Guilty Pleasure Monday – Blair Underwood

This morning’s Guilty Pleasure is Blair Underwood who is probably best known for his stint on L.A. Law many years ago where he played a determined young attorney.

Blair has done a number of movies and stints on various television shows. His current role is on THE EVÆŽNT as Cuban-American President Elias Martinez. Hubby and I have been watching THE EVÆŽNT, although we really don’t know why. It’s being hailed as a combination of LOST and 24 and yet the paranormal elements are just not there enough for me and the suspense is there, but more low-key than the driving action in 24.

How about for you? Are you watching THE EVÆŽNT? What do you think of it so far?

Photo Credit: Alan [email protected]

Kiss Me, Kill Me – Improvised Weapons for Your Characters

KM FawcettOn today’s Kiss Me, Kill Me Tuesday we’ve got a very special guest – KM Fawcett who is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate and co-owns The Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ with her husband. She is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. KM writes sci-fi romantic thrillers and paranormal romances, and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at the Attacking the Page website.

Sit back as KM chats with us on how to improvise weapons for your characters!

*****

In a fight, anything can be used as a weapon. If you’ve seen a Jackie Chan Movie, you’ve seen many unique improvised weapons, from ladders to bicycles to jacket sleeves. So, why not make your fight scene unique too? Adding a little razzle-dazzle with an improvised weapon can make an ordinary fight scene exciting and memorable.

First, think about where your fight scene takes place. What are some common (and perhaps some not so common) items available in the area?

A really simple example is the good old bar brawl. What’s available? You’ve got all the old standbys: bottles, stools, chairs, tables and pool cues. Maybe a pinball machine or a jukebox or a window someone can get thrown into. These have all been done before. Now…think of some unique bar items a character can use as a weapon. The tip jar, a fist with a roll of coins taken from cash register. What about taking the cord to the Neon beer light to strangle someone? Think outside the box. Make your scene stand out.

But you’re setting isn’t a bar, it’s in a dark and spooky old mansion. What can your character use to protect himself from Miss Scarlet in the library with her deadly lead pipe? The old standbys are letter openers, heavy paper weights, ashtrays, figurines, statuettes, vases, an avalanche of books and wall sconces. Can you think of something more unique? Curtains, tiebacks, or drapery cords can be used for strangling, the settee pillow over the face can suffocate someone, break off the leg of a vintage ottoman for a hard hitting weapon, a shard of glass from a picture frame can be used to stab, cut or slit a throat. Make a list of what might be available and then choose something interesting. Or use an old standby weapon, but imagine a unique way your character can utilize it.

Try this brainstorming exercise for fun. What improvised weapons could your characters find in a parking lot? What improvised weapons could they find in a bathroom? Leave your answers in the comments section.

*****

So how did I improvise some weapons recently? In SINS OF THE FLESH, Mick Carrera walks into the office of one of the Wardwell scientists. As he’s walking in, he’s scoping out what he can use as a weapon and spies a heavy bookend. He decides that he can use it to either bash in someone’s head or break one of the large plate glass windows in order to escape.

Wicked Wednesday Caddy Girls by V.K. Sykes

There’s a body switch going on today since I have with me fellow author V.K. Sykes while I’ll be over later at the Writerspace blog. Please drop by for a visit to find out why I wanted to hate Jesse Bradford, the hero of my upcoming November 2010 paranormal romance release STRONGER THAN SIN.

But for now…..drum roll please….

Please welcome V.K. Sykes. V.K. Sykes is actually the pseudonym for a wife/husband team that writes sexy contemporary romance for Carina Press. Vanessa and Randy can be found on the web at: http://www.vksykes.com. Vanessa also writes Regency-set historical romance under her own name, Vanessa Kelly. You can visit her on the web at: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com.

CADDYGIRLS is their new release from Carina Press.

Here’s a little teaser for you!

Torrey Green once had a promising golf career, but now she’s stuck caddying for butt-pinching businessmen. She doesn’t mind playing dumb while hauling clubs if it means she can get her golf career back on track, and she’s going to need an influx of cash to focus on the pro circuit. A booking from video game mogul Julian Grant could be Torrey’s cash-flow solution.

In Las Vegas for a business deal, Julian’s partners plan for a little action on the greens. They’re looking for some fun with their rent-a-caddy girls, and have a lot riding on who can score, on the course and off. This type of gamble isn’t Julian’s style, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his partners happy – even if that includes breaking a few hearts along the way.

