Get to know Oliver Christensen! YUM!

As we continue with a week of love and romance, it's time for you to get to know Oliver!

Celebrity you've been told you look like:

I've been told I look like that guy from that chick flick...Something Borrowed, I think it's called. He was also on that show about a prostitute. Colin something or other. Pretty good looking guy, so I guess I should be flattered. I don't see it though. I'm just a regular guy. 

Naughty food you like to indulge in:

It's rare I get the opportunity to indulge, but I love a greasy steak hoagie with fries and ranch dressing. Perfectly craptastic. 

What you wear to bed:

Depends who I'm with. My ex fiancé...tee and pajama bottoms. With Mia, absolutely nothing. 

Favorite body part of the opposite sex:

With Mia, it's all about the hair and eyes. 

How many people you've said "I love you" to:

If you don't count my nanny, just Mia. 

Relationship deal-breaker:

Prima-donna behavior. I'm so over spoiled socialites. 

Your first kiss - How old were you? Did you instigate it?:

I spend a lot of my childhood being ushered from one activity to another. There wasn't much time for social interaction with the opposite sex. But when I was thirteen, my parents sent me to a hoity toity summer camp for privileged kids. It was supposed to be three solid weeks of enrichment and education. But when the counselors turned in for the night, these prim and proper kids did some very unproper things. I learned a WHOLE lot that summer about female anatomy. And being I was the new kid--fresh meat--I didn't have to instigate anything. 

Do you have any tattoos or piercings? If so, describe:

Nope. Was never into that sort of thing. It was very frowned upon in my world.

Favorite alcoholic drink:

Scotch. The good stuff. But now that I'm with Mia, I don't really care to much for it anymore.

Describe your dream girl:

Low maintenance, fun, outgoing. Doesn't care about image or fancy hairdos and clothes. Wants to be with me for me, not because of my place on the social ladder.


So that's Oliver!! What do ya think????

If you want to know what happens with him and Mia, preorder Try Me On For Size! Release date July 14th! Click the links below!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Want a mini taste of Try Me On For Size??

As a continuation of our love-fest week, today's event is romantic scenes from our books!!

Check out this scorching scene between Mia and Ryan/Oliver! :)

***Warning The following scene is suitable only for those 18 and over***

Mia searched her brain. What hot guy would be asking for her? She walked out to the store, all body functions ceasing operation as she locked eyes with Ryan. No breathing. No heartbeat. How was she managing to stay upright?

“What are you doing here?”

“I needed to talk to you. I didn’t like how we left things last night.”

“I told you I’d let you know about the job soon.”

He stepped closer to her. “I couldn’t wait. I can’t stop thinking about you…the job. I really want the…um…job.”

Mia noticed Bryn, completely gawking at them, all giddy. “Um, let’s go talk in my office.”

She led him to the tiny room, barely big enough for a desk and a couple chairs, and closed the door.

“I think you’re great and you seem like a good fit for the job—”

Ryan curled his hand around her waist and yanked her body to his, the force knocking her breath from her body. And before she could regain it, he’d covered her mouth with his.

Mia inhaled as she turned her head to allow a deeper kiss, melting into him, her arms having a mind of their own as they wound around his neck. Was this really happening? The ridiculously amazing guy she couldn’t get out of her head was there, kissing her, and not because it was part of an interview.

Pulling his lips away, he moved them to her neck and the sensitive spot just under her earlobe, making it even harder to speak.

“We have to stop. We can’t do this. I might be your boss soon.” That was the easiest and quickest explanation for why she had to stop this rendezvous.

“I don’t care,” he said and continued exploring her body.

Her brain told her to pull away, to stop, but with Ryan caressing her body, all intelligence and sanity had disappeared. All the reasons why she had given up on men had drifted away.

Mia put her hands to Ryan’s jaw, sexy stubble pricking her palms, and pulled his lips back to hers. His body pushed hers to the wall, his erection—all seven and a half glorious inches—crashed into her stomach.

