…

He had a voice made for smokey conversations:
in blues clubs,
in backrooms plotting crime over cards,
in bed–
whispering spells to part his lover’s thighs.

Her eyebrows were pale expressive lines,
sketching moods.
Her hands rendered emotion.
Gestures adding jiggle,
pert breasts completing sentences
with understated punctuation.

They left:
Coffee gone cold,
An aura of desire–
pulsing like caffeinated neon.

~~~

This post is my contribution to G-Mans Friday 55. Yeah, I’m a little early. I think Firday 55 posts go live around 8 PM ET? tonight. Or you can wait and check them out on Friday. I hope everyone has a lovely holiday. Be sure to drop by G-Man’s Friday 55 to join the fun or to see what others wrote.

Picture Credits: Black and white Cafe by Phish Pot on Pinterest,
Cooked to Order originally pinned by Aya Padron on Pinterest

You can find me, Nara Malone on Pinterest with handy little links right under my name that will take you to my Twitter, Facebook, and blog feeds.

Having said that…Has anyone out there seen the latest STAR TREK movie?

I did, in IMAX 3D, and I have to say…

O. M. G.!

I thought that the first “revamped” movie was brilliantly crafted, providing a much needed updating for today’s audiences while still satisfying diehard “Trekkies” around the world.  The bar was set pretty high after that.

Into Darkness cleared that bar by light years!

I am NOT going to give any spoilers in this, so never fear, but I will say that the movie again plays brilliantly off of original Star Trek components. Some are very subtle, but do contribute to the believability of changes in the original “WoK” story line.

I think the casting for the new movies is absolute perfection, not the least of which is Karl Urban as Leonard “Bones” McCoy. I love Karl Urban and I have to admit, until I saw the first movie, I had my reservations about him as Dr. McCoy. He plays the good doctor to a “T” and adds a huge dose of sex appeal in the process. I hope he gets a “love interest” somewhere down the line…It IS only fair (hint hint).

Chris Pine as James Tiberius Kirk combines roguish swagger, blatant sexuality and boyish charm with just the right amount of vulnerability. He has all of Shatner’s confidence and bravado, along with real human flaws that the original Kirk never seemed to show. Struggling and striving to overcome them makes for a much more realistic character that audiences can REALLY relate to.

Zachery Quinto’s portrayal of Spock is probably my favorite of all. Despite his Vulcan quest for logic in all things, his struggle with his own humanity is constant and adds dimensions to his character. These are qualities that the original “Spock Prime” (Leonard Nimoy) only openly acknowledges now, after a long and prosperous life. As with Kirk, glimpses of his basic human weakness make him stronger and all the more endearing.

The rest of the cast members are equally talented and have once again, been able to stay true to Roddenberry’s original characters and concepts, but enhanced them on all levels.

And speaking of enhancements… The special FX are off the charts, especially in IMAX 3D. This is definitely one you MUST SEE on a big screen! The action scenes are epic and the dramatic ones tear at your heart.

All in all…FIVE STARS!

Now… what will I blog about next?

Something SEXY for SURE!!!

(Yes, I do STILL love my job! LOL)

–Shannon

Reblogged from Passionate Reads:

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First,  for anyone who has been living under a rock for the past decade or so, MILF, is an acronym for "Mother/Mum I'd Like to F@#k". It denotes a sexually attractive older female, generally between 30 and 50 years of age, and let’s not forget the most important factor…

A MILF is someone’s MOTHER!

If you have ever been referred to as a MILF, wear the honor proudly because you are in VERY good company.

Read more… 714 more words

There’s actually a decent chance I wouldn’t be writing erotic romance right now if it weren’t for Mom. When I was a little girl, she led me by example. Her stash of romance novels took up the whole top shelf of the closet. She never discouraged me from reading anything. She kept Henry Miller on the bottom shelf, where little hands could easily reach it, try to read it, and decide for themselves that Judy Blume was a better read. Then she supplied me with brand new Judy Blume books – in hardcover with their glossy jackets – for years.

Finally, Mom started me reading romance. I was in law school, at a horribly low point in my life, and she sent me a care package with two romance novels in it. Once I was hooked (halfway through the first one), she sent me the copy of Mallory Rush’s Love Game that is on my keeper shelf as I write this.

Thanks, Mom!

