Another Excerpt : Mine for Eternity!

******

Rayne didn’t move a muscle, but tension seeped through her every pore. The hurricane of energies between two powerful females clashed in the tiny room. A wild wailing sound poured from Ramona’s mouth and she flung Rayne against the far wall.

She crashed into the wall and winced. A low growl escaped her mouth. Her entire body vibrated and shivered with cold. Electric power rushed through her veins, igniting dark places within her. The bones on her face tightened and she crouched on all fours impaling the furious woman across the room with a glare. A hurricane of energy brewed within. Her bones hurt and thrust against the muscles in her body. She bowed her head and breathed through her nose, unable to understand the change within her. She raised one hand toward Ramona in a plea.

Her friend’s eyes widened.

Rayne snatched her hand back and moaned with terror. Her fingers changed before her eyes. Elongating and thinning. Nails grew into claws. Corded muscles braided what used to be her forearm. She whimpered in fright and drew her hand back. Her mind turned to sludge, she couldn’t think. Growls sprang clear from her throat.

Rayne jerked her head toward the stunned necromancer. Pure distilled power poured through her body. She’d never experienced anything like it. She felt like she could lift a hundred tons with no effort at all. She didn’t want to. She wanted to change back to her normal self. She fell back on her butt and moaned. Fur coated her arms – no, not arms. Limbs. Her entire body. A soft keening sound stole from her mouth. She felt the sharpened teeth against her lips and tongue. Saliva filled her mouth and dribbled down her chin. Rayne fought the source of power curling inside the pit of her belly. Her brain refused to process what had just happened. The beast within awoke. Pain lanced through her mind while she wrestled with the unknown source. Determined to bind the strange energy in place. Hell-bent on keeping the beast in check. Her beast.

She breathed hard and scraped her claws along the hard wood flooring. The sound pierced her sensitive hearing and she yelped. Her breathing grew labored and black spots danced before her eyes. Still, she continued to subdue the power. A strange numbness came over her mind. The power receded and left her body. Rayne collapsed. Boneless on the floor, barely aware of her surroundings. Feeling drained off all energy. Gradually, her body changed back to her old self.

‘‘What did you do to me?’’ Rayne asked through a mouth that felt stuffed with cotton wool. ‘‘Answer me, damn you!’’

Link

Excerpt : Mine for Eternity!

Mine for Eternity:

Killing vampires is Rayne’s job but hunting her enemy - the Master Vampire, Saber is her obsession. This time Saber threatens her community – the home of the Protector clans and a family she left in disgrace. Past betrayals will maul her heart again - but an explosive secret will blow her world away!

*********

Rayne’s knees turned to water and she held the door. Her teeth snapped together with an audible click and she fought the urge to gag as her eyes rested on the figure lying on the carriage floor. The mother’s blouse torn to shreds hung on her slight form exposing the slight breasts and the puncture marks on them too. Rivulets of blood streamed out of them. Blue and purplish bruises decorated her body and cheeks. Two puncture marks lay on her neck. Blood coated the mother’s cheeks and chin. Her long skirt was ripped off her. The pantaloons thrown on the seat. A dark pool of blood trickled from between her thighs. Testimony of the brutal rape of her body and soul. The woman’s gray eyes pleaded with her to save her. Her cracked and broken lips opened to say something. No words left her battered mouth. She lifted her head. Her pupils moved and she saw her child. Her mouth opened to scream, but no sound came out. She raised her hand, but it fell to the floor. Tears flooded her eyes and coursed down her cheeks as she continued to gaze at her fallen child.

Rayne turned away and swallowed the tears clogging her throat. They would not survive. Her request for a necromancer on the Detail had gone unapproved. She could do nothing for the woman and child. Her tears won their battle and sped down her cheeks. Rayne scrubbed at them, but they continued to flow unabated. What she had to do made her cringe and curse the Wasikan Council of Protectors to hell and back.

Through the blur of her tears, she saw the child rise as if from a deep sleep. Her eyes blinked open and she gazed at Rayne. Her mouth opened to cry out for her mother. Incisors gleamed in the flickering flames of the torches.

Rayne clutched the stake and walked forward. The confusion in the six year old’s eyes ripped her apart, but she had to do it. Had to destroy both mother and child to free them from Saber’s curse.

She tightened her hold on the stake when she reached the little girl. She took a deep breath and stroked the baby soft cheek of a girl who’d lost her innocence and now carried the blood of an evil Master Vampire.

‘‘I’m sorry – forgive me,’’ she sobbed. She plunged the stake right in the little girl’s heart and twisted it.

The child’s eyes widened and she screamed in agony before she exploded to ashes.

The scream echoed and echoed in her mind. Shivers racked her body. Rayne jerked upright in bed drenched with perspiration, and wrenched from her personal hell. Her heart thundered in her ears and she fisted the sheets to keep from screaming out her anger. Torn from her personal hell, she blinked and glanced around her silent bedroom. The nightmare. The horrendous images of her failure had come back again to haunt her.

