Crazy good...

So, I’ve been writing in between doing other stuff today. I won’t lie it’s been a shit-full year on personal scale and writing has been one of the last things on my mind. But today, as I was writing, I got several reviews come through Smashwords. Lordy, it took me long enough to work out how to get those books properly formatted on Smashwords and then out through ebook distributors. But it was worth it. The sales tell me that. 

But, more importantly – much, much more importantly, are the reader reviewers that come through on Smashwords.  I’ll be honest, I’m always amazed someone reads my books let alone likes them enough to place a review. It’s crazy good to get a review.  It’s also deadset humbling to know someone will spend hard earned cash on your stories.

Thank you  

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/134295

A character from characterville...

I wrote this secondary character called Swerve in my first Vampire book called Shades of Gray. The feedback from readers about Swerve was quite amazing. He is this guy who wanders in and out doing dumb stuff. He’s annoying and yet you can’t help but like him despite his irritating habits and inability to focus on anything.

Anyway, Swerve shows up in Run the Gantlet, again as a secondary character. Gantlet sort of roughly follows the other three vamp books but not really. I’m not into writing a deadset series. I like to link books so they can be read in any order but none are dependant on the other. What is Swerve doing with vampires? Who the bloody hell knows. But he’s there being Swerve – vague, irresponsible yet strangely wise in a drugged sort of way.

Swerve wanders in and out of Gantlet, really just as a side bar to other stuff that is happening. Why did I put him in there when he really has nothing to do with the story? I’m not sure. He just turned up so I continued writing him in. And again, the response to him has been amazing. So, due to that, as soon as I finish my werewolf book, I’m going to write a vampire book featuring Swerve. Who is Swerve? Why is he just wandering through vampire books and why do we want to know more about the Swerves of the world? In my mind I know who Swerve is. I’ll be interested to see if it matches what readers think. I believe there is a little Swerve in all of us.

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Be daring...read an Amarinda book

To suck or not to suck?

That is the question. What am I talking about? Vampires - and specifically writing about them. I had a hard time writing my first vampire novel, Shades of Gray, because I had a specific idea how I wanted my vamps to be. They were not the stereotypical bloodsuckers that most people know and love. Some of my vamps crave blood – some don’t. Some look to their true love to sustain them through the cravings and to make them better men.

I actually expected Shades of Gray to fall on its arse because its hard writing for a specific genre, knowing the fans of the genre are very picky about their vampires. I understand that - and so they should be. I was gobsmacked when Shades of Gray did very well. The reason? I was told by many readers and reviewers that my vamps were unique - quirky - odd. I like odd and quirky works for me. This inspired me to write Marlow's Curse - the follow on. It also did well. So, after requests for more vamps, I am once again in the middle of writing about vampires. I like this new lot – they are also different from the last – and yes, Temperance makes an appearance, along with Asher and Marlow. Will anyone like them? Who knows? That’s the risk when it comes to writing. I like risk. It keeps you on your toes and your mind active. I believe in the catch cry I use on my emails and on the blog - Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for? Take a punt - have a go. What is the worst that can happen?

So, when people ask me what I did on the weekend I say vampire sex. I can tell you that I get a lot of odd looks from strangers. Those who know me just nod and smile and say ‘that’s nice.' I’d like to meet a vampire and ask him some questions. Do I believe they exist? Sure – why not?

That’s it – Monday was shockingly blech, blah and uh-huh. No doubt something fascinating will happen tomorrow.

Shades of Gray review

I’ve made no secret about my love for humorous stories filled with plenty of hot trysts and tons of laugh inducing encounters. Shades of Gray is another gut buster from Amarinda Jones well known for her red-hot heroines and their strong and lovable partners. Temperance takes her place right by the side of her predecessors for her ability to take any situation in stride. Any woman who can spend her evenings working out in a cemetery has nothing but respect from me. Asher was a cuddly hero albeit a little old-fashioned in his terms of endearment. Shades of Gray is another great story that kept me giggling, blushing and totally captivated. A reader who enjoys a lot of fun and couples that burn up the pages will love Amarinda Jones’ latest.Shades of Gray
http://joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Aug08/

shadesofgray.AJ.html

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Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

The writing thing....

So, I’ve been writing about vampires. Due to the great response from Shades of Gray and Marlow’s Curse, I am in the midst of another vamp book – adding the characters from those 2 books as secondary guests who wander into the latest chaos I have inflicted on my home town of Brisbane. Of course the thing is with books you can write ‘em but there is absolutely no promises that they will ever get published regardless how your last books went. It’s not like the saying of build it and they will come. It’s more like write it and hope someone does not think it sucks. I think writers forget that. I think we become complacent and make assumptions and - shock horror – start to believe our own publicity. No, of course I don't mean you or me....probably I mean everyone else....

To me writing is a job. It’s about creating a book that is entertaining and allows someone to drop their life for a couple of hours and wander into another world. There are heaps of writers around with stacks of books to choose from. Most of us are unknown and will probably always be. That’s okay. Just to take a dive into the shallow end of the writing pond is good. That someone wants to put money behind your book to publish is amazing. That a reader will put hard earned money down to take a chance on you is gobsmacking. And I think there are times that writers forget that as we all compete with one another for the market.

