Saturday, August 31, 2013

My Sexy Saturday: Cross the Line

What is sexy? Each person has their own idea and one thing that pops into my mind are neighbors. Have you ever had one of those sexy creatures that were so close to provide some temptation, yet to close for anything to come of it? This week I'm providing a snippet of when Leslie Teague meets her sexy as hell neighbor, Chris Matthews. By the way, if you are looking for a steamy hot read (the hottest that I've ever written!), Cross the Line is a book to get! You can find the book here: http://amzn.com/B004GHN4YW
When you're done, take a look at the other sexy bloggers listed at the bottom of my post. Happy reading!

From Cross the Line:

A knock on the door made me jump up from the box, making every strain in my muscles
and joints become more prominent. The pain quickly faded as a luscious vision in denim leaned
against my doorframe, looking sexy as sin.

A shot of heat spread through my body. I had no idea why he instantly turned me on. I didn’t
find goatees attractive, wasn’t into the whole tattoo bit, or the almost too tight t-shirt style, but it
all looked perfect on this man. This man definitely had the talent to pull off the bad boy look that
made women drop to their knees. Me included.

I quickly ran my fingers through my hair. It had once been in a complete ponytail, but was
only partially bound by a hairband at this point. I looked like a mess and knew it. What a great
way to start out meeting someone so handsome. But that’s my luck and I had accepted it long ago.
To make the best of the situation, I wiped my sweaty palm down my jean shorts before holding it
out to him. “Hi. My name’s Leslie Teague.”

“Chris Matthews.” He barely touched my hand before dropping it, as if scorched. He cocked
his head toward the front of my apartment. “Need help with that truck out front?”

“I would’ve taken you up on your offer a little earlier, but I’m done now.” The lie floated
from my lips as if the act came as a second nature to me. I never lied to people and never, ever
asked anyone for help. So why did I find myself holding my hands out toward the room full of
boxes as if presenting a prize? “Unless you want to assist in moving the mattress to my bedroom?”
A few suggestions as to what we could do on that mattress came to mind, but I did my best to
keep my mouth shut.

A ringing cell prevented any type of response from him. He pulled it out of the front pocket of
his black jeans shorts, took one glance at the caller ID and frowned. Stuffing the phone in his pocket
again, he nodded toward the door. “I just want you to move the truck. You’re blocking my spot.”

Heat rushed over my cheeks. When had I gotten so presumptuous? Okay, so no moving
mattresses with him followed by mind-blowing sex afterward. With my bubble burst, I took a step
back. “Just give me a few minutes and then it’ll be moved.”

Friday, August 30, 2013

Football Season Starts Today!

My family isn't one of those sporty types. You might be one of them or you know a family I'm talking about. Their week centers around what football games are on. They host parties or visit venues that host game parties. They have favorite teams and players. Nope. We are not one of these families. So why am I excited for football season? First of all, I'm talking about the high school football. Both of my kids are involved at the games this year. Tonight is their first game. My daughter plays the drums with the marching band and my son will be marching with his ROTC group. Dan, Mark (our other teenager), and I will be in the stands enjoying the excitement of the game tonight. Of course we'll take pictures. Check back later this week if you want to see some! I actually think we'll be there for all of the home games this season. GO VIKINGS!!

Monday, August 26, 2013

A new cover!

Dangerous Flames has a new cover! Do you love it? I do!!

Back from spending her teen years in Italy, Gabrielle Medini wants answer to the hard questions. She quickly learns that the Mafia still has a hand in controlling society and her father is the Don of the largest mob organization in the area. When a hit order is taken out on her father and one of his members will be doing the killing, Gabi’s mother demands Gabi’s disappearance. For good. This time she refuses to go alone. 

The Mafia doesn’t seem so glamorous any more. Not sure what Mik’s role in her father’s crime family is but sure he is involved, Gabrielle has reason to believe that her secret love's safety is in jeopardy too. 