There were far too many layers of fabric between Mia and that fabulous piece of manhood.

She tugged at his expensive leather belt, fidgeting with it as he took the hint and pulled open her dress shirt. Did some buttons just go flying like a soap opera sex scene? She didn’t even care. All she cared about was his soft lips and moist tongue devouring her pert nipples.

Pushing his pants and boxers down just enough to release him, she grabbed hold. Damn, it felt so nice in her hand.

“I want you,” he murmured against her breast and looked up, his body pulsing from labored breaths. “Now.”

Had she ever seen a man so hungry in her life? There’d be no denying him. Ever.

Mia slammed her mouth into his. “I want you too,” she said against his lips.

That must have been all he needed. Lips still firmly attached, it took mere seconds for him to drop her trousers and panties to the floor. Mia shook out of her ballet flats as he grabbed her ass and lifted her up, pressing her to the wall as he pushed himself into her.

Mia moaned out as the entire length of Ryan filled her, and covered her mouth with her hand. They both giggled.

“Should I stop?” he asked, breath rugged.

Mia wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “Fuck no.”

Where’d that come from? She was supposed to be the classy one.

The chair,” Mia said, needing to take a little bit of the control.

Ryan moved one hand from her behind to support her back as he moved to the chair, nearly tripping into it. “Damn pants,” he said and laughed.

Mia laughed too, but only for a moment. She pressed her lips back on his and rocked her pelvis, faster and faster. She was close. He was too. She remembered how his body had tensed just before orgasm. Everything about him in that moment was lean and hard and…hot. A hand nearly burned her skin as it massaged her breast.

Ryan moved his hands around her, holding tight, as his fingertips pressed into her back and ass, a concealed moan against her lips. And it took her over the edge.

Sweaty and drained, Mia rested her forehead on Ryan’s shoulder as her breathing returned to normal.

“So, about that job…”

Mia burst out laughing. “Yeah, I think it’s safe to say I enjoy your penis.”

Ryan rubbed his hands up and down her back and she thought she might fall asleep right there. Was that what it was like to peacefully drift away after making love to someone? Not that what they’d done had been “making love.”

But she had to move. She had things to do before she left the shop. And some errands to run after that, before her fifth and final interview that  night. She needed to remind herself this was all for a risky business venture that rested in her hands. Or was it her vagina? Either way, she had one more penis to test and she was beginning to think she would not be able to do it objectively with Ryan so fresh in her mind. This had been a bad idea on so many levels.

Mia sat up and re-hooked her bra. “I have to go.”

He leaned to her, forehead to forehead. “This wasn’t just about a job.”

She hesitantly met his gaze. If this moment was actually happening, it had to be a ploy. He clearly didn’t need a piddly modeling gig when he obviously already made big bucks. “I have to go. I have another interview tonight and I have things to do before.”

Ryan’s head fell back. “Please don’t go.”

“I have to,” she said and detached herself from him. Damn, he was sexy sitting there on her office chair, dress shirt unbuttoned, strong thighs on display. And of course, his other powerful body part still half erect. He really was a work of art. She tried closing her shirt, but she’d lost most of its buttons.

“I’m sorry about your shirt.”

Damn, that smile was sexy. He could destroy every shirt she owned if it garnered a grin like that.

“It’s fine,” she said and pulled a spare Classy sweatshirt from her desk drawer. She pulled it over her head and stepped back into her pants. Ryan finally stood and pulled his up too. The typical post-coital redress.

“Please call me as soon as you make a decision.” He moved to her and placed a simple kiss on her lips. “Or just call me…for any reason at all.”

“You better get yourself together and go.” She stepped behind her desk and sat down, pulling out a random file so she’d look busy.

“Goodbye,” he said and opened the door.

Mia could feel his gaze burning into her. Don’t look up. “Bye.”

After what felt like a year, Ryan left and closed the door behind him. Mia slumped in her chair and could finally breathe. Why had she let him ravish her?

