Been on A Tudors Kick

Thought I'd pop in and share this because I've been on a Tudors kick and well, with Henry Cavill in it, who can look away? Enjoy!

Happy Hump Day!

Another creative use of the blindfold and spiked heel. Kudos!

Monday Author Interview with Natasha Blackthorne!

Kealie took another breather, so I’m here welcoming our Monday Interview author and my friend, Natasha Blackthorne! Welcome!! And what’s cool, is we both have a release with Total-E-Bound, TODAY!! Yeah, pretty neat! But she’s here for her interview, so let’s get that going. Grin.

When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote from an early age. My imagination pressed me to write. Whenever my mind is at rest my imagination gives me images and stories and they won’t give me peace until I write them down and try to bring them to life. It becomes an obsession. A painful drive pressing down on me. It was never a choice to write or not to write. I had to write. But the choice came in when I decided to apply myself and learn how to write craft-wise. No one is born knowing how to write. The desire and drive may be there but one still has to learn how to do it well just like any art or skill. And then choice came into play again to decide to submit a story for publication. These were huge, scary steps.



No kidding. There’s all kinds of scary involved in deciding where to send your MS which is like sending your kid out into the world alone. What inspired you to write your first book?
Grey’s Lady was the first book that I submitted for publication. It is not the first book I ever wrote. The inspiration came while reading a book on male-female sexual interactions in Revolutionary and Federalist Philadelphia. After I had read this book, in a quiet moment, Grey, the hero, “showed” me the story through his perspective. He was staring out the bookseller’s windows at the rain and the gray sky. He made eye contact with Beth, the heroine and in that moment she touched him deeply with her sadness that mirrored his own feelings that he was disconnected from.


I love when the characters show us what they want. How did you come up with the title?
The heroine Beth doesn’t believe she is a lady. She’s the illegitimate child of a housemaid and an unknown man. When young, she was seduced and had her heart broken by a gentleman. She believes that she is a soiled dove and that she doesn’t deserve love from the kind of man who really attracts her.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Out of something common, something uncommon and unexpected may develop.

How much of the book is realistic?
Did a wealthy American merchant prince ever have an assignation in a carriage with a lovely young woman and become obsessed with possessing her? Well, I am not sure. LOL. It’s a fairy tale about love, let’s not over think it. Seriously, it’s meant to be a fairy tale for adults set in an early USA setting. It’s character based romance set against a realistic as possible historical backdrop.

Hey, there’s no crime in just letting the story be what it is! What book are you reading now?
Henry Adams and the Making of America by Garry Wills

What are your current projects?
I am working on the Carte Blanche series for Total E-Bound Publishing. The sequel to Grey’s Lady is titled White Lace and Promises and is out now.

The next book in the CB series is titled Alex’s Angel and is set in Philadelphia in 1793 right after the devastating yellow fever epidemic. Sheltered Emily Eliot finds herself alone, making her own decisions for the first time. When desperation leads her to sell her virtue, she walks straight into trouble—and into the arms of gorgeous, golden haired Alexander Dalton. Alex’s Angel is due to be released February 28, 2012. I am currently working on a sequel for Alex’s Angel and I plan another book for CB after that.

You’re a busy girl! Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a necessity like breathing or eating. Even if I had no access to paper and pen, I’d be writing in my head.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It was always just there. When I learned how to read and write in school I knew this was the way to record my imaginations. I did not know at that time that writing is also a craft. The people around me were not supportive of my budding attempts to write. I was strongly discouraged to write by those around me. (A vast understatement.) I can’t help but have deep regrets that I didn’t learn early that writing is a craft that must be learned. It would have made sharing my writing and publication seem more tangible, something real I could aspire to. But it really didn’t matter. The drive to write was never a choice and it wouldn’t be pushed away.


Who designed the covers?
The art department at TEB and April Martinez made me the loveliest possible cover for Grey’s Lady. I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It really brings the story to life, what more could any author hope for in a cover?

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Being patient with my imagination. I’d like to have more control over the process but when I try to take over the process it always slows me down and lands me into writer’s block.


Yeah, writer’s block stinks! Do you have any advice for other writers?
Study all you can but respect your own processes.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I am mostly always writing. Some at the computer, some in my head. When I am unable to spend time writing I feel very lost as if some vital part of myself is missing so it is always the priority for me.

I’d love to have that much time to write. Grin. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was six. For many years I wrote for my own self-expression and I had no thought of being a “serious” writer or publishing. As I said, I wrote not because I wanted to or because I made a decision to at any point but because I had to. Becoming serious about writing and applying myself to learn to write didn’t happen until much later. There’s a huge difference between writing and becoming serious about learning the art and craft of writing.


What does your family think of your writing?
My husband believes in my writing deeply. He always has.


That’s fantastic! What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?
Cats. I have always loved cats. It runs in the family. My father and older sister loved cats too. Cats are so warm, affectionate and loyal yet they are selective. They don’t give their affections or loyalty easily. People who say cats are aloof have never truly known a cat. They are capable of deep loyalty and emotional closeness. The right cat makes a dedicated companion. Sometimes I really do despair of getting any time alone! Cats communicate with those they love in such subtle ways, if only the person they seek to connect with will attune to them and be open to it. It hurts me but I know it’s true, when I was younger I was not always patient or open enough to what the cats in my life wanted to communicate or share with me.

