Archive for July, 2010

I get the opportunity to have my first guest blogger! Tibby Armstrong will be popping my guest blogger cherry on Wednesday, August 4th when we talk about her first release with Ellora’s Cave, Sheet Music. Tibby and I share an editor at Ellora’s Cave and she’s just a great gal to talk to. Come back by and check it out.

Today is a continuation of my serial free read, Amateur Night. To see what you’ve missed so far, check out Chapter 1, Part 1 here.

Chapter 1, Part 2

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Charlotte covered her face with her hands, moaning in agony. An agony she created herself, with help from her two best friends.

“Listen, it’s just once. Nobody we know is here, we checked.” Beth pried Charlotte’s hands away from her face, looking her friend in the eye, using her “tough love” theory of friendship. “You were the one who made us think of something so outrageous it would force you to step out of your comfort zone.”

“Plus, you’re not using your own name,” chimed in Maddie, the third musketeer in this farce. “Nobody calls you Charlie in real life, so it definitely won’t make anyone think of Charlotte Drummond!” Maddie’s cheerfulness, combined with her high blonde ponytail, wrinkle-free khakis and cardigan sweater set, brought to mind images of squeaky clean cheerleaders, Suzie Q style. Quite the contrast to their current surroundings, a dark hallway in a gentlemen’s club. Admittedly it was a nice gentlemen’s club, clean and tastefully decorated, with muted jewel tones and simple art. Had it not been for the half-naked women prowling around between tables and the stage featuring the dancer of the moment, she could have believed it was just another bar based on the décor alone. It was certainly not matching her expectations, which ran more to seedy and smelly.

“What the hell kind of name is Charlie for a girl anyway?” Charlotte mumbled.

“Never seen Top Gun?” Beth responded, wrenching the jacket from the death grip Charlotte had on the fabric, forcing her to take the garment off, revealing the outfit she had chosen to wear for her ill-conceived adventure.

“Listen, I know I said after Brad broke up with me that I wanted to do something reckless, something completely out of character…”

“You wanted to shake things up. It’s understandable,”  Beth agreed as she helped Charlotte twist her hair up with two chopsticks that would easily fall out.

“I changed my mind.” Charlotte took two steps toward the fire exit before Beth and Maddie flanked her, turning her back toward the stage.

“Relax. You do this twice a week,” Maddie said in a soothing tone, taking her role of “good cop” seriously.

“At the gym. During strip aerobics class. When I’m wearing sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt over a sports bra,” Charlotte said between clenched teeth.

“Well,” Maddie said, her brows furrowed in thought. “Just do the same routine, and imagine you’re just looking into that wall-to-wall mirror in the aerobics classroom. They’ll never know the difference.”

The women were silent as they heard the announcer give the warning that after Candy exited the stage, they would start the amateur portion of the evening. They looked down in unison at the ticket Charlotte held, telling her she was the second amateur act of the evening.

“You’ll be great.” Maddie rubbed soothing circles with the palm of her hand over her back.

“I don’t want to do this.” Charlotte’s knees turned to melted butter, and she thought she might be sick.

“Yes, you can.” Beth’s tone brokered no argument. She grabbed Charlotte by the shoulders and gave one sturdy shake. “You told us that no matter what you said, we were to get you on that stage, even if we had to drag you.”

“I hate knowing myself too well,” Charlotte muttered. “I’m even predictable in the middle of my attempt to be spontaneous.”

The announcer welcomed to the stage act number one, a girl who chose to go by Sexy Samantha that evening. As “Samantha” walked by the group headed toward the stage, another woman walked towards them, having come from the same direction. Wearing impossibly high platform stilettos, a bedazzled pink thong, a sheen of sweat and a smile, Charlotte guessed this was the aforementioned Candy.

“Great crowd out there tonight,” she said smiling, shrugging her arms into the sleeves of a tight black hoodie with the strip club’s name – Ladies – across the chest. As she zipped the front, she paused by Charlotte. Leaning in, she whispered conspiratorially, “There’s a bachelor party, left of the stage. A few pretty hot tickets, and they’re tanked enough to give up big bucks without being too drunk to miss your G-string.” She straightened, winked, then walked away, calling “Good luck!” over her shoulder.

The first strands of Tweet’s “Oh My” came blaring through the hallway. Charlotte really wondered what had brought her here. What in God’s name had truly made her want to do this.

Brad dumped her, and ending a five year relationship had been rough enough. But it wasn’t the break up so much as what he said while breaking up with her.

“You’re just so…boring. I’m sorry, but there’s no other word for it, Charlotte.” He had looked completely unapologetic about the whole thing. “Nothing is spontaneous, nothing is wild or crazy. It’s just not enough spice.”

“I’m an accountant!” she had countered. “It’s in my DNA to be planned and organized. I don’t know what you want from me!”

Apparently that would be nothing, since he didn’t give her a chance to work on the relationship, just ditched and ran.

