Gettin' Naughty - Going Home

The 25th Romantic Times Convention is over. After more than eleven months of preparation the six frenzied days flew by. Heck, before it was even over The Hussies were hard at work plotting and planning how to make a big splash in Orlando next year.

My suitcases are unpacked, all the laundry has been done and I've reorganized the leftover promo stuff. I may be home, but my spirit is still in Pittsburgh. I miss seeing everyone in their fabulous outfits at the parties and hanging out in the bar, talking and laughing until they finally kicked us out. I met so many wonderful readers and authors, blushed while posing for hundreds of pictures, and had the time of my life!

The only thing left to do is get back into the swing of real life. I'm sorry but reality sucks! I'm feeling very lazy and have not managed to reestablish my regular routine. That sudden crash in adrenaline and excitement has left me rather uninspired.

I miss hanging with my Hussy sistas, whether it be while glamming it up at one of the parties or hanging out in one of our rooms and sharing a pizza. Nat and her infectious energy. Ci, our one woman party. Sahara the sultry and divine goddess. Our gypsy, Sally, who was with us in spirit. And The Dude--adorable, sweet and funny Scott Carpenter. Being together in person has me thanking my lucky stars for the day I was invited to join forces with this amazing group! As Nat would say, I love you all...but not in that way. *sniff*

Our readers are some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. My heartfelt thanks to all those who stopped by to say hello and offered both hugs and friendship. Especially at the book signing when my shy nature kicked in full force leaving me a frazzled mess! For those of you who were unable to attend, I hope to see you 362 days from now in Orlando. Dang, that sounds like such a long time away. *pouty face*

Here are a few more pictures Susan shared with me, including this great photo of Susan and Nat.

Research is so much fun. I just might have to drag out this whole process of writing my photographer heroine so Ci will keep arranging impromptu photo shoots for me with hunks like Christian. Rawr! Is it hot in here or what?



Taking butt shots, Susan? And they call me the naughty hussy. Nice work! You go, girl!

In my next life, I wanna be Ci! Or at least her assistant. What a fun job that would be!

Waaaaahhhh! I MISS everyone!!!!!!

I cannot believe that it's OVER! We've waved our last farewell to Pittsburgh, given that last hug, wiped away that last tear and forked over fifty bucks to US Air for excess baggage weight. (Not in my hips for once, either!)

How to recap these past five days? I have no idea where to start. Right now, my heart is full - as it always is - with the love and warmth I get from RT conventions. Maybe I'll just list the things I miss this morning and you can get my drift.

I miss the "coffee klatch". Those wonderful folks who staggered blearily down to the restaurant, requested IV injections of caffeine, then wandered outside to sit next to the bushes like a flock of tired birds. (The Lesser Ruffled Staggerers?) This flock changed faces now and again, but there was a core of die hard chicks desperate for that morning hit. Plumage varied from pajamas and a robe to full makeup and hair (eeek!), depending on the day's schedule.

I miss the messages/voicemails on my cell phone from my Hussy sisters. (Where you at? Want breakfast/dinner/drinks/aspirins?) I miss Nat's twinkling smile, Nic's wicked chuckle and Ci...well, I miss everything about her.

I miss the moments of careful scheduling (if I take my shower now will my hair survive til tonight? Does the white top go with this? Where's my shoes? Can I get down 23 floors to the restaurant for coffee without makeup and not have anyone see me? If I don't wear my badge am I invisible?)

I miss the Hussy "sessions". Quiet moments stolen from all the fierce activity and enjoyed in the warm sunshine, tossing ideas around, laughing, (laughing a LOT), and generally enriching the experience of what it means to be a Hussy.

I miss the hugs and smiles I found myself getting from all the wonderful RT Virgins I helped deflower. (Metaphorically speaking.) And I miss the waves and grins (and occasional snicker) I got from my fellow authors and friends. I miss hugging Hussy Claudia every time we passed in the hotel corridor and trying to hug a cover model every time I passed him. I miss the urinals in the ladies' rest room. (Still haven't figured that one out, but no, nobody used them as far as I know.)

I miss knowing that tonight I get to swan around in yet another costume. Yep, girly thing, but dressing up does it for me. Hence the odd photos you'll see popping up now and again. For the record, I cannot twirl pasties and yes, now and again he makes my brown eyes blue. See next paragraph.