Dogs are wonderful, loving creatures but I am a steadfast cat person.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?
I can’t stand boxerbriefs. I am not sure why, I just don’t like the way they look on a man. On my husband naked is best.

What is your strangest habit?
Zoning out and daydreaming. This got me into a lot of trouble as a child. Oh, who am I kidding, it gets me into trouble now.

Nothing wrong with getting into trouble here and there. I spend a lot of time in trouble. Grin. What is your favorite pizza?
Cheese and mushrooms with black olives.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am definitely a night person.

Now you know you want to learn more about Natasha! Here’s her links:


Website: http://natashablackthorne.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Nblackthorne
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Blackthorne/e/B0056H8TY6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002385587652

Want to know more about Grey’s Lady? Here’s the vital stats!
Book one in the Carte Blanche Series

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.

Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.
But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.
But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.
For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?
Buy here!

And here’s a little bit about White Lace and Promises:
Book two in the Carte Blanche Series

Beth and Grey’s passionate battle of wills continues...
New York Merchant Prince Grey Sexton loves the audacious, spirited young temptress who seduced him in a Philadelphia bookseller’s and made passionate love to him in his carriage. Her fiery nature broke through his cold self-protection. But in a time of war and trade disruption, he cannot allow himself to be distracted. He vows to put business above all else in his life, including his bride.
Shocked and hurt by Grey's distance, Beth wonders whether he truly returns the burning love she feels for him. Beth demands that Grey prove he can truly change once and for all or else she will not start a family with him. But will the dark, sensual secrets she yet keeps repel this arrogant, self-controlled gentleman she has married?
Buy Here!


And coming soon: Alex’s Angel!

Sunday Book Video ~ Shut Up and Kiss Me ~ Mysti Holiday

Kasey Davenport and Cole Roberts—adversaries since junior high when Cole did nothing but pull her hair, snap her bra strap and tease her mercilessly—find themselves unexpectedly thrown together when Kasey is in town on a layover. As always, sparks fly between them, but this time the attraction simmering close to the surface explodes into a passion neither of them expected or wanted.

After years of mutual avoidance and denying their attraction, can Kasey and Cole stop arguing long enough to discover if what they feel will last more than just one night?

Want a copy? Buy yours here!

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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

Tt's the holidays and well, we all deserve to have a great day filled with warmth, friends, family, and fun!

Happy Hunk Day!

Work that blindfold and handcuffs!!

Monday Author Interview with Starla Kaye!

This week we have the fantastic Starla Kaye on the couch. I apologize now for not getting her here faster. Blame it on the craziness of the holidays. I would like to thank her for stopping by. But who wants to hear me chatter on? Welcome Starla!!!



How did you come up with the titles?

The title for a book is the first thing I come up with, followed by the characters. I’m just one of those authors that can’t us “WIP” as a title. My title fits everything about the story and I’m fortunate enough to publish with e-publishers that never change my titles.

Their Lady Gloriana refers to the heroine in this medieval and the two powerful knights. These men have not only been lovers prior to meeting her, but also both fall in love with her. Their situation, of course, is complicated.
Starting Over fits the two men, who are both in some way starting over in a relationship in their lives. One man has finally “come out” as a gay man and struggling to take the next step in his life. The other is a long-time gay man, who has lost the man he considered the love of his life.

Aww. Sounds heart breaking, but good! What is the hardest scene you have had to write?

I’d like to modify that a bit to make it the most interesting, surprising, and difficult for at least one of the characters scene. The scene was in Their Lady Gloriana and has come after when she has accidentally witnessed an intense love moment between her husband Thomas and his best friend Rowan. She and Thomas had had an argument and then he left to ride off by alone, frustrated and disgusted with himself. Rowan found him and the men had another intense sexual scene. When Thomas joined Gloriana in bed later, he squirmed around a little in discomfort and she was worried about him. She refused to let him get away with “it’s nothing” and eventually he grudgingly admitted that Rowan had taken him and hard. The tender-hearted side of her came out along with her stubbornness. She wanted to help him heal by applying one of her salves. He, naturally, was appalled at the idea. The scene was a complete surprise to me as I wrote it. Gloriana often surprised me throughout the story.


Don’t you love when the characters pull fast ones? What is the favorite character you have written?

I have published 19 novels and 19 novellas, so I have had a gazillion characters to deal with. I fell in love with both Thomas and Rowan in Their Lady Gloriana and will be writing Rowan’s story for Christmas this year. Yet I have to say that the character probably most near and dear to my heart was the heroine in Whiskey’s Rebellion, from Blushing Books. This was a story that I wrote a dozen years ago and never could quite get it the way I wanted it…until I had an epiphany one day. Whiskey was one of my most fun, most independent heroines. She was the daughter of an English nobleman, raised in Dodge City with two older brothers, and a twin sister (who will have her own story next year). The young deputy she thought would be the love of her life died and she went to live with an aunt for a short while. Until her oldest brother insisted she come home and marry his U.S. Marshal partner, Morgan. Morgan was every bit the gruff, stubborn, macho alpha man. She, of course, drove him crazy from the moment she flew into town in a hot air balloon. There is nothing better, in my biased opinion, than bringing a man to his knees and making him admit that he loves an impossible woman.

Hee Hee. We here at the Menagerie know NOTHING about impossible women. What are your current projects?

