Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A little eye candy

I'm still rather dozy as I recover from too much food and wine over Christmas. I hope everyone had an equally good holiday! On Boxing Day I ventured out at the crack of dawn to get an on-sale Sony home theatre system. Woo and hoo! I broke it in by watching the underrated Terminator Salvation, featuring the very delectable Sam Worthington -- also currently starring in Avatar. (For me, he was far more interesting in his hunky human form than as a blue CGI creature!)

I'm now scouring his IMDB page for old Aussie movies to watch. I do enjoy a new movie crush! Here, you can enjoy him too:

Monday, December 28, 2009

A couple of things this week

I have a brand new cover to share. The fabulous Valerie Tibbs sent me the new cover for the print edition of my Daywalker series. Isn't it great?





Contest Reminder


It's not too late to enter my December contest. If you haven't done so already, now's your chance to enter to win one of five prizes, including a grand prize worth over $200 dollars.

The best thing is, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment. Simple as that.

For more information, please visit my blog.

http://www.amandayoung.org/2009/12/01/giving-thanks-contest/

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Ally's Beach Adventure

At least, that's the plan *g*

The family and I are spending the next week in Myrtle Beach, SC, for my in-laws' 50th anniversary. My plans consist mostly of working on the novel-in-progress and getting some reading done. But, I know the rest of the clan won't let me get away with that for the entire week, so what I'm wondering is, what's fun for a group of a dozen adults and teens to do together in Myrtle Beach?

I know the place is busting with stuff to do. I've heard there is an awesome outlet center, which I am TOTALLY planning to hit. I also heard there's a Medieval Times restaurant, which I told my MIL we really need to go to. I loved the one I went to in Toronto years ago, and I know my son and my nephew would have a blast. That's all I know of for sure so far, though.

So what about it, y'all? Who's been to Myrtle Beach? Any suggestions for family activities?

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Noel

© 2007 James Buchanan

Much thanks to Reb, Syd, CB, Nicole and SamC who gave me inspiration even if I couldn’t quite work in the snowmobile, stalker and nutcracker scenes.

“What are you doing?” An irritated, but cultured voice sounded behind Les. Backing it, the boisterous cheer of a holiday party cut the night. Part Christmas, part end of exams, and part wrap party for the local university’s production of A Christmas Carol throbbed full swing. Over indulgence hounded Les. Too much drinking with people he really didn’t care for. He needed the money, the college needed a sound tech… it was decent enough for a student job. And at least he didn’t have to pretend to be straight around theater geeks.

“Writing my name in the snow.” Les growled, glancing over his shoulder while tying not to get anything on his combat boots. Oh, Dear God, the questioner was wearing a Santa hat pushed back on his head. Blond curls poked out underneath. That was almost more Christmas cheer then Les could stomach.

Chad Mitchell stood staring at Les while he had his dick in his hand taking a piss. Dockers, button-down green, plaid shirt over a white t-shirt set off indignant blue eyes. “You could have used the bathroom inside.” Freckles dotted the bridge of his nose. His old style hunter’s coat couldn’t keep the frost from tinting sharp cheeks. Shit, Les cursed under his breath, accosted by an LL Bean catalog while taking a leak.

“Right.” Les tucked himself away and yanked up the fly of his black jeans. That done, he shoved his hands in the pockets for warmth and shouldered deeper into his army surplus Patton style jacket. “And stand in line with all those giggling girly things that can’t hold their beer? Much easier this way.”

For all of the bad taste, Les’ brain did a little stop-start routine when he turned full on. The first full-dress rehearsal, Les memorized each line and angle to Chad’s body. All and nothing was left to the imagination in the grey velvet and linen the costumers pulled together. Every time he saw Chad drift out to stage center in those tight Dickenson Era pants and cutaway coat, he had the same reaction. Chad was tall and not too bulky under layers of winter clothes. The line costume indicated a nice butt and sculpted body lurked underneath. In the darkness of the sound booth, Les wanked himself off while just watching Chad move. Thank God there weren’t many cues during Chad’s scenes.

Tight and proud, full lips crawled into a near sneer. “You just have to be that way, huh. All angsty and self righteous?” The blond actor tucked his own hands under his armpits.

It was Goddamn freezing out behind the house. Snow flurries fluttered down. One landed on the ring in Les’ nose and turned it to ice. He sneezed. Back, over a wool cloaked shoulder, fairy lights danced through an over wrought Christmas tree framed Currier and Ives style in the window. Fuck, Chad looked like a post card. Put a stamp on Chad and mail it to Les’ bedroom. Muted strains of the little drummer boy drifted around them.

“Always.” Les agreed. Cold seeped through waffle soles and Les hopped from one foot to the other trying to keep feeling in his toes. Blondie glared. “You theater jerks, so pompous. Man you guys suck.” He laughed. “Scrooge… repent, turn back before it’s too late.” Throwing as much over emphasis as he could into the line, Les teased. He draped his right arm before his eyes and threw his head back, “Don’t end up like me.”

Indignant, Chad’s lips went thin. “That’s not my line.”

Les waived it off. “Shit, you all take this college theater shit way to serious. Les,” he drew out his own name with a starlet’s falsetto, “my mic’s not right. How am ever going to emote correctly with this crappy sound system.”

Chad snorted. “I never said anything like that.”

“No.” It was Les’ turn to glare. “You didn’t even talk to me when I fitted you out for you wireless.”

Glancing off towards the house, Chad seemed embarrassed. “You didn’t seem like you wanted to talk with me during production.”

Les’ eyebrows crawled up. Running his tongue along the edge of his teeth, the little bar through the muscle clicked against enamel. “Why would you want to talk to someone like me when you’re surrounded by all those so cool people? What would all your artsy buddies think? Oh, look at Chad, he’s talking with the techie nerd.”

“Maybe ‘cause under all that black and attitude you’re kinda cute.” The look went from embarrassed to sly. “Even if you’re a gothed out computer geek with a good knowledge of sound systems.”

“Me?” Cute and Les rarely occurred in the same sentence.

“Yeah.” Chad looked back toward the house. A mix of desire and distasted flew across his face. Then he turned back to Les. “Wanna blow and grab some hot chocolate?”

“I don’t think they have any hot chocolate there.” Les shook a dusting of snow off his head. Crystals caught the light in Chad’s blue eyes.

“Neither do I.” Chad smiled. “But I know I have some at my place.”

Les laughed. Then he stepped in to Chad’s personal space. Suddenly all hard and tight and tense the other man almost drew away. Spicy cologne rose from his collar, wrapping Les’ senses in thoughts of mulled cider and fireplaces.

In his mind, he could see firelight tracing the edges of those sharp cheeks. Full lips responded to every kiss as Chad sighed and shuddered. So silken-hard and so demanding, Chad’s prick swelled in his hand. Both of them locked together as Les rammed into the tight, hot confines of Chad’s body. Frenzied, Chad rode him. Sweat sparkled across their skin… little jewels caught in the flames. They moaned. They called each other’s names. They drove each other until everything faded to two bodies trembling and shaking against each other.

Another laugh slipped past Les’ lips as he nipped Chad’s ear. “No you don’t, I drank it this morning.”

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Winners!! (And a little something under the tree from Joey and Aaron)

First of all the winners:

Yes, Monday, my tree is purple. Contact me with your email for the gift certificate.

But...Stormcloude, I wanted teal when I first set up housekeeping! And I'd really love to see a bronze tree. If I ever have a house big enough for three trees, I'd like one in cranberry and cream. We have a smaller tree that's all Disney-themed ornaments.

And Nate is the name I drew from the hat for the free story download. And well-deserved, confessing to the Smurfs' album. Ouch. Contact me with what you want. Any story I have out.

Jambrea, thanks for the compliments on An Improper Holiday.


Most of all I loved reading all those traditions and I think that Joey and Aaron from Collision Course might be setting one up for their future Christmases right now. Want to see?



Joey was the most selfish person in the world. He realized this on Christmas Eve Eve, or as most people would call it, December 23. He realized it when he stood in front of a display in Pleasure's Treasures, a sickening twist in his gut reminding him that he still hadn't found anything to buy his boyfriend for Christmas.

With time now easily measured in hours, Joey was desperate, hence the trip to a sex toy shop. The cute guy in the Santa hat and matching micro shorts had been nothing but helpful, if a little touchy feely, and Joey still kept finding gifts for himself. That leather number for Aaron to wear? Strictly something that would make Joey's eyes bulge as he dropped to his knees. The plus size string of anal beads the clerk had shown him? Again, much more pleasure for Joey than Aaron. Flavored condoms? Thank God they didn't need those anymore.