I miss my writing partner, Scott. Our new DUDE Hussy! Can't even go there right now because I'll start to cry or choke on the lump in my throat.

So did you pick up anything there that helps explain the RT craziness? No other way to put it - RT is all about the love! Love of the romance novels which unite reader and writer, reviewer and editor, publisher and bookseller. That love overflows into pools of friendship which deepen with every convention. It's a never-ending source of warmth and affection and I immerse myself in it each year, willingly, drowningly, not wanting to come up for air.

That's why I'm a bit lost this morning. My house is silent, my suitcase contents upchucked over the living room floor, my wardrobe for the day is "normal" and my heart is aching quite horribly. My ankles are returning to something approaching their usual size and I have to think about what's in the fridge. (Nothing's actually moving in there, so I guess that's a good thing, but a lot of stuff has to go!!!) Yep, I'm back in the "normal" world. But my head and my heart are still in that RT Happy Place - the bar. LOL It'll take a while to let it all go and pick up where I left off.

But I have my memories, my Hussy huggygals, my buddy Scott, and a glow in my heart that will keep me grinning.

And of course, NOW I have to start planning for NEXT YEAR!!!!!!

To everyone I met who reads this - thank you and much love!! To those who couldn't make it - I hope you can attend one year and share the love I've found. And to my fellow Hussies.... Nat said it best. I LOVE you all. (But not in that way!)

The Lethal Hussy Gives a Speech!

Another BIG hug and Congrats to our Lethal Hussy, Nathalie Gray on her coup at RT! At the RT Awards luncheon Friday, Nat received an award for Best Futuristic Erotic Romance. Yeah baby!

DamNATION (futuristic, vampire) won an award. So our Hussy counted down the winners and the rest that follows is in her own words, “...stomach in a knot, palms clammy and eye twitching for my turn. When it came and they announced my name, fearlessly (right…) I climbed on the stage under the THUNDEROUS roar of the crowd. I kid you not, the sound almost messed my hair. And you *know* how much gel keeps it in place. Ellora’s Cave and the other Hussies really made my day with their show of support. So, I get up there without tripping or doing a face-plant. Score! Genuflect appropriately to receive my award, turn to the lectern…

To see two thousand pairs of eyeballs staring right back at me.

*gulp*

My brain decided to shut down all nonessential systems, including but not limited to vision, sight, and the ability to draw breath. Apparently, my acceptance speech was quick, fun, and received great applause. I couldn’t tell you. From what others have told me, I said “I have three specials thanks: one, (insert name here) my editor at Ellora’s Cave…without her, I am nothing. Two, the Hussies…I love you! Not in *that* way. And three, Judy Mays…last year you won one and thanked me…you brought me good luck, so this year I’m thanking you.” Then I proceeded to speak French as I backed from the lectern. I don’t know what I said, and nobody else does either. I hope it was good.

As a funny side note, when they let me return to my seat, someone snuck up to me, crouched down on her knees and slipped me a business card that said “Bonjour, je m’appelle…” (I, my name is…) with an arrow indicating I should flip the card over. The other side bore a name and title that made my inner Chihuahua chase her tail with savage glee. It said “Sarah, Duchess of Cuntington” It was Sarah from the Smart Bitches!

Friday was a good day. It’s right up there with the birth of my son. I won’t forget it or the way my friends made me feel. Damn, I’m supposed to be the Lethal Hussy and I’m going all mushy on you.

Okay, now it’s time to blow something up. In my books! Only in my books!

This was Nat, signing off on this sunny Saturday morning, getting ready for the romance industry’s biggest, baddest booksigning. I intend to hug as many people as I can. Either until my arms fall off, or the cops drag me away. Cheers!”

Lethal Hussy Does Battle With Computer Virus

Our Lethal Hussy, Nathalie, will not be able to post today since she's currently doing battle with a nasty virus that launched an attack on her laptop. We're hoping Nat will kick some virus butt and be back blogging soon!

So we don't leave you blogless for the day, here are some odd but true news stories from around the world that fall into the "Not in this Lifetime" category for me.

1. From Romania: Man superglues condom to penis to save on safe sex

Yep. The man and his wife (parents of five) decided they didn't want to have more kids. So they bought condoms. Only the condoms didn't fit. They were too loose. So the man superglued one to his penis to get it to stay on (and thinking he could get more mileage out of it.)