I know there are writers out there that will disagree with the subject of competition but we do compete and some are very scary, to the point of obsessive about it. That worries me. Yes, to a point writing is important, but when you become your publicity, you need to mentally slap yourself and start remembering who the hell you were before you went on this journey. Damn, I never thought I’d use that new age ‘journey’ word in a blog. Anyway…me? I’m Janet Davies. I got lucky when a book was accepted. Amarinda Jones was born out of that luck. I don’t forget that or who pushed and yelled at me along the way to work better and harder and smarter. There is nothing like a bunch of bright red edits across your latest work to bring you back to earth and remind you you’re not that good. And this could all fall apart tomorrow. Or it could get even better. It may stay the same. The thing is whatever you do in life we all know you have to remain grounded and be ever ready to pull your head in.

So, I guess what I am saying is – go out there are try your luck at anything – and I mean anything you believe in. Someone may tell you no – you suck or they may tell you yes, I think you’ll do. Make whatever you can out of the ‘think you’ll do’ statements and remember who you are and where you came from when your 15 minutes of fame happens.

*****************************************

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AmarindaJonesNewsletter/

Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Pushing Fate....

I got a new cover today from the Cover Gods. I asked the head Cover God for permission to post it. I used ‘pretty please’ and the Cover God agreed. See? Pretty please does it every time and Cover Gods are benevolent. It’s for a book called Pushing Fate. It’s under my other name. Why? Very long story. But chopping it down for blog purposes…I started to write this story with different named characters aimed at another publisher. But after much thought I realized I was not happy with this other publisher – that happens – so I changed the characters and wrote this story that did not have continuous sex in it. Who thought I could do that? And yes it does have sex in it but I decided to aim it as Cerridwen Press, the sister of Ellora’s Cave. Yes, I write for both but predominantly EC. So that’s the condensed version of the story. It’s naturally more messy and angst ridden than that but it’s all too tiring for that on a Thursday. But I will add that I did swear some, stamped my feet a bit and slapped by forehead a lot giving myself a headache.

What is the book about? Hmmm…I wrote several blurbs at work recently and Pushing Fate was one. Well, what else is work time for? It’s not an approved blurb so don’t commit it to memory….

Ainslie Croft is a dreamer. The problem is her dreams aren’t pleasant. Ghosts haunt her asking for help. When she crashes into a dream where one man is running from her and another towards her, Ainslie knows her life is about to change forever. But can she overcome her emotional and physical scars to let anyone into her life?

Ramsay Balfour is a man on a mission. He has to find an evil necromancer and destroy his power. Ramsay also plans to seduce Ainslie back into the land of the living by teaching her how to love again.

On to other things…

I was asked today what I considered were my top 6 talents. Oh crap…I don’t know…can you answer that straight away without thinking? I gave –

1. The Vulcan hand salute
2. Walking really fast
3. My patented death stare when someone annoys me
4. The ability to remove a champagne cork without spilling any liquid
5. Touching my toes – actually the ground if I want to be a total smart arse.
6. Doing the splits. (No really, I can)

Okay so none of these went down really well because I was supposed to relate them back to where these particular talents would lead me in life. Hmmm…unless I have to deal with a Vulcan who walks fast and drinks champagne and likes a flexible woman who can give an
excellent cold stare, I’m not going to get anywhere much in life. Why do people persist in asking deep and meaningful questions about what you see as the purpose of your life? I don’t know what it is yet. Yes, I am 44 but I am still making it up as I go along. The direction meanders this way and that and I really blame it all on fate. This, by the way, is not an answer the asker wants to hear. I think you are supposed to say stuff like – I want to be a better person by working my guts out for the company, staying back late and not writing book blurbs at work or sneaking out early. Why do people need to know this stuff about you anyway? Why can’t they just pay you and let you be? It’s most annoying.

I got a really nice letter from a reader telling me how much they liked the characters in Shades of Gray and Marlow’s Curse. These are two, very non-typical vampire books where the

characters follow on from one book to another. The reader

asked was I going to write another follow on book with these characters. Yes, there will be only because I have had so many similar letters asking me the same thing – a good thing to happen to a writer. People particularly like Temperance – who is anything but temperate. She is part drama queen, part shy/good girl with the courage of a warrior and the finesse of an elephant. She is flawed and average and I think people identify with that. So, watch this space…Temperance, Asher, Sybylla and Marlow will make another appearance.

A Knock Three Times moment…released 18th July through Ellora’s Cave

“You said it, I suck at painting toes.” He hoisted up her shirt until her breasts were exposed. “But sucking can be good when it comes to some things, chère.” His mouth descended on one taut, pink nipple.
“You suck so well.” Montie struggled to pull the t-shirt off over her head. She did not want to lose contact with Ballantyne’s mouth but she did not want to be strangled by cotton knit. As she flung the t-shirt off she managed to roll

them both off the sofa and onto the carpet below. “Ouch,” she moaned as she hit the floor, her head cushioned by the bag of chips that split open on impact, sending the contents scattering. Montie was impressed that Ballantyne was so dedicated to his task that he did not lose suction for a moment however his elbow did slam down hard into the packet of Tim Tams crushing them. That was just wrong. “Um, Tyne.”
Ballantyne looked up from his task, his hands now busily removing her shorts.
“Yes, chère?” he pulled back from her and wrenched them down her legs.
“You’re crushing my Tim Tams.”
Ballantyne threw back his head and laughed.
“Well we can’t have that.” He stopped what he was doing and removed his elbow. He gently placed the Tim Tams on the sofa cushions then went back to his task.
“How chivalrous.” You had to love a man who had his priorities right.