*******

Garrett paced his apartment, trying hard to rid himself of the almost homicidal anger spiking his gut. Long banked feelings escaped his control and erupted within him. Rayne. Why couldn’t he get her out of his mind? Desire, hot and heavy settled in the pit of his belly like lead. Her long black curls cascading down her back, the sun kissed skin beaded with perspiration and, smoother than cream had beckoned his touch. The swirling black depths of her ebony dark eyes captured him again and again. Centuries later, Rayne still aroused the beast in him. He swore and ran his fingers through his hair. He could have ripped bloody Baxter to shreds for tasting the delicacy of her mouth. A mouth he had staked claim to all those centuries ago.

‘‘Stop pacing so much! You’re making me dizzy,’’ said Summer, in a voice laced with steel.

‘‘This is all your fault, Summer. Why do you insist she come back? She doesn’t want to.’’ He glared at the older and more mature version of Rayne seated in his current living quarters. Bare of all personal effects, the semi-furnished apartment suited his needs.

‘‘I explained my reasons to you. Rayne needs to be brought back to the fold. She can prove her innocence now. She was incarcerated and held responsible for events brought on by the actions of others.’’

‘‘Why now? Why not try to exonerate her then?’’

Summer shook her head. ‘‘It couldn’t be done. The balance of power was so delicate - a scapegoat had to be found to keep it steady. The Council decided to let Rayne be it. Our family, as powerful as we were couldn’t stop it.’’ She shrugged. ‘‘The vampires had to be brought to the table to negotiate or the free world would have been turned.’’

‘‘Why do you need Rayne? Why shove her back into a world she no longer wants to be in?’’

‘‘I explained all this to you.’’ Regret and bitterness shone in her dark eyes. ‘‘Because, I need her. Need her like never before.’’ She paused. ‘‘She’s done good work with her Agency and on her own. She’s probably got better ground intelligence than we do.’’

‘‘We’re still using her.’’

‘‘I’m sorry – I’m not using her. We are in no position to forgo her expertise. We have to do something – as Protectors, it our duty to save innocent lives from vampires. Once Saber is taken care off, a more peaceful resolution for both sides will have to be sought.’’

‘‘And all that for what? For what, Summer?’’ barked Garrett. ‘‘It didn’t help the last time when we tried to do something. Peace doesn’t work. Laticus is dead and Saber has taken over. The free world is threatened yet again.’’

‘Laticus and the Council helped the vampires and us coexist together for two centuries. His rule helped decrease the violence and unnecessary killings, but his enemies have killed him – Saber ordered the hit. It is war all over again. We’re at the brink of disaster. I need all of my best Protectors to counter the threat posed by Saber.’’

‘‘I don’t deny that but Rayne doesn’t feel she is one of us.’’

‘‘She can never escape who she is no matter how much she tries.’’

‘‘Why did you get into it all?’’ He sat beside her. ‘‘Why?’’

‘‘Someone had to take responsibility. It was inevitable – you didn’t want the job. Centuries of peace hurt our department. We should have seen it coming.’’ She sighed. ‘‘Our ground intelligence suffered. Our fighting techniques got blunted. I had to do something.’’ She entwined her fingers. ‘‘Laticus’s death wasn’t a random assassination – Saber has gathered his army, grown in strength and is ready to strike. At least we’re somewhat prepared to battle Saber’s army.’’

‘‘I’m not arguing the point, but all this has brought you personal hell.’’

‘‘Saber kidnapped my husband – it’s a fact. His demands are ludicrous. He’s after my child now. I will not allow it.’’ Her voice broke and she took a deep breath. ‘‘Besides, I do not trust a few Council members not to join hands with Saber to gain power. ’’ The lips tightened and the shimmer of tears blinded him. ‘‘Rayne has the skills to find Taggert and Saber. I can protect my daughter if the need arises.’’

‘‘You’ll willingly place your sister in danger?’’

‘‘It can’t be helped,’’ she snapped. ‘‘She isn’t a green horn. She’s trained to hunt and kill vampires.’’

Garrett held his tongue. Anger ignited his already smoldering frustrations. He didn’t want to see Rayne hurt, but he couldn’t deny they needed her back.

Another Excerpt - Recipe for Love

*********

Kashmira flung open the door and stared at Michael, who stood on her doorstep with his fist raised to bang on the door again. “Michael?” Her eyes took in his appearance. “Oh gosh! You’re wet. Come on in.” She pulled him in with enthusiasm and little finesse. He stumbled and almost fell flat on his face but caught his balance just in time.

She surveyed his damp state. Water droplets clung to his hair and glinted in the soft light. His shirt was a bit wet and his tan trousers clung to his muscled legs as if loath to let go. His eyes were slightly glazed.

Unabashed joy welled inside her. “What are you doing here?” She gestured toward the lounge. “Not that I am not pleased to see you. I really am.” She turned and found him standing where she had left him, at the door. “What’s the matter? Don’t worry about being wet. I’ll get a towel.”

He gave her a strange smile. Predatory. It didn’t reach his eyes. Her own smile faltered.

“Yes, Kashmira, get me a towel, will you? And tell me again why you are so happy to see me?” His voice was low and guttural.

He walked toward her. Each step slow and measured. His eyes glittered with an unidentifiable emotion. Leashed power and something primitive echoed in his every step.

Her heart skittered. There seemed to be a harsh, almost dangerous quality to him tonight. The low light sent into relief the harsh planes of his face. He looked like a warrior God come to capture and plunder. She shrugged her fanciful thoughts away. Get a grip, Kashmira. It’s your imagination. This is Michael, cool and controlled Michael. Nevertheless, the nervous tension that emanated from him strummed her nerves.

