Lust In Time

ANNOUNCEMENT: Closing Shop

2010-04-08T22:04:00.004-04:00

After much thought, the Lust in Time blog will be closing its doors. We've enjoyed having wonderful guests, lively conversations and informative discussions. To all our friends, we will see you out and about on the 'net and, as always, we welcome your comments and continued friendship--you can find our contact information on our individual web sites, which we hope you'll bookmark and visit often!

Kristi
Amanda
Charlotte

Please watch for updates on our upcoming Celtic Spice anthologies at our Celtic Spice website.

Also, please look for us on places like Goodreads.com and Twitter--all the LIT Ladies are tweeting now! Here are our Twitter IDs:

Kristi: KristinaCook
Amanda: AmandaMcIntyre1
Charlotte: ChFeatherstone

We'd love to see you over there!

And lastly, don't forget that both Kristi and Amanda will be at this year's RT Booklover's Convention in Columbus, OH. Additionally, both Kristi and Charlotte will be at the RWA National Conference this July in Nashville, TN. We'd love to see you!

Again, thank you all for the wonderful support and friendship you've shown us through the years. Lord Craven-Moore would say 'goodbye,' but I'm afraid he's too distraught at present...

For now, from all of us--Kristi, Amanda, Charlotte, and his lordship...adieu!

Friday Eye-Candy...

2010-03-26T14:58:00.008-04:00

Just adding some eye-candy to go along with my newest obsession (somehow I missed it in the 80s--I was busy on Friday nights!).

What is it with guys wielding guns and driving fast cars?! Is it the Alpha male thing?? I mean, Don Johnson is wearing a white suit and sporting a mullet, and yet I'm drooling all over myself.

Especially when he's shirtless, LOL! If any of you, like me, missed Miami Vice the first time around, the Centric Channel on cable shows an episode every night at 11 p.m. eastern!

Anyone else nursing any new obsessions?? If so, share!

ECLIPSE trailer....

2010-03-11T12:16:00.002-05:00

Totally off-topic, as usual, but I have to have a mini Edward Cullen fangirl moment here and point out that the first official trailer for ECLIPSE is now online....

And, as usual, it's too big to embed, so you'll have to go HERE to watch.

Monday pick-me-up Vid....

2010-03-08T11:58:00.004-05:00

What better way to start your week than with a room full of *hot* guys?!

Oh, and leave a comment telling me which part was your favorite, and I'll randomly pick someone to win some stuff. What stuff, you ask?! Well, I'll surprise you.

Enjoy.... (unfortunately, you'll have to follow the link below to YouTube because the video is too big to embed).

HANDSOME MEN'S CLUB

Winner.......

2010-03-01T11:30:00.003-05:00

And the winner of the signed copy of IMPROPER RELATIONS is......J! E-mail me to claim your prize. Congrats, and thanks to everyone for participating!

Welcome author Janet Mullany to the Manor!

2010-02-25T15:40:00.006-05:00

Okay, everyone--let's give a warm LIT welcome to Janet Mullany, author of delightfully fun, super HOT historical romance. Janet's here to talk about her latest release, Improper Relations (which I can't *wait* to read--but first I must wrest it from the hands of that naughty Lord Craven-Moore). Everyone who comments between now and Friday night will be entered in a drawing to win a signed copy of the book! Now, without further adieu......

Must a lady always put her husband first?

After losing best friend and cousin Ann Welling in marriage to the Earl of Beresford, sharp-witted Charlotte Hayden is even ruder than usual to potential suitors. Introduced to Beresford’s wayward cousin, Shad, Charlotte may have met her match in witty repartee–but he’s hardly husband material. Caught in a compromising situation, Charlotte and Shad are forced to wed, resigning themselves to a marriage of convenience. And they aren’t the only ones with marital problems… Have both Ann and Charlotte married in haste to repent at leisure? And where do their loyalties really lie? With their husbands, with each other, or somewhere else entirely?

Thanks, Lust in Time ladies and Lord FlexPecks—sorry, Lord Craven Moore, for inviting me here to talk about my latest release Improper Relations.

But first I need to tell you I’m in a scary, scary place for a writer. It’s an exciting place, too. It’s the place where everything begins… or doesn’t. I have a first line. I have a title.
But where the heck is the rest of the book?

Will it burst forth or will I have to sit down in a spot that isn’t my office and that doesn’t have internet and start doodling with pencil and paper? Or shall I give up the title and first line, as fabulous as they are, and look for something else?

It’s funny how some books come together fast and others need to be coaxed out, with soft crooning sounds and nice little snacks. My 2009 release, A Most Lamentable Comedy, came about very easily when I realized what a thoroughly disreputable person the heroine was and how the hero was equally wicked. And the title was a given, since it took place at a country house party where amateur theatricals took place.

My most recent release, Improper Relations, had the title right from the beginning. I’m very lucky in that my publisher, Little Black Dress (UK) likes my titles. It was my first marriage of convenience book, and I had a lot of fun with it.

I’ve always thought marriages of convenience could be very sexy—it’s sex with a stranger, with all the clumsiness and awkwardness and eroticism that implies. So the hero and heroine simultaneously get to know each other, in and out of bed, and love and liking develop in tandem.

I also had a lot of fun dealing with uptight Georgians and sex. For the hero (named Shad, it’s one of those shortened nicknames and it’s just unfortunate he sounds like a fish), things are perfectly clear. At first. Marriage is to beget heirs. Mistresses are for fun. But then…he falls in love. With his wife! And has hot sexy fun with her! Horrors. It’s not natural.

Charlotte, my heroine, is pretty much oblivious to his agonizing dilemma, but she catches on. She’s not much of a shrinking violet and she tends to be very direct.

“Shall I pour you some tea, sir? Oh, what a pretty teapot. Is it—”
The newspaper in his hand creases. “Charlotte, pray do not touch the spout that way. A footman might come in at any moment.”

"Which way? Oh. Oh, you mean…”

“Precisely.” He grins at me.

I help myself to some bread and butter, taking care not to fondle the handle of the knife overmuch, although I am strongly tempted to do so. It is quite refreshing to know that I can disturb him with the simplest of gestures.

I explore some other beloved tropes of the genre in this book, too, as I’ve done with all of my Regency chicklits: there’s a duel, a sports-mad brother, a makeover for the heroine that doesn’t quite take, masked encounters and mistaken identities.

What are your favorite Regency or historical tropes (or clichés)? And in which books do you think they are particularly successful? Inspire me for my next Regency chicklit!

Find out more about Janet at her site, www.janetmullany.com, where you can read excerpts, hear her reading from her books, and enter her contest.

Note from the LIT Ladies: You can buy Improper Relations here, with free shipping worldwide! (who can resist that?!)

Olympics Edition.....

2010-02-18T15:09:00.008-05:00

Okay, am I the only one glued to the Winter Olympics these days?! I'm watching way more of the winter games than I usually do--usually, it's pretty much just figure skating for me, but this year I've been watching some speed skating, some skiing, some snowboarding...just about anything, really (I draw the line at curling....sorry, curlers of the world; I just can't get into it).

Anyway, I'm *so* excited about the men's long program tonight in figure skating. If you missed the short program, ladies, there's some serious hotness on the ice. First off, there's Russia's Plushenko, the defending Olympic gold medalist. He's unbelievably cocky and arrogant--and I just *love* that about him! His jumps are incredible--he's one of the few competitors who does quads. Anyway, I find him very sexy...maybe it's his attitude?!

Then there's American favorite Evan Lysacek--a tall, dark and athletic guy with classic movie-star good looks. Vera Wang designs his costumes, and WOW! Amazing. I love to watch him on the ice. Looks like Grace Kelly should be at his side...

But my favorite?! Oh, how I love American Johnny Weir. Flamboyant, exciting, controversial both on the ice and off....but man, oh, man can that boy skate! His artistry is amazing--he's a beautiful skater, with the skills to match. And when he's not wearing the make-up and bizarre costumes, he is seriously smokin' hot (yes, yes, I know he's gay...whatever!). Anyway, I'd love to see Johnny on top of that podium tonight, even though it's a long-shot (Plushenko and Lysacek would have to seriously screw up their routines).

Anyone else watching the figure skating? If so, who are you rooting for?

Just for fun, here's a vid of Weir's 'exhibition routine' to Lady Gaga's Poker Face--it's *classic* Weir (bizarre make-up and all). Enjoy!

Everything Old is New Again

2010-02-10T11:16:00.005-05:00

So, Pink does a cover (a kick ass one, btw) of Led Zeppelin's Woman I'm Gonna Leave You, and all the tweens are suddenly ravenous for all that 70 and 80's rock! My kidlet happened to score brownie points on the school yard because she knew the name of the song, as well as the original artist, because quote 'my parents listen to that old fashioned music'....lol!!! She's right, though. And now my hubby and I making lists of songs that those savvy 'tweens' might like.

Music is big in our house. All three of us adore it, and usually, iPods are plugged into our ears and the TV is off. We all have our own tastes, however. I'm the most ecletic of the threesome. Hubby is a bit of a well...metal head, but I have to give him some credit, because there's been a few songs that he's pointed out that have been awesome for writing some really agnst ridden scenes. The kidlet, well, she's past the High School Musical stuff (thank the Lord) and is developing other tastes--Pink being one of them. Of course, that leaves me listening to Pink so I can screen for appropriateness. When she wanted me to download Pink's version of I'm Gonna Leave You, I nearly fell off my chair because, the night before, she was making fun of my musical choices--and this song was one of them. Of course, perhaps it was Robert Plant's I Can't Breathe In My Too Tight, Give Everything Away Jeans....man, wow... I'm surprised he could move in them, and really was he aware of just how...exposed his package was from behind that tight denim? Eeek.

Anyhoo, yes. Led Zeppelin is in heavy rotation for my writing. Strangely enough, I'm writing Lust (first of the Sins and Virtues series) to a couple of their songs. Once you get past the hair, the tight jeans etc...you really appreciate their lyrics, which sometimes are very mystical, and poetic which does fit into my sexy and opulent Fey court.

Mostly I'm listening to Stairway To Heaven, Woman I'm Gonna Leave You, Kashmir and Whole Lotta Love. I mean, how can one resist lines like this...'shake for me, girl, I wanna be your backdoor man. I'm gonna give you my love....' See, I can totally see Lust saying this to Chastity!

Anyway, it amazes me that these 'youngsters' are enjoying the music that was once the domain of my parents era! But they are. I'm still trying to get the kidlet turned onto New Order, The Cure, The Cult, Depeche Mode (my high school days) but in her words 'yeah, I'm not feeling it'.....but then again, that's what I used to say when mum and dad put on the vinyl LP's of Led Zeppelin!!!

So, what music or bands would like to dig up for a stroll down memory lane?

Gone With the Wind....with Vampires?!

2010-02-09T11:37:00.002-05:00

Amanda just sent me this link and I *had* to share--this is brilliant! A mash-up of my all time-favorite movie--Gone With the Wind--with Vampires, oh, my!

And oooh, it's got one of my favorite, alpha-Rhett lines, "This is what you were meant for...." but with a whole other meaning, LOL!

Watch....

Wicked Wednesday....

2010-02-03T14:02:00.012-05:00

Some wickedly hot LOST eye-candy for you to enjoy....

Any other LOST devotees besides me?! If so, what did you think about last night's episode, LAX parts 1 and 2?

The scene that makes me cry every time I watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KKkpexCvUU

Whaddya think??

2010-02-01T12:55:00.003-05:00

Confession time: right now I'm knee deep in revisions for my debut YA release (HAVEN, Jan. 2011, Simon Pulse). Which means I'm not working on anything historical at the moment. As soon as the revised manuscript is turned in, I have to get back to working on my next hot historical for Kensington, but for now, my brain is firmly in "teens and paranormal" mode, so bear with me as I temporarily hijack the proceedings here....

Some background--HAVEN is set in a fictional boarding school in New York's Hudson Valley, right in Washington Irving "territory" (in fact, Irving is supposedly the school's founder).

Everyone at Winterhaven--every kid, every teacher, even the headmaster--has psychic abilities, or "gifts and talents," as they call them: precognition, clairsentience, telekenesis, telepathy, astral projection. The school provides a haven for them, a place to explore their abilities and learn how to best use them in the "real" world. When the heroine, 16 yr. old Violet McKenna, first comes to Winterhaven, she has no idea that the school holds such secrets--or that some of the kids are hiding even *deeper* secrets than she ever thought possible.

I wanted to create a school crest for Winterhaven, an image to represent the school that I could use on my website and in promotional materials (like t-shirts), so I gave a graphic designer all the pertinent details--year of founding, school motto, emblem, colors, etc.

And this is what he came up with:

I must say, I LOVE it!! There are other, less "flourish-y" versions, but I can totally see this one on a solid black web page.

So...what do you think??

The Facebook Phenomena...

2010-01-26T11:28:00.005-05:00

Change of topic today...let's talk social networking sites. They're huge in the romance community, especially Facebook and Twitter (but also MySpace, Goodreads, etc.). You can generally find most authors on at least one. These days I try and keep a presence on both Facebook and Twitter, and I also follow many of my own favorite authors, even non-romance ones like Neil Gaiman, and I'm amazed at the way I feel "connected" to both readers and writers alike.

But beyond the whole reader/writer sphere, the whole phenomena of places like Facebook has amazed me. This weekend, I went to a friend's "all girls" dinner party, and the power of Facebook became evident very quickly. Once the wine started flowing, we started gabbing about Facebook, and one person's story led to the next.

For starters, the hostess is now seeing a guy that she went to high school with (20 yrs. ago!). Both single, they reconnected on Facebook last fall. Turns out that he lives in the same town as her parents do, many states away from where they attended high school. They were able to get together over the holidays, and voila! A Facebook love story!

Another party attendee made a Facebook love match, too--through her ex-boyfriend! The guy was her ex's best friend from high school, and he saw something she had posted (a picture, not of herself) and was intrigued, so he commented on it. Next thing you know, they were talking back and forth, getting to know one another, and totally falling for each other. They've since met in person, and things are looking good! The copious amount of wine consumed was getting us all really thoughtful and introspective, and we decided that maybe the entire relationship with the ex--apparently not a good one--was simply fate's way of bringing her together with this new guy, a man she wouldn't have ever met if not for the ex and his Facebook page.

My own experience was less exciting, but meaningful, nonetheless. My high school ex found me on Facebook recently. This was the one past relationship in my life that left scars, that left unresolved issues that have actually weighed on my psyche all these years (and it's been more than 20). Fast forward to now, both of us happily married with kids--and with perspective on everything that happened all those years ago. We've since had several healthy, no-holds-barred conversations where we got it all out there. Heck, I yelled at him. I yelled, he apologized, we talked and talked....and you know what?! I feel like this little black cloud that hovered hidden in my brain all these years is gone now. Poof, just like that. He feels better, too. I didn't realize that I needed to forgive him, but obviously I did. And he didn't realize how much he needed to apologize and BE forgiven. Feat accompli. (Yes, it was ALL his fault, LOL!) And now we move on.

How about you? Any Facebook Phenomena stories (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Goodreads, etc.)? (I know...sigh....the absence of wine makes it a bit harder to share) A person from your past you reconnected with? Someone you met through a mutual Facebook friend? Or even a fun exchange with a favorite author/singer/artist?

Merry Old England

2010-01-20T10:06:00.004-05:00

I'm in England today, Somerset to be exact! I'm having a steaming cuppa and admiring the view of Glastonbury Tor.

Yeah, I know. I'm dreaming. However, I am in Somerset, and I am admiring the view, from my just received glossy colored travel brochure of Somerset. Now, I've been to England numerous times, but have not yet had the pleasure of visiting the county of Somerset. The furthest west I've been is Bath and Salisbury.

So, what's the allure of Somerset? Ah...that most mysterious place of Glastonbury Tor. It's been there for millenia. No one knows it's exact purpose. It's been told that the Holy Grail is hidden there, deep in the Tor's labyrinth. It's fabled that Arthur and his knights stayed there, and that Arthur is buried there. It's told by the locals that it's really a fairy mound, and every Beltane and Samhain the faeries come out and walk amongst the mortals. For certain it's a mystical place, brimming with imagination and possibilities, and a certain amount of tranquility.

In my world however, Glastonbury Tor is the site of my Unseelie Court. As soon as I saw pictures of it, I knew that this is where my dark Fey princes would live and carry out their shenanigans! Deep in the labyrinth is the path to Faery. One path leads to the Seelie Court, or the court of light and the other leads to the Unseelie Court--the far more exciting court, if you ask me! lol!

It's a perfect spot for mortals and Fey to blend in, and with the surrounding villages and villagers, it's easy to make the mortals believe in the Fey folk.

So, Lust begins on the Eve Beltane, and the villagers of Glastonbury are all out making merry. The Tor rises like a mythic beast in the back, while in the valley, a Georgian May Day fair is in full swing.

So, now I'm sitting in my chair, with a warm cup of tea, pouring over the colored visuals. It's arm chair travel and it doesn't cost a cent!!! If you're interested in learning more about Glastonbury, click here: Glastonbury Tor

So, if you could travel anywhere, where would it be? What would inspire you in that place?
Happy Hump Day

Fetishes

2010-01-14T11:38:00.009-05:00

Ha! Gotcha! You thought this was going to be one of two things, a treatise on flesh fetishes, or something naughty penned by Lord Craven-Moore! Sorry to disappoint you. But it is about two, possibly three of my fetishes!

The last few months I've been researching; mostly late Victorian era society and fashion, along with the fantasy realm and folklore of the fae. It's been fun and enlightening. As with all research, one tiny kernal of fact can landslide into a free fall into weird and wanton places. During my research, I've continually come back to three of my secret fetishes...leather pants, old fashioned sunglasses and Bram Stoker's Dracula! I know...I'm weird.

But truly, I cannot tell you how visually inspiring Dracula has been to me over the years. Yeah, Reeves' performance as Jonathon Harker was wooden and all that, but the visuals...wow, and the barely tethered eroticsm....phew! I was drawn in from the very moment I watched it. And now I'm watching it again, mostly to get the feel for the vibe and tone I want for the Unseelie Court, as well as the dark, Gothic setting for the mass market historical I'm writing for HQN.

So, let's take Dracula. Sexy, sexy, sexy. Those three sexy vampires chicks? I love the costumes (what there is) and the jewellry, and their seductive ways. That really inspired the Unseelie Court in my Sins and Virtues series. It's decadent and sensual, exotic.

I also LOVE, love Gary Oldman as the count. Kristi will attest to my fetish with him and those damn sunglasses of his! Mmmm! The clothes, the gowns, the flimsy nightwear, the homes, the carriages...just everything is so inspiring for me.

Sunglasses....I have vowed for years that I am going to have a hero wear blue or purple lensed glasses and stare wantonly at the heroine behind those lenses. I have sworn over and over to do it. And now I've done it! Lord Black, the reclusive and mysterious hero in my historical (tentative title Dark Waltz HQN, Oct 2011) wearing them, and let me tell you, the heroine is smitten by him and those sexy glasses of his. But then, as I was writing Lust, I envisioned this Fey Prince standing in a perfumery, dressed in an embroidered frock coat, with little lace sleeves peeking out from beneath the cuff. He has longish dark hair, and when he turned his face to glance at his virtue, Chastity, he was wearing...sunglasses.

No, no, I thought! Too early for sunglasses. It couldn't be. So, off I went to Google, and consulted enclyopedias etc...and guess what? The Chinese have been wearing sunglasses since the 1200's...and since I'm writing in the 1790's well...sunglasses were an expensive, exclusive accessory for the rich. Naturally Lust must have them.
And now he can...

Leather pants. yeah, well, I saw one of the princes on horseback wearing black leather. I think it's continued reaction to that hottie on the cover of Velvet Haven. Man, he looks fine in his black leather trousers and ever since I've had absurd fantasies about leather pants! But in 1790? Hmmm, doesn't seem plausible even for a Fey.