I have four publishers, though I write for only three at the moment: Blushing Books, Black Velvet Seductions, and Decadent Publishing. I have three projects going on at all times. Currently I’m writing a novella, So Not a Cowboy, a contemporary western romance, for Blushing Books. But I’m also writing an historical western series of novellas about five brothers for this publisher. I will be starting on the second book, Braddock Brothers: Adam, next.

I am working on the follow-up story to my medieval ménage story, Their Lady Gloriana, for Black Velvet Seductions. This novel will be For the Love of Rowan, which will continue the complicated relationship and have him find a woman who finally heals the emotional wounds he bears. I have to admit that I will hate to finish his story. He is my most beloved hero.

And I am working on Naughty, Naughty Santa for Decadent Publishing as a holiday novella. This will be a very sexy, very fun story and I don’t want to give the characters away right now. I write at least one holiday story every year, usually two.

Busy, busy, busy! How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 19 published novels, 19 published novellas, and 5 published anthologies from my various publishers. Starting Over, which comes out sometime in August, will be my 10th novella. It is hard to say which one is my favorite and they are from a number of romance sub-genres: contemporary, erotic, historical western, sci-fi, futuristic, pirate, medieval, and Regency. I’d have to say the ones dearest to me are Whiskey’s Rebellion, If You Loved Me, Bah Humbug Cowboy, Maggie Mine, Hawke’s Lady, Maggie’s Secret Wish, and Their Lady Gloriana.


You’ve got a lot going on! Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why?

Pictures, like mirrors, give too accurate an image of who you are at a particular time. I think most people, me certainly, carry an image around in their head of what they looked like at a certain time…when they looked their best. It can be a grave disappointment to look at a photo or the mirror and see what you look like now.

Yes. I agree. What is your heritage?

I’m half German and half a mixed bag of nationalities. I’m the genealogist in our families, not necessarily by choice. But I like finding about my heritage and relatives I never really knew. It’s all those quirky things that I find which most interest me. Like that my great-grandmother decided one day that she didn’t like the spelling of her husband’s last name (Toliver) and he let her change it to Tolliver. Let me tell you, little things like that really screw up genealogy work. One time I found a will from the mid 1600s, where the two daughters were each left a spoon while their brothers inherited land, etc.

Well, that’s certainly fair. (said sarcastically) Have you ever cried during a movie?

All the time. I’m such a softy that I even cry at Disney movies. I like it, though. I want a movie and a book to play with all of my emotions.

Yup. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Morning definitely. I’m up with the sun (which is difficult in the winter) and ready to go. I work my best on whatever I’m doing until about 1 pm, then I drag a little. I revive and can work more for another 4-5 hours. But come 7 pm or so, I’m done for the day. I don’t write at night because generally anything I write then gets thrown out the next day.

Do you like thunderstorms?
I LOVE thunderstorms. The intensity of the moment in invigorating. The rumbling of thunder, the smell of rain, the brilliant flashes of lightning…all great stuff. And I enjoy sharing them with someone.

Want to know more about Starla Kaye? Here’s her official bio:
Starla Criser, aka Starla Kaye, wears many hats, too many at times. Having a B.S. in gerontology, she coordinates a number of projects with and for the benefit of senior adults in Wichita, Kansas. Married to an aggressive CPA with his own accounting firm, she works part-time plus as the firm’s community coordinator. In the back of her mind, though, at all times is her love for writing. She uses her skills in a variety of ways: writing and publishing a newsletter for a senior adult church group, writing articles for the writers’ group that she is editor for, and maintaining two websites with blogs.

And here’s her links:
Author Website: http://starlakaye.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlaKayeWriter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/starlawrites
Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=151725
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5494986-starla-kaye
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjGj_cZKzXc

Sunday Book Video ~ Bite With Height by Lucy Felthouse

When Meg spots a young woman alone in the Pigalle district of Paris at night, she’s intrigued. She has to know her story and find out why she looks so sad and alone. After introducing herself, Meg realizes that she and Grace have a lot in common. But when they decide to go and grab a drink together, they discover a mutual love that could bond them forever.

Buy Here!
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Just a Little Stuck...

You're probably looking at the title of this post and thinking, gee, where is she stuck? Yeah, it's a strange way to start a post, but it's a start anyway.

So where am I stuck?

I'm at the critical part of my latest WIP. The love scene. Now don't get me wrong. I love to write hot and these two are begging to get hot. The thing is, and I'm sure the girls will agree with me, you can't just write hot on the spur of the moment. You have to be in a mood to write it. Just saying, I'm gonna write it and making yourself do it and letting the love flow the way it's naturally going to flow is like being at opposite ends of a spectrum. I want to write it, but if I force it, then it won't be sexy or fun. It won't flow. It will sound tight and not in a good way. So I'll let it run for now.

But, I've got a surprise in store for you. What is it you say? Why, the new cover for Fallen, coming in January from Changeling Press. Yep. I'm pretty sure I drove the cover artist berserk being particular, but I am completely thrilled with the outcome and am so happy to share it with you.


Here's the blurb to tide you over until January...

He's her salvation if she's willing to lose her wings all over again.

Livia was cast out of heaven for the crime of falling in love with a human. So what's a fallen angel to do when she meets the man of her dreams? Falling certainly has its perks.

Ty didn't expect the angel at his party to be fallen or to have a murky past. He also didn't expect her to end up in his arms. Now he's not about to let the past stand in the way of their future.

