Monday, December 31, 2012

Writing a New Year's Resolution...

It's crunch time for those New Year's Resolutions...You know those things we write down telling ourselves and the world:  It's a brand new year and I'm going to be a new, improved, better, and stronger brand new me!
We stick with them...who am I kidding...The only things New Year's Resolutions stick to is the post-it notes we wrote them on!  But why is that?

People generally dream too big!  Is that bad?  Hell no!  Dream big, because if you're going to dream then, dammit, do it right!  But dreams are just that-dreams.  Reality needs teaspoon servings of dreams...We're human and we don't accept change all that well.  So, let me explain this in words that I can understand and hopefully you will too!

So, I'm a nurse, I think we all know that by now, and as a nurse I use Care Plans to give each patient the nursing care they need and deserve (and by deserve I don't mean I judge them as good and bad to decide who I'm taking care of, because if you're my patient then you deserve the very best nursing care possible! :)!)

In a care plan-I won't go through the whole process, trust me you'd nod off before the second book was written-I chose a goal for the patient to complete so that he or she will get better.  So, let's say for example my patient is:
A 82 year old female with pneumonia, dementia, and is not able to walk.  If I write a goal for this patient:  The patient will be able to walk before discharge.  Whoa...First, could my patient walk in the first place?  If so, how weak is she that made her not able to walk?....The list of questions go on and on...

Same goes for New Year's Resolutions!  If you weigh three hundred pounds and your goal is to lose one hundred and fifty pounds, then you have to plan accordingly.  First, it took many years to reach three hundred pounds right?  I mean, it took your whole life!  So, how do you expect to lose half of that in a year?  Even if it is possible, you'll lose interest, decide it's not worth it or something else of the sort.

The way to keep yourself on track of any goal is to break down the big goal which is: I will lose one hundred and fifty pounds. From there make small, attainable goals that will aid in the larger one.  For example, The month of January I will lose five pounds by reducing the number of sugary foods that I consume daily by two servings, exercising for fifteen minutes twice a week and taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.  This goal is more attainable, because I have a specific goal to achieve and a game plan outlined to complete it within the SMALL time-frame allowed.

So, write your hearts out and good luck!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Something to Think About...

It is Sunday and that means it's time for: Something to Think About!

"Risk is essential.  There is not growth of inspiration in staying within what is safe and comfortable.  Once you find out what you do best, why not try something else?"
-Alex Noble

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Cover for Salin's Salvation, Volume 1

On the same day that Maria's Match comes out, (1/21/2013) I will also be putting out Salin's Salvation, Volume 1, which will include the first three books of the series!!  Here is the cover for that book!


I'm really proud of this cover and I've come a long way in designing my own covers!  Why do I design them?  In the beginning it was because I didn't know of anyone who could design them!  I did purchase the cover of The Witch's Birthday Brew (here).  Now, I do it because I like it.  I really enjoy manipulating the photos!

Contests!

Just a reminder that the following contests are in progress!!!


  • The Maria's Match contest on my website!  Check it out!
  • Go to The Romance Reviews and enter to win a copy of A Game of Cat & Mouse in eBook Format!!!
  • See the Goodreads widget to the sidebar and enter to win a Print copy of Maria's Match!
Please Note:  If you win a contest, but have already purchased the book of that contest, just email me and tell me your choice of book and I'll give you a different one!


Friday, December 28, 2012

Book Review!

Shepherd (Phoenix Series, Book 2)
by: K H LeMoyne

Genre:  Sci/Fi Futuristic Romance

General Summary:  A strain of salmonella has pretty much eradicated most of the Earth's population and in its aftermath civilization deteriorates.  Decades later civilization is starting to form once more and the upper crust, or the Regents, are doing bad things...Harvesting organs from children.  This story focuses on Esme and Shepherd.  Esme has recently become a widow, prisoner of the Regents and wife to a Regent all in one epic swoop...She follows her new husband to a secret meeting and when she is found by Shepherd, he takes her prisoner.  But who is prisoner in this tango of love, deceit and passion?  Now, they must work together to save a member of their team whose imminent death is possible!!! (Cue the action music, LOL!)

Reaction:  Oh man!!! There isn't a third book out yet! Drats!  I really enjoyed this book, the second of the Phoenix series that took me deeper into the post-apocalyptic world that was introduced in Rebel's Consort!  Their lives have turned into a grim existence, but love is still alive!  I can not wait for the next book!!!  And from the ending of this one...the next will be AWESOME!!! 

Author Website: KH LeMoyne
Buy Links:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARe, Smashwords, iBookstore

Disclaimer: I bought the book myself and the opinions are my own :)!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Just wishing you a happy and wonderful Christmas tomorrow!  I'll be spending tomorrow with some great nurses, doctors, paramedics, EMTs, CNAs, Unit Techs and others!  So, keep being good--Santa's still watching!
:)!
Check back soon for contest details!!!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Contests!!

