Contest Time!!! Well Almost

I know I said I wouldn't be doing a contest but things have changed, as I'm going to England in December I would like to get the winner's things sent off before I go. As soon as I have pics I'll upload them, I've learned how to upload pics from my digital camera. :D. I just don't know how to re size them. LOL. One step at a time right? Well here's what I'm giving away:

1 Red Travel Tote
1 Red Travel Pillow
Peppermint Spice Travel size Body Wash, Lotion and Body Spray
1 Red Mini Stocking
1 Red Snowman Ornament
Plus Mini Author Promo Pack

So, what do you think? You like the way that all sounds? Well that's prize 1. Here is Prize 2.

1 Brown Travel Tote
1 Brown Travel Pillow
Gingerbread Spice Travel size Body Wash, Lotion and Body Spray
1 Purple Mini Stocking
1 Red Snowman Ornament
Plus Mini Author Promo Pack

Now what do you think? I'll probably add two books for each prize pack, just have to decide which ones. Anyway, Have a Great Week everyone!

Selena

Happy Friday!!!


Gonna take the weekend off. I need to recoup, for some reason I feel sad (not due to the rejection) and I just feel like I need to just be comfy and not do anything. Although I have lots of ideas running through my head at the moment. Anyway, have a Great Weekend Everyone. Big Hugs all around, who knows maybe I'll have something for you guys on Monday, maybe a sneaky peeky at a WIP? Like my little Meez buddy? She's all adorable and gothy today. LOL.

Selena

P.S. Hey Tilly can you still concentrate? LOL. Pfffft.

Green Beer: Back at Square One


Well the news that I had been waiting for finally arrived, Green Beer was rejected. It's okay, I'm okay with it. Looking back and comparing the writer I am now, with the writer I was then, I have grown in the last few months. Now, I can take Green Beer, edit it and expand it. The rejection letter was lovely and helpful. I understand why the story got rejected. I was sad that it got rejected but I understood. Now, Pixie is currently in final edits and Green Beer has to go on the back burner until I can work on it, probably by the end of this month depending on how fast I write. I just finished edits for Runaway and have sent it out for the final look over. I will get published it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. :-)
Moving on to something a bit happier, I'm almost done with Christmas Shopping two more pressies to go and I'm officially done. Aaaaannnnd, I may get to go to the U.K. in December for a whole week! Ahhhhh! Very cool, I have to see Shar and Jan and Jay. I don't think, I'll have time to pop over to Scotland for research for that story Shar wants me to do. :-(. But one of these days I will. *sigh*
Okay, I've procrastinated enough. Don't want Shar, Ce and Tilly yelling at me to write. Ce has Mr. Whippy (she stole it from Shar, shhhh!). Must go write now. Thank You to the fabulous Beth Williamson for doing an Author Spotlight. Hmmm, gives me and idea for an antho. Ow! Damnit Ce! Stop reaching out into cyber space and trying to whip me, I'm writing, I'm writing. Happy Thursday!
Selena
P.S. Thank you to my friends especially Shar (who was on the phone with me when I got the email), Ce (For being the first one to volunteer and edit for resubmission) and Ro (for being cross with me that I didn't tell her cause she had a migraine and I didn't want her to get upset). :-). Seriously though, I shouldn't be unchaperoned while on the phone with Shar or Ce or both. Things happen, you know what I'm talking about Shar and Ce. LMAO! What happened Tuesday will be reserved for a Se and Ce convo.

Happy Wednesday and Author Spotlight: Beth Williamson

And now onto the Author Spotlight:




Bio:

You can't say cowboys without thinking of Beth Williamson. She likes
'em hard, tall, and packing. Read her work and discover for yourself
how hot and dangerous a cowboy can be.

Beth is the author of more than sixteen novels and novellas with
Samhain Publishing, Loose Id, and Liquid Silver Books, with many more in the
works for the coming years.

