emblem of religion is also the message of divine truth. So the heart symbol becomes the purest form of expression for love. All kinds of love. It was cemented into the church’s symbolism sometime in the 1600s. This was when Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received a vision. In this moment of enlightenment, the shape of a heart inside a crown of thorns was revealed to her.

==Ancient Egypt==

The heart is also symbolic of the soul. In ancient Egypt, the heart was removed from the dead and weighed on a scale in balance to the Feather of Ma’at, Maat, or Mayet, (pronounced, (Muh-aht) Egyptian goddess of truth, balance, justice, law, and mortality. This symbol represented the judging the dead and determining if the person's heart was lighter than the fabled feather. If it was, then the soul was deemed worthy enough to cross over into paradise. (No documentation exists about the results of this weighing in only that it was a death ritual.)

==Playing cards==

In the 15th century, the suits for playing cards were created and the heart was used as one of the four suits, clubs, spades, diamonds, and hearts. The color red was used to symbolize blood.

==Human anatomy==

Others believe the shape depicts several female anatomical attributes. It’s further believed that the symbolism was created during a time when there was male dominance in the world. This gives the symbolism a very different meaning and removes it from love into lust.

==Silphium seed==

In Cyrene, located in ancient Greece (7th century BC) now present-day Lybia, the silphium plant was abundant and a big commodity for the city. While it was marketed as a spice and seasoning, it was also used as an herbal method of birth control. This enormous fennel type plant, which is now extinct, had seeds that were heart-shaped. It was so important to the Cyrene economy that the coins minted by the city depicted a heart-shaped seed of the silphium plant with a double outline around the heart.

==Swans==

The mating ritual of swans has long been depicted in various romantic symbolism. When their long necks arch so they can butt heads, the shape formed is that of a perfectly formed heart.

==Hearts are an expression of romance==The heart symbol for romance seems to be ancient. The heart shape we use in so many everyday expressions of love and romance will no doubt remain an emblem to convey those emotions.

For more romance articles visit Sally at Romance Examiner.

Another upcoming book in The Hussies Series!

First, my apology to Nat. When I posted about the upcoming books in The Hussies series I didn't realize she had a new book coming out this month.

But she does, so get ready for some spine tingling action and toe curling sizzle when Gladius debuts!! Oh baby, I can't wait to get my hands on this one.


I'm not going to give away any of the secrets of this book, but will give you a tiny tease...

In a faraway colony crushed by tyranny, only the strong survive.His cardinal rule is simple. What Dar Skara wants, Dar Skara takes.

Hey now:) Sounds like a yummy alpha male to me. Don't miss this book, ya'll. It releases on Nov. 26th!!

This is Ciana for The Hussies, wishing you a hussiliciously good day!!

Excerpt - Fae's Gargoyle - available today

EXCERPT

Maria Jennings opened her eyes and was startled to find a naked man lying beside her. Her erratic heartbeat pounded in her ears. She jerked up in bed but the painful throbbing in her temple forced her back down onto the pillow. The room spun around her. Swallowing the dryness in her throat, she tried to remember what had happened. How had she ended up here? Naked?

The sound of the ocean pounding outside the open patio door matched the hammering in her head. The last thing she remembered was standing in Danu’s castle saying goodbye after months of training. It was time to begin her mission, so why was she naked and in bed with—just who was this man?

Gingerly, she lifted up onto one arm and blinked against the diffused light. The room illuminated brighter each time the silk draperies billowed out and a breeze rushed across the room, carrying the scent of ocean and tropical flowers. Her spirit soared with the smell of home, only something was missing within the familiar scents. Something was very wrong.

Moonlight rushed across the room and fell over the muscular man lying beside her. Shadows swayed and the light moved across indented buttocks, then rose past broad shoulders to stretch toward dark wavy hair. Before she could glimpse his face, the light flittered away with the retreating breeze.

She held her breath and waited until the next gust of wind shoved the draperies aside in a fluttering mass and once more bathed the naked man in soft light. It moved over him like an ocean’s tide and this time touched his face.

Her pulse spiked. She sat straight up in bed and smothered a gasp with trembling hands. This had to be a dream!

She was in bed with Denton Prescott!

It couldn’t be. She closed her eyes, but when she opened them he was still there. Denton Prescott? In bed with her? Naked? He shifted onto his stomach, turning his back to her. Maria dropped her gaze. Heat rushed to her cheeks. His buttocks were just as fine as she remembered. Well, she’d never seen them in the flesh, only in stone when he’d stood to take flight but had been caught in the rays of sunrise.

The moment rushed back to her as though it happened only yesterday instead of ten years ago. They’d been chatting on the campus steps late into the night. Time had seemed endless until the first rays of daylight struck his face. She’d been in awe as she watched his magnificent gargoyle form emerge and his clothes singe to ash. The hardening had spread over him until he was completely cast in stone.

She released her breath. It seemed an eternity since that night. A painful eternity when he was called to war, never once contacting her. And when he returned home a hero, he was quickly caught up in the life of a celebrity. She stared down at his hard, muscled body, her fingers itching to stroke the fine planes. Instead, she closed her hands into fists. How cruel this was. Her fondest fantasy come true and she was unable to touch him.

Unable to tell him how much she loved him. Not that he cared.

The air stirred cooler and she shivered. What had Danu been thinking, plopping her down into his bed? She had long since tamped down her feelings for him, but at that moment realized when she’d been captured forever. Ever since he’d flashed that first devastating smile.

Oh, Danu, what have you done? Maria shook her head. The ancient guru wasn’t a cruel creature so this had to be a mistake. She tried to recall arriving there but met a thick fog where memories should reside.