Alright!!! Date for Maria's Match release is 1/21/13!!! To celebrate there is a contest now active on my website!! Check it out!!

Something to Think About

It's Sunday, yet again, and that means it is time for...Something to Think About!

"A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste."
-Jules Carlysle

"Don't knock masturbation - it's sex with someone I love."
-Woody Allen

As most of you know, my characters have sex and it is described rather bluntly on occasion   Now, what sparks this?  Sometimes people will ask me if I know my books are filled with sex?  Well, I hope so since I wrote them! LOL!  I've tried to mark my books for adults.  This blog and even my website have warnings alluding to adult content...yet, people still stumble upon them-even though they are clearly marked as erotic romance with an added warning in the blurb.  (Be advised:  Contains adult sexual content).

So, why do I write sex anyways?  Because it's what I enjoy reading and writing!  I'm pretty sure lots of people have sex-and on a pretty regular basis since I see pregnant people on a daily basis and a few chicks at work are out on maternity leave.  So, why is sex still somewhat of a "taboo" topic?  Hush Hush?

Maybe being a nurse has desensitized me, because we get into very descriptive conversations about bodily functions and even sex on such a regular basis that it isn't anything for me to discuss it or masturbation!  And I will say that I have fallen victim to purchasing a book and getting something totally different from what I expected...My first m/m book was that way.  I remember reading the blurb and not paying much attention, buying it and reading it...Apparently I assumed one of the names to be female.  Boy was I wrong.  So what did I do...I read that dang book and searched for more!!

Anyways, there's just a little bit to think about! ;)!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

New Book Trailer!

Here is the Book Trailer for Maria's Match!!!


Randomly Selected Excerpt!

I guess by now you all know how I love randomness!  Anyways, here is a random excerpt from...Embracing Ember!




Ceylon walked into the apartment allotted him and immediately felt her absence.  Ceylon called out for her, knowing she wouldn't answer, but praying with every fiber of his being that she would.  He had felt as if something were wrong all day and made himself stay and listen to Dr. Langston drone on and on about how the implementation of the medical scanner would be both beneficial and harmful to the healthcare system.  Each moment was like agony to his senses, but he told himself his worries were ill-placed, and that Ember was fine.  He had heard and read of the symptoms that a mother felt when she noticed her child was missing, had even sedated an unlucky woman in his first year as a healer who had lost her child, but he had never felt it before now.  The panic was overwhelming and only his need to find Ember kept him grounded enough to remain calm enough to rationalize through what was happening.
Her artwork was scattered over the kitchen table, small colorful pictures that seemed geared toward children.  He knew she had secretly used her art to save money for the time when she would finally get away from Landon, but she had never shown him any of her artwork.  The disarray of the art and the overturned furniture in the kitchen made his heart race faster.  He pulled out his communicator and contacted his ship, hoping beyond hope that Ember was fine and she had just left to go shopping or something. 
“Secundus?” Ceylon growled impatiently.  Of all the crew to answer, he was least thrilled it was Secundus.
“Yes, this is Secundus.  Ceylon, is there a problem?”
“I need you to tap into the security feeds we had placed through this residence.  I can’t find Ember.”  Ceylon knew the panic was starting to seep through into his speech, and just hoped that Secundus would do as he asked.
“Okay.  I assume you want today’s feed, correct?”
“Yes.  I just need to know that she is okay.”  The wait was agonizing.  Only the knowledge that it would take Secundus a small amount of time to go through the various feeds kept him from screaming for him to hurry. 
Secundus broke the agonizing silence with a growl of fury.  Secundus’s next words made Ceylon feel as if the world had disappeared beneath him.
“What is it?” Ceylon asked when Secundus didn’t tell him what was happening.


Embracing Ember is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and ARe!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday!!! Thanks guys for such a wonderful 2012!!!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Virus

Being elbow deep in the world of Salin has its perks.  First being that it's an alien world that I create and control...in a sense I am the all mighty Astrid...Ruler of a planet!  Mwahahahahaha...Sorry!  I get a little carried away!

Anyways, creating a world and the reasons behind why they had to reach out for help from Earth...

I know it has been done...A virus!  There are many authors who have used this technique to decimate populations within their books and we've seen viral devastation on television that have changed the population into ravenous zombies...ewww, have I told you how much I hate zombies?  And viruses are not uncommon to us-the common cold, chicken pox, and the flu just to name a few viruses that we battle day to day.  Heck, we've even dubbed the tiny pieces of electronic invaders that give our computers hell viruses.

But what is a virus?

A virus is a small infectious agent that must invade cells in order to replicate.  So, they need our cells to make more of themselves...That's right and the best way to think of it is this: (very simplified and how I passed this portion of A&P)  Think of your cells as little factories and viruses as corporate spies.  Now the corporate spy needs your factories.  When they invade your cell using receptors on that cell to gain entrance, it changes your cell from a factory that works for you into one that makes bunches of little viruses.  This cycle goes on and on...

Here is a video from YouTube (gotta love YouTube!)