Beth lives just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband
and two sons. Born and raised in New York, she holds a B.F.A. in writing
from New York University. She spends her days as a technical writer,
and her nights immersed in writing hot romances for her readers.

Look here if you have questions about Beth and her books:
http://www.bethwilliamson.com/faq
http://www.romancewiki.com/Beth_Williamson

Branded

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=751&osCsid=1c5e14c6d12f0b9575901db306d82d84





Excerpt #1:

Rafe Sinclair needed a woman. Not just any woman, but a wife. Any wife. He took his grandfather's will out of his back pocket and read it for the hundredth time that week,

but it still said the same thing. Rafe had to be married by June first, his thirtieth birthday, or lose the Circle S Ranch.

“Son of a bitch. That old coot got me by the balls.” He kicked at the corral post, spooking the bay nosing in his direction.

He had loved his granddaddy like a father, but this final stab in the back was too much. The older man had always lamented the fact Rafe hadn't settled down. However, he never expected the twist that could cost him the ranch that was a part of his soul. No way in hell he'd let the Circle S slip through his fingers.

Rafe would just have to bite the bullet and get married.

Dammit.

He had less than a month to get hitched and fortunately he'd found a quick solution with his neighbor, Elijah Radcliff. Rafe would marry his daughter Emma, a girl he'd known all her life. Not a great solution, but it'd do.

As he waited for her to ride over to the ranch, he wondered what mood she'd be in after finding out what her father had done. Hopefully she'd accept the fact that Rafe would be her husband. Now all he needed was to accept that he had to have a wife. One woman forever and ever.

Not an easy spoonful to swallow, especially considering the woman in question. A britches-wearing, cussing woman who acted more like a man than half his ranch hands. The only upside Rafe saw was that Emma knew horses better than anyone else in the county. The woman lived and breathed equine.

Hell, she was probably a virgin. The shiver that worked its way through his body had nothing to do with the temperature outside. Truth was, Rafe had no idea what to do with a virgin, much less one who was more male than female.

The thought of their wedding night--

“Yoohoo!” A feminine trill sounded from near the house.

Rafe stopped and frowned. He didn't recognize the voice. Maybe his housekeeper, Frieda, had company.

“Mr. Sinclair,” came a second female voice.

“I think I saw him near the barn,” chimed in a third.

Rafe stood stock-still, a deer caught in hunter's sights. A virtual army of petticoats

started toward him. There had to be at least twelve of them in varying heights, shapes and sizes, including redheads, brunettes and blondes. Even their ages ranged from fresh-faced girls to long-in-the-tooth spinsters.

The only thing they had in common was the look of determination on their faces.

Holy hell.

Rafe's heart raced and his mouth turned dry as a cotton field. No doubt that idiot lawyer Foster had spilled the beans about Rafe's wifely predicament. Now a herd of available women stampeded toward him. He couldn't possibly meet Emma at the ranch with all these husband-hungry hens chasing him around.

He wasn't proud of it, but Rafe turned tail and ran.

He threw himself on top of his buckskin and rode hell-bent-for-leather toward the creek that separated his property from the Radcliffs. He reminded himself to let Foster know about his impending nuptials so the lawyer could somehow keep the women off his ranch. The last thing he needed was more females around.

As he cantered up to the creek, he noticed a beautiful quarter horse tied to a small cottonwood tree. One of the Radcliff's if he wasn't mistaken. They were beautiful animals, one and all.

Then he heard singing--a beautiful haunting melody about a lost lover sung by a woman who could rival an angel with her pipes. He sat on his horse with his eyes closed, savoring the song, wondering who had been blessed with such a voice.

When the music trailed away, he dismounted and went in search of his quarry. He found her, bent at the waist near the water, with the most delectable ass he'd seen in a dog's age poking up in the air. Long, dark brown tresses hung down toward the water as her hands finger-combed the locks. He shifted in his drawers, an erection pushing at his buttons for the mystery lady.

