A New Compulsion?

Already, I'm ready to confess. Again. I may have just turned in one habit for another. I've had a lot of time on my hands since the holiday, more than I usually have. So, being a writer, I do what writers (who aren't writing) do. I read. A lot.

I've read a couple of chick lit books, one of my favorite genres. I love the heroine as flawed human, falling into and out of silly scrapes but ultimately finding her way to her destiny. Yeah, I like them.

But I've discovered another line of books that, well, has me intrigued. I've read two so far and enjoyed them both. I won't say which publisher they're from but I will tell you they are short. And hot. Really hot. And very well written. Not a bad way to pass a spare hour or two, believe me!

Um...I wonder what Mickey's going to think of this new interest? ;-)

Happy New Year!

In the closet

It's that time of year again. The time to make resolutions, kick bad habits, begin anew. Right? Fresh start, all that happy stuff?

In honor of New Year's, new beginnings, blah blah blah, I'm doing a bit of housecleaning. Sort of...um, well...sort of taking stock, as it were. Of...well, this and, um...well, that. All right. I'll confess. After the Jimmy Choo incident (yes, that is what Mickey's calling it!) I've decided to (hopefully!) gain control of some of my obsessions. When I say it like that I sound deranged. How about if we call them "compulsions"? Hmm...that still sounds nuts, doesn't it?

All right, I'll just come right out with it. I love shoes. Have a ton of 'em. The JC's are tucked into the closet, high on the shelf so I'm not tempted to take them out, look at them and decide I just might need the other pair I was jonesing for, too. So, Jenyfer, no pics. Sorry! I don't know if I can control myself, at least not yet. It's still early in this New Year, new control on compulsion/obsession/shoe deal.

Ugh. Is life supposed to be this hard? Anything but shoes...

So today I'll be taking stock of my closet. The theory is that if I actually come face-to-face with this (supposed) overabundance of shoes (really, can you ever have too many shoes? I think not.) I'll realize I've got to put a stop to this...whatever it is.

I wonder if that's going to apply to chocolate, too? Would that be a compulsion/obsession thing? Because I've got three boxes of Godiva tucked onto the shelf beside the Jimmys...

Saks and the Single Girl

Ugh. I've done it again. I was supposed to be shopping for post-holiday bargains but, well...they called me. That's right, they called me. So really, it wasn't my fault. Not at all.

Um, do you buy that story?

Didn't think you would.

All right, so I admit it. I caved. I gave in to my obsession. I fell off the wagon. Big time. No little tumble for me. Oh no, when I fall I do it in a big way.

Full price. No sale. No bargain. All right, so they're more of a post-holiday indulgence than a bargain.

But everyone needs shoes, right? And they are the most gorgeous pair of heels I've ever seen. I think I'm in love.

Thank you, Jimmy. Choo, that is. ;-)

Today in the Big Apple

It's all about the shopping today in the Big Apple. After-Christmas sales are out of this world so every year I take advantage of the savings to stock up on gift wrappings, cards and ornaments. I love this day, spend far too much money and usually schlep around until my arms, legs and feet are killing me. Isn't it weird, how one person's nightmare is another's dream day? ;-)

5 Cups for North Pole Naughty!

Looking for a good holiday read? Why not try North Pole Naughty, available from Ellora's Cave?

Coffee Time Romance gave it a 5-Cup Review!

"Steve is the mall Santa and quite a cutie under his beard and Santa costume. He is everything Liz wants, and so much more male than the man that left her.

Liz is confused why she keeps thinking about Steve. What if Rob comes back for her? Should she not at least wait to find out if Rob will come for her? But she cannot deny her attraction for Steve.

Steve does not know she is on the rebound, so he is confused to see her continue to run away when he knows she likes him just as much as he likes her. She thought she was in love, but the man that left her for Alaska did not see it as more than lust. Could she give Steve a chance without feeling guilty?

Filled with fun and sexual tension, this Christmas story was a sweet and sexy romance that was a perfect size for a lunch hour quickie. What a great way to warm up for the holidays. This was the perfect holiday treat."

-Missy,Reviewer for Coffee Times Romance

Tinsel For Lunch Contest

Sigh...

I wish I could have sent gift baskets to everyone who entered this contest. There were so many wonderful traditions sent in. Some made me laugh, others made me teary, but they all gave me smiles and goosebumps. I love it that everyone celebrates with their own special traditions.

At our house we're having the annual Tinsel Luncheon tomorrow. :)

North Pole Naughty

Need a little holiday pick-me-up? A pick-me-up that warms you up...in all the right spots, if you know what I mean?

Why not pick up your copy of North Pole Naughty? Guaranteed to heat your world, one inch at a time!

Santa never looked so good!!

Elf? Did someone say elf?

Your Elf Name Is...

Booty Mince Meat

What's" Your Elf Name?

Hidden Talents

Ever get an email that just puts a huge smile on your face? Sure you have. We all have. I got one this morning. It put a smile on my face and set me thinking, a sometimes dangerous proposition, I assure you. :)

We all have hidden talents, don't we? To the world, we're one thing...doctor, lawyer, Indian chief, author... But behind that "one public persona" we have so much more. Some people paint. Others dance or sing or garden or--who knows?--make origami birds. (Don't laugh. Have you ever tried making origami birds? It's not as easy as it looks!) Others, like this author friend of mine who gave me something to think about with her gorgeous photos, sew.

This woman makes quilts that are beyond pretty. They're breathtaking, the kind that make you forget they are scraps of fabric and not living, breathing art. She's got talent, besides her writing talent (and of course the many other talents she has, most of which are also probably hidden!), but for the most part she keeps it hidden. She sews like the wind and I can't help but be overwhelmed. I sew, too, but nothing like she does. She's good. Really, really good.

So this morning her email sharing her latest creation just made my day. Put a smile on my face, gave me a mind picture that I'll come back to again and again, and gave me something to think about. Hidden talents. Now when I pass someone on the street I don't think I'll be able to help myself...I'll wonder what his or her hidden talent is.

Oh, and me? I play the piano. I don't tell a lot of people that I do, but I do. I love to play and, if I do say so myself, I'm pretty good at it. Not orchestra good, but more than passable. But that's a talent I pretty much keep to yourself.

What about you? What talents do you keep hidden? :)

Christmas Cookies

We make these Butter Cookies every year. Enjoy!

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. orange juice
3 c. sifted flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt

Cream butter until very light. Add sugar gradually and continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add orange juice.

Sift together flour, salt, soda and powder. Add to creamed mixture gradually.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.

Roll out on floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Brush lightly with water and add colored sprinkles if desired.

Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees F for about 12 minutes or until delicately brown. Cool before storing.

Ho Ho Ho!

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring. You celebrate the holidays in an over the top style. If something is cute, you'll buy it. People end up with a lot of gifts from you - and your house is like a holiday wonderland, full of decorations. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Keep 'Em Coming!

Oh my gosh, you guys are awesome! I'm getting so many wonderful responses to the Tinsel For Lunch contest! Thanks, Jenyfer, for posting it to the EC chat loop. I meant to do that myself but truthfully NaNo has had me tied in knots all November long! But hey, that's behind me now so I can settle into living "normal" life again, right?

I've loved reading the responses to the Tinsel For Lunch Contest. I'm amazed by the diversity of everyone's holiday traditions. They're all wonderful and the best part is that each and every one of them is grounded in love.

Keep 'em coming! I'll choose the winner on the 15th!

Recipe for Love review

I love reading reviews. This one is from Contessa over at Fallen Angel Reviews. Four angels for Recipe for Love!

"Recipe For Love was a super hot, comical short tale that will have you glued to your seat and eagerly turning the pages until the very last words are read. I gobbled this wonderful novella up in one quick setting. I was constantly being flip-flopped between full-blown lustful images to moments that had me bowing over with laughter. Gabi’s Nonna was a hoot and a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely not your typical granny. The sexual encounters displayed in Recipe for Love were deliciously naughty and fun-loving. I really enjoyed reading this Valentine’s Day story and it certainly had me wishing for a sample the famous recipe." - Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews

Ta Da!!

Last night I finished my NaNo novel in the wee, wee, wee hours of the morning. Today I'm beat, but happy. Later I'll actually sign up for NaNo. I didn't even bother to do that, figuring that if I didn't finish my book I'd just take up space over there. Besides, the rules say you can sign in up till the last day of November so I'll just do it today.

So glad I did it. Now to find coffee...lots and lots of coffee!!

Almost done with my NaNo novel!

Hitting the final week of NaNo at breakneck speed. Almost done with my new novel. I had a blast writing without editing and it just about wrote itself. I plan to put it away until after the new year, then settle down and work on rewrites. Very different from what I usually do, or what I usually write.