Now, I may be the creator of my world (Salin), but I've chosen to stay within the parameters of viral infection and bio-terrorism.  I'll leave bio-terrorism for another time!

As you all know I am working diligently on Maria's Match and hope to have it done this weekend (cross your fingers), then I will begin editing and getting it formatted.  I hope to have it ready for all of you sometime in January!  Thanks all for a wonderful 2012 and I'm hoping for an even more awesome 2013!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Something to Think About

"A book is a version of the world.  If you do not like it, ignore it or offer your own version in return."
Salman Rushdie

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Research, Research, Research!

In my quest to write Maria's Match I did some very interesting research indeed!  Maria is pregnant (as you all remember from Embracing Ember), and with pregnancy comes some questions about sex.

Disclaimer:  I can't give advice and that's not what this is.  If you are pregnant and want to share sexy time with your husband/lover/whatever, then I suggest if you have any questions you ask your OB/GYN or healthcare provider.  This is just from my research.


Can you have sex while pregnant?
Well, heck yeah, at least according to my research.  Now, as long as you have permission from your OB, then it is perfectly safe to have sexy time.

Now, the nitty gritty of my research...
Sexual positions while pregnant:

We all know that a pregnant female will have the baby bump...and in an effort to not squish junior while making love these are some of the recommended positions...again, it is best to talk to your doctor.  (I can't stress that enough, even if I wrote an epic novel about talking with your healthcare provider, then I couldn't stress talking with them enough.)

So, with that said here are some of the easiest positions for the pregnant female to accommodate:


  • The spooning position seems to be recommended on many websites.  This one is where he lies behind you like you're going to take a nap, but instead he lifts your leg and penetrates you from behind.  This is a shallow penetration, but it keeps the pressure off the baby bump.  Besides, nothing said he couldn't use his hands to play with certain parts of your anatomy...
  • Female on top...Now this has some possibilities.  While the woman gets into position on top, be it cowgirl, reverse cowgirl...whatever.  The beauty part is the woman controls depth and the pressure is once again off the belly.
  • Getting it from behind...Doggy style or whichever position is awesome for you and maintain pressure off the baby bump (see a pattern?)
  • Also, one can have the female scoot to the edge of the bed and the male can go at it as though in missionary position, but without resting his weight on top of...you got it...the baby bump!
Isn't research great??!!??   

Friday, December 14, 2012

Five Sentences...

Here are five sentences from Chapter Five of Surrender Serenity!


Eon walked into the lab, Kylan was as expected recording data about the samples.  “Kylan, where is the last translation chip?”
“In the last container on the third shelf, why?”
Eon grabbed the last chip, then turned and said, “If we use this one, can you replicate the technology?”
“Yes.  Why do you need it?”
Eon smiled and said, “The females have awakened.  We forgot to implant the chips before they regained consciousness.  Serenity fought me like a Salinian Warrior when I tried to inject her with the other one.”


Something I Just had to Share!

Okay, for as long as I can remember commercials have held my attention better than any program.  Why?  I'm not quite sure, but I find myself ignoring programming to watch commercial.  We have a DVR and I rewind to watch commercials...anyways...this is my new favorite commercial...


I would LOVE for something like this to happen in real life!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

My website has a Forum!!

I'm excited to announces that I've added a forum where you can discuss things about my books or whatever. I've included an off topic choice so feel free to stop by and chat!! Please remember to be respectful. :)

Monday, December 10, 2012

Random excerpt!!

Random is the spice of life so here is a random excerpt from State of Unrest, Book 1 in the Chronicles of JJ series.

This is a scene between Abigail and Matthew!

"Explain yourself, Miss Belamy," he whispered in her ear before nibbling gently on the lobe causing her breath to still completely. Explain what? She thought briefly. She yelped, opening her eyes seeking his with the painful nip to her neck. "Explain!"
"Explain what..."

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Something to Think About...

Sunday?  Again?  Yep!  Here's a little something to think about:

"We all know that art is not the truth, art is a lie that makes us realize the truth."
-Pablo Picasso

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Book Review!

Oh yeah, you knew it was coming!

Exiled: Brides of the Kindred, # 7
by: Evangeline Anderson

Background:  Brides of the Kindred centers around a race of genetic traders known as Kindred.  

Reaction:  This is an awesome book with lot's of steamy scenes that push the boundaries of the two main characters, Lissa and Saber.  From start to finish, the two are rife with sexual tension that culminates in a way that leaves the main characters hanging on the brink of not having their HEA.  Of course, the other main characters are there and it ends beautifully...So my recommendation: Get this book and devour it from front to back...then repeat! :)

Buy links...Amazon, ARe, Smashwords
Okay, little disclaimer...I bought this book (Got my new debit card!) and wasn't in any way asked to review this book...The thoughts are my own and I must say that Evangeline Anderson is one of my fav authors!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Poetry...

