Valerie Mann

Reading? What's That?

2011-12-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

Okay, that's a dumb question. We all read. All day long, every day. Cereal boxes, road signs, billboards, emails...thank a teacher that you can read! It's a blessing that I'll always be grateful for.

I'm a complete bookworm. Thank you.

Having said that, I can tell you I don't read anymore. Not for enjoyment anyway. I used to have a 45-minute commute to work. A six-mile distance took nearly an hour, because of city traffic. I kept a book in my car and would read at each red light because I never could get through the first cycle. So, I read while I inched my car forward. Once in awhile I'd look up to see the car in front of me, way in front of me, and the drivers behind me irate and honking. This was before texting and smart phones, so I'm thinking this isn't a problem anymore. Everyone is probably doing what I'd been doing all along.

I remember when I used to sneak in moments all day long to snatch a few more pages in the current book I'd borrowed from the library. I'm a library geek. Love walking in and seeing the endless possibilities lined up like soldiers on the shelves. Same goes for a book store. Sheer bliss.

I recall watching the clock after dinner, waiting for that golden moment when the kids would be in bed and I could get in bed myself and read without interruption. And I'm one of those weird people who can read in the car without getting carsick. In fact, I get carsick easily and reading is how I learned to deal with it.

But I no longer read. For pleasure. It's such a rarity, I can tell you the last book I did read, but not when - JR Ward's latest Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Lover Unleashed.

I have two Kindles and a Nook. I have over a hundred books downloaded on them, all with good intentions to be read. I'm hoping to read The Hunger Games before the movie comes out. We'll see.

Why don't I read like I used to? Because I'm busy reading everyone else's books. I edit. A lot. And by the time I'm done working on an author's book, I'm fried and don't feel like reading for my own pleasure (or writing either). Love my work, yet the side effect can be sad.

But a really strange thing happened recently. A few weeks ago, I was thinking about authors who'd influenced me with my own writing, authors whose voices, characters and themes helped me develop my own style. LaVyrle Spencer is at the top of my list (along with a couple of others). Yes, she writes in the older style of more narration, less deep internal POV. Doesn't matter. She weaves stories that fill your head and heart, make you cry and even though the conflict and resolution are over, quite satisfactorily in fact, you don't want the book to end. My favorite book by her is Home Song, an amazing tale of forgiveness. And I was thinking nostalgically about it, because, remember...I don't read anymore, and how I wished I had time to read it again...

A few days later, we were camping in our motor home and I went into the campground laundromat. I glanced over at the little library that campers have set up to recycle old books and magazines for other campers' enjoyment. On the top of the pile was

Home Song

Coinkydink, you say? Nah, the message was clear. Clear your calendar, you need to read this again. And I am.

What are you reading right this minute? You aren't reading for your own personal pleasure? That's criminal and I won't tolerate it! Leave me a comment (with your email address) and one lucky commenter will win an Amazon gift card. You can buy a book with it.
Congrats to ALEXA for leaving a great comment! I'll be sending your Amazon gift card soon!

Giving Thanks!

2011-11-30T03:01:00.000-05:00

by Anne Holly

I wanted to wish all my American friends a happy Thanksgiving. I’m Canadian, so we’ve already had our Thanksgiving. Here, it falls in October, so it’s more of a harvest festival thing, and doesn’t celebrate any actual or legendary event. I like it that way – it’s further away from Christmas, the weather is still nice, and there are less guilty feelings about taking the turkey from the Native American neighbours, and promptly following that by taking everything else, as well. (No offense intended, there, just saying I always wondered if that would ruin my pie for me.)

So, then, how did a Canadian like me end up celebrating both Thanksgivings? Well, to add some complexity to my life, I married an American, making my son sorta-kinda “half-American” (is that even a term?), so I decided early on that I’d be dragging on the apron for that extra holiday every year. We’re vegetarians, so that means soy chicken breasts with the cranberry sauce, but I make a killer sage stuffing.

But why? Simply this – one cannot have too many nice, sit-down family dinners. Yes, they can get really obnoxious, I know, but when they work, they are lovely. Lots of food and a nice day to enjoy being together. And, the more you celebrate, the more chances we have per year to actually make the festivities. I, for one, am banking on my son growing up, getting married, and having to spend the Canadian Thanksgiving at his in-laws – well, I’m covered, because I can grab him in November. Or, he can cook, and I’ll go there to eat, which I like even better.

The long and the short of it is, eat, be with someone (or many someones) who matter, and be thankful for that, because there are a lot of people who don’t have food or loved ones. Those of us who do… well, we’re lucky as hell, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Now, Thanksgiving might not seem like a sexy season, or the most romantic time of year, but I included it in my five holiday sensual-romance series from Rebel Ink Press, and I hope I managed it. Charity is the story of a city girl without a family or a real home who finds both, as well as a heck of a lot of food, with a cowboy in the Montana wilds. In return, she helps him hold on to a family legacy that matters more to him than he understood.

I hope you enjoy this little excerpt:

“Sorry,” Joshua said softly, as her eyes opened the next morning.

“Hmmm?” she asked as she stretched. Her muscles bore a new soreness that hadn’t been there before. His sex had been rough, manful, and even she felt delicate in its wake.

He traced a small, blue mark on the inside of her arm with a fingertip, his touch now lighter than a feather on her ravaged body.

“I shouldn’t have...”

“Shhhh,” she said, pressing a kiss to his beloved lips. “I certainly didn’t mind,” she offered, smiling. “It was your turn to use me.” The gentle whisper of her voice took the bitterness out of the words and she put an arm behind his head to pull him into a hug.

“I should’ve treated you more gently,” he said, but the self-condemnation in his voice was easing. He bent over her and without meaning to, she knew their need was rising again, only this time like a soft breeze instead of a storm.

“I hate to ruin the mood,” she whispered into his neck, “but I really gotta pee.”

Laughing, he rolled back over on to the mattress and let her up.

“Good God, girl,” he groaned, his eyes pinned on her nude body padding towards the bathroom. “You’re good enough to eat – you better get back to this bed, pronto. I’ve got another need.”

Giggling at his compliments, Charity hurried to the washroom, “You better save some of that appetite for turkey,” she tossed over her shoulder as an afterthought.

“Oh, shit,” he groaned. “It’s Thanksgiving, isn’t it?”

She laughed as she closed the bathroom door, knowing he was contemplating lunch with a whole house filled with old biddies invited by Daisy and Kate which meant having to mind his manners when he least felt like it.

They’d have their morning in bed but she had some work to do. Whether Joshua liked it or not, Charity was going to help save him from himself.

For more info, please visit my Seasonal Tales page: http://annehollyholiday.webs.com/thanksgivingtales.htm

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope we’re all warm, filled and loved this holiday season and beyond.

- Anne Holly

Sexy Aliens

2011-11-21T00:01:00.005-05:00

by Jessica Subject

Although not always, many science fiction romance stories deal with a relationship between an alien and a human or an alien and another alien. When it comes to the intimate scenes, can you suspend disbelief and find the aliens sexy as the characters do? How about these aliens, do you find them sexy?

Sure, these aliens look very humanoid, but what if the alien looked like this? Would you still find them sexy?

What if you meet someone who looks very human, in fact, like your dream date? You get to know them, are ready to become intimate with them, and they tell you they’re an alien. You see their true form which look something like this:

Would you run away screaming? Faint? Would you be curious? Or would you say, “Let’s get it on?”

That’s exactly what happens to Carrie Cooper. Find out how she reacts in Celestial Seduction.

Celestial Seduction Book Trailer

Excerpt

“Remember how I said I needed an open-minded partner?”

She nodded, her eyes catching a quick glance from his before returning to her stomach.

Just a couple more minutes and he’d be finished. He prepared to hold her down should she freak out when he told her he came from space. “I’m not exactly like you and most of the people on Earth. I’m….different.”

“Like a demon or a guardian angel?”

He laughed. It sounded forced, but he needed to stay focused on healing Carrie rather than mating with her. “No, you’re thinking paranormal. Try science fiction.”

She began to squirm under him, but he didn’t need to restrain her. “A….clone? Artificial intelligence?”

He finished healing her and lay down beside her. His thumb ran across her lips, wanting to taste them again, but knowing he probably wouldn’t. “Try alien.”

Buy Links:

http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=6661

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject

Google +: https://plus.google.com/100079570422204018357/posts

Find your Soul Mate!

2011-11-18T03:01:00.002-05:00

with Jane Rochester

Thanks, Val, for letting me crash your blog today. I really appreciate it!

Writing isn’t an easy job. Anyone who tells you differently only wishes they were writing a novel. First, you actually have to make time to do it. (I dream of a day where I can quit the day job and spend all day writing in my pajamas.) Then there’s what to write. Anyone who’s tried (I think) can tell you about getting everything together and sitting down at the computer, hands poised over the keyboard…and then nothing happens. Words do not fall from fingertips like rain. You sit and stare at that very scary white screen.

