Nat'l Camping Week: I'll TakeTwo HUNKS Along!

Two Camping HUNKS below!

My concept of camping is staying in a lodge with a bed, bathroom, TV, phone, food...you get the idea. I don't DO camping. I don't sleep in tents in the "great outdoors", nor "go off in the woods" for bathroom forays.

About the closest thing I've done to actual camping is when my husband, two of our kids, and I, used my in-laws camper and drove up to Niagara Falls, crossed into Canada, and then drove through some New England states. The camper had a kitchen, beds, bathroom/shower, and electrical power when we "plugged in" at campgrounds.

This wasn't really too bad, as we were a self-contained unit and had our privacy...without bugs. We barbecued on a grill, not over a campfire. Hell. I never even did that in Girl Scouts. Just not my "thing" to enjoy the "great outdoors" of nature.

Now, hiking and camping are hobbies tons of people enjoy...and I say have at it..just please, don't take me with you! I'll do my hiking in malls, thank you. Walking around the neighborhood or at malls is fine...I don't need to see every flower/shrug/insect nature has to offer.

Heck...I don't even like picnics...never did...because I don't DO bugs. Yeah, I was a moper at family outings as a child and avoided going if I could.

I tried one outdoor sport...golf. Hated every minute. I REALLY tried to like it, but the thought of spending hours chasing a tiny ball I usually either missed hitting or hit by trees in warm temperatures just never appealed to me. Anyone interested in buying used women's left-handed golf clubs?

I go to baseball/football games...as long as it's not too hot or too cold. I want my comfort. And my hot dogs.

Now, if these HUNKS were to invite me to share a tent and go camping, I'd have to rethink my whole "I don't like the outdoors" attitude...wouldn't you do the same thing? They could set up camping equipment, build campfires, make dinner. Hell...the one on the right already has a tent and jacket and likes to camp during the holidays. I could fit easily between the two of them in one giant sleeping bag...sharing's a good thing! So's body warmth, heat, snuggling, touching...etc.

Hmm. Maybe then I'd enjoy the wonders of nature...and the men who share that interest!

I'm actually writing/editing a book about a woman who knows zilch about camping but goes with the hero to try and pass herself off as a seasoned camper...sounds like something I definitely can relate to...not knowing a damn thing!

Photos: Flickr: wine me up, adam79, and Here in Van Nuy's photostreams, and Rockshots.com

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Two Disatrous June Wedding Stories

Lots of little girls grow into women who want to be  June Brides. Maybe because it's the season of flowers, sunshine, love. Maybe it's because school is over and engaged couples are ready to take that plunge. Maybe it's because designers/wedding paraphernalia companies bombard us with weddings/gowns/bridal propaganda to make the month of June appear to be "THE" month to wed.

Here are two June weddings I've been to. Maybe these couples shouldn't have been swayed by "Wedding Bells" advertisements to marry in June and have waited...or not married at all?

Wedding # 1: I had to travel to FL for this one. A cousin was marrying for the third time. So was his bride-to-be. The wedding would include family and friends...most from his motorcycle group. The bride was cutting corners since the budget must have been close to nothing. She made her own dress...and calling this frock a dress is being polite!

The black and white wedding outfit consisted of a dress (?) that was 1. strapless, 2. low on her breasts so her tattoos showed, 3. had a cut-out in front in an inverted "V" shape from legs to very close to her crotch. She spent the entire day pulling her dress up on top and tugging it down by her crotch. She wore a black belt and black boots.

The cake was black and white. The flower girls and bridesmaids wore black. The flowers were black. The "ceremony"/reception was held in a beer hall.

About five years later, we found out that the wedding had been a sham. The bride's divorce hadn't finalized, so rather than call off the wedding, a friend had posed as the preacher who "married" them. Their friends knew what was going on, but none of the relatives, including the groom's mother and sisters, knew anything about it.

Wedding #2. The bride and groom had lived together for years before taking the plunge. The bride was someone in my family and my first impression of the groom was NOT favorable. Although no one said anything, we all spoke about this later and NO ONE liked him. Arrogant, snobbish, this oaf made fun of the bride's weight and since he was starting a job as an English teacher, decided to correct everyone's grammar...at the rehearsal dinner.

From the bride's side of the family, it was a combination of a BIG Italian wedding and a BIG Jewish wedding...so there was an abundance of everything to the point of overkill. Tons of food and drink.

The groom's mother and new husband called the day before and said they missed their flights...when in reality they hadn't gotten tickets because they couldn't afford them. The groom's father and new wife came, but didn't have money to pay for a hotel.