Julian soon discovers that Torrey is more than just a caddy girl and they spark an intriguing attraction – but if Torrey discovers the truth behind his idiotic wager, all bets are off…

Excerpt from CADDY GIRLS by V.K. Sykes

On their first date together, Julian takes Torrey to a black light, mini-putt golf course…

Julian had never been to Pirate’s Cove, but he’d walked and driven past it dozens of times. Cheesy was the first word that had sprung to mind whenever he’d noticed the popular Strip attraction. The entrance to the course was a pirate ship’s prow that looked like it had been molded from a dingy chunk of Styrofoam. Precariously balanced on the edge of the prow stood a twenty-foot statue of Pirate Pete, saber pointing defiantly skyward. Too bad the tip of Pete’s nose had broken off, spoiling the ferocious effect.

Pirate’s Cove actually had two mini-golf courses—one regular and one black light.

“Which one should we try?” he asked, leaving the decision up to her.

She didn’t hesitate. “The black light sounds like more fun.”

Julian paid, grabbed the putters and balls and led her through into the black light course. A flood of lurid colors washed over them—bizarre shades of blue, purple, pink, red and green. Even the putters and balls glowed in the dark. Garish, pirate-themed props—some hanging in mid-air—popped out of the darkness.

He turned to Torrey, intending to rip on the tackiness of it all, but the sarcastic remark died on his lips. Her black dress had essentially vanished under the black light, leaving her white underwear clearly visible, almost as if she were in an x-ray machine. She took the putter from his hand, obviously unaware of the rather spectacular display of her lush body.

His throat felt suddenly dry and prickly. One minute she’d been in a severe black dress—the next, her feminine undergarments and what they covered were in full, glorious view. Actually, her lacy bra and panties seemed quite demure, not like the scraps of fabric some of his dates had sported. Still, the glowing white shapes of her full breasts and deliciously curvy ass were the sexiest things he’d seen in a long time. He was getting an embarrassing hard-on in the middle of a family amusement center.

“Torrey?” He handed her a radioactive-looking ball as he dragged his eyes level with her face.

“This is going to be fun, Julian. You want me to go first?”

“I was thinking that maybe this isn’t such a great idea after all. I’m afraid everybody can see your underwear in this crazy light.”

She cast her gaze down and let out a tiny gasp. “Oh, my God, you’re right.” She looked up at him, her eyes even bigger than usual. “But why can’t I see yours?” She glanced across the room and pointed at a woman a couple of holes ahead. “I can see that woman’s panties, too!”

“It looks like the light picks up white things under dark outerwear,” Julian said, mentally kicking himself for his lame idea. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass her. “Why don’t we try the regular course instead? Or we could just leave, if you want.”

She grinned, her teeth glowing an unnatural shade of white. “No, let’s stay here. I can handle it, Julian,” she said with a little laugh. “I’ve worn bikinis that reveal a lot more.”

He smiled back. I’d like to see those.

“Okay,” he replied. “Just don’t be surprised if I can’t keep my eyes on the game.”

“Oh, you’re too much of a gentleman for such sexist behavior.”

“Tell that to my hormones.”

She tilted her head and feigned exasperation. “Are we going to play some golf or stand around here jawing all night?”

He laughed, so turned on by her easy self-confidence that he wanted nothing more than to haul her back to his hotel room and make love to her for the rest of the night.

Later, he promised himself.

*****

If you’d like to buy CADDY GIRLS, you can follow one of these links to your preferred bookseller:

Buy from Carina Press
Buy from Amazon
Buy From MobiPocket
Buy from B&N

Guilty Pleasure Monday Jeffrey Donovan

My husband has gotten me hooked on BURN NOTICE. It’s hard not to get involved with not only the interesting tidbits provided by ex-CIA Agent Michael Weston during the narration which appeal to the suspense writer in me, but also the wonderful cast of characters.

I love explosion-happy Fiona in particular, but there’s also no denying that the dapper and unflappable Michael Weston (played by Jeffrey Donovan) is a big draw.

If you haven’t watched the show, try to catch it in re-runs or online. The mix of suspense, comedy and romance (although could we get a little more of this BURN NOTICE writers!) is great.

Power Unleashed and a Contest!

Today I’ve got friend and fellow author Savannah Stuart with an excerpt from her new release POWER UNLEASHED and a contest! Leave a comment on the blog and/or my Facebook Fan Page for a chance to win a copy of WORTH THE RISK.

Here’s a little teaser for you to get you going!

