Who wants to do a review for me??

I still have a few reviewer download codes for TRY ME ON FOR SIZE! And I don't want them to go to waste! If you haven't read it yet and would like to, and review it for me on various sites, please drop me an email at: Stephanie_Haefner@yahoo.com

Too old for sexy???????

A few days ago I was in Kohl's. I was walking past the registers on my way out (I hadn't bought anything. Shocking...I know!) No one was around, since it was a quiet day, and I overheard the two cashiers talking. One made mention of her shirt and that it was her "sexy shirt". The other said "I'm too old for sexy."

My jaw hit the floor. And I felt so sad for this woman.

I don't think anyone should just give up on being sexy. No, it's not a huge priority if you don't want it to be, but I don't think "too old" is a valid excuse. If that's the case, then it would be okay for women to think they are "too fat" for sexy or "too skinny" or "too fill-in-the-blank." I think women should feel sexy at any age, any size, any state of mind. I think it's very important actually.

Sexy has a different meaning to everyone. Some go for the skimpy lingerie, others (like my husband) think oversize sweats are sexy. In clothes or out of them, fancy hair and makeup or au natural, big boobs or tiny ones, gray hair or blonde, 22 or 62...sexy comes in many forms, and evolves over time. And nothing should make a woman feel like whatever they are is too anything for sexy.

And I'm sure that cashier's spouse or significant other does not think she is too old for sexy :)

Reality vs. Fantasy

It's no secret, the romance genre is an escapist genre. I read it because I want to step away from real life and read something fun and exciting and sexy and dramatic...something that gets the blood boiling and the butterflies soaring. I want the fantasy of it.

But I know not all readers want that. I try to keep my characters very real and I'm often told readers want to be BFFs with my characters. That is my goal! They want a story they can relate to, and I want that too.

But I have no issues with putting in a hot sexy man as my hero! LOL!

I've heard from some readers that they like seeing real men in books. I try to make my heroes as real as possible. They sure have tons of flaws! And lately I've been into writing some kinda nerdy guys. But that doesn't mean they're not sexy as hell! Nerdy can be VERY sexy! ;)

But I do tend to lean more toward the heroes with fit sexy bodies. Why? I don't know. The simple answer....they're pretty to look at and envision while I write :)

So here ya go..... some sexy hot guys to get you through your day ;) Enjoy!

What do romance writers like to read??

In my opinion, if you want great book suggestions, ask a writer. They know how to craft an amazing story, so it only makes sense that they also know one when they read one :)

Other than their own, of course. When it's our own work, we often alternate between "THIS IS THE BEST THING EVERRRRRR!!!!!!!!!" and "This is the biggest pile of crap ever......" But in the end, we love our stories (that's why we write them!) and love reading other people's masterpieces as well.

For me, a great story has to pull me through a plethora of emotion. If you can make me cry, either out of utter despair or complete jubilation, your book is a winner. I love to laugh, and prefer to have a few giggles while I'm reading. I like steaminess. And I want to swoon! I know when I read romance that it will have the happily-ever-after I crave, but I want to think it just might not work out for those two crazy kids. I like twists and turns and I like being surprised. I like when the bad guy gets his just desserts.

So, if an author can do all that, I will love their books and devour every single one! Sounds like a lot, but it's really not. I just want to be immersed in the character's world and feel what they feel. :)

And if you want to follow along, I've started a board on Pinterest with some other fabulous contemporary romance authors where we post all our favorite reads. Check it out! You'll definitely find some awesome stuff there! Click the link below :)

Awesome Authors

Pinterest Giveaway!!!!

When I attended the RWA National conference in July, I attended a workshop about Pinterest. I'd already been a huge fan, but I knew there had to be a way to use it for book marketing. And there sure is! I'm trying to use what I learned...so here goes!

Who wants to win an ecopy of TRY ME ON FOR SIZE?????

Click the link below for the contest pin on Pinterest and follow the directions to enter!

Pinterest Contest!!

Teaser ;)

Thanks to my fabulous friend Cassandra Carr, I now know how to make these fabulous little teasers ;) Isn't it pretty????