The bride's family paid to fly the mother and husband to the wedding, and had everyone sleep at the bride's father's home. Something like 10 people to include the groom's family slept in a three-bedroom, one bath home...because they had no money.

We enjoyed seeing all our family again so had a great time. We flew in our 3 daughters and two of their fiances. My husband and I made the three-day trip by car so we could sight-see.

One month after the wedding, the groom admitted to cheating on the bride, said he never loved her, had found his "true love", and wanted out. Not only that, but the bride was now pregnant. The photographer hadn't even gotten the wedding pictures developed yet, and the marriage was over. 

I'm sure there's a romance story there...maybe a wedding planner who handles these weddings and ends up falling in love with the caterer!
 
Anyone have a June bride story? Hopefully a pleasant one? 


Photos: Flickr: Chealion, Pirate Scott, b8b8ng, Roberto Rizzato-pix-jockey-Facebook-resident's photostreams.
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National Rose Month - the Flower of Love

Let's hear it for the roses...all sizes, shades and colors! The wonderful aroma, beautiful bouquets, bushes, etc., all around us. Colors of Roses and what they mean:

RED: Known as the Lover's Rose, shades can go from light to deep crimson. What better Valentine's gift than red roses? Maybe with chocolates to add a special "romance" meaning?

PINK: Expresses gentility, femininity, elegance, admiration. Deep pink: gratitude. Light pink: grace.

WHITE: Represents purity, innocence and celebrates weddings and young love.

 YELLOW: Evokes a sense of warmth and friendship. In Victorian times, it symbolized jealousy!

ORANGE: Symbolize desire, attraction, and passion...that can lead to a wild romance!

LAVENDER, LILAC, PURPLE: Displays enchantment, and imagination...and love at first sight.

TURQUOISE: Expresses well-being, calmness, fertility.

BLUE:  Embodies a sense the impossible and of mystery while hoping for an extraordinary chance for the beginning of something new.

GOLD: No better way to say "I Care", "Welcome Back", "Remember Me", my friend.






 Whatever color you choose, you can't go wrong...except with black. No romance there. Just sorrow so stay away from them. Although, I'm sure some paranormal romances will feature these black roses as the choice of shade for dark tales!

Credits: Teleflora, Proflowers, Morrison Gardens, Roses for Life.
Photos: Flickr: D. Sharon Pruitt, Madmoiselle Lavender, The Gifted, Angela M. Michel, BONGURI, dorena-wm, KIUKO, naitokz and ghewqill's photostreams.

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Sex Challenge - Will You Participate?

I saw the following article in Cosmopolitan online: "The Cosmo Sex Challenge: 77 Positions in 77 Days". According to the blurb, "One brave writer and her boyfriend attempt to bang their way through The Cosmo Kama Sutra, doing all of the positions in less than three months. Check in every weekday as the two of them get down, get up, get upside down, and, well, get off."

Check: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/great-sex-ideas/77-positions-introduction


Apparently, this couple plans to do all 77 positions and report on a daily basis. You can look back and start at day one. Positions are illustrated (no live shots!).

So...how many positions do you read about in romance books? As an author, how many positions do you have your hero and heroine use? I must admit, I haven't utilized most of the positions this couple has tried/will try in my books...but some seem quite interesting!

Ah, to be young again and have sex every day...for 77 days straight? Could you and your loved one handle it? Even in my younger days, I wonder if my husband and I could have managed the challenge without taking a breather.

Maybe this guy knows something we don't. Will you take the challenge?


Photos: Flickr: yuankuel, kaysha, rick, AprilSander's photostreams



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National Read a Road Map Day - Can You Find "LOVE"?

Happy National "Read A Road Map" Day! I thought I'd skip going into the boring details of checking road maps...don't you use a GPS system now?...and branch off to a different tangent on this.

Let's see...read a road map and find your way somewhere. Isn't the journey to LOVE kinda like that? Don't you have to follow a "path", go in a certain "direction", to find true love?

Romance books use a road map/path/directions to get their heroines to their heroes. It's called a PLOT...and it's never an easy journey. There are always bumps in the road, detours, obstacles, slowdowns, wrong turns...just as you might find if following a map to some unknown destination.

Usually, you manage to find your way...just as our heroines manage to find that "happily-ever-after" ending despite all the setbacks. Flat tire? Run out of gas? Or, Hero's ex-wife shows up to create havoc? Heroine thinks hero is cheating on her? All detours of some type. A road map may not be able to help sometimes, but a crafty plot written to guarantee happiness can set the hero and heroine back on course to romance and love. 

Why don't we send our heroes and heroines on a fantasy journey using a road map and find "LOVE"?

