My 13 Favorite Holiday Treats

MY 13 FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREATS!

1. Bark Cookies. The ones made with Saltines, melted chocolate and topped with candies. I have a great recipe, if anyone wants it!

2. Sand Tarts. Love them thin and buttery.

3. Mint Truffle Hershey Kisses. A special edition Kiss.

4. Rum Balls. I make them strong enough to knock you on your ass! Love ‘em.

5. Eggnog. With rum, of course. But I can no longer eat/drink dairy, so I’ve switched to soy.

6. Gingerbread Men. Live -- or cookies. Yum.

7. Roasted Chestnuts.

8. Struffoli. Being raised Italian – this Italian treats were a staple at Christmas

9. Cranberry sauce. I love the canned. Chill it, plop it on a serving plate and slice it.

10. Candied Sweet Potatoes. All right, I admit… I usually eat healthy. Normally sweet potatoes are healthy. But one time out of the year. I like them non-healthy. Nom nom nom.

11. Rum Cake. See #4 and #5. See a theme?

12. Challah Bread French Toast. Oh, it’s the best way to make French toast! I promise! I can’t always find Challah bread. But it’s definitely available around Hanukkah.

13. Fudge. I know it’s good all year-round. But the holidays are a good excuse to eat it.

So what's YOUR favorite holiday treat?


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Recipe: My Aunt Carole's New York style Cheesecake

This is SUPER easy because it has no crust like the real New York style. And easy to alter to your tastes.

Cheesecake

You will need:

3 pkgs of cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Blend all ingredients together. Bake in a spring form pan for 1 hour at 375 degrees.

NOTE: I altered my Aunt's recipe. I like my cheesecake a little moister so I bake mine at 350 degrees for 50 min. I also substitue low-fat cream cheese and 3/4 cup of Splenda (or 18 packets of sugar substitute) for the sugar.

You can add chocolate chips to the mix, or top with fruit, whatever you'd like. It's a basic recipe you can have fun with!

A Recipe for a LUCKY New Year!

I made this recipe yesterday for a family holiday party. I usually use a crockpot but since I doubled the recipe, my crockpot was too small. So instead, I just used a heavy duty large pot and slow cooked it all day until the meat just falls apart. It was perfect and everyone raved about it. This is a popular dish for a lucky New Year in our area (south central PA). When serving, I usually make mashed potatoes and put the pork/sauerkraut on top. However, yesterday I made a combo of mashed potato/mashed cauliflower (made with rice milk since I'm allergic to dairy) and it was THE BOMB!!!! You can also serve over noodles, if you prefer.

Slow Cooker Lancaster County Pork and Sauerkraut

You will need:

1 (4 pound) pork loin roast
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups sauerkraut with liquid

1.Cut pork loin, if necessary, to fit in the slow cooker. Season with caraway seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauerkraut over the roast.

2.Cook on High for 1 hour, then cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours. Internal temperature of the roast should be at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Enjoy and have a Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR!!

Recipe: Strufoli

These are my father's favorite holiday treat. They are Italian honey balls. When I make them I skip the pine nuts...

Strufoli

3 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups honey
3/4 cup pine nuts
2 1/4 ounces colored candy sprinkles

1.Melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Mix together in a large bowl 2-1/2 cups of the flour. Add sugar, baking powder, lemon rind and salt. Make a depression in the middle. Drop into it the eggs and the melted butter or margarine. Mix with a wooden spoon and then with the hands until dough leaves the sides of the bowl. Add remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed. Knead dough on floured surface until it isn't sticky anymore.

2.Break off pieces of dough and roll into ropes about the size of a pencil. Cut into pieces 1/4 inch long. Roll these pieces into little balls and set aside.

3.In deep frying pan, heat oil about 2 inches deep. Fry balls until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

4.In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 1-1/2 cups of pure honey to a boil. Let honey boil gently for about 3 minutes before adding little dough balls, stirring gently with wooden spoon until they are well-coated.

5.Remove balls from honey with a slotted spoon and place in a deep dish or mound them on a platter. Sprinkle surface evenly with nuts and multicolored sprinkles. Cool.

Interview with guest author Juniper Bell

Please welcome my guest author, Juniper Bell!

Tell me about yourself?

First of all, thank you so much for having me on your blog. I live in a cabin in Alaska, eleven miles outside of the nearest town. It’s frontier living with a 21st century twist. We have no running water, but excellent Internet access through a 14-foot mast on our cabin. When my sweetie wanted to move here, I insisted that Internet had to be part of the deal. Running water’s in the works too, thank goodness. I’ve been writing erotic romance for about three years, and before that I was a TV writer in Los Angeles, so I’ve gone through a pretty major lifestyle change. I love the peace and quiet here, it’s great for writing.

What do you have published and where?

My red-hot contemporary “Doll” just came out from Samhain Publishing. My first book is called “The Extremist,” from Liquid Silver books. In March 2010, my second Samhain release is coming out, called “Training the Receptionist.” Here’s the blurb for “Doll.”

Even a plaything can be pushed too far…

Chloe Barnes thought her marriage to a wealthy politician would be the stuff of fairy tales. Instead, he took advantage of her naiveté and used her as a plaything to fulfill his twisted sexual needs. Ten years is enough. She returns to Bellhaven Island to sell the summer cottage she inherited, hoping the money will buy her freedom—and custody of her daughters.

Fisherman Dustin McDougal never forgot the childhood crush he once had on the fairy-like Chloe. The woman she’s become has a haunted look that brings his feelings back, stronger than ever…with a mature edge. Along with all his protective instincts.

Their passion blows stronger than a Maine nor’easter, awakening Chloe to the joy of true love. Yet it may not be strong enough to free her from the past…

When did you get started writing and what motivated you to write?

Here’s a partial list of my writing jobs over the years: encyclopedia update writer, PSA writer, radio feature writer, news promo writer, screenwriter. I always, always saw myself as a writer. But I didn’t know I could write novels until about three years ago. I wrote everything else, but not novels – because it was what I most wanted to write, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to. So finally I basically dared myself. Write 50 pages, and see where you are. Now write 50 more. And so on, until I had a book. It was an amazing experience, because I loved it so much, and all those years I’d doubted I had that many words in me. I’ve written quite a few books in the past three years – maybe to make up for lost time. I feel the most “myself” when I’m writing.

Are you a plotter (plots and outlines) or a pantzer (by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer)? Why?

I’m kind of a hybrid, but mostly I’m a “rewriter.” My first draft is a “figure out what I’m doing and who these characters are” draft, then it takes at least two, usually three more drafts before I’m happy enough to send it out. I love rewriting. For me, that’s when the real magic happens. I love seeing it get better and better, closer and closer to what I envision. My erotic romances tend to be novella-length, which lends itself more to “pantzing,” at least for me. For longer books, I do better with a plot. But there are good things about both methods -- I like the freedom of pantzing, and the security of plotting, and knowing what happens next.

Do you like writing your hero or heroine better? Which POV do you prefer?

