Memorial Day

by Wendy Burke

      How appropriate this blog is appearing days before Memorial Day.

      My first published story with Decadent Publishing is Respite and in some ways it may have been unintentionally about my father. A proud American, he served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II. Here he is, circa 1942, in his scrawny, 5”8’ glory on a beach in the Philippines or Australia…it may be a little brown shark he’s holding.

      I’m sure after he returned he needed a little ‘respite’ from the things he saw, experienced or even had to do.

      And, that’s what Respite is all about – US Army Sergeant, Ryan Davison resting, rejuvenating himself after a long three years in Europe, and what happens when he allows the unexpected joy to come into his life. 

      And, although it hasn’t a dedication, subconsciously, the story is for my dad, gone some thirty years now, and my uncles of that era; for my husband, who was two weeks from being a forward observer in Vietnam and thankfully reassigned to Germany; for the people he served with and the friends he lost in Southeast Asia; for those in uniform now, for fine people like Marcus Luttrell and Chris Kyle; for those who came back and those who didn’t.

      Remember those in uniform this Memorial Day. If you see someone in uniform, go up to them, extend your hand and say ‘thank you.’ Because they at least deserve that.

Respite  is part of A Buck a Book, Win a Nook,’ along with Wendy’s 1NightStand story, The One He Chose. Look for Wendy at the following blogs next month:

      6/17 Love Laughter Friendship http://maw25.wordpress.com
      6/17 Daily Dose of Decadence http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com
      6/18 Silken Sheets & Seduction http://silkensheetsandseduction.wordpress.com
      6/19 We Love Kink www.welovekink.com
      6/20 Cocktails and Books http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com
      6/21 Bianca Sarble http://biancasarble.wordpress.com 

When not playing with the people in her head, Wendy has a full time job behind the scenes in television, a part time job in radio and an even 'parter' time job trying to keep her house clean. She lives with her cute chef husband and two fuzzy felines in the Great Lakes region of the Mid-West.Find her books at Decadent Publishing, Amazon and other reputable e-book retailers.

A Tasty Interview with a Vampire

Welcome to our May 1Night Stand interview. Today I have Cade O’Donnell from A Taste of Humanity. Cade, welcome to my hot seat. Please tell the audience a little about you.

I don’t usually do interviews. I mean, I’m not the most interesting person. But you’ve been pretty insistent in talking to me so I guess I’ll go along with it.

I was born in Ireland, but I don’t remember any of it as my parent’s moves to Detroit shortly after my birth. My father was in the army so we travelled a lot. My mother homeschooled me which had its pros and cons. I really didn’t have many friends.  I was expected to follow in my fathers footsteps, but I didn’t have the dedication to be a soldier which caused a lot of friction between my father and I. I left home at seventeen and did odd jobs until I met Gage Masters.  He’s a Real Estate Investor, top in his field. He took me under his wing and within a few years I rose to the top.

So, why did you choose Vegas to hook up with your 1Night Stand. I hear New Orleans is quite the party town, or perhaps Colorado if you want a flavor of the West, wait, forget Colorado. I hear they’ve been getting snow in May. Ugh, split ends, dry flaky skin and layers and layers of clothes. I prefer a much warmer climate, if you know what I mean. Besides I think spring clothing should look like spring, not sweaters, mittens and snow boots. So, last season, you know?

It’s the city of sin. What better place to hook up with someone you don’t know for one night of sex

.

I don’t know about you, but I like the sunshine, lying on a beach and getting oil rubbed into my back by.... *sighs*

I’m not much of a sun person. I’m better at night, if you know what I mean. **Winks**

No, not sure I know what you mean. Leans in closer. Smile again?

Whoa. What big fangs you have? And very sparkly white. You’ve got a great dentist. If I had a soul, I’d sell it to have someone that does work like that. Can I get his number after the interview?

I’ve been told that a lot. I have a personal dentist. She does work for Gage’s employees only.

So, Madame Eve. Why a 1Night Stand? Why did you seek out her legendary matchmaking services? Surely a nice-looking guy like you doesn’t have a hard time hooking up with the chicks? Well, with the exception of the pale complexion. You could use a little sun.