And if you want to read more, click here for all the buy links for TRY ME ON FOR SIZE!

A How-To Guide for Reading Steamy Romance

Sure...everyone knows how to actually read, but I think there is a process to making the romance-reading process even more enjoyable.

Step 1: Choose a book with the yummiest cover ever.

You need a visual for the hotness inside the book. Preferably a visual with rock hard abs that you want to run your tongue over.

Step 2: Find a reading spot.

I recommend somewhere comfy and quiet and private so you can avoid odd looks while you fan yourself and/or drool. Or if, perhaps, you'd like to participate along with the characters, if you know what I mean. ;)

Step 3: Acquire sustenance.

I like a glass of wine while I read. I'm sure others prefer coffee or other warm beverages. And a sexy snack is a must. Chocolate tops the list, even better if it's fancy with caramel or nuts or any other yumminess. Also acceptable, desserts of any kind, including, but not limited to, cookies, pie, cake, ice cream. Or if you have access to a hunky pool boy, he can feed you grapes so you don't have to take your eyes off the page.

Step 4: Clear your schedule.

As we all know, a great book will just suck you right in, flipping pages as fast as we can read the last word on the bottom. A great book can make you forget all about the laundry, the dishes, the whining kids.

Step 5: Lose yourself.

Sink into that comfy chair, sip that wine. Allow yourself to tune out the world and dive into the love, the angst, the sexual tension, and then the steamy sex when it finally does happen. Lose yourself in the world the author has created for you. It's a gift really. You've been given an escape to another world. Take full advantage ;)

And if you need a suggestion for a new destination, how about a lingerie shop and the cast of characters that operate it. Not to mention the hot guys they hire to be their "Spokespenises."

A sexy, laugh-out-loud love story about a woman trying to save her failing lingerie business with a new product—“personal massagers” made to the specs of the spokesman of her choice! But when she falls for the first model she meets, how can she prove she’s his perfect fit?



With their business in trouble, Mia and Bryn must pull out all the stops to save their shop. Things get sticky when Mia, owner of Classy ‘n’ Sassy Lingerie, has to go on five blind “dates” to find the right model for the big marketing plan that will save the store. But they aren’t your ordinary blind dates. Mia has to test out the “goods” to find the perfect spokespenis—the model for Classy ‘n’ Sassy’s newest line of lifelike dildos. 



Not realizing Mia is on a mission, Oliver Christensen approaches her in a bar and Mia mistakes him for model #1. Oliver decides to play along. But just how far is he willing to take this charade in order to get closer to Mia? And what happens if Mia’s Blind Date #1 turns out to be The One?

For purchase links, click here!

It's FINALLY here!!

TRY ME ON FOR SIZE has officially released!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

I feel like I have been waiting for...ev...eeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr for this to happen!! And it's finally here!!

My official release day was yesterday :) I threw a big party on Facebook and gave away lots of prizes. We had excerpts and I posted photos of my dream cast for my movie :) Hubby got me a lovely present- a brand new Kindle Paperwhite (LOVE!) and took me out to dinner to celebrate. Overall it was a really lovely day :)

I wish you could bottle that feeling :) It really is like nothing else. It's a little scary but so awesome at the same time. I even read a doozy of a review yesterday and it didn't phase me. (Okay, it did, but not nearly as much as it would have in the past) But I attribute that to the lecture I attended at the RWA national conference given by Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. She gave me an entirely new perspective of bad reviews. Anyhoo, it was a great day!

If you'd like to read TRY ME ON FOR SIZE, click here for all the buy links :) I'll love you forever if you do!

Suspension of Disbelief

As a romance writer, I adore the happily ever after warm fuzzies I get from reading romance...and writing it too :) I love the struggle to earn that HEA and the elation when they finally get their crap together and make it work! Even when it's a bit far-fetched.

But yes....most times life and romance novels do not mirror each other. Life does not always work out and not everyone gets a tidy HEA. (Though I do believe if you want a happy life, you need to go out there and make it happen! But that's a post for another day!) And I know there are a lot of people out there who scoff at the romance genre because it's not really always like real life. I've seen my fellow authors get completely slammed on Goodreads and Amazon because there was too much suspension of disbelief. Well.....it's romance....what did they really expect? It's an escapist genre.