Want know what happens???? Preorder Try Me On For Size!! Links below!

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Q&A with my heroine Mia!!

It's Valentine's week! The week to celebrate love! We should celebrate love every day--and I do--but I have zero complaints about a week and day dedicated to it!!

My Chick Lit Chat group is doing a fun event this week! Today's festivities include an interview with your heroine! I chose to "interview" Mia Montonari, the co-owner of Classy 'n' Sassy Lingerie from my soon to be released book Try Me On For Size!

So here we go!

1) What three qualities do you find most attractive in a partner?

First of all, he has to be trustworthy. I can't stand liars and cheats. Cleanliness is a major plus. I'm nobody's maid. And I guess the third would be success. I'm dedicated to my job and I need a man who can understand, respect and support that.

2) What’s your idea of romance?

I don't know. Does romance even matter? I'd much rather have a man who can control his bodily functions. Now that's romance!

3) Who's your favorite on-screen couple (Film or TV)?

I don't know if I have one. I don't watch much TV aside from stupid reality shows. It's my one vice.  But I do admire my what my best friend Bryn had with her husband Johnny. Pure perfection. My heart broke for her when he died. I hope to some day find a love like that, but it doesn't look like it's ever going to happen. 

4) What's been your most embarrassing moment in regards to the opposite sex?

Oh God. I have a million. Not sure I can even narrow it down to just one. And I think I'll keep all the sexual embarrassment to myself. But I guess it would have to be the time I was supposed to meet my boyfriend at his friend's house for a costume party. Imagine showing up as Thing 1, blue hair and all, and Thing 2 never shows. Oh and it wasn't just any old costume party. It was a themed Roaring 20's party. Gadsby meets Dr. Suess. 

5) What was your first impression of your partner or crush? How accurate was it?

First impression of Oliver? When I thought he was Ryan, the guy I was interviewing? Hot! Hot! Hot!  With an amazing ass. But I should have known. It was all too good to be true.

6) How have you coped with break-ups in the past?

None of my past relationships lasted very long. I was glad to see them go. I don't have time to waste on men who can't be mature adults. 

7) Which hot actor would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with and why? 

Hard to say, since I'm not real up on what's hot in Hollywood these days. But if I have to pick , I'd have to go back to my youth. I was so in love with Leonardo DiCaprio. I'm pretty sure I wore out my VHS copies of Titanic and Romeo and Juliet. Those eyes. And that smile. 

8) What is the craziest thing you've ever done for love?

Me? Absolutely nothing. I'm still waiting for someone worthy enough of crazy actions. At this rate, I will die never having done a crazy thing.

9) PDA: How much is acceptable?  

Oh no. Not appropriate. I don't want to see people making out while I'm trying to go about my normal day, so I would never subject people to that. But what happens in my office, stays in my office. 

10) What is the best relationship advice you've ever gotten?

Probably when Bryn told me that love and relationships are never perfect, but with the right guy, it's worth it. 

If you like Mia and want to know more about her, here are the presale links for Try Me On For Size!!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book settings- Big City vs. Small Town

When I sat down and started crafting my first book, I naturally set it in a city setting, since that is where I grew up. It was comfortable for me. I went on to write a few more books, also set in cities. The fast-pace excitement of a city setting fit the story.

I wrote a novella and set it in a small town. I wanted to try it out. And I liked it. It was interesting to see the drama that unfolded with the quirky characters you find in that setting. The gossip mill never stops churning! It was addicting and I went on to write a few more books set in small towns.

There is so much to love about a book set in a city, especially if it's a well known major city, like NYC. I set my Karma books there. There is so much excitement in a big city, so much going on. There are all kinds of ways the setting can affect the plot and characters. I have been to NY a couple times, so I can envision it from experience, but there is soooooo much online about NYC that the research is so simple to do. When you set a book in a real city, you have to make sure the details are accurate and with a big city, it's very easy to do. And I think readers enjoy reading about these places. They may be places they might not ever get to visit in real life.

