Out Tomorrow!

The 5th in the Immortal Council series will be released tomorrow March 1st! Head over to www.extasybooks.com and get it ASAP!

Betrayal comes from unexpected places, and so does love....

She runs, and manages to hide but she can’t forget his brief touches and insane claims of being her mate. Fucking him out of her head is the best plan she can come up with. If only his scent wouldn’t haunt her she might succeed.

Danger to her coven and a betrayal from within drives her to accept his help. She will use him to gain her coven’s trust back, but once she lets him claim her, can she just leave him?

He would do anything to have her. His werewolf instincts drive him to take her and make her his own. Will he be able to let her go if she chooses her coven over him?

“Kill me, Terrance, if that is what you’re here to do. Just stop torturing me with your scent all over the fucking place!” she called out to the room on the hunch he was listening.

“Is that really what you want?” Terrance’s rough sensuous voice slid over Emmalia and she shivered.

She rolled to her side to face the direction of the voice and saw him slip through the wall from the bathroom as if he were walking through air. It was creepy, and yet the sight of him made her body react as if it were the most erotic thing she had ever seen in her life. Her nipples hardened and her panties dampened. “For you to stop torturing me, yes,” her voice was weak and she cleared her throat, trying to focus.

“Is it torture to smell me all over the place?”

“You’re an animal, marking your territory. Except the humans around here can’t even sense it so you’re wasting your time.” Emmalia was impressed with how flippant her words came out this time. Inside, she was still struggling. The desire to rush him and kiss him was fighting with the desire to run away from him screaming.

“It isn’t for the stupid human’s benefit that I have been spreading my scent about.” He arched a black brow at her and she felt her toes curl. He exuded confidence and it was so attractive.

If he had been anything else, she would be all over him right now. She would be dragging him to the bed and tearing at his clothes, wanting him to prove that his confidence was founded on sexual fact, prove that he really could do all the things his voice and eyes promised. “I figured as much. So what is your plan? You have me here, alone.” Emmalia licked her lips, knowing it would entice him. She couldn’t help it, she wanted him so badly. If he was about to rip out her throat, she wanted to at least know what it would be like to have his hard body against hers before she died.

A deep rumble emitted from Terrance’s chest as he took a step forward, his gaze locked onto her lips. “I’m here to claim my mate. Will you deny me?”

Watch the trailer here:

The Resolution. Maybe

Last week I bemoaned my lack of a proper writing schedule, tossing ideas back and forth as to how best to address it. Not many of them were appealing. In the end I scrounged by on the skin of my teeth, finishing revisions on one MS, and starting a brand new one.

All this with the kid hanging on my imaginary skirt tails, and the mister hovering. While I wished my word count would be higher, it remains adequate. In the end, I spent a lot of time with the kid—sure she kept driving me out of her room, chanting ‘I quit, I quit,’ but that’s still time spent. Right, it counts.

The mister didn’t require much this past week—our NY Knicks were on fire with the new trading of Carmelo Anthony, so he was content to guzzle beer and talk sports. Yeah, I do that too—dude, I multitask like a bitch.

All is as it should be. Next week we’re back to our regular routine—work and school-wise—and I’ll go back to my regular scheduled programming. Time to get some stuff done. Tap them keys. Make it do what it do ;)

~Deuces

I’ve been a bad girl!

Well, it’s happened. Those red light cameras caught me blowing through an intersection.

The worse part of it is that Ms. Oh, excuse…me. Agent Carly Bright was the one who decided to chase me through the city. Since when did running a red light become WBPA business?

I did have fun running her through some of the worst parts of town, but this Bright is starting to get on my nerves. Her partner Ash, had better put a leash on her, soon.

Seriously, how could Agent Bright call me dangerous? Beautiful. Seductive. Even deadly, but not dangerous!

Be safe and be beautiful, my clannies.


Carly Bright was born into a long line of witches, but she abandoned her magical heritage for a promising career as a WBPA - World Bureau Paranormal Agent. Teamed up with a vampire partner, Carly wants to make her mark in the world of paranormal investigators, but when they are attacked in public, things change.

Finding out who tried to kill her is only the beginning of Carly's problems. She has to convince her family that her vampire partner isn't out to kill her. Or is she?

