For the first time in…well, at least 2 years, I’m working on something dark and moody. Very angsty. And I’m liking it. My heroine has been so damaged. Oh, she breaks my heart every single time I think about what she’s been through. And she’s been in that place where you have no more hope. That’s where I picked up her story.

My plan is simple though. I’m going to give her hope and a happy ending. She’ll never be able to forget what was done to her, or how she got to this point, but sometimes forgetting isn’t the answer. Sometimes we have to look at the scars our bodies and psyches have accumulated and realize they’ve made us stronger.

And that’s why Papa Roach’s Scars is Gyda’s theme song. I can’t wait to write her happy ever after.

Blurb:

Jesse Reagan has had more than his share of tragedy, and he may have been dealt another blow when, once again, cancer threatens the sister who raised him. Faced with the possibility of being left behind, Jesse vows to care for her young son, though he’s not convinced he can.

When Trip Cantrell returns to town, he’s blindsided the instant he’s reunited with his kid brother’s lifelong friend, Jesse. His inability to find happiness in the years he’s been gone, suddenly makes sense. Love’s been waiting at home all along.

Life begins to look promising, except for the fact that neither have come out of the closet publicly, and that’s not even their biggest problem. Someone has a secret so shocking they may never find a way past it.

Will they be accepted in their small Texas town, or will secrets, lies, and the threat of tragedy destroy everything?

Excerpt:

Trip could feel the tension radiating from the other man. Following his instincts, he gripped Jesse’s shoulder and squeezed. “You’re not alone you know. If you ever want to talk or need help with anything, let me know.”

Jesse turned his head, shocking the hell out of Trip by leaning in to where Trip held his shoulder, slightly brushing his cheek against Trip’s fingers.

Trip tightened his grip, savoring the feel of Jesse’s skin touching his. Was he imagining it?

Jesse slowly lifted his chin as his green eyes, darkening by the second, settled on Trip.

Trip’s heart raced, and his hardening c**k pressed against the zipper of his jeans. Was this really happening?

He inched closer, inhaling deep, losing himself in the aroma of Jesse’s quite memorable cologne. He swallowed hard, his lips tingling at the thought of Jesse’s mouth on his.

Jesse’s chest rose and fell, his breathing grew louder by the second, infiltrating Trip’s mind until his own breaths caught up, matching Jesse’s pants breath for heated breath. Jesse’s eyelids lowered to half-mast, his desire obvious as f**k.

Trip reacted on instinct alone, no thinking, just doing. He pulled Jesse closer until their lips were centimeters apart. Jesse’s exhales warmed Trip’s skin.

The night went silent the instant Jesse’s soft lips grazed Trip’s.

Seconds felt like hours until Trip engulfed Jesse’s mouth all together. With hungry sweeps, Trip dove deeper, sucking, and tangling his tongue with Jesse’s. He cupped the back of Jesse’s neck, and held on as their mouths warred for dominance over the other.

Trip gasped when Jesse’s wandering hand discovered his erection through his jeans. “F**k.”

Hot air poured over Trip’s neck as Jesse’s kisses blanketed his throat.

“I’ve wanted to do that all night.” Trip splayed his fingers through Jesse’s silky, black hair, hoping against hope Jesse would move his mouth lower.

Jesse fumbled with the buttons on Trip’s shirt, and plucked the first few open. He worked his way across Trip’s chest, circling Trip’s erect nipples with his warm, wet tongue. “S**t, Jesse.” Trip struggled to catch his breath. Everything was so intense, moved so fast, Trip could hardly tell if it was real.

He leaned Jesse back, seizing the few stolen moments he hoped were actually happening. His kisses grew heavier, and his need increased. He’d take it as far as Jesse would let him. He had no choice. Please let this be real.