She stood and flipped her hair back, braiding it with the speed of a lightning strike, her plump, full breasts pushing at the blue chambray shirt she wore. That's when Rafe realized he could see her ass so well because she wore britches, and she had pistols riding her hips. He felt a moment of utter disbelief. He was looking at Emma Radcliff, his intended bride, and she didn't look anywhere near as manly as he remembered.

Holy shit.

Excerpt #2:

Emma spent the first few days of her married life avoiding her husband. She asserted over and over that she was not hiding, she was simply choosing not to be in his company. Something in his eyes told her he wanted more from her than Emma was prepared to give.

Every hour or so, she felt his gaze on her, skimming over her trouser-clad form, making those damn goose bumps march up and down her skin. If only he hadn't shown her what it meant to be thoroughly kissed. Her lips tingled from the memory, betraying just how good it had been.

Dammit.

She attacked her saddle with frustration although she was supposed to be oiling the leather. Rafe needed to get out of her head for good. When she agreed to marry him, it wasn't supposed to be like this. Emma didn't want to be thinking about him constantly.

“You're scarce today.”

Rafe's voice made her jump a foot. She dropped the oiling cloth and nearly fell on her head. He grabbed her arm, stopping her fall and compounding her embarrassment.

“No need to scare me half to death.” She sounded breathless. “I, uh, didn't hear you come in.”

Rafe let go of her arm and leaned against the wall beside him. “I didn't sneak if that's what you're thinking. I just wanted to see you.”

Emma's gaze snapped to his, and she searched his face for the truth. Unable to read

anything from his smile, she frowned at him. “Why?”

“You're my wife, Emma. I like to be with you.”

Of all the answers he could've given, that was the last one she expected. He could have said something stupid or mushy, but instead he chose the direct route, deflating her annoyance like a pin in a bubble. Her impractical heart fluttered, and she scrambled for a response that wouldn't make her seem like a silly girl.

“Well, um, thanks. I really need to finish this.” She picked up the rag from the floor and tried to focus on brushing off the bits of hay and dirt clinging to it.

He took the rag from her hands and set it on the saddle. Her heart thudded in earnest when he turned her to face him. Rafe removed her hat while his thumb tipped her chin up. His silver gaze searched hers until he apparently found what he was looking for.

As his mouth descended toward her, Emma was frozen in place, unable to run, unable to push away, unable to meet him halfway. His lips were gentle, exploring, giving her all the time in the world to protest.

She didn't.

He deepened the kiss until she couldn't tell where he ended and she began. It was like diving into a shady pond on a hot summer's day. Kissing Rafe enveloped all her senses, surrounded her and turned her into a quivering mess. Her mind whirled while the rest of her pulsed with need. A deep throb began inside her, a slow beat that gained momentum with each pull of his lips and each swipe of his rough tongue against hers.

Emma didn't end the kiss, he did. When he pulled away, she mewled and chased his mouth, eager for more. He kissed her lightly then set her away from him. She was in a

fog, almost drunk from the kissing. With a roguish grin, he tipped his hat and walked away.

She had no idea how long she stood there, her nipples rock hard, her drawers wet with need and her lips buzzing. Reality splashed over her when two ranch hands walked into the barn talking. Their gravelly voices reminded her that she stood there like an idiot, likely grinning, while the world went on as if nothing had happened.

To Emma, something had happened, something momentous. Rafe had kissed her again, and she'd not only allowed it, she'd wanted more. Even ten minutes after he'd left, she could still feel the rasp of his whiskers against her face and the sweet taste of peppermint on his tongue. This wasn't at all what she wanted.

Emma was falling in love with her husband. Again.




Mwhahahaha!

*cough* *cough* Gotta work on that evil laugh. Geesh.