Um...I've got to get back. Chapter 22 awaits!

North Pole Naughty

Wondering what to do today? Need a quick pick-me-up after a round of holiday shopping? Want to get in the holiday spirit? Why not try NORTH POLE NAUGHTY from Ellora's Cave? It's guaranteed to steam up your holidays!

NORTH POLE NAUGHTY
NINA NASH
Rating: 5 Cups by Missy at Coffee Time Romance!

"Steve is the mall Santa and quite a cutie under his beard and Santa costume. He is everything Liz wants, and so much more male than the man that left her...

Filled with fun and sexual tension, this Christmas story was a sweet and sexy romance that was a perfect size for a lunch hour quickie. What a great way to warm up for the holidays. This was the perfect holiday treat." -Missy, Coffee Time Romance

Tinsel For Lunch Contest

I know, Tinsel For Lunch sounds crazy, doesn't it? But in our family it's a phrase that's as ordinary as "Good morning" or "Pass the salt, please." I was three, and it was Christmas Eve. Lunchtime. My mother asked what I'd like to eat. I think she was considering pb&j or grilled cheese. I answered, "Tinsel for lunch." Then I insisted it looked like spaghetti, and that nothing else would do. She served spaghetti with butter sauce which apparently looked similar enough to tinsel to satisfy me. Every year since, tinsel for lunch is something we have around the holidays. Of course, the spagetti has grown more sophisticated but the annual Tinsel Luncheon is one of our family traditions.

Please share one of your holiday traditions with me. As my way of saying "Thank you for sharing!" I'll enter you in the Tinsel For Lunch Contest. The winner will receive a large wicker gift basket filled with holiday goodies ... Godiva chocolate, Peppermint Stick bubble bath, a NY snowflake sweatshirt, a couple of holiday DVDs and a bunch of other stuff that will, I hope, make the winner's holiday season a bit more festive. So what have you got to lose? Share a memory, enter a contest and everyone's a winner because I believe remembering past holidays makes the present one even more special. A grand prize winner will receive my stuffed holiday basket!

And you don't even have to eat Tinsel For Lunch!

Email me at ninascontests@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

The drawing will be held on December 15th. I'd like the basket to arrive at the winner's house by Christmas Eve. And yes, there will be fixings in the basket to make Tinsel For Lunch, too. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope your holiday is wonderful. Mickey and I will be having a full house here and, surrounded by family and friends, we'll count our blessings. There are many and we are very, very thankful!

Oh, did I mention we plan to take in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? We usually do. I mean, we're right here in NYC so it seems almost sacrilige not to head on down and watch the balloons! And I love seeing Santa come to town!!

We'll wave to you all if a camera turns our way, all right?!

Gobble Gobble!!

Cairo By Moonlight

Need a holiday gift? One that's a little bit exotic, a tad racy? Why not try my first EC novel, Cairo By Moonlight? It's perfect for stuffing a stocking!

Two Lips Reviews gave it four lips!

Part of the Two Lip Review:

"...Cairo by Moonlight is a suspenseful story about two people relearning their importance to one another. As Layla and Caleb fall in love all over again, their passion ignites the pages. The love scenes are blissfully frequent and erotically creative. Rarely have I read a book that is so sensual in nature. I would have enjoyed understanding more about how they grew apart or even why they married since their issues seemed deeply ingrained into their personalities. That aside, Nina Nash has provided for her readers an engrossing story full of history, culture, suspense, romance and hot sensuality that I recommend reading. The ending alone will leave you wanting more..."

Thanks, Two Lips!

Finally!

First, let me apologize for not choosing a 100th Post Contest winner sooner. I have been in bed all week with the flu, feeling feverish and sneezy and definitely very un-contestish. But lo and behold this morning when I woke I felt human. Well, almost. So thanks, everyone, for their patience.

Just a few minutes ago I put everyone's name on a tiny slip of paper, put each slip into my (empty) coffee mug, put my hand over the top of the mug and shook it around a bit. Then I had Mickey pull a slip from the mug. Very scientific, no? :)

The winner of the 100th Post Contest is... Jenyfer Matthews! Congrats, Jenyfer!

Then, I had Mickey pull a second slip from the mug before I emptied it and filled the mug with coffee. Hey, a girl's gotta have her morning cup, right?

The second name Mickey pulled is... Erin! Congrats, Erin!

Yes, two winners! I figured since everyone waited for me to stop sneezing it was the least I could do. Thank you everyone for entering. Please check back often as I feel a holiday contest coming on! *hint, hint!*

Jenyfer and Erin, please email me at ninanash@gmail.com and let me know which of my titles you'd like to receive as your prize and I'll send it right out.

Have a great day, everyone!

100th Post!

I love milestones. Here on my little blog this is one of those moments. It's my 100th post. In honor of that, I'm hosting a spur-0f-the-moment contest. Anyone who comments on this post will be entered to win their choice of any of my book downloads. So please, post away.

And have a great weekend!

Fast contest

Tomorrow I'll post my hundreth blog entry. Everyone who comments on that post will be entered to win a copy of a download of one of my titles. Any one, winner's choice. :)

It's official

We just got back from Key West last night. The trip was super. We had a great time and got the beach house in order. We actually spend a lot of time down there during the winter. Yay, winter!

This morning I'm going to sign on for National Novel Writing Month. It's only the first week and I think I can do it. So if I'm not as visible as I usually am, it's because I'm writing like crazy. I'm very, very excited about taking this on. Wish me luck!

Almond Sand Dollar cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg, separated
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sliced almonds

Preparation

Beat 1 cup softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until well blended. Add 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk, beating until blended.

Combine flour and baking powder. Add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Shape dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.

Roll dough to an 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut with a 3-inch round cutter. Place on lightly greased, parchment paper-lined baking sheets; brush with lightly beaten egg white.

Stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over cookies. Gently press 5 almond slices in a spoke design around center of each cookie.

Bake at 350° for 4 minutes; remove pan from oven, and gently press almonds into cookies again. Bake 4 more minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

Loving every minute of it

maggie and millie and molly and may

maggie and millie and molly and may

went down to the beach (to play one day)

and maggie discovered a shell that sang

so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and

millie befriended a stranded star

who's rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and

may came home with a smooth round stone

as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea.

--E. E. Cummings (American poet 1894-1962)

Pssst!

Mickey's sleeping but I'm watching the morning light stream across our back porch. Oh, how I love the beach! We're here in Key West and I am loving it. The house is in need of a serious pre-winter cleaning but I don't mind that one bit. Cleaning at the beach is a chore I'll gladly endure.

If I hurry, by this afternoon we'll be at the beach!! YAY!

I love these! Angel wings!

Today in the Big Apple

Mickey and I spend some of the cold wintery months in Florida. We have a small place down there, sort of off the beaten track, where we can go snorkeling, beachcombing and generally kick back and relax. It's nothing fancy but it's ours and we love it.


Today I'm tossing a few things into a bag and getting our NY life in order so we can take a quick trip down to the beach house. We'll only stay for a few days, just to give the place a cleaning and stock the pantry. In a couple of weeks we'll go down for a longer stay, but for now we're just zippping down, then zipping back up at the end of the week. Hmm...sounds like fun, doesn't it? The zipping part, I mean. Not the cleaning!


So today in the Big Apple I'm grabbing my flip flops and sunscreen. Yeah, life is good. :)

Just something to think about!

Today in the Big Apple

Oh, it's so normal, the things that are going on here today. Baking, dusting, vacuuming and writing. Yep, just a normal housecleaning day in the Big Apple. Working on some stories that have a deadline so I'm pretty much consumed by them now. But I can share the cookie recipe I'm using this afternoon. This morning I made Peanut Blossoms. This afternoon it's going to be Butterscotch Cookies. Yum!

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T. vanilla
1 1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
4 c. flour
1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips

Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Blend until creamy. Add salt, baking powder and flour. When blended, add the chips.

Drop by teaspoon on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Just gotta love a good review!

Amy at Gotta Write Network gave Violet Moons an awesome review. Here's a tiny bit of it:

"...I could go on forever about Violet Moons by Nina Nash, it's that good. Violet Moons is an excellent, well crafted fantasy story that brings romance to bloom in a world filled with magical creatures. The hero and heroine are sympathetic and believable. There is a scene with a dragon that is brilliant and witty. I recommend that anyone who likes fantasy or romance read Violet Moons. You won't be disappointed! I wasn't. This book has put Nina Nash on the top of my auto-buy list."

Thank you, Amy!