**Tim Tams = heavenly chocolate cream biscuilts/cookies

www.amarindajones.com
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Marlow’s Curse - released today - let the pigeons loose!

The Legend of the St Michael Witches

If a St Michael witch be unwilling, great pain will afall ye. Your innards will twist and your manhood die. Seek no help as none will come.
If a St Michael witch be willing, true love and pleasure will be yours for an eternity as those who give themselves only in love will take no other.

Marlow’s Curse – the blurb.

Legend has it that if a St Michael witch is not willing no man can take her without suffering the consequences. Sybylla is the last St Michael witch. She knows that when a St Michael witch falls in love her lover becomes her weakness and the witch becomes his downfall. Sybylla will not allow her fate to destroy a man. But some men are hard to resist.

Marlow is not just any man. He is a vampire, cursed centuries ago to wander aimlessly through life believing he does not deserve more. When he meets Sybylla one moonlit night two lonely worlds collide. Marlow is aware of the legend but that doesn’t mean he is going to let a myth get in the way of deep enduring passion.

But Marlow is not the only one who wants Sybylla. A demon pursues her wanting vengeance and Scar will stop at nothing to make her pay. Will Sybylla sacrifice her own future happiness to vanquish the demon and save Marlow? Can a willing witch and a cursed vampire beat the odds?

Reasons to read about a vampire this Easter…

Vampires….

… to the best of my knowledge are non fattening
…love and adore all women regardless of size or PMS issues
…would never deny a woman chocolate as pleasure is the most important thing to them.
…are incorrigible romantics who will do anything for their women
…will kick down the gates of hell to save the woman they love
…and let’s face it – they are sex on a stick.

Please remember – anyone that comments on my blog today – say what you like – goes into the draw for one person to win a copy of Marlow’s Curse. Now, the only thing is, if I cannot contact
you through your Blogger ID or you leave no email address then you cannot win. So make sure you are contactable. Contest closes midnight Friday US EST. The winner will be notified by email and announced on Saturday’s blog. Good luck.

Yesterday at work someone announced they were quitting their job. No, it wasn’t me for a change. Anyway I was quite pleased with this as she had to leave. Why? She had the same shirt I did and she could not stay because of it. No, it wasn’t an embarrassment thing - it was more that I consider myself unique and will not dress as another does. I’m sure all you unique people understand that. She had to leave or give up that shirt. I’m a reasonable woman.

Work is odd. There is a lot of intrigue and bitching going on under the surface as happens in most offices. I really don’t care on the whole as I am there to get paid and go home. What does worry me is the alarming need these people have to hug and kiss each other hello and goodbye – or just because they can. I have never been in an office of kissing, hugging people. It’s actually quite pukeable. I have made it known that I'm a hug free and kiss free zone. I’m picky when it comes to that. I worked with best friends Ethel and Katie for ages. Ethel and I never hug – it’s always a handshake. It’s just the thing we do – mainly to do with knowing each other’s personal history. Whereas Katie insists on a hug whenever we meet – she does not accept my offer of a friendly punch on the arm. Okay, so that I can handle as I know these two people and it’s not a constant hugging thing. But am I just odd – wait let me rephrase that as the answer can only be yes – um - do you think it’s odd that workmates are all kissy face with each other on a constant daily basis? I feel like I have walked into some cutesy land, sugar plum fairly land and expect to hear "It’s a small world afterall…" being sung. Thank god there is that edge of bitchiness to keep it vaguely interesting.

I bought two of the heaviest dining room chairs. They weigh a ton. Why did I buy them? I liked them and I always buy impossibly awkward, difficult furniture. That’s my nature. Just getting them into the car and driving home was an adventure. The despatch bloke said “You’ll never do it, love.” Ha! Don’t ever tell me never as that only makes me more determined to do it. I did it even though I ripped off part of the rubber seal on the car getting them out. I then lugged them upstairs with much effort and bruised shins and banged them down near the table, making the floor shake at the weight of them. They do not match any of the other chairs or even any of the other furniture in the house and yes they look gothically odd but I’m not someone who worries about stuff like that. I also bought a heap of odd curtains that were marked at a quarter of the price. None of them match but they will be perfect in my bedroom as they are gauzy, gypsy type ones and they only have to suit me. The added bonus is I saved $200 so in theory I have a $200 credit that is like a gift for me to do whatever I want with it. That’s how the women in my family view shopping moments like these. So what are the best or weirdest or heaviest buys you have made of late?

"I am neither good, nor bad, neither angel nor devil, I am a man, I am a vampire." --Michael Romkey (I, Vampire)

“One thing vampire children have to be taught early on is, don't run with wooden stakes.” --Jack Handy

I have never met a vampire personally, but I don't know what might happen tomorrow-- Bela Lugosi

The dynamic duo of Anny and Kelly can be found spruiking on www.annycook.blogspot.com and www.kkirch.blogspot.com as always

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Mid week...woo hoo!

