Colleen's Long Haired Hottie

The conversation came up and I had to post something inspiring... lol

Happy Sunday! :)

C~

Magick Monday

So, here it is, another Magick Monday! And in my part of the world it has gusted in true November fashion. Of course this is truly a gift for me. Nothing makes me write better then this kind of weather and so I've been very busy and enjoying every minute of it. :)

Like the new banner? My friend Denyse Bridger created it for me. I hugged her lots for it. :)

I hope you are able to find some joy in your day today.

C~

Love is Dirty Business

Colleen and Scooter (2 summers ago)


So my girlfriend is ill with a migrane and she asked me to blanket horses for her and double check everyone. hehe

It's really amazing to me, no matter how long I've been away from the barn, they, especially Scooter, are so happy to see me. :) It can be a month or five minutes, it doesn't matter.

I just got in the door and Scoots came over and laid a fat kiss on my cheek, along with a rain of caked on mud! Him and Tanner are coated in dried mud! Apparently they have been enjoying it emensly! I just brushed them out too!! lmao! Bad boys... That also means they don't want blankets put on. So fine, they can just be naked and covered in mud.

Lad and Passion were both very happy to get their blankets put on. They stick their noses out and all but fasten the clasps themselves! It's very sweet. But that is only when they want them on. Miss Passion has taken me skiing across the field before, just because that's what a young mare will do! That wasn't all too plesant either!

It's my favorite kind of day, to walk into the barn and have it smell like fresh hay and shavings. The sound of hay being munched and contented sighs sounding. That has to be the sound of paradise. :)

Happy Hump Day!

C~

Abbott and Costello Buying a Computer

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'.............

Passion for Fashion and Fashion for Passion

So... Yesterday I was going a little stir crazy and needed to burn off some stress energy. I don't live in an area where I can just hop in the car and go to the mall, and quite frankly, that's not my cup of tea anyway. I did the next best thing and went out to the barn. :) It was in the low 40's and the rain was bucketing down, echoing off the tin roof. After bundling myself up, and stuffing my pockets with apples, I escaped to my sanctuary. Of course Lad, the stallion, gets first dibs. He likes his apple held so he can bite it in half. He chews over your hands so that anything that falls out, can be eaten again. He also likes to lick the juice off my hands, he's not spoiled at all! He is so gentle it's hard to believe he has those hormones that drive the male spiecies. After that, everone gets one and all is well. Usually I stay long enough to spend a little time with everyone and today I decided that I would brush them before we put their blankets on for the night. Of course this is Miss Passion's favorite thing. She absolutely loves to be groomed and fussed over, so I took my time with her, brushing her tail and mane too. One of her many funny quirks is one she has aquired from her daddy, Lad! She will point to where she wants you to scratch, oh boy, she kept me busy! Her favorite place to be scratched is her hind end and if you don't know that, she will greet you, sniff you, maybe even kiss you before it appears she is moving away, only to back up and knock into you, because she wants her hiny scratched. hehe :) She did it to a cop once, but we won't get into that story today. lol Needless to say, he had a good sense of humor about it and obliged her. lol :) Even after the geldings were stealing his pens and glasses and such. lol...


Here is Miss Passion butting into Tanner's photo op. She looooooves costumes, fabrics with different textures and shiny things. Mr. Tanner was not impressed by her rude interuption as you can see here. He is our Schoolmaster and is an amazing horse with an impressive resume as a retired roundup horse.


















Passion followed my daughter everywhere, touching her dress and the beads in her headband.




















When she finally figured out that it would come off, she took it! So my daughter put it on her ear and she nearly wouldn't let us have it back. She is 15.3 hands at the shoulder, so her head is way the heck up there when she stands tall! :)



















Anyway, this is my form of stress relief. It's an amazing thing and they really get it when you are feeling like garbage. Many times I spend time with them when I'm plotting a scene. Daykan was my lead man in Eden at Twilight and Lad starred in one I wrote this spring. I have one planned that Scooter will be my lead in. They all have such distinct personalities that it's a lot of fun to create stories featuring them. :)

I hope your Sunday is restful and your week successful.

Colleen

Coffee Time Romance

I'm over at Coffee Time Romance today, with the other Wild Rose Press authors!
Stop by if you have a chance! :)

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1139

C~

Welcome Antonia Tiranth!