The key is to write. Anything. Even if it’s just “the cat sat on the mat” over and over again. Sometimes just breaking into that white space helps. It makes it less intimidating. Don’t worry about what you’re writing. That’s what editing is for. Get the words out. Shudder over your grammatical errors and comma splices later. For now, let it flow.

Somewhere along the way, you’ll discover that your characters will do things you hadn’t intended. They’ll throw something into your plot you never intended to be there. And you’ll sit back, scratch your head, and then shrug and go with it. Some of the best ideas are accidents.

But it’s worth it. There is nothing like the thrill of receiving an offer from a publisher. The only thing that tops it is receiving a great review, or better, a comment from a reader about how much they love the story. That is a rush I’ve yet to find anywhere else.

So I’m pleased to be able to announce that my novella, Soul Mate, has been released as part of the 1 Night Stand Series from DecadentPublishing. I’ve included the cover (isn’t it GORGEOUS?!) and the blurb. I hope you’ll check it out!

Soul Mate:

When her friend buys her a date from Madame Evangeline’s 1Night Stand service, Nora isn’t sure she can go through with it. Especially when she sees her date walk in. He’s way out of her league in more ways than just looks.

Angus MacInnes knows his time as Enforcer of his vampire clan is slowly driving him mad. When his brother sent him on a date, he assumed it would be a bust from the beginning. He didn’t expect to find the one woman he’s been hoping would appear for the last few centuries.

But can a vampire Enforcer smooth his rough edges enough to convince Nora that they’re Soul Mates?

Buy Link

Popping the Man Love Cherry

2011-11-15T00:01:00.006-05:00

Welcome guest blogger, Liz Crowe!

When I wrote Turkish Delights, the first of my 1NS trilogy of stories, I created a secondary character I really loved. Caleb Blessing is personal assistant to ElleKensington, the heroine of Turkish Delights, her long time friend as well. He's a California boy, tall, blond, beautiful. And gay. And he literally sprang from my head fully formed that way. Matthew Morrison will play him in the movie....

I never intended to jump into the very busy, very sexy and sometimes annoyingly trite "m/m" romance world ... not just yet.

But when I think about how I create characters, I can honestly say nearly 90% of the time, they just create themselves and I translate them to paper..um...screen. Turkish Delights was one of those stories that did the same thing. I swear on a stack of malt sacks I woke up one morning and had the whole damn thing in my head, in a big knot of hot cougar action, ready to be shared. So when Elle, a just-named CEO of a major pharmaceutical company, turned to talk to her PA--there he was in all his hunky, man-love glory: Caleb.

He is based on a real human. My best bud in college and beyond is a gay man. He owns his own biz in a different state now, but he is my touchstone on so many things. He was my spouse's fraternity brother, we shared an apartment for 2 summers while in college, he planned and implemented my wedding, and were I to EVER require a personal assistant, it would be he.

It's Caleb who convinces Elle to get off her ass and over to her 1Night Stand date...with Emre, the young man who is ready to confess his love over a veeeery steamy massage. "Naughty massage boy" is a favorite theme of mine....but I digress.

If you are a fan already, you know I love to interweave my characters' stories. So it seemed fairly natural the Caleb would be in love with Emre's twin brother Tarkan. Their story is hot, but I'll tell you now...do NOT get too attached. Without spoiling anything since today is my Big Release Day, I'll warn you: bring the tissues.

Blue Cruise is my first m/m love story. I plan to write more. It's fun to research, via some of the better m/m authors out there. I'm sure we all have our favs, but can I say right here and now you gotta get your hands on some of Lee Brazil's stories if you haven't already.

I hope you enjoy it!

Cheers,

Liz

Blue Cruise excerpt:

And, if you are comfy, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this excerpt, but it's a hot one:

The boat trip had only been the two of them, to his pleasant surprise. In the powerful fancy speedboat, Tarkan had torn away from the shore, one hand on the wheel, the other in the air waving to the dockworkers. Caleb sat and watched the man’s body, covered only in khaki shorts and a tee shirt, and tried to will his cock down from its compromising position of extreme hard, bordering on agonizing. They cruised down the shoreline slowly. Tarkan pointed out various historical views and regaled Caleb with stories of growing up with a proud Turkish father and stubborn American mother. By the time they reached a spot about an hour down the coast and had pulled into a dock that looked to be an historical relic on its own, Caleb was drunk with lust.

Tarkan lead him up a steep grassy hill, dotted with the odd remnant of ancient temple or church or whatever, Caleb had no idea. History was not his thing. The man in front of him was though. He guided Caleb into what looked like a small, elegant restaurant on the outside but was obviously a private home. One table was set, in front of a blazing fire, for two. A few people appeared, poured wine, put some food down and disappeared. Caleb was nervous again. He wanted Tarkan so badly at that moment he didn’t think he could control himself. And he knew damn good and well Tarkan felt the same way.

“Afiyet olsun.” Tarkan gestured to the food, which was a delicious simple meal of lamb, rice and fresh vegetables. Caleb stared at him, not sitting, not moving any closer. The room hummed with chemistry, electricity, and primal need.

“Are we alone?” he ground out. “Because if we aren’t we should be, and soon.”

He was thrilled to see Tarkan finally appear unsettled. The guy was one cool customer for certain. Calmer than anyone had a right to be. He glanced around, motioned with one hand, and the lights were dimmed, leaving the room lit by a single candle and the flickering flames in the grate. He took a step toward Caleb, ran a finger down his face, palmed his cheek. Caleb’s entire body broke out in a chill and if it were physiologically possible, his cock got even harder. “We should eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” Caleb growled and reached for him, yanking his face close, covering his lips with his own, hungry beyond imagining for the Turkish treat in his arms. They melded together, nearly identical in their six-foot-two-inch bodies, arms wound around each other, tongues colliding with passion. Caleb groaned into Tarkan’s mouth as the other man’s hands slid down his arms, around to his ass, and pressed their bulging groins together, grinding into him so hard Caleb nearly came in his shorts. He yanked his face away and stared into the dark-skinned man’s eyes.

“I am one pent-up guy, I have to warn you. I...oh, shit....”

Tarkan dropped to his knees and tugged Caleb’s zipper down in one fluid motion, releasing his throbbing cock to the air. “Lovely,” he murmured, before dipping his tongue into the weeping slit, licking his way around the edge of the head and finally swallowing Caleb’s shaft all the way down, pressing his nose into the curls at the base.

“Jesus, I...oh....” Caleb bit it back, cocked his hips and held onto Tarkan’s hair, fucking his lovely mouth like an animal, making noises he didn’t know he had in him. The man moaned, clutched his ass and deep-throated him, again and again, sucking and tugging until Caleb saw stars at the edge of his vision, felt the orgasm gathering at the base of his spine. “Baby, I’m gonna blow.” His voice was a whisper in the nearly dark room. “I can’t hold back.”

In response, Tarkan pulled his mouth off with a final bit of suction, stood, and yanked his own shorts down. He possessed Caleb’s mouth, sweeping his talented tongue in and through, owning him with his lips. Their erections pressed together, the hot, hard sex between them beautiful and urgent.

Liz Crowe

www.lizcrowe.com (currently under construction)

www.brewingpassion.com

www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2

Thanks, Liz! So glad to have you spice up my blog!

Leave a comment to win a free copy of Blue Cruise! And if you're really nice, I'll include a copy of Turkish Delights cuz Val loves it so much and wants to share!

And coming soon, Emre and Tarkan's sister, Lale's story ~ Tulip Princess

Vampire Dream Come True

2011-11-11T03:01:00.004-05:00

By JoAnne Kenrick

Thanks, Valerie, for allowing me to take over a guest post on your blog! [Curtsies] It's a real honor to be here, oh 1NS master.

Yes. I'm being series.

Believing vamps to be a hard to sell to any editor even though the genre is still very much so loved by vampire romance fans, the paranormal callout for 1NS books was a dream come true for me. I threw caution to the wind and pitched the vampire tale that was in my heart. Needless to say I was full of excitement when it was given the go-ahead.

Using the cheesy yet classic vampire movies I love so much from the 80s as my inspiration, such as Embrace of the Vampire, I let my goth self loose on a .doc. Thus, Dracula's Kiss was born. I didn't think much about characters or emotions etc... before writing this story. It was a truly organic experience for me. Setting was the only thing I did decide before typing the opening sentence, and the blurb I used to pitch to Decadent Publishing. I wanted something dark and spooky, something fitting for my classic vampire tale. Once I had decided on some key locations in Scotland that are connected to Bram Stoker, there was nothing else to do but to write. Catherine Ela's , aka Cathela, name just came to me. And as it was set in Scotland, so I just had to have a Scottish vampire as her love interest. His name didn't come as easily, and I had a little bit of help from my friends.

I thought I would struggle to meet the paranormal call-out deadline, but in just three weeks, I had a story. A story I loved! I was a crazy three weeks of solid writing; normally, I'm not that focused. Life distracts me, as does my attention starved (yeah right, but to see him nudge for loves, you'd think so) cat, and my motherly duties and love. But I kinda lost myself in this story, and in Cathela. Infact, I did actually have a few dreams that I was Cathela. They were surreal, but gave me plenty of material to work with. You might find it odd, or not, when I say I'm a lucid dreamer. If I realize I'm dreaming, I can change the events as they happen. So dreaming, for me, is just another opportunity to make up stories.

Dreams and Scottish vampires brings me to another book...

I have other kind of dreams, though. Nightmares, actually. And usually when I'm stressing about something and feel out of control of a situation. I'm helpless in those dreams, a slave to the horror of...zombies. EEP

Slow in their chase, they still always catch up to me and just as they reach out to get me, I wake up. I've been unable to watch a zombie movie, not a serious one, because of this. They scare the bejeezus out of me.

Enter Literal-Addiction-Paranormal-Book-Club and a freebie zombie book I wrote for them.

It all started with a fun-packed author chat there in September, to celebrate the release of Sweet Irish Kiss. Upon mention of Dracula's Kiss, and my fear of zombies, somehow, we were plotting and planning a hilarious sounding vampire verses zombie romance spoof type story about a Scottish vampire wearing nothing but a kilt, battling zombies with a leaf blower. And it was decided, to help me over come my fear, that I would write this story in time for their Samhain Spectacular.

And guess what? The story is now out there...for free...and I think you agree with me when I say Literal Addiction arranged a fantastic cover! Syd Gill, the cover artist, did an amazing job! She even added in zombie parts. WOOT.

It's spoofy, be warned...

Be Stihl My Unbeating Heart

Leaf blower in tow, and his secret weapon at the ready, Archie focuses on getting back to his damsel in distress at all costs. But zombies, while slow, are tenacious, and it just might cost him an arm and a leg.

Can Archie battle his way through zombieland and save his lady love before the sun comes out to play again? Will Aquanet sufficiently hold his hair in place so he can maintain his hero good looks til the end of our tale? Will we ever discover if he’s a true Scotsman?...erm, will he sufficiently use his head for something other than zombie food?

Available to read online via Scribd, or as a PDF download. If you hit the 'mobile' selection in Scribd, and you have your reader plugged in, it will also send the story to your reader: http://www.scribd.com/doc/70718704/Be-Stihl-My-Unbeating-Heart

Book details.

Dracula's Kiss – “ JoAnne Kenrick writes with passion and excitement. She brings her characters to life through lavish attention to emotions and character. She weaved a tale that entranced my imagination leaving me wanting more.” – Night Owl Romance TOP PICK

Blurb:

Cathela's Office Halloween Ball is a complete bust. She spills out her Dracula's Bride costume, and her vamp fetish chases away her boyfriend. Only redeeming feature to the night? Necking multiple shots of Dracula's Kiss—a lush Black Cherry Vodka cocktail—and an interlude with a gorgeous man dressed Gary Oldman style.

No one comes close to satisfying Alec Murray's needs until he meets Cathela during some lame-ass party for bankers. One taste of her blood, sweet yet darkly dangerous, he knows she's perfect for him.

A night of goth bondage is planned for one. For the other, a night of sexual control is a must. A perfect fit. Alec is compelled to reveal his true nature, but can their relationship survive his dark secret?

JoAnne Kenrick, an ex-Ghost Tour Guide turned Romance Author, is a Welsh lass who has lived in various countries around the world. She now calls North Carolina her home, where she lives with her husband, two children and a lazy cat. When they aren't demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading or baking up a British favorite in her N.C. kitchen. That is, when she isn't writing or chatting up a storm on social networking sites. www.joannekenrick.com

**Leave a comment with your email address! One lucky commenter will receive a copy of her choice of one of JoAnne's books at Decadent Publishing!**

Party Time!!

2011-11-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

Come play with about 200 authors! Win prizes and meet new people.

This is huge, people!!

The Romance Reviews

Year End Splash PARTY!

There's somthin' FREAKY going on around here...

2011-07-31T13:00:00.003-04:00

It's that time again!!

Stephanie Beck's wondermous annual

Freak Week* is here!

Come out and play!

Scavenge around and find what you need!

And as an added bonus, I will be giving away two ebooks of your choice from my backlist and kindlegraph them if you want!

Leave a thoughtful comment**, I'll throw your name in a hat and see what the cat picks out!

*For rules, regulations and other boring but necessary stuff you need to know, visit http://stephaniebeck.net and click on the Freak Sorority tab.

**Since Blogger can be funky about leaving comments, you can send to valeriemann09@yahoo.com

Mondays Aren't Always Blue...

2011-07-18T14:13:00.007-04:00

With all of the hats I wear...mom, wife, editor, business owner, promotion and marketing director, author liaison, Blog Maven, review site owner, I get so busy, I don't stop and smell the roses. My biz partner Kate says I'm too busy looking for the bees who want to sting me. Thank you, sweetie.

Today, I slept in later than usual because I went to bed very late with some work stuff. And then opened up the 7+ email accounts I handle and I hit the ground running, sans any sort of stimulant to aid me, LOL. All good, I love what I do, but sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees on Monday.

Then I got an email in my author inbox...from a popular romance author...well, she wears as many hats, if not more, than I do, she ain't just an author (and you know who you are)! And she was writing to thank me for how nice I am to authors, how professional I am, and how I go out of my way to help authors promote.

I almost cried. For her to take time out of HER busy Monday morning to say such uplifting things. THIS is why I love my job! I hang out with the best peeps ever!

You made it!

2011-07-15T08:04:00.004-04:00

Hooray! You made it! I know I'm near the end of the blog list, but I'm glad you persevered! I'm giving away to one commenter a copy of my latest release, To Feel Again, published with Decadent Publishing. To Feel Again is the first book in the hugely popular 1Night Stand series. 1Night Stand is a dating service, operated by the very mysterious Frenchwoman, Madame Evangeline. Eve has an uncanny knack for matching the right people together, knowing what they need, even if the clients don't! Her success rate is phenomenal. Wouldn't it be nice if there truly was a Madame Eve? If you'd like to take look at 1NS more closely, here's a link to its very own blog.

When Leah loses her fiancé, Mark, in Afghanistan, it takes nearly a year to get to the point where she’s ready to live again. Although she doesn’t want an emotional commitment, a night of consensual sex, even with a stranger, might help bring her some closure after Mark’s death. Enlisting the services of Madame Evangeline’s high-end, online dating service, One Night Stand, promises exactly what Leah is looking for—sex with a man she doesn’t have to see again, but one who will satisfy her physical needs now that she's ready to move on with her life.

Jackson Castillo has no desire to go on a date with one of Evangeline’s clients. One Night Stand uses his hotel for its client’s rendezvous, but otherwise, he never gets involved. When Eve threatens to take her business elsewhere unless he helps her with a particular case, he’s no fool. He’ll go on the date. But he won’t sleep with the woman.

When one thing leads to another, his good intentions to stay out of the bedroom with Leah are shattered. The sex is phenomenal, but there’s more to Leah he wants to explore. After she leaves the next morning without a goodbye, he’s both disappointed and royally pissed. Will he let her go or find a way to convince her she’s ready…to feel again? Click HERE to read more...

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF TO FEEL AGAIN! Oh heck, I'll thrown in another 1Night Stand book while I'm at it! Yay!

Thanks for stopping by! If you want to keep track of your journey, here's a link to the Master List at A Journey of Books. Each blog you track as having visited earns you another point for special giveaways. And below are the next few blog stops. Have fun!

186 vvb32 reads

187 Wendi Zwaduk - Romance to Make Your Heart Race

188 What Book is That?

189 What's On the Bookshelf

190 Writing is a Blessing

Other books by me:

Mile High Club Hey You

Fanning Old Flames Hide & Seek

Cool! Free reads!

2011-07-13T16:13:00.001-04:00

Don't you love Free Stuff?

Check out these freebies...one is erotic and the other is YA...Enjoy!

Boardroom Love

Read it HERE

I Dare You
Read it HERE

Romance and America's Independence...

2011-07-02T22:30:00.001-04:00

**Originally published 7/4/11 at Decadent Publishing's Daily Dose of Decadence blog**

Happy 4^th of July, to all of my American friends! For those of you not from the United States, I’ll give you a brief history of this American holiday…it’s the anniversary of our independence from British rule.

Fortunately, we got over the pesky squabbles with our friends on the other side of the pond and think the Brits are awesomesauce now. I have no doubt women had a part in that make up process. We’re all about the HEA.

Anywho, July 4^th is one of my favorite holidays, I love my country. And it got me thinking…about the two lovebirds in my 1Night Stand story, To Feel Again. And what Jackson and Leah’s story would be like if it took place during Colonial times.

*queue time travel music* (though I have no clue what that sounds like)

Leah thought her plea to the mysterious Frenchwoman, Madame Evangeline, had gone either missing or ignored. What folly to think the woman had the ability to bring the man of her dreams to the isolated countryside of Virginia. After losing her betrothed, Mark, in battle, Leah had little hope of marriage prospects. Eligible men were off, fighting in the war, dying for their country and she had no doubt that unless she took appropriate measures, she’d live a lonely life without a husband or children. Sending a heartfelt letter to Madame Eve a year after Mark had passed and the mourning lifted from her weary heart had seemed like the right thing to do if she had any hope of happiness.

And finally, Madame Eve had replied—the letter tucked snug in the pocket of Leah’s apron. Her heart raced each time she read the words:

My dear Leah, my heart cries for you and the loss of your patriot. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Yet time must march on and I am happy therefore to have found a gentleman of fine integrity who I trust you will find most agreeable. He is the owner of the trustworthy establishment, The Castle Inn….

***

“I don’t have time for this.”

Jackson read the letter from Eve one more time before leaning back in the chair with a curse. His agreement with her extended only to providing lodging for the affaires de coeur she initiated. He had no desire to partake of her business other than to receive the generous funds the satisfied patrons readily added to his inn’s coffers. However, Evangeline appeared to have other ideas and threatened to find another proprietor to attend to her matchmaking needs—if he didn’t agree to his own affair.

A sound in the courtyard below drew his attention and he brushed the curtain aside. Emerging from a small carriage was a lovely young woman. Her plain yellow dress fluttered in the brisk spring wind and wisps of blonde hair escaped her bonnet. Her hand, fine-boned and petite, brushed the wayward strands back and as if drawn to him, she glanced upward, catching his gaze.

Lovely young woman, indeed.

Okay, so forgive my lack of historical writing, I'm pleading artistic license. But hey, romance is romance, no matter when it happens! And I'm quite sure that if Leah and Jackson had met back in 1776, they would have had just as much fun as they did in 2011, when Madame Evangeline did that mysterious matchmaking thing!

Valerie Mann

www.valeriemann.com

Run Devil Run anthology now available in PRINT!

2011-04-25T18:01:00.000-04:00

How's this for major groovy-ness? I say go ahead and buy a copy. You know you want to!

I'll make it easy for you. Click HERE to purchase.

Nobody told me the Romantic Times Con would be stressful!

2011-04-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for RT...nobody told me it would be this much work! Partial To-do list (and I'm leaving in two days and don't have squat done cuz I'm the Master Procrastinator):

1. Buy clothes. I hate to shop. I know, shopping should be hardwired into my female DNA but I can tell you this is a recessive gene passed down from my mother. Not one gal in the fam enjoys the task.

2. Buy swag to give away. Postcards for signings? Check. Author banner for my booksigning table? Check. Business cards? Check. In major hock to VistaPrint? Check, check.

3. Pack all the crap I'm dragging from the right coast to the left coast. Are you serious? See master procrastinator comment above. 'Nuff said.

4. Plan on having a good time. Yeah. I got that part covered.

Have You Ever Noticed?

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

I read this an cracked up! The author gave me permission to re-post.

by Katie Drake

Now, I love the romance genre. I love to read it. I love to write it. I love the
experience of two people finding "the one". But am I the only one who sees a pattern emerging? The back of most romance novels could read like this. Bricker (because all men in romance novels have names that sound like last names or dog names) is an ex-special forces opperative (because no real romance man would be an accountant) who has lost hope in humanity. His time spent serving his country has left unseen scars on his soul (because PTSD is way sexier then the loss of a limb or a gunshot wound to the belly). He is troubled by unseen demons (being haunted by the spawn of Satan is much cooler than having bad dreams and
flashbacks). His life is turned upside down when he meets the beautiful (because romance women are all cast from the same mold as Angelina Jolie) Kevin (because all romance women have male names).

Kevin is a successful attorney (because while all romance men barely passed their GED, romance women all went to Harvard on an academic scholarship) who has dedicated her entire life to her career
(because all romance women are workaholic spinsters at the age of 24). When the client of a pro bono murder case (because all romance men are demons and all romance women are saints) becomes obsessed with her, she must rely on Bricker to save her life (because romance women always put their lives in the hands of total strangers). Will their love be able to survive when things take a turn for the worst (because it can always get worse than being hunted by a homicidal maniac)?

(I wrote this to be fun. I know the effort it takes to complete a novel and I would never disrespect that process. Just wanted to make you all smile)

2011-03-18T07:59:00.003-04:00

by Kate Richards

~~stolen~~, ~~liberated~~, BORROWED from the Decadent 1Night Stand blog.

Last summer, while hanging out with a couple of my favorite online authors, we had a wonderful idea, to write a few stories about a unique dating service. We thought that a situation where, for reasons of their own, ordinary people wanted to have one great night, no strings attached. We had a few thoughts about why that might be and so Valerie Mann, Olivia Starke and I agreed to each write a story about what we thought might happen under those circumstances.

The Mysterious Madame Evangeline, owner of 1NightStand, is without peer in her gift at matching lovers for a 1NightStand, and always gives her clients more of an experience than they would have dreamed possible. Most of the dates happen at one of the fabulous Castillo Hotels and Resorts scattered around the world, with several at luxurious Castillo Las Vegas, Jackson Castillo’s flagship hotel, right on the Vegas Strip.

When we presented our idea to Decadent Publishing, we were given the green light to invite other authors to contribute to the series. To date there are more than a dozen stories accepted and a second series focusing on GLBT on the way.

Virgin and the Playboy was my first contribution to the series, although I have another in the works. Check it out and see what happens when a girl who was too consumed with her education and getting started in business to pay attention to her love life meets a guy who dates a different girl every week. And who has no idea he’s got a virgin for a 1 Night Stand.

Kate’s The Virgin and the Playboy as well as the other stories currently released are available at www.decadentpublishing.com or at your favorite online bookstore!

Hey You...Playlist, that is!

2011-03-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

Wow, talk about inspiration! How many authors can say that the title of their book corresponds with the title of a rock song? And the band even gave permission?

Music is a huge part of my life and flows into my writing. I have a playlist for every single book I've ever written and burn a CD of the songs to listen to on my commute to work. This is my playlist for Hey You.

HEY YOU
Run Devil Run
at the Roxy 12/4/2010

Not making fun of the band because they rocked it, but the crowd singing along cracked me up. Run Devil Run sure does inspire the fans!

Outside (Staind) ~ The demon Watcher, Marek, knows he'll be on the outside, looking in...forever.

It's Not You (Halestorm) ~ What Cara keeps telling herself when she's trying to ignore her growing feelings for her demon. "I don't see your name on my tattoo"...gosh, Cara! That's gonna hurt his feelings!

It's Been Awhile (Staind) ~ "It's been awhile since I could hold my head up high". Poor, tortured Marek...he never feels like he's deserving of anything, including Cara's love.

Ashes to Ashes (Faith No More) ~ just a really dark, brooding song. And except for the short hair, the lead singer in the video is pretty much my vision for the demon, Marek.

Terrible Lie (Nine Inch Nails) ~ "Seems like salvation comes only in our dreams". Since the only way Cara and Marek can truly communicate is in her dreams, she begins to welcome sleep so she can be with him.

Addicted (Saving Abel) ~ "It's unlike anything when you're loving me"...what girl doesn't like to hear those words?

Over and Over (Three Days Grace) ~ "I know what's best for me, but I want you instead". Pretty much sums up how Cara feels and how Marek wants her to feel. Oh, the angst.

Love Hurts (Incubus) ~ "Love hurts, but sometimes it's a good hurt, and it feels like I'm alive". Marek needs all the help he can get to feel alive. Just sayin'

Sound of Madness (Shinedown) ~ "I wrote the book on madness. Wrote the book on pain. The darkest hour never comes in the night. When you gonna wake up and fight?" I'll take What the Nocent says to Marek for $100, Alex.

Acts of Man (Midlake) ~ "Great are the sounds of all that live. And all that man can hold". Poor Marek really misses his mortality.

I'm Alive (Kenny Chesney/Dave Matthews) ~ "Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see. Today's the first day of the rest of my life". *SPOILER* Pretty sure both Cara and Marek are thinking this when Marek returns to her after sacrificing his soul to save hers.

Life is Beautiful (Sixx AM) ~ "Just open your eyes and see that life is beautiful".