He'd had his family done by Thanksgiving, had no trouble picking out stuff for the kids, much to Aaron's relief. But Aaron? How could Joey be so clueless about what would make his own boyfriend happy? Sheree, Dylan and Darryl had all pronounced Aaron easy to buy for. An action movie, an X-box game, even clothes. But Joey knew that wasn't the answer. He'd considered Aaron's first love, caffeine, but even one of those specialty one-cup pots was out of the question. Not because of price but because Aaron never drank just one cup of coffee. Joey moved down the list to the Ducati. He'd even gone so far as to call Mark—who was still a little pissed—to get a suggestion about what Joey could give Aaron for his bike.

After first sneering at the European name, the best Mark could come up with was a gift certificate to a garage that specialized in Ducs. A gift certificate. Joey might as well hand Aaron cash. There had to be something special, something that would make Aaron's eyes heat up, that smile break slow on his lips and his voice get deep as he said, "Thanks, Joey."

The clerk unhooked the paddle Joey had been running his fingers over. Joey slapped it against his palm. Big sting, nice heat. His ass tightened. But again, that would be a present for Joey, not for Aaron. The door chimed and the clerk turned away to greet a new customer. Joey tested the flexibility of the paddle, felt the light warmth from where it had smacked his skin. So maybe Santa could put this in Joey's stocking. He was a selfish bastard, and he still didn't have anything to give Aaron.

A voice purred in Joey's ear. "Mmmm. Nice. But I like my hand better."

Joey jumped and turned around. "Aaron. You're supposed to be at work."

"Saw your puke green car out front. Hennie's got the truck running, and I've got my radio." Aaron waved it.

Aaron's paramedic uniform was an ugly dark blue polyester, but it was the first thing Joey had ever seen him in and he had a soft spot for it. He flicked a finger against the name badge. Aaron snatched the paddle from his hand and swung it so that it swished in the air.

"You told me you were done. Last minute shopping? Someone on your list I should know about?"

Joey's gaze fixed on the leather in Aaron's hand. One side had metal studs set in it. Jesus. His cock filled at the thought of Aaron using that on bare skin.

Aaron tapped the paddle lightly against the seat of Joey's jeans. "Joey. Question. Answer."

"Uh. No."

Aaron holstered his radio and tapped the paddle against his finger tips. He gave Joey that slow smile, and his gut got as warm and tight as his cock.

What the hell. "Aaron, what do you want for Christmas?"

"Nothing. Anything. I don't care. I told you, it's not a big deal."

The frustration Joey felt must have shown on his face, because Aaron cupped the back of Joey's neck. "How about a blowjob?"

"C'mon. I want to get you something to make you happy."

Aaron's jaw tightened and his eyes looked bleak. The warmth in Joey's belly turned to a heavy doughy ball. What the hell was wrong with that?

He started to turn away, but Aaron held him with that hand on his neck. He bent down and kissed him. "For a smart guy, you can be a total moron."

"Huh?"

"I am happy, don't you get that? Every fucking day. And you know why."

"Oh." Joey grinned as everything got warm inside again. "But I still have to get you something."

"Get me a book of Sudoku. I like to do'em in the can. And sometimes I read that guy. Um, David Sedaris. And," Aaron turned to wave the paddle at the clerk. "You have a place we can test this out?"

The clerk smiled and jerked his chin at a small curtained off space.

"Here? But Hennie's waiting—and that guy—"

"You fucking love the idea of an audience."

Okay, so Joey did. And he loved it even more when Aaron pushed him past the curtain with a swat just hard enough to burn.

Aaron put Joey's hands up on the back wall and ran a hand over the warm spot on Joey's ass. "You want to feel it on skin or should I have him ring it up now?"

"It's still more of a present for me than for you."

Aaron reached around and unbuttoned Joey's shorts. "I think we're both gonna like it."

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Happy Solstice + Stocking Stuffers!

It looks like everyone in the Northern Hemisphere must have lit enough candles last night because the sun did, in fact, rise this morning, and today will be ever so slightly longer than yesterday was. Personally, I love winter solstice, but then I'm such a product of my Northern European ancestry that I get annoyed when there are too many consecutive days of sunshine. I like the long, dark nights of November through January.

On to the stocking stuffers!

We're having a grand time giving stuff away, and hey that's what this season is about right? Giving gifts? Well, I have a couple for you. First is my Solstice-themed freebie, Wand'ring Home, that I wrote last year. If you don't have a copy yet, you can download it right here. Despite what the cover suggests, it is in fact a fantasy, not contemporary, m/m, and it's a follow-up to my first book, The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing.


And now for the contest!

I love to give presents at least as much as I love to get them. I think the best present I've given (at least since I've been married) is the picture light I gave my hubby a few years back so he could properly light the gorgeous framed photo that hangs over our fireplace. It's an incredibly beautiful shot he took while he and his brother were at Camp Muir on Mount Rainier. That was a serious score in that he loves it, it lights a very special photograph, and it gets used practically every day.

For the Naughty Stocking Stuffers, I'm giving away your choice of a free download of either of my novels, The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing or Client Privileges, or, for those of you willing to wait until January, a free download of my upcoming short story, Play Music, Play Magic. And winning couldn't be simpler. Just comment and tell me about the best gift you can remember either giving or receiving. Just post by midnight of the 25th and I'll pick a winner on the 26th, then pop back in here to update the post so you know if you won. (If you leave your email address in your comment, I can notify you directly, too.)

Happy Holidays!

ETA 22 Dec 7:52pm: Can't seem to comment on my post, so I'll just pop in here to say "Great gifties, everyone! Keep 'em coming!"

ETA 26 Dec: WE HAVE A WINNER! Mo, you are the lucky winner! Please email me at maia (at) maiastrong (dot) com to let me know what title and what ebook format you would like!

Happy Boxing Day, everyone!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Food, heavenly food

It's my turn to partake in the Naughty Stocking Stuffers giveaway!
I hope everyone is having a safe and wonderful holiday season so far. I know I've gained some weight from just all the good food that's been floating around...with more to come this week. ^-^

I'll make this short and sweet since I'm helping my husband with his job's Christmas luncheon today and won't even dream of seeing my computer until later tonight.

Just comment on this post and let me know about your favorite food during this time of year. I personally adore (oh, heck, make that crave) fudge. No matter the flavor. But growing up, I always made a variety of fudge with my mother and gave away to family and friends. So I guess it has some sentimental value to it too. :P

Oh, yeah, and the prize you wonder? I'll give one lucky winner 2 of my Christmas themed e-books : enWrappture and No Ordinary Holiday. So don't hesitate as I'll be picking a winner on Tuesday and adding it to this post.
(it's easier to contact the winner if you graciously leave email adresses with your comments also).



Added 12/22: Thank you to all who responded. All the talk about yummy food has really made me hungry-even this early in the morning. :P I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas season. See you in 2010!

WINNER: Congratulations Tam!

Also, orelukjp0 email me at marty (at) martyrayne (dot) com as I've chosen a second winner for my e-book A Gift Worth Sharing.

Merry Christmas!!!

Sunday, December 20, 2009


Hey folks! Yet another fun contest for you here on Slash and Burn. The part I love best about all these contests is how EASY they are to win.

Today I'm giving away a free download of my newest release, Chasing Victory. Chasing Victory is a novel set in the fast-paced world of stock car racing. I really liked this book while it was being written and I was pleased with the end result. My publisher tells me it's selling very well, so happy holidays to me!

All you need to do to win a copy is comment here with your favorite sport to watch or participate in. Leave an email address where you can be contacted and I'll let the winner know by tomorrow morning, 9:00 a.m. PST.

Little snippet to get you going...


He was still yanking ineffectually at his seat harness by the time medical showed up. Mitch barely registered the men in blue that were surrounding his car. He was too intent on getting free, getting out of his car before what happened last time happened again, so when his window webbing was torn down, Mitch swallowed a startled gasp and looked up.

“Keep still, man.” Serious blue eyes, the lightest shade Mitch could ever remember seeing, were searching Mitch’s face. “Anything hurt? Are you stuck?”

“My harness,” Mitch said lamely. His thumb remained on the button, trying to get it to unsnap.

Dark brows drew together and the medic reached a hand inside the car. He put his fingers over Mitch’s and pressed down. There was audible click that Mitch could hear even through his helmet, and then he was suddenly free.