That’s a great question, and I recently wrote a blog about it. When I first started writing, I naturally tended toward the female POV. But with the last couple books, I enjoyed the male POV more. It’s fun getting inside the head of an alien species! (Just kidding, men.) Now I think I prefer writing my heroes, whether from their POV or not. So much of writing is wish fulfillment. I fall in love with every one of my guys. Luckily, I love my heroines too, so I don’t mind when they get the man, and not me!

How do people react when they find out you’re an author?

The most common response: “You should write the story of my life.” It’s true! When I tell them I actually write romance, sometimes they tell me their own love story. I love hearing people’s real-life love stories. When I tell people I write erotic romance … well, that can be a conversation-stopper. Or they ask how I get my ideas for sex scenes. ;)

Do you use a pen name? Why or why not?

I use a pen name for my erotic romance for two reasons. The first is that I also write mainstream romance and I don’t want to create any confusion for readers. The other is so I wouldn’t embarrass my family, but that’s gone out the window by now. They’re not embarrassed after all, thank goodness. In fact, they’re kind of proud, or at least that’s what they’re telling me.

Is there a genre that you haven’t written that you would like to?

I’d like to know what some of these genres are! Steam punk, space opera … they sound so intriguing! I want to write one of those, as soon as I know what they are. Seriously, I’d love to try lots of genres. So far I’ve focused on contemporary, although I’ve been exploring historical and I do have one paranormal under my belt. One thing I love about e-publishing is the freedom it offers. I want to take full advantage of that.

Do you belong to any writer’s chapters or groups, like RWA?

I belong to RWA and to the local Alaska chapter. I love RWA, it’s a great, supportive community. My local chapter has a wonderful critique group. I don’t know if I would ever have gotten published without RWA – they helped me learn how to be a romance writer in the professional sense: polish your manuscripts, write queries, write synopses, enter contests, submit to publishers, all the essentials of starting a career. I was pretty clueless about those things before I joined RWA.

Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?

Join a professional organization such as RWA. They will help you take yourself and your writing goals seriously. Develop a good support system, because it could be a tough road ahead. Get your work out there. Remember that rejection is part of the process. We all deal with it. And most of all, Keep Writing. That’s the best way to improve. And keep hope alive! You never know what’s in the cards.

What do you think about the future of epublishing?

In my opinion, the future is bright for epubs, but probably brightest for those that are more established, and those with a handle on marketing and promotion. I look forward to the day when epubs get the same respect as print publishers, when it’s the same quality product, delivered digitally rather than on paper. I think that day is not far off.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

I’m all over the Internet. My website is http://juniperbell.com/. My blog is http://authorjuniperbell.blogspot.com/. I’m also on Facebook and on Twitter (@AuthorJuniper.) Come friend me!

Thank you so much for having me, Jeanne!

Recipe: Chocolate Rum Balls

Here's a recipe for another one of my favorite Christmas cookies. I make these stronger than the recipe. Mine will knock your socks off! Best of all they are NO BAKE!

CHOCOLATE RUM BALLS

Mix together:

3 1/4 c crushed vanilla wafers

3/4 c confectioner's sugar

1/4 c unsweeted cocoa

1 1/2 c chopped nuts

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/2 cup rum

Combine crushed vanilla wafers, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, cocoa and nuts. Blend in corn syrup and rum. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in additional confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container several days to develop flavor. Roll again in confectioners' sugar before serving.

13 Things I'd like for Christmas

13 Things I'd like for Christmas!

1. The day off. Yes, please. I would love to have this day off from work. Oh, I can’t have it? Ok, how about: can I work daylight? No? Damn. Maybe next year…

2. A Sony E-reader. I think that may finally come true this year. It will be nice to start reading some of my TBR e-books and NOT do it on my laptop.

3. World Peace. Ok, I’m not wishing for much. But I’d figure I’d throw that in here anyhow.

4. For my Muse to return. I know it went on vacation when I started editing and promoting three new releases. But it’s safe to come back now. I promise!

5. A million dollars. Hey, once again, a little out of reach, but I can wish anyway!

6. To be svelte. Ah. I’m really dreaming now.

7. A French Bulldog. I really, really want one. Pretty please???? I’ve been trying to adopt one from a rescue but they keep passing me by and I have LOADS of canine experience. I really do!

8. A new Christmas tree. Ok, my hubby insists we use the midget Charlie Brown Christmas tree that he’s used forever because it was his Grandmothers. I hate it! It’s ugly. It looks fake. And it’s hard to decorate. It’s going to mysteriously disappear on Dec 26th. *shrugs* “I thought YOU put it away in the attic, dear!”

9. A Taser. Yes. I do. And I think there is actually one wrapped under the ugly Christmas tree.

10. For my upcoming release to be a bestseller like my first two. My first two releases, Banged Up and Rip Cord, have been on the bestseller lists at All Romance Ebooks and Fictionwise. My hope is that my January 5th release from Loose Id, Double Dare, does the same! (*fingers crossed*)

11. Leather boots. I luvs me some leather boots. Black, please.

12. An Infinity FX50. Again, in black. Loaded. Santa can just move my Xterra out of the garage and give it to a family in need if he replaces it with this. :)

13. The Steelers to win the Super Bowl. Again. For the 7th time. I’m stretching it here, too. They sucked this season and I don’t even expect them to get a Wild Card spot. But, hey, this is a wish list…

So what's YOUR strangest thing you asked for Christmas or Hanukkah this year?


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Recipe: Bark Cookies

Bark Cookies are one of my favorite Christmas cookie. When I do a search for "bark cookies" on the Internet, I can not find the recipe I use. This is one I got from a family friend and now I'm sharing it with you for the holidays!

You will need:

13x9 cookie sheet
Parchment paper

Saltines (about 1 sleeve per batch)
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (12 oz) pkg of chocolate chips
Toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and cover with saltines side by side. Do not overlap.

3. Melt butter, sugar and vanilla together in a pot.

4. Pour the mixture over the saltines and spread evenly.

5. Bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees.

6. Pour the chocolate chips over the hot saltines and spread with the back of the sppon until the crackers are covered with melted chocolate.

7. Add toppings! Go crazy if you want. Add nuts, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, coconut, candies, more chocolate/peanut butter/butterscotch chips. You are only limited by your imagination.

8. Refridgerate until solid (at least an hour, overnight if poss.) and break apart into pieces.

ENJOY! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!

Double Dare coming January 5th from Loose Id!

My new release DOUBLE DARE will be available from Loose Id on January 5th here: http://www.loose-id.com/Double-Dare.aspx!

What could be better than waking up next to a hot guy? Waking up sandwiched between two of them.

Quinn Preston, a financial analyst, is not happy when her friends dare her to pick up a handsome stranger at a wedding reception. What better reason to give up men when her previous long-term relationship had not only been lackluster in the bedroom but he had cheated.

Logan Reed, a successful business owner, can’t believe that he’s attracted to the woman in the ugly, Pepto-Bismol colored bridesmaid dress. And to boot, she’s more than tipsy. After turning down her invitation for a one-night stand, he finds her in the parking lot too impaired to drive. He rescues her and takes her home. His home.