The end.

HEY YOU! Buy my BOOK!

2011-03-04T00:01:00.013-05:00

Hooray! My novella, HEY YOU, in the Run Devil Run series with Decadent Publishing has finally been released! It's been a long road to get here, but well worth the trip!

What's so special about it? Seriously, who wouldn't want to take a literary road trip with four hot men and a rock band? Well...okay...I didn't exactly travel with them. In my overactive imagination I did, though. And...well...the books in the series aren't about the boys exactly...but they modeled for us and provided us with plenty of inspiration and some amazing covers!

HOW'S THIS FOR INSPIRATION?

Run Devil Run is a popular rock band based in Los Angeles. The guys were happy to lend their faces and talent to Decadent Publishing. Trust me, it wasn't a hardship on our part to make this happen! (oh, and my cover features the uber-sexy Jackie Joyride ~ I think I did okay, don't you?)

The books in the series are all paranormal, with Hey You probably the darkest of the bunch. As Heather Bennett, co-owner of Decadent Publishing said, "Paranormal romance lends itself easily to the Rock vibe.” After reading the other books released in the series, I couldn't agree more.

What's Hey You about?

Playing by the rules…Cara spent her entire life doing just that—dutiful daughter, stellar student, responsible adult…in a word…nerd. Not that she had much choice. The Society, a secret moral social order she’d been born into, had one motivating tool in its arsenal to ensure members didn’t succumb to temptation and break any of its laws...

The Watcher… A demon whose sole mission consisted of waiting for his watch to break the rules—and bring them to...

The Dark. Marek sucked at his job. Not only did he hate being a Watcher, but he’d fallen in love with his watch, Cara, placing his eternal soul in peril. Only able to protect her in her dreams, when she reaches a crossroad in her life that puts her mortality in jeopardy, they have to decide who will give the greater gift.

Will Cara sacrifice her mortality for Marek’s love…or will he sacrifice his soul to save her life? Read an excerpt

I'm going to do TWO things to put some Run Devil Run awesomeness in your hands because I think you're going to love this these stories and this band as much as I do!

1. Leave a comment on this blog. I'll pick one random commenter here to win a free download of Hey You. Winner will be announced here and by email (if you leave one) on March 26th.

2. Want to win the GRAND PRIZE? Buy a copy of Hey You from Decadent Publishing by March 25th. When you purchase your book, you will also receive a free download of the song "Hey You" by Run Devil Run. You'll be sending a print screen file as proof of purchase to Decadent Publishing in order to receive the download. So ~ send a print screen file to me as well, confirming your purchase of my book. Send it to valeriemann09@yahoo.com I will announce the winner on my blog, Facebook and Twitter on March 26th.

What will the LUCKY WINNER win? A basket full of goodies, including Run Devil Run autographed swag like their latest CD. I'll also throw in a copy of the Run Devil Run anthology print book, goodies from all of the RDR anthology authors, and decadent edibles (chocolate comes to mind). So....follow #2 to the LETTER and I'll enter you in the big drawing. Good luck!!

Valerie Mann

valeriemann09@yahoo.com Facebook ~ valerie.mann Twitter ~ mannvalerie

Come Party with ME!

2011-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finally! To be released on FRIDAY, MARCH 4th!!

I'll be partying heavily that day, I hope you join me!!

Freedom In Chains

2011-02-15T00:01:00.014-05:00

This is a simultaneous posting, coinciding with many other blogs around the globe today. Please be aware it can be disturbing, but awareness of crimes usually is.

Human Trafficking is global, insidious crime. Every day a child, a woman, a man is sold into slavery, whether for work, drugs, or for sex, it is happening all around us. Even to families we know. One young woman has been rescued from her years of captivity by a brave champion, Dottie Laster of Laster Global, Inc. To commemorate her 6 month anniversary of her freedom, and to bring about awareness, I present here today, FREEDOM IN CHAINS, a short story. Blinders off.

Freedom in Chains

By Deena Remiel

I am born. Without forethought. Without intention. Without love. I am thrust out of a darkness so warm, sheltered, and secure. Thrown into another kind of darkness so cold, exposed, and depraved. I cry and reach out, instinctively, for a mother’s love that should be there, instinctively, and is not. I learn instead to reach inward. I learn to design my own world in a corner of my mind. I learn not to cry.

Bad things happen when I cry. Bad things happen anyway… when you’re not intended.

In my world, it’s best to be invisible. If She can’t see me, I’m forgotten for a while and safe from the brutal attacks on my fragile heart. I know She can’t help herself yet, and I forgive her… over and over. She is Mother. If He can’t see me, my body is safe from unwanted, unwarranted intrusions. I just can’t be invisible long enough, though. I know He can’t help himself. He tells me so as He hurts me and cries… or laughs.

No longer a person, but a receptacle for other people’s basest desires, I exist. I am pissed on and passed on to innumerable faceless people who don’t see me, a precious child, but see me, a thing to be exploited. This is not my choice, but I have no voice. It was stolen sound by sound, thread by thread, each day sucked up more and more by the vacuum my family surrounded me with, veiled as “protection”.

My name is Freedom, and it was my birthday, once.

Freedom’s not my real name, but I chose it on that one birthday. The one that was actually remembered. The one that made Mother angry at remembering, angry at me. My birthday dinner was Rice Toasties and milk. My birthday gift? I got visited by Him and his friends. As my body was repeatedly invaded, I made plans for my revolution, my escape.

To freedom.

Today is the dawn of my revolution. Mother isn’t home, and He’s too doped up to lift his head when I walk into our apartment. So I gather my few belongings and walk right back out, never looking back. The streets have to be safer than where I have been for the past fourteen years.

I walk along the bustling city streets of my town, seeing everything just a bit differently than I had only minutes before. I see, for the first time, because my head is up and not turned down in shame. The store windows sparkle brilliantly in the sunlight, just for me. In upstairs apartments, window shades are pulled down and then up to let in more light. But I know they’re really winking their approval at my decision. My heart is light, my cheeks lift, and I touch them. I am smiling. What a strange feeling.

Awareness and attention to detail assault my brain like a battering ram. There’s an old lady with wrinkled tissue paper skin pushing a shopping cart, but I know she’s not shopping anywhere. I see her lips moving but nothing’s coming out. There’s a pack of boys, acting as if they owned the corner they were hanging out on, whistling after pretty girls walking by. Some of the girls give them nasty looks, while others ignore them altogether.

I notice the smells. The sweet, succulent aroma of the flowers from a flower shop is tucked away in a little box in my heart labeled “sweet things”. Next, I smell pizza. I know pizza. I eat it a lot. My nose wrinkles in defiance of the familiarity. No more pizza for me! I smell garbage. I know that smell, too. It perfumes my apartment. It creeps into my nostrils and lingers. I put my hand to my face and smell my skin. Anything is better than the smell of where I came from.

Darkness is inevitable. Hours fly by in a dizzying swirl of sights, sounds, and smells. More swiftly than I would think, the insipid darkness descends upon the city. I am tense, anxious. My stomach grumbles. I haven’t considered where or what I might eat. I haven’t considered where I might stay. I haven’t considered how I might pay for anything. I simply haven’t considered. My thoughts wander as I stand frozen in the middle of the sidewalk. I am now one of those people, the street people, who lay on benches or cardboard boxes on the ground. It’s still better than who I was before.

An unnatural breeze, sour and rank, wafts over my face. I know that smell, and a shiver snakes its way up my spine and clenches hard at my neck. It is Him, and my stomach roils in abject humiliation. My revolution, only in its infancy, has been suppressed. I am tugged and pulled and squeezed by his cruel hands. And He smiles at the people we pass on the way to his car that He left parked in the middle of the road. He calls me an incorrigible teenager to mollify the onlookers while shoving me into the front seat, and they respond with an understanding glance. But they don’t understand! I scream that I’m being kidnapped and they shake their heads disbelieving me, believing Him instead. How can they believe Him instead of me? His right hand forms a manacle around my wrist as He drives one-handed all the way back to the apartment. I am barraged with insults and curses and threats meant to intimidate me.

They will work… for a while.

A closet, a very dark closet with some matted carpeting, becomes my home, and I am chained by my ankle to the floor. But not before my whipping, not before cigarettes are burned into my flesh, and not before I am reminded of what my only purpose is on this earth. I don’t know what day it is. I only know day from night when the door opens and I’m given a sandwich and water. And when They come to fetch me.

In the darkness I hear them scheming. I know they have to send me to school. It’s the law. But they won’t until I’m healed. Mother told me she called me out sick so the police won’t come. They’ve told stories to everyone at school about how difficult I am at home and how I’m a habitual liar. Mother told them she’s getting me into counseling because I hurt myself intentionally. My teachers don’t believe them. Do they?

I am scheming, too.

I am finally set free to go to school. I have no clue what’s going on in my classes and no friends to ask. I’m never there enough to string concepts or friendships together. My stomach is cramping, so I ask to see the nurse. Denied. I’m only allowed to have stomach cramps in between classes. I see my assistant principal at lunchtime and decide to approach her. Maybe she can help me. We go to her office and she leans back nonchalantly in her seat and stares blankly at every tale I tell. I even show her the scarring from the cigarette burns and the chain marks around my ankle. I’ll look into this, she says, as she walks me out. I turn around to see her shaking her head and tossing her notes into the waste basket. She doesn’t believe. They’ve gotten to her. She’s one of Them now.

The end of the school day brings no relief, as He is there, waiting for me in his car. He waves me on and I can do nothing but obey. Mother’s gone. On and on, my days blend together. Every day the same routine- chains unlocked, get ready for school, go to school, go home, chains locked. Sometimes He comes, sometimes his friends, sometimes it is people he doesn’t even know. I am His meal-ticket. I am His drugs.

I am His.

He has a computer on the table in the kitchen, right next to the pizza boxes and dirty paper plates and cups and empty beer bottles. While in my closet I have been busy. I have found a way to get out of my chains and back in them again. Malnourishment has its advantages.

The front door slams shut and I wait. I listen. There is silence. Boldly, I remove the chain from around my ankle and I stretch. Reaching up for the doorknob, I hesitate. What if He’s testing me and He’s really laying in wait, ready to pounce? What if the door is locked and I can’t get out? Enough of the what-ifs, I scold myself. What if you just open the Goddamn door?

I do, and I am alone.

Energy hums through my body as I rush to the computer. Now what? I search for freedom. I had been in Civics class once where the teacher taught us about human rights violations around the world. He had mentioned human trafficking and children being sold into slavery as a couple of examples. I remember hyperventilating and being sent to the health office. I retched and dry-heaved for a while and then she sent me back to class. Only other people get to go home when they’re sick.

Human Trafficking brings up 9,000,000 pages to view. I only need one to confirm that I am what is called a victim. It takes a couple more clicks and I find my savior. Someone actually saves people like me, victims of unspeakable human rights crimes. I quickly write down a phone number, put it in my pocket and return the computer to exactly the way it was before.

I hear loud cursing and laughing coming from the hallway. He’s back, and he’s got company. Scurrying like a mouse, I scramble to my closet, close the door, reattach the chain to my ankle and curl up in a ball. I say my nightly prayer, “Please make me invisible tonight.” Tonight, it works. His company is female. Poor woman.

At school today, I skip out of English. I borrow some kid’s cell phone. Okay, I steal some kid’s cell phone and race outside to make the call. The call to freedom. My finger trembles as it pushes each number. It knows this is my last effort to be free. The thrumming of my heart threatens to drown out the voice on the other end.

Hello?

I am born. Again. It is a long row I hoe with many ruts and boulders in my way. Nightmares and depression replace my former reality. But I have people in my life now who help me plant the seeds of strength and trust and happiness. People who show me what it is to be treated with human kindness. People who show me I am deserving of such. The evil that bought me when I was but a child has his own shackles to wear now in his own “closet” for the next forty years. It should bring a smile to my face, but that’s still hard to do.

My name is Freedom, and I had a birthday once. I named it my Freedom Day. My Freedom Day dinner was a real steak, a baked potato, green beans, and a Coke.

My Freedom Day gift? My new life.

Saying Goodbye...

2011-02-13T15:51:00.002-05:00

The joy of meeting pays the pangs of absence;

else who could bear it?

~Nicholas Rowe

I finished a story today. Well, the deadline was two weeks ago but it went into pre-edits so I wouldn't have plot holes big enough to drive a tractor trailer through. Thank goodness for a good friend who happens to be my editor. She knows she can be honest and tell me what isn't working and what needs resuscitative CPR.

This story is near and dear for a few reasons -

I wrenched it out of a dark corner of my mind where it wallowed since 2007. Never thought it would see the light of day...

And also because I alternately hated and loved seeing it transform and evolve from a story with a lot of insurmountable issues I didn't have the talent to deal with, to a workable story.

It began to live and breathe.

Only a writer understands that concept. It doesn't matter if you're the least-talented writer with the worst story on the planet, or the NYT bestselling author...your stories and characters become a part of you.
This was my story, it is a part of me.

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending

~Lazurus Long

And now I have to say goodbye. I nearly cried. What am I going to do without my fun heroine, who (sort of) took the stick out of her a$$ long enough to fall in love? How will I leave my lovely, dark, brooding hero who thought he'd live forever in the Darkness?

Now I know why authors write series. They can't let go.

Thank you, Decadent Publishing, for having faith and allowing me to bring it forth. And for my writing friends, you know who you are, who listened to me whine and bitch and cry because it wasn't happening or I couldn't do it, or something wasn't working. You guys are stellar friends and every writer needs one or two like you!

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened

~Theodor Seuss Geisel

Hooray! It's....

2011-02-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

One of the best movies ever made. Does anyone else know the script by heart like me?

I know what I'll be watching tonight!


"Watch that first step...it's a doozy!"

I KNOW, RIGHT??

2011-01-25T22:25:00.006-05:00

You can't get much better than this...paranormal romance mixed with Rock and Roll. Welcome to my world, where I've been in the terrifying and satisfying business of writing for the Decadent Publishing's Run Devil Run anthology. And yeah, that cover is just too much!

That's Jackie Joyride, guitarist for the band. I'll post some vid links in a bit. For now, just enjoy Jackie, his guyliner and my joy at having the chance to write this story!

To Feel Again is under contract!

2011-01-24T19:43:00.021-05:00

I'm super thrilled to announce a new contract with Decadent Publishing for their new 1Night Stand series! My book is the launch and it's hawt!

Stop by the Decadent 1Night Stand BLOG to find out more about this fun series!

Romance Writers Behaving Badly BLOG TOUR

2010-09-09T00:01:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Romance Writers Behaving Badly BLOG TOUR! You can start at the beginning, HERE, or maybe you found my blog via Sara Brookes' blog. Either way, have fun!

Autumn is my favorite season and with fall nipping at the heels of a really hot summer (at least here in North Carolina it was!), it's nice to contemplate cooler weather coming our way. Here in my neck of the woods, fall is the time for the State Fair and that southern passion, COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

I get to see lots of eye candy in my daily job since my boss is the team dentist for NC State's Football and Basketball, and it's not uncommon to see really tall, really BIG guys wandering the halls of my office. Now, it would be against the law for me to tell you who some of these fine, fit, handsome young men are, but in the interest of Fall Football inspiration, I'd like to share some pictures that remind me of the guys and our favorite autumn pastime called (American) Football. Maybe it will get YOU in the mood for some gridiron action, too!

Yeah, I know...wouldn't it
be nice to go to a football
game and see THIS on the
field?

Damn those helmets and pads!

Oh, my! Somebody's hiding
something under that silly
old football!

I think a search-and-enjoy
mission is entirely in order!

Just to be fair to the readers
who enjoy the lovely female
form...here's some eye candy
for you!

And while this is good for laugh, I think
this NFL player, Troy Polamalu, has the
most gorgeous face and does weird things
to my writer's brain. So, laugh all you want,
but enjoy his beauty! Or, I'll do it for both of us!

Wow, that was fun! I hope you have some of your own this fall! Make time for yourself, enjoy the cooler weather, take in some sports (don't forget the essential TAILGATING prior to any fall sporting event!) and prepare to hunker down for Jack Frost (with a handy supply of romance books on your shelf or in your E-Reader to keep you warm). Speaking of books, one lucky commenter of my blog will receive an Amazon gift card and e-copy of my latest release, MILE HIGH CLUB!

So what are you waiting for? Leave a comment! After you do that, don't forget to move on and visit Chloe Waits' Blog!

"I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all." -E.B. White

2010-09-08T21:13:00.005-04:00

Ain't that the truth? I think every author will agree. Check out my guest blog over at Becca Dale's blog, Becca's Retreat! I write about (and show some fine examples of) what INSPIRES ME!

<
Becca's Retreat

Mile High Club is HERE!

2010-09-08T21:09:00.003-04:00

Buy MILE HIGH CLUB

Drew Driscoll never knew what hit him when he met Emma for the first time. Mr. Type-A personality doesn't allow relationships to interfere with his business success. But something about Emma strikes a deep chord hard and fast. So, in typical Drew fashion, he rationalizes the situation and hires her as his administrative assistant to keep her close but without any emotional entanglements. Or so he thought.

Emma never dreams how difficult working for Drew will be when she'd accepted his offer. Sure, she does her job well, he pays her even better and she enjoys the jet-set lifestyle as his assistant while he deals his way through every major boardroom in the country. What she doesn't have is Drew. The immediate attraction sizzles between them but he always keeps his eyes forward and hands off, which makes doing her job easier but her nights lonely. When she accompanies him to a formal business event and he gets immersed in an unexpected and lengthy call from Asia, a frustrated Emma accepts an offer for a ride home from his former business partner. The next day, on a cross-country corporate flight, Drew fires her.

Once she gets past the initial shock of unemployment, Emma realizes nothing is standing in the way of pursuing the affair she knows they both want. And where better to pursue her ex-boss than at a private, thirty-thousand feet?

My newest Book Cover!

2010-07-05T15:46:00.004-04:00

Mile High Club

Soon to be released!

What Really Happens...well, sometimes...

2010-06-27T14:46:00.004-04:00

Every time I see this commercial, I giggle. As a romance author, it's a reality check. Yes, I love what I write...yet things probably don't always happen that way in real life!

Got Romance Reviews is interviewed at Prairie Chicks!

2010-06-07T20:23:00.004-04:00

As co-owner of GOT ROMANCE REVIEWS, I often get asked what the review process is like. Let me tell you, the CIA has nothing on what we do. It's highly sensitive, delicate and harrowing. Don't let the pin-up girl logo fool you. However, I did deign to divulge certain details, probably putting my partner, Kate Richards, and I at great bodily and professional risk. So, in order to make that risk worthwhile, please go over to Prairie Chicks Write Romance and read the interview...before this post self-destructs.

I'm "EXCERPTING" over at Amarinda Jones' Blog

2010-05-29T14:49:00.003-04:00

Check out Amarinda Jones' blog this weekend! Shes posting RED HOT excerpts from four author's books! If you want just a tasty sizzling morsel of erotica, take a look!!

MEMORIAL DAY ~ Remember!

2010-05-28T18:47:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite holidays is Memorial Day. It means the end of the school year is looming and a summer of longer days and sleeping a little longer too. It saddens me that so many people treat it as a day of vacation from work or school, not that I'm guilt-free in that regard. But I was lucky enough to have a grandmother who treated the holiday with the respect that it deserved.

When I was little, we always used to visit my grandparents for the long weekend. My grandma's brother had died serving in WWII and every Memorial Day, she went to the cemetery with flowers to put on Carlisle's grave. I was too young to realize the significance of her actions but I do remember them. On a side note, this particular cemetery had peacocks that strutted around the hillside and grandma would always let me sit and watch the birds until they finally unfurled their tails into the glorious, multi-colored arc. Poignant memories but valuable, too. It doesn't matter what religion, race or political persuasion we are, we are all Americans, served by men and women who fight for our freedoms.

Some Memorial Day facts:

The holiday was originally known as 'Decoration Day' and first observed May 30, 1868 to help the country conquer the horrors and divide after the Civil War.

Memorial Day did not become a federally recognized national holiday until 1971.

At 3:00 PM local time, there is a one-minute 'Moment of Remembrance'. According to Remember.gov, this is "an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans."

This Monday, talk to your kids and help them understand the importance of remembering the brave veterans who fought and died for our freedoms. And take a moment as well for yourself, to forget about how challenging your life may be and simply appreciate for a day what makes our country so great and how fortunate you are.

Adventures in Writing...or How I Really Sucked at Writing But Hopefully Improved

2010-05-28T17:01:00.004-04:00

I blogged over at Book Boost Blog about the evolution of my writing. All writers have a story of their own. If you have a story or writing adventure to share, I'd love to hear it. I'd like to do a blog and recount some fun, sad or crazy stories about YOUR adventures. Leave a comment here!

HAIR IS SEXY! Or not...

2010-05-28T16:56:00.004-04:00

Come visit my blog over at Romance Writers Behaving Badly and see what I found out about hair, sex, men and...sex. Leave a comment!

Check out my interview!

2010-04-24T22:33:00.002-04:00

Cherie De Sues' Naughty Novelists was kind enough to let me have a guest interview! It's always fun to talk about yourself, right? To make it fun for everyone else, I'm going to give away a copy of Hide & Seek to one reader who leaves a comment. If you already have Hide & Seek, I will give away a copy of Fanning Old Flames or a gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press. So leave a comment!!

http://www.cheriedesues2.com/naughty-novelists.html

Thanks for checking it out!

Valerie

2010-03-30T04:03:00.009-04:00

Here's my confession...I've read the JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood series so many times, I can't count—I may need an intervention. Seriously. Don't laugh. Even worse? I own every book but Rehv's in paper...and now I'm downloading the paper books to my Kindle. And reading them again. And thoroughly enjoying it.

Is that bad?

Who cares?

Don't laugh (or worse, blog!) but many readers are taking the day off to consume John Matthew's installment when it comes out on April 27th. How silly is that? If you're a reader of this series...not too much. I would take the time off if I had a vacation day left, sad but true. In the meantime, I'm working my way through the series for the 6th time at the very least, in preparation for the new book. Why do I do this? ...because J.R. Ward has created a world of vampires that supercedes all others and when I read her series, I feel like I’m one of them. And if I’m not one of them, I want to be one of them.

Now that's how I want to write. Rock on, JR Ward!

Why it isn't a good idea to over-indulge on EASTER

2010-03-27T23:22:00.001-04:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-03-19T13:58:00.003-04:00

My family loves spring. Here in North Carolina, my daffodils and irises are blooming. The robins are building nests in the bushes and trees around the house, much to my cats' delight. I'm getting ready to plant my vegetable garden in a couple of weeks. Far cry from growing up in upstate New York where you planted your garden over Memorial weekend when you were very sure the threat of frost had passed!

But to make spring even better ~ we pull our motorhome out of storage and carry it (that's southern for 'take') to Williamsburg, Virginia. If you like American history and amusement parks, military installations and beaches, this is the place for you! We love it and as long as our teenagers think it's still cool, we'll make the effort to get there. Every spring!

HIDE & SEEK WON THE ROMANCE STUDIO'S 5 HEART SWEETHEART CONTEST!!

2010-02-22T22:40:00.003-05:00

What a thrill to get word that Hide & Seek won first place in this week's 5 Heart Sweetheart contest over at The Romance Studio! The competition was fierce, I never believed MY story was even close in competition. I had some very dedicated voters - THANKS YOU GUYS, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!

I NEED YOUR VOTE!

2010-02-16T21:41:00.004-05:00

My book HIDE & SEEK is up for Sweetheart of the Week recognition at The Romance Studio. Please vote for me. Come on, you know you want to!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

5 STARS for HIDE & SEEK from TRS

2010-02-12T08:27:00.005-05:00

What a great way to wake up! My author friend Rachel Brimble informed me I got a new review for Hide & Seek over at The Romance Studio and it was FIVE stars! See Valerie Mann do the snoopy dance! Ironically, I am starting the sequel to Hide & Seek today, tentatively titled Truth or Dare (thanks Becca Dale for the title help!). It will be the story of Nick's brother, Eric Barrantes and one of the female characters mentioned in H&S. With such a great review, I'm so motivated I can't wait to get started!

Excerpt of review: In the first few sentences, Kelly became as real to me as many of the nurses I have known in my own career. Her sharp wit, brutal honesty, and cynical attitude were delightful and refreshing. Nick is clearly drawn through Kelly’s eyes, and the sexual tension between them is immediate and scorching. The dialogue is quick-paced and realistic with a very funny intermingling of conversation and sex. The plot develops quickly, flows seamlessly, and I was pulled along with them as their tension reached the ignition point. The quick pace and humor of this tale made it mesmerizing. Read complete review HERE

2010-02-01T17:44:00.005-05:00

Working on revisions for my demon story today after having a minor epiphany this morning that one of the most erotic scenes has to be changed. I hate those A-HA moments but sometimes they're useful and I think my changes will work better in the end. Oh yeah, and here's some eye candy that has given me lots of motivation for my demon muse!

LET IT SNOW!

2010-01-30T11:34:00.001-05:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

Still snowing here in the southeast but definitely not like this Yankee is used to! The snow is dense and has the texture of a sno-cone. Weird. But, I'm going to be a good writer and use today to get some writing done. Yes, you heard me. I'm going to actually quit allowing everything else to distract me and I'm going to write.

Oh, LOOK! Something shiny...

HOLY PACIFIC, BATMAN!

2010-01-24T17:41:00.004-05:00

What happens when a snobby professor of classical mythology sits next to a blue collar mechanic on a fourteen-hour flight to Australia? Since I'm writing this story, I'm thinking the mechanic will get the girl because that's the way I write. But who knows? Stay tuned, their story is hot over the Pacific as we speak...