Click here to purchase

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Vampires - Designed to Love

Blood, fangs, cool skin, captivating eyes…I’ll admit, I am a Vamp lover like all the rest. I read the first two Twilight books, I watch True Blood, and I am hooked on Vampire Diaries. Dracula is sexy, Lestat is delightfully obtuse, and Louie whines way too much. Selene kicks serious ass, Damon needs to get over it, Bill needs to loosen up, while Eric… well Eric is just yummy, with all the fixin’s. So what is it about these tales, these characters that draw us in, and keep us hooked?

This is the question I posed for myself and here is what I came up with.

Sex - Let’s check this one off the list right away. The hunger of a vampire is easily construed as sexual hunger. They can both be violent, passionate and oh so naughty. From the biting of the neck to the sucking of blood to the power of restraint Vampire screams sex.

The One you shouldn’t Have - Everyone pretty much knows the one you shouldn’t have, is the one you always want. Well there is not a sane parent, brother, sister, or best friend alive who would be comfortable with someone they love, being involved with a Vampire. The risk is erotic, so the pay-off is beyond the climaxes of a sexual encounter. They ripple far beyond the norm, and that is addictive, and as dangerous as any drug.

Romance – There is something deeply romantic about the Vampire, in more than just the classical sense. The history that walks with a Vampire is woven into the seams of their actions, their words and their desires. Let’s be honest, which is hotter from a purely intellectual point of view, a Vamp that is fifty years old or a Vamp that is two hundred and fifty years old?

“The desire of knowledge, like the thirst for riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it.”  - Laurence Sterne

Looking at it from a hearts and flowers point of view, what could be more romantic that have a two hundred and fifty year old lover say you are the love of their life. How the journey of death, has brought them into your heavenly embrace. Talk about lines that will make you melt…

Violence – the animalistic side of a Vampire is adrenaline filled and edges on sadism. Both the internal and external destruction of life is so hauntingly awesome you can’t look away. In this same right, to have that violence being used in your defense is also worth swooning. The irony of running away from the violence of life into the arms of death is somewhat hedonistic in its contradiction.

Physical – I must admit, Stephanie Meyer said it best, or should I say Edward Cullen said it best.

"I'm the world's most dangerous predator. Everything about me invites you in, my voice, my face, and even my smell. As if I wouldn't need any of that. As if you could out run me. As if you could fight me off. I'm designed to kill."- Edward Cullen – Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

The Vampire, as described by most authors, whether male or female, is unfathomably beautiful. Dark, sultry, hypnotic eyes, blood stained lips, a strong cheek and jaw… as Edward said, they are designed to kill.

So we now have a list of reasons why we fall so hard so fast for the Vampire. There is a niche for all, an aphrodisiac for the many. So love your Vamps, their loves, and their victims because lets face it, deadly is oh so sexy!

©Amy Romine - Suspense for the Romantic Heart

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

Number 5 coming soon!

The next in The Immortal Council Series will be released March 1st at Extasy Books! This is the story of Terrance, a werewolf, and Emmalia, a witch.

"Betrayal comes from unexpected places, and so does love..."

I am forever indebted to Terrance for how he helped my daughter, Alexia, with her annoyance before mating, but a witch...I will have to see if I can learn to accept her into my good graces. From what I have seen of this story they are a very passionate couple, and I can certainly relate to that. But witches are crazy bitches! Everyone in the immortal world knows that...and smart ones keep their distance unless its absolutely necessary. My most recent experience with a witch was not so great. Paxton tried to employ the help of one in dealing with his human in the basement issue...as far as I know she is still there and still needing dealt with. I wish he would let me take care of that nosey ass neighbor for him. I just don't get his fascination with her. Anyway the witch was a psycho...duh! and no help. So this Emmalia has got some work to win me over, she has already won my author over though...so I am sure I will be forced to accept her too, at least a little. Damn Paxton and his council trying to make nice with everyone, it goes against every instinct I have and everything I was taught. I am slowly coming around to the idea...very slowly.

I will see if I can get a hot excerpt for you next week...

Watch my author's website for more tidbits www.courtneybreazile.com and her twitter www.twitter.com/cbreazile and facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/pages/Courtney-Breazile/160551880339

Find me Some Time

I’ve been shooting blanks lately. Minds out of the gutter, darlings, I’m talking writing-wise. Been so busy taking care of all the little stuff life throws in my path daily, I’ve been slipping on my wordage. Which is not to say I haven’t been tapping them keys. I have—even finished a totally jacked-up paranormal novella, but I’m not where I should be.

