Jax's Artistic Journey...

Every year there are children around the world reaching out to Santa. Not all the letters are answered and another dream is dashed. You can help the post office in your town by adopting a letter that could make a difference.

Santa's Heart is an wonderful organization for businesses and individuals to be involved in and they work with the postal system. Most businesses may be able to provide all the gift wishes, but don't feel obligated to get everything if you can't afford it. It's the giving that counts and if you can get that one gift to them, I know they'll be happy. If you need further proof, you can view some of the letters written to the North Pole.

I'm just passing the word along 'cause Santa asked me to.

Two words...Daniel Craig...!

James Bond has never been resurrected better! He is the ultimate hero with more depth than you've seen in years. This movie is action-packed, visually appealing (with or without shirt on), and possesses the element of romance. When I initially heard that Daniel Craig would be James Bond, I was outraged...but after seeing the movie, I think that he embodies the perfect Bond. A superb actor with a lot of charisma and sex appeal. He's not one of those beautiful people and his ruggedness gives him the extra spice that will draw in an audience. There's a dark and dangerous air about him that keeps your eyes locked and panting for more.

Ahhh....you've gotta see it to believe it. Sigh. Sorry Gerry, you've got a run for your money. LOL

There comes a time in your life when you need to re-evaluate your goals and start shaping your future. Today I took a step forward. It's nice to take back control of who you are so you can move onto the next phase of your life. This transformation was a long time coming.

This is the Sanskrit 'Om' symbol. It's the sacred symbol representing the voice of the Universe. The various curves represent the different levels of consciousness. This graceful symbol embodies the essence of the Universe and is a huge creative force.

Everytime I feel like life's pressure is too much to bear, the tattoo will be a reminder that my change, whether small or great, will give me strength and help me achieve what I have set out for myself.

Here's a plug for my friend Laura. If you like M/M, this story is for you...

The Heart Of A Hunter
by Laura Bacchi
ISBN-10: 1-59279-633-8 (Electronic)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59279-633-5 (Electronic)


Winner—Over the Moon Award of Excellence from May Reviews!
He claimed he was an alien. Asher's mission is simple: locate the Earth woman named Raine Thompson and bring her back to his home planet. Raine's lush body and aptitude for passion make her the perfect mate for his older brother, Imari. But Asher can't resist the sensual woman he's sworn to escort across the galaxy.

She claimed his heart. Raine has a mission of her own: to sleep with as many men as possible before she turns thirty and forget her ex in the process. Things look pretty grim until a hot guy from outer space shows up at her favorite bar. Raine just wants a night of uninhibited sex, but when an Earth woman on the rebound and an honor-bound Turmian male travel through the cosmos, anything's possible. Maybe even love…

(Please note: this story was previously published under the ISBN: 1-59426-520-8. This reissued version has been expanded and reedited.)



Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic
Heat Level: 2
Length: Extended Amber Kiss (11k words)

Overrated!

I love Dancing with the Stars but after finding out that Emmitt Smith won I am totally not ever going to watch the show again! Can't people vote for the better dancer and not for the symphathy votes or the popularity votes....it's a shame to find a show that I like only to be disappointed once again. I think I'm going to start writing instead of getting involved in a reality show that sucks hours of your time. I'm sounding bratty? Yes, but for good reason. At least I'll get work done. LOL

Speaking of which...I don't like these clone shows of Deal or No Deal. I've tried watching a few episodes and people are damn greedy. Take the bloody two hundred thousand and walk away instead of ending up with fifty bucks! What about Show Me the Money? I think it's nutso. What do all the shows have in common? They have the "annoyance" factor and they need to have the big cancellation tag. Aaargh.

I swear I don't watch the tele much!

Music plays a lot in my writing. Whenever I start a project I compile a list of songs and burn my CD. The soundtrack to the story that's in my head. A lot can happen to a writer when you can visualize the story through sound. The mood of the music affects the scene and carries you through the story. I tend to go for more romantic and sensual music like Michael Buble, Madeleine Peyroux, Joshua Radin, Snow Patrol, etc. It's amazing how a little music can create the setting, influence the characters actions, and get them in the "mood" for romance.

I've been a bit burned out on erotica. As a reader and a writer of the genre, the one thing I love is a good love story which I haven't seen much in the way of erotica. It's sad because I picture "romance" as such...two people meeting, coming together, torn apart, and brought back together. These days, even my favourite of authors have disappointed. When you leave the love aspect out and trade it in for all sex, it makes you crave the traditional romances...crave those writers you've read in college and through the first few years of your career. How long before readers say enough is enough and lose interest? When I write, it's about the story and falling in love. The whole world of new love is appealing to me. The awkward moments, the sensual attraction, the desire to finally make love...it's all a part of romance. I am not going to go with the trend, I am going to stick to making a beautiful love story even though others may think it's too predictable or too vanilla. Why do we watch romantic comedies? Why do we root for our h/h in shows like Grey's Anatomy? Why do we hold our breath and allow ourselves to be tortured by the next episodee or the next chapter? It's because we want the story and the rest will follow.

