I'm Going To A Wedding (and) Abracadabra Winner Announced

I'm going to a wedding today.

But first things first ~ I'm late announcing the winner of Abracadabra. Of course you want to know who it is and if it's you. Waiting sucks.

So, without further ado, please congratulate Linda C lincat56.... I will email Linda's prize to her today.

(Now, back to the regularly scheduled post.)


A wedding is one of the ultimate expressions of love and commitment.

Anyone can have sex. Lots of people live together without the bonds of matrimony. Only people who want to vow their love in front of God and witnesses, marry. (In my culture.)

Witnessing a wedding is also special. To be invited to share in the sacred nuptials is a blessing.

Even though I won't be the one making vows or starting on a new journey today, I'll still be immersed in the love and romance. I'm excited to see how beautiful the bride will be in her wedding gown, how handsome and debonair the groom looks, and most of all, to see the love glowing on their faces for one another as they become man and wife. As in one of my favorite movies, "27 Dresses", I'll be watching the groom hoping he won't bolt and run away or collapse from fear. Then I'll melt when they share their first kiss as man and wife. Before and after the vows, I'll take in the beautiful surroundings and the festively attired guests.

This is the second wedding I've attended this month. Both are couples older than me, and both have been married before. All are grandparents. What a testament to love that people of all ages, all circumstances, enjoy it.

I need to prepare so I can make it to the church on time. I don't want to miss this very special event.

I'll post pictures on my blog this week so stay tuned.

http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com/

Ashley

P.S. If you want a romance fix, don't miss my recent release, Abracadabra.

This hero and heroine were forcibly separated and now fear their love has suffered, that they may not be the same people they were when they fell in love.

Here's an excerpt:

Savannah ‘Savi’ Davis warmed up for her Tae Kwan Do session by doing forty jumping jacks, followed by forty push-ups, then forty squats and finally forty leg lifts. Then came the leg stretches. How she used to hate the way they seemed to tear her muscles, how they made her cringe in pain, but now that she was getting limber, she loved to stretch her legs far and wide, almost straight out like a karate master. Dreams of achieving her black belt aside, this exercise not only helped her to kick higher and harder, it helped her to stretch in incredibly hot sexual positions.

The stretching like this reminded Savi of the steamy sex she’d indulged in with her lover Mark right here in this studio. Mark who made her panties wet. Mark who made her tremble with wanton desire. Mark who made her erupt with the most dynamite orgasms of her twenty-nine years. Mark who was now incarcerated.

Although Mark wasn’t here, memories of him still made her wet. At least her panties would be wet…if she wore any. At times like this when she missed her lover with every molecule of her being, she didn’t choose to wear panties, just her white cotton slacks. If some hottie saw the shadow of her bush, the slit of her pussy, it only made her sizzle hotter. Sometimes just their hot, lustful looks made her come without Mark’s huge cock rocking in and out of her or even the aid of her own fingers.

The slightly scratchy material, in particular the inseam, rubbed against her clit and she threw back her head and moaned in delight. Her long hair caught back in a high ponytail tickled her back, especially the bare midriff where her T-shirt hiked up.

Mr. Lee, her Tae Kwon Do instructor, tossed her a warning frown and she caught several classmates sneaking furtive glances at her in the floor-to-ceiling mirror that displayed the entire studio. She didn’t care if the women’s glances held censure for the men’s held anything but. They reminded her of Mark’s sweltering stares, his burning eyes and his hot and ready response. God, she missed her Mark.

She loved the Tae Kwon Do studio, in particular because she’d met Mark here when she started her karate training. He’d been her first partner and as a second-degree black-belt, he’d given her private tutelage, sometimes even after hours at the studio as he assisted the master. This place was a storehouse of awesome memories.

A soft, dreamy smile curved her lips. Lost in her own world, she continued her stretching exercises as if on auto pilot.

“The other right, Miss Davis,” Mr. Lee called out just like Mark used to, when she rolled into her neighbour’s space.