Regardless how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed, she must fly away before he woke up and discovered her. Scooting out of the bed, she bent down and groped at the discarded clothes littering the floor. Her fingers closed around a dark-colored dress but she froze when he stirred again. She scooped up the dress and tiptoed toward the open bedroom door.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she hurried down the hall, all her attention focused on the arched doorway ahead. She emerged into what appeared to be a large den lit by a corner floor lamp. Her bare feet slapped against the terra-cotta tiled floor while she struggled to pull the silk dress over her head. She hurried toward the glass doors, determined to exit through the portico and fly into the night. The ocean sang to her and her pulse pounded like the waves beating against the sand. Just where the hell was she? Nothing seemed familiar. The gardens surrounding the pool were not the rich vibrant colors she was accustomed to seeing. There was no magical vibration in them. In anything.

She’d worry about that later. Right now she needed to escape. She stretched forward, but the familiar pop didn’t come. She checked the dress to make sure none of the material was covering her shoulder blades. The strapless garment fit fine. Nothing to block her wings. Again she flexed her muscles and mentally summoned her faerie wings to release.

Nothing.

Okay, maybe she was sick. That might account for her inability to recall how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed. Pain seared her temple and she gripped the back of a nearby chair. Oh, that was not normal. She massaged the throbbing ache with trembling fingers. She’d just leave by her own two feet and try flying once she was away from the house.

The image of Denton lying beside her flashed across her mind. Oh dear butterfly wings! She’d been in bed with Denton Prescott. Her breath came in hard, short pants. And she was running away from him because? She mentally shook herself. Because she had no explanation for being there. Because he didn’t love her.

But Denton…naked… She wrung her hands together, longing to return to his bed and at long last live out her greatest fantasy. Enough of this. She had to leave before he found her there. She took a deep breath and reached for the door knob.

“Where are you going?” came a groggy baritone voice behind her.

Caught! Her heart skipped a beat. What should she do? She pretended she hadn’t heard him and closed her fingers around the knob.

Ellora's Cave

A teaser excerpt - Fae's Gargoyle

Just for you hussy bloggers here's a little teaser for today's release:

Maria Jennings opened her eyes and was startled to find a naked man lying beside her. Her erratic heartbeat pounded in her ears. She jerked up in bed but the painful throbbing in her temple forced her back down onto the pillow. The room spun around her. Swallowing the dryness in her throat, she tried to remember what had happened. How had she ended up here?

Naked?

The sound of the ocean pounding outside the open patio door matched the hammering in her head. The last thing she remembered was standing in Danu’s castle saying goodbye after months of training. It was time to begin her mission, so why was she naked and in bed with—just who was this man?

Gingerly, she lifted up onto one arm and blinked against the diffused light. The room illuminated brighter each time the silk draperies billowed out and a breeze rushed across the room, carrying the scent of ocean and tropical flowers. Her spirit soared with the smell of home, only something was missing within the familiar scents. Something was very wrong.

Moonlight rushed across the room and fell over the muscular man lying beside her. Shadows swayed and the light moved across indented buttocks, then rose past broad shoulders to stretch toward dark wavy hair. Before she could glimpse his face, the light flittered away with the retreating breeze.

She held her breath and waited until the next gust of wind shoved the draperies aside in a fluttering mass and once more bathed the naked man in soft light. It moved over him like an ocean’s tide and this time touched his face.

Her pulse spiked. She sat straight up in bed and smothered a gasp with trembling hands. This had to be a dream!

She was in bed with Denton Prescott!

It couldn’t be. She closed her eyes, but when she opened them he was still there. Denton Prescott? In bed with her? Naked? He shifted onto his stomach, turning his back to her. Maria dropped her gaze. Heat rushed to her cheeks. His buttocks were just as fine as she remembered. Well, she’d never seen them in the flesh, only in stone when he’d stood to take flight but had been caught in the rays of sunrise.

The moment rushed back to her as though it happened only yesterday instead of ten years ago. They’d been chatting on the campus steps late into the night. Time had seemed endless until the first rays of daylight struck his face. She’d been in awe as she watched his magnificent gargoyle form emerge and his clothes singe to ash. The hardening had spread over him until he was completely cast in stone.

She released her breath. It seemed an eternity since that night. A painful eternity when he was called to war, never once contacting her. And when he returned home a hero, he was quickly caught up in the life of a celebrity. She stared down at his hard, muscled body, her fingers itching to stroke the fine planes. Instead, she closed her hands into fists. How cruel this was. Her fondest fantasy come true and she was unable to touch him.

Unable to tell him how much she loved him. Not that he cared.

The air stirred cooler and she shivered. What had Danu been thinking, plopping her down into his bed? She had long since tamped down her feelings for him, but at that moment realized when she’d been captured forever. Ever since he’d flashed that first devastating smile.
Oh, Danu, what have you done? Maria shook her head. The ancient guru wasn’t a cruel creature so this had to be a mistake. She tried to recall arriving there but met a thick fog where memories should reside.

Regardless how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed, she must fly away before he woke up and discovered her. Scooting out of the bed, she bent down and groped at the discarded clothes littering the floor. Her fingers closed around a dark-colored dress but she froze when he stirred again. She scooped up the dress and tiptoed toward the open bedroom door.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she hurried down the hall, all her attention focused on the arched doorway ahead. She emerged into what appeared to be a large den lit by a corner floor lamp. Her bare feet slapped against the terra-cotta tiled floor while she struggled to pull the silk dress over her head. She hurried toward the glass doors, determined to exit through the portico and fly into the night. The ocean sang to her and her pulse pounded like the waves beating against the sand. Just where the hell was she? Nothing seemed familiar. The gardens surrounding the pool were not the rich vibrant colors she was accustomed to seeing. There was no magical vibration in them. In anything.