He shrugged the harness off and scrambled for the window, anxious to get out of the confined space. Once he was outside the car, maybe his heart would stop pounding so hard.

“Whoa, hey, easy there.” Strong hands were on Mitch’s forearms, easing him back down in his seat. “You should know the rules. You don’t move until medical checks you out.” Blue Eyes gave a quick smile, but something told Mitch there was seriousness behind it. “Got any neck or back pain?”

“Uh.” Mitch blinked and tried to concentrate on how he was feeling. His harness was unsnapped, so there was no more reason for his harsh breathing or shaking fingers. “No. No neck pain. He didn’t hit me that hard.”

It was true; Mitch had known as soon as Danny had made contact that they’d both walk away from it. There had been worse wrecks. Much worse.

“Hard enough,” the medic said casually. “Sit tight, I’ll let you out in a minute.” He scanned the inside of the car and then gave Mitch an up-down look that would have gotten Mitch’s phone number in his pocket if they’d been in a bar.

***

Comment here, I'll pick a winner tomorrow!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Happy Sexy Cover Funtime...and a Giveaway

How would you like to win two free downloads from my backlist? Just leave a comment here and a random winner will be drawn!

Amanda Kelsey of Razzle Dazzle Design just sent me my cover for GPS, the M/M short I wrote for All Romance eBooks' 28 Days of Heart. Looking at it alone is sure to send hearts pumping.



Blurbage: When Cale Durbin receives a GPS system for his birthday, he tests it out on the drive to meet a blind date. The blasted device gets him lost, but Cale doesn't mind so much when he ends up at the door of a hunk named Mike who shares many of his interests.

After the setup date fails, Cale discovers the GPS possesses a unique feature - it leads him right to Mike again! Can true happiness be found through a global positioning device, or is Cale headed in the wrong direction?

Proceeds from sales of GPS go to the American Heart Association, and it will be my third charity piece. You can still get All You Need... at ARe to benefit WHY, and in January I have a piece in the next Coming Together volume with Phaze Books!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

New releases!


So, I have TWO new releases--both anthologies. :D

First up is 7--with myself and Shayne Carmichael. It's available in ebook and print from Torquere Press.

When one thinks of the Seven Heavenly Virtues, hope, charity, faith, temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude, and the Seven Deadly Sins, greed, sloth, anger, lust, gluttony, envy and pride, lessons in life come to mind. In 7, each Virtue and Sin is presented as a theme for a story, each one is explored, whether positive or negative, literal or figurative.

With a variety settings and styles, from courtesans on another planet to vampires of the Romanorum, from demons lusting after ghosts and a cat and dog chase of epic proportions, there's bound to be something for everyone. This fourteen-story collection comes from Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael, the authors of The Prince's Angel and The Two Shall Become One.

***

Second is Bound With A Bow--a BDSM Christmas anthology with myself, Beth Wylde, Lee Benoit, EM Lynley, and Sascha Illyvich, available at Phaze Books

Latex, leather, or lace. Oh, my! Bridles, bondage, and ball-gags. Oh, wow! Puppies and ponies and paddles. Yes, please. May we have some more?

It’s almost Christmas time and everyone is headed to Broad Horizons to celebrate the holidays. You won’t find a jolly fat man in a red suit here, unless that’s what turns you on of course, but you will find everything else your lusty libido desires. Got a naughty sub that needs some special discipline or just feel like checking out the club? Maybe you’d like to buy a membership for that special Domme in your life? If so, then Broad Horizons is the place to be this Christmas Eve. We don’t care if you’ve been good or bad. In fact, we think naughty is nicer, and we know it’s a hell of a lot more fun.

Pretty Tied Up by Beth Wylde: The holidays are here and Dani and Maryanne are back in action at Broad Horizons. Maryanne has offered herself up to her partner, in her first live bondage exhibition, as Dani's Christmas present. When practice doesn't go quite as planned Dani is worried she may have to cancel the show, especially as a last minute equipment problem pops up. Can Dani's sudden brainstorm save the show and eliminate her need to go shopping too? With her woodworking skills, and a few favors people owe her, she might just have Christmas, and Maryanne, pretty tied up.

Cardinal Points by Lee Benoit: Argus is a master Dom who’s lost his sense of purpose. Dori is a spiritual seeker who’s never quite found his way. When the two meet at a pagan festival, the heat is undeniable -- Dori even offers a solution to Argus’ disillusionment: ordeal path spirituality! But how can BDSM amateur Dori and novice pagan Argus chart a new path together if Dori keeps disappearing? Will he find his way to commit to Argus in time for a Christmas Eve appearance at Broad Horizons?

Completion by Mychael Black: By day, Eli Knight works for Kent Evans’ computer graphics firm. By night, however, he serves an entirely different role: that of Evans’ submissive. The love and respect between them is deep, but Kent knows Eli holds a candle for Mitchell Phelps, Eli’s best friend. When Kent takes Eli to a Christmas party at the BDSM club Broad Horizons, Eli has no idea what to expect from his trangendered Dom. What he discovers -- about them and himself -- is more than he could ever hope for. Now it’s up to the both of them to find out if their love is strong enough to handle a major addition.

Lessons Learned by Sascha Illyvich: After being left at Broad Horizons by an angry master, Wendi meets Summer, an experienced Domme with a surprise. Will Summer's challenge to Wendi help her capture the heart of her beloved Master?

New Tricks by EM Lynley: Skeptical and straight-laced Blake isn't so sure about attending Broad Horizons' Christmas Eve Party. He's never gone in for any of that kink, but he wants to humor Jay as they spend their first Christmas together. Despite his initial aversion, he's powerfully drawn to the scene and eager to experiment. After Jay reveals a hidden secret from his past, he's willing to play, and in the end Jay receives a gift more precious than he ever expected.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

In Ur Room, Stuffin' Ur Stockin'



Howdy!

So I'm utterly startled that it's my day but when doesn't that happen? I'm zonked from work, yada, yada...but 'tis the season so I present ye with some stuffing for your stocking!

For my wee contest, all you have to do is post a comment telling me about how you spend your holidays. Whether its Christmas, Hanukkah, or the many other celebrations of the *many* other different religions, I want to know what you do with your family.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us



The winner will receive a free copy of my new release from Cobblestone, Just a Game. Remember to leave your email! The end date is the 19th, 4 PM EST.


Bon chance, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah *deep breath* and Happy New Year's!

EDIT: So I know I originally said winner (singular) but I've decided to do winner(s) instead because two of the stories just made me smile so wide.

The winners are.....*drumroll* N.C. Jenks and booklover0226! Winners, I'll be emailing you with your copies in just a second. Thanks for playing everyone. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

It's the most wonderful time of the year

A quick note: I never heard from the winner of my contest (dizzyduo), so please email me at keira.andrews @ gmail.com (minus the spaces, of course). I don't have your email addy and I just want to make sure you get your prizes!

*

I'm feeling very festive this week. Does anyone have any holiday book recs? I'm looking forward to An Improper Holiday and I'd love to dive into some other great holiday reads. Any recommendations would be most appreciated!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Happy Holidays

I have no idea what to give away for my stocking stuffer this year. Should my giveaway be print or ebook? An old title or new? I'm afraid I'm one of those people who agonize over choosing just the right gift during the holidays.

So... I'm leaving the gift up to my giftee. (<-- Is that even a word?) Whomever is selected can have any books they like, in any format they desire.

At midnight tonight, random.org will do me the honor of picking my winner and I'll announce it here. All you have to do is leave a comment. Say hello, tell me a joke, give me your Nana's recipe for fruitcake -- it doesn't matter. Just put your little digital X in the comment box and you'll be entered to win a book of your choosing.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

More S&B Holiday Contest Goodness!


So, y'all are having fun with the Slash & Burn holiday freebies, right? I know you are! Everybody likes getting Christmas presents :D

So here's my contribution. I'm going to give away an e-copy of my novel Adder. All you have to do is comment on this post between now and next Sunday, Dec. 20th., and answer this question: What instrument does Kalil play? I'll announce the winner on Monday Dec. 21st and ask you to email me, so watch this thread! Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday :D

Friday, December 11, 2009

Holiday Contest Blitz continues!