Delilah : Hi everyone! I’m Delilah K. Stephans. I’m here with my buddy Antonia Tiranth, Jett Houston and Amara Carnesir. We’re hoping that you will join us as we celebrate the release of Jett and Amara’s book. I’m going to let Antonia say hi.

Antonia : Hey guys! I'm really excited about this release for a few reasons. First, its my third published work and that never gets dull. ^.^ Second, its the continuation of a tale that I am very much enjoying being the teller of. And finally, because its the first published work from both Del and I. Its not the first thing we've written together by any means and Del has been with me the whole time with the Rikashi series, helping me when I'm stuck and editing among other things. Okay, enough about me. I should introduce you to our stars, Jett and Amara!

Jett: Guess I’m up next. Well, Tir – that’s what Delilah calls Antonia – started chronicling the Rikashi stories. No one has quite figured out how she’s doing it, but that’s not the point. So when it came time for Black Velvet. I thought since those two were writing buddies that Del should get in on the fun…

Amara: Oh be honest, you just wanted to be difficult. And Antonia is too polite to type your foul mouth.

Jett: I am so paddling your ass when we get home Princess.


Amara: I might just enjoy it.

Delilah: Ok you two behave! Sheesh.

Jett: So, where was I? So, I wouldn’t talk to Tir. Drove her nuts!

Antonia:Nuts doesn't begin to cover it. More like hair pulling frustration.

Jett: Anyway, they go ways back writing and finished our story.

Amara: Wow! You didn’t cuss once, I’m impressed. I’m Amara. think Antonia was a little surprised when I ended up being in the middle of the third tale. I wasn't exactly very talkative in The Gathering ...I'll blame that one on Daddy...but I'm sure you'll find our story interesting. You'll learn more about the prophecy and some of the changes happening in our society. Things definitely heat up *looks at Jett* on several levels.


Antonia: You can say that again. So, I hope you guys take a look at Black Velvet. If you're new to the series, you should take a look at the first two. Now, what are we doing to celebrate? I'll let Del tell you about that.

Delilah: Ok so while we’re here we’ll be answering any and all questions. For one lucky commenter we have downloads of the two songs that fit the book – Tal Bachman’s “She’s so High” and Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet”. For a few others we’ve got a stockpile of goodies we’ll be giving out – buttons, cover flats, bookmarks, and other goodies. So feel free to ask questions or just say hi!

Antonia : The songs will be provided via a gift download from iTunes (just figured out how to do that!) Del and I love hearing from readers and invite you to visit our websites, Delilah's and mine. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook. And now for a look at the cover, Amara...stop drooling.



And the blurb : I scanned the tables and counter, my eyes settling on him. There he was. Dark cowboy hat, dark coat, dark hair, and too handsome for his own good. He was sitting in one of the back booths, blending with the shadows.

I walked to his table, seating myself across from him. He looked over his menu at me and smirked.

“Just can’t stay away from me, can you, Princess?”

The nickname made me bristle, but I took a deep breath. I had to keep my focus on the mission. “So it seems.”

“Interesting,” he murmured, turning his eyes back to the menu, his face hidden beneath the brim of the hat.

Now what? What exactly should I say to him?

“We need you,” I blurted. Might as well get right to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

He laid the menu on the table. His dark eyes skimmed over my hair, my lips and down to my breasts, before returning to meet mine. My breath caught in my throat. There was such intensity in those eyes.

“We,” he echoed, then his voice dropped to a gravelly tone that made me want to squirm in my seat, “…or you?”

Now exactly what was that supposed to mean? I was one of the Aikanaro, if all of us needed him, didn’t that mean by extension each of us needed him? “I need you to come --”

“Ladies first.” He tapped the brim of his hat with a finger and winked.

I blinked at him, not understanding what he meant by that. Then slowly his meaning hit me and heat crept into my cheeks. “That’s not what I meant,” I snapped. “If you would just let me finish.”

You can get your copy of the book from Lyrical Press, Inc.

Happy Samhain

Happy Halloween!
I am over at Silver Expressions today, blogging about the origins of Halloween! Stop by if you have a chance! :)

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/?p=3900

Have a spooktacular day!
C~

Soon, soon soon!

So...
I was invited to contribute to a Free Read anthology and here is the cover. Very pretty, I think. Denyse always does such a great job with these things and I'm very proud to be part of it.
Will keep you posted when it becomes available!

Have a great Friday Eve!
C~

Special Guest: Lisa Leibow!

WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?
A family need not be a mother, father, sister, brother. Thankfully, we live in a diverse world. Today, in any random-neighborhood, suburban street, or city block, a single mother with three children, might live next to a couple who, married for the second time, blended their families like The Brady Bunch. Across the street might live two, happily-married, gay men with their four-year-old, adopted daughter. Three houses down, a dual-income husband and wife have been married for years but struggle with infertility.
As the infertile couple works with a doctor, they are likely to investigate the myriad of options available for them to start a family. They might look into domestic and international adoption, they could try artificial insemination, or more invasive procedures, like in vitro fertilization. If the husband learns he has problems with sperm morphology or mobility, they might look into obtaining donor sperm. If the wife’s eggs are not viable, they might consider donor eggs. They might even begin to investigate opportunities to obtain donor embryos.
If successful, either in adopting or giving birth using assisted reproductive technologies, the infertile couple may raise a child not biologically-related to one or both of them. Back to my initial question: What makes a family? Certainly, biological relation does bind some to their families. However, it need not be a factor. To me, it doesn’t matter how the family came to be, unconditional love, support, a sense of belonging are the hallmarks of family.
What’s striking about my debut novel, Double Out and Back is that it explores from a literary perspective, some of the social issues faced by a generation that has more options than ever when it comes to starting a family. What fascinates me is that when it comes right down to it, even with the technological advancements in reproduction and healthcare, families still must rely on one another to thrive.




Short bio:
Lisa Lipkind Leibow is the author of Double Out and Back (Red Rose Publishing), which takes the reader on the roller-coaster ride of infertility treatments as seen through the eyes of three women.

Originally a lawyer, Lisa traded the billable hour lifestyle for fiction writing. Lisa’s work has also appeared in Pisgah Review. She lives and writes in Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons, a clumber spaniel, and two red-eared sliders.

You can learn more about Lisa and her writing at www.LLLeibow.com.

Double Out and Back available now from Red Rose Publishing.

Not every woman who rides the fertility treatment roller coaster winds up like Octomom!









Who will find friends, family, and fertility?
Three women’s lives are intricately intertwined, as Amelia Schwartz and Summer Curtis struggle with the complex dynamics of intrafamily embryo adoption, and Chandy Markum strives to make her patients’ dreams a reality.
After more than a decade, of mourning her parents’ deaths, anal-retentive Amelia Schwartz decides to take control of her life, pursuing single motherhood via embryo adoption. While her fertility doctor, Chandy, is preoccupied with the destruction of the cosmopolitan Cape Town of her youth and her first love in apartheid-torn South Africa, believing all is lost, her niece, a young, married, overachieving attorney Summer Curtis, juggles zealous career ambitions, demanding bosses, and friction with her husband over family and fertility issues. They must confront the painful reality that, no matter what technology humans devise to manipulate reproduction, prolong life, and construct family units, they have not yet mastered control over their beginnings and endings.
Thrown all into this is one story that can make or break. Are you up to it?

New Review for Thief of a Goddess Heart

Thief of a Goddess Heart is an interesting take on the private investigator/ suspect tale. I enjoyed Ivy’s spunk and the way she refused to let Dane run all over her. Dane is a sexy hero and his obvious love for Ivy was very touching. This tale is fast paced and leads to a wonderful conclusion.

Readers who enjoy story characters and suspense mixed with their paranormal will take pleasure in Thief of a Goddess Heart.
Reviewed by Amelia

See the full review here: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct09/thiefofagoddessheart.CL.html

Purchase Here: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=6044070.64493&product_name=Thief+Of+A+Goddess+Heart&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Taken by RoyBoy. I would love to give more credit, but that is all the information I have. Was taken this morning and shared on the weather for the area.

Just thought I would share the beauty of my world. I live not to far away from here and dream of living in this small community someday! :) I wonder why??

Hope your Wednesday is going wonderfully!

C~

Magick Monday

Hope you're Monday is Magick!

C~

Memories

I was cleaning out my purse and found this old photo tucked away. Funny the memories it brings back. It was taken in 1991, but feels like just yesterday. This is Mr. C and I, we married two years later and are still married after 21 years. It still seems like only days ago. :) Funny how time passes so quickly when your having fun.

Would you? Could you?

Soooo... We all love shoes and fashion, yes? Just thought I would share these 12 inch boots.




http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1218802/Alexander-McQueens-tall-order-Towering-12-inch-boots-Paris-catwalk-walking-.html


So, would I or could I? lol No.

