Best Mates - new book release Monday July 27th

Do I have a new book coming out tomorrow? (Tomorrow being Monday July 27th?) I've been soooooo out of things for the past three weeks, I can't remember what day it is. I missed two assigned blog posts plus I've been scare around these parts, too. I've had pneumonia three times before, even coughed up blood those other times, but this was the worst. I couldn't write. I couldn't play Farm Town. I couldn't do anything on a computer. I couldn't read. I couldn't even watch tv most of the time. Hell! I couldn't eat! When I can't eat, start measuring me for my coffin. Hey! I lost 14 pounds. That's not the way I ever want to lost weight again, though. I just checked and yes, my M/M/F story BEST MATES releases tomorrow, Monday July 27, 2009. I'm so bad. I should have had that memorized. What author doesn't? Oh! Before I forget, if you want to win a collectible 2006 card deck featuring Ellora's Cave covers, leave me a comment Sunday the 26th or Monday the 27th. I'll pick a winner from my commentors. Here's the blurb and excerpt. If you already read or bought "Brit Party" this was originally released in that anthology. Now it's releasing as a single title.

Lovers Alec Russert and Kevin Cosby feel horrible for their best mate, Jennica Chapman, when her current beau dumps her. And yet, they're glad he's out of her life. Unfortunately, thirty-six year old Jennica thought this was her last chance to have a baby, and she's much more upset about this than losing the boyfriend. As Alec is feeling his biological clock also, he suggests to Kevin that they help her out of her predicament. But, they're the ones in for a shock when Jennica tells them they may be too tame for her sexual likes. It turns out that Jennica is a submissive and she loves to be bound and spanked by her master. The shock wears off quickly when Alec and Kevin decide that Jennica will like two Dom masters much better than one. Soon they realize their best mate really is their best mate, and that she's always owned their hearts. Reader Advisory: This story was released as part of the Brit Party Anthology by Total-E-Bound

EXCERPT:

By reading any further, you are stating that you are 18 years of age, or over. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site. Copyright © Ashley Ladd, 2009 All Rights Reserved, Total-E-Ntwined Limited, T/A Total-E-Bound.

Excerpt From: Best Mates

Alec Russert snuggled deeper into the crook of Kevin Crosby’s arms and laid his ear against his lover’s heart. Enamoured by the sexy swirl of dark blonde hair on Kevin’s chest, he traced his lover’s flat nipple. Despite his nearness to the sexiest man on earth, he couldn’t get his mind off his best mate and her predicament. “That bloody sucks for Jennica. She believed Thad was ‘the one’.”

A low growl rose from Kevin’s throat as he feathered a kiss across Alec’s lips. “Bugger that. If he’s ‘the one’, I’m a talking horse. She’s far better off without that wanker.”

Alec’s heart ached for Jennica. “Yeah, I know. But she has her heart set on having a baby and her biological clock is ticking.” Alec twisted in his lover’s arms. When his cock grazed Kevin’s, shudders of delight rippled through him and his cock flexed.

Kevin moaned and he wrapped his fingers around Alec’s cock. “Righto. She’s such a dinosaur. What is she? All of thirty-five?”

It was hard to think straight as his blood began rushing into his dick. It was an effort to stay coherent when Kevin’s played with his cock, while his strong arm held him. Breathlessly, he murmured, “Thirty-six.”

“Blimey, she’s older than the dinosaurs.”

His own desires surfaced. “We’re not getting any younger, either. I know how she feels.”

A frown pinched Kevin’s brows, and he drew back. “We don’t have biological clocks.”

Missing his partner’s warmth, Alec screwed up his face. “Not in the same way. But do you really fancy a kid when you’re too old to enjoy it? I want one now, when I’m still able to get down on the floor and play with it.”

Kevin stared at him cross-eyed. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you? Do you know how hard it is to adopt? Even for a married heterosexual couple? How expensive? It’s a real ball-breaker.”

Alec’s mind clicked away at mach speed as a smile tugged his lips. “Who said anything about adoption?”

Kevin released his cock and jerked away from him, disbelief shadowing his soulful eyes. “Don’t even kid about a thing like that. It’s not funny.”

Hurt, Alec pulled away, losing his erection. He poured a glass of sparkling wine from the bottle he’d left on the nightstand and took a sip. When the bubbles tickled his nose, he screwed up his face. “Who’s joking? I want to be a dad. I thought you did, too.”

Kevin swore and swung his legs over the side of their bed. The muscles in his back bunched as he hunched over and massaged his forehead. Wrenching around, he looked at Alec. “Well, yeah. Some day. Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”

Alec did his best to keep a straight face as he downed the rest of his poison in one large gulp. Then he shoved his unruly hair away from his narrowed eyes. “What do you think I’m thinking?”