As I said, I’m more of a night person.  I was given Madame Eve’s business Card and when I checked her out, I liked what I saw. She’s a professional who knows how to give a person just what they need for a mate. She also caters to the out of the norm customers, ones who may not find it so easy to search out a date. Every one of her clients is researched and if they meet her criteria, she helps them. It’s safer and easier.  I needed someone in a hurry, who was clean, who I could feel comfortable with. Someone who would accept my….unusual appetites. Besides, meeting someone at a bar for a one night stand seems so trashy.

*cocks head*

Wait, pale skin, the accent—are you.... Never mind. So, a little birdie tells me you might be associated with certain people in Vegas. I’ll just spit it out then. The mob?

What little birdie told you that?

I have all kinds of contacts below. I’d be happy to introduce you to a few. My father kicks it with a good deal of them, well, and Ghangis Khan. Do you know him? Long hair he wears in a ponytail--mustache. A sore loser at craps. The way he acts, you’d think he’s never lost at anything before. It must be small man’s disease, because he’s like five foot zero. Seriously, all attitude.... *Glances around at silent audience*

Again, I’d like to find out who told you that. I don’t need other connections. I’m happy with my job, with Gage.  I don’t think I would enjoy hanging with your father. No offence but he doesn’t seem very professional.

Oh, my father, he’s very professional, but you don’t want to piss him off. He takes on this whole Lord of Hell persona. and it’s.... I just hate it when he pouts. What a baby. The last time that happened, well, we had the Dark Ages.

He’s in charge of torturing the damned for all eternity, but hey, this interview is all about you, and I don’t want to get into the family business too deep. I mean there are nine levels, or so that’s the rumor going around, but I can tell you it goes a lot deeper...never mind, I said I wasn’t going to talk family business and there I go, off on a tangent. Though I am certainly happy to take you on a tour someday if you’d like to ask my little birdie, yourself. I have this little contract you have to sign first, a little formality. Wait do you have a soul?

Really, this is the type of interview you do? Or are you trying to recruit because if that’s the case you can go to hell.

 Seriously dude, don’t glare, it’s not a good look for you. You don’t want to age that way, trust me, I’ve seen the way some very unhappy people have aged and I’m just saying, you don’t want that. Let’s move on before you face gets stuck like that. K? So, what were the requirements for your dream date? What did you specify was a must on that application?

I’m vain, I’ll admit it. I wanted beauty, a great body and someone who was open to new things. I also wanted someone with brains, you know, not an airhead.

Vanity—a deadly sin. Love it. Keep talking. Was she everything you thought she would be?

Hell yeah, and more! She was so much fun and watching her face light up at the flashy lights and entertainment that Vegas boasts made me feel like it was the first time seeing Vegas myself.  Penny turned out to be a hell of a woman.

So, how about some quickies? Everyone loves the quickies.

You got that right. **Wink**

O Neg or O Pos, or are you a “O” man?

What is my blood type? That’s a strange question. Okay, I’m B positive.

I have to tell you, I love “O” men. I mean anyone that can give you a great big “O” is the bomb in my book.  I mean, you really are in my book. *pulls out black book and flips through it, stopping on last page and points* See, I’ve got you penciled in right here. All you have to do is give me your address and phone number. I’ll take care of the rest.

I’m sure you’re a lot of fun, but you’re not really my type.

No? Don’t do demons? Okay, I know a few people that can help me get that information. No bother. Let’s move on, this quickie is stretching out a bit.

Day or Night?

Night

Boxers or briefs.

Briefs. It my opinion that any man that wears boxers doesn’t have much to be proud in the cock department.  Think about it. Which would you rather see? The bulge in a pair of tighty-whities or the sag of baggy boxers.

I prefer free style. So...where do you live?

San Diego, but I travel a lot so I have places scattered about.

Can you be a little more specific? I’ve been building my little black stalking book. You can never have enough prey. It’s really a must in my line of work.

I’ve had my share of stalkers. They don’t stick around once I **talk** to them.

Oh, I don’t go away. I’m very good at what I do, and threats kind of turn me on. So.... Thanks for stopping in today. For the tell all exclusive on Cade’s date, check out this link. Taste of Humanity You can get all the dirty deets on the date there. 