Happy Hump Day!

That's not how you play hide and seek...it's hide and peek!

Monday Author Interview with Dr. Robert Birch

I’m alone this week as Kealie’s busy doing other things. Can’t say as I blame her. Let’s hope she’s writing so she can say, look what I did, when she comes back. Grin. Anyway, I’m not really alone as our guest this week is none other than Robert Birch!!! Thanks for being here, Bob. Why don’t we get started? Where are you from?
I grew up in the country, living in the City of Pittsburgh. When I was a boy (1935 to 1950), getting to our home from three directions required walking through woods. A bit of country boy was engrained into me during those early years, and has followed me my entire life. My most recent history includes living in the City of Columbus, Ohio, for many years, but moving to a rural area following my retirement. I know of both city and country living, and this comes in handy when I write.


Ah, another Ohioan. Nice. When and why did you begin writing?
Back in 1958, when I was a 21 year old soldier spending time in a radio hut sitting in the middle of a Korean rice paddy, I would write short sci fi stories to pass the time between the infrequent radio messages. After the passage of over 50 years, I transferred my words from yellowed paper to my computer and finally got these stories into print. The paperback book is appropriately titled Science Fiction from the Radio Hut.

I did not begin writing again until 1996. At the time I was a Ph.D. Psychologist specializing in marital and sex therapy. My first publication was an explicitly illustrated manual on cunnilingus, titled Oral Caress. This was followed by an illustrated self-help guide for premature ejaculators, titled Male Sexual Endurance. Then came a book for women who were not reaching or having difficulty reaching orgasm. Sensual Pathways to Pleasure was followed by my book for older men, titled Sex and the Aging Male. Five additional “professional” books followed.

My first erotic romance novel was not written until I had retired. To date I have eight full length novels and four novellas published, all available in Kindle, ebook and print formats.

Prolific. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
While in clinical practice, I considered my writing of self-help books to be a part of my profession. Once I retired and moved from the hustle bustle of the city, I began writing fiction and poetry. It was then I took on the identity of a writer and poet.

Makes a lot of sense. What inspired you to write your first book?
I would honestly have to say that it was boredom that got me sitting in front of my computer, and with over thirty-five years of experience in the field of sexuality, it seemed natural for me to begin writing about sex. For my very first novel I tapped into my knowledge of human behavior, and I must admit, the 400 plus pages are more erotica than romantic. The hot sex is interwoven into a very complex murder mystery, with a hint of education slipped in. One reviewer asked the question, “Will a reader learning anything from a book written by a sex therapist?” She then answered herself, “Oh, yes, the book is filled with novel advice.”

Do you have a specific writing style?
I write more than I read, and so I wonder how my writing would compare to the work of female writers of erotic romance. Being male, I wonder if I overemphasize the visual qualities of my characters, although I do recognize the importance of all the senses. Tastes and aromas in particular are mentioned frequently. I’m very comfortable writing of the emotions folks experience in sexual and romantic encounters.

When not writing of alien beings, I stay pretty realistic about human anatomy and human sexual abilities. In my stories the reader will not find men with ten inches of equipment who can go for two hours, having six orgasms in the nonstop process. My men are sensitive and sensual, not Alpha Male studs with superhuman sexual stamina. I do not write of S&M activities and there are no gory details in my murder mysteries.

I do rely a lot on dialog and I like including descriptive details to add color. I will not pass up an opportunity to slip in some humor. This was particularly true in my writing of the four books in my sci fi erotic romance novella series. I had much fun describing the bodies and the carnal activities of aliens. A touch of humor will also be found in my new release, I’m At Your Service. Sex should be fun, and at times funny.

Interesting. Love Sci-Fi. How did you come up with the title?
Very early in I’m At Your Service we learn that the main character, Karen, is a young escort. She becomes involved in a number of fetishes and is a participant in several role play encounters. One role she plays is that of a French maid, at the service of an unpredictable client.

Sounds sexy. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Life is not always easy, and if we see something we would like to have, there might be some risk in getting it. A reader might also learn how the G Spot can be stimulated during cunnilingus and might also learn the value of using Ben Wa Balls to tone up the muscles that contract during orgasm. My female characters often take control, get on top and move in a way that will maximize their clitoral stimulation. However, I have tried to avoid having the story read like a sex manual.

It’s rather hard sometimes not to make a sex scene look like a how-to, but then again, who knows? Lots of people might read erotic romance to LEARN how. Grin. How much of the book is realistic?
I think the majority of I’m At Your Service is realistic, for fetishes do exist and there are professionals who promise to satisfy them. As would any cautious sex worker, Karen is aware of her need for birth control and how to protect herself from sexually transmitted disease. Many escorts have a sensitive and caring side. When Karen’s neighbor thanks her for having done something nice, she characterizes herself as a classic character – the whore with a heart of gold.

Wasn’t that Pretty Woman? Grin. What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one, for if I want a reader to love my characters, I need to make them loveable. However, I think there’s something special about Margaret, the friendly ghost in my novel titled Margaret’s Diary. Margaret’s playful and clever, but she can also be quite serious. The messages she leaves are cryptic, and the other main characters must decipher Margaret’s clues to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder of her son. The cold case must be solved before this ghost will finally be free to cross over and join her deceased husband and son.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I have started an erotic romance novel featuring a female sex therapist. This has been nicely done by several other writers who involve the therapist in a mystery and a hot affair with a detective. The plot surrounding my psychologist will go in a different direction, and she’s going to experience a strong attract to a drummer with long hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Short answer – Getting started!