Can you say DUMBASS????

He ended up at a medical clinic to get it removed.

2. From the US: Judge uses sex toy during trials

The 57-year-old judge was spotted doing something with his hands under his robes. A policeman in the court sadi he said the judge pumping a tube between his legs. Other witnesses said they heard hissing noises. And the court clerk claims she saw the judge's penis at least 20 times because of his clumsy maneuvers.

The Creek County, Oklahoma judge said the sex toy, used to extend the penis, was a 'gag gift' from a friend.

Again.... DUMBASS!!!!

3. 18-year-old Lesbian auctions her virginity online

Oh yes. First she had it up for sale on E-Bay. But they removed her listing. So she pimped it on her own website.

Rosie Reid revealed the highest bidder offered $20,500 for the honor and that he's a divorced engineer and father of two. She claims the experience was horrible, but served its purpose.

Which was????

To keep from running up large student debts (she's a student at Bristol University), and to "spark a debate" on the ever larger growing crisis over funding student college loans.

oooooookay. But still .... dumbass!! Prostitution is prositution no matter what you use the money for.

4. Size of brain determines lust for sex

So says Austrailian scientions. A group of neurophysiologists from the University of Melbourne say that based on their research the degree of excitement depends upon the activity of the part of the brain called 'amygdala'. (Note: Typically this part of the brain is the size of an almond and is also the area that is involve in the "flight or fight" reactions of humans.

But according to the research, the amygdala will respond faster than any other part of the brain. The bigger the amygdala, the bigger the sexual lust. People with large parts of the amygdala not functioning were almost indifferent to sex.

Well, does that mean that soon we'll have "Amygdala enhancement drugs" on the market?

Hmmmmmm

Okay, before I leave you to your Saturday, here are some pretty useless but fun facts:

Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad in first class.

30% of Chinese adults live with their parents.

200 million people in China live on less than $1 a day.

There are 100 million internet users in China. Some of the sites they can't access are BBC news, Amnesty International and Dalailama.com.

People spend about two weeks of their lives at traffic lights!

Left handed people live slightly shorter lives than right handed people.
The ant, when intoxicated, will always fall over to its right side.

The original name of Bank of America was Bank of Italy.

Toxic house plants poison more children than household chemicals.

Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England, but only in tropical fish stores.

In Bahrain, a male gynecologist can only examine a woman's private parts through a mirror.

If the entire population of earth was reduced to exactly 100 people,50% of the world's currency would be held by 6 people.

In comic strips, the person on the left always speaks first.

Happy Weekend! And keep your fingers crossed that our Lethal Hussy stomps the crap out of that virus!!

Cheers-
Ci

Breaking up is hard to do ... unless...

Breaking Up
It’s never easy. Unless you were married to (or dated) an asshole, in which case it *is* eminently easy to kick his sorry ass out the door, and yes, take your goddamn baseball cards collection with you!

But if you had something in common with that person, then chances are, calling it quits and moving on can sometimes be a sad day. But fear not, The Hussies are here! We’ve come up with fun and inventive ways to lose a guy. 50 ways, to be exact. You’ve read them over the week and now scroll through the last ones, cooked up by yours truly. Laugh, cringe, or roll your eyes.

*cue drum roll*

Throw some china, Anna
Push him into a well, Michelle
Bounce the jerk, Dirk (hey, equal opportunity!)
Bust his Oldsmobile, Cheryl
Run your key along his Ferrari, Sophie
Go after his finances, Frances
Sue, Sue
Blow stuff up, Penelope (okay, so this one doesn’t rhyme. Sue me.)

Now take a look at this hilarious break up commercial from Coke and try to remember when 1 million dollars meant a lot of cash. Yeah, fuzzy, eh?

2007 was great. In 2008 ....

Yep, 2008 is going to be spectacular!

From all The Hussies to all of our readers, fans, supporters, fellow authors and Hussy Sistahs on Yahoo... thank you for making 2007 a great year. We look forward to you being part of our lives (and fun) in 2008!

May the New Year bring all your dreams come true and bless you with health, happiness and lots of Hussy fun!