Mikolas Russo is one hit away from becoming part of the Medini crime family. But is this what he really wants? Killing people for money is what he has been trained to do even though he’d give anything to trade the nightmares for sweet dreams of the forbidden Gabrielle. Thinking he has the chance to reveal his feelings to her, he arrives at her house to find her brandishing a loaded gun, ready to take control. 

Will the truth fulfill her desires, or will Mikolas be the one to shatter everything? http://amzn.com/B00DUJ21HS

Thursday, August 22, 2013

An Author's Day...

When I tell people that I'm an author their eyes usually take on an excited shine as their face lights up. They often exclaime, "You're an author?!" Something is magical about that word! So I'm going to let you in on a secret... the average author's day. Here is a typical day for me:


4:00 a.m.- Yes, I start my day this early. My honey works in construction so he has to be up for work now. I get up too because it gives me an extra long work day. Once he is out the door, I wake my brain with a large amount of coffee, some breakfast, and check email (but don't respond yet!). The real key to my early morning wake-up is playing some strategic games (usually Candy Crush or Pet Rescue). After my lives are used up I'm ready to go.

I set my word count for the day. This week I'm writing a novella so I must make at least 1000 words a day. I'm delighted if I go over that word count though. At this time I respond to emails and then start writing.

5:45 ish: The kids are up for school. Our house a busy for awhile and it's hard to concentrate on writing the book. I'll often do some promoting and corresponding with readers and other authors. I might schedule blog posts and write some posts. I often update my Goodreads page, Twitter, and Facebook author page and regular Facebook page.

6:45: Daughter is off to marching band practice. Son is still here, but he is quiet so I get to refocus on writing. I'll reread what I wrote earlier to help get back into the zone. He leaves an hour later and by then I'm really ready to make my word count.

10:00: I'm ready to eat lunch. I also am ready for some conversation. I usually walk around while I eat to give my butt a break from sitting so long. Before I settle back in the recliner with my computer, I'll make calls to people, pay bills, and check emails again. Oh look: my cover artist wants me to choose pictures for my next cover! I must agonize over this before writing continues. And then... I am invited to special projects like another anthology. What should I write? It's hard to get my thoughts back to my current characters.

And then I decide that I've taken so long with "other stuff" that I just might not make my word count for the day. Back to writing I go...

Around 12:30: I put my computer up for a bit. I really need to move around, so I try to do a workout while the family is still gone. I have the Zumba program on DVD and this sparks up my day. After I workout I start some chores. When I'm finished I go back to the keyboard in hopes of meeting my word count.

3:00 p.m.: Both kids (plus daughter's boyfriend) are here. It's crazy. My mom was here yesterday and she mentioned how she finally realized why I don't work when the kids are home. I try to squeeze in a few more words, but that usually is unsuccessful. Dan gets home shortly after and the rest of the day is for family.

And there you have, readers!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Goodbye, Summer and Hello, School!

The heat hasn't left Phoenix yet but the long lazy days of summer are long gone. The kids are in their second week of school, and boy, this year is a busy one! Let me tell you, I'm so glad we moved across the street from the high school. Trevor is a freshman and Alexis is a junior (first day of school pic to the left). Neither kid drives yet so they get to walk to the school for all of their activities. Alexis plays the drums in the marching band this year and has to play at all the games. She also is a freshmen mentor so is required to do all of their activities. Trevor is in the JROTC this year and he's loving it. He plans on making the most of the program by taking extra PT in the mornings, be on the air rifle and drill teams.






Alexis is also in AP classes. She gets to take over a good portion of the living room to study and do homework. Can you believe that she has music blasting in those headphones?






What does this mean for me? My work schedule has returned to normal. I'm actually working on a novella for my publisher's anthology. I'll keep you posted on the progress of this. I also have entered Jesse's Girl in an RWA chapter sponsored contest. If you're waiting for the release of this book, you have to wait now until January or so.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Write at the Merge: Week 34

Hello, readers!

I decided to participate in the Write at the Merge: Week 34. The prompt is a sign Millie's Tavern sign and a Beastie Boys song. The prompts (especially the song) came at a great time and made a scene pop into my head. If you're a fan of my Mafia Hearts series, you will probably love this because you'll get a sneak peek at the next book.

Remember, this scene is done from a writing prompt and is unedited. I hope you enjoy!

Mia smoothed down her black miniskirt as she rushed toward the break room door, pausing a moment to stare up at the Millie’s Tavern sign hanging on the wall next to the row of employee lockers. This wasn’t Millie’s Tavern and she wondered about the story behind the sign. No time to worry about that now. She had a total of five minutes to be completely ready for her shift to start and on a Saturday evening in the casino, that might be hard to do with the hordes of people and random customers clutching her arm to grab them a this-or-that.

She hurried out into the hallway, made a sharp right, and pushed open the door to the casino’s club. The booming bass from No Sleep Till Brooklyn bounced her eardrums as people grind against one another on the dance floor. She hurried behind the counter to check in with her manager, who pointed to the far corner of the club. The VIP area.

Mia froze in her tracks. There he was. Sebastian. Her pulse pounded as she looked him over. He had the same shade of hair with soft waves. His pudgy face had given away to smooth contoured cheeks and jaw. The biggest clues to his identity were the small dimple on his chin and splash of freckles over the bridge of his nose. Yep, Sebastian had finally arrived.

Her heart raced  as she stared at the man she’d spent so many years planning to find and then searching for. No, she wasn’t one of those ex-girlfriends coming back to claim some undying love, or a baby she’d hid from him. It wasn’t anything like that. Finding him was all about business. So what was the stinging feeling in her stomach when a woman rested her thin hand on his bicep as she whispered into his ear?


There was no way she could approach him while he was on date. Mia didn’t need a catfight at her job. Hopefully he’d be in her section, giving her a chance to talk with him. He might even recognize her. With the classy black suit, shiny black Oxfords, and the twinkling diamonds in his watch, he’d qualify for her section, so it was possible. 

*** 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Win an Autographed Copy of Dangerous Flames

Want an autographed copy of Dangerous Flames? Enter the Goodreads giveaway!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Dangerous Flames by Wendy Ely

Dangerous Flames

by Wendy Ely

Giveaway ends September 07, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win

Monday, August 12, 2013

Book Sale!

Welcome to the Hop & Win Book Blast! This is all part of a fun event hosted by author Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor) during a special promotion of her novel, "
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by pregnancy, play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
"Momnesia," which has been recognized in two awards, is the story of an average suburban mom who, feeling invisible under all the responsibilities of caring for her family, sets about finding balance between her "momminess" and her "sexiness." She does find some adventure pursuing her own interests, but it isn't until she tosses the Invisible Rule Book altogether that she discovers life---and love---have more to offer than she ever imagined!
book blast hop and winDuring this special promotion, there are all sort of fun things going on. (EVENT DATES ARE 8/12 THROUGH 8/19/13) Hope you'll enjoy them all!
  • "Momnesia" is on sale for only $1.99 in Kindle format! Find it here!
  • "Momnesia" is on sale for for only $5 per paperback! Find it here!
  • Treasure Hunt! Visit the blogs in the Linky List below and gather their treasure hunt words. For each one you collect, you'll get an extra entry to win Lori's "Find Yourself... In a Good Book" Prize Pack! By the way my Treasure Hunt Word is: Flame.
  • Buy the book during this promotion and get five extra entries! Send your e-receipt to LoriTheAuthor "at" gmail "dot" com. Put MOMNESIA RECEIPT in subject line.
  • Learn about the author and preview the book below! Enjoy!
1. Use this Linky List to visit all the blogs and find their treasure hunt words. 2. Use this Rafflecopter to enter the treasure hunt words to be entered to win the Prize Pack! a Rafflecopter giveaway 3. If you buy the book, don't forget to send your receipt to LoriTheAuthor "at" gmail "dot" com to receive 5 extra entries! 4. About the author, Lori Verni-Fogarsi (LoriTheAuthor) Lori V. FogarsiLori is an author, speaker, and small business consultant. She has two novels: "Momnesia," and its sequel, "Unexpecting,"; and a nonfiction book, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs." Her books have been recognized in the USA Best Book Awards, the National Indie Excellence Book Awards, and Indie Book of the Day Award. momnesia book coverUnexpecting coverRegarding her novels, Lori says, "I like to write about the thoughts and feelings many women have, but are often hesitant to discuss... or even think about! It is my hope that when reading my books, people experience a sense of camaraderie, being understood, or at the very least, good old-fashioned entertainment for a time." Housebreaking Dogs Book CoverHer nonfiction dog training book is among the top bestselling independently published books of all time! Originally released in 2005, it continues to be one of the most highly acclaimed books in its genre, recommended by vets, rescue groups, and pet professionals worldwide. Lori is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. Originally a native New Yorker, she now divides her time between Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA, where she is hard at work on her next books. Because she is also an avid reader, Lori understands that your time is valuable and that selecting a book to read can feel like a commitment! She welcomes you to visit her special "Momnesia Page," which includes the first two chapters free as well as another excerpt, reviews, and more. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

