Sunday, August 4, 2013

Summer Lovin' Blog Hop







Welcome to the Summer Lovin' Blog Hop. Over fifty authors and bloggers have joined together to give you the chance to win an awesome bundle of books as well as read some great posts. Be sure to go to each blog  and comment with your email to up your chances of winning. Each comment counts as an entry! Our lovely bloggers are also offering individual prizes so be sure to check them out.


For this post, I decided to try my hand at Flash Fiction.  I wanted to see if I could do it, and the truth is, I can't.  I started with an idea in my head, and I wrote it down, and now it's just the beginning of a longer work, to be completed soon...


Sweaty skin sticks together as hot gasps tear the air to shreds.  Fingernails grip backs, buttocks, nipples.  Teeth graze flesh and toes curl.   The scent of candle wax and body oils fill the room.  Souls collide in a mesh of desires, if only for a brief period in time.

This is what happened to Casey, every time she saw the man down the street, working on the roof of Mr. Jackson's house.  Of course, he did't realize she'd been undressing him all week long, as she sipped a cold beer on her porch.  But that's okay.  It's not like it's anything that could ever happen in her lifetime.

She sighed as today, for the fourth day in a row, she watched him climb the ladder, a package of shingles slung over his shoulder like a rag doll.  His tan, muscular shoulder, completely visible through his T-shirt, sticking to him with sweat.

Licking her lips, Casey took another sip of her beer, drinking in the sight of the nameless worker down the street.  Once he got up on the roof, he dropped the shingles and stood there, wiping sweat from his brow.  A gust of wind blew by, and Casey pushed her hair back out of her eyes, so she could keep watching him.

Except now, she saw him watching her.

His movements stilled, and he put one hand on his hips, standing on Mr. Jackson's roof, jeans slung low, T-shirt a little too snug for polite company, squinting his eyes against the sun.  He looked at her for a little while, then seemed to come to some conclusion, as he tossed Casey a casual wave, and squatted to get back to work.

He knows I'm watching him, now.

But she couldn't tear her gaze away from the power that emanated from the man on the roof.  She knew she was being stupid, fantasizing about a stranger.  Crazy, even.  Stalkerish.

But she couldn't help it.

Casey sat there, legs crossed to ease the ache in her loins.  Her arms brushed across her nipples, which were stiff as pencil erasers, straining against her tank top, every time she raised her beer bottle to her lips.  This guy made her hot.  Hotter than the Texas heat.  The sweat above her lip and on her hairline could have been caused by the sun, but she chose to think it was him.

Because it wasn't just her skin that was on fire.

Watching him work made her insides burn with an intensity that was undeniable.


Casey had read that book.  The one that had been featured on Oprah a few years back about visualization.  The fact was, she had always been one to obsess over what she wanted.  When she'd read the book, she'd realized that if she put enough focus and energy into something, her chances of getting it improved.  It seemed to work with her professional life, there for a little while, but it had yet to work with men.  Men were certainly the most fun to fantasize about, certainly more fun than jobs.

As she finished her beer, she continued watching the man down the street.  Silhouetted against the sunset, a brilliant display of oranges and pinks, she could see his body shimmering in the heat of the dying day.  He was packing up his things, and Casey decided it was probably time to go inside.

She stood in front of the AC window unit, feeling the frigid air hit her body, as she closed her eyes and thought about the vision of the man on the roof.  He'd taken his shirt off, and tanned muscles stretched and flexed as he hammered, bent, and reached.  A sheen of perspiration coated his skin, and Casey's tongue snaked out to lick her lips.

She decided a little fantasizing wouldn't be remiss.  If she wanted him, she should put her thoughts and energies into getting him, shouldn't she?

Casey imagined him, walking down his ladder, the tee-shirt he'd taken off tucked into his back pocket, tool belt slung low on his waist, carrying his sack of larger tools over one shoulder.  He slings the tool sack into the bed of his truck, and looks over to her house, question in his eyes.

What color where his eyes?  She hadn't seen him that closely, so she should make up a color.  That would make the fantasy more real.

His hair was brown, so his eyes probably were, too.  A dark mocha color.  Yeah.

His mocha colored eyes squint in question, as he thinks about what he should do.  Nodding to himself in answer, he squares his shoulders, and looks down to unbuckle his tool belt.  Strong, thick fingers work the clasp as he deftly releases the belt and tosses it into the back of the truck, before throwing in his tee shirt as well.  Shirtless, he strides across the street with purpose and marches up Casey's lawn.

When he gets there, he knocks

In her fantasy, Casey has just gotten out of the shower, where for some unknown reason, she has groomed herself carefully, so when she opens the door, she is clad in only a bath towel.  As the stranger's gaze falls on her, his mocha eyes burn with an intense heat that makes Casey's insides quiver.