Small towns are so fun to write about. I tend to completely make mine up though, and the crazy quirky people who live there. There is a certain charm to a small town, quaint and cute, but that doesn't mean there isn't drama. My husband grew up in a small town, and I see how everyone knows everything about everyone who lives there. It's hard to keep things secret, and that can definitely add to the drama in a book.

Tonight I am hosting this week's #ChickLitChat on Twitter and my topic is city vs small town. What we love, what we hate, how where we grew up or live currently affects our opinions. Come on by and share your opinions!! 8 PM EST, use the hashtag to join in!

Chick Lit Chat

I don't know if you all know this, but I am one of the hosts of Chick Lit Chat on Twitter!! What is Chick Lit Chat, you ask?? Well, let me explain! :)

A while back, I believe it was my good friend Jen Daiker from Unedited, wanted to start a chat on Twitter to talk about all things Chick Lit. If you are stumped on what that even is, it's a sub genre of women's fiction, traditionally about younger women in an urban setting. The stories are funny and sassy with lots of drama. The genre has evolved over the years, with older characters, moms, small town settings, and the title isn't quite used as much anymore, but there is still a HUGE following. Jen wanted to do something fun to bring together readers and writers to support the genre, and #ChickLitChat was born.

So each week on Thursday night at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time, we all gather on Twitter and chat. You must use the hashtag #chicklitchat to participate. There is always a host and a topic for the week, ranging from our favorite titles, to our favorite types of characters, to writing related topics about plot and dialogue. Every week is something new and every week we have a total blast! I love meeting new people who love the genre as much as I do. It's great for readers because they can meet authors and find out how our minds work! And great for authors, since we love meeting our readers!

So come on over to our chat this week!! Visit the profile for our headquarters- ChickLitChatHQ and give us a follow for reminders and updates to the chat. I'm hosting tonight!! See ya there!!!

Girly Book Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Girly Books Blog Hop! This one is all about location!!! Some books take you somewhere sexy and exotic while others whisk you to a snow-capped mountain. Big city, small town, secluded beach...lot of great places to lose yourself!

I tend to mix up my book settings. The newest book I just finished is set in a small town...where everybody knows everybody and that really becomes a burden on the main character...even though she loves her quaint home town. My Karma series takes place in New York City. It's bustling vibe and never ending excitement was the perfect backdrop for Lexi and her wild and crazy plans. Paradise Cove took place in Cancun. The warm breezes and heat really set the scene for a sizzling romance! Check out an excerpt!

Shelby woke the next morning, and after her eyes adjusted to the blinding sun, her gaze moved to the sliding patio door of the resort room she’d taken up residence in. She’d left the glass open to allow in the soft breeze and the lullaby of crashing waves. Was this for real? The tattered linen curtain danced as the salty scent of the ocean drifted in and she knew she would always enjoy these simple moments.

With the Espinozas having moved to their new casita, being alone at The Paradise Cove felt quite surreal. It was no longer a resort she vacationed at--it was her resort.

Shelby stretched and sat up, recalling the events of the night before. She’d lit candles and played soft tropical music.

After a dinner together on the patio of The Paradise Cove at sunset, Mr. and Mrs. Espinoza took one last stroll to the ocean’s edge. They’d held each other and kissed, as Shelby had sat by, watching them give a tear-filled goodbye to the home they’d known for nearly five decades.

Shelby hoped they were happy with their decision and vowed to make them proud of her and what she did with the place they loved. 

Hope you enjoyed that little scene!! I want to know what your favorite book location is! Do you like being swept away to somewhere tropical, or do you like fast-paced city settings?? All commenters will be entered to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card!!! Woo Hoo! Just comment below WITH a valid email address. Comments without an address will not be entered to win. :( Sorry. Earn extra entries by being a blog follower, Twitter follower and/or Facebook follower! :) Just let me know!

And hop around to all the other participant's blogs!! TONS of great prizes! Every comment will be entered to win the awesome grand prize!!! So many cool things in that!!! (Read above in the pic!)

