Cheryl Brooks Erotic Blogspot

Thursday Thoughts

2012-02-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm being interviewed today on My Book Addiction and More! Come on over for your chance to win a free copy of Stud!

Thought for the day

Don't you wish they'd interview football players this way?????

Now for further thoughts.... A lovely hike through the mountains was spoiled by a couple of punks who broke out windows and stole Suzie's purse out of Terri's car.

About the best part of the experience was the park ranger. Young. Cute. Very nice. Sorry there aren't any pictures, but there will be a story about him someday....

In the meantime here are a few pictures taken along the way.

Clearly this is the one sign we should've heeded....

Willy didn't pay attention to this one...

And fell on his dick.

After I figured out how to work the timer on my camera, I took this one.

And this is Laurel Falls!

Now see if you can spot Willy!

Then we hiked back down the hill and found broken glass by Terri's car. And then I noticed the window was broken out. Suzie's purse was missing, along with a purse taken from another car. Fortunately, she had her phone and got her credit cards cancelled. I rode back with the park ranger, pumped him for information, and a story will, I'm sure, eventually follow. I think I'll call it Fiasco at the Falls....

The auto glass guys are supposed to come and fix the window in the morning.
After a nap, we went to Crawdaddy's for dinner and karaoke. Great hamburgers and a fun waiter. Terri and I sang Hotel California and Goodbye Earl, then I sang Desperado by myself.

We got a waving lighter on the first song, a girl told me we were real cute on the second, and I got a whistle on Desperado. Then we came home. All in all, an interesting day...

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today's whopper before the Yah Yahs tickled him.....

And after.....

Tuesday in Gatlinburg!

Had a great time at the murder mystery theater last night. Great fun and the food was good too!

LOL! And they gave us weapons!

As you can see, the play takes place all around you. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Highly recommended!

I'd tell you how whodunit, but we took a solemn oath not to tell!

Tasty Tuesday Banana Pudding Squares

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate, here's another treat from our own Diva Donna! Might have to make this one while we're in Gatlinburg!

Banana Pudding Squares

Ingredients

35 nilla wafers, crushed

1/4 c margarine, melted (1/2 stick)

1 pkg philadelphia cream cheese, softened (8 oz.)

1/2 c powdered sugar

1 tub cool whip, thawed, divided (8 oz)

3 bananas (Peeled)

3 c milk cold

2 pkg jell-o vanilla flavor instant pudding (4-serving

size each)

1/2 square of baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate,

grated or I use a few minature choc. chips sprinkled on top

Directions

1. COMBINE wafer crumbs and margarine; press firmly onto bottom of 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate while preparing filling. **I have to double the crust ingredients to get it to cover the bottom of a 9X13 pan

2. MIX cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping; spread carefully onto crust. Set aside. Slice bananas and arrange over cream cheese mixture.

3. POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Spoon over bananas. Spread with remaining whipped topping; sprinkle with chocolate (optional. **I haven’t put the chocolate on yet….I like to put a layer of Nilla Wafers on top or just leave the cool whip as the topping

4. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator (if there are any : )

5. When ready to serve cut into squares and put chocolate grated or chips on top. (optional)

Donna supplied a unpeeled Banana. Be sure to peel off that skin tight shirt before eating.

Monday in Gatlinburg!

First of all, this is where we're staying. If any gorgeous hunks have nothing better to do, drop by and see us like yesterdays' Monday Moon did.

After breakfast, we walked down to the 5D Shoot 'em Up and rode the mechanical boat/horse while blasting away at the pirates and outlaws. Fun stuff!

Then we did a bit of shopping. While we sampled the jerky, Willy was excited to finally find a potty that was just his size!

After all that shopping, Willy and I had to rest for a while.

We met for lunch at Bubba Gump's, We sat in the same booth as we did the last time, but didn't get the same waiter. Shane was there, though, and remembered us quite well! Our new waiter, Vasyl (vass-EEL) was very cute, although he does tend to make faces when he's photographed. He has the most fabulous accent I've ever heard in my life--he sounded like exotic chocolate.

The food was great, and we ate way too much. I told Terri not to order the appetizer sampler!

As you can see, we probably drank too much too!

Then it was back to shopping. Willy stopped to celebrate Valentine's Day with a new friend.

After buying some really heavy stuff at The Pepper Palace and having a lengthy and slightly strange discussion with the guy who worked there, I trudged back up the hill to the hotel and got caught up on my blogging. Along the way, Willy and I stopped to take pictures of the frozen fountain.

Then it was back to the room to rest up before going out for dinner. But we wound up ordering pizza. Shopping is hard on a bunch of old women!

Monday Moons!

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Guest blogging today on Star-Crossed Romance with a little Valentine's treat from Lucy and Tarq!

Lunch on the road to Gatlinburg at Frisch's restaurant. Terri and I are doing our best to camouflage our double chins. Doesn't work when you're laughing that hard. Strange sunlight patterns on me, too...

Willy gets his first public photo op...

Suzie and Angela looking happy to be on vacation!

Driving into Gatlinburg with snow on the mountains!

We went to the Lumberjack Feud for a very tasty dinner and a fun show!
They had horses.... Well, okay, so there was only one...

Dogs....

Hunky Lumberjacks.....

And our adorable waiter, Caleb...

Then we watched the Grammys! WTG Adele!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'll be up early to hit the road to Gatlinburg with the hospital gang today! And don't worry, Willy is with me!

Looks like he's got his willy too!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-02-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Now that is one hot hunk!

Enjoy your Saturday!
I'll be in Indy today for the INRWA meeting.

Really. I'm not kidding this time...

Susan! You're the winner of a signed copy of STUD!!!

Email me with your snail mail address, and I'll get that out to you ASAP.

cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com

Friday Fun!

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's time again to play Write Your Own Caption! After you've made me laugh enough to win a free copy of Stud, come on over to Sizzling Hot Book Reviews for another chance to win!

Thursday Thanks!

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

No guest blogs today, so I'm taking time out from Thursday Thoughts to thank Sharon, aka Professor Penis, for sharing so many great photos with us. Thanks to her, my files are overrun with hunks! She's sent me some good possibilities for the caption game, too. Here are just a few for your Thursday enjoyment!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Guest blogging today on Fresh Fiction!

After you're finished playing Pop Goes the Weasel, come on over!

Tasty Tuesday Lime Dijon Chicken!

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

I scribbled this recipe down on a note pad I keep in my wallet when I was sitting in a doctor's office flipping through magazines a while back. Just ran across it again when I tore out a bunch of old notes and threw them away. I tried this a few nights ago, and it was pretty darn good. Budley loved it! I served it with brown rice and a salad. Sorry, didn't think to take a picture, but I think you'll enjoy the one I chose anyway.

Today is Stud's OFFICIAL release day, which means that all of those copies pre-ordered from Amazon should either arrive or be shipped today. I'm guest blogging today on Love Romance Passion. Come on over and post a comment for your chance to win a free copy of Stud!

Lime Dijon Chicken

1 whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry

Sauce
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp ground black pepper
zest and juice of 1 lime

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Salt chicken generously and coat with sauce. Bake uncovered 1 1/2 hours, or until chicken is as tender as you like, basting occasionally as the sauce collects in the bottom of the pan. The sauce is great mixed with the rice, too!

He looks sort of basted, doesn't he?

Monday Moons!

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

No stops on the blog tour today, so I'm taking a bit of a breather. Here are some lovely moons for your Monday enjoyment!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-02-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to vote for STUD for Book of the Month on LASR!
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/

Enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

For some reason, every time I look at this picture, I hear Indiana Jones saying, "Snakes...why did it have to be snakes?"

And the winner for numerous chuckle-worthy comments yesterday is our own Queen Yah Yah, Nancy Bristow! Congratulations! A signed copy of Stud will soon be headed your way!

In other news, our good friend Helyce has posted her review of Stud on Smexy Books, and Eloisa James included Stud in her monthly review on Barnes & Noble Reviews!

After you're finished untangling this fellow, come on over to Long and Short Reviews and vote for STUD for Book of the Month! http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/

Friday Fun!

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was so much fun, I think we should do it again!
So WRITE YOUR OWN CAPTION!
Whoever makes me laugh the most wins a copy of STUD!!!!

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

The little bugger better not fail us this time. I don't know about you, but I am SO ready for spring! Which would you prefer?

This?

Or this?

Same tree, different season. I know which one I'd choose. No contest!

Then again, if I had something like this to play with, I wouldn't mind a little snow!

Stud's blog tour continues today with an interview at Romantic Crush Junkies Reviews. Come on over for your chance to win a free copy of Stud!

Happy Birthday, Nancy and STUD!

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Lucky Nancy! Your birthday falls on a Wednesday this year, so that means you get the birthday buns AND the whopping weasels!

It's STUD'S release day, too! The blog tour kicks off today at Debbie's Book Bag. Come on over for your chance to win a free copy of STUD!

There's another party going on over at Casablanca Authors today. We're celebrating STUD's release and I'm giving away a book too!

Hope you have a wonderful day, Nancy!

We've got the balloons.

We've got the cake.

We've got the Birthday buns.

And we've got a nice, whopping weasel.

We've got the STUD.

We've got a gift for you from Donna,

Now all we need is Queen Yah Yah to celebrate!

Enjoy the day, but don't wear yourself out!

Tasty Tuesday Land Your Man Beans!

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

I was very excited to get this recipe from our own Diva Donna. I was working the night of Medical floor's Christmas party, and one of the aides brought in the best baked beans I'd ever tasted in my life. This recipe looks like it would be real close. Gotta try this one soon!

