Under the Corset

That's as close to erotica as I get, suggestive. But I need to support my friends and when Christine told me she was doing some Debauchery - which I consider humorous naughtiness - I had to help her with the tour. It's such a great word! I also wanted to know how she came to delve into such depths, so I interviewed her. Check it out!

1) So what bumped you to write the Dice & Debauchery series?
I randomly can across an open call from Ellora's Cave for themed line called Geekgasm. It made me laugh, and I joked around with my husband about writing funny erotic romances about geeks. I had plenty of material! The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to read a contemporary erotic romance about real geeks. Geeks are sexy too. Finding nothing out there like that, I came up with the idea for my series. I wrote and submitted the first book, Loose Corset, and the editor at Ellora's Cave loved it.
And now it makes sense!

2) I completely loved the 13th Floor stories, do you plan to do any more with them?
I love that world too. Such amazing characters, but their stories are over. Perhaps one day I'll revisit the 13th Floor, but it'll be with new characters. Maybe it'll take place a few decades in the future or in the past. I have a ton of new projects begging for my attention first, but I might have one or two around the city of Carmine in that same world. It's a city that has many stories to tell.
I hear ya, too many stories, not enough time to write...

3) Ever consider doing a vlog? Or reading any of your stories on youtube? It's a hot trend and I think your stories would sky rocket!
Me on video? Eek! I get anxious just thinking of someone taking my picture. I had no idea it was a trend right now. I can just imagine my video: Me in a dimly lit room trying a dramatic read of an excerpt and then my four-year-old popping in with his pants on his head, dancing like a crazy boy!
That would be perfect! You'd get a zillion hits!

4) Looking forward to Of Blood and Sorrow to be released. It's a new tantalizing paranormal. What's your favorite genre to write?
Paranormal romance and urban fantasy are my favorite genres. I love finding the magic in our modern every day life. I like odd happenings, unusual characters, and romances that don't always follow the rules. I have a dark edge to my writing too, but my worlds will never lack heroes to battle that darkness.
Cool!

5) And what's your favorite to read? What are you reading these days? Any recommendations?
I do love reading paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but I've found amazing stories in all sorts of genres. I've recently been reading some fascinating and hilarious nonfiction from Mary Roach. She's a science writer, and she explores the little talked about things like space toilets and what happens to donated cadavers. Not for readers with weak stomachs!
Ew!

A perfect little interview to give you a better glimpse of Christine and her style - now check out LOOSE CORSET


Geek girl Morgan Reid has been to many conventions, but none that had her wishing it would never end.

Dressed as their characters from the online game Steampunk Quest, Morgan and her best friend meet the other players for the first time in real life. Morgan's attraction to the gorgeous Dean Bradley is immediate, making it difficult to breathe in her tight corset. Even after a few dice shattering orgasms, she doesn't believe this can be anything more than a con fling. But Dean is making her feel things she's only read about in books. Can Morgan let go of her cool-headed logic and allow herself to fall completely for the perfect geek guy?

This is Christine's little cherub!

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She's married to her best friend and fellow geek living in south-central Indiana. They have one son who is too smart for his parents' own good and loves to pretend he's Batman. Christine has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). She has several short stories and novellas published. The Dice & Debauchery series is her first contemporary erotic romance.

Visit her! website and blog 

You can also find Christine on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon     B&N    Ellora's Cave    Kobo 

And here's another awesomen tidbit!
My friend Banie Lee asked me to share that her book is FREE this week!
SLEEP DRIFTER by Banie Lee

Fifteen-year-old Camden is a shapeshifting Watcher, protector of humans. When he meets Kylie at his post, the Southeastern Ohio portal to the realm of Inswandi, he discovers a deeper meaning to a first kiss. And Camden has to make a tough decision when Kylie starts whispering for him to open the portal while she sleepwalks.

Two teams struggle for control of the portal. If Camden’s deer team fails to stop Jud's coyote team, the evil Obsidians will be let loose and enslave humankind.


And don't forget! Last days to win a book or a giftcard!
Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Defying STINK!

My buddy Liz, Elizabeth Seckman, is a creative machine! She is releasing another sensational sweet romance! Of course, I'm here to help spread the news. BUT! Before we are writers, we are mothers. And we both have a crew of stinky boys, outnumbered in our homes, and overwhelmed with smelly, sports paraphernalia. So Liz wanted to share some advice on cutting through the STENCH!