I'm terrified of heights! Even being on a step stool throws me off. You can ask Mr. C about how I nearly scalped him at our last Metallica concert when he put me up on his shoulders for safe keeping. And we won't even get into the issue of flying!



Anyway, just thought I'd share.

C~

What is love?

Is this not the look of true love??

My daughter took this photo of me and my friends young mare, Passion. She is only about 6 years old and the sweetest little girl. A fine example of what great handling from the beginning can do. :)

C~

Magick Monday

I know, I'm a bit late posting today, but what are ya gonna do...

I came across this article and thought I would share it! Talk about unbelievable! I am a knitter, crocheter and do needle point of all kinds, but I have never woven a tapestry and I find it absolutely fascinating that this is from spiders web! How cool is that??

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/spidersilk/?src=e_h

Magick Monday

I've had an early start, this fine Magick Monday and it was the best thing ever. I didn't get to write nearly as much as I would have liked to, this weekend, so my brain was wide awake at 4:45 am. Don't ya just love it when that happens? And it was worth every moment. I pushed through a love scene that I just cannot write properly with wandering eyes around, so it was a true delight to sit in the darkness and type out a scene of love that took place in a world of splendor, much like the inspiring Thomas Kinkade picture above. It's not hard to imagine the log's golden glow in the crackling firelight and the spicy scent that permeates the air. Snuggling beneath a down comforter with the one you love, touching, taking, giving... Yeah, I'm there. :) It's not hard to imagine such things as the seasons turn.

In my world, the trees are all tired and ready for their winter rest. The leaves are turning a golden color and the Vine Maples are turning red, yellow and orange. There is just a certain kind of magick in the way the seasons change that I find absolutely captivating and enchanting.

I hope you can find equal Magick in your Monday!

Magic Monday... On Wednesday?

It's been one of those weeks where a little extra magic is needed...


No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it. ~George Washington Carver

Hope you find magic in your day, today, as well as a reason to celebrate it.

C~

Tasty Tuesday!

I just had to share this! Being the proud slave to a chinchilla that I have served for the last 16 years, yes, I can say that I need a Chinchilli Day... lol!

C~

Magick Monday!

I am sooooooo there!

Have a Magick Monday!!
C~

Magick Monday

So it's Magick Monday again and I don't know about you, but I am ready for a change of season. I found these magical pictures and they reminded me so much of the piece I am working on. This could very well could be images torn right from my imagination and what is going to go into the story I am working up.

















Of course all babies need their naps and this one is no different. Someday it will be as big as his daddy and will host a rider. :) But for now, rest is just as important as wanting to grow up.

Hope you find some Magick in your Monday as well!

Hugs
Colleen

Magick Monday

Well, I was up early this morning. The voices in my head were shouting to get up and get their story down. So here I am, poised and ready to go. This chapter has been a real bugger and I am glad I am on the down hill side of it now. Wich is great, because then I can keep the story moving. Sometimes trying to keep on the straight and narrow path can be a real headache. I try to sort through as I go, and stop anything that isn't relative to the plot. Sometimes my imagination just gets a little too carried away and I have to back up and bury the hole I have created, before moving on. Sheesh! What a time waster that is.

Well, back to it!

Hope your Monday is Magic!

C~

Liquid Silver Blogging!

I'm over at Liquid Silver Books blogging today!
Come join me and see what makes this Fantasy writer tick!

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/

See you there!

C~

Back to the Program

The weekend is over with and my heavy cleaning day is out of the way, I get to actually sit and write and not care what time it is!! My Muse is alive and awake, I have tea in hand. Off we go...

C~

Magic Monday

Well, here it is, another Magick Monday. I seriously have the blahs and wanted to do something about it. I have been meaning to trim my hair for a long time. Something shorter and sassier, so, I did it!

Here is my 'before' photo, mere hours ago:
















Here is my 'after' photo, shortly there after!
I took off roughly eight inches!
















NOW it is a Magick Monday! :)

C~

Male Strawberry

Even Mother Nature has a sense of humor and sends things to make me laugh. I have in no way altered this little guy. He was a gift from the Gods and very tasty! :D

Arctic Dreamin'...

It's hard to believe that this photo was taken of my front yard six months ago! I miss it...

