The Big Day

To celebrate the release of Ride a Cock Horse, my first book with Breathless Press, I'm throwing a launch party! There will be tantalizing treats to please the palate. To start the day in fine style, my bartenders are serving up your favorite beverage. We've got Mimosas, Peach Bellinis, Bloody Marys, coffee (spiked if you like), and tea. Grab one as they walk by (drinks, not servers *wink, wink*). Tell them what you want; they are here to please.

Personally, I am having breakfast in bed! I mean, have you seen my wait-staff? Hello!!

This day seemed like it would never come. I've been impatient, nervous, and excited. Now that it's finally here, I want to enjoy it with all of you! So grab a pillow and your beverage of choice.

First up on the menu is one of my personal favorites. Pain au Chocolat. I like mine sprinkled with a bit of powdered sugar. What about you? What is your favorite decadent treat? How would you spend your first launch day? I want to hear from you!

And while you're here, why not follow me? Links are on the right.



You can buy Ride a Cock Horse at the following places:

Breathless Press
All Romance eBooks

The Power of Four

The talented Tara Chevrestt tagged me to do this meme. Sounded like it would be fun and I am always up for a meme so here goes.

 Meme Time: The Power of Four to start something fun and update her blog. It also gives our readers a chance to get to know us better. Here's just a bit about me. I copy and pasted the list, put it my own answers, and now I shall tag four other people.

Four Places I have worked/Jobs I have had

Granat Bros/Bailey, Banks & Biddle

Elementary School District

Genentech 

No fourth job

Four Places I Have Lived

Burlingame

San Jose

San Mateo

San Francisco 

Four Movies I Could Watch Again and Again

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Wedding Date

All the Harry Potter Movies

The Natural

Four Television Shows I Watch (I usually record shows and watch them when I can)

Once Upon a Time

Revenge

Lost Girl

Grimm 

Four Authors I Enjoy

JR Ward

Lisa Kleypas

Stephanie Laurens

Edgar Allen Poe

Four Places I Have Traveled To

Canada

Cabo San Lucas

Hawaii

All over California

Four Websites I Visit Daily

Facebook

Goodreads

Pinterest

Google (email, calendar, search) 

Four of My Favorite Foods (Is chocolate considered a food?)

Steak

Salmon

Pasta

Lamb

Four Places I'd Rather Be (Considering I am currently at work...)

The beach

At home reading or writing

Getting a massage

In bed

Four People I Want to Tag

Karyn Gerrard, Dianne Hartsock, Carrie Ann Ryan, Cassanna Dwight 

If you’ve been tagged, make your own list and link back to this post. Please note you are under no obligation to do this. Have fun with it and happy Sunday.

The Man of Her Dreams

Isabella knew what her dreams would bring when sleep finally came. She drifted, in an alternate reality that was both comforting and dangerous. At the heart of her fevered dreams was a man—no, a god. She'd been frightened at how real he seemed but her fear soon turned to anticipation and raw lust. 

Each night that he came to her, Isabella struggled to open her eyes, to see him, touch him. He whispered in her ear, his breath fluttering gently against her delicate skin.

"Do you want me Isabella?"

She couldn't speak no matter how she tried. Her body craved his touch. He was no more than shadow but she felt his masculine presence in her bed. With each dream, his actions grew bolder—a lick, a caress. Overwhelming desire washed over her naked body, a hunger so strong Isabella thought she might die if he didn't slake her need.

But this night was different. When Isabella drifted to sleep, her senses were more aware, more alive. He was behind her; she could feel the hardness of him against her. Heat radiated from his body as he embraced her. He cupped her breast and then slid his hand lower demanding access to her most intimate place. Fisting her hair roughly, he pulled her face toward his own. His voice was deep, commanding, and in control.

"Do you want me Isabella?"

"Are you real?" she gasped as he bit her lower lip.

"If you desire it, my love."

Cross-posted at Breathless Press Thursday flash

The Ranch Hand

Jason leaned on the worn fence and watched the drama at the main house unfold. He’d worked this ranch for the past three years, endured the blazing heat, the long hours, and his overwhelming desire for the owner, Lacey Williams. She’d been over her head in debt ever since she hired him. He knew this because of one unbearably hot evening when neither of them could sleep. They ended up sharing a bottle of whiskey by the lake, one thing led to another, and after she spilled the beans about her impending financial ruin, they made love. His cock stirred at the thought.