Highlight of the day – Marlow’s Curse – sequel to Shades of Gray passed FLEs (final line edits) without tears. Many thanks to my editor banging me and it into shape - and I got steel capped boots in my job today for free. They are amazingly comfortable and they can inflict damage. Can life get any better? Okay, yes, it could…but go with me on this.

Quote of the day – from older, cranky man when he tried to cut in front of younger, cranky Amarinda

Older man: Well excuse me, missy. I see being born in the last century means nothing to the young ones.

Amarinda: Honey, the vast majority of us are born in the last century and manners are just as important now as they were in the last century and pushing in is never going to be acceptable whatever you age - so get over it and yourself.

When my brothers and I were kids, Mum used to pack us off to the movies to get us out of her hair for several hours – and it was several hours because in the 70’s the flicks were a cheap outing and one that could be squeezed into a tight family budget. At the Coronet Theatre in Orange (town in New South Wales) there were usually 2-3 movies on at the same time. We would have our saved up pocket money – 20 cents a week – remember those days and we had to work for it – and buy Wagon Wheels (chocolate biscuit and marshmallow) and sherbet bombs (liquorice and sherbet) – Aussies will know ‘em. Then we would settle down and watch some old black and white films. We saw “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the Rescue" seventeen times. Truly. It was the Coronet’s first feature film. It probably still is. It featured the Three Stooges in it and there was an ice skating scene. No, it
didn’t make sense to me then at 8 and it doesn’t now at 44. And if Mum had of know the Three Stooges were in it, we would never have got to watch it once as she believed they were violent and my older brother was one of those mongrel kids that like to punch.

Anyway, what the hell am I on about? Ms Dakota Rebel mentioned on yesterday’s blog that she loved Clark Gable movies. The tie in? Old movies. I love Gable movies as well, especially It Happened One Night and of course Gone with the Wind ( I nearly know all the lines off by heart - yes, tragic.) They seem to make some real men in those days. I’m not saying that men aren’t like that now but there’s something special about the likes Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Peter O’Toole. They were dashing and dare I say dapper. When was the last time you heard dapper? Have you seen Laurence Olivier in Pride and Prejudice with Greer Garson? No? Do it. It’s wonderful as is the quirky The Reluctant Widow (Georgette Heyer novel) that
was shot in the 50’s but it is as fresh today. An acquaintance of mine thinks old movies should remain old and why would someone living in this decade be interested in them? Because they are history. They reflect the times they were filmed in. They are also run the same gamut of emotions from love to despair to adventure as today's movies.

I love contemporary movies as well but I rarely go and see a movie because it’s been hyped up. Don’t you find those disappointing when the hype falls flat and you walk out thinking – huh? So, what do you look for in a movie? I want to believe in the romance, the danger or the adventure. Oh duh – really, you say? Yes, because how many times has the advertising been shoved down your throat telling you it’s fantastic and it’s not? It’s like books. Yes, I have had some really great reviews – I have another one below – and I appreciate them greatly and they are important

to a writer because reviewers have the experience to know what is hot in the market. Alternatively, if I get a terrible review that’s okay too. Am I mad? Generally yes – specifically in this case I would prefer an honest opinion than a cookie cutter one. I would rather know where I went wrong than keep repeating it. So reviews are good. But like any reader I want to make up my own mind. The review piques my interest but I want to decide if it’s really hot or sexy or funny or crap. Alternatively, when I get a fan letter in my email I know I have done the right thing. It means that for a couple of hours someone has been able to zone out and not think about whatever is going in their lives. We all need that and movies do that as well. So, those of you who have never seen an old movie, may I suggest you take some time out and have a look.
Shades of Gray review

Jones’ style of writing is very quirky and different—her plot is intrinsically exhilarating, and she hits the ground running, attacking the readers with a wonderful sense of speed to make the pages fly. Temperance Larkin is eccentric but relatable, a bold woman who matches fantastically with the vampire Asher Marriott. It is quite heart wrenching when peeking into Asher’s past, to imagine his battles and the strength it must take to emerge from the other side a changed man. As such, Temperance’s humorous attitude towards life is a nice complement to the darker aspects of the story. Though their relation is a bit of race, Asher and Temperance is too convincing in their compatibility for them to not be a matched pair.

Asher’s quest for vengeance is a very engaging, especially because the story easily becomes personal. The secondary characters dance nicely in the background, adding more intrigue to an already simmering story—each individual radiates with personality and spice, with a balanced mix between the suspense of the chase and the development of passion. This is one of the rare times that the existence of the villain is perfectly integrated into the plotline, such that it is a fluid read (and when the destruction comes, it is wonderfully cathartic). The dialogue itself is sharp and moves the plot along entertainingly. Simply, everything comes together to weave a very unusual and refreshing tale; it will be an electrifying wait until the next installment, Marlow’s Curse.

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1377

Remember to check out Anny’s pondering on www.annycook.blogspot.com and Kelly’s wonderings on www.kkirch.blogspot.com.au

www.AmarindaJones.blogspot.com
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Monday stuff...