I'm feeling so jazzed for the holidays! It's finally nice and chilly in my neck of the woods and Starbucks has their special mint-mocha-latte's on sale...Mmm! What are you looking forward to the most this holiday? Is it a special gift under the tree? Some downtime with the family? A special service at your church or synagogue? I hope you'll share it with us! Everyone who posts will be entered in a contest to receive a copy of a holiday story, either Pawprints: Giving & Taking or Winter Song, co-written with the awesome and lovely Barb Sheridan. The contest closes tomorrow at noon CST, so enter today!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

James Stuffs the Stocking


Yes, my turn to stuff your stocking!

I'm giving away an ebook copy of Personal Demons to one lucky commenter on this post.  Just tell me what you're hoping for this holiday season and leave a way for me to contact you -- 'cause it's hard to email an eBook without contact information.

What am I hoping for this holiday season?  Good weather and open roads. 

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Contest and How I Got Here


Although they often feel like independent entities (I certainly can't make them do what I want), the existence of my characters is tied pretty damned closely to mine; and my existence is tied pretty damned closely to a fairly bizarre holiday appellation. Yes, from Ryan and Jeff to Nicky and Ian, we owe it all to rain.

Regionally, people have different names for the same things. If you want a carbonated beverage made from brown syrup, you have to ask for pop west of me, coke south of me, and right here we just call it soda. Similarly, in the household where I grew up, the breaded mush you put in a turkey is called filling, not stuffing, or even dressing. My parents come from the same hometown Chasing Smoke's Daniel Gardner and Trey Eriksson's hometown) of Easton, PA though they attended different high schools. When my dad was at college, he was helping another man hang the long thin tinsel that most people call icicles on the Christmas tree. On the ladder, my dad called down to the other man, "Hand me up another box of that rain." The other man held up the box of tinsel. "This? Funny. My girlfriend calls this rain, too." My dad said, "I'll have to meet her." The result is my genetic history. Oh that magical power of words.

The fact that the Christmas trees in my family sporting tinsel will have rain and not icicles on them and that our plates will get a spoonful of filling and not stuffing are not our only quirks. We also will not be eating the point off our slices of pie first as that brings bad luck. And it wasn't until my age hit double digits that I realized other people decorated their Christmas trees in more than a single color. (I was the only kid in elementary school art class who didn't fight over the red and green markers at Christmas. If the object wasn't blue, it didn't go on Mom's tree.)

When I wrote An Improper Holiday, I had fun looking up historical Christmas celebrations. The game of Snapdragon, which seems like an invitation for self-immolation to a klutz like me, was particularly interesting. When I read about it, I knew it had to go in the book. I'm all for Twelfth Night celebrations. Anything that makes the holiday season longer before we go back to enduring a Northeast winter is fine with me.


That brings me to my part of the holiday contest. I will draw a winner from anyone who leaves a comment here and tells me about a holiday tradition. (Any holiday—hey, we're weird on the fourth of July, too!) That commenter will win a free copy of his or her choice of any of my ereleases (including An Improper Holiday). That part of the contest will be open until midnight EST on December 11.

The first commenter who correctly guesses the color of decorations on my own mono-chromatic Christmas tree will win a ten dollar gift certificate to Amazon, sent via email. (No, Mom—and other family members, you can't play.) This part of the contest closes when I get the first right answer or on December 14 at midnight EST.

And hey, doesn't that stuff look more like rain than icicles anyway?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Holiday Traditions

Everyone has something that's a tradition, right? And many people have holiday-related traditions. Whether it's the family trip to find the right Christmas tree, or making Grandma's "secret recipe" latkes for Hannukah, or going from one friend's home to another delivering Solstice prezzies. Around here, a big tradition is the annual Rankin-Bass Gingerbread party. I posted about it last year, too, so even that's become a tradition. ;) This year's decorating was tamer than most. There was no gay frat house, no gingerbread brothel, no Victorian home that was crashed by a satellite or the object of a drive-by shooting. (Yes, we've made all of those in the past.) Just an Eye of Sauron, a gnome impaled on a tree, and a monkey in a tar pit, among other random things. (What's a Swiss chalet without a giraffe out back, right?) But really, that's not the point but simply the excuse to get together with friends and family. Hanging out, talking, laughing, eating, and being silly. It's been a rough year around here, both in my and my husband's life and around the area generally. Too much death and sadness, you know? So having a tradition like this, which is utterly bizarre and absurd, is a wonderful thing to have. A few hours of fun to remind us that life can be good and that people can be good, too.

So how about you? What traditions do you have that you look forward to each year? They don't have to be Decemeber ones, either, just those things your year wouldn't be complete without.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Emotion and relationships

The holidays are upon us. I have commenced with the holiday eating, much to my waistline's dismay, but man, it's hard to resist that cheese tray or the cookie exchange. Oh well, I'll worry about it come January 1st.

Holiday time usually means I get to see friends who are in town to visit relatives. I had lunch last week with an ex-boyfriend who now lives in San Francisco and prefers another type of relationship. The kind with a penis. (Oh, it's fine, we "dated" in sixth grade. Meaning, we held hands a lot and kissed a couple of times. I was probably the last female he ever touched that way, and I'm totally okay with that.) So anyway, it had been a few years since we'd caught up with each other and I asked how his love life was.

"Still living with my ex," he mused. When I paused with my salad fork halfway to my mouth and my eyebrow raised, he waved me off. "Come on, Tor. You know we don't have the same relationship with our exes that you do."

To which I replied, "Actually, no, I didn't know that." I then proceeded to whip out a pen and my trusty notepad and wrote it down. "Gimme some details on this," I demanded. He obliged, with the stipulation that if I used the information in a book, I'd credit him accordingly. I assured him I would.

I received several text messages from him this week. One or two were comments on books he'd read from my publisher. (Why yes, I did turn him on to M/M erotic romance. I expect a nice Christmas present from him as a thank you.) And one or two texts were just random bits of conversation he'd had with his ex-boyfriend during the week. "Get this!" he said. "Eddie said [insert relationship issues here] and I told him [insert more relationship issues here] and I really can't wait until our adjustable mortgage term ends so I can get out of here."

I replied, "That's two years away."

Him: "I know. Guess I'll keep texting you with gems like the last one."

Me: "Cool. I'll keep writing."

Nothing like having a little validation on what I write. Gay men DO have problems in their relationships, there IS strong emotion involved, and they ARE different than heterosexual relationships. 'Nuff said.

Oh, and he was very free with the sex pointers, too. But that's another post.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Listen to an excerpt from By the Chimney with Dare



My early Christmas treat to you: an excerpt of my latest M/M release, By the Chimney with Dare, now available from DLP Books.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

New Release: Just a Game



It's all fun and games until someone falls in love...


Ad executives and college friends, Charlie and Sidney have what could be the perfect arrangement. On the working side, they're an excellent team. Sidney's money-man logic with Charlie's slick showmanship reel in new clients from all over the country.

On the pleasure side, their exciting, clandestine affair is wet dream material. At least it was until Charlie slammed down the boundaries. Boundaries he desperately clings to.

When a hurricane alert sees them stranded in a Florida hotel room, Sidney seizes the opportunity to push at those limits. Unfortunately someone's gotta give and Charlie's terrified that it just might be him...


Grab your copy today!

----------Excerpt---------


“And fuck you very much,” Charlie growled, tossing his cell on the coffee table and missing Sidney’s bare feet by a scant few inches.

Sidney shifted his feet over and crossed them at the ankles as he leaned further into the couch.

“Guessing that was a ‘no’ too?” Having long discarded his suit jacket and shirt, Sid was down to his white undershirt and suit pants. He’d rolled up the sleeves and pants legs in concession to the sticky Florida humidity that managed to permeate the room even with the windows shut tight and the A/C on high.

“Yeah.” Charlie ran an agitated hand through his hair. He’d dropped his jacket as well, but remained buttoned up. Uncomfortable, yes, but he was determined to get out of this state before things grew worse. “Nobody’s willing to fly with the hurricane threat, which is ridiculous; these people have hurricane threats all the damn time.”

Sid twirled the remote in his hand. “No, they fly knowing that a hurricane could happen at any time. When there’s an actual alarm going on and fifty mile an hour winds, it becomes more than a threat.” He pointed the remote at the TV, muted, and turned to the weather channel. A long red line rode the top and bottom of the screen with the words “Hurricane Alert” continuously scrolling across it.

“Face it, buddy, you’re not getting us out of here tonight.” Sid had accepted that fact long before Charlie did. But that fit. Sid was the moneyman for their advertising company, and the ruthless logic of a man who handled money all day long and knew exactly how far a dollar could stretch tended to rule his life. Charlie, however, was the promo man. He pushed, twisted, and manipulated until he got what he wanted, which was usually whatever client he was sweet-talking. Together, they usually managed to bag the majority of their accounts, allowing them to have a bit of playtime wherever they happened to be. Which was what they’d done tonight in celebration of their new client.