Maybe I'm completely wrong, but how I see it...romance books embodies the excitement, anticipation, and beauty of a relationship even if it may seem like a fairytale. Isn't fantasy and escapism from reality what readers really want? Why aren't we giving it to them, and why aren't we writing it?

Like all love stories, I want to be swept away for as long as the story lasts.....

So, I have this love hate relationship with my new job. I love to hate it. I've got this killer ear infection that seems to pay me a visit every other month. This month it chose to make me lose 50% of my hearing in my left ear. Lucky me. I'm going to a specialist Friday, but in the meantime I am working long hours and no one seems to give a shit I feel like I've been run over by a Mac truck. Oh well, I guess it's the life of a paper pushing grunt. While I make a zillion phone calls, chartering jets, renting limos, xeroxing neverending files and trying to make my boss look good...I'm also woofing down meals, not stopping for restroom breaks and trying to remain calm and collected...I find myself going through a meltdown. Halfway through the day I've completely lost my hearing, my head is pounding like it's on speed and I have the urge to keel over. Is this type of job worth it, even for the money and prestige? I think I go through this mental questioning every other week, but I realize people put up with a lot for a paycheck. I certainly do. I don't need this job per se, because I can walk on out and land another one tomorrow. My problem is that I'm lazy. I don't like job hunting, endless interviews, and starting over...I'm content with being in the job and just dealing with it even if it kills me. Maybe I'm just a hop, skip and a jump away from an aneurysm, but why do I do this to myself? Who knows. All I can say is that Raspberry rum has a big appeal for me of late. It's 9:40... in a few hours I'll be popping out of bed and going through the whole routine again. Life is beautiful.

Thanks to Kristen (I hate you), for tagging me. Now I have to reveal 5 interesting things about myself. Hmm.

1. I played hooky from work with my partner in crime, Amanda, to wait in line at 6:00 AM for the Jay Leno show so I could see Gerard Butler. (Who wouldn't??)

2. I was enrolled in first grade at 4 1/2 and my parents decided that they wanted me to repeat it again so I wouldn't feel left out when I graduated high school for being too young.

3. I was a bartender for two years at a fine dining establishment and I still don't know what goes into all the drinks...but my tips were really good :)

4. I was a child actress. Was one of the leads in an independent horror flick that was never released because funding was cut off halfway through filming.

5. I met President Clinton and his family at Girl's State when I was in middle school and told him that someday I'd run for Governor and would beat him in the polls.

Now, who's life should I make miserable? I'm tagging Eva Gale, Night Diva Maria, Portia Da Costa and Laura Bacchi to take up this challenge!

Cassidy Kent is back with a brand new contest and a mouth-watering prize! Before we get to that, the winner of last month's Raleigh in Rio prize pack is Cathie M! Enjoy your prize, Cathie, and thanks for blogging about Raleigh in Rio.!

Now for the November What Lies in Winter contest...

WHAT YOU'LL WIN

The Ski House - A three-piece, wintertime-inspired gift set from Philosophy and a great companion for What Lies in Winter. After a perfect day on the slopes, your body is tired but you feel amazing and are ready to indulge in a little apres-ski fun - and Philosophy's Ski House beckons. This set of head-to-toe pamperers is the perfect way to cap off the ultimate day on the slopes. After reinvigorating yourself, you'll be ready to hit the slopes all over again tomorrow. Set includes a 4 oz Double Rich Hot Cocoa ultra rich, award-winning 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, a 2 oz Marshmallow Body Souffle, and a .5 oz Kiss Me Pink peppermint lip balm.

HOW TO ENTER

This is the easy part. If you're a member of Cassidy Kent's newsgroup, you're automatically entered to win! If not, click here to sign up. You'll get regular updates on Cassidy's new releases and appearances, and automatic entries for certain contests. The winner will be announced on November 19. Good luck!

Cover by Jax Crane
Publisher :: PHAZE
Release date :: March 2007

After a quick and painless divorce, fashionista Diana Radford (formerly Simmons) is ready to start over. With a settlement of three million and a resort island off the coast of Grenada, she decides to realize her culinary dreams by taking over the island's restaurant, naming it "Dolce" after her mother. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, Diana possesses a rare natural ability and puts it to work creating brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes.

Chance Kohler is a culinary celebrity like no other, with an arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, Chance jumped at the opportunity to host "Fighting Chance", his own reality cooking series. For the past two seasons, he's faced off against the best and the brightest of the cooking world. When Diana is selected as his next opponent, Chance balks at his producer's choice. The former waitress doesn't even have a degree and has only had her restaurant for six months, even if she is some kind of prodigy!

From the moment Chance sees Diana dicing mangoes in designer couture, she whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. Diana can't stand his antagonistic edge, but there's no denying the delectable sensuality in his every movement. After all, even if she loses to him, it means press for her resort. But if she wins, Diana will be the series' new host and Chance will suffer the humiliation of losing. Either way, the competition will be fierce but tasty, and the whole world will be watching.