Kevin blew out a long sigh, his eyes blazing blue wildfire. “That you want to put the bun in Jennica’s oven?” Wariness and a million more questions flooded Kevin’s eyes. “Have you thought this through? Or is this another of your hare-brained schemes?”

Alec’s heart twisted almost as wryly as his lips. He’d been doing little else but thinking about it. He walked on his knees across the bed and hugged the love of his life. He rested his cheek against Kevin’s as his heart turned over. “I love kids. I love you. I want us to be a family. We have a lot to offer a child.”

Kevin turned his head so that his breath warmed Alec’s face. “With Jennica? Or would she raise the kid and we just get occasional visitation? Would he know we’re the dads?”

Alec tried not to frown as he pulled back to study his partner’s expression. Jitters ran down his spine. This was not how he should have proposed this suggestion, he realised. Instead of his post coital suggestion, he wished he’d prepared a romantic dinner, lit the room with dozens of flickering candles and played Kevin’s beloved soft jazz CD. After plying his lover with his favourite chardonnay, then he should have brought up the subject. Alec wanted to kick his own bloody arse.

Before he could reply, Kevin continued, “Do you think she’d go for it?”

Alec took in a deep lungful of air and almost fell over in relief. “We’re her favourite men in the world, aren’t we? And we’re a lot more bleeding reliable than any of those wankers she’s been hooking up with.”

A grin feathered Kevin’s lips, and a rainbow of wonder dawned in his eyes. “You and I are going to be daddies.” Without warning, Kevin wrapped his arms around Alec and bent him back onto the mattress with a deep, heartfelt kiss. “So…which of us will donate the DNA?”

Available at: http://www.total-e-bound.com

Review from Night Owl Romance Reviewed by Priscilla Petty Grade A! Outstanding Read Review from Simply Romance Reviews

Reviewed by Julie Kornhausl

You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

Brit Party - Winner of Best Anthology of 2008 Rites of Romance Reviews

Whoa! I just found out that this anthology BRIT PARTY published by Total-E-Bound.com, won Best Anthology at Rites of Romance reviews. I had no clue. And my story "Best Mates" is in it. What planet have I been on? Planet Borders? Planet American Idol? Planet Softball Field? Planet Day Job? Sick with bronchitis? Still, I don't remember seeing this in email. I might've left the planet but I've not left the universe. Anyway, I'm so happy!!! I want to congratulate my fellow anthology authors. Good job mates! Here goes: REVIEWER TOP PICK!! All six of these writers are clearly talented, having written several stand-alone books throughout their careers. They don’t disappoint this time around by giving expertly compiled stories of romance filled with erotic pleasure that leave us breathless and wanting more... If you’re looking for an enticing and exhilarating read to keep on your bookshelf, this is the one. ~~Night Owl Romance 'Best Mates' by Ashley Ladd Lovers Alec Russert and Kevin Cosby feel horrible for their best mate, Jennica Chapman, when her current beau dumps her. And yet, they're glad he's out of her life. Unfortunately, thirty-six year old Jennica thought this was her last chance to have a baby, and she's much more upset about this than losing the boyfriend. As Alec is feeling his biological clock also, he suggests to Kevin that they help her out of her predicament. But, they're the ones in for a shock when Jennica tells them they may be too tame for her sexual likes. It turns out that Jennica is a submissive and she loves to be bound and spanked by her master. The shock wears off quickly when Alec and Kevin decide that Jennica will like two Dom masters much better than one. Soon they realize their best mate really is their best mate, and that she's always owned their hearts.

Excerpt:

'Best Mates' by Ashley Ladd

Jennica Chapman felt so low she didn’t think she could sink any further. Hurt and angry, she ripped up all the pictures she had of her ex, Thad, threw them in the sink and lit a match to them. As she watched the flames devour Thad’s handsome but sleazy face, she gritted out between her teeth, “Up in flames with you. Kev and Alec had you pegged. Why didn’t I listen?”

Afraid the smoke was getting too thick and would set off the fire alarm, she turned on the tap and doused the flames. Catching her blurry reflection in the tap’s chrome, she stared at her distorted reflection. “Because you’re a blithering idiot. Because you wanted a baby so badly, you would’ve settled for the wanker.”

Mad at herself for letting the last two years tick away as her eggs grew stale, she scoured the sink and threw Thad’s ashes into the rubbish.

Unfortunately that didn’t make her feel much better. Neither did cranking up her music, soaking in the tub, or digging into a quart of Ben and Jerry’s.