Buy Links:
Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-beautiful-lie-by-tyler-robbins/ 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/17uaLNM 
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-abeautifullie-1186614-145.html  

Tyler’s Links:
Blog: http://www.tylerrobbins.org 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.badillo 
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/author.tyler.robbins 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Robin_Badillo 
TRS short link: http://wp.me/p2Qg31-5CR

I had a lazy weekend for the most part. I did housework, but I also worked on world-building for a series I’m trying to kick off the ground. It’s going to be cool and I can hardly wait to hear what others think about it because oh the hopes I have! It’s amazing what a little excitement means to my overall feelings of optimism. I’m not the optimistic type, in case you didn’t know. I prefer grim, stark reality to wishing and hoping for the best. Reality is me thinking this thing is going to tank hard and I’ll be wearing the imprint of hitting the ground on my face forever.

We’ll see. Right now I’m too caffeine deprived to muster up much enthusiasm for anything but sleep.

But that isn’t even the purpose of today’s post. Nope, today is about commitment. Something I think I might have a little trouble with. You see, I realized today marks seven years I’ve been at my present Evil Day Job. It’s the seventh anniversary of the day I walked through the doors and sat at a desk, not my official date because I started as a temp. Sure, things have changed since that day. I’ve been promoted to a position that has convinced several coworkers that I’m a spy. Which I’m totally not. I don’t have time for that sneaky bullshit. I’m a busy person, y’all.

Yet the more I sit here thinking about my job and the fact that this is the only company I’ve worked at for longer than six years…yeah, I’m feeling the urge to move on. Is it the seven-year itch? Or just a misplaced belief that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence? However, just because there’s an urge doesn’t mean I’m going to follow it. That’s where being a “responsible adult” comes into play.

I can’t just pick up and quit my job. I have responsibilities. I want to buy a house, become debt free, put money away for an early retirement. By the way, is 40 too young to retire? I don’t have a chance in hell of retiring that soon, but it’s a dream of mine. Retired at 45! How awesome would that be? I could write full-time, go to conferences…*sigh* Okay, so sometimes I find myself hoping and dreaming of things that’ll never happen. I’m a writer. Go figure.

Anyway, seven years. SEVEN YEARS. Working for one company. I shudder and I try to forget about it. It’s a job, not a lifetime commitment, right? I can leave anytime I want. Right? *whimper* Okay, so it’s probably a good thing I’m not married. I like my freedom a little too much to be tied up that way. Unless Gerard Butler finally decides he’s going to stop being stubborn and see Cajun is the way to go. Then we’ll see.

Meh, that’s enough rambling. I need more coffee.

Happy Monday y’all

I’m going to try to squeeze as many sexy men into today’s post as possible. I didn’t realize I’d interviewed so many! Now I have to ask that you not drool until the last man has been reviewed. Also, let me know which one you prefer. I might even go so far as to post a vote on the Cabal of Hotness blog at the end of this month. Hm, not a bad idea! So without further ado…

Magic Brian:

Danica: What’s your favorite sexual position?
Brian: I’m calling it the crab, she’s on her back and I’m sitting up, my legs under hers and hers over mine so I can get deep and really nail her Gspot.
Danica: Whoa, Nelly! And that sound would be the collective “thud” as every woman hits the floor in a dead swoon. And look y’all, he’ll even cook for you after…And yup, there goes the thudding again.

Does anyone else find it a little warm in here?

Caveman Austin:

Danica: What’s your favorite kink?
Austin: I really like to please a girl. However, its the most fun when I get to please them in ways they didn’t even know they wanted to be pleased.
Danica: One sec while I pick my jaw up off the floor. “In ways they didn’t even know they wanted to be pleased…” Now that’s a loaded statement if I ever heard one! What do y’all think he means?

I’m still trying to imagine all the ways I’ve never known I wanted to be pleased. Which is a lot harder than you’d think. You know? *stops rambling*

Ted:

Danica: What do you have going on right now?
Ted: Right now I’m currently in NYC. Going to casting, about to do some new shoots, start acting classes. I never have a workout partner so I’m hiring a videographer to film me in the gym. I’m about to be o nyoutube. Make sure to check me out and subscribe to my channel BryantFit. It’s not going to be like them other boring fitness models’ videos. It’s going to be some sick information and serious motivational like vidoes and I’m crunk! Think you’ll really like it.
Danica: Everyone got that right? He’s going to be on youtube. YOUTUBE

I still need to check out his channel. And no, that isn’t a euphemism for anything. I swearz!