National Novel Writing Month

It's nearly time again for the kick-off of National Novel Writing Month. I'm thinking of taking the challenge to write a novel in a month -- 50,000 words in 30 days. I think it'll be fun, an interesting way to spend the month before the holidays.

I've got a suspense/thriller plot in mind...

What about you? Are you up to taking the NaNo challenge? C'mon! It's going to be fun! ;-)

Today in the Big Apple

There's a shoe sale I've got to go to. That's right, a shoe sale. God, I love shoes. I am almost a slave to shoes. Ask Mickey and he'll tell you they're one of my minor obsessions. Because a shoe doesn't mind if you gain a pound or two. It still looks gorgeous. And a shoe can change an outfit from ho-hum to hubba-hubba in a heartbeat. Reallly, what's not to like? What's not to love?

Me, I adore shoes, so today I'm getting up bright and early so I can be one of the first through the door and into the inner sanctum of--

Oops! I nearly gave it away, didn't I? Maybe tomorrow I'll let you know just where I'm shopping today but for now I'm going to keep that to myself. I don't want you to get there first, do I? Who knows? You might be the one to see the last pair of size six, perfect little black sandals in the store. And I wouldn't want to have to tackle you for them, would I? ;-)

Hope you have a fab day!

Fall, the best time to fall in love?

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness ... thou hast thy music too." - John Keats

There is scientific evidence to substantiate the theory that fall is the best time to fall in love. Novelty, dopamine, anticipation, testosterone...so many things come into play during the autumnal rush to find love and sex. I suspect all of these things take place at the change of every season, but isn't it kind of fun to think it only happens in autumn?

The entire article is here.

So what are you waiting for? Why not snag yourself some of that love and sex that's just taking us by storm? I know I'm going to... Mickey. Yoo hoo, Mickey dear...

4 Ribbons for Cairo by Moonlight!

A new review for CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT from Romance Junkies! Here's part of what Jenn L. said:

"CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT is a hot sexy romp through a land full of mystery and intrigue. While the center of the story is the rekindling of lust and love between Layla and Caleb, Ms. Nash still manages to weave enough mystery and suspense throughout to keep you guessing.

I won’t deny that the sex in this book takes center stage, and trust me it’s as hot as the desert sun, but beneath was real life situation we all face in life. Sometimes the simple act of day to day living forces us away from the passion we once shared with our significant others. CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT is a sexy and sensual reminder that life is more than just obligations and material possessions—it’s about finding a balance and reconnecting with those we love. Ms. Nash delivers a story that will cause you to think and have you seeking out a little adventure in your own life."

Today in the Big Apple

I'll be hunkering down. I'm finally on to a new story that has me reeled right in and I can't stop writing. I was awake until 2am this morning working on it. Then I got up just a while ago and am anxious to get back to it. Ooh, I love it when a story grabs me like this!

Today in the Big Apple there'll be lots of intrigue and mystery. And some smooching, too! ;-)

Alpha Female?

You Are an Alpha Female

Powerful, confident, and successful - you are definitely a dominant force.You control social and dating situations. It's clear that you're always in charge.

Are You an Alpha Female?

Rocks, Walls and learning to let go

I told you all last week that I've finally begun rock wall climbing. My first lesson was last week and I loved it--just LOVED the experience. I think I may have found a new passion. It's like being a human fly, scaling a wall with only your wits and whatever muscles you have keeping you from falling. Oh, and the harness that could probably hold a two-ton gorilla if it had to! That's another thing that keeps the adventurous climber in the air, LOL.


The hardest part of learning to climb rock walls in my local fitness club was learning to let go. That's right. Letting go. Just having faith that when I sit back and take my hands from the wall, I'm not going to fall. It's frightening, especially the first time you actually let go. I mean, instinct says to hold on at all costs. Let go? That's ridiculous...isn't it?


My instructor was patient and waited the full three or four minutes *that felt like an hour or two* while I psyched myself up to removing my fingertips from the wall. But when I did...it was like Heaven. I hung suspended and didn't feel one iota of fear, not after the first two seconds anyway.


Letting go can be liberating.


Today I'm going rock climbing. What have you got planned? I hope that at some point, on some level, you get to let go.

Today in the Big Apple...

the sun is shining, the air is warm and the sky is blue. Why oh why wasn't it like this yesterday, when we were at Jones Beach?

Yesterday it was dull and foggy, but I had time to relax on the damp, chilly sand. Today, I've got errands to run, a dentist appointment to keep and no time to lounge on what is surely warm, soft sand! AAHHHHH!!

Yep, today in the Big Apple...

Habla Espanol?

Do you speak any language other than English? Mickey and I spend our time between New York City and Key West, so I've picked up a good amount of Spanish. Granted, some of it is the kind of stuff best saved for private company ;-) but I can get by in the real world if I have to.

Yesterday afternoon I was on my way to pick up the dry cleaning, just walking along the sidewalk minding my own business, when I began to pick up bits from the conversation the two men walking ahead of me were having. They were talking about a woman who was walking ahead of them. Get the picture?

The men were speaking Spanish.

Their conversation, roughly translated:

"Ay! Look at that! Now that's what I call a nice ass."

"Yeah, round, just like I like 'em best."

"Wonder how much it'd cost to get a piece of that?"

"I dunno, man. Doesn't look like she's selling."

Apparently the woman with the "perfect" behind had a brain to go with her posterior. She, too, had guts and a grasp on the Spanish language.

Turning to face the two men, she put her hands on her hips and answered, "You're right. It's not for sale. And I can assure you, boys, that if it was--it'd be way out of your price range."

I nearly wet my pants. I laughed until I cried.

Why don't they ever think we can understand them? We may not always understand men, but most times we understand them. Understand?

Today in the Big Apple

I'm going to write. That's right. After a long hiatus, I'm going to sit at my keyboard and knuckle down. A new story is brewing in my head. It has been for a while and I've been rudely ignoring it. Now, though, it's percolating so loudly I know I've got to begin writing it. It's time.

So there you have it, my return to writing. I'll probably work for a few hours this morning, then take a walk. Research, that's what I call the walk. After all, if I can't find characters along the sidewalks of New York, where can I find them?

Have a great day!

Countdown to October Contest Winner Announced!

Wow, I had no idea there would be so many entries! I spent all morning printing out, then cutting apart, the lists of names and dates comments were made. A lot of people commented several times! That's great! I'd hoped people would stop by more than once!

I put all the slips of paper into a big basket, tossed them around a bit and then let my neighbor put her hand in and pull out the winning entry. Without furter ado, the entry she pulled was

Jo G., September 21st

Jo G., please email me at ninanash@gmail.com with your snail mail address and I'll get your gift basket out to you.

Thanks to everyone for entering The Countdown to October Contest. It was loads of fun! I plan on having another contest before the holidays, so please check back often.

Last day to enter contest :)

Don't forget, today's the last day to enter my Countdown to October Contest! All you've got to do is leave a post on my blog to be entered to win the overflowing gift basket. I know this thing is going to cost a mint to mail but that's all right. Tomorrow's October 1st and I'll be celebrating by pulling the name of one lucky entrant from a hat. Will that person be you? Enter as many times as you wish!

Sunday in the Big Apple

Ah, the bliss. The absolute bliss of it all...

Mickey went out early for bagels and bialys while I made a huge pot of coffee. We took everything into the bedroom and are here now, with papers scattered across the bed, coffee mugs on the night tables, lounging in our night clothes. Love having our home all to ourselves again. Oh, and I'm on my laptop talking with all of you. Cozy, isn't it?

Eventually we'll rouse ourselves and probably head to the park. It's a gorgeous day in New York--sky is bright blue and there's a nip in the air. Perfect day for a game of Frisbee.

Hope you enjoy your Sunday! Have fun!

Saturday Morning Fun

You Are A Vanilla Ice Cream Girl

Flexible. Easygoing. Classic.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

Finding the rhythm

Recently a friend emailed me to tell me she was surprised by how much I've been blogging. Now that I've gotten into the habit of daily blogging, just "chatting" with all of you, I'm really enjoying myself. I hope you are, too. There were months where I just didn't have much to say. Actually I had some health issues that were tough, to say the least. I just didn't feel like talking--so I didn't. I imagine we've all felt that way from time to time. But now, I think I've finally found my blog rhythm. I realized that all I've got to do is talk about myself, what I like to do, what I think, about my writing. What could be easier, you think? Honestly, until I found my stride I had a hellacious time doing that. But now, it's fun. I love chatting with everyone.

I found my rock wall climbing rhythm this week, too. Remember, I finally went to the gym to fulfill one of my yearnings? I love rock wall climbing!! Love it!! The harness thing doesn't hurt a bit (I was afraid it would) and I didn't fall. I had so much fun, I'm going back this afternoon to climb the wall again.