Her door shook with a sudden pounding and she rolled her eyes. Not in the mood to fend off a door-to-door salesman, and in particular hoping never to lay eyes on Thad again, she ignored it.

The hammering increased and Alec called out, “I’m not going away. I know you’re in there, Chapman.”

A rush of affection for her best chum washed out some of her raging anger. She raced for the door and flung it wide. Ecstatic to see friendly faces, she threw herself first into Alec’s arms and then Kevin’s.

She didn’t know which was more handsome. They were both heartthrobs. Alec was the ultimate bad boy rocker with unruly hair that grazed his shoulders and a perpetual roguish smile that would melt her heart if he were straight—sometimes it did anyway. Bohemian, he always wore ragged jeans, a shirt that lay half-unbuttoned exposing a matt of very sexy chest hair, and gold earrings. Also like usual, he wore a sexy five o’clock shadow on his lean cheeks. She thought it the sexiest thing on earth. Well, maybe the second sexiest… She had a hard time suppressing a naughty grin and keeping her gaze from drifting south to the sexiest thing between his legs.

Kevin on the other hand was the clean-cut, London book editor who always wore preppy clothes. His blond good looks and clear blue eyes had broken more than a few hearts, male and female. He kept his hair tapered short and well-groomed. Often she wondered how the two had hooked up, but she’d shrugged it off as opposites attracting.

Available at: Total-E-Bound.com You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

Alpha Smart Woes - again

Oy!

I was good today. I took my Alpha Smart to Barnes & Nobles and wrote for four hours straight. I was smoking!



Two hours into my writing, however, I lost, yes LOST, two segments of writing on the Alpha Smart. I don't know how. I didn't hit the send or erase keys. The batteries were brand new, although that shouldn't have mattered Aanyway. I didn't have to "SAVE" as the alphie automatically saves everything.

And yet, approximately 6,000 words of my work mysteriously disappeared.

Ouch! Major ouch!!!

I almost gave up and went home I was so discouraged. But it was merely 5:00 pm and Sunday night loomed large with nothing else to do.

So I stayed and took a chance and started all over, even though I was fuming.

Funny thing was, I didn't know if I was fuming at myself for accidentally hitting the wrong keys, or if I was mad at the stupid Alpha Smart for losing my work. Actually, I hope it was my dumb mistake rather than have my Alpha Smart be defective and thus ineffectual for future work.

Fortunately, the second time, the work saved and I finished the story and uploaded it to my computer when I got home. A short story, I've already re-read it and sent it winging on its way to my editor at TEB.

Another friend that I met at Lori Foster's event in Cincinnati is imploring me to write for Belle Books, so I'm going to start something new for that now and see what happens. But it's a completely different type of book. First, I need to read a couple (or more) to make sure I get the tone right. I have so many projects still in progress, however, I'm not sure I shouldn't finish those first.



Also, getting back to my alpha smart ordeal, I decided to treat myself to an ice cream cone afterward. So I took a stroll down The Walk and visited an ice cream parlor I've had my eye on for a long time. Figuring it couldn't be much more expensive than say Cold Stone, I ordered two dips of chocolate in a waffle cone. To my horror, the damned cone cost almost $8.00. For one ice cream cone? That ice cream had better have been imported! That's highway robbery! It wasn't even that good. Cold Stone and Carvel and Dairy Queen is far superior. Never again will I buy anything without checking out the price first. I just never dreamed anyone would charge so much for ice cream. I could have bought the family a couple gallons of the stuff for that.

So, up to that point, my day wasn't exactly stellar. But I had a nice surprise awaiting me in my in box when I got home. Bless you, Kerensa, of "Crave More Romance" at www.cravemoreromance.blogspot.com

I'll let you read what she said and see why it made my day.



"I've just finished BEST MATES and couldn't get enough of it. Talk about sexy men! I'd just love to feature my review of Best Mates as this Thursday's Tempt Me pick of the week. I've gone ahead and pasted my review of BEST MATES in this email. Thank you so much for sharing it with us at CMR."

As you may recall, "Best Mates" is one of the short stories in the "Brit Party" anthology published by Total-E-Bound.com

Here's a snippet of her review: "Best Mates is both heartwarming and deliciously sensual. Ms. Ladd knows just how to make her readers tremble with anticipation with each sentence she delivers. Her characters are genuine enough to make every reader’s heart swell, even for those who don’t typically enjoy reading ménage romance. There is no doubt in my mind that readers everywhere will be anxiously awaiting more of Ms. Ladd’s writing after finishing BEST MATES."

Awesome, huh? I'm pumped. And I'm now a big fan of Kerensa, too. :)