Caveman Mark:

Danica: What kind of woman are you most drawn to sexually?
De Angelo: Personality is very important, what’s inside a person counts.
Danica: And there was a collective sigh as millions (okay hundreds) of women fell in love with De Angelo. And now imagine him saying that in his Italian accent.

I’m sighing. Again.

Cherokee:

Danica: What’s your favorite kink? Yes, sexually.
Cherokee: I love an aggressive woman. I wouldn’t object to being spanked.
Danica: I know a lot of ladies who have belts, paddles and their hands ready to help him out. *cough*

Okay, fess up. Who wants to give this bad boy a spanking?

We’re starting up with new men next week. I hope. I have to hunt some more down. Le sigh. The life of an erotic romance writer is so difficult!

Series: Welcome to Paradise: Book 2
Genre: Contemporary FMF Menage
Flame rating: Scorching
Released: 5/4/2013
Publisher: Silver Publishing

Dancia: Are you a plotter or a pantser, or a hybrid?
Heidi: I guess I’m a hybrid. When I start a story, I really don’t know what is going to happen, but as the story unfolds, I plot out the next chapter in my head. Mind you, I can’t remember what I plotted in my head, so I have to put on my pantser pants and let my fingers fly.

Danica: In your opinion, what makes a great hero?
Heidi: That is a great question. I think a great hero has some flaws and is willing to do what it takes to get his girl.

Danica: Do you prefer strong women for heroines, or the ‘damsel in distress’ type?
Heidi: I like the strong heroine. I think all women have week moments, but are still strong. I try to use that when developing my heroines. You can be a strong woman and need someone to lend you a hand. If that someone happens to be a sexy man so be it.

Danica: What book are you currently reading?
Heidi: Whiskey Beach By Nora Roberts and Be with me by Maya Banks

Danica: Do you have anything in common with your characters?
Heidi: I try to put a little bit of myself in all my characters. The good the bad and the ugly, all get into my stories somehow.

Danica: What item, or items, is absolutely necessary to your writing mojo?
Heidi: I need my laptop and a diet Pepsi.

Danica: Do you have any rituals for writing or special locations that you prefer to inhabit when you’re writing?
Heidi: Before I sit down to write I need to make sure all my emails are cleaned out of my inbox.

I have a chair in my family room that fits my butt to a tee, so if my cat isn’t sleeping in it, that’s where I like to write.

Danica: Right now, what items are on your desk that you’d be embarrassed to admit to?
Heidi: Okay so I have a dirty secret. When a story has it’s claws in me, like it does right now. My poor family has to shovel me out from under the piles of dirty dishes and papers and what not that has built up during the day. They put on their HAZMAT suits and pull me out kicking a screaming. It is not pretty.

Bio:

By day, Heidi Lynn Anderson is a wife, mother, and owner of a small Green-Cleaning company. By night, she spins erotic tales featuring hunky heroes and the women they love. When not working or writing, Heidi likes spending time with her husband and son, doing what Florida has to offer.

Website: http://www.heidilynnanderson.com/

Maggie’s Desire
Welcome to Paradise 2

Blurb:

Who would have thought a plan to get the attention of one man, would have Maggie Blake taking two men to her bed?

Maggie Blake has one desire, to experience what the way-too-sexy Brian O’Malley has to offer in bed. Too bad, he thinks of her as an annoyance and not as the hot willing woman she is.

Brian has one rule in life. Never let a woman too close, but club Paradise’s sassy little bartender threatens to change that rule and wiggle her hot little ass into his damaged heart.

Purchase Link:

Silver Publishing

Her mind conjured up images of their naked bodies fused together. White-hot pleasure bubbled inside her soul. Maggie forced her eyes open and stared right at Brian. She could all but feel him lean in and flick her earlobe with his tongue. A shiver danced over the tender flesh like a whisper. Her teeth bit hard into her bottom lip. She stifled the moan burning in her throat. Maggie’s breasts yearned to be touched. Her pussy flared with moist heat.