Tara and I are both busy moms who have houses full of sweaty, testosterone emitting guys who are prone toward stinky-ness. If you have similar tough odor problems, try these tips for a sweet smelling HAPPILY EVER AFTER! (Tara's comments in italics)

• Air. Keep everything aired out. Make sure it's not left in the trunk or the gym bag. (boys are so forgetful about this!)
• Sunlight. Stinky cleats or sports equipment that can't be washed easily? Spray it down with some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and set it out in the sun. Bleach is hard on the synthetics in the gear, so alcohol or vinegar is preferred. (my boys cringe at sunlight in the morning, might have some vampire blood)
• Alcohol. Rub chin straps and helmets with alcohol too. Helps keep bacteria from building up and cuts down on acne. (acne is embarrassing for boys too - but a part of growing up - stop picking at it!!)
• Mouthwash. Soak mouth pieces in Listerine to keep them fresh. (I need to do this with my youngest boy's retainer! love it!)
• Soap. Wash uniforms daily. Wearing soiled clothes not only increases the risk of skin infection, but it also increases the risk of the skin becoming galded since the salt in the sweat builds up in the material. (to keep the numbers from peeling, hang dry jerseys - they usually dry quick)
• Dry. Get a boot dryer. Wet athletic shoes are a bacterial breeding ground. Stick them on a boot dryer and they are good to go in hours. (I thought she said "booty" dryer, hahahahaha)
• Washing Machine. For that washer that starts to build up a smell (like our HE, high efficiency, washer)...run your washer (empty- without clothes) through a cycle with about a quarter cup of Iron Out. It's cheap and clears out the fatty, laundry soap build up that causes the nasty smell. I also like to run through a cup of vinegar in the next cycle. Keeps it clean and fresh without spending a lot on the pricey washer cleaners. (I hate the new HE washers, but progress forces me to use one. I suggest leaving it open to dry, and I leave a rag hanging on the door to wipe it out after loads and prop it open)

DEFYING REASON by Elizabeth Seckman

Jo Leigh Harper comes from a long line of trouble-making, white trash stock. 

Tanner Coulter comes from a longer line of wealth-creating, blue blood stock.

Jo graduated college top of her class, moving toward a future full of possibilities.

Tanner dropped out of college, trading a law degree for drinking games and one night stands.

A family crisis throws the rich party boy and the poor genius girl together. The attraction is immediate, though neither one is a heart-in-the-sand-drawing believer in true love. But as the summer sun heats up along the shores of the Outer Banks, so does the connection between them. Maybe, just maybe, they can win at love by defying reason.

Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach. 

Facebook/ Blog/ Website/ Buy Link

I almost forgot to mention! T.B. Martinson asked me to tell you all about her giveaway this weekend only! Her awesome twisty thriller CLAUDIA MUST DIE, is FREE right now!! Check it out!

Claudia doesn’t feel like herself anymore—she feels like prey. Her husband’s hired goons have stalked her all the way to Boston and will only stop their pursuit once she is dead. 

Divorce is not an option. Instead, she has stolen a bunch of her man’s money to disappear into another life. 

In order for Claudia to live, someone else must die. A lookalike college student becomes the target capable of freeing her from an awful marriage. 

The plan goes horribly awry. Instead of murdering Claudia’s double, the assassins shoot the woman’s lover who is the cousin of a powerful Irish mobster. Claudia becomes hunted by all involved. Can she survive? Should she?

And don't forget to enter my February "Warm up with a Good Book" Giveaway!! (Make sure you scroll thru the prizes - books and a $20 Amazon GC!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bee-doo Bee-doo!

My sirens are going off! Alert! Alert! I have a special announcement!

After dealing with some disappointments and setbacks, Heather M Gardner is publishing the next Maguire's Corner novel! Yay!

Here's the spectacular cover...

ONE GOOD CATCH
by Heather M. Gardner
A Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Release Date: March 13, 2015

Ignoring a recent trauma affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities. But putting herself in these dangerous situations doesn't satisfy her edginess. She needs something more. When her brother’s high school best friend comes back to town, it’s her chance for a ‘no strings attached’ fling with the man who still headlines in all her best dreams. 

Rhys MacGrath’s days of one-night-stands are long over. The pro-football player might be side-lined at rehab for a shoulder injury, but that doesn’t mean he can’t admire and desire the all-grown-up, so-damn-hot, version of the tomboy he once knew. His sudden interest in Kate might aggravate his best friend, who doesn’t approve, but it’s her indifference that’s driving Rhys crazy. 

Everything heats up when Kate’s nosy nature sets her in the line of fire of an arsonist forcing them to deal with more than just the sparks igniting between them.