Hehe, sooo Tilly, can you concentrate now? I'm so bad. LOL. I hope you guys are having a Happy Tuesday. Me I'm trying to work through the dredges of Nyquil and Dayquil combined. Not easy. I have an idea for a new story buuut, I forgot how it began, I'd gotten up to chapter three in my head and then I got distracted, I remember the gist and the characters but the beginning is gone. *sigh* I'll remember it, suddenly. Just got the new TV Guide, verrryyyy nice cover. I like comic/manga/anime style art. Some images can be just breathtaking, for example Hayao Miyazaki, wow, the worlds he creates are just gorgeous and the attention to detail is beautiful.

I highly recommend his movies although I always end up getting all teary after watching one of his films. I've currently become fascinated by the Death Note anime, very interesting. I'm watching the English Dub on Adult Swim. I like it. If you're a fan of mythology I recommend the new Pantheon High Manga from Tokyopop, I'm patiently waiting for the next issue which isn't out until February! Argh. And if you're into something sweet and romantic with an element of fantasy I'd go for Sorcerers and Secretaries. I also love the Devil May Cry 3 Manga, looove that, can't wait for Code 3 to come out. If only I can get through watching the entire Gunslinger Girl box set, don't get me wrong, love the series and I've seen every episode, but lately when I sit down to watch it, I can't get to the end very frustrating.

One of these days I'll finish it. I got to see the new Witchblade anime, the first I think four episodes, I like it, I still haven't read the comic book series, though. I do have an idea for an erotica story dealing with superheroes. LOL. I haven't written it and now once my CPs read this I will be pestered about the details of which I won't give them until I've worked it out in my head. Mwhahaha, *cough* *cough* How do mad scientists and evil villains do the laugh without coughing? lol. Oh before I forget the fabulous Eve Vaughn and Celia Kyle both have new releases coming out this week with Changeling Press. :-D.

Anyway, gotta go hide from Tilly. Have a Happy Tuesday. Thanks for stopping by and reading my ramblings. Hugs.

Selena


P.S. So, I spoke with the other co-founders of The Pink Chair Diaries about an idea I had, The Men of The Pink Chair Diaries. They liked the idea, the question is what do you, the readers think. Its' not going to be a book series, the gist is we ask men if they would be interested in being considered one of the Men of the P.C.D., the question is who should we ask? What do you readers think? Do you like the idea? Hate it? One of the criteria for being considered a Man of the P.C.D. is that they have to read romance, erotica or both and be cool with it. After all we on the site do write romance/erotica and we (the writers and readers) read it. This idea is just in the beginning stages but any ideas or thoughts would be helpful. :-)


P.P.S. Should I add a music player on here? Or would that be too annoying?



Sooo tired but Happy Monday! lol

Hope this improves your Monday. :-D

Ugh, it's only forty past noon and I'm already tired. Just spent most of the morning running errands. But the good news is that When You Wish Upon a Pixie is about to be in its finale edits. Whoo hooo! Hopefully I'll get that subbed soon. As for the second book, I'm already up to 5.5k which is good news, bad news is that Runaway which I was supposed to be editing didn't get to be edited, I know, bad me, bad me. I got caught up in Pixie,Vampire/Dragon, Werewolf, Shadow land. I'm going to try and get a few more chapters in of Pixie 2.0, before going back and editing, wish me luck that the muse stays with me. I've still got two other stories besides these two that need to be finished. *sigh* So many stories, such little time. Anyway, Check out J.L. Foster's Author day here. Really great interview. Gotta go find some coffee, I'm yawning, geesh, keep this up and I won't be able to watch Heroes tonight.


Selena

Author Spotlight: Marty Rayne

Bio:

Marty Rayne lives in Florida, enjoying her time as a stay at home mom of twin boys. She is a licensed massage therapist on sabbatical and taking time to learn Sa Bok Do Karate with her children. Between her jobs as wife, mom, grandmother - yes, her older children have already made her a grandmother- and social planner for her family, Marty writes hot, erotic fiction. She likes variety, so she plays in a multitude of genres including fantasy, gay, BDSM, paranormal, and fun contemporary, along with a few ménage trios here and there. There's no limit to her imagination.

