nice simple Cross tattoo design.
When this young woman felt her skin pierced by the tattoo needle, did she think it was a fitting tribute to Christ?
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Please welcome my special guest this week, Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance and Modern Heat/Presents author, Nicola Marsh, who's chatting about her new release, Two Weeks in the Magnate's Bed! And for our viewing pleasure, Nicola's suggested the sexy Brandon Beemer! Mmm, must admit I love those blue eyes too!!!
As a girl, Nicola dreamed of being a journalist and travelling the world in search of the next big story. Instead, she chose a career in the health industry while honing her writing skills with a daily entry in a "not-so-secret" journal!
The inspiration for her first novel, THE TYCOON'S DATING DEAL, came from a magazine article on speed-dating and she sold this book in May 2003. It won the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Harlequin Romance 2004.
Nicola currently writes for Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance and Modern Heat/Presents series, has published 19 books and sold over a million copies worldwide.
She's a Waldenbooks & Bookscan bestseller, has finalled in several awards including the prestigious HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent), Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When not writing, she's busy chasing after her two little heroes!
Hi Nicola, thanks for popping by today! Can you tell us a little about your book?
'Two Weeks in the Magnate's Bed' is loosely linked to my recent Waldenbooks Bestseller, 'The Boss's Bedroom Agenda'. In 'The Boss', Lana is the heroine's shy, geeky cousin. She featured in several scenes and definitely had a tale of her own to tell, so I sent her off on a South Pacific cruise where she meets a very sexy, very enigmatic sailor.
Zac McCoy is a charmer and Lana is soon floundering out of her depth. But this Cinderella may just have a few surprises in store for her Prince Charming yet...
'Two Weeks in the Magnate's Bed' (Harlequin Modern Heat) is out now in the UK, will hit Aussie/New Zealand shelves in May and the USA, as a Harlequin Presents, in September.
How did the idea for the plot come about?
I love cruising and actually fell in love for the first time on one. It was a magical experience filled with romance so little wonder I had to write about it...and no, it's not autobiographical!
I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?
I was working full time as a physiotherapist, had been for many years, and always used to say 'I'd love to write a book one day'. Was at work one day having lunch, got tired of saying it, so Googled 'romance writers in Melbourne'. Joined the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, discovered there were people out there who loved writing as much as I did and I started submitting. My first partial, aimed at Harlequin Presents, was a positive rejection asking to see more work. My next partial...they requested the full...then 4 months later, I was home on a Saturday night, 5 months pregnant and dinner plans cancelled, when the phone rang. It was Kim Young from Mills and Boon! She said my voice was more suited to the Harlequin Romance series and requested a few revisions by the following Tuesday.
I did them, emailed the book off a day early and waited...A week later on the Monday, I was cooking dinner when the phone rang at 6.30. Hubby answered and gave me a thumbs up sign so I took the phone and...it was Kim saying she loved the book and wanted to buy it! I'm sure I repeated the word 'great' a hundred times during that first conversation!! Being an author is a dream come true :)
What a wonderful sale story! As you know, we're all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)
Fave books: anything by Barbara Samuel (my fave is 'No Place Like Home'), anything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Adele Parks, Harlan Coben, Tess Gerritsen.
Fave movie: Dirty Dancing 
Fave TV shows: 24, Prison Break, The Mentalist, Brothers and Sisters, Lie to Me
Current fantasy squeeze: oooh...toughie...Antonio Sabato Jnr. was the inspiration behind the book I just handed in, so I guess him. Though Brandon Beemer is going to feature in an upcoming book...love those blue eyes...
I'm a total sucker for guys with blue eyes *happy sigh* Can you tell us what you're working on now?
I've just finished revising my 20th book, a Modern Heat, and awaiting word from my editor. I'm about to start revisions on my next Harlequin Romance, 'The Dating Dilemma'.
Then it's onto writing something brand spanking new!
How can readers keep up with your writing and books?
I blog daily about all sorts of things, including writing stuff, so a visit to my blog is always handy.
Or readers can sign up for my newsletter, which I send out quarterly and around releases.
I also have a website, I'm on Facebook and MySpace. You can say I'm all over the place!
Links to Buy Mills & Boon
Two Weeks in the Magnate's Bed - Nicola Marsh
Yesterday afternoon I was doing a bit of research on the net, and came across a piece on a Roman amphitheatre which was constructed in South Wales around AD80. Hummm, I thought idly, that's a bit late for my time period, but interesting nevertheless.
I kept reading, as you do, and the next sentence casually hopped forward a couple of hundred years, describing how everything fell into ruin after the Legion abandoned Wales and moved further north.
This most ridiculous pain stabbed through my heart, and I actually thought, Ohmygod, Maximus and Carys would have died and been buried and forgotten by then.
Yep. I sat there, reading this article, getting all choked up that my hero and heroine were now dead.
I was so distressed, in fact, I went and told my two daughters and husband who proceeded to gape at me as if I'd lost my mind. Then they looked at each other and did the eyeball thing (tell me you know all about the Eyeball Thing?!)
But I'm not mad am I? Because our heroes and heroines are real people, aren't they?!
I kept reading, as you do, and the next sentence casually hopped forward a couple of hundred years, describing how everything fell into ruin after the Legion abandoned Wales and moved further north.
This most ridiculous pain stabbed through my heart, and I actually thought, Ohmygod, Maximus and Carys would have died and been buried and forgotten by then.
Yep. I sat there, reading this article, getting all choked up that my hero and heroine were now dead.
I was so distressed, in fact, I went and told my two daughters and husband who proceeded to gape at me as if I'd lost my mind. Then they looked at each other and did the eyeball thing (tell me you know all about the Eyeball Thing?!)
But I'm not mad am I? Because our heroes and heroines are real people, aren't they?!
The Madness of a Romance Writer
Explore Beautiful & Decorative Skin Tattoo Stock Images Gallery.You may love this tattoo gallery website-tattoos gallery,still, this blog have a lot of awesome tattoo pictures for you to choose.
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It's almost March which means (apart from the odd fact that autumn arrives in March down under!) my good friend and excellent CP Amanda Ashby's Zombie Queen of Newbury High is about to hit the shelves!
To celebrate, Amanda's holding a ten day party over at her blog where lots of authors will be dropping in bearing gifts! Fun times. To be in with a winning chance all you have to do is leave a comment. I'm scheduled in for next Wednesday, but I'll remind everyone on the day so I'm not left over there all on my tod!!!There's also a chance of picking up a copy of Zombie Queen just by spreading the word of the party! So there you go, a fantastic start to the week!!
Zombie Queen Party!
Yoroi Akado Naruto Gallery
Yoroi Akado Naruto Wallpaper
Yoroi Akado Naruto SeriesYoroi Akado Naruto Gallery
Hizashi Hyuga member of the Hyuga Clan from Naruto
Hizashi Hyuga Naruto Wallpaper
Hizashi Hyuga Naruto GalleryHizashi Hyuga member of the Hyuga Clan from Naruto
Katsuyu the slug queen summoned by Tsunade
Katsuyu from Naruto Gallery
Best Image of KatsuyuKatsuyu the slug queen summoned by Tsunade
Hiashi Hyuga head of the Hyuga Clan
Hiashi Hyuga in Naruto Wallpaper
Hiashi Hyuga in Naruto PictureHiashi Hyuga head of the Hyuga Clan
Hanabi Hyuga member of the Hyuga Clan from Naruto Gallery
Hanabi Hyuga in Naruto AnimeHanabi Hyuga member of the Hyuga Clan from Naruto Gallery
Please welcome my special guest this week, Scarlet Rose author Paisley Scott, who's chatting about her recent release, Sugar Shack!
Paisley Scott lives in Northwest Louisiana near the Texas border with her husband and three spoiled pups. Ever the romantic, she tries to infuse her steamy stories with heart-melting feelings (as well as lots of sex!) Paisley is also the alter-ego of romance writer, Leslie Ann Dennis, author of hot contemporaries.
Can you tell us a little about your book?