My Sexy Saturday: Confessions

What is sexy? Seduction. Here we have Chelsea trying her best to avoid the temptation between her and Jordan while he is trying to push things further. Grab a copy of Confessions here http://amzn.com/B00A3FVT84 and check out the other authors' blogs listed at the bottom!

You haven’t been around me for ten years.”

“But I still know you. Nothing you say can change that, so quit your lying and tell me what’s on your mind.”

She had to lie or she would end up upstairs naked underneath his bulky tanned body. “Nothing. I’m reading.”

“Put the book down.”

“Hold on. This is an interesting part,” she said. As if she had comprehended a single word she had read. She couldn’t even think straight with his hands kneading her flesh. She could feel them working their way up to the edge of her bikini bottoms.

“Come on,” he urged.

His fingers play with the hem of the bottoms. The more his hands explored her body, the more distracted she became. “Nope,” she replied with a shake of her head. Her eyes continued to stay on the page even though her mind was totally on him. If she looked up, she would turn to putty in his hands.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Wendy's Random Top 5

Every few months I do a top 5 post, so you can get to know more about me. Here is my random top 5:


1. Watermelon: I've always been fond of this fruit but have recently decided that I looove it! My favorite thing to snack on is cut-up watermelon that I keep in a large bowl in the fridge. When I'm hungry, I just grab some chunks. On a less healthier note: I also looove the watermelon limeade from Sonic. Can you say yummm?

2. Our backyard: we moved from a house that had a mountain in the backyard to one with a very barren yard with an alley running along side  of it. I was less than pleased with this aspect of our new home. Things have changed back there. A bit of grass has grown and we have lawn furniture back there that is in the perfect spot. I can't wait for the weather to cool off enough so I can spend some writing time in the backyard.

3. Mistresses: No, not the real life version. I'm talking about the tv show on ABC (I think!). I'm hooked. I can't wait to find out who the father is. If you watch the show, you'll know what I mean!!

4. Bunnies: My daughter received a bunny for her birthday from her boyfriend. He asked beforehand and we said yes even though I wasn't all that thrilled about having another pet. But Lilo is so cute.

5. Doesn't it seem like the best should be saved for last? I think so! My last one for today is Dan's cooking. He works a lot, so I do most of it, but man, his cooking makes my whole day. First of all, Dan working in the kitchen is sexy. He loves to cook, so the event makes him happy. He puts on his music and sings as he goes. I also like his food. He can make the same dish 7 days in a row and each day it'll taste differently.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Camp Nanowrimo Update!

Holy cow! Camp Nano is over. How did I do? I wrote 8k new words in the month of July. Not much for the average author, but I'm 8k words closer to finishing Lost and Found! The book was a project I had already started and had planned on finishing for Camp Nano. I've now reached about the 3/4s mark of the rough draft.

While you're waiting for this next book to come out, check out my newsletter subscription box to the left. I have a hidden Desert Secrets novel titled Secret Admirer included in my newsletter. This hidden book will never be available to purchase, so subscribe and you'll get to know Owen Brown and Clara while checking in with the rest of the characters in the series. You can also find the first two books (Confessions and Midnight Secrets) here: http://amzn.com/e/B008SA6TJK


Anyway, back to writing...