I read romance for an escape from real life. I want to be swept away and I don't care one bit that it might not ever be able to happen like that for real for anyone. I like the fantasy. And just like readers who love to dive into paranormals, sci fi, and fantasy and any other form of fiction that can't happen in the world as we know it, I love being taken somewhere other than real life.

My new book, Try Me On for Size, definitely takes some suspension of disbelief. It's a far-fetched plot, and I was totally aware of that when I wrote it. But it's fun as hell, and sassy and if you know me and my other books, you know it fits right in with my style. But I'm worried about getting slammed in reviews. Will people hate it because it probably wouldn't happen in real life? Most likely. But I hope there are many many more who love it and get it and enjoy the wacky ride I take them on. That's all any author of escapist fiction can ask for.

Meet Bryn Harper!

Try Me On for Size releases in just over a month!! Woo hoo!!!!!! If you haven't gotten it yet, and would like to take advantage of the special presale pricing of only $1.99, click here! Or go to the ebook retailer of your choice!

Today I want you to meet Bryn Harper! When I was writing TMOFS, I envisioned a blonde who's lots of fun. And the perfect one- Becky Newton! (If you don't know who she is, she was Quinn the stripper and Barney's fiancé on How I Met Your Mother! Check out her IMBd page here!)

Bryn is Mia's BFF and has been since they were kids. They are opposites in so many ways, but Bryn always has Mia's back and enjoys pushing her to do things she is unsure about. She's a mama bear who knows what's best, and what's best for Mia is to get out there and live life. Bryn knows all too well how short life can be.

Meet Oliver Christiansen!

Try Me On for Size releases on August 11th!!!!! Click here for the presale on Amazon- only $1.99!!!!! (And it's also up for presale everywhere else too!) So let's continue with the introduction of my characters!!

The next character I'd like you to meet is Oliver Christensen! He's tall, dark and handsome, and has money out the wazoo. But he's not a stuck up snob. He actually hates people like that. While writing him, I envisioned Colin Egglesfield....oh...my...yummy!!!!!

Click here for his IMDb page! :) (And trust me, you want to do click over. He's HOT!)

Oliver is a good guy who makes bad decisions. He's in an impossible situation, forced to choose between what he should do and what he wants to do. And it's real hard to keep a clear head when he can't stop thinking about Mia.

Meet Mia Montanari!

As nearly everyone in my world knows, my new book, Try Me On for Size, is due to release on August 11th!! Woo hoo! And you can order it now for a special presale price of only $1.99! Click here, or visit the ebook retailer of your choice!

So I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the characters who make up this crazy story!

First up is my main character, Mia Montanari!

As I wrote the book, I envisioned a laid back kind of woman, 32 ish, with long dark hair. I saw a sweet girl-next-door with simplistic beauty, like Natalie Portman :)

She isn't a frilly materialistic woman, she doesn't give a ton of time to looks or clothes or any of that. Just not her thing. She's part owner of a lingerie shop, called Classy 'n' Sassy Lingerie, and she is the classy part of the team. Mia is the one who brings her BFF back down to earth when she gets a little too wacky.

But Mia has a hard time letting herself go. It's all business for her, most of the time. ;)

Superiority

If there's one thing I detest, it's superiority. In anything. I don't understand why anyone needs to act like they are better than anyone else. There are a million different paths in life and why is one person's better than another? Yes...it may be the best for them, but not for others, and implying that it is the ONLY way is just plain wrong.

I see superiority in all facets of life. People think their lifestyle choices for health and diet are better than others. People think having name brand and designer clothes makes them better. Expensive cars, fancy vacations, etc... In the career world, people who do manual labor are often looked down upon. They work harder than most of the ones in office jobs with cushy chairs. I even see it in the most stupid places, like the ones who think they are better because they send their kids to a bigger and more expensive dance school. The one that gets me the most is the people who think they are better because of their resort choice when visiting Disney World. I mean, come on. Seriously?