How many cities in the United States are called "Love"? I did some searching on the Internet and here's some that I found:

Love, AZ
Love, IL
Love, KY
Love, MS
Love, TX
Love, VA

Now, you can also find variations for the word "Love" in cities around the country:

Lovers Leap, CA (tragic idea!)                                                Lover, PA
Love Canal, NY  (not very appealing)                                      Loving, GA
Love Hill, AL                                                                          Loving, KY
Lovejoy, GA                                                                           Loving, NM
Loveladies, NJ                                                                        Loving, OK
Lovelady, NC                                                                         Loving, TX
Lovelady, TX                                                                          Loveland, CO
Love Lady, TN                                                                       Loveland, IA
Love Lake, MO                                                                     Loveland, OK
Lovely, KY                                                                            Loveland, WA
Loveless, AL (sad!)                                                                Loveland, OH
Love Point, MD                                                                      Loveland Park, OH
Loveville, MD                                                                         Loves Corner, IL
Loveville, TN                                                                          Loves Park, IL

Most of those sound like interesting places to check out...do they live up to their names? Does "LOVE" define each city and hold some type of special magic for those seeking romance? Maybe I should have checked "Romance" for city names. Or, things to do with love and romance.

I actually did find a couple that might interest you. How about Horneytown, NC? Or, Romance, AK? And then there's my favorite, Intercourse, PA.

I've actually been to Intercourse more than once. Quaint little Amish city...mostly a tourist spot. Will you put that on your list of places to visit? Check your road map (or let your GPS system find it for you!).

Story idea: What if I have my heroine visit cities with "Love" in their names, and looks for "Mr. Right"?

Hmm...sounds like a good idea!

Photos: Flickr: Andii, Amanda "Bake It Pretty", lorigami's photostreams.
Also: Mapquest: Intercourse, PA

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Interviewing a Romance Hero and Heroine

"Anything You Can Do" now available at: http://www.breathlesspress.com
Diana Coyle, Night Owl Reviews: Reviewer Top Pick: 5 STARS!
Top 7.5% Best Selling Romantic Comedy at http://www.allromanceebooks.com
 
I've done romance book character interviews before, but this time I'll do both the hero and heroine at the same time.

Today I'm interviewing Allison Minetti (A) and Jeff Ryan (J), the hero and heroine from " Anything You Can Do".  To give you a little background, Allison wants Jeff's company to become a partner with her childcare facility. It sits directly across the street from Ryan Industries and all her clients work for Jeff's company. When he calls what she does "babysitting", she challenges him to spend a week in Ryan's Rugrats with her. I'll let them tell you more.

Q: Why did you make/accept the challenge?
A: I really needed funding for the center. I was annoyed when Jeff called what I do "babysitting" and thought he needed to see what goes on in a childcare facility. Throwing in the part about him losing and considering helping financially seemed like a plus. I never expected him to make it through the week. (She shifts in her seat and frowns) I didn't expect Jeff to add that part about spending the weekend with him if I lost, but it kinda thrilled me.
J:  She surprised me. Hey. Kids in daycare? I figured all they did was play all day. How hard could that be? She surprised me by daring me to spend a week with her. But, I wanted to get to know her better anyway so I figured, sure. I could do it. And, get her to spend the weekend with me when she lost.

Q: That elevator episode sounds interesting. What happened?
A: (Pink blush stains her cheeks). We, uh, fell together when it jerked into motion. I landed in Jeff's lap, and, well, we kissed. Kind of a-
J: Instinctive move on both our parts. Allison wanted it as much as I did. We hugged and-
A: Kissed. Yes. But it stopped and the elevator door opened.

Q: Did you make things hard for Jeff?
A: (sits up straight in her seat and gets defensive) Certainly not. He just got to experience what I do every day. Of course, he had it easy since some of the kids were missing.
J: (frowns) Hey. That wasn't my fault. I did pretty good the first two days with all the kids. Mostly, anyhow.

Q: Moving on, Jeff...did you give Allison a hard time?
J: I couldn't keep my mind off her and wanted to touch her all the time. She kept enticing me with her looks, great body, sexy voice, loving comments-
A: Sure. That's all I had time for. Enticing you. You drove me crazy. Always within reach, so wonderful with the kids. I couldn't resist your charming charisma and how you kept drawing me to you.

Q: Any passionate episodes at work?
A: (blushes again) A few encounters away from the kids. Couldn't let them see or hear us. It wouldn't be professional.
J: (runs a finger along Allison's cheek) We couldn't stay away from each other. The need to touch, kiss, desire to hold each other, all exploded at times. But, she's right. We had to be careful with the kids.

Q: Tell me about the weekend.
J: Glorious. We finally had time for just us and could let our passion loose.
A: (rubs her hand on Jeff's thigh) We spent most of the time exploring ways to satisfy each other. I never felt so wanted.