Cheers :)
The Hussies: Ciana, Sally, Sahara, Nic and Nicole

This Week's Releases

This is a very good week for new books! Two of my hussy sistas have books out this week, one of them the first in The Hussies series. Woohoo! Congrats Nat and Ci! I can't wait to charge through the doors and grab the books. Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical Menage, Shifters and some m/m action ... oh my!

Releasing on Wednesday:

Shades of Silver - Nathalie Gray (Paranormal)

At Love's Command - Samantha Kane (Regency Historical / Gay / Menage)

Winter Hearts - Anny Cook (Shapeshifter / Christmas)

One of the Guys - Shiloh Walker (Contemporary)

Releasing on Friday:

All in Time - Ciana Stone (Paranormal)

Thorn's Kiss - Myla Jackson (Werewolf)

Barely Undercover - Sedonia Guillone (Contemporary / Gay)

Chasing Phoenix - Christine d'Abo (Contemporary)

Which books look good to you? What have you been dying to get your hot little hussy hands on?

You can find all of this weeks fabulous books at Ellora's Cave Publishing

Santa baby...

.... if you could just bring me....

Since the holiday season is upon us, it seems like a perfect time to start composing a wish list. When Santa slides down that chimney, he needs to have something in his goody bag for us. After all, we have been VERY good hussies.

So today I start with the numero uno on my and Nathalie's list ......

Christian Boeving!

Actor, spokesperson and the most photographed fitness model in the world, Christian exemplifies everything Nat and I love in a man. Lethally handsome, a body that makes a gal's salivatory glands go into overdrive, and a brain, baby!

The perfect gift for these hussies. Just open that portal into a parallel dimension where Nat and I can hijack Christian for one day and experiment with the "Friends with Benefits" concept. We'll definitely be adhering to the lessons learns in Hussy Charm school. Big, Big smiles (no faking necessary).

This is Ciana for the Hussies reminding you to make your list, check it twice, and send an email to Santa reminding him that a fulfilled wish list could net him more than cookies and milk:)

Happy Holidays!

Sssh...sexy, sassy, sizzling

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Whatever You Do, Aim For The...


• This week is all about being good to yourself. And ladies, with the barrage of images out there telling us we need to fix, pluck, tuck, and suck in, smoothen, straighten, flatten, and lengthen, we all know how hard it can be. But self-confidence in and out of your skin or your bedroom will only get you so far. You need to protect yourself first!
  
  Oh, what’s she rambling about now, this crazy hussy, you groan?
  
  I’m talking about the physical confidence that comes from walking tall after you get off a bus late at night, or getting to a party where there’s already a crowd and a dozen pairs of eyeballs staring and you acting as if it doesn’t make a lick of difference, or listening to your intuition when it’s telling you that creep at the office has a collection of panties stolen from coworkers and he’s after your cottony goodness.
  
  But I digress.
  
  Fact: the vast majority of victims of violent crimes are women. Sad but true.
  
  But how do I acquire that sort of self-confidence, you wonder? Well, I’m glad you asked! I’ve built a list of tips to keep your inner (and outer) Hussy safe and feeling fresh. Oops, sorry, wrong tip.
  
  In no order whatsoever except that they look good with them fancy little bullets on the side, Nathalie’s tips to a safe Hussy are:

• Get a chainsaw. Don’t forget the fuel, baby...nothing worse than running out when you’re about to let a robber know that, no, not only can he NOT get your purse, he stands to lose any part of himself that touches you too.


• Not into power tools? No problem. Machetes make excellent attitude adjustors.


• Don’t let the baddie take you to the second location. You hear that one everywhere, but it’s for realz...you pull a passive resistance move on him and drop to the ground. No way the baddie can pick you up, work the car door, and keep an eye on both your hands, which by now should be busy rearranging his family jewels.


• Say no. Sounds simple? How many women you know who can say “no” without anything else tagged to it? We always want to say why, and how come, and maybe next time. Practice it. Say NO. Although a well-placed “Just what you think you’re doing, Tarzan?! Hell NO!” works just as well.


• That you’re a petite femme or a Valkyrie, in this instance, size doesn’t matter. If you walk like you mean business and you project self-confidence, chances are, baddies will pick on someone else. Don’t look like a victim.


• Baddies can be chicks, too. Next time one gets in your face, offer her new batteries for her playthings, because *obviously* she needs it.


• Follow your gut.