“Of course, I’m happy to see you. As a matter-of-fact I was just about to call you.”

“I’m sure you were. So, where were you tonight, Kashmira? Were you expecting someone?” His gave her an insolent stare and ran his eyes over her.

She didn’t like the taunting quality of his tone or the way his gaze took in her state of dishabille although her body began to warm at the animal look in his eyes. She took a deep breath. “What’s gotten into you tonight? Are you deliberately being obnoxious? If so, you can leave right now.”

He stalked closer to her. Kashmira refused to give him the satisfaction of backing down.

A faint smile twisted his mouth. “Oh no, my darling, I’m not going to turn tail and run this time. Not today.” He added silkily into her silence. “You look sexy, darling, but then that’s you, isn’t it? Sexy long hair, great body and clothes that fire the male imagination. The robe certainly fires mine.” He traced the silver pendant that nestled deep within her cleavage, skimming over the deep vee created by the robe tied at her waist.

She shivered, his finger left a trace of fire and tightened her breasts. They grew heavy and she could feel her nipples unfurl. She slapped at his hand annoyed with her reaction even in his boorish mood. “Stop it, you’re being offensive and yes, I was out to dinner.”

“I know, Kashmira. I know,” he bit out. His eyes narrowed and appeared a bit unfocused but there was no mistaking the barely contained anger in their depths.

“You know? What the hell does that mean?”

“I know because I waited for you. Three bloody hours, that’s how long I waited for you. In this horrid cold weather I waited for you and what the hell do you do?” He narrowed his eyes and glared at her. His jaw rock hard with tension. “You waltz up the path with a man, dressed to kill... in a dress that would make a grown man weep with hunger and grow dizzy with desire. I didn’t see his face. The umbrella obscured it but I know he was rich. That BMW didn’t come cheap.”

The dress he described didn’t do any of that. It had been a simple pearl gray silk sheath, which happened to fit her really well. It was decent not sinful. “It was not, that dress was perfectly decent.”

“Where did you go? Dinner and dancing, maybe?” he ground out. “Did he hold you close and feel your curves? Did he touch you like I did? Did he kiss those pouty lips?”

He was jealous. The realization brought relief coursing through her veins. “Is that what this is about? My having dinner with another man. I can explain, it was the reason I was going to call you. I have some great--”

“Save it, Kashmira. I don’t want to know. I’m sure you were going to call me with the news that you changed your mind and didn’t want anything more than friendship. You told me we could have dinner on Wednesday. You said if you didn’t call it meant you were free.” He swore. “You played me, darling, and why not? I’m a bloody fool when it comes to women anyway.”

“No that’s not--” Shoot! She’d clean forgotten to call and tell him about the dinner with Jeremy.

With no warning he cupped her face--his other arm propelled her to him. She was flush against him. Not an inch separated them. Melded to his body, her softer form cushioned the hard contours of his body. His nostrils flared. He hooded his eyes for a few seconds then impaled her with eyes full of raw passion. This mood only served to excite her and gave birth to a different kind of wildness within her.

His eyes roamed her face possessively. “You’re mine, Kashmira. Only mine. I’m not going to share you with another man, but I won’t let you play with me either. I’m through being a sitting duck.”

Author Day - 3rd Sept - Join Me!!

Hey all,

If you've taken the trouble to hop across and come check out my blog and th excerpts I've posted -- I'm so happy and grateful.

Tomorrow is going to fun (*I hope*) -- for all who participate -- if I sound like a wimp about hosting my first Author Day, please put it down to a massive case of nerves and genuine stage fright:)

I'd love to see anyone who wants to tomorrow at the Wings Reader Group : wingsreaders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

I'm giving away goodies which include an advanced reading copy of my second release "a Kiss so True" and an ebook download of my release "Recipe for Love"

There's also a surprise goodie bag that will be sent to a very lucky person all the way from India...

Cheers
Cheryl

An Excerpt - A Recipe for love (My first release)

A Recipe for Love*********Out now from Wings ePress

Michael walked closer. The bubble of anticipation grew and multiplied, rushing into his bloodstream, making him light-headed. He could no more control the feeling of heady sexual attraction than he could deny he was a man.

Honey tanned legs encased in purple running shorts swam into his view. The lady attached to them affected a slow crawl toward a fat, marmalade tabby cat. Her eyes never left the cat. Michael’s eyes never left her. She spoke in soothing tones, urging the feline creature to stay put. Her voice slid over Michael, like smooth whiskey.

He could easily relate to the animal’s frozen stance. The voice mesmerized him. The lady stayed within an inch of the tabby. She chewed on her full lower lip and reached out for the feline creature. Shivers ran down his spine. Something elemental awakened within him. Her topknot came loose and a dark waterfall of hair cascaded down her back. Michael clenched his teeth in reaction. His palms itched to touch the silken fire of her strands.

There was a loud clap of thunder, the golden retriever began to bark, the cat jumped and streaked away, vaulting over the crouching lady. She lifted her arms to protect her face and lost her balance.