Shades of Gray review

In a market packed with vampire novels, Amarinda Jones carves out a unique spot with Shades of Gray. She has created a world with a range of vampires from those reveling in death and sex to those trying to live a normal life. Toss in an illusion casting witch who’s in love with a vampire that isn’t quite ready to give up blood, an ancient enemy and hold on for the ride. While the novel starts like too many vampire erotic romances it quickly sheds its skin and becomes a completely absorbing story that carries you along for the ride.
As a reader I love vampire stories – but hold them to a high standard. The standard set by Marjorie M. Liu in A Taste of Crimson, by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro in the St. Germain Chronicles, and by Bram Stocker in Dracula. I’m pleased to find an author who takes the vampire mythos, spins it on its ear and creates a new and fascinating twist.
Shades of Gray is a must read for vampire lovers and a to be read for those that like a story where the sex is hot but the plot is strong.
http://www.simplyromancereviews.com/srrreviews/shadesofgray.aspx

Whew! I am relieved people like Shades of Gray. I will admit I was a little concerned as I know people who love the Vampire genre have high standards. So thanks to everyone who read Shades of Gray or reviewed it or sent me an email to tell me you liked it. I appreciate it.

Swift of Heart got a 4 and a half out of 5 from the Romantic Times. I haven’t been able to read the review yet but I appreciate the stars. Thanks RT.

Eerie Stuff

I was out walking this morning, as I do in the name of burning up calories to fit more in, when I felt someone was walking very close behind me. It was early morning, still a bit dark but I am not the shrinking violet sort, so I fisted the stick I carried and got ready to use it. I swung around to find no one there. Spooky. It felt like someone was there. I kept walking and I still felt the presence. Anyway, as me and the presence sauntered along, I told myself it was because I am writing a ghost book at the moment but I know stuff like this happens to people all the time.

No, I’m not about to get all mystical but it reminded me of a horrible time in my life several years ago (no sympathy, it’s not about that) when my brother drowned. My father and I stumbled to the river as you do looking for answers or something. The wind was blowing a gale and it was cold and miserable as you would expect on a horrible day in your life. I was dressed in something completely inappropriate as I always seem to be when these things happen in my life and my skirt was flying up all over the place. I looked behind me at the river bank. There was a man’s blue handkerchief spread out perfectly flat on the grass. It was not moving in the wind, despite everything else blowing away up and around it. It remained flat and still. I recognized it was my brothers. How? I had bought a bundle of these particularly ugly looking handkerchiefs just before he went into hospital. They were the only ones I could get on short notice and they had 'Good day’ written in the corner. Never seen them since. I walked over and looked at it. It occurred to me that this was a sign – maybe a farewell or maybe something to indicate he was at peace – who knows but it was important to me. Yes, I still have the handkerchief.

No, I’m not out to depress people. Things happen as they do for a reason - sometimes the reason sucks but that's life. So tell me, what eerie moments or signs have you have in your life? Have you felt someone near you but no one was there? Have you received a sign that only you would recognize? Or if you think it’s all a load of crap feel free to tell me. All opinions are welcomed.

From the Cover Gods…

Below is my excellent new cover for Anyone But You. Once again I pay homage to the Cover Gods at Ellora’s Cave – may champagne pour forth like water from your taps…hmm…that would be very nice. What’s Aynone But You about? Check out the – unedited -blurb below.

Verity Kane is normally a calm, efficient worker. Normally nothing upsets her. However in the last six months her patience has been tried dealing with her charming playboy boss, Mercardo Gentry. When she walks in on him having sex with a woman on his desk, she has had enough. It’s about time Mercardo learnt a lesson and she’s the woman to do it.

Mercardo Gentry fell in love with Verity Kane six months ago. He would like nothing more than to get to know her but the lady is most definitely not interested. Can he really be blamed for reading her private diary when he comes across it by accident? When he reads that her most intimate fantasies revolve around him, Mercardo decides to seduce Verity with her own thoughts.

Verity is amazed and aroused that the playboy understands her needs so well. But falling in love with a playboy is not something she counted on. Leaving her job is easy, forgetting Mercardo is impossible.

Make sure you visit Anny on www.annycook.blogspot.com and then swing buy and check out Kelly on www.kkirch.blogspot.com.

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Sex…what’s it all about?

Shades of Gray by Amarinda Jones is a fantastic vampire story that left me wanting more now! I enjoyed reading about all the characters, the setting, and the supernatural world Amarinda Jones has created. Temperance and Asher are great main characters. She is a strong woman who is more realistic than most heroines. She’s not super skinny, and she doesn’t go charging into danger without knowing what is going on. Asher is hot and sexy, and even though he is trying to change his vampirism, he is bad enough to make your mouth water. The secondary characters, Marlow and Sybylla, add perfectly to the story, and I can’t wait to read more about them. Amarinda Jones has written a story that is a must read for any vampire lover!

http://fallenangelreviews.com/2008/February/Ashley-ShadesOfGray.htm

SHADES OF GRAY is a wonderful paranormal, in which good fights evil. Amarinda Jones gives us great characters as heroes, and hot sex scenes. The story is a fast and interesting read, and has a little something for everyone. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. http://www.theromancereaders
connection.com/reviews2/jonesamarinda1308.html

Sex…what’s it all about? Do you often wonder why people want to read about sex? Are they desperate, lonely or looking for a thrill? And what is normal sex when it comes to a romance book? Who exactly on the planet is normal? Put your hand up if you are. Why are there so many genres and grades of sex from sweet to taboo? Because there are so many different types of people in the world. Is the writing any better in a moderate sex book as compared to a book that pushes the sexual boundaries? I believe that some writers are better than others as some sales assistants, doctors, teachers etc are better than others - it doesn't mean either is good or bad.