Most of you may know that I had an affinity for poetry...prior to my journey down nursing school lane.  Social life, home life, well pretty much everything but nursing school took a backseat.  Now, don't get me wrong...any who know me knows that I LOVE being a nurse, but I'm more than just that.  Here is a poem I wrote sometime in high school...It's never been shared, so, be kind :)!


Impossible

Darkness is all around,
Only pale white light 
falls on my face as 
I sit on the earth.
The feel of grass 
on my bare legs,
my senses flare.
Moonlight caresses my face
an invisible hand of the 
Mother I've always known.
"You fear, my child.  What is it
that you fear?" she asks
as she sits beside me
taking my hand.
"I fear being alone,"
I whisper.  She smiles
that smile I know so well.
"To fear loneliness is to fear
nothing, you are never alone.
The sun rises each day to meet you.
He sees you just like me.  
Days that you cannot see
us, others are there.
Ancestors, Angels, Spirit Guides and More.  
Do not fear loneliness child, for it is
impossible."

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Saving Celine: Excerpt

Here is six sentences from the beginning of Chapter 6:



Celine sat in the same room, Dr. Phelps awaiting her thoughts and feelings.  The pictures on the walls seemed to scream at her, telling her the hour would go by much quicker if she would just give into Dr. Phelps and tell her everything.  From her past to Reed, if she told her everything then her shoulders would sag from the relief of the burden she desperately tried to hide from others.  That damn wall of certificates taunted her, telling her that she was stupid for resisting.  And what the hell did it mean that each Rorschach test looked like an ominous monster waiting in a dark alley to attack and kill in inventive and cruel ways?  Did that mean she was crazy? 



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Book Review!

Awesome book that I read last week!

Rebel's Consort by KH LeMoyne

Genre:  Sci/Fi Futuristic Romance

General Summary:  A strain of salmonella has pretty much eradicated most of the Earth's population and in its aftermath civilization deteriorates.  Decades later civilization is starting to form once more and the upper crust, or the Regents, are doing bad things...Harvesting organs from children.  This story focuses on Analena and Trace who come from different positions in this fight, but each want the same thing...the harvesting to stop.  Each have their own reasons and when their lines cross...sparks fly.

Reaction:  Wow!  I enjoyed this one from start to finish!  I recommend this book for any who enjoy dystopian romances, sci/fi, action/adventure.  It is a part of a series so be ready to want to pick up the next book...Shepard!

Buy links: (Cause I hate it when I can't just click and buy! :)!) Amazon, ARe, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords.

Author Website: KH LeMoyne

Just a reminder:  I was in no way asked to review this book for my blog or goodreads.  I purchased said book and read it after stumbling across it on Amazon.  This is my honest opinion!  To put it simply I thought it would be fun to review a book from time to time and I was right...It was fun.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Book Cover Reveal!!!!

State of Resistance is Book 2 of the Chronicles of JJ series.  This book takes place in the present (Whoa!!!! State of Unrest was in the past!) in Memphis, TN.  Yes, State of Unrest was set in the past, but think of it as a framework for the rest of the series...
In this book we get a better look at JJ who we met briefly? in the first book, State of Unrest!  I'll let more slip about this book as the time for release draws near, but I do have the cover finished!  I'm actually proud of this cover...It went through many revamps and now without further ado...


And for those of you wondering...the bridge in the background is the Hernando DeSoto Bridge...More info HERE.

How do you like the new cover???

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Something to Think About...

Happy Sunday...Here's a little something to think about!

"We all have thoughts that would shame the devil."
-Mark Twain

What thoughts do you think that make the devil...blush!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Current Release

A Game of Cat & Mouse released on November 15, 2012 and is being featured in the Romance Review's Year End Splash!

Here is a small excerpt...Random of course...


“It is happening fast.  What if we wait to complete the mating until we’re both comfortable with it?”
Miranda climbed over the console and straddled his lap, grasped his face, and kissed him.  He pulled on her hips, rubbing her mound over his erection.  Caleb hissed at the delicious feel of his mate rubbing against his swollen shaft.  She softly nibbled his bottom lip before leaving his lips to whisper in his ear, her tongue teasing his ear lobe. 
“I agree that we not complete the mating until we are both ready, but I ache, Caleb.  I need you.  Please make love to me.”
 Caleb groaned as he nearly came in his pants. Miranda opened the driver side door and stepped out, waiting for him.  He caught her by her abdomen with his shoulder and picked her up, carrying her giggling to his front door.  His little mouse wanted him to make love to her.  

A Game of Cat & Mouse is now available at Amazon, ARe, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Work In Progress!

My current WIP is the third installment of Salin's Salvation, entitled Maria's Match.  I'm still in the "writing" portion of the project, but it usually goes pretty smooth-as long as the characters behave!  After I get all of their drama, mystery and steam typed out, then I can start the grueling process of editing.  Writing is the fun and easy part, but editing...well...for me, not so much!  But just for you guys here is an unedited snippet from Maria's Match...