Why can't people just be content with their lives and not feel the need to be better than others? Are they insecure? I feel sorry for the people with no ability to feel confident with themselves and need to belittle others to make themselves feel better.

Why can't we all just appreciate each other and support one another? Support the different paths that people choose? I think everyone wants to be happy and successful, to enjoy life and make the most of it. I don't think it's necessary to put people down in order to get there. #justmytwocents

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life! You only get one! Be good to yourself, and be good to others :)

Baton Blog Hop!

HUGE Thanks so Juliette Cross, my agency sister, for inviting me to participate in this fun event! Juliette is a southern writer with a love of sensual settings, snarky heroines, and dangerous men! Sounds fab to me! Book one in her Nightwing Series releases in September!! Check out her site here!!

So, for this blog hop, I have to answer some questions.... Get ready to learn a little bit more about me ;)

What am I working on?

I am currently working on book one of what I hope to be a three book series. It's called Lemonade in Hell! And I came up with that title way before I had characters or a plot, which never happens! My story is about Callie and the company she built- Lemonista's Lemonade. Her beverages are flying off store shelves, but she needs to come home to the small town she grew up in to finish up a new deal that will expand her blossoming company. She didn't expect to meet a guy...or fall for him. But her new life--and the company that saved her from heartbreak years ago-- are on the other end of the country. And to top it all off, she's face to face with the guy who broke her heart and set her on this path to lemonade domination, battling her conflicting emotions for him. Callie made lemonade out of lemons, but she's in hell anyway.

(Wow....I think I might need to refer back to that paragraph when I start writing the blurb!)


How does my work differ from others of it's genre?

In my books, there's always sass, there's always comedy. There's tears and heartbreak, there's sexiness and steaminess. I think my books are fun, but there's always a real story, a real romance. I don't know if that sets me apart, but I'm told people fly through my books cause they can't put them down :)


Why do I write what I do?

I love to laugh. I love to feel the flutters of a new love. I even love to cry along with the characters in a book. I write what I write because it's what I love to read. I love making people smile. I love giving people a story to lose themselves in.


How does your writing process work?

My process is a pretty simple one. When I'm in active writing mode, I aim for a daily word count goal, but I worry most about the weekly total. Usually it's 1500 words a day. It's a modest goal. I know I CAN do more and often do. But I'm a mom and a wife and have a lot of things I do for myself too. I know I can't write every day and some days I can't hit that 1500 goal. If I get to 10,000 words for the week, I'm a happy girl. If it's more, great. I know I can do that too. I did NaNo. My goal is usually to finish a first draft in about 2 months. I am good at not editing while I write. I usually am able to just read over the last scene to get my bearings and then move forward. I have also become a plotter and that helps. If I spend a couple weeks just plotting out the book, every scene, the writing part is very smooth. (But for some odd reason I did not plot out the new book I am working on and I HATE that I didn't. Very slow going.)

So that's me!! And next Monday you can read all about my friend Jessica Topper!

Star Ratings on Reviews

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. So many authors out there seem to think if a reader gives a book anything less than 5 stars, it's a bad review. I don't get that AT ALL.

Let's look at how Goodreads describes each star rating:

5- It was amazing
4- Really liked it
3- Liked it
2- It was ok
1- Did not like it

And here is Amazon's:

5- I love it
4- I like it
3- It's okay
2- I don't like it
1- I hate it

So...what's so wrong with a 4? And on Goodreads, a 3 is lovely too. I only review on Goodreads, so I see nothing wrong with 4s and 3s. Amazon's system is a little different, so a 3 isn't really ideal there, but it's still not horrid.

Let's face it, I do not adore every book I read. No one does. If they gave every book a 5 they'd be lying. If I see a book listed on Amazon or Goodreads with all 5's, I am pretty positive the reviews are all friends and family. And we all know mommy isn't gonna give her baby's book a 1 or 2.

So if I give a book a 4, or even a 3, why is that so bad? A 4 is still really good. It means I really liked the book and had a lovely time reading it, even though I didn't want to kiss every word. And a 3 is pretty good too. It says that I liked it. Which is a hell of a lot better than not liking it. Maybe it just didn't give me quite as many warm fuzzies as other books have. Not every book will.