Well....turns out leather pants, trousers, britches etc...have been worn by men for hunting and country fashion since the 1500's. Most were tanned color, but hell, I think my princes can come up with some black dye, don't you?

Oh, research! Sometimes it can so thrilling!!!! Now, I'm doing more research today. I've made myself some lunch, and I'm just about ready to pop my DVD in--Bram Stoker's Dracula, of course! I gotta have me some Gary Oldman in those sunglasses!!!

So, what movie has done it for you? Which one has captured your unfailing devotion? And why? Or, what book has captured your fancy with it's setting?

Charlotte's Getting A Makeover!

2010-01-12T09:11:00.002-05:00

Well, not me per se, although that's something I've always wanted! But my website, Charlotte Featherstone.net.It's time to get a new a look, not that there is anything wrong with the current look! It's just that I'm moving into a few new historical areas with my writing, and the site was going to need an overhaul anyway. So, I decided to take the plunge and go for it. My web mistress (Rae Monet) is fantastic, and she's got a lot of ideas for graphics. But what I'm stumped with is my part of the project--content. I've been pondering this all weekend. What do readers like, and expect when they go to an author's site? What keeps people coming back to check on what I'm up to? What brings new readers and visitors to a site, and what makes their visit memorable and enjoyable?

So, I was wondering if I might pick the highly intelligent brains of our LIT followers. What are your pet peeves at author sites, what do you like, what do you think Charlotte must have at her new site?

Thanks in advance for all your help!!!
Oh, and the site unveiling is going to coincide with the release of Sinful! Yeah, I'm so excited! A new site and Lord Wallingford revealed together!!! ;)

Welcome author Carrie Lofty to the Manor!

2010-01-04T22:16:00.004-05:00

Lord Craven-Moore and the LIT Ladies are delighted to welcome author Carrie Lofty to the Manor! Carrie's debut book (WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, Zebra Books) was simply fabulous, and I know she's got a quite a treat in store for readers with her newest release, SCOUNDREL'S KISS (and whoa, what a gorgeous cover)! So, without further adieu, here's Carrie....

A Secondary Character Speaks

Fernán Garza in SCOUNDREL'S KISS was a great surprise as I wrote this historical romance set in early 13th century Spain. With all of the attention paid to the Gavriel, a warrior monk, and to Ada, a recovering opium addict, Fernán became rather jealous. He insisted on having the opportunity to speak his mind. And good grief, can the boy talk...

Do not worry. I have not been offended. After all, I am a fourth son, used to lingering at the fringes rather than standing at the center of attention. Some would call me a buffoon, but how else was I to compete with three older brothers?

My brothers care little for me. In Castile, you see, estates are divided equally between all surviving children. To say I was an unwelcome addition to the roster of my siblings would understate the situation considerably.

So what could I do to but prove myself as idle, ridiculous and cowardly as everyone assumed? Only my father's determination to make something of me ruined my fine time. A man like me, one who loves wine, women and song...confined to a monastery? Death would be a lesser punishment. At least in death I might dance with womanly angels.

Now Gavriel...he was a man made for the austerity of monastic life. Too bad Ada spoiled his plans. I found it particularly amusing to watch him succumb to her rather mouthwatering charms. Love brings the (high and) mighty low.

What was that? Did I ever fancy Ada for myself? Well, that is an amusing tale. No matter her wide eyes and arousing vulnerability, I left her to Gavriel. Not even in dreams did I try my hand at winning hers. And my reluctance was not entirely born out of respect for Gavriel's rather intimidating command of armaments.

No, just because I am a buffoon and a fourth son and a very reluctant monk doesn't mean I cannot keep secrets. I have one that could get me killed, one that urged me to do something rather terrible...

Well, that's the first time he's been quiet all day. I hope you'll pick up a copy of SCOUNDREL'S KISS to learn more about Fernán, his secrets, and what he's willing to do to keep them!

How important are secondary characters to your enjoyment of historical romances? Leave a comment or question for your chance to win a copy of SCOUNDREL'S KISS. Best of luck, and thanks to Lust in Time for having me!

You can find out more about SCOUNDREL'S KISS here.

(Kristina says: Wow, set in Spain?! I cannot *wait* to read this book! Thanks so much for joining us here at LIT, Carrie!)

Edited to add: The winner of the book is MsHellion! See comments for details...

Once In A Blue Moon

2009-12-31T08:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, really, two auspicious events are happening today...I'm blogging (I know, gasp!) and there is going to be a 'Blue Moon' tonight, this last night of 2009.

A Blue Moon is really just an extra full moon beyond the 12 lunar cycles in a year. It occurs every 2-3yrs, and frequently does have a bluish, milky color to it, owing to dust particles, or swirling snow if you're in Canada, and daresay, the northern midwest of the US (I didn't forget you, Amanda!!). I think it's particularly fitting to have this rare event at the end of the year. It's a gift from Mother Nature, and a visible reminder that something new and exciting will soon follow. As a Cancer, I'm a moon child. I love moon gazing, and if it appears amongst heavy dark skies, I'm thrilled. The more 'angsty' the atmosphere, the more thrilling the charge.

The moon has long been a source of magic, myth and power. I can see why the ancient civilizations, especially the Druids revered, and worshipped it. Imagine viewing a full moon, glowing bright from an oak grove during some ancient Druidic rite? Imagine witnessing the change in the normal silvery radiance into a burning orange glow at the time of harvest. I can imagine the awe of our forebears. I can imagine what they thought of the moon's powers to transform, and the wondered magic it housed.

So, with this rare Blue Moon tonight, I'm convinced that my new year resolutions will be kept. I'm not vowing anything tricky. Yes, I have the standard, I will lose weight, I will eat better and not lack sleep, I will exercise...they're all there in the back of mind. But this year I'm resolving to find some inner peace. Contentment. 2009 has been incredibly good to me, and I have not always been so thankful and gracious for its gifts. In 2010 I will be grateful for what I have, and strive not to yearn for what I may not. I have been incredibly lucky to have such a supportive family and loving husband. I have good friends, and my writing career is taking off. I've gotten that elusive mass market writing contract and I've continued to grow as a writer. I have two wonderful 'sisters' both in friendship and writing with Kristina and Amanda. I also feel a common 'sisterhood' with our LIT visitors and friends. It is enough. More than enough.

So in 2010, I'm striving for an inner peace, and an awakened spirit that allows me to see just how fortunate I really am. It's been long in coming, and tonight, when I look out at the sky, and gaze upon the moon, I'm going to ask for peace and contentment.

To all our LIT visitors, and our readers, on behalf of the LIT ladies and that rakish, outlandish Lord Craven-Moore (who is planning one hell of a rocking Hogmanay!) may you find peace, beauty, and contentment in the new year ahead. I toast to you, a dram of Drambuie so that you may not go thirsty this year, and I pass you a nice fat log of oak, so that your home and hearth may stay warm and cozy!

All the best for 2010 from Amanda, Kristi, and Charlotte...oh, and Lord Craven-Moore, too!!!!

LIT Ladies on the 'Net Today....

2009-12-17T11:10:00.006-05:00

I'm the featured author over at Erotic Romance Crush Junkies today, talking about the WINTER'S DESIRE anthology--pop over there and comment for a chance to win a copy of the book!

Erotic Romance Crush Junkies

And Amanda has a very special guest at McIntyre's House of Muse today, for her Thursday Coffee Talk series--RT Bookreviews Convention Director Jo Carol Jones is guest blogging, and there's a *very* exciting prize being offered to one lucky commenter!! Go check it out:

McIntyre's House of Muse

Also, if you were waiting for a prize from Lord CM, he finally roused himself and made it to the post office--so goodies are on their way!

Blog and contest at FRESH FICTION Today only!

2009-12-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hope you all are staying warm!!
I'm blogging today over at Fresh Fiction , talking about holiday traditions and the upcoming Winter Solstice! (Dec. 21)

Stop by if you have a sec and be automatically entered to win a copy of Winters Desire!! First in a mini-series of Celtic Spice anthologies from the LIT ladies!

This 'bares' repeating!

2009-12-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry this pic has been on display before here at the manor, but honestly it does "bare" repeating!

Lord CM demonstrates a new form of "light bondage"...

Hope your holidays are merry and bright!!

The LIT Ladies

Its All in the Details: Dec. 8 A visit with author, Victoria Janssen

2009-12-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

My apologies to Victoria-(*stomping snow off boots) I'm afriad this midwestern storm and all the hoopla surrounding it has adled my barin and I forgot today was Tuesday! And that Victoria was getting in to the manor!! Come on where its warm and let me take off my gloves and scarf...brrr...the snow is picking up in intensity out there, so my guess is that Victoria--like it or not, you're here for at least a day or two!! Maybe you could share some of your fav holiday recipes as well--you dont have to make them--eating them is good enough for me!;)

So wrap your hands around your warm cuppa and help me welcome the talented Victoria Janssen to the LIT Manor! And, btw, Victoria, I was in a Barnes & Noble last week and picked up the book in real life!! Looks like a great read!

A fellow Spice author and with an imagination like no other, Victoria has brought to the reading world a bevy of fantasy, sensuality and history in her work! Her latest release, MOONLIGHT MISTRESS is another in her line-up of steamy, smart reads! Weclome, Victoria! Please tell us about your new release and what inspired this story. I see the cover gods at Spice once again were amazing in their gift! What a tantalizing cover!

It's great to be back at Lust in Time!
My new book from Harlequin Spice, a historical with werewolves, is titled The Moonlight Mistress and it's out this month. I've been amusing myself by going through my copy and re-reading my favorite moments, many of which are bits of historical detail. I love the tiny bits best.

See, I am a total geek and really love research for its own sake. It grieves me that I don't have time to read every one of my research books cover to cover…I buy rather more research books than I really need, and some of them are only peripherally related to the topics of my novels, but they're all just so interesting! And that's not even counting the books I check out of the library.

Just in case some of you readers are research geeks as well, here are my favorite World War One historical bits from The Moonlight Mistress and where I found them. I think that often the most interesting details, that give the greatest sense of realism to the narrative, are not the most major. It's the tiny, unusual facts that stand out for the reader.

The novel's opening line is "There were no trains to Strasbourg." And this is absolutely true. When the first declarations of war were flying back and forth, all sorts of daily activities were affected. I pored over Lyn Macdonald's 1914: The Days of Hope, which is a collection of first-person accounts placed into chronological order. One of those accounts, from the very day Germany declared war, mentioned in passing that there were no trains to Strasbourg. I couldn't shake that bit of information from my head; something about the specificity of it, and the narrator's shock that things were not as they should be, perfectly summed up for me the feelings of a character who's just found out they are stranded. I never considered using another opening.

"Best of all, there was a shower…with brass fittings on three walls in the shape of lily blossoms, and tiled in green-and-white patterns like lacework." Though I took liberties with the decorative elements, this idea of this period-appropriate shower originated in one I actually saw, at Casa Loma in Toronto; the real shower actually had six taps at three different levels. As a side note, the fancy ducal stables in The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover were based on stables I saw at Casa Loma.

The extensive section on the arrival of the British Expeditionary Force in France, and the subsequent battle and retreat, was mostly drawn from first-person accounts in Macdonald's 1914 with some fragments of information coming from several more general accounts of the First World War, including John Keegan's The First World War and, to a lesser extent, Paths of Glory: The French Army 1914-18. The fate of the regiment's boy trumpeters – to be left behind when their regiment sailed to war – came directly from the first-person accounts, as did the information that bandsmen might be assigned to be stretcher bearers. More than one account mentioned that many of the soldiers had new, ill-fitting boots. Even the crops growing in the fields the soldiers passed were all noticed by contemporary observers.

Many of the quotidian details about the lives of the British soldiers I drew from Tommy: The British Soldier on the Western Front 1914-1918 by Richard Holmes, including small economic facts such as this one: "…Lincoln owed Hailey a guinea sixpence, enough for a new overcoat."

Finally, most of the information about the hospital where Lucilla goes to work were extrapolated from The Women of Royaumont: A Scottish Women's Hospital on the Western Front and several other volumes about or written by British nurses and VADs. After taking the basic information, that there were hospitals staffed almost entirely by women, I blended details from different sources to suit my purposes, combining occurrences and locations. For instance, "She managed a greeting in Hindustani; her phrases were limited, but efficient" was drawn from a first-person account by a nurse who served on a hospital train, in Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front: 1914-1915. Shipment and supply problems at Royaumont led me to include this bit of detail: "Tanks of nitrous oxide were procured, but some of the tanks of oxygen needed to mix with it had leaked and arrived empty, and had to be replaced."

I could go on, but I think I've made my point. At the start of a project, you never know what details you might need and which sources might have the best details, so it's best to check out a wide range, and to pay close attention to everything.

~Victoria

So true, Victoria and the more detail , the more real it becomes for all of us as readers as well as writers, I think. Thanks for stopping by today and sharing with us the backstage process of this fascinating book! I think I have another for my TBR pile!!

CHEERS! Holiday Drinks.....

2009-12-07T12:30:00.004-05:00

Still talking holiday entertaining here at LIT--wish I was as clever as Amanda and could post in verse form, but alas....I have no poetic talents whatsoever!

I know Amanda and Charlotte will likely have some exciting holiday libations to share, but I thought I'd share my favorite, family-friendly holiday punch--a recipe that my mom submitted to Southern Living magazine back when I was a kid, and they published it!

I serve this wonderfully flavorful, fragrant punch in a beautiful cut-glass punch bowl with matching little punch glasses, and it's generally the centerpiece of my buffet table, surrounded by holiday greenery.

Enjoy!

Laurie's Cranberry-Cinnamon Punch

1 lb. fresh cranberries
4.5 to 5 qts. water, divided
2 1/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. to 1 c. hot cinnamon candies (i.e. "Red Hots")
2 whole cloves
1 (12 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
juice of 3 lemons

Carefully sort and wash cranberries; cook in 1 qt. water until skins burst (about 5 min.). Strain off juice and set aside.

Combine 1 qt. water, sugar, candies, and cloves; heat, stirring until candies have dissolved.

Combine cranberry juice, sugar mixture, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, and 2 1/2 to 3 qts. water; stir well. Chill. Yields about 5 qts.

You can garnish the punch with slices of orange or lemon, if you'd like. Oh, and it's also delicious served hot! (that's how I drink the leftovers!)

Okay, your turn--share some of your favorite holiday drinks (non-alcoholic or alcoholic!) in the comments!

And in the meantime, I'll leave you with this....Enya singing "Oíche Chiúin" ("Silent Night" in Gaelic). When I was writing "Lover's Dawn," I listened to this track over and over again, to help set the mood. It's perhaps my new favorite piece of holiday music (and you can find it on her "And Winter Came" album).

Seasonal delights short story: Finding the Holiday Log

2009-12-04T10:17:00.001-05:00

"Okay, I found it!!" she screamed as she rushed in all bundled from the early morning chill. "I had to walk in the knee deep snow--uphill,both ways to get it...but I got it!"

"I got "it" this morning too, my sweeting." Lord CM glanced with a smile at Kristi. "What blazing scheme have you got stirring in that head of yours now, Amanda?"

Charolotte appeared at the door, her hair dischelved, a smile on her face.

"The log! I found the log!" Amanda spoke enthusiasitically.

Lord C.M. chuckled. "Ladies,there is no need to search the countryside for the perfect yule log. Why, I have it right here..."

"Stop!" Charlotte held up her hand. "I need coffee first and plenty of it!" She stumbled to the cupboard and fumbled for her favorite cup. "I really need a big one this morning," she muttered, purusing the array of mugs.

Lord C.M. sipped his steaming cuppa and grinned. "That can be arranged, my dear."

"Do you think of nothing else?" Amanda tossed at Lord C.M. as she swept into the kitchen beginning to collect her ingredients.

The sultry Lord of the manor, clad only in his festive red silk boxers, grabbed Amanda's arm, hauling her against his brick-like chest. "Only when forced, my love. And you know I like it that way, too."

Tempted to take him up on his offer, Amanda sighed. "I promised to share this recipe with our guests. Now are you going to help me , or continue to be a sexy pest and detour me?"

"Is that a choice?" he asked with a smirk.

"For now," she replied, swatting his firm backside. Kristi and Charlotte joined in the fun!

"This may be the best holiday ever," Lord C.M. laughed as he held out his arms to gather the three women to him.

"Our guests, Lord C.M...." Amanda reminded him.

"Ah yes, come sit here and read me your list. Let us find what is so delightful about this log recipe of yours." He said patting his knee.

"Very well." The three gathered in the cozy booth of the kitchen nook and followed along as Amanda read.

Dried Beef Log

Lord C. M. chuckled. "Hardly dried."

"Hush," Kristi scolded him. "Go on, Amanda."

"You need:
1/2 lb of dried beef, sliced between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch.
1 lb. Velveeta cheese
3 oz. cream cheese
6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper, lay out beef slices, slightlt overlapping pieces.
Melt cheeses (in microwave or on stove) and pour over the beef. Sprinkle the bacon bits
on the melted cheese and roll-starting at edges--the width of the pan. Wrap waxed paper roll in foil, tuck ends and refrigerate. Flavors meld as it chills. Unwrap the log...

"I like the sound of that!" Lord C.M. interjected.

"Do you remember the year we got the giant red bow and..." Charolotte giggled.

"Can I finish, please?" Amanda asked offering the two an exasperated side-glance. She was determined to get through this recipe!

"Unwrap the log and slice in 1/4 inch slices. Serve alone or on crackers or cocktail breads."

"What in blazes in a "cocktail bread?" Lord C.M. grabbed the recipe from Amanda's hand.

"Certainly not one size fits all, my lord," Kristi purred.

"We'll explain later," Amanda said. "But doesnt this sound delicious to make for the season?"

"Indeed, anything the three of you stirs up in the kitchen makes me weak in the knees," Lord C.M. offered chaste kisses all around. "We'd better get started then!"

"Indeed," Amanda stated with a smile. "We love it when you're on your knees!"

Holiday Traditions...and Appetizers Galore!

2009-12-03T13:13:00.005-05:00

It was Christmas Eve. Aisling laid her head back on the chaise longue’s tasseled pillow and stared up at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of bustling activity below. Her father had arrived home that very morning, Jack the day before. The entire household was now in a tizzy, preparing for the Wainscott’s annual Christmas Eve open house.

At that very moment, Aisling’s mother was downstairs with the housekeeper, making certain that every little light on the Christmas tree was twinkling brightly, that every red velvet bow was straight, that the eggnog was perfect and the wassail just so.

In no time, their guests would begin to arrive. A buffet supper would be served, followed by a pantomime, and then a concert featuring traditional holiday music. The evening’s festivities would conclude at the stroke of midnight when the musicians played “Silent Night.” Each guest would light a taper and form a processional through the house and out the front door, where they’d all gather in the drive and stare up at the night sky for a few moments before blowing out their candles, gathering their coats, and heading back to their own homes.

These events had happened in precisely that order as far back as Aisling could remember.

--From “Lover’s Dawn” in WINTER’ DESIRE

‘Tis the Season….to entertain! And what better way than with delicious appetizers? Make enough of a variety, and you can even call it a light meal. When I was growing up, my parents traditionally invited over friends on Christmas Eve for appetizers and dessert, and I can’t even imagine Christmas Eve without my mom’s sausage balls (yum—but unfortunately they can’t pull double-duty as a Hanukkah treat). I’ve since added a couple new favorites to my appetizer repertoire, roasted red pepper tartlets and spinach artichoke dip. This year, I plan to continue the tradition of inviting over friends for a little pre-holiday cheer, and you can bet the three recipes below will be served! Enjoy!

Sausage Balls
2 c. Bisquick
12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb. sausage (hot or mild, depending on taste—I use Jimmy Dean brand)

Grate the cheese, the finer the better. Mix all ingredients and roll into bite-size
Balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 min. Can be frozen and reheated.