Chick Lit and Contemporary Romance

When I first started writing, I had no clue what to call it. It was just a story. There was love and romance. There was humor. The main character had stuff to deal with other than her boyfriend. There was a fun BFF and crazy parents. There was drama and tears and celebration. There was a whole lot mixed into my stories. But it's what came out of me and what I liked in the books I read.

And then came the time to categorize what I wrote. And it was chick lit all the way.

Back then (circa 2006 ish) the term "Chick Lit" was still acceptable. Agents still represented it. Publishers still wanted it. Harlequin still had its chick lit only imprint- Red Dress Ink. My dream was to have that logo on my book. Well, I came close, but nothing happened back then. And the chick lit thing started to fade. I was left wondering what to call my work. I still loved reading books like it and I knew many others did too.

So I started calling it women's fiction. But then people told me my story was romance instead. I was like "WHAT?" No way. I was not a romance writer. And it used to bother me. I guess I was naive back then and all I thought when I thought of romance was cheesy stories and Fabio on the cover. That was not me and not what I wanted for my career.

But then I started doing my research. And romance was not at all what I thought. And yeah, there was a place for me. Others were writing sexy, sassy, humorous books with drama and being published as romance authors. And with a little more time and research and getting my hands on lots of contemporary romance titles, I had embraced the genre. And now I adore it. It's smart and sophisticated but also fun and sexy. A complete escape.

In my opinion, chick lit is not dead. It's still out there and there are tons of us still loving reading it and loving writing it. But we do have to name it Contemporary Romance now. There really is a fine line between the two. Both are stories of women facing struggles in life and love. Neither is complete without both. But chick lit does not have the romantic relationship as the main plot, and romance does.

Chick Lit Challenge Review!! Two Days Til Mrs.

I read the first book in this series, 2 Days Til Sundae, which ended with a mini cliffhanger and I needed to read what happened next. So much so that I bought the sequel immediately on my Kindle and read the beginning. I liked the first book and was excited for the next chapter in Cat and Fynn's life.

The book was pretty good, though there were times I kinda wanted to slap Cat. I guess it's just me and sometimes I have a hard time identifying with people/characters who care too much what other people think. I know I was like that at one time, but have matured and moved past it. So I know many other readers can identify with a character like Cat, but not me.

But the book was very entertaining and there was always some kind of trouble Cat was getting into...which made for some really funny scenes. But her troubles always seemed to be solved quickly.

Here is the link to Goodreads!

Chick Lit Challenge: A Review!

Last night I finished 2 Days 'Til Sundae by Heather Muzik. Click here for the Amazon listing!!

This book pulled me in right away. I had to know if she'd ever get the little dollhouse that she so desperately needed to have! I'm a sentimental person, so I could totally relate to needing to hold on to things from our past. The main character, Cat, sure goes through a lot to get it, and so many hilarious things happen to her along the way! And of course, there's a super hot guy too!!!

I stayed up late last night to finish it, and when it ended with a little bit of a cliffhanger, I right away had to buy the sequel and read the first chapter!

Review! Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

I really enjoyed this book! And that's saying a lot since I am a girly girl. I do not enjoy sports what so ever (well...I play golf, but that doesn't really count! LOL!)

Anyway, the main character, Jordan, is a true tomboy. It was interesting to read about and get in the head of someone who is so opposite me. And it completely sucked me in. It kept me completely glued and I read it pretty fast (for me...considering my reading time is kinda limited lately.) But there were at least a few nights I did not want to set it down and go to bed. Stayed up late last night to finish it. Just had to see how it ended.

I liked the boy BFF and the fact that she does eventually make some good friendships with girls. LOVED the relationship with the new boy and his story was really compelling. I like that they stayed friends at the end..even after breaking up.

One thing keeping me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that I didn't cry once. Silly reason, I know, but for me, a perfect book makes me laugh and cry. :) And it is a bit far-fetched at times. i'm not sure any girl will go from first kiss to sex within that short of time. And I have to point out, as my hubby did to me, it is pretty far-fetched for a Division 1 college team to play a female.