***
“Are you okay?”
His whispered question only made the tears start again.  He didn’t push her away.  He didn’t press her for more information.  He simply held her as she bathed his chest in her tears.  Finally, the tears stopped and she was relieved that she could finally see his face without the sheen of tears to blur her vision.  He regarded her with furrowed brows.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For vomiting on you.”
“No worries about that.  Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.  I can’t quit vomiting.  I was just telling...”
“Yes.  I heard.  You need a doctor, but you haven’t gone to one.”
“Hey! I can’t help that!  I’m carrying an alien’s baby!”
He released her as though she were a hot coal, his nostrils flaring.  She wished she could take it back, take her words back.  She placed a hand over her stomach and rubbed soothing circles over where a baby resided.  Her baby.  His baby.  She sighed.  Sometimes she forgot that it wasn’t just her involved in this fiasco.  He was here, which was more than she could say for some men.
“I’m sorry.  I just don’t know what to do.  I don’t know if it’s a crime.  I mean they’ll never believe that I don’t know anything since I slept with you.  Hell, they’ll think I’m just a whore if I didn’t do it for information.”
Maria gasped when Silvius pinned her against the counter.  He grasped her hair and brought her face to his.  She was awed at the anger she seen reflected in his blue eyes.  
“Is that why?”
“Calm yourself, mijo.”
Maria looked to the side to see her abuela just watching and it seemed as if she watched with interest.  Silvius had never been anything but patient with her, but his body didn’t scream patience right now.
“Answer me, Maria!”
She flinched.
“Why what?”
“Is that why you let me make love to you?  For information?”
Maria struggled to get loose from his hold, but he was stronger than she imagined.  How could he think so little of her?  She couldn’t take it anymore.  Maria brought her knee up, kicking him in the thigh beside his groin.  Sure, she could’ve been a bitch and kick him in the family jewels, but she just wanted him to release her.  She hated the feeling of being held so firmly, his face merely inches from hers.  It reminded her too much of the way he would kiss her, his tongue snaking into her mouth to duel with her own.  He didn’t seem to feel her kick to his inner thigh, instead his grip got tighter.
“No!”
He stared into her eyes and Maria squirmed under his intense scrutiny.  He relinquished his almost bruising hold and held her close, his breaths coming in almost pants.  What was this all about?
“The point is I need to see a doctor.  I need prenatal care, Silvius, and I don’t want to become an experiment since this is your baby, too.”
He pulled back and nodded before leaving her with her abuela.  Maria collapsed in the chair.
***

I hope to be finished with Maria's Match by the beginning of 2013...So, hopefully a January 2013 release!!! Cross your fingers!

Don't forget to check out the Year End Splash! on The Romance Reviews.  

Also, a new endeavor...I am a big reader...Just check me out on Goodreads!  Anyways, about once every two weeks, or more often, I'll include a review of a book I've purchased and read!  Not a big lengthy piece of fluff, but my gut reaction...like...Oooooh!  I absolutely looooved this book!!!!  I picked up the other in the series right away, because I just couldn't resist the temptation!

Until next time...Take your adventures, one page at a time!

~Astrid!



Monday, November 26, 2012

If My Head Wasn't Attached!!!!

I lose everything...from my keys to my purse to my well, everything.  I lost my debit card yesterday, and let me tell you..I wasn't aware of how dependent I am on that little buggar.  First, I canceled my card like a responsible adult.  Then, having forgot went to purchase some things with my Amazon account (books, yeah you guessed it!  But hey, in my defense I had found out Exiled: Brides of the Kindred Number 7 was out and I wanna read it...Not to mention...all those super cool books I'm finding on the Year End Splash!)  Anyways, it didn't work and I'm going through withdrawals :(!  
So as I wait impatiently for another debit card, I must make my time off (just one more day, sigh!) go by with WoW (not a big deal) or writing(which I love)...But in my heart and mind I'm sitting there reading Exiled and enjoying every minute of it.  Sigh.

Oh yeah...Today is my chat day during the Year End Splash!  Drop by and ask me a question or whatever you fancy!  I'll be there!  And there is an extra special treat for those who drop by...I'm not telling!

~Astrid!  
Oh and by the way, if you were wondering...the link for Exile by Evangeline Anderson is: HERE!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Something to Think About

It's Sunday!  I'm back with Something to Think About!!!  I've got a double dose for you today!!!

"A Promiscuous person is a person who is getting more sex than you are."  

-Victor Lownes

"And why is it that some men just can't deal with the idea that a smart, together, professional woman like me can actually deserve their respect and still want to be thrown down on the couch and pounded like a cheap steak now and then?" 

-Author Unknown

So, any random thoughts?  My mind took a turn for the worse ;) at being thrown down on the couch and being pounded like cheap steak!

Okay, back from my dirty thoughts!  