Mark… Everything reminded her of her Mark.

She shot an apologetic smile to the green-belt scowling at her, then moved back into her own space. Still, she had trouble getting her mind off Mark.

Closing her eyes, she pretended Mark was beside her. The scent of musky sweat permeating the studio and infusing her uniform, and the steady, sexy beat of the workout music, all worked together to enhance her mesmerising fantasy.

She forgot where she was as she slipped into another world, to one where she and Mark, who had been her first Tae Kwon Do master, had the studio all to themselves, where they gyrated in time to the beat of the sensual music belting through the studio. She recalled how they performed their own quasi-Tae Kwon Do routine, part karate, part animalistic dance.

Abracadabra is available at Total-E-Bound.

Monday Minute Fiction: Mr. Perfect

Mr. Perfect
By Ashley Ladd

All rights belong to Ashley Ladd. This story may not be reproduced without the author's written permission.

Dale, the Greed God who owned the shop next door and her fiercest competitor, sauntered into Joellen’s beach T-shirt shop. He flashed his killer smile and showed off his perfect white teeth that glowed very bright against his perfect tan.

God, but the man was too perfect. She did her best not to ogle his perfect pecs, his tight abs, and his long, powerful legs. It wasn’t fair! In a voice that came from a freezer she asked, “May I help you?”

“The name is Dale, remember? And why so formal, Jo?” He leaned across the counter and trailed his finger tip down her arm. “We used to be very close. Remember?”

She remembered but she wished she didn’t so she didn’t bother to hide her scowl. He’d been wooing her after work just so he could screw her business. Now she was in bankruptcy and ready to close the store that had been in her family three generations and he was the last person she wanted to lay eyes on.

“Snake.” She turned her back and tried to keep her tears at bay. By now she thought she’d be drained of all the moisture in her she’d cried so much. Enough was enough! It was time to dry the tears and get on with her life. Another life. “Thanks to you, we’re closing. Are you happy?”

“Snake!? You blame me for your failure?” Dale’s voice held a store-full of disbelief. With a choice epithet he pivoted on his heel. Then he twisted around. “I was coming to see if I could help. To make an offer for your business.”

She’d had enough of the games. She waltzed out from behind the register to face him. Then she balled her fists and planted them on her hips. “Don’t stand there like you don’t understand. Ever since you moved in you’ve undercut me.”

Dale didn’t flinch. His gaze drank her in.

She remembered she was wearing a skimpy bikini and heat flooded her body. Quickly, she moved behind a T-shirt rack. His days of getting to see her body were over.

“It’s just business.”

She bit her lip until she tasted blood. Still, a tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. Angry at herself now, too, she swiped at it. “Yeah. I heard that line in a movie. Can’t you come up with something more original?”
Dale slid his hand over the back of his head. He shifted his feet. Then he hooked his thumbs into the waist band of his swim trunks. “It’s the truth. I’ll make more than a fair offer. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Ah ha! That was it. He’d been eyeing her prime beach front property so he could expand his store. “No thank you. I’m considering another offer.”

“I’ll top it. How much?”

God but he looked cool despite Florida’s sweltering July sun. She admired his cool business head while she also detested it. “You can’t.”

His forehead furrowed. “You signed a contract? My lawyers can take a look at it.”

Her blood brewed. Her temperature shot up and sweat glided between her breasts. She spoiled for a last stand even if it was a suicide mission. She didn’t care, either, that her last remaining employee ogled them from the other side of the room. “No contract. I don’t want to sell to you for any price. You used me to get ahead in business.”

He shook his head. “I didn’t use you. I’d like you to work with me.”

She bristled. Her eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t work for you if you were the last man on earth.” She had to keep a shred of dignity. No way would she report to him as a lowly store clerk, be the laughing stock of the beach. She’d rather move into the projects across town.

“I said work with me, not for me. There’s a big difference. I want you to be my partner.”

She opened her mouth to blast him but when the words sank in, she closed her lips. Finally, she asked,

“What exactly do you mean?”