Thanks for the interesting interview, Bunny. For my first time, it wasn’t boring. **Smiles slyly**

Okay, I gotta run. But make sure to stop by next month, when I interview Cori Valentine from Cinderella Wore Combat Boots.

Hey, I forgot to ask, do you get all sparkly in the sunlight?

You should burn for that question.  What did I say about being a night person. I’m out of here.

Jeesh, some people can’t hold their sunlight. Okay, bye, bye, Cade. You know they have this thing called sunscreen. Just saying. Come again and visit, some time. *Blinks* Did he just walk out on me? Seriously? Some Vampires can be so crabby in the morning. *Shrugs* Don’t forget to stop by next month when I put a Marine in my hot seat.

Bunny

GOAL!

Buy Caught Offside HERE

GOAL!

By Liz Crowe

Soccer is a game most people have fairly strong feelings about. Sort of like Hockey.  It’s not like American football, or basketball, or even baseball which you can typically take or leave, given how much all of those sports permeate our collective consciousness coast to coast.

No, with soccer, most folks are either “LOVE IT” or “hate it.”

I come at it from an interesting perspective, having lived in a couple of countries in Europe that are completely mad about it (translation: They Love It.). I was introduced to it then, and when we returned to the U.S. and my daughter hit second grade, she strapped on a tiny pair of (pink) soccer cleats and grabbed a (pink) soccer ball, and put on a (pink) soccer uniform shirt. She has not looked back since.

We live and breathe this sport at least from a female perspective. She has played for three “travel teams” which means I pay a sh*t ton of money so she can get good coaching and training and I get to drive her to and from practices that are not located in my town, and (now) to tournaments that are so far away we have to fly to get there. She’s been in Olympic Development training camp twice and now is a member of a club (“travel team”) that won the “State cup” in October and we “get” to go to Iowa for Regionals the week after school gets out in June. If they win there we go to Nationals which I think are in Florida.

She is the only Freshman on her high school varsity team right now as well and starts every game. She’s pretty good. But trust me, I paid for it. She claims she wants to play in college. So we are hiring a videographer, getting her more extra training and targeting camps this summer at school she would like to attend.

Mind you, as a girl, her options after college as far as “soccer” is concerned pretty much involve coaching, although most high level coaches are men, or …well…nothing. If you are lucky and very (Very, Very) good you could play on the women’s national team which wins gold medals left and right in an increasingly talented league. But the 90% of the millions of little girls who love to play will never do anything related to soccer once they grab their college degree.

In my 1Night Stand CAUGHT OFFSIDE, I introduce a woman, Gillian Winter, who was one of the lucky ones—she played as goal keeper for the national team, until an ill-timed romance forced her to “retire.” But she was happy, until that romance ended in tragedy.  Now she has more than a bit a chip on her shoulder, but a beautiful son and a good job in Las Vegas.

Enter Ramon Castillo, the womanizing one-time super star who has had his skyrocketing career interrupted by a terrible injury. He is an unhappy, resentful guy.

They meet, and the ever-popular Madame Eve works her magic.

I’m in the “LOVE IT” category on the soccer debate. And I really enjoyed crafting this story around that world, but from both the male and female perspective.

I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb: Ramon Castillo, world famous soccer player and international playboy has been brought low by a career-ending injury. After the humiliation of a shattered leg at the World Cup final, he has spent a year enduring surgeries and painful therapies, the last three months of which are at the Castillo resort in Las Vegas under the watchful eye of his cousin, Jackson Castillo and owner of the Castillo hotel chain. But Ramon’s lack of interest in soccer, women, or in anything besides the blackjack tables has Jackson worried.

Gillian Winter, catering and banquet manager for the MGM Grand Hotel is nurturing her own deep wounds. Her beloved husband has died unexpectedly, leaving her with a young son whose one dream is to meet his hero: Number 17 on the American National Soccer team, Ramon Castillo. When an apparent chance encounter in the lobby of the MGM reveals Ramon's presence in their midst, everyone's lives are changed forever.

Can Madame Eve work her magic and bring true healing to Ramon and Gillian? Or is it too late?