And why?

Distractions. I love them, whether electronically or otherwise generated. I’m always getting sidetracked by something or the other. Checking emails, FB, Twitter. Aren’t those damn traps just the worst? And the sweetest? I’m nutty that way.

I took stock of my recent writing patterns and resolved to immediately change them. Now the timeline to implement said change was supposed to be this coming week, until I remembered—the kid will be home all that week; something about the school having its mid-winter break. Now to know my kid is to know writing will be a difficult thing to do while she’s up prattling about the place.

That leaves me the choice of writing at night, which doesn’t really work for me; I prefer sleeping to writing. It is what nights are all about. So when do I do this? How?

Check back next week at which point I will either be severely sleep-deprived, or I’ll have rented the kid out as daytime entertainment to the kiddy amusement park around the corner. 

News to share

This week, I received several tidbits of bad news and some good news I wanted to share with my clannies.

First, the bad news:
Borders Bookstores have filed for bankruptcy. Yes, the old, reliable Borders Books is fighting to keep it’s edge on the world of modern technology. Apparently, they hesitated too long before jumping on the ebook wave of the future and are now scrambling to stay afloat. I wish them the best of luck, and they'll need all the luck they can get in this non-thriving economy.

GOOD NEWS:
It’s less competition for Trapezium e-books. It’s a small, reliable, secure ebook bookstore that evolves with the newest and upcoming trends. I think we are going to see Trapezium around for a very, long time.




Bad news: It’s official, Carly Bright no longer has a March 2011 release date. As I heard it, Carly stepped on some pretty important toes. For that I must apologize.

GOOD NEWS: Carly Bright: Sex Games was released on Feb 14. Yes, this past Valentines Day! The conclusion is that she was granted an early release date! Woohoo, Carly. You go, girl! Persuasive, I tell you.

Hehe…sorry, didn’t mean to disappoint you with Carly’s March release date. Just having a little fun with you, that’s all.

More GOOD NEWS before I give you Carly’s Excerpt.
My human author has been Wikified. Check her page at: RomanceWiki.com

Oh, one more bit of GOOD NEWS: Turn on your speakers! I’ve added a playlist to the site. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and you can shuffle between songs. If you want me to put on something specific, comment me and let me know. The playlist should automatically start playing when you visit. Yeah! Not only do we have music, but we’ve got Lady Gaga’s “Born this way” playing.

Have I mentioned how much I love Gaga? Paws up, all you little monsters. (I know, it’s kind of scary to see such an old vamp like me acting this way, isn’t it?) What can I say?  You’ve got to stay young somehow. Oh…perhaps I can keep Gaga young…uh…something to think about.

Well, here is it. The official excerpt for Carly Bright: Sex games.

To purchase this ebook: Click here

Carly Bright was born into a long line of witches, but she abandoned her magical heritage for a promising career as a WBPA - World Bureau Paranormal Agent. Teamed up with a vampire partner, Carly wants to make her mark in the world of paranormal investigators, but when they are attacked in public, things change.

Finding out who tried to kill her is only the beginning of Carly's problems. She has to convince her family that her vampire partner isn't out to kill her. Or is she?


EXCERPT:

I slipped my hand under the water. Finding my underactive groin, I cupped and then squeezed myself. A jolt of pleasure radiated through me. I instantly shot a look at the door, making sure I had locked it. Relieved I wouldn't have any uninvited guests, I sank further into the tub, letting the bubbly water caress my neckline. I squeezed again, feeling another shock of blissful joy shiver through me. I glanced around the bathroom again to make sure no one had snuck in and gently started massaging my protruding bundle. Thinking about Ash quickly rushed a mini orgasm from me.

I felt cheated and started massaging myself again. This time, I made it a point to think about my ex-boyfriend and I soon realized that not only was he a smuck, but just thinking about him made my feeling-good feelings disappear. Frustrated and horny, I allowed myself to think about Ash again. This time, limiting what I thought, trying to extend my next orgasm.

