The Art of Seduction is Watts Beneath the Covers

Book Wenches

2012-01-11T07:14:00.004-06:00

Hey y'all,

I'm being featured over at BookWenches blog today. Come check it out, and get an idea of upcoming projects and cover art. So pretty!

Today is also a release day for me. I released a book in the EC for Men category, as Katie Blu, over at Ellora's Cave. Here're my deets.

NAILING THE BOSS (EC for Men)

BLURB:

Billy Galan thinks his boss Tanya Orly is smoking hot. She’s got legs that go on forever, breasts begging to be touched and crimson-red lips that can make any man her slave. So when Tanya crooks her finger in his direction one day, he’s not about to turn her down for what becomes her last hurrah before her wedding to another man.

It’s all sex, all day, and there isn’t anything Tanya won’t do.

EXCERPT:

Billy Galan collected the papers and clips his assistant had just dropped all over the floor. Again. Poor kid was something of a mess. He shook his head while she continued to babble apologies. Thinly carpeted concrete bit into his kneecap through tailored slacks.
He reached for a paper that had fallen toward the aisle when his gaze snagged on an approaching pair of legs. Long, slim and toned, he could tell they were smooth and silky by the muted gleam of polished skin. She probably took long moisturizing baths with gentle cream rubdowns. Dear God, it made his cock twitch.
Billy’s gaze traveled down, not missing an inch of high-arched, delicate foot wrapped in candy-apple-red leather. A thin strap across her instep served no other purpose than to tease the flesh as it skimmed across, kissing her translucent skin and mocking him by doing so. Three inches lifted her heel, forcing her ankle to flex and delineating every rise and dip of the small bones and pushing her lean calf into a tight swell.
He’d know those long legs anywhere. He grinned as he sat back on his heels and blindly handed the wayward paper to his waiting assistant.
The red shoes pivoted and long fluid strides brought the sensual stems to Billy. He barely kept from cupping one slim ankle and dragging his palm up her calf.
“Morning, boss,” Billy drawled.
His gaze rose slowly, taking in the full effect of short, straight skirt at mid-thigh. She stood with her legs slightly parted, drawing the black fabric tightly against her firm, round thighs and making him think about the folds hidden in the shadow between them, just out of sight.
Would it be too much to hope for commando? Maybe a lacy thong he could hook his finger on, and draw aside for a leisurely lick. He nearly groaned.
Tanya squatted expertly, keeping her lovely knees together and letting her tight black skirt define the sweet curve of her ass. “Enjoying the view from down here?”
It was difficult, but he managed to drag his eyes away from her open neckline and exposed cleavage to ruby-colored lips and sexy bedroom eyes of soft green. She lifted one artful arch.

Bacon Porn

2012-01-06T07:27:00.002-06:00

I was on the phone yesterday with Bronwyn Green (a common denominator in many blogs across the internet lately. This woman starts stuff, I'm telling you.). I was making lunch and chatting. Hey, I can multitask with the best of them, damnit.

Anyway, if you'll remember from several days ago, I'm doing my darnedest to cut carbs from my diet. My doctor gives me the green light on all fats (particularly non-animal, but animal is okay too) and proteins. Well, I love bacon. I love onions and I love portobellos. What could be better than combining them for one fab lunch?

I had Bron drooling on the other end of the phone. It was a thing of beauty. The power, not the drooling. Still, she asked me to post pics today. I did, but the lighting is wonky and some of the shots aren't crisp... LIKE MY BACON WAS. It's worth putting up though.

Here's the thing, I rarely repeat recipes without altering stuff. So while this was the second time I've made this, I added new flavors to it based on my mood. I'll put a list of yummy ones at the bottom and you can choose your own gastronomical adventure.

You can double this recipe and keep the rest in your fridge for a quick lunch later in the week, or a FANTASTIC potato topper--if you're a carb kid (Ahem, Amber)

Ingredients:

1/2 Large Sweet/Vidalia onion
1/2 pkg smoked bacon, (I prefer apple wood smoked)
2 Large portobellos
Shredded cheese, about 1/2 a cup
salt and pepper to taste.

Possible herb adds, individual or in any combination.
Cumin (used this in these pictures)
Garlic
thyme
Cilantro
Add tomato dice for some zest
squeeze of lemon
etc.

Directions:

Pardon the dark pan. It's very very old.

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350
1. Chop bacon into cubes and throw in a medium high heat skillet.

2. Dice onion and throw into the pan with warmed bacon. If you're going to add an herb or other flavoring, do so now and mix well. Cook thoroughly until the bacon and onion has naturally caramelized. I prefer crunchy bacon and brown-tinged onions. Salt and pepper lightly (remember the bacon is salty and you may not want to add any salt at all.)
3. Prepare your portos. Clean them with a moist towel to get off the dirt, don't wash under water. If there are stems, take them off and chop them up. Add them to the mixture in the skillet for awesome flavor and texture.

4. Take the stuffing off the heat. Load the porto caps with your combination with a slotted spoon, or drain lightly on a towel to remove some but not all of the grease. As full or stingy as you prefer.

5. Divide the cheese and put evenly over both caps. You can press it down if it threatens to spill off.

6. Put in oven/toaster oven. If you like your cheese crispy like I do, it takes about 20-30 minutes. If you like the cheese less crispy and more bubbly, cook the porto caps without the cheese for about 20 min, pull them out and load the cheese. Pop them back in for another five minutes to melt the cheese adequately.

7. Eat. Yum.

Hey!

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Blogging over at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com today. It's all about stuff. Real stuff, even. :) And this:

Being an Ass

2012-01-03T08:19:00.001-06:00

I feel the need to poll the world.

I have had a few of my "harder" heroes get labeled as asses. Mostly because there was one scene or another where the hero is trying very hard to make sense of his emotions. He gets frustrated and lets his temper fly. Usually during sex.

Here's the why.

It's a moment of passion where you are completely vulnerable and your partner could devastate you. If you're in love with the person and afraid to admit it, you might employ the opposite emotion: anger. It's targeted at yourself (or the hero's self) and he needs reassurance even if it comes off as a gruff attack.

I pride myself on creating realistic characters. Each character has his or her own persona unique to their circumstances, and they respond to stimulus the way they uniquely would do that. They aren't perfect. They're human. They've had to make tough decisions, or they are a touch arrogant. These are traits that make them "real". And real is what the author strives for.

So when there's a hero in a story who is mostly heroic and ends the story heroically, is it so hard to believe that their humanity has slipped along the way at critical moments when their emotions or doubts get the best of them? Isn't it these traits which allow us to identify with them, get angry at them, and ultimately love them more for becoming a better person at the end?

I guess I don't get it. Do you (this is that polling part) want a perfect hero, or a flawed man who has an emotional journey just as relevant as the heroine's journey? Do you want a one-sided relationship test, always knowing that ONE of the two-some are completely well-adjusted, or do you want to show the reader that both parties struggle only to come together in the end?

I don't know if you know this, but I learned a long time ago, that no matter how perfect you are together, you have to work at it to make a relationship happen. Two people from two different backgrounds are going to approach the same question from a different perspective, even if they reach the same answer.

So why is it so hard for people to say, "Wow, this hero blames himself for so much that isn't really his fault. He's being a dick right now, but he'll pull through"? and then actively believe that the author will indeed make it all work out in the end?

I just don't get it. Good thing I don't really care if people think my hero is a dick as long as he proves himself by the Happily Ever After closing. I'd even go out on a limb to say that if your pair isn't having bitch/dick moments, they aren't being truthful to themselves or the readers. No one's perfect, folks. I refuse to whitewash a story to make them that way.

The end.

Resolving.... well, maybe.

2012-01-02T11:19:00.003-06:00

If you read my blog post last week at Three Wicked Writers, you know I came home to crazy stink. It turned out to be an okay thing, because I had plans to completely purge my kitchen of carbs. It has nothing to do with new year resolutions and everything to do with being sick of me. I needed a change. There's so much that we can't change in life that sometimes you have to latch onto the things you CAN change.

Considering that my stress level of going to see family this Christmas was high (like astronomical) and I'm a stress eater, I'd managed to shovel in about ten extra pounds. I do mean extra. Because really, I already had too many to begin with.

I'd forgotten how good being on no carbs is! Oh my gosh, it's been like three days and I've already dropped six pounds. That's insanity. But give it another two days and I'll be back to where I started before Christmas. You know, still ridiculously too high for words, but at least back to square one.

Unfortunately, my kids have to go no carb by default. Since they both want to drop a few (their decision, not mine. And yes, the doctor quietly consulted that would be okay), this works out for everyone involved. I do still buy bread for them to eat sandwiches. There is hot cocoa mix in the back storage room when they really crave it, and they are rationing out their stocking treats, also kept in the back storage room. Hey, if it's their food, and if it's out of sight, I won't touch it. It works for me.

I found a recipe book that I've been using, but you know me. I like to modify everything. My doctor told me not to worry about proteins or fat. So all my low carb recipes are modified to allow for those things. Clearly, my doctor is a flavor genius who is also capable of helping this girl to lose some weight.

Is it a New Year's resolution? Nah. Not really. I don't do resolutions, but I do care a lot about feeling better about myself.

Happy New Year, folks!

~Mia

Merry New Year-ukkah

2011-12-28T08:09:00.000-06:00

Just a post to say I'm back from vacation. I suspect many of you are still travelling and in that case, I hope you're having a wonderful, restful, family filled experience.

I'm posting at Three Wicked tomorrow, but probably won't post here again until the New Year, just to simplify.

Here's wishes for you in the coming year, filled with good fortune and blessings that abound!

Love,
Mia

Tarot Faeries

2011-12-15T07:40:00.003-06:00

I did a Tarot reading thing at Three Wicked Writers. Come check it out and tell me what you think.

Reminiscing

2011-12-12T07:36:00.002-06:00

about Christmas at Grand Rapids Region Writers Group blog. I'd love to introduce you to a new blog. Please stop by and say hello!

Hey... STUFF!

2011-12-07T09:51:00.001-06:00

Wednesdays are now officially Abigail Barnette days over at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com! She's brand new to the group so head on over and give her some love. :)

On Thursday, I'm posting over there too. You can love on me also. I don't mind.

On Wednesday and Thursday, I have book releases in my alter ego's name, Katie Blu. You'll find Prey Tell at ResplendencePublishing.com on Wednesday. Go to SirenPublishing.com on Thursday to find Staking Their Claim.

Double release week for me! Woot!

A thought about Carbs.

2011-12-06T06:26:00.001-06:00

Exciting, right? Well, it's on my mind this morning.

If there hasn't been a scientific study done, then there ought to be about breakfast carbs. My thought is--at least this is what I've personally noticed--when a body eats sweets foods at breakfast, there's a higher probability that the same person will crave sweet carbs throughout the day. The sweeter the breakfast, the bigger the need for sugar. On the opposite side of that, a protein laden breakfast with lots of bitter notes to it calms the sweet craving throughout the day.

This is why I drink strong coffee. It's also why I pretty much eat the same breakfast everyday. No thinking = no deviation from messing up my daily pattern. Considering I'm an adventurous eater, it surprises me that a monotone morning breakfast routine works for me. But it does.

Here's the other stuff I've noticed, and this increases in intensity the more concentrated simple carbohydrates I have (that would be like processed carbs or sugars being concentrated and breads or other starches requiring the body to process them, being less concentrated). Headaches hang around longer and are more likely to appear. Joints feel a little more achy than usual. Fatigue or downright falling asleep at the computer around mid-afternoon. Increase in female related problems from cramping to UTIs and feminine discomfort. Restlessness and increased heart rate. Breathlessness if you REALLY overdid the sugar, and trust me, this is possible. Binge eating due to cravings are not your friend.

I'd love to know if anyone else has similar issues. The reason I ask is because when I went on an all protein and fat diet, loaded with dark greens and fiber, I never felt better than I did then. Sugar/carbs can act on your body like a drug. I literally went through withdrawal for nearly three weeks. Shakes, fever, sweating, incoherency, depression, moodiness with bouts of extreme anger, migraines, body aches, you name it, I had it. I plead and begged for relief but the doctor talked me through it. With regular spoonfuls of peanut butter or an apple, I made it. My extreme reaction had to do with my personal biological sensitivity (ie/ half a Tylenol pm will knock me out til noon the next day. That's a quarter dose.)

After those almost three weeks, I had never felt better or more energetic in my life. Beyond that, I didn't crave sweets at all. Not chocolate, not sugar, not anything. It was so freeing! And I lost a ton of weight without exercise, just like my doctor told me I would.

It was almost reckless determination to sabotage myself around the time of my divorce, that had me eating sweets by the mouthful. It made me sick to swallow even one bite, but I was about destruction and self-punishment.

I remember the mostly carb free days fondly. I'm also thinking of cutting them out again. I just keep looking for a time in my schedule where if I'm brainless and in bed for three weeks, no one will need anything from me. Haven't found that yet. Dropping carbs doesn't effect everyone the same way. If you try it, let me know what your physical reactions were. I'd love to compare notes.

~Mia

PS. My doctor told me that I could alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal by sucking on a life saver for the sugar. She warned that in doing it, I would prolong the withdrawal period up to a week. I knew I wouldn't succeed and barely made it through those three weeks with my willpower in tact. I also know me, and if I'd had a roll of lifesavers, had tasted one, I would have eaten the entire roll and then driven to the store to gorge on sugar. I had to do it cold-turkey. It's part of the addictive nature in my genes I guess. For some it's alcohol and drugs. Well, in my body, sugar is a drug.

Office Hours

2011-12-05T07:16:00.001-06:00

For the second time this year, I've had to post office hours on my front door. Is this a problem for anyone else? I mean, my friends (writers and non) know that I keep my hours sacred. I start working when I get up for the kids and I don't stop until they come home from school.

Sometimes that means I forget to eat. Sometimes it means that I don't shower until 2:30p if I have a good run going. It always means I work when I'm sick unless the computer screen is blurry or I can't sit upright. This pattern of work never changes. It has improved though. THIS is the improvement.

Before, I worked until midnight or two in the morning and all weekend long. I've gotten to a point now where my health and spending active time with my kids is more important. I'm also a helluva lot more productive if I keep my hours from 6-3p, and go to bed at 10:30p every night. You wouldn't think so, but it's true. I'm more focused. My writing is faster and better. My day job work is done quickly and well. I also cook better meals when I'm not distractedly stepping away from a scene to toss something in the oven, and my kids and I spend more time talking. That's critical at this age.

If I can, I make appointments and run errands after they come home and we do them together. It's a good schedule for us.

So why, people who are doing work for me outside my house, do you never ever call to tell me you're coming so I can move my car, or talk to you, or discuss deck snow blocking methods? Why do you come willy-nilly and expect me to drop what I'm doing for the next several hours to come chat whenever you knock on the door? Do you KNOW how disruptive that is to my process? You take me out of my book every single time and I have to hope and pray I recapture the sentiments in it.

Why neighbors, do you knock on my door to chat? Why other handyman do you show up at my house to work, with your three year old and five year old in tow who now suddenly need me to babysit them? Feed them? Water them? Offer them my toilet? Keep them out of my kids' rooms? Want to talk, play, run through my house?

It's so annoying to me that just because I work from home, the entire world thinks that means I'm available to them whenever they want something. Yes, teachers too. This is my job. I'm feeding people. Go away. Pardon my moment of rudeness and accept that this is an office, as distant to you as if I were currently in a suit, in a high rise downtown.

So. The note is back on the door. I'm not answering the door or the phone to unexpected individuals. Rant over. The End.

The Great Debate... a personal issue

2011-12-02T06:32:00.001-06:00

Over a year ago I was still struggling with the divorce issue. Not because it was the wrong thing to do--it had been my choice. I filed. But more because of the underlying damage that had been done to my confidence over the fifteen years of that marriage.

I've disclosed tidbits along the way, but what I can't possibly describe is the utter lack of importance I felt. Because, you see, I didn't marry with the expectation that I'd divorce. I married because I expected to stay married to him throughout my life. That's how commitment works. Here's the thing, valuing someone, showing them respect and affection can go a long way toward mending broken relationships. I didn't have that. After fifteen years of living without it, I've become rather hard-nosed about being treated without those things now. I fought to hard to leave it behind and start fresh. Damn old patterns. Old patterns are burned every time I see them pop up. It's part of my personal healing process.

I think of it as a common decency thing. Treat others how you'd want to be treated. If it would hurt or piss you off, then don't say it to someone else. But I digress from my point.

My point is that while I was still struggling with my self-worth, feeling like a marriage failure who'd possibly ruined her children's lives because she couldn't live with a selfish, stealing, lying buffoon, I wrote a story. Now, I've never been in a menage. It might surprise you to know that I was a virgin when I met my ex, and despite his encouragement to cheat on him (Yeah, I know, right?) I never did. I knew I'd leave that marriage as blameless as possible. But I also left that marriage with a lot more personal growth and two gorgeous daughters. If you'll remember, I used to refer to them as my nieces. There was and is a protective reason for that, but the divorce is final and I'm less cautious.

My husband didn't love me. He told me so. He calmly told me he'd never loved me. It wasn't a surprise, because by then, I'd known for years that we were little more than shoddy roommates. I worked, cleaned, raised, cooked, proofed his sermons, and did the required "volunteer" work for his seminary years. He sat on the couch flipping channels and insulting me. It took it's toll and I used it as inspiration for the menage that's coming out next week (Staking Their Claim, by Katie Blu).

Siren is a new publisher to me. I sent them my manuscript littered with all the self-doubt issues I had and pot-shots at the ex (which I edited out with the help of my friend and fellow Michigan troll, Jennifer Armintrout). They offered me a contract. Folks, it took me over a year to submit that thing. The heroine's fears are so personal to me that I feared people would know too much. I think that's been taken care of, but I'm still in there in a big way.

Divorce sucks, even when there's no love left. It takes a lot out of you and you can be the one who filed the paperwork, or it could have been filed on you. There's light at the end of it. It's dim. It's a little hazy. It's terrifying as hell. Your family and friends may or may not agree with you about the circumstances and there will be (not might be) hate directed at you. It will hurt and you will feel desperately that you need a defense. That they don't understand.

And they won't. They won't because divorce has a toll on them too. And they won't because while they love you, they love him and he's blood. It's not over, but there's hope. There's always hope.

If you're struggling. If you aren't sure what the future holds for you and your spouse, just remember, no matter what happens, YOU ARE IMPORTANT. Respect, trust, kindness. They can fix almost anything and what they aren't fixing in your relationship, they are soothing a balm over your injured soul.

You aren't alone.

Freakin' Out

2011-12-01T07:01:00.001-06:00

I'm over at threewickedwriters.blogspot.com today. I had a recent freak out that has me somewhere between manic laughter and studious alarm. Come check it out and add your two cents!

Six Sentence Sunday

2011-11-27T10:15:00.001-06:00

So I thought I'd participate in this thing called Six Sentence Sunday. Today I'm posting from Claimed by Darkness at Ellora's Cave. This is the beginning of a book where a vampire falls for his human friend.

Humans were such fragile creatures—arrogant, consumed by their own self-importance when the age before and the age following would not care about the fleeting moments of one person’s life on the earth when the next generation came to take its place. And the cycle would repeat. Throbbing music, soul-binding songs, swaying in a primal dance of barely concealed sexuality as one flitted from moment to moment, struggling to make his importance stick before that generation too was forgotten like mist under the blaze of morning sunlight.

It carried notes of banality. Damien had seen it countless times. And yet this time, this particular collection of years had pierced his heart in a way none before it had and none after would compare.

Claimed by Darkness can be purchased here: Ellora's Cave

Want to play along? It’s fun and easy!
1. pick a project – a current WIP, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published
2. pick six sentences
3. post on Sunday

Black Friday Fun

2011-11-25T09:20:00.001-06:00

Today another short story of mine releases. Good Will Shopping is a story deliberately situated around Black Friday, ala request of MLRpress acquisitioner, Kris Jacen. I'm so glad she did, because this was my first writing project for and with MLR and I like them a lot. Here ya go!