He doesn't say a word, just takes a step inside the house, kicking the door shut behind him, and the need that has consumed him on the walk to her house takes over.  He pulls the towel from her body, eliciting an excited gasp from her, before ravaging her mouth with his, while his hands roam over her contours: grasping, stroking, tweaking.  Casey is a raging inferno, and this man is stoking her heat.

Casey realized her fantasy had gotten really hot, really fast.  The AC unit was not doing its job, maybe a cold shower would.

One more glance out the front window to see what the mysterious stranger was up to now. Nothing, he was by the truck, so she went to the bathroom to start her shower.  She figured she could continue her fantasy after her shower, maybe in bed with a toy.

Before she could turn the nozzle, a knock at her front door surprised her.  She walked back to the front of her house, her stomach fluttering.

Could it have worked?  Did her fantasies actually make him materialize at her doorstep?  But she had specifically worked a shower into her fantasy, so she'd be clean.  Right now, she was still all sweaty from sitting on the porch staring at him all afternoon in ninety eight degree temperatures.

She steeled herself for a proper mauling, then opened the door, beginning her gaze at his feet.  Scuffed, worn leather work boots tucked into scruffy, tar-stained jeans with a small hole in one knee, led to the too-tight tee shirt that outlined muscles too numerous to name.  When her gaze landed on his suddenly familiar face, she saw what color his eyes were, and her breath came out in a whoosh.  Gun metal gray.  Tabby-cat gray.  Smokey gray.  Brent Baum gray.

Fuck me.  It's Brent.

Her voice came out of her mouth sounding like a choking wheeze.  "Brent?"

Be sure and leave a comment, with your email to be entered to win one of a kajillion prizes.  I believe they are all listed on the Love Lust and Lipstick Stains blog site below...Visit the other blog sites, and leave emails in comment section.  Each comment counts as an entry!













Monday, July 29, 2013

New look, same great Anne. Possibly even more!

You'll notice my blog has a new look about it today.  I've been re-thinking my whole blog, and wondering exactly where I want to go with it.  I still want to help promote other Indie Authors, I still want to give my thoughts on other peoples' books, and I still want to submit my regular readers (both of you) to my random thoughts every once in a while.

My goal is to continue to have a daily post (although the month of July has gotten past me and that has been rather irregular).

I have misplaced my blog calendar with my scheduled author spotlights, so if you have signed up for a spot on my blog, I no longer have that information.  I'm terribly sorry.  Feel free to contact me and let me know.  In the meanwhile, if I receive an email full of information, I'll know I've committed myself (in more ways than one) and get the information up here.

Before everybody floods my comments with, "Why don't you use an online calendar gadget?" Just know that is all beyond me at this point in time.  If I have to figure out how to use another computer thingie, I will pull out the rest of my ratty hair.

Later this week, I'll be hiding at my brother's Lake House to do some writing.  Nothing else.  The voices inside my head have gotten to be a little too much, and they're warring with my children for attention.  I'm succombing to the voices (because they're so much more fun) and running away for a couple of days.  I'll be sans internet, TV, children, husband, mother, and any other duties (aside from watering my brother's plants and checking his mail, both of which I promised I would do).  I may even go online and post a picture of his beautiful view.  Although, I may not.  It might be something just for me.

I knew this summer would not be about my writing.  I knew that it would belong to my children and my mother.  Every summer, at the beginning of June, I take my planner to Mom's house (the same one my blog posts are in) and let her fill it up with activities I should do with her and the kids:  church camps, dance conventions, t-ball games, trips to six flags, etc.  I believe I'm finished with my obligations to everybody else, and I need some me time in the worst way.

So I'm taking it.

I also have some books to review, and am looking forward to those, as they will be sort of pleasurable (I hope).  I would love to get back to reviewing on this site.  I think that would be a wonderful service to the Indie Author community.  Possibly one that can be repaid in kind.

So, this will probably be my only post this week (unless something lands in my inbox), and I'll post again on Friday or Monday.  Until then...

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Breaking the Rules by Melinda Dozier 7/24








A forbidden love affair in the past has led Hope Robinson, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, Florida, where she commits herself to play by the rules.  This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who—even strapped in a cast—has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.  Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops, though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs—and their hearts—are worth the risk.


My husband and kids were out of town, and I used the opportunity to read in a silent house.  What did I read?  What I've been looking forward to since I received the ARC a month ago, Melinda Dozier's Breaking the Rules.

This was a sweet contemporary romance with a lot of heart.  The characters were well-developed and multi-dimensional.  The plot was predictable, but I loved it.  Most CR plots are, and that's why I read them.  I don't like to be heart-broken at the end of a book, and Ms. Dozier didn't disappoint.  This was a lovely read that I didn't want to put down until the characters got their HEA.