I thought about her long, sleek legs and having them wrapped around my waist. I wondered if kissing a woman would feel different. Then I thought about her perfectly shaped lips pressing against mine as her hand slid over my own, and she finished what I had started. Images of us frolicking naked on a sandy beach flashed in my mind when I realized it was my rapid arm movements that had created the sounds of the splashing water. Oh God! How the hell was I going to explain this? Horney as hell, but no longer interested in pursuing my self-satisfying plans, I drained the tub, dried myself off, used the towel to soak up most of the water from the tile floor, then balled it up, tucking it under my arm.

Happy Valentine's Day You Naughty Vamps!

Demented as it may seem, this scene reminded me of Valentine’s Day.

Enjoy!

The warmth pooled against his hand until it overflowed between his fingers like a piece of silk. He pulled her closer, the suppleness of her back crashing against his chest. Her lungs spit moist air as they emptied. Her body writhed against him as he grew erect in need.

She was such a subtle creature, sheltered and innocent. Even her screams were celibate in torment. His fingertips caressed her temple. He kept her cheek pressed against his as if in an old Hollywood romance. It was the sway of her body that first enticed him. The way her hips spoke to him in a languid sultry voice.

He got her attention the way he had with all the others, money. He lavished it upon her, until she was so intoxicated that she fell onto the satin overlay, anxious for his calloused hands to roam her body. He enjoyed in her delights, as much as he had in the others before her.

He inhaled the wafting from her light hair as it fell across her shoulders. She smelled of sweet orange and mango. The drugs had taken effect, and she laid in a quiet apprehension. He kept a steady hand as the blade caressed the expanse of her neck. He looked for an area with the most longing and stopped. He teased her with a feather twist before he applied the exact amount of pressure to birth that single tiny bud. The air escaped him as it ballooned and then dropped. Trailing a stained path down her neck before curving and twisting to her collarbone where it rested.

He caressed his way across her abdomen leaving a trail of succulent sticky warmth as he went. He pressed the blade into her forearm and with a quick slice of pressure, he released the blood contained beneath.

His eyes opened to the glory of crimson beneath his hands. It embraced her, curving against her and it called to him. He heard that sweet siren so long ago. Its melody filled him like no other, and he swayed with her to the music of his mind.

He turned her within his embrace before he laid her on the black satin sheets. Her amber eyes had gone dim but she was still stunning with her hair sprayed against the pillows. The rich pattern of crimson that poured over her white dress and ivory skin called to him. He leaned over with a gentle touch to her lips.

A final farewell in their bittersweet romance.

Excerpt from Trust Me Book 1 - Serenity Lost by Amy Romine

∞ Amy Romine ☯

Suspense for the Romantic Heart
Copyright © Amy Romine 2011

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

A Valentine's Day Hunt

It is Valentine's Day and as ridiculous as the human holiday is...I still enjoy the excuse to be extra romantic with my mate. I planned a fun little hunt for Tarquin. I left my favorite boots in the yard where I knew he couldn't miss them when he came home. The toes pointed in the direction I wanted him to go. He would easily follow my fresh scent to the garage. There he would see my sexy little black dress on the hood of the care and a lipstick arrow pointing toward the woods behind the house. At the entrance to the path is my red lace bra and a ways down my matching panties....so he finds me, naked and bound with a soft red rope to a tree. My hands stretched high above my head. Exposed, waiting and vulnerable. I know he likes me like that...

By the time he gets to me his eyes will be glowing yellow with his building desire. He will be panting and growling...Just the way I like him.

You can imagine the rest...it is a Valentine's Day that will be hard to beat but go ahead and try, I dare you ;)

A Perfect VDay

Valentine’s day is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really celebrate the VDay like some rabid people I know. Celebrations in my house aren’t determined by the public calendar. We—the mister and I—are pretty loose and free with the presents and compliments. Chocolates and the like are a daily occurrence in my home—more often than not bought by me, eaten by me, but you get the drift.

Why do we need a special day to tell our special someones how we feel? What’s so special about this particular day, that we spend a shit load on chocolates, perfume and flowers? My ideal Valentine’s Day is when the mister picks his clothes up off the freaking floor, when he stops leaving his stinky socks in the living room on the couch. When I don’t have to fight him for the TV remote.

Special days indeed.