Author Anny Cook www.annycook.blogspot.com discussed sex on her Saturday blog and she got me thinking about the whole debate over how much sex is too much sex when it comes to romance books. I do agree with Anny that sometimes romance is pushed aside in the pursuit of an orgasm. But I also know that some people consider romance can grow from great sex. It’s a conundrum isn’t it? It’s against my nature to be a fence sitter but I really don’t know what the answer is so I may just lean on the fence for a while and ponder and accept the differences. What do you think? Is there a genre you would not consider reading because of the ick factor? Or are you a fence leaner on this subject as well? Paraphrasing Lady Astor --I don't care what they do as long as they don't frighten the horses.

Fundamentally, this is what I think…people are odd…yes, I include myself in that statement. There is always going to be some element of sex in a romance book – whether it’s by inference or the actual, panting, shirt ripping, oh my god, what is taking him so long to put that condom on deed. Yes, there are some books out there that are just pure sex because that’s what people want to read. I’m not going to tsk tsk those authors for catering to readers who want ultra risky or taboo sex. I may never read them or write similar but someone will read them and someone will write them. That’s face it sex has been around since – depending on your beliefs - evolution or Adam and Eve. As for romance – it’s eternal and people will seek it in whatever form they can so what the hell - let ‘em.

Mae West --Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?

Mad About Mirabelle is a delightful yet suspenseful story. The relationship between Flynn and Mirabelle keeps the reader hanging on every word wondering what will happen next. Mirabelle is unsure of Flynn's feelings for her and even questions her own. Flynn is sure of his feelings and tries to allay Mirabelle’s fears at every turn. The strange happenings have both of them trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. The chemistry between them is amazing, the sex is sizzling, and the mystery keeps the reader on the edge. Ms. Jones has done a very nice job, and I can't wait to read more by this talented author.

http://fallenangelreviews.com/2008/February/Dawnie-MadAboutMirabelle.htm

Check Anny out on www.annycook.blogspot.com – she talking about the joys of listening to the voices in your head as you write. Kelly is discussing some individual who may be a psycho or just very misunderstood (uh huh) on www.kkirch.blogspot.com

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Random Friday stuff….

Maid For Death - Review

Amarinda Jones knows what erotic romance readers want in a story, and this resourceful writer delivers. Ms. Jones turns up the hotness in this story, where flames can almost be felt coming from the pages. As one of the Tricks and Treats books, this story deals with Halloween. However, its imaginative originality makes the story one which can be enjoyed anytime of the year, as the holiday takes a backseat to the sensual plus fascinating plot. The lusty carnality is very descriptive, making something cold a must while reading every pleasurable second. With sex being the primary focus of numerous scenes, many of the pages feature continuously combustible heat in some form and leave you wanting even more. The story itself is absolutely delightful with not only intriguing circumstances but also three particularly energetic characters. From the opening paragraph to the last compelling word, MAID FOR DEATH is engaging with innovativeness plus an abundance of steamy sex. Each of the characters is colorful in their own way, and their lively personalities shine all through the book. Their witty conversations and thoughts will frequently make you grin and even laugh-out-loud, while their suggestive innuendoes may even leave you gasping. MAID FOR DEATH is red-hot on every level, as the spirited characters enjoy a rousing adventure packed with genuine feelings and rampant desires

http://sensual.ecataromance.com/index.php?p=584

Random Friday stuff….

I had to deal with someone called Jethro Thistlethwaite today. Who is he? No one important. Why do I mention it? I cannot, without thinking before I speak, say ‘th’ words properly. The minute I have to deal with someone with a ‘th’ name I am screwed. I just cannot get my name around it. I am all ‘ff’’ instead of ‘th.’ When I had to call him back, I did contemplate not ringing but it was an important call. When I had to ask for him by name I thought crap – 'crap' I can say but all those ‘th’ sounds in a row like that? It’s just wrong. I can’t whistle either. There goes my plans to go into show business – all ruined.

Got lost several times on the way to somewhere. I am someone who gets in the car, has a quick look at a map and then just drives. I quite like not knowing where I’m going. It’s the ‘I am mistress of my own destiny’ thing and normally this is not an issue as I get where I am supposed to. However I have a habit of rat running. What is that? It's going off the beaten track and shooting through neighbourhoods to find a quicker route. I always think if I go down this street that’s bound to get me there quicker. I did that today and ended up getting lost and having to go over the Gateway Bridge two times paying four lots of tolls. Head slap. Did I learn anything from it? Hmm…other than having more change in the car ashtray - no.