Q: You two ran into a "black moment". What happened?
A: (serious look on her face) Someone interfered in our challenge. Things got very confused.
J: (leans forward in his seat) Can't tell you everything, now can we? Let's just say a series of events happened and made us rethink our relationship.

Q: How does this story end?
A: (laughs) We can't tell you. Readers have to buy the book and find out.
J: (nods in agreement) Lots of stuff happens throughout the book leading up to our final page. Some of it is funny, some serious, some sexy encounters. Guess you'll just have to buy the book and read our story. (smiles at Allison)

Q: One last question. I heard something about a second elevator episode. Can you talk about that?
A: (smiles and giggles) Nope. Read the book.
J: (laughs loudly) Let's just say we know how to make use of elevators for other things than just riding up and down.

You can find out the missing pieces of Jeff and Allison's story by buying "Anything You Can Do" at http://www.breathlesspress.com.
Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net for information about my contemporary/paranormal romance books.
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Do Vampires Have Birth Certificates?

Okay...I admit I like an occasional vampire story that's not too bloody. I'd rather read a good vampire romance book than watch a vampire movie. Too much bloody stuff for my viewing pleasure (?)  isn't for me.

I started to wonder about vampires and everyday life. Yes, we suspend disbelief for most of this stuff in order to concentrate on the "real" story...that of the romance and passion between the hero and heroine.

But let's talk about some "real life" issues a vampire might face. They can't all be rich, can they? Live in mansions, own expensive cars, never work? Right?

So...how does a vampire get a birth certificate? A driver's license? Social Security number (in the US)? Does a vampire pay taxes?

Maybe there's a secret central Vampire Identification Unit that works solely on providing necessary documentation like fake passports, licenses, birth certificates. And, now in the age of advanced technology, these could be updated quite easily.

Surely a 300-year-old vampire can't provide an original birth certificate. In fact, a new one would have to be issued every 30 + or - years to keep the vampire in question "looking" close enough to be in a particular age bracket. With eternal youth at whatever age a vampire was first bitten and "turned", you could only say, "I've had plastic surgery" so long before people would get suspicious.

Now that I'm dwelling on all this, what about resumes? Do vampires get phony ones? Would anyone do a background check and start asking questions?

I guess moving every 30 or so years would help, but new "ID proof" would surely be needed even then. What about voting? Can vampires register? And, here's another question from a far-off tangent from the inquisitive side of my brain...what costume does a vampire wear on Halloween?


Sigh.

I'm thinking way too much about this. I should sit back and enjoy a vampire romance book at face value...as a romance without pesky "hows" getting in the way.

Photos: Flickr: Design Haus, Robin Hutton, and kevandem's photostreams. 


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Clean Your Closet Week: What's Hidden In Yours?

(It's FABIO'S Birthday! Visit http://www.fabioifc.com for info about and photos of FABIO!)
Before I start this blog, I'm announcing a NEW YAHOO GROUP you can join: ROMANCE BOOKS R US, at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancebooksrus  Authors and readers are welcomed...check the schedule on the Home Page!
And: TOMORROW is the last day to vote in the Book Boost's BEST FIRST LINE CONTEST! Go to:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HHC8TC2  I have two entries:
 "Your dog ate your underwear." (from "Gone to the Dogs" by Marianne Stephens)
 AND
"I'm upping the ante. Bring underwear." (from "Strip Poker for Two" by April Ash)
Would appreciate your vote for either one!

BLOG:

I've put this off as long as I could, but now that an official week is dedicated to doing this, I guess I should boldly go where no one has gone before...namely my closet.

Oh, I've tried "weeding" out stuff over the years, but other stuff just gets added to the mess and seems to multiply what's inside my closet. Where did I get it all from? Why do I keep it all?

The where is easy...sorta. I buy stuff. Shoes. Lots of shoes. Also have enough medications/pharmacy items in drawers and on shelves to rival drug stores. Then, there are all the promotion items I save to give out. And, my handbags. And, clothes. Lots of them. All sizes. All colors. For all seasons.

The why isn't easy to answer. I'm...a shopaholic? Love to buy things? Use my closet to store stuff because there's no other room in the house to put things? Holding onto my clothes has been ingrained in my being. What if I gain weight? Lose weight? Styles change? Styles that were out are now in again?

Sigh.

I have a dress from the 60s/70s. Wore it for a retro party. Held onto it all these years, although I was finally able to fit into it last October. But, damn. I had that hanging in my closet for decades and wouldn't part with it.

Another confession. I have a Dr. Kildare shirt from the 60's (anyone remember that TV series?) that will never fit me...but yet, I've been unable or unwilling to part with it.