Then the hurricane alert sounded, and Charlie wanted fucking out of Miami.

He grunted at Sid, unwilling to give up, and swung around to face the balcony window. With blinds left open, he could see straight out to the beach that was only five minutes away. It’d cost a little more—okay, a lot more—to get so close, but up until then it’d been worth it. Now, he could see the ocean’s angry tossing, the bruised black hue of the sky, and the wind that bent the palm trees to damn near ninety-degree angles.

He swore, stalking over to the glass and pounding his fist against it. “Damn it, no.”

“What’s so wrong with getting a flight tomorrow again?” There was a quiet...something in Sid’s voice that made Charlie’s spine shudder.

Charlie thumped his head against the glass and almost jumped out of his skin when lightning zigzagged across the sky, illuminating the gray world outside. “Shit,” he hissed, blinking away the edge of white dancing around his vision. “I just have a schedule.” Charlie tossed the words in Sid’s general direction. “We handle the surfboard people out here, get home tonight, and then start wearing down that ditzy heiress-turned-fashion designer tomorrow.”

Charlie didn’t need to see Sid’s face to know his mouth had twisted in that familiar smirk.

Sid’s voice rang with barely leashed mockery. “For someone who makes a living pulling ideas out of his ass, you’re awfully worried about something so easily adjusted.”

Charlie’s shoulders went tight no matter how hard he tried to keep them from doing so. “Don’t do this, Sid.”

“Don’t do what?”

The sound of feet thumping carpet should not have been so loud. Charlie stared hard out the window as Sid’s heat eased closer. This time, he didn’t jump when lightning flashed, but that could have been because Sid’s mouth was dangerously close to his ear and Charlie had gone blind to the chaos outside. Instead, he watched Sid’s reflection close in. The room’s light threw them into a slight shadow, but he knew that face well enough without illumination.

“Don’t follow your little rules anymore? This self-imposed fucking distance? Guess what, Charlie boy. You can’t run away in a hotel room.” There was a nasty smile wrapped in Sid’s words as he drove in the fact that Charlie had been so desperate to ignore. “You can’t run away at all anymore.”

Fuck.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Holiday contest begins!


Since it's December 1st, I thought I'd get the festivities started. I'm giving away my two Hanukkah-themed books: Eight Nights and Daybreak. To win, all you have to do is comment on this post and tell me about one of your favourite holiday traditions. Doesn't matter if it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or whatever you might celebrate at this time of year, and you can go into as little or much detail as you'd like.

I'll leave the contest open for two days and then draw a name out of a hat on Thursday evening. Happy holidays!

p.s. Forgot to say that I'll put the name of the winner in this post and in the comments. I'm sure you all figured that out, though.

ETA: dizzyduo is the winner. Congratulations!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Coming up in December...

All during the month of December, the members of the Slash & Burn blog will be giving away books to our readers. To enter to win, all you need to do is visit the blog regularly, read the posts just like always, and be on the lookout for the holiday photo to the left. This photo will let you know at first glance that there's a contest happening.

Good luck to those of you who frequent the blog and happy holidays to you all!






As a heads up for the members of this blog, I'd also like everyone to know I'm also starting a big ole contest on my website tomorrow(December 1st). Make sure you swing by to check it out. I'll be giving away a four gift bags filled with goodies, and a grand prize that includes 15 prints books!

www.amandayoung.org/blog

Thursday, November 26, 2009

A Cops Thanksgiving

© 2008 James Buchanan

Rated: Explicit

Technorati Tags: ,

 

Caesar stretched and yawned. One of those lazy Saturday mornings he and Nate got so few of. 'Course with both their habits it was more like noon, but still, wake up, screw around, doze, repeat. Pretty good way to blow a day.

Nate nuzzled into his armpit, tickling Caesar's skin with his tongue. "What time is it?"

Another yawn stretched his jaw wide as Caesar turned to look at the clock. "Once media, más o menos."

"We should get up and head out." The words had nothing to do with Nate's actions. Instead of rolling out of bed, Nate's hand wandered down to dance along Caesar's prick.

That was a much better idea than shucking the sheets. Caesar's dick began to swell in response to the delicious touch. "We should stay here," Caesar scooted down a bit so that he could reach Nate's fat prick, "and let me stroke you."

Nate kissed up his neck drawing a little trail of shivers along Caesar's skin. "Dinner's at two." He whispered it, blowing across the damp flesh. Another shudder hit Caesar's body.

"We got plenty of time then." He wrapped his fist around Nate's cock, pumping him up.

Nate hissed. "To make it to Porter Ranch?"

"To make you get off." Caesar kissed him. Nate tasted like mornings and sleep. Tasted damn good. He broke off for a second and added, "Make me get off." Then he was finished with talking.

He grabbed Nate's wrists as he drove his lips onto the other man's. Nate opened up, teased Caesar's tongue into his mouth. With a groan, Caesar rolled on top and pinned Nate's arms about his head. Took a bit of wrangling, but he got both Nate's wrists into one hand. Then he reached down and pushed both their shorts off their hips. A lot of struggling and wiggling, but Nate didn't fight him…or help him. Cabron.

With a grunt, stifled by Nate's kiss, Caesar thrust against Nate's groin. Nate stiffened and hissed. He tried to free his wrists, but Caesar used his now free hand to grab him before he could snake his own grip between them. If Nate didn't want to help before, he could just go along for the ride.

A really short ride.

Heat built quickly in Caesars groin. He humped Nate's hips, grinding them together. Nate moaned into their kiss, the sound vibrating down Caesar's spine. Nate bucked up adding his own frantic rhythm to the mix. That wonderful dick sliding against his; Caesar shuddered with every move. Slick pre-cum and sweat soon coated both of them adding wet heat to the friction.

Caesar broke from the kiss and buried his face into Nate's throat. Musk still clung to his skin from earlier that morning and a damp sheen soaked the hair on Nate's chest. Their exertions added another, more urgent and heady aroma. Caesar drowned in the scent of him.

Nate flexed his head back and mumbled, "Fuck, like that…just fuck." God he loved it when Nate babbled. It ratcheted his desire up to insane levels. A few more thrusts and Caesar lost it. Heat took him over, rolling through his frame in waves. Cum shot between them and coated both their bellies. Panting, shaking a little, Caesar collapsed onto Nate's chest. He released his grip on Nate's wrists and then smiled as Nate looped his arms over Caesar's back. So warm and wonderful being held in those big, muscled arms, Caesar could just die happy that way.

It took him a second to realize Nate hadn't cum. Caesar hauled himself up onto his hands, Nate's hands sliding down his arms, and stared down at Nate. Those blue eyes were just desperate. Caesar knew how to take care of that. Slowly, deliberately, he licked down Nate's chest and across his abs. His own spunk tasted almost sweet and mixed deliciously with the salty sweat coating Nate's body.

When he got to Nate's crotch, he inhaled deep. Everything was so much more heady and intense. Wrapping one fist around Nate's prick, Caesar moved to suck on his balls and stroked. That thick, almost silky, hard cock tickled his palm. Skin sliding over an iron hard core felt so sensual.

Nate grabbed behind his own knees, pulling them up and back, giving Caesar access to everything. Still stroking, Caesar twisted his head and sought out Nate's ass with his tongue. On top of all of it, Nate had a tang like warm copper. "Goddamn, please, fuck, yeah," echoed above him, signaling Nate's own impending blow. The flavor between Nate's cheeks tasted sexy, concentrated and so much of a guy that Caesar thought he might get it up again. He jacked Nate's prick with a strong, fast grasp and fucked his hole with his tongue. Nate shuddered. He moaned. And then Caesar smelled the spunk pumping from Nate's cock.

Satisfied, he laughed and clambered back up to snuggle against Nate's warm, solid body. Forget doing anything else, this satisfied him. Then Caesar's stomach growled. Well neither of them had eaten anything yet… and where and when they were eating was already planned. He muttered, "Please tell me your mom can cook," into the space behind Nate's ear.

"Of course she can cook." Nate shifted. "We should get going if we're going to make it on time."

The jangle of a dog tag against a Saint Frances medal caught Caesar's attention. Poncho must have wandered back inside. He whistled to call the little mutt, then asked, "So why are we doing Thanksgiving today?"

