Journal

Did you know

2006-09-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

My blog moved here?

http://www.lisareneejones.com/blog/index.php

2006-07-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well I am off to Atlanta today. We are flying out of SA instead of Austin because it saved BIG money. We also have to fly out at 6am so we are driving to SA tonight.

I heard last week that a book I adore is also like by two editors:) That book which launches a paranormal series, now has gone to the higher ups at two houses. I have been close like this to single title before so I am trying not to get excited but I am. I can't help it. I adore this book...or series in general.

I have no idea if I will find out in Atlanta but I hope so! I also heard that Blaze is reading my revisions and I am nervous and excited. I meet with the Harlequin and Berkley editors on Thursday so maybe news then. Maybe sooner. We shall see! Cross your fingers for me!

Lisa

2006-07-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

YAY!!

Six authors are happy to announce contracts for two new Aphrodisia paranormal anthologies.......

Damned, Dangerous & Delicious, Vol 1
Delilah Devlin - historical - The Demon Lord's Cloak
Lisa Renee Jones - futuristic - Night Sins
Megan Kerans- contemporary - The Devil's Paradise

Damned, Dangerous & Delicious, Volume II
Myla Jackson - historical - Pirate of Mystique Island
Layla Chase - contemporary - Ghostly Legacy
Shayla Kersten - contemporary - Keket's Curse

2006-07-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Not only do I have a new website by weekend I have BIIIIIGG NEWS!!! I can't tell yet but hang on!! It's coming! Tomorrow is my bday so its going to be the best in a logn long time!

2006-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

What is it about starbucks? I have to have it. I am at borders and thought I'd settle for their coffee. The cup is sitting here cold and I am sleepy...but I can't get it down!!!!!! Maybe we get used to a certain distinct taste. I am addicted though. You know, Diego is addicted too. I love that we share so many little addictions. It's fun. We both LOVE to have our coffee...to get lost in a bookstore...We both screetched when we heard 24 the MOVIE is coming!!! WOOHOOO

Had a garage sale yesterday. 8 hours of 100 tempatures. I was miserable as was DH. GOOD gosh, it was hot as hell! I will not do that again anytime soon!

Wrote a proposal today to pitch to one of my editors at RWA...

This is very unedited!
X-Games
Sarah Michaels is in deep trouble, looking for a way out, and fast.
The family business, Chocolate Delights, is about to be taken over by the competition. With her father’s health wavering, he’s given into the pressure to sell to Deluxe Sweets. A company that has tried to take down Chocolate Delights for a decade. With several notes due, all of which Deluxe Sweets has purchased, the fall of Chocolate Delights seems inevitable.....unless Sarah can find cash and fast.
To complicate matters, the instigation of the hostile take over, is being overseen by, Ryan White, the new CEO of Deluxe Sweets. A man who’d been her biggest temptation in college, when they both attend UCLA. Approaching him to negotiate is going to be awkward, but Sarah sees no other answer.
Ryan has wanted Sarah for as long as he has known her. The kiss they’d shared years before at a party, had only sealed his interest. When he’d taken over Deluxe, learning of his father’s plot to take over Sarah’s family business, he hadn’t been surprised. The two companies had been rivals for years. But Ryan also has his own agenda. One that might just offer rewards both financial, and personal. He’s willing to strike a deal that keeps her in control of her business with Deluxe as a silent partner....but only if she is willing to play the game his way...or ‘games’ that is. The X Games.

The X Games....and underground society where people are pushed to their sexual limits. Pushed to explore all they can be. To enter the games, to enter that world, you must have a host. Someone already inside that world. Someone who has already achieved ‘X status’. Ryan will be that person for Sarah.
If Sarah can pass the X Tests, if she can play the games...she can keep her company. She gets what she wants....and Ryan gets what he wants....Sarah.

Diego's Uncle is still fighting. I hope a miracles occurs! We keep praying.

Next week is the last week before RWA and its my bday week. I would love to hear good news about a few things I have pending next week. It would be such an amazing BDAY present...just in case though, my planned present is SHOPPING MALL and JOHNNY DEPP at the movies!

Lisa

New Contest

2006-07-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is this months prize! Actually this one runs til August 15th..

I spend the day on promo and working on The Beast Within. I am almost 200 pages into this book and eager to find it a home. My agent has it on a lot of editors desk so..I write on lol...We shall see! I've been torn about what to write lately because I have partial on editors desks. I hate to start something and then gets stopped. I was working on Beast and then Blaze wanted revisions and 30 more pages and one is light contemporary and the other DARK and HOT. BIG difference.

Diego's Uncle is still on life support. They thought he was brain dead but he responds to little tests like touching his lips and stuff. Maybe miracles happen. We will see. He was supposed to be dead now...he isn't. This man was in a car accident involving a TRAIN in his 20's! They said the fact he lived then was a miracle. So we shall see.

Off to bed! I have a revised synopsis to get my agent in the morning. Oh joy! LOL.. I am torturing my writing pal Cathryn fox (cathrynfox.com) to read it too! She is loving me lol!

Lisa

2006-07-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a long weekend. Diego's 34 year old uncle had a work related accident...well now they think there was more to it. Long story but he's on life support and they are suggesting he be removed with no chance of survival. D lost his grandmother in May. He grew up around his Uncle in a small town so this is very close to home. His Uncle is very close to his age. Clearly Diego's Grandmother found a reason to have a child way way after Diego's dad lol! So the time spent around the Uncle was time where they related on many levels. It's very tragic. Very unexpected. So young...

2006-07-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been blogging because I have a new site coming but its taking a while so I thought I better start blogging again. I have just turned in my revisions to BLAZE. This is it. I will either get a contract or not. So I wait...nervous nervous nervous. The editor at Blaze..well, I love her! She is wonderful and I would love to work with her. Actually I really already have. I wrote this proposal because Brenda Chin had read something that didn't fit her lines but she liked my vioce. So she said - write a few blurbs and lets pick an idea. So I did and she picked and thus I started writing a proposal. After the first draft, Brenda hooked me up with Wanda Ottewell aka the editor I love. We've worked together on it so it feels that I have indeed worked with Wanda. And it was enough to convince me her insight is awesome and I'd love to be with her long term. I also just gave her a Spice proposal which is more my dark voice many of you know. The Blaze is lighter, more fun. I hope lol! If I did a good job.

Still waiting and hoping to hear on lots of other things...my editor at Berkley has several single title proposals so I am on pins and needles...

SO we shall see!!

On Amazon...ALLURING TALES 1 for preorder! HURT SO GOOD for preorder - new anthology Pocket put together with three EC authors!!!YAY! This will be mass market. HEALER in print!! Check them out:)!!

Lisa

Winner of the Soul Mate prize

2006-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Jennifer!
Email Lisa your ADDRESS at Lisarenjones@aol.com

2006-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Pick your favorite Author Chef - VOTE FOR ME!!! MEMEMEMEMEM!
I am one of the author chef's! Come see! Win a prize!

Offered by: Lori Leigh
Deadline for entry: April 30, 2006
Details:

PICK YOU BEST AUTHOR CHEF and you could win this GORGEOUS GIFT! Win this! Come to www.lorileigh.com to enter. Runs through April! Williams-Sonoma Essential Oil Hand Soap & Lotion, Set. Vote for your FAVORITE AUTHOR CHEF to enter! For a SECOND entry join Lori's newsletter! In our exclusive collection of soaps and lotions, this blend captures the sweet, delicate fragrance of violet, a sentimental favorite of gardeners and a welcome sign of spring. The scents include: Lemon, Orange, and Pink Grapefruit. I picked the orange scent – but will happily make sure you get the scent you want.

Enter now!

A special fun guest! Ever wonder if you have a SOUL MATE?

2006-04-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Relationship expert and author Dorothy Thompson "The Soul Mate Queen" is the editor/contributing author of Romancing the Soul and the author of the e-books How to Find and Keep Your Soul Mate and 101 Facts You Never Knew About Soul Mates. She is a media favorite, appearing on such syndicated radio shows as Lifetime Radio and Single Talk. For more information on her and her books, you can visit www.soulmatequeen.com.

Take her class! It's going to be awesome! In the meantime lets ask her some questins....BUT she is starting by ASKING YOU A question..

"What do you believe is the number one thing you notice when you meet your soul mate?"

Post a question or response and go into a drawing! Everytime you post. I have a Warner novel and TWO AVON novels as the prize...This is Monday -Wednesday!

Winner announced Thursday morning!

Info on the class:

The Soul Mate Triangle - Unlocking the Mysteries of the Soul Mate Relationship, a one-on-one relationship e-class that is guaranteed to find your soul mates, will begin taking students on May 1, 2006. This is an ongoing relationship e-class delivered to your email box and you can sign up anytime. This e-class is individualized and you will receive total attention during the time your personal e-class is in session so that Dorothy can evaluate your situation and help you in areas that might need attention. After we receive your payment, you will receive instructions to go to a webpage where your first lesson will be taught. There will be an assignment after each lesson and once we get your completed assignment back, you will receive your next lesson. This e-class is divided into six parts so that nothing will be left uncovered. After the last lesson, you will receive an assessment of your situation, plus a certificate. You will also receive three relationship ebooks as your free gifts for completing the e-class. The charge for this e-class is $29.95 and payable only by Paypal (Paypal accepts most credit cards). For more information on the e-class The Soul Mate Triangle - Unlocking the Mysteries of the Soul Mate Relationship, go to http://www.soulmatequeen.homestead.com/eclass101.html.

2006-04-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Lisa Renee Jones and the ALLURE AUTHORS brings you the
IDOL vote...
Come play. PRIZES!!

Allureauthors.com
Click on our blog!

A peek at my work in progress

2006-04-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

http://knightsofwhite.blogspot.com/

1/3 done!! WOOHOO!!

2006-04-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you AMY for this yummy picture!! LOVE THIS ONE!!

Oh and come play with me this weekend. I am at aleciamonaco.com on the blog!Prizes!

Berkley Deal at Publishers Marketplace!

2006-03-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Fiction:
Women's/Romance - Lisa Renee Jones's PURPLE MAGIC, a novella, to Kate Seaver at Berkley, in a nice deal, by Natasha Kern at Natasha Kern Literary Agency.
Natasha@natashakern.com

YAY

2006-03-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

Just a quick note about the classes I am teaching...Also..I posted about chats and the real value or lack of value on the tips site....
http://promotingbooks.blogspot.com/

I was very caffeine deprived when I typed it so I hope it makes sense!

Two NEW classes I am teaching:

Agent 101
2 intense hours on Saturday April 8th (there is a May class as well)
Submit to the right agents
Submit to impress - what should you send and how should it be presented
Once you get an offer - why you should interview the agent and how to do it....The risks of not hiring the right agent including some true horror stories of contracts gone wrong with publishers and lost time that can never be gotten back!
And lots more!
$50

***
FOUR RED HOT NIGHTS of promo
MAKE YOUR NAME and YOUR BOOKS Red Hot
-Cheap and free ways to get exposure
-Contest, newsletters, chats, interview, and TONS more!
-Bookstores, media, signings, and more!
-Blogs, forums, websites, and more!
This is TONS of material you will value!
YEARS of me going to conferences, working with authors from newbie level to NYC, and learning what helps and what doesn't

Email lrenj@aol.com if you are interested

bookstores

2006-03-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

I went to the bookstore today. Sometimes when I need to write the bookstores really helps. I sit with my computer, drink coffee, surrounded by inspiration and motivation. Other times the books distract me and so do people who have gotten to know me. Today was one of those days. Mostly, because I am destracted over a lot to do. I am also thinking too much about the Blaze proposal I sent off, my newest paranormal on Berkley and other editor's desk, and stuff like that..It's a thing that happens to writers. Waiting destroys concentration at certain stages of our career.

But I DID did figure out where I was going with the rest of my Avon book and did set up. One good day of solid writing will knock it out I think. Maybe two. I want to get it done by the weekend so I can get back on THE BEAST WITHIN.

Wednesday is also the night I take my son to dinner and we talk. I enjoy that night. I love hearing about his world, his thoughts, his dreams. He is working towards college football and entering his senior year so this is an exciting time for him.

Some of you know Diego is getting ready to take the MCAT and we are moving to NYC for his med school next year. So we have my writing career, his MCAT, and my son's football dream all pumping us into a new year!

Off to bed! I swore I would stop working until 2 in the morning and get back on a human schedule but so far I have failed!

Oh wait AMERICAN IDOL..lol Diego stood up and actually cheered when Kevin got booted... He is so funny.

Lisa

2006-03-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

So today, I did zip on the writing! ZERO! I HAVE to get on track tomorrow and I plan to! I will! My hero is hispanic and very sexy so the pictures posted are to help me get in the mood! My herione even calls him a Zorro look-a-like when she first sees him. SO who better to get me in the mood than Antonio?

Can't wait for American Idol tomorrow. I must admit I've become hooked! I didn't even watch last season and I can't wait this season!! How about you guys? And who are you voting for?

Oh and several people from that on line group emailed me off list and were so very nice. I really appreciated their emails!!

Ramblings of Lisa

2006-03-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

It's late Sunday night...its been a long weekend. I've put in 12 hours a day working on promo and other stuff. MUST pay the bills lol. But you know, I could get a different job that might take less time but I do truly love working with other authors, seeing people achieve a dream. It's fun. It's exciting. So though I have some times when its hard, and its long hours, I think I would be miserable NOT doing it too...

I recently joined a list where there were lots of self published people. I was realy excited about how I might help. But there were people there who wanted to keep some of the uneducated authors uneducated. Many of those authors went that POD path out of lack of exposure to knowledge. There were people on that list that wanted to keep it that way. One asked me - WHAT IS REALLY BETTER ABOUT AN NYC DEAL - I MEAN COME ON.... How do I respond to that....? That's like asking why Mel Gibson wants to be on the big screen when he could do a local play! I think there were POD publishers there that wanted those authors to see no other path. And ladies like the one that asked that question, that maybe hadn't made it herself, and didn't want anyone else to.

In other words, some people really didn't want me there and were not nice to me. That was kind of painful. What was sad was how bad it was for the people who really wanted to know things like WHO IS EC? WHO is AMBER QUILL? They really didn't know they could publish and book without and agent and not PAY to do it..

Anyway, I signed off the list feeling beat up on by a couple of people and honestly feeling like total crap. I know I shouldn't let things like that get to me. I think its because I left the corporate world, and after being out of it, later realized I REALLY hated the dog eat dog world. For some reason, even thought this wasn't the same, it brought back those types of feelings.

When I started doing promo it was because, yes I had to pay the bills, but I could do something that helped others, and kept me out of the corporate cutthroat world. Honesly, I was good at that world. And honestly, I don't like Corporate Lisa. That world demands things I don't want to be the rest of my life. So..I started promoting. Others started promoted. That's normal. It's how business works. But then I became a competior. I SO didn't want that. But I deal and focus on the successes and the fun of seeing some people really move forward. Even if I only play a teeny weeny bit in helping, I helped, and I enjoy it!

You know I like writing because - well for a lot of reasons - but for the pure fact that we compete with OURSELVES not others. Ultimate our product has to be unique. And if it is there is room for anyone who does that. Good books are always welcomed! Don't get me wrong, the market is tough, and it requires smart moves, and career planning. Still, its not the same as the corporate world.

Anyway, omorrow I start or rather, finish, my AVON story. It's only about 2000 words from done, but I am so into The Beast Within I am struggling to get motivated on it. If you haven't seen it - check out the BEHIND THE BOOKS LINK for KNIGHTS OF WHITE - that will tell you all about THE BEAST WITHIN...I am pretty excited about this series. Love the characters and the world.

I think I will kickstart my writing with this new drink they have at the coffee shop up the road. It's a hazlenut coconut latte with LOTS of whipcream and three chocolats...I hope its as good as it sounds! If that sugar and caffeine don't get me going, well, I will just go to starbucks and get my faithful White mocha! lol..

Speaking of..check out this site I found...it has funny stuff - but true - like this:http://starbucksgossip.typepad.com/_/2006/03/get_free_brewed.html

Woman will pay $1,000 for Starbucks mugIt has to be the Minneapolis mug. Starbucks' city mugs are an obsession for Leila Schutz. She owns 270 of them. The most she's paid so far is about $200 -- "a bargain" -- for a New Orleans mug with a Bourbon Street sign. "I can't walk by a Starbucks without looking" to see whether a new city has been introduced, she says. (Los Angeles Times)

And I can't resist.. I found this...LATTE LINGO!

Product Information

Latte Lingo
"What will you have?"

Do these words at the espresso counter leave you a little speechless? Not sure how to order the coffee drink you're craving? Learn the espresso lingo here, and you'll be able to step right up and rattle off your order like the most seasoned espresso drinker.

Barista

That really nice person behind the Starbucks counter who knows the recipe for perfect espresso and can decode your order and deliver exactly what you want.

Shot

The standard one fluid ounce serving of espresso. Each well "pulled" shot is composed of three layers: the heart, the body and the crema - the top layer of caramel-colored foam that starts to dissipate seconds after the shot is poured.

Espresso (E-SPRE'-SO)

The concentrated coffee "essence" brewed from our own Espresso Roast beans. Espresso is served alone in a demitasse or used as the basis for one of our specialty beverages.

Espresso Con Pana (E-SPRE'-SO CONE PA'-NA)

A shot of espresso capped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Espresso Macchiato (E-SPRE'-SO MA-KEE-AH'-TOE)

A shot of espresso capped with a light lid of foamed milk.

Caffè Latte (KA-FAY' LA'-TAY)

A soothing beverage composed of three layers: a freshly drawn shot of espresso, milk steamed and poured to fill the cup and finally, a quarter-inch dollop of foamed milk to create a delicate first impression. A Latte Macchiato is made in a similar fashion to a Caffè Latte except the espresso is poured over the steamed milk, thus "marking" the milk.

Caffè Mocha (KA-FAY' MO'-KAH)

A classic combination of a freshly pulled espresso shot and highest quality chocolate blended with fresh steamed milk. Often topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkling of cocoa powder.

Cappuccino (KA-PU-CHEE'-NO)

A typical Italian breakfast beverage using less steamed milk and more foamed milk than the Caffè Latte. Cappuccino can be ordered "dry" for an extra foamy cup or "wet" for a more milky drink.

Caffè Americano (KA-FAY' A-MER-I-CAH'-NO)

Our deep, rich espresso combined with hot water. The result is a cup of full-flavored coffee with the distinct taste of espresso.

Single

A one fluid ounce serving of straight espresso, served alone or with steamed milk in an espresso beverage. The standard for most short and tall espresso drinks.

Double

Two one fluid ounce servings of straight espresso. This is the standard for Grande and Venti beverages, but if you want your tall Caffè Latte doubly strong, you'd better ask.

Short

At Starbucks, an eight fluid ounce beverage, perfect for an after-dinner coffee.

Tall

At Starbucks, a 12 fluid ounce beverage. This is the most popular size.

Grande

At Starbucks, a 16 fluid ounce beverage. When you need an extra boost.

Non-fat

All the milk, hold the fat. Order a non-fat Caffè Latte if you want skim milk.

No foam

Don't like the way the frothed milk on your Caffè Latte tickles your nose? Order it "no foam," and you'll get only espresso and steamed milk.

Dry

More foam than milk. If you like your Cappuccino really light and airy, order it "dry."

Extra foam

Foam keeps your espresso drink hot, so if you're taking it to go, you might want to order "extra foam."

With room

Short for "I'd like to add cream to my Americano, so please leave me some room in my cup."

Whip

Short for "whipped cream." Want to save a few calories in your Caffè Mocha? Order it "no whip."

Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, Almond

Add this to your order if you'd like a shot of flavor syrup added to your beverage.

Well I had some fun pictures too but BLOGGER doesn't want to load them POOO! It does that every night for some reason!

I am going to try and be better about posting! Hope you will come see me!

Lisa

2006-03-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

I went and saw Pink Panther. It had good moments. There was this one scene thought that was an X rated joke. So the threatre is silent. I laugh. Loud. Then a moment passed and everyone else laughed.

Next up!

2006-03-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Next! Bring on the new challenge!

I turned in my Blaze proposal to my agent! WOOHOOO! Now I pray I made the changes the editor wanted RIGHT. I feel good about it but its hard to know how it will go. Send me good vibes!! Thanks to Cathryn fox who read for me and ROCKS! Visit her at Cathrynfox.com...she has some neat new fun stuff on her site! ow I am finishing my AVON story and then back to the BEAST WITHIN!

2006-03-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

The guy is to get your attention!! GRIN

I posted over at Allureauthors.com today!!! Come see me!
Tomorrow I am at liquid silver books on their blog and I am giving away a free book!!

Lisa

2006-03-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well I am plugging away at my Blaze revisions. Going a bit slow because I am trying to be very very cautious to make it hit the nail on the head. I find I write slower than I used to. I like to go over things and make them perfect before I move on. Before the past six months or so I was more apt to finish a rough draft and then go back. For some reason, that just doesn't compute anymore. I don't know why. Still, I think I'll finish up my revisions by weekend and ship them to my agent.

Looking forward to American Idol tonight! Love that ACE! How about you?

2006-03-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Well, some of you knew I was waiting on a call from a Blaze editor. She had read my partial and was really interested but wanted a few changes. Well, I talked to her for like an hour! Loved her. Best of all, I liked what she said. I'd had lots of feedback on this proposal and really lost my voice writing it. I'd felt everyone else's ideas had taken over. I'd actually dreaded finishing this book. Well the changes the editor wanted are the things I wanted. The things I cut! I was so relieved. It feels like my book again! I learned to trust my voice. To let me the writer be strong and confident. It was just that I wrote this proposal when I had gotten several blows and close calls and I was doubting myself badly. So I feel soo much better. I am on the proposal and excited!

2006-03-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

I LOVE my men latin and now I think my chocolate too! This sounds yummy...sexy too now that I think about it!

sundae? The extreme chocolate concoctions at these 11 destinations will do the trick. Just don't fill up on dinner -- you'll spoil your appetite.

El Diablo
Tango Tapas
Seattle
It's hard to resist topping off your pan-Latin cuisine with this spicy number -- a cube of bittersweet chocolate spiked with cayenne, seasoned almonds, cocoa nibs and burnt meringue -- especially when it's drizzled with a delectable tequila-caramel sauce. Just tell 'em the devil made you do it.

Win Chocolate at our chocolate contest!!!

2006-03-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

WIN THIS TOMORROW/Thursday..so that might be today if you are reading this...lol..THURSDAY!!!

Sex, chocolate....prizes....

Brought to you by Lisa Renee Jones and Cathryn Fox!

Join us at the Ellora's Cave yahoo list from 9-3 THURSDAY - tomorrow!

Give us the best, most creative way to use chocolate...and yes it can be a recipe..

or not! ....

And you could be a winner!

Prize picture here:

http://lisareneejonesjournal.blogspot.com/

Join the Ellora's Cave loop here...
www.ellorascave.com

2006-02-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

<
Craig interview
James Bond fans angered by the decision to cast actor Daniel Craig as 007 have launched a website threatening to boycott the new film Casino Royale.
The web site, www.craignotbond.com, calls on fans "to stop Sony and Eon [Productions] from ruining the future of James Bond by hiring Daniel Craig".

But former Bond star Pierce Brosnan has defended his successor. "I think Daniel is a very fine actor," said Brosnan.

"These are rocky waters, but I think he will have the last laugh."

Speaking at the UK premiere of black comedy The Matador, Brosnan said he had every sympathy for Craig, who was reportedly injured while filming a fight sequence for Casino Royale in the Czech Republic.

"You get twisted some way or another if you throw yourself into it. There's going to be mishaps," said the 52-year-old star, who plays a washed-up hitman in his new film.

Media criticism

British actor Craig, 37, was announced as the sixth James Bond in October last year.

Best-known for his roles in gangster thriller Layer Cake and the recent Spielberg drama Munich, he has been the subject of media criticism since he made his debut as the secret agent at a lacklustre press conference.

Brosnan: "the most beloved actor to play Bond since Sean Connery".

The craignotbond.com website criticises brother and sister producing team, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, for replacing Brosnan - "the most beloved actor to play Bond since Sean Connery" - with Craig.

"How can a short, blond actor with the rough face of a professional boxer and a penchant for playing killers, cranks, cads and gigolos pull off the role of a tall, dark, handsome and suave secret agent?" the site demands.

"This is what happens when you lose touch with public opinion. By casting Craig, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson have proven once and for all that they care little for the opinions of Bond fans."

Earlier this week, veteran actor Christopher Lee called on critics to give the new Bond star a chance.

"People should not pass judgment until they have seen the film," said Lee, a former Bond villain and a distant cousin of 007 creator Ian Fleming.

2006-02-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

WOOHOOO my Avon deal posted at Publishers Marketplace today! Exciting way to follow up the Berkley Deal. I got a tidbit of maybe more good news today. Fingers crossed!

FICTION: WOMEN'S/ROMANCE

Lisa Renee Jones's THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND, to Lucia Macro at Avon/Allure, in a nice deal, by Natasha Kern at Natasha Kern Literary Agency (world).

GREAT NEWS!!

2006-02-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

I sold a novella to Berkley!! WOOHOO!!

2006-02-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by Susan DiPlacido! www.susandiplacido.com!

So the theme '7 things'...Here you go:

Seven things to do before I die:
1. Stop worrying all the time
2. Travel outside the US
3. Scuba Dive
4. Watch my son play NFL ball and achieve his dream
5. Finally get the NYC call for single title. If that doesn't happen soon all the others may not matter because I might just jump off a cliff.
6. skydiving
7. The pressure! I can't think of a specific 7th. I mean I want to see so many places. I love to travel! To see the Pyramids and Hawaii and Japan and...Rome!

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Be patient
2. Stop worrying
3. eat fish - I'm allergic
4. stop dieting. I'll become huge. I hate genetics. I'm glad I had boys so they didn't have to worry about having my thighs!
5. Quit eating chocolate
6.Stop writing no matter how hard the climb upward hits me sometimes
7. Watching 24! It's addictive!!! We love you Jack Bauer!

Seven things that attract me to my mate:

1- That widows peak!
2-Sexy Spanish whispers!
3-The way he loves life! He's like a kid enjoying every day!
4-The way he loves pizza and chocolate as much as I do!
5-The way he stuffs so much popcorn in his mouth at the movies that it seems he's afraid I might get some!
6-The way he he makes me laugh when I am completely angry and should be screaming not laughing
7-That gotee and big brown eyes(hmm how DO you spell that!)

Seven things I say:
1. Your an asshole to Diego everytime he pisses me off. Then he says, your an asshole. Then I say, you are a copycat and roll my eyes.
2. Whatever
I can't think of anymore!

Seven books I love:
The Entire Hunters Series from Kenyon. The entire Cynster Series from Stephanie Laurens. I could go on and on. I have so many books I love! Oh Galeen Foley's Lord of Sin and Lord of Desire! YUM!

Seven movies that I've loved:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Underworld
3. Bull Durham
4. Batman the newest one!
5. Matrix
6. Constantine
7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Seven people to tag:
1. Rachel Carrington
2. Cathyrn Fox
3. Alecia Monaco
4. Deb Curwen
5. Vivi Anna
6. Carys Weldon
7. Dee Carey

2006-02-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

The soott Strapp issue...Some of you may know him, some not. The former lead singer of creed is know for rocking his way to Godly lyrics. He sings about God, belief, life, and hope. But now Scott has gotten taped in a tour bus having a little sex party with some groupies...Now its being said all the good he's done with his lyrics don't matter. What do you think?

Kid Rock, Stapp Sex Tape to Hit Stores?
Explicit Video Shows Rockers With Four Female Fans

By Jonathan Cohen, ReutersOur deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves; Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do

2006-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I am going to get back to posting everyday!!! And you KNOW that means I have to have a drool vest going on! So hottie alert!!!

So..I had this grand idea that I would take a couple of classes that would improve my writing. One is criminal Justice. Wow. Okay - what was I thinking? This class is tough and its kind of sick. I mean, one of my homework questions was - If a body is found with no head, hands, feet, how do you identify it!? I wanted to write- I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!! But I couldn't of course. Still, I am learning a lot that even in my Underground Guardian series will come in handy. Diego is taking a genetics class and those of you who have read the guardians know that they had DNA from area 51 finds mixed with theirs. Some of the ideas Diego has given me for this series from his class are awesome!

I spent two hours on the phone with my agent Friday Night! She was great. I had hoped to hear some news last week and she really thought I would too. She knew I was upset going into a long weekend so she called. That really meant a lot to me.

In Texas, it was 80 one day, then BAM- its saturday and its 30!!! HELLO?! Can you say SHOCK! It even sleeted last night. Now tomorrow, guess what?! It's going back to 80! How do our bodies ever adjust!!!? !!!!! Diego, who wants to have a medical practice in Colorado LOVES the cold! LOL... I just want hot coffee and a blanky!

2006-02-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

FUN picture.. Me at the end in purple looking goofy lol! Leigh Wyndfield, TALENTED secrets author in green! JB Skully aka Jasmine Haynes at the end, who writes for HQN and Berkley!

WIN!! Post your most embarrassing or most romantic LOVE encounter! Don't be shy! The best one wins a free book! Prize winner tomorrow night!

2006-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Just turned this in today.....my character hides behind sex because she if afraid of being hurt....BUT one alpha hot male is about to show her SEX is just that..but making love is all about MAKING LOOOOOOVE lol

This scene is before ALPHA gets his hands on her. When she is still taking charge of the men in her life...