LAND YOUR MAN BEANS

Ingredients

- 2 Lrg can(s) Bushes original baked beans

- 1 lg finely chopped sweet onion

- 1 lg finely chopped green bell pepper

- 1 1/2 lb ground chuck

- 1/3 c ketchup (try hot ketchup for a kick)

- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard

- 4 Tbsp light brown sugar

- 3 Tbsp texas pete sauce (or any hot sauce such as

tabasco, etc...)

- 6 slc harwood smoked bacon

- 1 pkg taco bell taco seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Brown the ground chuck. Add Taco seasoning while browning beef. ***DO NOT add water***
3. Drain beef & set aside.
4. Combine beans, onions, peppers, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar & Texas Pete in a 16"X10" casserole dish.
5. Add seasoned beef to the bean casserole.
6. Place bacon on top of beans.
7. Cover dish with aluminum foil, leaving a corner folded back for venting.
8. Bake for approx. 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking approx. 30 minutes or until bacon is brown and excess liquid has been cooked out.
9. Set on table and watch out!!! ENJOY!!!!

Monday Moons!

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Amid writing revisions and guest blogs and running across the occasional review, one of the most fun things about being an author is the mail I receive from readers. My friend Snow Ho from up in Wisconsin recently sent me some new pics from a bachelorette party. His letters never fail to make me smile.

I know I'd be smiling with him in my lap!

And to think, he once asked me to autograph those buns.
*sigh* Enjoy your Monday!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

And he's STILL not smiling...

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Why do you suppose he looks so unhappy when he's got a dick like that????

I know someone who'll be happy today. There were a lot of great captions posted on yesterday's blog. I was about to call it a tie between Suzy and Alicia, but you got me with that last one about the Miracle Grow, Betty.

Congratulations! You're the winner of a copy of Stud!

Friday Fun!

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's time once again to play WRITE YOUR OWN CAPTION!

The one that makes me laugh the hardest wins a copy of STUD!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

The only thought in my head is that I want to see more pics of yesterday's adorable hunk.

What luck! I have one!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of giving Wildcat another read-through before I send the revised version back to my agent. It's a very slow, nerve-racking process. You revise and revise and create discrepancies, find them, correct them. Write new scenes that mess up scenes that happen later on. Find those and fix them. Read though the new parts a million times. Then you start at the beginning and read through it thinking "THIS IS TOTAL CRAP!" and wondering at what point readers are going to throw the book against the wall.

But then I read it again in a totally different frame of mind and I realize it's not crap. I laugh and cry in all the right places, and when my Zetithian boys bring on the heat, I can almost feel it. The sense of relief is astonishing.

Then I send it to my editor and have to do it all over again once I get her request for revisions. By the time a book hits the shelves, I've probably read it at least 50 times.

*sigh* Is it any wonder I need Wednesday's weasels to get me over the hump?
Enjoy your Wednesday!

Tasty Tuesday Brown Rice Chicken and Beans Casserole!

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

For those of you looking to keep those New Year's resolutions to eat healthy, this one from our own Diva Donna looks like a winner!

Cheryl, My hubs loves his hotdishes or casseroles. So I'm always looking for ways to make tasty, and HEALTHY DISHES. So this recipe made him happy with a bit of tang and zucchini too. (And I threw in a big wolf shifter Joe Manganiello from HBO's True Blood in for good measure, I find him over the top sexy and I can't believe it, my hubs loves this show too.)

Brown Rice Chicken and Beans Casserole
Serves 8

Ingredients

1/3 cup brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup diced onion
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt to taste
ground cayenne pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
1/3 cup shredded carrots
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

Mix the rice and vegetable broth in a pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 45 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion until tender. Mix in the zucchini, chicken, and mushrooms. Season with cumin, salt, and ground cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until zucchini is lightly browned and chicken is heated through.
In large bowl, mix the cooked rice, onion, zucchini, chicken, mushrooms, beans, chiles, carrots, and 1/2 the Swiss cheese. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Cover casserole loosely with foil, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover, and continue baking 10 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned

Monday Moons

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Taking time out from revisions to Wildcat to post a quick blog here. Honestly, revisions are the WORST part of writing. You change one thing and it messes up ten more. The ripple effect can be overwhelming sometimes, but I'll get through it eventually.

In the meantime, here are some nice moons for you to enjoy.

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Now I know whose picture I should have added to the meatball soup recipe!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Something tells me he's not asleep.

Let's tickle him and find out!

Friday Fun!

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I only wish I was having fun! Got Wildcat back from my agent yesterday with several suggestions for revisions, so I'll be working on that for a while, plus, I still have guest blogs to write for Stud's release. How did I ever do this while working full time???

Maybe I need to take more Vitamin C to keep me going.

Just look at what it did for this guy!

This one, on the other hand, seems to have had his fair share of orange juice this morning!

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Willy's Back!

Apparently, he hasn't seen the light of day since the INRWA Retreat back in November! I woke up with a spasm in my left hip on Tuesday morning and since I didn't think I could get on a horse, much less ride one, I canceled my lesson.

I decided what my hip needed was a few stretches, but when I went to get the old quilt that I use as an exercise mat, the tote bag from retreat was sitting on top of it. On a whim, I checked the contents, and there he was!

This event illustrates several things. First of all, I obviously haven't used the tote bag since I carried it home and added it to the pile of conference swag in the corner of my bedroom. Secondly, I haven't done any floor exercises since before retreat. And third, if I hadn't had a sore hip that morning, who knows when I would've found him again! Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

To celebrate his return, I got him together with his new buddies, Aragorn and Legolas (The Pez dispensers Mikey gave me for Christmas) and the pen boys I got from Lisa Kuehne at the retreat, with whom he has been sharing a tote bag for the past two months.

I'm just glad I found him before the Gatlinburg trip the hospital gang and I have planned for mid-February. You know how Willy loves to travel!

And now for today's hunk....

LOL! Looks like Willy isn't the only one who's been playing Hide and Seek!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

I probably should've added this pic to yesterdays post. "Mamma Mia! That'sa somea spicy meata ball!"

If you remember that quote, you're older than dirt, like me. ;)

Tasty Tuesday Meat Ball Soup!

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's another terrific recipe from our own Diva Donna! Looks like a good one for cold winter nights!
I'm blogging today on Casablanca Authors. When you've finished drooling, come on over!

Cheryl,
I made this and it really hit the spot. And I know we all like meaty balls. I provided a pair. You can add your own to taste. LOL

Meat Ball Soup or Albondigas Soup (serves 6)

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch garlic salt
1 pinch onion powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 large carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 potatoes, cubed

Directions

Place the ground beef, 1/2 of the cilantro, 1/2 of the chopped onion, the garlic, garlic salt, and onion powder in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and mix gently until combined. Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray, and brown the meatballs carefully over medium-high heat; remove the meatballs and set aside (the meatballs do not need to be fully cooked; they will finish cooking in the soup). Cook and stir the remaining onion in the same skillet over medium-low heat until translucent, about 10 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into a large pot, and stir in the onion; add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are nearly tender, about 15 minutes. Add the meatballs and the remaining cilantro; simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
OPTIONAL:Serve with a dollop of Mexican rice or Rice a Roni spanish rice stirred in the soup before serving.

Monday Moons!

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Nothing quite like a pair of shining moons to brighten up your Monday!

This will be a busy week for me. I have several appointments and I'm scheduled to work two nights. I've gotten so used to sleeping at night, no telling how alert I'll be. Then again, I'll may wind up keeping everyone else awake talking their ears off.

It's funny how much more I have to say to people now that I'm sitting in front of a computer all day and into the night. I'm sure my DH has noticed the difference.

I wanted to let all of you know that I will be going to the Lori Foster Author-Reader Get Together again this year. I hadn't planned on it, but a couple of my writing buddies wanted to go, so I registered last night. It's limited to the first 60 authors, and I don't know if I made the cut yet or not, but it's still a lot of fun just to hang out with people.

Here's the link for any of you who would like more information. http://www.lorifoster.com/community/readergettogether.php
Hope to see you there!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Interesting example of the correlation between the nose and the penis, don't you think?

He could SO be a Zetithian with those ears...

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

It just doesn't get any better than that. You don't even have to see his face to know who he is.

And now for the winner of yesterday's giveaway of STUD!

Congratulations, Ana!!! You're the winner!!!!

I'll be in Indy today for an INRWA meeting, that is, if the snow doesn't get too deep!

Friday Fun with STUD!

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Since I received my author's copies of Stud yesterday, what could be more fun than a giveaway! To enter, simply post a comment telling me why you'd like a Zetithian of your very own. I'll announce the winner on tomorrow's blog.

And since Tarq's physical attributes are based on a certain model we all know and love, today will begin a Derrick Davenport weekend!

I'll start things off with two of my favorite Derrick pics.

TGIF!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've been driving my son Sam back and forth to work all this week. The truck he normally drives is in the body shop to repair a dent he put in it several months ago when he backed into the hitch on my horse trailer. He hasn't learned to drive a stick shift yet, and the truck is the only automatic we have, which is why I'm having to play chauffeur. I'd planned to replace my current vehicle with an automatic at some point so we wouldn't have this problem, but not long ago, he said he thought he should learn to drive a manual. And you know what? He probably will. When he's motivated, there are very few things he can't do.

Sam never ceases to amaze me--so much so that I made him a character in the book I'm currently rewriting. The interesting thing is, that when I originally wrote that story, I made the character the same age that Sam is now, but my predictions for him turned out to be incorrect. At the time, the idea of him driving a car was unthinkable, though I did give him a job and his own apartment. He had case worker to take him places back then, so that's how I wrote it.