Found my rhythm on two fronts. :)

Another from Chef Becky

Becky's Brownies

3/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8-inch square baking pan.

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and mix well.

In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture in small amounts, mixing until batter is smooth.

Spread in prepared pan. Bake 45. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Already Friday?

How'd that happen? It seems like just yesterday Mickey and I were herding the visitors out the door and into their car, waving on the sidewalk as they drove off. And here it is, Friday already? The weekend has begun, and I still feel like I'm a little bit off-kilter from the past few weeks.

Hmm, what to do this weekend? So nice, not to have to "show" anyone anything. No museums, theater, park, concerts--unless we want those things. Which, honestly, we probably will. At least some of them. The park--definitely. And bialys in bed, newspaper spread about. And tonight, maybe a theater, but a movie theater. That's it, a Friday night movie. I wonder what's playing...

What plans do you have for this weekend? Anything fun? Or are you going to hang about, like me and Mickey?

Today in the Big Apple

I'm relaxing. Writing a bit, maybe, but mostly relaxing. The house is back in order and I feel like Mickey and I are back to normal but I've got to admit I'm a little pooped. Visitors take their toll, even if everyone has a good time. Which we definitely did!

So I'm going to take it easy today. Maybe work on my needlepoint or catch up on emails. Something not strenuous. Tonight I'm calling in for pizza so there's no cooking!

What are you up to this beautiful, sunny Wednesday?

Assignment Comments

I love hearing from readers. Last week I got a note from a reader who read, and enjoyed, Assignment. Her note has been playing through my mind, just making me smile. :) The world probably thinks I'm a loon, but I'm just so psyched that she liked the story. Moreover, she got the story. It does so much for me to know I connected with a reader. The feeling is indescribable.

Anyhow, I'm going to post the blurb from Assignment. Then, an excerpt. Enjoy!

Blurb:

When Aphrodite, reigning goddess of love, sends Diana on a mission to give a mortal woman the push she needs to be able to be open to romance—just a few days before Valentine’s Day—the “assignment” seems to be an easy one. Nudge the woman toward the handsome, interesting man and hope for the best, right? That’s exactly what Diana does and Kate and Trevor, the mortals, find happiness in time for the big day.

When Diana realizes that there is a second being from the realm of love among the mortals she assumes that Artemis is along to help with her assignment. Art, however, has an assignment of his own to attend to—one that is, to him, much more important than any other.

Excerpt:


Club Tango was packed. The two couples occupied a small table in a dark corner, a nearly empty pitcher of margaritas beside the remains of several platters of finger food. On one side of the table Trevor and Kate were pressed together, their heads touching as they talked in low voices. They seemed to have forgotten that there was anyone else at the table.

Kate turned to Art and felt her stomach drop. Handsome, with deep brown eyes and thick black hair, he smiled at her with a smile that was so bright she felt as if the lights dimmed every time he grinned. Powerless to stop the delicious trembling in her body, a definite reaction to the broad-shouldered man, she decided instead to relax and enjoy the unexpected stimulation.

Kate and Trevor look like they’re getting hotter over there without any help from me. Why shouldn’t I partake of pleasures of the body, too? Especially when there’s such a yummy hunk pressing his hot body closer to mine. And hell, we know I’m hot—all the time.

“Kate said that you’re new in town. Where do you come from?” she asked. Leaning toward him, she caught a whiff of his masculine, spicy scent and her pussy tingled as she felt the slipperiness grow inside her panties.

“Oh, here and there. I’ve been a bunch of places in the past few years.”

“Army? Hobo? Why have you moved so much?”

“No, nothing as exciting as that, I’m afraid. My job—my calling—you could say, takes me all over,” he said, staring into her eyes and telegraphing a silent message to her.

In a flash she knew. It was so glaringly obvious that she wondered how she hadn’t seen it immediately. His good looks, oozing sensuality, charm and stellar personality—now it made sense.

Lowering her voice, she arched a brow. “You’re…?”

“Uh-huh.” When he nodded a lock of curly black hair fell over his brow and she reached up instinctively to smooth it off his skin. A jolt of electricity rocketed through
her body and there was a wash of warmth that began low in her center and spread rapidly outward. It filled her as surely as ice cream fills a cone, making each and every one of her secret nooks quiver with desire. “Sent by Aphrodite. Just like you were, Diana.”

“How come I didn’t know? Why two of us—and why wasn’t I told?”

Today in the Big Apple

Last night the last of our houseguests left. :)

Not that we didn't love having them--we did. It' s just that it's really, really, really nice to have our home to ourselves again. Mickey and I both heaved a sigh of relief as we waved, then shut the door. It was almost funny, the way we put our backs against the door and slid down to the floor!

We had a super time visiting, but now it's time for us to get back to our real lives. Me, to begin writing again. And Mickey, he needs to get back to being Mickey, the guy who's always on the move.

So today in the Big Apple I'm going to get our place back in order. Vacuum, dust, clean bathrooms and change bed linens. Mickey will, I suspect, help for a while before he heads off to his office this afternoon. Tonight we'll probably order in because aside from the leftovers from this weekend, the fridge's pretty bare. But there's a bottle of wine in there, a couple of bottles of pale ale, so we'll survive. That and delivery pizza? A feast!!

What are you doing today? And, do you ever feel a huge relief when your houseguests hit the road? Please tell me I'm not alone! I'm feeling guilty--almost.

Directly from the chef in the family!

Recipes left by my sister-in-law, the chef!

Becky's Acorn Squash:

1 Acorn squash
1 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
Pinch of Salt

1 Preheat oven to 400°F.

2 Cut the squash in half, lengthwise, from stem to end. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff in the center of each half. Score the insides of each half several times. Place in a baking pan, cut side up, and add about a 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan so the skins don't burn.

3 Coat the inside of each half with butter. Add a dash of salt if you are using unsalted butter. Place half of brown sugar in the cavity of each half. Dribble on a teaspoon of maple syrup to each half.

4 Bake in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the squash is very soft and the tops are browned.

*****
Fried Green Tomatoes:

3 firm green tomatoes
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
2/3 cup fine bread crumbs or cornmeal
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with salt and pepper. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. While waiting, assemble flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate dishes.

2 Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip tomato slices in milk, then flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs. Fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 5 minutes on each side, or until brown. As you cook the tomatoes, add olive oil as needed.

More to come! Thanks, Becky!

Unconscious Mutterings

Unconscious Mutterings for Monday:

1. Singles :: Bar *no explantion needed, eh?*
2. Blaze :: Harlequin
3. Sandwich :: Pastrami on rye, NY style
4. Outside :: Inside
5. Gooey :: Brownie (I don't know why!)
6. Industry :: Wall Street
7. Exclusive :: Saks
8. Warranty :: Guarantee
9. Magical :: Mystery Tour *yikes! Flashback to my Mama!!*
10. Heels :: Jimmy Choo

An excerpt from Cairo By Moonlight

Caleb felt himself responding physically to her nearness. It had been a long time since they’d been this close and he was shocked at the sudden snugness of his jeans. His cock was stiffening and he was powerless to stop it.

Hell, no—she’s just happy with me again. If I put the moves on her I’m liable to be shot down. No, better to just bask in the happiness for a while. Not pushing my luck here.

Her feet gently landed on the carpet. Caleb brushed his lips with hers and was surprised at the pressure he felt from her lips in return.She saw that he was red in the face and breathing rapidly.

I wonder…would she let me get close to her again? She looks ready for something…could it be me? Hell, it’s worth a try…

He probed her warm mouth gently with his tongue and when she opened herself to him he became bolder. Their tongues danced in the age-old dance of exploration and passion that was known to lovers since time immemorial. Their kisses grew deeper, more passionate, as their bodies heated and their inhibitions left them.

“Layla?” he asked against her neck, his voice hoarse and ragged as he bit gently on the warm, soft skin near the vein that pulsed beneath the surface of her long, graceful neck. “Babe?”

Nodding silently against his chest, she pressed herself to his hard body. Desire welled within her as she felt Caleb’s hard, thick cock beating against her hip.

Oh Caleb, I had forgotten how wonderful it feels to be near you like this. I want you--I want you more than I’ve wanted you for years.

He tugged her gently toward the butter-soft leather sofa that faced the balcony. The pyramids were outside the window, but neither of them noticed them as he reached to pull her shirt over her head. Raising her arms for him, she let him slip her shirt over her head, remove her bra and brush his fingers across her taut nipples. With a swift movement, he pushed her pants and panties down and she stepped out of them.