Today, is going to be 86 degrees F, with a 94 percent humidity and it is only going to get warmer over the week, with roughly the same humidty. :P It makes me feel oogy just thinking about it! I don't need to go to the tropics to know what it's like now. I can just go outside! My linolium floors are sticky and wet from the moisture in the air. It is just an odd feeling and I will be happy for the cold rainy season to return!

My kids and I, walked down to our little creek for something cool and fun to do. Well, apparently the flies and gnats don't understand that the insect repellant is for them too! It says right on the damn bottle... I should bring it for them to read next time. lol God, I felt like a fly stick that they glommed on too. There was a fall out zone around me with a circle of dead flies. I felt like I was playing Asteroids or something and for the bonus round you had to get two or three at a time before they bit hard enough to make a welt! Sadly, I have a couple and that's when I said 'Game Over", and took us home! How's that for sacrificing one's self for their children. lol They ran home and jumped in their swimming pool. I went inside and bitched to Mr. C. He just grinned, put my writing notebook in front of me and an open Mike's Hard Berry, and didn't say a word. Have I said how much I love Mr. C?? lol

Anyway, today I am supposed to go with my MIL. I don't think I even want to ask what is going to happen today. *sigh*

My new project

Okay, so I have been AWOL for a bit. Here is the reason! I have been working on a new project and properly neglecting everything else! :)
Here is my cast:
Meet my hero:
Jacob Dannon















Meet my Heroine:
Alison Jones



















That is all I am sharing for now. :)

New Eden At Twilight Review

Eden At Twilight by Colleen Love



Eden At Twilight by Colleen Love
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Full (276 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4/5 Books
Reviewed by Poinsettia

As a heroine, Lily is very sweet, and I enjoyed watching her grow and change throughout the story. In the beginning, Lily seems frail and frightened. As the story progresses, Lily grows into strength she never knew she possessed and surprises not only herself, but everyone around her.

Leaf certainly makes for an interesting hero. An air of mystery and magic surrounds him that intrigues Lily right from the start. In addition, his love of animals and the gardens he tends at the cottage only serve to make him even more irresistible. The fact that he has a Scottish accent doesn’t hurt either.

I’ve read some of Ms. Love’s work before, and again I must say that her use of descriptive language is very good. “The spicy scent of the fire curled around, mixing with the over-intoxicating sweetness of roses, honeysuckle and the rich tang of fresh dug earth…Tall trees with shimmering emerald leaves tickled by the breeze stood on the outskirts of the moss-covered wall.” Description like this captivated my senses and pulled me completely into the story.

If you enjoy a truly touching romance filled with magic and amazing description, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Eden At Twilight today.

Full Review Here:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/eden-at-twilight-by-colleen-love.html

C~

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Fourth of July to all of my fellow Americans!
Happy Saturday to the rest of the world!! :)



Be safe in all of your endeavors!
C~

NOR Top Pick!

Author(s):Dee S. Knight, Colleen Love
Genre(s):Contemporary, Anthology
Review Date:Jun 20, 2009
ISBN:978-1-59578-549-7
E-Book Price:$5.50
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Reviewer: Terri


Both of these stories were excellent. The heroes were everything you could want from a hero while the female leads were just as impressive. Romance is the name of the game in each with sexual scenes having emotion as well as enough detail to keep it interesting. … Both stories were fast paced and kept me interested. They were sexual and sensual keeping the romance alive. My only complaint was they ended too soon but you can’t have everything!


Full Review:
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=4020

Another Great Reveiw

Eden at Twilight was a fascinating read that I will revisit again. This book will keep you spellbound and turning the pages until the very end. A definite You Need to Read rating!

Heather
You Gotta Read Read Reviews

To read the full review go here:
http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/review-eden-at-twilight-by-colleen-love.html

NOR Review for Eden at Twilight

Title: Eden at Twilight
Author: Colleen Love
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Futuristic
Hearts: 4/5
Reviewer: Diana Coyle
Date: 6/20/2009

Ms. Love penned an emotionally packed story for her readers to sink their teeth into. I felt bad for Lily because she was anxious and worried all the time about her well-being. When she met Rosemary and Leaf I was hoping they would be able to help her figure things out so she could get on with her life without fear or worry hanging over her all the time. This was definitely a magical story and the author kept me so engrossed throughout the pages. If you’re looking for a great story packed with love, adventure and some magic sprinkled throughout, this is definitely the one to pick up!