In the words of personal security specialist and author, Gavin de Becker, “When free of judgment, we inherently respect the intuition of others. Sensing that someone else is in that special state of assessing hazard, we are alerted, just as when we see the cat or dog awaken suddenly from a nap and stare into a dark hallway.”

And in my own humbler, less eloquent, or even coherent, words, “Remember: whatever you do, aim for the (eye)balls.”

Sizzling, Seductive and Available Now

If you haven't checked out the latest releases from the Hussies, here's your chance.

Treaty of Seduction by Mary Winter

Zaldivar's queen has agreed to an alliance with the Concordance, a governing body, in order to gain new technology for her people. As loyalties are divided, the once-peaceful planet now faces war at the hand of insurgents.

Wishing to restore peace, High Priestess Tyranna Eairstar reluctantly agrees to a marriage with a Concordance officer. Tyranna's long-forgotten lust awakens the moment she meets her virile husband-to-be — but can she give her heart to him when she's given her life in service to the goddess?

Tyranna's intelligence, intensity and willowy body are welcome surprises for Major Trace Drakkal. The very sight of her makes him hard, and her body responds willingly. But Trace must convince her she can have both faith and love, while assuring her people the Concordance wishes to help, not harm.An ancient sexual ritual might be enough to convince Zaldivar and Tyranna that change can be a good thing.

Click here to learn more...

Tease By Nathalie Gray

Gentlemen Inc., Book One

Popular member of Gentlemen Inc., a global all-male escort agency, Archer has a week to transform overachiever police officer "Calamity Joan" into an exotic dancer. Morality squad undercover cop Joan Blair has a week to infiltrate a private club controlled by Montreal's organized crime and catch a world-renowned crook.

Together, Joan and Archer have a week to discover what makes the other tick, what sets their blood to boiling, their body quivering, their heartbeat racing. A handful of days to gauge and tease the other. A fistful of nights spent white-knuckled through a carnal rush that will leave them on a precipice where a mere frisson can tilt the scales and a look melt a woman's heart…or break it in a thousand shards.

A week to test each other's limits.

Click here to learn more ...

Hot in the Saddle - Scout 'n' Cole
By Ciana Stone

Book 3 in the Hot in the Saddle series

Cole had no trouble attracting women. The Russell men were all blessed physically, and Cole was no exception. However, finding a woman who could match his passion for the wilderness as well as ignite passions of a different kind in his life was the problem.

Scout Windrider knew that love wasn't for her. She'd yet to encounter a man who took her breath away, and figured it was just as well. What man would want to hook up with a woman who spent most of her life in the wild, tracking mountain lions

Neither of them could have foreseen being paired in a no-kill hunt turned deadly that would force them to confront an explosive attraction hot enough to consume them with its heat. Faced with a murderous madman intent on exacting revenge against the Windrider family, Scout and Cole take a leap of faith with each other, and discover something relegated to myth and legend prove to be true, that will touch their lives in a way that will change them forever.

Click here to learn more ...

When is being bad sooooooo good?

Why right here on The Hussies Blog. As Sahara likes to say "When we're good, we're good. When we're bad, we're better."

Well, we're getting better all the time, with lots of treats for you. Be sure to visit us on Mondays for Surviving Monday with Sahara Kelly. No one better to tell you how to get through the day with your Hussy style in tact that our own Sahara!

Every other Tuesday we're treat you to Hussy Charm School with Mary Winter. Hold onto your hats (or should I say knickers) and get ready to be charmed and learn to charm.

Wednesdays be sure to visit us for an exciting new feature: Humpin'Hussies with Ann Wesley Hardin. Each week, Ann will be listing the exciting new releases from Ellora's Cave and dishing with you about the books.

On Thursday wear something cool because you'll Be Getting Naughty With Nic. Yes, Nicole Austin will be here to show you getting naughty Hussy-style.

Saturday we'll be putting some KaPow into your weekend when we bring you Smack that Villian! with Nathalie Gray.

And on Sunday, Sally Painter and Ciana Stone team up with one of our Hunks to bring you She Said, He Said, The Hussies and the Hunk answer all your questions about love, romance and sex.

So grab your coffee, tea (or if you're a delicious hunk) me - and stop on by.

And remember, your inner hussy just loves to come out and play!

Cheers from....
The Hussies
Sally, Sahara, Nicole, Nathalie, Mary, Ann and Ciana