Know anything about Maslow's hierarchy of Needs?  Well, in nursing school this was a staple (at least in mine).  Maslow was a psychologist who had this theory that we have a set of needs as people and that these needs are arranged in a hierarchy fashion...Kind of like when you play WoW and you can't get to other quests until you finish some of the ones that you're currently on?  Lost you?  In essence, certain needs on the hierarchy must be met in order for other higher level needs to be met.

It is arranged in a pyramid fashion with the base needs being on the bottom (whoa!).
The base is made up of physiological needs such as...food, water, shelter, sleep and sex.

SEX?  Yep, SEX!  But not in the way you're thinking! We as a species need sex (for procreation).  Without it we would die off.  But we have artificial insemination, so all is not lost you say?

Wrong...Higher in the hierarchy after base needs have been met and safety needs are out of the way, we humans crave love and belonging.  We want to be accepted and loved by family, friends and that oh so special someone(s).

Where are you going with this?

Okay, I'll spill!  Most of you know I'm deep in the third installment of the Salin's Salvation series, Maria's Match.  When I created the story, I thought, what is the best way to take out a species?  Of course, eradication right away would be a very short book indeed...

Once upon a time, there was a planet.  Some aliens blew it up and there were no survivors.  The end.  

Although I will say, I have read an interesting series about such a thing, but there were survivors and the plot thickened and I wanted one of the survivors...HERE.

Anyways....My evil villains released a virus that not only took out a big chunk of the population (women and children), but altered their ability to procreate.  It wouldn't allow for Salinians to procreate with Salinians.  But wait!  Yeah, yeah...I took out more than just their procreation abilities, whipping the base need for sex right out from under them.  But we aren't just our base needs.  I took their safety.  There is a very real threat hovering out in space somewhere.  And I took their love and belonging.  I've made the women feel useless and the males to be overpopulated when taking into account the few females available.  But there is more...

It's a surprise.  I'm hoping to be done with Maria's Match in time for the New Year!!!  I know.  I am slower than Christmas, but in my defense, I am a nurse by night and write in my spare time during the day.

:)  Don't forget to Check out the Year End Splash! on the Romance Reviews!  I won a free ebook last week!  Having Thyne by Kharisma Rhayne!  Thanks Kharisma for the free ebook!  So, don't miss your chance to win some free stuff.  Now if you'll excuse me...I've got some reading to do!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Year End Splash!

Don't forget that my question in the Year End Splash will be featured today!!!  

Also don't forget to check out all the links and cool books featured in the Year End Splash!  I've already added tons of books to my TBR pile!  It's starting to need its own zip code! LOL! 

Also, on November 26, 2012, I'll be posting stuff in the forum on The Romance Reviews.  If you are already a member, then drop by and ask a few questions!  If you aren't a member, then what are you waiting for??  It's free and tons of prizes on a regular basis.  What's not to love? (The Romance Reviews)

Also as today is Black Friday, everyone have a safe day!  Don't get too viscous with the sales!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! I hope that you have a blessed holiday!! As for me, I'll be standing watch at the Local ER!! Big thanks to all you EMS, Nurses, Doctors, Police and Military who sacrifice time with family to keep us safe this holiday!! Also special thanks to the grocery store personnel who will sell me the forgotten cranberry sauce this morning!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

To, Too and Two!



There are lists of words that sound alike and people often use incorrectly. A set of those words is to, too and two. Yeah, two is pretty easy to differentiate from the others, but to and too...even I have to think sometimes!




Let's make it simple:




Two- The number. Two of something. Ex. There are two cats in the box.




To- used for expressing motion or direction toward a point, person, place, or thing approached and reached, as opposed to from. Ex. I went to the concert last night.




Too-in addition; also; furthermore; moreover; to an excessive extent or degree; beyond what is desirable, fitting, or right




So, let's have some fun with this!




I am two tired. Today I went too the market from six too four. I stood in line to. Buying items for to weeks is just exhausting. That is why I am two tired.




I don't know why I find this hilarious. I guess I'm just a nerd that way!

What started this?  A co-worker who thrives on finding grammatical and spelling errors.  It drives her absolutely insane and we love to make sure she is never completely sane!

Friday, November 16, 2012

TGIF!

Thank goodness it is Friday!!!  And while to others that will mean a weekend off to enjoy a good book or play your favorite video game (it's what I do!), for me it means tonight is the beginning of a three day work weekend!  You got it!  I'm going to be a nurse for the next few nights!  

Anyways, I just wanted to wish everyone a happy weekend!

Also, don't forget to try your hand at the Year End Splash!  Go over to the Romance Reviews (www.theromancereviews.com), follow the link to the Year End Splash! and play.  Remember that you have to register!  It's quick and easy to do so.  Grand Prize is a $100 gift card!  There are tons of other prizes too!

A Game of Cat & Mouse was released yesterday and I'm super excited to see how y'all liked it!  I've already got a Five Star rating at ARe!  You don't know how warm and fuzzy that makes me feel :)!

Thanks everyone!  

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Year End Splash!!

Take a few moments and check out The Romance Reviews!!!

Their Year End Splash starts...Today!