After a year in captivity, werewolf Paz Cabrera is trying to figure out her place in the world. While her sister’s new family is more than welcoming, Paz still doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere. She has a big secret that could ultimately harm her new protectors and give The Council ammunition to condemn her to death. When The Council sends their legendary enforcer to hunt a rogue werewolf intent on killing innocent humans and terrorizing Miami, she discovers a terrifying secret.

As enforcer for The Council and one of the oldest living werewolves on the planet, Adam Tucker had fated himself to a lonely life. With an evil werewolf threatening the existence of all supernatural beings, the race is on to stop him. After centuries by himself, he never expected to meet his mate while on the job, but now that he’s found her, he won’t let her go. Paz denies their connection, but she can’t escape the sizzling heat between them. Adam knows she’s keeping a dark secret from him, and no matter what it takes, he plans to uncover the truth and bond her to him forever.

Excerpt from POWER UNLEASHED

Adam parked his rented truck behind an older muscle car near the end of the winding, private driveway. When Thomas said they were having a party Adam hadn’t realized he meant the entire pack. And from the looks of it, half of Miami.

As he walked up the stone drive he took in the vehicles. They were all a little older but in good shape. The family obviously didn’t like to show off. He started to knock on the intricate—probably custom carved—wood door when it flew open and two younger she-wolves nearly ran him over.

“Sorry!” one of them yelled over her shoulder as they raced toward one of the cars.

Something foreign twinged deep in his chest. He might work for The Council but he didn’t consider any of them his family. He had no pack, no real friends, no real home. Not anymore. His life was fucking lonely and something told him that spending time with the Lazos pack would only remind him of what he was missing and would never have again.

Shaking his head, he stepped farther into the foyer. To the right was a giant dining room with a huge spread of food. A cake sat in the middle and there was a smorgasbord of other food surrounding it.

“Hungry?” Thomas asked as he joined him.

“I’m okay for now. Could go for a beer though.”

Thomas grabbed his shoulder in a light, almost brotherly grip. “Come on, we’ll get you settled.” The action was unexpected and it also reminded him that he couldn’t get too close to these wolves. He was there to do a job and if anyone had acted against The Council’s code, he’d have to turn them over for judgement.

The dining room connected to an even larger kitchen. A sea of mainly dark-haired wolves mingled around in groups of two and three. Only a few stood out. A tall, pretty redheaded human. From his files, he knew she was Nick Lazos’ mate and new wife. And of course Marisol, Stephan’s mate. She was a brunette like most of the Lazos’ but she was Spanish, not Greek. When he met Shea Hart’s gaze, the tall blonde wolf he needed to question, she quickly averted her eyes and said something to the much shorter brunette she-wolf she was talking to.

The petite wolf whipped around and when their gazes locked, his heart stuttered. It was Paz Cabrera. He’d recognize those midnight eyes anywhere. The dossier he had on her didn’t do her justice though. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from those intoxicating eyes. She was pretty, yes, but it was those damn eyes that drew him in. Dark, exotic and full of passion and life. After what she’d been through, the fire he saw there surprised him.

When she turned away from him, all his senses mourned the loss. It seemed as if he’d been staring an eternity, but in reality only seconds had passed.

“Here ya go.” Thomas handed him a beer and nodded toward Paz and Shea who stood by themselves near a glass door that lead to a back patio. “I’m sure you already know, but those are the she-wolves we rescued. I’ve spoken to them and they’re ready to talk to you when you want.”

“Now’s as good a time as any.” The truth was, he could have waited. Would normally have preferred to wait and acclimate to his surroundings, but the wolf inside him was desperate to be alone with and talk to Paz. Hear her voice. Something. Anything. He spoke low enough for only Thomas to hear him as they approached the women. “I’ll speak to Paz first.”

A burst of primal protectiveness rolled off Thomas and nearly bowled Adam over with its intensity. He had to stop the growl that started in the back of his throat. He had no claim over Paz and even the thought was ludicrous enough that he almost laughed at himself.

“Shea, Paz, this is Adam Tucker,” Thomas said.

Both she-wolves nodded politely, but he didn’t miss the light sheen of sweat that had formed on the blonde’s brow.

He pulled the sliding glass door open and kept his attention on Paz. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few questions and just get them out of the way now.”

She shot a quick, guarded look at Shea before returning his gaze. “Of course.”

Adam slid the door shut behind them. He’d never been in Florida in the fall and the weather was mild and perfect. A light breeze pushed up from the Atlantic. The salty smell rolled over him with a subtle freshness and he realized why they’d chosen to settle in Miami.