Excerpt:

Ramon Castillo limped into the lobby of the MGM Grand Casino hotel, mind closed and dark with frustration. His leg ached from knee to ankle, although it had been a short walk down the Strip from his cousin’s resort where he’d been mending—and hiding—forthe last three months. His jaw already clenched in irritation at his apparent inability to walk a few blocks without sitting down.

He eased himself onto the bench at the huge lion fountain, stretching the bum leg out beside him. He glanced up, brain fuzzy with pain. Managing to accomplish the usual blanket ignore of the human sea that ebbed and flowed around him, his eyes lit on a striking woman as she ripped the desk clerk a new asshole.

Dressed in a black pencil skirt and killer high heels, her auburn hair fell in waves halfway down the back of her crisp, cream blouse. She held a tablet computer in one arm and gestured wildly around with her other while the employee on the receiving end looked chastened. Ramon’s eyes traveled along the pleasant landscape of her curves, his hands gripping the bench’s edge with suppressed lust. He could almost feel thecomfortable swell of her hip and ass under his palm. He tore his gaze away, shifting on the hard surface as his cock swelled under the loose training pants. He winced, conjuring Inge, the torturous bitch who pummeled him to keep his muscles from losing their tone.
When a hand gripped his bicep, he nearly fell backward into the fountain. A small voice yelped in his ear.

“Wow, is that really you? Mom! Mom! Hey, Mom! Oh, my gosh, Mooooooom!”
The small, redheaded boy continued jumping up and down and screeching, his little hand clutching Ramon’s sleeve. His gut clenched at the sight of the boy’s shirt—a dark blue replica of his national soccer team jersey—and he’d be willing to bet the number seventeen adorned the back. He sighed, forcing away the nightmare memory of himself, lying on the pitch during the final game of the World Cup championship, his shin a white-hot center of utter agony. A compound fracture from a cleats-high, red-card foul had ended his career in a matter of seconds.

To his surprise, the woman who had provided him with the tent pole in his sweatpants appeared right in front of him, the toe of her black patent leather shoe tapping with impatience. He looked up, straight into a pair of the most beautiful deep green eyes he’d ever seen. But they weren’t happy to see him. She yanked the boy’s hand away and bent her knees to meet his eager face. He couldn’t help but grin as the kid kept staring, ignoring his mother in the way unique to small boys.
“Harrison Joseph Winter, leave the guests alone.” She gave him a nudge then finally gripped his chin and pulled his face to hers. “How many times….” She sighed when he wiggled out of her grasp and sat back down, short legs swinging.

When she drew up to her full height, the vision was stunning. He barely heard her speak at first, and had to consciously clamp his mouth shut. He hoped to hell he hadn’t drooled. The woman must be a former athlete of some sort. Easily six feet plus in four inch heels, with a classically feminine shape, her toned legs, arms, and shoulders undisguised by the suit.

“I’m sorry, can you hear me?” He realized he’d been ignoring her as blatantly as the kid, who at that moment had climbed up into his lap in excitement. He registered her tone as one usually reserved for small children or deaf uncles.

“Uh, sorry.” He winced, trying to get to his feet and ease the boy off. “It’s okay. I, um, needed to rest a minute before….” She put a hand on his shoulder to indicate he should stay seated. The spark that flew from her touch made him blink. He sat quickly to hide the embarrassing bulge in his crotch.

“Harrison, come here,” the lovely creature snapped. The boy jumped down. “Mr. Castillo, I am so sorry. I know you’re here to recuperate anonymously. He won’t bother you again. Please let me know if you need any help from our staff.” She tugged the boy beside her before he could get the, but mom…out, turned and gave him an incredible rear view. He groaned under his breath.
Info on all my books here:  http://www.lizcrowe.com

Happy Anniversary and Thank You All!

Buy The Gift HERE

I’d like used today’s blog to thank everyone for making The Gift the success it is.

HUGE THANK YOU TO:

My readers. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. In honor of The Gift’s one year anniversary on May 18, I’d like to thank you with a $30 gift card from Amazon. Please stop by http://www.vsmorgan.com/blog.html on Saturday and comment to be eligible.