With a shriek, she plummeted to the ground. Michael moved forward instinctively to break her fall. He caught her but the momentum of her fall, the slippery grass and wet raincoat all sent him sprawling to the ground. His short-circuited brain registered the feel of the delicious woman in his arms. That she fit in them a tad too comfortably got rudely shoved to the back of his mind. For now, his simmering sexual attraction scattered away thoughts of Laura. He closed his eyes, sure he’d just died and gone to heaven.

*********

Desire pulsed through his veins. Her lips were soft, her taste wanton. She didn’t retreat. She didn’t hide. She gave as good as she got. Gone was the delicacy. Raw passion was a living being between them. His tongue pierced the sweet cavern of her mouth, savoring her secrets. His thrust followed a parry of her own. Sinuously, she shifted against him in a bid to get closer. Michael’s hand tightened under her breasts. She rubbed against his arousal. Her nipples burnt holes in his chest, he longed to taste them, palm their softness. He wanted to lick, nibble, and feast on them. They beckoned to him.

He moaned. A shiver danced up Kashmira’s spine. She captured his lower lip and sucked. Another deep groan followed her foray into his mouth to tango with his tongue. Heavy and full, her breasts ached for him. His jean-clad thigh insinuated itself between her own, the fabric rough against her bare legs. Liquid heat pooled within her. He pressed up.

“Michael...” her voice came out soft, thick and smoky.

It assuaged some of the ache but Kashmira needed more. His other arm moved to encircle her waist.

He gasped and drew back. She looked at him owlishly. Desire clouded her senses. Then she saw his white face and looked down at his hand. It was swollen and red.

“Oh Michael. That...” she swallowed, his taste lingered on her tongue. She forced her mind out of its passionate haze. “It looks--the hand looks bad. We should take you to the doctor.”

He felt like hundreds of gallons of ice water had been poured over his head. It jerked him back into reality. What was he thinking? He had been here on an errand. What kind of man was he? If a woman he’d never met before could crumble his self control so easily, what kind of an indication was that about his relationship with Laura? If nothing else, his behavior over the past couple of minutes convinced him he’d finally lost his mind. If it hadn’t been for the pain shooting through his wrist, he wouldn’t have stopped. His loss of control frightened him to the core.

“Are you okay? You don’t look too good.”

He didn’t want to look at her. His arousal, still very much in evidence, throbbed hard and unforgiving. The fog of passion was slow to clear.

“Michael, look at me dammit!”

He grit his teeth and forced his eyes to meet hers. “What do you want me to say? Yes, the hand looks bad but not as bad as what happened here. What I almost let happen. I kissed you!” His voice came out harsh, his tone uncompromising. Her stunned _expression poured guilt into him. Oh crumbs! Now he’d hurt her. Why couldn’t he have chosen his words more carefully?

Shocked silence followed his outburst.

I'm nuts & nervous! Author Day on 3rd Sept....

It's my first ever Author's Day on Saturday at the Wings Readers site on yahoo and I'm nervous as hell! Although, I don't think hell is nervous....more like anyone going there should be scared and nervy all at once... LOL. Sometimes! I wonder if I'm on my way there, already?!!

Anyway, I'm practicing posting excerpts for the Author Day bash coz I haven't got a clue about what I will end up doing...I just hope some one turns up and I don't make a complete fool of myself.

I know cyberworld offers a certain annonymity but at the same time -- I don't want people to absolutely hate what I spent blood, sweat and tears on...does that make me fragile and insecure?!!

Damn rite, it does! I'm a writer and I thrive on people loving my work -- and now, that the moment of truth has arrived - I feel like I can't do this!!

I know I'm being silly but I can't help it! My reviews came back good (all of the ones that I got) so I don't see why I'm worried but I am.....it must be a irrational hormone thing going on or maybe it's just me being a complete and utter nutter.

So, this is a milk run if you will -- I just hope my Author Day isn't a total disaster.....I guess come 3rd September I should know how it all went....

Another Excerpt -- A Kiss so True

******

Where was his guardian angel when he needed her? Joshua knew there had to be one because he’d been rescued enough times before from situations far worse than this. He didn’t believe he was that lucky all off the time. Nobody could have survived the carp he did and come out off it unmarked without a guardian angel.

Come on, Angel. Don’t desert me now!

His frustrated cry resounded in his mind even as he was forced to take Jill’s hand and escort her into the lounge behind her parent’s. She stopped him at the entrance and, stepped in front of him to make sure her parent’s were no longer in sight. For a second her tight butt nestled against his crotch before she spun around and snuggled up to him. Her full breasts rubbed against his chest, her nipples already hard. The flash of sexual attraction, he normally would have felt failed to spark. Relieved, he gave Jill what he hoped was a cold smile. She leaned closer with a slight predatory gleam in her eyes.

Standing on tiptoes, she traced the shape of his lips with her fingertip. ‘‘If it doesn’t stop snowing, you may not be able to leave… The roads will be treacherous.’’ Her palms followed the contours of his chest, exploring their hard musculature. ‘‘Don’t worry-- I’ve asked the maid to make up a room for you next to mine…’’ She leaned forward and rested her breasts against his chest. ‘‘I guarantee… you will enjoy a warm bed… my bed.’’ She flicked him a sensuous smile as she turned away from him and entered the lounge with supreme confidence.

He grit his teeth and followed her. His sense of being a prisoner magnified tenfold.