Mom sent me a copy of People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue last year, with a sticky note attached: “To help with your writing.”

Mom thinks I can do anything. I know what that sounds like. A couple of Romanticons ago, Mom and I were watching a pole dancer from Cleveland Exotic Dance climb to the top of her pole, almost to the ceiling, and then stretch out from it as if she were a flag, perpendicular to the pole itself. I was really impressed. My mother said, “You can do that!”

I can’t, of course. But what matters is that my mother thinks I can. For whatever reason.

Mom wants to help assemble the little goodie bags I’m bring up for this year’s Romanticon (my first as an author). I kind of think she realizes this is as close as she’ll get to making those little wedding favors, but still, it’s a big job and she wants to help.

Most of all, Mom supports me on every step of my journey as an author. One of my exes asked what my mother would think if she could see what I wrote. I told him, “She would probably tell you it could be hotter. Then she would yell at you for suggesting she ought to be ashamed of me. If you’d like to try that, put the phone on speaker.”

I don’t get to see Mom all that often, but I try to make the visits count. At last year’s Romanticon (it’s our annual mother-daughter trip), Mom won a prize at the pajama bingo game. Alpha Caveman Nick Soto came over to check her numbers, and everyone watched as he stood over her shoulder in all his shirtless glory and read her winning numbers out loud. After he’d left her the prize and I gave her a hug, we all went back to playing. A game or two later, she said, “Oh, Lex! You know what you should have done?”

“What?” I asked.

“You should have gotten a picture of Nick while he was here.”

I don’t get to be a step ahead of Mom very often, but of course I caught her with Nick. And with lots of other new hot male friends. All the not-so-incriminating photos (it’s only incriminating if you feel guilty) are over on my blog.

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day! Share a story or a memory in the comments.

**Alexa Day’s mom promises it will not take two years to finish the next book (Alexa’s first book, ILLICIT IMPULSE, is available right now!). You can keep Alexa honest by following her on Twitter, liking her on Facebook, or keeping up with her blog at www.alexaday.net. All you have to do is send frequent but gentle reminders that she ought to be working. She’ll take the hint.

     Steve graced the covers of 6 of my Penguin Topaz books, but only on one did they graphically alter his image to make him a curly-haired blond to fit the story. That book was #4 of my futuristic Innerworld Affairs series. It was originally released in 1994 as “Stolen Dreams” but I’ve now updated and revised it to be released as an e-book with the new title, “FINDING TIME”.

     All the new covers will be ready shortly and I promise to share them as well as let everyone know when the series is available for download, but for now you can check out a teaser on my website – Finding Time.

And, oh yeah, have a lovely Mother’s Day y’all!

May all your reads be Passionate,

Marilyn Campbell

http://www.marilyncampbell.com; FB: AuthorMarilynCampbell; Tw: marilyncampbel3

***Sun in Taurus thru 5/20 supports being more grounded, less impulsive, but watch out for increased appetite for gourmet food & beautiful objects;   ***New Moon in Taurus 5/9 w/annular solar eclipse, is a good time to make a practical, long-term plan to achieve a major goal;   ***Full Moon in Sagittarius 5/25 w/penumbral lunar eclipse, urges risky business & frisky moods;   ***Saturn retrograde thru 7/7, easing the Karmic Lord’s “lessons”, Scorpions in particular should feel some relief    (info on eclipses and retrograde planets at http://www.marilyncampbell.com/id2.html)

 The forecasts below involve two of my passions – astrology and tarot. The first card is a general message, the second is about love & relationships (sexual, romantic, friendly, familial). The interpretations are from my book, “Tarot of The Lotus Circle”, but you’ll have to use a little intuition to determine what it means to you personally. Have fun!

ARIES – March 21 to April 19

2 of Cups: Listen to your heart at this time. Your conscious mind will only confuse the important issue. However, try to remember that there is still a world beyond the two of you.

10 of Wands: All the relationships around you right now appear to be exhausting. It’s time to take a hard look at how much work you’re having to put into them and whether the work is worth it.

TAURUS  – April 20 to May 20

Wheel of Fortune: The energy of change is all around you. Ready or not, a major change is about to occur in your life, but you probably already sensed that. Instead of fretting over it, welcome it with open arms and the transition will go a lot more smoothly.

Princess of Swords: Be on the lookout for a younger female, either dark in coloring or nature, most probably in a career involving law, law enforcement, or military. She will be relevant to the change mentioned above.