My teachers. To Lori Wilde, who taught me the structure of writing romances and provided a candid viewpoint of the typical author experience in the traditional publishing world. This insight convinced me to begin my career with an ePublishing house. To Louisa Bacio, who is a fabulous teacher and truly wonderful person to have in your corner. Such a delightful lady!

My publisher. I cannot say enough about the wonderful, professional people at Decadent Publishing. Many of you wear multiple hats, and you do it well. Special shout outs to Heather Bennett, Valerie Mann, and my editor, Kate Richards. Thank you for your partnership and being everything I’d hoped to find from an ePub house.  Thank you for the amazing surprise of connecting DP authors via Yahoo groups. What an awesome group of men and women who are so willing to share their experiences, promote for each other, and lend an ear or shoulder. When you join Decadent Publishing, you truly join a family.  

My cover artist. Thank you Decadent Publishing for partnering with Tibbs Designs. Valerie took the stock photos I liked and created a MARVELOUS and distinctive cover. Thank you, Valerie!

My fellow authors. I have received very generous support from other authors, which really helped me establish myself in my debut year. To everyone who has promoted for me or encouraged me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So what’s next? I’m currently working on a foodie romance.  Imagine a sassy chef, a hunky yet brainy cowboy, bratty younger brothers, a matchmaking Dom, amazing Argentine cuisine, and a Quinceañera set in Montana.  Rubs hands together, oh yes.

Inspiration and Crazy Adventures

Buy The Playground HERE

By Sascha Illyvich

When I started my next submission for Decadent Publishing's 1NS line, currently titled "Dark Knight" I knew I needed to work in the obvious elements of a good story, plus the elements of the line to get them to bite. 

The inspiration for my hopeful came from the same place I get all my creative story ideas from.  Yes, personal experience plays a part in all of this.  In my hopeful for Decadent, I modeled the character after all my 1NS heroines, choosing to use someone close to me.  She'll remain nameless but let's say she is well aware of all the hot sex in the story, even going so far as to get the good parts from me and share them with a group of people she KNOWS will buy this story once Decadent contracts it.

You can see my ego knows no bounds, right?

My previous 1NS book Menage Bound, Siddella and Jason actually are based on people too but to be honest, Jason sort of snuck in.  I won't say where I know this swarthy Latino from or what cigars he smokes, but I can say that I pumped him up in size, stature and dominance so the real Jason (if that was his name) and the story Jason (that IS his real name) aren't all that easy to compare.

Buy Menage Bound HERE

All of the stories I've crafted for Decadent have a similar theme and for once it's NOT redemption.  While that does play a part in The Playground it's not the overall theme.  Trust is. 

In all three stories a choice must be made.  Trust myself to try a new thing, or trust that my life will continue to suck if I go about things the way I have been. I've been fascinated by human kind ever since coming to terms with the recent fact that I apparently am not superman, and watching, putting these experiences into stories helps me draw some sort of closure on life, as I'm sure it helps others to understand me . It also serves for the fantasy background of so many readers looking for an escape. 

Buy Surrender to Love HERE

Siddella had to let go and trust Jason and Chase to deliver what they promised they could.  Livia had to trust herself to grow with the help of Bruce, in Surrender to Love.  And of course we've talked about Devon and Shelly's trust issues.

So, dear reader, I ask you this:  Will you trust me to provide you with a brief, yet eloquently steamy love story published by the fine folks at Decadent Publishing?  Each word has been selected for its use in choice cuts of the story, with loving care, hand crafted from me to you via our seamless delivery system?

Thursday 13 - Sex tips to boost your love life

Buy Handcuffs and Silk HERE

By Mary Quast

It’s important to remember that sex should be fun.

1. Text him
Build up the suspense throughout the day by sending him messages telling him what you want to do to him and what you want him to do to you

2. Make noises
Moaning will not only make you concentrate on what’s going on, it’ll make him feel excited and want to do more.

3. Wear high heels
Very few men can resist a woman in heels and what’s more, recent research suggests it can do wonders for your pelvic floor muscles. They also make your legs look longer and shapelier. A guaranteed turn-on for your fella.

4. Suck his finger
Do it in public (if your religion’s teachings allow this). Just take his little finger in your mouth and swirl it around. It doesn’t look like much to anyone who sees you do it, but believe us, it’ll get him pretty turned on.

5. Talk dirty
It doesn’t have to be an epic, but try imagining the most dirty, erotic story you can think of it and then tell it. We know it may feel weird to start with, but only you and him will hear it, so just go for it. Make sure he can’t touch you while you’re telling it, as well.

6. Use food
The use of the contents of the fridge in the film 9 1/2 Weeks is well-known, but it shouldn’t be reserved for films. Eating with your hands and using food you can smear on each other’s bodies is fun and sexy.

7. Be naughty
Men are primitive beasts and they love something a little different - whether it’s a little light smacking, dressing up, or even going out wearing no knickers (if your religion’s teachings allow this) and then whispering it to him when you’re in the middle of a big crowd.

8. Take a bath together
Dim the lights, light the candles, use some nice, scented bubble bath and hop in. It’s another way to get close to each other and build up suspense. If your bath isn’t big enough…

9. Share a shower.
Wash each other all over with a sponge without any intimate touching - it can be very erotic and will get you both in the mood.

10. Take photos of each other
Either get hold of a cheap Polaroid, or now we’re in the 21st century, you could send him a saucy snap taken on your mobile. Get him to return the compliment. It’s a very effective form of foreplay.

11. Tie each other up
We’re not suggesting heavy bondage - just use some silk scarves or stockings instead. You can then tease whoever is pinned to the chair/bed and leave them panting for more. Just make sure the knots aren’t too tight.

12. Get the feathers out
Get a couple of feathers out and use them on each other’s body during foreplay. The feeling of them on your skin will give each of you a sexy shiver.

13. Undress each other
Taking each other’s clothes off can be very sexy and, if you’ve planned it in advance, you can make sure you both have nice underwear on that looks and feels sensuous to the touch.

***********

Buy Crow Magic HERE

Romance author and Artist Mary Quast lives in a log home affectionately named "Camp Run-A-Muk" located in the woods of Michigan with her husband, three sons, and a collection of animal family members. As a professional artist, Mary Quast answered the call to express herself creatively. With her descriptive writing style she has developed a knack for creating passionate characters and realistic settings. When she’s not busy writing contemporary erotic romance 1Night Stand stories, Mary Quast doles out sensual tips and yummy eye candy on her blog “Romantic Interludes”.

Visit Mary's website www.maryquast.com or her blog at www.maryquast.blogspot.com

Check out her latest 1NS story - Crow Magic 

Damaged Heroes

(Undamaged Hero)

By Starla Kaye

I was fortunate enough to attend the RT Booklovers Convention in Kansas City last week and I learned so much. There were some wonderful workshops and fun reader events. Among my favorite workshops were Regency Gaming Hells where we learned the history of the gaming hells and where we had a chance to play one of the games, a simplified version of Hazard, a dice game on the order of Craps.

A reader event that I had wanted to attend but didn’t was Hunks, Haggis and the Highlands. I later heard that was a really fun event and they had to turn people away because the room was too small. Attendees had the opportunity to taste haggis, which is a pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs. Sound tempting? Well…. They also had a chance to learn what’s under a man’s kilt. Now that might have been more enjoyable.

Another favorite workshop that I did attend was Broken Wings: Writing Damaged Characters. Amy Lane, Z.A. Maxfield, Belinda McBride, and Kate Pearce presented a very well done workshop about writing damaged characters. They talked about why both readers and authors love tortured heroes and damaged heroines. And the audience shared some of their favorite such characters from a number of books. It was clear that Laura Kinsale is one of the queens of writing damaged heroes and her book The Prince of Midnight was a good example of her writing.

Essentially there are many ways to add depth to a character, including giving him/her serious trauma that they live with and have to confront before they find their HEA or HFN. Characters are damaged by past experiences. Maybe they suffered a painful childhood, trauma on the battlefield, or tragic romantic relationships. Emotional scars, living with deep dark secrets and a complex backstory make for difficult to write characters. But the resulting story touches the reader’s heart, as well as the author’s. Such stories are long remembered.

The story I am currently working on for 1 Night Stand, Cowboy Dreamin’, isn’t as dark and complex as what I’ve described here. But my cowboys are both dealing with emotional scars and in need of someone to tenderly love them both.