I’m very easy to please—feed me, I love you forever. Don’t judge. A perfect VDay present would be the mister cooking dinner. I hate to do that, so any day he cooks is Valentine’s Day in my eyes. Any old day he bakes a pie is Valentine’s Day. On the days I go to the day job he’s home with the offspring. When I get home, if the kid has been fed, had a bath and put to sleep, that’s a freaking awesome Valentine’s Day.

Listen, I’m not knocking those who go all out with the grand gestures. Us girls, we never curl up our lip at the grand gestures, we’ll take ‘em thanks. I’m just giving my ideas of the perfect VDay gift for me. Consult the special person in your life once in a while, I’m sure they’ll agree, it’s the little things. Like when I see fit to climb the mister while he’s asleep, wake him with some slap and tickle. The next day he’ll come home from work with a muffin from a bakery near his job--I'm cheap like that--without me having to say ‘bring me a muffin’. That’s the best. He thought of me just because.

Those are the best presents. The just because presents. Those you aren’t expecting ‘cause it’s any old day of the week.

The other day I asked the mister what—if anything—he wanted for VDay. He said he wanted me to cook something special. I will. No idea what yet, but I asked and he answered. He’ll get it and I will get mine as well. There’ll be roses and chocolate—because he knows Mama needs her something to munch on—but he also knows what counts.

The little things. Just because.

What’s your idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day present?    

Carly can’t wait!

Today caught me with my proverbial pants down. Yes, it does happen, even to the best of us.

I promised a dear friend of mine that I would spread the word about her story. So, here it is.

Carly Bright is a World Bureau Paranormal Agent and she’s hot! I’m not just saying that I really mean it. The problem with Bright is that she’s young and impatient.

My point? Keep a watchful eye for this one next week. She’s finagled an early release for her story.

Here’s an excerpt for you to enjoy.


Carly Bright -
Sex Games Excerpt

I slipped my hand under the water. Finding my underactive groin, I cupped and then squeezed myself. A jolt of pleasure radiated through me. I instantly shot a look at the door, making sure I had locked it. Relieved I wouldn’t have any uninvited guests, I sank further into the tub, letting the bubbly water caress my neckline. I squeezed again, feeling another shock of blissful joy shiver through me. I glanced around the bathroom again to make sure no one had snuck in and gently started massaging my protruding bundle. Thinking about Ash quickly rushed a mini orgasm from me.

I felt cheated and started massaging myself again. This time, I made it a point to think about my ex-boyfriend and I soon realized that not only was he a smuck, but just thinking about him made my feeling-good feelings disappear. Frustrated and horny, I allowed myself to think about Ash again. This time, limiting what I thought, trying to extend my next orgasm.

I thought about her long, sleek legs and having them wrapped around my waist. I wondered if kissing a woman would feel different. Then I thought about her perfectly shaped lips pressing against mine as her hand slid over my own, and she finished what I had started. Images of us frolicking naked on a sandy beach flashed in my mind when I realized it was my rapid arm movements that had created the sounds of the splashing water. Oh God! How the hell was I going to explain this? Horney as hell, but no longer interested in pursuing my self-satisfying plans, I drained the tub, dried myself off, used the towel to soak up most of the water from the tile floor, then balled it up, tucking it under my arm.


Copyright © 2010 Annie Alvarez

Perception is your Reality (Right?)

As an author I have control of the perception and the reality. The convergence of the two can many times result in conflict, propelling your plot and or story forward. If you think about any plot, thriller, mystery, romance, sci-fi one of the main plot points will be a matter of perception and or misconception. Someone thinks the reality is one way when it is not. (ie. he thinks she loves him, she doesn't, the killer isn't the man at the bank, it isactually your partner, we think the new species is looking for food, they are looking for a hormone we produce)

To me, perception, all to often is actually misconception. It becomes misconception from all of the 'human aspects' of our lives. We paint the image in our heads instead of allowing us to see life and circumstance for what it is. If we walk around all the time relying on our perceptions to equate reality we might as well be not living at all because you are not seeing anything.

A perfect example of this is actually something that has recently happened to me. my editor, God bless him, is perfectly suited to handle me. He knows what buttons to push when and he doesn't sugar coat anything for me. I rely and trust him to do that for me and my writing.