About the Author...
Heather M. Gardner's love of books began on the hand-woven rugs of her small town library where her mother worked. There she had a never-ending supply of stories to read at her fingertips. As a teen, her favorite genres to curl up with were romance and mysteries. When she started to create her own stories, they were the perfect fit.

Heather resides in New York with her best friend who is also her husband, plus her talented and handsome son. She is currently owned by four stray cats. Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time from home, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, cat addict, book hoarder and fluent in sarcasm.

Find Heather Here:

Blog: The Waiting is the Hardest Part 

Twitter: @hmgardner

Goodreads: HMGardner  

Facebook: HeatherWritesRomance

I loved Heather's first novel, Maguire's Corner - high tension and loads of action, in more ways than one! A solid mystery thriller combined with a sweet love story and really good writing. What's not to love? Heather will be re-releasing Maguire's Corner soon!

Meet the Muffins!

First, some news:

I'm a lucky girl today! I feel like a semi-star cause I'm appearing at two prestigious blogs!

Alex J. Cavanaugh at IWSG

He's posting about publishing - check it out!

and

C. Lee McKenzie

is highlighting Curiosity Quill's CHRONOLOGY - our lengthy collection of short stories

which was also recently reviewed in detail by the super fantastic

Crystal Collier!

Woot and Woohaw!

And now, I'd like to introduce the 2015 A to Z - Muffin Commando Squad!

artwork by http://www.matusic.com/

C. Lee McKenzie is our fearless leader. She's tough but fair and very encouraging. Not a "drop and gimme fifty" drill sergeant. Sir! No, sir! (Thank goodness. I probably couldn't give her two!) And here's the rest of the squad:

Carrie Butler

Elizabeth Seckman

Tammy Theriault

Yvonne Ventresca

Patricia Lynne 

Tara Tyler R

Tyrean Martinson

Donna McDine

We're going to be instigating a Twitter Blitz, going undercover to attack our assigned bloggers with a spree of comments, and keep our section ship shape!

And lastly, don't forget to enter my February - Read away the Mid Winter Blues - Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Ways to Make Time Slow Down!

I can't believe a whole month of 2015 has already blown by!

And I only wrote 2 posts!
At least I wrote... ha ha. So, I'll fill you in on how I spent the little free time I had in January outside my new job...

I revamped and wrote a bunch more of Cradle Rock. I actually have fans clamoring to get the sequel of BBF. AND my plea on FB bumped my reviews for BBF to 20! Yay! I also drew some ROUGH sketches for my anti-princess story, JOLISSA. I crack myself up, hopefully you too! Here's a taste:

Jolissa & Ziggy her faithful dog

the princess entourage

A low point for Jolissa

Jolissa & Humphrey meet a talking goat

Look out Disney! (hahahaha)
Anyway, on to my IWSG post! As always, thanks to Alex & his hosts this month - the IWSG is now an institution! I'm so glad to be a part of it!

Time is today's issue. I don't have time for insecurities lately, so I will keep posting to encourage anyone who has time to stop by! What I need is a way to make time slow down. I feel like a whiny three-year-old, pulling on her mom's coat tails, trying to get her to listen. "But TIME! I need you to stop so I can write more!" She never slows down, she just says, "Come along, dear. We have to keep moving." So I just pout and carry on. Hmph!

Here are 5 Great Ways to Slow Time, but they're not very productive, just some comic relief. Take time to laugh at least once a day - you'll live longer, hence adding time to write!

1. Stare at your inbox - whether waiting for a query response or edits, time will stand still as you lose your mind.
2. Forget to preheat the oven - the food is ready to go in, but the oven is cold - argh!
3. Ask your husband to change a light bulb - he will wait until a few more go out and save time by doing them all at once and you'll go blind.
4. Choose the shortest checkout line - there may be only one person in front of you but inevitably she has the most items in her basket, there was a reason no one got behind her (sometimes it's me)... oh, and the register just ran out of paper... 
5. Mark a special day on your calendar - a cover reveal - it's so pretty, you want to share it now! or a book release - it's so far away! (Simulation in September!) It's like birthdays and Christmas to a kid, or a Mom's due date - the best days take forever to arrive!

In conclusion, make the most of your time, it's so precious!

Lastly, here are a few quick announcements before you go...

artwork by http://www.matusic.com/

• Signups have begun for the annual A to Z blogging challenge - yes, I succumbed. And this year I'm working for C. Lee McKenzie as a MUFFIN COMMANDO!!
• I'm also very excited to have Broken Branch Falls posted on BookBub this weekend (2/6 & 2/7)!
• More excited that one of my students spotted BBF in Barnes and Noble!!
• And super duper excited to offer you all this giveaway for February! (No live events scheduled, so online it is!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway