Thursday, January 27, 2011

Recommending a book I adore

Knowing how personal reading tastes are--and how quirky they can be (because my own definitely are), I hardly ever recommend a book. But today, I break that silent code of mine because the novel I currently finish reading is out of this world. And for an author to say that, an author who is a very picky reader, an author who reads what strikes her, not what she feels she must, that is saying quite a bit.
This book involves me for so very many reasons. The voices of the 3 women who are the heroines is so clear, so crisp, so very much of their period I am in awe of the author's talent and recognize the immense amount of work this book involved. (Or think I do!)
The novel requires the author to imagine herself in another period. Never easy to recreate another time and place, I know from writing Regencies and Victorian pieces as well as medieval period set fiction. And this book is a period piece, 1962-3-4 set in Mississippi. Ah, yes, the Old South. Old problems which nonetheless bear witness to current challenges in the US in many ways, big and small.
The plot seems at first too simple. But quickly, it moves to spread like an octopus, and later, like a disease, throughout every aspect of the characters' lives. Just as similar acts must have precipitated similar challenges in others' real lives and, I'm sure, still do.
Not all of life is tragedy. Not all of this book is frightening. So much of it is, like real life, poignant and filled with laughter. Love. Respect and despair.
As much as one reader can recommend a novel to another, I do recommend you read this. As much as one author can recommend to her colleagues that they read a book so well crafted you hate to put it down, I recommend this one. For the joy of seeing great voice, good plotting and superb rendering of characters who live.

Monday, January 24, 2011

TODAY! Menage with a Texas Ranger & his buddy, The Sheriff?

Nibble of my newest cherry!
Texas men? You love 'em.
Texas Rangers? You adore 'em.
With a Texas Sheriff? How can you go wrong?
NOT.
Here's your treat: Texas Ranger Rico Estrada knows the old saying: One Ranger, One Woman. He’s lived it. Breathed it every time country singing sensation Joy Delaney came home to visit and hop in the sack with him for a night of good lovin’. But the joy ride’s over.

Rico’s moving away from the tasty torment of her luscious little bod. To break the bond, he decides to give her and himself one last treat. His buddy Sheriff Luke Blackwell is sure on board. But can Rico watch another man enjoy what should only be his?

EXCERPT: (copyright, 2011, Cerise DeLand. All rights reserved)

Rico led her out a few steps to the edge of the floor, then took her in his arms. “Maybe it’s time you let yourself have fun with me.”

She inhaled, the smell of leather and citrus aftershave mixing with the heat of his skin near his ear. “I didn’t think Rangers had funny bones.”

He snorted, pulled her more firmly against him. The tempo permitted a rhythm that had his hips rocking against hers, fitting his cock against the seam of her pussy. “We have more than funny ones.”

“I feel the proof.” She felt her own as her channel gushed with more cream.

His hand around her waist drifted down to push her lower body flush to his. “And you need me.”

She toyed with the edge of his shirt collar and considered what would happen if she did more than laugh with him. “I need a lot of things.”

“Name them.”

“Excitement. Forgetfulness.” Peace. She listed all those qualities vital to her survival here in Texas. Tilting her head to look up at his bronzed square face, she admired the harsh sculpted features women drooled over. Rico Estrada was every girl’s wet dream. From the small lines that bracketed his slashing mouth to his hair dense as starless midnight, he was the Lone Ranger, a bandito, and a tough Hispanic macho man. And from the time she’d looked at him with her adolescent hormones raging at age fifteen in her horse corral, he had always eroded her common sense. “Can you give me any of that? Take charge?”

Can you make love to me so it isn’t so much a clashing of wills as it is a blending of bodies?

He crushed her close. His nostrils flaring, he gruffed, “Name the day. The place.”

“Tonight. My house.”

His dulcet eyes snapped with surprise. “I’ll make arrangements.”

“Doesn’t your fellow Ranger over there have other ideas for how you spend your evening?” She tipped her head toward towards the officer Rico had talked with for a few minutes.

“Yes. But your invitation is one I don’t get often.”

“Are you really that interested in that stranger in my guest house?” she shot back, her pride demanding an answer before she took him home and lost herself in him. She hoped duty was not the reason Rico was here, dancing with her, resurrecting memories of how he commanded her to do such delicious things in bed with him. If she was going to relent tonight—because she knew she would sometime before he left town for good—she had to be certain he wanted her for herself. As he always had before. She had to be sure his desire for her had not diminished while she’d stayed away this past year. She had to know that he was hot to fuck her now and didn’t want entry to her bedroom, just to trail a suspect. “Or do you just want to put another Joy Delaney notch on your belt?”