Recently my business manager came across an email he'd sent me in regards to one of my pieces. She read it and by the time she was finished she was infuriated. She couldn't believe that I would stand for someone treating me in such an abhorrent manner. I simple smiled at her, and told her to take a breath. She took a moment and relaxed then she looked back me in question. I then told her to push the emotion aside and read the email again. She objected at first and I insisted, stating that it was the only way she was going to understand.

So she did. She re read it and sat back. I let her chew on it for a while and then asked her what she thought. She was ashamed to admit it but she agreed with him on almost every count. I nodded and said I know, I agree with him too. That's why I have him as an editor.

My friend had determined, in her instinctive protection of me, that this person was somehow being cruel and abusive to me. That was her perception of the email. Once I forced her to reset and realign her mind, essentially taking the emotion out of the equation she saw the logic and truth of his insights to me in regards to my piece. the reality of the email was that he was right in everything he said and he knew I needed to hear it. The perception of that from someone who does not know the relationship is very different than the reality of it.

Another example, I have heard, read and been told that eye witnesses to a crime, while important, are of little use as their perception of actual events will be skewed. I found this illustrated in a blog I read recently. Did Ya' Ever Notice...? Philip Nork, author of "Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male."

In his blog he goes through how several witnesses of different ages will inevitably disagree on the facts even though the same event happen in front of them at the same time. Mr. Nork attributes this partially to age and social circumstance. I would have to agree with him. I would have to add, however, that while these factors my contribute to the obliqued vision, in my humble opinion, it is the emotion that is the actual driving force of the skew.

Yes emotion. Whether it is a movie, a book, a crime or something as simple as a conversation the individual emotion attached to that event (based on previous events) will skew the perception.

So is perception a good thing or bad thing?

Honestly, it is what you make it. There is a time to go with your emotion, and a time to see things for what they are. A balance of both, like everything else, is the best avenue for success.

So the lesson here as a human? When you find yourself struggling with your own perceptions of the world around you, remember to take a step back. Remove the emotion and take things for what they are. You might find yourself in a better state for having done it and better equipped to make the decisions necessary to make a change if needed.

As an author? Perception is a powerful tool. It can make or break a plot, character or story so be careful.

TTFN!

Ammmmmmazing!

Okay so I don't usually go for the dramatic but I can't help it here.....I had the most wonderful little escape! It was AMMMMMMMMMMMAZING! I took off for a few days alone then told Tarquin he had to join me, I was in love! It is not often that I run into anyone I find irresistible, its happened only a few times in my long life that I have been so drawn in by another soul that I know I am helpless to do anything other than sate myself on them. As soon as I saw them I knew it was one of those times...

I was strolling down a beach town at night, somewhere in southern California. I smelled them first, knew I was about to run into some witches. I almost turned and went down the alley to avoid them, almost didn't want to deal with the crazy bitches while I was trying to have alone time...but thank the gods I didn't!

They were gorgeous and more than up for what I had in mind as soon as my gaze landed on them. I said "hi" and they said "hi" and then we were all smiling and giggling like school girls. I, of course, had to get Tarquin down there too so we met the next night and spent four days together...I am refreshed, and relaxed, and I didn't have to murder an entire village to get this way! Perhaps sex is a good replacement for massacre...

I am not sure I will see them again, Tarquin is jealous a bit, even if he did thoroughly enjoy himself too. Maybe in another ten years when I am ready to snap again, then it would be a good time to contact them...I know which coven they belong too, I would be able to find them if I needed to I am certain, and it makes me smile still.

I am ready for anything now I think...even the release of another book in my series! Which will be soon I hope and I am once again in the position of deciding who gets their story told next...I will let you know what I decide.

Cold Comfort

Did you know I was born and raised in the Caribbean? Cobalt blue skies, yellow sandy beaches and the turquoise, transparent ocean. Swaying palm trees, chilled coconut water and a steady diet of fish caught by you. That’s where I’m from. I left it behind years ago for high-rise buildings and underground trains.

I love it here in New York—nothing compares to the city’s vibe and charisma—but damn it all, it’s been a brutal winter. Normally I wouldn’t be doing my bitch routine regarding the cold—it is what it is and I rather love the snow, but this winter in particular is making me long for the days of cool sea breezes and warm summer rain all year round.