The next morning Quinn’s conservative life turns on its ear when Logan introduces her to pleasures she never even considered before. And to make things more complicated, Logan already has a lover…

Tyson White, ex-pro football player, is completely in love with Logan. He has mixed emotions when Logan brings home Quinn. But the dares keep coming and things heat up with the three of them. Nevertheless Ty wonders: will adding Quinn to the mix end up enhancing or destroying Logan’s and his relationship?

Here's a sneak peek: (please note: this excerpt has not been through final edits)

Quinn groaned at the splitting pain in her head. The high-pitched whine didn’t help. Where was that coming from?

She didn’t want to open her eyes because her bed still felt like it was moving. But she had no choice. She had to get the wretched noise to stop.

She shuffled around in the warm sheets and rubbed her face with a hand, before reaching down to scratch her –

Quinn’s eyes popped open in horror. She was naked. She never slept naked. Her hand traveled lower until she touched the springy curls of her pussy. She was definitely naked.

And, holy shit, that wasn’t her ceiling, either. She sat up suddenly and gasped.

This was not her bedroom. This wasn’t a bedroom of anyone she knew.

She looked around. The walls and the ceiling were made of logs. Smooth, stained, glossy logs. The floors were wood planked and there was a window over the bed. She squinted at the sunlight glaring through the glass.

In the corner was a pile of pink taffeta…

Oh, shit.

Now she remembered.

The dare.

She had gone through with it.

No. Wait. He had turned her down flat. She at least remembered that part.

Crap. Maybe they had dared her to screw some other guy and that guy hadn’t turned down a free piece of ass.

Oh, no. It could have been anyone! She closed her eyes and started to do inventory of all the possibly single guys at the reception. There hadn’t been that many. Had there?

Crap, she better not had gone home with a married man. She was going to kill Lana and Paula.

She looked around for something to wear but all she could see was that dress. And she’d rather be naked than put that thing back on. She spied a dresser and, with the sheet wrapped around her, went over to pull open a drawer. T-shirts. Mostly in black. She grabbed one and shook it out looking at the size. It was large enough to cover her and then some.

Now, where was her underwear? Nowhere to be found.

There was no way she was going without underwear. She could be in a psycho’s house and she might have to make a quick escape. She was not going to be running out into the wild butt naked. She wanted something covering her goodies.

She dug in the next drawer down and pulled on a pair of men’s boxer briefs. They were way too big but they at least covered her like shorts. Sort of. If you didn’t count the big, gaping slit in the front.

She couldn’t believe she was in this situation.

Dumb. Dumb. Dumb!

She went to the door of the large bedroom -- it had to be the master bedroom, especially with such a massive bed -- and quietly opened the door to peek out. The coast was clear; the long hallway was empty and she could see light at the end of it. It may be her chance to escape.

She tiptoed down the hallway and passed a bathroom with regret. She really needed to relieve herself. But it would have to wait. Priorities, she reminded herself. She crept further down the hallway and she realized the high-pitched sound had ceased.

The scent of fresh ground coffee wafted over her.

A pan clattered. Someone was making breakfast! It sounded like the kitchen was the next entryway down the hallway. She would have to try to sneak past it without getting caught.

But the curiosity was killing her. Who did she end up going home with last night? What had they done together?

Okay, did she really want to know?

She pinned herself against the wall and peered around the doorway into a huge kitchen.

She sucked in a breath.

“What are you doing? Get in here and help.”

The breath rushed out of her.

She straightened up and stepped into the doorway. Logan Reed stood in the kitchen barefoot and bare-chested with only a pair of soft, worn blue jeans encasing his lower body.

Her pussy pulsed and her breathing became shallow.

“Well, c’mon, don’t just stand there.” He was still facing the stove and hadn’t even turned to face her. She took a tentative step further into the kitchen.

“Coffee’s brewing. Grab yourself a mug.”

He turned and Quinn bit her bottom lip until she swore she tasted blood. His hair was loose this morning, framing his face. It was long enough to brush past his shoulders.

Did she say she hated long hair? Oh, she’d have to rethink that one for sure.

His chest was dark and lightly covered with hair over his well-sculpted pecs down his abs – oh my God, he actually had abs – and disappeared into the front of his jeans. Visible veins popped out from his biceps since the muscles were so distinct. And the tattoos…

He had a tribal band circling his left bicep and on his right looked like a white stalking tiger. Yes, it was a white tiger and it may have green eyes. She wouldn’t know for sure until she got closer. If she got closer.

Oh, did she so want to get closer.

His right nipple was pierced, which caught her off guard. She had never seen a man with pierced nipples.

Until now.

“Nice outfit. The mugs are in the cabinet over by the fridge.”

Quinn made herself move, albeit stiffly, to grab two mugs from the cabinet and she reluctantly moved closer to the man she wanted to throw on the kitchen table and eat for breakfast.

He had turned her down flat last night. What had changed his mind?

“There’s aspirin on the table for your hangover.”

She cleared her throat before answering, “Thanks.”

He had a carton of eggs on the counter next to the stove and he turned back to crack four of them into a cast iron skillet. Another first for her: real cast iron. She had never seen anyone cook in one of those before. She had only seen them used for decoration.

“How do you like your eggs?”

“Anything but runny.”

“Easy enough,” he said.

Her stomach still felt a little queasy but the fried eggs smelled wonderful. She watched his muscles bunch when he flipped the eggs in the pan.

“There’s juice in the fridge if you want.”

Quinn shook her head. “Just coffee.”

“It’s ready. Help yourself.”

She did and then sat at the large butcher block table, curling her legs underneath her and pulling the oversized T-shirt over her knees.

He placed two plates of food on the table and sank into the chair across from her, his green eyes pinning her.

“Go ahead and eat.”

She ripped her gaze from his and followed the line of his shoulders. “I’m not real hungry.”

“You should try to get some solid food into your stomach.”

She didn’t answer, but just stared at the gold ring protruding from his dark, small nipple.

She was tempted to crawl over the table on her hands and knees and tickle the hoop with her tongue. She had the craziest urge to suck it into her mouth and tug…

She broke her gaze away and picked up a fork and took a small bite of egg. Her stomach rolled and she quickly grabbed her mug to take a long swallow of black coffee. It made her feel a little better.

“It was a rough night.”

Quinn jerked her head up and their eyes locked. He wore a small, crooked smile. She quickly looked away and blushed. “What… what happened?”

“You don’t remember?”

She opened her mouth and looked up again only to realize he was teasing her. A flash of relief went through her. “Nothing happened?”

“I told you I don’t fuck drunk chicks.”

“You have a conscience, huh?”

“Maybe. Actually, if I’m going to fuck someone, I want it to be enjoyable for both of us. Or all of us.”

“All?”

“Depending how many are involved.”

Quinn cleared her throat. “Oh.”

His smile widened, showing off his straight, white teeth. He finished off his meal before sliding his chair back across the plank floor. After placing his plate in the sink, he turned to lean against it, crossing his arms over his chest.

Shit, even his forearms were sexy.

“Are you done?”

She nodded, unable to answer.