He got down on his knee and took her hand. “I mean the ‘til death do we part kind. Marry me, Jo. Merge with me.”

Happiness choked her. The love she’d been locking up inside overwhelmed her. But she wasn’t convinced this wasn’t a cheap and easy way to steal her business. She regarded him with a tilt to her brow. “So you want a bed partner, a cook, housekeeper and you run the business?”

His lips quirked into a smile. “No. I’m not suicidal. I wouldn’t eat your cooking unless it’s the only way to keep you in my life.”

Suicidal?

“How dare you insult my cooking! Ooh!” Anger choked her. Without thinking she rolled up a T-shirt and started batting him. “I’ll have you know I’ve taken gourmet cooking classes…”

When she ventured too close, he pulled her down on top of him. He held her wrists firmly so she couldn’t flail him. “You’re not exactly Martha Stewart, either.”

Seething, she said between her teeth, “So you are just marrying me to get the business. No way will I sign it over to you!”

His body heat burned into her. His hard chest beckoned her. But she didn’t want to be seduced by his hot body. Or his smoldering brown eyes. Or his chiseled lips. She tried to get up but he rolled on top of her, molding them to one another.

“I want you to work with me equally in the business. Co-owners. Co-managers. Equal partners. If you want to run this half the same way you always have, go ahead.” He captured her hand and dragged it to his lips. He kissed, then sucked each finger into his mouth.

She was rendered speechless. Her body quivered so hard she feared the store would crumble. When she opened her lips, he pressed a finger to them.

“I’d rather, however, open the wall and work side by side with you. I love being with you. I don’t care if you can cook or keep house.”

“Or run a business?”

He shook his head. “Your store’s a victim of the economic downturn. You are a very capable, talented business manager.”
She softened and squirmed against him, wishing the store was closed and blinds were closed. “Keep flattering me.”

“I’d rather kiss you. Put my ring on your finger. But if you want me to keep on talking, I’ll do anything you say to prove how much I love you.”

On second thought, she put her finger to his lips. “Stop talking.”

Author Interview: Amylynn Bright

Here are the interview questions for Ashley Ladd’s blog:




Today my guest author is Amylynn Bright. Please welcome her and I won't mind if you deluge her with questions and comments. I don't think she'll mind, either.

Ashley: Why do you write (erotic) romance?

Amylynn: No – not erotic but I definitely enjoy a good sex scene and I think there are a few of those in my work.

Ashley: What romance subgenres do you write in? Why?

Amylynn: I really gravitate to historicals, but Out of Heaven is a contemporary/paranormal. My other novella, The Sea Rose, is a pirate story from 1700s. I think its fun to recreate a world of such romance and style.

Ashley: Are you aware of any themes that run through your stories? If so, what are they?

Amylynn: I don’t know of any themes – at least none that I’ve found. But you know how it is with your own work. You can never see the forest for the trees. I guess the only thing I can think of is romance and redemption.

Ashley: What would you like readers to take away from your stories?

Amylynn: A sense of fun. I really enjoy writing comedy and I hope that my dialogue represents that – The Sea Rose, my pirate story also out with Wicked Ink Press, more than Out of Heaven shows my comedy side.

Ashley: What inspires your stories?

Amylynn: Everything. I can make up an entire plot from a song on the radio.

Ashley: Will you be attending any book or writing conferences this year? If yes, which ones? Where and when?

Amylynn: I don’t see how my schedule will allow for any conferences this year. Disappointing, but hopefully next year my schedule will be more lax.

Ashley: Do you have any book signings or author appearances coming soon? If yes, where and when?

Amylynn: No signings yet – it’s hard to do that when you’re e-published! However, anyone that wants me to autograph their computer monitor or e-reader, let me know. I’d be happy to.

Ashley: What is your writing schedule?

Amylynn: I write best late at night. In fact, I’m answering these questions at 12:05 on a Sunday night.

Ashley: Do you have any other passions besides writing? If yes, what are they? Why?