Naked, she stood before him without moving while his eyes danced across the contours of her body. Caleb hadn’t seen her undressed for far too long and he took his time examining her.

Good God, she’s beautiful. How had I forgotten how perfect she is? And she’s mine—all mine…if I can manage to hold on to her. I’ll show her how much I love her, how much I’ve missed her. I’ll show her how much I care for her.

His clothes joined hers on the floor in a New York minute.

Today in the Big Apple...

we're headed for the Flat Iron building. At the junction of Broadway and 5th Avenue,
the Flat Iron Building was completed in 1902 and was the first building in New York with a steel frame. It also has the honor of being the oldest surviving skyscraper in New York City.

Great place for photos, too. :)

This one, courtesy of FreeFoto.

Only in New York...

Image (c) FreeFoto.com

Guess what we had for dinner last night?

What Your Pizza Reveals

People may tell you that you have a small appetite... but you aren't under eating. You just aren't a pig. You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices. You have many conflicting and complementary layers to your personality. You should consider traveling to Australia. The stereotype that best fits you is emo. You think you're special... and you kind of are.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Today in the Big Apple

Ah...relaxation. Lots 'n lots of down time today. The rellies are heading out on their own, Mickey's got the day off and we just may find a few hours for some fun. Then, maybe a nap. By dinnertime the fam will be back, but until then it's just me and my Mickey.



So, if you'll excuse me...



Hope you've got a great Friday planned!

Need a diversion this weekend?

If you've got some downtime, why not pick up a copy of one of my books? Cairo by Moonlight, Assignment, Recipe for Love, North Pole Naughty and Violet Moons are all sure to entertain. They've all gotten great reviews and I've gotten lots of positive reader response about each title.

Why not give one a go? Then, please let me know what you think. I love hearing from readers!

Who?

You Are Most Like Samantha!

For you, dating is the ultimate sport You're into guys with power, looks, or a lot of money. You rather have a great two weeks than a great forever. But even you fall victim to love from time to time. :-) Romantic prediction: You'll find love in the next few months... But you'll be the last one to realize it.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Today in the Big Apple

Visitors have given a few great suggestions about what to do with my visitors while they're here, and I appreciate them all. I think Mickey and I will take a look into doing a few of them when everyone leaves, just on our own.

Today Mickey's taking the men to his sports club, where they'll huff and puff the morning away. Then, they'll go for lunch. I don't know where they'll go, someplace testosterone-laden and beery, I guess.

We ladies are going for a day of pampering. The works! Mani, pedi, waxing, sauna, hair and massage. Then, we'll feel like contented cats, ready for a night out. I just hope the guys aren't too "stuffed" from their lunch to take us dancing!

I think I could get used to having the relatives visit. Really, I could.

Carrie's back!

Being a New Yorker, I don't mind this at all. 'Sex and the City' is back, and we're ready to see what Carrie and the gang do next.

Aren't you?

And aren't those shoes to die for?!

Today in the Big Apple

we are going to take it easy. Believe it or not, I've finally tired the visitors out! Ha! I knew if I kept 'em riding the subway, shopping and sight-seeing, eventually they'd lose some steam. Today we're going to hang around the apartment for a while, then head out tonight and take in a movie. Haven't decided on what film we'll see yet...of course the men want "action" while we girls want a comedy or love story. We'll see.

What do you have planned for this gorgeous Tuesday?

Unconscious Mutterings

This morning, Unconscious Mutterings.

1. Rita :: Moreno, of course.


2. Comedy :: Laugh.


3. Polar :: Icecap.


4. Idiots :: *snort!* Fools.


5. Perception :: Distortion. Um, I don't know why, isn't that a strange one?


6. Infected :: Pus. Ugh.


7. Fake :: Phoney.


8. Relating :: Writing.


9. Distraction :: Oh, Mickey...


10. Gamble :: Dice.

Violet Moons review

Gotta Write Reviews said this about VIOLET MOONS:

"Violet Moons is an excellent, well crafted fantasy story that brings romance to bloom in a world filled with magical creatures. The hero and heroine are sympathetic and believable. There is a scene with a dragon that is brilliant and witty. I recommend that anyone who likes fantasy or romance read Violet Moons. You won't be disappointed! I wasn't. This book has put Nina Nash on the top of my auto-buy list."

Today in the Big Apple

Today the "Grand Tour" for the out-of-town relatives includes shopping (always shopping!) and a tour of the "sights"--somehting I think is pretty funny because New Yorkers don't really consider the buildings around them "sights". They're just the things that make up our city. Oh, sure, the Empire State building is a sight. And the Statue of Liberty. And, all right, I'd say that the Museum of--wait. Um, I guess we do have a "sight" or two here, don't we?

So, uh, today I'm taking them to see the sights of the City. :)

Hmmpf. Not sure what this means...

Your Career Personality: Independent, Insightful, and Ingenious

Your Ideal Careers: Architect Artist Business strategist College professor Computer programmer Mathematician Neurologist Philosopher Photographer Video game developer

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

Recipe for Love excerpt

This story is one of my favorites! An excerpt from RECIPE FOR LOVE:

“So, are you going to tell me why you called me over here this morning? The morning of Valentine’s Day, when I should be out buying a card or something…else?”

Like teasing my Tom again, riding him like a woman possessed and reminding him of how wonderfully romantic he used to be, before he became so damn successful?

Her grandmother reached across the table and patted her hand.

“I have something to tell you, Gabriella. An old family secret and a recipe that’s been handed down through ten generations of this family,” Nonna said, a cryptic smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “It is time for you to know certain things, time for you to learn the ways of love among our women.”

Love? Sex ed from Nonna? Whoa—wait a minute! I’ve got to stop this before it begins!

“Listen, Nonna—I appreciate the thought, but I don’t really need any advice about love and…other things. Thanks anyway, but why don’t we just spend some time talking about Aunt Jean’s gallbladder or—”

“Basta! Enough!” Nonna held a gnarled hand in the air, as if she was a traffic cop. “You are twenty-five now. Old enough to know certain things, certain things that every woman in this family has learned from their nonnas. That, Gabriella, is what grandmothers are for, to pass on the wisdom of the ages. You will listen. You will learn. But you will not turn away from what is rightfully yours. By tonight you will have the tools.”

“Tools?”

“The tools to drive any man you desire out of his mind with longing for you. You will be able to entice any man you choose to do your bidding. You will have the tools to choose a man to become your sexual slave for life. I was not always an old woman. When I was your age I was like you are today—young, beautiful, with full, ripe breasts and round hips. I had urges, as you do. Most times I satisfied my own urges with these two fingers,” Nonna said. She held up her hand and wiggled the first two fingers lasciviously, chuckling at her granddaughter’s shocked expression. Shrugging, she continued.

“Now, I know that you have things to do the work of the fingers. Love wands. Vibrators. Dildos.”

“Nonna!” Gabi colored as the word “dildo” came from her sainted grandmother’s lips.
Has she lost her mind? Is she suffering from some kind of senile dementia? Maybe I should be phoning the doctor instead of sitting here listening to this. But she seems so normal.

“What? Do you think I do not know? Of course I know—I know all about sex. All about men, women, penises, vaginas, orgasms—I have had seven children, I know much more than you give me credit for knowing.”

Holy shit. She just said penises. Vaginas. Oh my God, what the hell is next?

Sunday in the park

New York City in late September is just beautiful. The sky is blue, the air is crisp and for some reason everyone seems to be smiling. The fam is still visiting so we're headed to Central Park for a day of fun.

What about you? What's going on at your house this gorgeous Sunday? Hmm?

Violet Moons Excerpt

An excerpt from VIOLET MOONS:

The flames in the cavernous fireplace shimmered violet, crimson and gold. It helped to heat the vast room, but the chill still reached their bones. They pulled their long, shimmering robes closer to their cool bodies and clutched the sinuous fabric tightly between blue-tipped fingers. Their garments did little to allay the barren coldness that had crept, uninvited, into their beings.

The time of Midnight Moons had arrived. It would be desolately cold for many days.
The hard wood of the Balboa tree released a sweet golden mist into the air as it burned. It swirled around them, letting them forget for a moment the reason for this conclave.

But only for a moment.

Dinardo, his violet robe pulled snugly about his thick shoulders, silently shook his head. His long white locks, tied in the requisite dual tails, swayed beside his still-handsome face. Only the shade of his hair and the knowledge in his eyes told of his advanced age. To an unobservant onlooker he would appear many seasons younger than he actually was.

His body, his face and his movements were those of a young man. They would remain that way until death claimed him. Then, and only then, would his body show the true number of its years. Even at that instant, in his fleeting surrender to the realm of the unliving, it would only show for the briefest of moments before his extinguished being surrendered itself to the afterlife in a puff of silver smoke.