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?
My God, I look old!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
When I was in Korea (1957 – 58), I was stationed at a very small outpost, ten miles from a large city. There was a small village just down the dirt road, and we soldiers befriended the Korea farmers and their families. I loved the kids and was easily persuaded by one to eat fried grasshoppers. These hardly rival buttered popcorn, but I found them edible and loved the reaction of the other GIs when then saw me popping them into my mouth.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?
I will confess to being very emotional and extremely sentimental. I will cry at the sound of a bugler playing Taps, at the passing of the American flag during a parade, and cannot make it through singing the National Anthem without tearing up! I cry listening to songs from the 40’s (my growing up years). I’ll bawl at funerals and weddings. In movies I weep for happy and for sad.

What is your favorite pizza?
My favorite is a thin crust pepperoni, but I will add slices of onion and green peppers to the top. This sure beats fried grasshoppers!

What is one thing scientists should invent?
I would be in the line of first time travelers if scientists could invent a time machine. My father died with I was only six, and I would love to go back and get to know him, man to man. As it is, time travel will only occur in some of my novels.

What stereotype would you label yourself as?
I would probably be best described as a dirty old man! Here I am at 75, writing hot explicit fiction. I should be writing storybooks for my grandchildren!

Well, you gotta do something to stir things up. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Definitely a morning person. My wife and I are in bed by 9 and up by 5. My most productive hours are the morning hours.

Do you like thunderstorms?
I do like thunderstorms. The claps of thunder, bolts of lightning, torrents of rain and driving winds remind me of the power of nature. Living in a rural setting surrounded by trees, there is always the risk of a power outage. This presents an exciting challenge, for my wife and I have three dogs and two cats, plus two birds and two fish tanks. We have prepares in advance, have a camp stove, an abundance of flashlights, and a reserve of human and animal food.

If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?
Being older than my dear wife, I wish for long life so as not to leave her alone for an extended period of time. If she were to go first, I would wish for my own speedy death, knowing it would be accurately said that I died of a broken heart.

Do you want to know more about Bob Birch? Here’s his official bio:

Robert W. Birch, Ph.D. is a retired marital and sex therapist, having practiced this specialty as a psychologist for over 35 years. He had characterized the focus of his teaching and counseling as interpersonal issues of love and intimacy. In his more serious mood, Bob has written self-help books about common sexual concerns, and a clinical manual for sex therapists. In a more playful mood he has authored six books of his bawdy limericks. In a more sensual mood, he has published twelve erotic romance novels and a book of erotic short stories. He is the author of a collection of short sci fi stories and over ten collections of poetry in a variety of formats, both naughty and nice.Bob is a prolific writer with a sense of humor and many styles. He is a resident of rural Ohio, where he writes in the company of his wife, three dogs, two cats and a talkative cockatiel named George.

And here’s a little bit about I’M AT YOUR SERVICE by Robert W. Birch :

Karen is a beautiful 23 year old woman who became an escort after leaving her country home and moving to the city. She chose this line of work because for her sex is not work, it’s fun. She’s a responsive woman and with her creativity she’s able and willing to satisfy many of her clients’ erotic appetites. Although she reminds herself never to become emotionally attracted to a client, she develops strong feelings for a handsome sensual man she knows as Steve. She always schedules him at the end of the day when she needs sexual fulfillment, for he’s an expert at satisfying an expert.

Karen is shocked when she is contacted by a homicide detective and told the man’s name is not Steve and he is thought to have been stabbed and throw off a bridge. She’s even more surprised when Steve, who is very much alive, calls her and identifies himself a Howard, an FBI agent. She’s angry when she learns he had come to her on assignment. There’s something mysterious going on in the city that’s resulting in the destruction of federal property and the deaths of federal employees. Howard warns Karen not to trust anyone and shares his own distrust of the city police. It’s a complicated case in which Howard is involved as a computer geek. Karen somehow becomes a suspect and she suspects she’s being followed. Howard warns her that her phone and email are being monitored and she’s not sure who she can trust. The sexual encounters between Karen and Howard, however, remain sizzling hot, and her feelings for him intensify. He remains noncommittal, however, and one moment she finds reason to believe he loves her but the next she thinks he’s only using her for his sexual gratification.

The reader will discover why the need for secrecy and understand Karen’s need to sneak around to meet with Steve. It occurs to her that as long as the case goes unsolved she’ll never be able to spend quality time with this man. The only way she’ll know his true feelings is to involve herself in the investigation. Against Howard’s advice she puts herself at risk, at one point fearing for her life. Her sights are ultimately set on Steve, but can a sex worker capture the heart of a FBI agent?

Print copies of I'm At Your Service at:
http://www.amazon.com/Im-At-Your-Service-Escorts/dp/1463708211
http://www.erotic-romance-novels.com/At_Your_Service.htm

Thanks Robert. I had a great time conducting the interview. And for the readers, you can keep up with Robert on his website, http://www.OralCaress.com

Sunday Book Video ~ Punk Rox Warrior by Rachel Cron

Life is about to get interesting for Rainne.

Rainne Stanton is a young woman who lives by her own rules. She has her band, she has her little business, and now she has a stalker. Her world is turned upside down when her mother gets involved.

James Decker is competent, lethal and Rainne's new shadow.Hired by her mother to find and eliminate Rainne’s stalker, he never anticipated what was waiting for him.

Their passion was something neither one expected or welcomed.

Together, can they clear the haze of deception surrounding Rainne? As James begins to unravel the mystery that is Rainne herself, what he finds will forever change him in ways he never could have anticipated.

http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Siren-Publishing-Classic-ebook/dp/B004VA9V3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317570394&sr=8-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/punk-rox-warrior-rachel-cron/1102291086?fmt=200&itm=1&usri=punk%2brox%2bwarrior

http://www.facebook.com/rachel.cron1

http://www.siren-bookstrand.com

http://rachelcronauthor.blogspot.com/
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Did You Ever....

Did you ever do something so totally foolish and out of your personality that the moment you did it you thought, gee, why did I do this?

What am I talking about you may ask? I'll be general, but this.

I usually at least look at the person I'm friending when I accept a friend request. You never know who might want to friend you. I like to friend readers/writers/potential readers etc. So this person sends me a request.

Seems harmless enough.

I check the pics out and this person looks harmless enough. So I hit accept. Don't want to discourage a potential reader or faithful reader or whatever.

That's when it got strange.

The person wanted to chat. Fair enough. I chatted. But then this person started asking questions. Was I married? Did my kids live with me? Where did I live?

Um...yeah... I'm a pretty open person and I don't really hold much back. But if I've JUST been friended by you and I really don't know you...um sorry. I'm not just going to tell you my street address and blood type.

I had this odd feeling at the time that it wasn't a good idea to hit accept. Was this person dangerous? Probably not, but what if?

Have you ever done something like that? Something you knew in your gut wasn't real smart and then had to take it back? Just wondered if I'm the lone stupid one.

Titles...

I found out this past week that my very short, sexy romp formerly known as "Her Handyman" was offered a contract from The Wild Rose Press (Wilder Roses). I haven't actually signed on the dotted line yet because we need a new title. My editor asked for some suggestions (within certain parameters) and I sent along six or seven, but OMG titles are harder than writing a book!

Two things make a first impression: title and cover. I really think a lot hinges on both. So coming up with just the right title is important. There are the standard ones that we all giggle at, but apparently sell books (or Harlequin wouldn't keep using them). You know the ones: "The Greek Billionaire's Widowed Virgin Mistress".

Okay ... I can't resist... I have to go find some real ones to share.

"The Greek's Convenient Mistress"
"Sophie and the Scorching Sicilian"
"Shameful Secret, Shotgun Wedding"
"The Sabbides Secret Baby"

Ooooh.... I like this one:

"Forbidden or For Bedding?"

Yeah, baby.

Anyway, I'm hoping for a decent title. And a smoking hot cover. That's what I want for Christmas this year.

Happy Hump Day!

My favorite time...SAMMICH TIME

Monday Author Interview ~ Carolyn Rosewood!

I want to thank the wonderful Carolyn Rosewood for being on the couch this week. Kealie is down with a cold and I’m not much better, but I’m vertical, so I’m in charge of the interview this week. Don’t worry, I’ve had meds, I’ve got tissues, and I’m using hand sanitizer. I’ll sit at the far end of the couch, too.

Let’s get the interview started! J Where are you from?

I grew up on the near west side of Cleveland Ohio, and lived in the surrounding area until five years ago, when we moved to Murfreesboro Tennessee as part of my job relocation. Murfreesboro is about thirty five miles southeast of Nashville, and is home to approximately 120,000 people. It’s a nice community I enjoy living and working here.


How cool is that! I’m on the west side of Cleveland right now. When and why did you begin writing?


I began writing as soon as I could print! I was the geeky kid in middle and high school, carrying a notebook filled with stories. When I’d get bored in class I’d write. My English teachers loved me because I was one of the few who didn’t groan when they announced a writing assignment. Even though I didn’t major in English in college, and didn’t get serious about writing until approximately twelve years ago, I always wrote. The stories would start writing themselves in my head, from the most common objects or pictures. I’ve been reading romance since I was 19, and I wrote my first romance manuscript about twelve years ago. It was a mess, filled with every newbie mistake imaginable. I didn’t even have a computer! I wrote it on an electronic Smith Corona typewriter. I wasn’t an RWA member, and I had no idea how to query agents. Two years ago we had a devastating tornado in the town where I now live, and I realized first-hand how everything can change in an instant. I also realized if I was going to pursue my dream of being a published romance writer, I’d better get my butt in gear and get serious about it. I joined RWA and our local Nashville chapter, the Music City Romance Writers. I learned my craft, asked a million questions, and began to write for publication, not just for fun.


Always gotta learn that craft. What inspired you to write your first book?

When my daughter was two years old we bought Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on VHS. She was afraid of the beast, but the scene at the end where he turns into the prince captivated me. A manuscript that I’ve been tweaking ever since started writing itself in my head. Over the years it’s taken on new characters, lost a few, and the plot line has undergone too many changes to remember. After I finish the third book in my current Seduced By A Demon series for Evernight, I’m going to finish that manuscript for real and submit it.


That’s a great movie. How much of the book is realistic?