Red Pepper Tartlets

4 c. roasted red pepper strips (approx. 6 med. Sized peppers) OR 2 7oz. jars roasted red peppers, drained.
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. minced fresh Italian parsley
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. capers, drained
1 med. clove garlic, smashed, peeled, and mashed to a paste with
¼ tsp. kosher salt
1 small container ricotta cheese (optional)
1 package pre-made phyllo tartlet shells (I get these in my grocer’s freezer aisle)

Arrange drained peppers on a double layer of paper towels, and let them dry while preparing the recipe. Combine the remaining ingredients—except for pastry shells and ricotta cheese!—in the work bowl of a food processor. Process until the capers and parsley are very finely chopped. Add the drained peppers and process using on/off pulses, until the peppers are coarsely chopped. Stop several times to scrape down the sides of the work bowl to make sure mixture is evenly chopped. Check seasonings and adjust as necessary. Keep mixture in refrigerator till ready to serve—then remove to room temp. for 30 min.

Prepare phyllo tartlet shells as directed on the packaging. Then, fill each shell with a spoonful of red pepper mixture, and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, if you like. Heat briefly before serving.

Alternately, you can simply make the red pepper mixture and serve it as a dip—delicious with chunks of sourdough bread, or even tortilla chips.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2 6 oz. jars marinated artichoke hearts (drain, but reserve liquid for consistency)
2-3 cloves garlic chopped fine
1 10 oz. pkg. chopped spinach (defrosted and drained well)
1 lb. hot pepper cheese (Monterey Jack with chilies is good)
3 yellow chilies or jalapenos boiled for 20 min. and then chopped (do not discard seeds--you can substitute a few bits of jarred jalapenos for above, chopped, to taste)
½ bunch cilantro (optional—I hate cilantro, so I omit)
½ cup low-fat mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients and add just enough liquid from artichoke hearts to moisten.
Pour into small casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with Pam.
Bake uncovered for 30 min. at 350 degrees. Serve with tortilla chips.

What are some of your favorite holiday appetizers? Please share in the comments section!

Seasonal Delights: Cinnamon Ornaments

2009-12-01T08:43:00.001-05:00

Every room was alive with the scents of the solstice season. Roped pine branches curled around the railings from the keep entrance to the upper chambers. Bright red-berried mistletoe festoned the fragrant greenery and brought the gaiety of the holiday to the entire castle.

It was, as it had been for as long as I could remember, my most favorite time of year. My mother had dreamed that I would marry on the full moon of the solstice. And with the king's blessing, allowing the ceremony here at Durwain, in a small way she would be here, if only in spirit.~Winter Awakening in Winter's Desire-A. McIntyre

Like Sabeline, I have many memories of Christmas's past that bring me joy to recall and I look forward to passing them on to my grandchildren some day-until then I'd like to share them with you!

This is a "primitives" recipe that I used to make with my kids when they were small. They also make wonderful room scents all year long as you can cut them into any shape that you'd like. They add a nice touch to gift tags or to those small gifts. Especially nice for teachers, Sunday school helpers, or neighbors and attach with a box of homemade goodies!

The recipe:
1 cup of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground all-spice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 cup of applesauce

Mix dry ingredients. Add applesauce a little at a time (Mixture should have consistency of play-dough, so you can work it with your hands.) If mixture is to dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of applesauce. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on an ungreased surface. If mixture is too sticky to handle, sprinkle surface with a bit of cinnamon.

Use sharp-edged cookie cutters to cut out as desired. Place on level surface (I leave mine on the cookie sheet of cutting board) and air-dry for 4-5 days.(Turn them once half way through)

Recipe makes about two dozen ornaments, depending on the size of the cookie cutter. Use the end of a straw or small round stick to create a hole that you can put wire or ribbon through after it's dry. Ornaments will lighten in color as they dry.

You'll enjoy the fresh aromatic scent for months to come, and on a tree they are really beautiful with strung cranberries and popcorn. Or for a lovely centerpiece, make a few and add to a wooden bowl filled with cloved oranges and fresh evergreen boughs!

Share your favorite ornament or decorative recipe and be entered to win a multi-author signed copy of the beautiful Winter's Desire coverflat!

Nollaig shona!

Amanda

On the eve of December~

2009-11-30T19:24:00.001-05:00

Twas the night before December

and all through the manor

one can hear the titter of laughter

in unbridled candor.

Lord Craven-Moore chuckled

as he licked his lips with glee.

With Charlotte holding her spoon near his mouth,

and Amanda perched on his knee.

"Where is that imp, Kristina,"

he bellowed to the sky

and in she sashayed,

putting a twinkle in his eye.

With a face, oh so merry

and his women gathered nearby

he looked at each one

and then said with a sigh,

"It's time once again to bring merriment to all.

You've written and promoted,

all but cast me to the wall.

Well, enough is enough." He turned his head quick.

"For a few days, you're mine

and I intend to push ,pat and lick!

Every pie crust you make,

every chocolate concoction sublime!

"Let the holiday baking commence,"

he said as he grabbed the spoon from Charlotte

and clamped it between his pearly white teeth.

His smile was so devilish,

his cheeks, still unshaven

but he looked so delectable

in his red checkered apron.

"You want it all, don't you?" the three stated with mirth.

"Of course!" he replied as he unbuttoned his shirt.The Lit ladies continued, "The slaving, the rolling, we don't see the worth."

"Oh but ladies, I'm here to assist," he said with a smirk.

Their expressions perked joyously!

Their eyes, they grew bright,

as Lord Craven bent over once more

it was a heavenly sight.

"I found the sugar and flour and

I'll grease down the pans."

The LIT ladies nodded,

with a swoon as they fluttered their fans.

"You'll see, it can be fun!" he said,

laying a finger aside of his nose.

And much to the dismay of the ladies,

from his bent over stance, he arose.

but he gave them a smile

and picked up the buttery stick

"Who'd like to help me?"

All responded, toot sweet!

"Be nimble, my loves,

recipes are a delight,

but not half as much fun

as we'll have later tonight!"

"When we sit 'round the fire

and sample our wares

and eat , drink, and make merry

and whatever inspires!"

So from our house to yours

on this cold December eve,

we embark on a month of taking--

and giving, as Lord Craven quickly adds in.

Taking stock of the warm blessings

of home, hearth and good friends

and give without reservation,

our time-honored traditions!

So share with us boldly

what preparations you may--

that help celebrate this holiday season

in whatever way.

From Lord Craven and the Lit ladies--

Amanda, Charlotte, Kristina

we bid you the merriest of Christmas's

and a month of sumptuous delights!

We invite you to join us all season as we share some time-honored family recipes, soem quick tips to making your holiday less stressful and perhaps a surprise or two along the way!

Happy Holidays~

Amanda, Charlotte, Kristina & Lord Craven-Moore

Movie Review Monday -- NEW MOON

2009-11-23T13:00:00.009-05:00

Okay, first off, I should warn those of you who haven't read the book that there are some spoilers in this review--it's almost impossible to talk about the movie without them. I should also preface this review with a note that I'm now fairly certain that Rob Pattinson could dress up as Edward and stand on screen in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and recite a shopping list for two hours, and I would be thoroughly entertained. Therefore, I'm going to temper my opinion by including my husband's reaction, as well. I've seen it twice now, and I think I've finally got my head wrapped around my opinion. Overall, I'd say I liked it a lot, even while critical of the story itself. In fact, I'd say the movie's biggest weakness is that it's limited by the actual source material.

The good: The overall production quality was a million times better than the original Twilight movie. The make-up was better (as in, Edward did NOT look like a drag queen in this one, and everyone in the theater didn't titter every time Dr. Cullen came onscreen in his pasty white splendor). The effects were also a zillion times better--I thought they did an excellent job with the wolves, and there's even a beautiful scene of vampire/wolves running through the woods. Also gone was the weird blue/green tint that Twilight was filmed in, and the warmer colors somehow that made this film look more 'real'. There were some truly funny moments, too, and there were lots of laughs at appropriate times. Particularly funny were Bella's friends Jessica and Mike. Charlie the dad was, once again, a scene stealer and absolutely brilliant.

One surprisingly good aspect of the movie was the Jacob Black character played by Taylor Lautner. I admit, until the train wreck that was Breaking Dawn came along, New Moon was my least favorite of the books. I mostly skimmed/skipped the entire middle section, once Edward left, and then picked back up again at the end. I never much cared for the Jacob character, never bought the supposed 'love triangle' elements, and never felt badly for Jacob, because I felt like he *knew* where Bella's heart lay; he knew exactly what he was getting himself into. But in the movie, I totally warmed up to Jacob's character, and actually felt *really* badly for him by the end of the film (not badly enough to change my stance from Team Edward to Team Jacob, mind you, but still...).

I give huge kudos to Taylor Lautner for pulling it off--I think he showed some real acting chops, and the physical transformation was absolutely amazing (the guy's HUGE!! And he's only 17!). The theater erupted in cat-calls and wolf-whistles every time he took his shirt off (which was a lot). Amazing.

And I much preferred this toned down version of Edward--less weird hair, toned down make-up, and a totally different style wardrobe. RPattz just IS Edward to me, particularly this time around, and I could feel every bit of his anguish.

Another good: the Volturi. Very, very creepy. Michael Sheen as Aro was particularly wonderful! I saw him just last week in Frost/Nixon, and I didn't even recognize him. He played the part with relish, and it was fun to watch. Dakota Fanning was particularly creepy as Jane.

The bad: Well, again, the film is limited by the source material. It's a slow moving movie. Not a lot happens. If you've got daughters who'll see it, prepare to have a "This is NOT how normal people react when a guy breaks up with them" discussion. Much more so than in the books, I had thoughts of "Wait, why is *every* guy who comes in contact with Bella totally in love with her?" And there's definitely some over-the-top dialogue moments, again, courtesy of the book (along the lines of "Bella, you've given me everything, simply by breathing"). They didn't bother me, but they made my husband laugh.

Also bad was the addition of a fight scene with Edward and the Volturi near the end that wasn't in the book. I thought it was a really bad choice, mostly because it made Edward look weak, and who wants their hero to appear weak? Also, if you've read the books, you know how near impossible it is for anyone to fight Edward successfully--he can read minds; he knows his opponent's every move, and therefore can avoid them. We saw this in Eclipse, when the Cullens all practice fighting with one another. One of the funniest scenes in Eclipse is Edward and Alice fighting--he can read her mind, and she can see the outcome in advance. But it's like they just completely ignored this in New Moon, and I think it really weakened Edward's character, and for no real reason except to add in more "action."

The really bad: There's only one scene that I'd categorize as really, truly cringe-worthy. You'll know it when it happens, because the entire theater will titter loudly (at a point that audiences were not intended to laugh). Alice's vision of Bella and Edward in the future--that's all you need to know. Wait for it. I think Chris Weitz (the director) must have been on vacation that day or something.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. A lot. I'll probably go see it a third time. My husband--who never read the books and totally surprised me by *really* liking the original movie (he thought the campiness worked in its favor), declared New Moon "the worst movie EVER." Maybe the truth falls somewhere in between?

Anyone else seen it yet? Opinions?

Winners and Research Monday!

2009-11-16T10:16:00.006-05:00

Good morrow, everyone! I have a few things to chat to you about. First, though, the winner of a signed copy of A Highlander Christmas is (chosen at random, from a hat!) is..........................Patti!

Congratulations Patti! Please send your snail mail addy to molson@ciaccess.com
And thanks to all who gave me a nice, indepth look at what they like in their Highlanders!

So, this weekend, I've been doing research for my Sins and Vitues series for Harlequin Spice. It's set in the late 18th century, when men wore frock coats and a bit of lace cuff, but thankfully, wigs were out by then for both men and women! (men in wigs=not sexy!)

So, I've come across some really wonderful resources. I use them all the time. So, I thought I'd share them. I don't know how many authors, published or aspiring we have visting LIT. And since we're a historical site, I figured our visitors all like historical stuff...so, I've given a few links out to sites that I always visit whenever I begin reseach.

the National Trust is fabulous for researching castles, manor homes, inns etc...and there are many of these old sites that you can stay overnight in. I swear, I'm going to spend a night in a castle! I swear it!

This site is great for naming places, finding small villages, and for visual inspiration for your next rakish lord, or hunky highlander's dwelling! It's also nice to visit if you're planning a trip abroad, and want to include some historical homes on your tour. STourhead gardens (if you visit the site) is the inspiration for Sinful's Lord Wallingford's garden.

Next stop for me, is always the Victorian and Albert Museum. Although, on the three occasions I've been to London, I've never made it there. Next time I will!!! I've recently purchased two fabulous research books (pictures shown) from them. You can buy on-line. Wonderful resources for the writer, and a fun place to virtual visit and shop for those Anglophiles amongst us. The on-line collection of fashions and furniture is die for.

And Kristi...I see they have a 20th century fashion book as well, unfortunately, it's temporaily out of stock.

So, that's it for Research Monday. Enjoy purusing the links. And just out of curiosity, does anyone have a favorite era, and why?

Highlanders?

2009-11-14T11:33:00.005-05:00

Come now, ladies, do tell me you're not serious about this...Highlanders? Upon my word, I've been surfing the net and blogging with Sophie, and I cannot believe the utter adoration for these...beastly men. The sheer want, desire, and heaving bosoms for these fellows makes a full blooded--titled-- English gentleman rather morose. I ask you, what of the suave, rakish ENGLISH aristocrat? What of him? Is there no longer any bosoms heaving, and breathless flutterings for him? What is the allure of a Highland Hunk? Is it the mystery beneath the kilt?

I am wounded--deeply, for I acutally caught Sophie not only writing a book about a Highlander, but READING one as well. I vow, I had to run straight for Amanda and Kristi's arms! Of course, they welcomed me!

Highlanders! Pish Posh.

So, in retribution against Sophie's heartwrenching betrayal, I've stolen a signed copy of A Highlander Christmas, and am giving it away to a lucky commentor, who tells me just exactly how they like their Higlanders.

OH, by the by, Charlotte has yet to pick winners from the Winter's Desire release. She will be by Monday to announce the winners, and so will I.
Adieu, Mon Petite Anges!
Craven-Moore
XX

Veterans' Day!

2009-11-11T14:43:00.003-05:00

It's Veterans' Day here in the U.S., so I just wanted to thank everyone out there who has served our country!

Also, to everyone who won water bottles from our WINTER'S DESIRE launch party, sorry it's taking me so long to get them mailed out to you, but it's been a little tricky finding *something* in which to mail the bottles so that you don't received a package full of cracked, broken plastic. I promise, they're coming soon!

In the meantime, I hope those of you who've read WINTER'S DESIRE have enjoyed it! We're really looking forward to our next Celtic Spice anthology, BELTANE FIRES, coming April 2011!

And lastly, if you're into audio books, WINTER'S DESIRE in now available through Audible.com, Amazon, and iTunes! I've listened to it already, and the actresses reading the novellas are fabulous! To me, it was about the next best thing to seeing one of my books made into a movie. I loved it!

And just as a teaser, if you read my novella in WINTER' DESIRE, "Lover's Dawn," you might remember Aisling's brother, Jack Wainscott. Jack, home from fighting in the Great War, is the "hero" of my BELTANE FIRES novella!

New French Edition.....

2009-11-08T23:14:00.006-05:00

Just had to share, 'cause it's SO pretty....the French language version of TO LOVE A SCOUNDREL, which comes out Nov. 18th. This makes my 11th foreign release so far (and there's still more to come!). But this might be my favorite--or second favorite--of my foreign covers. I really love the French version of UNVEILED--Traitresse Tentation-- too (you can see them all here).

Too good not to share...

2009-11-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

A little more fun...

write a two line blurb for each picture below.

Wicked Wednesday: Can you guess?

2009-11-04T10:16:00.002-05:00

We've talked briefs, we've talked tatts...have we talked about hair? Oh, probably..Charlotte likes her bad boys with long hair...Kristi, likes those English boys and me...ecletic, as always, in my tastes ;) But we all like (or shouuld) keep out options open, right? You never know what character you might find as you surf the net, watch a movie, or walk through a museum. Your quintessential heroe--be it brooding, intellectual, tender, brazen, alpha, beta, or any combination thereof...may suddenly meet your eyes across the miles, and in an instant...you are smitten! It happens to me all of the time!! Doesn't it you?

Intellectual & Groomed?

Shoulder-length Brooding?

Ooozing with refined style?

Does it matter?

The English gent?

Scruffy vamp?

Shaved?

Classic warrior?

Sexy Shakespearian?

Biker dude?

Full on ARRRGH?

Aging well?

Wandering locks?

OKAY.

Now for some fun...lets see how many of you can guess the picture that I have chosen to inspire the hero of my next book from Spice (after The Master & the Muses) The character's name is Randoph Mansfield -"Rand" for short.(no thats not a clue) and he is a detective in the Whitechapel district of London.

The name of the book (first named in public right here is...THE DARK SEDUCTION OF MISS JANE.

To the first one who guesses correctly, I'm going to ship off a copy of my debut novel from Spice -Diary of Cozette and a few yummy goodies! A great gift idea if you already have the book!

(and my humble thanks if you do;)

Let's see how well you think you know me! Enjoy the hunk hunt!

(*Kristi and Charlotte are disqualified)

Amanda

WINTER' DESIRE "Scavenger Hunt"!

2009-11-03T21:16:00.008-05:00

Okay, it's grand prize time!! But we're going to make you *work* for it, LOL!

Here's how it's going to work--I will list six questions. The answers can be found here in the past three posts, from the excerpts of the three novellas in WINTER'S DESIRE. Find the answers, and post your answers in the comments section.

The FIRST person to post the correct answers will win the GRAND PRIZE, the gorgeous "Winter's Sparkle" necklace from Gaelsong (but note, it's *just* the necklace--they didn't have any more earrings available).

The SECOND person to post the correct answers will win the SECOND PRIZE, the oh-so-hot Gods of Football calendar (if we can pry it from Amanda's hands, that is!).

And the THIRD person to post the correct answers will win the THIRD PRIZE, Loreena McKennitt's "A Midwinter Night's Dream" CD (trust me, the music is as gorgeous as the album artwork!).

Okay....is everyone ready? Here goes!

1. From Lover's Dawn: What color gown is Aisling wearing?

2. From Winter Awakening: The vast clear summer sky was awash with what?

3. From Midnight Whispers: What was Sinead sipping at the Solstice Celebration?

4. From Lover's Dawn: A dollop of what remained on Aisling's lip?

5. From Winter Awakening: Sabeline declared herself "old" by what?

6. From Midnight Whispers: Sinead sees a vision of her late husband David wearing a mask--what two colors is the mask?

On your mark, get set, go!

Midnight Whispers and Solstice Mummers

2009-11-03T10:38:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to the LIT bash celebrating the release of Winter's Desire. I'm going to take you on a bit of a different path, something not Celtic, but medieval, that still is done in some parts of the world to this very day. And that's Mumming. What's this you ask? Well, it's kind of an acting troupe that went down the street, or door to door on special days like May Day, Easter and Christmas. The troupe dressed up in costumes with masks, disguising themselves. They performed a play, usually one that depicted resurrection, or the eternal battle of good vs. evil. All the village would bear the elements to watch them, laughing at the antics of the actors. Mostly the plays were humorous and bawdy, but soome were more serious.

After, the troupe would be given a few shillings, or food and wine before moving on to the next village, or door.

Mumming developed in medieval Britain, and is still performed today in many parts of England, most notably the North. In Canada, Newfoundland (our most eastern province) is known for their Christmas mummers. In America, mumming was particularly popular in the state of Kentucky.