In reality, he now has a job and can drive, but is still living at home. He has a girlfriend in the book, but as things now stand, there isn't a real girlfriend in sight, which is unfortunate. Sam may be a little different in the way he displays affection, and he can be annoyingly frank at times, but I believe he'd make someone a good husband. Honest, dedicated, and reliable, he doesn't smoke, drink or take illegal drugs. He has a good sense of humor, though he can be a bit moody. He is in excellent physical condition and rarely gets sick. I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't like him.

Sam has made an impact on others in ways I'm not even aware of. I recently had the opportunity to talk with Susie, the Special Ed teacher who taught him in grade school. She told me things about Sam I'd never heard before. For example, when the new principal arrived at the high school, he dreaded having to work with Sam. For what reason, I don't know, but by the time he graduated, Sam was one of his favorite students. He even told Susie that knowing Sam had changed his life. The speech he gave at graduation had me in tears because he talked more about Sam than any other student. The "diplomas" handed out during the ceremony are always empty folders, but because he wanted to be the one to put it in his hand, Sam's folder actually contained his diploma. I will never forget that moment until my dying day.

When I included Sam in that story, I was making a wish for him to find love and happiness someday. I still believe in that wish.

My regular blog followers all know that Sam is mildly autistic and has a language-based learning disability. But what you may not know is that Stud is dedicated to him, and Tarq's character has the same learning disability that Sam does.

Sam will probably never read any of my books, nor will he understand the meaning of the dedication. But that's okay. I know what it means.

And now, so do you.

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

I wrote the first guest blog for Stud yesterday. Now if I can only keep writing one a day, I'll be done in a week! Yeah, right... Probably not.

Must hunt up a good whopper for today.

I've discovered a problem with not working as much. I used to do a marathon blog writing day and get all the posts for the CBEB scheduled for a full week so I didn't have to worry about them whenever I had to work. I don't do that anymore, with the result that the blogs are more current, but I also tend to forget them until very late at night. Fortunately, I thought about this at 3:30. Then Neighbor Janet called and wanted a lead rope with a chain on it to lead her escaped horse home. So, I went to the barn in the middle of writing this. One never knows what interruptions will arise...

Speaking of arising, here's the whopper!

Imagine what it'll look like when he grows up!!!!

Tasty Tuesday Spicy Sweet Chicken!

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Forgive me, but I must interrupt your Tasty Tuesday for some news about Stud!

I was notified yesterday of this fabulous review, and Stud will be in the running for Book of the Month on LASR February 4th and 5th!

Okay, now for the recipe....

Donna sent me this one as a belated birthday present, which seems appropriate for the occasion!

SWEET SPICY CHICKEN

Ingredients

1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1/2 inch strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Mix together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and hot sauce in a small bowl.
Lightly salt and pepper the chicken strips.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.

Monday Moons!

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, gang. The Cat Master has a new idea. Not sure where it will take me, but I'm going to play around with it. In the meantime, I'm still working on the rewrites to my early manuscripts while waiting to hear back from Siren on their edits to Small, Medium, & Large. My agent still has Wildcat, and I need to get started on the guest blogs for Stud. Which is to say, the s**t will probably all hit the fan at once!

I'm enjoying the life of a full-time writer. This rewrite is going well, and the day is over before I know it. I was up until 2AM on Saturday night, putting the finishing touches on the first love scene of the book.

Which brings the question: If a book doesn't get to the sex before Chapter 12, do you throw it against the wall? A friend of mine once told me that if there isn't sex in the first three chapters, she stops reading.

I don't know about you, but it seems to me if the sex happens that soon, then there isn't enough conflict keeping our hero and heroine apart. I like to develop a little sexual tension first.

I've been accused of having my characters fall in love too soon--or hold out too long. That may be true in some cases, but my take on the whole romance novel thing is that these people should like each other, fall in love, and then something external makes their lives hell, rather than the hero being a pompous ass.

But, maybe that's just me. I prefer funny, likeable beta heroes to the more aloof alphas who never crack a smile. Where is it written that a man has to be a jerk to be heroic? I have no idea, but I do know that type of hero is why I quit reading romance and began writing stories about nice, sweet, funny guys with great buns.

Like this one.
Enjoy your Monday!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Not my first choice for a pillow, but sometimes, you gotta make do with what you've got.

I'm thinking his thighs would be a more comfortable place to lay my head.

Your thoughts?

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

When all else fails, go with the classics.

Enjoy your Saturday with Derrick!

Friday Fun with Nick!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

After yesterday, I just had to go looking for more pictures of Nick. I found some good ones! No yummydoodles, but OMG is he ADORABLE!!!!!

TGIF!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ever notice how you never want to take your Christmas decorations down, but are always happy once you do it? It must be one of those getting back to normal things. Either that, or it's a milestone of sorts. The whole "New Year" thing--a fresh start and all that. The house seems cleaner somehow, less cluttered.

I took my tree down Tuesday night, and on Wednesday afternoon, Sam took the lights off the deck. I try to leave them up for a while every year, but he always insists on putting them away, even if he has to do it himself. Personally, I like the lights and wouldn't mind leaving them up year round. They shine through the bathroom window and help me find my way down the hall at 4AM and are a bright, cheery sight out the kitchen window when I'm at the sink cleaning up after dinner. Maybe if I put plain white lights up, he'd let me keep them. Or maybe it's an autism thing. Who knows?

I sent Wildcat to my agent and told her I was rewriting three manuscripts, converting them to third person and linking them together in a series. She asked to see the first one when I finish the revisions. Whether she'll shop it around or advise me to self-pub it remains to be seen. She's also going to read Wildcat for me and give me some editorial suggestions before I send it off to my Sourcebooks editor in March. I'm hoping she won't find too much that needs fixing, but you never know. I send chapters to my critique partner thinking they're in good shape, and they come back to me with all sorts of corrections.

It's hard to believe that the release of Stud is only five weeks away. Guess I'd better get started on those darn guest blogs. Fortunately, there are only eight of them. Still seems like a lot, though. I'll be in Gatlinburg when some of them post. I hope the internet there doesn't fail me!

My brain seems to be jumping around an awful lot this evening. Guess I'd better add the hunk and call it a night.

Cute, isn't he?

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hmm... The first whopper of 2012... Who will it be?

Someone exotic?

Someone cocky?

Someone young?

Someone younger?

Or just plain HUGE????

Or perhaps cute is your preference?

Or bald?

Or Harry?

Or Gerry?

But whichever you choose, may your whoppers be merry!

Tasty Tuesday Beef Taco Skillet!

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here are more Adam Killian pics. See what I mean? A bit intimidating. Would NOT want to piss this guy off!

Hmm.... Now I have to find a recipe to go with him. Something spicy and very, very beefy...

Here's one! This recipe comes to us courtesy of our own Diva Donna!

Beef Taco Skillet

(serves 4)

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 (6 inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Cook beef in 10-inch skillet until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.
2. Stir in soup, salsa, water, tortillas. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes Stir. Top with cheese.

Beef. It's what's for dinner.

Monday Moons!

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Now begins that long haul through the rest of the winter. Thankfully, Stud will be here in another month to liven things up, but in the meantime, here are some nice warm buns to get you thinking spring!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Beats champagne and fireworks, doesn't it?

Hope your 2012 is positively ORGASMIC!

It's New Year's Eve!

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Break out the bubbly and the munchies and celebrate with...

Hmm... Who would you like to kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve?

Derrick?

Benji?

The BIG Chief, Daniel?

Marco?

Yvan?

Rafael?

Cody?

Or John?

No matter who you choose, it's bound to be fun!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And the winner is...

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

I hate to leave anyone hanging, so without further adieu, the winner of the ARC of Stud is.... shauntih!

Email me at cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I'll get the book to you asap!

I'll be having more giveaways as soon as my author's copies arrive. Stay tuned!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thinking.... thinking.... thinking.....

I've already been pretty "thoughty" this holiday season. Maybe it's time for a bit of frivolity, perhaps even a giveaway...

So, with that in mind, post a comment for your chance to win an advance copy of Stud!

This contest will not be posted anywhere else; it is purely for my loyal Yah Yahs!

I'll announce the winner on tomorrow's blog.

Good luck!

Snowy Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

We didn't have a white Christmas this year, but we did have a white December 27th. This is the view off the deck at about 11:30 yesterday morning.

Sam and I should have been in Indianapolis for his doctor's appointment at that moment, but the road was so slick a few miles east of here, we turned around and came home. We probably would have made it if we'd kept going, but we'd have been so late they would have made us reschedule anyway. So I got to do something I don't often do: stay home and watch it snow.

It hasn't always been that way. I've made the 30 mile drive back and forth to work in conditions I had no business driving in. I've made it home even when the police were telling everyone to stay off the roads. The closest thing I've had to an accident was sliding off the road down a very steep embankment. My trusty little Honda slid gracefully down the hill and landed quite gently at the bottom. Neither I, nor the car got so much as a scratch. I didn't even have to call a tow truck because someone else had already called one for another accident nearby. Basically, I've been lucky.

I mention all of this because today is my 56th birthday. If I'd kept going to Indy yesterday, I might not have lived to see it. Strange how getting older makes you less reckless with your life and the lives of those dear to you. I didn't raise Sam all these 22 years only to kill him on a trip that wasn't absolutely essential. I've learned to put things in a better perspective; tasks that seemed so critical just a few years ago aren't nearly as important as staying safe and warm at home.

So I'm sitting here at my computer appreciating the beauty of a late December snowfall, rather than attempting to drive through it. The fire is warm, the tea is hot, and the dogs are sleeping in the living room by the wood stove. They understand the importance of being cozy and dry, even if people sometimes don't.