Very rarely do I even find a book so amazing it deserves the highest rating. Usually there has to be crying involved, either happy or sad. It has to leave me completely breathless and wanting to read again. I did a quick scroll through my Read folder on GR and there are 24 out of 141 with 5 star ratings. But some of those I know are not true 5s. They are authors I know and I was afraid they'd be mad if I gave a 4.

Of course I want good reviews of my books, but I never expect people to adore every word I write. And I sure don't want fake reviews. I've read it's actually far better for a review to have mixed star ratings, as long as there aren't many 1 and 2's.

I have always rated books on Goodreads with star ratings and a text review. I used to write my negative thoughts as well as positive, but once I became a published author, stopped the negative stuff. It's not my place to point that stuff out. So I would type a lovely review focusing only on the good things in the book, but the general star rating would reflect my overall thoughts. And 9 times out of 10, it was a 3 or higher. If I really didn't like something, I usually left the star rating blank and tried to write at least one positive thing in the text portion of the review. But now...after hearing how so many other writers think anything less than a 5 is horrid, I am afraid to give star ratings. I don't want my writer friends to think I hated their book because I gave it a 3 or 4. That is soooooo not the truth. So I guess I will go forward and leave the star ratings off.

This has been said So. Many. Times. But it needs repeating. This business is SO SUBJECTIVE! All art is, whether it be paintings, sculptures, music, movies, even fashion. People have different thoughts and opinions on all these things. And no two people will get the same thing out of the same book. And nobody's opinion is wrong.

Cover Reveal Party!!!

Woo hoo!!!! On Friday I'm hosting a fun party on Facebook to reveal my cover for Try Me on for Size, my new book that will be released in August through Simon & Schuster's Pocket Star imprint!

Click here for the event page! There will be all kinds of fun stuff, including excerpts and prizes! Stop by for all the fun!

But right here on my blog, I'm doing something really awesome!! Lots of ways to enter to win a $25 Amazon or B&N GC!!!! Woo Hoo!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****UPDATE!!!****

The winner is Melissa Giorgio!! Congrats!!

Are you a home body or a socialite?

It was recently brought up at a girls night function that the older we get, the more we yearn for home and all it's comforts. I suppose I can see that. I can also see how working all day out of the house, dealing with less than pleasant people, and especially this winter, dealing with the elements to get there and back. Who would't crave the warmth and quiet of home?

When I quit my job outside the home, I wondered if I would miss it. Part of me really did, but it was seeing my work family every day that I missed, not the job so much. And when I started working from home, I wondered if I would start to hate my house and feel intense cabin fever. Would I really be able to to do this work-from-home thing and not go insane??

I ended up adoring it. I love the ease of it. I do what I need when I need to. I make appointments whenever I want and adjust my schedule when needed. I wear whatever I want, which is usually yoga pants and comfy long sleeve tees. I can go au natural in the makeup department and just throw my hair in a headband or ponytail.

And the best part of all, now that both my kids are in full day school: COMPLETE SILENCE! I work best in silence. Many writers like music or the TV on as background noise. I can't have it.

So I guess I would say I have become a homebody.....during the day. But I'm a socialite too. I love to go out with friends, do fun things with my family, be out in the world! We're rarely home on weekends. There's always something going on, and if there's not, we usually find something. I love to walk down by the waterfront. After this long hard winter, I can't wait for that.

I guess I am all about balance. I like both! I crave home and I love being away from it. What about you??

Museful Monday!

I'm over at Sandra Sookoo's blog today guest posting about inspiration! Come on over!! Click here!

Is blogging even deader than it was a year ago?

The more and more I talk with other writers, the more and more they seem to agree that blogging is a waste of time. No one reads them anymore. And it takes so much time to write them. That time would be better spent on other networking outlets or just plain old writing.

I occasionally read blogs. But I don't seek them out anymore. If I see an interesting link on Twitter or Facebook, I will click over. But gone are the days when I would sit here and scroll my blogroll and click on all my friend's and colleagues' blogs, read, comment, share, etc...