GOOD WILL SHOPPING
$0.99

BLURB:

Ross Delaney didn't think he'd ever lose Will Levine. Unfortunately, he forgot that part of being in a relationship was opening up your heart to the one you love. Will got tired of waiting and they've been split up for months. But Black Friday has arrived and Ross knows just where to find Will. If Will won't return his calls, then Ross decides to make a personal appearance at their favorite store.
He drags Will into the back hallway of the store on the premise that he wants what's in Will basket, but it's not the television he's talking about.

EXCERPT:

Ross Delaney shoved his former lover against the tile wall of Byerland's back hallway. The heavy double doors to the rest of the store swung to a stop behind the shopping cart overstuffed with a boxed flatscreen.
"What the fuck, Ross?" Will Levine snapped.
"I want the television."
He didn't. He just wanted Will, but Will wouldn't have anything to do with him. Since pissing Will off was the only way they seemed to talk nowadays, that would be how Ross did things. And how better to piss him off than to make a competition of it? Black Friday provided the perfect opportunity.
"You snooze, you lose," Will sneered.
It was a bold move considering Ross outweighed him by thirty pounds and five inches, and that he was currently pinned by the shoulders to the wall.
"Really? You're going with that?" Ross asked in disbelief. "There were only five listed in the sales ad."
"And one of them is mine," Will taunted.
"Unless we trade." Ross grinned, knowing that would intrigue him. Will obviously had the advantage possessing the desired television in his cart and would wonder what Ross could possibly offer in exchange.
"What do you think I'd trade the best deal of Black Friday to have? Hm? Your head on a stick?" Will's smile was smug, but something flashed behind his bright green eyes that looked like uncertainty.
Did Ross actually have a shot at making this work? God, he hoped so.
"Not exactly. I was thinking more along the lines of your head." Ross leaned in closely, touching their noses. He thought he heard a slight hitch in Will's breathing. That could be a good sign. A very good sign. "Or rather, giving you head."
Will's eyes widened. The pupils dilated and that's when Ross knew he had Will's complete attention, no matter what else the man said.
Ross tugged on Will's jeans closure, easily popping the button out of its hole. The rasping of Will's zipper underscored the intensity of their ragged breaths.
"You wouldn't," Will whispered. "Not here. Not where anyone could walk in and see."
"C'mon, Will. Isn't the reason we broke up because I wasn't spontaneous enough? Doesn't this qualify?"

Happy T-Day!

2011-11-24T11:20:00.001-06:00

I'm blogging about serious stuff over at ThreeWickedWriters.Blogspot.com today. Come check it out if you're bored of football.

And have a happy happy turkey day.

Scoring

2011-11-23T14:49:00.001-06:00

Just a quick note to tell you that my super short story, Scoring, released today at ResplendencePublishing.com. It's got a 5/5 heat level and costs $0.99.

Blurb:
Jay Lang has been fooling himself by thinking he’s bisexual, because when it comes to Martin Petrie, he can’t stop imaging hot steamy sex. Martin calls his bluff in a single searing kiss from his perfect lips. Now Jay can barely hang onto his heart as Martin sets out to prove just how “bi” Jay isn’t.

Excerpt:

Jay Lang bounced his knee. The faded jean material blurred below the line of the television screen. One arm stretched along the backrest toward his roommate. He drummed his fingers on the cushion. Jagged blond fringe partially obscured his vision as he tried in vain to watch the Minnesota Vikings form an offensive attack against the Dallas Cowboys.

It should have been riveting. The Vikings and the Cowboys were football enemies only bested by the rivalry between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. It should have been attention consuming, yet all he could think about was his best friend, Martin Petrie.

Oblivious to Jay’s rioting anxiety, Martin hooted as the Vikings sacked the quarterback beneath a three-man pile. The only pile Jay could think about involved Martin beneath him.

Jay scrubbed a hand over his face with his building frustration. Until a year ago, he’d thought he was bisexual. He’d been fooling himself. Sure, he’d taken girl after girl to moaning ecstasy, but that was for show. It was for the sole purpose of putting Martin off his scent. It possibly worked too well because Martin didn’t have a clue how Jay really felt.

But the fuck of it was now they were roommates. Jay had thought seeing Martin every day would help him get over the college infatuation. On the contrary, he’d become even more enraptured since graduation, and it was starting to show.

If only he hadn’t walked in on Martin jacking off in the shower, maybe he could have continued to pretend he wasn’t hot for his friend. Instead, he had visions of Martin inviting him to take over as the hot water beat down on them.

Fuck. He was already getting hard.

Jay shifted, grabbed the giant bowl of popcorn and put it on his lap. Half-heartedly he munched at the crisp kernels, hoping his roommate would never look beyond Jay’s sudden urge for snacking to the erection the bowl attempted to hide. If Martin were paying attention, he’d see that the bowl was tipped more to one side held up by a heavy ridge of cock.

If he moved his fingers just a little bit to the right, they’d brush Martin’s shoulder. If he moved them up from there, they’d be tangled in thick brown hair. Jay imagined grabbing it in a fist and pulling back, taking Martin’s mouth, Martin helpless to do more than drag Jay over his lap.

God, yes, he loved that idea.

Jay chanced a sidelong look at his buddy. Martin flopped a hand out and dug around the popcorn bowl on Jay’s lap. Jay bit back a groan as the unintentional scraping vibrations of his search tingled along Jay’s cock.

Or, Jay thought, he could fist Martin’s hair and drag his face down to cover Jay’s cock with those beautiful lips. Jay loved how the upper one resembled an elongated Cupid’s bow shaft. Fuller than the bottom lip and wide, Jay liked watching his friend talk. Every word formed seemed like an erotic journey.

It was no wonder the girls in their group called him Lips. Who wouldn’t want those beauts pressed to them…anywhere?

As he watched, Martin popped a kernel into his mouth. His tongue snaked out to catch the salt on his upper lip. Then he looked at Jay. “Did you see that?” he whooped.

“Every second,” Jay growled, thinking of the cushiony resilience of Martin’s mouth.

“What the fuck was he thinking? He should have gone for the two-pointer. The game’s too close.”

“That’s ’cause you aren’t coaching them,” Jay teased.

“I know, right?” Eyes fastened to the television, Martin scrounged for more popcorn.

Jay almost couldn’t take it. Oh, he liked it plenty. That sensation of not fondling him but also kinda fondling him made thought a little dicey. But if he wanted to hold onto his sanity, Jay needed to make the quasi-touching stop. He handed the bowl over.

“Take it. I’m done with the popcorn.”

Martin took it and dropped it into his own lap. “Morons!” he shouted at the set. “Even Margie can throw a better pass than that. Give her the contract next time.”

Margie, one of the girls that hung out with them, was known for her lack of grace. The insult to the Vikings wasn’t a mild one. Jay smiled.

“You think Margie would sign on? She’d be amazing as a kicker,” Jay tossed in lamely. He’d had nothing really to say, or to add, but he’d wanted in on the one-sided conversation.

Martin shot him a funny look. “Dude. That made no sense.” He turned his attention back to the flat screen.

“Yeah, it did. Because Margie wears those pointy shoes, and she’s got curly hair, so—”

“You’re not selling it,” Martin scoffed.

“We should go to Beertopia to watch the game next time. S’way cooler with a crowd.”

Martin lobbed a kernel of popped corn at Jay. It pinged between his eyes. “Like you’d be any less distracted in a crowd. Right. Whatever.”

“I’m not distracted,” Jay protested.

“The fuck you aren’t. Madden has stuttered at least five times, and you haven’t lifted your beer once. Can’t be a drinking game if you don’t play along.”

“Game’s boring.”

The look of disbelief on Martin’s face should have been a warning. Martin lifted the remote and hit the pause button. “Not ten minutes ago you were agreeing with me that the coaching staff is on crack. Now, you’re pretending that the hottest game of the season isn’t. What the fuck, man?”

“The hottest game of the season would be against the Detroit Lions.” Jay folded his arms across his chest. Having Martin’s complete attention was a little heady. He needed to piss Martin off. Needed to keep from kissing that luscious wide mouth Jay couldn’t keep his eyes off of.

“You’re high.”

“I’m right,” Jay argued.

“You’re high.” Martin got up and swished his empty beer bottle. “Want one?”

“Get yourself a wine cooler. I’m not sure you’re ready to watch football and drink beer with the big boys.”

Martin’s eyebrows climbed slowly. “I see. And let me guess. You’re a big boy? Do you need pull ups or just your sippy cup?” Martin sauntered to the small galley kitchen in their apartment.

Jay got up too, starting to feel his ire grow. This was good. He needed it. For the sake of sanity, they both needed it even if Martin didn’t know he did. “Only if it’s filled with Jack.”

“As in, Jack shit?” Martin teased.

“Daniels. But I forget that Jack may be too strong for a guy who thinks this football game is the epitome of pig-skin awesome.”

Martin had been reaching into the fridge as Jay blocked the galley exit. He turned and the glass bottom of his beer clanked loudly on the granite surface as he set it down. “What’s your beef, bro?”

“About ten inches.”

Martin laughed. “I’ve seen you naked. That might work in a bar, but I know better. You’re seven at best.”

“That’s not what your sister said,” Jay snarked.

Martin’s blue-gray eyes turned stormy. “Seriously. What the fuck?”

Yeah, they were all stupid low blows designed to piss Martin off. Jay actually liked his sister. She was a sweetheart, and Jay would sooner cut his balls off than make a play for her. Even if he were straight.

Instead of fessing up, Jay shrugged negligently. “Just sayin’.”

“Did you fuck my sister?” Martin asked tightly.

Jay’s eyes widened. Shit, that hadn’t been taken at all like he’d expected. Martin actually thought he’d do that?

“No, man, it’s a figure of speech.” He lightly shoved the other man’s chest, but his fingers met rock-hardness.

Martin grabbed Jay’s fingers where they were. “Don’t fuck with me. Did you, at any time, make a move on or dangle your cock in the vicinity of my kid sister?” His face was tight, cold eyes stared back at Jay, and his wide lips had lost their pretty fullness.

“I haven’t touched her.” Jay lowered his voice, hoping to convey his absolute sincerity. “I wouldn’t touch her. Ever.”

Martin’s eyes narrowed on him for a minute before he released Jay’s fingers. “Keep it that way.”

“I will. She’s not my type anyway.”

A small smile touched his roommate’s mouth, relaxing the hard line of it and bringing back the sensual Cupid’s bow. “What’s your type?”

Geez, what did he say to that? “Someone I can hang with,” he muttered, dropping eye contact.

“Maybe I should put on a wig,” Martin teased.

The mangy wig thought aside, the idea of Martin standing in as Jay’s someone made his stomach hop inside.

The Thanksgiving Inevitibility

2011-11-22T06:41:00.001-06:00

This year, I wanted Thanksgiving to be simple. I wanted to pick up Chinese take out (I have it on excellent authority that Chinese restaurants are always open on Thanksgiving and Christmas), sit back with some chopsticks, and watch television with my kids. At the very most, I thought maybe I'd roast a chicken with sliced of garlic nestled under the skin, an orange and a lemon in the body cavity. Maybe I'd serve it with green been casserole because we all know that's what REALLY makes the holiday table. I even thought that adorable Pillsbury dough creature might make an appearance ala crescent rolls.

I had hoped, anyway.

My daughter had different ideas. One of them would have been all for pizza. The other one, the one who's sentimental like me, wouldn't hear of it. Maybe it's because I grew up overseas and we had to make a point of having Thanksgiving in countries that didn't celebrate it. Or maybe it's because turkey is not so easy to find in other places like it is here, but Thanksgiving was always done up. It's part of my memories, who I am.

Keep in mind, I've never liked Thanksgiving food. I didn't like going around the table and everyone announcing what they're thankful for either. In theory, I like the deliberate reminder of gratitude and recognition of blessing, I've just never liked announcing it. It feels too Hallmark to me

Despite all that, I took something away from those dinners. I took belonging, love, community, and those hours where everyone put their personal drama aside to sit down and laugh with each other. That when it all came down to it, we were family (even when there were strangers at the table) and family sticks together.

How can I take that away from my daughters before those memories ever become memories? These kids have been through family drama like nothing else. They've been picked up and moved so many times that they have to work at making friends, pushing through their fear that next year, they'll leave them behind and have to form new attachments. They've weathered through judgmental extended family, homelessness, and a neglectful father who is more about appearing to be a good dad, than actually being one.

The three of us have been through hell and back, together. We're tight. We laugh with each other constantly, build each other up, set up our own traditions within the scope of our interests, and defend each other to the outside world, even when it seems fruitless. We're fighters. We love fiercely and speak frankly. Our home is a safe harbor where you can screw up anywhere else in your life and know that even if the other two don't agree with what you did, you still have a place to go where people love you. No matter what.

I learned some of my parenting from traditions like Thanksgiving. The rest of the family doesn't know it, but I do. So when my daughter asks for tradition, how can I possibly deny teaching her the most important lesson of all: Family is forever.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
~The Wattsfather

Three Wicked Writers

2011-11-17T08:28:00.001-06:00

I'm blogging over there today and every Thursday that Blogger cooperates with me.

www.ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com

Twelve Nights

2011-11-16T06:25:00.001-06:00

Today is release day for me, as Katie Blu, over at Resplendence! Which will be posted on the site later today. This is a story based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, where Viola dresses as a man to keep her identity secret.

BTWs, Viola is NOT blonde and busty, she's sleek and dark haired. And Jeff Sarto is a corporate guy, not a boy wearing his daddy's suit.

Blurb:

Viola Leinmann is pissed when hertwin, Sebastian, books an event twelve days before the kick-off and then leavestown. What makes it worse is that the new,way-too-mouthwatering-for-his-own-good boss doesn’t like working with women.But making sure her new company stays in the black is worth pretending to beher brother for a night.

Jeff Sarto likes Sebastian’s style.He’s a go-getter who’s self-motivated and makes him laugh. He’s also the key togetting the office hottie to go out with him. And that’s what he wants, untilhe meets Sebastian’s sexy sister, Viola. A stolen kiss makes him forget everyrule about mixing business with pleasure.

But as the convention deadline winds down andhis new friend Sebastian turns out to be Viola, can he forgive her for lying tohim? Or has Jeff lost both his best friend and the girl to a hurtful prank?

Excerpt:

“Sebastian! You can’t leave,” Viola Leinmann yelled afterher twin.

“Sorry Vi, but I’ve gotta take this. We have to let me takethis.” Sebastian flashed her his trademark smile and shrugged as he reached forthe door.

“What about Sarto? You know he doesn’t work with women. Youhave to meet him for dinner tonight to discuss the event.” The phone rang forthe thousandth time, and Viola noted the caller identification. “And your ex ison the phone. I thought you called her back already.”

Sebastian laughed and jogged over to drop a brotherly kisson her cheek. “I did,” he told her, still leaning over her desk. “She justcan’t get over the fact that I’m the fish that got away.”

“I can’t imagine why she’d want to keep dating that ego.”

“I’m irresistible.”

“And arrogant.” Viola snorted. “We just got the deal withSarto Tech. It’s a last minute deal, and it’s huge. You can’t leave. You got the deal, and you know how hefeels about working with women.”

Sebastian dropped a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Ifanyone can win him over, you can. Vi, you can’t expect me to turn down a shotat a Lexi Savage after-party event.”

The phone chimed again. Viola let it ring, though she andSebastian both shot a glance and a groan when Jenny’s name popped up on theinbound call display.

“I can take Lexi. You take Sarto. His expectation of pullingtogether a convention in twelve days is completely ridiculous, and you promised him we could do it.”

Sebastian backed away toward the door, shrugging as he senther his boyish grin. “Sorry, babe. I booked Lexi Savage too, and she’s gotleads into the music industry that could make the business take off. Do youreally want me to throw her under the bus?”

Viola frowned. “No.”

“Great! See ya.” Sebastian poked his head back through theoffice door. “And whatever you do, don’t tell Jenny I booked Lexi Savage,she’ll go crazy, and I haven’t decided if I’m getting back together with her ornot.” The door shut.

“But, wait!” Viola yelled after him. It was already toolate. “When will you get back?” she muttered pointlessly.

Sighing, she pulled up Jeff Sarto’s phone number on hercontacts list and lifted the receiver before Jenny could speed dial the officephone again.

“Sarto Tech, Jeff Sarto’s office. This is Erik speaking.”

“Hi, Erik. This is Viola Leinmann with Premium EventPlanners. I’m confirming Mr. Sarto’s appointment with Sebastian Leinmanntonight at seven.”

“Yes, Mr. Leinmann should be at D’Angelo Sargenti’s at leastten minutes before, to present his initial plan. Mr. Sarto will approve oralter the suggestions at that time. He’ll have approximately one hour to hearMr. Leinmann’s plan for the event before his next appointment.”

“I’ll be meeting in his place,” Viola informed him. What wasErik going to do, cancel because she had breasts? There were harassment laws toprevent that kind of stuff from happening.

Erik paused a full beat before continuing. “I’m sorry, Mr.Sarto will only work with Mr. Leinmann as he agreed to the overall conceptpresented. Mr. Sarto won’t be pleased. If Mr. Leinmann is unable to make theappointment tonight, Sarto Technologies will be approaching an alternateresource. Thank you for your time, Ms. Leinmann.”

“Wait!”

Goddamn she was not going to be dismissed twice in tenminutes. Her eyes fell on the pile of bills that starting a new business infull hardcore publicity had generated. Some were stamped with red overdue ink.They needed Sarto Tech, just as badly as they needed Lexi Savage and anyone themusician recommended PEP to.

“Pardon?” Erik asked flatly.

Viola pinched the bridge of her nose. She could pull it off,she knew she could. Hadn’t she convinced an entire party of Halloween gueststhat she was a man? Okay, a vampire with a lot of fake blood and pasty whiteface makeup. But she’d done it, and no one knew the business or her brotherlike she did. Since she’d been there when Sebastian had secured the job overthe phone with a faxed in bid, she knew Sarto had never met her brother.

The pile of bills on the corner of her desk seemed to grow.They really needed this job. It would put them in the black if the Sartoconvention came through. Jenny’s number lit up line two, and Viola sighed. Shewas going to kill Sebastian when he came back. Slowly. And with something rusty.

“Ms. Leinmann, has there been a change in plans?” Erik askeddubiously.

“Yes,” she winced as soon as she said it. Shepressed her forehead into her palm knowing she’d regret this decision, butcommitted anyway. “Yes, I can rearrange our schedule. It won’t be a problem.Tell Mr. Sarto that Sebastian Leinmann will be at D’Angelo’s before seven todiscuss the plans.”

I don't understand.

2011-11-15T08:04:00.001-06:00

Some one should 'splain to me why TV gets away with inconsistencies. I've been watching Terra Nova. Let's all suspend the whole time portal and dinosaur thing, the pre-Ice Age stuff about this is how we came to be stuff. What I want to know is, how in the world do the characters get away with being Too Stupid To Live on a weekly basis?

We've established that the dinosaurs rather enjoy human tissue. We know that the night ones can climb trees or drop out of trees. We even know that while it will take them longer, the big baddies can tear through a metal vehicle.

So WHY, Terra Nova, do people drive around in open sided buggies? Why do they let their kids wander around in the jungle like a parading afternoon snack? Why is it convenient to climb a tree and miraculously the ones that climb them suddenly can't? WHY, on God's green Earth, do the WARRIORS who KNOW what the deal is, constantly keep their backs turns to the jungle? Why do they put themselves on the edge of a high cliff, in canvas chairs with backs to the jungle that is currently screeching at them, and causally go FISHING?!

Ugh. I give up. You need a better content editor. I do freelance, boys, maybe you need to hire me.

~Mia

Hey Look!! Blogger let me in!