“But I do not see how we will get the circlet,” said Dayanara, her voice filled with the passion of her convictions. “It seems that the people would protect it—protect it with their lives if they had to! It won’t be out in the open, waiting for anyone to just walk in and take it. No, the power will be hidden somewhere.”

Her long blood-red fingernails drummed mercilessly on the granite table top. Why couldn’t they see that the only way to secure the circlet was by force? Had they all turned into a tribe of cowards after the last era?

“You’re missing the point. The power will be protected, yes, but we should be able to convince them to give it to us. They will be reasonable; they will see our need. I don’t think we’ll need to take it,” said Alana quietly.

“Take it! Of course we’ll need to take it—you’ve been imbibing too often and too long, apparently, of the boobang bulb if you think we’ll get it any other way. Honestly!” snorted Dayanara. How could they be so naive?

“Just hold up right now…that’s not fair. You don’t need to bring that into it. Besides, I haven’t bathed in boobang bulb juice in…in days. So don’t even begin to act like I’ve been influenced because I haven’t been. I believe you’re going about it all wrong, that’s all,” said Alana. She furrowed her brow, her amber eyes flashing at her sister as she spoke.

We look alike but that’s where it ends. She’s nothing like me—if she was, she’d begin to see this thing logically.

“You’d have a discussion with them, then? Is that the proposal you bring to the conclave?” asked Dayanara. She studiously avoided her sister’s gaze, looking instead at her own crimson fingernails.

“It is. I say we request a meeting and ask to have the power. You may be surprised. They might simply give it to us.”

Dayanara smiled at the other woman’s stupidity. Did she really believe that they’d just hand it over? The one thing that kept all life safe from the voracious appetites of the others? How can she look so much like me, yet be so different, she thought. It’s difficult to believe that she can’t see that the only way to get the power is to take it—by force.

Wathalia had, as was her way, kept her own council. Listening closely to her sisters but refraining from joining in the conversation she could see both sides. Still, she knew that neither sister had a plausible solution for their dilemma.

She felt Dinardo’s probing eyes and when she looked up she found his steely gaze locked on her. She knew what must be done. Wathalia nodded, her long black hair falling over her shoulders as if ready to cloak her in battle.
She knew that the time had come to tell her sisters what their decision should—what their decision would—be. And she also knew that neither of the other two females of the long line of Danizar would like the way things must move forward from this point.

It was no secret that the logical Alana would much rather approach the people of the North, the keepers of the sacred circlet, with an evenhanded, rational proposal. She knew, too, that the people would reject Alana’s proposition outright.

The realization that her headstrong, impetuous sister Dayanara would vow to charge into the midst of the people and take the sacred circlet was obvious to her as well. Dayanara would feel that it was their due, especially since their need for it was fleeting and unable to be ignored—not if they were to survive. She knew that Dayanara’s method would lead to death and destruction. The sacred circlet would be of no use to them if they claimed it in that manner.

Wathalia knew that she had been born into the trio to take the lead in this moment in time. It was her destiny to gain the use of the circlet by means known only to herself and the elder, Dinardo.

It fell to her to tell the others what they had to do now. They would not like it. They would argue with her, but she would not relent.

There could be no other way.

Talking shop

Last night I was speaking with a friend that is a voracious reader. She reads romance, mysteries, thrillers, how-to books, cookbooks, auto mechanic journals--you name it, she reads it. So I figured she'd be a good person to quiz a little regarding what she likes to see in a hero. I mean, she reads a lot and obviously every reader has preferences. So, I asked.

Her answer was simple.

"I like a hero that's so perfect he makes me remember why I'm still looking for love."

Good answer.

What about you? What do you like to see in a hero?

Va va va voom!

Exotic Dancer Name Is...

Sunset

Exotic Dancer Name Generator

Whew! That's a relief!

You Belong in New York

You're a girl on the go, and LA's laid back lifestyle isn't really your thing. You prefer a city that never sleeps, and people as ambitious as you are. Cultured and street smart, you can truly appreciate everything New York has to offer.

Are You an LA Girl or a NY Girl?

Tour Guide

We have family visiting. Have been doing the fun family end-of-summer get-together for weeks now.

I'm running out of sights to show 'em all. Yep, even in New York, I'm running low on the list of exciting to-do items. Actually there are still things to see, places to go and people to meet, but I feel as if I've been on tour for long enough.

*Sigh*

I don't mean to complain, really I don't. I'm loving having everyone here. Really. Really.

Wish me luck. Today it's Chinatown.

Peking duck, anyone?

Mmm mmm!

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you. But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft. You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily. You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

What Donut Are You?

Cairo By Moonlight CTR Review

From Coffee Time Romance on Cairo By Moonlight:

"...Ms. Nash writes a very erotic novel that heats you to the very core of your existence. You will feel you are in the Egyptian pyramids as you discover the secrets of Egypt. The story is action and suspense filled with a mystery woven through that will have you reading until the final page to discover the secrets of an ancient artifact."

Sherry
Reviewer For Coffee Time Romance

Keep Him? Or Give Him the Boot?

He's a Keeper!

Your guy is a rare find: sweet, kind, and loyal. And as long as he doesn't have three nippples, You should seriously consider keeping him a long time Sometimes a girl can't see a good thing when she's got one So let me tell you: your guy is a gold medal boyfriend Just make sure you treat him right in return!

Is He a Keeper?

The Color of Passion

Your Passion is Purple

Sophisticated and classy, you're a bit picky about sex. You're more likely to be turned on by a fancy hotel room than a dirty flick. Sex is fine enough, as long as it doesn't mess up your hair. For you, sex is more about power and favors than actually pleasure.

What Color Is Your Passion?

I almost forgot!

You can purchase your copy of Cairo By Moonlight here.

Nearly a year!

It's been nearly a year since my first EC release. Cairo By Moonlight came out last October. I love this story, love Caleb and Layla and the whole Egyptian amulet concept. To celebrate, I'm going to run a month-long contest to celebrate. I haven't figured out all the particulars yet, but I will. In the meantime, here's the blurb from Cairo By Moonlight. Then, an excerpt.

When Layla books a trip to Cairo she hopes that she and Caleb can rekindle the fires of romance that ten years of marriage have dampened. Excitement, passion, soul-shaking sex — she wants it all.

An ancient blue amulet is the catalyst that pushes them toward an endless stream of erotic adventures. The pyramids aren't the only large, hard structures in the city and the scorching sand is cool in comparison to the heat in Layla's body.

All is going well until sinister things begin to happen. Layla and Caleb work together to solve something that is older — and more deadly — than anything else the city has to offer. Can the pair find love among the ruins — and live to tell the tale?

I’ve had enough…ten years is long enough to know when things aren’t going to work out. Things with Caleb are just not going to get any better, no matter what we do…where we go…how hard we try. No, it’s better to just end it—what’s the sense in torturing each other any longer?

She grabbed her suitcase from the closet, tossed it on the bed and flung it open. It gaped on the bed and she felt as if it was accusing her of running away with its wide, empty stare. Turning to the chest of drawers she yanked the top one open and pulled out a lacy red nightgown, staring at it for a long moment.

What was I thinking? Caleb and I are so far apart at this point—how could I have thought it would only take a romantic vacation and some sexy clothes to fix our problems? There is no fix for this mess—not without a lawyer.

She dropped the filmy creation in the leather wastebasket.

The sound of a key in the door startled her. When she lifted her eyes toward the sound and was even more surprised by what she saw.

“Hey…I tried to catch you. You move pretty fast,” Caleb said. His chiseled features looked weary. His brow furrowed at the sight of the open case. He held out the enormous bouquet of orchids he held. “These are for you. Listen Layla. I’m…I’m sorry I was such an idiot back there. I don’t know what happened…what came over me. I don’t know what I was thinking—”

“You weren’t thinking—that’s the problem!” she snapped.

Instantly she regretted her words. They had become adept at hurting each other with sarcastic remarks. They had done it for so long that it had become a standard part of their conversation.

What the hell is wrong with me? He’s trying to apologize and I’m being a shrew. Why can’t I just learn to let it go? How can we ever move forward when all we seem to do is hurt each other?

“You’re right,” Caleb admitted. His expression reinforced his words. The college football hero still had the rugged good looks that had first caught Layla’s eye, but the cockiness was long gone.

“I didn’t think. Look we’re not going to just change everything overnight. Bear with me, okay? I’m trying—really, I am.”

She reached for the flowers. “I know. Me, too,” Layla buried her face in the blooms. “They’re beautiful flowers, Caleb. Thank you.”