As if it was all her fault. She had tried once to climb on top while they fucked, but Brad had flipped her back under him, saying he liked being on top and to stop messing with the flow. It wasn’t her fault that he liked missionary best. She had tried asking for him to go down on her, and was rebuffed with a disgusted snort and an explanation that no guy likes to do that. Yet somehow, the blame was hers alone. In Brad’s tiny mind anyway. It matched his unexceptionally sized dick.

Whoops and hollers from the direction of the stage brought her back to the moment. The moment where she would prove to herself that she wasn’t stuffy or boring. That she could be wild and impulsive and carefree, even just for one night. This was her night to prove Brad wrong, despite the fact that he would never know about it.

Charlotte heard the song wrapping up, and she wanted to faint. Instead, she remembered once more the feeling of being punched in the gut when Brad told her she was boring, and forced herself to stand up tall. Fake it ‘til you make it.

“Any last words before I go out there?”

“Remember, it’s just like aerobics class. You’re looking into a mirror,” Maddie said.

“Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pick one person and dance just for him. Ignore everyone else, use the man you pick as a focus,” Beth added, undoing the top button on Charlotte’s shirt, ignoring her hands being slapped at.

“Right. Whew.” Charlotte shook her arms to loosen them up. “Sexy Samantha” walked past them in the hallway, sweating and grinning ear to ear, and she heard the announcer welcome Charlie to the stage. “That’s my cue. Hate you both for making me keep my word!” And with that, she stepped out of the dark hallway and up to the stage.

She was momentarily blinded by the spotlight, and she squinted. Realizing if she looked down at the faces of the anxious men, the light wasn’t as harsh. But at the same time, she was faced with her audience.

Well, looking straight ahead like there’s a mirror won’t work. So, better pick a face to focus on.

She visually swept the men sitting on the edge of the stage as the announcer repeated her fake stats. Her stage name, her fake job as a bartender in some made up bar across town, her bra size…well alright that one was correct. But when the men were about to get a good look at her double-Ds, there didn’t seem to be a point in lying about that one.

She didn’t see anyone she knew, but she also didn’t see anyone that inspired her to focus. Nobody stood out among the crowd so far.

She came across a group of younger men, probably in their early thirties. Ah, the bachelor party. Any promising targets?

She scanned the faces, the groom made obvious by some obnoxious gag button that lit up pinned to his shirt. He didn’t appear hammered, and he wasn’t leering. He looked almost endearingly goofy, in a cute way. He would be a safe bet.

And then, a face came into view. A smile, nice white teeth. His eyes were crinkled at the corners, too dark to tell the color. Dirty blonde hair, streaked with lighter shades of gold, contrasting nicely with a deep tan that said he spent serious time outdoors. If they had been close to the ocean, she would have guessed he was a surfer. He threw his head back and laughed at something his friends said, the gesture making him appear almost boyish and innocent.

Then his gaze caught hers, and she felt pinned to the spot. Gone was the impression of a young boy, of innocence. It was replaced with a man, hard and wanting, his eyes telling her without words that he was hungry. She felt her panties dampen, and she knew at that moment, this wouldn’t be so hard after all.

Bingo. My focus has arrived.

☆☆☆

To check out Chapter 1, Part 1, click here. Next Monday is finishing out Chapter 1. And check back under the Free Reads section of the Bookshelf for updates as the story gets posted.

Finished the first draft of my next WIP (Work In Progress). No title yet. To sum it up, it’s basically a “You’ve Got Mail” meets the iPhone. haha Quite the description, huh? Big shoes to fill, using the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks reference. Not that my characters are actually based off of those two. More of a plot reference than character. But still…

I’m letting the story simmer for a week or so before I go back in for round two of writing/edits. So I’m plotting out the sequel! Yes. I already have a sequel. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to turn into some long 12+ book series. Just those two. And maybe a quickie with two fun characters that grabbed hold of me and are begging for a small chance at the spotlight. But these two stories should be novellas. At least that’s the plan for now.

You know the one thing that I wish was different about writing? The lack of time to read! Gah. I look at my TBR (To Be Read) pile and it’s just growing steadily. Not good. Maybe I’ll give myself a break this weekend and hit the books.

It’s Excerpt Monday again! Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

This excerpt from Amateur Night is the beginning of a Full Free Read series. I’m breaking it up serial-style and releasing parts of chapters every so often. Check under the Bookshelf – Free Reads section for more.

* * *

Chapter 1, Part 1

“So, this is for real, huh?” Kevin leaned back in his leather office chair, running a hand through his hair.

“Dude, we’ve been engaged for three months. You’re acting like this is news.” Hugh, Kevin’s best friend, shook his head. “It took you until the day of my bachelor party to wonder if I was serious? I’m getting married. Tomorrow. I hope you don’t think I’m such a dick that I’d bail at the last minute.”

“Well, are you? Serious, I mean? I already know you can be a dick,” he joked. Kevin watched his friend, amazed that he was ready to settle down. A year ago, Hugh had been on the same path to permanent bachelorhood that Kevin had been.