So, mumming, and all it's splendor is integral in my novella Midnight Whispers. You see, Sinead, the heroine is a widow. She longs for one more night with her husband, and many, many more nights with the young officer, Kieran. So, for David to come back from the dead, I made him part of the mumming troupe that performs in the village green of Sinead's village. I thought it was a unique scene, while staying true to the overall Celtic feel of the anthology. After all, the green has standing stones, an altar set up to pay homage to the goddess, and ah...well, some misbehaving on that altar, if you know what I mean!

Here's an excerpt from Midnight Whispers, where Sinead has walked to the green. A roaring bonfire is crackling as the snow falls to the ground on the eve of the solstice...

Holding the warm mug in her hands, Sinead sipped at the wassail as she scanned the crowd of revelers. Everyone from the village was here—youngest to oldest—celebrating the solstice and offering up gifts to the ancient gods and goddesses so that the bleak winter months would be neither unduly harsh nor long.

Everyone was making merry, laughing and drinking, calling out cheers for good health and a warm home. There was country dancing to the fiddle and the singing of old, seasonal songs. Cheeks were crimson with the slap of the cold breeze, and eyes were bright with the merriment of the festivities.

Walking around the enormous bonfire that was in the middle of the village green, Sinead, jostled by the revelers, watched from the peripheries, never really part of the celebration. Despite this, she had come to the place where the ancient stones had stood for centuries, watching over the tiny northern village. There was magic in those stones. She believed it, and not just because of her Celtic roots, but because she felt it. Especially this evening. A thrilling enchantment hung thick in the atmosphere, cloaking her.

Scanning the laughing faces, she did not see the one she longed for. Kieran was not present amongst the merry gentlemen who danced and tried to steal kisses from blushing maidens. She felt empty knowing he was not there. A part of her had believed he would be, and that part of her had been convinced that she’d give herself to him this night—this night of magic and passion.

“The Mummers!” a young lad cried as he ran into the circle of dancers. “They are making their procession into the village.”

“I wonder what they shall be acting out this year?” a young maid with rosy cheeks and sparkling blues eyes asked excitedly.

“Who cares, as long as Squire Bolton’s son is leading them,” answered her friend. The two began to giggle. Sinead found herself smiling. She had once been like them, young and carefree, with little more to worry about than thinking of a handsome squire, or village boy. It had been eons since she had a true friend to share a laugh with, or to tell secrets to.

The Mummers voices were carried on the darkness as they chanted their ancient song in Gaelic. Sinead could only recall a few words in her ancestor’s native tongue. Her grandmother had tried to keep their culture alive after Sinead’s mother had died when she was three, but soon her grandmother had followed her mother, and Sinead had been left with her father, who had loved her, but who had been too busy to see to traditions.

‘Bandia, Sianaitheoir, Beannaithe leannan’

‘Goddess, Savior, Sacred Lover.’ The Mummers were singing of the Priestess.
Sinead took a long sip of her drink, letting the mulled spirit warm her belly as she waited to see the troupe of actors which were integral to the solstice gathering. The voices grew louder until the costumed Mummers, their identities concealed by masks, burst into the clearing, dancing and singing. The crowd quieted, stepping back to give the actors wide berth. Nothing could be heard but the crackling of the giant bonfire and the distant hoot of an owl as the cast of actors found their places in the center of the green before the crackling flames.
Their leader stepped forward, holding his torch high as he walked in a small circle, addressing the gathered villagers.

“You see behind me the form of our Priestess, bent over her enemy, caring for him, loving him despite the barrier of class, religion, tongue.”

Waving the torch aside, he revealed the image of a cloaked woman bent over a man. Beside her, pots lay scattered, as well as trenchers. Her hands were moving over the body, healing him as she murmured words he could not understand, for the priestess was an ancient Druid, and the wounded soldier her enemy from across the sea. As the actress worked on the man who lay on the cold ground, the other Mummers broke out into song, a quiet chant, meant to relay the seriousness of the soldier’s injuries.
Sinead did not pay much attention to the play that was being enacted, but focused instead on the narrator of the piece. The way he moved, the sound of his voice, it was all so familiar. Mesmerized by him, she followed his movements through the crowd, marking the procession of the torch he carried as he told the sad story of the star-crossed lovers and the priestess whom they honored yearly.

“Despite his wounds, the two became lovers. Fierce was their loving, but with the dawn, the awakening of their divergent paths becomes all too clear. For it is the solstice, and their lives are never meant to be entwined.”
Suddenly the woman playing the priestess stood up, her arms raised to the heavens, reciting the ancient poem.

“No wanderer’s curse…”

Sinead froze as she heard the words that were embroidered on the small square of fabric the child had given her. Without warning, her gaze strayed to the narrator who pressed forward, his silhouette illuminated by the enormous flames of the bonfire. Slowly he lowered his black and gold mask, revealing his face.
The mug fell from her hand, warm wassail splashed onto the hem of her skirt as she stared in mute horror—hope. The eyes…the hair…

She reached out her hand, her fingers trembling. David?

He tried to step forward but couldn’t. Nor could she move, to touch the face she remembered so well.

“Soon, my love,” he said, donning his mask once more. “I will come to you. Soon.”

He was pulled back by the other Mummers and the eager villagers seemed to swallow him up concealing him from her. Sinead ran, pushing through the crowd, trying to find him, looking fruitlessly for the golden hair and the blue eyes that sparkled from behind the mask. Turning, looking, she found herself moving in circles, until she came to rest on the other side of the fire, closest to the stones. And to Kieran, who watched her from the other side of the flickering flames.
Their gazes locked. Her body warmed, heating with longing. What did he think? Did he know what she wanted?

Waiting. Hungering… the whispered words seemed to burn in Sinead’s belly, filling her with a warmth that curled low in her womb.

‘Do you want me, Sinead?’

She heard the whispered words, in Kieran’s voice. Closing her eyes, she savored the fluttering touch against her skin, but was impossible for it to be his touch because Kieran was still leaning against the stone on the other side of the fire. He could not have touched her, yet she felt it again, heard his voice once more.

Come to me…

So there you have it. A little prelude to some altar naughtiness. So, I'm feeling naughty. Let's have some fun with this. If you could be sacrficed on an altar, who would you have ravishing you?

And Craven-Moore is standing here, offering himself as a sacrifical lamb, if anyone would like to discover what's it like to be a pagan on an altar!!
I'm giving away...let's see....A LIT Sport water bottle. And a box of gourmet Hot Choclate as well as a copy of Naughty Bits to a random commentor. And if anyone can read Italian, I've got an Italian copy of Addicted to give away....so go on, tell us who you would ravishing you...I'll tell you if you will!!!!!

Winter Awakening The Dawn of Newgrange

2009-11-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

Before the medieval age around the time of 3200 B.C., it is said the Tuatha De' Danann(the ancient gods and goddesses of Irlenad) built a burial place for the great king Dagda Mo'r. Newgrange, a megalithic mound was erected near the Boyne Valley in Ireland is thought to have taken over twenty years to build and has been called everything from a burial site and gathering place for tribes, to a the site of the home of the goddess of love, Oenghus. It is said to be hundreds of years older than the Great Pyramid in Egypt and at least 1000 years older than Stonehenge.

The neolithic farmers of that day relied on the change of seasons--planning their lives and their crops around the changes, offering fertility rites, prayers and offerings, scarifices and fire festivals at these designated gathering places. Precisely built, its measurements and intricate carvings have not changed over thousands of years.

On the dawn of Winter's Solstice, the light of the rising sun enters what is called the "roofbox" penetrating the passage, illuminating the chamber floor until it reaches the inner room. The entire process takes no more than 14-17 minutes to achieve. What makes this event even more interesting is one theory which states it was built as a symbol of the god of the light penetrating the womb of the mother earth--ensuring new life in a few months time. Sort of gives the shortness of time from start to finsih a whole new conotation, doesn't it?;)

Regardless, it is considered a sacred place, where gods and goddesses were worshipped and where seasons, time, and astronomy were defined by those who relied on the earth as we would rely on our watches and IPhones.

In the prologue for WINTERS DESIRE, we used the image of our druid priestess and her wounded Viking warrior as the setting for their secret forbidden affair.

On the dawn of Winter's Solstice, after her lover has healed and leaves her, saying they can never be together, she steps out into the moring light and arms raised, offers a prayer to the gods and goddesses above that he would one day return. Her chant is caught on the winter wind and becomes a legend that possesses undying magical power--revived in the secret wishes of the human heart...

In WINTER AWAKENING, Sabeline the headstrong only daughter of a Welsh king who by agreement has become a prince in order to have the protection from the King of England. To further the strength of his alliance and secure more lands and armies for England he orders one of his Marcher lords to marry the young princess. In the event that anything happens to her father, she would inherit not only her father's land, but her mother's as well as the armies and entitlements of both parents. Invited to the kings court one summer to meet her betrothed, Sabeline discovers all too quickly that her intended has little interest in her and more interest in buxom serving wench.

Rescued from certain humailation, she finds herself in teh arms of Sir Ranulf, her intended's older and wiser mentor and friend, who comforts her in an older brother fashion. But her heart is smitten with Sir Ranulf, despite his attempts to sway her otherwise and his honorable rejection of her awkward advances gives her hope in the years that follow that he will have considerable influence on her intended, Sir Benedict.

Alas, Benedict has only grown more unscrupulous and Sir Ranulf more handsome and charming. She is torn between duty to her father and the secret desires of her heart, until a druid seer shows her an ancient chant born of the magic of winter's solstice that could change the course of her life if she has the courage to follow it through.

This scene is the summer at court, where Sabeline and Sir Ranulf meet for the first time, after her betrothed declines to dance and Ranulf steps in saving face for the young princess. It will be several years before they meet again. Here they are conversing about the needs of men verses the needs of women.

Winter Awakening

“I see, so while you believe the union of a man and woman is a sacred act, you would agree it permissible to enjoy the benefit of the union, but forsake the commitment of marriage. For I assume, milord, a virile man such as you does not practice celibacy?”

I blinked as I held her questioning gaze and wondered how in the devil we got into this conversation. Concerned that others might hear and misunderstand, I steered her gently out onto the flagstone terrace outside the great hall. With the music still playing too loud to speak, I guided her carefully down the stone steps that lead to the castle garden. At the bottom, I turned to face her and blurted a candid warning.

“Lady Sabeline, please forgive me, but I do not find these questions proper for one who is not your intended.” I took a deep breath and cast a glance to the sky, taking a second look as I appreciated the vast clear summer sky awash with stars. There, I had settled my tension. I looked at her with a congenial smile.

Her brows rose. “Then it is all well and good that we understand that my intended has his needs and thus is purely within his rights to appease them without quarrel?”

I sighed as I paced back and forth in front of her. She had a point perhaps, but a true lady could not afford to take such liberties as did a man. “It is not the way it is done,” I stated as plainly as I could praying that the conversation would no go further. Having to stand alone with her too long beneath a moonlit sky caused me unease. After all, it had been a long time since I had held a woman in my arms, tasted the pliant sweetness of a woman’s mouth.

“Then perhaps the way it is done should be revisited, milord. For in truth, are not a woman’s needs as great as a man’s?”

Oh, great goddess in heaven! This was far more than I was prepared for. I started past her up the steps, hoping she took well my meaning. It was far too dangerous, this conversation about unions. "Excuse me, I must get back to the banquet hall.”

“Are we finished then, milord, because you say that it is so?”

She turned to look up at me with a defiant look, her chin held high. I was going to regret going back down those stairs to meet her face-to-face. “Despite your age—“

“I am a grown woman, Sir Ranulf.” She leveled me a look that I should have seen as warning. “Old by English standards of marriage,” she added dryly.

“It is well known that a lady is able to control her needs. It is, by nature’s design that a man cannot. It has been determined that it can affect even a man’s health.”

She looked at me with a startled expression, a smile lifting from the corner of the mouth. “And how is your health, Sir Ranulf?”

My gaze rested on her mouth, the same one that had tempted me from the moment we met. I realized she was teasing me. She began to laugh.

I glanced to the top of the stairs, hoping that no one heard her laughter and question why she and I were out here alone. My concerns unfounded, there was no one in sight. We were quite alone and I was no more comfortable with the wicked thoughts skating at the edge of my brain.

“I do not know, Sir Ranulf,” she said, “which I find more amusing. The fact that men cannot control their desires or that you truly believe that a woman should.”

I had the foolish wish that she might act upon her current need—or mine. But to risk getting caught would by certainty ruin her reputation. Still, I could not help but poke back at her with a harmless challenge of my own. “Are you saying, milady, that you have no wish to control your desires?”

Her laughter waned as I stared at her. Just one kiss to purge the curiosity of showing her the passion of a grown man, not one who had no idea of the prize he was being given. Somehow I found justification, shallow though it was, to appease my desire.

I took her face in my hands and brought my mouth to her lips, intent on taking a quick taste, but one was not enough, so I took another. I was lost in the sweetness of her sigh, how she trembled when I touched her. I urgently stepped away, pushing my hands through my hair to keep from touching her again.

She licked her lips as she met my confused gaze.

“My apologies,” I stated. “I lost control of my emotions for a moment.”

“Shall I no longer be a lady in your eyes, milord, if I were to admit my desire for you?” she whispered, her finger brushing over my lower lip.

“Sabeline, I am old enough to be—“

She lifted to her toes and kissed me fully, her soft hands cupping my face.

“This cannot be.” I lowered my head, seeking every grain of nobleness in me. But my mind warred with my need to have her, to take her into the garden shadows and give her that which she claimed to want.

“But what of my desire?” she asked as her hand slid between us, stroking the length hardening even now beneath my breeches. Her mouth teased mine. It was then that I realized this was a game to her. I caught her hands, holding them between mine.

“You are young yet and do not fully understand the power of your desire.” I swallowed hard as I stepped away from her. “Excuse me, milady.” I headed back to the banquet.

“Milord, when will you be old enough to understand yours?” she called after me.

More excerpts to come ! I'd like to hear what your favorite winter tradition is! Leave a comment and be entered to win an autographed coverflat of Winters Desire and a Celtic Spice sport bottle! And coming up tomorrow--the fantabulous gifts including the Gods of Football "Naked for a Cause" calendar! Pics you'll want to enjoy long after the year has passed;))

Amanda

Welcome to the WINTER'S DESIRE Release Party!