Could I sell it on eBay? Is it worth anything? That might get me motivated to part with it.

When we first moved into this house, there was only one master closet...for the two of us and all the medications and all the towels and sheets since the only linen closet was on the second floor and our bedroom is on the first floor. Since then, we've added a closet (for my husband and I kept the larger one), and also added a first-floor linen closet.

And yet, I still don't have enough room. And probably never will...until I clean my closet to make room for future purchases.

In "Gone to the Dogs", my heroine, Katie, spreads out all her closet items on the floor as she sorts through to look for "something to wear". You know that feeling. Full closet but "nothing to wear". I didn't have the heart to make her throw out what no longer fit (she had some pounds to lose) so maybe I put something of myself in her character?

Are there any treasures hiding in your closet? How will you know if you don't clean. Anyway, that's the mantra I'll be parading through my head as I gear up to do battle with my closet. Never know what I might find!

You have a better chance of "finding" a treasure if you enter the TWO CONTESTS I'm running at my website to celebrate my latest book, "Anything You Can Do". Go to http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for information about the contests and my mainstream contemporary/paranormal romance books.
Visit http://www.aprilash.net/ for information about my erotic contemporary romance books.
"Gone to the Dogs" is available in ebook and print format at:
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx

"Anything You Can Do" is now available at: http://www.breathlesspress.com/
Photos: Flickr: debcil, Praveen Rajan (Marketing.com), slurpiesandstraw's photostreams. 

It's Working Woman's Day

What a hoot! Isn't everyday a "Working Woman's Day"? Like, we don't work all the time, either at home or somewhere else? I don't know about you, but my days are always crammed with things to do!

This should be called "Every Woman's Day" since working happens without needing to be mentioned. Then again, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there are some women out there that don't work...ah, but they're called "the rich and famous". And, they probably have to "work" at staying that way.






I propose a "Take the Day Off Day" for all females not in school...gotta keep the kids in school and getting their education. So, let's combine the two: "Working Woman's Day" with "Take the Day Off Day" and honor women everywhere. Period.

Ladies, go pamper yourselves. Enjoy the day. Relax. Be catered to. Forget your daily stresses and focus on pleasure. Kudos to all working women...and that means every woman reading this!

Another suggestion: read a romance book to "whisk you away from it all". You know...Fantasy Land. Where you can drool over the hero and forget it's snowing outside, your preschoolers are screaming, your boss is bitching, your clothes are pinching and hinting you either need to lose weight or buy new clothes, or people are asking, "What's for dinner?" as soon as you walk through the door.


"Work" at something different on "Working Woman's Day". Work at pleasing yourself and have a great time!

And while you're doing something for YOU, enter the two contests that I'm running at my website to celebrate my new book, "Anything You Can Do": http://www.mariannestephens.net. I've got lots of goodies to give to two lucky winners!

Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net for information about my mainstream romance books.
Visit http://www.aprilash.net for information about my erotic romance books.
"Anything You Can Do" is now available as an ebook at: http://www.breathlesspress.com.
"Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print at: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
Photos: Flickr: NIOSH, kharind, juliejordanscott's photostreams.

Share a Sexy Smile Day!

Okay...I cheated a little on this...I added the word "SEXY". But, hey...what else would a romance author do? Gotta get those hormones going and using the word SEXY will do it every time!
How often do you walk by people and (1) look away, (2) look down, (3) look up, (4) stare straight ahead as if you don't see them? We all do that...some of each of the above.


Sometimes my mind is whirling a mile a minute as I "head write" pages for a book or try to focus on my busy schedule. At those times, I may not even notice someone I pass, except in the vague recesses of my crowded mind.

 

Today, make a difference. Take the time to SMILE at someone. Doesn't have to be one of your famous SEXY smiles, just a casual one will do. People normally smile back...don't you? Look at these handsome guys and their winning smiles. You ARE focusing on their faces, right? Wouldn't you smile back?

In writing romance books, we tend to have our heroes and heroines smile. I have them do it frequently...and try very hard to come up with different ways of expressing that action. There's the full smile, the quirk to one side smile, the closed mouth smile, the teeth showing smile. The smile that curls your toes. That sexy smile, combined with eyes full of passion that gets your heart thumping and pounding in your chest.


Save those smiles for someone you love! For everyone else, the casual smile will be contagious. Try it. Smile. See how many people return the smile to you!


You'll be smiling if you're one of my two contest winners! Lots of goodies for two people will be given as prizes. To celebrate the release of my latest book, "Anything You Can Do", you can find two contests at my website: http://www.mariannestephens.net.

Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net for information about my mainstream romance books. "Anything You Can Do" is now available at http://www.breathlesspress.com as an ebook. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available at http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
Visit http://www.aprilash.net for information about my erotic romance books. Ebook and print versions available at http://www.jasminejade.com/m-441-april-ash.aspx
Photos: Flickr: SSCusp, lucias_day, vividBreeze's photostreams. Rockshots.com

"ANYTHING YOU CAN DO" is Now Available!

My latest book, a contemporary romance "Anything You Can Do", is now available as an ebook from http://www.breathlesspress.com
To celebrate its release, I'm running two contests at my website: http://www.mariannestephens.net. Lots of goodies for two lucky winners!
VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSho7Mus4zo

 SUMMARY/BLURB
What happens when you mix a childcare clueless hero with babies and preschoolers? Jeffrey Ryan, CEO of Ryan's Industries, isn't prepared for all the chaos he encounters when he accepts a challenge to spend a week at Ryan's Rugrats from the daycare owner's, Allison Minetti.

Their bet? If he makes it through the week, she'll stop sending partnership/funding requests she needs to keep the facility open...one his employees use. If he doesn't, she'll spend a friendly weekend with him touring Kansas City.

Instant sparks of mutual attraction make their bet more interesting as the week progresses. Flirting, kisses, and embraces, all lead to a desire to take their relationship to a more sensuous level. Can they both win, have their weekend, give in to lust and passion, and have a future together? Or, will someone's interference in their bet create trust and betrayal issues that threaten their relationship?

One incident in the book came from my own kindergarten teaching experience. Every morning, one little boy would come into the room, I'd sit him by a plastic-bagged trashcan, and within minutes he'd puke. Then, he'd get up and go for a school-sponsored breakfast. Imagine the hero in my book going through the same experience his first day on the job!

EXCERPT:
   Allison loved the city view at night. "I't's so beautiful out here. Real quiet and peaceful," she commented as Jeff parked the car overlooking the Kansas City skyline.
   "I guess we're not the only ones who think that." He pointed to a white Ford truck parked to their left. "I wonder what they're doing in there to make it shake like an earthquake's centered under it."
   Probably something like this." She ran her hand up his thigh and pressed it into his crotch, rubbing her palm over the already bulging area.
   "Lord, honey, you don't give a guy a minute to relax. Good thing I'm all rested up."

   Jeff slipped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him. He angled his head to reach her lips and traced his tongue along each one. As she continued massaging his zippered area, a catch in his breathing turned into a moan of desire.
    At first, his kiss entailed lips on lips only. When she opened her mouth, his tongue darted inside. Allison closed down slightly, giving him a narrow area to dart his tongue in and out of, mimicking the ultimate consummating act of love.
   When his hand reached out to fondle her breast, a wickedly naughty thought popped into her head. She pulled back and asked with a purr, " Just what kind of shape are you in?"
   Jeff whooshed out one long exhale, and a glazed look accompanied his response. "Like I've been telling you, anything you can do, I can do."
   Her hand returned to his zipper, and she eased it down in minute movements. "Can you do this?" She skimmed one fingernail along his skin under the unzipped area.
   Clearing his throat, Jeff moaned, "That's something I only want you to do. Am I in the right shape for you now?"
   "Hmm, actually this shape is fine. But that's not what I meant."
   Jeff grabbed her hand, pressing her palm on him. The slacks front pulled open, and she relished the bulky feel of his arousal in her grasp.
   "Tell me now before I go insane from lack of oxygen."
   "You'll do what I say?" Dictating orders gave Allison an unashamed sense of her own sensuality and control. 
   "Tell me."
   "Get in the backseat."
   Heavy breathing filled the air between them. Without another word, he pushed away, opened his car door while holding his pants with one hand, and exited the car. He peered at her through the driver's side window.
   "Are you joining me? I don't wanna play by myself. You're much more interesting and friendly."

Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for more information about my contemporary/paranormal romance books. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print at:
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
Visit http://www.aprilash.net/ for more information about my erotic romance books.

"Anything You Can Do"

My interview this morning is with my sister-scribe and multi-published author Marianne Stephens, who is also well known to Ellora’s Cave readers as April Ash.

KL: Marianne, your new book “Anything You Can Do” is a sensual contemporary story, but there is also a flirty old-fashioned sweetness underlying the story. What was your inspiration for this book?

MS: I’d listened to an old song, “Anything You Can Do” from the musical “Annie Get You Gun”. I wanted to come up with a story involving a challenge. Knowing how clueless most men are about daycare, I wove a story. I’d taught computers to preschoolers in a daycare facility, had my kids in daycare, and now have grandkids in daycare, so I thought I’d get inspiration from daycare events.