Full review:
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=3843


Thank you, Diana! :)
C~

Excuses

I haven't been very active here lately, I know. Sorry if there is anyone following my blog and the page hasn't moved since last week! But THIS... Visions of sugar plums like this have been dancing in my head. I will try to keep up with my poor neglected bloggie, promise. :)





Happy Solstice, however you celebrate it!

C~

Devinely Inspired

Have you ever stepped from your world into a place so different and awe inspiring that it has taken your breath away? Where you trod on paths with silent wonder, afraid the sound of your own brash voice will break the spell that captivates your soul? You turn in slow circles, keeping your eyes upturned to see what celestial being's voice is ringing through the trees and find that you have been gazing heavenward for nearly an hour, for in this realm, time stops and you are claimed by timenessness.



When you do continue on, you move through the forest's magestic inhabitants, their arms outstretched in towering greetings and once again your gaze is drawn up to the lacy canopy of trees, shading you with dappled shade that blocks the summer's scorching heat.




After moving silently over the forest floor, padded by years of accumulated needles, you follow the path to a babbling brook. It's cold, glacial water inviting you to rest your tired feet.


When you resume your journey you find that you face the elders of the forest and gaze up, seeking their ancient councel. If you are still enough and look hard enough, you can see and hear what stories they have to tell.

~~

I am fortunate enough that I have something like this in my own back yard and the words I speak are from my own experiences. These photos are borrowed from the internet, but I have been to this place and find it to be the pinnicle of sacred magick. This is one of the only temprate rain forests left in the world. Stepping within it's realm is to walk among the divine.

We camped at the Hoh Rainforest a few years back and woke up to deer licking our tent, Chipmunks begging for cookies at breakfast and Camprobbers raiding your lunch. Having completely wild animals approach you is a magic all of its own, yet I'm thankful it wasn't bears or cougars, lol.

This is my sanctuary, and what I hold sacred. I hope you have somewhere that holds that much magick for you. :)

C~

Hearts Afire released today!!

Available Now from Liquid Silver Books!
www.liquidsilverbooks.com


The Fireman and the Ice Queen by Dee S. Knight:


Harm Reynolds hasn’t asked to be the liaison between the firefighters’ union and the city, he’s been thrust into the role. Even worse, his opponent in the negotiations is the new assistant mayor, the reputed Ice Queen, a heartless ball buster who doesn’t care if his men charge into fiery buildings with equipment that doesn’t work. He strides to his first meeting resolved to prove that a fireman can handle an Ice Queen.

Beth Edwards knows of her reputation as a heartless bitch, and in truth, she even uses it to her advantage at times. She isn’t without compassion, she just doesn’t handle emotion well. And since she has only career plans in mind and no time for love, well, what does a nasty nickname matter?

Both Beth and Harm should have known that playing with fire—whether it involves matches or love—is a dangerous thing to do.

Here's a short excerpt from The Fireman and the Ice Queen. "Sally" is Harm's late wife, dead for 18 months.

In this scene, Beth, the Ice Queen assistant mayor, is meeting with Harm, the firefighters' union rep, to negotiate a new contract. This is their second meeting, one they've both dreaded and longed for.


Beth cleared her throat. “Harm, I’m sorry you came all the way over here. I called the station but you weren’t there.”

“No, I left from the house. I’m not on duty today.”

“Oh. Well, I called to tell you I’m waiting for news from a city in South Carolina regarding their radio system. I’d like to gather as much information as possible before we meet again.”

Harm saw the sense in what she said, but sharp disappointment struck in learning they wouldn’t be sitting across the table from each other that afternoon. “You’re aware the contract is up in three days?”

“I know we’re cutting things short, but I hate to make decisions without knowing all I can, don’t you?” She winked and smiled. “I find whenever I do, deals tend to go up in smoke. No pun intended.”

He chuckled. “Okay, I bow to your fact finding. I’m on duty tomorrow morning for the next 24 hours, but I can make arrangements for whenever you want to get together again.”

“Well,” she said, not meeting his gaze, “would you object to a, uh, dinner meeting? I should receive my phone call by noon, but I’m tied up with the Chamber of Commerce for the rest of the day.”

If Sally had filled his mind, Harm would have been ashamed at the thrill he felt with Beth’s suggestion. So he pushed Sally out of mind and tried to ignore the shame he felt at that.

“Sure. I mean heck, it’s important to get through these talks, and we have to eat, right?” What a damn fool thing to say. She must think you’re an idiot, but at least she doesn’t know you’re a horny idiot. “Where did you have in mind?”