2009-11-01T22:17:00.003-05:00

At last, WINTER'S DESIRE is out! It's party time at LIT Manor!

~~~throwing virtual confetti in the air!~~~

Go grab a warm cuppa and blanket, and join us here for two days of teasers, giveaways, and who knows....maybe that rapscallion Lord Craven-Moore will actually grace us with his presence at some point.

So....let me tell you a little about my novella, Lover's Dawn. It's set in the Edwardian era, which is the early 1900s. Often called the 'Belle Epoque' or the 'Gilded Age,' the Edwardian era was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire, when social division was at its height, when women were allowed far more freedoms than in times before, yet still remained tied down to the domesticity and feminine roles of the past. Ladies cycled in knickerbockers, drove motorcars, smoked and cursed, yet were still denied proper educations and the right to vote. Indeed, just like Regency ladies a century before, Edwardian ladies were raised to serve as wives and hostesses, and not much more.

It was a time of great nostalgia, of ostentatious displays of wealth, of 'Gibson Girl' fashions, of gentlemen in Norfolk tweed coats and derby hats, of enormous country estates and 'Saturday to Monday' house parties. The Great War loomed just off on the horizon, destined to change the world and usher in modern times, but until then, modernism was held at bay.

Aisling Wainscott is the heroine of Lover's Dawn--a gentleman's daughter, raised in the country. She's trapped between her own feminist ideals and her place in society, looking to find where she fits in. She also has a secret: she writes erotica--under a pen name, of course--for a publication called The Boudoir. But her sexy stories are all make-believe; she's never experienced true passion in her own life. That is, until the day she finds a mysterious poem in a circle of stones on the Winter's Solstice and makes a wish for something she knows she can never have.

Or can she? Suddenly, she's seeing her brother's friend Will Cooper in a whole new light.

Here's a little teaser.....

As the dinner conversation buzzed on around him, Will continued to watch Aisling, wondering, as he always did, just what was going on in her mind. It was a sharp mind; of that he was certain. But beyond that, she was mostly a mystery to him. They’d been playmates as children--friends, even. But as they’d grown older, she’d become cold, distant. An ice queen, if ever there was one. The last time he’d seen her, she’d mostly just ignored him.

And yet, inexplicably, she was not ignoring him tonight. In fact, he’d felt her eyes on him since the moment they’d sat down to dinner. Aisling had breezed in, smelling of violets, wearing a wispy, pale rose-colored gown that fluttered behind her like gossamer wings. She’d kissed her mother on the cheek while apologizing for her tardiness, and then taken her seat at the long table, directly across from him.

It was only when she’d raised her goblet to her lips that she’d seemed to notice his presence. She’d looked startled, almost astonished, and he could not credit why. Surely Jack had told her he was joining them tonight. Hell, even if Jack hadn’t, his appearance there at the Wainscott’s dining table was a common enough occurrence. Yet Aisling’s apparent discomfiture hadn’t lessened throughout the interminable meal--five full courses in all.

In all the years he’d known her, he’d never seen her so discomposed. It was disconcerting, and yet somehow arousing if his cockstand was any indication. It would prove embarrassing as hell if he couldn’t rein it in before they finished with dessert.

“I say, Cooper, you’ve not listened to a word I’ve said, have you?” Jack asked, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry?” he asked distractedly. Aisling had taken a bite of pastry and a dollop of chocolate cream remained on the plump center of her lower lip. His pulse began to race as her tongue darted out, licking it away. Good God, that mouth of hers...a perfect, pink bow, just begging to be kissed. And that tongue...just imagining how she could use it, how--

“Bloody hell, Cooper, snap out of it.” Jack tossed his napkin to his lap. “If you’ll pardon my language, Mother.”

“Might I remind you that there’s another lady present besides Mother,” Aisling said sweetly. “Honestly, Jack, have you no manners at all?”

Mrs. Wainscott arched a brow in censure, though the woman could not entirely conceal her smile. “Indeed,” she murmured.

“Indeed?” Jack sputtered. “Why, Aisling curses more than I do, the hoyden.”

“Fascinating,” the elder Dalton said with a leer that made Will’s skin crawl. “A gently bred lady who curses?”

Aisling just shrugged. “I only do it to get under my dear brother’s skin. He’s just ill tempered because my curses are far more original than his own. I’d be happy to demonstrate--”

“You most certainly will not,” Mrs. Wainscott interjected, shaking her head. “Honestly, it’s as if I’ve raised a pair of apes.”

The younger Dalton grinned, looking much like an ape himself. “I beg to differ, ma’am. Your daughter is quite the original. A breath of fresh air, if I might venture to say so.”

Which meant he wanted to fuck her, Will realized, balling his hands into fists.

Jack looked entirely nonplussed. “Suffice it to say that my sister has no equal.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you very much.” Smiling brightly, Aisling rose from her seat and moved to stand behind Mrs. Wainscott. “I think I’ll leave you gentlemen to your after-dinner smoke. Mother?”

The woman nodded. “Of course, dear.”

“Sure you won’t join us, Miss Wainscott?” one of the Daltons called out, sounding slightly drunk.

“Quite,” came Aisling’s reply. Her skirt’s lace-trimmed hem had caught on a chair’s leg, exposing a good four inches of her stocking-clad ankle. And what a well-turned ankle it was, Will realized with a start. Delicate. Gently curved.

Slowly he slid his admiring gaze up her body, to her face, and he could have sworn her saw her shiver in response, as if she’d physically felt his appraisal. Their eyes met, her hazel ones blinking rapidly, her blond brows knitted in what look like confusion.

With a silent curse of frustration, he pushed aside his napkin and rose. For the briefest of moments he considered offering to escort her out, but decided it best to ignore whatever impulse was tempting him to do so. After all, no good would come of it.

For what felt like an hour but was likely only a fraction of a minute, they both stood, watching one another in silence. And then, just like that, the spell was broken. She shook her head, reaching a hand to her temple, her fingers trembling.

“Aisling? Dear?” Mrs. Wainscott reached for her daughter’s arm.

Aisling threaded her arm through Mrs. Wainscott’s. “If you’ll excuse us,” she said with a nod. Moving in perfect unison, the pair made their way out.

Will held his breath, mentally willing Aisling to turn around, to glance back just once before departing. Why, he could not say. But when she did just that, glancing back over one finely shaped shoulder, his breath caught in his throat and he stood there gaping like a stupid ox.

I guess you could say that one of the themes of the story is "Be careful what you wish for..." Have you ever wished for something--then had the wish come true and realized that maybe it was more than you bargained for? Or maybe just more/better/different from what you expected? Leave us a comment and let us know!

I'll select one commenter at random to win a Celtic Spice sport bottle and a WINTER'S DESIRE coverflat, signed by all three authors! And be sure and check back often over the next 48 hours, because we've got lots more to come, including a "scavenger hunt" for which we'll award our grand prizes--the gorgeous 'winter's sparkle' necklace, the Gods of Football calendar, and a Loreena McKennitt CD!

Oh, one last thing...if you visit Dear Author or Smart Bitches, Trashy Books you'll find gorgeous ads for WINTER'S DESIRE including a coupon code for $4 off the book or ebook at eHarlequin! Go, check it out! But don't forget to come back and leave a comment for a chance to win the sport bottle and cover flat!

Happy Samhain!!

2009-10-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

Samhain (pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/ translated means "summer's end"-sometimes known as the harvest festival, it is also called "the festival of the dead." Many consider Samhain as the beginning of the Celtic New Year, ushering in the dark "half" of the year when the earth begins its descent into dormancy and quiet.

Long ago, in medieval Ireland, Samhain, or 'Féile na Marbh' was celebrated with a gathering in the royal court of Tara, or Hill of Tara, near the River Boyne. This is considered to be a sacred place where kingships made their offerings through pagan rituals.

From the spark of a ritual fire of the kings, a great bonfire was lit on top of the Hill of Tara, where it could be seen for miles, welcoming all of Ireland to gather together and celebrate with rituals, song and dance and light the fires of their homes for the next year. The celebration is still carried out in many pagan sects on this first three days of the month--to celebrate "summers sunset."

It's a quintessential day to begin the All Hallows Weekend! A cold front moved in yesterday bringing with it a foggy , steady rain (hello, you'd think I lived in Seattle!) and this morning, its chilly, grey and the burnished red, gold and orange leaves lay sodden everywhere, clinging to any surface to avert the high winds that have blown in from the north.

Yep, its my kind of day.;)

As the northwest winds spin the leaves into a frenzied quick dry--the Lit Ladies are also ushering in the release of the first in the Celtic Spice mini series--WINTER'S DESIRE releases on Nov 1, but I hear rumors that already you can find it at a few brick & morters across the country!

Join us November 2 and 3 for a full on--48 hour bash with prizes that you cannot believe--including signed coverflats, special Celtic Spice water bottles, a beautiful necklace, Lorenna McKennit CD and the hunky Gods of Football calendar!!(you might have to pry that out of my hands, just sayin')

We'll be giving you sneak peeks to each of the stories, talking about the legend that inspired this anthology , Winter's Solstice legends, and MORE Celtic Spice anthologies on the horizon!! Mark your calendar and tell your friends--you dont want to miss this one!

Have a safe and sensational Samhain!

The Lit Ladies & Lord CM

Free Read! Just in time for Samhain....

2009-10-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

A little vampyre story to...um, warm your blood...

Based on a description from BUILD A HERO during my TORTURED blog tour-this story was inspired based on Leontine's R.'s fabulous hero description, using her name as my heroine and the hero's description--this short story is what came to mind...UNFORGETTABLE.

If you missed it the first time--you can read it again this week at her blog of 'hawtness" Leontine's Book Realm. My thanks to Leontine for her great art work in creating the perfect image of these two!

Random Monday Musings...

2009-10-26T11:40:00.006-04:00

Here are my random writerly musings of the day, in no particular order:

1. There aren't enough hours in the day to get done what I need to get done--or enough hours in the night to get as much sleep as I need.

2. If one of my kids gets sick, it is almost a given that I will get it, too.

3. I cannot force myself to write if I'm not in the 'zone.' Unfortunately.

4. As soon as I sell a new book to a publisher, it is inevitable that I will then hear of four others that sound similar (and probably sold for more $$$ than mine!).

5. You should have a well-thought-out reason for using whatever point-of-view (POV) you use in any given story (this random musing brought on by a debate on a writer's loop I'm on). "But I've always wanted to try writing in first person!" isn't a well-thought-out reason.

6. WINTER'S DESIRE will be out in five days!!!! FIVE days!!! (according to the widget). Don't forget our upcoming celebration/shindig/giveaways (remember that "winter's sparkle" necklace?!).

7. Lastly, just to leave you some eye candy, this is what the heroine's love interest in my upcoming YA book looks like in my mind's eye:

Okay, I'm now ready to pass the microphone. Your turn. Let's hear your random Monday musings.

Win a copy of A Highlander Christmas!!!!

2009-10-23T08:40:00.003-04:00

Hey guys!

If you're interested in winning a copy of A Highlander Christmas, (my alternate ego, Sophie Renwick) just skip on over to Cecile's blog today.

She's got Bran over there, interviewing him. Bran is the hero from Velvet Haven, which releases in March 2010. The novella in Highlander is a prequel to Velvet Haven.

So, if you want to meet Bran and have a chance to A Highlander Christmas, as well as a copy of Addicted, come on by!

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

Wicked Wednesday

2009-10-21T10:02:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just have to let the imagination run wild....

Research: Stripping Down the Hero By Ms. Cecile

2009-10-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

*edited with permission: Caleb undresses for his heroine...

He slammed her against the closed door and began kissing her. The kiss grew hungry, deeper and more demanding. They drew away from each other with ragged breathing. Desire was in his eyes. He picked her up and headed to the bedroom.

Once there, he laid her on the bed. She loved this part. Her personal strip tease show. Some things you never grow tired of. He began by unloosening the knot of his tie. Very slowly working it down, watching her under his lashes. He slipped the tie over his head and tossed it on the bed, telling her he had plans for it later.

She grew warm at the thought of what he would do with it. He untucked his shirt from his slacks. Then his fingers found the buttons on his shirt. Slowly, tediously, one by one, he began to unbutton his shirt. She watched growing wetter with each flick of his fingers. Once done, he made a show of shrugging out of his shirt. The muscles across his chest ripples as he began to take it off and the anticipation was killing her, but she knew it was well worth the wait.

He was so fine and she could hardly wait for what came next. He placed one foot at a time on the edge of the bed, removing his shoes and socks. He's taking his own sweet time, knowing it was payback for what she put him through on the car ride home.

He stood up straight and tall and what she saw in front of her was her dream man. All sorts of deliciously wicked thoughts crossed her mind. As of reading her mind, he gave her an evil smile and said, "In due time."

His hands went to his belt on his slacks and he unfastened it slowly. He pulled it through the loops as if there was no rush at all. True, were it not for the rush of her blood in her veins heading straight to the pit in her stomach.

The belt off, he tossed it to the floor. His fingers hovered over the button fastening his pants and he grinned slowly, enjoying that she was squirming on the bed.

His fingers clutched the zipper and she inhaled a hiss. Damn, this man was going to be the death of her. Slowly, lazily he slid the zipper down, stopping midway to see her eyes wide and hungry.

He finished unzipping his slacks because it was killing him and as much as he knew it was killing her. He wanted her. Once the zipper was down, he slowly pushed the slacks down and oh heavens above, there is a God. He wore her favorite pair of purple boxer briefs. They clung to his thighs like chocolate on strawberries. She saw the gleam in his eyes and knew he'd done this just for her. This was her dessert and she wanted to savor this as if this was her last meal.

There before her stood the man she desired above all. Dark wavy hair, deep blue eyes, luscious lips. Built like an athlete of the gods. She loved him with every fiber she had and seeing him stand in front of her with his purple boxer briefs clinging to him like she wanted to be, she was in heaven. Two words, "Come here..."

Temptation Tuesday: Boxers or Briefs?

2009-10-20T10:34:00.001-04:00

The age old question. Let's talk men's underwear, shall we?

To fully understand the history of this battle, one must understand the history of the garment itself.

In 1925, Jacob Goloumb, founder of the 'Everlast' (sports equipment) designed a special loose-fitting leather short to be used by professional boxers. These shorts allowed greater leg movement, which if you are a boxer --you'd want to 'float like a butterfly;sting like a bee'-right?

As time--and underwear--wore on, manufacturers of mens undergarments introduced the jockey-style brief in the late 1930's. But issues beyond their tight-knit comfort began to um...arise.;)

Random studies indicated that the restrictive tightie-whities may create excessive high temperatures and restricted movement which in effect could cause lowering of sperm count. Uh-oh.

Further, there was some indication that consistent and undue genital pressure may have had something to do with testicular cancer risk. Though all of this remains unsubstantiated and simply theory, it was enough to spawn a new age for the "boxer!"

Since around World War II -- the popularity of the boxer came back due to its ease in movement and fabric content.

And so the battle of the boxer vs brief commenced.

"Underoos" (knit brief) were introduced to appeal to the younger set of males with their cartoons and super-hero design.

For the older male, in recent years,boxers have made a comeback, utilizing patterns and design and well as the introduction of hip hop, which made baggy jeans and showing off your fancy boxers a sort of 'bling' to your butt thing.

I still don't get how that look is remotely comfortable!

Boxer's remain a popular choice by many men and now, too, more women are reported to wear boxers to allow greater freedom of movement, greater air flow and style.

In recent years, as the popularity of men's undergarments surged forward to compete with the likes of Victoria's Secret (lingerie for women) and other like-minded companies--designers such as Calvin Kline, Abercrombie & Fitch--even Hanes-- and Hilfiger made men's underwear a fashion statement to contend with.

Introducing the latest--the boxer brief--a combination of the stylish free-form boxer and the knit comfort of a brief--this has recently become the underwear of choice for many men if you follow the sales. (Me? I kind of go for the whole visual thing...)

Ads now run as many spots for mens undewear as do womens underwear. Male sports figures are featured predominately wearing their boxers or briefs of choice. *nice

No doubt about it...men's underwear has come onto the fashion scene with a vengence, just as it has with women's lingerie.

And I have to say... I'm just as happy they have.

What about you? Are you a boxers or briefs kind of gal?

Or is commando your thing?

A.M.

Beastly Men

2009-10-16T11:06:00.007-04:00

ok, I couldn't resist this title. Barbara from the Happily Forever After blog used this term in a book review, and it gave me the warm fuzzies. We all know those kind of men, don't we? Those mad, bad and dangerous to know heroes from romance novels and movies. They're kind of the anti-hero, aren't they? You're never quite sure who's side they're on, but you're panting for them anyway. There's something about them that gets us thinking, makes us want to strip away the layers and discover what lies at the center of this man. Of course he's brooding, mysterious, dangerous-- lethal, but sexy, surprisingly gentle with the heroine, and he makes us want to have have him all to ourselves.

Well, anti-heroes are really beginning to make a surge in romance, and my writing buds and I are going to pitch a workshop idea for RWA nationals about creating the anti-heroes--The tarnished hero, shining him up-- just enough!

I love writing those types of men. Lindsay from Addicted was one, Wallingford from Sinful definitely is, and the Destroyer character from Immortals of Annywn series is most certainly one...and you get to witness his fall, too!!! But we need more!!!!

So, we'd like to do some research, and we'd like to include a reading list in our handout for all those lovers of anti-heroes. And who better to come to than our well read, man knowing LIT friends!

So, put on your thinking caps, and recommend your favorite,or favorites anti-hero from any book or movie.
(and you knew I had to put up the pic of Gary Oldman as Dracula...I have a perverse fascination with him in those glasses......)

Be Still, My Beating Heart....

2009-10-15T12:28:00.009-04:00

Those of you who were hanging around the LIT Manor last spring probably remember my obsession with Gilles Marini on Dancing With the Stars. Boy, could that man dance a sexy Tango (and Paso Doble, and Samba, and...well, you get the picture)!

Anyway, I just realized he has a 2010 calendar out! I Must. Have. It.

In the spirit of sharing, I thought you might appreciate a sneak peek.

Pretty nice, huh?! I think the last pic (on the.....scooter? Is that a scooter?) is my favorite.

I also heard that he's about to start appearing on the TV show "Brothers and Sisters". Guess I know what I'll be doing on Sunday nights from now on.

Must go wipe drool off keyboard now....

Wintery Thursday Thoughts

2009-10-09T07:55:00.000-04:00

So I've been rising earlier the past couple of days for what reasons I can only attribute to camping out by the bonfire I have going for the UPS man who may be bringing my ARC's of Winters Desire;)

Seriously, they were shipped to the wrong address and are now making their way to me;)

I look for them anytime now...not that I'm anxious or anything ;)

Kidding, sort of...so what are you all reading these days? I try to make rounds on the blog circuits as best as I can, to read the reviews and recommendations.

I just finished A Rogues Game by Renee Bernard and if you are looking for a sassy heroine and a to die for rake--look no further! Bernard is a brilliant writer and superb storyteller!

Currently, I'm reading The Club by Sharon Page--another page-turner , Sharon goes deep into the erotic seedy underbelly of London's Victorian(defintely my cuppa!) era to uncover the whereabouts of a young woman gone missing. Really good stuff thus far, but some stuff admittedly disturbing (even for me!) I so identify with her heroine in this book in my view. Excellent writing!

We're looking at a cold blast tonight and tomorrow with freeze warnings and a mixed bag of snow and rain this weekend!

So what's shakin' in your neck of the woods?

Amanda

Sexy Villains?

2009-10-05T11:57:00.009-04:00

Wow, us LIT Ladies are really falling asleep on the job here...the poor blog looks abandoned! Time to stir things up, I think!

First off, I have to tell you that I got my author's copies of WINTER'S DESIRE last week, and had the chance to read the entire thing, in 'book form', which is a very different experience than reading the individual novellas on the computer and imagining them all bound together by the prologue. And let me just take a moment to brag on my co-authors--because their stories were amazing, totally drawing me into their worlds. And talk about HOT! I loved the way the common theme was weaved throughout, and I loved the way everyone had their own distinct 'style.' I'm really proud to be a part of this unique book, and I just can't wait till you can read it!

Now, back to today's subject....sexy villains. And I'm talking true 'bad guys' here, not just those 'bad boys' that *really* have hearts of gold. There seem to be two types of villains in books/movies/TV shows: the grotesque type, and the hot, sexy type. Does it bother you when the villain is somehow appealing, despite his dastardly deeds?

I'm a big fan of the TV show HEROES, and the villain, Sylar, is a bad, bad guy. He kills people, among other stuff. Yeah, we've got his backstory, and that makes us feel a bit sorry for him, gives us a bit of understanding, but c'mon, he's killing people. And yet somehow he's the most popular character on the show. Women love him. I love him. He's scarily sexy. Forget Peter Petrelli, the good guy 'hero' who looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ. Women love Sylar. There are fansites *everywhere* dedicated to him, far more than any other HEROES character. He even has an "Army" (Sylar's Army, aka "Sarmy," a hugely popular web site devoted to his character).

Recently I was fiddling around with a YA paranormal manuscript that I've been working on for a while (which, I'm happy to announce just SOLD!!! Details later). There's a bad-guy villain in the book who's threatening the book's main characters, and originally I'd written him as unattractive, with greasy long hair and a hook nose. But while revising, I somehow managed to change his physical description to something far more appealing--don't ask me why. But...there's just something about a sexy villain!

I know there are more examples...Anakin Skywalker, for one (see above!). I mean, you know what he becomes and you know you're supposed to hate him, but....you're drawn to him, anyway.

Who else? I'd love to hear more examples--from books, TV, or movies--of really sexy villains that you know you're supposed to hate, but can't resist.

Help us Unleash Your Story!!

2009-09-26T17:56:00.003-04:00

Okay, LIT readers....I'm throwing down the gauntlet! The UNLEASH YOUR STORY event is nearly over, and we haven't come anywhere *near* our fundraising goal this year. Not even close. I know, I know...times are tough, the recession has hit everyone hard.

But it doesn't take a big donation to help--any little amount will help the researchers at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation get *this* much closer to finding a cure. And with a writer pal with not one but two kids with CF, I'd like to see a cure found soon.

So here's my appeal to you, the lovely LIT readers: if you're able, please consider making a donation of any amount to this wonderful cause!

You can read more about UNLEASH YOUR STORY here.

And you can donate here, which takes you directly to my sponsorship page.

Let's see what the LIT readers can do to move us one step closer to that cure!

Sharing the fun!

2009-09-24T02:27:00.001-04:00

We've just learned that Romantic Times BOOKlovers reviews magazine has given WINTER'S DESIRE, 4 stars!
saying,"This trio of tales is a delight!"
Be sure to hunt down your copy of the RT BOOKreviews for November 2009 and check out the fabulous ad designed by the talented Rae Monet!

ok, back to editland...
A.M.

Coming Soon......

2009-09-15T13:36:00.004-04:00

....a chance to win this beautiful "winter sparkle" necklace from GaelSong (just the necklace--unfortunately, the earrings were no long available--but don't worry, we have a different pair of gorgeous earrings to give away instead!). It's beautiful, isn't it?! I had to buy two--one to keep, and one to give away! On Monday, November 2nd the LIT Ladies (along with our naughty resident Lord of the Manor) will be hosting an all-day event to celebrate the release of the first volume in the "Celtic Spice" series, WINTER'S DESIRE!

We're going to be giving away a lot great prizes that day, including the "winter sparkle" necklace. We'll be setting the stage, so to speak, here at LIT throughout the Halloween weekend, so be sure to don your favorite virtual costume and join us then, too.

Mark you calendars now!

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 2nd

TIME: All day

WHERE: The Lust in Time Manor

We'll be discussing the inspiration behind the WINTER'S DESIRE novellas, giving behind-the-scene peeks, playing games, and giving out prizes.

Hope you'll join us!

The Global Boom in Bodice-Rippers

2009-09-14T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Global Boom in BodiceRippers-

So, I see Addicted's cover in the top left hand corner of this Time Magazine article, but it's in a foreign language. Any thoughts what it might be?

Interesting reading, btw, if you're intersted about the global romance boom

Writing the Historical! RESEARCH!!!!!

2009-09-11T08:06:00.009-04:00

Okay, before you all groan, research can be sooooo much fun! Truly. I mean,you get to go virtual shopping for fabulous gowns and accessories, furniture, fancy townhouses, country estates, carriages....you get my drift!

Currently, I'm researching, and shopping for my new series coming out with Harlequin Spice. (The release is a bit away~Feb 2011) Anyhoo, I'm having fun. And with an unlimited budget, the sky is the limit!

The period I'm researching is the late Georgian era, approx 1790's. I like the gowns of that period, plus it's the era where the Gothic was slowly making it's comeback. Now, not to the extent that it did in the Victorian era, but it was there. I like pretty things, but I also like dark, gothic tones as well. So, I'm 'shopping' in both venues.

I'm having a blast outfitting my heroines, and picking out their houses. My heroes...well, that's something a bit different. Wigs and powder were out at this time (thank the heavens) but lace cuffs and ruffly, lacey jabots were still the rage for men. There's a challenge there, making a man masculine and virile while wearing lace and ruffles!!! But, I like the look for these men, because they are Dark Fey princes from the Unseelie Court. Frock coats with brocades and braid, with lace cuffs seems to go hand in hand with the Fey.

Speaking of Men, I've been shopping for them as well! And thus far, I've found three of the seven I need. (I know, I'm greedy!)

So, I'd like to introduce you to my new series, The Sins and Virtues series, as well as my current acquisitions from my shopping sprees.

Below is the outline for the Series, interspearced with some 'man candy'...A warning though, a fan may be required, and some are a bit risque....but it's Friday after all, and it's a helluva way to kick off the weekend!!!

Enjoy!

In Georgian England, the court of King George III is full of amusements, ranging from the innocent to the most depraved. London in 1790 is a dichotomy of wealth and poverty, the West End—home to families of ancient titles, palatial townhouses and elegant courtesans, and the East End—a maze of tumbledown rookeries, gin taverns and bawdy houses.

It is the height of the Season where days are spent shopping, making calls and riding in Hyde Park. The nights are filled with concerts, the opera, and balls where marriage minded young ladies parade themselves before the available gentlemen. In the East End, Covent Garden attracts both sides of the city, and the Dark Walk is an avenue for both moral and immoral pleasure seekers.

Absorbed in their own dazzlingly world of privilege and leisure, or struggling to survive the hell of their miserable existence, the residents of London have no idea that they are living—and sleeping—with those that are not human…

It is said that the Fey have always lived amongst the mortals, their world lying parallel to ours. They live in two courts, the ‘good’ faeries, belong to the Seelie Court, where gaiety and happiness reign. And then there are the Dark Fey, those who live in the Unseelie Court, or the unholy court as it is known. These dark faeries are mysterious and sensual, well versed in pleasures of the flesh. It is said that to look upon them and their beauty is to be drawn into their erotic, voluptuous world, and once there, your fate is sealed, your body and will, no longer your own.

And that is precisely what happened, once, long, long ago to a beautiful queen of the Seelie Court who caught the attention of the king of the Unseelie Court.

The king found the queen stunning, and he desired her. Soon the queen was all the king could think about; he was consumed with yearning for the beautiful queen and wanted her more than anything, but the queen spurned him. So, the king stole her from her bed while she slept and brought her to his court where he used his erotic skills to win her over. The king was certain he could win the queen’s love, but the queen despised the king, and once she delivered twin boys, she found a way to leave his dark court.

One night, she stole away, taking one son with her, the golden haired child who was the image of her Seelie self, leaving behind his dark-haired brother who bore his father’s resemblance. As she fled she placed a spell on the Unseelie Court, that it whither away, never to thrive again until the king of the Unseelie’s could make a woman give herself to him of her own free will and love her deeply in return. As well, she cursed the sons of the king’s siblings, and any future male children of the king with each cardinal sin, further destroying the princes’ chances of finding a woman who would give herself willingly.

To this day, the Queen’s spell holds strong. The Unseelie Court is dying.
Abandoned as an infant, the son, named Aragos, is left to be raised in the cold darkness of the Unseelie Court. He knows nothing of love or affection, just the warmth of plotting revenge against his Seelie brother, and the queen who left him to be raised in misery. As the eldest of the Unseelie princes, he assumes the rule of the dark court when his father dies. Aragos is forced to watch its splendor continue to dwindle beneath the spell.

Despite trying for years, Aragos has never been able to find a way to break the spell. Until he discovers an obscure myth in the scrolls which says that to keep the courts thriving, a mortal female must mate with a fae prince. The scrolls further say that every one hundred years, seven women are born into the mortal realm who represent the virtuous aspects of humanity. Chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility. The Seelie Fey, whose court is flourishing has always been able to tempt those virtuous mortals to their court, thereby mixing mortal and Fey blood together, ensuring longevity of their people.
It has been more than a century since the birth of the last virtues, and the seven mortal virtues are not only born, but of a marriageable age. These women, Aragos knows, are the only way to save the Dark Fey. He must find a way to entice the virtues to his court, but the trick is to ensure that they give themselves freely.
He spends much time thinking of a way, and finally comes upon a plan to ensure the virtues are unable to resist the Unseelie Court. He will use the Fey princes who represent the sins—lust, gluttony, greed, envy, sloth, wrath.

The King knows that the power of the dark court and its sensual mysteries are a lure to most mortals, and he can only hope that the virtues will feel the same. Could their resolve be softened? Could they, in fact, be tempted by sin?
Their task will not be easy, but nevertheless the king does set his plan in motion. Each sin will corrupt, through erotic pleasure and sinful offerings, their opposing virtues. But there is one caveat, the virtues must be enticed, never forced against their wills, and they must follow the sins back to the Unseelie Court of their own volition to live there and become the mates of the sins.
If the virtues give themselves freely, and mix their blood with that of the Fey, the court will once again flourish. Not only that, one union between a sin and virtue will produce a daughter that will grow up to be either the Seelie or Unseelie king’s bride.

Aragos is prepared to do battle with his twin brother, the Seelie King, for the right to claim the mortal as his. And only then, when his bride gives herself, and her soul to the Dark King will the spell be broken and the Unseelie court left to regain its glory of the past—a battle he knows will be bloody and fierce—but one he must win if he, and his court are to survive.

The future of the Dark Fey rests with the seven sins, and their ability to beguile their opposing virtues. But virtues being virtuous will not be easy to corrupt, and it will take very creative thinking on the part of the Sins to make the virtues fall into their dark, sensual embrace. But who is to save the Sins from falling for the charms of their virtues, especially when said virtues are ready for a taste of sin?

So, we've got some dark and sensual Unseelie Fey princes, and some maidenly mortal women who embody the virtues! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the sins have instore for their virtues!

The first book in the Sins and Virtues series will be.....LUST

And here's a yummy look of what I think could definitely embody the Fey Prince of Lust!

After Lust, Vanity will follow. I think this one is soooooo pretty. Perfect for Vanity.

The Fey princes of Sloth and Envy will also feature as secondary characters in this book. This next picture is of Sloth. I'm still looking for Envy. Please feel free to forward any suggestions my way!!!

So, a question. If you were reading about the Fey, would you want them to have pointed ears? Or what about normal looking ears with a little point? What if those little pointed ears were erogenous zones would that work for you. Or would it be offputting? Help a girl out with some research...puleeeease :)

Reading Binge....

2009-09-09T12:49:00.008-04:00

I've been on a serious reading binge lately...reading stuff totally outside my normal reading habits, and, surprisingly enough, really enjoying it. I've discovered several new (to me) authors in the process, and that's always exciting.

This is how it started--my elderly cat started having seizures a few weeks ago. Her favorite place to sit is up on the window sills. They're not narrow little sills, but very wide ones, actually part of the radiator box, I guess. So it's nice and warm and sunny and a great place for watching the birds and squirrels in the yard. But a couple of times, she's started having a seizure while up there, and fallen off. It's a long way down to the hardwood floors below, so until we got her medication right, I really needed to keep her off them.

So, being the bibliophile that I am, I stacked books all over the window ledges in my room (because hey, nothing says 'decor' more than piles of books, right?!). They were mostly books I had received for free at conferences but never read, because they just weren't the type of book I normally go for (some were just extra copies of my own books that happened to be lying around the room).

But then one night I decided I needed something to read before bed, and, being too lazy to go downstairs to my office (where most of my books are), I started eyeing the stacks of books in the windows. My gaze landed on Kristin Higgans' TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE (contemporary romance), and the back blurb sounded interesting, so I cracked it open and gave it a try. I stayed up till 3 a.m. finishing that book that night--I couldn't put it down!

That one went back to the window sill when I was done, and I picked up Barbara Freethy's SUDDENLY ONE SUMMER, the first book in the Angel's Cove series (I don't even know how to classify this one--romantic suspense lite, I guess? Women's fiction with suspense?). Read it in two sittings, and now I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Then I picked up and older, hardcover book--Lisa Gardner's THE KILLING HOUR (romantic suspense, I guess?). Suffice it to say that I'm now a big Lisa Gardner fan, and have since ordered/read another of her titles (THE NEIGHBOR) on my Kindle.

Another pleasant surprise was Joyce Maynard's LABOR DAY (just plain fiction, I guess?).

I swear, I look at those stacks of books with fresh eyes, now. Instead of "books I got for free that aren't the type I read," they're now "fresh possibilities" or "new (to me) authors just waiting to be discovered." How exciting!

Have you ever read something outside the box of what you normally read and found that you enjoyed it?

Welcome Tracy Wolff to the Manor!

2009-09-04T07:28:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Please help me to welcome awesome Erotic Romantic Suspense author, Tracy Wolff! She writes for NAL Heat, and she's a great friend as well. She's here chatting about her latest release, Tie Me Down (get a gander at that cover!) as well as sharing a few recipes with us--you know the LIT ladies and food....we do like it!

I'm pretty sure all you Hussies out there will find the excerpt 'Hussy Worthy', but do keep in mind that it's for audiences 18 and older. So, without further adieu, here's Tracy....

I had the great privilege of finally meeting Charlotte face to face at the last RWA conference in DC and I have to tell you, she is absolutely fabulous. Smart, nice, and so much to be around—she kept me laughing for much of our time together. So when she offered me a chance to come visit here at the manor again, I couldn’t resist.

Now, I’m sure you know about Charlotte’s alter-ego, Sophie, who wrote the very delectable Hot In Here. As we first discussed her book, Charlotte and I realized we both have a passion for cooking. Because she knows how much I love to cook—and try new recipes—Charlotte asked that I bring one along when I came today. So, over-achiever that I am, I brought two.

But there’s stories behind both of them. My new release, Tie Me Down, takes place in New Orleans, a city that I lived in for four years while I went to graduate school. It’s a city near and dear to my heart for a lot of reasons, including the fact that it is where I first really learned how to cook. So, in light of that—and in celebration of my latest erotic suspense—I thought I’d share two of my favorite New Orleans recipes.

The first one is Jungle Juice, an alcoholic party punch that packs an incredible wallop—but that is so good it’s hard to have just one. I should know, as it was my signature drink during the years I lived in the Big Easy. It helped that they sold it frozen at walk-up and drive-thru daiquiri stands in 32, 48 and 64 ounce varieties (did I mention that I turned 21 in New Orleans?)

Jungle Juice (enough for a large punch bowl)
½ L Everclear® alcohol
2 1/2 L vodka
1/2 bottle peach schnapps
1 cup Bacardi® 151 rum
1 bottle 99 Apples® apple schnapps
6 L 7Up
½ L triple sec
1 L gin
½ bottle ® Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
2 bottles Boone's Farm® Strawberry Hill wine
4 L Hawaiian Punch® or Tropical Punch Kool-Aid
1 container orange juice concentrate
sliced oranges, apples, cherries, grapes, or other fruit of your choice

Mix all the alcohol together and let fruit soak in it overnight. In the morning, add fruit juice and punch, chill for a minimum of 6 hours. Serve ice-cold.

The second recipe I wanted to share with you is for Bananas Foster. One of the first really nice dates my husband (then boyfriend) took me on was to New Orleans’s famous Brennan’s restaurant. That’s where I had my very first taste of Bananas Foster—a house specialty as they invented it-- as I gazed across the table at the man I was rapidly falling in love with, It’s been a favorite of mine ever since. This is Brennan’s actual recipe for the yummy dessert.

Bananas Foster (serves four)

- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup banana liqueur
- 4 bananas, cut in half lengthwise, then halved
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a flambé pan or skillet.

Place the pan over low heat either on an alcohol burner or on top of the stove, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.

Stir in the banana liqueur, then place the bananas in the pan.

When the banana sections soften and begin to brown, carefully add the rum.

Continue to cook the sauce until the rum is hot, then tip the pan slightly to ignite the rum. When the flames subside, lift the bananas out of the pan and place four pieces over each portion of ice cream.

Generously spoon warm sauce over the top of the ice cream and serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy the recipes as much as I do 

How about you? What’s your favorite drink or dessert? Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of Full Exposure, my first erotic suspense.
Oh, and one more thing—I’ve included an excerpt of Tie Me Down here, as part of my Tie Me Down Contest Extravaganza. So head on over to my blog, www.tracywolff.blogspot.com to get the scoop on the contest. There are daily prizes and the Grand Prize (given away next Tuesday) is a $100 gift card to the winner’s choice of bookstore.

Excerpt #6
“I’m sorry I jumped down your throat this afternoon.” She said the words quickly, as if they tasted bad.

“I thought that was my line.”

She shrugged. “Maybe both of ours?”

He nodded. “Okay.”

“So go ahead and say it.” She watched him expectantly.

“I’m sorry I was an ass this afternoon?”

“You’re not supposed to say it like it’s a question.”

He grinned because he couldn’t help himself. Then reached for her hand and tugged. “Come on in.” He dragged her through the living room and down the hallway to the kitchen. “You want a drink?” He nodded to the bottle of tequila on the counter.

She glanced at the discarded lime peels. “It looks like you’ve been drinking enough of that for both of us.”

“Not even close.” Then, because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself for one second longer, he pulled her into his arms. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too.”

He rested his chin on the top of her head for a minute and just breathed in the sweet honey scent of her.

She shoved against his chest, pushed him away. And for a brief moment he felt bereft, though for the life of him he couldn’t figure out why.

Striving for control, needing to keep his hands busy with something other than her, he reached into the bar cabinet and pulled out a shot glass. “You ever tried Patrón?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not a big tequila drinker.”

“This isn’t any ordinary tequila.” He poured a shot, handed it to her. But stopped her when she started to sip.

“If you’re going to do a shot, you’ve got to do it right.”

Genevieve lifted one cool brow, licked her full lower lip and nearly had him coming in his fucking jeans. “I didn’t realize there was a wrong way to do this.”

“Sweetheart, there’s a wrong way to do everything.” And then he was putting his hands on her waist and lifting her up so that her sweet ass was on the center island, her legs just a little bit open.

Stepping between them before she could change her mind, he slipped yet another god-awful suit jacket off her shoulders—he was seriously going to have to do something about her wardrobe. Maybe if he ripped it all off her . . .
Licking a trail from the hollow of her throat to her breastbone, he savored the taste of her.

“Mmm, salty.”

She blushed, then leaned back on her hands so that her breasts were thrust forward. “It’s a hundred degrees in the shade. Hard not to sweat.”

It took all his self-control to take things slowly when all he really wanted to do was to eat her alive.

“I wasn’t complaining,” he murmured as he trailed his tongue over the curve of first one breast and then the other. Then he slammed back the shot of tequila and finished it off by biting into a lime slice.

Her mouth was slightly open, her eyes wide as she stared at his lips. “That’s the right way to do a tequila shot?”

He loved her voice, the syrupy sweetness was a turn-on even without the hard-ass tone she deliberately injected into it. With the hard-ass tone, it was irresistible. “It’s the best way.”

“I bet.”

He poured another shot. Handed it to her. “Here. You try.”

He shrugged out of his T-shirt and nearly smiled as she did the same. Would have, if his first look at her body hadn’t brought him all the way to the edge. She was still covered in little bruises, the love bites he’d given her the last time they’d been together. It was hard to imagine that he’d done that to her, had marked her as he’d marked no other woman. Had claimed her as he’d never had the desire to do before.

Maybe he was a Neanderthal, because looking at her covered in his marks— seeing her proudly wearing the evidence of his desire for her—turned him so hard and fast his vision blurred.

Shit, how he wanted this woman. Was dangerously close to becoming obsessed with her.
Her sexy pink tongue darted out, swiped across her top lip and then her bottom one, as if she couldn’t quite decide where to lick. And every thought he had or might have had got lost in the wild need pumping through him.
Groaning, he tangled a hand in her hair and urged her closer. “Come on, sweetheart,” he whispered. “Taste me.”

Summer's End...

2009-09-01T12:04:00.005-04:00

Ahhh, these last lazy days of summer...my kids slept till 11:30 a.m. this morning! We recently returned from a week-long vacation in L.A. (the above shot is from our vacation--a hazy day on the beach in Malibu!), and I think they're still on California time. Only school starts next week, so it's time to get readjusted to NYC time, and to make the transition into fall mode. Summer has always been my favorite season--sleeping late, warm, lazy days...plus I'm a summer birthday girl. But as a writer, I've recently decided that I'm like Charlotte--I need more structure to be productive. A set schedule.

So, for once in my life, I'm actually looking forward to fall. To the hectic schedule. To the kids going back to school (we're actually going to buy school supplies today--fingers crossed that the Office Depot isn't crowded!).

And I'm really excited about my upcoming fall releases, because they're both new writing experiences for me. All my previous books have fallen under the realm of 'historical romance.' Mostly set in Regency England, except for my novella "Swept Away," which was Edwardian-set.