He crossed the room to snag her plate. “Good, because you’re not drunk anymore.”

After tossing her plate into the sink, he came to stand behind her chair. Quinn’s heart skipped a beat before it resumed thumping furiously. Her breathing shallowed and her lips parted slightly.

“Your hair looks much better down.” His warm, deep voice sent a shiver down her spine. She refused to turn to face him. She was enjoying not knowing what he was doing, what he was looking at, how close he was, what he was going to do next.

She barely got out, “So does yours.”

His fingers curled over her shoulders, worked their way up into her hair, massaging against her scalp.

His hands flexed into fists, pulling her hair tight and he yanked her head back, forcing her to look up at him. Her neck was stretched over the back of the chair and she looked up into his serious eyes and was afraid.

No. She wasn’t afraid. She should be, but she wasn’t. She was titillated.

One corner of his mouth lifted and he let out a low growl. “Who said you could go into my drawers and borrow my stuff?”

Quinn opened her mouth to answer. But she couldn’t form any words. She didn’t know what to do.

“Did you have permission?” He gave her hair a slight yank and she groaned.

It hurt. But it hurt good.

Her breathing came rapidly and she whispered, “No.”

Quinn wrapped her hands around his wrists but didn’t try to pull him away. It would be pointless anyway. He had to be three times as strong as her. At least.

“How dare you touch something which isn’t yours?”

“I don’t know --” Her answer was strained, her neck was getting sore in that position and the blood was rushing to her head.

“That’s right, you like dares.”

“No.”

“Yes, you do.”

Her chest rose and fell rapidly beneath the tautly pulled T-shirt, her nipples hard beneath the cotton.

“Do you dare me to make you pay?”

“Pay?”

“Yes, punish you like this --” He buried his head into her neck, scraping his teeth along her strained throat, brushing his lips and tongue where his teeth had gone. His beard was too short to be soft; it was like sandpaper against her skin.

When his fingers loosened on her hair, she grabbed his biceps and pulled him toward her. Logan grabbed a handful of the T-shirt and pulled it up and over her head, covering her face, exposing her breasts.

She had never been blindfolded before. Especially during sex, if that was what this was.

She sucked in a breath and the cotton filled her mouth, she pushed it back out with her tongue and made herself calm down enough to breathe through her nose. His scent was infused into the fabric and she imagined his cocked nestled in the same spot of his boxer briefs as her pussy was now.

Her nipples were tight and painful and her pussy pulsated. Yet, he did nothing. She sat in his kitchen, with a T-shirt covering her head, which was bent back over the chair, and she did nothing.

Only waited.

She tried to quiet her breathing enough to hear something, anything. She couldn’t.

She should move, leave, not just wait like the mouse being ready to be pounced on by the cat –

Something brushed her nipples. The pads of his fingers circled the hard points. The touch was light. Feathery.

She moaned and arched her back, needing him to do…

More.

It was a rush, not seeing but just feeling. Not knowing what to expect.

He rolled both of her nipples between his thumb and forefingers gently. Quinn twitched in the chair and she dug her fingers into his arms. He rolled harder and harder until he was twisting the hard nubs and tugging on her nipples.

Quinn cursed at him and grit her teeth, she ground her pussy into the hard seat of the chair, wanting relief but not, all the same. She wanted this to last.

She wanted more of this, more of him –

“More.” She didn’t even recognize her own voice.

One hand released her breast and slid along her belly to dip down into the loose boxer briefs. Logan’s fingers played along her damp pubic hair, close but not touching where she needed him.

Still blinded, she felt along his arms, to his chest and brushed her palms over his nipples. His were just as hard as hers. She smiled into the darkness of the shirt.

Punishment, her ass.

She tweaked both of his nipples and flicked the nipple ring with a finger and she felt him shift.

His finger found her hot button and she forgot everything she had been doing.

Her clit was hard and wet, peeking out of its hood. He circled it with his thumb while parting her lips with his index and middle fingers. Her hips surged forward. She wanted him in her. She didn’t care what part of him, anything… fingers, tongue, cock. She was very empty and was desperate to be filled.

His fingers played along her labia and continued to tease her clit, keeping a rhythm which made her rock her hips in time.

“Fuck!” exploded from between her clenched teeth.

His fingers found the small stretch of skin between her pussy and her anus and he stroked it with slick fingers. He stroked back and forth, back and forth, occasionally touching her anus, making it clench, then back again to the edge of her pussy. Her pussy opened for him, wanting him, needing him.

“I’m going to fuck you.”

“Okay.”

“Not when you want. When I want.”

“Okay.”

His thumb dipped into her pussy slightly, her hips jerked forward to meet it.

“Patience,” he murmured. She was shocked to find the heat of his breath right above her mouth. His lips brushed hers through the fabric. She’d never felt a kiss like this before. It was like kissing through a veil. The shirt prevented her from touching her tongue to his, from tasting him. His lips moved over hers, the cotton dampening from the contact.

He pulled away and Quinn felt a sudden sense of loss. She wanted to taste him without the barrier; to explore his lips, his tongue.

He had other ideas for his mouth. He leaned over her to cup her left breast; he raised it until she felt the suction of his hot mouth on her nipple. His tongue flicked against the hard tip, making her cry out.

Christmas Sex Positions by Tim Butler

Since I slacked today on my Thursday Thirteen, I decided to share this link from Askmen.com. It's an article on Christmas Sex Positions (YES!). 10 of them. So HOW many days are there until Christmas? If I start now can I try one of them a day?

Christmas Sex Positions

Here's an example:

Number 10

Jingle Balls

This move centers around some classic teabaging, either before, during or after intercourse. So whenever you decide to do it, walk to the kitchen and frost your schwetty balls with leftover green and red frosting from the Christmas cookies to appeal to her sweet tooth and ensure extra-intense tongue action. Bonus points if you swirl some red frosting around your penis for a candy cane bonus.

An Excerpt from Rip Cord, a m/m novella

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 an 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.

Now available Phaze Books as part of their "Rebel" themed Heatsheets

BLURB FOR RIP CORD:

Gil Davis had hated high school. Ever the geek, he had no intentions of attending his 10th year class reunion. The last thing he wants is to relive the taunting and teasing he received during his teenage years. However there is one thing he missed from high school: the star Varsity football player. The one he had a crush on since the first day he laid his eyes on him. But the last thing he expects is the now pro football player to come back to their home town to attend a lame high school reunion. Known as the Bad Boy of the NFL, Ripley “Rip” Cord, not only shows up, but shows up without a date and an eye for Gil.


Enjoy an excerpt from RIP CORD:

Gil squeezed between the chair and Rip, his hip brushing against Rip’s arm.

“Sorry.”

“Nothing wrong with a tight fit.”

Heat crept up Gil’s neck. There was something about the words “tight fit” coming out of Rip’s mouth which stirred his blood. As he sat down, something brushed against Gil’s ass. He sucked in a breath.

No, he must have just imagined it because Rip was busy greeting everyone at the table. He introduced Katie as Gil’s date. But hardly anyone remembered Gil. In fact, every time he repeated his name, he received blank stares.