Sex as a birthday present…what more could a girl ask for?
Even better, having it with a sexy guy who wanted no commitment. Just one night of hot, sweaty - make-you-want-to-scream-his-name - kind of pleasure. Now, that, was a perfect way to turnthirty. Only, she thought she’d prefer to make him scream her name a few times before they reversed roles. Yes. That sounded quite excellent. She might even make him beg.
For what? To be determined. For how long? Long. And hard. She liked hard.
Meagan Tippan stared at the sexy musician named, Marcus, with chin-length black hair she new to be velvety soft to the touch and smelled masculine with a hint of spice.
He was naked by her demand, all sprawled out in luxurious male perfection on the hotel bed. So far, he’d proven to take orders quite well. She was pleased.
Tonight was a good night.
Standing at the end of the mattress, dressed only in a barely there black satin bra and panty set, lace-top thigh highs, and three-inch heels, she saw lust in his warm chocolate eyes of his. Inhaling, she slowly reveled in the power of his arousal. Of the control he gave her.
How could anyone want a birthday filled with a chocolate covered cake and a room of people wishing them well when they could have chocolate covered man instead?
Not her. Not ever.
Marcus reached over to the bedside radio and flipped it on, a soft sensual tune filling the air. She let it fill her, too. Let her lashes flutter, as her hips began to sway to the rhythm. Dancing for him. Dancing for herself. For several minutes she let herself get lost, exploring her body with her hands, enjoying the high of knowing he watched. Imagining how he saw her as observed.
A lifelong dancer, she had a long, lean body. Not curvy and full, but rather, sleek and sexy. A body she’d come to be proud of. A body she’d learned could deliver the world to her on her terms. The one where sex offered escape, and if done right, came without the confines of relationships. She wasn’t a slut, but she damn sure didn’t deny herself either.
Like her mother, she wore her light brown hair straight and to her shoulders, highlighted with subtle blonde. Sweeping it over her shoulders, she turned, giving Marcus her back. Bending over to tease him and then slowly bending and spreading her legs before pumping at her knees. She felt hot now. Beyond hot. Burning up with desire. Dripping wet and ready for more.
Straightening, she unhooked the clasp on her back, shrugging away the silk and letting the cool air conditioner harden her nipples. Feeling his eyes devour her like a warm blanket caressing her chilled skin. Her lashed fluttered as she pinched her nipples, watching Marcus pump his cock as he devoured her with his hot stare. “The panties,” he ordered. “Take them off.”
She’d do as he wanted but only because she was ready. The slip of a material between her thighs was wet and she wanted it gone. She slid her fingers beneath the tiny silk covered elastic at her waist and did a little wiggle as she eased them down her skin, her breast jiggling with the action. She kicked them aside once they were at her feet and then pressed her knees on the end of the mattress.
Ready to fill the emptiness inside with this man. To fuck him liked he’d never been fucked. Teasing and pleasing was the name of the game. And she never played a game she couldn’t win.

2006-02-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all! One of the members of my newsletter group needs your votes!!

Please vote for Stephen&Tamara as Too Cute every day thru 3/30
http://www.jenniferlopezbeauty.com/cutestcouple/login.asp?page=/cutestcouple/vote/Default.asp

And PLEASE come play! I am giving away free books and fun stuff over at Eroticwritersbabes blog!
http://writerbabes.blogspot.com/

2006-02-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

Juliett is my winner and David gets the majority vote! WOO what a tough choice. I love David but I have to tell you I just watched some old Highlander and Adrian has a body to DIE for. I have to give it to him and that is stricly on the hottie register. David is endearing and funny and wonderful. Adrian just has the body of a warrior. I am writing about a character that is much like him so I think that makes him shine a bit to me now! Not that David isn't a total HUNK! HE SOOOO IS!

Juliett send me your book choice and email you want it to. Anyone who voted for David who wants a goodie packet email me your address! I have bookmarks and a cute light up high heel shoe keychain!!! I love these keychains! SOOOO cute! People comment on mine all the time !

Email me at Lisarenjons@aol.com

A new vote starts monday. I have another fun contest going on at the erotic writers blog...Click on the sexy lips on my right hand side bar and come visit!

VOTE for the HOTTEST TV HUNK

2006-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

VOTE for the HOTTEST TV HUNK! Poll open until 10pm...Everyone who votes gets a chance to win a free download. THEN..everyone on the winning team gets a goodie bag of author promo items!! SO get people to vote!
Adrian Paul or DAVID aka ANGEL..

Blogger is acting up so more pictures in a few when it lets me load!

Also Cathrynfox.com and Aleciamonaco.com have votes going on for different HUNKS and prizes! Theirs ends at 10pm too!

TWO TOUGH CHOICES!!!

I found this inspiring. I hope you do too

2006-02-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Tess Gerritsen on writing...but this isn't just about writing. It's about any dream..
You Can't Be A Wimp.
This writing business can break your heart.

I say this now, despite the recent rash of good news I've had, despite my recent Edgar nomination and VANISH hitting the UK bestseller lists. The recent dust-up over my Edgar nomination, reflected in the less-than enthusiastic comments about VANISH over at Sarah Weinman's excellent blog (www.sarahweinman.com) reminded me that writing is like walking out in public without wearing any clothes. We reveal our assets (or lack of them) for all to see. And critics feel free to laugh at us, or throw rocks.

While the whole time, THEY get to keep their clothes on.

But that's just how the business goes. It comes with the territory. We have to develop a thick skin. We have to get used to criticism.

I have to confess, though, I'm still a wuss. No matter how long I'm in this business (and after 18 published books, folks, you know I'm no longer wet behind the ears) I still feel the painful pricks as acutely as I did when I was starting out. When I'd tear open an envelope from a publisher and feel devastated by a rejection letter. Despite all my successes, I'm still the timid little girl in the elementary school class whose greatest fear was that I'd ...

disappoint someone.

It's amazing, isn't it? I've worked as a doctor. I've raised two handsome, strapping sons. I've hit bestseller lists. And I'm still terrified of hearing someone tell me: "Your last book disappointed me."

That's why you won't catch me criticizing another writer in public. You'll never catch me saying anything bad about Cornwell or Dan Brown because I know that, despite their successes, they're also human beings who probably feel the stings as acutely as I do. Or maybe not. Maybe I'm just a weenie, but I suspect not. I suspect that even those at the top of the bestseller lists -- Patterson and Crichton and King -- still die a little when a reviewer says "their latest book stinks."

Still, that's the territory. We accept it and keep writing because that's what we do, and we can't think of anything else we'd rather be doing.

If you want to be a writer, get ready for editors telling you your manuscript isn't good enough, critics telling you that your book is lousy, readers whining that they wasted twenty five bucks on your opus, the bloggers saying they're appalled you got nominated for that award. There's no way to avoid it. You'll get rocks thrown at you, and you might as well prepare for it now by hitting your head against the wall a hundred times, just so you get used to the feeling.

But if you're a writer, you'll keep writing anyway, even if you disappoint your readers or your editor or your agent. You won't give up, because then you'll disappoint the one person you can't afford to disappoint.

Yourself.

More on the promotional class!

2006-02-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

More about the class!

My newsletter has grown in leaps and bounds since signing with Writersredroom. Lisa Renee Jones is a marketing genius. Her ideas are innovative and clever, her graphics are eye catching, and she is such a pleasure to work with. This is one class you won't want to miss.

Cathryn Fox, AVON author
www.Cathrynfox.com

"With the promotional advice Lisa Renee Jones offered, my mailing list has grown by leaps and bounds, and I've been able to reach readers in ways I never would have thought of on my own."
--Heidi Betts, bestselling author of WHEN THE LIGHTS GO DOWN (Silhouette Desire #1686)

The romance studio - www.theromancestudio.com has graciously donated 3 static ads (for weeks each) that can be drawn for in my promotions class! They happen to be one of my favorite sites so when they came and offered this it just confirmed why. They didn't even know I planned to plug them in the class!

http://www.sormag.com/ Shades of Romance has donated 3 advertising spots to be drawn for in class too!

Thank you!!
Anyway, hope you will check out the class...

Here is the earlier email I sent..About registration..If you email me at Lisarenjones@aol.com I will send you an invite to the class group that will be active only 5 days of the class.

Thanks all!

Lisa

***** My prior email

Hi all!

A bit more on the clas I am teaching a class in Feb. with all the promo stuff I have learned over the years. This is everything from going to conference (should you), which reviews sites are best to advertise at and are cost effective, banners (do them or not and how to do them cheap if you do), a newsgroup (need one or not..if you do how do some people have 1000 members and you have 50?).

Another thing published authors don't always know...How do people who started in epublishing have a PR advantage? Try this..they learn all the cheap promo things and grab a certain group of readers. Many entered the published world with a newsgroup of high hundreds THEN they do all the stuff you do. So they come in with a following - think Angela Knight, Cheyenne McCray. They made the eworld work for them.

I have special guests. Cheap wonderful web people for instance who don't charge an arm and a leg. I cringe when places quote $500-$1000 per site! Then we will talk about why some people get huge site hits and others DON'T.

Contests..run them or not? And if you run them..WILL THEY COME?

How to put together a press kit and max your bookseller exposure/

We will cover all kinds of free places to post contests and news..

If you are interested in the class its the 20-24th from 6-8 central time. I will be putting documents in the file section of the yahoo group I do this on so if you miss you can get these things. This is a one time deal. I will all people to email me their questions, up to 4, off list, and be your personal promo person for that week:) We will have a guest each night.

Publishers, promo people, whoever are welcome. I really do want this to be a resource to help!

If you are interested email me offlist or go to my journal for a link to the class blog. I will do this on a EXCLUSIVE yahoo group that will only exist for now until the class and only have activity during the class week.
Lisarenjones@aol.com

www.authorsredroom.com
www.lisareneejones.com - journal has the class info

2006-01-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hey all

I am holding a class next month.. its all the things I learned from newbie to NYC contract and in between doing author promo. Which sites are worth advertising on. Will a conference help? Best use of advertising money. How to take your group from 300 like one of my promo clients to 800 now...and so on...lots of stuff. I have also invited some guests like web people, and some review sites to talk about the cheapest best ways to get your books promoted.

This is a one time deal. Oh promotional people are welcome! Pick my brain! I started doing promo because I ran a big company and need to stay busy and ultimately I just love helping! I am glad to pass along good things to help all! What I do for my clients is more one on one not straight promo. Helping with anything from agents to bookstore promotions. So I have nothing I am not willing to share! Come on over! Send your promo person:) I am not taking new clients so I am not competition...I am focused on doing a good job for the ones I have!

Feb 20-24th for 2 hours each night. First hour will be lecture on line. Second guest speaker and questions. During that week I am taking one on one questions too.
Hope you will join me!

Hop over to the blog link above for info!

www.lisareneejones.com

Lisa

Writing Sex is like watching scary movies

2006-01-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

Why you ask? Well, let me tell you... Every book I write I say 'this is the hottest one I have written'...Now WHY do they get hotter? I think its like going to the movies. We want bigger, better, more intense. It takes more to get us excited. So writing sex...I think as a writer when you go to place you get comfortable there. Once you stretch in the next book trying to out do yourself you tend to go to a new place. A new level. Hotter sex if you write sex.

So..when I finish this book it will indeed be the HOTTEST book I have ever written. Fortunately, I can say its worked my imagination as well. It's pushed me to think through a unique world. But because this book revolves around a SEX I had to figure out how to make the characters connect and not turn the book into something just about sex. That really pushed me. The market is HOT right now. But I like writing Romance. So now I am learing how to take something that is sexy in premise and still make it a romance. Usually I take a premise and make it hot simply by the characters desire for each other. This was a reversal. The premise is so hot that the romance could easily have been secondarly. The balance had to be just right. I actually deleted one chapter 7 times! 7 times! Not because it was bad but because the balance didn't feel right...!

Anyone had this happen to them? Or readers when you want a HOT book where does the need for romance come in for you? Do you want happily ever after?

Cover!

2006-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon

2006-01-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Who's On top
book 3 of the Office Games Series
Unedited blurb

Sex, lies, and love...Catherine Maxwell aka 'Cat' believes in the sex and lies, but life has taught her to leave love out of the equation. She keeps her life simple, avoiding the corporate world of her father and brothers. As for her men, she prefers them short lived and red hot. So when she meets attorney Reese Walker she wants nothing more than her proverbial 'hot spot' stroked. Only Reese isn't willing to stop at one night and me makes it known. Soon Reese and Cat are in a whirlwind affair where the battle for control, both in and out of the bedroom, become an erotic adventure. And just when Cat begins to trust Reese, to think she might let him beyond her barriers, she discovers he has a business connection to her father. Now, Cat must decide Reese's real motives and she'll do whatever is necessary to get to the truth. If Reese wants to end up on top, he's going to have to prove he belongs there.

Avon and other things..

2006-01-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Several people have asked about what my AVON story is...The HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND...so as you can guess....lol. It's HOT! It is for the new erotic line.

Anyway, my son got the casts out of his nose after having nose surgery last week. So glad that is behind us. He had a horrible week. It feels like the new year is bringing good things and that a lot of bad is behind. I love that! I also notice alot of people around me are having great things happen. I don't know if its in the water or what but I love it.

Don't forget, Guilty Little Secrets is for sale at Fictionwise!
Talk more soon!

Chapter One HURT SO GOOD

2006-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

And thank you Romance Junkies for the new Five Ribbon review for HURT SO GOOD!

Prologue

She wanted him, and she planned to have him.
He oozed sex and power. Tall and dark with shoulder length black hair. The minute he’d entered the clinic, her eyes had locked with his. She’d felt heat rocket to her thighs, burning a path to her core. Raw with blatant sensuality, his eyes dropped to her cleavage, lingering and then lifting. She knew he wanted to fuck her.
Her brow lifted. A silent challenge. What was he willing to do about it? He smiled at her. A bring-it-on kind of one dimple job. And she knew the only cure for sizzling need this stranger evoked was hot, behind-closed-doors sex.
It was only minutes later when she knew he was alone in his room that she acted on her need. Entering his examination room, she shut the door and leaned against it. Watching him watch her. Her eyes dropped to the crotch of his pressed black pants. She could see his cock pressing against his zipper. As hard as she was wet, it was clear they both felt the power of nameless, potent lust.
She’d never seen him before today. Somehow, it only made the encounter more erotic. A forbidden interlude was what they would share. Her body pulsed with sensations she knew he could easily turn to ecstasy. And he would. It was in his deep, blue eyes…a sensual ability to please.
Eyes glittering with intent, his gaze slid along the lines of her body, lingering at her hips and breasts. Her nipples tingled with anticipation, pressing against the lace covering of her bra. His perusal was bold and hot, as if he’d touched her with his hand rather than by sight.
Her lips parted slightly, a long, blonde strand of hair falling over her cheek. His shoulders were wide, his chest impressive as it stretched over the rippling muscle she would soon have beneath her palms. Pressed to her body.
“Hard to believe a body like yours is injured,” she said, a husky quality to her voice. “I might not be able to take away the pain, but I know how to make a hurt feel oh, so good.” She paused for effect. “I promise.”
He pinned her in a stare, eyes narrowed with questions but still hot with obvious interest. “Who are you?”
“I’m your physical therapist.”
His eyes narrowed. “But you’re not in scrubs. You’re dressed like a nurse.”
The tip of her tongue slid along her bottom lip. She reached for a button on her white blouse and slid it free. And another. “Darn,” she said, “wrong outfit. I better take it off.” Buttons came free until there were no more. Pushing open her neckline, she knew what he saw. High, full breasts barely covered by sheer lace. But she didn’t stop there. Her shirt fell to the floor. Her bra came off next.
The hungry look in his eyes turned her on, and her nipples ached as they tightened, begging for his hands and his mouth. But yet, she loved this little game they were playing. “Like what you see?” she purred.
“Yes,” he said in a deep, low voice, his gaze lifting to hers. “Show me more.”
Pleased to comply, she reached behind her, sliding her zipper down before letting her skirt drop to the floor. That left her standing before him wearing white lacy panties and thigh highs.
She stepped forward, ready to feel his hands explore her body. Positioning herself directly in front of him, she reached for his shirt. He sat there, unmoving as she undressed him, shoving his shirt over his shoulders, hands trailing over the muscles. The move thrust her breasts closer to him, the warmth of his body and the power beneath her palms making her burn with anticipation.
Her hands settled on his shoulders, but he still didn’t touch. Then he surprised her. The control became his.
“Tell me what you want,” he ordered.
Eyes locking with his, the fire of lust was almost too much to bear. “Touch my breasts,” she whispered.
“Whatever you want,” he said, a tease of a smile on his lips as he filled his hands.
She sucked in a breath as he squeezed and then pinched her nipples. “Yes,” she whispered. “Lick them.”
He pushed the full mounds together, and his tongue lapped one and then the other. Teeth scraped. Mouth suckling. Her hands went into his silky hair, her moans begging for more.
“You like that, do you?”
He was looking at her, tweaking her nipple roughly, but oh so perfect. She bit her bottom lip with the pleasure of the moment and nodded.
“So do I,” he said, lowering his head to taste her again. “So do I.”
Suddenly, he stood up and she found herself bent over the examination table, her ass in the air and his warm hands exploring. Without warning, his fingers slipped beyond the silk barrier between her thighs, pressing into the slippery proof of her arousal.
“Damn, you’re wet, woman,” he murmured, hunger in his voice. His finger slid inside her, but she knew he was unbuttoning his pants. She could hear him and feel the movement.
“Yes,” she whispered, arching as he hit a sweet spot. “I want you inside me.”
His hands went to her hips, her panties yanked down her legs. She kicked them away, wanting what came next. His fingers slid along her sensitive flesh, preparing to enter her. And then he was there, his cock sliding inside her body, pushing deep to her core. She cried out.
“Ah, yes,” he half groaned, moving from side to side as if he could get an inch deeper.
Then he pulled back, lingering with just the head of his cock inside her. She cried out, frustrated, needing him inside her. And then he thrust hard and deep. “Yes!” she cried out. He felt so damn good. So hard. She closed her eyes, arching into him. And then he was over the edge, pounding her with stroke after stroke of breathtaking pleasure. Pleasure swirled in her center, the tiny beginning of orgasm pressing close.
But then a loud beeping noise made her freeze. He started to pull out of her. “No!” she screamed, needing him, needing this. He was so hard, and she was so close.
And then everything was black. But the noise kept ringing in her ears…
* * * * *
Kelly Marshall blinked, the sound of her alarm clock inching into her mind with the reality of a new day. “Oh, hell,” she said, feeling the wetness slick between her thighs. “Not another sex dream!”
Beating the pillow, she rolled to her side. What in the heck was wrong with her? She never, ever, acted like she did in those dreams. She hadn’t even had sex in damn near two years.
She frowned. Was this some way her body and mind had teamed up on her to tell her she had gone too long without a man?

Chapter One

“He asked if he could kiss my feet.”
Kelly’s fork stopped with lettuce dangling just out of reach of her now gaping mouth. “He did what?”
Stephanie Archer, her best friend since grade school, grinned and nodded. “Yes he did. Can you imagine?”
The fork went down on the plate, all thoughts of food forgotten. “I hope you told him to take his freaky ass hiking.”
Stephanie’s grin turned wicked. “I’d had a few drinks and a pedicure that morning so I figured, what the hell? I mean he was hot.”
Kelly’s eyes went wide. “Tell me no.”
She nodded, looking incredibly pleased with herself.
“And?” Kelly demanded, shoving her long brunette locks behind her ears in earnest.
Her eyes went all pleasure filled. “I never knew feet could be so incredibly erotic. The way he acted, as if he was holding something precious, and then gently kneaded the arches. God, by the time he kissed my foot, I thought I was going to go nuts.”
Images of feet, ugly, stinky, gross feet danced across her brain. “I can’t believe this. Feet are not erotic. They’re gross.”
Stephanie made a face. “Not mine, darling. Mine are sexy.”
Waving off the comment, because in her book nobody had sexy feet, Kelly moved forward with her questions. “Then what happened? I mean he kissed your foot, and?”
“Feet, as in both of them. Then he took me to his place and gave me the best damn orgasm of my life. I’m seeing him again tonight.”
Kelly dropped back against her chair. “God, my life is boring.”
Stephanie leaned forward, a challenge in her eye. “What are you going to do about it?”
* * * * *
Kelly glanced at the clock as she went to check on one of the patients, Mr. Martinez. She’d worked at the clinic for years, and it seemed today was like most. Jose, the bilingual physical therapist, was late coming back from lunch.
Again.
“Hola, Mr. Martinez.”
He waved, showing lots of teeth. “Hola.” Then he continued to speak a string of Spanish of which she understood not one word.
Kelly blinked. Forcing a smile, she called out across the room. “Hey, Jenn, where the heck is Jose?”
Jennifer Knight, a staff therapist like herself and Jose, walked into the fitness room and rolled her eyes. “You expected him back on time?”
Kelly made a face. “What am I supposed to do? I don’t speak Spanish.”
Jennifer grinned, showing her perfect white teeth. She was young, maybe twenty-two, with cute, girl-next-door-type looks. “I can. I’ve been dating a guy who’s teaching me.” She walked to stand next to Kelly. “What do you want him to do?”
“I need to test his range of motion.”
Jennifer nodded. “Got it.” She looked at Mr. Martinez. “Tocame.”
“You just told him to touch you.” It was Jose.
“What!” Jennifer exclaimed. “No. I said bend your knees.”
Jose shook his head. “No. You told him to touch you.”
Jennifer covered her gasp with her hand. Jose and Mr. Martinez exchanged words in Spanish and they both laughed. Jose struggled to stop laughing. “Good thing I got here when I did,” Jose said.
Kelly shot him a go to hell look. “You should have been on time.”
“Yes, Ms. Perfect,” he taunted her. “I will try and live up to your standards. Unfortunately, the rest of us here in this world are human.”
Jennifer acted as if she heard nothing. “I still can’t believe I said that to Mr. Martinez.” Hearing his name, he smiled at her, a little too eagerly. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“He’s not,” Jose said. “He was more than willing to follow instructions.”
“Grow up, Jose,” Kelly said shortly. “We have real patients here, needing real care, on time.”
Jose glared at her. “You know what your problem is?”
Kelly knew he was about to tell her. Rather than listen to his rants, she answered for him. “You. You are my problem.”
Jose let out a snort and a laugh. “You’re so damn school-girl proper, you put everyone else on edge. This place would be completely different if you weren’t around.”
Fighting the impact of his words, ignoring the emotion spiraling, she focused on the more important thing. “You have a patient and you’re talking like a sailor.”
Jose sneered. “He doesn’t speak English.”
Kelly fixed him in a hard look. “He knows we’re arguing.”
“Mr. Martinez is fine. Let me do my job my way. Go straighten your desk or butt in someone else’s affairs.”
Kelly opened her mouth and then shut it again. Sparring with Jose wasn’t abnormal, but something about his words hit home this time. A dull discomfort settled in her stomach.
Without another word, she turned on her heels and walked towards the kitchen. Thinking a sugar rush might do her good, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out an orange soda, her favorite drink. She always kept a case at work.
Turning to lean on the counter, she found herself facing Jennifer. “Sorry that turned so nasty,” she said as she sat down in a chair by the break table.
Kelly sighed and sat down across from her. “Yeah, well, he and I have never gotten along.”
Jennifer studied her closely. “When was the last time you went out and had fun?”
Kelly stared at her drink can. The truth was, she couldn’t remember. “You know I’m saving for med school.” She was twenty-nine. School at night had made her education go slowly. But she only had two classes left and then she could take the MCAT entrance exam. Once she passed she was off to school.
Her savings account was almost big enough, along with student loans, to get her through med school.
“Yes,” Jennifer said, “but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax a little here and there.”
Kelly bit her bottom lip. She needed some fun. Actually, a man was feeling necessary. All those damn dreams had her all wanting. The problem was, she was obsessed with not becoming her mother.
Kelly cringed just thinking of the wild way her mother lived. It was all fun and no focus on family or a future. Five stepfathers had come and gone like a light bulb. I the end, they all burned out.
“It’s Friday. I’m going to this really neat club downtown. Why don’t you come with me? It’ll be fun.”
“I don’t know,” Kelly said but she wanted to say yes. It had been so long since she had done anything for fun. Surely one night wouldn’t turn her into her mother. Still…losing focus was bad news.
“Come on,” Jennifer said with a plea in her voice. “Come with me. You deserve one night of fun.”
What could one night hurt? She needed it. “Yes, all right. What time and where?”
* * * * *
Leaning across her bathroom sink, Kelly pressed her lips together, smoothing out her pink lipstick. An inspection of her image followed. Dressed in a black skirt she had bought one day on a whim a good two years back, she showed far more leg than usual.
A black spaghetti strap silk tank complemented the skirt. It showed a lot of skin and clung nicely to her full breasts. It had been a birthday gift from Stef. She made a mental note to tell her she finally wore it.
The doorbell rang, and Kelly did a last-minute inspection, patting her long blonde hair. It had been a long time since she had felt sexy. Tonight she felt like a woman, and it made her smile.
The doorbell rang again.
Kelly turned off the bathroom light and grabbed her purse. She was going to enjoy herself and not let the future get in the way of the present.
For one night, she wanted to live for the moment.
Tomorrow she would get back to the grind of getting to med school.
Tonight, she was going to be a woman having fun. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I have news!!!!!!!!! WOOHOOO!!

2006-01-12T17:34:00.000-08:00

I got an offer to be in an AVON BOOKS Anthology!!! It will come out in the spring of 2007. My story is called the HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND! I am walking on water excited!

Lisa

First Chapter of RED HOT SECRETS

2006-01-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Chapter One

“Red Hot Secrets.”
Lauren Reynolds never missed an episode of the over-the-top, overtly sensual, late-night soap. She taped it with as much ritual as she brushed her teeth twice a day. The half-hour she devoted to that show each evening constituted her only true indulgence. And the closest thing to sex she’d had in about two years. It was her escape from reality. Her way of getting a little passion in her life, because she couldn’t risk the distraction of a real relationship.
Her goals were too important.
Shoving the key into the lock of her tiny apartment, she pushed open the door, not surprised to be greeted by darkness. Her mother had developed a Thursday night bingo habit. Their sixty-something neighbor hosted the event. Lauren flipped on the light and smiled. The winning pot wasn’t money. It was clothespins, of all things. For those ladies it wasn’t about collecting the prize. It was about fun. Lauren’s chest tightened as she thought of the months of chemotherapy her mother had endured to survive breast cancer. Seeing her happy, and living life, was like the answer to Lauren’s prayers.
Depositing her purse on the entrance table, Lauren looked around the living room, taking in the sparse, worn furnishings. For once, she did it with hope. Of escape. She’d known a long time she needed to get her mother out of this perpetual state of poverty. Lauren walked to the end table and picked up a picture of her father. She touched the glass, wondering if things would be different if he was still alive. She wished she remembered him more clearly, but he’d died when she was only five.
“I’m trying to take care of her, Daddy,” she whispered.
And as of yesterday, Lauren had taken a huge leap toward a brighter tomorrow. She’d landed an intern job at a reputable Manhattan advertising firm. That thought lifted her spirits and brought her back to the present. She set the picture back down. Eager to get to her show, Lauren made fast tracks to the bedroom and then straight to the bathroom. Her skirt slipped to the cracked tile. She wanted a future without that worn-out floor she hated so much. She’d scrubbed the surface too many times to count, yet it still looked dirty. Disposing of the rest of her clothes, her mind focused on what lay before her. Maybe one day, she’d have a modern floor that responded to a mop.
She thought of her favorite character on “Red Hot Secrets“, Tara Ross. She’d gone from the slums to running her own high-powered cosmetics company. Lauren intended to do the same and escape the slums. She wasn’t allowing her mother to end her days in a crummy neighborhood fretting over the bills.
Of course, Tara had extra perks in the form of two sexy guys fighting for her affection and both felt her pleasure was the ticket to success. The heated lovemaking sizzled and kept Lauren glued to the television. Lauren made a soft little sound of appreciation. It was quite fun to watch.
A sigh escaped Lauren’s lips. Both of Tara’s hunky men had inspired more than one fantasy probably because it had been far too long since she’d had a man. Even for just one night. An image flashed in her mind. He’d be tall, dark, and muscular, with dark eyes, and perfect hands…of course, she’d never have the courage to do such a thing.
Standing in front of the mirror, Lauren stared at her image and for the first time in many years, she actually looked. Her job interview had demanded a good trim of her long hair and a purchase of fresh makeup. A highlighting kit had given her brown locks auburn highlights.
Her eyes drifted downward to her body. Being too thin had been a curse as a teen. It had made her the butt of far too many jokes in high school. But since she hit twenty-five just two years before, she’d actually grown a few curves. Her breasts were full and high. Not big. Not small. She bit her bottom lip as a tiny ache began to build deep inside her core. It had been so very long since she’d had sex. With a slow, upward slide, her hand followed the curve of her hips, and then cupped her breasts, trying to remember what it felt like to have a man do the same. God, how she longed to remember.
And then a thought occurred. She deserved a reward for years of working two jobs. And for landing a top-notch job. Long hours and a lot of hard work lie before her. Yes, she deserved a reward. And she knew what she wanted—a nice, tight, hard-bodied, one-night stand. With a frustrated sound, her hands fell to her sides. She was tired of self-satisfaction. A man felt incredible necessary. A tight laugh slipped from her lips. Like she had the courage for that?
She’d have to settle for “Red Hot Secrets”.
Besides, she wasn’t even sure she remembered what to do in bed with a naked man. Bending over the tub, she flipped the stopper in place and then turned on the water. A generous amount of bubbles followed. A floral-smelling bath was one of the few luxuries she allowed herself on a regular basis. And even then she bought the bargain brand rose petal smell when she really wanted the brand-name version.
A few minutes later, she reached in her purse and grabbed her phone, expecting a call from her best friend, Catherine “Cat” Maxwell. She placed her cell on the edge of the tub, and stepped inside. Immersing herself in the water, she sank back. The soothing warmth did nothing to ease the dull throb of her body. A one-night stand was a great fantasy but it wasn’t her style. A long-term man would only be a distraction. So where did that leave her?
Beside her, the phone rang. Lauren sat up, wiped her hand on a towel and reached for it. “How’s the new advertising exec feeling?” Cat asked.
Lauren smiled into the phone and leaned back once more. “I’m only an intern. Very low on the totem pole.”
“You’ll be an exec in no time. You’ve worked two jobs for years. With one you’ll shine. So, let’s celebrate in style and go to the Red Apple Club.”
“What is the Red Apple Club and why do I know it will cost way more money than I have?”
“I have this contact that told me this is the ‘it’ place for advertising people, which means it’s where you should be.”
That Lauren had a contact wasn’t a surprise. As a reporter of The New York Times she was well connected. She was also rich. Something that despite their friendship often made Lauren uncomfortable.
“Like I said, sounds like money I don’t have. No. I don’t think so.”
“Don’t get on the money kick again. This is on me and I won’t argue with you about it. And before you say you have nothing to wear, borrow from me. You’re already raiding my work wardrobe. Grab something fun and sexy while you’re at it.”
“Cat—”
“Stop Lauren. Do as I say. You have a key to my place and use it. We’re going out. Besides, I hear the Red Apple is packed with prime men. Lord knows you need one.”
“I do not need a man,” she lied.
“Okay, sex. You need sex, and don’t lie.”
“There is a difference between want and need,” Lauren said, but she wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Cat or herself.
“Not when it’s been as long as it has for you,” Cat retorted. “You’re damn near a medical emergency.”
“Enough about my sex life—”
“You mean lack of,” Cat said, cutting her off.
Lauren rolled her eyes. “Stop already. I’m in the bath and my water is getting cold.”
“Say yes to tomorrow night and I’ll hang up.”
“Fine. Yes.”
Cat laughed. “Talk to you tomorrow. Love ya, sweetie.”
And then the line went dead. Lauren frowned at her phone as she disposed of it on the edge of the tub. Why had she just agreed to a night out? The question and possible answers ran through her mind for the next thirty minutes. Finally, dressed in her boxers and t-shirt, she sat on the edge of the bed, and hit the play button on her VCR remote control.
The first thing she heard was, “I want you, Tara.”
For the next ten minutes, Lauren stared at the television as one of Tara’s admirers did a delicious job of stripping her naked. Lauren pulsed with desire. Her nipples tingled and she could feel the dampness of arousal between her legs.
And she knew, she had to do something about this burn her body had created. She needed her own red-hot secret.