2011-11-14T06:50:00.001-06:00

Okay, folks, I'm more than a bit annoyed with blogger. It seems every time I reset a browser to something blogger accepts, it boots me off again. The lastest was letting me log in, but not write a post. Then there have been the forced anonymous comments, because it doesn't recognize my password through Chrome, but through Firefox, it's fine.

I think blogger is a high-strung temperamental teenage boy. That's my professional assessment. Full of pranks and inconsistencies, only periodically boy-ms-ing (Hey they may be boys, but they do cycle. Every woman who's ever been married or had boy children knows this.)

Seriously, I'm so excited to post, I nearly forgot what I was going to say. I have new cover art to share. My book Twelve Nights, based loosely on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (think She's the Man movie with Amanda Bynes), releases at Resplendence on November 16th. That's this Wednesday. It's a m/f contemporary.

My book Good Will Hunting is a m/m super short story about Black Friday (requested theme) and will release on, you guessed it, Black Friday (November 25th) at MLR Press. The cover looks like this, which is universal for all the Christmas/Holiday shorts.

There's another super short story coming out as a Resplendence Publishing Erotic Gem. The release date on that is November 24th I think. I could be the 30th though. I'll post that generic cover as soon as it comes in.

Also, I was interviewed and reviewed for Faking Perfection (a book released earlier this year from DreamSpinner Press), at Red Hot Books. Here's the Review, which is pretty awesome actually. And here is the spotlight. Go on over and give me some love, please. When it's up and running. There is a book giveaway going on over there. Any Mia/Katie book is up for grabs!

I'm going to make a better effort at posting more regularly. Real stuff, not just promo. I'm dying to get in a comic again, but geez that takes HOURS to pull together and my writing schedule is kind of ridiculous at the moment. Until then, I'll try to think of something spectacularly clever for blogging.

RELEASE DAY!

2011-10-26T06:53:00.005-05:00

Feral Lust releases today at Resplendence. In celebration of that, I've been asked to do an interview which is posted on Bronwyn Green's blog today. Go over, leave a comment, and have a chance to win a copy of YOUR CHOICE in Mia Watts or Katie Blu books (which means it's still me, in case you missed the memo).

And while you're at Bron's, check out the blurb and excerpt of Feral Lust and let me know what you think!

FERAL LUST, out Wednesday

2011-10-24T07:04:00.002-05:00

I have a release this week and some lovely cover art to share. Feral Lust comes out on Wednesday the 26th, at ResplendencePublishing.com! Blurb and Excerpts to follow. Mostly, I need my computer back from the Geek Squad, for that is where my blurbage is. Ah well.

The good news is, I'm done with conference season for the next several months. That means it's back to work before the holidays takes me away, and consistent blog posting. ;) You can always catch me over at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com on Thursdays. Thank you for sticking with me and my bad blogging habits.

Hey, so I know it's been a while, but...

2011-10-20T07:38:00.005-05:00

I did make a post over at Three Wicked Writers. If you have a second, pop over and offer up a comment of two. Thanks!

Also, I have cover art to share soon. It's a little... "cheeky" if you ask me. ;)

I have art!

2011-09-23T09:15:00.001-05:00

Isn't it pretty? It's a historical paranormal male/male shapeshifer. See the shadow wolf? So cool! In the interest of keeping Friday simple, I'm only posting a lovely picture (artwork by Les Byerley) for my upcoming book Feral Lust. It releases October 26th at Resplendence. Have a great weekend!!

My Animal Magnitism

2011-09-22T09:02:00.003-05:00

I'm posting that email I got, with minor changes to avoid the TMI overload. Wanna read? It's at Three Wicked Writers. Come (ahem) and leave a comment.

Balls are flying everywhere!

2011-09-21T08:39:00.002-05:00

Seriously! And today, it would be The Policeman's Balls, my new book from Resplendence Publishing.

BLURB:

Brian McCray can’t believe his bad luck in getting caught by the police for breaking into his own home—until he sees the cop in question. Now all he wants to do is catch the sexy protector of the peace and give him some piece…of ass.
Officer Joshua Severn has to admit that Brian is attention grabbing. Brian’s also going to rack up a lot of tickets if he doesn’t stop inventing reasons to see Josh. Then one night a kiss sparks something Josh wants to explore, unfortunately so does Internal Affairs when it’s caught on cruiser cam.
What began as a little play has turned into something loaded, and Officer Severn is more than prepared to fire his weapon.

EXCERPT:

Brian McCray shoved his shoulder against the front door of his duplex. Again? He’d locked himself out of the house, again? He thought back. He remembered locking the door handle with a quick, practiced twist when his friend Tyler had picked him up for the movie. Tyler had since driven off with no more than a wave from Brian. It had been as the car’s taillights turned the corner and Brian slipped his hand in his pocket, that he realized he didn’t have his key.

He’d have kicked himself, but he needed a steady foot on the ground and a lot more force to boot his own ass properly. He glanced at his watch. Eleven o’clock in the evening was too late to be knocking on old Mrs. Jackson’s door for the duplicate copy of his key.

Brian blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair out of pure frustration. The outside security lights hadn’t come on. They wouldn’t either because Brian had been in too big a rush to flip the interior switch to activate the motion sensors.

He had been full of great decisions today. Another one facing him would be where to sleep if he didn’t find a way inside. Brian circled his half of the property, testing the windows. At the side of the house, he gingerly pushed his way between two box hedges, wincing when they scraped him. One branch dug deep, but Brian pressed on until he’d reached the windows. Whose brilliant idea had it been to plant these things with their tri-spikes on the end of each leaf? The association? They’d been there as long as he’d had the townhouse, five years. Damn the gardener who’d put them there.

The window didn’t budge. Brian stepped out of the bushes and walked to the back. He pressed his face to the sliding glass door, looking for a way in, as though the items inside were of use to him.

The soft shuffle of a shoe on grass startled him. Brian whipped around. A brilliant light shot him straight in the eyes.

“Sir, put your hands in the air and identify yourself,” a deep voice barked.

Brian hurried to obey. The light stung his eyes, and he squinted against the unrelenting onslaught of it. “Who are you?” Brian demanded.

“Officer Severn. Care to tell me who you are and why you’re trying to break in to this residence?”

Brian’s shoulders drooped with relief. “Oh, thank God! I locked myself out and I can’t get in.”

“Name?”

“Brian McCray. I live here.”

“May I see your driver’s license, please?”

“Sure.” Brian dropped his hands.

Officer Severn snapped at him to keep his hands in the air where they could remain in view. “Just tell me which pocket it’s in and I’ll get it for you.”

“Back left.” Brian held very still.

The officer drew closer. The light stayed on Brian’s face, blinding him to everything but the hint of broad shoulder and height. The man had four inches on him, easily. The stale scent of dry cleaning solution on his uniform, and fading Polo Black aftershave gave Brian a strange tightening sensation in his gut.

Officer Severn reached around him. Fingers fumbled at Brian’s ass cheek, dipped inside the back pocket and pulled out his wallet. The light made Brian’s eyes water, and the distinctive pre-sneeze tickle had seized the bridge of his nose. Fortunately Officer Severn retreated.

Brian inhaled sharply. His arm darted up to cover his nose and mouth as he sneezed in triplicate.

The cop didn’t flinch. “Bless you, Brian McCray of 5497 Chamblin Path.”

“Thanks,” Brian sniffled. “Officer Severn of Grand Rapids P.D.”

“Walker P.D.” he corrected, handing Brian back his wallet.

Officer Severn lowered his flashlight. Not that it did any good. Brian had been thoroughly blinded. He made out the officer’s reach for his shoulder radio attachment in silhouette. Officer Severn called in his status.

“Any chance you can help me break in to my own house?” Brian asked.

“You really ought to have a duplicate with a neighbor or a friend.”

“I do. She’s an eighty-four-year-old woman who goes to bed around seven every night. My option is waiting for her to get up at five or bust in.”

“Ola Jackson?” Officer Severn asked.

How did he know about Brian’s neighbor?

Officer Severn must have seen his confusion. “She called in the burglary. How about we go over there and put her mind at rest, get your key, and end this night on a high note?”

Brian’s shoulders drooped with relief. “That sounds like a great idea.”

The officer chuckled, motioning with a shadowed arm for Brian to lead the way. Brian walked passed him, inhaling the man’s scent before he realized what he was doing. He’d never thought of dry cleaning as an aphrodisiac, but it certainly gave him a chubby now.

Mrs. Jackson’s front stoop light flickered on. Feeling a little guilty for disturbing her, Brian nonetheless rapped on her door. Through the side panel of windows, he saw the interior lights come on. Mrs. Jackson pushed aside the gauzy window dressing and peered out at him. He was actually relieved to see the thin pressed lips and familiar scowl.

“Hi, Mrs. Jackson. It’s me, Brian.”

The door swung open. “I know who you are, boy. What are you doing on my doorstep in the middle of the night?”

The broad shoulders pushed passed him. Brian got an eyeful of navy blue uniform and the wisping tendrils of dark brown hair along his collar. This close, Brian couldn’t help but notice the perfect fit of the navy blue shirt that spanned his wide back.

“Mrs. Jackson, I’m officer Severn. I responded to your call about a burglar. Your neighbor locked himself out and was trying to get in.”

“Well, for heaven’s sake, Brian. Why didn’t you ring my bell and ask for the key?” she scolded.

“I didn’t want to wake you,” Brian defended.

“So you scare an old lady out of her beauty sleep? Come here so I can smack you.”

Severn stepped completely between them. Brian smiled at the protective gesture, as though Old Mrs. Jackson could actually inflict harm on him. “Can we just get the key, please ma’am?”

Mrs. Jackson harrumphed, looking up at him in a squint. It was the look Brian called the stink eye. She muttered something about mannerless young men and hobbled off, leaving the door ajar.

“Thanks,” Brian offered the blue back.

Officer Severn turned, looking down at him. “You’re welcome.”

His dark brown eyes warmed Brian like freshly brewed coffee. Brian intended to say something witty. Honest. But staring into those deep, bottomless eyes sucked every clever word right out of his vocabulary.

“Hi,” Brian breathed, stupidly.

Severn gave him an odd look. His gaze darted between Brian’s eyes. “Are you intoxicated, sir?”

“Possibly,” Brian speculated, if a man could get drunk from attraction.

“You didn’t drive tonight, did you sir?”

Brian blinked. “Uh, no. I don’t have keys remember?”

The officer nodded, gave him another searching look and reached toward Mrs. Jackson who’d miraculously reappeared with the key while Brian had been stunned by Officer Severn’s amazing good looks.

He handed the key to Brian. “Have a good night, sir.” Severn turned and walked purposefully toward his squad car parked across the street.

Brian’s gaze followed him. He didn’t know how, but he needed to see Officer Severn again. As schoolgirl crush as it sounded, the man’s presence left him breathless and tingly.

Mrs. Jackson’s door slammed. A second later, her stoop light went out. Brian lingered in the dark, watching Severn drive off until he was out of sight. Then, finally, Brian took a deep breath.

“Until next time, Officer,” he murmured into the darkness.

Weekend Thoughts

2011-09-19T06:59:00.001-05:00

So over the weekend, my book Balls and Chain (Now at Resplendence) went from number 7 to number 6 on the top ten best sellers at All Romance eBooks. I'm flabbergasted. I mean, She's Got Balls (also at Resplendence) did very well and has continued to sell well over the past two years. It was at the urging of fans that I decided there needed to be more Balls books.

With Balls and Chain performing so well, I'm very hopeful that The Policeman's Balls will be well received. And by that, I don't mean unzipping your friendly neighborhood cop and letting them swing. My next book in the Balls series, The Policeman's Balls, is a lighthearted love story. I think Balls and Chain, while fun, got mired in plot detail. At least, to my eye it did. I deliberately kept The Policeman's Balls light on plot and heavy on fun.

Here's hoping it does as well!

In other thoughts, I'm debating whether or not to post a letter I received last night via email. It's from someone I have put off and tried to cut contact with several times now. He doesn't get it. No, not my crazy neighbor but someone not unlike him.

I try not to post things that would harm those I care about and even for those that I don't particularly care for, I feel a sense of protection for their extreme stupidity (at least in this case there's stupidity). However, I've also informed these individuals that continued contact of this nature would result in posting. Apparently, that's not a concern to people like him.

Thoughts? Is it evil, though I've warned and rewarned this person? You would not believe the message I received. It's... shocking.

~Mia

I'm Wicked on Thursdays...

2011-09-15T07:18:00.000-05:00

Every Thursday I post at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com. Come join me??

2011-09-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let you know, that I must not be the only one seeing strangeness on the dating web sites. This video is done of a woman from eHarmony. It was her fifth attempt to put up a dating video for the site and she was kicked off. The same genius who delivered Bed Intruder songify, put her video to music and OMG, makes me laugh every time. Heck, I even woke up with this catchy tune in my head.

Hope you enjoy the crazy...

Here's the original video:

And here's the song version:

You're welcome.

The Policeman's Balls

2011-09-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know I just had a book come out (Acting Out, AmberAllure.com), but I actually have another book coming out this month. So definitely go buy Acting Out (please) and then get all excited about The Policeman's Balls, Resplendence (because I am and soooo want you to be too).

Here, I'll even blow up the cover so you can look and drool along with me. (Resplendence release, September 21st)

Blurb:

Brian McCray can’t believe his badluck in getting caught by the police for breaking into his own home—until hesees the cop in question. Now all he wants to do is catch the sexy protector ofthe peace and give him some piece…of ass.

Officer Joshua Severn has to admitthat Brian is attention grabbing. Brian’s also going to rack up a lot oftickets if he doesn’t stop inventing reasons to see Josh. Then one night a kisssparks something Josh wants to explore, unfortunately so does Internal Affairswhen it’s caught on cruiser cam.

What began as a little play has turned intosomething loaded, and Officer Severn is more than prepared to fire his weapon.

Excerpt:

Brian McCray shoved his shoulder against the front door ofhis duplex. Again? He’d locked himself out of the house, again? He thoughtback. He remembered locking the door handle with a quick, practiced twist whenhis friend Tyler had picked him up for the movie. Tyler had since driven offwith no more than a wave from Brian. It had been as the car’s tail lightsturned the corner and Brian slipped his hand in his pocket, that he realized hedidn’t have his key.

He’d have kicked himself, but he needed a steady foot on theground and a lot more force to boot his own ass properly. He glanced at hiswatch. Eleven o’clock in the evening was too late to be knocking on old Mrs.Jackson’s door for the duplicate copy of his key.

Brian blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair out ofpure frustration. The outside security lights hadn’t come on. They wouldn’teither because Brian had been in too big a rush to flip the interior switch toactivate the motion sensors.

He had been full of great decisions today. Another onefacing him would be where to sleep if he didn’t find a way inside. Briancircled his half of the property, testing the windows. At the side of thehouse, he gingerly pushed his way between two box hedges, wincing when theyscraped him. One branch dug deep, but Brian pressed on until he’d reached thewindows. Whose brilliant idea had it been to plant these things with theirtri-spikes on the end of each leaf? The association? They’d been there as longas he’d had the townhouse, five years. Damn the gardener who’d put them there.

The window didn’t budge. Brian stepped out of the bushes andwalked to the back. He pressed his face to the sliding glass door, looking fora way in, as though the items inside were of use to him.

The soft shuffle of a shoe on grass startled him. Brianwhipped around. A brilliant light shot him straight in the eyes.

“Sir, put your hands in the air and identify yourself,” adeep voice barked.

Brian hurried to obey. The light stung his eyes, and hesquinted against the unrelenting onslaught of it. “Who are you?” Briandemanded.

“Officer Severn. Care to tell me who you are and why you’retrying to break in to this residence?”

Brian’s shoulders drooped with relief. “Oh, thank God! Ilocked myself out and I can’t get in.”

“Name?”

“Brian McCray. I live here.”

“May I see your driver’s license, please?”

“Sure.” Brian dropped his hands.

Officer Severn snapped at him to keep his hands in the airwhere they could remain in view. “Just tell me which pocket it’s in and I’llget it for you.”

“Back left.” Brian held very still.

The officer drew closer. The light stayed on Brian’s face,blinding him to everything but the hint of broad shoulder and height. The manhad four inches on him, easily. The stale scent of dry cleaning solution on hisuniform, and fading Polo Black aftershave gave Brian a strange tighteningsensation in his gut.

Officer Severn reached around him. Fingers fumbled atBrian’s ass cheek, dipped inside the back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Thelight made Brian’s eyes water, and the distinctive pre-sneeze tickle had seizedthe bridge of his nose. Fortunately Officer Severn retreated.

Brian inhaled sharply. His arm darted up to cover his noseand mouth as he sneezed in triplicate.

The cop didn’t flinch. “Bless you, Brian McCray of 5497Chamblin Path.”

“Thanks,” Brian sniffled. “Officer Severn ofGrand Rapids P.D.”

Weekend Headlines

2011-09-12T06:47:00.002-05:00

"US Government is investigating three possible terrorist threats... posted on the White House Facebook page."-- For real? Really?? First, the White House has a Facebook page? And second, a terrorist (theoretically some group that wants to be taken seriously) thought that posting threats on said page was a good idea? That's like writing a ransom note in crayon. And not regular crayon but those huge kindergarten crayons that you have to fist to color with.

"Cindy Lauper flubbed the American Anthem at a 9/11 Tennis Open match." -- Okay, who was the genius behind having Cindy Lauper represent ANYTHING serious on a national day of mourning? My fourteen year old heard it and said, "Huh. Home of the bwave?" Yep, that's right. Bwavewee is an important message to send on 9/11. So glad we picked a mature image for that one. Sorry, Cindy, but you will always be bubble gum pop from the 80s. This girl just wanted to have fun.

"Spartacus Star, Andy Whitfield dies at age 39" -- This actually made me very sad. I loved Andy in Spartacus and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a horrible disease. RIP, Andy.

In other news, Cheryl Dragon sent me an email today to let me know that my book, Balls and Chain, is on All Romance Ebook's top ten list. Woot! It got a silver best seller star within two days of being listed on the sight, then hit the number one sell spot for three categories: Contemporary, Gay, and Erotic. While it stayed there for a week, it has dropped off that chart. Still, I'm number nine on the top ten for all sales on the site. I'm really okay with that. It's been a while since a book of mine has done that well on ARe.

I released a book yesterday. Actually AmberAllure.com released my book. Acting Out is the second book in the Hollywood series. I'm getting reader response to it already and it's really going over well. I'm very happy. Acting Out is Here.

I'm nearing the end of another super short for Ellora's Cave. They haven't seen it yet, so nothing is promised. It will be a Katie Blu piece. I'm also working on a super short Mia Watts story for Resplendence, and another super short for a new publisher I haven't approached yet.

At some point this week, I'll actually contact Louise Fury, agent extraordinaire, to discuss my future. She gave me an invitation to submit and golly, I think I'll take her up on it. If nothing else, I'll at least have a phone meeting with her to see where we both stand.

Otherwise, I have a book coming out on the 21st of September from Resplendence (Ooooo! Preeeettty). It's a lighthearted/humorous addition to the Balls books. The Policeman's Balls made me laugh while I wrote it. There's another Resplendence release for me next month on October 26th with Feral Lust. That one will be a Mia Watts book with shifters and Regency era goodness. Nothing like proper men behaving improperly. I'll post a blurb and excerpt later this week, along with a larger version of this cover. Les (cover artist) did a fantastic job, didn't he?

Have a great week everyone! If you missed it, I posted over at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com last Thursday in an open "select-a-choice" letter to men about kissing dos and don'ts. It's short and designed for humor. If you need a chuckle, head on over there and leave me a comment.

Happy writing/reading folks!