“As a heart attack,” Hugh replied, placing his hand over his chest with a smart-ass grin. Then his expression became somber, the jesting tone disappeared. “The right woman, she just does something to you. And suddenly you don’t think about what you’re losing, what you’re missing out on. You think about what you’re getting.” A shit-eating grin split his face. “And with Carrie, I’m getting a whole lot of good stuff.”

It sounded great, in theory. Kevin wasn’t adverse to settling down himself. He was thirty-three, and despite his job, he wouldn’t mind becoming a family man. The problem was where to find the woman who would compliment his desires, meet his specific requirements. Oh, hell, who was he kidding. Where was the one woman who could just plain put up with him?

“Where did you find her?” Kevin was only half joking.

Hugh propped his feet up on the sturdy mahogany desk in front of him, the desk Kevin was currently working on. “I found her where a guy finds all the normal women. Out in the real world.” To emphasize his point, Hugh swept his arm across the room, drawing Kevin’s eye to the floor to ceiling windows of his office. “You won’t meet the woman of your dreams sitting in this office. And I can guess she probably won’t be downstairs on the floor either.”

He was right. Kevin loved owning the upscale gentleman’s club. He had started with nothing and through hard work and sweat, he had built a club to be proud of. But the lifestyle was wearing on him. The late nights, dealing with irate patrons and catty dancers. Constantly being hit on by girls hoping to get a job.

But those women didn’t tempt him. Not sexually, not emotionally. He didn’t want a relationship with someone who worked in his club. Many were nice girls, and a few were downright sweethearts. But not for him. He wanted someone who could live a life in the daytime. Who wouldn’t be turned on by his business and wonder what she could get out of it. But also not be completely put off, disgusted by it either.

He wanted a woman who wouldn’t mind that he was looking into selling the club and focusing on his other investments, including a new restaurant, but would still understand that this place would always be a part of him.

Out of the three women he had dated in the past year, two wanted to get jobs dancing at his club and one abruptly ended the date when she found out what he did, making no qualms about the fact that she found his business lewd and repulsive. Was there no happy medium? And would he ever find her?

Kevin stood, kicking the gym bag he brought with him from his workout under the desk, and motioned to the door. “Let’s go down. The other guys are probably already picking out seats in front of the stage. Oh, hang on.” He rifled through his top desk drawer, then tossed something to Hugh, who caught it in one hand.

Hugh looked at the object, then lifted one eyebrow in question. “You want me to wear this? It’s obnoxious.” He held up the gaudy flashing button that announced he was “The Bachelor.”

Kevin flashed white teeth when he grinned. “It’s supposed to be. What good is a best friend and best man if he won’t make you look like an ass your last day of single life?” He elbowed Hugh in the arm as he walked by. “Let’s go.”

* * *

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I just finished Kaily Hart’s Picture This, a quickie from Ellora’s Cave, which was released June 29. Picture This is Kaily Hart’s Ellora’s Cave debut. Picture This was also named Book Of The Week by The Long And Short Review (Whipped Cream).

Jillian did something when she was young and desperate. Running out of money and about to be evicted from her college apartment, she posed for an unknown artist for some quick cash. She’s regretted it ever since and has been on the hunt for the picture since, always hoping to one day buy it back.

Sam Steele isn’t lacking for bed partners. But the one woman he wants most of all is only 2D, captured forever in a portrait that hangs in his bedroom. When he sees a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the portrait, he knows he has to have her. Only problem is…she works for him, going against his rule of never mixing business and pleasure.

Sam asks Jillian for one night in the hopes of exorcising his obsession. But when the chemistry is more than he expected, he has a choice. What’s worth more? The portrait or the person?

Sizzling is the word that comes to mind. Quick and fast-paced, heat between these two characters scorches the pages. The sex was hot, the dialogue was snappy, and the plot was definitely original. I can surely relate to Jillian’s problem…who hasn’t done something when they were younger they regret? Now, I’m not sure my mistakes are immortalized in a portrait (and if they are, can I have them back please?) but that desperate need to rid all the evidence, the panic she feels every time the picture slips from her fingers is real and relatable.

I’m very excited to recommend this book to readers. It’s a fast read, but it’s definitely not lacking in hotness.

Picture This is available for purchase now at Ellora’s Cave.

First of all, Happy Fourth to everyone! I love the Fourth of July, mostly because it’s a simple, frill-free holiday. No big gifts, no massive decorations or half-dead trees shedding needles on your carpet…you get the idea. It’s picnics and grilling out and taking the day off to sit around and appreciate what we have, and fireworks of course!

But another great moment for me is that in my inbox the other night was….my cover! I’m so excited! That was quick, and they did a great job. So without further adieu, I present to you my three current loves: Cross, Ava and Knight.

Well, the edits were done (which weren’t as painful as I thought they would be) and now the book is officially turned in, acknowledgement and all. It feels surreal at this point. But the release date is still months away, so maybe that’s why. No need for heavy promotion yet, and there’s nothing else to do with it. I get to sit back and wait for the cover art to show up in my inbox, then wait for November to roll around!

Oh, and start the process all over again with a new story! haha