‘‘Okay, Angel— this isn’t funny anymore. Get here double quick. Please, I need your help. Hell! I’ll do anything – just get me out of here,’’ he murmured through clenched teeth and entered the large, tastefully furnished lounge.

*******

Kaelin’s let go of his hand as soon as they left the front door. Rosemarie’s angelic cries to hurry were getting desperate by the minute. She maybe in human form but obviously she hadn’t lost her Angelic ESP. Time seemed to be speeding past and she still had to get the silent man beside her to do what she wanted. At least, you got him out of there. Now, all you need to do is get him to Amanda, have him kiss her and make them fall in love, she told herself. ‘‘As easy as riding a bike,’’ she muttered.

He led her to his car. A black Porsche. She bit back her exclamation of delight. She loved cars and this car was a beauty, but a total waste in their situation. How was she to get Amanda to the hospital in that? She threw him an irritable look and wished she hadn’t.

Joshua Ashford to any red-blooded woman was absolutely lethal. Devastating good looks, in bred arrogance and supreme confidence all added to his animal magnetism. When she’d been given his charge, it hadn’t stopped her from fantasizing about him — it hadn’t stopped her from feeling his raw, male magnetism. Now, up close and personal, Joshua’s close proximity was creating havoc inside her. Her angelic blood warmed with each passing moment. Her fingers had trembled at the look of amusement he’d thrown her when she had announced herself as his fiancée.

‘‘Angel, you don’t plan on freezing your extremely sexy butt out here in the Langdon’s driveway, do you? Trust me, they wouldn’t help you even if you were dying,’’ he drawled.

Her breath hitched. Okay, she needed to keep her perspective here. Just forget about the fact that he had just called her sexy and that in her heart of heart’s she’d love to jump his bones. Warmth fled into her cheeks.

He is for Amanda, only for Amanda, she told herself and took deep breath before sliding into the front seat of the low slung car. Her body nestled into the plush leather seats as if it was born to and she bit back a sigh of sheer pleasure.

Josh quirked an eyebrow at her. ‘‘Where to, angel?’’

‘‘Stop calling me angel. My name is Kaelin.’’ With brisk movements she did up her seatbelt.

‘‘Sorry, but you saved me from a fate far worse than death in there. To me you’re an angel and so I shall call you.’’ A frown darkened his expression as he continued to gaze at her in the semi-darkness. ‘‘This is stupid.’’ He shook his head and banged the steering wheel with his hand. ‘‘I know you from somewhere… Your face is so familiar.’’

She froze. Oh crumbs! No. He couldn’t remember her. He was dazed then, at death’s door. He couldn’t remember her.

She brushed a strand of her hair from her face. A brittle laugh escaped her mouth. ‘‘Is that the best line you can come up with - the universal I know you from somewhere.’’ She shrugged. ‘‘You don’t know me at all.’’

‘‘I know you and I will remember.’’ He switched on the ignition. ‘‘Now where are we going? My place, darling?’’ Mischief danced in his brown eyes. ‘‘Seeing as we are to husband and wife.’’

Keep calm, he’s teasing you. Just get on with the job. She tossed her head and smiled. ‘‘Funny, actually we are going into Hammersmith to save a life – two lives.’’

‘‘We are?’’ he frowned, suspicion flared in his eyes. ‘‘And I’m just suppose to take your word for it.’’

Kaelin grit her teeth, but kept her tone even. ‘‘Yes, because you promised your guardian angel you’d do whatever it takes if she could get you out of there,’’ she pointed to the Langdon house. She tapped her foot when he didn’t move. ‘‘Just please… Let’s go… There is a very pregnant woman and child who will die if we don’t get there - like now.’’ All of her pent up frustration and worry poured into her raised voice.

Josh studied her for a moment in surprise. He turned away and gazed at the snowy white landscape outside, then without a word started the car. ‘‘You’ll have to direct me.’’

Kaelin sighed in relief.

‘‘By the way, my conversations with my guardian angel are private. How did you know what I promised?’’

She bit her lip. ‘‘I’m psychic.’’

‘‘And, I’m Zorro.’’

‘‘Are you calling me a liar?’’

‘‘If the shoe fits…’’

‘‘Part of your deal with your guardian angel also needs you to kiss the woman.’’

‘‘What?’’ he stomped on the brakes. Tires squealed in protest and they went into a min skid before he brought car to a halt. ‘‘Angel, I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here but I’m not kissing any woman.’’

‘‘And why not? You’re not exactly choosy when you kiss women. You’ve snogged countless women before.’’ She glared at him, ‘‘Strangers I might add - and now, you won’t kiss a pregnant woman even if it would save her life?’’

He matched her glare with a darker one. ‘‘And how would a kiss save her life? This isn’t a fairytale-- it’s reality. What she needs are paramedics and medical help if she is as bad as that.’’

She clutched his arm. His muscles flexed beneath the leather jacket. ‘‘Joshua please, I’m begging you. You need to kiss her or she will die.’’ Tears spilled from her eyes. Frightened for Amanda, desperate to save Rosemarie’s Charge and assaulted by this strange attraction for Joshua, her emotions roiled inside her like an angry ocean. ‘‘Please Joshua, It’s all I ask. This isn’t a scam.’’

A lil peek into A Kiss so True!!

