Monday, November 24, 2014

Winter Heat Blog Hop - Take care this holiday season

Over forty authors and bloggers have joined together to provide some great posts and giveaways at most every stop, The Naughty Pages included. There are even prizes on the main blog for awesome goodies including jewellery! For the details, just follow the link here, and go win yourself some awesome prizes!

I'm getting a little crazy with activities at the moment. I guess the holiday crazies are hitting me early, as I'm currently involved in two blog hops! This one, and Cranberry and Spice blog hop. But it's all in good fun, and is about supporting other authors, gaining new readers and bringing in the holiday season with cheer. 

So while I discussed how to help others in my Cranberry and Spice post, and asked people what their favourite part of the holidays is, I think here I'll talk about how busy we can get, and how important it is to take a moment, step back and try to remember the little things, in our rush to make this year the perfect year. Really, all we need for a perfect year is to be with those who are still with us, who can be with us, and remember those who can't, and celebrate what we have while we still have it. It's so easy to get caught up in the planning, the shopping and all the excitement. But make sure that you do take a moment to step back, appreciate what you have already, but most importantly, just breathe! Stress is another thing that's rampant this time of year. Try to avoid those holidays blues with some quiet time to yourself, breathe, and let your mind relax. Just a couple times a week, not even for more than 5 minutes if you're that pressed for time. Just be sure to do it. And even in the low temperatures currently hitting America with winter time, keep up your fluids, and don't skip a meal just to save time! It may be the silly season, but
we still need to look after ourselves!

So, on that topic, tell me: what is your favourite way to relax during the festive season? Reading is an all time favourite one of mine. Something I don't get to do anywhere near as much as I'd like to. Reading with a hot cup of tea or coffee (even in the often crazy summer heat we get over Christmas in Australia!), maybe some chocolate, and some peace and quiet. Or some of my music. Can't be beaten. Though swimming comes a close second!
Two lucky commenters will get a copy each of one of my books; The Wolf in the Neighborhood, or The Return of Their Master. Winner's choice. I would also love it if people could go like my Facebook pages, Phoenix Johnson and The Naughty Pages of The Phoenix. If I can hit 400 likes on Phoenix Johnson then I'll be giving another randomly chosen person a copy of their choice of one of my titles as well. So plenty of giving with Christmas just a month away!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Cranberries and Spice Giveaway - Seasons Greetings and Help Each Other

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Courtesy of Flickr user Chiaralily
The holidays. The Silly Season. The Festive Season. A time for festivity and merriment, family, friends and good memories. For the most part. There are many, however, for whom the holidays are a dark time. I know our Christmas last year was a rough time. This year isn't exactly easy either, but we don't have it as bad as others. We are working it so that there are some presents, we have family, a roof over our heads and, most importantly, we have each other. So in the grand scheme of things, as grim as I feel with the impending holidays and forced cheer, we are lucky.
I especially feel lucky, not just for having my small family, but for my writing family. I know I can always count on help of some sort from one or more of my writing family. And writing itself is something I can always turn to. The publishing community, as a whole, is a great society to be part of. As with any group, there are those only out for themselves, who do play dirty or won't do a thing to help their fellow authors, seeing them only as competition. That's quite sad, and I've unfortunately come across quite a few. However, overall, I've found it to be such a wonderful community to be part of. Blog hops like this serve all who get involved. It's a network of authors, often not all know each other, linking their blogs to help support each other. And with the holidays coming up, what is just fun for some, is deeply meaningful to others.
Participate in the Rafflecopter to win
yourself one of my titles. 2 of each to giveaway!
So I guess my point is this. Don't take anything for granted. What may just be light entertainment for you might just mean the world, or be quite painful, for someone else. Celebrate the holidays in your own way, but take some time, even just a moment, out of your busy festivities to shine a light for someone who might not be feeling the merriment. You'll make them feel so much better, and it'll brighten your own holidays as well.
May you have a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Blessed Saturnalia, Happy Yule, and a joyous festive season, whatever way you choose to celebrate. Stay wicked and naughty in the right ways, and I hope to see you all again!

To see who else is participating in the Cranberries and Spice Giveaway, check out the link here! There are loads of awesome giveaways from 44 authors, including myself.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday


1 picture prompt. 100 word flash fiction. Several authors participating. Check the others out here.



Royce rubbed his eyes and winced, forgetting the salt on his hands from the sea water. His head pounded, his throat was dry and he had no idea how he’d ended up at the beach in just his boxers, with costume angel wings on his back. The last thing he remembered was having drinks with his mates the night before at his bachelor’s party.

“Morning, handsome!” He recognised the voice of his soon-to-be-dead best man. Royce glanced up, instantly regretting it as he heard the shutter of a camera.

“James, you’re in deep shit as soon as this hangover’s gone!”

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Thursday Taster

This week I've decided to take a snippet from Once Bitten Twice Shy, second book in my Wolf Smitten series. It's heading to edits and will hopefully be out before too much longer. 