GEMINI – May 21 to June 20

4 of Wands: You are being blessed with the energy of a harmonious environment. Enjoy the moment of peace rather than struggle to force some sort of action.

The Lovers: Opposites attract, but respecting the differences makes the relationship work. As to love, the sexual magnetism is strong, but is it worth the price? One of you seems to be committed elsewhere, forcing the relationship to remain in the dark.

CANCER – June 21 to July 22

6 of Swords: Troubled waters may be all around you but you can rise above any problems. At least one Spirit Guide and one friend will create a bridge for you to safely cross.

10 of Cups: This is the “Happily Ever After” card. The perfect relationship with a long-term commitment or marriage is coming into your life. Family relationships find the right balance.

LEO – July 23 to August 22

Ace of Wands: You have been brought to the right place at the right time by fate, but a human hand is in charge now – yours. All you need is the faith that you can bring an idea to life, then perform an action to prove it.

Ace of Cups: Romance is in the air. Welcome it without bias or strings and you’ll be very happy. Someone new is entering your life in a traditional way – this could be an ideal mate or a baby.

VIRGO – August 23 to September 22

6 of Cups: Look to the past for answers about the present. A Spirit Guide is coming to you in human form. Remember and learn from the past but live in the present. Literary efforts are favored by this card.

The High Priestess: You need some time alone to get to know yourself. Meditate on the sort of people you really want in your life. This is not a good time to begin an intimate relationship.

LIBRA - September 23 to October 22

8 of Coins: Be open to learning more about psychic realms, spirituality, predictive tools. Something is missing in your education that is vital to your growth.

Prince of Coins: If you are looking to initiate or enhance a relationship, electronic methods of communication are favored this month.

SCORPIO – October 23 to November 21

7 of Swords: Deception, lies and betrayal are threatening to take over your life. If you are the guilty party, you still have time to clean up your act. If not, ask your Guides to help you see who it is and call in Archangel Michael to protect you. Be careful of a false prophet looking to make a profit from you.

8 of Wands: Whatever the conflict, it’s resolved and you will be enjoying a passionate, yet free-spirited, kind of love. A plane trip could bring you and a loved one together, physically or emotionally.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 to December 21

Ace of Coins: A money Spirit Guide has just stepped forward to help you find a new source of income. It will be to your benefit to start fresh.

7 of Cups: You have multiple choices but seem to be waiting for a fantasy lover to appear. Connect your head to your heart, then make a choice.

CAPRICORN – December 22 to January 19

Strength: No matter what is going on, you are now surrounded by strong, positive energy. Use your breath and focused imagery to pull that energy into your physical reality and you will soon find there is nothing you cannot manage.

Moon: One of you has a secret that will soon be revealed. If single, the reason for your solitude is unclear to you. Just know that events beyond your control must happen before a good mate can come in.

AQUARIUS – January 20 to February 18

6 of Wands: It hasn’t been easy, but you trusted your Guides and went the distance. Success is assured. Don’t give that negative thought any space in your mind. Be appreciative and humble. (Yes, this is the same card as turned for you last month!)

9 of Swords: At least one relationship in your life is causing so much stress that your body is suffering. It may be affecting your sleep or eating habits. Remember, you can’t be of service to anyone else if you are not well yourself.

PISCES – February 19 to March 20

Queen of Swords: A female over 35, either dark in coloring or nature, most probably in a position of authority, or a career involving law, law enforcement, military or politics will be instrumental in resolving a current difficulty or dilemma.

9 of Cups: Your wish for a loving relationship will be granted, whether it is romantic or familial.

For an introduction to astrology, including eclipses and retrograding planets, tarot and numerology, I invite you to visit my personal website, www.marilyncampbell.com.

FB–AuthorMarilynCampbell; Tw–marilyncampbel3

So naturally, when I originally wrote my futuristic romance series set in Innerworld, I allowed myself the guilty pleasure of having one of my heroes be a space pirate. His name was Gallant Voyager and I’ve included the original cover of his book (the new one’s not ready yet) so you’ll see why I would have willingly gone off to a barbaric planet with him. My heroine wasn’t so thrilled with being kidnapped by him however.