A Kiss so True: Nov 2005 release (Paranormal Romance)

A maverick angel changes the course of destiny and brings heaven and earth to its knees with the power of true love........

******

Amanda moaned.

Icy cold tendrils of fear snaked through her mind. ‘Oh God! No, please – not now – not yet.’’

A warm wetness soaked her thin woolen pants. Her water had broken. Panic flared in her heart, she blinked and tried to sit up but the effort cost her too much energy. ‘‘Let my baby not be born now. It doesn’t deserve it--it’s not fair.’’

She shook her head in despair and fought back as wave after wave of pain lashed her belly. The dam of tears ready to burst through her fragile defenses wilted under pressure but she held back.

‘‘I don’t want—I don’t want my child to be born into this harsh world. Inside me, she’s better protected… Please.’

Her silent cry for help notwithstanding a sharper contraction caught her unawares and doubled her over. She huffed out and cried out in pain when yet another contraction ripped through her.

Her tears began in earnest. No longer did she have the strength to fight them off. Her tears were not for the pain lashing her body, but for her unborn child who would surely be condemned to a life far worse than she had ever had. The buildings around her offered no comfort, but were witness to the agony she suffered. Snow continued to swirl around her. It blanketed the ground and increased her sense of isolation. She forced her eyes open but the effort seemed too much-- she slumped back down as another series of painful contractions battered her belly.

A dark spurt of anger flared through her. The hopelessness of her situation scraped against her raw, aching heart. She raged at the Heavens in her mind. Why me? Why my innocent baby? What have I done to deserve this fate? You will not do this to an innocent life – to my baby. I won’t let you. The anger sapped her strength and died a quick death.

‘‘Help me! Please… I don’t want to die.’’

******

‘‘Kaelin -—listen to me.’’

‘‘Now, Amanda’s on death’s door because of Marcus, lost her business, has no money and house – because of him.’’ She clenched her hands into fists, ‘‘I would like to have Marcus burn in hell. Maybe I’ll call Lucifer and have him do it for me.’’

She slammed into the back of Rosemarie who stopped mid-float and swung around, her expression severe. ‘‘You will do no such thing – you hear me? It’s forbidden to make deals with the Lord of Hell and you know it.’’ She raised her hand up to silence Kaelin who attempted to interrupt her. ‘‘No, I know he’s a friend of yours and he isn’t as bad as the good people on earth think him to be.’’ She sighed. ‘‘It’s his job to be the Keeper of the Gates to Hell but you can’t solicit his services. You just can’t… your wings will be taken away.’’

Her impulsive fellow angel nodded and made a moue of disgust. ‘‘Oh-- all right, I won’t. I promise, but I’m not giving up on Amanda. There is a way to save her and the baby and I’m going to find it before it’s too late. There must be something we can do. Think, Rosemarie!’’

‘‘All right, I’ve racked my brains but can’t think of a way out. She’s got three hours to live after that she’ll be with us forever.’’ Rosemarie glanced at the heavens above, crossed her fingers and stole a look at Kaelin. ‘‘There is only a slim chance for her survival but it’s impossible.’’

‘‘I’m all ears. We should try anything even if it’s impossible.’’

‘‘I’ve heard angels talk that only true love can save a person from impending death. The power of true love can overcome just about anything.’’ She took a deep breath. ‘‘Amanda needs to meet the man she is destined to love, and he has to kiss her before her last breath – ’’ she sighed out loud, ‘‘after that, it’s up to her to receive a declaration of love from him – she has to or the consequences won’t be good for all of them.’’ She shook her head in defeat, ‘‘I can’t see how it’s possible. If it were to happen -- if she had a man destined to love her, it should have happened. It would have happened already. At the very least Gabriel would have said something.’’ She threw her hands in the air with despair. Defeat edged her voice. ‘‘Guardian angels aren’t told about their charges love destiny, in case we interfere. I don’t know who the man is. I wish I had the guts to break the rules, but I don’t. I’ve always been a toe the line angel.’’

Kaelin’s eyes narrowed when she heard this. Yes, but she’d never been one, and Rosemarie knew it.

A horrific Calamity!

Last nite as I sat and watched the heartbreaking images of Katrina's devastation -- I wondered at the might of nature in fascinating horror and absolute awe.

Her devastation complete -- she moves on..almost oblivious to the horror she has left in her wake. With all our advances in technology and science -- the good people still could not cope nor escape the elemental anger of nature.

We can questions why -- but there are no answers to be found.

The areas looked much like a war zone. It was strange in part to see that no matter how mighty and developed a nation -- there is a great leveller in everything. Even with all its resources and agencies in place -- they are struggling to cope.

Homeless and struggling to come to terms with the disaster -- finally, it is the people who suffered the loss. Normal everyday people.

I pray they stay safe and do not give up. For those who lost loved ones -- my heart does go out to you!





And, now I question -- WHY? Why always the normal people?

Of Something and Everything!!