Well, it's actually part of an four-author anthology set to go to print late 2009. Jennifer Haley (our editor), hand-picked four of her authors (Ana Aragon, Devon Gray, April Vine and myself) to take part in this exciting anthology which is based on Dan Fogelberg's classic, "Same Old Lang Syne". All the stories are about former lovers who reconnect after years apart. Jennifer gave us Carte Blanche to do whatever we liked and set it wherever we wanted. How could I refuse? My contribution, SUGAR SHACK, features headstrong journalist Catherine Bennett reuniting with oh-so-sexy maple farmer Luke Mackenzie.
Blurb:
Ten years ago, Catherine Bennett said goodbye to her fiancé, Luke Mackenzie, and his maple farm in Vermont. She wanted to be somebody. She wanted to break out of a small town existence and live the city life. But the higher she flew, the less satisfied she was in love and life. She had left her heart behind. And she'd never forgotten the sizzling sex with blond-haired, muscular Luke.
Now, when her job takes her back home to Vermont, old feelings flame to life. But is Luke still interested? Is he married? And can he ever forgive her for leaving him so long ago? Only one thing's for sure; there's still an attraction. And their reconciliation will burn hotter than the fireworks that light up the New Years Eve sky!
Review from reader, Martin Schwartz (my first male-review): Sugar Shack is the perfect feel-good story to rescue snow-bound readers from the depths of cabin fever. Get it as a holiday gift to yourself. You don't have to read it at Christmas time, but I do recommend reading it during the winter. Summer reading might result in spontaneous combustion.
How did the idea for the plot come about?
It took shape fairly quickly after Jennifer handed down the idea. I loved the thought of former lovers coming back together. I mean, how many of us have replayed the "what if" dream where an old flame comes back after years apart and everything just clicks into place like time has stood still? That's what I wanted for Luke and Cat. Their timing was off the first time, but they get a second chance -- and take every advantage of their time together. I was eager to write a story like this. I tend to "see" the hero first in my head, then I make the woman who can't resist him. *grin* Once I "saw" Luke in my head, their story simply flew from my fingertips.
I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?
*grin* I honestly don't think that's nosy.. it's always interesting to hear the "call" stories. I love to hear them myself! I just wish mine was more exciting -- LOL! Ok, let's see. I've been writing (seriously) since 2000. I had recently rewritten my contemporary story, REASON TO BELIEVE (RTB) (the one I wrote under my real name, Leslie Ann Dennis) which began as a very sweet romance, but got a big shot of steam since erotica was gaining popularity. I figured the best plan would be to spice up RTB and pitch it to publishers of erotic romance. The first place I tried The Wild Rose Press' Scarlet line. Good news and bad news... the good news is the editor LOVED the story but, based on their definition of erotica, it didn't qualify. An erotic romance is one where the main priority is given to the sexual journey and the romance comes after. But RtB's primary goal was romance that also happened to have lots of sex in it. LOL. So... the Scarlet Line passed on RtB, but recommended it to the Champagne Rose line with a HOT rating (which it got). The editors at Scarlet liked my writing and asked me to pen a story for them and make the sexual journey the central point. I immediately got to work and they contracted THE PIRATE AND THE PUSSYCAT just two days after my birthday in July of 2007. So, The Pirate and The Pussycat was my first sale, based on the rejection of Reason to Believe by that line. (RtB was contracted the following month by Champagne Rose) :)
We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)
Fave books? Oh, that's a tough one! I'm afraid if I start mentioning books written by writer friends, I'll leave someone out and I'll be in the doghouse. So I'll suffice it to say ALL OF MY FRIEND'S BOOKS plus Richard Matheson's WHAT DREAMS MAY COME (the book, NOT the movie) and BID TIME RETURN (Somewhere in Time). I also love Brenda Joyce's "de Warenne Dynasty" series. TV Shows: Medium, Ghost Whisperer, Psych, American Idol, anything on the Food Network, Biography channel, History Channel.... I am very eclectic. LOL!Current fantasy squeeze... mmm.. that's too difficult. I develop crushes on all the hotties who audition for roles as my heroes. *grin*
What are you working on now?