She’d worry about that later. Right now she needed to escape. She stretched forward, but the familiar pop didn’t come. She checked the dress to make sure none of the material was covering her shoulder blades. The strapless garment fit fine. Nothing to block her wings. Again she flexed her muscles and mentally summoned her faerie wings to release.

Nothing.

Okay, maybe she was sick. That might account for her inability to recall how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed. Pain seared her temple and she gripped the back of a nearby chair. Oh, that was not normal. She massaged the throbbing ache with trembling fingers. She’d just leave by her own two feet and try flying once she was away from the house.

The image of Denton lying beside her flashed across her mind. Oh dear butterfly wings! She’d been in bed with Denton Prescott. Her breath came in hard, short pants. And she was running away from him because? She mentally shook herself. Because she had no explanation for being there. Because he didn’t love her.

But Denton…naked… She wrung her hands together, longing to return to his bed and at long last live out her greatest fantasy. Enough of this. She had to leave before he found her there. She took a deep breath and reached for the door knob.

“Where are you going?” came a groggy baritone voice behind her

Good Reads for November!

November is a great month to read and this November in particular because we have TWO new books coming out in The Hussies Series!!

On November 5th (this Wednesday folks!)Sally Painter has Fae's Gargoyle for us. Here's a little teaser for you:

Maria Jennings awakes to find a naked man in bed with her—how he got there is a blank. Her shock soon turns to panic when she recognizes gargoyle warrior Denton Prescott, the man she’s loved—and hungered for—for years. Before she can steal away, Denton, the sexiest hunk ever to draw breath is seducing her again, and it’s every bit as hot as she ever dreamed.


Scorching sex aside, Maria is a Hussy, and her reawakened desires for him threaten her mission—to save Denton. But Denton has a mission of his own—convincing Maria it takes more than the loss of gargoyle magic to stop two soul mates from falling in love. He’ll use every weapon in his erotic arsenal to prove it.

Wooo baby, I got to have me some of that action!!

And to wind up your month with some heat that won't drive up your power bill (but might drive up the winter action in your house), Nicole Austin gives us Have a Little Faith in Me. Here's a snippet to tantalise you:

Believing in the paranormal is no stretch for healthcare worker Andreana Costas. She’s used to dealing with things most people won’t admit exist, but convincing a man of science to have faith in her intuition—impossible.

Andi has no choice. A mystical warrior assigned her a mission which will have a profound impact on all mankind. Success requires big personal sacrifices, like the career she loves and the hunky doc she desires.

Helping trauma surgeon Darius Raines race to the rescue and save the world just in the nick of time is going to require all the bravery and strength she can muster.

That along with some duct tape, a few silk ties, and a nice firm bed.

Duct take, silk ties and a firm bed? I'm there baby! Can't wait to get my hands on this one.

This is Ci wishing you all a great week and daring you all to beat me to the front of the line on opening day of these great reads:)

Big hugs!!

A Public Service Announcement. Sort of...

While letting my sexy Hussy sisters carry the load here (and yes, guilt lays heavy on my shoulders), I have been keeping an eye on world news. So when I ran across an interesting article this morning, I figured it was the perfect topic to toss out here!!

It's about the inventive ways nations are developing to encourage their citizens to use condoms!! The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation kicked things off (making sure to understand guys don't get "microSOFT" while wearing a condom?)...the foundation sponsored the development of a ringtone that sings "Condom, condom" on Indian cell phones. Apparently in India, the attitude is that only prostitutes should wear them, but if your cell phone reminds you, it's hip, smooth, up to date and okay. (With the added benefit that you're announcing your protection to your potential object of lust, I guess.)

Ethiopians, who are on record as hating the smell of latex, now have a real perker-upper...coffee flavored condoms. These dark brown sheaths allegedly taste and smell like that Ethiopian favorite - the macchiato. (Please. No jokes about CREAM).

Australians decided to battle HIV infection by using trees. In western Australia, it seems that potential sex mates hang out beneath trees, meeting and picking out their partners. So nurses from local clinics have taken to hanging cans full of condoms on the lower branches. On average, 3000 disappear each month. (I know there's a joke in here somewhere, but I can't find it. Something about seeing the "Wood" for the trees? Er...you're creative. Insert your own joke here!!)

Argentina took the harsher route, creating a commercial with the tag line "Be Careful". It shows two skeletons in a sexual position. Talk about jumping a girl's bones....

And the Germans? Well, God bless these creative little devils. They've come up with a "Spray on" condom for those who are...um... hard to fit. (I'm sorry. This is a topic that just screams for humor. I'm fighting it.) While this invention sounds like the perfect solution, it also has it's drawbacks. Application occurs when men slide their penises into an applicator can, shaped like a phallus. The latex coats them from inside the can. Quote..."It FRIGHTENED many men during the testing phase..."Unquote. Application is accompanied by a loud hissing and the final result takes about three minutes to dry, also not appealing to potential users.

So remember, girls. We may complain about pills, IUD's and so on, but those poor guys don't always have it any easier.

They taste and smell like coffee, pick protection from a rubber tree, overcome their fear of turning into a skeleton, spray chemicals on their cocks and make sure they get a phone call so they can let you know they're protected.

Suddenly, the whole make-up and hair thing doesn't sound quite so bad, does it???

Here's wishing everyone a great November,
Cheers,
Sahara

(And if you want to read the entire article on these things, you can read it at CNN.com under "Living".)