It’s fiction. None of it is real. J Seriously, all my characters have bits of pieces of real people I know in them, though not so much anyone would recognize themselves. My heroines each have a little bit of me in them. As for the plots, even my paranormals have some reality in them. I don’t write pure fantasy.

It can’t all be realistic. What books have most influenced your life most?

So many… To Kill A Mockingbird, 1984, Little Woman, A Wrinkle in Time, Main Street and The Great Gatsby, just to name a few.


Those are great books. I’ve read and own most of them. Now this is an important question, do you see writing as a career?

It has been even when I wasn’t making any money from it. Writing is my passion. It’s that thing I’d keep doing even if no one paid me to do it. It’s my dream to be able to write full time.

We’d love to write full time, too. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up. Learn your craft, hone your skills, and learn to take constructive criticism. Find writers who are where you want to be and pick their brains. If you can’t speak with the directly, devour their books and pick them apart to see what worked for you and what didn’t – and more importantly – why or why not. Reading in your chosen genre is just as important as writing.

Never hurts to know a lot about the genre you want to write in, but absolutely you must write, write, write. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope I’ve created characters you can fall in love with, and that you don’t want to leave at the end of the book.

Sigh. J What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

I’m a cat person. You can leave them alone all day and they won’t do terrible things to your house, but will still be thrilled to see you when you get home. They’re naturally clean animals and as long as their litter box is kept clean they will use it. They can be loving and affectionate when the mood strikes them, and will stick close to you when they sense you’re sick or feeling bad.

I’m a cat person, too, to the tune of owning two of them now. Do you hate how you look in pictures? Why or why not?

Everyone does, don’t they? I don’t know anyone who loves the picture they take.

I love the pictures I take, not the ones I’m in. Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?

I print some capital letters simply because I can’t remember how to write them in cursive. It was a long time ago when Iearned it.

I mix mine up, too. You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

I have a few of them. But the one that stands out is a boy I dated in high school, and hurt very badly because I was naïve and didn’t know any better. I don’t necessarily want to erase that because it would change too many things, but I would love to be able to go back and apologize to him.


But at least you learned. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Sleeping! LOL! If I didn’t have a real job to get to every morning I’d be a night owl, but not anymore. When you rise at 5 AM on workdays it’s hard to stay awake past midnight.

Oh, if we aren’t sick as dogs, we’re usually up way past midnight, but that’s when we write best. What is your heritage?

My mother is Sicilian and my father is Hungarian.

Cool. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

I cry during lots of movies! The last one where I cried was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. How could you watch that and not cry?

I’ve never seen that movie. I think I got to the third HP movie and quit. Not enough time to watch them all for me. What is your favorite pizza?

Anything smothered in veggies, especially olives and peppers. YUM!

OH! Sounds good. Do you like thunderstorms?

I don’t mind them but where I live they’re usually violent and I do mind that. The power goes out which means my Internet goes out.

Yeah, no power can be a bummer. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Absolutely! Pepsi has a sweeter taste and I prefer it over Coke.

I want to thank Carolyn for being on the couch today. I’m also going to apologize for not getting this up faster. Colds suck. But since you’re reading along and don’t give a hoot about my cold, you can find out more about Carolyn at: http://carolynrosewood.com

Want to know more about Hunted? Here you go:

For the past four hundred years, Jahi Wickes has made forged documents and credit cards for the female demons who seduce men into signing away their souls. While enjoying the parades at Mardi Gras, she's ambushed by two angels. One is her former guardian angel, and the other is the Nephilim who’s tracking him.

Dagon has been chasing Vassago for three years. His first big break comes in the form of a cute, sexy demon. When he learns the real reason Vassago is hunting her, Dagon has more trouble than he bargained for. Not only was Vassago sent to guard souls in Purgatory after screwing up his assignment with Jahi, but the person who paid him to destroy her is one of her fellow demons.

Buy it here: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/products/Hunted-by-Carolyn-Rosewood.html

Sunday Book Video ~ Dracula's Kiss by JoAnne Kenrick

Cathela's Office Halloween Ball is a complete bust; she spills out her Dracula's Bride costume and her vamp fetish chases away her boyfriend. Only redeeming feature to the night? Necking multiple shots of Dracula's Kiss--a lush Black Cherry Vodka cocktail--and an interlude with a gorgeous man dressed Gary Oldman style.

No one comes close to satisfying Alec Murray's needs until he meets Cathela during some lame-ass party for bankers. One taste of her blood, sweet yet darkly dangerous, he knows she's perfect for him.

A night of goth bondage is planned for one. For the other, a night of sexual control is a must. A perfect fit. Alec is compelled to reveal his true nature, but can he trust her with his secret.

www.decadentpublishing.com
http://www.joannekenrick.com
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Want to see your book commercial here? Email us at menagerieauthors@gmail.com to find out how!

Is MM More Mainstream or Are We More Tolerant?

I wasn't sure what to write about this week, but this crossed my mind. Why? I'm seeing a lot more MM becoming more mainstream. That's awesome.

But I wondered if it was that the gay culture is more mainstream or is it that we as a people are more tolerant?

I was watching American Horror Story and love the gay couple subplot. It's great and it shows the characters (IMHO) in a natural light. Yes, they fight. Yes, they get silly, but you feel the fading love they had for each other. Plus it's kinda fun to watch them spar.