My work in progress

2006-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

A little look into the world I am writing now...

As the door shut behind her, she turned to face the man she had to assume to be Drago, their eyes locking. A man so big, the small space became tiny. Only a few steps separated them, and she could almost feel the heat of his body. Or maybe it was she who heated at their closeness. He was perhaps the sexiest she’d ever seen. The attraction she felt for this man clouded her mind. Fear and adrenaline coursed through her body, as did the unbidden, unexplainable, rage of desire. She didn’t get overwhelmed by a man often. She liked sex, just not the heartache and complications a relationship might yield. Since bed hopping didn’t appeal, she found herself simply going without. After a while, she found she didn’t need it as much as she had once thought.
Even Alex, a physically sexy male, hadn’t pulled a reaction. Not from her. From Carrie, Alex has drawn pure lust. Even near obsession. But this man…this man, sent a rush of lust through her body she couldn’t control. Right now, feeling the craziness of instant desire, Joline understood a bit of what Carrie had felt. And she didn’t like it. Didn’t like the feeling of being out of control. Of reacting without conscious thought.
Silence lingered as sexual heat pulsed between Joline and this man. Awareness seemed to prevent words. They simply stood there, absorbed in each other, neither moving.
“You shouldn’t have come here,” he said, finally, breaking the spell that had held them entranced.
“I had no choice. I have to find my friend.”
“And what of you? Who will find you?”
Her throat went dry at his words, a bit of fear zipping through her gut. He was testing her. She was sure of it. For what? That was the question. Resolve? True desire to find her friend. Or was he taunting her? What if she’d made a mistake entering his apartment? “I’m not stupid,” Joline managed in a strong voice. “People know I’m here.”
He took a step towards her. “I don’t think so.” She forced herself to keep her feet solidly planted. Not to back away. “I think you’re desperate to find your friend. Someone gave you my name, and you rushed over here without considering the consequences.”
“You’re right about my friend,” she said as he stopped directly in front of her forcing her to tilt her chin upward to meet his gaze. With her height at five foot five, he towered over her a good foot. “I am desperate to find her. She was dating Alex. He…made her act out of character. She started going to…places she normally wouldn’t.”
His response was immediate. “Sex clubs.”
She nodded. “Right. And now she’s gone.”
He stared at her. One second. Two. Three. Then, he moved away, putting distance between himself and Jolene. She cast him a slanted look, watching him stop in the corner kitchen area of the rectangular shaped room. His actions seemed to indicate less aggression. Less intention to cause harm. Relief slid across her body, though her heart still beat like a drum against her chest.
“How about a drink?” he asked as he pulled two glasses out of the cabinet and a bottle of bourbon.
She turned to face him. “No.” A pause. “Thank you.” She swallowed. “So…you know Alex?”
He poured amber colored liquid into a glass and took a sip. “I know him.”
Hope filled her thoughts. She widened her eyes and took a tentative step forward. “Then you can tell me how to find him?”
He leaned against the counter crossing one booted leg over the other. “Nope.”
Disappointed rip through her gut. “Why?” she demanded, desperation taking hold. “Please. I have to find my friend.”
“You have no idea what you are dealing with here. Let the police handle this.”
Frustration rolled inside, and her fists balled by her sides. He had to know the police were no help. “You think I haven’t tried that route? The police do nothing. I need to find my friend. Tell me where Alex is. I’ll pay you.” But she had no more money, and she knew it. She’d find it though. Somehow. For Carrie. For her ‘sister’. The only family she had left since her parents’ car accident three years ago. She couldn’t lose Carrie, too. “I heard you can get me into the clubs he frequents.”
Before she could breathe, let along think, Drago had set his glass down and closed the distance between them. In one move, she was against the wall, his muscular legs framing hers, pressing against her thighs. His spicy male scent surrounding her, the impact sensual, and drugging. Her limbs felt heavy with desire. Her nipples tight with uncontrollable arousal.
“You think you have what it takes to enter Alex’s world?” he demanded.
“I know I do,” she lied, forcing herself to meet his gaze, not allowing him to see fear. He was trying to scare her, and if he succeeded, she knew she’d leave here with no more information than she’d had before coming. “I’ll do whatever it takes to find my friend. I need inside his world, and I know you can get me there.”
With the words, she stared into his deep, dark eyes and prayed he would help. She remembered the name of two clubs Carrie had talked about, but neither allowed you inside without a recommendation from a member. If she didn’t get inside those places she’d never find her friend. She could feel it with every ounce of her being. She’d do what it took to save Carrie. No matter what the price.
Even bargain with the devil. And Drago might just be that. She didn’t know if he was friend or foe, but then, it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but finding Carrie.

Chapter One of Christmas King

2006-01-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Click on the cover on the side bar to purchase!

Once upon a time on the planet Warcon…

There was a mighty warrior and prince named Alcron, part the prehistoric beast of his heritage and part the man of evolution. He was the only Warcon born part Warcon and part Fae, possessing the strength of three human males and the speed of a lethal panther. This Prince was a brave creature who would one day be King. A magical being only beginning to know the full potential of his skills. And he was a sexual creature. One who could only control his beast so long without claiming his true mate. Until that day, Alcron had to wait. To endure. To battle his beast.
Alcron, like all the Warcon and Fae, could have lived for centuries. But over time the man would die, and the animal inside would eventually gain control. The beast would then be put to death, his heir assuming the role of King. It had happened to all the Warcon leaders except Alcron’s father.
See, Alcron’s father had done the unthinkable, throwing away convention, and claiming a Fae as a mate. He’d insisted this Fae beauty called to him, both man and beast. That she was his perfect woman, capable of proving the Warcon male was not destined to destruction and death. With this act, by claiming a Fae rather than a Warcon wife, a miracle had occurred. The beast in the king had calmed, leaving peace for the man within.
Logic said Alcron could find his perfect mate in Fae, especially being half Fae himself. But as time pressed onward, no mate appeared. Just when his beast began to pull him beneath in dark victory, hope emerged. Alcron knew the moment his perfect mate was born. Felt it in every inch of his existence. It no longer mattered that his wilder side raged with a passion to steal his honor, threatening his existence. Somehow, Alcron would survive until his mate, who bore the name Alexis, achieved the age of twenty-five. Not until then was it safe for a Fae to mate. But knowing he had found Alexis, and made his claim on her, receiving her parents’ approval for their future union, brought comfort to Alcron.
And so time progressed, and Alexis grew. Alcron’s people knew nothing of his battle to control the beast. They saw only a brilliant young leader who stood by his father’s side.
Everything should have been a fairy tale from there. A handsome prince who knew he would one day claim his princess and show her the meaning of happily ever after. But there was darkness in the future. His battle for happiness had only just begun. For when Alexis was a mere three years old, a violent attack by the Warcon’s deadly enemy left both Alcron and Alexis without parents, forcing him into the role of king without his queen. With most of the Fae also destroyed, Alcron had no choice but to hide his future queen until she came of age to mate.
To protect both his princess and the ability to produce a future heir to the Kingdom, Alcron chose Earth as the shelter for his beloved mate. With Alexis, Alcron sent a powerful elder Fae to act as Guardian Angel. Now, Alcron waits for his mate, battling his beast, impatient for the day his princess will become his queen.

Chapter One

Alexis Martin plugged in the Christmas lights and stared at the tree, now twinkling in various colors. Today was her birthday, but she felt no joy. Only pain over losing a loved one.
With a twist of her stomach, she reached for the angel tree topper and pushed to her tiptoes. Her grandmother had loved that Angel, just as she loved Christmas. A tear trickled down Alexis’ cheek as she thought of the past week’s events. A small funeral with only close friends and a good-bye to the only person she’d ever called family since losing her parents in a car accident when she was an infant. And Christmas only two days away.
Decorating the tree was meant to honor her grandmother. A private way of saying how much she missed her. How much her grandmother had touched her life. With a loud sigh and heaviness in her heart, Alexis walked to the darkened kitchen, not bothering with the light. She didn’t have to. For some reason she’d never discovered, she could see even without lights. Complete darkness did nothing to dim her vision. Her grandmother had told her it was a family gene.
Alexis pulled open the refrigerator door and retrieved a jug of eggnog. Alexis set the container on the counter and eyed the symbol on her left arm. Her fingers traced the dark ridges of the black, half circle. It looked like a tattoo that she didn’t get finished, like a half moon that hadn’t been completed. Her grandmother claimed it to be a birthmark, but Alexis knew better. The mark was too perfect. Too much like artwork. Somehow, she knew it was some sort of symbol and the secret to why she felt so different from others. With a heavy sigh, Alexis grabbed a mug and poured her drink, thinking of the lectures her grandmother had given her often.
People turn things they don’t understand into problems. It’s best for your safety you keep your differences secret. One day, when the time is right, I will tell you more of your family history. Then you will understand.
She played the words over again as she replaced the carton in the refrigerator and blew a lock of long red hair from her eyes. Leaning on the counter, palms on the edge, Alexis let her head drop between her shoulders. She’d never understand her differences. Her one link to her true origins had left her with no hope of answers. So many times she’d wanted to push her grandmother, even tried. Her response had always been the same. When you are ready. Have faith.
And Alexis had listened and believed. But that was then and this was now. With no ties to the past and no real ties to the present, she felt like a ship out of water. She grabbed her mug and walked back to the coziness of the tiny living room. Though their apartment was small, it had always felt like home. Big cushioned couches in warm browns, matching chairs and a fireplace often in use, comforting and calming even in the toughest of times.
Sinking onto the couch and curling her bare feet to the side, Alexis sipped from her mug and stared into the crackling fire. Over the years she had made friends, but the secrets she held often felt like obstacles. Holly, the one person she would call close, had recently married and moved ninety miles away. Still, Holly had come to the funeral and stayed with Alexis as long as she could. Since her departure, the emptiness inside had grown and taken a more raw form.
Swallowing another sip of her drink, Alexis set it on the table. She had an interview the next day for a teaching job, but she really wanted to cancel it. She wasn’t herself. Yes, that’s exactly what she’d do—cancel and hit the library. She looked at her wrist. Somewhere in some book, she’d find the meaning of the mark on her arm. And she wouldn’t stop looking until she did.
For the first time in days, her eyes felt heavy. Not wanting to go to her room, she grabbed the crocheted blanket her grandmother had made off the back of the couch and lay down. As her eyes drifted shut, she prayed her dream lover, the one who’d been visiting for as long as she could remember, would come to her. Alcron.. Her dark hero, her warrior. Her mind conjured his image. Long dark hair, wildly framing his strong jaw and high cheek bones. A smile touched her lips, even as heaviness claimed her body. He had a body of steel and the sensual touch bred of something magical. He was her secret escape. Sadness slipped into her happier thoughts of Alcron and the pleasure and comfort he often gifted her with.
Because now, her dream lover, someone not quite real, but not quite imaginary either, was all she had left.
* * * * *
“Alexis.”
She heard his voice, the deep resonating sound like music playing in her dream. Alexis sighed, enjoying the sweet bliss of slumber and the escape it offered from so many days of pain. Alcron.
“Hello, Princess.” The words were spoken near her ear, the warm trickle of his breath teasing her neck. Alexis turned toward him, finding him sitting on the edge of the couch, his muscular body nude and as perfect as a fine work of art. No human was made as fine as he. No man of flesh and blood. But in her fantasy world, she could conjure perfection and had been for years.
His hand slid to her cheek. “You are in pain.”
Reaching for him, her fingers settled on his wrist and she leaned into his palm. The sharing of mutual touch brought comfort. He felt so alive. So real. “I’m better now. Much better.”
“There is much we have to discuss, Princess.”
She laughed. Over the years he often talked her through her tough times. Even as a small child, before their relationship had turned sexual, he’d comforted her. She’d aged, but he’d remained the same. “Conversation isn’t what I need tonight.”
“It is time—”
Sitting up, she pressed her lips to his, cutting off his words. Needing the passion and tenderness of his lovemaking. No. She wanted him to show the wildness of his beast. The part of him that took her and claimed her as his. She needed to feel…taken. Like she belonged somewhere. With someone. For an instant he hesitated, but the second her tongue slid past his teeth, his resistance faded. With a low growl, he claimed her mouth, his hands sliding around her body and pulling her close. And just like that, her nightgown disappeared. God, how she loved his magical way of undressing her.
Pressing into him, she tried to get closer. “I need you,” she whispered into his mouth. “I am yours. I always have been. Just as you are mine.”
“I wish that were true,” she said, breathless as emotion and desired welled inside. If only he were real. If only she could be his.
“You are mine,” he replied, conviction low and intense in his voice. “You know I speak the truth.” But instead of holding her tighter, he moved away, his actions contrasting his words. He sat on the far end of the couch, putting distance between them, leaving her aching for his touch. And she knew why. He was proving a point. That she had to go to him. That she would. Because she couldn’t help herself.
Alexis shifted to her knees, biting her bottom lip as she stared at Alcron, knowing the truth in his challenge. Not caring. Feeling desire burn in the ache between her thighs and the tightening of her nipples. She wanted to be his. And though this was a dream, she had no problem slipping into the fantasy. Here she felt safe. Strong. Like she belonged.
He sat there, arms on the back of the couch, cock thick with arousal, looking like some sort of warrior prince. She licked her bottom lip, watching his erection bob in response. Her eyes lifted to his, and she smiled. She loved knowing she affected him.
Extending her arm, she wrapped her palm around his width, feeling him pulse beneath her skin. The temptation to lean over and draw him into her mouth called to her, but tonight, she wanted him inside her.
“I missed you,” Alexis said, spreading the dampness on the tip of his cock. “It’s been days—”
“That felt like lifetimes,” he responded, his hand closing over hers and urging her to stroke his length.
She did as he wished and scooted closer to him, leaning so that her mouth lingered just inches from his. “Why didn’t you come to me?”
“I was never far away.” His hand slid to the side of her face and then into her hair. He pulled her lips to his. For long moments they simply held the position, and it felt as if they were absorbing each other.
Alexis settled her hands on his shoulders and climbed on top of him, straddling his hips, feeling his hard length against her ass. The look in his eyes, sizzling with desire, made her skin warm even more than the caress of his hands up her back. His gaze held heat. Fire. And…love. So much so that she shivered with excitement and emotions, yet, at the same time, burned with desire and yearning.
When his mouth claimed hers, hungrily devouring her as if he was a starving man taking what he needed, she thought she might catch fire. She needed this in a way she’d never been able to understand. It had been years since she’d tried. Still, each time she dreamt of him, felt him touch her, tasted his unique male flavor, she marveled at the absoluteness of her pleasure. At the completeness of the minutes spent with him.
He made her feel whole.
“Take me inside you,” he ordered in a husky voice.
She didn’t argue. His hands went to her waist, and he urged her into position. Alexis wrapped his shaft with her fingers and guided him to her core, sliding the top of his erection into her body. Anticipation had her anxious. Desire drove her wild. Slow wasn’t an option. She took his cock in one long slide and settled him deep in her core. He pressed downward on her hips and lunged upward in one grinding move. “This is where I belong. You are mine.” Possessiveness came from him in the husky declaration, and she felt his cock thicken inside her, as if the thought of owning her made him hotter.
It certainly did her. Her arms went around his neck. “Yes,” she whispered, the pleasure of his words, along with the hard pulse of him inside her, making it hard to keep her eyes open.
He pulled her mouth to his, hungrily taking it as he palmed her breasts and pinched her nipples with hard tugs. Just the way she liked it. He knew her so well, she thought, arching into his touch. He was the reason no flesh and blood man had ever drawn her desire. And deep inside, she knew a fantasy man shouldn’t own her, yet, allowing another to be this intimate felt wrong. Even unwanted.
There was something different about him tonight, she realized, as he molded her breasts against the dark hair of his chest and began to rock. In slow caresses, his cock moved against her inner wall, pushing her excitement higher, making her burn for more. Her body gushed around him, muscles tightening, hips rocking.
Frenzy built between them. A flurry of urgency expressed in a rush of touches, a press of bodies. Inside her he moved. Inside her he breathed. It was as if he existed as a second part of her. Yet still, she ached for more. She couldn’t move fast enough, take him deep enough. She could simply never get enough.
And then, out of nowhere, the rise toward orgasm came upon Alexis. “No,” she cried out, desperate to stop it. Not wanting this to end. But it was too late. The room twinkled, her vision going blank as the first wave of pleasure literally shook her body. What she felt was nothing shy of explosive. She seemed to travel to a different place, to a far-off distant land where pleasure ruled and nothing else mattered.
A low growl came from Alcron and, hands on her hips, he lifted his body as he pulled her down his shaft. Alexis started on the downward slide from bliss, sinking against him and burying her face in his neck. The warmth of his release spilling inside her brought a different kind of satisfaction. A feeling of completeness at their shared release.
When finally his body calmed, he stroked her back with his hand. Touched her hair. Kissed her cheek. With a smile on her lips, she let him maneuver their bodies to lie down. She curled under his arm, half on top of him, and for the first time in days, Alexis slipped into peaceful sleep.
* * * * *
The dark-haired sorcerer, Gamlin, stood inside a circle of truth. A circle drawn with blood and rich with answers. Incense filled the air, rich with the taint of a bittersweet bite.
“The Fae guarding the princess has been dealt with,” Gamlin stated. “She will no longer shield the Princess from my vision.”
Coplan, the leader of the planet Rosmon, smiled at the good news. This confirmed that his quest to control Warcon, his neighboring planet, was close to completion. For years, the final fall of Warcon had depended on the destruction of the last female capable of producing an heir. The mate of Alcron would soon be his. Coplan’s rebels had weakened the Warcon king’s resources. And without his mate, the King would lose the battle against the primitive beast merged within his being.
Already, King Alcron grew weak, his beast tearing at him, begging for life. The Warcon people saw these changes and grew uneasy. How Alcron had managed without his mate for so many years, Coplan had no clue. “Where is she?” Coplan demanded of the sorcerer.
Gamlin fixed him in a hard stare, pure evil in his eyes. “Mind your tongue. I am not an animal like the Warcons to be ordered about. You are lucky I hate them as much as you do. Otherwise, it might be you I make crumble.”
“But you do.” Coplan sneered. “The Warcon killed your son for sorcery as they killed my father in war. I will deliver your revenge, just as I will see my father’s wish to control Warcon come to life.” He paused to let his words take root. “So where is she? I will retrieve the princess personally.”
Long minutes later, the location of the princess established, Coplan smiled. The great beauty and power of the Fae Princess would soon be his. He’d claim Alexis as his Queen. The thought brought great satisfaction. Nothing would destroy the Warcon more than to have his woman not only controlled, but pleasured, by his worst enemy.
Perhaps he’d even make Alcron watch.

2006-01-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Chapter One of HEALER
Buy it here: http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0288-1
Prologue I

The world will never be the same.
In the year 2015, Area 51 proved to be more than a place where alien rumors existed. It was here that the United States government decided to create Super Soldiers. Alien DNA purporting to be immunizations was injected into elite soldiers and a new race was created—soldiers with unique powers. Humans to the normal eye, but not quite so human anymore. Some stronger and more powerful than others, but all dangerous. All were fighters with incredible strength and speed along with unique mind powers. Some have fangs and claws they can use at will. Rapid metabolism has given them an amazing ability to heal from injuries. With muscles like steel, a simple bullet is no longer deadly.
They are deadly fighting machines.
Along with this new breed of soldier came a thirst for power. A thirst he intended to sate. This soldier developed a vision for a “perfect race”. David Alexander became the new Hitler, even calling his followers, enhanced soldiers, the ‘Arions’, as Hitler had his perfect race.
The first step in his plan to rule humanity was to take over Area 51. His one obstacle is breeding and he has a team of scientists working to ensure it is conquered. An Arion can only bear children if mated. An Arion only has one true mate. This means he must find compatible women for his men. A task he finds difficult. This leaves him looking for genetic and alternative birthing methods. He uses humans like tokens, promising them power or conversion, or threatening their families.
Once he perfects a way to grow his race, there will be no stopping him.
But there is one other challenge David must overcome to achieve world dominance. Mason Alexander, his brother, has risen as a leader and Guardian of the humans. David wants Mason to join him, and they will be stronger. Two brothers ruling the world.
Mason will never go to the dark side. He and many other Super Soldiers will do whatever it takes to stop the Arions.
Because good must conquer evil.

Prologue II
Nevada, 2016

Diego Montez stepped outside of the cave, feeling the fresh air like a long-lost friend. Living his life beneath the ground, in the secret society of his people, he sometimes forgot how amazing the world above could be. It had been over a year since life had changed so drastically. Since that day in the lab when a government experiment to mix alien DNA with a human’s had backfired.
Sometimes he still felt like he was living some bad dream. Elite soldiers, he included, had been told they were being immunized. Instead, they were turned into a new race. But the government’s deceit became their demise. One power-hungry soldier developed aspirations of ruling a better race. He’d overtaken the research facility and declared war against humanity. Following in Hitler’s footsteps, he named his people Arions…the perfect race.
And somehow, amongst the darkness of the events, he’d found himself claimed by the Arions.
But just as he knew the difference between right and wrong, good and evil always managed to split from one another. Diego knew if he waited, his opportunity to fight for the right side would come. And he’d been right. Soon the war became about two brothers, one an honorable leader and the other a power-hungry dominator. A silent war for total control now raged hidden from humanity. Diego thought back to his early days, trapped with the evil half of the two men.
It had been pure hell.
Now a part of the Black Knights, the good part of this craziness, he was both doctor and warrior. One with the challenge of learning the healing ways of a new race. The challenges had been immense. Gifted with special mind powers, the Knights had not learned to master them, as had their enemy. They needed help.
Marcella Hunter, a woman considered more myth than reality, might just be the answer. Said to heal with her touch and move objects with her mind, many called her the devil. Some, a saint.
And now, as he slid onto a motorcycle and kickstarted it into action, Diego prepared himself for his newest challenge. He was going to his homeland. Mexico. To Monterey, the city of his birth, and there he would find Marcella Hunter before the enemy did.

