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!