Currently I'm working on another sexy Scarlet. I'm afraid I can't talk too much about it because I'm still in the "planning-scribbling-ideas-and-chucking-wadded-notes-across-the-room" stage. LOL! >How can readers keep up with your writing and books?Oh, I love to hear from readers and other authors! Feel free to contact me at any of the following:email:
Link to all Erotic Romances by Paisley Scott from The Wilder Roses: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=21>
Sugar Shack - Paisley Scott
Mizuki childhood friend of Iruka Umino in Naruto Gallery
Mizuki the first villain to appear in the Naruto Anime
Mizuki the first villain to appear in the Naruto PictureMizuki childhood friend of Iruka Umino in Naruto Gallery
Yura Jonin ranked shinobi in Naruto Anime
Yura affiliated to the AkatsukiYura Jonin ranked shinobi in Naruto Anime
Udon friend of Konohamaru in Naruto Series
Udon Genin-team led by Ebisu
Udon Yahiko YamatoUdon friend of Konohamaru in Naruto Series
I was tagged!!
Okay, not really, I actually volunteered for this because believe it or not I’ve been having brain-farts lately and having difficulties coming up with shit to write about. Because basically that’s what I write about; life’s big, bowl-filling dumps.
Giggle Pixie previously known as
posted her list of ten things she likes that began with the letter “G”. She indicated that anyone interested could let her know and she would assign a letter.
I volunteered – which I’ve been doing a lot lately. What’s wrong with me? I’ve volunteered for this, I’ve volunteered to help this weekend with the Extreme Make-Over here in town (and not because Ty looks good in jeans, either), I volunteered to work the concession stand at my daughter’s softball games AND I volunteered to work the Special Olympics next month.
LIKE I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SHIT ON MY PLATE ALREADY?!?!?!
I digress….as usual.
So I left a little note for G.P. telling her I would love to join in the fun and she assigns me the letter “J”.
“J”????
“J” sucks! Besides, Cowguy just did “J” and he stole all the good “J” stuff!
But I promised G.P. so I gave this whole letter thing a shot. It took all morning with my office door shut to come up with this list so I hope ya’ll appreciate it. AND…..in true Cowguy style I’ve included a picture to enhance my list of crap.
I volunteered – which I’ve been doing a lot lately. What’s wrong with me? I’ve volunteered for this, I’ve volunteered to help this weekend with the Extreme Make-Over here in town (and not because Ty looks good in jeans, either), I volunteered to work the concession stand at my daughter’s softball games AND I volunteered to work the Special Olympics next month.
LIKE I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SHIT ON MY PLATE ALREADY?!?!?!
I digress….as usual.
So I left a little note for G.P. telling her I would love to join in the fun and she assigns me the letter “J”.
“J”????
“J” sucks! Besides, Cowguy just did “J” and he stole all the good “J” stuff!
But I promised G.P. so I gave this whole letter thing a shot. It took all morning with my office door shut to come up with this list so I hope ya’ll appreciate it. AND…..in true Cowguy style I’ve included a picture to enhance my list of crap.
Queen Goob's List Of Ten Things She Likes That Begin With The Letter "J"......
1. JAVA
I – LOVE – COFFEE!!!! I love the smell of freshly ground beans, I love the sound of the gurgling pot indicating the coffee is almost done brewing, I love the first sip of the morning, the sip that closes your eyes in ecstasy regardless of the fact it’s only a Tuesday morning and not the weekend. I – LOVE – COFFEE.
I – LOVE – COFFEE!!!! I love the smell of freshly ground beans, I love the sound of the gurgling pot indicating the coffee is almost done brewing, I love the first sip of the morning, the sip that closes your eyes in ecstasy regardless of the fact it’s only a Tuesday morning and not the weekend. I – LOVE – COFFEE.
2. Jokes
Jokes are awesome. I love things that make me laugh especially when you’re enjoying a beer with a friend just hangin’ out on the back porch and bantering back and forth to see who has the best blonde joke even though the both of you are truly and legally blonde.
Jokes are awesome. I love things that make me laugh especially when you’re enjoying a beer with a friend just hangin’ out on the back porch and bantering back and forth to see who has the best blonde joke even though the both of you are truly and legally blonde.
3. Juvenile Delinquents
I love things that make me laugh…..wait that was my previous item. Or was it? Juvies are idiots and idiots are fun to make fun of and making fun of stupid people makes me laugh. YUP, I love juvies.