It’s been one storm after another here. Mother Nature refuses to let up and I’ve just about had enough. The other day—Groundhog Day—the rodent? declared only six more weeks of winter. Really? I’m really not sure I can last that long, can’t hold out. I’m freezing my delectable tush off, damn it. Something’s gotta give…wait, isn’t that the name of a movie?

Never you mind, my point is this: if these atrocious weather conditions continue to manifest I’m raising up outta dodge. My bags are packed, flight is on stand-by, bikini is laid out. Got a fruity alcoholic drink with a naked man on the other end calling my name. And he ain’t the mister ;)           

How To Make Friends With A Vampire

Not that I’d really recommend it. For a mere mortal, being friends with a Vampire is a safe way to frustration. Why? Think about it: You can never share a beautiful sunset. You can be the best cook in the world, and he/she will simply give you a polite compliment of which you know it’s a lie. You will grow old, your Vampire mate is still looking young as ever. Forget about vacation overseas, unless you like to pretend you’re in the coffin business. Forget about Greek food. And so on.

Okay, there are advantages, too. You’ll probably never have to worry about tan lines or skin cancer, if you adopt your friend’s nocturnal way of life.

The easiest way to become friends with a Vampire is the virtual way, that is, in a social network like Facebook or MySpace, where you initially don’t face the risk of being bitten. However, Vampires may use this networking to contact new victims. Be cautious if you’re invited for a real-life meet. If in doubt, insist on meeting outside on a bright sunny day.
Offering yourself for a blood donation is a promising way to a deep and short-lived friendship. Regardless if you’re just bitten or transformed, if you act that submissive, you’re a slave, not a friend.

*Looking around* See, you’re currently visiting a blog that’s frequented by “nice” Vampires. The ones who are able to control their bloodlust to a certain extent. Some even have mortal friends, and to them it has worked out so far, but don’t think you can easily copy it.

So what can you do? Yes, there are a few things that may help. For one, you should work on your education. A broad cultural knowledge will at least let you appear level with an old Vampire. Being able to discuss Wagner, Nietzsche, Joyce, Shakespeare and the like lets you appear as a partner worth to keep for a while. Throw in a profound knowledge on contemporary art and literature and you may catch a Vampire’s curiosity.

Let’s start with art. Have you heard of Keith Haring or James Rizzi? Can you sing some lines from “Angie”, do you know Madonna’s cup size? Can you quote Harry Potter? Do you know all the locations where Lord of the Rings has been shot? And are you able to list the titles of all Star Trek sequels, TV and movie?

If not, compensate it with literature. Vampire stories are fun – if they make the Vampires look good. (Some authors on this blog offer suitable material.) Otherwise avoid the topic of Vampires entirely – specifically stuff like “Buffy” – and talk about entertaining action stories like my Zoe Lionheart series. I promise – Vampires will love it.

Once you’re involved, you have to keep up his/her interest. How to stay friends with a Vampire? I’ll elaborate on that next time.

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Trust Me Book 3 - Jaded Promises by Amy Romine

Trust Me Book 3 - Jaded Promises

Eric Stiles has everything to lose and no matter how hard he fights he can feel his life slipping away. Rebecca Gailen thinks that the love of her life is dead and only the vigor of revenge keeps her fighting to survive.

When a secret reveals more than anyone expected, it changes Eric and Rebecca’s lives forever. The devastating truth puts the couple at odds. Can they overcome their clashing conclusions and learn to trust each other again? Or will they let it rip them apart?

Buy the Entire Series Now

Extasy Books

Amazon.com


Amazing Reviews! Nothing below FOUR STARS!! ****


Reader Recommended - "There was not one moment without action, be it a hot romantic encounter between Eric and Rebecca, or a horrifying visit from the psychopath stalker. This book will have you guessing with every page you turn."

A Moment with Mystee - "Romance and thrills at their finest. You'll find yourself attached to the story from the first pages and won't want to put it down until you've read the end. "



Coffee Time Romance - "The characters are easy to relate to, the love scenes are scorching and full of emotion, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Book Eternity - "Get me right, nothing to overheated here, it's very beautiful and clean, but if you like a steamy love scene and a great thriller story, then these books are for you. Amy Romine is a fantastic writer, she knows how to grip you to your seat and to keep you there until the end of the book."