Kissing and Men and Dating

2011-09-08T07:29:00.002-05:00

I posted a letter to men at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com today. There are soooo many things to say. Come comment. :)

I haz a blogger

2011-09-07T06:46:00.001-05:00

Wow, blogger, you're really developing aren't you? I now have the option of seeing how many page views I get and where the majority of my audience comes from, without a bot hidden on my blog. Which is awesome because I quit using the bot over a year ago when I forgot the password. I suck at passwords.

My traffic comes mostly from the United States. My biggest viewer? Alaska.

*crickets*

*blink* *blink*

Looks like I need to start blogging more. Poor Alaska is holding up the weight of my page views at the moment. Although, YAY ALASKA! Because y'all are either reeeeally bored or my post on Spartacus many many moons ago is fascinating. So fascinating I have no idea what it's about because I can't remember. But still, YAY ALASKA!

So I've got some good news.

My book Acting Out about a Hollywood super star falling in love with an ordinary dude from Indiana hits the Amber Allure dot come (ooo! Unintentional pun. I'm so leaving it.) release shelves on September 11th. May it distract you from other sad memories that day. Pick up a book and read about man lurve instead.

My third book in the "Balls" series (and if you ask me, funnier and better than the second Balls book), also the Handcuffs and Lace series, is releasing on September 21st at Resplendence Publishing dot com. This one's about a civilian trying to catch the attention of a very hot neighborhood patrolman, using every trick in the book he can think of. The last sex scene gets "nasty" (pronounced: NASSSSSTEH for the dirty boy sex going on in there. Here's a hint: Handcuffs).

I also received word that my super short, Good Will Shopping, was accepted by ManLove Romances dot com and is for their holiday release parade. Mine's about Black Friday and all the kink that actually goes on behind the scenes when one man has a toy *ahem* that another man wants in his basket *ahem*. I don't usually do reunion books, so this was new but fun for me. Also, this book would release on, you guessed it, Black Friday in November.

And finally, on a personal note:
I have a new neighbor. I think I must have a superpower of attraction or something because there's no other way to explain the number of dates I've had this month. It baffles. It truly baffles. I keep expecting someone to yell, "psych!". My new neighbor has been texting up a storm with me and asked me to come talk with him outside last night. I did and we had two plus hours of conversation where he hinted about dating me, but never said the words.

Oh, he asked me out, sure, but that was earlier via text. In person it was all, "I've always wanted to date the girl next door" *chuckle*. Or, "I know a lot of great necking places on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron." *sidelong glance* and "I'm tired of dating. I just want to be in a relationship with someone close by. Someone I can come see in the middle of the day."

If he thought I was going to throw myself down and say, "Me me me!" he's mistaken. He's cute. He's younger (does four years difference make me a cougar? Is there an age requirement to cougar someone?) and not at all as juvenile as I originally thought. He's also possibly shier than I am face to face. Hm.

So my kids are in school. It's not yet 8am and this is the second day of blogging in a row. I'm on a freakin' roll, man! Talk to me, y'all. How's your week going?

2011-09-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do you know what today is? I mean, aside from the day after Labor Day in which you are no longer supposed to wear white (and I totally saw some chick wearing white jeans today. I didn't know whether to point and exclaim because it's a blatant slap at Labor Day, or because I'm fearful that the 80s are returning in fashion force.), it's also the first day of school here in Michigan!

That means that I'm forced to get up at 6am to get my kids off to school, and start the work day earlier. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. I'm so much more productive in the mornings despite the fact that I like to stay up really late. It's not even 8am as I write this and the kids are gone, I'm on my second cup of coffee with breakfast, and I have home made Italian sausage and sauce bubbling away on my stove top for hours of simmering pleasure. Heck, the fact that I'm posting should tell you how together I get when school starts.

You wanna know the best of it? I have a daughter going into middle school today, and a daughter going into high school today. That means they wake up and leave at the same time. This is a first for me. Normally, I'm up at 6am and the last one doesn't LEAVE until around 8. Today, I've had an hour head start. Sure they come home on a half day today, but I'm stoked. I love school time. Working from home gets so much easier without fielding questions from an ADD kid and an ADHD kid all day long.

Wheeeeeeeeee! Freedom. Thank you, school system, for making writing erotic sex all day simplified!

Awesome AAD

2011-08-15T12:03:00.002-05:00

HEY!!!! Guess what?! Authors After Dark was fantastic again this year. Stella and her crew do an amazing job of getting readers, agents, editors, publishers, and authors together. I think of all the conferences I've attended, AAD does THE BEST job of that.

Oh my gosh there's so much to tell. There was the Resplendence Karaoke party with the MBA hottie who crashed the party to dance and sing with us. I'm told he's coming to future cons because he had so much fun. I'm personally thrilled to death. That man was GREAT eye-candy. I'd love to examine his, um, MBA up close and personal.

I got propositioned by an attendee. I coulda been a cougar, folks. I did the right thing and just said no.

Jen B. (Three Wicked Writers commentor and friend) came to see me at the book signing. She's recommending me as a pen pal via email for her brother. Hi, Christopher. She told me you checked out my site and didn't blink. SO impressed with you on that alone. So if you're visiting the blog, send me that email. I loved your sis. She's good people.

I got to meet Victor J. Banis, GLBT writer for the history books. That man puts me in awe. He's been through legal battles for his art and for standing up for what he believes in. I'm humbled.

I'm even a bigger fan of Jennifer Armintrout (the real one. Not the one who stole her name and threw in a middle initial--The Real Jennifer uses her real name. It's not a pen name) and her alternate exploratory name Abigail Barnette and Jill Welch, photographer extraordinaire. Love you ladies. A road trip has never been more fun.

We got to meet a CRAZY lonesome toll-man. "There's a lot of bad people in Philadelphia," he warned ominously, even before we arrived. His old movie voice was fantastic, as were his creepy-ass eyes. *shiver*

Spending time with my best buds, Jen, Jill, Bronwyn Green, Brynn Paulin, Carol Lynne, Jude K., Gwendolyn Cease, Jess Jarman, Simone Anderson, and new one, Ethan Day. I met so many fantastic people that I couldn't possibly list them all here. Ping me if I forgot someone. I met new author William Cooper and new to me author Kris Cook (OMG, love that man), FAB bosses Jessica Berry and Tiff Mason (Resplendence).... There aren't enough hours to tell you how great AAD was.

Liz Strange from Canada, wished I could talk more with her. We never got to that strip bar. It all fell apart and I never had phone numbers to reach everyone who wanted to go. Maybe next year? I know it's a drive so I'll keep my eyes peeled for you over the next couple of years.

Also got to talk to Topaz Promos lady, Laura K! Hey sweetie! She introduced me to a new fan, Heather K. Heather, hon, you left breakfast too early and I didn't see you again the rest of the con. I looked for you and held a book for you. So did Laura. Contact me and send me your email addy. If nothing else, let's get you that free book. Pick a title of mine and I'll send it over to you. Put your name in the subject line, send to WattsMia(at)AOL(dot)com. It was great to meet you. I would have enjoyed sitting with you to just talk.

I finally met Heather Osborn (Samhain) and Louise Fury (Agent: look at the Mia in Cartoon posts for the AAD con last year in which I offered to submit, then discovered I hadn't been talking to Louise at all, but a very willing sex therapist *headslap*).

My keen ability to say sh*t without thinking, continued. I ended a panel announcing, "I'm full of dick!" in response to another person who encouraged me by saying I really did know the topic (which was, You don't Know Dick). I announced to a non-attendee who was trying to get out of the elevator, that I was moving aside for him to exit, "Unless he wanted to jump me" (wiiiiince), which I actually was thinking leapfrog when he protested my getting out of the way. There were so many more of those little public gems. See what you miss when you don't go to conferences?

While Hilton continues to suck as a forum for conferences, trying to squeeze money out of us and the hostess at every opportunity, Stella and her crew were the best. I love you guys. Thank you for the memories and the connections. Can't wait until next year.

I have awesomeness to share!

2011-07-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

Check this out:

It's my new cover for Bet Me (which you can read, but still, I wanted to say it) releasing at Ellora's Cave this Friday the 22nd. It's the FIRST Katie Blu book put out in three years. I'm so excited!!

BLURB:
Lucy Covington has had a crush on her hunky best friend for years. In an effort to tip the scales in her favor, she entices him to challenge her to a bet. She says he relies on his charm and can’t seduce a woman properly. Charlie Blackwell says otherwise. To prove it, he’ll make her beg him to fuck her.

Charlie has spent the last year confused about the way Lucy makes him feel. When the challenge is issued, all bets are off, and Lucy has a few surprises of her own in store. When the last moan echoes, their relationship will never be the same again.

EXCERPT:
“Ha! You couldn’t seduce a woman if you had a color diagram,” Lucy Covington scoffed, pushing her glasses up her nose with a well-aimed poke. “I’ve seen you with every date since the eighth grade dance. Trust me. I know what I’m talking about.”
“Oh really?” Charlie Blackwell answered.
He cocked his brow in a way that made women everywhere fall over themselves to get him in bed. But it didn’t count. Not really. At least Lucy didn’t think it counted if Charlie the charmer just had to look at them, the way he was looking at her actually, and they caved.
“Yes, really. You think a look and a killer smile will gloss over anything. When it comes to actual game play, you suck.”
“I do suck. I suck very well,” he murmured moving closer, caging her in.
Well, shit.
Charlie was gorgeous. Lucy wasn’t. Where he was the sexy, confident, athletic male who could grace the cover of a magazine, Lucy resembled a librarian’s little sister. She’d grandfathered in as his friend because she’d known him since forever, since before the biases of youth and early adulthood. They’d made it out the other side still friends.
She knew a lot about him. Not the least of which, Charlie making an effort to attract someone was dangerous. She’d gone down this line of discussion for a reason and that reason was closing in on her, slowly, deliberately and with the air of a satisfied cat about to lap up a bowl full of rich cream. Her pussy melted.
Maybe this was a bad idea.
She’d been in love with her best friend since—God, since puberty. Deciding to do something about it, challenge him, had been a stroke of genius. Which she now decided was the total opposite of genius. Because he’d win. And Charlie wasn’t a graciousgood winner. He’d never let her live it down.
Lucy backed away the closer he got. She figured it was ruining her point—the one about him not knowing how to seduce a woman—but the predatory stalking unnerved her. He pursued, his smile growing by the second. When he’d backed her against the kitchen wall and planted his hand beside her head, she knew she looked ridiculous.
“So explain it to me, Luce.”
She licked her lips and lifted her chin defiantly. “You depend too much on your charm.”
“Charm and seduction go hand in hand.”
“I mean, you charm a woman and once she says yes, you lose interest. You think the seduction is over, but it isn’t.”
“And you, with your myriad dates, are going to correct me?”
She sighed with exasperation. Of course she didn’t have the same dating experience as he did. Look at her. She was uptight and fully buttoned, he was laid back summer afternoons and sun-warmed skin. “You think you’ll win this argument.”
Charlie leaned in, hooked his finger on the bridge of her glasses and drew them down. “Won’t I?”
She swatted his hand. “No. Because, Charlie Blackwell, I don’t fall for your shit. You know it and I know it.”
“I sense a challenge coming on.”
She had hoped he would, back when challenging him had seemed like a good idea. If he knew she deliberately led him this direction, he’d have lost interest and moved on with a friendly chuckle. But when he thought it was his idea, the whole game changed.
Lucy narrowed her eyes, playing her part to naive perfection. She hoped. “Challenge?”
“Yeah. If you can handle it.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Try me.”
His gaze dropped to her lips. “Oh, I will, Lucy Covington, you can count on it.”

RELEASES FRIDAY, JULY 22ND FROM ELLORA'S CAVE!!!

An Open Letter

2011-07-19T07:29:00.001-05:00

I don't know if you've seen the news, but the Marine Corp ball is coming up. You can search youtube and see Marines asking Justine Timberlake and Mila Kunis to join them at the ball. Then one very enterprising young Marine asked Betty White (I'm still not over that. I love that he asked Betty White). In the spirit of the open letter, here is mine:

Dear Hot, Sexy, Uniformed Marine,

I'm not famous. I'm not someone people recognize on the streets when she goes by. I'm pretty sure you don't want my face to grace your television set. But here's the thing. You've been overseas for a while now and haven't seen much in the way of female action. Well, good news! I'm female! I have all the working parts and I'd like to push them up into a binding loft just for you!

Hot, Sexy, Uniformed Marine--preferably one that was standing behind the woman who asked Justin to the ball--you don't even have to have the stress of asking, because I'm doing it for you. Will you go with me to the Marine Corps Ball? You'll have a great time. You'll probably laugh. You'll be the better looking of the couple and you'll get to tell all your buddies that you're bringing a well-studied erotic romance writer. Someone who won't hear the words "slip knot", "aft", and "porthole" without having creative ideas about applying those words to reality. I don't flinch at being tied to a bunk, yours preferably, or worry about getting desert sand in troublesome places, though please shower after you arrive back from Afghanistan (OMG, spell check's correction of Afghanistan is "Satanist"-LOL. BAD profiling blogger, bad).

I'll let you lead when we dance. I'll even feed you grapes. You'll be treated like a king and I, your wantan harem girl. So please, military guy, let's dress up and get it going. I'll practice my belly dancing skills just for you. Your snake will be charmed.

Sincerely,
Mia Watts

Kitten Grading Chart

2011-07-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

I think I just agreed to shrink my dating pool. It's not like it was huge to begin with, but that puddle just became a little muddy, and slightly dehydrated. Why's that? Because I'm adopting kittens.

The way I figure it, there's a definite "class" distinction going on which can be judged by the number of furry things in your house (Hey, not like that. I shave). Men look at a woman with cats and form an instant opinion. Their grading chart goes a little something like this:

One Kitty: "She's a mature human being. She loves herself and those around her. She reaches out to the humane society and takes on added responsibility. This woman is a giver. She gives of herself and has the capacity to care and love for another tiny being. I think I'll ask her out, for she might extend such luuuurve to me."

Two Kitties: "Aw, look at that. She saw a cat in need of care and adopted it. And isn't it cute? All furry and.... shit, did that thing just bite me? Good kitty. Stay right there kitty. This woman is so maternal and sweet. What a great heart she has. Maybe I'll talk to her and see if she's someone I should ask out, or if she might want to babysit my kid sister."

Three Kitties: "Wow. This lady has cats. She's kinda cute and she makes me laugh some times. Seems a little needy though. But that could mean she's a pushover. Maybe she craves affection? Maybe if I take her out for coffee, she'll let me spend the night because she needs attention. Damn, this one got its claws into my thigh. I know. I sext message her. Then we can get it on without all the claws."

Four Kitties: "Fuck, no. This lady has attachment issues. Who knows what else she hoards. See ya!"

Beyond Four Kitties: "They're going to eat her dead shriveled body one day. *shiver*."

I'm in four kitty territory. I just adopted two more at the humane society. Guess dating is in the far distant future. What have I gotten myself into?

Changes, Tears, Laughter

2011-07-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

So most of you know that I have been writing over at The Writers Evolution blog and Three Wicked Writers blog every week. After careful consideration and much waffling, I finally realized I couldn't do it all and keep this blog up to date too. I'm sure you've noticed.

I submitted my withdrawal from The Writer's Evolution and will no longer be posting over there. However, today, I was given the send-off of a Queen. Thank you Evo writers. Check it out?

Updating

2011-07-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

I've been a busy little Mia lately. I still post at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com every Thursday. On Tuesdays, I blog at WritersEvolution.blogspot.com. Theoretically, I post at another blog on the 12th of the month. I have a fifty percent hit or miss on that one and I'm striving to improve. It isn't fair to the other blog writers.

To sum up, I'm happy to announce that Hitched came out this Wednesday at ResplendencePublishing.com! It's the fifth book in the Faerily Imperfect series, "co-written" with Katie Blu. For those of you who missed it, that would also be me. Though it's the fifth book, it's a stand alone and doesn't need the other books to follow the story.

This week, I also sent in a contract for a super short story, Bet Me, that is in the works for EllorasCave.com. AND I had another book, Acting Out, accepted (contract pending), from AmberAllure.com. So, yay!

I made the unprecedented discovery that I'm ahead of schedule. Not just a little bit, but by five days--okay, now it's four because I had a migraine all day yesterday--which means I'm in good form for my writing. It might also mean I can return to regular blogging. The nifty thing about the schedule is that I planned on weekends and holidays off and I can still make my deadlines. That's new for me.

Resplendence recently accepted my proposal to continue the "Balls" books. It's the Handcuffs and Lace series of books that I wrote She's Got Balls, for. Under this proposal, I will have several more books, written in a similar offbeat style. All of them will have "Balls" in the title.

I need to update my blog, but the known release dates for the next several months are:

Balls and Chain – August 17 (RP)
Acting Out - September 11 (AA)
Policeman’s Balls – September 21 (RP)
Feral Lust – October 26 (RP)
Twelve Knights – November 16 (RP)
Prey Tell – December 14 (RP, Katie Blu)
Skin Deep – January 25, 2012 (RP, Katie Blu)

Brass Balls, By the Balls, Ballsy, & Cock and Balls are scheduled for 2012 already. I wanted to title Ballsy as Ballsy Little Shit, but it didn't fly. *sigh*

Here's a snippet of my latest release, Hitched.

Click cover picture for Buy Link

BLURB:
Half-faery, Willow Harper, is the youngest of the Harper siblings. Just like them, she has no control when her gift will manifest, turning her into an inanimate wooden object. Fortunately, she has Bruce, a full faery male who has the ability to subdue her gifts. Though she hides her heart, Bruce is been assigned to work by her side on every Harper Security case. It was only a matter of time before Willow and Bruce hooked up after hours. Agreeing to a no-strings relationship, they know that commitment just isn't for them.

Agent Kane Wilcox has been tracking the identity of an arts smuggler for over a year. He's reached a dead end, but Willow Harper moves on and around the target’s property easily since she befriended the target’s daughter months ago. What isn’t convenient is the way Willow makes him feel, or the unprecedented attraction Kane has for black-eyed Bruce.

As the case progresses, one thing becomes clear, Bruce and Willow want him. But how can they juggle a three person relationship and still catch the thief? Kane is in it for keeps. When the case is over, will Willow and Bruce walk away, leaving Kane standing alone?

EXCERPT (previously unposted):
Willow vibrated with annoyance as she stormed into the Harper Security offices.

“God, you’re sexy when you’re pissed,” Bruce announced.

“I’m not pissed.”

“You’re totally pissed.” Bruce grabbed her hips and pulled her ass against his rigid arousal.

“Pig,” she snapped, but she didn’t pull away. Bruce made her skin sizzle with awareness. Rather like Agent Wilcox made her want to shuck her panties and ride him like a shameless hussy. And that’s what really pissed her off. The rest was business. She could handle business. What she couldn’t handle, or make sense of, was the way Wilcox heated her blood with a single long look.

He had to know what he was doing. Flirting? She had not been flirting. He had been flirting. Pot meet kettle, jackass. How dare he accuse her when he’d been the one making that slow one-sided smile, looking at her with those sexy brown eyes, richer than any milk chocolate created by man, and looming there in his loomingness, all man-like and manly.

Asshole!

“Goddess,” he soothed, nuzzling her neck.

Then there was Bruce. He not only kept her faery curse in check with his faery presence, but his black-eyed gaze and tussled brown hair and liquid movements made her brain go to mush. It just wasn’t possible that there could be two men on the planet that she wanted in her bed, in her body.

Further confusing her was the fact that one man was all man, and one man wasn’t a man at all, but full faery. Maybe it was another part of her curse. Being born half faery and half human, she’d naturally be pulled by men from either realm, right? Fuck that! Fuck it!

Bruce’s hot breath puffed in her ear, making her shiver.

Willow shrugged out of his hold. “Not at the office.”

“You humans have so many hang ups. If we were in the faery realm, everyone would understand us getting naked and busy. Hell, we don’t even wear clothes half the time.”