But "Lover's Dawn" in WINTER'S DESIRE marks my first erotic historical romance, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it's received. Truly, it wasn't such a departure from my previous writing style. There *is* a HEA, and the love scenes aren't all that different from ones I've written before--the language is just more frank. Also, the heroine's sexual journey is a more integral part of the story. Still, it's a 'romance.' Definitely. And honestly, I think writing "Lover's Dawn" is about the most fun I've had writing in a long, long time. I'm very proud of the story--and also proud of the entire WINTER'S DESIRE anthology and Celtic Spice series concept that me and my brilliant writing partners Charlotte and Amanda came up with. I hope that readers will be equally taken with the concept and the stories.

And then in December, another 'first' of mine hits the shelves--my first contemporary romance, my first series romance, and my first NASCAR-themed romance, all rolled into one! I love racing--I practically grew up at the track, watching my dad race sports cars (now vintage), and working timing and scoring from the tower. When Harlequin began its partnership with NASCAR, I immediately had my agent lobby the Harlequin editors on my behalf--after all, what could be better than combining two of my favorite things, racing and romance? The book is called FORCE OF NATURE, and while writing it was definitely a challenge (after all, I'd never written a category-length romance before, or a book that's part of a continuity series--something that comes with its own set of challenges), I'm definitely excited about it.

It's kind of funny, because my two fall releases represent the two far ends of the spectrum--erotic (Lover's Dawn) and sweet (Force of Nature), when normally I write more in the middle ground. But then, as a reader, I read the full spectrum, so it only seems natural that I should write such a range, too. Though I will say that when I read a sweet romance, I prefer it to have strong sexual tension. In other words, there doesn't have to be consummation "on-screen", but there better be some hot glances and steamy kisses--a promise that, when the two main characters *do* get together, it WILL be hot.

What about you? Do you only read HOT, or do you read the full spectrum in romance? Are you okay with no on-screen consummation, as long as the sexual tension is strong?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

2009-08-31T08:47:00.003-04:00

I have the image of that Staples commerical, with dad pushing the shopping cart, dancing around to the Chistmas tune while clicking his heels ...lol! It always makes me laugh whenever I see that! And it reminds me, that for me, it is the most wonderful time of year.

The picture above, while not from my backyard, looks identical to what I see. In fact, when I found the image I tried to find information on the photographer because I'm certain its one of my neighbors. This is exactly, my backyard--except the Crown Forest is not quite ablaze in color yet-- but it's coming!

Fall is, for me, the most wonderful time of the year! Not just because the kidlet is back in school (which, today is the first day....yeah!!!) but because of the colors, the crispness in the air, the smells of leaves, and corn. 'Fall is in the air' is a saying that is put to use here in Cowville! lol! The scent of fall is definitely sprinkling the air. The cornfield which is beyond my backyard fence is sounding very fallish. In the summer, the stalks sound supple and silky brushing against each other. Now they're sounding crisp, rustling. The green is slowly fading, too. And the Crown Forest beyond the corn is beginning to turn as well. Signs for Apple Fest are already being posted, and the local paper is pleading for entries for 'get your best apple crisp recipe ready for the contest'. It's fall here. And I can't wait to go pick apples, while eating a caramel apple--oh, and a still warm, sugar and cinnamon donut followed by some apple cidar!!! That's a mainstay!

Not only do I love the physical changes of the season, but also the food, the comfort of digging out a cozy, well worn sweater, or sweatshirt. One of the things I relish about the fall is the return of routine. I am a creature of habit, and too many lazy days makes me...well, exceedingly unmotivated! I like routine. I like to know what I'm doing. I'm much more productive that way.

Every fall, I make new years resolutions. It seems fitting. The school supplies area all fresh and new, and there's new hopes and expectations for the year ahead.

Every year, the resolutions are the same. Be more organized. Especially in my writing. Find time to balance writing and family. Cook more and quit eating out so much.

Basically, that's my resolutions for this year, with one addition. Weight Watchers. Yeah...groan....(and you know damn well, I'm still having my caramel apple and donut at Apple Fest! :)

I want to find more energy and motivation, and perhaps losing a few pounds and eating better will help me. So today is D-day. The first day of Weight Watchers. I'll keep you informed about how it's going, and I'll beg you for support when it's not going so well!!!

Today it's chilly--65 degrees. I can hear the corn stalks through the open kitchen window, and I'm in my favorite rag-tag hoodie! I've got my coffee, and my 'to do list'. I'm feeling fresh and motivated. So how about you? Does anyone else make any plans, set goals etc...at the beginning of the fall? Anyone sorry to see summer go and the autumn breeze blow in?

Thank you!

2009-08-28T19:31:00.005-04:00

My thanks to all of you for stopping by my tour stops;) Many of you journeyed right up to the end with me and I appreciate that! I met some wonderful folks, shared some fun stuff, and saw some pretty classy Internet diggs!! Oh, and I can't forget the number of books I gave away! (Nor does my postal person!lol)

My thanks to the LIT ladies and Lord CM,for allowing me to post my daily updates/winners.

The LIT manor has some wonderful guests coming your way, and a special celebration to kick-off the release of our first Celtic Spice anthology, WINTERS DESIRE!
Watch for the deets here at the LIT Manor. Oh, btw, I've been taking pictures around the manor these past few months-some cleverly done through keyholes!;))
I hope that our "scenic tour of the LIT Manor" slide show will be a part of the end of October celebration.

Back to work-vacay is over!
Amanda

Last day of the TORTURED blog tour!

2009-08-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

Last day of the tour: Paying it Forward
The Chatelaines

Seduction....How do you like yours?

2009-08-27T08:41:00.003-04:00

Ok, admittedly, this pic is pretty risque! But I'm a hussy, and I LOVE this pic. Plus, it gives the right tone for my post.

You see, VampFanGirl and I had a chat last week about one of my guilty reading pleasures and that is the forced seduction.

Those 'bodice rippers' of long ago were famous for this, and as a result so controversial. But with the boom, or bloom of erotic romance, the alpha male who isn't going to take no for answer has resurfaced.

Now, I do not mean rape. Although, I did just attend a Women's Health conference for the day job and they had an esteemed professor talk about women's fantasies. She went on to explain each one in depth, including the most controversial one--which tops the list of fantasies. The rape scenario.

The whole room (which were health professionals)gasped, including, hussy me. I was shocked. But broken down, and in the professors words, it all made sense. There's an element of danger, with a strong, forceful male that calls to the 'primitive' female side of us, that soceity cannot break down. It's in XY DNA. We have an intrinsic need for males to compete for us, to fight for us. It's that DNA that says 'yeah, this man can protect and provide for me, and the children he'll give me'. Then there is the overwhelming feeling of being desired. So desired and wanted that the male is prepared to cross lines to have you. Then, and the most important part, the fantasy plays out as the woman wishes. After all, it's in her mind, and she can stop it whenever she wants. That's the definitive point of the fantasy.

So, really, to me, the 'rape fantasy' is more of a forced seduction in my mind. You know the scene, the hero wants the heroine, despite everything. She says no, he says 'c'mon', and he goes about making her change her mind. Again, it's the overwhelming feeling of being wanted and desired. Which, really, us women want. There's the element of danger with a man who is in charge and strong. It makes us wonder how is the hero going to get her to change her mind? Force? Skills? Talk?

The forced seduction scene is still controversial, despite the plethora of graphic sex, in all forms in romance. And this is, admittedly a controversial post to some. But as this is a blogging bordello for HOT historicals, I thought I would throw it out for food for thought.

Do you like the forced seduction angle, and if not, do you think you could ever be persuaded to read a book that had a scene in it? If you thought of it as fantasy, would it work better? Do you think forced seductions work best in historicals, or in any genre?

Blog tour update:

2009-08-26T10:24:00.003-04:00

Blogging today at Emily Bryans blog

We're talking how music inspires writing! A bit of a twist today on how to win your own copy of TORTURED;) Last three days of the TORTURED tour!

May the wind be at your back~
Amanda

Proud to be Wicked!

2009-08-26T07:50:00.005-04:00

Hey guys, I'm a Wicked Writer!
I had a total fangirl moment when an email from Shayla Black entered my inbox yesterday. Shayla Black? REALLY?? OMG!!!!! I totally love her Doomsday Brethren series and am anxiously awaiting the second installment in September.

Anyhoo, Shayla invited me (Sophie Renwick) to become part of their group, Wicked Writers. I'm in really good company, and I might possibly be having more fangirl moments to come! The authors of Wicked Writers are Shayla Black, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox, Mackenzie McKade, Karin Tabke, Melissa Schroeder, and Monica Burn!!!

Wow...join up and having fun chatting with the girls. It's a busy loop and they chat about all kinds of things and I think they do give aways etc... They also talk Hotties, too for us Hussies! Click the banner and it'll take you to the site to join. See ya there.

2009-08-25T06:51:00.000-04:00

Double blog booking: Aug 25: I'll be dueling blogs at Beth Ciottas blog and Sisters in Sync Beths group blog with a couple of her friends. Be sure to check out both fun sites! Beth is an awesome talent not to be missed and a genuinely cool person to boot!

Thanks to all who have helped keep me alert while driving on this journey! Home is beginning to look pretty good, but I've saved some of the best for last;))

Aug 25: Beth Ciotta/Sisters in Sync
Aug26: Emily Bryan
Aug 27: Romance BookWyrm
Aug 28: The Chatelaines

See you on the road!

Amanda

Monday Morning on the Road

2009-08-24T09:02:00.004-04:00

I needed an extra cuppa this moring as I headed out in the 59* autumn morning! It is gorgeous today and I'm actually seeing a few leaves starting to turn color!

Congrats to Larissa Lyons who became a winner of a copy of TORTURED at House of Muse over the weekend! Emil me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Double blog booking: Aug 25: I'll be dueling blogs at Beth Ciottas blog and Sisters in Sync Beths group blog with a couple of her friends. Be sure to check out both fun sites! Beth is an awesome talent not to be missed and a genuinely cool person to boot!

See you on the road!
Amanda

TORTURED blog stop Aug.21.09

2009-08-21T13:28:00.005-04:00

Come on by Genella's diggs! Dude. She's a California girl...

TORTURED blog Tour: Genella DeGrey's Blog today

Congrats to Roberta H and Deidre-recent winners on the tour!!

TOUR POSTCARD: My original inspiration for TORIN, Sierra's Brother...

By request from readers: What happened to Torin will be addressed in a new SPICE Brief-Coming Sept.2010!!!

See you at Genella's Beach house!
Amanda

In honor of Wicked Wednesday Tour Update:

2009-08-17T22:40:00.004-04:00

Does it get any better than this?

WINNERS:
Aug 12:Carol L
Aug 13 TBA Aug 23 at Unusual Historicals (open all week!)
Aug 14: Sarabelle
Aug 15: Danny
Aug 18: Kathleen Lenshyn

Aug 20: Love is an exploding cigar
Aug 21: Genella DeGrey's blog

blog tour update

2009-08-15T08:47:00.002-04:00

Aug 15 The Faery Court Blog
Aug 16 Interview/book giveaway @ Unusual Historicals

Gods of Football update:

2009-08-14T21:55:00.002-04:00

There is a Gods of Football calendar winging its way to the LIT Manor !

Watch close in the next few weeks of how you can win it!

Amanda

Blog Tour Postcard:

2009-08-14T09:37:00.007-04:00

I may have to take up learning more about Aussie Football!!! Seriously, a delicious site for a wonderful cause!!! I have a new found admiration for Aussie football!

Check out the trailer that goes into the behind the scenes look of this
annual calendar that raises money for the McGrath Foundation Breast cancer Charity.

www.godsoffootball.com.au

Aug.14 TORTURED Tour stop: The Romance Studio blog

BLOG TOUR WINNER@RTBOOKREVIEWS/AUG.13: MARI Please email me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Special : Day Seven Blog Tour winner:

2009-08-12T23:24:00.002-04:00

the winner for Day Seven is

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

Email me Cindy at : amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Aug:13 RT BookReviews Blog

NEWLY added: Aug 13 Unusual historicals * read excerpt on Thursday

TORTURED tour update

2009-08-12T07:32:00.005-04:00

ROUND ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE-Mackinac Island

Last night I had the honor of making a night visit to Blogtalk Radio w/the effervescent and downright charming Renee Bernard as host. if you missed it, the chat is archived at www.blogtalkradio.com and can be downloaded to your IPod.

Since it wasn't a stop that allowed for a contest giveaway. I'm stopping by home this morning here at the manor, before I head to Night Owl Romance blog so that I can offer a copy of TORTURED for DAY seven...

Also, For those of you following the schedule, the special interview with Lord CM has been rescheduled to a later time in the month. Watch here for when that will post!

Today chance to win a book at the LIT manor: Everyone has(or should have) a place they think of that reminds them to slow down down the pace, making sense of their lives, take a moment to breathe. For me that is the shores of the Great Lakes-preferably Mackinac Island..I actually used the imagery during child birth to focus--true story;) my second spot? the hammock on my deck out back. Simple, right?

What's your "thinking spot?" Your "happy place?" One winner will be chosen at random
from comments.

have a good one!
Amanda

Day Six: Blog tour

2009-08-12T01:41:00.003-04:00

And the winner at Coffeetime Romance is: Amy M!!

Congrats Amy!! Shoot me an email at amanda@amandamcintyre.net
to claim your book! Also if anyone knows CupK8, tell her to email me!! ;)

WED. Aug 12
Next blog stop: Night Owl Romance

TOUR POSTCARD:

A salute to the brave men and women of Fire Departments worldwide!

TONIGHT 7:30 CST BLOGTalk Radio

2009-08-11T20:04:00.001-04:00

Next stop on the 25 Blogs tour:

Ever wonder what Amanda sounds like? Does her voice have an annoying nasel twang?
Does she snort when she laughs? (yes, when I really get going) Just want to hear the actually VERY FUNNY host Renee Bernard have a go at Amanda??
Then tune in cuz its ALL happening Tuesday night -
from the comfort of your little computer in your best comfy chair!

Check listing for : CANNED LAUGHER Tuesday Night, at 8:30pm EST, on www.blogtalkradio.com

Unleash Your Story--join us!

2009-08-10T16:44:00.005-04:00

I'm part of a group called Romance Unleashed--a bunch of romance authors who got our start with the Zebra Debut program back in 2004-05. Last year, we launched the first-ever "Unleash Your Story" event to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (one of our RU members has two children with Cystic Fibrosis, so this cause is very near and dear to our hearts). Today, I've invited fellow RU author Teresa Bodwell to join us here at the LIT Manor to tell you more about the Unleash Your Story event, and how you can join us. Teresa, take it away....

Unleash Your Story—August 31-September 28

Unleash Your Story brings writers and readers together to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are harnessing the power of story to make a difference for the tens of thousands of kids and adults living with this fatal genetic disease.

The Power of Story

Of all the vehicles available to modern humans, the most versatile is the story. A good book can take you sailing on a pirate ship, hunting werewolves or dancing at Almacks. It’s a combination time machine and space ship that knows no limits.

Stories entertain. They make us laugh and cry. Provide an escape from reality, comfort in grief, a reprieve from pain and an inspiration to reach your goals.

When a reader opens a book and jumps inside, she releases the words from their two dimensional prison into a four dimensional world of time and space where magic happens. It is the combination of reader and writer that does the trick. The writer conceives the story and the reader completes it.

Now imagine hundreds of readers and writers coming together to unleash their stories. This is the concept behind the Unleash Your Story: Make a Difference write-a-thon/read-a-thon. With many readers and writers each doing a little, we can make a big difference.

The reality

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. and 70,000 worldwide. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. This same mucus obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. To combat these issues people with CF depend on many drugs and supplements to survive.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this fatal illness. (Information from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website).

Even with the advances we've seen over the last several decades the story of cystic fibrosis is grim for tens of thousands of kids and adults suffering from this disease and the hundreds of thousands of people who love them. Working together we can help change the story by bringing improved treatment and the hoped for cure closer to reality.

How you can help

Each Unleash Your Story participant sets a reading or writing goal and asks friends, family and fans to donate to CFF in support of their goal. It's sort of like a walk-a-thon, except there is no knocking on doors or wearing out sneakers. Instead you sit in your favorite reading or writing spot and crank out the pages!

Unleash Your Story runs from August 31 through September 28, 2009. Our fearless leaders in the 2009 campaign are Lori Wilde, Pacesetter Author and Michelle Buonfiglio, Pacesetter Reader. We'll have fun prizes for those who keep up with our pacesetters as well as incentives for reaching certain reading, writing and fund raising goals.

Last year Unleash Your Story raised over $11,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Our goal this year is to more than double that amount to $23,000. With your help we can reach this goal!

The Basics

What: Write-a-thon/Read-a-thon for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

When: August 31-September 28. Registration starts in early August.

How to participate: 1) Register; 2) set a reading or writing goal; 3) set a fundraising goal; 4) form a team or work as an individual; 5) contact friends, relatives and fans and ask them to donate in support of your goal. All donations go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and are tax deductible. No need for you to worry about collecting donations.

Learn more: Visit UNLEASH YOUR STORY or write to info@unleashyourstory.com.

~Teresa Bodwell
Rugged Trails. Bold hearts.
http://tbodwell.com
Blogging at: http://teresawithnoh.com

TOUR POSTCARD:

2009-08-09T11:29:00.004-04:00

Startling image of stairs leading out of a real-life castle
Torture chamber. Used as inspiration in writing TORTURED (*found during my research)

Day Five: TORTURED tour winner
JennJ!! Congrats Jenn! Email me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Next stop: Monday-Aug.10
http://www.CoffeetimeRomance.com/CoffeeThoughts

May the wind be at your back~
Amanda

TORTURED tour travel log:

2009-08-08T10:18:00.006-04:00

TOUR POSTCARD: Roadside park for lunch!
Was that Henry Cavill following me on my blog tour???

Day Three: CupK8 roadstop: CHEEKY READS
Day Four: Armenia roadstop: NovelThoughts

Aug. 8: Mechele Armstrong's -The Crayon Box
May the wind be at your back~
Amanda

Just for fun Friday clip!

2009-08-07T12:35:00.003-04:00

Just a bit of wickedness going into this weekend.... a bit irreverant, but worth the few swoon worthy glimpses in this funny video! ;))
Enjoy! LOL
Amanda

Days two TORTURED tour winner

2009-08-07T01:34:00.009-04:00

Winner at The Romance Club:
booklover1335
Congrats and please email me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Daily tour winners will be posted here unless we have a guest. In that event, post will show the following day. Regular blogging will continue so you will need to watch close. Winners are announced at each blog on the tour as well.
Next stop:
Novel Thoughts-Aug. 7
See you on the road!
Amanda

Day One: TORTURED TOUR Winner!

2009-08-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

The winner for Day one is....
Lyoness2009!
Please email me at amanda@amandamcintyre.net to claim your book!

Congrats! I'm blogging today at CHEEKY READS

See you on the road!
Amanda

Tea? How Civilized!

2009-08-05T07:53:00.010-04:00

Well, good day to you all! It's been a bit since I posted, so I thought I better get my bum in gear and do something! So, I was pondering what to write, when I began to reflect on my weekend, which in Canada was the long weekend (Civic Holiday) It was hot and humid, and sunny. Good Cannuck weather!!! So, we went for a drive to Kingsville which is a charming little town on the shore of Lake Erie. It's in Essex County which was the county where I was raised, and my old stomping grounds. It brings the warm cozies, and I try to visit frequently, while introducing my family to the things that I used to do, and the places I used to go. (hey, I'm Scottish and like the Irish, the Scots are a traditional kind of people. Home is always in the heart!)

So, we're driving around and we come across a little tea room that I've somehow missed on my numerous drives through Kingsville. You see, I love tea, and tea rooms, and afternoon tea makes me giddy with excitement (I also collect teapots!) My husband knows this. The going for tea thing is something I've done with my mum for years, and now that I have a ughter she comes with us. (Interestingly, all our baby/wedding showers are in 'afternoon tea' form and the men cannot wait to be let back into the house so that they can scarf down those little tea sandwiches made with colored bread!) So, I digress....hubby knows I love tea rooms, so we pull into Annabelle's and enter a bygone era!

What a beautiful place and the afternoon tea was perfect and formal and everything you would imagine afternoon tea would encompass. Although, when one reads those tea scenes in romance novels, it usually involves ladies sitting elegantly in a salon of a townhouse gossiping avidly. Well, let me tell you, it's rather novel to be sitting across from a man who is a mechanic and a little over six feet tall, hoisting a fragile red and white willow tea cup in his hand! Even stranger, watching him systematically go through the three tiered silver stand while trying to 'gentlemanly'. I didn't have the heart to tell him that this was supposed to be a light reprieve back in the day. Something to tide you over. The man was eating like he hadn't eaten in days. (his favorite sandwhich was the creamchesse with maraschino cherries)

Our conversation was pleasant and we talked about things we hadn't in a while. And there was NO writing talk, although I will confess to having some fleeting thoughts about seduction at an afternoon tea....:)

It's funny. Why do we think that only women would enjoy such an event as tea? I mean, my husband is one of those manly guys. Yet he had no qualms about sitting at a little table with fancy china and fussy little sandwiches. He also thoroughly enjoyed the scone with Devon cream and jam!