Speaking of things that are hot and cozy, here's a little something for your Wednesday enjoyment.

*smiles wickedly* Happy Birthday to ME!

Tasty Tuesday Rye Bread, Outback Style!

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

My son Sam loves the bread at Outback, as do a lot of other people, so I've been experimenting with some recipes. I shall continue tweaking, but this is what I've come up with so far. Though it's not exactly like their bread, (theirs is softer and darker) it's still pretty tasty. I realize that the full experience can only be had if you also spread it with honey butter, but I have thus far managed to resist that temptation. It would be very easy to make--stir a bit of honey into softened butter--but that would make the bread too irresistible, and freshly baked bread is tempting enough on its own.

Cheryl's Outback Bread

Ingredients

Whisk together in a large bowl and let stand until foamy:

1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 pkg yeast

Then add:

1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup dark molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
1 tbsp salt
3 tbsp cocoa
1/4 cup soft butter
2 cups rye flour

Mix well and stir in:
2 cups all purpose flour

Continue adding more all purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups) as you knead the dough until it is elastic and non-sticky. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel and allow it to rise until doubled in bulk.
Knead the dough again, then form into 2 loaves. Place in greased loaf pans, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes. Remove from pans, slice, and enjoy with the hunk of your choice!

Wildcats and Monday Moons!

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

I finished writing Wildcat on Christmas Eve at about 3PM. Sure, it's just another book in what is hopefully a long line, but if it is indeed the last of the Cat Star Chronicles, this is a very bittersweet time for me. Those cats have been a big part of my life since 2006--almost six years now. They'll continue to play a role for at least another year, because Wildcat won't be released until February of 2013. There will be edits and rewrites, but probably not another book. Still, nine books is a big accomplishment, and though they've enabled me to establish friendships with many wonderful people, my characters are friends, too, and saying goodbye to friends is never easy.

Thankfully, I have some old friends to revisit. I'll be working on the rewrites of existing manuscripts, but probably won't write anything entirely new for a while--unless inspiration suddenly strikes, which it has a habit of doing. It helps to be open to those bolts from the blue when they come, and to recognize them for what they are. Hopefully, I'll come up with another idea that's as good or better than the cats. I'm a better writer than I was when I was first published, and I can be more objective now. Still, Cat and Jack will always remain as dear to me as any friends I've ever had. There's a part of me in them, and they taught me a few things, too.

I gathered as many of the heroes and heroines together from my previous books as possible for a few scenes in Wildcat. Getting all of them in was impossible, and would have been very confusing for new readers, but those of you who have been with me throughout this journey will have no difficulty remembering any of them. I'm sorry I won't be answering all the questions about the future of everyone in the series, but I think you'll get the idea. It's been a fun time, and I truly do hate to see it end.

Speaking of ends...
Here's one I think you'll enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Jack Frost nipping at your nose.

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,

And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey

And some mistletoe

Help to make the season bright!

Lovely Yah Yahs with their eyes all aglow

Will find it hard to sleep tonight!

They know that Santa's on his way.

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh!

And every one of you is gonna spy

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase

To kids from one to ninety-two.

Although it's been said many times many ways....

Merry Christmas to you!

Saturday's Christmas Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is it gang. The last shopping day before Christmas, and Santa doesn't appear to have any toys in his pack.

No, wait. I see it now... Silly me...

Friday Fun!

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wondering what to get for that jogger on your list this Christmas? Here's the perfect gift!

Jog Strap... It's even big enough to carry this in it!

Only TWO shopping days left until CHRISTMAS!!!!
Slave is now on sale for $1.99 and Entanglements is now available from Amazon!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

I went over 99,000 words on Wildcat yesterday. The manuscript was originally due on Dec 31st, but now I've got until March before I have to turn it in. I could probably finish the whole book today, but I DON'T WANT TO!!! I'm going to miss those cats something awful.

I made the Outback bread yesterday. It tasted great, but it's a bit more coarse than the stuff in the restaurant and has a thicker crust. I think it was the rye flour. Mine was stone ground I think the restaurants use a finer-ground version. I'll post the recipe next week. It's definitely worth a try if you like to bake.

My son Mike came home from college Tuesday night, so last night we had sort of a special dinner. I had some rib eye steaks in the freezer that I'd bought for the Fourth of July and forgot about. Yeah, I know. I'm getting senile... Anyway, I did something then that I know I've never done before. I actually cooked the steaks on the grill. On the deck. In December. Right before the winter solstice. During a light drizzle.

I love rib eyes, but there's about as much fat on them as there is meat. Peaches and Bugsy, however, were delighted with the scraps and did NOT complain. They're eating a little better now, and the hair is starting to grow back on Bugsy's face from where the skunk sprayed him. He still looks a little beat-up, though. They've been spending the nights in the house, and they love it!

We've had a problem with the water hydrant near the well freezing up in winter, and yesterday, the guys came and dug it up. Imagine a backhoe in your yard, digging a hole that was easily eight feet square and at least that deep through standing water. They they replaced the hydrant and the expansion tank. We've got better water pressure than we've ever had, but the place they dug up looks like chocolate icing on top of crumbly brownies, as opposed to a part of the lawn. Guess we know what I'll be doing in the spring...

While the guys were out digging up the yard, I put on some Christmas music, wrapped all the presents, and put them under the tree. Then I spent a pleasant afternoon talking with Mike while the steaks were thawing and the bread was rising. It already feels like Christmas. Mike's only request is for eggnog. I've got plenty of eggs, but no powdered sugar or cream. Guess I'll be going back to the store one more time....

But enough about that.
You're here for the hunks,
So here's one for your stocking.

No, wait, there are four!
But they're a bit young,
So I'll give you one more!

This guy is too pretty,
Not hairy enough.
So I'll give you another,
Who's got the right stuff!

Only THREE shopping days left until Christmas!!!

Whopping Weasels and Christmas Goodies!

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

I went shopping after my riding lesson yesterday, which requires changing out of my sweaty riding clothes in a very chilly tack room. However, it was worth a few shivers, because while I was in Bloomington, I wanted to make one last stop at a couple of my favorite groceries before Christmas. You know the kind I mean--the ones that have so many interesting and exotic items you can't begin to try them all.
My first stop was at a store on 3rd Street called Sahara Mart that has beer and wine from all over the world, plus cheese, chocolate, spices, coffee, rice, beans, olive oils, and huge crocks filled with olives. You name it, they've got it, along with some stuff I wouldn't even know what do do with. I could spend hours sniffing all the soaps, and they have an entire aisle of nothing but tea. It boggles the mind. The miraculous thing is that I only spent about $40. I could spend thousands in that store.
I'm going to make some bread over the next week or so, and I'll let you know how it turns out. I found a recipe for that fabulous bread they serve at the Outback restaurants. I already had the rye flour, so all I needed was dark molasses. Sounds utterly decadent, doesn't it? Like dark chocolate or a tall, dark, and handsome hunk... Oh, yeah...
Anyway, the import grocery didn't have dark molasses, so I went to the Marsh store down the road, and just stood inside the door for a minute, taking it all in. The smell of roasted chicken. The blaze of poinsettias in every size.

The fruit, the wines, and yes, the bread.

If you've ever watched the movie Scrooge and seen the part where the Ghost of Christmas Present has a feast all laid out with tinsel and garland for Ebenezer, you get the idea. I was only there for butter and molasses, but you know I found more stuff to toss in my cart.

I know a lot of you live in larger cities where stores have everything from everywhere, and the IGA in Bloomfield does remarkably well for a small town independent grocery, but sometimes, I just have to make a run into Bloomington and indulge my inner globetrotting gourmet. *sigh*

Now for today's whopper, who is, of course, tall, dark, and exotic!

Enjoy!

Tasty Tuesday Curried Chicken with Apples!

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've been making variations of this for years, and it's always been a favorite with my guys. Easy and tasty! You can use any kind of rice or apples you like. I prefer Fuji apples 'cause they're so sweet--like today's hunk!

Curried Chicken with Apples

2 boneless, skinless breast halves, cut into bite size pieces
1 large apple, cored, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp curry powder
1 cup milk
1 tbsp flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup wild and brown rice mix, cooked according to package directions

Directions
Saute onions in olive oil until translucent. Add apples and saute two minutes or so. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the apples and onions and cook until browned and done all the way through. Whisk flour and curry powder with the milk and add to skillet. Cook until sauce is thickened. Season to taste with more curry powder, salt, and pepper if desired. Serve over rice. Serves 2-3.

Alicia! You're the winner of the PDF of Mistletoe & Menage! Will email it to you sometime today! Congrats and Merry Christmas!

Monday Moons and Mistletoe & Menage Release Day!

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Okay. These have to go down in history as the rock-hardest buns ever!

I'm blogging from my treadmill. Gotta have something to show for not working full time, even though M & M does release today. I finished my Christmas cards earlier, (I'm writing this on Friday afternoon) went to the post office and the grocery, came home.... and took a nap. This life of leisure is wearing me out! So I'm on the treadmill, trying to at least regain a little of my stamina. I am NOT the woman I once was. There was a time when I could work like a mule all day long and still have energy left over.
I think I need to write a new book: Reflections of a Fiftysomething Nurse/Romance writer.
Actually, what I really need to do is to start writing the blogs for Stud's blog tour. But to do that, I've got to get off this treadmill and back onto my other computer. This little bitty one is driving me crazy! It's a wonder I can write anything on it.

But, I digress. I'll be giving away a free PDF of M & M for one lucky commenter today. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win! I'm posting this on Facebook, too. So, line up and tell me what you want for Christmas!

And while you're waiting in line, check out the 5 Star Review of M & M on Booked Up!