Chapter One

Everything male in him roared to life the moment he saw Marcella Hunter.
With one booted foot crossed over the top of the other, leaning against the hotel’s exterior brick wall, Diego Montez appeared relaxed. He’d had plenty of practice maintaining a cool facade. Calm and unflappable under pressure, he was a doctor, a healer for his people, who knew how to take things with ease while others panicked. Despite his exterior, a combination of arousal and possessiveness lurked beneath his surface, growing with each passing second. It burned within his veins like hot lava. Even as he grasped for control of his unexpected reaction, Marcella Hunter walked towards him with a sexy little sway to her curvy yet slim hips. She was a seduction by pure existence, evoking feelings both hot and protective. Unfamiliar feelings consuming both body and mind. He forgot all else.
Forgot his mission.
Petite, with long, auburn hair that fell in little ringlets around her heart-shaped face, she was perfection from head to toe. A flowing skirt caught in the wind, hugging her lush body and displaying curves in all the right places. She dressed simply with no flair, no desire to stand out.
But there was nothing simple about this woman.
His body responded even before his mind. His cock hardened and his pulse pounded triple time. He was aroused for the first time in well over a year—since he became what he called “GTECH” enhanced—in other words he had been genetically upgraded using alien DNA. The kick of passion he felt was like a white-hot rush and a complete shock. He no longer had the ability to feel this way for just any female. There was only one he could desire…his mate.
Why, he didn’t know. It was a mystery he continued to work on unraveling. They’d only discovered it had something to do with a certain human genetic line. And only when properly mated could reproduction occur. His enemy hunted those within this group of females with vengeance, determined to grow their new race.
To find his own partner in this new assignment was an unexpected twist to his already complicated position.
She moved towards the Monterey Hightower Hotel, two people beside her. One, an older, Hispanic grandmotherly type. The other was a thirty-something male, also Hispanic, with military-style dark hair. Diego instantly disliked the man. He didn’t like the way he seemed to hover near Marcella as if she was his captive. Nor did he like the possessive way he touched her elbow.
An animalistic urge to claim her as his own roared to life, screaming at his body, mind and soul—begging for action. Shackling the turbulence of his feelings, he forced out a slow breath. Drawing unneeded attention could be dangerous. His enemy, the Arions, had become sneaky, using humans to do their bidding. They lured them with the promise of money and power and even special powers.
Control was everything.
And he’d always considered himself a man of control, but as the man beside Marcella ran his hand down her arm, Diego all but came unglued. At that moment, he wondered if he was losing grip on that aspect of his personality. Discarding the idea, he reminded himself of the facts as he knew them. His genetic enhancements didn’t change who he was as a person.
It gave him special talents, more physical power and a multitude of other things. The man, good or evil, remained the same. But it didn’t change the fact that these enhancements had used Area 51 discoveries. He was no longer human. Another life form had become a part of his genetic code. A new race existed. One that was far more aggressive than humans. They were hunters who fought for what they wanted, driven by more animal instinct than human motives.
Even he, as a doctor, a man who had lived his life to care for others, sometimes felt his beast rise to life.
Without taking his eyes off the woman he would soon call his own, he turned up his enhanced senses to scan for danger. At the same time, as if she sensed his presence, Marcella’s eyes moved to his. Her steps slowed. For long seconds, it was as if time stopped. As if their souls were merging.
Suddenly, she was walking in his direction.
* * * * *
Marcella needed to know who he was.
She approached the dark, sexy stranger, feeling a sense of urgency she didn’t quite understand. God, he was big. The dark t-shirt he wore clung to rippling muscles—defined and perfectly developed—but without bulk. Tall, broad and with short hair, he was hard to miss. Even more so for her because somehow, she knew him. She just didn’t know how. What she felt was very…intimate. Sensual.
“Marcella, come back here.”
The voice of her bodyguard, David Martinez, registered but was ignored. She was in no danger from this man. She felt below his surface. Knew him to be no risk. Knew him beyond what she should. He didn’t move as she approached. But he watched her every step.
She stopped directly in front of him. “Do I know you?”
“No,” he said, his voice low and sultry with just a tiny hint of amusement in it. “Not yet.”
Marcella shoved a lock of hair behind her ear. “Who are you?”
A deep voice called her from behind. “Marcella.” David was now standing directly behind her. “Come with me,” he said. It was a command.
“She stays,” Diego said, his voice just tight enough to hint at anger he couldn’t quite contain.
Marcella turned to David, cutting off the words he was about to speak. “Give me a minute.”
David didn’t waver from his position. “Marcella—”
“No. Give me a minute.” This time she spoke with authority, clearly making it known she was in charge, not him.
David looked at Diego, their eyes locking in a challenge. Marcella didn’t miss the undertone of battle between them. Great. Just what she needed, some kind of macho showdown.
“David, please,” she said with a plea in her voice. “I know him. Give me a minute.”
David looked as if he might argue, his eyes searching her face before he finally turned and walked towards the other woman.
“Who is he to you?” Diego asked.
She turned to face him. “How is that your business?”
One brow inched upward in challenge, an undertone of interest in both his voice and words. “Everything about you is my business, and you know it. Already you have admitted knowing me.” He paused. “Because you do.”
His words should have offended. Instead, they aroused. She wanted this man. It was frightening how much. Her head tilted to the side as she studied his handsome features. She did know him, but perhaps on a level no one but she could understand. But then, maybe that wasn’t true. This man was different. He felt what she did. She could see it in his sultry, midnight eyes.
Feeling a bit nervous because of the impact he was having on her, it took effort to find her voice. “You said I didn’t know you. Not yet, but I do. How?”
“In time you will understand.” He held her gaze as he spoke the silky words. His voice, deep and sexy, seemed laced with a caress. Her skin felt the warmth of a touch. Her stomach fluttered. “Right now we must leave. You are in danger.”
She laughed. Nervous. “Right. Leave. With you? You have to be joking.” His scent traveled the warm air, lacing her nostrils with its addictive male allure and taking the edge off her words.
His reply was firm, full of resolve. “I couldn’t be more serious.”
His eye held hers. It was as if he invited her to look deep into his soul. To confirm the intent in his words. But she couldn’t focus on anything except the simmering sensuality just below his surface. It had been many years since she had felt the heat of physical need. Her gifts had given her a duty to help those in need. Her own satisfaction had never been her quest. So why now was this dark stranger making her feel such awareness? Such attraction? Every nerve ending she owned had gone from dormant to wildly alive.
A sudden shiver raced up her spine. “Who are you?”
“Who I am is not as important as why I’m here. As I said, you’re in grave danger. Your abilities are a resource some would abuse.”
Obviously, he knew things about her a mere stranger wouldn’t. Or shouldn’t. “How would you know?”
“Does it matter?” he asked
“Maybe you’re the danger.”
“Your enemy is mine as well. And you know those things which make you unique are gifts but they also put you at risk.”
“If I have gifts, and I’m not saying I do, how can I be sure you aren’t after them?” She crossed her arms in front of her body.
“You know I’m not.” He said his words with absolute certainty.
She stared at him. It was true. She did know. Still… “This is crazy.”
He held out his hand, and there was expectancy to the action. For her to simply accept his words. For her to trust him. “We must leave,” Diego said. “The people who hunt you are like none you have ever known. You will not resist them without my help.”
His words made her insides quiver because deep down she did believe him. There was no logic to why. But then, her mind knew things others had to reason to conclude. For Marcella, things simply were or they weren’t. Someone was hunting her. She’d felt it for a lifetime, but over the course of the last few days, there had been something darker in the shadows. A force so evil it had tainted the very air she breathed. But going out in public made her so nervous she decided not to overreact. She didn’t want to upset her aunt over a bad case of apprehension. Though Marcella barely remembered the loss of her parents, it was still a source of pain to her aunt. But the feeling hadn’t gotten better. It seemed to be growing.
Even being on edge, when she’d seen Diego watching her, she’d been certain he wasn’t the source of her discomfort. Still was.
His hand stayed mid-air, palm up in invitation. She looked down at it. Large but somehow gentle, it welcomed her. His soul was compassionate. But there was also a warrior in him, deadly and intent on winning. He would fight to death if needed. And the color of his skin, a milk chocolate tone, was a contrast to her pale, white skin. An image of them naked, dark and light entwined, came from nowhere and made her eyes dart to his.
“I can’t leave,” she insisted. “No. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Yes,” he said, no give to his voice. “You are.”
Marcella couldn’t believe she was even having this conversation. “No. I have a bodyguard.” Her eyes went to David and then back to Diego. “He takes good care of me.” She hoped she sounded convincing. Diego seemed so sure of himself. She was a bit concerned he might just grab her and go. Even sensed he considered as much.
Yet calling for David seemed the wrong choice.
Diego’s eyes darted behind her towards David. “So he’s your bodyguard.”
He studied him and then looked back at her. “He wants to fuck you.” His eyes held anger and his tone a hint of hostility.
Marcella gasped, shocked at the abruptness of his words. Most people didn’t verbalize such thoughts. “He does not!” She was quite certain Diego was a kind and gentle man. Why she didn’t know but it was there, a part of him. She always got a sense about a person. With Diego it was clearer than normal but at the same time unlike anything she’d read from another. There was something she didn’t understand. It conflicted with the other things she sensed. It was…more animalistic beneath his surface.
His look was a reprimand. “You know I speak the truth. You sense what he feels for you even if you choose to pretend it’s something different. Some form of affection not built of lust.” He paused. “Besides, he is not capable of protecting you as I am.”
She frowned at his arrogance. “He is just as good as you.” But she knew he wasn’t.
“No.” His lips twitched as if he knew she had lied. “He cannot win against the enemy that hunts you.”
She didn’t like the way he phrased things. It rang so true to her feelings over the past days, it was frightening. “Do you have to use the word hunt?” It bothered her. Maybe because it was so true to the dark feelings she had been having. “For all I know, you are the one hunting me. Perhaps you are simply trying to confuse me.”
“We both know you can sense my motives. I speak the truth. Nothing less. Nothing more. I am your only hope of survival. You must come with me.”
“I’m staying,” she responded instantly and then added, “I’m here to heal a child. I will not walk away from her need.” Why she felt the need to justify declining to go with him, she didn’t know. This man was a stranger.
He took a long time to answer. “When do you see the child?”
Why she told him anything, she didn’t know. Something inside her wanted to trust him. And she had been conditioned to let no one into her inner circle. It could get her killed or captured like some animal. “Soon. Tonight. In just a few hours.”
His eyes narrowed and she had the distinct feeling he reached for her mind. A whisper of a touch, but it was there. “We leave the instant you have completed your duty.”
“Duty?” she asked. “Why did you call it that?”
“Because that is how you see it.” There was absoluteness to his words.
He had touched her mind as she had thought. But it had been done with such precision even with her level of skill he had been barely perceivable. “How would you know that?”
Taking her off guard, he pushed off the wall, closing the distance between them. He stood within a breath of touching her. The heat he generated warmed her skin, stirring a flutter in her stomach.
“What are you doing?” she demanded, but the words were barely there.
His body was big enough to frame hers, and again, unbidden images flashed in her mind. Him naked. Her naked. Him on top of her, inside her, all around her.
He lowered his head near her ear, his breath trickling along her neck, enticing goose bumps along her skin. “I know you, as you do me.” Her mind processed his words, even as her body responded to the deep tone of his voice as if it were a physical caress. Her nipples tingled. Her thighs ached. “I can feel you,” he said,” as you do me.”
She swallowed and raised her eyes to his. “Who are you?”
“Meet me in this exact spot at midnight. If you don’t, I’ll come for you.”
Who did he think he was? He couldn’t just order her around. “I won’t be here.”
His gaze locked with hers, and she heard his voice in her head. You will.
Her eyes went wide. She’d never met anyone who could communicate with her telepathically. “Who are you?”
He ignored her question. “Go take care of the child. We don’t have much time.”
And then his hand slid to the side of her face. The touch was like an electric charge. It, no, he ran though her body, touching each and every nerve ending. Her nipples tightened, her heart kicked up a beat and she had to fight the urge to reach up and touch his hand. She needed to touch him as he did her. Speaking didn’t even seem an option. For the briefest of moments, she was completely lost in this man.
“Marcella!”
David’s voice, bellowing through the air, snapped her back into reality. She forced herself to step away from his touch. And it took effort. Lots of it. “I have to go.”
“Meet me or I will come for you.”

Go Longhorns!!

2006-01-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

What a game! I don't even watch football but when your home town makes it to the superbowl of college ball its exciting. My son hopes to play for UT so I thought that made it more exciting!

Tower lights mark victory at Rose Bowl

The Tower at The University of Texas at Austin will be lighted entirely orange with the #1 displayed tonight (Thursday, Jan. 5) to celebrate the Texas Longhorns’ national championship victory at the 92nd Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, Calif.

The Tower will remain orange with the #1 displayed throughout the weekend.

The Longhorns clinched the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title with a 41-38 win over the University of Southern California (USC). Texas completed a perfect 13-0 season, the most wins in school history. The Longhorns were a unanimous No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 ranking. The victory marks the university’s fourth national title and its first since 1970.

Texas quarterback Vince Young ran for 200 yards and passed for 267 more, capping a performance that Texas fans will remember forever by scoring his third touchdown with 19 seconds left and running for a two-point conversion to secure the victory. At the trophy presentation after the historic contest, Young was named the game’s most valuable offensive player.

The Texas victory ended USC’s 34-game winning streak and gives the Longhorns a 20-game streak, now the longest in the nation.

This is the Longhorns’ second consecutive BCS appearance and victory at the Rose Bowl.

A laugh! Or two or three!

2006-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here are 6 reasons why you should think before
>you speak - the last
> >one is
> >great! Have you ever spoken and wished that you
could immediately
> >take the
> >words back...or that you could crawl into a hole?
Here are the
> >Testimonials
> >of a few people who did....
> >
> >
> >FIRST TESTIMONY:
> >I walked into a hair salon with my husband and
three kids in tow and
> >asked
> >loudly, "How much do you charge for a shampoo and a
blow job?" I
> >turned
> >around and walked back out and never went back. My
husband didn't
> >say a
> >word...he knew better.
> >
> >
> >SECOND TESTIMONY:
> >I was at the golf store comparing different kinds
of golf balls. I
> >was
> >unhappy with the women's type I had been using.
After browsing for
> >several
> >minutes, I was approached by one of the
good-looking gentlemen who
> >works
>at
> >the store. He asked if he could help me. Without
thinking, I looked
> >at him
> >and said, "I think I like playing with men's
balls."
> >
> >
> >TH IRD TESTIMONY:
> >My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a
store that sold a
> >variety
> >of candy and nuts. As we were looking at the
display case, the boy
> >behind
> >the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied,
"No, I'm just
> >looking
> >at your nuts." My sister started to laugh
hysterically. The boy
> >grinned,
> >and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day,
my sister has
> >never let
> >me forget.
> >
> >
> >FOURTH TESTIMONY:
> >While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler
decided to
> >release some
> >pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to
grab hold of her
> >after
> >receiving
>looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I
told
> >her
> >that if she did not start behaving "right now" she
would be
> >punished. To my
> >horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a
voice just as
> >threatening,
> >"If you don't let me go right now, I will tell
Grandma that I saw
> >you
> >kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!" The silence
was deafening after
> >this
> >enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped
what they were
> >doing. I
> >mustered up the last of my dignity and walked out
of the bank with
> >my
> >daughter in tow. The last thing I heard when the
door closed behind
> >me,
> >were screams of laughter.
> >
> >
> >FIFTH TESTIMONY:
> >Have you ever asked your child a question too many
times? My
> >three-year-old
> >son had a lot of problems with potty training
>and was on him
> >constantly..
> >One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch
in between
> >errands. It
> >was very busy, with a full dining room. While
enjoying my taco, I
> >smelled
> >something funny, so of course I checked my
seven-month-old daughter,
> >and
> >she was clean. The realized that Danny had not
asked to go potty in
> >a
> >while, so I asked him if he needed to go, and he
said "No". I kept
> >thinking
> >"Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I
don't have any
> >clothes with
> >me." Then I said, "Danny, are you SURE you didn't
have an accident?"
> >"No,"
> >he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an
accident, because
> >the
> >smell was getting worse. So, I asked one more time,
"Danny, did you
> >have an
> >accident?" This time he jumped up, yanked down his
pants,
>bent over
> >and
> >spread his cheeks and yelled "SEE MOM, IT'S JUST
FARTS!!" While 30
> >people
> >nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he
calmly pulled up
> >his
> >pants and sat down. An old couple made me feel
better by thanking me
> >for
> >the best laugh they'd ever had!
> >
> >
> >
> >LAST TESTIMONY:
> >This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for
2 days and a
> >very
> >embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the
future, likely think
> >before
> >she speaks. What happens when you predict snow but
don't get any! We
> >had a
> >female news anchor that, the day after it was
supposed to have
> >snowed and
> >didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked: "So
Bob, where's that 8
> >inches
> >you promised me last night?"
> >Not only did HE have to leave the set,
>but half the crew did too
> >they were
> >laughing so hard!
> >"About Life"
> >
> >
> >Now, didn't that feel good? Pass it on to someone
you know who needs
> >a
> >laugh
> >

Morning

2006-01-04T05:27:00.000-08:00

Well this is my new contest....I already have this prize at home ready for a the winner. Just join my newsletter and you can win! One winner drawn at the end of the month..I am pleased that my agent liked my new paranormal I sent her and she already sent it out to a couple editors! That is my first positive news of the year so I am glad to have it! No bad news so far so knock on wood, I'm loving that!

Do you have a resolution? Diego tried to get me to make one! I just couldn't think of one I liked and was willing to stick to lol! What's yours and how are you going to stick to it?

2006-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

This came from a reader! Thank you PAM! She, like myself, is a BIG ANGEL fan! I so miss that show!

Hi all!!

2005-12-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

Is everyone ready for 2006! Well, its here so we better be! I have to tell you I have had a few really positive things happen this past month and I am hoping that is a sign that those editors who read my books over the holidays will all love it! I have to admit I have been anxious. Anyway, my son is having surgery the 9th. His broken nose turned into a bad deviated septum so the doc said no option but to operate its so extreme. I hate this because we have had his nose broken 3 times now. Once from a Baseball, and once from a basketball..now this. I wonder if it will get broken again after we fix it! But the doc say that its harder to break once fixed and Ronald does wear a football helmet as his primary sport now!

I am still waiting on a release date for Who's on Top! I'll let you know but maybe in January! As for what is next...ALOT depends on the first two weeks of Janaury and a few things pending so I hope to have lots of news soon!

Go have a fun evening but be safe!

Lisa

My site

2005-12-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

The picture is the new image going on my website!!! WOOHOO! Isn't it gorgeous?! I was disappointed that my old web person gave me graphics to pick and apparently didn't own the art. I have been told to take down the artists work. I am on that of course, but I have to say, I was disappointed in how the artist handled it. I do understand they were mad but when I explained and offered to pay for the art and even dedicate a page to the artist at Red Room (which gets 70,000 plus hits a months)the response was NO. So...now I am looking for new art and trying to save the look of my site. I really loved the art and would have gladly promoted the work. I guess if I was already a NYC best seller they might have reconsidered for a huge fee. But you know what, I LOVE Matt Hughes work! WOW! I love it more! I feel excited about the new look coming. check out his site if you get a chance! I want to buy the image and frame it for me! I just love it! I want to use it on promo items even!!

AND..Christmas King releases TODAY! WOOHOO!!! I am also starting a new story now. Purple Magic. This is an erotic vampire story I have already outlined! I also get the fun of reading a hot new erotic story Cathryn Fox wrote today before everyone else does! Looking forward to that!! Cathryn has a new site going up tomorrow I think! I'll let you know so you can check it out!

I had a great Christmas! How about you? For the first time in all my Texas years I went to San Antonio to see the lights on the river walk. We had a great time shopping and eating lol! It was warm (its 80 here today!) so the walk was pleasant at night rather than cold! We even ate outside!

I hope eveyrone is doing great!

Lisa

2005-12-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph." Shirley Temple Black

Don't forget! Christmas King is out next week!

YAY!

2005-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

Well good news looks like it might come! The transit strike in NYC right after the snow storm has delayed a lot but prayers and good things sent my way would be soooo appreciated!

Hope everyone is having a safe and fun week of Christmas! Diego is HOME!!! WOOHOOO!! I am already 100 times more positive. Two weeks without him while struggling with my kids school fight, career blues, and a stolen car was crazy nuts. But its nuts but the day he arrived home, it seems all calmed. Maybe he is my lucky charm!

2005-12-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

New Car

2005-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well I bought a car. My Toyota Highlander got stolen. Shopping for a car is not a fun thing to do at Christmas and I hate car salesmen. But getting the new car is fun once all that is over! I had a tough time deciding because I plan to move to New York when my son graduates High School and I wanted this to be his when I leave. So a payment I could afford to pay for him later had to be considered as did safey. And of course, parking in NYC is crazy high so having a car is nuts. Besides, subways are way faster than cars in that city! I learned that the summer I spent there several years back. I got a Saturn ION because they have a racecar frame and they are so safe you even get a lower insurance price driving them. A safe car for a teen is critical and my son is on the wild side! Mine is black but I couldn't find a black picture I could get to load..

A short story

2005-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to try my hand at first person....this is unedited and tossed together fast but I hope you enjoy!

It started with a hot, steamy look shared between two strangers. I didn’t even mean to make eye contact. I’d seen him looking at me when I entered the coffee shop, and I had felt the sizzling awareness we shared. I didn’t want to feel that warm simmering heat or the desire to get to know this man. It didn’t matter that he was just my type with dark hair with a widow’s peak that drew attention to dark, sensual eyes. I wasn’t looking for a man nor did I need the complications of a relationship. Having recently come out of a long relationship, I didn’t know how to be with another man. Not that I wasn’t growing intrigued by the idea, but I knew I needed to learn about myself right now. I needed to know who I was as a woman. Yeah, I was in better shape than I had been in years. My brown hair was now auburn, my size eight body, now a four. I was getting attention from men in a way I didn’t remember ever experiencing. Perhaps, I put off a vibe that said I was available. For the first time in my adult life, I was, after all. And I had needs, sexual ones. I just didn’t know how to deal with them.
I bought my coffee and fully planned to leave without giving this man, the one who I could feel staring at me, another glimpse. I willed myself to ignore the tiny ache forming between my legs. The one that said, I needed to rediscover the art of pleasure and this man could deliver. I shoved away the feeling, knowing I wasn’t ready. Not yet.
Still, knowing this, I found I simply couldn’t resist a quick glimpse at my alluring stranger. He looked up just as I brought him into view, and the look in his eyes burned with intent. This man wanted me. And Lord help me, I wanted him. The rush from the contact hit me like a bolt of lightening. My stomach fluttered and a tug of desire burned lower. His eyes were dark brown, sensual, intelligent. I didn’t even know his name and I was imagining what he’d feel like. What he’d taste like. How his body would move inside mine. I all but ran from the coffee shop, determined to escape. Not from him, but myself. I wanted this stranger and it scared the hell out of me.
The next day, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I regretted my choice. Maybe a night of hot sex with a man who really made me hot was exactly what I needed to get on with life? I was responsible. I knew to use a condom. I knew what safe sex meant. And wasn’t sex with a stranger a rather liberating experience? There would have been no fear of tomorrow. No restrictions. No reason to hold back. I could have been as daring as I wanted.
That night, feeling more than a little aroused as I thought about what could have been, I acted on a whim. I went back to the coffee shop. For some reason, I just knew he’d be there. I took great pain choosing an outfit, trying on several outfits and settling on a black dress with a flared skirt and a v neck that showed just the right amount of cleavage. My bra was sheer and sexy, my panties a slip of lace. I wanted attention this time so I dressed to get it.
The minute I walked into the coffee shop, I felt his presence, and the warm heat of his gaze. I played it cool, not making eye contact. I bought my coffee and sat down at a corner table not far from his, aware that he watched my every move.
A few minutes later, he appeared at my table, and asked if he could sit down. His name was Darius. I laughed as he helped me pronounce it properly, liking him instantly. Something I didn’t want to feel. I didn’t want to know his name or what he was like. These were complications. They made him real. This was supposed to be about sex. But Darius kept talking. Soon, I knew he was about to enter medical school after years of struggling to work his way through school. I admired him. I found him charming and, oh, so sexy. Hours passed, and conversation continued. Soon the coffee shop was closing and we were the last to leave.
As Darius walked me to my car, I felt fear and excitement mingle together. He wore a dark blue button down and black slacks. He had a Latin sex appeal that really got me hot. But I also I liked him. Too much. I reasoned that away quickly, biting my bottom lip as I snuck another look at his long, lithe frame. If he’d turned out to be a jerk, I’d never have gone through with this. Liking him was not a bad thing.
The parking lot was empty and I’d park in a far, dark corner. I opened my door and tossed my purse inside. When I turned back, he was close. His scent, warm and masculine, insinuated itself into my nostrils, drawing me into a lust filled fog.
He leaned a hand on my little Toyota, and eased closer. “I want to kiss you,” he whispered, his voice low and sultry as it danced along my nerve endings and sent an instant sizzle straight between my trembling thighs.
My hand went to his chest, the first touch we shared like molten heat. My nipples tightened and I knew a kiss would never be enough. I didn’t answer him with words. Instead, I pulled lightly on his chest.
His head lowered towards mine, slow, as if he didn’t feel the anticipation I did. But I knew better. He felt all I did and maybe more. I felt it in the very air around us.
At first he was gentle, his lip a mere caress of a touch. Then, he pulled back a bit, just enough to allow our breath to mingle. Seconds passed and simmering passion seemed to pull us together. Suddenly, we were kissing, tongues sliding together in a seductive dance of pure hunger. I could feel his body pressed against mine, his thighs encasing mine, his hands in my hair, on my face, and….God, on my breast. His thumb stroked my nipple and I moaned against his mouth. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. I was in a parking lot. Still, I couldn’t seem to care.
My hand went to his, molding it to my chest even as I arched into the touch. He ground into my hips, and slid his fingers beneath my skirt, pushing the material high up my leg. When he brushed the lace of my panties and then slid across my sensitive flesh, I was completely lost. I hadn’t wanted like this in a lifetime. He whispered something in Spanish. Sexy. Hot. Then, “You’re so damn wet.”
And damn wet felt good. I lifted my leg around his hip even as he unzipped his pants. Somehow, he’d managed to retrieve a condom. That he’d done it fast and effectively worked for me. I didn’t care it meant he’d had practice. Right now, his experience came with a silver lining…my pleasure. I kissed his neck, inhaling his spicy scent, and then sucking in a breath when his cock founds it way inside me.
My sexy stranger kissed me then, claiming my mouth as he buried himself to the hilt. A slow slide of his shaft backwards and then we began a seductive dance. I could feel the wind around me, the only thing about the night that wasn’t on fire. He didn’t rush, apparently unconcerned about our location. Instead, he seemed to savor the feel of being inside me, kissing me, touching me, making me crazy. I’d had sex in fancy places, complete with flowers and wine, that didn’t manage to be as seductive as this.
It was me who turned up the volume, feeling the first hint of orgasm. I moved against him, wanting that ultimate reward. No needing it. My ex hadn’t managed to get me this close in years. Following my lead, he ground into me, building speed and power. Each time he hit my core, it rocked me with sensation. And then, that thing I thought gone forever, happened. I tumbled over into complete, utter bliss. I couldn’t even cry out, so intense was the explosion. My body grabbed a hold of his cock, taking and taking. In some far corner of my mind I knew when he came. He buried his face in my neck, and his body shook.
We stood there for long moments, and reality came back. I’d just had sexy with a stranger. The best sex I remembered having in a very long time. It was almost embarrassing. But as my stranger eased my leg down to the ground and helped me settle my skirt into place, he smiled. Then we both laughed. To my utter shock, he seemed a bit shy about the entire thing to. Could that be?
He leaned forward and whispered in my ear. “Is it to late to ask you to come home with me?”
If he was this good in a parking lot, I couldn’t wait to find out what he man could do in bed. “It’s never too late,” I said, meaning it. Tonight I had reinvented myself. I’d taken a step towards a new life. Would Darius be a part of that? I didn’t know. But tonight, it didn’t matter. I just wanted to enjoy being me.
And with Darius, enjoyment seemed a sure thing.

A Holiday Worry list to forget!

2005-12-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

I can't wait! Diego is coming home Wednesday and let the pigout fest begin. We have a huge list!! So this week I might get some book news. I figure if I do, its a great excuse to celebrate and eat. If I don't or its bad, another great excuse to eat lol!

2005-12-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

First and foremost thank you sooooo much to those of you who wrote me notes of encouragement on and off the blog! I love you all more than you can imagine and your thoughts and support did a lot to put me in a very positive mood today! Considering I have to buy a car today, you probably saved some bad car salesman from my bad mood lol! This past month has been crazy. My car was stolen, my son in a fight that is a nightmare with the school - it doesn't matter who started it or that the kid has been picking on Ronald forever and he'd finally had enough, AND you know the rest of the story from yesterday. But at least I got it all in one month and January can be good! GRIN! SEE I am thinking positive!

You know, a great thing about being a writer...we can shop during the week! WOW! It is nuts out there in the stores! I am going Monday early when everyone is at work!!

If you venture out, good luck!!

Talk soon!

Lisa

Hot guys with nice cars..gotta love em!

2005-12-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Hot guys with nice cars..gotta love em!

I know I have been quiet but honestly I have been nervous and on edge with my writing and its been hard to express. I once again got to the gate and got shut down. The Berkley editor loved my vamps for Berkley Sensation and took them to the higher ups. They didn't even read them. They shot her down and said no more vamps...TIS the story of my life. I get ALMOST there. I had decided to quit writing in January if I didn't sell in December so this month has felt really intense. BUT I am told good news might just come Monday. My family is begging me to give it until the end of January because I am so close. I have just felt very close a long time.

Why am I sharing this? Everyday I talk to writers who feel what I do. They can't get an agent. If they have an agent, they can't get a deal. To launch in a mainstream area you are up against big names. I lost a deal at an NYC house and I was up against a multipublished big name. The other author got 6 figures and I got...nothing. I am honored to be considered but its still hard to walk away with no deal. I want people to know they are not alone. I have heard Kenyon talk about her very tough road to publication and I admire her for sharing. As authors we tend to think everyone else had it easy when that isn't so.

The market if very tight for everything but the extreme erotic stuff. People are making the best seller lists selling less books than ever before because of the economy. My work is NOT considered erotic. Sexy but not erotic. For an author who is new the ideal is to sell TO the market. It's smart and its a good thing. Then once you make it on the 'it' thing your agent is the one who must make sure you get opportunity that doesn't just allow a short ride on a wave of the newest craze in case you aren't one of the launch authors who sells big. The agent should make sure you have things already set up so it won't hurt you. I have an author friend who sold to AVON in the erotic market and she is so talented that it opened a door that she will take to amazing places. I mean she could write anything she wants to and do it well. Her editor sees that too. You know, I am loving the way the NYC houses are packaging the erotic stuff! I know I am comfortable buying it in the stores! I think readers are going to be too! I was excited to see that readers can get a sexy read packaged classy and sensual!

But anyway, the new lines that are buying in NYC are for hottttttt stuff, are not the ones I am competing in. I don't use certain words. I don't do threesomes. I don't do certain types of intimacy. My agent comforts me, and tells me the editors WANT to buy me. I just need the 'it' proposal they can get through the upper mgt....But I say this too because I have an author friend who is incredbily talented going throught the EXACT same thing. It's killing her. She was even up for best erotic romance at RT and the houses say she isn't HOT enough. She is selling slow like me and questioning everything about her writing. This woman is sooooo talented! When she does sell, and she will even though right now she doesn't believe it, she will be a HUGE name. I hate to see her pain because I know how talented she is. She just has to sell to a tough market.

Anyway, so this is my world of silence. So sorry for that! I need to get to that place beyond the edge and get a grip. I hope you guys will hang on with me!

Christmas King is out December 28th!!! I hope you will try it!! It's paranormal and its HOT lol!

Here are two excerpts...
DECEMBER 28th at ELLORA'S Cave...

Christmas King

Lisa Renee Jones
BLURB

Alexis Gray has always found escape in her dream lover. He is wild, almost primal in his cravings, but gentle and sensual, at the same time. Whenever she needs him, he is there. Her salvation. Her friend. Her lover. As crazy as she knows the idea, she often wishes he would come to her, to find his way to physical form. For Alexis is different from the others around her, and she knows its. Yet, with her dream lover she finds a sense of unity.

On Christmas Eve, Alexis encounters something dark and menacing, an evil stalking her. As she battles this darkness, she comes face to face with her dream lover who claims she is his mate, as well as the king of a distant planet. Her planet as well. There is a deadly enemy who wants to stop their mating. Then her Christmas King claims he has kept her hidden on earth until their mating could be safely achieved. Now is that time. All Alexis has to do, is give into the absoluteness of her cravings for this man.

=
EXCERPT ONE

Once upon a time on the planet Warcon…

There was a mighty warrior and prince named Alcron, part the prehistoric beast of his heritage and part the man of evolution. He was the only Warcon born part Warcon and part Fae, possessing the strength of three human males and the speed of a lethal panther. This Prince was a brave creature who would one day be King. A magical being only beginning to know the full potential of his skills. And he was a sexual creature. One who could only control his beast so long without claiming his true mate. Until that day, Alcron had to wait. To endure. To battle his beast.

Alcron, like all the Warcon and Fae, could have lived for centuries. But over time the man would die, and the animal inside would eventually gain control. The beast would then be put to death, his heir assuming the role of King. It had happened to all the Warcon leaders except Alcron’s father.

See, Alcron’s father had done the unthinkable, throwing away convention, and claiming a Fae as a mate. He’d insisted this Fae beauty called to him, both man and beast. That she was his perfect woman, capable of proving the Warcon male was not destined to destruction and death. With this act, by claiming a Fae rather than a Warcon wife, a miracle had occurred. The beast in the King had calmed, leaving peace for the man within.

Logic said Alcron could find his perfect mate in Fae, especially being half Fae himself. But as time pressed onward, no mate appeared. Just when his beast began to pull him beneath its dark victory, hope emerged. Alcron knew the moment his perfect mate was born. Felt it in every inch of his existence. It no longer mattered that his wilder side raged with a passion to steal his honor, threatening his existence. Somehow, Alcron would survive until his mate, who bore the name Alexis, achieved the age of twenty-five. Not until then was it safe for a Fae to mate. But knowing he had found Alexis, and made his claim on her, receiving her parent’s approval for their future union, brought comfort to Alcron.

And so time progressed, and Alexis grew. Alcron’s people knew nothing of his battle to control the beast. They saw only a brilliant young leader who stood by his father, the King.

Everything should have been a fairy tale from there. A handsome prince who knew he would one day claim his princess and show her the meaning of happily-ever-after. But there was darkness in the future of this brave prince. His battle for happiness had only just begun. For when Alexis was a mere three years old, a violent attack by the Warcon’s deadly enemy left both Alcron and Alexis without parents, forcing Alcron into the role of King without his Queen. With most of the Fae also destroyed, Alcron had no choice but to hide his future Queen until she came of age to mate at twenty-five.

To protect both his princess and the ability to produce a future heir to the Kingdom, Alcron chose earth as the shelter for his beloved mate. With Alexis, Alcron sent a powerful elder Fae to act as Guardian Angel. Now, Alcron waits for his mate, battling his beast, impatient for the day his princess will become his Queen.

EXCERPT TWO OH - THESE ARE UNEDITED!

“Alexis.”

She heard his voice, the deep resonating sound like music playing in her dream. Alexis sighed, enjoying the sweet bliss of slumber and the escape it offered from so many days of pain. Alcron.

“Hello, Princess.” The words were spoken near her ear, the warm trickle of his breath teasing her neck. Alexis turned towards him, finding him sitting on the edge of the couch, his muscular body nude and as perfect as a fine work of art. No human was made as fine as he. No man of flesh and blood. But in her fantasy world, she could conjure perfection and had been for years.

His hand slid to her cheek. “You are in pain.”

Reaching for him, her fingers settled on his wrist and she leaned into his palm. The sharing of mutual touch brought comfort. He felt so alive. So real. “I’m better now. Much better.”

“There is much we have to discuss, Princess.”

She laughed. Over the years he often talked her through her tough times. Even as a small child, before their relationship had turned sexual, he’d comforted her. She’d aged, but he’d remained the same. “Conversation isn’t what I need tonight.”

“It is time—”

Sitting up, she pressed her lips to his, cutting off his words. Needing the passion and tenderness of his love making. No. She wanted him to show the wildness of his beast. The part of him that took her and claimed her as his. She needed to feel…taken. Like she belonged somewhere. With someone. For an instant he hesitated, but the second her tongue slid past his teeth, his resistance faded. With a low growl, he claimed her mouth, his hands sliding around her body and pulling her close. And just like that, her nightgown disappeared. God, how she loved his magical way of undressing her.

Pressing into him, she tried to get closer. “I need you,” she whispered into his mouth.“I am yours. I always have been. Just as you are mine.”

“I wish that were true,” she said, breathless as emotion and desired welled inside. If only he were real. If only she could be his.

“You are mine,” he replied, conviction low and intense in his voice. “You know I speak the truth.” But instead of holding her tighter, he moved away, his actions contrasting his words. He sat on the far end of the couch, putting distance between them, leaving her aching for his touch. And she knew why. He was proving a point. That she had to go to him. That she would. Because she couldn’t help herself.

Alexis shifted to her knees, biting her bottom lip as she stared at Alcron, knowing the truth in his challenge. Not caring. Feeling desire burn in the ache between her thighs and the tightening of her nipples. She wanted to be his. And though this was a dream, she had no problem slipping into the fantasy. Here she felt safe. Strong. Like she belonged.

He sat there, arms on the back of the couch, cock thick with arousal, looking like some sort of warrior prince. She licked her bottom lip, watching his erection bob in response. Her eyes lifted to his, and she smiled. She loved knowing she affected him.

Extending her arm, she wrapped her palm around his width, feeling him pulse beneath her skin. The temptation to lean over and draw him into her mouth called to her, but tonight, she wanted him inside her.

“I missed you,” Alexis said, spreading the dampness on the tip of his cock. “It’s been days.”

“That felt like lifetimes,” he responded, his hand closing over hers and urging her to stroke his length.

She did as he wished and scooted closer to him, leaning so that her mouth lingered just inches from his. “Why didn’t you come to me?”

“I was never far away.” His hand slid to the side of her face and then into her hair. He pulled her lips to his. For long moments they simply held the position, and it felt as if they were absorbing each other.

Alexis settled her hands on his shoulders and climbed on top of him, straddling his hips, feeling his hard length against her ass. The look in his eyes, sizzling with desire, made her skin warm even more than the caress of his hands up her back. His gaze held heat. Fire. And…love. So much so that she shivered with excitement and emotions, yet, at the same time, burned with desire and yearning.

To be continued.....

Christmas King- Coming this month!

2005-12-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Coming this month! I'll post the date the minute I know!

Alexis Gray has always found escape in her dream lover. He is wild, almost primal in his cravings, but gentle and sensual, at the same time. Whenever she needs him, he is there. Her salvation. Her friend. Her lover. As crazy as she knows the idea, she often wishes he will come to her, to find his way to physical form. For Alexis is different from the others around her, and she knows its. Yet, with her dream lovers she e finds a sense of unity. As if she belongs to him, and him to her.

On this Christmas Eve, Alexis is about to encounter something dark and menacing, an evil shadow, stalking her. As Alexis struggles for the way to battle this darkness, this unseen evil she knows will soon attack, she comes face to face with her dream lover. He appears in flesh and blood, his presence as sensual and wild, as it is potent. He claims that she is his mate, as well as the King of a distant planet. Her planet as well. There is a deadly enemy who wants to stop their mating. Then her Christmas King claims he has kept her hidden on earth until their mating could be safely achieved. Now is that time. All Alexis has to do, is give into the absoluteness of her cravings for this man. But does the call of her body demanding their mating mean her salvation or her demise?

2005-11-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Just a very short mini newsletter!

I hope everyone had a great holiday!!!

Christmas King news! Well, its not a quickie anymore! After talks, my editor and I, decided this world I created could be an exciting place to explore and its a shame to see it end as a quickie. So...Christmas King will release in December as a single title. ...Here is a quick look at the world:

UNEDITED!!! Still in rough expanded form!!!
Once upon a time…

He existed as a leader, part beast and part man, ruling with a combination of honor and a heavy hand. His strength was that of three men, his speed that of a lethal panther. He was of pure blood unlike those he ruled. His power to lead along with his passion for victory in war, an inspiration to his people. He could have lived for centuries, but with age, the beast began to take control making his existence a danger to others. The beast raged inside and stole his honor, bringing forth his violent nature, taking away his drive for peace and law.

This powerful leader, the King of the Planet Warcon, was expected to produce an heir. An heir he would then train to be a future leader. The son who would be forced to order his father’s death when the beast had finally claimed control.

But salvation showed itself in the form of a near extinct family of Fae. They landed on the planet Warcon and with them a miracle. One of these Fae fell in love with the King. And with her love, the beast was magically tamed, no longer taking control. No longer able to destroy the honor of the man.

But the Fae were few, and the evil leader of a neighboring planet wanted them extinct. He attacked viciously and killed the ruling Warcon King and Queen as well as most of the Fae.

This left the King’s son, Alcron, to take control of Warcon. Only one female Fae infant was left aliveAlcron took the child to earth, leaving her in the protection of an elder Fae.

Now Alcron fights for his people even as he battles his own beast, praying for the day he can claim his princess. Hoping his princess comes of age before the beast destroys the man within.

***

A new cover and release date soon! I'll let you know!

As for other happenings...I turned in my proposals to the NYC editor who requested them right before the holiday. I have several things pending and I really hope to have news soon! I think several editors may have read me over the holiday so cross your fingers for me! My Vamps want a home and I love them and really want to see them come to life!:)

HURT SO GOOD is on sale NOW at Ellora's Cave! Interesting thing about this book is it got a E erotic rating from EC. I do think its hot but I think HEALER was really hot and it got a lower rating. Also, HURT SO GOOD, has a lot of humor. It's a different style for me that I hope you will enjoy! I'd love to hear what you think!

If you spot protector in stores please yell! I get all excited to know my name is on a bookshelf in some state I have never even visited!!

Take care all! Talk soon!

Lisa

www.lisareneejones.com

Hello!!!

2005-11-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Scott Strap...CREED. I am not a big rocker but this man has a sexy sexy sexy voice! I just heard his first solo song and I am drooling... Great music to write to!

Well, deadlines met!! WOOHOOO! My agent has my two editor proposals that were requested. EC had my WHITE HOT XMAS and I even finished a 1500 words short for a magazine!! WOOHOO! Now, I am soooo beat.I am also suffering work withdrawal. I am so hyped I couldn't sleep last night.I was up til 3am. Then at 5am a wrong number called !!! I wanted to throw the phone!

Okay tomorrow at 4EST I am on the EC loop chatting. The awesome Sylvia Day is with me at 6EST for two more hours!!!

So I hope you will come play!!

Lisa:)

2005-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

HELLO!!

THIS is my cowboy Vampire hero From Midnight Passion/INTO THE NIGHT on my IN THE WORKS PAGE! SEXY...check out more pictures over there!

Well I am a day from my XMAS story deadline and I am close to done thank goodness lol!! In 3 weeks I completely 3 proposals and this xmas quickie so I have done a heck of a lot of writing! The next month I should know lots of answers on what is going to happen with the work so we shall see....Next week I am going to read and go to several movies to regroup and be ready to attack finishing what editors might say yes on. Let's hope yes!

Next Wednesday is HURT SO GOOD's release date!!! At Ellora's Cave!! Then In December CHRISTMAS KING and hopefully I think in January WHOSE ON TOP. I have lots of other things in limbo that I'll be letting you know on. I have lots of paranormal with my agent which has become my favorite! I really love writing paranormal!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lisa

Hey all! HOHOHO I slayed the proposals and it brings me cheer!

2005-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I have just finished my second proposal for my agent/editor request. Sigh...I have ate, slept, and breathed these two proposals! I can't believe I am done. Now, I wait. I am nervous. Tired. Hopeful. Of course, everyone is gone for Thanksgiving so I won't know for a couple of weeks! Still, they are done. The next few days I have to finish Christmas King. It's due Monday!!!

Then I will be back to more posting and fun stuff. Oh- the 22nd I am at EC for loop day so come play!

Lisa

We are live!! Come PLAY!

2005-11-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

www.allureauthors.com!

2005-11-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

I hope the holiday is bringing everyone happy, safe times! I have been running a hundred miles an hour. Much of this I have been sharing on my blog/journal but I got behind this week with so many deadlines... Below are a couple excerpts from my upcoming releases.

Don't forget Red Hot Secrets is out! Those of you who read Fantasy World this is a semi-rewrite but I hate to even say that really. The book is 20k longer and I rewrote almost every word. It's tons better and the best friend in the story has her own story out in January with Who's on Top. You get to see her a lot in Red Hot Secrets!

I am of course thrilled that HEALER received 4.5 stars from RT. I plan to post lots of excerpts from it on my loop day on the 17th at EC! Come play with me. I will have lots of PROTECTOR excerpts as well. And don't forget PROTECTOR is in print!

Also my WRITER BABES group is having a sexy shape shifter contest for free books! Go to my journal and click on the link to WRITER BABES! You can get the details there!

I have a new contest for Victoria Secrets posting on my contest page on
Wednesday as well!

I would love to start a list of who is going to RT and RWA and meet some of the people I chat with. Please drop me a note if you are going!

Here are some excerpts. Enjoy!

Lisa
Christmas King

December first at Ellora's Cave

Veru unedited peek at the December one White Hot Christmas story from EC...

“Alexis.”

She heard his voice, the deep resonating sound like music playing in her dream. Alexis sighed, enjoying the sweet bliss of slumber and the escape it offered from so many days of pain. Alcron.

“Hello Princess.” The words were spoken near her hear, the warm trickle of his breath, teasing her neck. Alexis turned towards him finding him sitting on the edge of the couch, his muscular body nude, and as perfect as a fine work of art. No human was made as fine as he. No man of flesh and blood. But in her fantasy world, she could conjure perfection and had been for years.

His hand slid to her cheek. “You are in pain.”

Reaching for him, her fingers settled on his wrist and she leaned into his palm. The sharing of mutual touch brought comfort. He felt so alive. So real. “I’m better now. Much better.”

“There is much we have to discuss, Princess.”

She laughed. Over the years he often talked her through her tough times. Even as a small child, before their relationship had turned sexual, he’d comforted her. She’d aged, but he’d remained the same. “Conversation isn’t what I need tonight.”

“It is time-”

Sitting up, she pressed her lips to his, cutting off his words. Needing the passion and tenderness of his love making. No. She wanted him to show the wildness of his beast. The part of him that took her and claimed her as his. She needed to feel….taken. Like she belonged somewhere. With someone. For an instant he seemed to resist e kiss, but the second her tongue slid past his teeth, his willpower faded. With a low growl, he claimed her mouth, his hands sliding around her body and pulling her close. And just like that, her nightgown disappeared. God, how she loved his magical way of undressing her.

Pressing into him, she tried to get closer. “I need you,” she whispered into his mouth.

His fingers tunneled throw her hair and he leaned back to give her a potent look. “And I am yours. I always have been. Just as you are mine.”

“I wish that were true,” she said, breathless as emotion and desired welled inside. If only he were real. If only she could be his.

“You are mine,” he replied, conviction, low and intense, in his voice. “You know I speak the truth.” But instead of holding her tighter, contrasting his words, he moved away, sitting on the couch and leaving her aching for his touch. And she knew why. He was proving a point. That she had to go to him. That she would. Because she couldn’t help herself.

From Hurt so Good....Jennifer has just ran into the stranger she was drooling over in the bar on the street. His car is broken down...

Releases November 23rd at Ellora's Cave

She stood perfectly still.

His walk was etched with an air of confidence, possibly even a bit of arrogance. His eyes were alert, dancing with thoughts she wished she knew.

God, she was attracted to him.

Every line of his body flexed with muscles, lean but defined. He was tall, broad and gorgeous. Her teeth found her bottom lip as he stopped directly in front of her.

“I saw you in the bar,” he said in a voice so deep and sexy it matched his physical perfection.

His eyes dropped, taking her in from head to toe. It should have freaked her out, his inspection of her body, but instead, it only made her feel warm and wanting. He turned her on. She liked feeling as if she turned him on as well. And she did. It was in his eyes.

As much as she wanted it to scare her, freak her out, make her run, it only made her feel lusty. Her nipples tingled, her thighs ached as wetness dampened her panties.

So he had been watching her at the bar. This little tidbit felt good. Still, admitting she was looking at him seemed a risk. Too bold for her. “Which bar?” she asked innocently as if she hadn’t seen him.

He smiled then, a knowing look in his eyes. “You know which bar.”

Damn. She wasn’t used to these types of encounters. “Do I?” she asked nervously.

“Don’t you?” he countered.

Okay, games didn’t work for her. “Yes,” she admitted. “I suppose I do.”

One corner of his mouth tipped upward. “You looked out of your element.”

“So did you,” she returned thoughtfully.

He laughed shortly. “I was, and I’m paying the price for coming. My car’s broken down.”

She looked over his shoulder towards the fancy sports car. “Did you call for help?”

He made a frustrated sound and ran his hand through his blond locks. It messed up quite nicely. Sexy and rumpled is how she would describe him. He seemed even more appealing. “I’ve called three taxi companies but there is a convention in town and I can’t seem to get a ride.”

Her vocabulary began to shrink again. “Oh.”

“Eventually, I’m sure one will show.” He studied her for a minute, those compelling green eyes of his making her insides flip-flop. “I’m Mark Majors.” His hand extended.

She looked down at it, big and strong, and slowly slipped hers into it. “Kelly Marshall.”

The flash of awareness she felt as he touched her was like a lightning bolt in its intensity. This man rocked her to the core. Her eyes flashed with the knowledge, and in his she saw, for the briefest of moments, the same reaction.

Though she wasn’t in tune with the dating game, she knew enough to know these types of feelings were so intense because they were shared.

Their hands remained locked. “Nice to meet you, Kelly,” he said in a soft, sultry tone that spoke of naked bodies and silk sheets.

The sense of sex floated in the air, and she felt suddenly, overwhelmingly nervous. She tried to inch her hand away. “I, uh, need to go.”

His eyes narrowed and then, as if he understood, he released her hand. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Fighting the tremble she knew was likely in her voice, she kept her response short. “You didn’t.”

His eyes dropped to her lips, and she wasn’t sure if he saw them trembling. Without warning he took a step backwards. “I did. I’m sorry.”

She was surprised by his action. She could feel the blood rush under her skin, no doubt making her blush. Tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, she stumbled through her sentence, not sure what to say. She wanted to stay, but she knew she shouldn’t. “I…I better go.”

Another step backwards. “Goodnight.” He turned then and started to walk away.

All common sense fled. Something inside her didn’t want him to go. “Wait,” she said, taking a step forward.

He turned, looking at her with his expectancy in those amazing eyes. His dark brows arched upward. “Yes?”

“How…how are you getting home?”

Turning fully again, he surveyed her with curiosity and smiled. “Eventually, I’ll get a cab.”

“Can’t…can’t you call a friend or something?”

“I just moved here recently,” he explained. “I don’t know anyone well enough to wake them up in the middle of the night.”

Some strange power took over her body. It made her do things she knew were dangerous, wrong and far too risky. Her mouth moved without her being aware of a conscious decision to open it. “I can give you a ride.”

www.lisareneejones.com

Posting more IN THE WORKS EXCERPTS WEDNESDAY ON MY SITE!

I'm behind posting!

2005-11-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry you guys! I had an editor basically read my vamps and pass them to another editor but say she was interested in me writing for her. She asked for two proposals. I sent 5 ideas and she picked 2. So I am writing like a mad woman to finish them. To top it off I am polishing a paranormal I am completely pumped about and I am the FIRST EC release of the WHITE HOT CHRISTMAS stories and I have to finish that story. All of this and a great group of authors I promo and don't want to neglect has made sleep low on the list and the computer my bet buddy! My shoulders and neck are kiling me from sitting at the computer for so many hours. Even my eyes are strained. But the great thing is the words are flowing and I am feeling good about the work. Cathryn Fox (www.Cathrynfox.com) read one of my proposals and gave me amazingly right on notes! The woman is a characterization Goddess! Read her books! Your going to love her characters! And her sex is hot too lol!

Anyway back to writing !

See you soon! I will post some excerpts this weekend!

2005-11-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Had to start the day with some fun pictures lol!

Hi all! Well, blogger is so nuts! I couldn't add pictures all day yesterday so I didn't finish this post that I started then! Things are nuts right now. The only way I can keep writing is to do a lot of other things to make money. I have put myself on a 7 days work week getting up at 6:30 and going to bed about 12:30. It's been about two weeks. I am actually writing with this schedule but I am tired and its taking a toll. Still, writing is flowing and when I am tired sometimes that doesn't happen. I've started talking a lot about my struggles as a writer because I think a lot of writers see others success and think it came easy to them. Tomorrow I am going to start talking about how I went from poor to not so poor and back again to fight for a dream...Anyway...I am excited to get my first review of Hurt so Good! It's out the 23rd!!! So soon! Also I am posting an excerpt from BAD BOYS AHOY!

Sylvia Day is the next big 'it' author have no doubt! And she is incredibly driven person. She doesn't sit back and wait for success to come. She drives forward. I respect her for that immensely! On the 17th Syliva and I are hosting loop day at EC so please come play with us!!!

First review of Hurt so Good!

From Laurie at Sensual Reviews Lisa Renee Jones has once again delivered a real scorcher with Hurts So Bad. Her characters are always written from the heart; reaching right out to grab you and pull you in. Ms. Jones gives her readers characters that are true to life with the same fears and insecurities that we all share and can relate to. I give this book a very high recommendation. Your only regret will be that it isn't longer.

And here is the wonderful SYLVIA DAY!!
www.sylviaday.com

Go to her site and enter her contest!!

HER MAD GRACE, the third story in the BAD BOYS AHOY!
“You’re in a fine mood,” Charlotte noted, smiling against the rim of her cup. Hugh La Coeur was also in fine form. Dressed in warm shades of brown, he made her mouth water, the handsomeness of his features lit by a boyish smile.

“I am. Mores the pity for you.” He waggled his brows suggestively.

She laughed. “A girl could become accustomed to having you around.”

“I hope you do.” He pushed away his empty plate and stood, moving to her chair. “Shall we retire to my room and study your map?”

Charlotte rose, a sharp tingle of awareness coursing through her veins. She glanced at Hugh over her shoulder and batted her lashes. “I thought studying the map came later?” Her eyes dropped to his trousers and she watched, fascinated, as his cock swelled before her eyes.

“Stop that.” He grabbed her elbow and led her to the stairs.

“Stop what?” she asked innocently, biting back a smile.

“You know very well what,” he said, his voice a slow drawl that made her toes curl in her slippers. “Drooling while staring at my cock.”

“I did no such thing!” she protested, choking back a giggle as they ascended the stairs.

He shot her an arch glance. “You did too, insatiable minx. A man can hardly get any rest around here.”

She choked. “Horrid man! You wouldn’t leave me alone. How many times did I roll over and attempt sleep?”

“Several,” he said smoothly. “But it wasn’t long before you’d be reaching for me again.”

Charlotte paused on the middle stair. “Only because your erection was poking me in the spine!”

Hugh shrugged in exquisite nonchalance. “You were wiggling.”

She stared at him, fighting back laughter, her entire body warming to the sensual amusement she found in his dark gaze. He was so devastatingly handsome, full of vigor and mischief. He was a man who lived life, while she’d spent the last few years in a daze. She was drawn to that energy, to that zest, wanting to absorb the thrill of it into the marrow of her bones.

Unable to help herself, she stepped forward and offered him her mouth. With a deep groan, he obliged, gifting her with one of his sensual kisses. Charlotte melted against him, her hands drifting to clutch the powerful muscles of his shoulders.

“See?” he murmured, licking her parted lips. “You are doing it again.”

Preorder here!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0758212518/qid=1131464231/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-7414527-7261648?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Who is this hunk?

2005-11-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

I don't know who this hunk is but I readers submitted him and hello?!! THANK YOU!!!!!! More of this guy tomorrow! He deserves two days!

Well headed into a new week and I don't know why but I think this week I will get news. I have felt it very strong all weekend. Last weekend was just the opposite. I felt like last week would be a big zero and it was.. I have a new project I am almost done with for my agent that I am super super excited about...... Here is a tiny peek...
Within our imagination lies the truth

We’ve all heard the stories. Tales told around camp fires and at slumber parties. Urban legends, myths, and yes, ghost stories. We go to the movies, begging to be scared. We buy the newest horror novel the minute it hits the shelves. We beg to be scared. Wanting fear. Needing it. Getting a high off the adrenaline rush of spine tingling terror. Convincing ourselves these dark things live only in the imagination…but that’s what evil wants us to think, thriving on our ignorance. Drinking innocence like fine wine. Waiting. Planning. Lurking in the shadows of existence with the poisonous of its presence and then targeting the souls of the defenseless for attack. Preying on the weak and using them to stalk those stronger.
And only one force stands between the hunted and the hunter.
Born with beauty meant to disguise the potency of their skills from those they hunt, they are the chosen seven. Women born into their destiny as part of magical genetic lines. These gifted seven are overseen by the Interworld Council, the ‘law’ ruling all things paranormal.
As ‘Guardians’ of the portals leading from one world to the next, these women are considered guardians of the unknowing humans, shielding them from the spirit world and fighting darkness. They are strong, possessing supernatural powers. They are the force that control the lines dividing two worlds, the living and the dead. The barrier separating the spirits of the past from the physical bodies of today.
For in the otherworld, the realm between life and death, there is darkness beyond human comprehension. Sinister beings demanding to be seen and known. Yearning to take control of the living. Preying on those who believe them non-existent. There is only one way to stop their malicious intent to claim good as evil.
The Circle of Seven.

Here is a wonderful author I think you will enjoy reading! Susan DiPlacido! And you guys her site ROCKS! All kinds of cool things! You have to go PLAYYYYYYYYY! www.susandiplacido.com. Her book will be in all the Barnes and Nobles very soon! WOOHOOO! It's a hot new line that is Barne and Noble Exclusive! And lol, check out here herione's name! Good choice Susan!!

Excerpt from Mutual Holdings
Susan DiPlacido
Gianni treats us to a lovely dinner at the hotel restaurant where I actually loosen up and enjoy a glass of wine with the meal. Once he orders another bottle, though, Mark excuses himself for the night, claiming fatigue. We’d spent the afternoon touring the city and I can tell by the set of his eyes that he is exhausted. I should be. I am, in fact. But I still can’t believe I’m in Milan and I don’t want to let a second of it slip away, afraid that I’ll wake up back in New York and that this was just a prolonged dream. I’m also equally dreading falling asleep and actually dreaming, because I know that it will be dreams of New York and Tony haunting me, obnoxiously pushing his way into this serene landscape thousands of miles away from him.

Also, I tell myself as I allow Gianni to refill my glass, I don’t want to be rude and abandon my host.

Unfortunately, my host invites my dreaded dream into the dinner conversation. He hadn’t broached the subject of the obscene display he’d witnessed at Ono when Tony was macking all over me, and I was hoping he’d discern my dismay and avoid the subject. But he doesn’t. Boldly asking, “You and Tony. You are partners in more than just business?”

I try to deflect by saying, “We’re in Italy, Gianni. You’re welcome to speak Italian if you’d like.”

He laughs. “My English. It is still offensive to your ears?”

“No. You sound great. But now I can use the practice in Italian.”

“Oh-kay.” In Italian now, saying bluntly, “You evade my question.”

I blush. “I apologize. You shouldn’t have seen that...that display at Ono. And thank you for not mentioning it in front of Mark.”

His eyes flare briefly, but then he looks away from me. Saying quietly, “He calls you Ms. Russo so I assumed discretion was the best option. But you and Tony, I must say, I was surprised. And I was not surprised. Tony, he is a lucky man.”

“He’s only my business partner.”

“Ahh,” he says. “Then he is not so lucky.”

I laugh. “You’re kind.”

Leaning closer, staring at me again, he says, “I see. You wish he was more.”

I blush even harder, take a big swallow of wine. “Why would you say that?”

“Lisa,” he says and looks at me. “There are many things in this world that I know nothing about. But there are a few things that I do know. I know how to make money. And I know women. You are in love with him, yes?”

“Should we be discussing this? I mean, wouldn’t you prefer to be discussing business?”

“No,” he says simply. “When I am having dinner with a beautiful woman, the last thing I want to discuss is business.”

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “It’s just that for the money you’re paying me, I didn’t think you’d care to be giving me advice on love.”

“Lisa,” he says and catches my eyes. Gazing into them, he says, “You are a lovely Italian woman in your blood, but it’s so apparent that you are American by birth. All business, all the time. Trust me when I tell you this. I hired you to do business. Did you know that you were the fourth firm to do the Mets research for me?”

“What? Why?”

He shrugs. “I was looking for the best. It took me four tries to find it. You completed the work much more quickly and much more thoroughly than any of the firms before you.”

“Are you saying that was a prolonged job interview?”

He looks away, and this time he evades my question by answering, “I’m telling you that I am well aware of your business worth. I am also telling you that I like you. I am not American, and therefore not every minute is about the work for me. We have a different way over here. We enjoy life. I am telling you that it is not necessary for me to pay two million dollars to simply have dinner with a beautiful woman.”

“So where is Angelina tonight?” I ask him.

“Ah! You understand then, this separation of work and enjoyment?”

“Yes, I do. I’m afraid I’m just not very good about practicing it. But you didn’t answer my question. Where is Angelina?” He still hesitates, and I know I’m stepping over the line, but since he was questioning me, I boldly tease him. Asking, “Didn’t you have any jewelry for her?”

Catlike, a slow smile spreads across his face. “So you’ve noticed her affinity for diamonds?”

I rub my ear, hesitating. Still shy of treading too heavily, I say, “I’ve noticed your affinity for giving her diamonds.”

“Well,” he says. “I did two days ago. I gave her an engagement ring.”

“Gianni! That’s wonderful. I had no idea, congratulations!”

He takes a deep breath. “She accepted the ring. But she has not yet accepted my proposal.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. What’s wrong?”

“I also asked her to sign a pre-nuptial agreement,” he says sheepishly.

“Well. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“To her, there is very much wrong with that. She is very angry.”

“I guess, maybe, she thinks it’s not very romantic.”

“And I’m afraid it would be tragically romantic, and foolish, to marry someone who cares only for my money,” he says.

“I understand,” I tell him, because I do. “She’ll come around.”

“She is out of town. She is away on a photo shoot. She is a model.”

“Mmm.” I’m not shocked. She has the exotic, stunning looks of a model. “How long have you been dating?”

“Over five years,” he tells me. “You look surprised.”

“Oh, no. It’s just that, well...I thought you dated a lot of women.”

“Oh,” he says with a knowing grin. “So Google also has information on my love life?”

“Of course.”