Nate sat up. "Because, every cop in the world wants time and a half plus bonus." He rolled his buffed shoulders and stretched.

First Ponchito's ears and eyes appeared at the foot of the bed. Then he stuck his nose over. Poncho'd learned that if he just jumped into the middle of the bed, he was liable to get tossed right back off…and possibly locked out of the room.

"What?"

"You get extra pay if you work holidays." Nate slapped Caesar's thigh, calling the dog up. "My dad always worked Thanksgiving and Christmas. I always work 'em too. Since I was little, we always had Thanksgiving dinner on the Saturday after." Poncho jumped up and minced across to flop between his two men. Nate scratched his ears and added, "Christmas presents got opened whenever my dad got off shift on Christmas Eve. My mom would wake us up at like three a.m. And New Years was spent watching the ball drop on TV with the police scanner playing in the background. Dad's retired now, but since I work the holidays, my family just keeps the tradition." Then he asked. "What does your family do?"

Caesar grabbed Poncho's ears. As he scratched them, Caesar bent over and rubbed his nose against the mutt's forehead. "Thanksgiving or the rest of it?"

"All of it."

"Thanksgiving wasn't much of anything." Poncho woofed and darted off the bed at that point. Probably was going to go find his lunch. "I mean, you sorta learn that this is what everyone in America is doing on their day off. But, you know, it’s a day off to party and eat…although my cousins were usually washing dishes at some restaurant or something. Mexicans, we party late though. Come in, go out, come back, keep it going all day."

"Yeah?" Nate's smile was big and open. Caesar loved it when Nate smiled.

"Yeah." Caesar stifled a yawn. "And Christmas. You go to church like at midnight and when you come back everyone opens up presents. And Santa comes while you're at church. Then everybody who's not working Christmas day goes to bed. New Years, party all night long. Course I was usually working all around the holidays."

"Construction?"

"No, dip shit," he smacked Nate's chest and rolled to the edge of the bed, "people are on vacation. Left and gone to grandma's in Main or Arizona or something."

Nate swung his feet off the mattress and stood. "Oh, that." He yawned as he stretched again.

Caesar deadpanned. "Oh, yeah, that."

With another stretch…Caesar suspected Nate was flexing just to show off for him… Nate padded towards the bathroom. "So your mom's coming, right?"

"Yeah, my mom and my Bro's family." Caesar sat up and ran his hands through his hair. "Nate, your dad doesn't like me, what's he going to do with my family?"

"It'll be fine." Nate paused and smiled over his shoulder. "Mom's told him he has to play nice." He waved off the thought like it really didn't matter. "When did you come out to your mom, by the way? Cause last I heard, you hadn't." He paused and turned, "Isn't that going to be a little awkward?" before heading into the bathroom.

"Mom, her English sucks." Caesar shrugged. "Angel and his wife, they already don't say anything. We don't talk about it with mom. So, should be okay, she won't understand half of it."

Nate's voice drifted out of the can. "My dad speaks Spanish, you know."

"If it's as bad as yours…if he says something about us, she'll just assume it's the whole language thing."

The room got real quiet, enough for Caesar to wonder if Nate hadn't heard him. Then, "Dad's is way better than mine."

Fuck. Caesar flopped back onto the bed and moaned, "It's going to be a disaster." Northridge earthquake quality disaster. Malibu Canyon fire quality disaster.

Nate leaned out of the bathroom and grinned, "Isn't that what holidays are supposed to be?"

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

In Which I Ask Your Further Indulgence of My DID


Hi! Isn't my cover gorgeous? It's for my new release, An Improper Holiday, available from Samhain Publishing on December 1. That's Nicky in the back and Ian in front of him and they appear to be acting out an excerpt that I just posted over at my live journal.

I'm excited since it's my first m/m historical, and I'm eager to find out what readers think of my historical voice. It's set during the--

Ian : Whatever is she doing?

Nicky: It appears to be some species of slate, magnetized, with clockwork or some such, perhaps. What's positively frightful is the uniformity of her letters. Reminds me of Beresford. Used to birch my hands, remember him, Ian?

Ian: He would scarcely have been taking it out of you at that rate if you had your translations ready.

Nicky: And that could only ever happen if you did them for me.

Ian: Lazy ass.

KA: Excuse me. I was talking.

Nicky: About that, love. You do know the only reason anyone cares what you have to say is because of us.

KA: And if you don't let me tell people about the release, no one will find you and how will you exist then?

Nicky: Is this that self-promotion thing you've been on about? Why don't you do what you always have done?

KA: Because what I usually do is offer a free prequel about—

Ian: Prequel?

KA: It's a short piece about something that happened before your story started. Which in your case—

Ian: Your atrocious grammatical construction notwithstanding I begin to see the difficulty.

Nicky: Well, I'm deviled if I do.

Ian: Where did we meet, Nicky?

Nicky: At school.

Ian: And how old were we when we first, ahh, made a connection of any sort of an intimate nature?

Nicky: I still don't see.

KA: You wouldn't. Of course my other option is the time before Ian left for war—

Ian: And recalling that incident, particularly given your penchant for detail is something I will not countenance. I refuse to be put through that dreadful—

Nicky: Dreadful, he says. Noddy fool. Very well. What then, Mistress of the Magic Slate?

KA: Well, aside from this blog—err, unstructured conversation on the slate, I thought you might be willing to take questions from readers, or potential readers.

Nicky: It sounds like an examination at school.

Ian: I very much doubt we would face similar questions, Nicky.

Nicky: More interesting, then?

KA: Much more.

Nicky: I can only consent if Ian is amenable. You know how uncomfortable he gets.

KA: I'll protect him.

Nicky: Your desire to do so could never equal mine.

KA: Understood. Agreed then?

Ian: If you truly feel this is the way to bring harmony to the lives of others through reading our story, then I am agreed.

Nicky: Harmony, indeed. My what a name for it. I do so love you, Ian.

KA: All right. So here's the link again to the excerpt on my livejournal. And here's the link to the first chapter on Samhain's website. Nicholas, Lord Amherst and the Honorable Mr. Ian Stanton would be available for your questions either here, or at my livejournal through December 9, 2009. Check back on December 9 for a chance to win a free copy of An Improper Holiday. Thanks for visiting guys, uh, chaps.

Ian: Did she mean some sort of imprecation with this "guys"?

Nicky: Perhaps the answer lies in the slate. Lend your brain, Ian, and we shall figure out how to use this thing.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Still Plugging Away

Yes, I'm still NaNoing. No, I am not up to where I want to be for my word count. I allowed several days in Washington DC to sway me from my 2k/day goal. Still, a good evening at the pub on Sunday helped remedy a portion of that. Hauling out my tarot deck has also helped me fill out a couple of scenes that were somewhat outlinish due to me being in one Washington and my cards being in the other when I was initially writing those scenes. Still, not enough to catch me up, though. I maintain hopes of reaching 50K before midnight of the 30th, however. In between writing spurts, to regain my frayed sanity and revive my melting gray matter, I turn to mindless entertainment such as this:



If you love John Barrowman or "Glee" or, like me, both, this will not fail to make you laugh. Hell, it'll probably make you laugh even if you don't. :-D

Monday, November 23, 2009

Monday eye-candy

Hapy Monday! ^-^
Been busy working on my Nano work. I'm a long way from the 50K but it has gotten me working on my writing again. Something that my muse has been quite stubborn about. I'm hoping to have a couple of projects done by the end of the year. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday (to all those in the US). Remember to take a few moments and be thankful for all you have, and not ponder on what you don't.


Meanwhile, thought I'd brighten the day with some HUNKS to drool over.





Hmmm, who is he talking too?


If only they'd show him more shirtless on Supernatural. :P


Oooh, he's melting. Who wants a lick?


Pull-up champion. Think he'll show us some? :P





Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Trufax

I'd like to tell y'all that I've been busy. That in between working, I've been burning up the keyboard. I'd like to tell y'all that I've been popping idea after idea and have a To Write folder (I should make one of those).

In honesty, I've been doing this (I WISH):



Besides ogling Jensen Ackles, I'm slowly pulling out some progress on three of my current WIPs. Hunting through sub calls for that "ooh!" spark. Talking James B. into taking me bar-hopping on my 21st b-day (I heart that man SO much). Getting my life back together now that the Family Drama is over with.

So really, I'm just living. I hope to have something finished soon but hey, I'm not under any pressure. Especially because I quit NaNo. Freedom!