Don't miss your opportunity to enter the contests and get to know some authors.  Add to your TBR pile!

A Game of Cat & Mouse came out today!!!  I'm excited about the first book of the Pinewood Creek Series and I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Right now I'm deep into Maria's Match, the third book of Salin's Salvation!  I hope to have it ready for the New Year!!!  I am also working on State of Resistance, the second book in the Chronicles of JJ series!  Thanks everyone for such a great year!!!




Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Tomorrow!!!!

A Game of Cat & Mouse is coming out....TOMORROW!!!! YEAH!


Here is the 1st CHAPTER! 



Caleb Anderson lazed in the woods beside his house, the small stream lulling him as he lay upon the rock enjoying the afternoon sun.  He needed this more often.  It’d been too long since he last allowed his cougar free, and he was feeling the stress, especially with the females trying to gain his attention and vying for him to claim one of them as his alpha female.  To top it off, the office had been hectic lately.  Caleb loved being an architect, and he realized how lucky he was to have his own contracting firm at the age of thirty.  Lately though he had felt the weight of maintaining his own business and keeping the pride from breaking apart at the seams. 
Caleb had prayed to the powers that be more over the past year than he could ever remember at any other time.  The deaths of his parents had not required so much prayer, although admittedly, he was praying for different things.  His parents’ deaths had left him in charge of the whole pride.  He’d needed guidance, help to run a pride he’d not planned on running for a long time.  Thoughts of his parents’ sudden deaths caused his heart to ache in an all-too-familiar way. 
Caleb’s parents had died in a car crash.  It’d been a one-vehicle incident.  It looked as if his father had swerved to the left, hitting a tree.  The police assumed it was just his father’s attempt to miss some of the area wildlife, and he couldn’t right himself before crashing.  Whatever the reason, it had left Caleb with the whole pride, alone, without an alpha female.
Caleb wished his father were here now.  His father had been a wise and proud leader.  Everyone had loved his father and simply adored his mother.  Caleb knew he would never be as great as his parents, but he would strive to make them proud.  He knew one thing for certain; he would only take an alpha female when he found his true mate.  However, the females of his pride didn’t seem to understand that concept. 
From long ago, his mother’s voice came back to him as she tucked her six-year-old boy into bed. 
“Son, when the time comes to find a mate, don’t settle, baby.  Don’t settle for anything less than your true mate.  I wouldn’t want my son to be anything but happy.”
“Like you and Daddy?”
Caleb’s mother smiled at him, her golden brown eyes lighting with a dreamy gaze. 
“Yes, sweetheart, just like me and Daddy.”
Stretching out his claws scraping against the rock, Caleb turned lazily to the other side.  This was his favorite spot, just a few miles within the woods behind his house.  The thick wooded area thinned out around the stream that wove through much of the pride’s property, and the rocks that surrounded the small meandering body of water allowed for some decent sunning spots during the afternoon.  Caleb could still remember playing here as a kitten with other boys in the pride.  He could also remember getting in trouble and his mother spanking him.  Caleb allowed the sound of the stream to pull him into a nap.  Yes, a nap was what he needed.  Every cat needed a catnap.
A scent tickled his nose, pulling him back from what promised to be a blessed dream world.  This scent had him up and searching for the source before he realized what he was doing.  Caleb had to find it.

***

Miranda Sullivan could not believe her luck of becoming lost and in mouse form no less.  All she had wanted to do was explore some of the wooded area surrounding her home, but after a few hours of walking around in circles, she was totally exhausted.  Now all she wanted was to get back to her new house, the one-bedroom, one-bath cottage she’d fallen instantly in love with.  What wasn’t to love with its light blue paint and dark blue trim, the little bay window in the living room that allowed the light to shine through in the morning, and the flower garden in the back had enticed her to sign the lease?
At first, she hadn’t been too keen on the whole move-out-on-her-own thing.  Miranda had actually enjoyed living with her family.  However, the truth of the matter was she’d graduated college, earned her degree in elementary education, and had even earned the position at Pinewood Creek Elementary School.  Therefore, she couldn’t let all her hard work go to waste, but letting go of the security provided by living with her parents had been difficult.
Miranda gave a squeak of distress as her frustration mounted.  Yeah, it would be easier to find her way in human form, but walking around naked in the woods was one way to attract attention – and probably not the kind she wanted. 
Turning around in a circle, she finally heard the trickling of water.  Well, even if she didn’t find her way out of this seemingly endless forest anytime soon, she was still parched.  At least if she followed the sound of the stream, she could assuage her thirst if nothing else, and maybe she would find a way out of this never-ending forest.
Her heart nearly exploded out of her chest when the shadow fell over her, but she almost wet herself when she looked up to find sharp teeth, sharp claws, and the attention of an honest-to-gods cougar.

Get your copy tomorrow @ ARe, Amazon, or Smashwords!!!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Game of Cat & Mouse

Random Chapter...8
First 4 sentences...