Vitamins – every so often I go through this vitamin junkie faze. I generally eat healthy and do pukeable exercise but I go through this “I must have more vitamins” thing. I always have vitamin e and c but I have these moments where I think – I should have more. Do I want to live forever? Hell no. I want to live as long as I can carry the plonk bottle from the fridge to the sofa without dropping it – two handed if necessary. When I am too doddery to do that – game over.

'Absolutely obsessed with playing Matchbox Twenty's Greatest hits CD in the car at the moment…over and over. Passengers get in and go – “Oh for god sake – again?” My response - “You want a ride or not?” Why Matchbox Twenty other than I like them? Well, every time I get fixated on writing/finishing a book I always seem to play a particular CD over and over. When the book is done I think – I cannot listen to that again. Anyone else do that? Nah, you’re probably all too normal.

I am an extremely lucky person. I had two friends lie their arses off for me today to help me out. How fortunate am I? You cannot buy friendship like that. Of course, it has always been a reciprocal deal. We lie for each other. It is truly a gift to have someone to rely on or to be relied upon. May you all be as fortunate.

There is a new Tim Tam biscuit out! Woo hoo! I saw it on TV. Tim Tam Crush…mmm…I will be buying myself some of those tomorrow…for research purposes of course…

Entries close at midnight EST on February 16 for the Eternally Yours contest. Have you collected all the lines for "My darling I could spend eternity…" yet? More importantly have you emailed anny@annycook.com the answers? If not hurry and be in the running for some great prizes

1st prize--5 books

2nd prize--3 books

3rd prize--2 books

The books

Sandra Cox Silverhills
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute For the Goddess
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone
Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Anny Cook Honeysuckle

My line - "My darling I could spend an eternity with you doing the laundry, cooking and the cleaning."

Anny has a great excerpt on www.annycook.blogspot.com while Kelly has the next episode in her blog serial on www.kkirch.blogspot.com

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

In the lap of the Gods…

I realized I’ll have to start thinking what I want on the cover of my latest contracted book – Penned Again. This is, of course, a good situation for a writer to be in so it’s not a chore. What’s Penned Again about? I have yet to write a blurb but basically it’s about a three hundred demon, Penn Ripley, who married a mortal woman, Arlo, without her knowing his real identity. Naturally she was a tad pissed off when she found out the truth. They split up. Six months later Penn is back. Why? It’s all to do with a bet. Now I just have to put that into blurb speak.

Anyway what makes a good cover? I have to admit I am pretty flexible when it comes to cover requests. You get this form that you fill out and send away. It’s all about what you would like and how you see your characters. You can ‘suggest’ how the cover could look but there are no guarantees as to what you get. This does not bother me as I have been very lucky with the Ellora’s Cave Cover Gods. I appreciate their time and talent. Am I sucking up? Nah, ‘cause I suspect it wouldn’t work anyway. So you send off the cover
request once your Editor has checked it to make sure you can spell your own name correctly and you haven’t written something dumb on the form – for example – for my last cover request, for Anyone But You, I wrote under “Possible symbols or items that could be included on the cover” – ‘a purple person.’ My Editor emailed back and said a ‘purple person?’ Being the wise women she is she had read the story and knew, that unlike author Anny Cook’s novels, there were no purple/blue people in the book. We did however wonder how a reader would look at the cover and think “The two people in a clinch I get, but the purple person watching them? What’s that about?” And how disappointed would they be if they bought the book expecting a ménage with a purple person and there were only two people and a purple diary. See, this is why writers need Editors. Writers are rarely ever logical.

So, after you make suggestions – half naked, fully naked, do what you like as long as he has a tatt, I’m sure I’ll love it – those are my real life, general suggestions to Coverland – you get the cover

back. I have never been disappointed. But then I do not have a rigid belief in how my cover should look and therefore no other will do - foot stamp, angst ridden pout. I don’t have to have the hero holding the heroine on an alpine mountain top with the early morning sun highlighting, on a ninety degree angle, the blue-blackness of his hair while the heroine’s porcelain-like left hand is placed three-quarters, no more, along his muscular arm. Her fingers nails do not have to be persimmon pink, her bottom lip does not have to look like its quivering nor does her eye shadow have to be a particular shade of Rimmel - and how would I know if a cover model has size 34C breasts or not when they are squashed against the hero’s naked but not hairy chest? The doves that are flying in the background do not have to look like they were trained in the Himalayas by the monks, nor do the sheep you can barely see have to be merinos from the New South Wales Highlands. I do not ask for the impossible or improbable. As for the title and my name – as long as they are spelt correctly, I am good to go. Just give me a cover that people will be attracted to and want to buy the book. I

trust the Coverlandians to do this. They’re professionals. They know what they are doing. Pouting because your expectations are not met is your problem, not the cover departments. I think sometimes authors need to remember that ‘suggested’ means just that and expectations are sometimes a little too high faluting. As always, feel free to comment.

Eternity contest…nah, I don’t have the “My Darling…” line but someone does. Are you playing along? No? You’ve been on another planet? Welcome back. There is still time – just trawl through the sites below and find the line.