Knocking at the door saved them from the need for further conversation. She headed to the bathroom in search of something to hold the flowers and from the modern, marbled room she heard voices. The owners of the voices were gone when she returned to the living area.
What she saw made her heart jump.

“By the time I paid for it, you were gone,” he said, standing beside the seen-better-days wooden cupboard. She hadn’t thought she’d ever see it again. “I think it’s going to look good in the house, don’t you? And I was thinking that we should be able to crate it and take it in the cargo hold on the plane, rather than shipping it. Would be a little more expensive, but at least you’ll know it’s going to get there in one piece.”

Layla crossed the large room in an instant, set the flowers on the cupboard and threw herself at him. Instinct took over and he caught her firmly in his arms.

Hell, if I knew she was going to be this excited about a broken-down old chest of drawers, I would’ve agreed to it before she stormed off. Maybe we can figure this out. Maybe there’s hope for us yet. God, she feels good…

She buried her face in his thick neck, inhaling deeply the heady masculine scent of him, feeling the solid strength of his body against hers, realizing that their hearts were beating in unison. It had been so long since she had let herself feel a moment of unguarded spontaneity with him—she had forgotten how liberating it was.

Why couldn’t he have cared for my feelings in the first place? Why did I have to get so upset for him to care? Oh, what’s the difference…he might just be getting a point or two, after all. Maybe there’s hope for us. Maybe we can work things out. I forgot how great he feels, how big and safe…

Caleb felt himself responding physically to her nearness. It had been a long time since they’d been this close and he was shocked at the sudden snugness of his jeans. His cock was stiffening and he was powerless to stop it.

Hell, no—she’s just happy with me again. If I put the moves on her I’m liable to be shot down. No, better to just bask in the happiness for a while. Not pushing my luck here.

Her feet gently landed on the carpet. Caleb brushed his lips with hers and was surprised at the pressure he felt from her lips in return.

She saw that he was red in the face and breathing rapidly.

I wonder…would she let me get close to her again? She looks ready for something…could it be me? Hell, it’s worth a try…

He probed her warm mouth gently with his tongue and when she opened herself to him he became bolder. Their tongues danced in the age-old dance of exploration and passion that was known to lovers since time immemorial. Their kisses grew deeper, more passionate, as their bodies heated and their inhibitions left them.

“Layla?” he asked against her neck, his voice hoarse and ragged as he bit gently on the warm, soft skin near the vein that pulsed beneath the surface of her long, graceful neck. “Babe?”

Nodding silently against his chest, she pressed herself to his hard body. Desire welled within her as she felt Caleb’s hard, thick cock beating against her hip.

Oh Caleb, I had forgotten how wonderful it feels to be near you like this. I want you--I want you more than I’ve wanted you for years.

He tugged her gently toward the butter-soft leather sofa that faced the balcony. The pyramids were outside the window, but neither of them noticed them as he reached to pull her shirt over her head. Raising her arms for him, she let him slip her shirt over her head, remove her bra and brush his fingers across her taut nipples. With a swift movement, he pushed her pants and panties down and she stepped out of them.

Naked, she stood before him without moving while his eyes danced across the contours of her body. Caleb hadn’t seen her undressed for far too long and he took his time examining her.

Good God, she’s beautiful. How had I forgotten how perfect she is? And she’s mine—all mine…if I can manage to hold on to her. I’ll show her how much I love her, how much I’ve missed her. I’ll show her how much I care for her.

His clothes joined hers on the floor in a New York minute.

Cairo By Moonlight, the first cover

The first title released by Ellora's Cave, Cairo By Moonlight. Isn't this an amazing cover? So warm and perfect fot the story!

Raising public awareness

I don't usually comment on things that I feel are too personal. Politics. Religion. World issues. The cost of a cup of Starbucks grande latte. But when I read this morning's headlines, I knew I had to say something about this.

Hilary Swank, a woman who has talent oozing from her pores and enough money in the bank, I'm sure, that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't feel like doing, kicked off a round-the-world run at the UN. Why? To bring attention to the fact that there are places on this globe where clean drinking water is a luxury.

I give her a lot of credit. How many of us even consider the millions of people who don't have access to clean drinking water? How many of us sip bottled water, clean tap water or fancy, imported sparkling waters without caring at all about those less fortunate?

This morning's headline made me think. A lot. I hope it makes you think about it, too. Maybe if we all give some thought to things like this, and all do our part to make the world a better place, dirty drinking water will be a thing of the past--for everyone.

Today my hat's off to Hilary Swank. She's my hero for the day.

The Muse Strikes

Hmm...the muse strikes. Whenever, wherever, she wants, she hits me sometimes so hard I nearly smack my head on the tiled shower wall. Yes, that's where I usually am when the muse strikes. In the shower. Which is exactly where I was this morning when she made another unannounced, unscheduled visit. Shampooing my hair and BAM! An idea.

For now, it's just a little niggling idea. A "what if?" kind of thing. But who knows? With a little thought and some tweaking, the little idea could be something more. The next book, perhaps?

I'll keep you informed. For now, I'm wondering if I need another shower...

Memorial Day Weekend

Hi all. First, Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Please take a moment to remember those who deserve to be honored this weekend. There's so much more to these days than cookouts and parties--but aren't those fun, too?

Today we're headed out to the North Fork of Long Island, to a friend's beach house. We'll spend a few days wading, beachcombing and spending time with good friends. Mickey's already made his world-famouse potato salad (all right, it's only famous in our world!) and we're set to relax for the long, begin-the-season weekend.

Hope your Memorial Day weekend is a good one!

~Nina

A yummy kind of day!

What am I doing today? It is a glorious, beautiful sunny day here and days like this make me think of summer treats. My author friend Jenyfer Matthews has an amazing recipe for banana bread she's shared with me (check her blog, I know it's there, too) and I've been thinking the only way this yummy treat could be any yummier would be if it had a scoop of chocolate gelato beside it. So here's my recipe for chocolate gelato. I'm making that this morning, and Jenyfer's banana bread this afternoon. By dinnertime we'll have a wonderful desert!!


Enjoy!!

Chocolate Gelato

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Bring 2 1/4 cups milk to a boil in a heavy saucepan.


While milk is heating, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and 1/4 cup cold milk in a bowl until smooth. When milk on stove boils, whisk this mixture into boiling milk and bring to boil again, whisking all the while. Whisk in pot for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Bring remaining 1/2 cup coldmilk just to a boil in a separate heavy saucepan. When boiling, remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Let stand until chocolate melts, then whisk until smooth. Add to bigger pot, then force entire mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cool slightly, stirring often to prevent a skin from forming. Cover surface with wax paper and chill until cold, at least 2 hours.

Freeze mixture in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze until hardened, about 4 hours. Let soften 5 minutes before serving.

*This recipe is originally from Gourmet, 2003, but I've modified it somewhat. I'd like to think I improved on it! :)

Finding myself -- In Italy!!

How cool is this? Along with the cover for Violet Moons, this is what I found here.

VIOLET MOONS by NINA NASH, Ellora's Cave

The land of Vestia is forced to replenish its life force from a circlet of power that is kept in a distant kingdom. Wathalia, one of the Vestian princesses, must make a swift, secret journey to retrieve the circlet. Along the way she meets all manner of odd creatures as well as one very handsome man. A man whom she has seen many times before — in her dreams.

It appears that Wathalia's mission is leading her to something other than the circlet and she realizes that her destiny may include more than a trip to the kingdom of the North. Meeting Priam makes her wonder if all moments in her life have been leading purposefully to the instant of their coupling. She wonders, too, if the man from her dreams is all he seems to be. Could he, too, have secrets? And will his secrets interfere with her ability to save the people of Vestia?

La terra di Vestia è costretta a rifornire la sua forza vitale da un anello di potere che è tenuto in un regno distante. Wathalia, una delle principessa Vestian, deve fare un viaggio rapido e segreto per recuperare l'anello. Lungo la strada incontra tutte le specie di strane creature così come un uomo davvero affascinante. Un uomo che lei ha visto molte volte prima - nei suoi sogni.

Sembra che la missione di Wathalia la stia conducendo verso qualcos'altro rispetto all'anello e lei capisce che il suo destino potrebbe includere più che un viaggio verso il regno del Nord. Incontrare Priam le fa domandarsi se tutti i momenti nella sua vita stavano conducendola apposta all'istante del loro accoppiamento. Si domanda, anche, se l'uomo dei suoi sogni sia tutto quello che sembra essere. Anche lui potrebbe avere dei segreti? E i suoi segreti interferiranno con la sua capacità di salvare le persone di Vestia?