“We aren’t in faery. We’re here. Here, we keep our clothes on in public—most of the time,” she amended. “We don’t fornicate where everyone can see us.” She blushed as she remembered one instance where she hadn’t cared if anyone had seen Bruce fucking her brains out.

He seemed to know what she was thinking, and winked at her.

“You wanted him,” Bruce said matter-of-factly.

She gave him a jaundiced look. Or she hoped it was jaundiced looking, and not queasy.

Bruce shrugged. “It’s okay. He’s hot.”

“Then you do him.”

“Sure, but only if you’re there. I like your pussy too much to give it up completely.” Bruce followed her around the desk. He pushed her into her chair and kneeled before her. “Perhaps a demonstration?”

Willow’s heart tripped on itself. Her office door was closed, but that didn’t mean anything at Harper Security. Walking in was standard practice. Especially when you had a sibling who could read minds, another one who froze time, a third who appeared out of nowhere, and a fourth who wandered around invisibly.

But Bruce already had his hands sliding up her outer thighs, pushing her skirt higher until he hooked his fingers in her nothing-lace panties.

“Bad timing,” she rushed unconvincingly.

“I don’t think so. I think that agent got you hot and bothered. I’m thinking you’re wet and aching for relief.” He wiggled his brows. “I’m here and offering.”

“God, Bruce,” she squirmed backward in her chair, yet only succeeded in helping him loosen her panties. “You like that he turned me on? Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Nope. It’s hot that you’re so in touch with your sexuality. Just imagining him taking your juicy cunt with his mouth while you suck me off—fuck, I’m hard.”

Willow’s mouth went dry. She’d always wanted to have two men at once. Now Bruce was telling her he’d like it, too. Her pussy clenched as her body got on board with that idea.

Bruce grabbed her hips and tugged her to the edge of the chair. He threw her slip of lace panties over his shoulder where they snagged on the pen holder. She stared at it, giving herself something to focus on while Bruce brutally yanked her knees apart, and cold office air touched her parted cunt.

“There it is. Wet, slick, and begging. I love it when you ask nicely,” he said addressing her apex.

Hey! Something new!

2011-06-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

I'm actually ahead of schedule! I think that's the first time I've been able to say that in two years. The problem with being that, is now I begin to think of all the things I can do to fill the free time. Usually in the form of books. That's not clever.

So, I've decided that except for weekends where I have make up work to do, for faulty muse days, I'm taking the weekends off. Okay and maybe the days my kids aren't here because I need to keep busy on those days. This might be the start of a new era for me: weekends off. I haven't had a weekend off in... Geez, I've lost count how many years.

What do I do with all my spare time? I honestly don't know any more. *baffled*

At Evo

2011-06-14T00:02:00.001-05:00

I'm at the evo blog spouting important dates. Real ones. Not pen name ones.

www.WritersEvolution.blogspot.com

My mind is a blocked stream

2011-06-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

Well! I got some great news today! Looks like I'm going to be able to go to Romanticon after all! I'm pretty excited about seeing some old friends again, and meeting some new ones. This is on the heels of being about three paragraphs away from a finished manuscript to submit to Ellora's Cave. I know. I said I'd never go there again. Honey, when you need income, you'll admit to any failure in the world. The book I'll be subbing there is a very short Quickie format of about 9k. It's going to be a Katie Blu book m/f read. Think vignette of hot sex, and you have the parameters for what I've written.

Next on my schedule is to update Bound by Darkness, book two of the Darkness series originally started at EC under Mia Watts. This one, book two, will be listed as another co-author with myself book, and I'm reformatting the story a little in order to make it completely standalone. Then I tidy up Staking Their Claim for a publishing house I haven't secured yet.

I'm figuring those three things (the EC, plus those last two) will take me about two weeks all together. Once those are tucked away, I'm working on my next Amber Allure book in the Hollywood series, shortly followed by another DreamSpinner Press Priest series book.

All of these projects are right on top of each other, but I figure there will be a few moments in there where I can possibly whip out another book or two of the Handcuffs type books (think She's Got Balls).

Mostly, this post is to babble to myself so that I can see my plans in writing and be like, oh yeah, that! Welcome to the inner workings of a Mia.

Eye Candy

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't feel like writing another post this week. I've managed to write for four blogs and my wrists are getting sore. Plus, I still have the books. See the list o' wonder from earlier this week.

So, because it's Friday and I like you people, here is a visual send off to your weekend. Enjoy!

You're welcome.

Three Wicked Writers

2011-06-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm at ThreeWickedWriters.blogspot.com today. I'm posting about the latent BDSM content of The Sound of Music. Yes. I am.

Writing Mosh Pit

2011-06-08T00:00:00.008-05:00

What was I thinking when I said this shit??

So, if you went to the Evo yesterday to check out my post, you'd know that I was trying to figure out the number of books I've completed this year, have committed this year, and am otherwise planning to write this year. Although, I don't think I was quite that clear in my post.

I rarely am when I first wake up and I wrote that as a pre-post when I got up early on Sunday and got pissed that it was still too early to constitute as sleeping in, and then decided to take it out on myself by skipping church (Yes, folks, the manlove erotic romance writer, writer of menage sex does actually go to church and feels guilty when she doesn't. Don't judge me. You'd love my church.)

Since I couldn't exactly remember what I'd done or had planned to do (for I am not Brynn Paulin who is a magic list keeper of all things--though I admit to some envy), I thought I should work it out here. I mean, it's been forever since I updated the sidebars on my blog. Maybe that's something I'll do this week. Hm. I'll probably procrastinate until it no longer seems important. For that is what I do.) ---OHHHH, speaking of Brynn Paulin and sidebars and getting off topic, you MUST go check out her blog HERE, and see her Daly Way, Cruentus Dragons, etc links. She's amazing!

Ok, back to where I was headed before.

This year, I've written:

Boiling Point (m/f Resplendence)
Unchaste (m/m/m Resplendence)
Faking Perfection (m/m Dreamspinner)
Wrong Number, Right Guy (m/m Amber Allure)
Horny, Hard, and Hare-y (m/m/m/m Resplendence)
Hitched (m/f/m Resplendence, June)

I have committed:

Bound by Darkness (m/f Resplendence, July)
Pending Title (m/m Resplendence, August*)
Pending Title (m/m Resplendence, September*)
Pending Title (m/m Dreamspinner*)
Pending Title (m/m Amber Allure*)
Pending Title (m/f Ellora's Cave*)
Twelve Nights (m/f/m Resplendence)
Pending Title (m/m Resplendence*)
Pending Title (m/f Resplendence*)
Pending Title (m/f/m unlisted publisher*)

Huh, I committed to a lot more than I realized. Geesh! Okay those astrisks up there are release dates that are either floating, forgotten, or titles that the publishing company doesn't know I've committed to. If I didn't get to them this year, it wouldn't be horrible. Basically that means if I had to, I could pare down that list from 10 titles to 7). Still. A lot.

The good news is, I'm already working on the EC title and it'll be completed this week.And two of those pending titles are already written, they just need to be revamped before I send them off. So that leaves me in a more manageable place, yes? We'll go with yes before I lose my mind.

All this serves to light a fire under my ass. Must. Go. Write!!

Bye!
~Mia

At Evo

2011-06-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm posting over at the EVO blog today. I know the subject is supposed to be an era we'd like to visit, but I did mine on the midpoint of the year and checking in with New Year resolutions. I know. I'm a daredevil.

www.WritersEvolution.blogspot.com

Texts from Bronwyn

2011-06-06T00:00:00.010-05:00

So most of you know that one of my best friends is Bronwyn Green. She had her birthday/anniversary last Friday and she went out to dinner with her man to celebrate. Now, Bron isn't a drinker so to say that she can't hold her alcohol is probably an understatement.

Since I know she had wine with her dinner, and the man drove them home, I feel pretty confident that the hilarity of these texts won't be lost on you. Bron is great at just about everything. She's NOT great at drunk texting.

I, however, have not excuse. It was late? I was tired? Pick one.

Jambrea, One Last Time (this week)

2011-06-01T07:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Blogger via FireFox, how I loathe thee for keeping me from my self-indulgent blog posts...

So Jamb fans, did you know you could listen to Jambrea Jo Jones stories? There are two currently available in audio format!

DREAMS

Audio Book

Book one in The Seeds of Dawn Series

Anabella’s dreams bring her to David, but is he the salvation she’s looking for?

Anabella Pouge is plagued with powers she can’t control, making her life far from normal when all she wants is ordinary. Change is coming her way when she must flee with a man straight out of her dreams.

David Sanders is sent to find Anabella. Without her, the future of his wolf pack is in danger. Forced to travel to the middle of nowhere, David finds Anabella might mean more than just his pack’s survival.

Will the two make it back to the pack in time? Can Anabella and David accept each other and the coming changes to their lives?

STEALING MICHAEL

Audio Book

Can one wrong make it right?

Robert’s mother pushes him into stealing a painting. He is in over his head when the homeowner catches him in the act. It leaves him wondering what to do now?

Michael’s life turns in a new direction when a stranger enters his home and the urge to protect the thief overcomes his common sense. He knows he should be angry but who can resist a thief

If you haven't had enough of Jambrea, and want more, try her blog!

Thank you all for joining me during this convoluted blog week to promote Jambrea Jo Jones. My apologies for the posting confusion (I'm not amused, blogger).

Happy Memorial Day... With Jambrea

2011-05-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

Because it's Memorial Day and we should really support our troops, and because I love me some Jambrea, and because Magnus fulls all those qualifiers plus OMG this book is amazing, I'm posting excerpts about Jambrea's Liquid Silver book here. Enjoy!

BLURB:

Marine Colonel Joe “Magnus” Rivers’ job is his reason for being. Protecting the United States of America from all threats is his sole purpose in life. That life is turned upside down when a woman is assigned to his team of elite Marines and his attraction to her threatens his career.

NCIS Special Agent Emily Patterson’s orders: infiltrate Colonel Rivers’ team and find the culprits behind a slate of kidnappings connected to a sex slave ring. Her mission parameters didn’t include an attraction for Colonel Rivers but nothing in Emily’s career could have prepared her for Magnus. Her job becomes more difficult as she gets to know the man behind the uniform and Emily finds herself wanting to prove herself to him, potentially exposing her identity before she clears Mag.

Mag and Emily struggle against their growing feelings for one another, both knowing the consequences of giving in to lust. Mag is Emily’s team leader and fraternizing is against the rules. Emily is investigating Mag and his team; getting involved with him could ruin her investigation and her career.

EXCERPT:

To observe a Marine is inspirational. To be a Marine is exceptional.

“Get the fuck outta my face, right now, maggot, before I skin you alive and wear your ass as a hat. What the fuck do you think you’re doin’?” Colonel Joe “Magnus” Rivers yelled at the recruit and snatched the M-4 out of her hands.

“Colonel.” His Gunnery Sergeant tried to calm him.

“Fuck that shit. She got Stewart shot! This is why women shouldn’t be on the front fuckin’ line. Fuck!” Magnus ran a hand over his face and handed the gun off to Corporal Moore. “No fuckin’ way is this going to work.” He turned to walk back to the barracks.

“Mag, Private Stewart wasn’t really shot.” His Gunny rushed to keep up.

“I know that, Gunny. It’s the principle of the matter.”

“Oh, he knows another word besides fuck.” The words were almost too faint to be heard, but they reached the Colonel’s ears.

Magnus whipped around and got up in the recruits' face. In a quiet voice, he addressed the woman.

“What did you just say?”

She stared straight ahead, and didn’t look him in the eye.

The only smart thing she’s done so far. What the fuck was the General thinking? Take a deep breath, man. Calm down. No one was really hurt.

Reasoning with himself sucked, but luckily for the recruit, he was able to leash his anger.

“Not so tough now, huh, Patterson? Drop and give me twenty.”

Without hesitation, she dropped to the ground and started counting out her pushups. Magnus would expect no less and his team knew it.

“Moore, take over PT.” He turned back to Gunny and gestured for him to follow. “Roberts, I don’t think I can keep this up. What was the General thinking? This woman doesn’t belong here. She’s some military brat trying to prove herself. How are we supposed to make her into a solider?” Magnus said in frustration.

Gunny Paul Roberts looked back at the woman doing pushups.

“I don’t know, sir. Looks like you’re doing a good job to me.”

Magnus looked back and waved his hand. “Physical exercise does not a solider make. You saw her at the range. How the fuck did she make it out of boot!?”

“Mag, it’s only been a few weeks. Give her a break.”

“I can’t. I wouldn’t let the guys get away with that shit. No fucking way am I giving the wannabe warrior a break. She’ll do it my way or I’ll kick her ass back to daddy's.

“We’re supposed to take her on fucking missions for chrissake.” He shook his head. “She’s going to get someone killed.”

“We have a month before we hea--”

Mag glared at the Gunny. Without another word he entered the building, trying to forget the woman doing pushups in the yard.

Trouble with a capital T is what that one is.

Mag led Gun to his office. “We need to go over the training schedule. I want us tight before we head into Sri Lanka. We’ll have to compensate for Patterson.”

“I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit. She made it through boot camp. Not even her dad’s rank would get her through that.”

“So she has guts, but can she really cut it?”

“We have training time. Push her to the limit. You know the General isn’t going to take her off the team. We work with what we’ve got. That’s all we can do. Remember, this is a peacekeeping mission. If we do it right, a shot won’t even be fired.”

“Well, listen to you, the voice of reason. Fuck, Gun. When did you get so smart?” Mag asked with a smile.

“Never mind that, I thought you had a training schedule you wanted to go over.”

Mag pulled up the chart on his computer and got to work.

“We’re down two members so we’re going to have to run Patterson, Moore and Stewart together. If today is any indication, we’re going to need more time on the range. That fucks up the schedule. Moore is a sniper and Stewart is a damn good shot so I’d planned to skip most of the range time. Good thing we weren’t using live rounds.” He sighed.

“Why don’t I spend a little after-hours time with Patterson on the range? That way we don’t have to push the other training back,” Gun offered.

“No. I want you to pair up with Stewart. He needs some extra hand-to-hand training. I’ll help Patterson with her weapons training.”

“Are you sure you won’t blow a gasket?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just don’t let me catch Stewart kicking your ass or you’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Let’s hear you talk when Patterson whips you on the gun range.”

Mag leaned back in his chair. “Were you not on the same field as me today? I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”

“Do you know when Jackson and Parker will be back?”

“The General wasn’t sure. I do know they won’t be back before we’re on mission. I want to run a couple more field tests. Tomorrow, zero four hundred.”

“I’ll gather the troops. You need to talk to them or do you want me to release them?”

“Go ahead and dismiss them.”

“Should I send Patterson in about her range training?”

“No, I’ll give her tonight. I’ll talk to her after the exercise tomorrow. We’ll see how she handles herself after the dressing down today. If you want to snag Stewart for that extra hand-to-hand, go ahead.”

“I’ll give him tonight too.” Gun rose from his chair.

At the door he turned back to look at Mag. “Try not to break her, Mag. We really don’t need to be down another man.”

Gun continued out before Mag could respond. With a shake of his head Mag closed his eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath.

That woman is going to be the death of me.

He rubbed a hand over his face and got back to trying to figure out how to keep his team alive.

* * * *

Special Agent Emily Patterson slammed into her room. If she had to do one more pushup, she might just scream. Not that she minded the physical training. She ran on a regular basis and went to the gym a couple nights a week, but this Marine PT might kill her yet.

One of the good things about being a female Marine, even a pretend one, had to be having her own space. She could drop her act and relax a little. Emily plopped down on her bed. She didn’t want to move for a week. She stunk to high heaven, but her arms jiggled like wet noodles. She really didn’t think she could move. All her training had not prepared her for the sheer physical exhaustion of this case. Zero four hundred would be here too soon.

What she really wanted to know was who the hell Colonel Rivers thought he was. Em had never been dressed down with someone in her face like that before. The thing that really ticked her off--she had to hold back. She didn’t want to bring the wrong kind of attention to herself. She was supposed to be a fuck-up trying to prove her Marine daddy wrong. Showing off her skill with a gun would not help with her cover.

How do I get myself into these messes? She rolled her eyes and struggled to push up off the bed. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep until she showered. She needed to hurry. She had an allotted time in the communal shower and the minutes ticked away. The guys would want their turn too.

Emily stood in the shower washing off the day and thought about Colonel Joe Rivers--a tough man, who pulled no punches. In her real life, he would be the kind of guy she’d love to go drinking with so they could share war stories. She could picture the two of them arguing about old wounds and who was the better shot.

But she had to keep her distance in case Rivers was involved. Not that that would be a problem--he didn’t want her anywhere near him. A pity, he made her weak in the knees with his short black hair and dark brown eyes. When she closed her eyes, his image appeared. She’d always had a thing for BDUs and he looked good in his uniform.

Is he involved?

The evidence pointed in his direction. She didn’t want to believe it, but she wouldn’t rule him out just because she had the hots for him.

Rivers would have to know if someone in his unit was crooked. No way had a team member stolen women and children right under his nose. Time would tell. The mission next month would be important. The men needed to believe she would do anything to get back at her dad for not believing in her. The person behind this had to trust her. She didn’t know how far up the chain of command the trafficking went. Her superiors felt it went above the Colonel.

“Patterson, you in there?”

“Um ... yeah. Hold on a sec. I’ll be right out.”

She rinsed off the soap, turned off the water and grabbed her towel.

Shoot, I forgot my clothes. Damn it.

She wondered if they were all out there waiting. Em didn’t relish the walk back to her room in only a towel and she had no idea who’d spoken. She wrapped her towel around her, grabbed her stuff and left the showers.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to take so long.” She looked up and saw it was Stewart on the other side of the door. “Sorry about today, Stewart.”

Apologizing for something she did on purpose felt wrong, but she had a job to do.

“No problem, takes the heat off of me. Usually the Colonel is in my face for some mistake or another. Just don’t hit me with live rounds and we’ll be okay,” he said with a chuckle.

“Deal.” She laughed back.

She headed back to her room and bumped into someone headed the other way.

“Sorry.” She mumbled.

She glanced over and noticed it was Moore with his shower gear. She adjusted her towel as his gaze traveled down her body. She shivered a little and made a note to herself to bring clothes next time. She didn’t like the way he looked at her--like the towel wasn’t even there. When he reached her face again, he smirked and waggled his eyebrows. Raising her chin and meeting his gaze head-on, Em smiled, then walked briskly back to her room. She felt his gaze on her the entire way, but he would not intimidate her. He wasn’t the first man to objectify her and he wouldn’t be the last.

Em sat on her bed and started going over the case. She didn’t have a case file and had to work from memory. She couldn’t even make notes. She had to be careful because right now she had no idea who to trust. She was at a disadvantage because two members of the team were missing. Too new, she couldn’t ask about them. The others--Rivers, Roberts, Moore and Stewart--were typical Marines.

So far, nothing really jumped out. Moore just put himself on her radar with his attitude by the showers. Stewart seemed too innocent. That really didn’t mean anything, but it was her first reaction to him. Plus, he was fairly new too, transferred in last month.

Roberts could be the inside man. If anyone could fly under Rivers’ radar it would be Roberts. The two were close. Could they be in on it together? Was the whole team behind the kidnappings? Who pulled their strings? The quick answer would be the General. But someone pulled his strings too. That’s why NCIS didn’t know how far up it went.

Em wondered if the two missing team members might hold a clue. On her next call to the office she would have to ask one of the agents to check in on them. She needed to know why they were missing. Two members away at the same time had to be fishy.

She also needed to talk to the women again. When they were rescued, they couldn’t ID their kidnappers, only that they were military. The only team in the area during that time was Colonel Rivers’. They’d learned that over two months ago and it had taken this long to get her in place.

Now she needed to get some sleep. The puzzle wouldn’t be solved overnight and zero four hundred really did come early. She didn’t want to know what Rivers had in store for her tomorrow.

* * * *

The man picked up the phone and dialed his contact. It rang three times before it was picked up.