Amylynn: I’m a marathon reader. It’s a disease. I’m never, ever without a book. God forbid I should have to wait in a line or sit through two stop lights without a book.

Ashley: What is the best memory?

Amylynn: I’m going to have to go with Disneyland. Some of my very best memories come from there. My grandmothers took me when I was 4. I took my husband-to-be there as an audition for the role of my husband (he had no idea but he passed). My kids have been there 4 times already and they are 5 & 7.

Ashley: What is your favorite comfort food?

Amylynn: Dessert! Cupcakes and cookies and oh the list is endless. Oddly I also love breakfast cereal. I ate 6 or 7 bowls of it a day both times when I was pregnant.

Ashley: What relaxes you?

Amylynn: Reading. See above.

Ashley: What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Amylynn: Reading and book shopping. I’m telling you I need a twelve step program.

Ashley: What decade has been your favorite? Why?

Amylynn: To live? I’m gonna say 2000 so far. That’s when I got married and had my kids. They all make my life crazy but I secretly love it. To write, I’d say 1810. Regency is so romantic.

Ashley: What is your favorite way to promote?

Amylynn: I’m so new to all this I don’t know. I’m just gonna roll with the punches.

Ashley: Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

Amylynn: I write at my desk with an action movie on in the back ground. My family is asleep and the dog is snoring. Ahhhhhhhh. Nice.

Ashley: What is your favorite fairy tale? Why?

Amylynn: I’ve always been partial to Sleeping Beauty. Maybe it’s because I never get enough sleep.

Ashley: What was your favorite vacation?

Amylynn:  I’ll bet you’re going to guess Disneyland aren’t you. I’m not sure though. My honeymoon in the Caribbean was gorgeous. I also took my husband to Kauai and that was magical.

Ashley: If you had another career, what was it?

Amylynn: I’m in mortgages. Its soul crushing and miserable. Writing is MUCH better.

Ashley: If you didn’t write, what would you do instead?

Amylynn: Reading. Or playing with my kids. Probably pouting.

Ashley: If you could have one wish, what would it be?

Amylynn: I really should say something like world peace, but I’m not in a pagent, so I’ll be selfish. I guess it would be Salma Hayek’s body but while still being allowed to eat all the desserts I want.

Ashley: If you could describe yourself in only one word, what would it be?

Amylynn: Silly or maybe sarcastic. Depends on my mood I guess.

Ashley: Who is your favorite American Idol contestant this year? Why? (only if you watch the show)

Amylynn: This was the first year I didn’t watch. I’m a bigger fan of Project Runway and The Amazing Race.

Ashley: Are you a cat or dog person? Do you have any pets and if so, please tell us about them.

Amylynn: I love both, but I’m probably a dog person. I’ve never been dogless in my life. We have a cat – Geddy – a giant orange tabby and a coonhound/bloodhound mix names Rosco. I’m certain he’s the stupidest dog on the planet. I write about his antics on my blog all the time.

Ashley: What is the one thing you most want to do that you haven’t yet?

Amylynn: Besides have my novel published? Go to Europe – especially Italy: Rome, Venice, Milan.

Ashley: Please tell us about your most recent release and where we can purchase it.

Amylynn: Both of my novellas, Out of Heaven and The Sea Rose are available at www.wickedinkpress.com. Hop on over and pick them up. You’ll have fun.

Ashley: Please give us your urls and your publisher’s url.

Amylynn: My blog is www.thequillsisters.com and my personal web site is www.amylynnbright.com. My publisher is www.wickedinkpress.com.

I want to thank Amylynn for being with us. Keep reading. The excerpt to her book is below.