“Um...I actually had in mind, my place. I mean, it’s just that, well, it would be private.” Now she did look up, blushing and eyes wide. “To talk about the contract, I mean.”

Harm could hardly breathe. “Right. It would be bad for any details to leak before we’ve hammered out everything we need to.” God, had he just said he wanted to hammer everything out? What he felt like hammering shouldn’t even be thought in mixed company.

Then she let out a breath. “Oh, yes. I just don’t want you to think, well, that I want to be alone with you.”

He laughed, a burst of surprise and humor unleashed. “God forbid.”
Her cheeks turned a deeper rose. “I mean I do want to be alone with you.”

“That’s nice to hear,” he said, and meant it.

“For the sake of the city,” she replied, her voice low.

“And the firefighters,” he said just as low and a little husky.

“Right. Can’t forget them. I’d never do that.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” He took a step forward, crowding her against the door. “You live on Smithville Road, don’t you?”

“How did you know that?”

Actually, he’d looked her up last night, and even driven past her house, a neat little bungalow with a nice front lawn. “Knowing where city leaders live is one of our jobs.”

“Oh.”

Was it his imagination or did she look a bit disappointed?

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to meet there,” she said. “You know how people talk. Your truck in my driveway and the whole town would have us sleeping together in a matter of hours.”

While Harm wanted that to happen--maybe--he didn’t want the town to talk about it. Especially since his wish was far from likely to be granted.

“If talk did start,” she continued, “it would certainly be seen as a conflict of interest, even though neither of us would compromise our principles over sex.”

“No, I’d never let sex compromise my, uh...” Her hair smelled so good. Flowery, but not overpowering.

“Principles,” she prompted.






Inferno by Colleen Love:


Henrietta James is completely satisfied with her polished, metropolitan lifestyle until she accepts an assignment that brings one heroic Cade Lane into her world. Henrietta's research reveals that Mr. Lane is not only the firefighter that saves a child’s life, he's a man with a pin-up calendar worthy body, but more importantly a man that deserves appreciation.

For Cade Lane, being is firefighter is more than just a job - it's who he is. He is also very surprised to find that Henri James is a woman! A very sexy woman who sets his blood burning. He quickly does anything he can to get closer to her and kindles the heat of instant attraction between them, stirring an inferno.

When trouble threatens, putting heart and body in harm's way, can the flames of love be kept burning bright despite the firestorm?


Inferno Excerpt:

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow, Cade.” Her sultry voice ribboned around his name in a sexy whisper. She leaned close to him, brushing his cheek with a soft kiss. A smile slid over her lips as she turned away from him, walking to her car with quick steps. She glanced at him one last time with dark, wanting eyes as she ducked within.

It was only then he let out a long-held breath. How long he had been holding it he couldn’t say. But one thing was certain, he was glad his jacket was long enough to cover the raging hard-on he was sure was noticeable otherwise. He moved quickly to his truck and started the motor, then let the engine run for a moment as he leaned his head against the headrest, giving him time to think for a moment. What had just happened? He’d been completely blindsided. Henri was everything he hadn’t expected. She was the epitome of his wildest, wettest dreams. And that didn’t happen too often, matter of a fact, with the way he felt right now, it was a first! He released the emergency brake and shifted into reverse, slowly backing from the empty parking lot. After plugging in Kenney Chesney’s newest CD, he relaxed, beginning the long drive home.

The time and distance on the dark, empty highway let his mind wander back over dinner and Henri. A woman named Henri. A smirk played over his lips and quickly dropped when a flashback of her long legs, which brought her nearly to his eye level. Her stilettos brought her even closer. The swish of her silk stockings, knee-length black skirt and white silk blouse screamed that she was a classy woman and out of his league. And yet, she was interested in him. Interested enough to blunder her interview. That made him smile again. The way she had flushed with embarrassment and fidgeted with her long, dark hair when he had turned the tables away from the interview. He could hear the nervous shift of her legs, guessing by the swish of silk against silk and the fabric of her skirt, that she was crossing and uncrossing her legs. The results had titillated his senses with her musky sweet scent. It became all he could do to refrain from asking her if she wanted to find a room somewhere. But that would have been cheap and not her, in his mind anyway. He did refrain and was proud of himself, because after all, a man can only take so much. The suggestion of showing her the place he had rescued the child was a near stroke of genius. Now, he would be able to see her again, but this time it would be more of an effort to restrain himself.