Friday, November 28, 2008

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.”

Monday, November 24, 2008

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!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

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

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

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!!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

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


Monday, November 03, 2008

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!!

Saturday, November 01, 2008

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".)