Out of Heaven


By Amylynn Bright

Genre: Paranormal Romance

PUBLISHER: Keith Publications

ISBN: 978-1-936372-00-3

AUTHOR’S KP WEB PAGE: http://www.keithpublications.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:amy-bright&catid=40:amy-bright&Itemid=60

BUY LINKS: http://www.wickedinkpress.com/product_info.php?products_id=30&osCsid=37bba22722f845de0018e8de0db1a3c0

http://www.dinkwell.com/product_info.php?products_id=32

BLURB: The Archangel Gabriel is going to Earth to win the woman he has loved for eons. He is confident that it won't be that difficult... but, he only has one day to meet her and make her fall in love with him. She's been hurt before and he finds that she's not exactly a pushover. And as if he needed a further challenge, there are mischievous demons trying to keep them apart.


EXCERPT: The instant he left her, a screaming infant under the bright lights in a modern hospital room, he return and demanded an interview with Michael.

"I'm going. You know the love I have with her is different. One life is all I want. I have watched her leave me and return for eons, and this time I'm going whether you approve or not."

Michael studied Gabriel. "Oh Gabriel ….Why do you want to go? Humans are only mortal. They are lesser beings than our kind."

"As you say," Gabriel nodded, "but, humans are also more than you give them credit for. Otherwise, she would not be compelled to return back there, especially not after the last horrid life. Why would a soul willfully return to pain unless the passion is more than you or I can imagine?"

Michael deliberated. Gabriel spoke with such ferocity, making it difficult not to consider his request and, being a warrior himself, Michael could appreciate his friend putting up a fight for what he wanted. Michael sat forward in his chair, steepled his fingers, and gazed at the other Archangel.

“What you ask is too dangerous, Gabriel.” Michael shook his head. “There’s no way to predict what could happen. Once they hear you’re down there . . . we couldn’t protect you.”

“I’m willing to accept the risk.”

“I’m glad to hear you are, but I’m not sure I want to accept the risks with you.”

Gabriel sighed in frustration. “Please allow me the chance. Just one life with her. I want to hold her with my arms and make love to her the way mortal men can."

After a long silence, Michael sat back in his chair, his polished armor gleaming in the ethereal light from the Astral Plane, and nodded. "One life. But, due to the risks, there will be rules and conditions."

"Anything."

"You have one earth cycle to entice the mortal woman to fall in love with you, true love. And you may not reveal your identity to her under any circumstances." Michael paused, probably for effect. He was not only the most powerful Archangel, but also the most dramatic. He stood and sheathed his massive sword. "If you fail, you will immediately return to the Akasha and there will be no other similar opportunity." His tone didn't allow for negotiation.

Only twenty-four hours. That amount of time would have to be enough time. "Thank you, Michael," he told the retreating warrior.

"God speed," Michael called over his shoulder. "And good luck."

Christmas Is Upon Us.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone again? That Christmas is rushing upon us? Are you getting ready?

Some years, I’ve had the majority of my Christmas shopping done by now. The house has been cleaned and decorated for the holidays, and everything is planned out.

This is not one of those years. In fact, for the past few years, the holidays always seem to sneak up on me and I’m never prepared in time. This year is worse because I’m not only very busy, but I’m also pretty broke.

This year the family’s going to get a lesson that Christmas is not about receiving a lot of presents. I’m going to have to learn to enjoy it without going on mindless shopping frenzies.

But that will be a good thing I think. We’ll get back to basics. We’ll focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

I’ll do more baking and cooking instead of fighting crazed mall shoppers.

I’ll be more creative in making simple gifts and decorations.

I’ll spend more time with the kids and find more free and inexpensive ways to celebrate the joys of the Christ child and his birth.

If I get my kids anything, it will be practical things like clothing they need or bedding.

My day job CEO announced there will be NO layoffs, no salary reductions (whew!), and we’ll get a 3-4% raise in 2009 plus we’ll still get our Christmas bonus.

My 403B, however, is down $20,000 (gulp!) from when I checked about 3 months ago. Ouch! Merry Christmas to me.

But no no no. Christmas isn't about making, losing, or spending money. It's not about money or earthly riches at all. It's about God's love for us. As a romance writer who makes a career out of love in all its many forms, I very much appreciate this.

"Naughty Boys", my M/M Christmas story is available at: http://www.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. :)