Now this isn't the only gay show on tv. Sheesh. Far from it. Logo is all about LBGT. That's fantastic. There's the A-List NY and Dallas, both of which crack me up because those manly men (and this is meant in all love and respect) are so girly sometimes it's hilarious.

There are the designers on Project Runway and the characters that crop up on prime time.

This also translates into books. MM is really, REALLY big right now. I'm glad. I love those stories. Its a romance and men are doing hinky things, I'm there.

Now I wonder, and feel free to chime in on this, is it that we are more tolerant and accepting of everyone or is it a bit of market chasing? Okay, so people tune in when there are gay couples. That's fine. They buy MM books because they want to broaden their spectrum. Fabulous. Now we see the statistics for books and flix with MM in them. The numbers can be staggering. People want their gay men. But when is the story/show less about the characters and more about the titillation?

There are a lot of authors out there who write quality MM work. They tackle tough LBGT issues and really make a statement. There are those who can write MM angst like no one's business.

Then there are those stories where it sure seems like Johnny was originally June and made a Johnny because the story would sell better.

There's lots of authors who are strictly or mainly MM writers. But there's a lot more wandering over. They are dabbling. Is this because they truly want to write MM or because they are, and I hate this phrase, market chasing? I had a friend who generally writes sensual romance. This person doesn't read or write erotic. When this person heard there is gold in them thar LBGT hills, the decision was made to write MM. Is this reason enough?

How do we stop this chasing and how do we ensure that the reader is getting quality work? I can tell you from personal experience, just because there are two men rather than a man and a woman, doesn't make it easier to sell the book to a house. It's not. In fact, lots of places who publish a lot of LBGT are really HARD to get into.

I'm glad.

What are your thoughts? Is it because it's more mainstream? Because we're more accepting? Or something else?

Happy Hump Day!

Prelude to a happy hump day...

Monday Author Interview with Lucy Felthouse!

We are happy to welcome the fantastic Lucy Felthouse to the couch this week. We love her stories and her FF are smokin’. But let’s get going with the interview!
Where are you from?

I'm from Derbyshire, in the UK. I was born in Derbyshire, though not the same place I'm living now, and have lived in the same house since I was a small baby. I'm a home girl, through and through!


Tell us your latest news?

I'm currently hard at work promoting my new release, LOOSE ENDS, which is my first release from Summerhouse Publishing. It's an erotic romance short story about two people who meet at a University reunion and are startled that even after all those years have passed, they still have feelings for one another.

Sounds exciting! Do you have a specific writing style?

I don't consciously have a 'style', I just write what comes naturally. I guess many of my stories have a fairly conversational tone with humour thrown in, but it just seems to be the way it flows out of me, or the way my characters talk.

What is your favorite character you’ve written (published or not)? Why?

I really like my character, Meg, from my Noble Romance release, BITE WITH HEIGHT. She's a vampire, and even for a vampire, she's a kick-ass chick. She turns typical on its head and was a really fun character to create. She and her new girlfriend, Grace, are currently nagging me to continue their story, which is why I have a research trip to Paris planned. I can't wait!

We’d love to go to Paris. So Lucky!! Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Tense! I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I often change tense without realizing it. It's often not until I read back through my completed work that I see what I've done and have a real *headdesk* moment. Sometimes I make my life even more difficult by including flashbacks or anecdotes in my work which make writing in past tense and past-past tense (if that makes sense!) a real challenge!v

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I certainly don't have to. As much of my work is short, it's more character-led than description led. However, I'm often inspired by the places I visit and sometimes want to go back and do further research when I'm struck by an idea, hence my research trip to Paris.

Well, we never have to go anywhere per se, but travelling is so much fun! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to read, watch TV shows, spend time with my other half, family and friends. I like to go walking and visiting historical properties and sites.

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando? Why?

It depends on the guy. A guy would have to have a certain look to pull off briefs, I think. If we're talking Jared Padalecki or Chris Hemsworth, anything is fine, or nothing. I really wouldn't mind either way. If we're talking 'real life' then boxers.

Depends on who has to to the laundry. What is your favorite animal?

I love dogs. I don't have one (yet) but I do love them. I just find them comical, cute and fun.

Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

What? I have to name just one? I'm quite soppy when it comes to crying at films. Just a few that spring to mind are Dirty Dancing, Ghost, P.S. I Love You, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, The Notebook.

Some great flicks there.  What is one thing scientists should invent?

A cure for cancer. I'm not going to get maudlin, it's not my style, but I've lost so many people to it that it's difficult not to resent it. And I know lots of people reading this will feel exactly the same, so let's keep hoping, eh?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

A night person, definitely. I very rarely want to get out of bed in the mornings, never mind what I'm doing that day.

Not much for getting out of bed in the morning myself. Guess that’s why we have the cabana boys! Do you like thunderstorms?

Nope, I'm a big old wimp. I don't scream or cry or anything, but they definitely freak me out, so expect to find me with my bedcovers pulled up to my chin!

Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Yes, absolutely. Pepsi is sweeter, and Coke can leave a bit of a weird aftertaste in your mouth. I prefer Pepsi as I have a real sweet tooth.

Want to buy Lucy’s books? Here’s the links:
Bite with Height: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitewithheight-575237-139.html
Loose Ends: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-looseends-577310-149.html

Want to know a little bit more about her?
During Lucy’s first year studying Creative Writing at the University of Derby, she was dared to write an erotic story. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing and Xcite Books. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter