It’s Saturday … and for the first time in weeks, I’m NOT in the middle of packing and/or moving. That means I have time to put up a post. Hooray!
Hard to believe this is week 91 for My Sexy Saturday. Can’t say I’ve participated every week, but I do what I can.
I’m not sure I have anything that fits this week’s theme, so instead I’ll serve up a sexy moment from a work in progress. Bethany and Cody — the couple who got more wedding night action than the bride and groom — are back TROUBLE IN PARADISE, the second of my “Reality (TV) Bites” books.
In this scene, Beth and Cody are getting ready to film a video essay application for Romance TV’s new show, “Invitation to Sin.” Beth wants to test their relationship because she’s worried Cody’s getting bored; Cody reluctantly agrees to apply because he figures there’s no way in hell they’ll be picked. Romance TV lightning won’t strike their circle twice, right?
***
Cody sauntered into the room a few minutes later, wearing his new green and orange swim trunks and a big grin. He pointed at his pale white chest, then at Bethany’s equally pasty midriff. “Think we ought to do some self-tanning first?”
Bethany giggled. “Are you kidding? Pasty white skin will be the Romance TV execs’ first clue that we need this trip more than anyone.”
“Where do you want me, then?”
She waved at the chair. “You sit there, and I’ll sit in your lap.” When he didn’t move, she shot him an impatient look. “What are you waiting for?”
“You think it’s such a good idea for you to be wiggling around on my lap when we’re both wearing next to nothing? This video is for Romance TV, not the Porn Network.”
Bethany stifled another giggle so she could answer him with a straight face. “Don’t worry. I won’t blow your cover.”
When she saw the mischief dancing in his golden-brown eyes, she knew she’d just opened herself up for a doozy of a comeback. She held her breath until he delivered it. “Sweetheart, you can blow whatever you want.”
TROUBLE IN PARADISE, an indie release, is coming soon … hopefully this fall.
Help me welcome my friend Madeline Martin to Writer Wednesday. Madeline is a fellow LaLaLa, and she was a guest for my Breaking All the Rules release party back in March. Her question about the appeal of nerdy guys generated a great discussion — and resulted in my brother earning the crown as king nerd.
Madeline writes Scottish historical romance, so this introduction wouldn’t be complete without a mention of my love for Highlander, the TV show. Adrian Paul was yummy, wasn’t he?
Her debut novel, Deception of a Highlander, came out in April. With a kilted hero, a sharp-witted spy, intrigue and enough hot, hot scenes to steam up the windows, it sounds like a fantastic read. And if you like highlanders, her follow-up, Possession of a Highlander, is set for release in August.
Here’s her official bio:
Madeline Martin lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (AKA OldestMinion and YoungestMinion) along with their two cats: SketchyCat who stares at walls and eats fuzz and LapCat who has a shoe fetish and enjoys Kung Pow peanuts. All shenanigans are detailed regularly on Twitter.
Madeline graduated from Flagler College with a degree in Business Administration and works for corporate America. Her hobbies include rock climbing, running, doing crazy races (like Mud Runs and Color Runs) and just about anything exciting she can do without getting nauseous.
About Deception of a Highlander:
Scottish Romance doesn’t get much steamier—or more dangerous—than a spy hunting her quarry, and losing her heart to him instead.
To pay a seemingly impossible debt, Mariel Brandon has become a spy for Aaron, one of England’s deadliest minds. Aaron’s latest mission for the sharp-witted and daring Mariel is to find two people in a heavily fortified castle on the Isle of Skye, a castle headed by the clan MacDonald and the powerful Kieran. Mariel is to seduce Kieran and get him to take her to Skye. If she succeeds, Aaron promises to let Mariel’s young brother go, and to free both of them from their debt. If she fails, her brother will die.
What she doesn’t count on is craving Kieran MacDonald almost immediately upon meeting him. Now Mariel must keep a secret from Kieran—one that could get them both killed—as she tries to form a plan that will save her brother, get her out from under Aaron’s thumb once and for all, and keep her in Kieran’s strong arms forever.
Now, for a round of “This or That”:
Cake or pie? Cake (really just the frosting, but that sounds a little too shameless, doesn’t it?)
Snack of choice: sweet or salty? Sweet, then salty, then sweet, then salty — continue until I’m overfull of junk and self-deprecating loathing.
Kilts or jeans? I prefer both totally off, please 🙂 But if given the choice, a kilt — especially if it comes with a six-pack (and I dinna mean beer, aye?) 😉
Urban dweller or country gal? Urban dweller all the way. I’m too Type A for the country.
Chest hair or bare? Bare or a light speckling. I’m not a bear fan. Just sayin.
Favorite writing spot: Home office or coffee shop? Home office. I make these faces when I write highly emotional scenes….yeah….
Madeline has graciously agreed to give away an e-book copy of Deception of a Highlander to one lucky commenter. To enter, pick one of the “This or That” questions and share your answer … or just tell us what you think of Adrian Paul.
He’s on Facebook, by the way. I had no idea. Naturally, I liked the page after taking this screenshot.
This week, help me welcome Constance Phillips to Writer Wednesday.
Constance is another of my Turquoise Morning Press sisters, and I visited her blog a couple of weeks ago to talk about Breaking All the Rules.
In her own words:
Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids where she writes contemporary romance novels and paranormal romance novels. When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.
Her newest release (or re-release), Resurrecting Harry, sounds intriguing. The blurb:
In order to save the only woman he’s every loved from self-destruction, Harry puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper, Jaden. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch.
If he wants to keep his new life, he must convince Bess to give up the promise she made to Harry on his death bed and call off the séance she’s scheduled on the anniversary of his death.
Will Erich be able to help Bess over her loss and will any good come from resurrecting Harry?
The book’s buzz is good, too. Some reviews:
“ This was a very fast read for me and kept me guessing to the very end. ” M. E. Wilson
“Theirs was a love story that Ms. Phillips delves into in her novel. ” R. Trogne
“Great story, new idea. All in all. Worth a read.” The Eternal Scribe
I can’t wait to add Resurrecting Harry to my TBR queue.
Now, let’s get to know Constance better with a round of “This or That.”
Coke or Pepsi? Coke, Diet Coke to be specific.
Baseball or football? Honestly, if I’m going to watch sports, it’s hockey. Between the two, I’d say football.
Bacon or sausage? As of late, I’ve been more of a bacon girl.
iPhone or Android? Android. Mac/Apple technology confuses me.
Vacation time: Beach or mountains? Hard choice, but I’m going have to go with the beach!
Night owl or early bird? It used to be the other way around, but lately I’m a early to bed, early to rise girl.
Want to find out more? You can find Constance everywhere: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Tumbler | Google + | Tsu
Resurrecting Harry is available for preorder on Kindle and Smashwords, and will be available again in most formats and in most online retailers April 30.