KL: Tell me a little about Breathless Press. How did you find each other?

MS: I’d read how BP was looking to interview authors for their blog. I was interviewed and asked if they’d be interested in a sensual romance story that also had children in it. My book fit their word count and requirements.

BP began in 2009 and is flourishing. Justyn Perry, the Publisher, has plans for future development. BP caught my attention as being an up-and-coming publishing house. You can read BP’s “About Us” statement at: http://www.breathlesspress.com/erotic/about-us

KL: What is your Heroine’s biggest challenge toward trust?

MS: Allison’s had a bad experience with her ex-boyfriend. She believed him when they both agreed not to apply for an out-of-state promotion so they could stay together. When he got the promotion and broke her heart, she decided not to trust men again…until Jeff broke down her defenses and she fell in love.

KL: What book of any genre, do you most wish you wrote? (This is a great answer and you can answer me privately, I’ll remove all comments in parenthesis but I literally wanted to know the name of the book you wish you had written! Lol I’m nosy…)

MS: I need to write paranormal, shapeshifter romances since they seem to be well-received by readers. I’d love to write regencies, but I don’t think I know all the proper terminology for that time period. (I most wish I wrote…..? because…)

KL: What did you enjoy most about writing this story?

MS: Visualizing events as I wrote them. The episode about the child entering the daycare room, sitting by the trashcan, and heaving, came from my experience as a kindergarten teacher. Every morning, Leander would come into the room, I’d sit him by the trashcan, and he’d heave. Then, he’d go to breakfast and play. I enjoyed putting Jeff through Diaper Day, field trips, etc.

KL: Can you share a little more with us about “Anything You Can Do.” What was the trickiest part of writing this story?

MS: The flirting and heated scenes of Allison and Jeff acting on their mutual attraction had to be somewhat subdued and carefully done while in the daycare setting. Once I got them to the hotel, they could release pent-up desires and act out their sexual fantasies.

KL: “Anything You Can Do…” is written under the pen name Marianne Stephens, but you’re also April Ash. You’re both busy ladies. lol Can you share any pre-views of coming attractions?

MS: I’m actually working on a ghostwritten, nonfiction memoir for a woman who lived in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992-1995). In the romance genre, I’ve got a paranormal story ¾ of the way done. Still have to finish and edit it. It involves a woman who “sees” song titles in her head that pertain to her life and what goes on around her.

KL: What would you recommend I do if I find myself trapped in an elevator with a very attractive man? (I think Allison did the right thing! Lol)

MS: Pushing those buttons to stall the elevator sounds exactly like the thing to do…but check to see if he’s wearing a wedding ring first!

KL: Fair enough! Lol

Here’s a little taste of “Anything You Can Do…”

Daycare director, Allison Minetti, runs “Ryan’s Rugrats” for children of employees of Ryan Industries and needs financial aid for the center. CEO Jeffrey Ryan doesn’t take her request seriously. She challenges him to spend a week in daycare. If he loses, he’ll consider donating funds. If she loses, she’ll spend a friendly weekend with him and end her donation requests.

Allison makes sure he experiences daycare routines including Diaper Day, Kitchen Day, field trips, and swimming lessons, all which threaten Jeff’s orderly realm of sanity. Decreased numbers of kids at the center make his days easier and cause her to become suspicious of attendance disappearances.

Instant mutual attraction leads to a week of seductive teasing and brief steamy encounters. Both welcome the weekend and a chance to satisfy their lustful passion. Hurtful lessons of betrayal from past loves haunt each of them so trust is vital in their relationship. Will someone else’s interference in their challenge lead to mistaken conclusions and pull them apart?

This sounds like a very romantic read!

XXOO Kat

Meeting a President

If you could travel back in time to meet one deceased President, who would you choose? Today is President's Day and I started thinking about those I know a lot about from school and reading, and those I barely remember. Some lived long lives and held office for their full terms. Others weren't so lucky.

If I had to choose one, I'd pick Harry S. Truman.I've been to his museum and home, and was amazed at all this man accomplished. The Social Security Act passed in 1935, but didn't include Medicare. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed a bill activating Medicare, and Truman became the first American to receive a Medicare card.

After only a few months as Vice President, he became President on 4 April, 1945, after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He inherited an ongoing war, and made the critical and historical decision to use atomic bombs in Japan. That country wouldn't agree to ending their part in WWII, so Truman ordered bombs to be dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. What a difficult decision it had to be, and I applaud his strength and conviction in doing so.

His term in office was troublesome, both at home and concerning our relationships with other countries. The war had ended, but not the infighting within our nation. Coupled with the beginning of the "cold war", Truman had opponents on all sides.