She wanted him bad. Swallowing back a whimper, Maggie squeezed her thighs together to relieve the throbbing ache between them. “God, you’re pathetic,” she said aloud. “You wouldn’t know what to do with Brian if you had him hot, hard, and calling your name.”

“What was that, Maggie?”

She jumped and spun. “Holy shit, Logan. Where did you come from?”

He frowned. “I’ve been here for ten minutes.”

“You scared the crap out of me.”

His eyes narrowed. He rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “Are you feeling okay?”

She stepped back. “I’m fine. It’s hot in here is all.” Her cell vibrated against her hip and she jumped again. “Shit.” Maggie fished the phone out of the pocket of the too tight jean cut offs. “Have I told you today, the uniforms here suck?”

Logan sent her a heart-melting smile. “Not from where I’m standing.”

She pulled denim down her leg so the shorts looked more like shorts and less like bikini bottoms. “Next time I’m going with you and Julie when you go shopping for new outfits.”

“If you had it your way, we would all wear over-sized cargo pants and baggy T-shirts.

She grinned up at him. “Just the women. The men would wear tight shorts and no shirts.” Her cell vibrated again. “Crap.” She glanced at the screen.

 NICK: The eagle has landed.

 She checked the time. “Holy shit, I’m going to be late.” Her pathetic fantasizing had her losing all track of time. She took a breath, pulled herself together, and typed back. Haven’t left work yet. See you in twenty.

Shoving the phone back into her snug pocket, she gazed at Logan. “Nick just landed.” Maggie motioned to the bar. “You got this?”

Logan sent her his signature grin. “No, but since Nick is here to help me and Ava with the new house, I guess I can make do.”

“Thanks.” She rushed out from behind the bar and pushed through the crowd toward the door. Maggie felt someone grab her ass. She spun and rammed her elbow into the offender’s ribs. “Back off, asshole.”

The guy stumbled. “Ouch, sorry. I was just going to ask if you wanted to go to a private room with me?”

She put her hands on her hips and examined him critically. People really pissed her off. “Hey, jackass. Just because this is a sex club doesn’t mean you can touch people without their permission.”

Ava’s Pleasure

Welcome to Paradise 1

Blurb:

When prim proper Ava stumbles into a Miami sex club, she isn’t expecting to find the man from her dreams. Navy SEAL Logan is just wasting time between missions until this naïve and innocent woman turns his world upside down.

Of all the sex clubs, she had to walk into his. How was Ava Cullen supposed to know her prim and proper aunt was part owner of the premier sex club in Miami and a top-notch Dominatrix? When she stumbled into club Paradise and came face to face with her dream man, she had a feeling she stood on the precipice of something life changing.

Navy SEAL Logan Turner always knew he needed more out of life than the next mission. That’s why he opened Paradise with his best friend Julie. It didn’t hurt that he could reap the benefits of owning a sex club. That was until a sexy, doe-eyed woman walked in, making his control slip for the first time ever.

Purchase Links:

Silver Publishing

Today is day 2 of life back in the “real” world. You know, the one where people don’t know me as Danica, where they wouldn’t understand if I suddenly lost track of conversations because the muse hits me upside the head with an idea and they have no idea what I mean when I say “I’ll electrocute your nipples”. Yeah, the real world. It sucks.

I really just wanted to go back to bed this morning. It doesn’t seem right to be jealous of pets, but I was. Both of those punks woke me up, made me feed them, let them do their thing and then they went back to sleep. What did I have to do? Get up and get ready for work because someone has to bring home the Kibbles n’ Bits. And that would be me. Of course, harkening back to the Ellora’s Cave party on Wednesday night, I have said on more than one occasion that “I will sell ass on the side of the road if I have to. Not my ass of course, but I have no problem selling yours. Or the cat’s or dog’s asses.” (I do, I just talk a good game.)

Anyway, today seemed like a perfect day to play Nazareth’s Hair of the Dog. I could use a little hair of the dog to get through the day, but that would require going back to Kansas City and I don’t think I want to do the security thing again. By the way, Jose from Da Hood (Cave Chaos radio) apparently has a thing about his nipples. Hence the “I’ll electrocute your nipples” thing.