Now, nose back to grindstone. *starts video again*

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

NaNoNoWay

I have nothing but respect for those writers participating in NaNoWriMo, and I hope everyone will be successful. I've never participated, and honestly I can't imagine writing 50k in one month. Especially in November when there's sweeps television on!

Maybe if I didn't work full time as a copywriter I'd be more inclined to participate, but the idea of writing all day at work and then coming home to hours more on the computer to crank out those 50,000 words just seems far too daunting.

Personally, I find January to be the best month for holing up with my laptop. Perhaps I'll do JaNoWriMo in 2010, but with a more modest word-count target. Might be a good way to beat those post-holiday January blahs.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday Morning Contest



Good morning/afternoon/evening! As I was sitting in my comfy recliner this morning, trying to think up something interesting to talk about, it occurred to me that I have a new book out which I haven't done a giveaway for yet. Then I figured, what better time than now?

All you need to do to enter to win a free copy of Reckless Passion is leave a comment on this post. Just say hi or something. I'm not going to make anyone answer questions or jump through hoops today.

I'll announce the winner here, in this post, later tonight around midnight est.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

NaNo Lessons

Okay, I know maybe y'all are getting tired of hearing about NaNoWriMo from all of us crazy people yakking about it all over the interwebz *g* But, the last couple of weeks have been most illuminating for me, and I wanted to share some of the things I've learned.

A little background: the book I'm writing -- Shenandoah, sequel to my short story Dragon's Kiss -- is set in a future world where technology, moderns medications and modern conveniences are things of the past. So I've been doing a LOT of research. I've spent many hours this past week reading up on medicinal plants. Had to tear myself away to write, actually, it was so interesting O_O

So, anyway, here are a few of the things I've learned researching in the past couple of weeks:

1. Sheep poo looks way more like horse poo than I would've thought. (Don't ask.)
2. Several different plants apparently keep blood from clotting, but not many make blood clot.
3. Yarrow encourages blood to clot. Yay for yarrow!
4. Half the weeds in the woods behind my house are evidently natural antibiotics/antiseptics. Who knew?
5. My GPS will not tell me how long it would take to walk from the mid-portion of North Carolina to northwest Virginia. WTF, GPS Lady? You'd tell me how long it would take to drive there.
6. I now have definitive proof that the GPS Lady hates me. See # 5.
7. A surprising variety of things can be used to start fires, if you can believe some of the websites out there. Nothing that a couple of guys in a primitive post-fall-of-modern-civilization world would have (they do not, for instance, have access to Coke cans...) but still. Most interesting.

And last but not least:
8. YOU CAN'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ONLINE.
But y'all already knew that :)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Service

Today and every day, I honor the men and women who serve the country in which I live. Their decision to serve, especially in times of war, demonstrates a commitment and a sense of duty that awes me. I have written about characters who are veterans, including one in my upcoming release who experienced a life-changing sacrifice during his term of service. I can use my imagination, as any writer would, but I can never truly understand the physical, emotional and financial sacrifices the men and women of the armed forces endure for the sake of their commitment. Their service commands my deepest respect.

Even more so, I want to salute the gays and lesbians who make the choice to serve, to defend and even give their lives for a country that creates and upholds laws that make them second-class citizens. I salute those who are willing to serve a country that claims it doesn't need or want their service, a country that demands silence from those who are still determined in the face of that discrimination to offer selfless service. I am humbled by their bravery and awed by their strength as they take on a dangerous duty while being forced to abnegate their identity.

Think about what that silence means. For most people, expressing love, affection and attraction is simply a normal, daily routine. How many of us tell coworkers about a fight--or a celebration--we've had with our spouses? If we're single, don't we share our excitement about someone new we've met, or a heartbreak about a romance gone wrong? How often do we point out an attractive celebrity or comment on a relationship seen in a movie? Being gay is not some separate part of who we are, something we can lock away because that's just "for the bedroom," any more than heterosexuality is separate from how straight people go about their lives. The fact that our attraction, our bond, our love leads us to someone of the same gender is not an isolated facet of our existence. It should never be hidden or silenced because others perceive our love as offensive. A simple kiss by a same-sex couple in public is no more an example of "flaunting" sexual behavior than is the appearance of a pregnant woman in public.

So while I give my deepest respect to the men and women--of every sexual orientation--in our armed services, I look forward to the day when the truths our founders held self-evident are true for all of us, including the brave men and women who defend the country that, at its birth, declared itself for equality. I will continue to write about gay veterans, but especially about people falling in love, about that magic realization of something outside ourselves, something that makes us better than we were without

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NaNoWriMo *again*?

It's year four for me and NaNoWriMo. Once again, I'm trying to hit 2K words/day. It's a method that has worked well enough for me in the past, and that is holding fairly true again this year. At that rate, you see, I can reach the 50K goal five days early, which is nice because I hate bringing anything in at the last possible moment. I had a bit of a set-back yesterday, unfortunately. Yesterday I was too fucking angry to produce more than 82 words. I could have typed more, but it would have been nothing but vitriol. Venomous and hateful things that have absolutely nothing to do with the story or the characters in it. The book deserves better than that. I'm not one of those lucky people who can lose themselves in writing. (That's what theatre is for.) But it's a rare day where my emotions take over so powerfully that I can't write at all. It's been several years since I've been this angry about anything, and I admidt it's a little scary to discover that I am still so very good at sustained rage. It's not something to be proud of, you know? So, I'm hoping for a better word count today, but I just don't know. I'm still furious beyond all rational arguments. Wish me luck? I could use it.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

I am most definitely not doing NaNo this year. (She says, as if she's ever done NaNo in other years. Nope.) I will gladly read anyone else's efforts, though, and hope that it inspires me to keep working on the languishing novel. I think as the year winds down, I'll have a bit more time for it. Oh, wait, the holidays are coming, aren't they? There goes that plan.

In any case, I dropped in quickly just to let people know that I've got a short story available with Chance and Tucker from the Oceanside Fire universe. Slow Burn was originally part of the Men in Uniform anthology. The antho is no longer available, but you can buy the short story on its own HERE. I'm kind of fond of it, since I miss these guys. Give it a read!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

New M/M from Leigh Ellwood!

LongAwaitedFriend200I am happy to announce I have a new M/M short for sale! Long Awaited Friend has been a long time coming - it features characters from another M/M of mine called Surveillance, and is full of oral goodness and angst! Hope you enjoy it!

Long Awaited Friend - Leigh Ellwood

eBook ($1.79) available at the following merchants:
ARe * Scribd * Kindle
Smashwords * 1Romance


Missed opportunities with unrequited love force drummer Keith Zander to hit the road on his motorcycle. With each mile ridden he hopes to dull the ache of the truth that his bandmate Nat may never be his. But when Nat and Kurt, the third in their trio and Nat's lover, track him down with a surprising revelation, will Keith return home or keep running?

(This story features explicit male on male encounters, and multiple partners.)

Read an Excerpt.

Good news for the heart!


Nothing better than waking up to a story acceptance. A while back I submitted a short for inclusion in the All Romance 28 Days of Heart Campaign. This morning I learned my M/M short, GPS, was selected!

From the ARe page:


During the month of love, when everyone’s attention is focused on matters of the heart, we at All Romance (www.allromance.com) want to help fight the number one killer of women, heart disease, and we need your help and your submissions. Beginning February 1, 2010, we will release one new short story per day for the entire month. All proceeds from the sale of these shorts, which will be offered exclusively on AllRomance.com as individual eBooks and also bundled into 4 eBook anthologies, will be donated to the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org).

What's especially cool about this line of fiction is that Charlaine Harris has written the forward for the anthologies that will be created from the 28 stories picked. So a story will be released every day that month, then bound later on. So now I can say I'll be in a book with Charlaine Harris!

I wasn't given an exact date of release, but I'll have it on Twitter and the Web site the second I know. With my experience in "erotic altruism", as fellow author Alessia Brio coins it, I'm very pleased to be a part of this venture. Truly, All Romance/OmniLit is a force in the eBook industry - it's amazing to see their growth and success. I'm very excited for this campaign.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Reckless Passion will be out @ Loose Id tomorrow!

The third story in my Reckless series, Reckless Passion, comes out tomorrow at Loose Id. For anyone who has read the other books, this one is a little bit different. Rather than another story featuring Cody and Dante (the protagonists from the first two books) this story focuses on Cody's uncle, Beau and his... well, his beau. :D

Blurb:

Beau Bradbury has it all. He’s good looking, owns a lucrative business, and has an endless supply of hunks vying for his attention. His skinny, uptight personal assistant shouldn’t rate a bleep on his radar. Nevertheless, there’s just something about Adam that Beau can’t resist.