What could you spend an eternity doing? What is your passion? Your hunger? Your deepest desire? Each day beginning February 5 and running through February 14 one of the ten authors will complete the line, "My darling I could spend eternity…" on either their blog or website. Collect all ten answers and e-mail them to
anny@annycook.com with Eternally Yours in the subject line to win some hot, romantic books. There will be three lucky Valentine winners.

The prizes –

1st prize--5 books

2nd prize--3 books

3rd prize--2 books

The books

Sandra Cox Silverhills
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute For the Goddess
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone


Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Anny Cook Honeysuckle

Entries must be in by February 16 at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Remember to check out Anny on www.annycook.blogspot.com and Kelly on www.kkirch.blogspot.com – they’re always up to something interesting and if they’re not – check out the blogs to the left.

Quote for today....

To err is human, but it feels divine--Mae West

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Thursday stuff...

I ran into an old supervisor from my Promptel (code for crap telephone company I used to work for) days. He asked me “who are you driving mad now?” Isn’t it sweet how people remember you? And, I must admit, I was a terrific pain in the bum when it came to him managing me – why he even tried I have no idea. He asked “Are you still playing ‘Who Wants to Be A Millionaire’ at the desk when you’re supposed to be working?” The answer is no, because I no longer have that as an email attachment.

I used to drive this manager, let’s call him Charlie, mad because towards the end of our Promptel time, we were all chucked into the call centre. This was done to break the weak ones so they would leave and then there would be less $$$ to pay out when they got rid of the rest of us. The hard nuts like me and my mates Ethel and Katie stuck it out to the end for our pay out. We did this by breaking the rules. Yes, I’m sure I’ll feel terrible about driving Promptel to distraction one day – remind me to apologise next year some time, will you? Anyway we used to take the odd call and then play games on the computer. One of our favorites was “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” We used to sit with customers, on hold – generally because they were yelling – and answer questions.

If you have worked in a call centre you would be aware of random call monitoring. Usually it’s really obvious because you hear ‘them’ click in and then you knew when to be good – or alternatively you would stand up and wave and let them

know you knew what they were doing to piss them off. Or in the case of answering thousands of “Millionaire” questions you would not hear them click in as you were busy doing other stuff and then they would hear you discussing the answers when you should have been working. It would drive Charlie mad. I would explain to Charlie that if he just came over and said he was call going to call monitor us then we wouldn’t answer questions for a couple of minutes.

C - It’s not random if you know!
A – Okay, so this is important to you I take it?
C – It’s for your development not mine, Amarinda
A – I’m developed enough

C – Don’t you care about your call stats?

A – Oh, are they for me?

C – Yes, I know you bin them

A – I’m sure I never meant for you to see me do that

C – You’re a pain in the arse, Amarinda

A – Come on, you know I make your life more interesting

C – Piss off

A – Go home early you mean? Okay then…

C – Walking away from you…

See? Rules are easy to ignore.

A moment from Shades of Gray…

“Is Temperance home?”
“She went to get milk and my stash of jelly beans man.” Swerve invited him inside. That Asher said he was a policeman did not seem to penetrate into the weed-clouded mind of the good natured Swerve. “She is the only legal-to-drive if you know what I mean and I needed a sugar hit bad.”
“Yeah I do.” Asher laughed. He was not a cop tonight. If this guy wanted to get high as a kite it had nothing to do with him. Asher wanted one thing in this house—his woman. He looked around the home. It was cluttered with books and furniture and color. It looked lived in and crazy and he felt instantly at home. “So you share with Temperance?”
“I just visit man. And the Tempster doesn’t share anything,” Swerve responded looking at him in an unfocused way. “I am happy to service her sexual needs but the Tempster says she does not do threesomes. She is into the one on one commitment stuff.”
“Interesting.” That was exactly what Asher wanted to hear.
“Monogamy is boring.” Swerve was a man who believed in spreading the love.
“Temperance has a beautiful soul, a pure heart and a sensitive nurturing nature,” Cat told Asher.
“Fucking hell Swerve. Don’t leave your frigging skateboard out on the front porch. I nearly broke my bloody neck on it again.” Much cursing could be heard from outside the front door. “I am going to kick your lily-white ass if you leave it out there again.”
“So speaks the pure, nurturing soul,” murmured Asher in amusement.

What could you spend an eternity doing?

What is your passion? Your hunger? Your deepest desire? Each day beginning February 5 and running through February 14 one of the ten authors will complete the line, "My darling I could spend eternity…" on either their blog or website. Collect all ten answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with Eternally Yours in the subject line to win some hot, romantic books. There will be three lucky Valentine winners.

The prizes –

1st prize--5 books

2nd prize--3 books

3rd prize--2 books

The books

Sandra Cox Silverhills
Mona Risk To Love a Hero
Brynn Paulin Tribute For the Goddess
Bronwyn Green Mystic Circle
Cindy Spencer Pape Stone and Earth
N.J. Walters Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
Elyssa Edwards Mating Stone
Amarinda Jones Shades of Gray
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Anny Cook Honeysuckle

Entries must be in by February 16 at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.

Nope, not me today...check out the others

Anny is talking about the joy of dancing barefoot thought snakes on www.annycook.blogspot.com and Kelly is explained how rolling stones can gather moss, they just don’t want to on www.kkirch.blogspot.com

www.freewebs.com/amarindajones/

Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?