“Is it set?” The other man asked without preamble.

“Yes. If anything goes wrong, the new girl can take the fall. Will I know my contact on sight?”

Introductions were not necessary and names were never revealed on an open line.

“You don’t have to do anything but lead the woman and children to the drop spot. The contact will take care of bringing them in. Your job is to make sure you take at least two or three civilians and get them on the plane. Can you handle it?”

“Of course. I’ve done this before.”

“Just make sure everything happens with no mess ups. I already had to pull one person from the team. Don’t make me pull you too.”

“No, sir. I understand and it will go as planned. What about the Colonel?”

“You just worry about your part in the mission. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Yes, sir.”

The man on the other end hung up.

I can’t believe that old fuck questioned me. I know my damn job. He’d better pull through and take care of the Colonel. Hmm ... I wonder if the Colonel is on the payroll. Not that it matters. It does matter. No it doesn’t. And why the fuck am I arguing with myself? I need to hit the rack.

The man continued down the hallway to his bunk. Now that Jackson and Parker were gone, he had his own room.

Stupid bitch doesn’t have to share a room. Before this is over, I’ll get me a piece of that ass. Fuckin’ women belong in one place--on their backs.

He went to the desk in his room and turned on his computer. After entering a couple passwords he found the site he was looking for, the kind of site that most people didn’t know about. He clicked his favorite link and while he waited for it to load, he took his pants and underwear off and sat back down.

“You know you want it, you filthy slut.”

Head phones, you idiot.

He grabbed them from beside the computer and quickly plugged them in and placed the buds in his ears. His hand went to his flaccid cock and pumped it a couple times. He looked back to the scene and instantly hardened as the live feed showed him what he liked.

“Please, mister, no. Please, that hurts.”

“That’s it. Beg me.”

The man on the screen had a small Asian woman pinned and bent over the bed. He held her in place by her long black hair. Occasionally he would jerk her hair forcing the girl to look up on the camera. The woman had tears in her eyes, but the man didn’t stop.

That’s it. Take her; fuck her like you hate her. Make her yours.

“It hurts.” She cried again.

“Take it, you slut. You know you want it.”

The man on the screen shoved his cock up the woman’s ass. She screamed and passed out. The man in the chair coated his desk with come at the woman’s scream.

Fuck yeah. Just wait, Patterson. Soon that will be us.

The man cleaned up and went to bed with dreams of Patterson on her back flashing through his head.

BUY IT NOW!

Blogger FAIL!

2011-05-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to have Jambrea Jo Jones week, here on my blog, but blogger isn't cooperating. After two full days without it, I had to switch browsers just to log in. Otherwise FireFox tells me I don't exist. *sniff*

So!!! Back to J3 week (which will now be extended to the first part of next week, beginning Monday!)

It's Friday, so how about I link you over to her free reads, hmm? You can have snack-sized samples of J3 and you newbies get to try her out. Yeah, Fridays are meant for indulgence, so let's indulge!

Once Upon A Dragon

Arie and Bastian: Second Chance

Just One Bite

Please join me again Monday and Tuesday for more of the fabulous Jambrea Jo Jones!

Salvation

2011-05-24T06:51:00.000-05:00

About Jambrea Jo Jones:

Jambrea wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. She put her writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, she returned home to Indiana to start her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. She was bit by the writing bug.

She enjoys spending time with her son when not writing and loves to receive reader feedback. She’s addicted to the internet so feel free to email her anytime.

BUY LINK HERE

Blurb:

Book two in the Alliance Series

Salvation: Can three people save each other?

Rock is a gun runner who was set in life. The only thing missing is a partner. He thinks it could be Sela, but he wants to be sure he isn't after her because she reminds him of an old crush. When Dr. Alexander d'Ado explodes onto the scene, he is a goner. Can he have his cake and eat it too?

Zander is a scientist who lives for his work. He is usually oblivious to anything else. When his ship explodes around him can he find salvation in two roughened warriors? He has no idea why someone would be after him, but the three race to find out before someone kills him.

Will the trio find love while on the run?

Reader Advisory: This story contains m/m intimacy as part of a polyamorous relationship, non-consensual sex, sexual assault and graphic violence.

Excerpt:
By reading any further, you are stating that you are 18 years of age, or over.
If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
Copyright © Jambrea Jo Jones, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Total-E-Ntwined Limited, T/A Total-E-Bound.

Excerpt From: Salvation

“What the fuck?” Rock stumbled as the ship shuddered. He looked up as Sela ran onto the bridge. “Hold on to something. A ship just exploded in our path.” He focussed on steering the Salvation out of the flames but something caught his eye. “Se, there’s an emergency pod! See if you can find their frequency and hail them,” Rock said over his shoulder, fully expecting her to jump to it. She was efficient that way. He scanned the area to see if there were any other emergency crafts, but didn’t see any other pods in the aftermath of the explosion.

“I’m supposed to be on vacation. I didn’t sign up for this,” Se grumbled.

“You didn’t have to come, you know.” It came out more harshly than he’d intended, but they were in crisis mode right now.

“Rave wouldn’t have forgiven me if I’d let you go on a gun run on your own,” she said clearly, then he thought he heard her mumble, “Stupid libido.”

“I’ve been doing this solo for a while. I don’t need my hand held by Rave and your cousin. Or you for that matter. Shit. Someone’s shooting at the pod. You get a frequency yet?” Rock threw back at her.

“I’m going as fast as I can.”

“Go faster,” he snapped. He wasn’t irritated with her but he needed to get to the pilot of that pod. He’d apologise later. Maybe.

“Damn it, Rock. If you don’t like my speed, do it yourself.”

“Stop arguing with me. I’d like to find out why my gun sale went south.” He didn’t understand her need to fight him at every turn. Most days it was a turn-on, but this wasn’t the time or the place for his cock to take charge.

“What are you talking about?” Se sounded peevish.

“That ship was my contact. Maybe whoever escaped in the pod has the answers I need.”

“Put more pressure on me, why don’t you?” Se said under her breath.

“Se!” He was about to lose what little sanity he had left. Didn’t she know that?

“It isn’t the fate of the world. It’s one gun sale.” Se sighed, pushing her hair out of her face.

“Those guns were going to a planet being overrun with marauders. The inhabitants need to protect themselves or they’ll be enslaved. So, yeah, the fate of someone’s world could be at stake. We need that pod.” They were going to have to do something about the sexual tension between them soon because he couldn’t take the fighting anymore. He’d rather be fucking. And now wasn’t the time. Damn.

“Stop it with the bleeding heart stuff. I’ve got them,” Se mumbled almost to herself.

“I’m the bleeding heart?” That made him smile. He’d never been known for his sympathy. Not that he wasn’t sympathetic, but money was a bigger motivator.

Se laughed. “Just talk to the pod. You’re keyed in.”

And just like that, his sanity was back. They really did work well together.

“Emergency pod, this is the captain of the Salvation. Do you need assistance?”

There was no response. Fuck. That couldn’t be good.

“Are you sure this is right?” He looked over at Se.

“Yes. They probably don’t know if we are friend or foe. They did just come off an exploding ship and who knows who’s there or what shape they’re in.” Se shrugged.

“This is the captain of the Salvation. We will shelter you. Please acknowledge,” Rock tried again, realising that Se was correct—anyone could be in there and only a handful of people had known he was meeting up with the ship.

“How do you use this thing? Hello? Hello?” A masculine voice floated over the airwaves.

Rock bit back a shout of relief. “I hear you. Do you need us to bring you in?”

On screen, another shot hit the pod. Rock couldn’t look away—it was like a bad vid streaming in 3D, and he had front row seats.

“Rock, you need to get that ship in here or it’s going to fall apart.” Se’s worry coloured her voice.

“Emergency pod, we’ve got a lock on you. Don’t touch anything. We’re bringing you in.” Rock manipulated the controls and the pod slowly inched its way towards the Salvation.

Come on, come on.

It was taking forever. Or seemed to be. He needed to upgrade his fucking equipment.

***More tomorrow from Jambrea Jo Jones as we continue J3 week!!

JAMBREA WEEK BEGINS!

2011-05-23T08:37:00.001-05:00

Okay, my lovelies, I was supposed to post an excerpt last Friday because one of my favorite people had two releases this month. Unfortunately, a friend's brother died, and I had to go to her. To make up for not having my stuff pre-posted, I'm going to promote Jambrea Jo Jones (the above mentioned awesome one) all week long!!!

You won't be able to get enough of her. If you don't know J3 yet, you're gonna be glad you got to. So without further ado, please welcome Jambrea to the Watts blog!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY, JAMBREA!

So, Jambrea, I've kind of known you or known about you for a long time. You've just always been a part of the online community. When did you go from reader to writer?

Well…I eased into it with reviewing for Joyfully Reviewed. I’ve always wanted to be a writer and just…lost my way for a while. Finally started on the reviewing and said…now is the time. I want to write. And I did it. Just sat down and finished a story. That was around the end of 2007 the beginning of 2008.

A lot of authors pick a genre to write in, or change pen names when they switch to another, but you chose not to. What made you decide to keep all your titles under one name?

Because I like my name and my web slogan is Love is Love, No Matter the Gender. I totally feel that way. So why try to keep up with different names. Heck, it’s hard enough to remember my own most days. Lol I think the ONLY way I would go with a pen is if I did something with no romance. Like—strictly horror or something. And then I’d probably just go with J.J. Jones. So it’s still me, but people could know that those books were NOT romance.

And I have to ask, because I know this is what people are wondering too: Is Jambrea Jo Jones your real name? Is there a story behind it?

Yes. My birth certificate says Jambrea Jo Jones. :) My mother made my name up. Her story is that when she was younger, she and her cousin were thinking up names for cats. She came up with Jambrea and said if she ever had a daughter that is what she would name her. And no…they didn’t name the cat that. lol And going back to the pen name question – when born with a name like Jambrea you HAVE to use it! Lol There is actually one other Jambrea Jones. But she goes by Jamie. Of course she recently got married and is now Johnson. I should probably apologies to her. Lol Her friends probably ask her all kinds of questions if my name pops up instead of hers! ROFL!

You have a lot of books out. Where do you publish and are you thinking of expanding that anytime soon?

My main publisher is Total e Bound. I love them and how they treat their authors. It is just a really great company to work for. I have been published with Freya’s Bower, eXtasy and Liquid Silver. But most of my recent work goes to Total e Bound. I am also published with Ellora’s Cave. If I’m not sending stuff to TeB I’ll be sending it to EC. I have a couple publishers that I have thought about. MLR and Dreamspinner because they are only m/m romance as well as Resplendence. I believe you are published with them as well as a few other authors I know and I’ve heard great things. But like I said, most of my new stuff goes to TeB. :)

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

My parents are very proud. So are my friends. J I don’t hide what I write. I’m pretty open about it. I know some authors can’t be, but I’m just Jambrea and this is who I am. So far people have been very accepting of me.

You had two releases this month (readers, see tomorrow's post). That's amazing, so first, congratulations on that! Secondly, is this a trend you'll continue?

Thank you! Well—I’m hoping for at least one a month. At least for a bit. We’ll see how scheduling goes.

Tell us a little about the process behind today's release.

Salvation was a little different for me because it was my first ménage. And I knew going into it that it would be m/m/f. Because my men have to touch if they are going to be in a sexual situation together. For me—it just seems natural that all parties be in on the action. I would find it hard not to be jealous if one person was the center and the two others focused on them. I mean—really—think about it. The one guy would be wondering if the girl liked him the best. They would be comparing each other and such. When you have three people—I think the relationship has to be equal and that is what I went for. Each person brought something to the table.

I was nervous about writing this as a ménage because the first book in the series is m/m. I know there are m/m fans out there who don’t like the female bits. But the thing was, in Retribution Se is a big characters. She had a thing for Rock. People who’ve read Retribution knew Rock liked men. But it was hinted that he might go both ways. I loved the character of Se. She is a very strong woman. But she is a LOT like Rock in many aspects. They needed someone to tie them together and then entered Zander. He was perfect for them both and he NEEDED them both to be whole.

So one of the things I did for this story was write it in 3 POVs and it isn’t the 3 you’d think it would be. Lol It is in Zander, Rock and the bad guys POV. Se is still VERY much there, but you see her through the guys’ eyes. I think she comes through just as strong. I decided to write it this way because—well—I love the bad guys POV and I figured this was a way to make it feel more m/m for those who read the first. BUT—it is very much and equal ménage.

So I guess you could say a lot of thought went into it. The main hurtle was adding Se’s POV or not. And I know that I don’t like to read ménages just because of sex so I had to have a really good reason why these three would end up together. I want there to be more behind it, especially if it is a committed ménage. Not—oh there are three people let’s make them have sex—just because. Lol Their personalities had to click. Okay—I’ll stop now. lol

What's next? Do you have projects and release dates in the works? What can we expect from Jambrea over the next year?

Well I have a nice writing schedule I’m trying to keep up with. My next releases will be my Seeds of Dawn series. This is an m/f shifter series. The first story was released in an Anthology from Total e Bound. The story is called Dreams. That one is available now. In July you can get book 2, Secrets and in August you can get book 3, Inequities. I have both of them up on my website under coming soon. I’m working on book 4, Origins, and 5, Redemption, in this series now. I did introduce two gay characters in Inequities. Their story will be told in Redemption alongside an m/f couple so it will be a twofer.

I also have a BDSM series started. It all takes place in a club. The series is the clubs name. Dark Encounters. The first title is Dominate Me. It is an m/f. The cool thing about this series is they will all be quickies. TeB Lust Bites. And they will be all combinations, the tie in is the club. I have an m/m, an m/m/m and f/f and more m/f stories that I want to do. So it really does go back to my slogan. Love is Love, No Matter the Gender. J Dominate Me will be out later this year. I’m not sure when. I do try to keep my website updated.

I am also moving my Semper Fi series to TeB. I’ll be working on those later this year to complete that series as well as two other in my Alliance series of which Salvation is a part of.

So my schedule is full—trying to keep up with the book a month.

Is there anything else you'd like your readers to know?

Just that I love interacting with people on line. What you see is what you get with me. For the most part. Um—I am shy at first in person meeting. Mia can attest to that. lol Feel free to email me at any time, binojo2@yahoo.com I try to answer all emails. I am, after all, addicted to the internet and my email. heehee

Where can you be found on the web?

www.jambrea.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Heat_Wave_Readers - My yahoo group I share with a few other authors.

http://internationalheat.wordpress.com I blog here with a group of authors

And I am also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/JambreaJoJones

And I’m in TONS of yahoo groups.

Just for fun:

Coffee or Tea? Um…Tea if forced to choose. I’d rather have a diet Dr. Pepper or diet Coke.

Chocolate or Chips? Ohhh…that is HARD. Chips.

Rain or Snow? Rain—as long as it’s warm.

Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke; Regular Pepsi. Cannot be the other way around.

Football or Baseball? Ugh…Football—but only the Super Bowl. lol

Currently reading? Just finished James Buchanan’s Taking the Odds Series about Brandon and Nicky. Three books. Chating Chance, Inland Empiresm & All or Nothing. GREAT m/m suspense series. Loved them.

Jambrea, thank you so much for taking the time to visit here today. Best of luck and many sales as you continue to wow audiences with your work. :)

Thank you Mia for interviewing me! It was fun!!! J

HEY!

2011-05-15T14:29:00.000-05:00

GO HERE for Sunday May, 15th to see the interview and amazing review for Faking Perfection! No seriously. The reviewer, Lisa, is possibly the most thorough, thoughtful, and "literary" of reviewers I've ever seen. She writes like pure poetry. Wish I could write like that!

Heroism, what be thou?

2011-05-12T07:58:00.000-05:00

I'm at Three Wicked Writers today, talking about heroism in a really personal way, and an amazing woman who says it perfectly. Please come see.

Hey, Cool!

2011-05-10T07:25:00.002-05:00

I got an email today that someone had posted my book on their blog. Since I wasn't sure which one, and hey, it's my book, I went over there to take a gander. Know what I found? This blog informing me that Horny, Hard, and Hare-y was on the bestseller list at Amazon Kindle!! Yay!

I've been freaking out a little about sales lately, so this is fantastic news. It's also pretty cool that Elisa, the blog owner, is posting a review of it when she finishes reading. Anyway, here's the link to the bestseller list. I'm #57. And here's the link to the blog post which informed me of the awesomeness.

Thank you, Elisa, you made my day!

I've never been in the top 100. At least, I don't think so. I don't go checking there regularly. But I sure hope I'm not a stranger to the lists.

~Mia

Conversations with the neices

2011-05-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

This past Monday, I took my younger niece to the hospital. Her insurance only covers the lab work done at that lab, and she needed x-rays and blood work done. You see, she's tiny. Super tiny. And given certain current circumstances, there is a chance that if she can't grow at least eight inches in the next six months, she'll be classified as a dwarf for life, having reached her maximum height. Since there is reason to believe this is hormonally charged, if we check her out, there's a possibility that she won't be saddled with the additional hardship of tiny stature in her adult life.

I chose not to leave the older sister behind, and I made her come with us. I discovered that as much fun as we have together, we are apparently unusual in the amount of laughter that we generate. I don't think this is a bad thing. I think it's sad that others don't have the same propensity for levity in their lives.

Anyway, our conversation with registration went like this:

Registration Lady: What's her date of birth?

Me: February 15, 2000/

RL: So she's eleven?

*Niece2 and I exchange looks. She starts giggling.*

Me: Yeah.

RL leaning over thoughtfully. "And what race would you classify her as?"

*again with the giggling, because our family is extremely pale, blue eyes, and only our hair color suggests we aren't actually albino. I try to get serious.*

Me: Um, gee. I'd say white.

*N2 and N1 start laughing again.*

RL: So your primary language in the home, is it English?

Me: Si

*RL blinks at me, smiles without amusement. N1 cackles. She pulls her little sister onto her lap since there are only two chairs.*

RL: So that's a yes. *she looks up at me* Are you the ones who were laughing in the waiting room.

Me: We were the only one's in there.

RL: We could hear you from here.

Me: Sorry.

RL: Mm.

*The nieces and I shrug to each other as the registration lady taps away on her keyboard.*

RL: Does she have any physical disabilities?

N1: Yeah, she's short.

*N2 makes a horrified sound which is completely lost because she's already laughing with her sister about the automatic response.*

We finished up and returned to the waiting room.

Me: Shh! You really have to be more quiet. We're in a hospital waiting room.

N1: No one is here but us.

Me: I know, but they seem to be lacking a sense of humor.

N2: How unexpected.

N1: *giggling* She has a terminal illness of shortness.

Me: *deepening my tone* Ma'am, I'm Dr. Watts. I'm so sorry to tell you this. *dramatic pause* Your sister is dying of shortness.

N1: *carrying the joke* We only see her surviving for another 86 years at most.

Me: There's really nothing else we can do for her, except... Ma'am, we can offer her stilts.

N1: Or a pogo stick.

N2: *grinning, she taps her lip thoughtfully.* Your family will suffer side effects. *She starts bobbing her head up and down* Neck cricks.

Considering that she had x-rays and a needle jammed into the back of her hand, I'd say she handled that very well. :)

Hi, Luke. It's me, Mia.

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is what I posted on the Evo blog this week, in case you missed it. The topic of the week is "The man or men that got away."

There is only one luscious piece of man that ever got away from me. Maybe that's the reason he's still sitting in my head waiting to be used as a hero someday. His name was Luke. Luke was quiet, but principled and he had a killer smile. I don't think he worked out, but he looked like he did. Broad shoulders, lean body, long legs, and all perfectly put together.

I don't generally go for redheads, but I suppose Luke was more Strawberry blonde than anything. Kind of like Prince Harry hair and just about as thick. Luke kept his hair trimmed and neat. He liked wearing worn jeans and almost always wore a button down dress shirt with a white undershirt peeking at the open neck. His sleeves would be rolled up, and he wore a belt. His tennis shoes were scuffed but clean and he had a thick banded leather watch. I remember looking at it and thinking how sexy his wrists were because the watch band seemed to emphasize the thickness of his wrists, his long fingers and broad palms.