2010-01-20T21:48:00.002-05:00

How many stories can one brain process at one time? Better yet, how many stories can one brain process SUCCESSFULLY and with any COHERENCY at one time? That's the big question for me right now. Add to that, reading fellow author's work, pondering it, critiquing it, wanting to read more because it's so appealing. This is what the life of a writer is like.

LATEST NEWS...

2009-12-10T21:25:00.012-05:00

My micro short story, MILE HIGH CLUB, was picked up by Freya's Bower. No word on release date but I'm happy Drew and Emma are finally seeing the light of day. Mile High Club is about an executive, his assistant and a very bumpy plane ride. You get the picture...

I DARE YOU - a Halloween story

2009-10-29T23:21:00.008-04:00

Second Place Winner for Published Author Halloween Short Story Contest at Mistress Bella Reviews!!

This story was originally published on Mistress Bella Review site. It's a sweet YA story.

Excerpt:

“Truth or dare, Kate,” Ashley said.

Oh, I hated the way her eyes gleamed with twisted pleasure and I so knew what she was going to ask me. And she knew I would take the dare because I would never tell her what she so desperately wanted to know. I was definitely going to suffer before this sleepover was over.

The five of us had arranged our sleeping bags in the tent like spokes on a wheel, with the lantern in the middle. I batted a moth away from my face and glared at Ashley. We’d been friends since elementary school. But right then, I wanted to punch her lights out. Instead, I said, “Dare.”

Read the rest HERE

2009-10-19T19:57:00.008-04:00

HIDE & SEEK GETS FANTASTIC REVIEWS!!

From Whipped Cream Erotic Romance reviews - 4 1/2 cherries:

If there’s one thing I learned while reading Hide and Seek, it’s this: A childhood game has never been so fun, naughty, or hot!! Valerie Mann has written a deliciously wicked short erotic story that tugs at your heart and will have you clamoring for more...Read entire review HERE

From You Gotta Read Reviews - You Gotta Read highest rating:

Hide and Seek was a very cleverly written story with humor, sexual tension and wit. The characters were full of fun and I just can't get my mind off of Nick, sorry! If I could have conjured up my ideal man, Ms. Mann, has described him to a T! You know how you can pick up a book and it's just a perfect fit? This was that book for me. It was exciting to read and something I couldn't put it down. Hide and Seek is a lighthearted, lively, fast and fun read with great characters who are likeable and engaging and sharp dialogue. I found this book to be very addictive...Read entire review HERE

HIDE and SEEK makes TOP 10 on Wild Rose Press!!

2009-10-17T16:28:00.003-04:00

I'm thrilled that Hide & Seek is in the top ten bestsellers with Wild Rose Press! Nick and Kelly have an amazing chemistry and readers are telling me they think so too! BUY IT HERE!!

HIDE & SEEK is RELEASED! YAY!!

2009-10-02T12:17:00.005-04:00

BUY HIDE & SEEK HERE!

When ER nurse Kelly Donovan meets sexy firefighter Nick Barrantes at her sister’s annual summer party, the sparks fly. Famous for its games, this year’s party includes Hide & Seek and Kelly is determined to find a cozy place to hide with Nick. Trapped in a closet together during the game, neither Kelly nor Nick anticipates the sizzling passion that flares between them. However, Kelly can't help but wonder if this is one game she'll lose to her heart...

Excerpt:
I wandered over to Jen and nudged her with my hip. “Hey.”
“Oh, good, you’re finally here,” she said by way of greeting. “Can you finish this while I bring out the paella?” Without waiting for an answer, she set the knife in my hand and headed for the house. As an afterthought, she twirled back around. “Oh, hell, I’m such a bad hostess! Kelly, this is Nick Barrantes. He’s the new guy in the fire department. Nick, my sister, Kelly Donovan.”

Then she was gone, leaving me to make small talk with a stranger. I looked up. Way up. And all of a sudden, small talk with this particular stranger was no hardship whatsoever. Holy smokes, the guy could haul my body out of a burning building anytime. Nick Barrantes had to be the biggest, baddest firefighter I’d ever seen.

Whoa.

“Hey, Nick.” I set down the knife and stuck a hand out, which he immediately dwarfed in a gentle but no-nonsense grip. My eyes rose back up to meet his and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe two. I didn’t feel that romance novel “electric shock” when we touched, my knees didn’t go all jelly roll on me, nor did everything in the immediate vicinity black out until only he and I existed in the universe. But when our eyes met, I felt an instant connection to him and when his grasp tightened for a second, I knew he felt the bond, too. I stared in awe at his male beauty. Brush-cut black hair, golden skin and deep brown eyes rimmed with thick lashes—surely illegal in more than one state—stared back at me. Straight nose, square jaw and full lips, broad shoulders, thick muscles straining under a navy blue fire department T-shirt—I halted further downward assessment before I embarrassed myself. The man was smokin’ hot. We both took a step back and couldn’t tear our gazes from one another. He tilted his head slightly as though he couldn’t quite figure out what had just happened. And, oh happy day, when his eyes finally left mine, he didn’t make an effort to hide the fact he checked me out as well. A sexy dimple twitched near the corner of his mouth. A dimple.

Damn, I was complete toast.

It's Here! FANNING OLD FLAMES

2009-07-17T18:32:00.003-04:00

Buy Fanning Old Flames

“Talk about a meat market.”

Lauren couldn’t agree more with her friend.
Pheromones and cigarette smoke clouded the air in the dark dance club. Kanye West thumped stronger virtues in a DJ remix, singles drank and mingled, and an appletini sloshed over her arm as a suspiciously underage girl giggled past. Grabbing the cocktail napkin under her glass, Lauren dabbed at the sticky liquor and watched with disgust as a businessman with a hideous comb-over attempted full-body contact with a waitress. The waitress shimmied sideways, tray held high to avoid Appletini Girl, who grappled her way on top of a round table and danced while several young studs looked up her micro-mini from below.
It was a fuck fest waiting to happen.
With an eye on her business partner, Lauren leaned close to be heard above the din.

“I can’t believe you made me come here, Pam. I was all for staying back in my room and ordering room service.”

Pam snorted, “Face it, honey. You need me.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning it’s time for you to live a little. We’re in a foreign city where nobody knows us. No offense, but we both know you haven’t gotten laid in the two years since your divorce.”

Lauren sipped a dry Shiraz and knew her friend was right. Pam could be blunt but didn’t have an insulting bone in her body. Hell, a part of her even agreed, though she hated to admit it.

It had been way too long.

“What makes you think I haven’t had any sex?”

“Oh, please—I spend more time with you than with my husband. You and I have no secrets.”

Given their partnership and frequent trips for their antique acquisition business, Lauren couldn’t argue with that. Married for ten years, Pam balanced family and career well. Lauren’s five year marriage hadn’t fared so well. Jacob had been a faithless ass, and she’d been lucky not to end up with a disease since he’d taken great pleasure in screwing anything that stood still long enough to let him. Pam had helped her pick up the pieces and move on after the divorce, and Lauren knew she had her best interests at heart. She only wished those interests didn’t include dance clubs.

Shifting on the hard stool, she watched the bar scene with growing impatience. More hands groped more asses than she cared to count. And she must be getting old because the music didn’t entertain, it only served to annoy. Ten floors up, her suite beckoned, along with a hot bath and room service. Crowds, heat and noise weren’t her speed anymore.

With an apologetic glance at Pam, she slid from the stool. “I’m calling it quits. I’m really not into being here.”

A hand from behind startled her as it slipped around her elbow and forced her to turn. Oh, no. So close to bailing on the place, there was no way she’d let some Romeo corner her now.

“Excuse me. I know you.” The deep voice was pure Canadian, with a rich, melodic Ottawan accent.

She made a careless, cursory scan of the man’s face before taking note of the petite blonde on his arm. Why would the guy hit on her with a clinging vine attached to him? Her eyes settled on his torso. A black wool overcoat couldn’t conceal the width and breadth of a fine chest.

With some regret, she shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

He tugged again, setting off an inner alarm. “Look again.”

She didn’t know a soul in Ottawa except for the art dealers she’d had contact with over the last couple of days. He appeared near her age, tall, broad shouldered, with longish brown hair that curled at the ends. Warm brown eyes stared back at her, and he had a tiny mole beside his mouth. With a nasty glare, she started to push by him. “I’m sorry, I—“

The scar. A jagged white line resembling a lightening bold cut across his eyebrow. She would never forget it, especially since she’d caused it. When boat propeller met face, lack of recall was not an option.

“Oh, my God.” Her heart tripped, and her mouth went dry. “Seth Fleming?” She laid a shaky hand on his chest. After so many years of wondering what had happened to him, here he was, no longer the boy she remembered, but a man. A big, sexy man.

Hey! A Free Read!

2009-07-11T20:01:00.006-04:00

Click here for some fun!

Who knew you could have so much fun in the Boardroom?