In other news, the Kindle version of Slave is now on sale for $1.99, just in time for Christmas!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, ladies! Time to play Write Your Own Caption!

Can't wait to see what you come up with for this one!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's another furry fellow guaranteed to keep you ladies warm this winter.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Friday Cowboy Fun!

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

TwoTexans were out on the range talking about their favorite sex positions. Onesaid, "I think I enjoy the rodeo position the best."

"I don't think Ihave ever heard of that one," said the other cowboy. "What is it?"

"Well,it's where you get your wife down on all fours and you mount her frombehind. Then you reach around and cup each one of her breasts in yourhands and whisper in her ear, 'Boy, these feel just like your sister's.'
Then you try and stay on for 8 seconds."

Hmmm.... Somehow I don't think anyone would buck this guy off, even if he pulled a stunt like that!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thought for the day:
Women over 55 should never read the Pickle Pleasing book (thank you again, Donna!) in bed while drinking a glass of wine after working all night. I finished the book, but fell asleep immediately afterward.
Sad, but true. I woke up from my nap, took a shower and was about to dive back into bed when I remembered I hadn't written today's blog.
So here I am at 11PM, typing away on my computer, hoping to say something witty before I post a hunk and go to bed.
Sorry, don't feel witty. Just sleepy.
Here's the hunk.

No, wait. There are two of them.

I'm not anywhere near tipsy enough to be seeing double, so there really must be two of them.

Enjoy!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging today on Casablanca Authors. Our theme this month is what we'd like to find under our tree this Christmas. After you finish drooling, come on over!

Tasty Tuesday Crockpot Chex Mix!

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Donna sent me this one a while back, and it seems like a good one to have around for the holidays. Enjoy!

CROCKPOT CHEX MIX(Who would have thought?)

I needed to feed this Rugby player Daniel Conn and his team some treats.
He won my heart. I figured if I gave him some finger food, he'd drop his towel. ;)

Ingredients

4 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
4 cups Cheerios® cereal
3 cups pretzel sticks
1 (12 ounce) can salted peanuts
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions

In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine cereals, pretzels and peanuts. Combine butter, Parmesan cheese, celery salt and seasoned salt; drizzle over cereal mixture and mix well. Cover and cook on low for up to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Great treat to bag up for holiday gifts or stocking stuffers.

Monday Christmas Moons!

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post this picture in a larger size, but the the hunks wouldn't all fit. Be sure to click on them for a larger view!

I went to two Christmas parties last week and put up my tree this weekend, but my best present came yesterday. A 5 star ORGASMIC review of Entanglements from the TBR Pile! Whoo hoo! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's something for those of you who like a little fur with your hunk...

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

Football, anyone?

Angel on Broadway Excerpt Part II

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

And now for the hot stuff!

Angel on Broadway

AdultExcerpt

Arielwassure she was meant to haveboth of them. The sudden impulse to head downtown, the sparklingmistletoeabove her head, how well the way the band had played—all of it added upto fateor karma or destiny or something. Shehad no idea what those little sparkles were—good fairies, perhaps?—butthey’dleft her with such a profound feeling of joy, she couldn’t possiblyignorethem. Even so, she held off telling Nico and Alexei the whole story.Theremight come a time when reassurance was required, and regardless of howcrazy itmight sound, it was still her ace in the hole.

Despitehisuncertainty, Alexei ledthem unerringly to a dark blue SUV. He and Nico stowed theirinstruments in theback and they all squeezed into the front seat. Ariel sat in the middleandAlexei drove, which gave Nico the opportunity to get a head start, buthe seemedhesitant.

“I’mnotsure if I should just sit hereand behave myself or kiss your lips off,” he admitted. “Is there somesort ofthreesome etiquette I should know about?”

“Dunnoaboutetiquette, but save somelips for me,” Alexei advised. “Besides, if things get too hot in here,I mightwind up running into a tree.”

“Oh,Ihope not,” Ariel said dryly. “Takea left at the next corner and head south. I live in the apartments justbeforeyou get to the mall. And don’t worry. We can wait. It’s not that far.”

Nico’sheadhit the window with a softthump. “Speak for yourself. I’m about to die over here.”

Ariellaughed.She was already havingmore fun than she’d had in ages—so long ago she’d almost forgotten whatit feltlike. “Maybe I should drive from now on. That way you’d both have tobehave.”

Theonlyproblem with that was that shedidn’t want them to behave. She wasstarving to death and they were the feast. Her mouth hungered for theirhard,dripping cocks as much as her pussy ached to be filled by them. Shehoped theywere adventurous lovers because she wanted them to take her in waysshe’d nevereven considered before. Simply watching them through the window ofDilly’s hadwarmed her heart. Sitting between them ignited an inferno of desire.

Thecar’sheater blasted her feet andlegs and Nico and Alexei warmed her from both sides. Even so, herexcitementmanifested itself in a peculiar manner.

Alexeichuckled.“We’ll let you drivenext time, but right now, your teeth are chattering. Better let Nicokiss youand warm you up.”

Nicoactedon this suggestion withouthesitation. As soon as his lips touched hers, blood rushed to her core,flooding it with heat. Hands that had been chilled and nervous nowfound solaceas her fingers threaded through his thick hair, pulling him closer.Lusciouskisses rained down on her face, blazing a path to her neck. Just a fewshorthours ago, Ariel couldn’t even remember having met this man before, andyet shehad no fear of him, no distrust. Arching her neck, she exposed it tohim like avampire’s willing victim.

Onlyhedidn’t bite. A swipe of histongue marked the beginning of a different path, one that returned himto wherehe began. Sucking her full lower lip into his mouth, he teased itgently beforedelving inside to caress her tongue. His hands held her face and thenpushedback her hood, allowing his fingers to thread through her hair.

Anxioustolearn the contours andtextures of his skin, she sought to reach more of it, her fingersfinding theirway beneath his jacket, touching briefly on the chain around his neckbeforeslipping under his shirt. Need forced her words out in a hoarsewhisper. “Iwant you naked.”

Again,hedidn’t hesitate. Strippingoff his jacket, he pulled the shirt over his head and then unbuckledhis belt.In seconds, his jeans were around his ankles and his stiff cock stoodlike asentinel between them. He leaned back against the door with his kneesspreadwide. His masculine scent drove her mad, and the soft light from thedashboardcast its glow on a nude male form that was nothing short of… “Perfect.”

“Touchme,Ariel,” he begged. “Put yourhands all over me.”

Heshudderedas her fingertips tracedpatterns across his chest and arms, skimming down his abdomen untiltheybrushed the slick head of his cock. As she ran a finger over the slit,hismuscles contracted, sending more moisture flowing down over the smoothglans.Suddenly, touching wasn’t enough. Bringing a hand to her lips, shelicked hissalty fluid from her fingertips. “Mmm…you even tastegood.”

Nicodrewin a ragged breath. “Thensuck me—please.”

Assheleaned toward his cock, a handon her back reminded her that she and Nico were not alone. Alexeigroaned ashis hand slid down over her ass. “You’re making me wish this was July,ratherthan December. You need to be naked, too.”

Arielquiveredas he cupped the fullestpart of her bottom and squeezed. His touch sent tremors of excitementcoursingthrough her clit until it was so tightly engorged it hurt. Sheunbuttoned herjeans and shoved them down to her knees. Pulling up the back of hercoat, sheknelt on the seat, offering herself to Alexei. “How’s that?”

Hisstartledgasp told her all sheneeded to know. “Holy shit. You expect me to fuckin’ drivewith your gorgeous ass aimed right at me?”

“Uh-huh.Keepyour eyes on the road andyour left hand on the wheel while I suck the cum out of Nico.” Sheaimed awicked grin over her shoulder. “What you do with your right hand is upto you.”

Angel on Broadway Excerpt Part I

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Okay! Here's the excerpt from the Mistletoe & Menage story I promised you a day or two ago. This is the "story excerpt." I'm saving the "adult excerpt" for tomorrow. ;)

Angel on Broadway

Arielcouldn’tremember ever beingquite so cold, almost as if the chill had seeped into her bones andgonestraight to her soul. Nashville wasn’t supposed to be this frigid—noteven inmid-December. But the weather matched her mood.

StrollingdownBroadway should havehelped—the lights, the music, the general gaiety—all those things weredesignedto help her forget her grief, if only for a short while. The impulse tocall acab and head downtown had been so strong, there ought to have beenmagic involved,but it simply wasn’t there. Tears stung her eyes, occasionally causingher tomiss her step and stumble as she walked along on the uneven pavement.She hadseldom been more in need of company, yet in spite of the crowds, shefelttotally alone.

LegendsCornerwas full—every seattaken. Four couples occupied the dance floor while a mediocre bandplayed TobyKeith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” withoutmuch enthusiasm. They’d only drawn a crowd because it was warm insideand therewas no line at the door. She stayed long enough to get some feelingback in herfingers and then moved on.

Crossingthestreet, she turned left,pulling her hood up against the bitter wind. One more pass and she’dhail a caband head for home. She knew she shouldn’t have come downtown byherself, but onnights like these, she simply needed to walk, whether she was alone ornot.

Asshedrew nearer to Dilly’s Bar, shenoted the queue outside—not good on such a cold night. The door openedbriefly,letting the music out into the street. The bandstand was center stagein thehuge, street-level window at the front of the building.

Herbreathfogged the glass as shepaused there, standing right behind the drummer. Something about himdrew hereye. Was it his muscular arms, the set of his shoulders, or the way hisblackT-shirt hugged his sculpted body? With olive skin and prominent veinsrunningdown his arms, he appeared healthy and vibrant. Even his neck lookedstrong,yet graceful, and no less masculine for having a fine chain hangingfrom it.She was mere inches from him, separated only by a thick pane of glass.Soclose, and yet so utterly distant.