Luke had a cloudy mixture of blue-green eyes and at his height somewhere over six foot two, he had this way of looking down at me that could melt my insides. I think it was the shy grin and the slight head tilt. But I was shy too. We were in a couple of college groups together and his fraternity was the brother fraternity of my sorority.

He sang and his rich baritone filled the room, and when he played guitar, everyone went silent as we watched his bowed head, listened to his gentle voice perfectly carry the melody. I don't know a single woman who didn't sigh when he was around.

Once, I challenged myself to hold eye contact with him through a whole conversation. That's not an easy thing for me, and I knew I was blushing, but so was he. His warm smile seemed to encourage it. Another girl interrupted us, and I paused in my talking to let him answer her. He didn't seem to want to answer her, but did out of politeness. Then he put his large, warm hand on my arm, apologized because he had to leave, and said, "It was great talking to you. Can we talk some more later?"

Of course I agreed, but later never came. The week after that we had exams and I was committed to some sorority events for community service. I had a formal and met my ex husband. I was too insecure to think I stood a chance with Luke and by the time I saw him again, he was dating another girl.

The last time I saw him, I was sitting in the cafeteria by the windows that looked into the student union. Luke was leaning against the wall, and my friend told me he'd broken up with that other girl. By this time I was dating my ex. The person Luke had been talking to wandered off. His head turned and he saw me. Luke smiled, put his hands in his pockets and mouthed a "hi". I smiled back, thinking about the chance I missed. I wondered if I still had that chance if I were free again, but I was dating this other guy and I liked him.

My friend asked me a question. I answered her. By the time I looked back, Luke was gone.

Today I'm blogging at Three Wicked Writers! Please come see me.

RELEASE DAY!

2011-05-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to announce that Horny, Hard, and Hare-y is available from Resplendence Publishing today!

Blurb:

It's time for the annual race, and tortoise shifter, Duncan, is finally going to catch some tail—hare shifter tail, otherwise known as Charlie. With Gibbs, their owl shifter friend, keeping an eye out overhead, they're off and running. But Charlie is as spontaneously careless as the fairytale hare and finds himself caught by local DNR officer, Ben.

The full moon is rising, and if Charlie stays collared through the Hare Moon, he'll remain an animal forever. It's up to Duncan and Gibbs to free him before time is up. But in telling their secret, will they lose Ben forever? It's a foursome waiting to happen, where Ben reconnects with a mysterious lover, and the tortoise finally catches his hare.

Excerpt:

Charlie Cuelho glanced over his furry brown shoulder. His ears twitched, ruffling a little in the breeze as his constantly moving nose tried to find Duncan’s scent on the wind. Charlie had time, lots of time, so he stopped to run a soft paw behind his long ear and down his nose. He practically shivered at how awesome that felt, so he repeated the motion.

“You’re going to lose again.” A great horned owl settled onto a nearby branch.

“I’m fine, Gibbs. He’s nowhere in sight,” Charlie disregarded. Besides, having the tortoise in his sites as he won the race was exactly what he wanted. He just didn’t want to push it too close. The fact that he’d be able to laud the achievement over Duncan again and again, didn’t hurt either. There was nothing sexier than a pissed off tortoise shifter, who owed you a debt.

Since Charlie had yet to decide what that debt would be, it would only make the moment sweeter. Definitely something Duncan didn’t want to do, like kiss him whenever Charlie snapped his fingers. For an entire month. Yeah, that would be awesome.

“That’s what you said last time, and he won. You two are a cliché,” Gibson complained, tearing Charlie away from his thoughts.

“Fuck you,” Charlie barked.

He stood up on his hind legs, trying to make his exclamation sound more impressive. Which was difficult, considering he was a hare and too damn fluffy to be imposing.

“You mean, fuck like a bunny?” Gibbs made a sound like a sniff. Which wasn’t possible, technically, since he didn’t have a nose—in owl form. “I shouldn’t be warning you, but there’s a trap ahead.”

“I’ll jump it.” A movement caught Charlie’s eye, and the tell-tale scent of tortoise reached his sensitive, ever moving nose. “You know, most owls sleep in the daytime. You don’t make a very convincing shape shifter if you can’t keep the same habits.” He’d waited long enough. Duncan’s head poked from behind a bush, stretching for a better look. “Gotta go!” Charlie told the owl.

“Wait!” Gibbs called.

Charlie didn’t wait, he wouldn’t. It was just a ploy to get him to slow down enough so that the tortoise would win the race, a-damn-gain. Every year it was the same thing, laundry chores and dishes for six weeks. If Duncan had ever made him pay up creatively, Charlie might have lost on purpose. Stinky laundry and dishes weren’t creative.

Bathing Duncan for six weeks—with my tongue—now that would be hot.

Charlie raced forward, leaping over leaves and branches. His hips twisted in mid-air, knocking his long back paws together like he was clicking his heels, before they came down, dug in and pushed him off even faster.

No way was Duncan going to win another race. Not this time. No fucking way. He glanced back as he made another leap. Exultant that he didn’t see Duncan anywhere near him, he bounded happily onward. Twigs popped under his feet. Leaves rattled this way and that, with each successive jump forward. He had this race in the ba—.

His back left paw extended. Momentum carried him to a lurching stop and Charlie scrambled uncomprehendingly, when his left paw remained immobile, no matter how he shook it.

Overhead, Gibbs circled, screeching alarm. He’d be saying “I told you so”, unless the hunter was nearby to hear him.

Charlie’s heart hammered in rapid staccato beats. His keen eyes caught the flicker of movement even before he heard the crunch of boots. Charlie froze instinctively. He huddled making himself as small as possible, even though he knew it was already too late. He’d been seen, and trapped, just like Gibbs had warned.

Fuck!

“It’s okay, little guy. No one’s gonna hurt you,” the gentle voice of a man reached him. It sounded hypnotic and soothing. A voice like that could make a guy forget that he’d just been snared, and might end up as somebody’s stew meat.

Wouldn’t this dude be surprised when he tried to skin him and found a naked man instead? Charlie almost smirked. Except he couldn’t, because he was busy freaking out at the moment.

What does it all mean?

2011-05-03T07:48:00.003-05:00

I dream. A lot. I also almost always remember them. When I woke up this morning, I had two of them fresh on my mind.

Dream 1: Featured the entire female cast of Ally McBeal. The men were there too, but standing on the sidelines. Quite literally. I dreamed that Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, and I went to water aerobics class as usual. This time the cast of Ally McBeal was there, and we weren't at all surprised. However, being somewhat new, I hadn't had this particular class before. The pool was really shallow in the shallow end, like one foot deep, and really deep in the deep end, with a steep declining drop. It was also narrow. If two people stretched out with their feet together, their heads would be over the edge of the pool.

Brynn and Bron got excited. Bronwyn was clapping her hands and did a little excited hop. Brynn, much more sedate, eagerly prepared her water weights and floatation belt. She'd told me that we were only in the shallow end today, so I eyed her oddly for taking out a floatation belt with barely a foot of water to work out in. I couldn't see how this was going to go. All I knew was that my best friends were thrilled.

I asked why and Bron's eyes widened with joy. She leaned near and whispered, "We get to do water sit-ups today".

Now, I can't imagine sit-ups being worthy of such enthusiasm, especially in splashy, shallow water, but Brynn nodded her head and said, "You'll see. Just make sure you hurry up and stay in the shallow end. Deep water sit-ups are way more complicated."

O_o!

The instructor told everyone to get in the pool. The female cast of Ally McBeal got right in, and I watched Brynn and Bron assume the sit-up positions. Which meant alternating legs, so that they anchored each other at the ankle.

As the last one to fit in, Portia DeRossi hurried across from me. I discovered that the pool was even more narrow than I thought, and we had to really bend our knees to fit. Of course, it didn't help that Portia was hogging the pool. Perfect Portia plastered a smile on her face and began doing her sit-ups as the instructor called out.

I immediately discovered something very important about Portia DeRossi. She has nasty jaggedly long toe nails. And because she was hogging the pool and not really paying attention, she kept jabbing her jaggedly gross toenail between my cheeks!

I tried to ignore it because I didn't want to be rude (yeah, I know, but this is a dream people). However, the toenail was digging in and encroaching on some delicate anatomy. I feared I would soon be given a colonectomy by toenail. I told her to back off. She insisted she wasn't doing that with her toe. I told her she was and ow. Meanwhile, Brynn and Bron are gleefully doing sit-ups. And by gleefully, I do mean they were singing numbers from the sitcom Glee (which I don't watch), and slapping their hands together in pattycakes when they came together in the middle.

In my dream, I chalked it up to them being such long time best friends and because the instructor was keeping time for them.

Dream 2:
Immediately following that dream, I went to the locker room, showered and dressed, but I'd forgotten my bra. I hate bralessness, but as I left the locker room, I discovered that there were only a tiny band of survivors left in the world and I was one of them. The women, of which there were now only three: me, Brynn, and my mother, had apparently decided to destroy all the bras in the world because there were none to be found. (and this is where I say, none of us remaining women are small chested. Imagine, if you will, the three of us running to action, poised for battle as our chests continue to sway. It totally messes up the tough bitch imagery I had going.)

In this dream, The Rock lead the male resistance league. My mother, my father, and I barely escaped the towering, giant metal spiders that were destroying all the buildings. Furthermore, they seemed to have a GPS type thing for human flesh. It didn't matter where you went, they knew about it!

Suddenly, we became aware that Brynn's boyscout troop was trying to get their Rock Badge and they didn't know about the giant spiders! OH NOES! So, mom, dad, and I told The Rock we'd be back to help, just as soon as we saved the boys.

The Rock wanted to know where they were, and I urgently informed him that Brynn and taken them up to the mountains because the boys had to throw all the loose rocks off the top as part of their badge requirements.

The Rock nodded solemnly, told me to hurry because the spiders were headed toward the mountains now!! I had to stay overnight in a melting igloo, but the next day, I raced up the mountain (boobs a-swinging) to find Brynn. At first they didn't believe me, but I reminded Brynn that she'd been helping me fight the giant spiders and she was like, "Oh yeah." And I was like, "How the f*ck can you forget giant metal human seeking spiders." And she was like, "I had to go on this camp out for the Boy Scouts, Mia. It's not like they'll find us here." And I was like, "But they totally will. They're on their way now!" And she said, "We have to eat our Mac and Cheese first. Then, if you still feel like we need to stop throwing rocks off this mountain *deep sigh* then we'll just have to finish this badge up later."

The scouts refused to be saved, opting to finish out their rock throwing. I jogged away (to the serenading laughter of young boys) bemoaning the death of bras.

So what do you think??? *blink* *blink*

TGIF

2011-04-29T09:22:00.000-05:00

I like Adam Lambert's voice. He's pretty amazing, actually. There's this place on track 9 (I totally forget the title of the song. It's not one of my faves), about 2:42 into it, where he holds this impossible note. Just when you think he's gonna have to breathe, he takes it higher and carries that note too. At the end of the song, he laughs. Those two things make me think, a) he's way more talented than anyone who's come into the music industry lately, and ii) he has a sense of humor.

Because I like me some Adam, and because it's Friday, I'm gonna make this post super easy. A song, the original version, and a parody of the same song. Please enjoy and have a great weekend.

and the sense of humor version:

<3
Mia

Witch Hunt Tactics

2011-04-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Writers, readers, mothers, everyone. You must go here: WNEP flaying a local teacher.
Write here (you'll have to like the page first): WNEP hearing our support.

Or call: 1 800 228 9637 to comment on the story.

I'm appalled. Judy, we are in support of you.

Evolving

2011-04-26T07:33:00.002-05:00

I'm at:

WRITERS EVOLUTION

today.

Talking out of his hole

2011-04-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Jesse Ventura is ~~an asshole~~ apparently running for president. I also heard that Donald Trump is running with him. Please tell me this is a joke. As a former Minnesota resident, I have a deep dislike of Jesse. Not only is he a living, talking, bobble head (no seriously. He is), but he's arrogant, beligerant, and very much likes to hear himself talk. Almost as much as our current president. Almost.

But now Jesse is a pirate too? Ahoy mateys! Strap on yer hooks and prepare the planks. Because if this man wins a presidential race, I'm officially defecting to a more intelligent country.

Can you imagine these too? Really? Could there be two bigger egos in the White House? Lord, help us all.

And that's pretty much all I'm going to say about that.

Feeling a little Wicked...

2011-04-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Where did it all go wrong? I'll tell ya, if you want to follow the link to Three Wicked Writers Plus Two blog!

THREE WICKED WRITERS PLUS TWO

I'm Evolving

2011-04-19T00:00:00.008-05:00

I'm blogging over at the Evo Blog about genres I don't understand. Heck, we are all blogging about that this week. Come on over and say hi. Just click the link...

WRITER'S EVOLUTION BLOG

Rehashing the Twit

2011-04-18T00:00:00.060-05:00

When I'm looking for a laugh, I visit TheBloggess. The past week, she posted a link to a twitter scrambler (http://yes.thatcan.be/my/next/tweet/). Basically, you go to the site, put in your username and it rehashes all your tweets to predict what you might tweet about next.

I highly recommend going there. zOMG, so funny! Here are some of mine...

"And I could start rumors! DAMNIT Andy Rooney, you deliver editing advice?"

"You are edge-less You're not a max donation of awesome."

"Oh geez, lemme know? I even grilled spiders"

"?"

"That's one of awesome. Yayyyyy! I'd rather go off for you!"

"I'm gonna clean out for fun. And you sniffing plastic, Jen? Classic Jen all jealous. LOL."

"Out loud Conversation about legos. WTF? Ugh."

"By itself, butter's fine. My brain is a damn rainbow, people."

"What video? I just wrong. I'm writing anyway. LOL LOL!!! That's called mockery, woman. MOCKERY!"

"And shaving my 100th follower! I need her otherwise, I'm dumb."

"It involves plucking my legs."

"OMG SEX! I wouldn't want to get me killed"

"I know EVERYTHING LOLOL!"

"Shhhhhiiiiiiit. OMG!!! I also cleaned my fave. Or maybe all night. AWWWWWWW!!!!! That's cute."

"I have something similar now. : My brain is pissing me too. I added pepper"

"Also, proponent of bacon. Carbs are inyourface."

"She's very creative. Since you're having dinner and flooding in moderation and I'm so thrilled it!"

"DUDE! F*cking wake up here? They'll take YOUR fun away from last week."

"Congratulations!!! Yep. Heard of importantly, that smut, are printed clearly on the story: Snack on that!"

"OMG, my first bite of butter coated with whole chicken. Thoughts?"

"Yepper. She's very creative. Since you're way, although I got bitten by myself. Sweet!"

"Hey, it's not a long way to breathe on my best moment: Another writer LOVES me."

"Just what I thought, You have vaginal secretions. Polish the effort."

And that's where I end folks, because who can top polished vaginal secretions?! Have a great Monday. Hopefully, it started off with a laugh.

~Mia

The Process.... sorta

2011-04-15T00:00:00.015-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter (Mia Watts), you'll have seen me post about my upcoming release, Hitched (Resplendence, June 29th). I've been trying to work out the plot, and coming up empty. Since I'm not really someone who plots things, rather I let the story unfold organically, all I really need to know are who the characters are, and what the basic problem will be. The rest is driven by the characters and how they react or develop the plot from there.

I've put my subconscious to work on it. Thank you all who responded to that post. Unfortunately, my subconscious is way too wrapped up in having fun while I sleep. Last night, it I dreamed about swimming laps in sweat pants and a bra. Every time I got out of the pool, someone would tell me to change my diapers. I'd be all, "I don't wear diapers." And they'd be all, "Well, you just sh*t your pants." And I'd be all, "No, I didn't." And I'd pull out my waistband but sure enough, there was stuff. And then! THEN I had dreams about my cat lecturing me on proper cat etiquette.

I chalk this all up to the fact that she didn't approve of the way I had her litter box cleaned yesterday. I know this, because it's cleaned every single day, sometimes twice. But yesterday, I let my younger niece do it. And my reward? My adorable cat picked up a dry turd and gently placed it beside my work chair. Then sat there and looked at me.

She's so damn picky.

Oh, but I got sidetracked. This is about The Process of Writing, which is always so formal sounding and therefore deserves the caps. Okay, so this book is biting my ass. Reluctantly, there are times when I have to pull out the drawing board. Sometimes seeing it on paper helps me put the pieces together in my mind. So here's what The Process of Writing looks like to Mia, when Mia is stuck and must use actual handwriting to get a thought down (while referring to herself in third person like a whack-job).

The indispensable drawing pad.


Having a large drawing pad to make plot webs is incredibly valuable. Especially if you are a visual person like me.

I fretted kind of loudly, so my cat came to investigate and offer solace. I decided to tell her my problem, because she was the only one here, and listening.

Then I started off with the things I already know about the book. Things that are involved in the "Series Bible" that can't change and must be incorporated. Do ctrl + in order to increase your screen to read. No messy handwriting comments. I know already.

Then I stopped for a nutritional breakfast of Greek yogurt with a handful of Cracklin' Oat Bran. Yum.

Next I thought maybe I should put down the things I knew had to appear in the story. Because I was wasting time and thought, what the hell.

My cat had some advice.

I agreed with her, and put it all in a Plot Web. This is where you put down the characters, and all the elements that must be in the story. Then you link why they have to be there, and connect the elements together where they are either integral parts (solid red curve), or areas of possible sub-plot because of conflict where two things might merge (the double break in the line). Usually, the conflict comes to me this way. As yet, I'm still undecided on the primary conflict.

My cat is not impressed. She's patronizing me about the complaining issue again.

So The Process of Writing is definitely different for everyone. This is one of my methods for when I'm really stuck. Apparently, I'm going to have to set this book aside today and work on another one.

I'm off, Being Wicked

2011-04-14T00:00:00.005-05:00

Today is my day to blog at Three Wicked Writers (plus two!). As I post this preemptively, I have no idea what the topic is. Guess I better go find out!

Follow the link to see what's up.

Disobeying Myself

2011-04-13T07:33:00.000-05:00

I'm a proponent of discipline. I think you need to have discipline to sit in a chair for hours and write. You need it to remember to eat and exercise. Your kids need it (I'll be happy to explain how badly they need it when they start screaming at dinner and you ask me what to do--yes, this happens). You need it when you really have to work on something, but would rather watch Queer as Folk on DVD *ahem*. You also need it when it comes to talking yourself into stuff.

Last night, I needed discipline in my dreams. Okay, I know how this sounds. I don't mean that I need to dream blissfully of being tied up and forced to come repeatedly, although that would be nice. What I mean is, making your subconscious work for you.

A while ago, I went to a conference where a speaker told us that you can use your sleeping subconscious to plot for you. All you have to do is tell yourself, aloud, that you need to figure out a specific detail of plot, and it has to be completed by morning when the alarm goes off.

Theoretically, your brain then works on it all night long. You wake up and go, "ah ha!" with the new twist, or plot, or scene, or ending, or whatever. Now, I understand this is supposed to take practice. You have to develop this little nifty trick over time, because you brain isn't used to getting orders as it gears down. The bonus is that your subconscious kind of goes to town when your conscious brain sleeps. That's why you have bizarro dreams about aliens stealing your banana, while your dog gives birth to six kids who all call you mama and demand a raise.

Last night I told my brain, "Brain, by the time the alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning, you will have come up with the opening sequence of Hitched, along with the pertinent plot threads that will begin the story. And by plot threads I mean, who the characters are and why they are in the story."

Confident that I had listened to myself, I proceeded to sleep, secure in the knowledge that my brain would have the same sense of discipline I have, and use the allotted time appropriately.

I am so disappointed.