I asked him about it after, and he shrugged. "It's neat, and besides, it reminds me of your wedding shower, when I was invited in after the 'ladies' had left to sit with your family and eat the leftovers with the other men. It made me part of your family." Ahhhhh!!!! And that was quite a sight, watching these tall men balancing little plates on their laps and trying to delicately eat little sandwiches!

So, I have resolved to take my mum to Annabelle's for a little tea and gossip, and thought it would be lovely to go to an afternoon tea at RWA while we're in NY a couple of years from now! Of course, there's a midnight tea at the RT convention, a lovely 'Madhatters' event that you might want to check out!

So, tell me, have you ever been to an afternoon tea? And if so, what is your favorite part! If you would like to do a virtual tea, then visit Annabelle's and have a look at the lovely pictures. She has a cute little shop on site as well.
Also, Amanda has posted the second stop on her blog tour, just beneath this entry. For a look at her stop, just drop down below!

Tortured blog tour update:

2009-08-05T07:29:00.002-04:00

JUST A BRIEF NOTE: HERE IS AMANDA'S NEXT STOP ON THE TOUR:
The Romance Club

25 Blogs in 25 Days..the TORTURED tour!"

2009-08-04T01:05:00.002-04:00

August 4, 2009
Day one of my blog tour~

I begin as we all do from home. The LIT manor was built from pure inspiration. We were three historical writers who could not at one time, find a home for those who amp up the steam a bit in their historical writing. Charlotte and I were already writing for Harlequin Spice and I knew Kristi from working with her through the RT (Romantic Times) convention Genre program. (She is my Historical captain and a brilliant one to boot!) We were soon able to convert her to the steamier side of historical writing and soon she discovered not only is she good at it, but enjoys it as well!

So it began, with fertile minds, an enthusiasm unleashed, and a goal to create a place where readers and authors could settle in and chat together about any number of subjects including, but not limited to, hot, sweaty, heart-pounding historicals!

We then decided that we needed a male figure…a manor "mascot" so to speak,(heavens , don't tell him that!) who could keep his eye on things when we were away, interject his male viewpoint now and again, and basically serve as balance to the three females living in the manor! He’d have to be breathtakingly handsome (of course!) a bit irreverent, confident, flexible (yes, physically and attitudinally) let’s see…available for all types of research, able to carry on a conversation with many types of people (though women are his favorite guests) dabble in the culinary arts, sharp dresser, and have knowledge of history. The fact that Lord Craven Moore (dubbed by a reader most eloquently) has a particular passion (and expertise) for women came as an added bonus. He keeps us in balance, offers himself at all hours, and has a smile that will melt the flesh right off your bones.

Note: Never underestimate the power of three fertile author minds;)) Taking the perfect fantasy male from each of us—we breathed life into Lord Craven-Moore. It is a good thing that he is fictional, or else we’d all be in trouble, I think.

I hope some of you will be able to come along on my journey across the Internet highways and by-ways, as I visit some very interesting sites along the way!

I will be giving away a copy of TORTURED at every stop chosen at random from those who leave a comment!

So tell me what fun place have you visited this summer?

I’ll also be blogging about my true-life 19-day road trip I took recently! Next stop-August 5- EYE ON ROMANCE! (*see the full schedule below)

See you on the road!
Amanda

“25 BLOGS in 25 DAYS…the TORTURED tour!”

http://www.lustintime.blogspot.com -- August 4
http://www.theromancebookclub.com -- August 5
http://www.cheekyreads.blogspot.com -- August 6
http://www.novethoughts.wordpress.com -- August 7
http://www.mechelearmstrong.blogspot.com -- August 8-9 http://www.CoffeetimeRomance.com/CoffeeThoughts -- August 10
http://www.lustintime.blogspot.com -- August 11
http://www.blogtalkradio.com -- August 11 7:30* PM
http://www.NightOwlRomance.blogspot.com -- August 12
http://www.RTBookreviews.com/2009 -- August 13
http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com--Aug. 13 (excerpt)NEW*
http://www.theromancestudio.com -- August 14
http://www.faerycourt.com/faeryblog -- August 15
http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com--August 16 (Interview)NEW*
http://www.myspace.com/amandamcintyre -- August 17
http://www.freshfiction.com/blog -- August 18
http://www.Caridad.com/blog -- August 19
http://loveisanexplodingcigar.com -- August 20
http://www.GenelladeGrey.wordpress.com -- August 21
http://www.mcintyreshouseofmuse.blogspot.com -- August 22-23
http://www.myspace.com/SpiceBriefs -- August 24
http://www.bethciotta.blogspot.com -- August 25
http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com -- August 26
http://www.RomanceBookWyrm.blogspot.com -- August 17
http://thechatelianes.blogspot.com -- August 28

Spice does it again!

2009-07-30T22:03:00.003-04:00

Certainly there is no lack of inspiration in the manor this week! The Spice cover art gods have once again shown their unbelievable ability to produce a gorgeous cover worthy of framing.

Some of you may recall that the marketing team decided to go back to the original title, "the MASTER and the MUSES" making this author very happy with that alone... and then this came yesterday and I fell in love again.

Featured is my wickedly handsome hero-icon-rebel-unabashed romantic- artist, Thomas Rodin, whose description reads best from the back cover. (Yes, you can click on the cover to read it in a larger frame)

Enjoy!
Amanda

And the winner is....

2009-07-29T21:47:00.002-04:00

The randomly selected winner (I use an online random number generator, BTW) of the signed book from Kit Donner is.....comment #2, JENNIFER.

Congrats, Jennifer! Send me an email to KristiAstor@aol.com with your full name and snail mail addy, and we'll get that prize sent out ASAP.

Thanks so much to Kit for joining us, and to everyone else who participated!

Welcome Kit Donner to the Manor!

2009-07-29T08:52:00.004-04:00

Everyone, please welcome debut author Kit Donner to the LIT Manor--Kit's delectable debut historical THE NOTORIOUS BRIDEGROOM hits shelves...well, any day now! In honor of our LIT tradition we call "Wicked Wednesday", Kit is musing about one of our favorite topics: yummy heroes! As always, one lucky commenter will be chosen at random to win a signed book. Kit, take it away....

What Makes a Hero Sexy?

I can guess what immediately comes to mind if I ask that question to any female, particularly anyone who reads romances. We’ll start with the soulful gray eyes, or the longish dark hair, strong jaw, and continue on down to the bulging biceps, the 6-pack abs, tight buttocks in either jeans or breeches, and the rest- well, you can fill in the blanks.

But I ask you to look beyond our hero’s physical attributes for only a moment and consider comedian Steve Harvey’s words about the role a man (insert ‘hero’) fills in a woman’s life: To profess; to provide; and to protect. Although it may harken back to caveman roots, we still want our guy to tell us he loves us; provide for us and our family; and to protect us. (I’ve chosen not to address female equality or women who don’t need a man for this role in this blog.)

This description of a man’s role is what makes a hero sexy. I can think of three examples that come to mind that may help to illustrate my point. The first is from a scene from the TV show, “Taxi,” that has stayed with me for many years. The gist of the episode that I remember is Elaine’s old boyfriend/ex was coming to town and bringing his new girlfriend/wife to meet Elaine and they were to have dinner. Elaine wants to show her ex that she has someone in her life too, only she doesn’t. Her co-worker, Alex, offers to pretend to be her significant other, for show purposes, so she won’t feel like a big-time loser.

The interesting thing that happens while they are having dinner at the restaurant is how Alex treats Elaine- lovingly. He shows that he cherishes her, cares about her needs, and how much he loves her. Of course, it was all acting, but he started to convince Elaine he really meant all the things he said and did. The two characters don’t wind up together, but as I was watching this show, I began to think how sexy Alex (Judd Hirsch) was. While most people would agree that Judd Hirsch wouldn’t be the first name you think of as sexy, in my eyes, he became a sexy hero to Elaine and to me.

The other example is from the movie, “Cocoon.” There are movies that you’ve seen where you can’t recall specific scenes but something is forever implanted in your brain. For this movie, it was sexy Brian Dennehy. Yes, that Brian Dennehy, who hasn’t been seen much lately. What I remember is his kindness and his sexy low voice. After all these years, I wanted to love him for the hero he was, doing something good for mankind, helping those aliens get back home. (My memory is hazy but it went something like that.)

Lastly, I recently watched a rerun of “Frasier,” where Niles goes through all kinds of machinations to get Daphne’s parents back together, which doesn’t work. She asks him why he has done all this, and he simply tells her because he loves her, he would do anything to make her happy. (My lower lip quivers.)

In considering these examples and all the romances I’ve read, what makes a hero sexy to me is the way he treats his heroine/woman. If he can make her feel wanted, loved, cherished, and desired in her own right-that is one sexy guy. Throw a bit of kindness in there as well, and I’m a goner. Then, of course, if you add back in the first paragraph’s attributes- we’re talking scrumpdillitious yummy Godiva chocolate sexy hero.

Here’s hoping you find your hero
- Kit Donner
Whose first book, “The Notorious Bridegroom” from Zebra out on August 4, has an incredibly sexy hero.

What do YOU think makes a hero sexy?

You can view a book trailer for THE NOTORIOUS BRIDEGROOM here.

And you can visit Kit online at www.kitdonner.com.

I Feel a Little Sin Comin' On!

2009-07-28T12:04:00.003-04:00

Here it is, without further adieu, the LONG awaited cover for Sinful (Spice, May 2010), Lord Wallingford's book! Everything on this cover, from the stance, to the green, to the pose is just perfect for him!

So, what do you we think? Would you indulge in a little sin with him? And if you want a closer peek, just click the picture and it'll get bigger!

Wicked....Friday??

2009-07-24T18:45:00.005-04:00

Holy almost-naked vampire, Batman! From the New Moon sneak-peek at Comic Con in San Diego. Didn't think it could wait till next Wednesday. I'm not really coherent enough to say any more than that....

LIT Ladies in D.C.

2009-07-20T17:21:00.009-04:00

Hmmm, so I promised that the LIT Ladies would be blogging live from RWA, and then...radio silence. Guess what I left sitting on my kitchen table at home??? My laptop! Amanda and Charlotte had theirs, but internet was super-pricey and we all were almost never in our rooms, so....no blogging.

However, a good time was had by all. This was a busy conference. It was--as always--wonderful and creatively refreshing to hang with Amanda and Charlotte. We even managed to plot out a possible fourth Celtic Spice anthology in a matter of minutes (when we were *supposed* to be going over our workshop notes, of course!). If only we could have more of these 'real life' gab sessions, who knows how much we could accomplish!

We also enjoyed a yummy Thai dinner with LIT regular Barbara (of the Happily Forever After blog). It was so great to meet her, and we had a lot of fun chatting about the conference and about romance in general (but why didn't anyone take pictures???).

Let's see....what else?! A fabulous Lebanese dinner with my fellow Harlequin NASCAR authors and the editorial team. An equally fabulous French lunch with Amanda, Charlotte, fellow Spice author Victoria Janssen, and our Spice editor, Lara Hyde.

I also got to spend some time with my long-time friends Sally MacKenzie, Eve Silver, Teresa Bodwell, Caroline Linden, Ann Christopher, Laura Drewry, Jessica Trapp, Jackie Ivie, and Colleen Gleason. Plus I made some new pals--the aforementioned Victoria Janssen, and Nicola Cornick (who I was lucky enough to sit beside at the Literacy signing--what a lovely woman!).

Between all that socializing, I also managed attended several terrific workshops, particularly one given by author Julie Anne Long and agent Steve Axelrod, and another given by the always-hysterical Anne Stuart.

And then there was the Harlequin party! Amanda, Charlotte and I took a taxi over to the Ritz-Carlton, swearing that we would only stay an hour or so, since we had to be up early to present our own workshop the following morning at 8:30 a.m. Instead, we danced the night away, and closed the place down. Who knew we were such party animals?!

Okay, that's about it in a nutshell. Photos, top to bottom: LIT ladies with our Harlequin Spice editor, Lara Hyde; Amanda and Charlotte; Kristi and Charlotte; Sally MacKenzie, Jackie Ivie, name unknown, Jessica Trapp, Ann Christopher, Kristi, and Eve Silver.

Post Nationals update

2009-07-19T00:20:00.003-04:00

I am writing from a hotel(with free WiFi) in Cleveland, Ohio preparing to go to the Rock and roll hall of fame tomorrow and then on to Chicago and finally home on Monday!

I have been on a whirlwind "Americana road trip " with 5 of the 6 of my family and we have seen much and had a great time!

I apologize for not blogging more at RWA. But I had no idea of the pace this convention--aside from just making time to meet with editors and friends--speaking of--Kristi , Charlotte and I were able to spend some quality time between our varied schedules and get in a good visit. Each time I meet with these two, I see why I love working together with them on the Celtic Spice anthologies as well as hanging here at the manor.

Friday afternoon we went to lunch with Lara Hyde,our Spice editor. It was a wonderful couple of hours, spent sampling wonderful food and just getting to know each other.
There was a Harlequin single title mixer where we were able to meet some of the authors from the other single title lines at Harlequin. Eden Bradley, who sold her first single title to Spice Books at the conference, is planning to come join us here at the manor one of these days soon!
We met a whole list of people who are anxious to come for a visit to the manor, so there will be some surprises coming up in the days ahead!

We have some great pics via Kristi of the fabulous Harlequin Party on Friday night and as soon as everyone if home safe and sound we'll be sharing those with you.

We had a great supper one at at a Thai restaurant, with our own Barbara! It was great to meet this genuinely lovely woman! Thanks Barb and I hope to see you at Columbus in April!

I hope all of you are having a splendid July ! I cant hardly believe that its over! I've got to buckle down when I get home, and get prepared for the TORTURED tour, starting Aug.4--check my website if you are interested in hopping on the blog train!

Special note to Amy: I did wave at you;))) and I hope, hope hope you come to Columbus in April!!

Please remember Charlotte and Kristi as they travel home and us too as we continue our trek toward home!

Peace to all and 'rock on"

Amanda McIntyre

New Celtic Spice Site!

2009-07-13T10:13:00.003-04:00

Well, the Lit Ladies are off to the RWA National Conference in Washington D.C., but check back later in the week, as we'll (hopefully) be blogging and uploading some photos (note to self: remember to pack the camera cord for downloading pics!).

But in the meantime, we proudly announce the launch of our new collaborative web site:

www.CelticSpice.com

There's not much there yet, but soon we'll be populating the site with all kinds of interesting tidbits related to Celtic legends and lore, and our seasonal-themed Celtic Spice anthology series (kicking off with WINTER'S DESIRE in Nov. '09).

Be sure to check it out, and bookmark the site! Kudos to web designer extraordinaire Rae Monet for the stunning design.

And if you're headed to the RWA conference, safe travels, and see you soon!

Winner.....

2009-07-10T21:22:00.005-04:00

The winner of the Wicked Wednesday "Caption This" contest is Mari!

Mari, email me at KCHWriter @ aol. com (minus the spaces) to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone who participated--you guys are SO funny!!

Have a great weekend, everyone, and hope to see some of you next week in D.C. Don't forget the LIT Ladies are giving a workshop on Friday at 8:30 a.m. ("The Art of Collaboration")--we've got some really cool giveaways for attendees! And we'll all be signing at the Literacy event on Wednesday at 5:30.

And stay tuned for an announcement coming very soon about our new Celtic Spice web site launch! It should be any day now...

Wicked Wednesday -- 'Caption This' Contest!

2009-07-08T14:41:00.005-04:00

Nothing says "wicked" more than blood, right?! Looks like a sexy vampire who just ate...

I think I'm going to use this pic as the inspiration for the vampire hero of my Samhain-themed Celtic Spice novella, "Midnight Sins" (in DARK PLEASURES, Fall 2012).

Yum! How about a 'caption this' contest...everyone post a caption, and I'll pick a winner on Friday, who will receive a surprise pack in the mail.

Sorry us LIT Ladies are so quiet these days--Amanda is traveling, Charlotte is chained to her desk with deadlines, and I'm busy with page proofs for one of my fall releases.

But be sure to check in next week, when we'll all be blogging live from RWA Nationals!

In the meantime, don't forget to post your captions--winner picked on Friday!

Real-life Heroes

2009-07-07T21:03:00.007-04:00

Here at the LIT blog, we do a fair amount of discussing our favorite fictional heroes--the ones who leap off the page and make our pulse leap or our heart wrench. There's even...yes, I admit it...a fair amount of appreciation expressed for their physical (albeit sometimes imaginary) attributes.

But let's talk a bit about those real-life heroes in our lives (or even the ones we *wish* were in our real lives). Occasionally my hubby does something that I deem 'hero worthy,' even if it's a small gesture. Like yesterday. I needed to go to the mall to buy a gift, and to pick up a few new things for the RWA conference next week. Unfortunately, my best friend and usual shopping buddy is out of town and I was complaining over breakfast that I'd have to go to the mall alone. So hubby takes the kids to day camp, comes home, and announces that he's staying home from work and going to the mall with me. I think that's pretty heroic! He actually sat around watching me try on clothes for hours.

And there have been other times, too--like the time I was pregnant with daughter #1 and desperately craving banana Popsicles, which apparently aren't all that common up north (but I grew up eating them in the south). So hubby jumped in the car and drove around the entire metro NYC area, looking for banana Popsicles. Unsuccessfully, I'm afraid, but the effort counts.

And I won't even go into all he did for me following my brain surgery almost 15 yrs. ago, before we were even married, stuff that included basically playing nursemaid and caretaker when my mom wasn't around.

In real life, I don't really need someone to save me from villains, or to defend my honor in a duel, or even to save me from wagging tongues at Almack's. But help me find a cute shirt to go with my white skirt? That I need. Feed my pregnancy cravings? Yep. Take the kids to a movie so I can have a few hours alone to write? You betcha.

So....here's to my hubby, my real-life hero, and to the little things that make me feel like a true heroine.

How about you? Any real-life hero stories to share? C'mon, let's give the real-life men in our lives some love!

*the pic above is my hubby many years ago, by the bust of James Joyce in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland*

Road-trip Inspiration

2009-06-26T17:15:00.006-04:00

I recently returned home after an almost two-week road trip, filled with happy memories and loads of inspiration--there are just so many stories to tell, and so little time to tell them all! I'm a serious history buff--not to mention the fact that both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in history--so it doesn't take much to inspire me. Pretty much every history-filled place I visit leaves me desperate to write a book about said place. Is it just me, or do others experience this, too??

A few years ago I visited the North Carolina Outer Banks and Roanoke Island, and came away desperate to write a YA book about the mysterious disappearance of the original Roanoke settlers. My bookshelf is full of research books I bought and read, and I brainstormed ideas for quite a while. Unfortunately, I never got around to writing the book.

But this recent trip similarly inspired me. First up, Williamsburg, VA. I'd LOVE to write a Colonial America-set romance. Armed with a new knowledge of the streets, residences, and life in Colonial Williamsburg, I can totally picture a book set there.

Same with nearby Jamestown--I've always wanted to write a YA romance between an early settler and a Powhatan (in the vein of Pocahontas and John Smith--only with teenage protagonists). But after visiting Jamestown....I swear, it was like stepping back in time. I could hear the voices of characters just whispering in my head as I walked alongside the James River and through the shady woods where the Powhatan tribe lived.

Later on the trip, we spent a couple of days in Savannah, GA, which left me longing to write a Civil War era romance set in that moody and atmospheric southern city! And later, we toured the Antietam Battlefield, further fueling my musing about a Civil War set book.

It's amazing how a vacation can fuel my imagination, and how, whenever I'm visiting a historic site, the 'voices' come out to play in my head!

How about you? Any place you've visited that has inspired a book or just a story in your mind? Or made you want to write a book set there? Any historical site/place you've visited that has made you want to read a book set there?

*Photos from top to bottom: Sunken Lane at the Antietam Battlefield; Draped bed in the Governor's Palace, Williamsburg; Path alongside the James River, Jamestown; Dunker Church, Antietam Battlefield.

Wicked Wednesday!

2009-06-24T07:56:00.008-04:00

It's been a while since we've done this, but it was always so much fun! So, this is for all the creative hussies out there.....

Eye candy and captions....
Here we go! CAUTION: Fans, ice, and additional undergarments could be required!!!!

Number One!

Number Two!

Number Three!

Number Four!

Special thanks goes to LIT lady and hussy, Amanda who sent me these 'pick me up' dudes last night while I was writing Sinful. Gotta love a writing bud like that!!!!

Happy Midsummer Everyone!

2009-06-21T11:37:00.007-04:00

Just taking a short break to wish everyone a Happy Summer Solstice!
The LIT ladies are deep into life the past week-one of us enjoying a family vacay, the other two madly writing and trying to meet deadlines! Balance! Isnt that what we all strive for?
Just asked the question, "how do you nurture your creativity?"(on an author loop this was directed toward writers) but it does affect us all.
To me one of the most difficult tasks I had to learn (and I'm still learning) is the importance of balance between work and "play"--
When I was growing up, summer was a time of "total play"--whether that meant a long visit to my grandmother's house or a family road trip. It meant a seemingly endless stretch of long, hot days, dotted with lemonade stands, catching turtles in the creek, playing out a blanket in the backyard coloring for hours with that great box of crayons, or catching lightning bugs in your pj's--

The whole world was a wonderland of discovery and delight. Where you could play outside for hours in the heat and you didn't mind that you smelled like fresh mown grass and kid sweat;))
Now I'm grown, but the sense of discovery and wonder exists still as it always has if we take the time to notice-ask me if I believe in fairies, I'll tell you yes. Ask me if I believe that stones carry an aura of history and I'll say yes.

There is so much to learn, so much to discover. Despite being grown up-I hope you have a moment of absolute "kid" inside you today and that it makes you smile to know that that "inquisitive , creative child " is alive and well, still discovering the world and all its wonder!

From all of us here at the manor~Happy Solstice!

Amanda, Charlotte, Kristi & Lord C.M.