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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First-Person or Third-Person?

I've written books both ways, and never heard any negative feedback about using either approach. Here's what I've been pondering.

Writing from my heroine's POV for the entire book really gave me a great perspective on her views. I loved being in her head the whole time. I could watch the story unfold, and share her assessments of others, including the hero. I felt every reaction she had and commiserated with her when heartache hit.

However, there are some publishers who won't accept first-person manuscripts. Years ago, I ghostwrote a nonfiction memoir in third person. An agent was intrigued, but asked that I rewrite it in first-person. Doing such a rewrite isn't just changing every "Jane" to "I" or "her" to "my". I had to carefully edit each sentence to only reflect "Jane's" POV.

It was a major undertaking, but in the end, I thought the book "read" better in first-person and sent it to the agent. She, however, rejected it and returned it to me within days. I somehow feel that she never checked it! Anyway, I published it as an ebook in 1999.

I've got two other books I'm working on, and have tried writing them both ways. While I like the first-person versions, I'm leaning towards doing third person. I understand when people comment about wanting to "get a feel" for both the hero and heroine...and maybe a first-person POV doesn't give enough for the reader to "bond" with the hero.

My book, "Gone to the Dogs" by Marianne Stephens, was the fastest one I wrote...and I think it was because I was in Katie's head and wrote it in first-person. The words and actions just flowed, and I really connected with her. Here's a sample from the book:

"In mere seconds we climaxed as we passionately clung to each other while soothing drops of water flowed down our bodies. This was sheer heaven. We’d both enjoyed our rendezvous once we crossed that line from arguing with each other to channeling our energy in a more passionate direction.

As my breathing tried to return to normal I knew in my heart that one encounter with sexy Mike wouldn’t be enough. Like eating potato chips I wouldn’t be able to stop at one. No chance I’d be able to dry off, thank him for a lovely evening and be on my merry way. No. Mike had taken up residence under my skin and I’d need much more of him to satisfy my craving for additional intimate contact.

I moved my head closer to his ear and whispered, “Round two in bed?” Subtleness with my new sex partner would take a hike. A woman with a mission and eagerness to lead the way transformed me into a she-cat.

Katie-cat was on the prowl."

 I can feel her every emotion, reaction, and desire...and urge to never let those sensations end.

 Do you enjoy reading/writing in first-person?

"Gone to the Dogs" is available in print and as an ebook at many sites, including Amazon and at:
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net
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http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com

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.
Visit http://www.aprilash.net for information about my erotic contemporary romance books.
TWO BIG CONTESTS! Lots of prizes for two lucky winners. Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net for information!
JOIN A NEW YAHOO GROUP: ROMANCE BOOKS R US AT:
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"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.

Feel Sexy

TEN  things to do/buy/wear for sagging self-images and to make you feel sexy:

1. Buy fancy lingerie...and wear whatever you buy! Don't keep these items hidden in a drawer. Wear them everyday to confirm that "I am sexy" feeling!

2. Buy dresses, top, sweaters, that cling to show off your curves...lower cuts show off your cleavage! Stand tall and strut your stuff!

3. Wear high-heeled shoes to give you that long-legged look to capture a man's attention as your hips wiggle with your confident, feminine walk.

                                                     
 4.Hair styles. Treat yourself to a session at a hair salon. Try a new look; maybe wear your hair long, presenting that "Hollywood" celebrity sexy look, creating a alluring image.

5. Use make-up. Emphasize your best facial feature...perhaps your eyes or full lips.

 6. Polish your nails. Toenails, too, can make you feel feminine.

7. Use sweet, wonderful smelling perfumes. Find a scent that you like and mixes well with your body temperature to give off that wonderful aroma a man will recognize as yours.

8.  Use satin sheets. That wonderful feeling of satin running along your skin will tingle and spark your sensitive areas.

9. Get all dressed up and have some professional photos taken.

10. Love yourself, believe that you're sexy and attractive, light candles, sprinkle rose petals on those satin sheets, and tease or flirt outrageously with the man of your dreams! Your ultimate goal: a passionately satisfying rendezvous/relationship that affirms your sexual charisma.

Sometimes women in romance books question their sexual attractiveness. In "Gone to the Dogs" by Marianne Stephens, Katie had been dumped by her ex-boyfriend, and that was a blow to her sexual confidence level. In "Anything You Can Do", also by Marianne Stephens, Allison had been betrayed by a man she thought she loved, and never made to feel sexually attractive. Both women gained strength in their new relationships with men whose passion flamed their own desires. Ultimately, they found true love.

Photos: Photostream, Flickr: p22earl, Tiago Riberio, gabriel.georgina, indiewench, Kylie Balough, and Mariano Kamp

"Gone to the Dogs" is available in ebook and print versions at:
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-310-marianne-stephens.aspx
"Anything You Can Do" will be available 19 February as an ebook at: http://www.breathlesspress.com
For more information about my books, visit:
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net