Okay, I’m finished with my pointless ramblings. I need more coffee. Enjoy this while I start up a coffee drip straight to my veins.

Oh! And because I’m feeling cranky, let me tell you about Robert Friggin’ Quill. What? You’ve never heard of him? Well he’s an artist. Kind of like the Dread Pirate Roberts, except he doesn’t have a ship. I think. I didn’t see a ship and he didn’t mention it. No, instead he charmed me into spending money on a drawing that’s going to be awesome when it’s complete. And then he got Lea Barrymire. And Cassandra Carr (I think). And Regina Cole. And I have no idea who else, but if you get a chance, you should really check out his work because he’s quite talented. And charming. Friggin’ Robert Quill. And because of his charming, talented bull-shitting self, I can’t get the character I commissioned him to do a sketch of out of my head. She’s stuck right there *points to head* and she won’t stop telling me to write and to do her justice because she’s totally going to kick my ass if I don’t write her in the style he’s going to sketch her. Gee, thanks Friggin’ Robert Quill. You’re the best.

And I mean that. He is awesome. Except when he stirs my muse to become Diva Bitch. *sigh*

Danica: Were you a good boy for mommy and daddy?
Bennett: No.Danica: Somehow I knew that.

It was just great to be home. Normally my dog gives me the cold paw when I return from a long trip, but this time she did the lip smacking, head bowed, butt tucked under “Why did you leave me? No one takes care of me the way you do.” And then there was fat cat who had to lick my elbows and follow me everywhere. Actually, it’s been about 16 hours and they still follow me everywhere.

So much for a private shower, eh?

I had a lot of fun at RT. I took a ton of pictures which I haven’t retrieved from my camera yet, but I will try to get that done today so I can bore everyone with my “and this is a giraffe’s ass” slideshow commentary.

Next year should be a lot easier on me since RT is in New Orleans. No waiting in lines at the airport, no hoping the socks I’m wearing don’t have holes in them when I take my shoes off to go through security, no strange people sitting next to me on the plane. Just me and my car. Yay!

Are you planning to go to RT in New Orleans?

At one point, I was given permission to clutch a man’s thighs. I swear that’s all I touched. And they were rock solid. He also gives good hugs, but we’re going to talk about that later. Right now I have sexy men to share with y’all. Which is a lot better than what I was going to tell y’all. Like, Lea Barrymire and I were trying our best to corrupt two lovely ladies at the Crayola store. Or that I had a moment when I thought the squid at the sushi restaurant was trying to impregnate my mouth. What? Not even I can make this shit up!

Anyway, first on today’s review list is the awesome Justin Coale. He was a great interview and an awesome person.

Justin:

Next is a really cool guy with tattoos, a fantastic body and an even better personality. The Reaper rocks, y’all. Who knew?

Danica: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done as a model?
Justin: I would say the craziest thing is standing in front of a window completely nude. I was at a shoot in Manhattan at a photographer’s apartment and people kept walking by and looking. The bum staring from the stoop across the street kind of freaked me out but you have to do what you have to do for a good shot!
Danica: Okay, I admit it. I would’ve been staring too. Hell, I might have even bought a bag of popcorn. And I have no doubt the ladies of the Cabal would’ve been crowded next to me doing the same.

Dominic:

Danica: What’s your favorite kink? (sexual)
Dominic: Oh wow I have to choose one.  Maybe a little out there but I love to find a spot where a vein is kind of out like on the neck, arm, inside of leg and suck and bite on it.  Huge turn on and even better when done to me.  (Maybe I’m a vampire at heart lol)
Danica: You know that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’m sure somewhere, someone has evidence that this only a natural response to pheromones or something…and it worked for Bella and Edward.

Chase:

Danica: What’s your favorite kink? (sexual)
Chase: Now that’s a loaded question. Do I have a swing available or leather straps? What shape is the bed? Just way too many variables to that question. In all honesty it depends on who I’m with. There are after all two of us involved in this activity so it really depends on how we interact together and how she feels during each position. It’s about what OUR favorite position is, not MINE or HERS.
Danica: And I have to give this week’s sex question medal to Chase. There really isn’t a medal, but I don’t think anyone cares. This is an awesome answer with soooo many possibilities. Swings, leather straps and bed shapes…really. Just…really? I do believe I might le swoon!