Gianni takes a long drink of his wine. His deep green eyes don’t sparkle with his candid wit as he looks back to me. He looks as serious as when I watched him contemplating his wineglass at Ono before hiring me. He admits, “It is true. I do love women. I enjoy their company. But if I had my way, I would have only one woman now.”

“Angelina?”

“Yes. Angelina. I like you Lisa, so I don’t mind admitting to you that she is the love of my life.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Ahh,” he sighs. “I am not so certain that I am the love of hers.”

Looking at his handsome features, enjoying his pleasant demeanor, I shake my head and say, “I find that very hard to believe.”

“Why? Because I am so rich?”

I laugh. “No. Um, well. That doesn’t hurt, of course. But no. You’re a great guy, Gianni. I can’t imagine someone not falling for you.”

As he fills my glass with more wine, he says, “Much like I find it hard to believe that Tony is not in love with you. If that is, indeed, what you desire. You never answered my question. You are in love with him?”

He’s been blunt with me, so I open up to him. Simply saying, “Yes. I’m in love with him.”

He looks at me softly. Kindly.

“Ahh, well,” I shrug. Raising my glass, I clink it lightly against his. “Poor us,” I toast.

“It’s a waste, isn’t it?” he asks after he sips. “The two of us here together. And instead of making the most of it, we long for others.”

“I wouldn’t say I was longing for him.”

“I would,” he says and nods knowingly, teasing me ever so slightly. “I know about these things, remember?”

I can’t help but laugh. I guess I was. It is sad. And silly. “It is a shame,” I agree. “Love would be easier if we could strike up mergers the same as we do in business.”

“You mean... What do you mean?”

“I mean, if we could look someone over and investigate them and then just mutually agree that we’re going to fall for each other.”

“That, Lisa,” he clinks his glass against mine and says, “is certainly an idea I could get behind.”

END EXCERPT

Hurt So good is live at EC

2005-11-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

YEAH Hurt so good is live at EC on the coming soon page! Soooo today I have an excerpt from Hurt So Good and an excerpt from a featured Allure author.

Cathryn Fox is an exceptional writer! Check her out! And she has 3 books with AVON coming!! To top it off she is as nice as they come!

My news...none! I talked to my agent about an hour the day before yesterday and she gave me yet another pep talk. Of course I am with the 3rd editor at Harlequin and Warner, Kensignton, Berkley, Dorchester, and the Blaze division of Harlequin have my work as well. Oh, and 3 foreign houses have one of my books as well.I am working on a couple kick butt proposals though so if I don't sell I am going to have some kick butt things for my agent for the new year. She told me its just the right thing and the right time. Bottom line is I don't write Erotica. Those of you who read EC erotica and read me know I write HOT but the difference in hot and EROTICA is different. Big time. That means that some of the lines launching the EROTIC lines I am simply not right for. I am being looked at competing against the more mainstream categories and its a tough market and the competition is high. Often published authors. I told my story of going against two VERY published authors at one spot at one of the big houses. In this economy I lost to name recognition. I can't blame them coming from corporate roots but I wish it would have ended different. Anyway, we shall see. There are two of the houses that I am especially excited about. I feel like I 'fit' and I am crossing my fingers...The holidays are coming so I am worried I am going into a wait period that will be long.

In the meantime, here is a taste of HURT SO GOOD and a rocking excerpt from Cathryn Fox! WEB OF DESIRE...Gotta love that title.. Sounds YUMMY!!

Cathryn Fox!!!

His dark brows knitted together. “What do you want with me?” he asked, tugging hard on the binding strands.
She remembered that deep voice. So rich and enticing. Like warm melted butter drizzled over lobster. It seeped into her skin and filled her with heated memories of his passionate touch, his fiery kisses. Heat curled around her. She pinched her lips tight and suppressed a ragged moan.
Was it really him or was she dreaming? Had that delectable, familiar male scent simply caused her mind to conjure up the image of this perfect specimen?
She narrowed her gaze. “Tanner?” she asked quizzically, seeking verification that the man from her past had suddenly resurfaced.
He glared at her. Confusion obvious in his gaze. “Do I know you?”
She drew a sharp breath. It was him. And he didn’t remember her. She straightened her spine and swallowed. Perhaps he couldn’t see her well in the dark shadows of the room. Shuffling her feet along the planked floor, she took a tentative step closer, providing him with a better view of her face.
“It’s me, Ally.”
“Ally?” He paused as though searching his memory. “I don’t know anyone by the name of Ally.”
Her heart crumbled like the burnt toast she’d eaten for breakfast. How could he not remember her? They’d been in love. Were supposed to get married. At least she had thought they were. Was she so forgettable that the man she’d wanted to spend the rest of her life with had so easily dismissed her from his memories?
She opened her mouth to ask but shut it when he cut her off with a glare.
“Are you going to let me down?” he asked.
“I was going to,” she replied, walking over to the table beside him to look over the contents. Lubricant, a pink vibrator, nipple clamps, two long candlesticks and a book of matches. A leather crop drew her attention. How interesting. She picked it up and ran her hands over the long textured length of it. She wondered what kind of fun Selina had with that particular prop.
His body stiffened with annoyance. “What do you mean you were going to?” he bit out.
Silence ensued as she took a long moment to peruse the captive man before her. Gone was the thin teenaged boy she’d fallen for. In his place existed a man. A man with broad shoulders and thick, sculpted muscles. A man who oozed sexuality in a way the young, high school boy never had.
“You know, Tanner, you owe me something.” She stepped close, close enough that his scent overwhelmed her senses. Pressing the crop against his cheek, she let it slide over his neck, his chest, and lower until it grazed the huge bulge between his legs.
He flinched. His eyes darkened as disbelief marred his features. “How can I owe you anything? I don’t even know you.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. We knew each other quite…intimately,” she murmured seductively.
She watched his glance leave her face and wander down her body. He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip as his eyes latched upon her breasts. Ally felt her nipples harden involuntarily under his lusty gaze. Her chest heaved as a surge of blood rushed through her veins.
“Ally. . . .” He let her name roll off his tongue as though he were testing it, tasting it. His gaze smoldered as it locked with hers. “If I’d known you…intimately,” he said, lowering his voice, “there is no way in hell that I’d forget.”
His warm breath caressed her face like a lover’s kiss. Her body became alive, stimulated at his bold words. A tingle worked its way down her spine. She blinked and fought to recover her voice. “Well it seems you did, now doesn’t it,” she challenged.
He gave her a sexy, predatory grin. “Why don’t you let me down from here and give me a chance to sample that hot body of yours. Perhaps that will help trigger my memory.” His voice dripped with sensual promise.
She slowly walked around him, dragging the long crop over his hard body. She felt his muscles bunch. She stopped directly in front of him and looked deep into his gorgeous eyes. “Or perhaps I could leave you there and make you pay for forgetting me.”
He growled and struggled with the silken webs. “You wouldn’t!” His voice sounded whisky-rough.
When their gazes met and locked she expected to see fear. What she saw instead captivated her. Heat coiled deep in her belly as moisture gathered between her loins. The passion that shimmered in his eyes made her breath catch. Her brain stalled and she had to remind herself to breathe.
“What exactly is it I owe you, Ally?” The deep timbre of his arousing voice made her shudder.
She could feel the well disciplined witch inside her dissolve as the wicked witch that lingered below the surface moved in to take her place. “A prom night,” she said and pressed the crop hard against his growing cock.

AND...Hurt So Good... by ME lol Ellora's Cave November 23rd!

The first touch of his lips was soft and ever so slow. Her lashes fluttered as she absorbed the caress, melting inside out.
The distinct feel of arousal, wet and real, dampened her panties. He pulled back, looking down at her, his breath mingling with hers. Then, instead of kissing her again, he surprised her.
He slid his cheek against hers, seeming as if he was soaking in her very essence. It was a tender act, gentle and soothing yet utterly arousing. His lips brushed her ear, nuzzling the sensitive area behind it.
“You smell so damn good,” he murmured, his breath warm on her neck.
Her hands settled on his shoulders. “You do too,” she said, soaking in his spicy essence of male. “You do too.”
He was kissing her neck now, making his way to her jaw and then her chin. Then his mouth slanted over hers, his tongue sliding past her teeth, igniting a passion she barely recognized as her own. Years of suppressing the sensual side of herself had left her charged with needs. And wants. Suddenly, all of these things surfaced. She sunk into the kiss, deepening it to a more sensual level, pressing close to him.
Something inside her just went all hot and needy. Suddenly, not only was her tongue hungrily exploring his mouth, her hands were moving and touching......

2005-11-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Check out the new look at the Writer Babes Blog! Click on my sidebar to see the sexy new look!

Here is another ALLURE AUTHOR excerpt! Enjoy!TROUBLE WITH HARRY
http://www.mylajackson.com/
Prologue
Zagros Mountains in the Kingdom of Iraq 1924

Harry Taylor brushed his hat against his dust-crusted trousers and knelt in front of the sarcophagus. Pry bar in hand, he paused. Within the heavy coffin lay the culmination of five years searching, studying and digging in the driest of deserts near the base of the Zagros Mountains.

"Are you going to open it, or what?" William Prater, Harry's assistant and friend, stood on the other side of the stone platform, sand and sweat streaking his blond devil-may-care looks. "Whatever you do, hurry it up. You never know when those tomb guards will show again."

"Or the meddling British, for that matter. Give me a hand with this thing." Harry jammed the pry bar between the lid and the casing and leaned hard on it. A crunching, scraping noise accompanied the incremental movement of the cover as it rasped across the top, revealing the treasure within.

A glint of light reflected off a shiny surface inside and a squiggly line of carved snakes appeared beneath Harry's arm. Adrenaline spiked in his system, sending blood racing to his heart. He'd done it! "William, my friend," he said in a reverent whisper, "we've found the tomb of Vashti, daughter of Azhi, the Devil Shah of ancient Persia."

"A princess, huh? She was probably daddy's little girl and completely spoiled. She better be loaded, is all I got to say." Will leaned his shoulder into the lid and it slid to the side, where it teetered for a moment then fell with a resounding whomp, shaking the sandy floor of the tomb.

"I think we've hit pay dirt, Will." Harry straightened, tossing the pry bar to the ground, excitement bubbling up in his belly at what lay before him. A smile stretched his lips across his face, and he flipped his hat in the air. "Do you realize what we've found? Do you have any idea?"

Will stared down at the mummified remains of an ancient woman surrounded by decayed woven baskets and several unscathed decorative bottles. He frowned, his lips twisting in a lopsided grimace. "A mummy and some old bottles?"

Harry laughed, his voice echoing off the chamber walls. "Will, look past the dust and decay. Don't you see the details in the finely woven gown she's wearing?. Look here, the embroidery is still intact. These symbols are those of the ancient lovers, Vis and Ramin. See the stone with the carving of a two-headed dragon laying over the mummy's head?"

"So, it just looks like a big dumb rock, to me." Will shrugged. "Big deal."

"William, my man." Harry draped an arm around Will's shoulders. "Beneath that layer of dust is the most mystical stone known to man. Kings have fought wars to possess it, but it was lost long ago. Heinrich Schliemann himself couldn't find proof of its existence."

Will's chest puffed out. "But we did it, eh?" He gave Harry a skeptical glance.

"So, why's it so damn important?"

"Because of the legend." Will's lack of enthusiasm irritated Harry. He began to wonder what Will thought he'd been searching for all these months. "The legends say that whomever touches the Stone of Azhi will have great powers. Powers to change the world as we know it. Powers to make every wish come true."

"My wish right now is for a ten pound steak and a woman to share it with." Will licked his lips. "Suppose it might be worth something back in the States?"

"It's priceless-if only for its historical significance. But there are many men who would pay a king's ransom for its professed magical properties."
Will leaned over the mummy and reached for a dusty bottle. "I wonder what the bottles are for?"

"Probably contained the princess's favorite perfumes. Never mind them. It's the stone we want. No one's gonna pay for old glass when they can have all that power."

"Shit, I've been three long weeks without the comfort of a woman." Will waggled his eyebrows. "Does it have the power to grant me a woman?"

Harry was glad Will had finally understood the importance of their find. He slapped his friend on the shoulder. "Why settle for one? You could buy a dozen women with the money we'll make."

"Hell, I might even buy you one."

"No thanks." Harry lifted a bottle from the collection at the mummy's feet and brushed the dust from it. The blown glass reflected hues of deep sea green and blue, and was rimmed with gold bands.

"You aren't still mad about Fiona, are you?"

"Not in the least." He set the ornate container back in the sarcophagus.

Will lifted another of the glass bottles and tossed it lightly in the air, catching it one-handed. "Good, she's not your type anyway."

What was his type? Someone willing to follow him on wild chases across hostile continents? What woman in her right mind, would do that? Harry didn't know and really wasn't too interested in finding out. Last one, Fiona, had tried to hem him in with ultimatums.

Had he stayed, he'd have resented her. Leaving her had been the only answer.

"I'm so hungry I could eat a steak the size of Cleveland about now." Will grabbed for the stone at the same time as Harry.

"Wait, Will. We need to be careful." What if the legends were true? Could the stone be dangerous? When his fingers felt the smooth points of the two-headed dragon, tingling spread from Harry's hand up his arm and into his chest. The tingling turned to a burning sensation.

"What the hell?" Will staggered backward, his forehead creasing into a frown. He stared down at his hands and shook them.

The floor trembled and the walls around Harry and Will shook. Dust rose and filled the air until Harry couldn't see the hand in front of his face, much less his friend. "Will!"

"Harry! What's happening?"

"I don't know." Harry's heart raced and his breathing came in short gasps, his lungs filling with sand. "I feel like I'm on fire."

"Let's get the hell out of here!" Will called out.

But the doorway remained shrouded in thick dust.

The burning intensified until Harry felt he'd been seared by the sun. He gagged and choked on the sand rasping against the lining of his throat. Giant stones fell from the walls and ceiling.

What a way to go. Just when he'd discovered the stone of Azhi, he'd die in the mummified arms of the devil king's daughter.

The dim light from the torches snuffed out and blackness engulfed his tortured body. As if picked up by a tornado, he was jerked off his feet and sucked toward the sarcophagus, spiraling like a puff of smoke filtering through a tiny opening. His body screaming in pain, he could hear Will's terrified cries echoing his own. Then a loud thump ended the storm, sealing him in darkness.

Harry drifted into oblivion, wondering what the hell had happened.

Today's hot ALLURE AUTHORS excerpt and more!

2005-11-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Well, no news for me yet. No bad news either so I am clinging to that! I got to talk to Sasha White (www.sashawhite.net) on the phone the other day and she has this amazing sexy french canadian accent! Just like my best friend. I am jeolous! I want to sound all sexy. Instead, I sound sweet. Even Sasha said so! In high school, my best friend was blond and gorgeous and everyone called me the 'cut' one. Still do at 38. I am one of those people that gets called HUN...But then, when I was corporate woman, my employees didn't think I was so cute and sweet. Fair. Honest. Tough. Workaholic. But not sweet. However, the entire cute and sweet thing worked for me with clients..lol. They all became parent like and protective! But anyway, I never get to be the sexy one...the beautiful one...But as an adult I know cute is better than some other things so I am accepting. Age does that to us lol!

Anyway enjoy a hot excerpt from a wonderful author and great friend!

From Vivi Anna!
www.vivianna.net
Her room was cramped and musty. Just enough room for a single bed and a small chest of drawers. She didn’t use the chest. She had everything she owned and needed tucked safely away in her leather bag stored under the bed’s wooden frame.

Jack glanced around the dark and dismal room. He sat timidly on the edge of the bed. The mattress sagged with age and use.

Red uncorked the vodka. She took a swig from the bottle, then handed it to Jack. He took it gingerly, putting it to his mouth and took a small sip. He handed it back to her. She took another big pull on it before setting it on top of the dresser drawers.

“Take off your clothes.”

Jack flinched. “What?”

“You heard me. I don’t like to repeat myself.” Red stepped in front of him. She pulled her shirt up over her head, and tossed it to the floor. Her small, firm breasts were free. She wore no undergarments. Her peaked nipples were flushed bright red.

Jack watched her in fascination. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her pert bosom. He ached to touch it.

Red reached down and tore at his flimsy linen shirt. She ripped it open. She couldn’t feel his warm flesh fast enough. There was nothing more life-affirming than sex. She wanted it, needed it. She needed it to make her feel something, anything. She had gone too many days feeling empty and soulless.

Jack gasped at her aggression. Moaned as she touched his skin. Her hands were everywhere. They raced down to his breeches, and popped open the buttons. She reached in and gripped his already throbbing cock.

Jack popped the buttons on her dungarees and they dropped down her legs. She was soon completely naked. He drank in the scent of her, devoured her lean, muscular frame with his eyes. He pressed his mouth to her breasts, sucking a nipple into his mouth, hands stroking her firm buttocks.

Red could not wait. She didn’t want gentle. She didn’t want soft. She wanted fierce and frantic, like her inner soul. She straddled Jack. She held his cock while she impaled herself on him.

Jack cried out as she enveloped him. She was so hot and wet, he nearly came in one stroke. He gripped her ass cheeks tightly as she rode him hard. He pressed his mouth against her breasts, barely able to do anything else.

Red wrapped her hands in his hair, ground herself hard against him. She needed to be filled up; she felt so empty inside. She stroked up and down quickly, searching for her release. She could hear Jack’s labored breath and low groans. She knew he was close. She didn’t care. He was just a tool to her, a tool to satisfy her own pleasure.

She reached between them and found her clit. It ached painfully. She rubbed her fingers over it firmly, back and forth. She quickly pushed herself over the edge. Her climax ripped through her violently. She cried out as she grabbed Jack’s head and crushed him to her. She felt him come soon after.

Hours passed. They had sex twice more before Jack fell asleep, spent and satisfied. Red sat up on the bed and listened to the storm, not in the least bit content. The storm thundered. Lightning ripped through the sky as rain pelted the windowpanes. Jack was sleeping soundly. Red looked down at him. He slept like a child, full of innocence and purity. She wondered how long it would take for that to be torn from him. She had been only twelve when she lost hers.

Red hunkered down into the bedding, tucking a pillow behind her head. She needed to get some sleep. If the Pig brothers could be believed, she would need all her strength and wits to outmaneuver The Wolf. Then she could finally exact her revenge on him. She closed her eyes and slept.

Running through the woods. So quiet. Even the birds don’t chirp. There’s a small cottage up ahead. The lights are on. Smoke billows from the chimney. So welcoming. The door opens.

“Granny? It’s me. I brought you some muffins.”

No answer. Something’s wrong. The bedroom door is ajar. Muffled sounds come from within. Pushing the door open...

A man looms over Granny’s bed. A large man with long, black hair. Granny’s eyes are wide. Blood blossoms across her chest.

Screaming. The man turns. His eyes are so blue they’re translucent. They seem to glow in the dimly-lit room like an animal. He pulls the knife from Granny’s chest and marches toward the cowering child. He stops inches away and looks down at her.

She jumps up and attacks him. Screaming. Screaming. He’s caught by surprise. He flinches. His arm jerks out. The knife catches her in the face. It cuts her, deep. She screams, hands covering her face. She falls to the floor.

He runs out of the house. The girl lies on the floor, sobbing.

Red bolted up from the bed. Sweat poured off her face and soaked the sheets beneath her. She rubbed her hands over her face as she swung her legs over the bed and stood. She went to the dresser and picked up the bottle and took a long pull. She got dressed, strapped on a wrist sheath and tucked her small dagger into it. Wrapping up in her hooded black cloak, she left the room.

Jack opened his eyes and watched the door close.

Red stood behind the boarding house in the rain. There were just open fields, then tall trees behind the house. That was one of the reasons she picked the place. A cheap place to rent and a place for a quick escape.

She raised her head to the cool rain. She opened her mouth and let the chilled liquid pour in. She swallowed it down and opened for more, thirsting for the pure water. She drank it in greedily, hoping to be cleansed, but knowing that no amount of water could wash away her sins. She had been too long alone, with only black-hearted vengeance and cold steel for companions.

Red cocked her head to the side. Did she hear something? The rain fell hard on the tin roof of the house. It was difficult to hear anything over the roar. She slowly turned to her right. She stared hard into the shadows, narrowing her eyes. She saw a flash of something. Glowing eyes, like an animal.

Red ran. She turned to the open field and sprinted. If she could make it to the trees, she would lose him. She’d had many years of training in the forest. As she ran, she felt for the weapon at her wrist. It was there, secured tightly to her arm. She never went anywhere without at least one weapon.

She glanced back over her shoulder as she made it to the trees. She saw no movement behind her. The Wolf was quick, she knew, so he may have entered the woods further down. She’d have to be sharp. Use all her years of training to survive. This was the one night she had planned for, lived for, and she was not going to fail.

She moved into the foliage, hunkering down onto one knee and putting her hood up to cover her bright hair. She scanned the surrounding trees, letting her eyes adjust to the extreme dark. There was no moonlight to guide her way, and she saw no immediate movement. Looking down at the forest floor, she searched for another weapon. One was never enough.

Lightning lit the sky, and she was able to spy a small broken branch. It was jagged at one edge. It would be perfect for close encounters. She picked it up and held it firmly. If she could get close enough to him, she could stab the wood into the soft part just under his chin on the side of his neck. He would bleed to death. A branch snapped. Red stayed still and surveyed the woods. Could be just an animal, searching for food. Another branch snapped. This time it was closer. Red held her breath and narrowed her eyes. She could see a shape moving toward her.

Red looked down and picked up a small stone. If she could get a good aim, she could hit him in the head to stun him, affording her time to come up on him. If she missed, then he would know her location. Either way was a risk. She stood up and pulled her arm back.

“Red? It’s Jack.” His voice was soft and low.

Red hesitated. She lowered her arm. “What are you doing?”

“I followed you outside. I saw you run into the trees. I was worried. Are you all right?”

Red sighed and moved closer to him. He was endangering her. Surely, The Wolf knew her location. Or had she imagined him? Maybe she had only been running from Jack.

“You’re an idiot. I could have killed you.”

He laughed, low. “Not without your knives.”

Red paused. Her heart began to race. Her adrenaline pumping through her body. “What?”

“You’re unarmed, aren’t you?”

“Jack?” She saw the movement too late. “Watch out!”

Before the words were out of her mouth, The Wolf was on Jack. He came up from behind. He grabbed his chin, lifting his head and sliced the knife across his throat in one swift stroke.

IGNITING PASSION ONE PAGE AT A TIME
http://www.vivianna.net
AllureAuthors.com - coming soon

HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF - now available at Loose Id!
NIGHT OF THE JAGUAR - coming 03/06 to Kensington Aphrodisia

And here is a laugh! Love this one! Thanks to Rachel Carrington for sending them to me...Visit her at www.Racheldawn.com

2005-10-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

WOOHOO...I got chosen for one of 12 Christmas Stories at EC! CHRISTMAS KING IS MY HOT PARANORMAL..Here is a very unofficial BLURB! I only have 20 days to write it so I have to get on it...

Alexis Gray is about to a Christmas present she will never forget... Her dream lover come to life and her past unveiled. But does she dare believe she is a princess who must make love to her prince to become Queen...and to acquire the powers she needs to protect herself from a dangerous enemy.

Now one of my SUPER talented hot author friends from the new ALLUREAUTHORS.com (coming soon!) Delilah Devlin! If you haven't read her you are missing out!
Visit her at www.delilahdevlin.com

VAMPROTICA 2005
featuring Darkest Knight
by Delilah Devlin
ISBN # 1-933400-46-3 (e-book)
ISBN # 1-933400-45-5 (trade paperback)
Published by Chippewa Publishing
http://www.delilahdevlin.com/books/anthology/vamprotica-exc.htm

While hiding her true identity, Maddie must seduce the mysterious Lord Garon to cement their marriage contract to assure she won't be returned into her lecherous stepfather’s care.

Fresh from Crusade in Palestine, Lord Garon has a secret he must hide, a hunger that must be fed, and a dark and uncertain future. Having shed himself of a fiancé he never met, he’s home to lick his wounds. The only thing he wants is a warm-blooded meal--but the new housekeeper is strangely insistent on giving him much more.
Excerpt (unedited)

Maddie shivered at the creaks and groans as the portcullis slowly rose. The wind carried the noises and filled the silences in between with a howling that sounded like the hounds from hell had arrived at the castle gate. And in a way, one had.

Shouts outside the curtain wall had alerted them only minutes before of Lord Garon d’Angerville’s arrival. With time to throw only a bliaut over her sleeping shift, she stood on the first step of the keep, holding a tray with a goblet of wine, ready to render a proper greeting to her overlord.

“Are you sure this is the way you wish to go about this, M-Maddie?” Egbert asked, fidgeting at her side.

She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her mouth and nodded.

“It be on your head, then,” he said, his always mournful tone dire as one of Father Ansel’s Sunday sermons.

The clatter of many hooves on the cobbled bridge beyond the gate was thunderous. From the encroaching darkness, the sounds were as deafening and ominous as the dark shapes looming on the gatehouse walls. The torches she’d ordered lit sputtered and flared, distorting their forms, elongating them so the men riding through the entrance appeared as giants.

Already tired and on edge from the days-long wait, Maddie’s fevered imagination painted them darker still.

“Be they devils?” Egbert asked, his narrow shoulders shaking. “No one travels on a night with nary a speck of light in the sky.”

“Hush!” The storm whipping at her clothing, and the fatigue from months of worry over this very moment, combined to make her own hands shake and dampened an already foul mood.

The horsemen entered the bailey and large shape separated from the contingent that approached the keep. As he drew closer, her fears weren’t eased one whit. The warrior sat atop a huge, black destrier, forcing her to raise her gaze quite high to seek his face.

He wore a helm that left only his square jaw exposed. His eyes were concealed in the darkness cast by the metal nose guard. Only his mouth gave hint of his mood--a thin straight line with the corners crimped downward.

Aware he stared, Maggie’s knees trembled, but her tray never rattled. She squared her shoulders and shot a glance about her at the castle folk. “Stephen!” she called to the stable master. “See to their horses.”

In moments, boys scrambled to accept reins and the air was filled with the creak of leather and the clank of iron.

The stable master stepped close to the dark warhorse at the foot of the steps, but the warrior’s gaze never left Maggie.

She licked dry lips with a dryer tongue. “Lord Garon?” she asked, although there could be no question who led this contingent. All gazes remained on his intimidating figure. “Please come inside, milord. Your people will see to your comfort and that of your men.”

His mouth twisted in an alarming sneer. “And who will see to mine?”

Maddie’s heart leapt to the back of her throat. “I will, milord.”

A long pause indicated he looked her up and down. “Who the blazes are you?” he asked, his voice a deep, hollow rumble.

Maddie remembered to curtsy, and then straightened, girding herself to speak the lie aloud. “Your housekeeper, milord. I take care of things now.” The last at least was the truth.

Lord Garon grunted. Without a glance at the stable master, he tossed down his reins and dismounted.

When he turned, Maggie’s breath caught. Lord, he’s a tall man. I thought it was just the horse!

Maddie lifted the ornate chalice from the tray to deliver her much-rehearsed welcome.

Instead, his lordship’s lips pressed into a tighter line and he brushed past her.

She was left gasping on the bottom step. “What a rude ogre!” she exclaimed, annoyed he hadn’t fallen in with step one of her plan.

“Watch your tongue, madam” an accompanying knight said as he followed the lord up the steps. “He has exceptional hearing.”

“M-Maddie?” Egbert said, nodding toward the door.

She shoved the tray at his belly and grasped her skirts high to rush up the steps.

The plan had seemed so simple. All she needed was to get him alone, addle his sight with a little wine and ale so he’d not care she wasn’t the comeliest creature in the keep. Then she would seduce him.

And the sooner, the better. For the longer she took in losing her virginity, the greater the risk he would discover her identity. The truth was, she’d rather copulate with the devil himself than be returned home.

However, this business of copulation, which had seemed a simple, messy, perhaps even enjoyable act according to the laundress, now boded a daunting trial.

After all, the lord of the keep was a giant and dour as a priest at confession. The thought of being naked with him and accepting his manstaff into her body frankly petrified her. She rushed through the massive doors, hoping her preparations would meet with his approval. Nothing else could mar her well-thought out plan.

Inside the hall, his lordship stood in the center, hands on hips. Unlike his men, he wore no chain mail, no leather hauberk to protect his body. He’d removed his headgear, revealing hair black as midnight and a face hard as carved granite.

His gaze narrowed, and she looked around to see what might have displeased him already.

Around him, servants scurried delivering warm food to the men-at-arms as boys eagerly divested them of their armor. If she hadn’t been observing him so closely, she might not have detected the change. He scarce seemed to notice the din of activity. His mouth lost a little firmness. His hands unclenched on his hips and his chest rose and fell deeply.

In that instant, Maddie lost a measure of her fear. Here was a man savoring his first night home after a long absence. He had a heart, and cared for something at least. Perhaps he wouldn’t be a complete troll when making her his wife.

* * * * *

New author group!

2005-10-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

Allure Authors has now become an exciting adventure for eight authors! We hope readers will think so as well!! To get you as excited as we are each of us are posting excerpts on our blogs for 8 solid days!!! Each for another author!Follow the trail of ALLURE authors to more fun and excerpts! Our site is coming soon and so are prizes and fun!

Here is my first guest author excerpt!
GYPSY HEART

By Sasha White
Liquid Silver Books.

Sale Link: http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/gypsyheart.htm

Go to sashawhite.net to get another excerpt from another Allure author! And check back tomorrow! I will have another Allure author guest spot and excerpt!!