A couple of the guys attempted to identify him by bringing up stories from the past. They were all wrong.

Had he been so unmemorable? Apparently so. At least there was a silver lining to his being easily forgotten, his fear of being teased became nil since no one remembered him.

“Hey, Rip, is that your Harley out front?” Todd Cassel yelled across the table.

“Yep. That’s mine.”

Todd had played Varsity football with Rip. “That’s wicked. All blacked out with the straight pipes. I hope they put it in your contract you have to wear a helmet.”
And was still just as obnoxious as he was back then.

“No helmet.”

Gil remembered many a time when Todd had led other guys in the locker room to pick on Gil. Numerous pranks had been pulled on him during gym class. The locker room had been his most hated place to be in school.

“Dumb. Remember when that quarterback—”

Rip cut him off. “I remember. And he’s fine now.”

Gil bit back a smile. Rip was clearly irritated. He didn’t seem interested in his old jock friends.

A little giddiness rippled up Gil’s spine as Rip turned to pin him with a stare, ignoring the jocks’ significant others smiling at him, preening, bending over to show cleavage, and—

“Gil, you remember where our lockers were?”

Gil blinked. He did. He remembered. They had been only five narrow lockers apart. Just close enough to tempt Gil and he’d always had found a reason to hang out at his locker when Rip was at his.

“They were right near our homeroom. They were in F wing.”

“F wing,” Rip repeated. A smile flitted over his lips, almost as if he had a secret he didn’t want to share. “We should see if they look the same.”

Gil didn’t know how much lockers could change, unless they had been painted.
“Wanna check it out?”

Gil shrugged before leaning forward to eye Katie. She was engrossed in yapping with the guy next to her.

Rip shifted and whispered, his warm breath against Gil’s ear, “She’s busy. We’ll be back before she realizes we’re gone.”

Gil’s cock stirred and he squirmed in his seat. He was going to have a perpetual boner if he went off into the hallways with Rip.

He didn’t want to just desert Katie without saying something first, but when he opened his mouth Katie got up and headed towards the dance floor with that guy.
Gil sat there stunned. He couldn’t believe she didn’t even say anything to him first. But on the other hand, at least he was off the hook when it came to dancing with her.

Rip nudged him in the side with his elbow. “See, she’s busy. Let’s go.”

They both rose in unison and Rip pulled Gil’s chair back, clearing the way. Gil waited for him to lead, but Rip hesitated.

“You go first.”

Hell. Well, at least Rip might not notice the half chubby he sported.

Gil shrugged and wormed his way through the room. The hair on the back of his neck stood. He imagined Rip was staring at his ass as he shifted his hips around the people, chairs and tables.

He headed toward the nearest double doors and pushed his way into a dim hallway. He didn’t have to look to see if Rip was behind him. The larger man’s presence was unmistakable. Gil stopped short.

Rip bumped into him, his arm snaking around Gil’s waist to catch him from falling forward.

“Shit. Sorry. Why’d you stop?”

Gil turned around in Rip’s hold to look at him. He expected Rip to drop his arm quickly and step back, gaining some personal space. But he didn’t.

Gil was more breathless from the closeness than the fact Rip had slammed into him.
“Uh. I… I forget which way to go.” Gil’s hands fluttered aimlessly. He didn’t know where to put them. Where he wanted to put them was on Rip’s chest—underneath that heavy jacket, of course. His hands trembled.

“Are you nervous?”

“No.”

Rip’s hand tightened on Gil’s hip, right below his belt. He leaned in.

Gil’s gaze locked with Rip’s and he held his breath.

“Liar,” Rip murmured, barely a hair’s breadth above his lips.

Buy it for only $2 here.

JEANNE ST. JAMES loves to write hot, steamy romances. BANGED UP (a m/f erotic contemporary romance) is NOW available at Liquid Silver Books here. Her interracial menage a trois (m/m/f), DOUBLE DARE, will be released in January at Loose Id here. Her m/m novella, RIP CORD, is now available at Phaze here. For more information on Jeanne and her upcoming releases check out her website at www.jeannestjames.com.

Link to other Excerpt Monday writers

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

WINNERS in our Holiday Hottie Blog Tour

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! It was a great tour and we appreciate you following the trail!

Sharon K
Preja Vu by Alanna Coca
3 paperbacks from Emily and Elise
For a Price by Olivia Brynn
Wolf's Tender by Gem Sivad

Beth
Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Bound by Deception by Christa Paige
Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
Banged Up by Jeanne St. James
Endangered Hearts by Jolie Cain

Boone Brux
Flesh and Blood by Tina Holland
Between Heaven and Hell by Stephanie Adkins
The Challenge by Serena Shay
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler

Amy S.
Human Nature by Cat Kane
Backlist book by Dee Carney
Semper Fi by Jambrea Jo Jones
Red Lioness Tamed by Savanna Kougar

Shawn F
The Spirit of the Place by PG Forte
Iron by PG Forte
In the Dark by PG Forte
Winner's choice of any book by K.Z. Snow

Foretta
Six Foot Hero by Shea McMaster
TBA by J. Morgan
Hearts Afire December by Emily, Elise and Ella
Signed print copy of Destiny's Magick by Rae Morgan

Caffey
The Omegas by Annie Nicholas
The Extremist by Juniper Bell
Tastes of Pleasure by Shara Lanel

WELCOME to the HOLIDAY BLOG TOUR! Win Big!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG...

You should have reached my blog from the link you found

at Ella Drake's blog at http://elladrake.blogspot.com/

Admit it. You want to move that straw away

and see what gift he is bearing. Don't you?

I'm ready for this Santa to "drop" by.
Even though I've been naughty this year,

I don't think he will mind. Do you?

I'll admit... If this is what is supposed to come down my chimney,
I'm going to start laying brick right now!

** I will be chatting at 5 PM TODAY at http://gemsivad.wordpress.com/chat/

along with alot of the other authors (see the list below).
I will also be popping in all day. STOP BY! **

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Banged Up, my m/f contemporary erotic romance is NOW available at Liquid Silver Books here.

My m/m erotic novella, Rip Cord, is NOW available here from Phaze Books.