I remember when blogging was really really fun and everyone was doing it. I made so many friends that way. All the blog hops and events! So fun! I met so many authors and writers, learned soooooo much about the industry. It was an essential tool years ago.

It's sad that things have changed so much, but it's the way of the world. But for me, I feel like I have to keep blogging. This blog serves as my website too. For now. So I don't want people to visit it and see a post from a year ago. I want to keep people updated on me.

So my new goal is to post every Monday. About writing, life, food, any darn thing I want!

Enjoy!

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!!

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How do you know what's best for you?

In life there any many decisions we have to make. Some on a daily basis. Some are real easy. There's a clear cut best option. But what about the harder things in life? How do you choose?

In my line of work, there are many options for success, but no clear cut perfect way. Which I guess is a good thing. Years ago, the only way to get published was to grab an agent's attention and then have them sell your work to a publisher. In the last decade, since I started my writing journey, things have changed so much. There is no one and only way anymore. So it makes it tougher to know what the right way for you is.

We're all looking for success and happiness. I think we can all get there. It's okay to take different roads. But it sure is hard as hell when you're staring down a path that branches off in about ten different directions. It's real hard to know which one is right for you when you can't see how any of them twist and turn along the way.

No matter what road you take, you have to just jump in, do your best, and go back to the beginning if you need to.

Museful Monday!

Today I'm guest blogging over at Sandra Sookoo's blog!! Come on over! Today I'm talking about giving up perfection!

Click here to check it out!

Reaching your New Year's Goals!

January is the month of setting goals. Everyone makes promises to themselves, or to others, for how they will change their lives in the new year. But so often those goals get pushed aside by the end of February. Why? It could be laziness or lack of time. Lack of motivation, support, money.... There are lots of reasons why people fail to carry out their goals.

Here are my list of Dos and Don'ts for keeping your New Year's goals!

DON'T make unrealistic goals. If you aim to get to the gym 7 days a week and lose 5 pounds a week, well, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. It's good to aim high, but in order to keep yourself from getting disappointed, start small. If you're joining a gym for the first time, aim for 3 days a week. And 1 pound a week is a healthy weight loss goal. You'll find it easier to reach goals if you start small and adjust your goals as you go along. And the small accomplishments will energize and motivate you.

DO adjust your priorities. If your goal is to write more in 2014, well, that takes time. And as everyone knows, time is precious. There's only 24 hours in a day, and that time has to be divided between jobs, kids, spouses, chores, eating, and of course, sleeping. How great would it be if we could sleep 1 hour and be completely rested?? But until science invents some kind of magic pill, we all need a good 7-8 hours a night. So the only option for eeking out more time is to give up some of the other ways we spend it. Do you really need to watch that TV show? Is it all that important to sit on Pinterest for an hour? An hour to write, or work out, or do whatever other goal you have, can be a very successful hour.

DON'T let others discourage you. It happens. People try to pull you from your goals for whatever reason. I think family is the biggest culprit for this....and the guilt we feel. The kids want to play, the spouse wants to snuggle. Stay strong! Talk with your family and make them understand your goals and how important they are to you.

DO let yourself off the hook once in a while. Life can throw all kinds of things at us. It's okay to step back and take a break, rejuvenate yourself. Pushing on when you're clearly tired, burned out, under the weather, stressed, etc... is asking for disaster. Step back, fix whatever is going on, then get back to your goals. And it's okay to play with the kids and snuggle with the spouse. Enjoy your life too. It's all about finding the right balance.

DO find a support system. Having friends to reach goals with is a great way to keep yourself on track. Not only is it good to have someone to celebrate the highs with and commiserate the lows with, having someone to keep tabs on you will help keep you motivated. It's easy to fail when there's no one to hold you accountable but yourself. But if you have to check in with a friend, you will be more motivated to do something. Find friends in real life, or friends online. Support is so so important

So there it is! Good luck in 2014! And if you want to chat about goals and making the happen, tune in tonight at 8 EST on Twitter for #ChickLitChat!