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’ve been having a great time revising and updating the Innerworld Affairs books and “FIERCE VOYAGER” (originally “Stardust Dreams”) reminded me how much fun it is to play with pirates. The release of the series as new digital books is still about a month off but in the meantime, you can get a look at the blurb and excerpt here.

Do you have a thing for pirates too? Do you have favorites, movie or book characters? I leave you with a couple more of mine -

     Wishing you many exciting voyages,

Marilyn Campbell

http://www.marilyncampbell.com; FB: AuthorMarilynCampbell; Tw: marilyncampbel3

There was mayhem! A rival with a motive! A quasi-love interest who was just as distraught about the dog as the heroine! In the end, the culprit was the neighbor’s rabid dog who was later put down and the story ended with her getting a new pet….a puppy.

Now 11 year old me didn’t think about things like logic — I went with a puppy because I liked dogs more than cats. Upon reading this story, my teacher praised it and encouraged me to layer in more details and string out the tension.

My mother and my sister….both laughed. Not the ha-ha-ha, I love this laughter of joy, but a OMG-cant-stop-chuckle of derision. With a single read through they had both pinpointed the issue with the puppy and brought it to light.

Neither of them knew at the time that they had made a huge impact on my creative works. I no longer had the same freedom, the same confidence in my words.

Though they enjoyed subsequent works, though I later earned a writing recognition in front of the entire school, though I continued to write fiction in secret, I could never recapture that same level of I Am Awesome.

Now it’s something I re-learn every time I write a book. I give myself permission to just write, and let myself know that it’s okay if I don’t get it right the first time — that’s what CPs are for and edits. By the same token, I can admit that some of what I write has merit as is.

It’s a delicate balance and one I wish I didn’t have to navigate. But it’s the only way to get the job done: Write Like No One is Reading.

___________________________________________________

Sasha

Who wants you to be freeeeeee! If you want to hear more of Sasha’s ramblings, visit her at http://www.sashadevlin.com or follow her on Twitter @SashaDevlin. You can also peep her pins on Pinterest here

Not you guys, of course. If you’re here, you’re probably not the judgey type. Nothing worse than being judgmental about who’s being judgmental, is there?

Anyway, I’m writing in the open these days, albeit cautiously. (I do still have to be discreet with my day job, since I’m in a conservative industry in a conservative part of the country.) Most people have been very good to me, and I’m grateful to have met such wonderful folks. But some people do still have their preconceived notions about what I do.

I’m used to that. I hear the same old things about romance and erotica all the time. Some of it’s just against the genre at large – it’s not intelligent, it’s for bored and frustrated women with no lives, it’s the source of everything that’s wrong with relationships. Some of it’s personal. I want to say for the record, again, that I’ve written things I’ve never done and would never do, even if you said, “Please please please pretty please with sugar on top and I promise I’m not videotaping.” Some of it is more subtle. You know, the frosty reception one gets from people who want to know when I’m going to write a “real” book.

All of this goes with the job. I used to hear most of the judgmental stuff from outsiders, people who don’t read much of anything or people who will read anything but romance. Some folks haven’t read romance in 25 years or so, when the field was very, very different. I get it. I think of myself as an ambassador for the genre, not an evangelist, so if non-readers have whatever preconceptions about romance, I will stand up for myself and my chosen field, but I’m not going to try to convert them.

Readers are different, though. I feel the need to reach out to a judgmental reader. A reader with a misconception about romance may just need a romance that better suits her needs. A reader who thinks erotica is all sex, no emotion might need an erotic romance with a higher supply of heart and heat. The reader who thinks BDSM is all about abuse may just need guidance to a better BDSM romance. Readers are naturally curious. Part of my job as ambassador is to have a grasp of the terrain.

The most disturbing brand of judgment has a surprising source. It comes from other writers. Yesterday, I read an internet post from a romance writer who described Romantica as “a feminist’s worst nightmare” and equated it to the bodice-rippers of the 1970s and 1980s. A few hours later, I saw a romance writer take a similarly spirited swipe at the sweet romances. It’s really discouraging to see that. I just don’t think there’s any excuse for that sort of prejudice on the part of writers. A preference is one thing; a preference is based on knowledge of what something is. Prejudice is based on perception, but not knowledge.