Looks like I'm on a roll today! I should be writing but can't sneak that in at work -- live in fear that someone will rock up to my desk just when I'm penning a steamy scene that will be hard to pass off as a PR excercise for a client...LOL

My darling daughter is all of 4 yrs old and going on 14yrs -- I feel old sometimes when she tells me stuff that sounds so grown up to my pitifully old ears (Not old at all -- just youngish 28yrs old)

When I try to look back into the murky past -- even a squint doesn't help! I can barely remember my 4 yr old history except I'm quite sure I never cared about what I wore, or how I looked so long as I got to run around and play...but then again, I was the original ragamuffin girl of my group....my daughter is me and all that I mentioned above...and I love her to death! She is my little drama queen.....

Today, I was reading about some successfuly placed new authors in NY pub houses and I felt a slight twinge of envy -- just a slight -- then I looked at my credits and thought about some of the excellent ebooks I'd read -- and some of the absolutely horrendously boring stories I've read in print and felt instantly better (I hope my editor doesn't pop by and see the number of "and's" & "grammatical errors" in the post coz I'm sure she'll pull her hair out)

Not that I don't want that kind of success -- ofcourse, I do! but somehow I don't see it happening so a pipe dream it will remain -- hang on! hold it! I don't mean I'm not good enough to get one...or I'll give up on it....LOL.

No, I am talented and all that but I think with the NY pubs the bottom dollar takes precedent over everything esle and new authors who manage to break open their doors are few and far between. Atleast, I like telling myself that...LOL (Oh! human nature thou art great!!)

Added to that the whole chicken and egg situation is ever present -- the grand agent search (no agent -- no NY pub house contract) I've stopped looking now -- maybe, when I feel like some abuse and think my ego needs some bruising I'll start knock knocking on their doors. Won't be for a while though!!

Which brings me to Crit partners!

Aren't they fabulous?!! -- I have two wonderful buddies that helped me polish my first and second novel. We don't do regular crits -- all of us are a mite too busy so whenever we feel a scene or chapter isn't going well -- we toss it out for a feel...LOL (that sounds lecherous!)

Both Lori and Maria are fabulous critters ... they are also wonderful women and great authors! Part of our charm is we all write in different romantic genres and thats what keeps things fresh for us!!

So, the ramble has a point -- I think after a while the smart thing is to keep your crit groups small -- to one or two... because when I belonged to groups I felt I was spending more time on crit feedback rather than writing my WIP's. Also, writing is subjective -- kind of like love so when too many people have an oppinion on your work or love -- it confuses things and buries your first instincts and voice..but that's just my oppinion!

Oops! almost 5pm -- had a wonderful time and now I'll head home from work -- yes! can you believe it?!! I'm shameless -- I've been happily rambling on at work..talk about playing hookey ...until tomorrow then...




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Emotions -- Wild and Wacky!

So what is a woman to do when she feels the bottom of her world fall off and the top of her world blow off….LOL. Well1 if she was me – she would seek refuge in the ever present tub of chocolate while she can!!

This isn’t a ramble – since this is my second pregnancy I can safely say that I did -- up until recently a very good imitation of an insane woman with no control on her emotions. I truly truly understand the meaning of “on edge” Of course! It wasn’t funny to feel that way!

Not for me or my family!

I mean on most days I can pass myself off as a parody of an intelligent woman who has her marbles about her…LOL. Most days!! And, not always, either.

Anyway, recently it was the last straw quite literally for me, although I didn't know it. I'd been a nightmare to live with. Guilt was feasting on my insides with its voracious appetite. My mom, sis and the rest of my family had put up with my wild mood swings for a week. There was certain quiet after a long while -- I hadn't done anything silly-like and I was calmish off late.

My husband and I were watching TV and in passing he mentioned during one of the numerous a ad breaks that he couldn’t imagine life without me and that everyday he thanked his lucky stars I waltzed into his life – this, he says after two straight days of yelling at him for no rhyme or reason (Okay! I felt I had reasons -- the rest of my family didn't -- go figure the hormone thing out!) Anyway, he took it like a real trooper and saint all rolled in one, too!!.

Very understanding and all

When he said that I burst out laughing coz I knew if I was in his place I'd be banging on the court doors looking for a divorce (okay, exaggerating but you get the picture) I was very sure he was teasing me or being sarcastic – the next thing I know – I have these huge tears rolling down my cheeks and I’m bawling in his arms telling him that I don’t deserve him and that he will surely leave me before I’m ready to deliver because I’ve been such WITCH!! .

Then, my four year old daughter walks up, rolls her eyes at me and says to her father in very matter of fact voice "Mommy’s just tired Daddy -- she's pregnant".

Then she address me with equal patience and understanding "Don’t worry! We’ll look after you and the baby! We love you, mummy!"

She then proceeds to pat my back and soothe me.

That just started me off again and I cried like a beast for close to an hour with my daughter and hubby looking at me with equal amounts of resignation and cluelessness.

I’ve only just stabilized but feel like every day is a new test to see if my body and mind will go bonkers on me again…LOL. If I feel like this – I wonder how my family feels….never mind I don’t want to chew on that!!

Hormones are a wonderful thing usually! During pregnancy they are a class apart! Now, if I can just get past the next two months – I’ll be happy *sigh* Being on an emotional rollercoaster all the time is quite exhausting… for me and my long suffering family. I'll bet they are just waiting for me to come back to normal.

So, I'm inching ever closer to November when my second release from Wings will make an appearance. "A Kiss so True", is a paranormal suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book. Chrissie did an absolutely fantastic job with the cover.