He came to such an abrupt halt on the floor, his spurs jangled. “All these years, all those nights we’ve hopped in the sack, be honest, who conquered who, lady?”

“I hear you’ve never wanted for bed partners,” she avoided his question and drove home her own. “You’ve got a reputation for giving a woman every fantasy she ever wanted. Even asking other men to join you both.”

His look turned narrow and threatening. “Are you jealous or nuts? Tell me! You come home—what? Once, twice a year? Not last year at all! You think a man can live on that alone?”

“No,” she whispered, while couples danced around them, brows lifted at Rico’s raised seething tone.

“Damn straight. I learned the value of fucking a woman any way she wants, any way I want, making every second count, because she might just disappear on you the next morning. You make me crazy,” he growled, as he pulled her through the crowd, his determination a living beast she felt in the wrench of his hold.

Muttering something that made no sense to her, he kicked open the side door and let it bang against the jamb. She grinned. This was the power and control she had always wanted from him, yet he’d never shown her. She hurried to keep up with him as he headed led them towardtowards the back of the parking lot. The August night was a scorcher and the heat covered her like a wool blanket. But nothing compared to the fire in his body as he whirled and pushed her against the steel hood of his 4x4, thrust one leg between her two and pinned her there. With one meaty hand, he lifted her chin and swooped down on her mouth.

His lips sipped and drank, licked and sucked at hers. Her knees buckled. He caught her up against him. “Oh, no. Not getting away from me. We do it my way this time.”

At last! This domination iswas what she craved from him. Always had. She ran her fingers up his spine, held him close and kissed him back. Laced with the sweet root beer, his mouth tasted of his anger and desperation.

He yanked her shirt from her jeans, then pulled it up in the front. Bending her to one side, he lowered his face to skim his wet mouth over her ribs. Her nipples stood tall in her lacy bra. Her stomach quivered. Her pussy throbbed while her fingers found his zipper and the bulge of his cock.

Moaning, she felt the reverberations of his bass voice as he cursed. All at once, he shoved down the fabric of her bra and took one of her nipples in his mouth. She bit her lower lip. His big hot tongue was rough and fierce. Her legs were jelly. He half picked her up, put her to one side and yanked open his truck door. “Get in.”

“My purse,” she objected for what she’d left inside. “Your hat, too., aThey’re—--”

“Our friends’ll get them to us.”

“Are we going to my house?”

“Hell, no. You want excitement? We’re going to get you some.” He gave a sharp nod towardtowards the inside of his truck.

Unsteady on her feet, eager as a kid, she threw him a wobbly grin. “And what about my forgetfulness?”

“I guarantee, lady, what we’re gonna do, you won’t forget.”

She scrambled inside, a thrill of desire coursing through her. She’d wanted it edgy and dangerous. Apparently she was finally going to get it." (copyright, 2011, Cerise DeLand. All rights reserved.)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Welcome Renee Vincent and her top-rated 2 new releases


Yesterday morning, I awoke to find several amazing emails in my inbox. The first, was finding out that my first historical romance, Ræliksen, was nominated in two categories for Love Romances Café’s Best Awards: “Best Book Cover” and “Best Historical 2010”. The second was realizing that Ræliksen and Mac Liam (Book 1 and 2 of my Emerald Isle Trilogy) have been given 5 Star reviews at Night Owl Reviews with the coveted TOP PICK label.

As you can imagine, I was soaring, literally on cloud nine. And so what does this mean to a newbie author like me?

Well, I gave it lots of thought, because frankly, all I could do was mull this moment over in my head a thousand times. And I came to the conclusion that I have the best fans in the world. There’s nothing else I could say. Without the loyalty of my fans, these awards would mean diddly-squat.

But wait. It doesn’t stop there. My publisher, Turquoise Morning Press, tallied up the sales figures on the Top Ten Selling Books for TMP in the fourth quarter of 2010, and both Ræliksen and Mac Liam are in the TOP TEN BEST SELLER list.

So, yeah. I definitely have the best fans in the world. And I think all of this is worth celebrating over.

Well, guess what? TMP has put all ten of these titles on sale at All Romance Ebooks for 20% off. Which means, we’re giving back as a thank you to all those wonderful romance fans out there. So, if you were ever interested in purchasing the first two books of my Emerald Isle Trilogy: Ræliksen and Mac Liam, now is the time!