I’m not immune. I had my own little ideas about historical romance until I heard Joey W. Hill say that Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Ashes in the Wind was on her keeper shelf. It was as if she gave me permission to check out historicals. When I read Deanna Raybourn and Tasha Alexander in preparation for the Virginia Festival of the Book, well, I was delighted to find out how wrong I was about the whole subgenre. Smart, independent heroines, bucking society’s expectations for them – you know, they sound like my heroines.

I hope.

My job as a writer’s pretty complicated. Sure, I have to write the books, and that’s a big deal. But I also feel responsible for helping readers get better immersed in their fictional worlds. I’d love to be a part of their reading lives, certainly, but I find it just as gratifying to help them find other books that will suit them as well as, or better than, mine will. To do that, I have to have a decent grasp on what else is out there, but if I can’t manage that, I cannot retreat to prejudice. I keep inspirational next to historical next to BDSM romances in my library. Why shouldn’t my reader want to do the same?

**Alexa Day promises not to spend two years finishing her next book (her first book, ILLICIT IMPULSE, is available right now!). You can keep her honest by following her on Twitter, liking her on Facebook, or keeping up with her blog at www.alexaday.net. All you have to do is send frequent but gentle reminders that she ought to be working. She’ll take the hint.

News for all signs:

***Sun in Aries thru 4/19 urges aggressive action, impulsive decisions; ***New Moon in Aries 4/10 is a good time to launch a new life adventure; ***Full Moon in Scorpio 4/25 w/partial lunar eclipse, stirs sexual passions, kinkier the better;***Saturn retrograde thru 7/7, easing the Karmic Lord’s “lessons”, Scorpions in particular should feel some relief; (info on eclipses and retrograde planets on my Astrology Basics page.)

The forecasts below involve two of my passions – astrology and tarot. The first card is a general message, the second is about love & relationships (sexual, romantic, friendly, familial). The interpretations are from my book, “Tarot of The Lotus Circle”, but you’ll have to use a little intuition to determine what it means to you personally. Have fun!

ARIES – March 21 to April 19

The High Priestess: Your intuitive abilities are at an all-time high. Your guides are ready to assist you at your slightest request. This is a time to keep your own counsel, however. Share your wisdom and secrets sparingly.

8 of Coins: Be open to learning more about psychic realms, spirituality, predictive tools. Something is missing in your education that is vital to your growth.

2 of Coins: You are trying to justify your spiritual beliefs with what you were taught as a child. Stop “thinking” and just “feel”. There is a blend you can live with. Remember that you can be good at several things but to be really great, you need to focus on one.

The Emperor: Masculinity and connection to technology are your sources of power. Analysis, ambition and aggression are your tools—use them wisely.

9 of Cups: Your wish is coming true, though it may not be as you expected. The Universe really does know best. Remember to say thank you to your Spirit Guides and human supporters. Take the time to celebrate with them.

5 of Coins: The urge to relocate is strong. Meditate on what is causing the urge. Is it intuition about a pending beneficial move or are you wanting to escape a situation? Answer honestly. If it’s an escape you want, meditate further on a realistic solution.

King of Coins: A male, over 40, often with gray to reddish blond hair, who is either wealthy or handles other people’s money (accountant, broker, agent, banker), will be a key player in a matter of utmost importance to you this month.

7 of Cups: You have the gift of productive dreaming, but the handicap of being a daydreamer. Make sure you are using your imagination to flesh out creative ideas and not just spacing out.

The Sun: This is a time of enlightenment for you. What was hidden or unknown will be revealed. Childlike joy is yours for the cost of a smile. Like the song says, “Don’t worry; be happy”.

Ace of Cups: The Universe is a generous parent, always willing to give more than you need. All that is required is your faith and love in return.

6 of Wands: It hasn’t been easy, but you trusted your Guides and went the distance. Success is assured. Don’t give that negative thought any space in your mind. Be appreciative and humble.

Wheel of Fortune: The energy of change is all around you. Ready or not, a major change is about to occur in your life, but you probably already sensed that. Instead of fretting over it, welcome it with open arms and the transition will go a lot more smoothly.

7 of Coins: Make a list of the qualities important to you in a relationship, then compare it with what you have. If single, use the list to define what you really want. In a family situation, analyze the balance of giving and receiving and insist on an adjustment if necessary.

For an introduction to astrology, including eclipses and retrograding planets, tarot and numerology, I invite you to visit my personal website, www.marilyncampbell.com.

Facebook–AuthorMarilynCampbell; Twitter–marilyncampbel3