The next morning, Lacey had no recollection of their tryst but it was forever burned into his memory, haunted his fevered dreams.

Just as well.

The ranch was everything to Lacey. It was the only thing she had left of her family. She loved working the land as much as he did. It was a pity she might lose it. And that was why he pulled money from his trust and paid off the debt. She’d be angry but she’d get over it. They’d be partners and if Jason had anything to say about it, in more ways than one.

At that moment, Lacey turned to face him. Hands on hips and fiery attitude punctuated every step as she strode toward him. A slow grin pulled at the corners of his mouth. Life with her would never be dull.

And their nights…sheer heaven.

Cross-posted at Breathless Blog

The Countdown and Other News

Calvin and Hobbes - gotta love that duo.

It seems like this day would never come. Not release day yet but Ride a Cock Horse is available for pre-order at the Breathless Press website. I've been stalking the site for the last two weeks in anticipation. The one time I didn't - well let's just say I didn't know it was there until my friend and crit partner Karyn Gerrard told me. Every step of this process has been new, has had it's highs and lows, and like any roller coaster ride it has been a thrill a minute. I don't think this ever gets old. I can't wait until I get my final copy! Not sure when that is but I look forward to it.

In other news, mother's day is tomorrow. I sent my mom a pretty orchid in a tea cup. ------------ >>>>>>

The card attached made her cry but it was happy tears. I don't always express how much she means to me and more often than not we butt heads. I don't have daughters so I don't know if that is normal for mothers and daughters but I would not be the mom I am today without her as an example. Both the good and the bad.

To all the moms out there, I hope your day is filled with light and love. I hope your loved ones pamper you the way you deserve.

The Morning After

Mara stood at the foot of her bed and studied the man sleeping in it. Darkness shrouded the room except for dim light filtering in from the window. She’d broken the first of her cardinal rules-never let the client sleep over. Technically, they hadn’t done much sleeping so Mara figured she could let it slide. She ought to finish dressing and get him out of her bed but he looked so delicious barely covered by the sheet.

Carefully kneeling on the bed, Mara gently ran her hand slowly up his leg until it rested on his inner thigh. His legs were long and well sculpted like the rest of him, not too bulky but honed to lean masculine perfection. The fact that he paid for sex baffled her; if she hadn’t been on the job, Mara would have done him for free.

His chest, lightly dusted with hair expanded and contracted with his shallow breathing. Her gaze followed his treasure trail to where the sheet tented with his erection. One more taste, she thought, and Mara leaned in while her hand rose higher on his inner thigh.

“Are you hungry, baby?”

Mara looked up at the touch of his hand cupped against her cheek. His thumb traced a path from below her ear and along her jaw until it settled on her lower lip. He held her chin softly and Mara nibbled playfully on his thumb and smiled wickedly as he pulled the sheet away from his cock. She briefly wondered how many rules she would break with him.

“Famished.”




Cross-posted at Breathless Blog

Of Muse and Men

The other day I read and commented on a post about Dream Men. I personally have several dream men. The thing I like about them is how they inspire my writing and my heroes. One of my current works in progress as well as my latest contracted book The Hero Sandwich co-authored with Karyn Gerrard are heavily fueled by one dream man in particular. Well, okay maybe two dream men.

I am an avid baseball fan and a die-hard Giants fan (that's San Francisco, not NY). I had the pleasure of meeting one of my dream men who played professional baseball, Mike Matheny. Sadly, he is taken but a girl can fantasize right? He was soft-spoken, a gentleman all the way. He possesses the characteristics of the baseball player I am writing about in The Sweet Spot.

Has has the look that makes me all gooey inside. Tall (A head taller than me). Broad chest and shoulders, nice thighs. Chiseled features. Scruff. Tousled hair. My WiP The Sweet Spot was partly inspired by him.

Compare him to my other dream man and you will see what appeals to me. Michael David Barre, another guy who turns my insides into molten lava. He is Tate in my WiP The Sweet Spot. Also the inspiration for our hero in the upcoming The Hero Sandwich.

I should post a disclaimer that my muse changes with the wind. I'm flighty. Different men appeal at different times. But for now...these guys are as delicious as my favorite sweet treat.