(Buy Link for Ræliksen at All Romance Ebooks)

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-raeliksen-476517-162.html

(Buy Link for Mac Liam at All Romance Ebooks)

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-macliam-488906-162.html

RÆLIKSEN:
The plot is cleverly complex and exciting and just when you think you've figured this story out, it takes you in a whole other direction keeping your heart pounding, the tears pouring, and on the edge of your seat. I really appreciated Ms. Vincent's knowledge of the people and land of this time period as the images came across crystal clear. The scenery was completely vivid and will take the reader away to places they never thought they would experience. The characters were not only engaging but they also felt very real. Dægan and Mara refuse to let anyone or anything come between them and the lengths they go to for one another is admirable. Too many supporting characters to name and praise for making this story what it is… captivating.

This is my first read by Renee Vincent and she has undoubtedly earned a place on my auto-buy author’s list. This story has all the makings to being a wonderful screenplay for what I can only imagine being an absolutely gorgeous movie. This book and author earn my highest recommendations and I feel privileged to have read one of the best. It is a must read for any lover of historical romance or even lovers of romance in general.

5 Stars ~ Yadkny of “Night Owl Reviews”

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Yadkny-reviews-R-liksen-by-Renee-Vincent.aspx

MAC LIAM:
Much of this story is about choices and remembering the simple pleasures in life that sometimes get taken for granted as well as resolving to learn from past mistakes and then do better. I will admit to being skeptical that this story would capture me as much as the first had, but I was blown away by the awesomeness that is Mac Liam. Ms. Vincent surpassed all of my expectations with her impressive writing abilities, while offering more incites and revelations that will keep readers coming back for more. Readers should be warned of the emotional turmoil they will face once again while reading this incredible story. I eagerly anticipate the next story in this trilogy, yet already mourn the finality.

5 Stars ~ Yadkny of “Night Owl Reviews”

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Yadkny-reviews-Mac-Liam-by-Renee-Vincent.aspx

I am so grateful to all my romance fans, and to even those who are on the fence about leaping off and reading a new author. Just knowing you are all out there keeps a huge smile on my face and that strong determination in my heart to write another award-worthy love story. And another…and another.

You can visit me at

Website: http://www.reneevincent.com

Past The Print: http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com

Deep In The Heart Romance: http://www.deepintheheartromance.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Women who made Waves!

Having recently finished the new biography of CLEOPATRA by Stacy Shiff, I must say, first, WOW! WHAT A BOOK! Delicious research and writing. If you are at all inclined to read tales about notable women, this book is definitely for you.
I love tales about Elizabeth I of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine and more contemporary types, such as Queen Victoria. My daughter has a mad passion to read anything, fiction or non, about Anne Boleyn. I am drawn to fictional accounts of almost any English queen, and a few French, too.
Some hold a fascination because they ruled in their own right. Others because they endured some event, tragic or heroic.
But other tales, like the one of a British woman on the front in World War I France, Vera Brittain, also get my attention.
Do you have a passion for reading novels or biographies of famous women? If so, do you note a trend in what you read? Or the type you prefer?

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

SOMETHING BORROWED? EVER WONDER ABOUT THAT?


I often wondered about this part of the tradition. Something Borrowed...for luck? Anyone have any ideas? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IT!
But here for you, is a nibble of Desiree's version of BORROWED and I guarantee you, it is probably not like anything you've read before!
THIS debuts tomorrow at www.jasminejade.com and the other two--SOMETHING OLD & SOMETHING NEW--are already available for purchase.
Enjoy!
Here is Desiree's thought on Something Borrowed's meaning:
It’s tradition for a bride to have “something borrowed” at her wedding. A symbol of good luck. But what of the “borrowed” is a person? Someone from the bride’s past who is giving her one last sendoff? Zoe Fortunato has one foot in the past and one in the present and an itch she just has to scratch. But will groom-to-be Brad be as happy with things as she is?
I loved writing about Zoe because she is so human, so vulnerable…and so in love with her husband. She’s about to take a big step and she wonders if this will destroy her future. I love vulnerable women…but also the men who love them!
Your nibble: (copyright 2011, Desiree Holt)

Somehow she managed to get through dinner, unexpectedly enjoying herself despite the tension running through her. She was so pleased that so many of their friends and relatives were able to come from out of town and to join them. And if she wanted a distraction, watching her mother and Scott was plenty of entertainment. Her mother was still a young, vibrant, desirable woman. Zoe knew she and Scott were attracted to each other and she hoped they wouldn’t let the age difference keep them from following through on it.