Mike n Michele Reviews - "The manner in which Amy J. Romine goes about illuminating the background and the multiple connections is intriguing to say the least. Each block carefully built on top of the other until the structure is irrevocably one piece."

Excerpt

His conscious lifted out of the cocoon of sleep. Eric opened his eyes to find her still within his arms. The light in the room had changed, shining an orange glow against the walls. He guessed it was early morning. He glanced at the clock, and saw it was a little after six a.m. He watched her sleep. His thumb stroked her temple. He was worried about her.

Beccs is used to taking care of herself and everyone else. She’s not used to anyone taking care of her. She thinks it makes her weak…

He remembered the night Donna had told him that. Little did he know how accurate the statement would be. He didn’t know how to show her that her leaning on him was not a sign of weakness. It was a sign of being human. He wanted her to lean on him. He wanted her to need him, even if it was just a little.

It terrified him that in an effort to be strong, she was going to do more damage than good. He’d seen her try to suppress her anxiety, and pain before, not liking the results. She sighed, and he focused on her eyes. They fluttered open before looking up at him with a smile.

“Good morning,” she reached up, caressing his cheek.

“Morning,” Her face became contemplative as she studied him. “I missed you last night.”

“I’m sorry.” He  brushed a lingering kiss over her soft lips.

“That’s okay, you can make it up to me today,” she said,  curling her fingers into his hair.

“No, I can’t.”

“Why?” She looked back to him in confusion.

“I need to go to the station and take care of a few loose ends.”

“You didn’t take care of them last night?”

“Yes and no.” His arm wrapped around her in an unconscious need to keep her close.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.” She shifted from beneath him in obvious irritation. “Beccs.”

“What?”

“You have enough—” She lifted the blankets off her legs and got out of bed.

“Just don’t.”

“Don’t what? Don’t dump a lot of unneeded crap in your lap?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what?” His frustration with the conversation was confusing. He didn’t understand what they were arguing about but, he was glad they were arguing.

“When did you start censoring what we can and cannot talk about?”

“I don’t—”

“Yes you do.” The lack of emotion in her voice evident and frustrating him even more.

“I’m not censoring anything.”

“Fine.” She disappeared into the bathroom and he followed.

“Beccs,” seeing her putting toothpaste on her toothbrush. “I didn’t think it was anything you needed to be worried about.”

“You know part of being honest is not holding back, Eric!”

“Forgive me for trying to protect you!”

“I don’t need your protection!”

“I know that. I never said…” The fire in her eyes grew as she defended herself to him.

She was fighting him.

His Beccs was coming back.

“I’m not some fragile flower you have to treat with kid gloves! I can handle your life, my life, and everything that comes with it or I wouldn’t be here!”

“Okay, I’m sorry. I know you can handle whatever it is that comes into our lives,” he admitted with a deep breath, understanding why she was upset. “I didn’t mean to become a hovering, overprotective guy, I swear.”

“Well you did.” Her expression change as if surprised by her own sudden passion.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to get overwhelmed. You’re still recovering, sweetheart.”

“Eric…”

“Okay, fine…fine I’ll stop. I know that you can handle it. I forgot that you are my tough as nails, fiery redhead.”

“Don’t do it again.” He lessened the gap between them, and her eyes softened. “It’s annoying, and I don’t like being mad at you.”

“I don’t like it when you’re mad at me.” His hands enveloped her waist, he pulled her close, and her arms looping around his chest.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine, a little sore.” he replied before planting a tender kiss on her lips.

“You know you’re supposed to be resting,” she whispered into his lips before pressing her lips back to his. He walked her back and she sat against the bathroom counter.

“Intriguing, and what would resting include exactly?” Eric leaned, breathing against her neck before trailing a line up to just behind her ear. Kissing the tender area, he savored her, his hands caressing the lines of her back.

“Well there would be steamy showers, hours of languidly laying in bed, hot oil massages…”

“Massages?”

“Of course, didn’t you know I took a masseur class in college?” He grazed at her ribs with his fingertips. His lips pressed against her collar bone. “I’ve been told my hands are ethereal and demonic at the same time.”

“Sounds exotic,” Her nails skimmed the back of his neck, sending chills up his spine, her legs trapping his waist.

“Exotic enough for you to stay home?”

“Maybe.” He met her eyes, before devouring her lips.

* * * *

©Amy Romine All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.