Excerpt:

They said their good byes to everyone, and Gage steered her toward the vehicles parked nearby. When he stopped next to a yellow Dodge Dakota, Sable laughed out loud.

“What?”

“You just happen to have the truck of my dreams.” She threw a wink at him. “Think it means anything?”

He opened the door for her and waited while she climbed in, his lips tilted in a small smile, but not saying a word. While he walked around to his side she saw Miranda climb into Jake’s Jeep and felt relieved her friend didn’t have to walk home alone in the deepening twilight.

Gage opened the driver’s door, tossed his bag behind the seat and climbed in. She breathed deeply as his scent filled the small confines of the truck cab, and lust unfurled in her belly.

An image of him standing naked, still dripping from a shower, burst into her mind. She licked her lips and pressed her thighs together at the thought of licking those water droplets off him.

The truck engine turned over, and with a start Sable realized Gage was looking at her expectantly.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi there,” he responded after a moment of silence. “I need your address.”

Ugh! Feeling like an idiot, she gave him directions to her apartment. Before she could get too distracted by the sight of his bare, muscular thighs so close to her own, she asked the question foremost in her mind.

“So, where did you disappear to last night?”

“It was late when Jake and I finished our game, so I thought it best just to go home.”

“And you invited him to play ball with you guys tonight?” He’d made plans with Jake instead of her?

His hands fidgeted on the steering wheel, the muscles in his forearms jumped, and so did her pulse rate. She’d never found a man's forearms sexy before.

“Yeah. Our talk turned to ball, and he mentioned he used to play so I invited him along. Are you and he very close?”

“Me and Jake?” she squawked.

Gage laughed at her surprise. “Yes, you and Jake.”

“Not really, no. I mean we work together almost every night, and we get along good. But we’ve never really talked. We’ve never had the need to.”

“What do you mean ‘the need to’?”

“Well, he runs the kitchen, and I handle the bar. We each do our thing, and everything goes smoothly. Why?” Was he jealous? Did he really think she would hit on him if she had something going with Jake?

“No reason, really.” He shrugged. “He just seemed pretty protective of you last night, so I wondered. Here we are.” He slowed the truck to a stop and put the parking brake on.

Sable’s brain was still stuck on needs. All the naughty needs that had started to build inside her the moment he’d stepped into the pub.The need to taste him, to feel him. To have his hands cup her breasts, his fingers pinch her nipples, his tongue in her mouth, his cock buried deep inside her.

“Would you like to come in?”she asked, her voice husky.

He grimaced, as if in pain, when he answered her. “I better not.”

“I’ll feed you.” When she saw him hesitate, she continued to tempt him. “I make a mean chicken stir fry. As long as you like it hot and spicy.”

Heat flashed in his eyes at that, and Sable felt a shiver run down her spine.

“Hot is definitely a favorite of mine, but I have to say no thanks.” He studied her intently for a beat and then continued. “Look, Sable, you’re a beautiful and intriguing woman, but I’m at a place in my life right now where I want more than a casual relationship. And I get the feeling that’s all you’re looking for. So . . . I think it’s best if we just leave things the way they are.”

Just her luck. She finally decided she wanted to have hot fling, and the guy she wanted to do it with is looking for a relationship.

She’d consider a relationship, if she didn’t suck at them. But she could barely handle a relationship with her family and they had to love her.

She looked into the depths of his eyes. His desire was clear. His words might have told her he didn’t want her, but his eyes told her he was lying, and she felt the rightness of them in her gut.

Determined not to let him go without something to think about, she reached a hand up to cup his cheek and softly pressed her lips against his.

She’d meant it to be a quick kiss, a tease, but the instant their lips touched, hunger swamped her. She ran her tongue across his full bottom lip, seeking entrance. His lips parted and his tongue darted out to duel with hers. Sliding her fingers into his hair, she pulled him closer and deepened the kiss. Her heart thumped against her chest, her breathing became ragged and all thoughts fled as they tasted each other for the first time.

Needing air, she pulled back a bit, nibbled at his lips and kissed the corner of his mouth before sealing her lips over his fully once more. When his hand cupped the back of her head, she tightened her grip on his hair and pulled her mouth away. My God, she was practically on top of him!

Resting her forehead against his, their panting breaths mingled in the small space between them. She looked into his eyes and felt her chest tighten with a foreign emotion.

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” Not bothering to keep her disappointment from showing, she pulled away completely and exited the truck before she said something she’d really regret.

Something like “Take a chance on me.”

All kinds of stuff today

2005-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Woohooo Recommended Read at Fallen Angels! Thanks to my wondeful Reviewer and Fallen Angels!

Lisa Renee Jones' Red Hot Secrets is exactly that – red hot! Ms. Jones has created two very complex and likeable characters that will touch your heart. While Matt and Lauren have a very intense physical relationship, the deep emotional bond both are reluctant to acknowledge balances it. I enjoyed how each had to face personal demons to have the relationship each desperately wanted. Lauren’s fears about her job and economic status are very understandable has she struggles to have the job and life she wants. This book should not be missed.

Reviewed by: Tewanda

Thank you Tewanda and Fallen Angels!

Hidden Instincts is available now in Trade!! Now I have to say I read this book recently and wanted to cry. It is NOT my current writing style at all! Still, readers have respnded well. I think the past is often harder for a writer than the readers lol..The cover is gorgeous in person. Glossy and just sharp. I was sooo impressed!! You can get it at Barnes and Noble and Borders. I THINK it will be in bookstores. I am not sure how this is working on the trades. I'll let you know when I know!

Sunday night VAMPIRE BATS..I watched the trailor and Lucy Lawless seems awesome in it..

Next, I have an author friend with an awesome story for Halloween. I just got to read the beginning of book two and its wonderful!

Finally, what is a saturday without a HOT GUY lol!

The writers life

2005-10-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Well here is the story on my books... ten days ago an editor at Harlequin recommended me for a buy. She had to pass the project to another editor because she just launched a new line and is slammed. She however is reading proposals from me for that new line. The second editor had read me at AVON and really wanted to buy me. Well, she can only buy for Red Dress and Mira. She thought Mira could take me but it got kicked back for too many romantic elements. SOOOO.. I am off to a 3RD editor! Very discouraging. If it goes to the board and I have 3 editors on my side its a big feather in my cap and to be single title HQN which is where they think I belong would be great. BUT the 3rd editor could decide she doesn't love it. We are aproaching the holidays and comittee won't meet so this has to happen in the next 2 1/2 weeks or I am in a 2 month holding pattern. From what I can tell the Harlequin editors within the category lines can buy for the category stuff but if its a single title area its more complicated. This is what I am getting from all of this. You do need two editors approval now so I at least have that... Prayers would be welcomed. This has been a long path and I has actually given myself this year or I had to get a real job and go back to work. Now....well, I don't know what to do. Many editors have my work and my agent has calls out to everyone but she says pushing to hard can work against me too. So, you see, I am in a hard spot. I have another friend who is going through the same thing and we both got our agent within weeks of each other. Our paths have been so similar and she is in the same funk I am. It at least confirms these are normal feelings.

On a positive note, I have some validation to have two editors like me at one house so I am clinging to that. Gosh...my blog is getting depressing! I need to work on that! I will! BUT to all you struggling writers, I feel for you. The dream can feel so close and so far. I'd love to have others post their success stories and their struggles if they have time. I think its motivational to other writers to see the struggles some go through..To achieve but never quite get there. And then when we hear the other authors who have gotten there, we often think their path was simple and easy when it really wasn't. That is the reason I am sharing. It's so easy to feel you are alone. That it came easy to everyone else. If you want a really inspiring story go to www.authorsredroom.com to the hotseat and read Angela Knights interview. She struggled to make it forever and it finally really happened big. I am also including in the Red room review a succes story every month from an author...This month is Syliva Day www.sylviaday.com. Sylvia's Bad Boy Ahoy is up for preorder at Amazon now!!!

Last month was Sasha White sashawhite.net. Sasha has multiple books with Kensigton coming out and a Berkley title!

See you guys soon!f you want to join the newsletter then go here:http://www.authorsredroom.com/newsletter.htm

The end of Buffy

2005-10-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

A great love ends...well, disappointing..

'I'm getting the brush off for Captain Peroxide. It doesn't necessarily bring out the champion in me.'
Angel
Chosen

Well I finished Buffy and I have to tell you the way they handled her and Angel in the last two episodes really ticked me off. Here is the love of her life and they just really ended them like H*ll. How disappoinint. I also thought the ending was poorly written. First, these vamps they were fighting were the kind other vamps fear. It took Buffy days to fight the first one and kill it. Then suddenly they are fighting thousands of these things and new slayers and even humans are beating these things...made no sense to me. None.

I am thinking of trying Firefly and Andromeda...anyone have any thoughts on them?

I find that watching fantasy based shows really really helps my writing.

What kind of Halloween Naughty are you?

2005-10-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

These first two are me....good girl who has a naughty side....An angel or school girl suits my outside...but inside....

I've always wanted to be the bold police woman type below! If only...Which one are you?

I hated technology...

2005-10-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Okay so I can't get into my site. Other people say they can but I can't. Don't have a clue why. I had to go through blogger to get her this am. It's driving me nuts. The tech people finally responded on email. Wouldn't you know I discover this problem is a big one (has continued for hours) and decide to call 6 minutes after the hosting people close for the weekend! 6 minutes. THIS is the story of my life.

In general I am just foul today... See I got this really negative thinking mode that I wasn't going to make it as a writer a few months back. Off and on since it has attacked. Today is one of those days. Thinking about the new year and do I want to live this way next year. I mean I got the A list agent, and thought that was it, and now I am lingering on close. Every damn editor in NEW YORK just loves my voice but do I have a damn deal? NOOOOOO! I am sick of hearing they love my voice. Warner said she almost missed her subway stop she was so into my book. She is on the 3rd book she is reading trying to find one that matches Warner. I know, be glad she loves my voice. I am. Really I am. It just hurts to be this close. ANOTHER big house recommended me for a buy a week ago. I won't say who because the entire jinx thing seems to fit me. BUT its Saturday. ALLLLL week I waited to hear it would make it through committe...this is for my vamps. SEE this is what happened. The editor at AVON liked my vamps but guess what -in 3 days she would be at another house. The house she went to is the one the editor is at that recommened me for a buy. SOOOO I have the two needed editors buy in. BUTTTT Murphey's Law and me- who knows...It has to make it through the board. This would be single title and a really big deal.

I just think it won't happen. I knoooowww whine. Whine. Whine.....but you see, how close I have been. Oh did I mention it came down to me and a WELL ESTABLISHED author for one Vamp slot at a major house. A DREAM HOUSE. The author got six figures and I got a pat on the head. Yes I was competing with the big dogs but it wasn't GOOD ENOUGH. So see, close but no enchilada.

So....as you see...NEGATIVE TODAY. Can you feel the negative fibrations coming off your computer screen?

NEGATIVE. It's an evil thing. Really bad. I know this. Still I stay in this mode....

Well. I think I need something to pep me up. So thus the picture...NOW this was a good choice!!! And he made me like Batman. I was hating it. The weird flavor and changing lead hero each time just was the pits. Why would they change the Batman EVERY movie! We never formed an attachment!!!

So drool with me and I might feel a bit better. You know, staring at these yummy pictures has a nice little pick me up!

Real Name: Christian Charles Phillip Bale

Stage Name: Christian Morgan Bale

Date of Birth: January 30th, 1974

Place of Birth: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Family:

Father - David, Mother - Jenny, Stepmother - Gloria (Steinem),
Sisters - Sharon, Erin, Louise (all older)

Married to: Sandra (Sibi), née Blasic, since January 29th, 2000

Current Residence: Los Angeles

Previous Residences: Bournemouth, Portugal, New Edinburgh

The new bond....I am disappointed ? You?

2005-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's official. Daniel Craig, a blue-eyed and blond British actor, is the new James Bond, replacing Pierce Bronsan...No ! I do not like this guy.. I posted his pic on my blog - what do you guys think?

Craig - who would be the first fair-haired Bond - was born in 1968 in Chester and grew up in Liverpool. He's appeared in one of his earliest movies, The Power of One, in 1992. He was a hit man's psychotic son in Road to Perdition, plus had roles in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Sylvia and Layer Cake.
The tabloids say Bond producer Barbara Broccoli will make the Bond casting announcement; Craig has publicly acknowledged that he's spoken to Broccoli about the role.

The six-foot-tall Craig is not a household name in North America, but he's popular in Britain.

Other names that have been bandied about for the role include Jude Law and Ewan McGregor.

The James Bond film Casino Royale is currently in pre-production and expected next year.

Friday list day at EC

2005-10-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this guy just make you think of hot kisses and sultry nights?

I will be at EC's chatlist from 9 to 11 central time. I will be there giving away some prizes. My author friends at the erotic writers babes link you see on my blog will be there too off and on all day! Come play!

Well, some news. One editor called and thought I had a great voice but the book wasn't right for her (a romantic suspense) but she asked to read my vamps so she has those. It's not a no but it still felt crummy. I am waiting on so much news and this was what I got. No word on the next step of the recommended buy so I am biting nails afraid something will go wrong. My guess is another long weekend. Come help me party away my worries tomorrow!:) Then I plan pizza and wine tomorrow night to start a long weekend!

Blog winner recap and other fun stuff

2005-10-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

Above...what I think my hero from WHO'S ON TOP looks like. The book I just turned into EC... Okay yes I know it's David again but I can't help it. He fits. the more conservative side of David. Maybe the BONES one but there aren't any really good pictures yet from his new show..

THIS WEEKS BLOG WINNER WITCHY!!!! Email me your address for your prize at LRENJ@AOL.COM ...Email me!

It's Wednesday and I am still waiting.........it's the story of my life! Friday night I was so tortured over another weekend with no news that I had some wine. This was a good thing because it just so happened I was writing a scene from Who's On Top, book two of my EC OFFICE GAMES series and it really helped me get the tipsy feeling lol....Here is a look:

This scene is with her brother Mike who will be the next hero in the Office Games series: This is unedited so be easy on me lol...But the book is done at 48k and turned into my editor YEAH!!
Cat sat at the bar of the Blue Lagoon Restaurant and sipped her third margarita. Mike had asked her to meet him over an hour ago. Of course, she knew he wanted to tell her about the charges being dropped, but she knew already. Nice of him to tell her after it was already going to hit tomorrow’s papers.
So, while she sat and waited, she drank. A lot more than usual. In fact, she hadn’t had this much to drink in, well, in years. But today she’d turned Reese away, and he’d let her. She wasn’t sure what she’d wanted him to do, but walk away wasn’t it. Which was nuts. He was a poison. The kind that pulled her into the hell of her mother’s world. Wanting a man who would never find you more important than his work. And of course, that was the case with Reese. It took a certain breed to be an attorney. To think he would or could be different than the rest would be nuts. For a little window of time, she’d tried to convince herself the opposite was true. Just thinking about her stupidity made her take another long draw off her straw. She should stop drinking. Her head felt light. She took another sip, not caring. Wanting to forget.
This thing with her father cheating with Ray’s wife had slapped her with the cold, hard reality that happily ever after was a fairy tale. The world was a big, dirty game and the easiest way to deal seemed to keep the play in perspective. She’d lost that with Reese and that meant she had to distance herself. If she didn’t, he would hurt her, and in a big way. Already she felt a knot in her chest that the tequila seemed to dull, at least a little.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Cat turned to find Mike looking his normal handsome self, ties loosened, shirt rolled up to the elbows. “I expected it. After all, nothings more important than work. I know the way it goes. Got it. No problem.” She took another really long drink.
Mike gave her a probing look as he adjusted the barstool next to her so it angled towards her seat. He flagged the bartender. “How many have you had, Little Sis?”
“Not enough.” She shoved her glass away. “Order me another.” Impatient, she flagged the bartender who didn’t see her. She slapped the bar. “Damn. Just like a man to be so distracted.” The man turned. “Over here. Drinks please.”
The bartender – Joe, as he’d told her one drink back - smiled at her. He’d been flirting. She was okay with that. Not that it would get him anywhere, but she was pretty sure he’d made her drinks stronger than he might have otherwise. That counted for something. Tonight she wanted strong.
When Joe appeared before Mike and slid a napkin on the mahogany bar, Mike kept his gaze on Cat. “What are you waiting on?” she asked, frowning. “Order.” She looked at Joe and patted the bar. “He wants a beer. Whatever you have on tap that’s light.” She realized her oversight. “Oh. Joe.” She motioned to Mike. This is my brother Mike. Mike meet Joe. He’s the best margarita maker in all of Manhattan. Aren’t you, Joe?”
Joe laughed. “If the lady says so, then it’s true. What can I get you Mike?”
Cat eyed Joe. He was a sexy guy, her new bartender. He had long brown hair tied at the back in a ponytail. A square jaw. Deep blue eyes. But not as blue as Reese’s. Reese had eyes that would melt a woman in the middle of a snowstorm. Damn. Reese. God. Why would the man not get out of her head? Maybe she should take Joe home and fuck Reese out of her system. She sighed. She didn’t want Joe. She didn’t. Reese had ruined her. She wanted him.
It was an emotional thought. “I’m empty, Joe.” She scooted her glass towards him. “I like the salt. Can I get more salt?”
“Anything you want, Cat. More salt and a beer on tap coming up.”
With Joe’s departure, Cat lingered on Reese. He was the type of man a woman should never fall for. It just so happened, her oldest brother fit the same formula. “So, Mike,” Cat said. “You’re a good looking guy with lots of money.”
He chuckled. “And you’re an attractive woman with lots of money.”
“Ah,” she said, holding up a finger. “But there’s a difference between you and I.” The bartender set her drink in front of her. “Thank you. You’re fast Joe. Not a good trait in the bedroom but a damn good one for the bar.”
“Cat!” Mike barked his disapproval.
“What?” she asked, eyeing him with a sideways look. “It’s true, Mike. We’re brother and sister. Not secrets. It’s okay to be frank.” He cursed and reached for his beer, a deep frown on his handsome face. Cat laughed. “Give Joe a big tip with all that cash you have. You’re good at buying happiness.” She looked at Joe. “He’s loaded.”
“Alrighty then,” Mike said, reaching in his pocket and obeying. A moment later he tilted back his beer and took a long slug.
“As I was saying,” Cat said, running a finger over her salt rimmed glass and sucking it off. “The difference in you and me-”
“Is that I’m a man and you’re a woman?”
“Haha.” She crinkled her nose. “You’re so funny.” Pause. “Not.” He grinned.
Cat pinched the dimple. “See? Isn’t smiling better than all that frowning?” He shook his head as if he was at a loss for words. Whatever. She pointed a finger at her temple. “You and I think different. I hate the way people want me for my money.”
Her brows dipped and he laughed again. Short. Without humor. “You think I want to be wanted for my money. Where the hell did you get a crazy idea like that?”
Her hands fluttered in the air. “Oh come on, Mike.” There was a ‘give-me-a-break’ tone to her voice. “You offer a woman no more than a good fuck.” She touched his arm and added with concern, “I hope it’s good.” Pause for a sip off her straw and to give Mike time to lift his jaw off the bar. “Then you give her a nice gift her and there. I know how smart you are, Mikey, and you know damn well they aren’t sticking around for love.”
He grabbed her arm. “Will you keep your voice down?”
She giggled, something she couldn’t remember doing in a very long time, nor could she help herself. It felt rather good. She giggled some more. “Sorry, Mikey.” In mock distress she said, “Don’t mean to embarrass the big, bad businessman.”
“Okay,” Mike said. “You’re cut off.”
He reached for her glass and she grabbed it. “No, I am not. This is New York. It’s not like I’m driving or something. There is no walking while drunk law.” She held up another finger. “Not that I’m drunk. I am merely feeling…good.”
“It’s called public intoxication and it is a law.”
She waved him off with a hard flick of her wrist. “Whatever. Let’s just get down to business. That is why you’re here, right?” she asked. “Business? It’s always business. Let me make it simple for you so you can get on with your all consuming life. The charges were dropped. I know. It’s tomorrow’s front page.” Then, in a sarcastic tone. “So nice of you to inform me after I already know.”

Tuesday!

2005-10-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
Well I am still waiting for news..for luck, I am posting a little of the series that is so special to me. I am excited about this series and so is my agent...the hero in book one reminds me of antonio during his Desperado days.....I also have an excerpt on the In the Works pages on my site!

Synopsis

The Series:
The Eternal Knights
By Lisa Renee Jones

Vampires exist.
Mexico's Barranca del Cobre —the Copper Canyon— is the place they call home. Nestled in the Sierra Madre Range, these mountains are actually several large canyons boasting grandeur four times larger than the Grand Canyon, although different in nature, narrower, deeper, and more verdant.
A perfect place to live unknown to humans.
Small units of Vampires have taken refuge in other countries spurring rumors of different origins. But here, in these hard to reach canyons, the original bloodlines and the rulers of all Vampires unite.
Unlike legends, Vampires are not “the Undead.” They are simply a race with different needs from those of humans. Their life span is long and their nutritional requirements huge. In the past, these needs spurred the demand for blood.
A mere four hundred years before, the Vampires had been given the ability to walk in the daylight.
An allegiance formed with Indians who wished to inhabit the Vampire’s land resulted in a miracle. In exchange for shared territory, a Shaman from the tribe joined efforts with a Mexican Vampire Shaman. Together they committed to finding a way to cure the Vampire’s liver deficiency—a problem that had created sun sensitivity and a need for large amounts of blood.
This discovery forever changed the Vampire world.
The Vampires gained the ability to walk in the sunlight, and no longer need to ingest blood. A decoction taken daily delivered the initial success. Later, as the Vampire world advanced and a medical team was formed, newer advances were utilized to aid the process. A monthly booster now allows the Vampires to fight their genetic defects. Children can be given a one-time booster at birth. Though some of their Vampire physical strength was sacrificed for these advancements, it was a small price to pay for such freedoms.
This process is undone if a Vampire feeds on blood, and a powerful hunger for more will then be bred and never sated. The Vampire will gain strength and a “high” after such feedings, but no longer be able to walk in the sunlight. Cast aside by the Vampire world, these criminals are called Night Walkers.
The Eternal Circle, a group of elders, rules the Vampires. They mandate and judge based on the Rules of Order. An elite group of Vampires, the Eternal Knights, direct descendants of the elder council, covertly protect the humans from the Night Walkers. They also enforce the Rules of Order. Within the human population the Eternal Guard, law enforcers ranking below the Knights, monitor Night Walker activity.
Of elder blood, these Eternal Knights are stronger and more powerful than other vampires. Each Knight has a Dragon, the sign of longevity and strength, etched on their right shoulder upon acceptance into the ranks of this special force.
The Knights stay close to Sun City, the Vampire community, and watch over the Elders. Each city around the world has “Guards” to protect humans from Vampires. These Guards are the future Knights.

The Rules of Order and their purpose within the Vampire World

• The existence of the Vampire race will be guarded at all cost. No human shall carry the memory or knowledge of the Vampire World.

• The Vampire race will remain pure with no other race, human or otherwise, blended within.

• Feeding on blood is strictly forbidden and punishable by death.

• No human shall be converted to Vampire.

• The Vampires shall act as guardians to the Humans. They will be protected from those within the Vampire race who continue to victimize their people.

Present day

The Eternal Circle has assigned a chosen group of the Knights their greatest challenge yet.

There have been cases of Vampires seeking relations with humans but only once by an elder. Years before, one elder broke the rules of order and chose a human mate. Though he never fully converted this woman, she gave him three daughters of different ages, all with his elder blood running within their veins. Upon discovery of his secret, the council had no option but to take action. The offsprings had to be separated. They could not allow all of them to be discovered together. These women could represent the start of a revolution. Within in the Vampire world, they would be temptation that fed the thirst. And to allow the Vampire world to see an elder had broken a “rule of order” could spawn others to condone such activities. To interact with the humans could lead to the temptation to drink.
And to the destruction of all the Vampire world had worked to achieve.
Their elder blood could turn the tide of power by its simply implications of leadership for their mates. But there was more than this simple symbolic meaning at risk. There were too many possibilities, too many variables that could not be risk. What power would their blood offer the Night Walkers? There was no way to know since this mixing of elder and human had never been known to them. That the mate of one of these women would possess more strength and power, however, was certain.
There were concerns that the girl’s blood might be used for testing. The Night Walkers were desperate to walk in the daylight again. The vaccine, having been abused and overused by their people, not longer worked for them.
The memories these women carried were erased and they were separated, placed in lives where they knew nothing of each other or the past.
A secret list of these offspring has been stolen from a hidden vault. Under no circumstances can the Night Walkers be allowed to mate with these women. Though there is no threat of reproduction, the Vampire bound to any of these women would possess greater strength and inherit the genetic skill of this elder. It would allow the Night Walkers to fight the Knights with far more success.
Now, three of these elite Eternal Knights, the future leaders of their race, are about to face a battle well beyond their greatest expectations. For these women, born of elder blood, will call to them like none other, yet, they are not pure blood and thus forbidden blood.

Book one
Eternal Passion
Destiny calls when a Vampire is forbidden from touching a human, but a psychic woman steals his heart. A shared enemy will bring them together, united in a passion like none either has ever known. But, in the end, life and death are closely linked. To save one, the other must break a code of honor. And the penalty might just be death.

The Summary

Three women are dead in New York, all with bite marks on their necks. The police have no clues and the city is in a panic. FBI agent Alexis Harrison is called in to help. Alexis is a physic who sees visions that are often vivid and sometimes brutally clear. Visions that offer clues to crimes. Over the years, she has taken comfort in knowing she is helping others. But this new case is frighteningly familiar. For years, Alexis has dreamt of these women, seeing flashes of each crime scene, followed by the images of a dark-haired man. She’d considered these nightmares a warning, but she doesn’t understand the threat they represent.
Then Alexis comes face to face with this man from her visions. She is both shocked and frightened. When he claims he’s going to protect her from an evil group of bloodsucking Vampires, she thinks he must be crazy. Yet, the murders she investigates might just hold the evidence he is telling the truth. Still, how can she trust a man she barely knows?
Lorenzo Ortega is a Vampire and a descendant of the elder council. As a part of the elite group, the Eternal Knights, he has been assigned to protect Alexis from those who plan to claim her and use her blood to acquire higher powers.
Together Alexis and Lorenzo ignite in a flame of passion that defies reason. For Lorenzo, a future leader of his people, humans are forbidden as mates. If and when he chooses a partner, she must be of pure blood. The longer Lorenzo is with Alexis the more he must battle the forbidden temptation she represents. Soon, Lorenzo can’t turn away from the yearning need that only Alexis can sate. Desire rages even as danger attacks from all directions.
When Alexis is bitten by a Night Walker, he must choose between killing her or saving her life by claiming her as his woman.

Book Two
Eternal Heat
Summary Synopsis

Kelly Nash is an archeologist just as her adopted father and mother had been. Her parents were killed on a dig site by a wild animal. By the very creature her father had spent his entire life trying to prove existed . . . a werewolf. Now, years later, Kelly does more than search for proof of this creature’s existence. She becomes a werewolf hunter. With her unique skills—exceptional strength and power—she fights to win. Kelly has assembled a small group of hunters who have become her close friends.

But unexpectedly, Kelly has become the hunted. The werewolves want her dead and a group of bloodthirsty Vampires seem to have targeted her hunters. Two of her people have died and she is desperate to protect the rest of her team. Suddenly, a dark stranger appears. A man who claims to offer her and her people safety and salvation. Only this man is no man. He, too, is a Vampire. One who awakens a passion she has never known and who demands her trust.

When this stranger, Chetan Rodriquez, a Vampire elder, begins to divulge the deep, dark secrets of her unknown past, she doesn't know if he is a messenger from heaven . . . or a messenger from hell. Soon, there is no black and white. Vampires and Werewolves are like humans, divided between good and evil.

Kelly finds her survival, and that of her hunters, dependant on her trust in Chetan . . . the very man who stole her past. But before she can come to trust him, she must overcome her own demons to learn that life without love, is a life unfulfilled.

Paradise anyone?

2005-10-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Paradise anyone?

Now Released!

2005-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Guilty Little Secrets
Lisa Renee Jones
ISBN 1-59578-174-9
www.lisareneejones.com
www.liquidsilverbooks.com

Blake Alexander has always had a thing for his best friend's kid sister, Laura. But he never acted on those feelings because of his friendship with her brother, Matt.

Leaving for the army had put much needed distance between Blake and temptation. But he's home now after years in the Special Forces, and he's opened a skydiving business with two of his army buddies. Fortunately, Laura had, long ago, moved away to New York. His crush is nothing but a guilty little secret he wishes he could forget.

Laura Cameron has just landed a job with the corporate office of Martin’s Department Store and is moving home to San Francisco. When she arrives, she is both shocked and surprised to find Blake has returned as well. When she was a teen, Blake had been the man of her dreams--the one who treated her like a kid and ignored her flirtation. But that was then and this is now ... Blake is about to find out just how much woman she can be.

Hello out there!

2005-10-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

So happy Sunday!!! Blogger is not wanting to add pictures so its very plain today..BOO....I tried to upload yesterday for a PR clients blog and it said they are having server problems...

Anyway, Diego got home after 12 days away and I am so happy. I slept for the first time since he left!! Next week is big for me. There are decisions and editors that I should know about. A recommended buy that has to go through the channels. It will be a week of celebration or tears. I hope the celebration is coming. It's been a long, hard path..