My brain did not obey. Not even close. Instead, I dreamed of another book and found the error in its opening sequence, fantasized that Adam Lambert was straight and wanted to have my babies (yes, I realize that's not possible, but I did explain the alien/dog thing adequately, right?). I dreamed that I had somehow attached a printer to my brain, via my ear, and I awoke to five new book contracts already issued. And, I dreamed about my brother's high school best friend cuddling in a sleeping bag with me, where we made it to third base and giggled all night. I woke up still chuckling. I have no idea what was so funny, but it was hilarious. Also? Not the first time I've had that dream, and that guy is a douche.

Apparently, my subconscious runs a little rampant. *sigh* I'm going to try it again tonight, because I still haven't figured out how to start Hitched and it comes out the end of June. I have time, I just don't want to take all that time. I owe it to my editor who has been awesome about last minute submissions that have to be stressing her out. I also owe it to me, because I'm way too over-committed to let projects lag.

Which reminds me, I just agreed to two more books later this year. Maybe this is a very good argument for mid-day naps... Hmm.

At the Evo

2011-04-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hey folks, I'm blogging over at Writer's Evolution today. We're talking about the worst reactions we've ever received from telling people what we do for a living. Stop by and say hello!

Whew!

2011-04-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

My awesome editor at Resplendence gave me some extra time and I managed to finish up Horny, Hard, and Hare-y, this weekend. That's my second book for the Phases anthology, where every book is super hot, menage, and shape shifter. In this one of mine, there are four guys. Horny refers to the Great Horned Owl shifter, Gibbs. Hard, is the tortoise shifter, Duncan, and Charlie is the Hare. Yes, there is a tortoise and hare race in the book. How could I resist?

Besides, what's more fun that some unconventional shape shifters and having them run into a Department of Natural Resources officer. Yikes!

Now that it's finished, I have some polishing to do on Staking Their Claim before I submit it (hopefully, later this week), I begin writing Hitched (menage, Faerily Imperfect series final book with Willow), and I'll be working on a very short Katie Blu book for Ellora's Cave (I hope).

I discovered that while I love word-warring with my buds on twitter everyday, I'm writing too fast to let the plot develop properly. As a result, I nearly double my time by finishing it and then doing major revisions to the manuscript. This week, I'm trying something new. This week, I'm going to work on two books, the Quickie and Hitched. I figure it'll give my subconscious time to work out the kinks before I commit to writing on a particular project. Like giving me a brain-break, without losing any quality writing time. This will be the first week of that. I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes.

Oh yeah, and today the weather is so pleasantly cool, that I think I'll open up the windows and do some house cleaning. Perhaps that will work out some creative cobwebs too.

Happy week, everyone! And a very happy birthday to Regina Carlysle, this past Saturday.

~M

Something New

2011-04-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hey! I'm debuting over at Three Wicked Writers today. I'll be posting there every Thursday as a new member of that team. What an honor to be asked! Oh, and this is what I look like. TOTALLY. Shut up.

Evolving

2011-04-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm writing at the Writer's Evolution blog today. Pop on over and leave a comment. Also, this week is my first week posting at Three Wicked Writers. I'm scheduled for Thursday, where I'll do a brief intro.

Meanwhile? I'm working my ass off. Seriously.

Adam Mania

2011-03-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know quite what hit me, but I'm suddenly a HUGE fan of Adam Lambert. Remember my former crush on Liam? I'll display him here, in case you possibly forgot...

Yeah, well, I'm kinda doing that all over Adam right now. My niece says I seem to have a thing for unobtainable men. I think she may have a point. Anyway, I'm now fantasizing about sweet bad boys in black eyeliner and perfect lips. Who sing. *Melt*

Realize that I have no illusions and am fully aware this stage will wear off to simple appreciation. I'm looking forward to that day because there's nothing worse than crushing on someone you can't have. Right? Until then, I have to write because I'm on deadline for, like, tomorrow and I'm not even close to done. I leave you with Adam-ness to pass the time. These are all from the Unplugged thing he did.

Oh, and P.S. If Google alerts somehow notifies his PR person of this post, I formally request serious consideration for Adam to do an Unplugged album. That MTV segment was INSANEly good. I want more. And P.P.S. Adam, if you're at all interested in what I write, I'd be honored to send you a book.

Research and Fun

2011-03-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm posting over at the EVO blog today. Stop by and say hello.

NEW RELEASE YESTERDAY!

2011-03-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

I released another book, yesterday. Check out Wrong Number, Right Guy from AmberAllure.com!

Blurb:
Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Pierce has captivated the imagination of women all over the world, but all he really wants is a man of his own. The fact that Ryan is gay has been kept secret, thanks to his hard-working agent, and Ryan reluctantly plays along with the ruse.

One night, Dar Phillips misdials a telephone number, but the guy on the other end of the line sounds sexy and funny so Dar keeps the conversation flowing. The man claims to be working on the upcoming Ryan Pierce film and invites Dar to meet him face-to-face at the movie studio. Dar eagerly agrees, but he’s not interested in meeting the film’s star, only the “wrong-number guy” whose voice on the telephone so enthralled and excited him.

When the men finally meet, and Dar discovers the true identity of the stranger on the phone, sparks instantly fly...until the paparazzi show up and claim that Dar sold Ryan’s secret to the tabloids...

EXCERPT:
...“Wait!” Brett insisted. “Can I—can I ask for one more thing?”

Ryan looked from Brett to Dar, and back again. “I guess so.”

“Would it be too much for me to ask you to kiss me?”

“Yes, it would,” Dar interjected roughly.

Ryan felt the blush climb his face. He was supposed to be a well-known romantic lead for standard male and female roles. There was nothing in his cinematic work that suggested he’d be down to kiss another man.

Was his sexuality obvious, or was Brett just that much of a fan that he’d ask him for a leading favor? He was hoping the latter.

“He’s not gay, Brett.” Dar seemed inclined to answer for him.

Ryan thought fast. He wouldn’t mind kissing Dar, but Brett? Not that he was bad looking, but he wasn’t the kind of guy Ryan went for. Still, if he gave Brett a kiss, he could reasonably kiss Dar, too.

It would kill his career if it got out.

But he wanted to kiss Dar.

He wasn’t sure he could trust them. He shouldn’t trust them since he’d barely met either of them, he reasoned.

But Dar seemed…different. Surely he wasn’t that bad a judge of character.

Dar was dragging Brett backward. Only his reluctance had kept them from reaching it already.

“A kiss?” Ryan asked, stalling. “I’m known as being a guy’s guy. It would really screw things up for me if someone reported that I was kissing men in my trailer.”

“I won’t tell a soul!” Brett blurted out.

Ryan shrugged. “Who would believe you?” He pretended to think about it for another minute, but he’d already made up his mind. “Okay. Keep it to yourselves. I’ve kissed female fans before. I can kiss a couple of dudes, too, I guess.”

“You’re shitting me,” Brett breathed.

Ryan walked to Brett first. He wanted to savor the kiss with Dar, wanted it last on his lips, so he would have to kiss Brett first.

Ryan leaned in.

“Do it like you did for Selene?” Brett pled.

Dar made a strange strangling sound beside him. Ryan didn’t dare look at him, or Dar would see exactly how much Ryan wanted to kiss him.

“Like Selene,” Ryan repeated. He shrugged again, playing off with nonchalance what was actually a really erotic suggestion. “You got it.”

Ryan grabbed that back of Brett’s hair. Brett was taller, so it wouldn’t be the same, but he dragged Brett to him. He took Brett’s lips, kissing with the same fervor he’d kissed Selene. It was a stage kiss. No tongue. Just like he’d done with Selene.

When he backed away, Brett grinned madly. Not giving Dar a chance to reject a kiss, the way he’d rejected the autograph, Ryan switched his focus.

Dar’s eyes dilated when he realized Ryan’s intent. He even blushed a little, making his freckles disappear in a wash of pale pink. Ryan grabbed the shaggy fall of soft brown hair at the back of Dar’s head and reeled him in, hard against his chest.

It worked better with Dar, their heights in better alignment. Then folding his other arm around Dar’s back, Ryan descended, pausing a fraction of a second before their mouths touched. Dar’s eyes stayed wide open, his lips parted on a surprised breath. Ryan captured it, pressing the soft exhale between their mouths as he laid claim to Dar’s full lips.

Unlike with Brett, there was no stage kiss this time. Ryan smiled at the tentative movement of Dar’s mouth beneath his. It was still parted from the gasp and Ryan took full advantage, slipping the tip of his tongue inside.

It had been so long. So long since he’d kissed another man. For the sake of fame it had been worth it. Until now.

Dar tasted like sweet coffee and cream. Ryan tried to duplicate the kiss he’d had with Selene, but with Dar, he couldn’t. He needed to taste and feel and explore. Dar leaned heavily against him, his fingers clutching the shoulder of his tee, much the same way Selene had. He wondered if Dar was playing a part, too, or if he actually needed to hold on.

Ryan did. His knees felt weak and his belly fluttered with hot anticipation. He needed air. God, he was so light-headed from such a simple thing as a kiss. Ryan drew back, breaking their kiss, but stayed close enough that their foreheads still touched, their noses still pressed.

Dar’s gaze woke slightly, meeting Ryan’s. Their quick breaths matched for speed. And in that second Ryan saw awareness.

Dar knew Ryan had enjoyed that kiss. He knew it and it was written all over his face. If he wanted to destroy Ryan, he could. His career would be all over in an instant. Thrown away because Ryan had failed to resist the charm of a man he’d just met.

So why did he want to do it all over again?...

BUY LINK: CLICK HERE

New Ventures

2011-03-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning a new venture with Three Wicked Writers Blog group. I'll begin blogging over there on Thursdays once April starts up. I highly encourage those who love reading, writing, gossiping with authors, etc to follow. They're always smart, always funny, always incredible women.

Here's the Blog Link

Three Wicked Writers also has a yahoo group forum for writers and readers! Excerpts are posted, along with pictures of hot dudes, and sometimes things are posted (unedited) of what we're currently working on. I'm amazed at the talent of these women, and the generosity of the readers on the loop. Please join us in the fun.

Here's the Yahoo group Link

The New Voodoo

2011-03-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Nothing good happens after midnight." My mom used to tell me that when I was a kid. I think it was directed at the dating scene because then she could be all like, hey, come home before midnight because your judgment is impaired and all he'll want is sex. Or, maybe it was because my judgment would be impaired and all I'd want is sex. Either way, midnight was voodoo hour.

But that's not where I'm going with this post. I'm going with, it's currently after midnight as I write this. I've just finished catching up on The Bloggess, in particular the Will Wheaton collating paper entries, which are awesome (go, Will Wheaton. I have new respect for you).

I'm not convinced this post has a point. In fact, I'm pretty sure it doesn't. I'm just blowing off some steam after a whirlwind day of promoting, and working, and cheerfully announcing to all and sundry that Faking Perfection came out. Guess that means I have to do this again on Sunday when Wrong Number, Right Guy releases. Dunno.

So this is the time of night where I look at the clock and think, "Huh. I could just stay awake another five hours until the alarm goes off and get so much done." But we all know that whatever I got done would look like verbal crap on the page. Or, I could roll around in bed for five hours trying to sleep through the sleet storm outside.

Don't get me wrong, it's not the sleet keeping me up. It's probably the fact that I took a two hour nap yesterday/today/whatever AND had three huge Cokes after midnight. So see? I'd be up peeing anyway, right?

Guh.

Prolly TMI. Then again Rassles gets away with drunk blogging, and Jenny gets away with stream of consciousness blogging, so why can't I let my fingers do the talking? Right. Talent. And possibly planned distractability, which I don't have, I'm just distractable which is far less amusing this time of the night. By the way, distractable and distractability are not real words apparently. I think they should be added to the dictionary. They totally make sense here.

Going to bed now. Hopefully, the above is not a foreshadowing of my quality of writing tomorrow/today/whatever.

~Mia

FAKING PERFECTION released today!!!

2011-03-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Janean, who won a free copy of Faking Perfection (DreamSpinner Press) from the drawing in Stumbling Over Chaos!

There's still time to enter a chance to win Wrong Number, Right Guy (Amber Allure)! Go to Stumbling Over Chaos and leave a comment that you want to enter. Wrong Number Right Guy releases this coming Sunday, the 27th.

Click the above picture to link over to the buy page for your copy of Faking Perfection. If you'd prefer to purchase from All Romance Ebooks, it's already listed there as well. Hope you love it!

Congratulations, too, to Bronwyn Green, whose book Overlord's Chosen is out today from Resplendence Publishing!

Evo posting

2011-03-22T08:51:00.000-05:00

I'm over at the Evo Blog posting about hard things. Like, challenges, not hard hard things.

Also go over to Stumbling Over Chaos blog, because today is the last day to post a comment in the drawing for Faking Perfection (DreamSpinner), which releases tomorrow. There is also a drawing that's still open for a copy of Wrong Number, Right Guy (Amber Allure), releasing the 27th!!

Updates

2011-03-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

So, I'm still working on the ending of that Menage I'm writing. I found a title. Finally. It'll be called Staking Their Claim and will be written under the pen name Katie Blu. I'm subbing this one to a new publisher. Cross your fingers. And no, Mia fans, there is not interplay between the men because Katie will rarely do that.

I'm expecting to start Horny, Hard, and Hare-y later this week, for May 3rd release date from Resplendence.

I have a release on Wednesday the 23rd of March. It's Faking Perfection, from my new publisher DreamSpinner Press. It's a male/male priest book. I'm thinkin' y'all are gonna like this one.

I have another release on Sunday, March 27th. That will be Wrong Number, Right Guy. Another male/male book, this one from Amber Allure. This one is about what happens when a wrong number gets the private line of a Hollywood movie star.

Then I plan on writing a Quickie for Ellora's Cave as Katie Blu. I haven't decided if it's menage-y or not. I don't even know if they'll take it. You see, I said a lot of things last year and the year before and now I'm sucking down my pride. They've been gracious enough to allow me to continue subbing. With restrictions, but hey, I expected that. I screwed up and I'm not ashamed to say it publicly.

In additional news, you all know I write for Writer's Evolution on Tuesdays. Well, I have been invited to join the Three Wicked Writers team beginning in April. They have a considerable following, and a readers yahoo loop. I'm pretty excited about it and completely flattered to have been asked. I'll set you up with links as we get closer to time.

Other than that? Nothin' much happening. :D

Happy Monday, everyone. May your reading go uninterrupted, and my your writing be inspired!

Grocery Shopping

2011-03-17T08:48:00.001-05:00

I hate Plumb's. Nothing is ever where you expect it to be. Meijer, on the other hand is farther away and HUGE. So unless I want to take the Meijer hike, I will take a small list and risk Plumb's. Unfortunately, it never ends well...

(click picture to enlarge. Left arrow on your browser to return.)

COMICS

2011-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a comic for tomorrow. Do you have any idea how complicated drawing a grocery store's aisles are?! Gonna kill Bron for suggesting this. She was so happy about it too. "Oh, my God, Mia! That has to be a comic. You have to make that into a comic!!!"

Yeah, whatever. This is haaaaard.

In the meantime, head over to StumblingOverChaos.com (again) because WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GUY is in the free drawing pot. Leave a comment that you want to enter. FAKING PERFECTION is also still open to the drawing. Just scroll a little farther down. :) Good luck!

So, I'm a douche

2011-03-15T15:05:00.001-05:00

I did blog at Evo today. You can click here to see that bit of wisdom.

And more importantly, Chris at StumblingOverChaos is hosting a giveaway of Faking Perfection, DreamSpinner Press release coming out this month. If you wanna chance to win a free copy, click the link of her blog and follow directions. :)

I'm a douche because it took me most of the day to hop over to Chris' and see everyone. *head hang* I love readers. They are teh awesum.

Updates Et Al

2011-03-14T07:08:00.000-05:00

I'm determined to create another comic for y'all later this week. I just have to get through this pay-cycle first. Incidentally, that's the 15th. Tomorrow, I'm blogging at Writer's Evolution about all the words that make me squiggy in romance. Turns out, there were some surprises.

So, I hereby promise to do a comic this week. I have just the incident in mind. Or two. LOL.

Updates:
1. Suki is still sick and still on medication at the Humane Society. After the untimely passing of kitten six, and Bedlam, the others are doing well. They are looking for a different foster family as my nieces didn't take the loss well. I need to think of them, and perhaps in a couple of weeks, we'll foster again.

The HS tells me that Suki's problems and the deaths are not common experiences. We just had a rough start. If the girls are up to it, I'll adopt another momma kitten. However, this time, I'm gonna insist she's a Calico. I want to adopt two kitteny Calicos, so that there will be a Calico Mafia at my house.

2. Unchaste, M/M/M shapeshifter, paranormal, erotic, menage, time travel is out now at Resplendence. Hardest book I ever wrote, but one my editor adores above all my other stuff.

3. March 23rd is the Release date for Faking Perfection at DreamSpinner Press. Follow the link to see the info. And here is the Sexo-fabulistic cover art. Hot, right? I love this cover.

4. March 27th is the release date for Wrong Number, Right Guy at Amber Allure. You can follow this link to the site. I'll update more info as I receive it. I'm currently working on the galleys of this book.

March has been a busy, but eventful month. Have a great day, everyone!

Kittehs.... I haz.

2011-03-09T09:07:00.000-06:00

This is Suki pre-babies...

As she was contracting, she still rolled over on her back to let me scratch her belly. She's so sweet!


This is Grampa. "He" went looking for teats right away and was at a loss. "He" cruised up and down her body repeatedly then decided to dive between her legs. He grunted and complained the whole time. Then "he" turned out to be a "she". But her name stuck. :)


This is Hook. This is before he's fully cleaned and the rest of the hooked white portion is visible. It was very dark in there for Suki's peace. Sorry about the quality.

Grampa!

This is Scruff. She has a pale gray face. She's a little bit passive.

Teeny tiny Bedlam, curled in my palm and sleeping. This is when I knew she wasn't okay yesterday. She'd been sleeping away from the other kittens. I picked her up and she was weak. That she easily curled into a sleeping ball on my palm told me all was not well. She's a squeaker, and made no noise.

I'll find out today if I get to have the kits back. I needed to take them to the Humane Society vet since Bedlam was in a bad way. They were to be dropper feeding her all night long to gain her strength. :( I'll let you know how things go.

Evo Blog

2011-03-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hey! The kitty had her babies. I'll post pictures tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm over at Writer's Evolution blog talking about ePubs vs. NY pubs. Specifically, the behind the scenes take from an author's perspective. At least, THIS author's perspective.

Kittens Everywhere... soon

2011-03-04T07:47:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I picked up one of these from the local Humane Society. She looks almost exactly like that. Actually, she's a kitten about a year old and she's having kittens. She's so sweet and I can't imagine anyone giving her up. Brownyn thinks that her owners threw her out when she "got knocked up". I think that's exactly what happened. Her little paw pads are slightly rough, as though she were recently turned out. Poor thing.

Oh, here's a better picture. This is actually very much like how she looks. Only my new kitty is almost wider than she is long. They think she's holding at least five in there. I was also notified that there are already five mommas looking for foster care. Since they don't have enough families, and kitten season is just beginning, I'm probably taking in another momma later on. Busy busy!

And why would I do this?

This is why! Who can resist this?

Now for some actual live shots. Let's see if this works. I tried to take pics of her and succeeded only in getting Bron to do it. LOL. Here's what we came up with.

Bron calls her Idina (Idina Menzle) because her bottom jaw juts forward a little. The nieces call her "Precious", which WON'T stay. Sorry, no. The HS told us to rename her, but she came in as "Priscilla". ACK! Not for a kitty, thank you.

We noticed last night, that just like my current feline queen, she has a heart shape on her leg. And being that the nieces like Manga beyond reason, I think we're going to go with "Suki". Fits her. Cute, petite and easy to say.

Look at that belly! She's so full! We'll probably see labor in a few days.