The old mine encampment was an accident waiting to happen.  Someone had taken what seemed minimal amounts of time to nail boards haphazardly over the entrance and crumbling shacks were scattered everywhere.  Despite the smell of decay and dirt, Miranda could still smell Gunner’s unique scent and the remnants of the tuna fish sandwich he’d eaten for supper.
“He’s here,” Miranda said as she followed her nose to entrance of the mine.  


Monday, November 12, 2012

Character Spotlight

Let's meet another character from A Game of Cat & Mouse...

Meet Caleb Anderson:

Caleb is a cougar shifter and alpha of the Pinewook Creek Cougar Pride!  With brown hair and sexy golden brown eyes he is one cougar shifter the females are finding hard to resist and that's before he starts to purr!

He was an only child, but had enough friends in the pride to stir up trouble as a child.  Did you expect anything less of the alpha's son?  He is still working through his parents sudden and tragic death in a car wreck.  Trained from birth to be the next Pinewood Creek Cougar Pride Alpha, he still found it difficult to fill his father's shoes.

Read more about Caleb and how one special little mouse turns his world upside down in A Game of Cat & Mouse!

A Game of Cat & Mouse coming out November 15, 2012!  


Congrats to the Print ARC winners from the Goodreads Contest!



Sunday, November 11, 2012

Something to Think About!


"There's nothing like overcoming something that scares you so much. Nothing feels better."
-Laura Wilkinson 

What are you going to overcome this week?

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A Game of Cat & Mouse

Random quotes from the characters you'll meet in A Game of Cat & Mouse!

“Oh my gosh! I just lost my comfort factor.  Don’t you ever wear clothes?”
-Miranda Sullivan, Mouse shifter


“And why not, Miranda?  Is he some kind of coward or something?”
-Emma Sullivan (Miranda's Mother)

“Spanking, huh?  And what makes you think it would be you doing the spanking?”  
-Caleb Anderson, Cougar shifter, Pinewood Creek Cougar Alpha

“I could rig a small explosive.” 
-Zackary Phillips, Cougar shifter

Check out more of these characters antics in A Game of Cat & Mouse on November 15, 2012!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Upcoming Release!

A Game of Cat & Mouse to be released November 15, 2012!

Caleb woke to the sun pouring through the window, his mind slow to catch up as to why he was in an unfamiliar space.  In the dark, he hadn’t properly taken in Miranda’s bedroom. Of course, he’d spent most of his time curled around his mate with the bedroom the furthest thing from his mind.  He smiled as he took in the small space that was perfect for his little mouse.

I can't wait!!!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Word of the day!!!

Caracole: : a half turn to right or left executed by a mounted horse


The dictionary is a great tool!
Will you ever use this word? Probably not, unless you rode horses! But at least you know a new word!!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Character Spotlight!

A Game of Cat & Mouse release is swiftly approaching...November 15, 2012!!  The suspense is killing me!  LOL!  I'm that person that nearly goes bonkers around Christmas time because I want people to open their presents!!!  

Anyways...I'd like you to meet Miranda Sullivan:


I had the opportunity to interview Miranda before she moved to Pinewood Creek!

AC: Hi, Miranda!  I'm so happy you could meet with me today.

Miranda: Thanks for having me.  I'm sorry I look such a mess!  I've been packing all day.

AC:  Oh, you look just fine, Miranda.  What are you packing for?
Miranda:  Oh, I've just been hired at Pinewood Creek Elementary School!!  I'm so excited!

AC:  I'm sure you are.  That's great!  Congratulations!

Miranda:  Thanks.  I'm really excited!  I recently found this cute little cottage!  It's surrounded by the woods and there's this little flower garden in the back.

AC:  I'm happy for you.  What do your parents think about you moving.

Miranda:  I think Mom's going to take it pretty hard.  I'm the baby.  She was pretty distraught when Brice went into the Military. She won't admit it but she's been crossing off the days on the calendar until he comes home for Christmas.  She was just as upset when Andrew left for his residency.  

AC:  Wow!  Three children!  When did your mom find the time for anything else.

Miranda: chuckles There's also Cassie.  She married her high school sweetheart, but at least she'll be close to home.

AC:  So, is there anyone special in your life?

Miranda: No.  But maybe I'll find someone in Pinewood Creek.

AC: Maybe you will.  Hope you have a wonderful day, Miranda and an even better move.

Miranda:  Thanks.  Sorry to just run, but I've got so much to pack!






Monday, November 5, 2012

Random Excerpt!

So, a random number was picked and I looked up the page number (27) and took the second random number(5) to write down the first five sentences!

Caleb stood in the doorway, the evening sunlight bathing him lovingly with its rays.  He wore a white buttoned-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and tucked into a pair of khaki slacks.
He reached for her, and she [Miranda] didn't think twice before she stepped into his embrace, sighing at the sense of homecoming she felt in his arms.
"Miss me?"
"More than you'll ever know."

A Game of Cat & Mouse to release November 15, 2012!