Pubblicato da Elisa a 4.14 1 commenti
Etichette: elloras cave, nina nash

Weather sets the mood

A rainy Sunday morning in New York City. I might be in the minority, but I love rain, especially on the weekends. I know, I can hear the "Boo"-ing!! But really, I love a rainy weekend. Why? It gives us a great excuse to not do anything. No running errands, no pressure to walk in the park, visit with friends or relatives, jog...none of it. Instead we get to stay in, lounge with the fat Sunday Times, have bagels delivered from the corner deli, and...well, I won't go on. You let your imagination run wild.

But I ask you, wouldn't you like to snuggle up with your honey on a rainy Sunday morning?

Mickey and I, we might cuddle all day long... :)

Black Thumb

Okay, it's confession time. I have a black thumb.

No, I'm not kidding. You know how gardener's always boast about having a green thumb? Well, mine's black. Or it should be.

I try. Really I do. I go to the nursery, filled with high hopes. I choose only the biggest, bushiest, greenest herb plants for my window box. Remember, we live in Manhattan during the summer, so it's not like I've got real ground or anything. A window box, that's it. Shouldn't be hard, should it?

This morning I woke up, padded to the kitchen, put the coffeepot on and looked at my window box.

Dead. Creeping thyme? Done creeping. Oregano? Laid out flat. Parsley? Ditto. Purple sage? Curled up and yellow.

Ugh. The black thumb, a curse for all time.

Lazy afternoons

We've just returned from a week in Vermont. Let me tell you, Vermont in the spring is gorgeous. Daffodils blooming, tulips opening, birds chirping. Lots and lots of time to relax...

I did a lot of reading, a good amount (just ask my checkbook!!) of shopping in the little boutiques and art galleries and waaay too much eating and drinking! Stairmaster here I come! But I had a great time, and I certainly needed the break.

I mean, really, doesn't everyone need a break now and then? Is your life as hectic as mine? I'll bet it is. Some days I feel like I'm trying to breakdance, twirl a baton and organize a gala all at once. But that just makes the lazy afternoons, spent with my darling Mickey, all the more enjoyable.

How do you get away? Unwind? Relax?

I could use a few hints, maybe a suggestion or two. Because really, once I unpack and do all this damn laundry, I'm going to need a mini-break...

Rites of Spring

There are certain rites of spring that are accepted in some circles. They vary greatly depending on what circle they're a part of.

For example, my mother and grandmother firmly adhere to the "Spring Cleaning" rites, airing out their homes, having drapes cleaned and even changing the "winter drapes" for the "summer" ones. Neither will rest until every inch of the house sparkles. Although I respect their right to ruin their manicures, I do not ascribe to the spring-as-houseslave credo. Yes, I'll wave the duster to each corner, as if saluting all points on the compass, but I refuse to break a nail over drapes. Not me. Nuh uh.

Others view springtime as the time for "Spring Break." Yep, time to head south, drink too much, party too hard, hook up with someone you barely know and puke your way back home. Again, not for me.

Then there are the gardeners. They see spring as the tilling time, the weeding time, the plowing time, the stooping-till-your-shoulders-break time, the planting time, the watering.... Well, you get my drift. Once more, not my style.

So what, then, is my spring ritual? My rite of spring, the thing that assures me that the warmer weather is here to stay?

One word.

Swimsuit.

Yes, it's the time for me to toss fray-bottomed, chlorine-bleached, droopy-bosomed, last-year's-color swimsuits and head to the store in search of replacements. By summer, I practically live in a swimsuit so I'll need a few.

What are your rites of spring? Tell me, please. I'm very curious. Besides, I'm just sitting here trying on swimsuits. I could use a diversion!!

Things Unknown

We all put on a public mask, a view of ourselves we allow the outside world to see. But we all know that those masks aren't always accurate...aren't always completely forthright portrayals of our true selves, now don't we? There's always something hidden, some things we keep to ourselves. Some things...unknown.

Most of those things are best left unknown, I think. :-) But some can be shared. So that's what I'm going to do. I am going to share a few things about me that you probably don't know. And if you'll do the same, tell me a couple of harmless "secrets" about yourself, I'll enter you in a drawing for a download of one of my books. Just follow the link to the right, go to my website and click on the "contact Nina" link. Send me a short email, telling me...oh, let's say three secrets about yourself, and I'll enter you in the drawing. Simple and fun, and I'm looking forward to hearing all the nitty gritty you share with me!

Okay, here are my three secrets:

1- I love peppers. Any kind, but the hotter the better. Mickey is amazed and perhaps a bit disgusted, too, when I gobble hot peppers like candy. Yes, my eyes do tear but hey, that's part of the charm of a nice, hot pepper.

2-I am terrified--absolutely out of my mind screeching-until-my-eyes-pop terrified--of eggs. HA! You didn't expect that, did you? You thought my fear would be of something reasonable, right? But it's true, eggs gross me out. I can't stand to touch them, see them, smell them. ICK!!!

3-And the last secret of the day is...sometimes when I'm home alone, I turn on old disco music, strip down to my socks and undies and an old sweatshirt and dance around the house. Yep, it's the truth. I can't help myself, that old stuff makes me smile. I do the Hustle, the Bump and all the other Stayin' Alive-type moves until I'm too tired to move. Good exercise, great fun.

Now it's your turn. I'm waiting to hear from you!! Spill your secrets...they can't be nearly as silly as mine! Or can they??

Re-planning

Have you ever made one set of plans, only to find when the day arrives that the plans you've made are utterly impossible to carry out? Or that, at the very least, they'd be ridiculously impractical to adhere to? Of course you have. We all have. And that's what I'm facing as I wake this morning to the sound of ice pellets hitting our windows. A winter storm. In spring. Sheesh, only in New York! Oh, right. And the rest of the northeast, too! :)

So the dilemma. Mickey and I were planning to picnic in Central Park. It's part of his get-your-mind-off-the-cast-on-your-arm plan. Because, you see, the cast comes off next week but I'm a hairsbreath away from hacking it off myself, I'm so frustrated. Hence, the plan. But today things won't be going according to Mickey's fine plan, not unless I relish the thought of getting cold and damp--which I don't. So we'll have to make alternate plans.

Perhaps a picnic in our apartment? With the heat turned up really, really high so we can wear next to nothing? Yeah, right. Not feeling so romantic with this dratted cast. We'll probably call in for take-out and settle in with a couple of good books. Not a bad way to spend an icy day.

Not a bad alternate plan, especially considering the great selection of new books available at Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave. Recently I've read a lot of books by fellow authors. Some have made me laugh, some have made me cry and all have entertained me. We write a whole range of stories, so there's always something to please every taste. If one doesn't suit your fancy, try another. We've got a bunch!

Yes, today I'll find a new book or two to read from the EC/CP selections and it will be a good day, I know it will. Plans are meant to change, we're meant to adapt and me? I'm always meant to read. :)

Wherever you are, whatever your weather and whoever you plan to spend it with, I hope you have a great day today. And thanks for stopping in.

Here To Stay

I've been getting emails again asking about what I've been reading. Oh, I love it that you're all so interested and that you actually read some of the books I've recommended, but this time the list is too long to discuss. You see, in February I fell on the ice, fractured some ridiculous bone in my arm and have been in a cast for weeks. For me, that is nearly intolerable. No writing. But much reading...the proverbial silver lining, I guess!

So I've read heaps of books. Can't possibly dish about all of them. Besides, not all of them rate dishing. But this one does, so I'll share my thoughts with you.

Jenyfer Matthews' Here To Stay, a Cerridwen Press release, is a book worth reading. At least twice, which is exactly what I've done in the past few weeks. I enjoyed it so much the first time, I had to go back and read it again. Haven't you ever done that when a book is really good? Just tuck back into it, almost like a second slice of chocolate cake? Yummy.

Here To Stay has it all. A love story, with an intelligent heroine (my favorite kind) and a hunky hero (again, at the top of my fave list) it is also an intriguing mystery with all sorts of twists and turns. When Julia inherits an old house at the Jersey shore, it seems as if her aunt's gift will give her a way to make a fresh start. But what she hasn't counted on is finding her almost-ex-husband, Patrick, on her doorstep. He's come to convince her he still loves her and, almost against her better judgement, Julia falls for his smooth talk and sultry eyes. She listens to her heart. And really, how can that be bad?

I love this book because the characters are real, the mystery interesting and the love story is both sweet and sexy, all at once. Jenyfer Matthews has written a wonderful book and I believe that anyone who reads it a time or two won't be sorry. I know I'm not.

Maybe tomorrow I'll fill you in on some of the other things me and my cast have been doing. Until then...a word to the wise. Stay off the ice. It's slicker than it looks!