Finally the dinner was at an end. People came by to wish her and Brad well and tell them they’d see them the next day at the wedding.

“You go straight up to your suite, honey,” Raine told her when nearly everyone had left. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning tomorrow around noon with coffee and we’ll get ready for the big event.”

“You have fun tonight,” Zoe whispered to her.

“We’ll see.” Raine hugged her. “See you in the morning.”

“You know tradition says we’re not supposed to see each other tonight,” Brad said when they were in the elevator riding up to their floor.

“I know.” She slipped her hand into his. “But we’re not exactly traditionalists, are we?”

And maybe not in some other things. A little spice in their vanilla.

“Not in this. Come on.”

He led her to the door of his suite, slid his key card into the slot and pushed the door open. As soon as they were inside Brad tossed the card onto a table and stripped off his jacket and tie.

“Okay.” He turned to Zoe. “First things first. Something’s on your mind and nothing’s going to happen until you tell me what it is.”

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Whenever We Meet! Up for Book of the Week!

“I have to admit that I wanted to be the one kissing Stephen whenever they meet.”

Long and short Reviews by Violet!

COME vote for this book for BOOF OF THE WEEK over at Whipped Cream site!

My great THANKS FOR THE QUOTABLE WORDS on this book of mine! In the theme of weddings (to go with the debut of our WEDDING BELLES series at www.jasminejade.com), I lifted these golden words from the review. Music to an author's ears! THANK YOU.

“I really loved the story of Angela and Stephen. Angela’s growth with Stephen and the confidence she gains in herself over the story is really beautiful. Angela’s kisses having different meanings has stuck with me. It’s one of those wonderful things you read, then comes to you on an odd afternoon and just makes you smile. And I have to admit that I wanted to be the one kissing Stephen whenever they meet.”

And about the hero, be still my heart, here are Violet's thoughts:

“Stephen is a wonderful hero. His dark smoldering good looks had me drooling. But it was his manner and care for Angela that made me fall for him. He’s strong; a bit old-fashioned, and has no doubts that Angela is right for him. I just loved him.”

Friday, January 14, 2011

A nibble of Something New! Out today!

EXCERPT! EXCERPT!

First, the setting: Raine Fortunato tells herself that the mother of the bride should not drool over the younger hunky best man. Buff, blond vagabond Scott McCoy should not be the something new she yearns for. Right?

But Scott sees his opportunity. Enticing slinky, sexy Raine to get wet and wild with him needs to happen. ASAP. The night before the wedding. So when he offers her the key to his room and she risks unlocking her craziest fantasies about him, she discovers in his arms earth-shattering climaxes and soul-searing intimacy.

Time now for Raine to decide if something new can be something more.

Your nibble of my new cherry: Copyright 2011, Cerise DeLand. All rights reserved.

She tasted like silk and roses. She looked enchanting, her rich dark red hair thrown back, her eyes half closed with need.

Just the way I want you. Just the way I’m going to keep you.

His one hand cupped her breast. What was she? A 38? D? Yeah, baby. Big and firm and all mine. His cock jerked, impulsive big bastard, wanting to get inside her now.

Easy, man.

His other hand cupped her mons. She was as hot as the desert as she thrust against him. One finger was skimming inside her cunt, gripped tight by her swollen walls but coated with the wealth of her cream. “I see how you came just in time.”

“If you keep doing that, I may come right now,” she whispered, her torso swaying in delight.

“Do as you like, baby. We’re here all night long. You brought this juicy pussy and these sweet hard nipples to the party. I’m going to reward you for the presents.”

Her hands left his shoulders and drifted to the waistband of his trousers. “I need to see what you brought to the party.”

He shifted to let his cock move. Christ, he was so stoked, he wondered if he’d shoot off the minute she touched him, but he couldn’t be stingy. “Be my guest.”