You can find out about Marty and her books at her website: http://www.martyrayne.com/.


Testing Passion excerpts:

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Testing+Passion+by+Marty+Rayne

#1- (explicit)

She flicked the whip a couple more times getting the feel of it before finally turning to her guinea pig. She'd thought her actions would finally receive the fearful reaction she was expecting, but when she looked at Damien, her pulse quickened and her panties got a fresh douse of wetness.

Instead of fear, Janet witnessed raw lust burning in his chocolate brown eyes. She never knew eyes could shine so bright that they almost glowed. It was more than his eyes telling her he was excited. Damien was rock hard, his cock standing straight out like a diving board ready to be used. She used the tips of the whip and dragged them across the stiff flesh. His body flinched and a deep growl sounded from his throat.

An unaccustomed feeling of power swarmed over her. She'd not even touched him and already he was excited and ready. Had she ever had this kind of power over a man? Thinking back to the few lovers she'd had, the answer was no. Like Alan, the others hadn't allowed her the freedom Damien was insisting upon. They hadn't allowed her complete control and trust. None had looked at her with such fierce hunger. It made her pause.

"I trust you." The words were spoken so soft she barely heard them over the loud pounding of her heart, but they were enough to spur her into action. He trusted her not to hurt him. Not to let things go too far. They had their safe word. She wasn't sure she could have that much trust in him if the roles were reversed.

Janet moved so that she stood behind him again, but this time a little to his left. He did not turn his head to watch, merely stared ahead…waiting. She looked at the scrumptious flesh before her and wondered if she could really hit him. Could she slash the leather lashes across the smooth unmarred ass and watch it turn pink?

She wanted to. The urge to watch his body jerk as the leather touched him was strong. That strange feminine power rose inside of her, demanding to show her dominance over this man who could physically overcome her with ease. She had gifts. Gifts born to all females like seduction and feminine wiles.

Raising the hand that held the whip, she swung and let the lashes fall. His body jumped in surprise and let out a quick gasp. Immediately she let another swing fall on his other ass cheek.

"Are they too soft now?" she asked in a trembling voice. She didn't know if it was from the excitement of having him at her mercy or the sight of his ass muscles contracting in recovery.

"More." She barely heard him. He cleared his throat and spoke louder, his voice shaky. "I can't tell yet."

#2 -

Sitting on the couch she sliced open the tape. Damien came and sat next to her. His jean-clad leg touched her cotton covered one and she swore his heat soaked through to her skin. Turning her focus to the box, she reached out, opening the lid.

"Hmmm. Interesting," she commented as she began pulling the contents out.

The first item was a twenty-inch whip with many lashes on one end. It looked similar to a cat-o-nine tails whip. The handle was heavier than the other two she'd previously been sent. It was wrapped in leather and it felt good in her hand. Comfortable. The multiple strips that flared from the end were also made of the same sturdy leather encasing the handle. Janet put it aside when she realized Damien was watching her with intense scrutiny.

Reaching back in the box, she pulled out the next item. A bottle of lotion. She quickly read the label and out of habit she opened the top and smelled it. Banana. She liked bananas. The label said that when it is rubbed into the skin it warms. When it's blown upon, it heats up. She'd seen other brands, but had never tried one.

"They had to adjust the formula," Damien informed her as she set the bottle next to the whip. "Apparently it burned unpleasantly when it should have just heated."

Janet laughed. "And you trust me to use that on you?"

He smiled. "Only if you are careful where you apply it, until we know that this formula is right."

She raised a shaped brow at him. "If you are a good boy." Where had that come from? Was she actually flirting with him? Well, if she was going to have sex with him, might as well have fun.