Shewatchedhim play, becoming absorbedin his movements and the vibration that reached her even out there inthestreet. Calm settled in her. Just watching him made her feel different,bettersomehow. The song ended with a crash on the cymbals and the beat of thekickdrum.

Thespellnow broken, despair descendedonce more. She realized she’d waited a moment too long when he finallybecameaware of her presence and turned. Catching a fleeting glimpse of hisface, shesaw that he was foreign and exotic, with heavily lashed dark eyesbeneath welldefined brows and a straight, prominent nose above his full, sensuouslips…

Hisgazemet hers for a moment. Sheknew better than to make eye contact. It only intensified the bleakloneliness.This momentary connection was different, though—a meeting of the souls,accompanied by a brief lightening of the spirit. Then, as quickly as ithadcome, it was gone. She turned away. Timeto go…

Passingagroup of boys with onecoatless girl who wore a revealing wrap top made her shake her head andsmilegrimly. Silly child, didn’t she feel the cold? The boys weren’t wearingcoats,either. Was it youth or alcohol keeping them warm? Ariel had neither ofthosethings to ward off the chill. Not anymore. Alcohol only dulled thepain, makingit that much stronger when it returned. And youth? Had she ever feltthatyoung? Was it her thirty years, or the mileage on her soul that madeher feelso old?

Thenagain,young, childless widowsprobably all felt that way. But surely not for this long. Not for fiveyears…

Todd’sdeathwas still like an openwound that no amount of grieving could heal. She’d gone through thedenial, theanger, and the bargaining, but had stopped there, right smack dab inthe middleof depression. Acceptance had never come. He’d died a hero’s death,which wassupposed to make his loss easier to accept. Ariel didn’t see it thatway. Hewas still the only man she’d ever loved—the one who’d loved her the wayshe’ddreamed of since childhood. No, his loss cut her every bit as deeply asit hadthe first moment she’d heard the news.

Perhapsthatwas why she’d avoidedcoming downtown until now, when the pain became unbearable. She’d metToddhere, playing in a band that was good but not great, even with histalentedperformance on lead guitar. Competition was fierce. Simply being goodwasn’tenough to be noticed by anyone. To make it in this town, you had to beoutstanding.

Runningfootstepsinterrupted herthoughts. Instinctively, she shrank against the side of the nearestbuilding asa masculine form skidded to a halt in front of her. His hand touchedhershoulder, forcing a startled gasp from her.

“Sorry,”hesaid. “I didn’t mean toscare you. I just didn’t want you to leave before I could ask you…didyou feel that?” The streetlight above himmade a halo of his dark curls and outlined the breadth of his shoulders.

“I…Idon’tknow what you mean.” Arielcursed the quaver in her voice. At one time, she’d been confident andstrong.Now she jumped at loud noises like a nervous kitten, almost as thoughsheexpected a sniper’s bullet to take her life, just as an Iraqi bullethad takenTodd’s. She peered up at him again. A dime-sized pendant embossed withastarburst design hung from the chain around his neck in stark contrastto hisblack T-shirt. The foolish man wasn’t even wearing a coat…

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

There are some things that simply can't be ignored.

This is one of them.

Well, gang. I'm officially only working one night a week now. So far, I haven't had a moment to spare. Wonder how it would have been if I'd worked a full schedule? Funny how we always manage to fill up the time we have available. I haven't been faced with the "I don't have anything to do" dilemma in so long, I've forgotten what it feels like. Maybe I never did.

One thing that's been keeping me busy is the sick dogs. They're both feeling fine--out running around and having fun dragging in deer bones from where my neighbor has tossed the bones of no less than three deer into the woods between our houses. All I can do is bag them up and throw them in the trash one bone at a time. I figure by the end of January, they might have exhausted the supply.

I wouldn't mind so much, but they are still turning up their noses at the same dry dog food they've always gobbled down like it was going out of style. I'm trying to be patient, but I have this problem with animals and people not eating the food I give them. In my mind, it's a slap in the face to the cook, and it's driving me crazy. I keep trying to figure out if it's because Bugsy got sprayed by a skunk and can't smell the food, but it doesn't stop him from scarfing down the dry cat food I toss out for them at the barn. Somebody finally ate some of the food I put out on the porch today, but now there are two untouched bowls sitting out there, taunting me.

I tried pouring the broth from a pork roast over the food, and Bugsy ate it. Once. The second time, he wouldn't touch it. I think Peaches was the one who finally ate it. I've washed Bugsy's face three times trying to get the smell off him, but nothing has worked. I don't even know if that's why he won't eat. He seems hungry and gets excited when he sees me carrying a bowl, but he won't eat it. And I just plain refuse to buy canned dog food. Guess he'll eat when he gets hungry enough.

Okay. Rant over. Must try to write something sexy now.

Tasty Tuesday Peanut Butter Meltaway Cake!

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Donna sent me this recipe a few days ago, and I nearly had an orgasm just from reading the ingredients! Looks like a good one to take to a Christmas party!

PB MELTAWAY CAKE

(serves 16) Bake for 55 min.

Ingredients

CAKE

3 c all purpose flour

2 eggs

2 c sugar

1/2 c cocoa

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 c vegetable oil

2 tsp vinegar

2 c water

2 tsp vanilla

PEANUT BUTTER MIDDLE

3/4 tsp vegetable oil

1 c peanut butter (you can use more if you want)

TOPPING

1/2 c butter

1/4 c cocoa

1 lb powdered sugar

6 Tbsp sour milk (you can sour the milk by adding 1/2

tsp of vinegar to the milk)

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Combine the cake ingredients and bake in a 9x13 pan in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
2. Cool completely
3. Mix together peanut butter and 3/4 tsp of cooking oil. Spread this mixture on top of cooled cake. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

4. Heat in a saucepan 1/4 cup of cocoa, powdered sugar, sour milk, butter, and vanilla.(you can sour the milk with vinegar, add about a half a tsp of vinegar to the milk and it should thicken you may need a dab more) Mix this until smooth and comes to a boil. Let cool for a few minutes... Pour and spread over the peanut butter layer. Cool and keep refrigerated.

'Tis the season to ring Those BALLS!!

I mean, Ring those BELLS!!

Monday Moons!

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wow! December 5th already! 'Tis the season to start wishing you were at the beach.

Of course, if I had this to stare at, I'm not sure I'd care where I was.

In other news, we have the cover for the Sextet's Christmas Anthology, Mistletoe & Menage! Look for this one from Siren on December 19th! I'll post excerpts from my story, Angel on Broadway later this week.

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

That pillowcase sure looks familiar.

Never saw that hunk before in my life, though.

Honest!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Not sure I could keep my hands off this one...

Take time to relax and enjoy your Saturday!

Friday Fun!

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

LOL! Limber little bugger, isn't he? I have a feeling he could make a girl think she was doing it with two guys.

Hmmm... Might have to put that position into a book sometime.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-01T08:32:00.001-05:00

Well... Just spent the last two days in class at the hospital and was late getting home yesterday and completely forgot to write today's blog. After practicing the resuscitation of pediatric patients, going to a unit meeting, and then taking a test on EKG interpretation, somehow, hunks were not on my mind last night.

This is my last full week before I cut back to four nights a month and I'm still not sure it's the right thing to do. The self-pub I'm working on needs SO much work. Still, it's a testament to how much I've learned over the past four years or so since I first wrote it. For example, it was written in first person and the heroine is a nurse who raises horses. Sound familiar??? Unfortunately, what was funny to the hospital gang might not go over as well with the general public, plus, there's a lot of horsey stuff in it and the pace is kinda slow. Even so, it was a fun book, so I'm still plugging away at it. I'd like to have it up before Stud comes out in February, but I'm not sure I'll make it in time.

But enough of that. Must move on to today's hunk! This one is a bit more believable than yesterday's guy. I also consider it a definite plus that you wouldn't need surgery to repair the damage afterward!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sharon sent me this pic a day or two ago. She wasn't sure it was believable, and neither am I, though I did pull it up in the Paint program and zoom in on it. Either this is real, or someone out there is very, very good at playing with pixels!

So let's hear it, Yah Yahs! Is he real, or is he Photoshop?

Tasty Tuesday Pina Colada French Toast!

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Donna sent me this one a while back, and I'm looking at this recipe wishing someone would make it for me in the morning. It looks fabulous!
I'm also thinking this is the most over-dressed man we've had on the blog in a long, long time.
Oh, but just you wait until tomorrow!

This Sweetie in his PJ's just makes me think of Breakfast in bed and Pina Coladas and wanting to get get him outta them after we partake of the Breakfast!

PINA COLADA FRENCH TOAST

Ingredients(SERVES 6)

8 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup bottled pina colada drink mix
1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
12 (1/2 inch thick) slices French bread
2 bananas, sliced

Directions

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and pina colada mix in a bowl. Heat a skillet over medium heat; melt butter in the skillet until the foam disappears. Soak the bread slices in the egg mixture, turning the slices over a couple of times.
Gently lay the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet 2 at a time and pan-fry until the french toast is golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked french toast slices to a warmed platter while you finish cooking. Top each 2-slice serving with several slices of banana to serve.

Cyber Monday Moons!

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Dunno about you, but I did my Cyber Shopping yesterday. Perfect day for it--rainy, chilly, and not at all the sort of day you'd want to venture out to the mall. Got free shipping on a few things and a decent discount at Kohl's, too. There must also be a few ebook buyers out there. I've sold 5 copies of Purple Bikini over the weekend! Whoo hoo! I wonder if any of them were purchased as gifts. Did you know you could do that? On Amazon, you click the "Give as a gift" button and put in the email address of the person you want to send it to, or you can put in your own email and forward it. Pretty cool, huh? I hope I sell lots of copies for Christmas because my work schedule cuts back to one day a week on December 5th.