Please keep an eye on my blog (or my website) for updates on my January release, Double Dare, from Loose Id.

~~~Jeanne~~~

All right, all you Holiday blog hoppers,now that you are done staring at my sexy Santas, your next stop on this fun Holiday trip will be Annie Nicholas' blog at http://www.annienicholas.blogspot.com/

IMPORTANT: you must leave a comment to be entered at EACH blog on the tour to win some of the many ebooks that are being offered up for grabs (we will have multiple winners!), which includes:

Preja Vu by Alanna Coca
3 paperbacks from Emily and Elise
For a Price by Olivia Brynn
Wolf's Tender by Gem Sivad
Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee
Bound by Deception by Christa Paige
Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
Banged Up by Jeanne St. James
Endangered Hearts by Jolie Cain
Flesh and Blood by Tina Holland
Between Heaven and Hell by Stephanie Adkins
The Challenge by Serena Shay
Three Holiday-themed books by PG Forte
Protective Custody by Paige Tyler
Human Nature by Cat Kane
Backlist book by Dee Carney
Semper Fi by Jambrea Jo Jones
Red Lioness Tamed by Savanna Kougar
The Spirit of the Place by PG Forte
Iron by PG Forte
In the Dark by PG Forte
Winner's choice of any book by K.Z. Snow
Six Foot Hero by Shea McMaster
TBA by J. Morgan
Hearts Afire December by Emily, Elise and Ella
Signed print copy of Destiny's Magick by Rae Morgan

By the way, if you got lost here's the blog trick or treat trail in the order you needed to follow them to be eligible for the Grand Prize:

Holiday Blog Tour and Chat participants:

Trina M. Lee http://trinamlee.com/blog  Chatting
Serena Shay http://serenashay.blogspot.com/  Chatting
Jolie Cain http://joliecainauthor.blogspot.com/
Tina Holland http://tinaholland.wordpress.com/ Chatting
Stephanie Adkins http://stephanieadkins.wordpress.com/blog/
Emily and Elise http://www.scorchedsheets.com/blog Chatting
Paige Tyler http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
Juniper Bell http://www.juniperbell.com/blog.php Chatting
Alanna Coca http://alannacoca.com/blog Chatting
K.Z. Snow http://kzsnow.blogspot.com/
Ella Drake http://elladrake.blogspot.com/ Chatting
Jeanne St. James http://www.jeannestjames.blogspot.com/ Chatting
Annie Nicholas http://www.annienicholas.blogspot.com/
P.G. Forte http://www.rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/ Chatting
Shara Lanel http://sharalanel.wordpress.com/ Chatting
Olivia Brynn http://oliviabrynn.com/blog Chatting
Jessica Leach http://culinarycarnivale.blogspot.com/
Morgan Q. O'Reilly http://themorgandiaries.blogspot.com/
Sara Brookes http://www.sarabrookes.net/
Savanna Kougar http://kougarkisses.blogspot.com/ Chatting
Christa Paige http://www.christapaige.com/blog/ Chatting
Vivian Arend http://vivianarend.com/blog Chatting
Cat Kane http://catkane.blogspot.com/ Chatting
Dee Carney http://www.deecarney.com/blog/
Jambrea Jo Jones http://jambrea.wordpress.com/ Chatting
Gem Sivad http://gemsivad.wordpress.com/blog/ Chatting
Rachel Fox/Rae Morgan/Monette Michaels Chatting only

13 Things that are my Driving Pet Peeves

13 Things that are my driving pet peeves!

1. Smokers throwing their cigarette butts out the window. Especially if they are still lit. First of all, it’s littering. Second, I don’t want your ciggie hitting my vehicle. And, THIRD, as an emergency dispatcher, do you know how many times brush/grass fires along the roadway are started from cigarette butts?

2. Texting. Don’t do it. I’m sick of taking calls from other motorists because you are texting and weaving all over the roadway. People think you are drunk.

3. Drinking a beer while driving. Ok, this should be self-explanatory. Tired of those calls, too. And if you are drunk driving? Shame on you.

4. Driving in the left lane. Hello? The left lane is for PASSING. Move over, pass and them move back over. It’s just courtesy. So don’t call up crying about someone tailgating you because you are taking a Sunday drive in the left lane. MOVE OVER!

5. Putting on makeup. Why? Get up earlier. Use your bathroom mirror, not your rearview. How would you like to have an accident and have that mascara wand impaled into your eye? PLUS, we had a local police officer killed when someone wasn’t paying attention because she was applying makeup WHILE DRIVING. Yes, his family has to live without him but she sure looked good when she was booked for vehicular manslaughter.

6. Not using turn signals. Stop texting, talking on your cell or eating and use them. They are not optional equipment. Again, this is just being courteous. Especially when you are about to cut me off, it would be nice to have a little warning. AND nothing like watching two vehicles -- one in the right lane and one in the left both change lanes to the center, NEITHER using their turn signals, Uh, duh.

7. Following your GPS blindly. Don’t call 911 for directions because your GPS is a POS. Buy a map. If it said turn right in the middle of a bridge, would you do it?

8. Having your dog in your lap while driving. Another why? Wait until that airbag deploys and it breaks your dog’s neck. Do you think I’m kidding? I’m not. Put your dog in a crate or a doggy seatbelt. If you want to treat your dog like a kid, then do so, keep them as safe by securing them properly.

9. Parking in the handicapped spot because you are lazy. And don’t have a handicapped placard. Or have a handicapped placard in your vehicle for another family member and you use it even when the person it belongs to is NOT in the vehicle. Shame on you.

10. Using your high beams on a divided highway. Just because there is a concrete barrier between me and you doesn’t mean you aren’t blinding me and all the rest of the oncoming traffic with your lights.

11. Calling in reckless drivers. Please don’t tell us “They are going to kill someone.” We are really numb to that statement now. We hear it constantly. Their chance of them really killing someone is slim to none. We know.

12. Speaking of reckless drivers... If you encounter one, don’t play games with them. Pull over and let them go. And you don’t need to go 90 mph to catch up to them to give us their license plate. That makes you as bad as them. If there is a police officer in the area and they are really reckless, the officer will see it for themselves. But thank you for calling. Have a nice day.

13. Headlights on for safety. Yes, there is a reason that some states have a law to put your headlights on when your wipers are in use. Because sometimes you are HARD TO SEE when it is raining. Or foggy. Or getting dark out. Common sense, people. If you can’t see me without my light on, I can’t see you. And don’t forget that your running lights don’t count, you need your taillights lit, too.

And since we are into the holiday season... will someone please tell me why people feel that they have to decorate their car? Wreaths? Big red nose and antlers? Christmas trees?

So what's YOUR driving pet peeves?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Banged Up recieves a 5 Diamond Review!

Banged Up receives a 5 Diamond review from Got Erotic Romance:

"Banged Up is an action packed, erotic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The sexual tension starts building as soon as Mace and Colby lay eyes on one another, and their relationship just gets hotter and hotter until their passion explodes. The dialog is fast paced and evocative, leading their relationship along at a fast pace. There’s humor, drama, tragedy, and some really hot sex. This book has something for everyone and will keep you guessing about the ending right up to the last page. I couldn’t put it away and I plan to read it again. I definitely give this book 5 Heats and recommend you read it as soon as possible."

The review: http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2009/12/banged-up-by-jeanne-st-james.html?zx=1e39af641c025ffd

Buy here!

New Cover for DOUBLE DARE!

Coming soon! From Loose Id...

Double Dare, my menage a trois (m/m/f)

Don't forget our Holiday Hottie Blog Tour RIGHT HERE Dec. 11th!

Welcome guest author Meg Benjamin who discusses Writing Mojo!