One night of drunken passion leads to nearly a year of secret trysts during office hours. Adam keeps his private life confidential, while Beau pretends to want nothing more than a good time. It’s a good arrangement, until a simple phone call ruins the status quo and makes Beau green with envy.

Frustrated that Adam might be seeing someone else, Beau tries to put his attraction to the younger man behind him. However, all that changes with the introduction of Adam’s son. Instantly smitten with the sweet little boy, Beau is all the more driven to claim Adam for his own. All he has to do is convince his wary lover to open his heart and trust that there’s more to Beau than his playboy persona suggests.

Excerpt:

Beau Bradbury stared at his laptop, the last quarter’s earnings for Club Casbah slowly burning into his retinas. Glaring at them didn’t change the fact that memberships were on a downward swing. With the economy doing a nosedive, people just weren’t willing to splurge on expensive gentlemen’s clubs in order to get their rocks off. Something would have to be done if he wanted to stay in the black, but he wasn’t sure what. He certainly couldn’t raise the already exorbitant fees he was charging current members. That would only result in losing loyal customers who couldn’t afford the rate increase.

He refilled a highball glass with bourbon and swallowed the bitter brew, enjoying the heat that spread down his throat and crashed into his stomach. If there was ever a good time to get drunk, this certainly looked like the occasion.

Leaning back in his chair, Beau tried to think of some way to drum up business without losing his edge.

Casbah was known as an exclusive club, meaning he couldn’t promote a two-for-one deal without fucking up the club’s reputation. People didn’t pay good money for a club any Tom, Dick, or Harry could be admitted into at a moment’s notice.

After draining the glass, he topped it off yet again. A pleasant buzz built as he drank his fill. Thoughts of work circled around and around in an endless loop. With no easy solution in sight, his business woes slowly dissolved and were replaced by Beau’s favorite mental candy these days.

Adam Winger.

Having hired the young man as his personal assistant the month before, Beau was still on his best behavior around the guy. At twenty-one, Adam was a prime specimen of male virility. Twelve years older than Adam, Beau normally felt like a perverted chicken hawk for lusting after the younger man. At the moment, he just felt horny and in need of some TLC.

However, he had no intention of acting on his desire to fuck Adam’s pert little ass into next week. That didn’t mean he couldn’t think about it all he wanted, though. No one ever needed to know who he was fantasizing about on the rare occasions when he rubbed one out.

It wasn’t that he lacked for company so much as he was sick of the club scene. Taking care of his own needs was simpler than bringing someone home for the night, then having to kick them out the following morning. His taste in men invariably meant he chose the clingiest guy available, someone he’d have to pry out of his life with a crowbar, regardless of how quickly the other man had agreed to casual sex the night before.

Being a wealthy business owner had drawbacks as well as perks.

Those who weren’t swayed by his bank account would usually drop and spread ’em for his blond good looks or the body he religiously exercised. Single and in his thirties, Beau had no intention of letting an ounce of fat touch his short and stocky frame. If he weren’t careful, it would be too damn easy to go from solid to flabby.

Perish the thought. A fat ass wouldn’t catch the attention of anyone, regardless of how much I’m worth.

Beau closed his eyes. His mind flashed from one improper image to another. Adam taking advantage of Beau’s home gym, his pale skin glistening as he made use of the treadmill. Sweaty black curls clung to the sides of his heart-shaped face. Beau was half convinced the man’s tiny running shorts and nearly transparent tank tops were designed as punishment for horny, leering men of his ilk. Learning Adam dressed to the left, and had surprisingly large balls for a man his size, had been worth the torment.

Another image came of Adam decked out to the nines in a formfitting rented tux, his cheeks tinged with pink from all the compliments he’d received during the last party at the club. The coquettish looks and bashful blushing had only made Beau want to bend Adam over the nearest booth and fuck him all the more.

Beau palmed his cock through the slick fabric of his slacks. Christ, he ached. It’d been too long since he’d gotten laid. That was going to have to change. Soon.

A quiet knock sounded on the door, followed by Adam’s deep voice. “Boss?”

“It’s open.” Beau yanked his hand away from his dick and brushed his bangs out of his eyes. He hoped his face wasn’t as red as it felt.

Adam opened the door and then strode into the room carrying his laptop. His curls stuck up in spiky little ringlets, as if he’d been running his fingers through them. Dressed casually, Adam wore a pair of snug chinos and a faded black T-shirt. “Hey, I was just going through your calendar for this month, and it looks like you’re double booked for the thirtieth.”

Speak of the devil, and he appears. Beau blinked away his inner thoughts and stared at the man he’d been obsessing over for the last thirty-plus days. Already half-hard, his cock gave a tiny, happy jerk inside his pants. Why does Adam have to be so fucking adorable?

Beau coughed, trying to concentrate on what Adam was saying. Not an easy feat when his mind was busy translating everything into a subtle come-on. “Why don’t you switch the Adalgo appointment to the morning of the first and cancel my racquetball game with Mitch.”

There. I can do professional, even while half-baked.

A hint of wet pink tongue flashed over Adam’s lower lip as he stared down at his laptop. “That’ll work.”

Beau swallowed a groan.

Adam looked up, his deep brown eyes concerned. “Are you okay?”

Fuck. He hadn’t meant to make a noise. “Fine.”

“All right.” Adam closed his laptop. “Is there anything else you need from me tonight? It’s closing in on seven o’clock, and I’d like to call it a night.”

“No. I –” Beau’s gaze lowered to Adam’s mouth while the younger man licked his lips and made the plump, rosy flesh glisten.

Beau’s control snapped like a dry leaf. Fuck it. “There is something I need from you.”

“Oh?”

Beau got up, his legs a little unsteady beneath him, and advanced toward Adam. “I need you to stop batting your lashes and undressing me with your eyes. If I see you lick your lips in my direction one more time, you’d better make damn sure you’re willing to back up the move with some action.”

Adam took a step backward. “I…I don’t know what you mean, sir.”

“Don’t you?” Beau snatched the laptop out of Adam’s hands and set it on his desk. “I’ve seen the way you look at me when you don’t think I’m paying attention. You want me. I know you do. Even if you’re too chickenshit to admit it.”

Adam’s eyes widened, his chest rising and falling faster. “If that were true, and I’m not saying it is, I still wouldn’t act on it.”

“Why?” Logically, Beau knew all the reasons. They no longer mattered. Lust overruled common sense and fueled his need to claim Adam in the most basic, intimate way possible.

“I work for you. Isn’t that explanation enough?”

“No.” Beau caught Adam’s chin and tilted it up. Without giving Adam a chance to pull away, Beau swooped in and caught the younger man’s mouth with his own. Adam’s lips were firm yet soft, the lower one providing just enough cushion for the brute force behind Beau’s kiss.

Adam gasped and parted his lips, providing just enough space for Beau to take advantage. He slid his tongue into Adam’s mouth and explored, caressing and teasing as he got his first taste. Adam’s mouth was flavored with the French vanilla coffee he favored. A hint of a darker, infinitely richer tang lingered beneath, prompting Beau to keep kissing, to keep savoring, until he could figure out precisely what that unidentifiable zest was.

Meanwhile he palmed Adam’s cheek, the skin hot and prickly under his hand, and buried his fingers in the soft black curls he’d been dying to touch since the first time he’d laid eyes on the younger man.

Adam’s reluctance slowly vanished. His mouth became more pliant, his tongue more daring. His hands fisted in Beau’s shirt and tugged him closer, returning Beau’s aggression tenfold.

Beau lost himself in the taste of Adam’s lips and the feel of the younger man pressing against him. Although Adam was an inch or so taller than Beau, his slighter build felt good in Beau’s arms. Right.

Beau’s pulse thundered in his ears, blood racing from one head to the other. He would’ve liked to go on kissing Adam forever, but his body had other, more pressing desires. All he needed was to hear Adam say he wanted this just as much Beau did, and then he’d give in to his desire to get the younger man naked. He yearned to press against Adam, skin to skin, and explore every inch of the sweet body he’d been fantasizing about for so long.

Panting, Beau tore his mouth away from the soft cushion of Adam’s lips. “Say it.”

Adam lifted his eyes and stared at Beau. “Huh?”

“Tell me you want me. I need to hear you say it before this goes any further.”

“I –” Adam swallowed…
Related Posts with Thumbnails