Wendy

Saturday, August 3, 2013

My Sexy Saturday: Jesse's Brother

What is sexy? This week I'm going to show you how temptation can be sexy with an excerpt from Jesse's Brother.   After you read this, grab a copy of Jesse's Brother and then check out the rest of the authors' posts by clicking the links at the bottom.

“What do you promise?”

“We’ll have many more mornings like this.” He bent down to kiss her forehead before he turned his back to her. He slid his boxers down over his hips, then let them drop to the floor. Her eyes were glued to his luscious body as he stood with his naked back to her.

How could someone be so sexy? Her first instinct was to reach out to touch his taut muscles, but she clamped her fingers tightly together instead.

He turned enough to show the front half of his thigh and nothing more. One more inch in her direction and she’d have a clear view of everything. He was teasing her, she knew it, and she loved when she spotted a part of his erection. Smiling at her, he grabbed a clean pair of boxers from the small dresser and slid them up his legs. His whole back was to her again as he slid them over his buttocks then around his hips.

“Not fair.” She didn’t mean to say the words but couldn’t contain them any longer. They escaped when she tried to take a breath.

He laughed softly as he grabbed a pair of faded jeans from the closet. The process was the same, him teasing and her wanting him so badly she was afraid she’d lose control of the situation and grab him. “I never said I wouldn’t dress in front of you. I kept my promise to stop when you wanted me to.”

“I know.” She sighed and let her head fall back onto the pillow. The room was filled with his scent and she didn’t want to get up. Grab your own copy of Jesse's Brother here: http://amzn.com/B009NWWW6G


12.
30.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Write at the Merge week 31

Thanks for stopping by! This is part of a scene I've added to my current WIP (work-in-progress) Lost and Found, Desert Secrets Book 3. I used the writing prompt on Write at the Merge week 31. 


When Lisa finally left Allison’s office, her shoulders sloped down as if twenty pound weights had been added to each one. She paused on the way to the exit when she found Bailey still at the table. This time Bailey had a large pink frosted cake, enough for two people at least, decorated with an upside down ice cream cone drizzled with chocolate. And Cara’s seat was empty.
Lisa stepped over to Bailey’s table. “Seriously?” Lisa asked, motioning toward the dessert.
Bailey nodded. “It’s the special. I think it might be Allison’s birthday or something, but I don’t care. This is delish.” She scooped a large bite onto her fork and held it toward Lisa. “Want a bite?”
Lisa shook her head vigorously. “A girl’s dead body is outside in the mud. How can you eat?”
Bailey shrugged, plopped the cake into her own mouth, and after swallowing, said, “Because I’m hungry. I’m also thirty years old, single, and bored, so I chose this instead of a decent meal.”
Taylor tugged on the hem of Lisa’s tanktop. When Lisa looked down at her daughter, Taylor asked, “Can I have a bite?”
Taylor rarely had treats in the sugar category, but everything was off today, so Lisa nodded. “If you like it, we’ll take one home with us.” Just like Bailey but for her own reasons, Lisa just might need some sugary sweet dessert today.
Taylor held the fork out in front of her until she finished her bite and then she licked the fork, getting a giggle from Bailey.
“You like it, huh?” Bailey asked.
With flushed cheeks, Lisa turned toward the counter. “I’ll grab you another fork. Sorry about that.” After ordering one of those million calorie cakes and snatching a new fork for Bailey, she went back to the table.
“Thanks. Why don’t you have a seat?” Bailey motioned toward the empty chair. “Grab another one for Taylor.” Her gaze scanned the full chairs around the bakery. None available. That was fine though. Lisa didn’t want to stay.
“I need to get going. You’ve been here awhile. How long are you going to hang out?”
Bailey took another bite of her cake and pointed the empty fork prongs in Lisa’s direction. “Until I get bored. You know, Lisa, I need some of my own excitement.”
Lisa nodded.


** 

The first two books for this series are available now. You can find them here: http://amzn.com/e/B008SA6TJK