Meg Benjamin writes about South Texas, although she recently moved to Colorado. Her comic romances are set in the Texas Hill Country in the mythical town of Konigsburg. When she isn’t writing, Meg spends her time listening to Americana music, drinking Colorado and Texas wine, and keeping track of her far-flung family. She recently retired from twenty years of teaching writing, Web design, and desktop publishing.

Meg’s Web site is http://www.megbenjamin.com/. You can follow her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/meg.benjamin1), MySpace (www.myspace.com/megbenjamin), and Twitter (http://twitter.com/megbenj1). Meg loves to hear from readers—contact her at meg@megbenjamin.com.

Writing Mojo

Over the last couple of months, I’ve developed a new twist in my writing routine. I start the day with a game of computer solitaire. This might seem innocuous enough, but after a few weeks, I’ve begun to see the game as a bellwether of my writing luck for the day. If I win, things are looking up. If I lose, well, maybe I can make it through two or three pages anyway. Now this superstition has no basis in reality, and somewhere at the back of my mind I know that darn well. But somehow when I have a lousy first game, I still find myself thinking, “Well, damn, there goes the day.”

Writing is like that, at least for some of us. Since you never know when inspiration is going to strike or how long you’ll be able to hang onto it, you tend to latch onto whatever routines will work. I know a lot of people who need music to write—even a particular song. I once had a creative writing teacher who used a Mozart concerto. He’d sit at his desk listening and when the music reached a particular point, he’d start writing. For others, it’s candles. I know a writer who associates a particular scent with each book she’s done because that was the candle she burned while she was writing it. Coffee is big for most of us, or tea if you like your caffeine in a different form. Some people use wine, but it just makes me sleepy. Whatever gets your writing mojo working.

So what about Be My Baby, my third book about Konigsburg, Texas? Actually, it was a lot easier to write than some others. I liked my hero, Lars Toleffson, and having treated him so badly in Wedding Bell Blues by giving him the Trophy Wife From Hell, I wanted him to have a better time in this book. My heroine, Jess, has a nine-month-old baby, which meant I had to do some quick research to remind myself of what nine-month-olds were like (my own “babies” are way beyond that age). The plot is a thriller, with an attempted kidnapping and a heroine in jeopardy. But writing the book was fairly easy—my DH was a thousand miles away for most of it since it was just before our move to Colorado, so I spent more time with Lars than with him! Still, I had to set aside a special time each day to work on the book, and I definitely needed my glass of iced tea.

I just saw a new blog post about somebody’s brand new writing mojo. You take a kitchen timer, set it for twenty-five minutes, and write non-stop. At the end, you take a five-minute rest, and then go for another twenty-five. I don’t know about this—the idea of a timer ticking away in the background doesn’t do much for me. But then again, maybe it’s better than solitaire!

So what are your writing routines? Anything you absolutely have to have on hand before the muse comes knocking?

Be My Baby

(releasing December 8 from Samhain Publishing)

There’s no room in her life for love. Love has other ideas…

Konigsburg, Texas, Book 3

If Jessamyn Carroll had only herself to consider, staying in Pennsylvania after her husband’s death would have been a no-brainer. Her vindictive in-laws’ efforts to get their hooks into her infant son, however, force her to flee to a new home. Konigsburg, Texas.

Peace…at least for now. She’s even found a way to make some extra money, looking after sexy accountant Lars Toleffson’s precocious two-year-old daughter. She finds it easy—too easy—to let his protective presence lull her into thinking she and her son are safe at last.

Lars, still wounded from enduring a nasty divorce from his cheating ex-wife, tries to fight his attraction to the mysterious, beautiful widow. But when an intruder breaks into her place, and Jess comes clean about her past, all bets are off. Someone wants her baby—and wants Jess out of the picture. Permanently.

Now Jess has a live-in bodyguard, whether she wants him or not. Except she does want him—and he wants her. Yet negotiating a future together will have to overcome a lot of roadblocks: babies, puppies, the entire, meddling Toleffson family—and a kidnapper.

Warning: Contains Konigsburg craziness, creepy in-laws, a conniving two-year-old, a lovelorn accountant, a sleep-deprived Web developer, and lots of hot holiday sex.

Raine’s Muse interviews Jaxon Sinclair and Alicia Stevens

Welcome my guest author, Raine Delight, today! ~ Jeanne

Raine’s Muse settles in his easy chair and sips from a mug of coffee. Tapping his foot, he waits for the the ladies of Devon Falls to come for their interview. He looks at the clock and before he could grumble about tardiness, a knock on his door makes him sigh in relief.

Standing up, he goes over and opens the door to the two ladies who smile as they walk into the den.

“Welcome ladies. I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the place.” Muse says as he takes jackets and puts them away in the closet.

“Hey Muse,” Jax says as she sits on the love seat, “How’s it hanging?”

Laughing softly, Alicia smiles as she sits down on the leather seats, “Wow, muse, you really got some nice furniture this time around. Raine has been very good to you, hasn’t she?” A sly smile crosses her lips as she settles in for the interview.

Muse blushes a little, “Well...Um…it seems she wanted to reward me for getting Jax and Rod’s story done on time and I got some lovely leather furniture.” Clears his throat, “Shall we get started, Ladies?”

The murmuring consent had muse settle in his chair and as he raised his coffee cup, he grimaced at the cold coffee as it hit his lips. Muttering a blech, he picks up a recorder and turns it on.

Thank you for sitting down with me to answer some questions. – Muse

Alicia answers, “It is our pleasure Muse. We wouldn’t be here without you and frankly we really like talking with you, no matter what Damien and Rod had to say after their interview with you.” A smile teases her lips as she glances at Jaxon who is giggling softly.

Q: Alicia, you own the Dew Drop Bakery/Coffee shop. How has business been?

Alicia sits back and laughs, “I love my business and even though it is hard work each day, I think it fills a niche here in Devon Falls. We have our loyal customers who come in every day and then the visitors who come into town are always amazed to see something so “City-like” in such a small town.”

Jaxon agrees, “Yeah, those city folk seem so amazed that Devon Falls is not as backwards as they may think.” Grinning at Alicia, “Besides, once they taste Alicia’s cooking, they moan and groan like they died and went to heaven.”

Muse nods and smiles as Alicia tries not to blush, though her eyes sparkle at the compliments.

Q: Jax, how does it feel to have the local lothario, Rodrick Dracon, interested in you?

“Gee thanks Muse. I was in a good mood before you had to mention that man.” Grumbling and trying not to leave, Jax looks at muse and sighs, “Do you know how hard it is to resist that man? I swear he devises new tricks to get me interested. What does it take a swift kick in the pants to let him know I am not interested in him?”

Alicia hoots in laughter, “Who are you trying to convince: us or yourself? Frankly, it is about time you got together with him. Those sparks you both been showering us with are blazing hot, Jax. Besides he has one nice ass, don’t you think?” Alicia wiggles her eyebrows and smirks as Jax tries to not smack her cousin.

Muse laughs at Jax’s disgruntled expression, “Yep, you two are perfect for each other. I think this is my best pairing to date so far.”

Jax leans forward and glares at Alicia and muse, “If it was up to the two of you, I would be Rod’s sex toy and that is it. I want something more and if he thinks a wolf mating brand is the one thing that binds him to me, he has another thing coming.” Muttering about clueless cousins, annoying muses and other dire things, Muse moves along to the next question.