His re-election campaign seemed all but lost in 1948...until his historical train ride, a "Whistle Stop Tour", through the Midwest. A special railroad car named the Ferdinand Magellan, was a custom built car for Presidential trips. He'd walk out to the car's rear platform and speak to people every time the train stopped.

The Ferdinand Magellan was used a few more times after that, and then retired to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, FL. In October, 1984, President Reagan used it for one day (October 12) as he revived Truman's historic railroad trip. Reagan traveled in Ohio to campaign. My husband worked at the White House at this time as a trip officer. The train ride was one of his trip responsibilities, and he was aboard during Reagan's ride.

Remember to honor our Presidents, whether you agreed with their political views or not. Enjoy the three-day weekend and time off but think about the men who've held office and the hard work they did while running our country.

Photos: Flickr: Nobueno's

Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for information about my mainstream romance books. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print. "Anything You Can Do" releases on 19 February from http://www.breathlesspress.com/.
VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSho7Mus4zo
Visit http://www.aprilash.net/ for information about my erotic romance books.

HUNKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Yeah, I can't let this opportunity go by without posting some wonderful guys for you to drool over. After all, Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and we all need a "lift", right?
Maybe you'll be someone who gets a stuffed bear, like the one shown in this photo. Oh...if you're lucky, the guy holding it will look just like this hunk and come aptly dressed (or undressed) when he presents you with his gift.
Notice his bulging muscles, the strategic position of that teddy bear...and the bear's little hat.
Are you wondering what's behind that bear? When you grab for the teddy, will you "find" something else, waiting for your caress?

Candy and flowers are the usual choice of gifts for your sweetheart to give you, but wouldn't you love something that keeps giving, and giving, and giving... Of course, recharging is necessary, but dream and fantasize all you want! What's under that bag? Use your imagination and place a face for this mystery man. And, what's under that box of Valentine chocolates? After you eat all the candy, will you find another wonderful surprise to enjoy?

Now, the message with this photo tells it all. What a luscious satin pillow for you to lay your head on. Comfy, smooth, surrounded by hot, sizzling male flesh. You get to fantasize what comes next! And...is that your hand holding up the pillow? How quickly can you move it aside to peek at what's behind it?

Valentine's Day is for lovers of all ages. Enjoy the day with someone you love...in any fantasy way you desire!

Photos: Rockshots.com

Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for information about my mainstream romance books. "Anything You Can Do" will be released on 19 February by www.breathlesspress.com.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSho7Mus4zo

"Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print.

Visit http://www.aprilash.net/ for information about my erotic romance books.

Some of these books are now available in Kindle format!

ALSO: Don't miss the multi-author, all-day, Ellora's Cave/Cerridwen Press chat on Thursday, 11 Feb. at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe. You must join the group to participate.

National Freedom Day

Okay...I'm a flag waver. Always have been and always will be. Freedom comes with a price, and sometimes we definitely forget that.

I remember listening to stories my father and uncles would tell about World War II and how they were in the military. Even visited Pearl Harbor and honored those who died in WWII.



In college during the Vietnam era, I was a dorm representative for our student council government. We were asked to vote for an anti-war statement. I was one of two who wouldn't vote for it. Again, that flag waver in me felt as if I had to support the military...and I hadn't been given the chance to poll those I represented.

My husband spent two tours in Vietnam. No one cared then. His devotion to the military and decision to make the Army his career didn't change how I felt for him. I knew the risks he'd take, in the name of keeping us free, and married him.

Those who protest anything and everything sometimes don't remember that they're able to do that because others made sacrifices for their freedom. Respect for those protecting us took a turn after 9/11. Sad to say, but that one day changed how many felt about their freedom and lives. As the years pass, some show signs of forgetting just how terrible those days in September 2001 felt, and how we need to constantly be on guard to insure our freedom.

My son's unit should be going to Afghanistan this year. He's ready. He knows the risks, as do I. Do I want him to go? No. No one wants war. No mother wants her son or daughter to go. But, he has a job to do for his country. Men and women in uniform will fight "over there" to protect us "over here" and keep the ideals of freedom from disappearing.

Fly your flag. I do, every day. Show your patriotism. Thank those in the military when you see them in uniform. Freedom isn't something to take for granted...it's something we've enjoyed, thanks to the hard work of others.

Photos: Flickr: Fausxt_digit, Frank Hale, The Gifted Photographer's photostreams.

In "Strip Poker for Two" by April Ash, my hero is an Army officer. Gotta love those men in uniforms, as the heroine quickly finds out! Check out this book at my website: http://www.aprilash.net/
Coming 19 February: "Anything You Can Do" by Marianne Stephens. Go to http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for more information. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print.