Great job on the author's part...will definitely read more of her work :)

This is my third read for the Chick Lit Challenge! Wanna know more...click here!

My 1st Chick Lit Challenge Review!!!

So I have decided to do the Chick Lit Challenge this year with Chick Lit plus! Very fun and very cool. Basically, you need to read 12 chick lit books throughout the year...two of which need to be debut authors, I believe. Check it out here!

So...my first Chick Lit read of 2012 is:

I absolutely ADORED this book!!!!

I bought it a while ago....a Kindle purchase I made for my Droid Kindle Ap. I had just gotten my first ever smartphone and thought for sure I would read on it...uh...nope. Too tiny...too bright....just too hard. So when I got my Kindle just after Christmas this year, I loaded it up and it was the first book I read on it!

I started reading it at the gym....BIG MISTAKE!!!! I don't want to give away the beginning, but let's just say, it is NOT easy to hold back tears while you are going to town on the elliptical. Surely if anyone was watching me, they would have thought there was something seriously wrong with me.

So anyway, I hate to give too much away, but this book is about three friends and their tight bond and what happens when it becomes more than just friendship for two of them. The secrets and lies to prevent heartache. The way BFFs can sometimes drift apart even when they don't want to and can't stop it. The bond that's still there even after tragedy and heartache..after the truth comes out.

This is a YA book, but I absolutely love YA. I love reading about firsts and coming of age stories. Those tingles and butterflies of first love.

I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads.

Dream Vacation and a perfect Sunday!

Wanna know what my dream vacation is? And what an awesome Sunday is like for me???

Come stop by Chick Lit+ today and find out!! :)

And there's a giveaway too!!!!!!!

When the market doesn't want what you write

This post is sort of a continuation from yesterday's post.

I'm struggling right now to find a home for what I write. I can proudly say I write chick lit. My writing is not pink covers and endless shopping trips, but it is the newly evolved chick lit where the heroine is smart and sassy and independent. The stories focus on her life and dreams and not on the next pair of expensive shoes she buys (though she still may indulge from time to time!).

But I'm stuck in a world where vampires and werewolves rule.

No offense to those of you who are finding great success right now. I am very happy for you! And I'm sure for some, it's been a long time coming...waiting for the market to be ready for what you write. Huge kudos to you!!

But here I sit...wondering what I should do right now. I've seen some of my fellow romance and chick lit authors take their stories and give them a vampire makeover. But that is just not me. Should I try anyway...try to conform to what's popular right now?? Or do I sit back and keep doing what I'm doing...waiting for the day when the trends circle back around?

But that might be a while. I am convinced the vampire/werewolf thing will not fizzle until the last two Twilight movies have been released. So we're talking at least a couple years from now.

My only hope is that when it does fizzle, the masses will want to read what I write. When they've become bored with bloodsuckers and all that, I hope they'll want something smart and sassy and more true to life.

Is it over yet?

Okay, so I hope I am not alone in hoping (wishing) that the vampire/werewolf trend is coming to an end....soon...very soon.

Nothing against all those authors out there who are, probably after many years, getting their stories out there. I am ecstatic for them and I wish them the best of luck. But honestly, it's just not my thing. Never has been.

I read this article in yesterday's Buffalo News and quite honestly, it sorta ticked me off. I adore all things chick lit. It's what I read, it's what I write. And it has so evolved from pink cartoony covers and endless shopping trips. That's not what today's chick lit is. But it's still getting bashed.

And yes, I do agree that the industry saw a huge influx of chick lit the end of the 90's and into the twenty-first century. But if you ask me, the exact same thing is happening now with all these vampire and werewolf stories. How long will it be before the consumer tires and wants something else?

I know no one can predict the future and the next big thing is anybody's guess, but I can't help but hope it means a comeback for women's fiction and chick lit..but the smarter, wittier side we're seeing now.