And that’s it for this week. I have workshops to skip and sharks to go see.

Okay, I’m laying it on thick. But I’m here in the lovely Kansas City for Romantic Times Booklovers Convention 2013. The flight from New Orleans to KC was fairy uneventful. No extreme hotties for me to ogle, but we were taken for a wild ride when we hit some high winds right before landing.

Then I loafed around the airport waiting for my partners in crime to arrive. Once we were all on the van (me, Lea Barrymire, Cassandra Carr and Shell Saunders-Bryce) I let the “other” me disappear and Danica slowly emerged. My hotel room? Awesomesauce. It’s pretty posh. Walked a bit, had food at the Crayola Cafe. Hello? More awesome.

And we left a calling card:

If you’re ever in the Kansas City area, I highly recommend Tuesday night at the Flying Saucer. It isn’t easy getting a table, but if you do and it’s more room than you need, invite the next folks in line to join you. We did and they turned out to be a lot of fun. I hope they enjoyed themselves at the Fleetwood Mac concert and want to give a huge thanks for them buying our first round of beers.

Anyway, The Flying Saucer was great. The food was good (very good), they had an amazing beer menu (I worked my way through nearly all the pale ales they offered) and they had trivia night. If we would have had more people with us I’m sure we would’ve beat those college kids. Sure of it! There’s also a very trendy grouping of bars and night clubs that I’d love to explore some more. That might be on the agenda. And I need to get T-shirts while I’m here.

But we had fun. I wish I could chat more, but it’s the official “start” of the conference and I need to get a move on. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the RT Book EXPO on Thursday afternoon from 4-6 pm. Even if you can’t make it, you can still buy books to support your favorite (and discover new) authors by clicking on their name on the Big Book EXPO page!

Tour long Giveaway: 

First place- $25 GC to Amazon or B&N and a bottle of ‘See Me’ Perfume

Second and Third place- bottle of ‘See Me’ Perfume 

Dates: 4/22/2013 thru 5/3/2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Super Duper Important- Scavenger Hunt Instructions:

There are 11 (eleven) stops for this Scavenger Hunt. Each stop contains a picture/button with a letter on it. All 11 letters form a message or phrase that is associated with the book. The letters are scattered randomly to the hosts. You will need to collect all 11, unscramble them, and then enter the decoded message in the Rafflecopter for the ‘extra entries’. Good luck!

Your scavenger hint letter is:

Bio:

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author. Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.

Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com

Twitter: @BatesNatalie

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/natalienicole.bates

Blog:www.natalienicolebates.com

You Tube:http://www.youtube.com/natalienicolebates

Street Team Sign Up:https://www.facebook.com/groups/441841792565396/

Blurb:

Carly Anders  is hearing voices in her head. Another one of her kind is trying to contact her. She knows of the malevolent freaks—others who are eternal like her and seek out the weak to inflict pain upon. For years, Carly has held up huge protective walls to keep herself and her secrets safe. Now, physically and mentally exhausted, Carly needs protection and rest.

She accepts the invitation to visit an internet friend who needs help appraising a collection of antique photographs.  The situation is not ideal, but Carly hopes a male presence in her life will deter the determined suitor who haunts her thoughts and dreams.

Daniel Tremont is not what Carly is expecting.

The former funeral director has a secret of his own. Not only is he eternal like Carly, he is her creation from all those years before—her abomination she thought she killed.

Daniel has been searching for Carly for years. He knows she is the piece of his life that he has been missing for so long. Now that he has found her, he has no intentions of letting her go.

“The quintessential paranormal romance”

5 Stars~Night Owl Reviews

Buy links:

http://leapoffaithpublishing.com/#ecwid:category=2613677&mode=product&product=15767325

http://www.amazon.com/See-Me-ebook/dp/B009MRN9P0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349618623&sr=8-1&keywords=see+me+natalie+nicole+bates