It's a very strange feeling. I went to part-time after Mike was born, and then didn't work at all for ten months after Sam was born, but since then, I have always worked full-time. Early on, I earned more money than my DH did, (he currently makes more than I do) but I've always had a pretty good take-home salary. Dunno what my paycheck will look like now. It's kinda scary knowing that I need to sell a lot more books to even come close to what I earned as a nurse and it makes me feel like I shouldn't buy stuff for myself anymore. Everyone tells me that's crap, but having always been an equal contributor to the family finances, I feel like my share is dropping to the point that spending money on things like writer's conferences isn't justified. I may still attend a few, but I expect I'll feel a bit guilty about it. Fortunately, they are tax-deductible.

While Mikey was home from Purdue, we looked at vacation options and decided against an Alaskan cruise in favor of a trip to Ireland, instead of our yearly visit to Myrtle Beach. There's enough money in savings to pay for it now, but it seems crazy to spend so much more on a vacation since I'm not going to be working as much. Still, this may be the last big vacation we take as a family since Mikey should be graduating (and hopefully getting a job) next winter. If he gets a job in California, we may be taking trips to visit him from now on.

Anyway, with that in mind, I'm working on three projects at once--finishing Wildcat, rewriting one of my earlier manuscripts to self-publish, and working on a new Sextet story with a Legends theme--a menage with Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot. Had to make this one MFM. Can't quite see Arthur and Lancelot going at it, can you?

However, I can see someone aiming a paintball gun at these cyber moons!

Ready,

Aim,

Fire!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a little something to help you enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Kinda cocky, isn't he?
Too bad he only seems to have one ball--though it is nice and furry.
Check him out, ladies, and let us know what you find. ;)

Happy Black Friday!

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Before you go out shopping for bargains today, here's a little something to keep in mind....

You won't find anything like this for sale in any store, so you might as well stay home!

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a safe and joyous holiday. I'm thankful for a lot of things this year--good health, a wonderful family, and dear friends, which includes my Yah Yahs! I couldn't do this without you!

And, no, that isn't my turkey.

These guys aren't serving it, either.

Darn it!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's a whopper, all right! Just wish he'd do something with that hair....

Turkey Day tomorrow! Gotta work tonight, then come home and bake a pie, put the turkey in the oven, sleep for a while, then get up and make the cheesy potatoes and the rest of the stuff. Then eat turkey and watch Scrooge!!!

NOTE TO SELF: Don't forget to make the cranberry sauce today and take the Cool Whip, hash browns, and the pie crust out of the freezer!!!

Tasty Tuesday Rosemary Beer Can Chicken!

2011-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Only two more days until Thanksgiving! If you haven't got your turkey thawed yet, Donna has provided us with another great recipe that might make you forget all about turkey!

Here's a Oven spin on my Beer BUTT chicken we do out on the BBQ. And I'm sure later, we'll need to help this yummy hunky Buns with his shower too.

Rosemary Beer Can Chicken(serves 6)

Ingredients

1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer(can use Lemon-lime soda)
1 orange
1 (3 pound) whole chicken
1 large sweet onion, sliced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
seasoned salt, to taste
1 (14.5 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
4 red potatoes, sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking dish. Pour out half the beer from the can, spray the can with cooking spray, and set it upright in the center of the baking sheet.
Cut 2 thin slices from the orange, and set aside. Cut the rest of the orange into large chunks. Loosen the skin over the breast of the chicken, and insert an orange slice, an onion slice, and 1 rosemary sprig under the skin of each side of the breast. Place the orange chunks and 2 sprigs of rosemary into the cavity of the chicken.
Spray the outside of the chicken with cooking oil spray, and sprinkle with seasoned salt to taste. Place the chicken onto the beer can in an upright position, with the can inserted into the cavity of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the baking dish, and place the rest of the sliced onion and the potatoes into the broth.
Roast in the preheated oven until the skin is crisp, the meat is no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

And for those of you who prefer other body parts....

Great eyes, huh?

Happy Release Day!

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo!!!!
It's release day for Volume 4 of the Sextet Anthologies: Entanglements!

Here's a little excerpt to whet your appetite!

There are excerpts from each story on the Siren page.

Just click on the link above.

A DELICATE PROCEDURE by Cheryl Brooks

Story Excerpt:

Ashadow fell over the marigold Trish Davis was planting.

“Hey,Trish. Need some help?”

Glancingsideways, Trish spotted a pair of sandaled feet. Letting her eyes slideupwell-muscled legs generously dusted with curly black hair, she came toa pairof cargo shorts, followed by a plain black T-shirt that was filled outnicelyby a broad chest and arms that were also a bit furry. Full lips curvedinto amischievous smile, big brown eyes, a prominent nose, and some seriousfive o’clockshadow completed the picture. “Aidan!”

Hissmile broadened. “Long time, no see.”

Strippingoff her gloves, Trish jumped to her feet and was immediately envelopedin a bigbear hug, complete with the fur. Planting a kiss on his cheek as sheinhaledthe clean, fresh aroma that was peculiarly Aidan’s own, she wonderedagain whatsoap or aftershave was responsible for it. No other scent had everfilled herwith the same feeling, and she’d never been able to figure out whatmade it sospecial. “Boy, you’ve got that right!” she said as he released her. “Ihaven’tseen you in forever! Sorry I couldn’t make it to your graduation, butyou knowhow hospital schedules are.”

His nod sent dark, unruly curlstumbling downover his forehead. “No big deal. I understand completely.”

Trishcaught herself before combing the hair back from his face with herfingers.Aidan wasn’t a kid anymore, and she wasn’t his babysitter—not thatshe’d seenherself in that light for some time—but there were some things yousimply didn’tdo to a young man, whether you’d known him all his life or not. “Yourmom saidyou’d be home soon. She is so proudof that master’s in engineering.”

Aidangrinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yeah, she’s already got aframefor it.”

“I’dbe proud of you, too, if you were my son.”

“Hey,now. I know you used to babysit for me, but you aren’t thatold.”

“True.”The six-year difference in their ages might have seemed like less sincehe’dgrown up, but the way Trish had been feeling lately, it should havebeen more. When did I start feeling so old? “Brendasaid you had some job offers. Made any decisions yet?”

Aidanscratched his head, again drawing her gaze to his hair. The itch totouch itintensified. “No. One of them is here in town and the other is inDetroit.”

Trishshrugged, doing her best to appear nonchalant. His mother, Brenda, wasworriedsick that he’d take the one in Detroit. Trish wasn’t terribly happyabout it,either. She didn’t get to see him very much as it was, especially sincehe’dgone away to college, but at least he was home for the holidays. Beingfriendson Facebook wasn’t quite the same as being face to face, and certainlynothinglike getting a hug from him now and then. She really missed those hugs.“Dependson where you want to live, I guess.”

“Yeah.I’m not that crazy about Detroit. It’s a better job, though. Moremoney, goodbenefits…that sort of thing.”

“Whatabout your girlfriend…what was her name? Danielle? Does she have apreference?”

Hisnonchalant shrug didn’t match the pain in his eyes. “Maybe. Not that itmattersanymore. She dumped me.” Since he hadn’t posted anything about thebreakup, itwas either very recent or wasn’t a topic he cared to discuss.

“Sorryto hear that. Believe me, I know the feeling.” Trish had stoppedcounting thenumber of times she’d been dumped. Granted, the number wasn’tastronomical, butshe still didn’t like to dwell on it.

Aidanknelt down and picked up her spade. “I’ll dig the holes. You can plant.How’reyour folks?”

Thatmade two times he’d changed the subject since she’d brought it up. No,his lovelife wasn’t open for discussion. Trish let it drop. “Happily cruisingacrossAmerica in their RV.” She pulled another marigold from the tray and setit inthe freshly dug hole. “Did you know they sold me the house?”

Henodded. “Mom told me. Said I ought to help out with the yard work likeI didwhen your parents lived here.”

Trishchuckled, giving him a sidelong glance. “That’s very nice of Brenda,but I’m notthat decrepit. I think I can handleit—and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.”

Scowling,he returned her glance. “You’re not decrepit at all, but you do work full-time. Besides, I’m notdoing anything much. At least, not right now.”

“Youought to be out looking for a new girlfriend,” Trish suggested. “Thenmaybe youcould decide on which job to take.”

Heshook his head. “I’ll decide soon enough. I’ve got at least a monthbefore Ihave to choose.” He frowned again. “Having a girlfriend to help medecideprobably wouldn’t make any difference at this point. They always dumpmeanyway.”

Trishpressed the dirt in around the plant as she took another good, longlook athim. Aidan had been a cute kid, though a bit gawky as a teen. But now,atroughly twenty-five, geek or not, he was flat-out gorgeous. “Yeah,well, don’tfeel like the Lone Ranger. Guys always dump me too. It’s an epidemic.”

Hisfull lips formed a thin line. “I just don’t get that. You were alwaysverysweet to me, and it’s not like you’re a dog, either—I had a seriouscrush onyou when I was a kid. Besides, nurses make good money. You’ve got yourownhouse and everything.” He stabbed at the ground with more force thannecessary.“I’ve got a pretty good future ahead of me, too. But I get dumped forstupidshit like—”

Trishgave it a good twenty seconds before she prompted him. “Like what? Orwould yourather not talk about it?”

Helet out a long sigh. “It’s…embarrassing.”

Adult excerpt:

“Itwould be interesting to hear the kind of sounds you would make if I didsomething to you that actually felt good.”Trish gazed at his face, daring him to reply.

Hedidn’t disappoint. The expression in his dark brown eyes was one ofdeep-seatedlonging, seasoned with desire, and the tone of his voice changed,becomingdeeper, rougher… “Go ahead, Trish. Do anything you like. I can’t stopyou.”

“You’dlike that, wouldn’t you?” Her own voice was barely a whisper.“Something thatfeels good?”

Aidanresponded with a slow, deliberate nod.

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

Trishmoved very slowly, letting him see just exactly what she intended todo. Thatway, he could tell her to stop if he liked. She might not listen tohim, ofcourse—not if he stopped her too soon.

Herhand hovered over his rigid cock, waiting for some negative sign. Heheld hisbreath, not saying a word.

Sheshifted her gaze to the stunning phallus there before her. “That is oneawesomepiece of meat you’ve got there, Aidan.”

Hisbreath went out with a whoosh. “Oh, yeah, Trish. Talk dirty to me.”

Trishcouldn’t suppress her smile. In her eyes, he was perfect. Any otherwoman he’dbeen with was a fool not to see it. “Is that what turned the othergirls off?”

Heshook his head. “Never had the nerve to say it before.”

“Youknow what you said about letting me do anything to you?”

“Yeah.”

“Well,you can say anything to me. Anythingyou like.”

Browneyes bored into hers with an intensity that made her tremble. “Thenplease,Trish. Suck my fuckin’ dick.”

Aflame of desire shot through her like a lightning bolt. “I thoughtyou’d neverask.”

Trishcupped her hand over his cockhead, getting her palm wet with his juicebeforesliding down the shaft. He had to be a good eight or nine inches longand sobig around her thumb and fingertips didn’t touch when she circled itwith herhand. His back arched as he yanked on the restraints.

“I’mglad this is a good, solid oak bed or you would’ve pulled it apart bynow.”

“Yeah,”he gasped. “Trish, please.”

Shelocked her gaze with his as she aimed his cock toward her lips. Blowingon theengorged head, she felt it twitch in her hand. “You reallywant me to suck you?”

“Yessss!”he hissed. “Do it!”

And in honor of Annie Morgan's birthday,

I give you the Birthday Buns!

And since it's a Monday, MORE BUNS!!!!

And a couple of rather astonishing danglers!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Go ahead, Derrick...

Make my day...

This review of Sex, Love, and a Purple Bikini certainly made my day!

Check it out on TBR Pile Book Reviews!

We're giving away a free copy too!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Perfect is the only word that comes to mind here.

Have fun with him!

Friday Fun!

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

You know, there are some things that you just never think of.

Like Mt. Rushmore from the Canadian side.

Or a shot of the beach taken from this particular viewpoint...

Enjoy your Friday!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, gang, Bugsy is officially on the books at the vet's office as my dog. I took him and Peaches for their shots on Monday. Unfortunately, he almost missed his appointment.

I had gone out that morning to see how well the two of them would walk together on a leash. Peaches did beautifully, walking right beside me and sitting down whenever I stopped. Bugsy had obviously never been trained to do that, but he kept pace with Peaches well enough, so I figured we'd be okay. I gave them both a treat and turned them loose while I got the car ready. After spreading some old towels on the back seat, I went back in the house to get my purse. When I went back outside, guess what? No dogs.

I called several times, and finally Peaches came loping up the hill. It took another five minutes of calling (aided by Sam, who was on his way to work) before Bugsy finally showed up. Peaches didn't want to get in the car, and after she slipped her collar, I thought she was gone. Fortunately, she didn't run off, but I had to pick her up and put her in the car--all 56 pounds of her, a detail I learned about her after we got to the vet's office. Bugsy had obviously ridden in a car more than she had, settling down on the seat while she had to stand on the armrest and drool all over the place.

Once inside the office, Bugsy was much better behaved that Peaches, who wanted to sit beside me on the bench. His weight is up to 22 pounds, and he looked pretty good except his eyes were kinda goopy. He got lots of shots, a heartworm test, and some antibiotic eye drops that I have to put in twice a day for a while. Peaches just got shots.

When we got home, I put on their new rabies tags, gave Bugsy his heartworm pill and his eye drops, which he took like a trooper. Then I got them some treats and took their picture. I've taught them to sit before I give them a treat. LOL! Can you tell I'm holding treats in my hand?

Here's someone else who's holding a treat in his hand.
Ready, Alicia???

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ooo! He's even got his own chain and a bandana to use as a blindfold. Kinda makes me want to write another bondage story for the Sextet...

Speaking of which, Entanglements will be released next Monday on Siren! Click on the cover for the link to preorder!

Tasty Tuesday Pasta with Italian Sausage and Sweet Peppers!

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's another recipe I found on Allrecipes.com. I modified it a bit, adding more vegetables than the original version. I happened to have a few green tomatoes on hand, so I added one, but it would be just as good without it.

Pasta with Italian Sausage and Sweet Peppers

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
2 bell peppers, chopped (using red and yellow peppers adds a bit more color)
1 medium green tomato, chopped (optional)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz pasta of choice (I used rotini)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
Brown the sausage in a large skillet with onions, garlic, tomato, mushrooms, and peppers until the onions are transparent and sausage is done.
Add the black pepper and beef broth and bring to a boil.
Add cooked, drained pasta to skillet and mix well.
Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve to the hungry hunk of your choice!

This fellow appears to have worked up an appetite.
Guess I'd better feed him....

Monday Moons!

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

These moons look just about as hard and shiny as the bathtub, don't they? Bet you could crack an egg on them!

We had such a great time at the retreat! Not a huge crowd at all--just sixteen of us--but that was okay. If you wanted a room to yourself, you could get one, though we did have a lot of food left over.

It is currently 9:05 AM on Sunday morning, and Sextet sister Mellanie Szereto is looking over my shoulder as I write this. She thinks the hip-out pose in this pic is a little girly, but has enthusiastically volunteered to wash his back.

That's the kind of input I simply don't get at home from my guys. Go figure. There's nothing quite like a gang of romance writers sitting around talking about everything from ghosts and the weapons that killed them, to every possible aspect of male anatomy and what to do with it.

Elizabeth Raines just sat down beside me and started writing again, but not before commenting that she likes the old-fashioned tub and thinks this is a very nice set of buns--yet another example of how different this is from writing at home. You see, while Budley might admire the tub, he would NEVER comment on the buns.

*sigh* Wish we could have retreats at least once a month. ;)

I'm blogging today on Casablanca Authors, talking about what I'm thankful for. You can bet my RWA chapter will get a mention!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Are we having fun yet?

Willy is. He's got an entourage now!

This is the view out the window at Bradford Woods where I've had my computer parked all weekend. *sigh* It's a wonder I got anything done at all, but I did get the final edits to A Delicate Procedure finished, critiqued a chapter for Elizabeth, and wrote a bit on Wildcat. We managed to freak out the guy who was making our lunch. He was cleaning up afterward and walked in just as we were discussing the composition of semen. Sandy waved him off. In his haste to get out of earshot, he left the back door open. ;)

He did come back and fix us dinner, though, so I guess he wasn't too scared. We had a fun evening, playing a few games, the first of which was telling our most romantic moment, then we were given a sentence to complete in the most creative way. Later on, I read scenes from Wildcat and The Boys in the Band and we had to take a drink every time "certain words" were used. Needless to say, we got kinda wild....

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

2011-11-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Sextet's upcoming release, Entanglements.

Because not knowing what's coming next can be very exciting....

And then there's the retreat. This was the food (the table looked much the same even after we ate.... (actually more food was added after I took these pictures)

And then there was the liquor table.....

Which looked pretty much the same, too, except that I was quite, quite drunk....

Case in point, our eyes are bigger than our bellies.
But we're still having fun. ;)

Friday Fun!

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, my DH found this pic and emailed it to me.

What will they think of next?

We had a great time at The Melting Pot fondue restaurant last night. I just wish Lindsay wasn't leaving us. The food was great, and though our waiter, Chad, didn't get into the whole Willy thing quite as well as our waiter at Bubba Gump's in Gatlinburg, the manager thought he was a hoot and was more than willing to pose for a picture!

This was as close as Chad was willing to get to our man Willy, who was hiding behind my tea.

Let's see now... Left to right, that's Christina, Amanda, Natalie, Lindsay, Shirley, and me as we were getting ready to leave, stuffed to the gills with fondue. It was all good, but the chocolate fondue at the end was to die for.

I'm heading out to the Indiana Romance Writers annual retreat this afternoon. I'll be posting some pictures from there this weekend. Cannot wait! We're gonna have a blast!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm heading out tonight to a going away party for one of my buddies at the hospital who is moving on to bigger and better things. Someone asked me a few nights ago when my last night was, and it got me to wondering just what that would feel like. I'm not quitting (yet), but these are people I've been working with for 21 years. They're more than coworkers; they're family. Granted, the friend who is leaving hasn't been working there that long, but she was already one of the gang.

I know there are a lot of places where the nurses don't get to know each other very well. It's a job and that's all it is. I don't really see how that can be when you spend 12 hours with them three nights (or days) a week. That's more time than some people spend with their own family, and we've gone on vacations together, celebrated birthdays and holidays, and watched our children grow up, get married, and have children of their own.

That's why I won't be having a going away party, because I'm really not going away, and I hope I never have to. They're my friends, my family, and I love them all dearly.

Which is something to think about.

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

You'll have to use your imagination on this one, but if it's that big when he's just hanging around, it's really gonna be a whopper once the Yah Yahs get hold of him!