The next item was a vibrating anal plug. It was clear and Janet could see the small bullet vibrator encased in the silicone. The shape reminded her of one of those new styled baby bottle nipples. It had several curves, the last one being the widest. It had a suction cup base and the box said that it had four different speeds.

"Still want to do this?" She held the strange shaped plug up for Damien to see.

"I'm not that easy to scare off," he said with a chuckle.

Putting the plug aside with the others, she took out the next box. The cover advertised an easy and safe way to hogtie your partner. She took out the two straps that formed an X and felt the cool, thick nylon in her fingers. At each end were cuffs made of leather. The two that were smaller were meant for the wrists, while the other two were for the ankles. The cuffs had buckles that were locked in place with small padlocks.

Janet shook her head. Alan would never have agreed to help her with these things. He hadn't been too keen on the idea of bondage and refused to help her with anything that had to do with being bound and a state of helpless. Sometimes she asked her best friend Carol to come and help her out. Carol, too, was hesitant when it came to bondage, but she allowed Janet to use some of the products, both women clothed of course, and she gave honest opinions about it. Then they would switch positions. However, doing it that way lacked excitement Janet knew these toys could evoke.

Janet found the sensation of being bound exhilarating. As she held the contraption, she briefly wondered what it would feel like being the one in charge. The one watching another bound in such a way that he was vulnerable to all she did.

"Still not scared?"

Damien shook his head. He said nothing, only continued watching her closely.

Janet took the last two small boxes out. They were condoms. One box stated they were supposed to glow in the dark. The other was mint scented. She started laughing.

"What's so funny?" he asked looking confused.

Janet looked at Damien and tried to figure out how to explain what had made her laugh. "I guess I'm just trying to figure out if I'd rather see a glowing dick coming at me or have the scent of mint left on me."

*grin* 40k

Hi everyone,

Well, last night I finally got around to doing edits for my WIP Pixie and I'm so excited, I managed to get the story up to 40k. Forty Thousand Words!!! The most I've done so far. I'm so proud and pleased. I'm aiming for 45k and gradually working my up from there. Who knows next year I maybe up to 60k mark which would mean for me working on that project that my CP yelled at me about, for smooshing the ideas into one. LOL.

There will be no contest for November since I'm currently organizing the raffle, we're still taking donations to the trunks. You can check out the blog here. I'm sooo excited about this raffle, so many lovely, wonderful, people have donated so much. I'm over the moon. If this thing goes well, I hope we get to do another one again next year. So, please cross your fingers that this does well. We should have a website up soon. Speaking of websites, check out the newly designed Selena Illyria Website, *grin* Ce, updated it and made it all fancy. lol.

I'm currently listening to Susie Suh's self titled album and loving it (one of my favs), along with the new Megan McCauley (sooo talented). I plan on playing those two cds along with The Best of Fuel, Jonny Lang's Wander this World and Long Time Coming and Slipknot Vol. 3 Subliminal Verses and trying to edit my WIP Runaway and do at least a thousand words for the second story in the Pixie series. I just keep coming up with ideas that turn into series, someone stop me. LOL. I'd like to have an idea and have be just a stand alone, that would be nice. LOL.

I finally, finally got to read Chirs Marie Green's Vampire Babylon and I LOVED it! You rock Chris. :-). I'm currently trying to read Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King. I love the Mary Russell series, a really cool take on Sherlock Holmes. I'm just being a chatterbox aren't I? LOL. Sorry about that, I may do a mini contest for a promo pack filled with author promo, not sure yet, maybe a delurking contest. *shrugs* I also have to finish up the Google Group to get it ready and what not, that should be by the end of the month depending on how engrossed I become with writing. I have so many ideas swirling in my head and it's hard to figure out where to go. I have a plan but the best laid plans right? LOL. Anyway, have a Great Weekend guys. Hugs all around.

Oh, before I go, check out Aurora Black's Interview that is up on my website right now. One of these days me and Ce will get around to doing another convo. lol. Ce is currently writing up a storm, you go sweets.

Selena