Before he’d taken two steps, she blurted, “I thought you’d be taller.”

He couldn’t help himself. A sharp bark of laughter escaped at her words.

Horror immediately covered her pretty face and her very full lips formed a perfect O. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I said that. I…I haven’t been out in public in a year. That’s my only excuse.”

Grinning, he motioned toward two of the Adirondack chairs near the pool. “It’s okay. I think you just said what most people usually think when they meet me.” At five foot ten, he was probably the shortest out of all the male wolves in the house, but in a fight, he had no doubt he could take any of them. Thomas and his Alpha included. Size didn’t mean shit to him. He was older, faster and stronger than all of them. A reason he’d held his job for so long.

“Still, I’m sorry.” She perched on the edge of the elongated chair so he sat across from her. She shifted against her seat. When she did, her yellow dress slid up to reveal smooth, perfectly bronzed skin. She cleared her throat and he realized he was staring. Averting his gaze to her face was worse. He felt as if he was falling when he stared into her dark eyes.

Soldier’s Secret Child

SOLDIER'S SECRET CHILDBeing asked to participate in a continuity series by Harlequin is always an honor, delight and a challenge. The latter was especially true of my participation in the COLTONS continuity which included my novel, SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD.

It takes a lot of work to create a series of intertwined and yet stand alone stories. I think it’s a testament to the amazing editors at Harlequin who put these series together and then ask the authors to write a particular novel. I have to confess I was a little surprised by which one of the six books in the series I was asked to write.

First of all I was pleased that they didn’t ask me to write the book with the Latina heroine. It’s nice not to be typecast.

But a book about a woman who had a secret baby and hasn’t told the military hero father about him in seventeen years? Hmm. That part was a little harder for me to wrap my head around. In fact, it took me nearly a month to try and understand the motivation behind such a secret and why now, after so many years, it was time for the secret to be revealed.

Being a character-driven writer, that motivation was key for me so that I could craft a hero and heroine with whom readers could identify. At that end of that month of agony, I found the motivation: Love.

Love for Fisher Yates, the hero of the piece. Respect of his dreams and how they would be derailed by an unexpected pregnancy. I won’t say unwanted because that’s the farthest thing in Macy’s mind. Macy is a woman filled with love for her child, the man she marries and loses, and for Fisher.

The story challenged me to show that and to demonstrate how love survived, buried deep in the hearts of two people who had to place duty and honor before what they both wanted most – each other.

I hope you enjoy this free excerpt from SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD. If you can’t see the excerpt below, you can read or download the free excerpt of SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD by clicking here or cutting and pasting this link into your browser: http://www.scribd.com/doc/34003128/Soldiers-Secret-Child-Free-Excerpt

Soldiers Secret Child – Free Excerpt

Jason Statham and Special July Contests!

Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend! Today we’re having a belated Guilty Pleasure and some special July Contests!

So who is today’s Guilty Pleasure? What about a totally buff masculine man? What about a kick butt action hero?

We’re talking about Jason Statham who has played both the bad guy (Cellular with hottie Chris Evans), sidekick (The Italian Job) and the hero (the Transporter series). Buff and burly, he’s not a pretty boy, but he sure is hot!

Courtesy of Lionsgate - Transporter 3

Hope you enjoyed this belated Guilty Pleasure!

And as for contests. . .

We’re having not one, but two Jersey Shore Sin Hunter Summer Goody contests during the month of July!

Come down the shore with me for Christmas in July with my wonderful friends at Fresh Fiction.

From July 5 to July 26th you can enter the Jersey Shore SIN HUNTER Summer Goody contest to win a $25 B&N Gift Card, Autographed copy of SINS OF THE FLESH and SIN HUNTER Summer Goody bag which includes a STRONGER THAN SIN T-shirt & Tote bag, Jesse Bradford Rubber Football Ducky, Bath & Body Works Shower Gel, Mini-Beach Ball and Candy! Just click here for the contest or cut and paste this link in your browser: http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2675

Join the fun at the Summer Beach Party with my amazing friends at Writerspace!

Register now for the July 18th event and a chance to win an assortment of prizes! If you’re lucky, you might win my prize which is:

Autographed ARC of STRONGER THAN SIN & SIN HUNTER Summer Goody bag which includes a STRONGER THAN SIN T-shirt & Tote bag, Jesse Bradford Rubber Football Ducky, Bath & Body Works Shower Gel, Mini-Beach Ball and Candy.

Click here to enter the 2010 Summer Beach Party Contest or cut and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.writerspace.com/beach/


Bookmark and Share