Her fingers fumbled with the catch and he snorted, helping her roll down the zipper. “Love the black skivvies,” she whispered as she sank her hand inside and with the other pulled down the fabric. She whimpered at the sight.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

TODAY you can get in the spirit of SOMETHING NEW

Have you been in a wedding that was unique?
Or attended one that was?
I have seen so many variations over the years and I adore the ones that are different...and not necessarily lavish. In fact, the ones that were Over The Top, seemed somehow...impersonal.
I loved the one we went to that was a cruise. A small party. Frills provided by the staff. To a venue that the Bride and Groom adored.
Another that was totally done by the bride and groom including the mugs with their picture on them, the tiny boxes of jasmine tea that both drink and exclaim about to others. The ones with the excellent wine service and the other with an open bar of beers from around the world. The one that had a big Texas flavor to it. BBQ. Beans. Okay, so maybe not your cuppa, but it was grand really. And the band? DANCEABLE! (Is that a word? But you get me.)
What has been your fave?
Do tell!
Tomorrow SOMETHING NEW debuts at www.jasminejade.com
Come back for a nibble!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue!


I've been so many weddings where the happiest people were the bride and groom. I know that is right, but I often look out over the sea of faces and find not too many happy others!
With a divorce rates that tells us half of all marriages end, I suppose it is likely to see some expressionless faces in the crowd.
But I wonder if, by marrying later in age, or with more education, any of that will change?
What do you think?
Here for your dancing pleasure is a peek at my own SOMETHING NEW, the 2nd in the WEDDING BELLES series by Allie Standifer, Desiree Holt and me!
The first, OLD by Allie, debuts tomorrow!
Mine comes Friday and Desiree's BORROWED on Jan. 19.
Stay turned for the 4th, BLUE, date TBD but so much fun!
NEW: copyright 2011, Cerise DeLand.
Raine Fortunato tells herself that the mother of the bride should not drool over the younger hunky best man. Buff, blond vagabond Scott McCoy should not be the something new she yearns for.
Right?
But Scott sees his opportunity. Enticing slinky, sexy Raine to get wet and wild with him needs to happen. ASAP. The night before the wedding. So when he offers her the key to his room and she risks unlocking her craziest fantasies about him, she discovers in his arms earth-shattering climaxes and soul-searing intimacy.
Time now for Raine to decide if something new can be something more.
Need a nibble?

The clock on the lobby wall was headed for midnight by the time Raine came through. The gardens of the Republic of Texas Hotel resembled a mini-Versailles and she had wandered in the maze for far too long.

She stood before the elevator, tapping her toe in anxiety. When the doors swished open and she marched in, she looked at herself in the mirrored walls. The shoulder-length red hair, the dark green eyes, the body she worked super hard to keep in shape. Didn’t this woman deserve to take what she wanted? Especially since the desire was mutual?

When the doors slid open again, Raine took the card key from her purse and began her hunt for 510. Around to the left and down the hall, she searched for the room. The hotel was filled with her extended friends and family. Raine was grateful no one was out at this hour to see her go to her rendezvous. She sighed in relief when she saw that all was quiet.

She stood there a minute, smoothed her palm over her hip, put the card in the slot and...

A wild screeching siren rent the air.

What the hell is that?

She stared up and looked around.

The door in front of her opened.

So did her mouth.

Scott stood there, bare chest, bare feet, tanned and beaming from ear-to-ear.

She heard yells. Doors opening.

The two doors in back of her disgorged people. People who said, “What is that?” “Oh, shit!” “At this hour of the night?” “Darlin’, where are my briefs?” “Is that a fire alarm?”

“Scott?” she beseeched him, engulfed by hotel guests in pjs and shock.

He reached one long muscular arm out, grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. “Oh, honey!” He pressed her to the wall and slammed the door shut. “I thought you weren’t coming. I was crazy.” His hands were in her hair, his body warm and hard, his lips sweet as they spoke on hers. “Thank god.”

“Scott,” she murmured, so enthralled by the little kisses he bestowed on her mouth and her throat that she could barely breathe, let alone think. “The place is on fire!”

“Tell me about it.” He was chuckling as his fingers took her evening bag from her and put it on the hall table.

She grinned, arching into his big warm hands as he molded her to him, breasts to chest, pussy to cock. “But the hotel—”

“Forget the hotel, baby. I’m burning up. You will be, too, in a minute.”

She moaned as he found the side zipper to her gown and slid it down, tooth by agonizing tooth. “The place will burn down!”

“Mmm. I know it will.”

“They’ll find us in here.”

“I know they will.” He pulled her forward.

She tossed her hair and widened her eyes at him. “We’ll be burnt to a crisp.”

He continued backward to his sitting room. “Damn right, we will.”

“You really don’t care?”

“That some drunk fool tripped the alarm?”

“I really shouldn’t laugh.”

“Laugh, baby. Giggle. Scream. Do one. Do all. Do whatever comes naturally.”