I'm going to post a tiny lil teaser for anyone who cares to read it....LOL

Teaser: "A Kiss so True" - Nov 2005 release

Caught up in their destiny Joshua and his guardian angel, Kaelin must save Amanda from certain death and find a way to stay together forever, despite the decree from heaven that a love between a human and an angel is not only forbidden - it is doomed.

I think this was my favorite book to write -- coz I didn't struggle so hard with it! With my first release I was clueless about the "CRAFT" -- so everything I wrote and rewrote and rewrote was a lesson learnt.

With "A Kiss so True" _ I knew the ropes of the "CRAFT" and I enjoyed writing the zany characters in this whimsical romance. It's also something I began as an experiment (I had never written let alone read a paranormal) -- so for me anything went and I could be as wild and wacky as I wanted.

Oh! for sure its a sensual -sexy read but its also crazy and a bit satiral (i'm sure this spelling is wrong). It's a story about two strong characters from two alternate realities that actually mirror eachother in more ways than is obvious...LOL (If that didn't make sense -- don't worry! Not a lot of what I say does!!)

Phew!!

Well! it was a hectic weekend. My darling daughter was down with a viral fever but otherwise came through it beautifully. To treat her for being so good, we went to watch "Madagascar" and boy! am I happy I went to watch it.

It was ribtickling funny...LOL. I loved the Lemur and "Gloria" the hippo was so full of attitude. Personally, the penguins should've had more air time -- they were fab! The giraffe as the eternal hypochondriac was so realistic --absolutely loved him!! All in all, a super movie to watch.

I also started a new project -- can't say much about it except its a romance in a genre I've never written before in *whisper whisper* I hope it turns out ok...LOL.

I also got bitten by the nesting bug - bit early *shrug* but who can argue with the wierd and wild of pregnancy joys. I suddenly decided that my books were humoungously neglected -- so a new bookcase designed by me is well on its way to being made by my erstwhile carpenter. I also cleaned out my daughter's cupboards -- yes! i said cupboards and spruced up the kitchen. Now, my back is screaming obscenities at me....so I'm just going to ignore it!

And oh gosh! my darn breasts began to leak this weekend -- now that wa a shock...LOLOLOL! Try explaining the phenomenon to a four year old curious cat...LOL -- for those of you who think I've lost my marbles -- I'm 7 months pregnant and due to deliver a beautiful, healthy baby in November. dunno if its a boy or girl -- although my darling daughter wants a baby sister but I'm sure she'll love her brother to death as well...LOL

Let's see other than that -- HTML gave me a frustrating time today but finally, I managed to get that worked out. so do check out some of the wonderful web blogs on my sidebar and take a gander at my wonderful publisher's site.

Until later......

Update

Well! I have great news -- my pregnancy is going great, finally and I've begun writing again..yipee!

I went through a rough mood swingy - hormonally crazy few days prior to this, but feel much better now. My poor family put up with me and I just want to say that I'll try and make up for my horrid moods when I'm done delivering this baby....LOL.

I swear I never thought I would be this bad....

Anyway, fantastic news came my way...I got my fourth contract for "Bet on Love" - a contemporary romance. I like this book coz its a mite different from the other's I've written. It's sensual but I'd classify it as a sweet romance that will tug at your heartstrings...LOL

Okay, I'm off now to do some more writing . I'm scared if I wait too long -- my muse will begin to sulk!!

Thursday and Counting

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It's Thursday and despite the I Can, I Can rant -- I haven't -- I haven't written a word *sigh*

So yeah a bit of my lustrous lock did come away in my hands and I did groan coz it only means I don't need to tear my hair out -- it seems to be falling all by itself because of stress....

I need to get the words on paper and I will -- the problem is not writing the story. The problem is having two very hot and sexy men whisper their case in my ears. Each wanting to be "THE ONE" in this book -- "the man who gets the girl".

I must confess I love both of them -- they're both strong, sexy and with a touch of the bastard in them -- nevertheless, one will have to go. I don't have energy to write a love triangle -- not in my state -- what state is that? -- don't want to mention it -- I'm too bushed.

I could work on another story -- but that's an experimental historical and for that I need to get tons of research done without going cross eyed in two mins flat!!!

So, here's what I will do -- or atleast plan to. I'm going to go back to the drawing board and reread the first couple of chapters. Maybe I' can edit in or edit out a scene or two that will get the whole plot kickstarted and solve the two hero tangle I find myself in.....

Until later then......

Wish life could be as easy as saying 123!!

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Hello! Don't you just hate it when life gets in the way of grand plans....I've been meaning to write for ages...ages - I tell you and so far -- nada - nothing!

Grr, makes me want to tear my long lustrous locks out in frustration -- honestly! I have long lustrous locks...LOL

Anyway, I'm determined to get started on writing something today -- anything, I have to or I will have to live with this ooze of self-doubt inside my muse who by the way is acting just as finicky as an old woman in the throes of passion (oooh -- image is not good!!)

I hope to hell I can do what I'm saying -- I have a few incomplete WIP's on my comp -- languishing like a Victorian virgin waiting for her first kiss. I may leave them to languish some more and start something new -- do I sound like a woman with no mind or what?!! Sheesh! I have got to stop being this way -- can I blame this on pregnancy hormones -- gosh! I hope not.

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