Gettin' Naughty - Sex in Public

Why is it such a turn on? Is it the fact that sex in public is forbidden or taboo that creates the appeal?

Come on, you've read the books, you know how it happens. It may start as a little naughty touching under the table at a restaurant. Or a couple gets hot and horny from rubbing up against each other on the dance floor. Then he's whispering his desires in her ear, enticing her to be daring, push some boundaries, take a few risks.

The thrill of explicit exposure can be a heady aphrodisiac. And after all, stimulating the mind is a big part of great sex. There is definite mental titillation in the idea of getting it on in a public place. The danger of getting caught fires up the adrenaline. Thoughts of someone witnessing such intimate moments can start the heart palpitating. Senses come to life, tingling with awareness at the chance of exposure. Excitement heats the blood at the idea of such wicked behavior.

If your sex life has fallen into a rut, a little daring just might bring it back to life. But—yes there's always a but—both partners have to be into it. If the idea of discovery scares the hell out of you then it would not be fun. If thoughts of someone watching gives you hives think up a different way to spice up your sex life. Fear is not conducive to great sex!

On the other hand, if thinking about possibly being discovered while having sex in public gets your juices flowing, keep one very important thing in mind—location, location, location!

Sex where you work could get you fired. Sex in public places can get you arrested. Sex where kids could see will get your ass kicked and then thrown in prison. Heck, there are security cameras everywhere now. Like in the elevator, stairwells, alley, parking lot... Yeah, definitely think about location. Perhaps semi-public might be a better idea.

That's the problem the hero and heroine of my current WIP are facing. They can’t leave the building where they are, and it’s full of security cameras. For them to be caught messing around would not be good. But where there’s a will… *g*

When you do find the perfect spot for some hot and sexy fun, enjoy! And hey, if you feel like sharing places that have worked for you, please do. There was this time at a friend's party... um... actually, on second thought, I'm gonna keep that one to myself.

Interview with Ciana Stone

Caleb's the last of the single Russell men and that's fine with him. There’s plenty of women willing to scratch his itch. Life is good, even if it is a little predictable. Every now and again he liked to just get away from it all and spend some time alone.

And that's exactly what he was doing. Camping at the lake, kayaking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Until a woman falls out of the sky, capsizes his kayak and nearly drowns him. Then his predictable life becomes anything but predictable.

The woman who drops into his life isn't like any he's ever known. Maybe because he's never known a woman who isn't from this world. And he sure hasn't ever met one that can put as much starch in his shorts as she can with just a look.

Caleb thought he was a master when it came to seduction and making love. What he's about to learn is that he's only just touched the tip of the iceberg and better grab a raft because the ice is melting fast and things are getting steamier by the moment.

Interview with Ciana Stone

Ciana Stone is a multi-talented author who also wears the well-known hat in the romance publishing industry as Syneca Featherstone, cover artist extraordinaire.

Ciana took a break from writing her hot, sexy, cowboy books to talk with me about writing erotic romance and how her books always have a twist of the paranormal in the mix . She writes very strong heroines who are more than a match to their equally strong heroes.

Sally : What inspired you to start writing?

Ciana: Boredom. No seriously. I was in a period of my life where I was a little tired of art and photography but needed a creative outlet. My honey man suggested that instead of trying to create an image that told a story, I actually write one. Once I got started was hooked.

Sally: Who would you say influenced or had the strongest impact on your life and your art?

Ciana: Again, my honey-man. He must have been a sage in another life. Or Merlin. Whatever the case, when I sit down and tell him an idea, our conversations spark new ideas that I can run with. He’s my biggest fan and harshest critic and I adore him for both. I’m not really influenced by other writers or artists. I admire what they do and love reading their books or viewing their paintings, photos and films, but don’t have any desire to imitate them. They inspire me to push myself creatively and sometimes give me a moment of “wow, I wish I’d thought of that”, but I’m pretty content learning to develop my own voice and style.

Sally: All of your books are incredible and give the reader a very satisfying adventure. If you could live in one of your books for a weekend, which one would you select? Which character would you be?

Ciana: Without hesitation, Chase’n’Ana. And I’d be Ana because she has a good attitude, enjoys life and likes to have fun. And she has this incredible friend Fergie who’s a hawk and hawks are one of my favorite creatures in the world. Not to mention the fact that she has Chase who is my favorite character – a big handsome cowboy who’s sexy as sin and knows how to laugh. Oh yeah, I think I could spend a weekend in that world.

Sally: You’ve written in other genres, but your cowboy books are gobbled up so fast that readers are always begging for more. So, what do you think makes cowboys so alluring to romance readers?

Ciana: I think maybe it’s that we see in cowboys men who are in touch with the land and nature and appreciate it. They’re men who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and know how to dig in their heels on what they believe and want from life. Typically honest and straight-forward they have a “real man” appeal. Their muscles come from hard work, their humor from being down-to-earth and their passion for life is genuine.

Also there’s the old perception or stereotype that probably still exists in many minds of that solitary cowboy, all alone on the range with only his horse and his thoughts. Sleeping under the stars with only his own voice for company. It’s a soulful image and one that makes us want to ease the aloneness.

And hey, let’s face it, there’s something about a man in worn jeans, cowboy boots and a hat who know how to sit a horse. It’s earthy, masculine and very sexy.

Sally: Well, you won’t get any argument from me. If you could meet any person, alive or dead, who would that be and why?

Ciana: Burt Reynolds. Yep. I’ve been a fan of his as long as I can remember. He’s sexy, funny, talented and has entertained me for a long time. I get the feeling that he’s a man who enjoys living and has the ability to laugh at life and not take everything too seriously. And between us, the man still has some serious sex appeal.

Sally: Thank you for taking time out of an amazingly hectic schedule to talk about your books. I’d like to leave the readers with a little inside tidbit. What’s in store for readers from Ciana Stone in 2009?

Ciana: Hopefully books that will entertain them. I have a new romantic sci-fi series that I’m excited about, Soul of V’Kar. The first book in that series An Unwanted Hunger is under contract and I’m waiting to hear about a release date.

In 2009, I have a new series coming out from Ellora’s Cave with Sahara Kelly called Sexplorations. It’s all about women, their friendships and their journey of self-discovery and sexuality. That’s been such a fun series to write and I think is something every woman can identify with.

And I have a new cowboy series planned for 2010 with some rough and rowdy renegades from the past. I’m eager to get started on that because … well, you know. I just love cowboys.

Sally: I can’t wait to read them all. I know I’ll have a fantastic reading adventure when I do. Readers can visit Ciana or her publisher

Read More

*Article posted with permission from Romance Examiner.

Do Opposites Attract?

Do Opposites Attract?
By N.J. Walters

We’ve all heard the cliché before. But is there any truth to the statement that opposites attract?

Yes and no.

Being attracted to someone who is opposite in you in every way is natural. They’re different and exciting. A taste of the forbidden!

It’s why movies and books are filled with stories about the “good” girl attracted to the “bad” boy. Just the thought of the leather-clad loner, winding down the long highway on his motorcycle, his long hair flowing in the wind, is enough to make us all stop and look. What’s his story? Why is he on the road? What deep, dark secrets are in his past. Every woman wants to be the one who will tame this road warrior or at least go on one of his adventures with him.

I’ve used that storyline once or twice myself. Seth in “A Love Eternal,” my story in the Ellora’s Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV Anthology is such a man. He’s mysterious and dangerous in ways that the heroine, Genevieve can’t even begin to comprehend. She knows she should be frightened of him. Instead, she is drawn to him. He takes her on a wild ride for one night that could end sooner than either of them thinks.

My Shadow Ryders—Gideon from “Shadows Stir,” my story in the Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis IV Anthology, and Blade in the upcoming Beyond Shadows—are dangerous, leather-clad warriors from the Shadow Realm who will fight to protect the women who are destined for them. These two women—one of whom is a cop and the other one who is an accountant—get far more than they ever bargained for with these extraordinary men.

What could be more romantic?

But what about the salt-of-the-earth guy who is dependable and hardworking. You know, the kind of man you can count on in a crisis. He can be just as exciting as the leather-clad warrior. What happens when an apple farmer hires a new housekeeper, who just happens to be a New York designer on the run from a stalker?

That’s the premise for Jackson’s Jewel, the latest edition in my Awakening Desires series from Ellora’s Cave. Jackson took over the family farm and practically raised his younger siblings. Now that they’ve both married and moved out, he lives there alone. His sister hires a housekeeper to give him some temporary domestic help. Unfortunately, the woman she hires, Emerald Jewel, is on the run from a stalker. The apple farmer and the designer. The country mouse and the city mouse. These two are definitely opposites. The sparks fly between them immediately and neither one of them can resist the lure of temptation.

Maybe it’s their differences that attract them to one another. But it’s what they have in common that keep them together. No matter how different people are on the outside, it’s what inside that counts. Both Jackson and Emerald believe in the importance of family. They are both hardworking and reliable and have goals they want to achieve. It’s these things that will allow them to get past their differences to have a chance at a relationship.

The differences between people add spice to any relationship. It keeps them both guessing what the other person might do, what they are thinking. Those things will keep a couple interested in one another for years.

The waitress and the millionaire, the lawyer and the cop, the heiress and the carpenter—the list is endless. While opposites do attract, it’s the underlying similarities that will help keep them together once the initial heat dissipates—assuming it ever does. :-)


Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com/
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)
A Legal Affair—Samhain Publishing
Lily Blossoms—Ellora’s Cave

The Hero You Can't Have

Since I was just a girl I've been enchanted with superheroes. Today we're seeing a big resurgence of the Superheroes in film and television. The original Superman touched the child inside us and infused it with a dose of lust. Batman sends fans flocking to theatres and women's heartrates racing. X-Men? Wolverine sure made my blood heat up.

Yep the Superheroes never die - they reemerge time and again. And I watch them all. It's movie magic at its best. Yet no where have I seen anything portrey the life of a superhero better than the little show Smallville. Sure it's low budget and yes, some of the acting is lacking. But this show features the essence of Superman. His goodness and his willingness to sacrifice personal happiness and desire for the sake of his duty.

I guess that's what makes Superman my super hero of all time. The fact that nothing can permanently deter him from his duty. That nothing can squash that innate goodness. And that even when his heart breaks he does what he knows to be right. Makes me wish everyone could have a little superman inside them.

So today, I thought I'd share one of my favorite songs about Superman and some clips from this show that's entertained me and reminded me what superheroes are all about. Don't know about you, but I like having a superhero in my imagination. Kind of like a reminder that we all have great potential - if we're willing to walk the right path to achieving it.

Happy Sunday!!

Halloween = Sex + Candy

It's almost Halloween, the perfect time of year. When else do you get to dress up as a fantasy and eat free candy 'til you tummy aches. Sex and chocolate, yeah baby!

For one day (several if you go to a few Halloween parties) we get to be someone else. Put on a sexy costume and mask, flirt with a vampire or super hero, perhaps do a bit of role playing. *G* Halloween is the best holiday ever!

Have you picked out a costume yet? Decided on a theme? There are so many possibilities for singles and couples. Perhaps a ...

Naughty schoolgirl and the principal
Geisha and samurai
Harem girl and sheik
Police woman and gangster
Angel and devil
Nun and priest
Wench and pirate
Cheerleader and quarterback
Virgin and vampire
Maiden and knight ...

I can't decided if I want to wear my cavewoman or witch costume. But I know no matter what I choose, it's going to be a blast to step outside myself for a night and be someone different!

What about you? What are you going to be for Halloween?

The Day the Music Died

And no I'm not about to start singing "bye bye Miss American Pie". I'm referring to the fact that before dawn on Friday my laptop crashed and even though I was able to get it back up and running (after many hours with tech support) I lost all of my muic.

Yes, I had a "waaaaa" moment. More so over that than the fact I lost a book I was writing and had only two chapters left to finish it. The book I can rewrite - and make it better than the first time around. The music? That stabs deep.

Music plays a big part in my life. Each book I've written has a certain kind of music attached to it. Each important event in my life has music associated with it. Every time I get romantic or frisky with my honey ... you guessed it, there's a musical theme.

Today I'm rewriting that book I lost and the music that's playing is one of my all-time favorites from a lady I think is one of the biggest talents ever....



Hope you find some love sneakin' up on you:)

Happy Sunday!!
Ci

Forbidden Fantasies

The following are two version of the same event, namely Ellora's Cave's first hardcover, Forbidden Fantasies, which launched today at Amazon.

Version # 1:
Now available from Amazon.com! Eight taboo tales from the hottest stars of erotic romance in one electrifying hardcover book! Published by Pocket Books. Featuring: Jaid Black, Jory Strong, Ann Jacobs, Sahara Kelly, Jaci Burton, Sherri L. King, Lorie O'Clare and Cheyenne McCray

Purchase October 14-18 to enter a drawing for a mini laptop computer and receive discounts on future purchases! Click here for details

Version # 2:
OMFG! SQUEEEE! *pant pant pant* It's, like, totally KEWL!!11! A loose sequel to Madam Charlie by none other than our very own Sahara!! Wooot! Go get it now! Now, I tell you! Follow the most excellent linkage and get thee to the Amazon. Don't make me hurt you! Plus, you could win a COMPUTER! Dude!

Can you spot the difference? Yes, I do get excited. Especially when the words "sequel" and "Madam Charlie" are in the same sentence. Bear with me, I waited *years* for this.

Eye Candy or Aged Wine

I'm one of those people who spends most of their life either taking photos of, or working with images of deliciously handsome, buff men. Yeah, you'd think I'd be in a perpetual state of heightened arousal, right? Well, models are certainly easy on the eyes and a heck of a lot of fun to work with - delicious eye-candy.

And don't get me wrong. Candy is good. Real good. But there are times when I crave a nice 'aged wine' - in other words, a mature man. A man who's appeal isn't in his ripped six-pack abs or rock hard quads. It's in his life experience, the books he's read, the places he's visited, the hard knocks he's overcome and the knack of surviving he's mastered.

This weekend I'm in one of those moods when I'd like a little of both. I mean some candy is good with wine, right? And while I'm going to have to wait a bit, soon I will get a good helping of both in an upcoming film star Jason Statham (young and yummy) and Burt Reynolds (he's been raising my hormone levels for years).

Here's a little teaser that demonstates the appeal of both the eye candy and aged wine:



This is Ci wishing you a great weekend filled with whatever masculine treats tempt your palate:)

Romance as a Lifestyle

Many people believe romance is only something that can happen between two people. They are unable to recognize that a life lived in romance is a deliberate act. It’s a lifestyle choice. It isn’t something that just happens to you or always arrives as a gift someone bestows upon you.

Romance is an artform. Ask any artist. Ask any musician. The art or music they create can be powerful and very romantic simply because it is filled with beauty and is a romantic expression.

Romance begins with the individual. You can choose to create it in everything you do or you can trudge through life pining for it to find you. It requires understanding what romance is and moving beyond pre-conceived limitations that confine romance to only being available to couples. Romance vibrates in all living things. Romance is beauty. Romance is a feeling. Romance is an ambiance.

So how can you participate in creating romance? Start with your clothes. Choose clothes that you feel reflect the romantic in you. It can manifest as an attitude conveyed by how you wear your clothes. How you carry yourself. Romance has style and requires an awakening of sorts. Become conscious of all the nuances in your surroundings.

If your career requires you don a business suit, then you can add a bit of a romantic look to it with a pin, a lapel flower or a scarf. Don’t be afraid to flex your romantic style muscles a bit. Let it flourish in everything you do. Romance is something that captures the imagination and lingers. It teases and even haunts us.

We can enjoy the sensual beauty of flowers or a candlelit room whether we are with our lover or alone. Romance is not exclusive to couples – a common misconception perpetuated by industries catering to couples and compounded by those who simply don’t understand how to create romance in their daily lives. No one owns romance.

Anyone can have romance in their lives. That is the beauty of romance. It is universal. You can soak it up wherever you are. It’s magical. It lives in everyone’s soul.

Don’t believe it? Try adding some romance to the simplest of things you do every day. It’s not what you do but how you do it. What do you feel? What do you sensed?

The difference between someone who has a romance filled lifestyle to someone who doesn’t: Did you toss a steak on the grill and sit down in your kitchen and chomp down on it, or did you set the table, added some flowers, season the steak, turn on some music while you grilled, poured yourself a glass of wine to sip on? If you answered the later, then you are practicing a romantic lifestyle.

If you want to invite a friend to join you, all the better. You don’t have to be lovers to share a romantic dinner or evening. It can be romantic to each of you for different reasons. That is the beauty of romance. It loves everyone!

What do you think it means? Defining Romance
Do you feel romance is limited only to couples? Seriously, some people actually believe romance is a couple-exclusive emotion and that no one is capable of enjoying romance if they are not a couple. So, I thought it would be cool to ask readers. What is your definition of romance?

Do you believe romance can only exist between two people or is that a myth? In my experience romance is just not that discriminating. It exists outside ourselves and we are merely invited to share in it. When something is described as romantic, what does that mean? Since it can be a painting, a cityscape, a dinner, a wedding, a sunset, a dress, just about anything doesn’t that mean it is available for all to enjoy? Romance is more than having dinner with your lover. It’s an emotion that stirs deep inside. Be it over the person we are dining with or over a spectacular sunset. It is still romantic. You don’t need to be a couple in order to appreciate it, experience it or feel it. So do you believe being a couple is a prerequisite to understanding and feeling romance?

Some New Moves

Sex should be fun and exciting, not the same old boring thing. It's not necessary to go searching the internet for the latest in bizarre sexual practices to keep things interesting in the bedroom, just adding a new twist to your old favorites can revive your unresponsive sex life. Here are some fun tips I've found recently while conducting research.

Hot oil art - warm up some massage oil and put it in a turkey baster. Use this to draw shapes or spell out words on your lover’s body. The hot oil moving in specific lines is supposed to excite the skin. After creating your hot, slippery designs now go for the massage with your hands.

Pearl Necklace - Get an 36 inch strand of fake pearls and wear them all day so your body heat warms it up. When ready to play, dribble some lube on the necklace then coil them around his penis. Careful, you want it to be comfortable not so tight it pinches. Slide your hands up and down the beads to create a unique sensation he'll love. He can also use the beads on you by rolling them beneath his palm over your clit.

Hot mint - using hot and cold sensations is nothing new, but here's a new twist—warm mint tea. This will heat up your mouth and provide a warm sensation. When your move your mouth away, the menthol in the mint will cool down the area. Sip the tea often to get the full cool and tingly effect of the mint.

Oral tickle - when giving him oral, slip a finger in your mouth and softly tease his sensitive spots at the same time you are stimulating with your lips and tongue for unexpected new sensations.

And don't forget to change up the old positions in fun new ways.

Lay on the bed face down, hips slightly elevated and together. With his thighs bracketing yours the position creates a snug fit and the minimal elevation allows for deeper thrusts.

For doggy-style without the backache roll to your side. Have him straddle your bottom leg and wrap the top one around his hip. This allows the deeper penetration of doggy-style in a more comfortable position and give the added benefit of allowing face-to-face contact.

Another more comfortable rear-entry position is to tuck your knees up toward your chest to support your torso.

And don’t forget the toys. There are toys out there now to satisfy all your tastes and cravings. With toys you can even have one of the top women’s fantasies without any guilt or jealousy—dual penetration.

Old Toy, New Trick?

It doesn't require batteries. There are no moving parts. It's cheap and it's fun. What is it? Why the hoola hoop. Remember back in the days of yor when as kids we'd hoola up a storm? A few months ago I decided it'd be a good idea to take a blast into the past and revive my hoola skills.

** Note. Do NOT purchase a hoop that has a cloth covering.

Yep, that's what I did. And after fifteen frustrating minutes was ready to throw the hoop in the trash and myself on the floor. I couldn't keep it going. One turn and it'd head straight to the floor. Naturally I got some ribbing from the local men folk ... "no hula left in your hoop?"

And naturally I challenged them to give it a try. Three men and no success. That hoop wouldn't hoola. Ha! Take that men folk. I grab my handy-dandy scissors and whacked the fabric from the hoop. Said a little prayer to the gods of hoola and gave it another try.

VICTORY! I do have hoola left in me. And you know what? It's fun. It's good exercise. AND honey man seems particularly attracted to me when I'm hoola-ing. Hmmmmm.

So, if you're looking for a cheap and fun way to spice things up, give the hoop a hoola. All that swaying, hip wiggling action is likely to net you some fun of another kind.

And take a look at some of the action in this hoola hoopers at the 2004 Burning Man. Oh wow, I've got to practice!!

Happy weekend!!

Ci

Hula Hooping Burning Man 2004 - For more amazing video clips, click here

Night Owl Romance - Best Erotic Romance

Four books written by the Hussies are up for awards in the Night Owl Romance Reader Choice Awards for Best Erotic Romance Books. Woot! Congrats Ci, Sahara and Sally! Hussy power, baby!

Sally's Reunited is in the Best Paranormal Erotic Romance category

Ci's All in time is in the Best Fantasy/Futuristic/Off World/Time-Travel Erotic Romance category

Sahara's Sir Philip Ashton's Eyes is in the Best Historical Erotic Romance category

Sahara's Fly By Knight, The Hussies is in the Best Historical Erotic Romance category

Click here to vote

We also have some gorgeous covers by Syneca and her amazing team up for awards

Jane's Prize, author Margrett Dawson in the Best Paranormal Erotic Ebook Cover

Immortal Lust, author Sierra Dafoe in the Best Historical Erotic Ebook Cover

Kama Sutra Lovers, author Anny Cook in the Best Fantasy/Futuristic/Off World Erotic Ebook Cover

Out of Control, author Eve Savage in the Best Contemporary Erotic Ebook Cover

Click here to vote

There are a lot of deserving authors and artists up for awards. Please show some love by voting for your favorites!

October Contest with Coffeetime Romance

Forget espresso, Caffè macchiato or the old milk-but-hold-the-sugar-please. We're talking stuff that's potent enough to melt your eyeballs. Namely The Hussies' brand of erotic romance mixed with the awesome awesomeness of Coffee Time Romance.

Starting October 1st, we're teaming with Coffeetime Romance to bring you a contest that will make an Indiana Jones out of you. That's right! You'll delve into runic lore and magic, travel from one arcane symbol to the next to assemble a cryptic message.

Intrigued? We thought you'd be.

Follow the instructions below and WIN STUFF!

I Want to Review Contest - Fallen Angels Reviews

Remember when the Hussies challenged you to write a review during the month of September? Well, a lot of you did! You rock! So a great big Hussy thank you to everyone who entered the "I Want to Review" Contest!

Participants will be receiving an email shortly detailing "phase two" which is writing a sample review. From these, five will be selected to be judged by Fallen Angels Reviews and the winner will be published on FAR as a guest reviewer.

Stay tuned for updates!

Best ways to spend a Sunday

We all have our favorite past-times. Just thought I'd toss in a few suggestions:

1. An invigorating shower.

2. Let the motion of the ocean carry you away

4. Go for a ride

5. Take a walk on the wild side

6. Go back to sleep and repeat that dream:)

Gettin' Naughty - Chemistry

As readers of erotic romance, you've surely seen many references to the chemistry that can exist between two people. Sparks fly, the earth moves, emotions swell and overwhelm. According to an article on MSN by Jonathan Small, there are many different kinds of chemistry you can experience. Here are the five most common types of chemistry couples might share. And the good news is that even if its not the explosive kind, with a little bit of time it can turn into something wonderful.

#1 – Lusty chemistry

The most common and most confusing kind of chemistry. The uncontrollable hunger for sex. Let’s face it; at some time in our lives, most of us have fallen in the trap of confusing physical chemistry with love. Lust tends to fade after scratching the itch and may or may not return later. One big difference is you can feel lust for several different people simultaneously without becoming jealous, but love tends to make us very possessive. The great thing is that over time, lust can grow, evolving into something deeper and more meaningful.

#2 – Comfy chemistry

These are those types of relationships where you have that instant connection and effortless rapport. This is the person who finishes your sentences or is so easy to talk to and you feel relaxed to be around. It doesn’t have to mean you are better friends than lovers though. Love can develop and quickly lead to passion.

#3 – Funny chemistry

One of the top characteristics on most people’s lists of attractive qualities is the ability to make them laugh. Someone who can help us have fun is priceless. And researchers have found that attractiveness between two people increases when they laugh together.

#4 – Opposites attract chemistry

Most of us like personalities that complement our own. Those who accentuate our positives and mask the flaws. Like the swim-suit model and the computer geek. Why would such opposites attract? She makes him feel sexy and he makes her feel smart. We are naturally drawn to those who have the qualities we lack. Those who make us feel more well-rounded.

#5 – Common ground chemistry

Those with common interests tend to gravitate together. It allows you to get to know each other in a comfortable environment, and makes spending time together easy. The two of you can bond and develop a lot of great memories over shared achievements.

So even if electricity doesn’t immediately arc between you, and your heart doesn’t start trembling whenever he’s around, that doesn’t mean you won’t have great chemistry. If given time, what you do have can grow into something lasting.

Who's Your Pimp

I have some pimping to do.

To the thousands upon thousands who have read Sahara Kelly's Madam Charlie (guilty, your Honor, and I loved every minute) in an array of languages because that book, it has traveled, you can now ditch your therapist because The Withdrawal, it is OVER.

Know why?

Forbidden Fantasies is coming, that's why. Not only is it Ellora's Cave's first hardcover, but our very own decadent Hussy Sahara is one of the fab authors therein. And her story is...

*drumroll*

Lady Elizabeth's Choice...as in, a loose sequel to Madam Charlie!

Yes, SEQUEL! I choose to ignore the word loose. It has sequel next to Madam Charlie so I'm happy. Dude, I'll take a "loose sequel" to Madam Charlie any day of the week.

To get you back in the mood after years of waiting, here are the essentials:

Madam Charlie

By Sahara Kelly

London, 1814:

A young woman inherits an interesting London house, Number 14 Beaulieu Crescent. Nothing unusual in that, you might say. And ordinarily you'd be right. But this time the "house" is actually a high-class brothel, and the young woman has a secret identity of her own that she must never reveal. Especially not to the man who brings her body to life, stirs her senses like no other, and who has begun his own campaign to unlock the mystery that is "Madam Charlie".

Lady Elizabeth’s Choice
By Sahara Kelly
This story is a loose sequel to Madam Charlie.

Several months ago she gave herself to him, body and soul, during a night of sexual enlightenment that changed her world forever. But since then, Lady Elizabeth Wentworth has reached a decision she believes is right for her. And her erstwhile lover, Sir Spencer Marchwood, isn’t part of it. She hasn’t forgotten him…how could she? He took her from innocent girl to sensual woman in a night of extraordinary delights. Such memories cannot be denied, only buried, relegated to her past as the private indiscretions of a foolish and impetuous girl. Needless to say, Spence is—upset. He’s plagued by memories of their passion, hungry for the taste of her lips and eager to hear her cries of pleasure once more. And it looks like that’s not going to happen—ever again. However, the resourceful Spence hatches a strategy to get Elizabeth’s attention and land her back in his arms—naked. Once that occurs, Spence knows he can claim her, body and soul, taking her to the edge of madness and beyond. It all comes down to one pivotal moment…the moment of Lady Elizabeth’s choice…

So come October 18th, get in line to buy Madam Charlie's loose sequel, erm, I mean, Forbidden Fantasies. Plus, if you buy the book early, your name is entered into a draw that could get you 25% off all your 2008 Ellora's Cave books. Dudes!