Anyway, Romance Junkies announced the contest winner. I as upset to be disqualified from the finalists because I had an excerpt posted on my site. I didn't see this on the rules as a no no and I had posted the IN THE WORKS projects with my new site. I never even thought about it being up. Also, with no names on the entries I don't know how people could have managed to find my excerpt on my site and go WOW that is Lisa's entry out of the hundreds I read. Better go vote. AND on the only week I was posted for voting because we ony had ONE week to get voted on. Still, I am not bitter lol. I figure Berkley has some of my work to read now and I have that chance from my agent. The chance for others who don't have an agent is more important. I figure that was the right thing anyway. Still, the way it was handled...

So Who's On top should be done today!! WOOHOOO!!! I finally figured out what I wasn't liking and it clicks now! Sometimes I think the writers block is because I know something is wrong and my mind is telling me I must FIX before I write. I get that now. That was what was wrong..

THIS WEEKS BLOG WINNER WITCHY!!!! Email me your address for your prize at LRENJ@AOL.COM

Here was my entry at Romance Junkies...

Synopsis
Series: Black Ops
Book One: Dangerous Illusions
By Lisa Renee Jones

Amanda Marquest is more than a CIA Operative. She is a brilliant scientist, as was her mother. It is this gift that makes her a risk to a man she will later learn is her father. A man who operates on the opposite side of the law. And a man whose identity her mother has kept from her. A secret that ended her mother’s life and now puts Amanda’s at risk.
Danger and passion collide in a race against the clock. Two CIA agents thrown together by circumstances, both with a deep scar in their past, must join forces to stop a madman’s devious plan. With their lives and hearts on the line they must learn to do the thing they fear the most…trust each other.

Chapter One

He was here again.
The dark stranger who’d appeared the past three days in a row. A part of her had anticipated his presence. Even hoped for it. Something about him had lingered in her mind, invading her thoughts at odd moments. Her CIA training had taught her the importance of focus. Distraction was a mistake.
Mistakes could be deadly.
As a college professor, in her current alias, Amanda Marquest found teaching quite stimulating. Yet after finishing up a lecture to her Organic Chemistry class the prior day, she‘d found her thoughts turning to this stranger. A student had asked a rather simple question about the difference between SN1 and SN2 reactions and it had gone in one ear and out the other. Having him repeat himself had been nothing shy of embarrassing. Like she didn’t know such a basic formula to perfection. It was a sign her head wasn’t in the game. A problem she couldn’t allow to continue. She had to deal with this man one way or the other.
Amanda Marquest’s month long ritual of coffee and a chocolate croissant had suddenly become a bit more interesting. And perhaps…deadly. This little detail – that he might be one of the many who hunted her - should have made the tension over seeing him again all about danger rather than the little thrill of female anticipation she felt. But it didn’t.
Stepping into the warmth of The Java Drip Café, she escaped the chill of the cool San Francisco morning. And her eyes instantly found the spot he’d claimed as his own. A corner table away from the rush of morning visitors.
He looked up at the same moment and their eyes locked, causing a strange flutter in her stomach. She would have laughed had anyone described such a thing.
But what this man did to her was far from a joke.
Forcing her eyes from his, she walked towards the counter, and shoved a long strand of blond hair out of her eyes. Silently, she cursed her hormones. Why now, after so many years of being on her own and without male companionship, had her body decided to scream for attention?
But as much as she liked conclusive answers - after all, she was both scientist and doctor to the core - there wasn’t one. It came down to the animalistic way humans responded to sexual attraction. He had that thing, that certain something, that set off her instincts.
With a glance, she knew more about him than most would after an hour long conversation. An instant assessment came automatically. As natural as breathing. Evaluating risk was part of her life. At five foot five with a petite build few considered her a threat. But she was a deadly weapon. She was physically fit and well honed to take on the enemy. Even if this stranger hadn’t been so intriguing, she would have known everything about him.
He had the look of a renegade.
Shoulder length hair, dark as night, a square jaw with a dimple in the middle, high cheekbones, and as usual, jeans a little too worn. His skin was a light brown. His eyes, dark, though she couldn’t be sure of the color.
She guessed him to be Italian, though it was possible he was Hispanic.
Sipping his coffee, he watched her. She felt his eyes like a warm blanket, touching her with the certainty of his stare. In her mind’s eye she could see his full lips, the bottom more so than the top, touch the paper cup. A white scar went from on side of his mouth to his nose. Small and thin, but an excellent point of identification.
She ordered her coffee and pastry, her mind racing with possibilities over his sudden and repeated appearances. The past month she’d made this stop daily. Treating herself to a morning indulgence of her sweet tooth was out of character. She trained hard in the gym each evening and fed her body to enhance her performance. Already her little indulgences felt like a sin. Now, with this stranger’s appearance, she knew it had been a dangerous gamble. Repeating her actions, being predictable, was against the core of her training. Yet, she’d been certain the radar screen no longer carried her mark.
For six months now, she had been living a normal life. Or so it seemed to the rest of the world. Amanda wasn’t quite sure what normal was. Only that calm and peaceful didn’t touch her life for this long of a time. The past few weeks there had been a time bomb ticking in her head. Of course, she’d outstayed her visit. She knew this. Moving again just felt like a never ending hell. Talking herself into staying a little longer had been easy. Convincing herself she had achieved her goal…to disappear. To be forgotten so that she, the hunted, could become the hunter.
She’d tried the aggressive attack approach years before. Seeking out those who wanted her dead. But with each step, someone had anticipated her move. Laying low had seemed her best option. Perhaps it had done nothing but waste time she could have spent finding answers.
For a moment, Amanda flashed back to the night of her mother’s death…to the coded message that had warned her of a danger she must outrun. Of her mother pleading with her to trust no one…not even her own government.
But surely if this man was one of those who tracked her, he wouldn’t show himself. And she’d seen the heat in his eyes. There was no doubt, he was attracted to her.
To be suspicious after so many months of quiet was probably a reflex of paranoia. People who were attracted to one another made a point of meeting again. Still…maybe she should approach him and eliminate the doubt from her mind. She paid for her coffee, and turned, determined to meet this man, to put her mind at ease.
But he was gone.
***
Someone was following her.
Pulling her jacket tighter around her neck, Amanda kept her posture relaxed.
An intentional façade.
Adrenaline charged her body as the familiar rush of awareness took hold. She was alert and ready for confrontation. Even after months of dormancy, her skills were second nature so that her defensive actions were automatic.
Turn the tables.
Become the aggressor.
Poignant and nasty, something sinister laced the air like a fine mist spoiling the sweetness of the San Francisco night. Deep inside, Amanda felt the pain of her past crashing into her created newly reality. In an instant, her pursuer had taken any hope she’d been forgotten.
The outcome was inevitable. No matter how this confrontation ended-and there would be a confrontation-she would be on the run once again.
With each stride forward, she was aware of the darkness on her heels. She could almost hear it laughing at her. Taunting her for her stupidity. For thinking time could play to her advantage. Coming out of hiding so soon had been a mistake. But she had been desperate to experience some semblance of freedom. She had rationalized her actions, convincing herself years of being a ghost, hiding in dark places, had been enough. And staying so long- well, that had been like the nail in her coffin. Somewhere along the way she’d developed some fairy tale notice of normalcy. This little life had felt nice. Safe. Better than being underground. But deep down, she knew the truth.
She had been born and bred into a life that would never be even remotely normal.
Discreetly, Amanda surveyed her surroundings, deciding on the best departure route. The night was the darkest of any she had experienced since her arrival. Appropriate for her departure, yet again, from normalcy. Eerily, the silence seemed to grow. It aided the menacing impact of the panel of clouds that even the air she breathed seemed damp and heavy. Her footsteps faded into the oblivion of the night.
Her lips thinned as the actual stillness of the air seemed to invade her lungs, thick and heavy, making it hard to breathe. Gone was the normal California breeze, as if in hiding.
Like the man following her.
She knew it was a man from the shimmer of movement she’d heard, heavier and more masculine than a woman’s.
As she reached the end of the block, she took the corner, flattening herself against the wall, preparing for her attacker. Wishing for the absence of the street light robbing her of coverage.
Becoming the aggressor.
Amanda Marquest, ex-CIA operative, was now ready for battle. She waited, waited, and then moved, kicking her foot, and making direct contact. A small success before she felt the return kick of her attacker.
The blows, wrist to wrist, came one after another. Only his seemed defensive, never making the first move. Her attacker was well trained, clearly matching her skill with his own. A man, well over six-feet-tall, and strong as an ox, his blows were calculated and clearly not meant to be fatal.
His intent was clear…to capture her.
He was strong, agile, and capable of succeeding in his task. She couldn’t afford to make a mistake. Maneuvering in circles, she paced herself, meeting his stare, feeling his intensity.
She knew him. It hit her with a sudden impact. The man from the coffee shop. There was no time to curse her stupidity. Later. Her focus had to remain on the battle.
They were like two wild animals, stalking each other, not attacking, but preparing, waiting. When she moved, he moved. The shuffle of a can hit her feet, and she seized the opportunity it offered. Kicking it at her attacker, knowing he would have to adjust his footing, she reached for her weapon.
Securing it from her jacket, she pointed, and demanded, “Who the hell are you?”
She found herself staring into the barrel of her attacker’s gun. Damn, he was good. Even with a distraction, he’d responded with perfection in his timing. But then, she really hadn’t expected less.
Going up against well trained opponents was all a part of the game. You trained hard physically to earn the opportunity to outsmart the enemy.
She looked straight into her attacker’s dark eyes. Black. Now she knew. Assessing him as she knew he was her, she knew he had an advantage. He already knew who she was, and probably a great deal about her strengths and weaknesses.
It was critical she identify his.
Those eyes spoke of his nationality, but not necessarily his allegiances. She repeated her words, needing to hear his voice. Knowing his origin might hint at his employer.
“Who are you?” Her words were enunciated perfectly.
His voice was calm, his tone like cold steel, and completely without accent. “A friend.”
She laughed, adrenaline pumping through her veins, an old high still too familiar. “I don’t think so.” Then, all sighs of humor gone, “Try again.”
He showed absolutely no signs of reaction. “Your country needs you, Amanda.”
Inwardly, she cringed. Damn it! Why had she come out of hiding so soon? Impatience had cost her. “You’ve got the wrong person. There is nothing I have to offer my country.”
“Dr. A has much to offer.”
A chill raced up her spine. No matter how she tried to disappear her past found her. “Dr. A is dead.”
“You can’t erase what is,” he said quickly, firmly. “You’re needed.”
For what and by who was the question? And with what hidden agenda? “Who are you?”
“Duran.” The name was dimly familiar. “If I found you, others can as well. And believe me, they’re looking.”
Reality never tasted quite so bitter. Her eyes narrowed. Her trigger finger itched. “Who sent you?”
“You don’t just walk away from duty. It calls to you, Dr. A.” Then with an authoritative edge to his voice, he added, “You are needed.”
Through clenched teeth she bit out her response. “I’m not Dr. A.”
“Yes,” He stepped forward. Automatically, she stepped backwards. His words were spoken slowly, adding emphasis to their meaning. “You are.”
“Stop.” Amanda waved her gun. One more step, and she would be against the wall, trapped like a rat. The thought didn’t set well. “Don’t think I won’t use it,” she warned.
His expression showed nothing. His voice remained calm. “I know you won’t hesitate to take out an enemy.” He had stopped walking. “But are you so sure that’s what I am?”
There was no hesitation before her response. “Are you sure you want Dr. A?”
His brow inched up. “I have found Dr. A.”
Her chin tipped as she looked him squarely in the eyes. “Then you’re the enemy.”
His face was free of expression, but she sensed the calculation going on in his head. “What if I told you there were lives at stake?”
She snorted. “There always are. Surely you can do better than that.”
He was very still. Too still. “People will die without your help.”
She corrected him. “Dr. A’s help.”
He inclined his head ever so slightly. “Precisely.”
“Why should I care?” she asked, trying to be flippant. Human life was not something she easily snubbed her nose at. She’d lived her job. Still did.
“Because I know you’re not as cold as you are trying to seem. You have a reputation for helping those who need help. People need you.”
Her brow dipped. “Who are you?”
“I told you,” he said, “a friend.” He paused, “One of your own.”
She knew he meant CIA. Sarcasm laced her response. “Oh, well, there you have it. Now everything is so simple. I should put down my gun and trust you, right?”
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “How about I lower mine? Then will you hear me out?” Slowly, he began lowering his weapon.
Her weapon didn’t move. She held it steady, aimed at his forehead. He put the safety on his weapon, and stuck it in a holster under his jacket. His eyes held hers as he moved.
Clearly, trying to earn her trust, his hands went out to his sides. “What do you say? Have a cup of coffee with me, and listen to what I have to say.”
“You attack me and then ask me to have coffee with you?” she asked in astonishment. “I should shoot you just for the pure stupidity of your actions.”
“Hey,” he reasoned. “I didn’t attack you. I followed you. You’re the one who went all wild and started throwing punches.”
“You were following me,” Amanda The flash of understanding in his eyes told her he knew she meant the coffee shop. “Not shooting at you.”
“Your point?”
“I just wanted to talk. And that’s what I want now,” he explained. “To talk.”
Her chest rose and fell several times. “You have a funny way of making conversation.” Her weapon stayed pointed at him. Aimed for the spot between his eyes.
“You attacked, not me.”
“You want to talk?” she asked. “Talk.”
And then he said the name that got her attention. “Dr. Roger Franklin.”
Her blood felt as if it had suddenly frozen.
Franklin had all but succeeded in taking out thousands in a subway poisoning in China years before. He had planned to blame Americans and launch a war against the red, white, and blue. It was Amanda and her mother who had come up with the antidote that had made America look like the hero not the enemy.
Letting out a breath, she lowered her gun slightly. “You’ve got my attention.”
***
Antonio Duran felt a rush of relief when Amanda responded to Franklin’s name. He wanted that man to go down worse than he wanted the retirement he’d soon be taking. The man had an itch to hurt the American people like he’d never seen before. No way could he walk away from the agency with a clear conscious without catching this guy.
He eyed Amanda with interest hoping his instincts about ditching his weapon were right. It had been a sign of good faith. Hopefully not a foolish one. No wonder she’d been a hell of an agent at one point. In the week he’d watched her, it had been impossible to miss her beauty. She had that sexy girl-next-door thing going on that could be used to manipulate. Now, with her skills put to the test, she’d proven she was a damn good fighter as well.
Those things along with her track record of dealing with Franklin would make her an excellent asset. That was, if she wasn’t dirty. He couldn’t be absolutely sure. His observations to this point said she wasn’t. So did his gut. But his instincts had failed him once before, and it had cost lives. And that had been over a woman as well. He’d never be that foolish again. Amanda Marquest was the enemy and she’d stay that way. He didn’t care how damn innocent and good looking she might be. All he cared about was stopping Franklin. Once he’d finished using Amanda, the agency could deal with her.
With his hands by his sides, unmoving, he tried to ensure Amanda knew he wasn’t an imminent threat. He eyed her hand, still wrapped in ready position around her weapon. He’d feel a hell of a lot better if she’d follow his lead and lower her weapon. Despite the feminine side he’d glimpsed those mornings in the coffee shop, there was no doubt, she could be deadly.
“How about putting yours away, Dr. A.” It wasn’t a question.
She did the opposite, taking aim again. “Don’t call me that.”
He laughed and held up his hands. She had a little temper. All sweet as sugar on the outside but not so much so on the inside. “Alright you win. I can respect a sensitive subject. Can I at least call you Amanda? Or do you prefer your current alias of Tiffany Roberts?”
“Don’t call me anything,” She said her stare as chilly as ice. Nothing like the warm look of interest she’d given him just this morning. “Say what you have to say, and be done with it,” she added.
“It’s a little dark back here,” he said, arms lifting, indicating the alley. “How about that cup of coffee?”
She gave him a sharp look, and lowered her weapon to her side. “I’d have thought you’d had your share of coffee by now.”
He smiled. Her directness about their morning encounters didn’t surprise him. But their attraction to one another had been both unexpected and unwelcome. Business and pleasure didn’t mix. And sleeping with the enemy, which she could well be, was a good way to die.
“I didn’t try to hide from you,” he said.
Her brow inched upward. Despite only having the dim glow of a streetlight to see by, he could see the brilliance of her mind at work “Why is that, I wonder?”
“It was a simply act of good faith. I wanted to be clear from the start. I have nothing to hide from you. Yes, I followed you. I wanted to make sure you weren’t dirty.”
Her voice was sharp. “I’m not dirty.”
“An operative that goes MIA is most likely dead or working for the other side.”
She repeated her words. “I’m not dirty.”
“Then you’ll want to help your country in its hour of need.”
“You need Dr.A’s help not mine.”
“Let’s stop talking in circles.”
She was silent for long moment. “Fine. I’ll meet you in fifteen minutes at Joe’s Diner.” She didn’t give him an address. “Sit at a table near the back and by a window. If I don’t see you, I won’t come inside. Now turn and walk away. I’ll follow.”
His brow lifted. She had reason to be cautious but then so did he. Giving his back to a stranger wouldn’t be smart. “We walk out of this alley side by side. Then I’ll go right and you go left.”
A hint of defiance flashed in her eyes. He could tell she wanted to force him to go ahead of her. “Fine,” she said, after a moment, “but don’t try any funny stuff. Test me and you won’t like the results. I have no reason to trust you.”
“Nor I, you,” he stated, pinning her in a knowing look.
Several seconds passed until, in silent agreement, they turned to walk to towards the street. Two strangers, side-by-side, ready to act.
He didn’t trust her. She didn’t trust him. They’d made that perfectly clear. But if Amanda was Dr. A and she hadn’t gone dirty, she knew as well as he that somehow they had to get to the same page.
To trust enough to defeat Franklin…together.

Healer at RT!!

2005-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled that HEALER recieved 4.5 stars at RT!! WOOHOOO! This will be in the December issue:)
Also recieved a great review for Romance Reviews today for Red Hot Secrets which will post on the 20th!

Here is a tiny piece of the RT review for HEALER!

The ending leaves you longing to learn more about these warriors and the
world they try to defend. (dl $5.95)

Susan Mobley

And, fingers crossed, a senior editor recommended me as a buy yesterday. I have been close before so I am not counting my chickens but its still exciting and if nothing else a confidence booster I needed so very badly!

Anyway, Who's On Top, I talked to my EC editor and I am taking it on to print size. So both Office Games stories will be in print!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Lisa

Morning all! TRS chat prize winner!

2005-10-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Morning!

Still have no contest winners! Check saturdays Blog!! Meredith was the TRS chat winner!!WOOHOO! She won two downloads! List is there!

Well I know an editor was reading me last night. Made for a hard evening. I have a bad way of getting insomnia when stressed and that has been destroying me the past few days. While awake I can't focus yet I get in the bed and can't sleep.

Okay so I was looking for new shows to spike my creative side and stumbled on the short lived Tarzan. Lucy Lawless was in

Anyway, the Calvin Klein model too..

The critics say the show was wonderful but the networks axed it without a real shot. You know they almost did that to Seinfield? They are quick to cut their losses..

Who's on Top, book two of the Office Games series at EC was going to be a novella. It's now over 40k...I think it may end up print size. The characters just want to resolve certain issues and I can't do it fast. Plus they really really love getting all hot and bothered. My characters in Healer kept doing that to me lol!

Well, off to write!

Happy Tuesday!

Lisa

Monday!

2005-10-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Thanks for the spam tips! I am going to figure out how to set that up today! Go away spammers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Cathey (Xena fan that she is lol) I watched three Xena's and the first one I was a little tough on lol. Xena took on like 20 guys and it made her seem as if she could do no wrong. BUT by episode three it was growing on me. I thought the characters started taking on personality and the show did to0. It might just be a keeper:) I always think shows get better after the first few episodes. Maybe because we become committed to the characters. Looking forward to seeing Hercules in it too! I know he shows up somewhere along the road!!

Chatted last night at TRS! Thanks to all those who came!

Okay more fun facts but not a lot about Xena so I included Hercules:)

1. Lucy Lawless starred in "Xena" (Edit)

2. Lucy Lawless will reprise her starring role as Maddy Rierdon in CBS' movie, "Vampire Bats" in October 2005. (Edit)

3. "Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot." (Edit)

4. Son, Julius Robert Bay Tapert, born in New Zealand. [16 October 1999] Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. [1997] Fractured her pelvis after falling from a horse. She was practicing a scene for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" [October 1996] Daughter, with Garth Lawless, Daisy (born 1989). Studied drama at the William Davis Center for Actors Study, under William B. Davis. [1991] Gave birth to third child, Judah Miro Tapert, May 7, 2002 in New Zealand w/ weight 8 lbs, 8 ou. He's her 2nd child with Robert Tapert. Marital Status: Current Husband: Robert G. Tapert (28 March 1998 - present) 2 sons Ex-Husband: Garth Lawless (1988 - 1995) (divorced) 1 daughter Lucy suffered a miscarriage immediately following the filming of the last episode of Xena. She originally had planned on cancelling a appearance she was to make with Xena partner Renee O'Connor (Gabrielle) at a convention but showed up despite just suffering a miscarriage a few days earlier, even though Renee was 6 months pregnant with her first baby. Sister-in-law of actress Mary Beth Tapert. Sister, Josie Ryan, is an actress that wrote and performed in a one woman play titled "Sister Wonder Woman" Wanted to be an opera singer until she was 16. Then she learned they have a strict diet and can't stay out all night. After that she changed her mind but still sings. Measurements: 35 1/2C-25-36 1/2 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine) Nickname: Unco, short for Uncoordinated Played Rizzo in Grease on Broadway from September 9 to October 19 1997. Performed in the Vagina Monologues from February 14 to March 16 2002. Played Dorothy in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, May 13-15 2005, with the Seattle Men's Chorus. (Edit)

1. One of the two of seven original cast members on Andromeda born outside of Canada. (Edit)

2. Personal quotes (On losing the opportunity to star in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman) "You know what? It happened for the right reason. Although I would have made a good Clark Kent. I look better in glasses." (Edit)

3. Height 6' 3" (1.91 m) (Edit)

4. Was a possible for David Duchovney's role in "X Files, The" (1993). Born at 7:48am-CST First child, son Braedon Cooper, was born to his wife Sam Jenkins weighing in at 7-pounds, 8-ounces in Henderson, Nevada. [22 August 2001] Kevin Sorbo attended Minnesota State University Moorhead (then known as Moorhead State University (Edit)

5. Worked as a bouncer & a model before getting his break in "Hercules". Began his career with an one-liner in a TV commercial for Jim Beam whiskey: 'This ain't Jim Beam.' (Edit)

6. Grew up in Mound, MInnesota (Edit)

7. Underwent drug therapy for an aneurysm in his left shoulder; complications from the medication forced him to withdraw from a planned role in Black Dog (1998). [Fall 1997] (Edit)

8. Auditioned for the role of Superman/Clark Kent in "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." (Edit)

9. Mr. Sorbo is husband to the former Sam Jenkins, the actress who played "The Golden Hind" and whom he met on "Hercules:The Legendary Journeys." Together, they have one son. (Edit)

Talk soon!!
Send good vibes my way for agent news this week:)
Lisa

Xena

2005-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Thinking about trying Xena...anyone know about it? Is it good?

So, I was thinking about what someone said about Adrian Paul being better than my pictures yesterday. I agree but you know I didn't use to really like him. I started watching Highlander and that changed. I think its his screen presence or maybe the kind of hero he plays in the show. The kind of guy that would rescue you and be the white knight. Gotta love that in man.

Who's On Top was going to be 24 to 25k and now its around 40k! I can't believe it. It just wants to keep going!

I am reading Dark Lover. Now I have heard great things. The writer writes excellent. However, the many many points of view is bugging me. I do really like the hero/herione relationship now that it is progressing but it took a while to get to it... I also had issue with a scene where someone is blown up by a bomb in a car. See these vamps can transport themselves in a flash yet this vamp had time to think about his daughter and never seeing her again and he didn't think himself gone. That bothered me. That is an issue with transport stuff and I think Feehan handles it well. There is often attacks within the air around the mist the hero has become. In this book they can just disappear so why even fight? And I am almost halfway through and I don't know if the enemy can disappear.Now this said, I still love this authors writing. I think she is incredibly talented. Not once have I thought of craft when reading her and I find as a writer I tend to think craft when I read people. Not this author. Her work is seamless and well done. As I keep reading I hope that the thing I don't like disappear. Sometimes once you are involved more with the hero and herione the troubles slip away.

So, off the read and write! Happy Sunday!

Contest winners!

2005-10-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Happpy Saturday!

This is actor Austin Peck.

My first weeks blogger winner is Amanda Brown! Amanda email me your address for your prize at Lisarenjones@aol.com!

The HUGE goodie bag for my newsletter drawing for October goes to:Bowinhand

The Nauturlizer Watch from my October newsgroup drawing is:radiocrypt

Winners email me your address too!

Friday!

2005-10-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Well I couldn't sleep last night. I made the mistake of doing a clients newsletter that had ghost stories in it! How nuts was that at midnight! I'd been up since 6am and still I coudln't go to sleep. Someone asked what Grandma said when my son called about seeing the face in the window. My mom came to the house and charged to our very large backyard to do a search thus proving me a chicken and making my son feel safe lol! Book two of my Office Games series was supposed to be 25k. It's going to wrap at about 40k. I just couldn't get enough character development at 25k. Heck it might go longer. I'm hoping not. I have to turn it in!! My Red Hot characters have decided to make and appearance so readers can see them again!

Here is a short excerpt. This is a very emotional scene. Not an erotic one, but one that makes the physical part of what they share more intense:

Several seconds passed and Reese squeezed the knob, feeling his stomach clench. For some reason, Cat accepting his words, and allowing him back into her world, mattered in ways beyond the moment. He needed her. Whatever she’d made him feel that night they’d shared, he wanted to wrap himself in it and forget.
To get lost in Cat and what she made him feel. To forget everything else.
The soft touch of her hand on his arm made his heart kick up a beat and his breath lodge in his throat. Without words, he felt her understanding. Slowly, he turned to face her, looking down into her forgiving eyes, not even trying to hide the pain in his. He didn’t care if she saw. Maybe he should but he didn’t.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I should have listened.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “I should have called sooner but-”
She pushed up on her toes and pressed a finger to his lips. “Shh. I understand.” For a beat, then two, they stared at each other. Slowly, he relaxed, taking the comfort she meant to offer and letting it ease into his mind and body. “Come,” she said, sliding her hand around his.
Reese followed her into the living room. It was clear she’d been awake. The television played on low. A glass of wine sat on the coffee table. Beside it sat a half eaten bag of popcorn.
They settled onto the couch side-by-side, bodies turned towards each other. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked, her voice low, and without any sign of probing. It was an offer not a demand.
“What if I said I don’t?” he asked.
She smiled. “That’s okay too.”

Tomorrow I will post a hot excerpt!!!

Anyone who posted on the blog this week - I will draw tomorrow for a prize!!

Above is Adrian Paul. I just started watching Highlander. Am I right or did he get to be a better actor and fighter about season four? Still, the shows move kind of slow and the storylines jump around. Anyone know if it gets better as the seasons move on? I love some shows and am bored out of my mind until the fights in others...Also I just read they are filming another highlander movie! It will be great to see what they do with more modern technology!

Talk soon!
Lisa

Morning!

2005-10-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I am going to post a new contest on my contest page today... Also plan to do a few things on my list for the weekend! No word from my agent other than she knows ones editor is reading. 10 total editors have my work, 7 in the US and 3 outside the US. If they all say no, I might just have to say this isn't meant to be. That's a lot of no's if they are no's! Diego is gone until the 15th. Would you believe at 38 I have never been alone more than two days? This is wierd. I watched the Exorcism of Emily Rose with Diego. In the movie 3am is the evil hours. The opposite of the time Jesus is thought to have been reborn. So now I HATE 3am. In the movie, freaky stuff happened at 3am. See, this movie is supposed to be based on real stuff. Real stuff is scarey stuff!

I remember once when I was alone with my youngest son. We were never alone, his dad and older brother were always there. Well Ronald walks into the kitchen and scream, swearing he saw a face in the dark window above the sink. He is freaked and so I am freaked. What if he did? So Ronald and I are huddled in the bedroom and he says, we should call Grandma. Grandma!! Hello?!! He said she was way braver than me lol! I got all indignant and said that was not true. Then I told him to call her.

See you guys tomorrow!

Lisa

New release for friend and writer Sylvia Day!!!

2005-10-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Now Available!

Check out this hot cover guys!!! WOO HOO! Fanning myself. And the storyline rocks!!!

Summary:

Special Task Force agent Derek Atkinson has a craving for luscious vamp Sable Taylor. But Sable is a bounty hunter, which makes him direct competition in the capture of wanted criminals. Despite the obvious attraction between them, she won't give him a chance and after two years, he's tired of waiting for her to come around.

So he's got a plan to give them both what they want…each other.

Sable's on a dangerous mission. She's not who Derek thinks she is, so a relationship just isn't possible. But like most master vampires, Derek's wily and used to having his way. When he traps her on his ship, she decides to indulge. Two straight days of mind-blowing sex should be enough, but it isn't, not for either of them. Her heart is involved now, but Sable can't let Derek get too close. If he finds out what she's doing, he'll never forgive her.

Derek, however, refuses to let go. Now he's getting shot at and asking questions she shouldn't answer. Sable has to reveal the truth… Derek's love has been misled…

ISBN #1-4199-0385-3
$5.20
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0385-3

New cover!

2005-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:00