I love things that make me laugh…..wait that was my previous item. Or was it? Juvies are idiots and idiots are fun to make fun of and making fun of stupid people makes me laugh. YUP, I love juvies.
4. Jewelry
Ladies, need I say more?
Ladies, need I say more?
5. Jamoca Ice Cream Served with Cookie Wafers
I needed to take a moment for myself when I thought of this one. Do you guys have Baskins Robbins Ice Cream? Is it a national company or is it just on the East Coast? If you don’t have it someone should be shot for not sharing. Available since 1956, Jamoca is a specially blended coffee ice cream. Even better is when you have a scoop of chocolate to enhance the Java-ee flavor.
I needed to take a moment for myself when I thought of this one. Do you guys have Baskins Robbins Ice Cream? Is it a national company or is it just on the East Coast? If you don’t have it someone should be shot for not sharing. Available since 1956, Jamoca is a specially blended coffee ice cream. Even better is when you have a scoop of chocolate to enhance the Java-ee flavor.
6. Jury Duty
No, I’m not crazy, I really want to serve on a jury but see here’s the thing. Most of my college education is in Law Enforcement with a specialty in Crime Scene Investigation (strike one) that and the fact that many of my instructors are old school, good old boys here in my great southern town (strike two) and a number of friends are within the law enforcement community (strike three) I’ve been called to jury duty but never been chosen to serve.
Bastards!
No, I’m not crazy, I really want to serve on a jury but see here’s the thing. Most of my college education is in Law Enforcement with a specialty in Crime Scene Investigation (strike one) that and the fact that many of my instructors are old school, good old boys here in my great southern town (strike two) and a number of friends are within the law enforcement community (strike three) I’ve been called to jury duty but never been chosen to serve.
Bastards!
7. Junk Food
Honey, if I could bathe in Cheezie Poofs, I would.
8. Jumpin' Jehosaphat
Not only is this a great word to randomly yell out while perusing the junk food aisle at Wal-Mart at 2;30 in the morning, but this is the first word that flies from my lips every time I see Dwayne Johnson.
Not only is this a great word to randomly yell out while perusing the junk food aisle at Wal-Mart at 2;30 in the morning, but this is the first word that flies from my lips every time I see Dwayne Johnson.
JOHNSON……ANOTHER “J”! YAY ME!!!
9. Jeans
They do a body good. Jeans are my favorite piece of clothing AND they make rock hard abs and a tight tush look – well, look H-O-T HOT! Throw a little Jamoca on that and I could eat for a week.
They do a body good. Jeans are my favorite piece of clothing AND they make rock hard abs and a tight tush look – well, look H-O-T HOT! Throw a little Jamoca on that and I could eat for a week.
10. Jaguars
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Convertible in British Racing Green OR the 1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster in Black. Ya’ll can have your Italian sports cars, I’ll stick with the Brits. Just look at those lines, girls. A figure one can be proud of. I know I wouldn’t complain about my vastly budding and expanding ass if it was sitting in one of those!
So there you have my list of thing I enjoy that begin with the letter “J”. Jesus would have been right up there but that was one Cowguy stole along with a MOST fabulous picture that I knew I couldn’t top. I’m not taggin anyone but if you’ve run outta stuff to blog about the same way I have, drop a note in your comment and I’ll ass-ign a letter to ya. Hey G.P., is there a certain rule I need to follow if anyone actually asks to do this?
Jeez-mo-ninnies!
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Convertible in British Racing Green OR the 1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster in Black. Ya’ll can have your Italian sports cars, I’ll stick with the Brits. Just look at those lines, girls. A figure one can be proud of. I know I wouldn’t complain about my vastly budding and expanding ass if it was sitting in one of those!
So there you have my list of thing I enjoy that begin with the letter “J”. Jesus would have been right up there but that was one Cowguy stole along with a MOST fabulous picture that I knew I couldn’t top. I’m not taggin anyone but if you’ve run outta stuff to blog about the same way I have, drop a note in your comment and I’ll ass-ign a letter to ya. Hey G.P., is there a certain rule I need to follow if anyone actually asks to do this?
Jeez-mo-ninnies!