Q: Alicia, how does it feel to be with Damien again? Have you forgiven him for leaving you?

Alicia sighs and miles weakly, “Forgiveness is a work in progress. I can’t forget he left me and had lots of women,” as Jax mutters “Gorgeous models who look like twigs”, glares at Jax and continues, “But we are communicating differently now as well. We talk, laugh and basically work through our problems without the pain of the past to define what our future may be.”

Muse nods and gets up for some water. “Would you like something, ladies? I have water, pop and cold coffee, which I don’t recommend.” After a brief walk to the refrigerator, he hands Alicia and Jax some water as he sits back down.

Q: Both of you are dating the Dracon brothers who are powerful shifters. How do you feel about that and what was your first thought when you saw them shift into their forms?

Alicia lights up and smiles broadly, “Damien is gorgeous dragon and I can’t help but glide my hands around his scales. He looks so pretty and everything.”

Jax bursts out laughing and snickers, “Did you just call Damien a pretty dragon?”

“Yes so what. He is beautiful in dragon form.” Alicia says defensively.
Jax leans back and giggles, “I am trying to picture a “pretty” dragon that doesn’t want to eat you for dinner.”

Alicia snaps at Jax, “Well, you are dating a wolf shifter. What about you, how did you feel seeing him change?”

Jax slowly stops giggling and a sad look crosses her face, “Rod hasn’t shown me his wolf yet since we are still trying to deal with the whole, “You are my mate” thing that is between us. I am sure he is beautiful as well. I just haven’t seen his other form yet.” Shrugging, Jax takes a sip of water and glances out the window as Alicia looks stricken.

“Ok next question since you both look sad” muse says.

Q: What attracted you to your mates, ladies?

Jax sits up and glares at muse, “Mate? I haven’t decided if Rod is my mate so stop right there. I don’t need no two bit shifter telling me I am his anything and frankly, why can’t I decide if he is what I want?”

Muse looks at Jax calmly, “Because Jaxon, you both are perfect for each other and if I wanted you two together, I damn well was going to find a way to do so. So get over it. Besides all the sexual tension you two threw at me was giving me hives.”

Laughter erupts as Alicia looks at Jaxon and muse glaring at each other and wipes her eyes, “Jax give it up. You and Rod are perfect for each other and you have to admit he is one sexy man. So how does he look without his clothes?” Looking curious, Alicia draws close to the edge of the chair and looks expectantly at Jax.

Sputtering, Jax says, “You want me to discuss my sex life with you both? Are you insane?” Shaking her head back and forth, “Nope not going to happen.”

Alicia laughs and nods to muse, “Yep she has it bad if she is denying it so much.”

“Damien is a man who is wild and untamable. He was always my prince in shining armor and frankly, this second chance is a godsend because we both grew up and still love one another.” Alicia answers with a dreamy smile on her face.

Muse looks at Jaxon, “And you Jax…what attracts you to Rod?”

Jaxon swallows and looks to the floor, “He is sweet when he wants to be and he is nice to look at.” Looks up at the other two, “What, you want me to get all schmaltzy and romantic. Nope, leaving it up to Alicia here for you.” as Jax points to her cousin.

Sighing, Muse looks at Jax and mutters about obstinate females.

Ok last question for you both.

Q: Can you tell me what Jenna’s wedding is shaping up to be like?

Alicia and Jax look at each other and laugh hysterically. Muse looks at them quizzically as they wipe the tears from their eyes and as they giggle say, “Ask Jenna, I am sure she is dying to tell you what she wants for a wedding.”

“Yeah, it seems Marc’s mother has definite plans that do not match what Marc and Jenna want, so expect some serious fireworks there, especially as that side of the family is old fashioned and all.” Jax says as she wipes the tears in her eyes.

Muse sighs and looks at the time. Standing up, he gathers their coats and says, “Thanks ladies for an interesting time. I am glad to say you both were a lot better behaved than Damien and Rod was when they were here.”

Murmuring thanks and shrugging on jackets, Jax and Alicia gave muse a hug goodbye and walk out the door. Before muse can close it completely, Jax pops her head back in and says, “You asked me what attracted me to Rodrick before. Well his ass for one. It is all tight and yummy looking and the way he lights a fire inside me even as he annoys me to death. There you asked I answered. Happy now?”

Muse smiles as Jax leaves as he closes the door and murmurs “Those two are perfect for each other and it is time for them to see it. Now onto Grady’s story and the woman he is meant for.”

Snippit of Haunting Magic- Now Available:

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Rodrick Dracon is the twin heir to the Dragon Inn. When he finds himself longing for a mate after being footloose and fancy free, he finds himself drawn to the most obnoxious, brassy woman he has ever met: Jaxon Sinclair. She is the one woman who doesn't melt when he goes by or hangs on his every word. She is just aggravating and down right sexy as sin! Soon the sparks fly, passion goes into boiling and Halloween approaches. Can a wolf shifter get this woman to heel before the full moon? Or can Jax turn the tables on this ladies man and tame the wolf?

Excerpt:

Jax was stunned by the clenching of her pussy as he traced his finger down her nose. If she didn’t know better, she could have sworn there was a flare of interest in his eyes; though it could have been that she was moon mazed or something. Jax tried to still the weak kneed response to him touching her as she tried to form an annoying response.

“You can boil water? Oh My God!” Jax looked up at the darkening sky then back at Rod. “Wow the sky hasn’t fallen yet. Did you pay off Heaven or something? Has Hell frozen over and no one told the Devil?”

The smile that played on her lips had him growling low in his throat. Jax didn’t know what to think when Rod yanked her to him and said, “You have a death wish don’t you Jax? You really don’t want me to show you that I can do that and so much more.” The last was said so low and as he nipped her ear, Jax felt her bones turn to mush. He turned her on, no two ways about it and damn it, why him? He has to be the most annoying man on this planet yet he also was sexy as sin and damn it to hell and back, he made her want him with every inch of her being. Trying to shove away from him was like trying to hit a rock with an open palm. He was an immovable object and his eyes, she could have sworn, glowed faintly.

“Will you please let me go, you ass?” Jax tried to keep her voice strong and pissed off but dang it, he was making her stomach do flips every time he nipped her ear. “If you really want to prove to me you can cook, fine. I swear it is like your male ego got in a snit or something.” She huffed and blew her breath out when nothing else seemed to make him let go, though if she was honest with herself, she liked his hands on her body, not like she was going to tell this idiot that. No telling what else he would do with that information.

“Is it possible that I can go grab some food before I die of starvation? I swear if that was your goal tonight, Rod, you are not doing a very good job.” Jax said as she felt his hands glide down her arms then let go, the lack of his touch almost had her keening for more. This attraction she had for him was getting out of hand, especially as she and Rod rub against each other like oil and water.

Her treacherous body leaned into him before she caught herself and as she glared at him, she didn’t know what the hell was going on tonight but for some reason tonight he was determined to drive her insane.

“Go get your take out, Jax, but tomorrow, make no plans for the evening. I got something to prove and frankly, I am more than happy to show you what else I can do besides what you may perceive all I can do.”