Colin was funny, flirty, and all-around great sexy guy.  Hope was an independent, put-together woman with a soft side.  When they get together, sparks fly, and neither can deny the chemistry.  They deal with conflicts, and in the bedroom, Hope's inner Tiger is released.  It was good.

My only problem with the story was one I probably only noticed because it's something that I'm guilty of in my own writing.  Hope is fickle.  She would tell Colin one thing, then change her mind the next paragraph or chapter.  It added to the conflict, but it frustrated me, and made me not like her as much, yelling at the page, "Why couldn't I have met you first, Colin?  I wouldn't do you that way!"

Ah well, at least I'm connecting to the characters.

About Melinda:


Melinda Dozier lives in Guatemala, Central America, with her husband, three boys and German Shepherd.  She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they’re grown. Learn more about her at www.melindadozier.com. You can also find Melinda on twitter at www.twitter.com/melindadozier or Facebook at www.facebook.com/melindadoz




Melinda is giving away an ecopy of Breaking the Rules and winners choice of a Yankees or Red Sox baseball cap through her tour wide giveaway. Winners must enter via Rafflecopter and will be chosen on July 27.  You can enter the giveaway HERE

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Author Spotlight on K. Pinson



I got the chance to interview K, so without further ado...Here you go!

Describe your writing process.

I put pencil to paper.....lol..no, just kidding. Well kind of.
I generally like to do some character pieces . Just short stories on each of my main characters to help me get into their heads. Then I try and write a chapter by chapter outline. Most of the time the story doesn't even flow like I originally planned. I just write and let the story goes where it intends to. 

What motivates you to sit down and write? 

My readers. The reaction they have to my teasers and my story. I love that feeling. I love getting my words down on paper and hearing positive reactions.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My friends, my family, my past experiences. Inspiration comes at me from numerous directions. I am so blessed in life.

Do you have any writers that you consider mentors?

K.A. Robinson has helped me immensely through out the entire process. I would truly be NOWHERE without her encouragement and answering my stupid, crazy, dumb questions. She never ceases to amaze me. She is brilliant.
I really love Sophie Monroe, Heidi McLaughlin, Melissa Andrea, Madeline Sheehan and Tabatha Vargo as well. They are all AMAZING Authors.

What do you think your greatest strength is in your writing? 

I think I am really good with descriptive paragraphs and thought processes. I have been told I am really good with taking people into the story and helping them to actually be able to visualize exactly what is going on.

What is your biggest challenge?

I think my biggest challenge is Male POV as well as some of the conversations.

Do you ever experience writer's block?  How do you get through it? 

I have experiences writers block of sorts. Generally I take a break. Revisit the story. I don't want anything to be forced. Music is also a great outlet.

Name some authors who have influenced or inspired you? 

Abbi Glines, Teresa Mummert, J.K Rowling, Anne Rice

Tell a little about your most recent work.  

I am currently in process of editing my sequel to In Spades which is titled House of Cards----Will Avalynn and Daxton make it through this or is their relationship built only as strong as a House of Cards, ready to crumble at any moment?
And am writing a stand a lone novel titled Between the Raindrops---Are the lifestyles of the rich and famous all they are really cracked up to be or will Nevaeh succumb to her old life of solitude and forget-it-all attitude?
Both titles fall under the New Adult Genre...and are available to read the full synopsis' on Goodreads or my author page on Facebook :)

Tell us about your favorite character from the book

My favorite character is probably Daxton.
He is my love. Haha. He is always so fun to write and to visualize. He's basically my dream man ;)

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for other writers who are looking to publish? 

Get your butt out there and dream BIG. Don't let other's keep you down. Get some trusted betas, create a Facebook fan page, stir up some excitement.  Release teasers! Write! Do it for you and those that love what you do.

Thank you so much for the interview. I hope that you all enjoy In Spades and future works! :)











Monday, July 22, 2013


Amazon Buy Link



Blurb:

Charlotte grew up in the Boston socialite spotlight.
Bentley grew up on the wrong side of the tracks.
One chance baseball game will change both of their lives forever.
But will their relationship stand the test of ex-lovers, arson, and Charlotte's parents?







Author Links

Bio:
Danielle A. Elwood is a blogger by trade who started writing her first romance novel Take Me Out as a hobby in 2012. She is a avid romance novel lover herself,  which inspired her to take the leap into writing her own. She resides in Daytona Beach, Florida with her family. Some of her inspirations in writing include Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, Laura Kaye, Melony Anne, and Jamie McGuire.

As is usually the case, I cannot get the rafflecopter links to work, I can't even get them to copy and paste...ARGH!  But there's a cool giveaway with this one, so go to Danielle's website and email her for more information.  Sorry!  :(




The Romance Reviews