He opened the door and was almost knocked backwards as he was rushed by the tall brunette who proceeded to throw her arms around his neck and plant a kiss on his lips. Gently grabbing her by the hips, he stepped back and broke away from a second kiss. Watching her lips move to a pout he fought the urge to sigh in exasperation. He had spent seven years with this woman and had even considered proposal. They had only been apart for six months and he already found her tedious and overbearing. What had changed in that time? He knew the answer to that question; he had found Krissy.
“Darling, tell me why I deserve the cold shoulder? You aren’t still mad that I didn’t wait, are you? Well, I’m here now so we can just forget the past few months and pick up where we left off.” He had forgotten how much hard it was to get a word in once Aubree started talking. It was a quality he had once found endearing, but today, when he had something very important to tell her, it was something that irritated him beyond reason. As his former flame rubbed against his chest and tried to coax another kiss out of him, he glanced at the door across the hall, grateful that it was still closed. He was relieved Krissy had taken his advice and gone back to sleep, instead of coming over to meet his ex. 
“Aubree, please, we need to talk. There’s something really important I need to tell you.” He closed the door and directed her to the dining table. “Let me make us some coffee first, ok? You’ve had a long flight, I’m sure you could use the caffeine.” Entering the kitchen, he boiled the kettle. Buying himself a few minutes while he made their coffees, he wondered just how to break the news to her and decided to be upfront and direct. Putting the mugs and a plate of shortbread biscuits on a tray, he walked out to Aubree and sat down across from her. “I’m sorry, I only have instant coffee. I haven’t had the chance to unpack everything yet.”
“That’s just fine, darling. Now, what is it you wanted to tell me? It sounds serious,” she replied, blowing on her coffee. 

Stay tuned for news on the impending cover reveal, and release date!
For other Thursday Tasters, check out these authors!

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Angelica Dawson: http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com/
Doris O'Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
DK ffrench: http://ffrenchkissing.blogspot.co.uk/
Naomi Shaw: http://www.eroticfantasies.weebly.com/blog


Dariel Raye - http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday #2 18/11/2014



1 chosen image. 200 words. That simple. To read other Tantalising Tuesday Teasers, follow this link.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Tamara

Katie reclined in the tub, the cool water lapping at her sides. It was too hot outside to be in the pool, so she settled for relaxing in the privacy of the bathroom. At least here she could be naked and not worry about the neighbors.

Closing her eyes, she shuffled her body down and lifted her legs so that they hung over the side of the tub and her head was partially submerged in the refreshing water. She didn’t notice that she wasn’t alone until she felt a finger tracing a line down her belly. Opening her eyes a fraction, she smiled at Jack leaning over her. She couldn’t see the lower half of his body, but his top half was deliciously devoid of clothing. Katie ran her hand up his arm, the curves of his muscles creating a mountainous path for her to follow, his skin warm under her cool hand. With her eyes closed once more, she relaxed as he explored her body with his hands; gently cupping her breasts, brushing her ribs and down to her hips where he circled her mound. The sudden buzzing pressure against her nub had her gasping. He loved surprising her. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday

1 picture prompt. 100 word flash fiction. Several authors participating. Check the others out here.

The morning light drifted through the window. She stood there, wearing a simple satin slip that left little to the imagination, soaking up the early morning rays. He was supposed to come home last night. She'd stayed up all night waiting, anxiety growing each time her calls went to voicemail. This was not like him.
Cars honked in the street below, commuters on their way to work. Laughter drifted up to her, but it sounded wicked this morning. This twisted, unusual morning.
A hesitant knock at her door set her heart pounding. She knew what the door was hiding; Death.

Thursday Taster

My first Thursday Taster, so I'm jumping in head first, straight into something hot! This is from a WIP of a short story I've started, trying to get back to the sultry pull of erotica. To read more Thursday Tasters, follow this link and you'll find several more authors to enjoy.



Katia continued to follow Antonio as he led her down the hallway to a room at the very back of the building. She was incredibly eager to get inside and let this strange, Spanish cowboy ravish her, all the while knowing it was actually her husband. He turned the key in the lock and opened the door to a room lavishly furnished in keeping with the Western style. The four poster bed was glorious, but it was the hall table that caught her eye. It was sturdy, and it was close. That was all she wanted.
As soon as the door was closed, she pushed Antonio’s back to it, pressing against him and picking up where they’d left off downstairs. Their kiss was deep and hot, no longer slow and soft as desire was unleashed. He cupped her breasts through the dress and Katia moaned. Antonio then grabbed hold of the clips keeping the dress together and slowly unclasped each one until the dress was open and it could slide down to the floor, leaving her standing in only panties, stockings and her heeled boots. She loved his hands on her hips, now pushing her gently and turning her until it was her back against the wall.
Holding tightly on to Antonio’s shoulders, as his own hands gripped her ass cheeks, she allowed him to lift her higher, wrapping her legs around his waist. He carried her to the hall table and she was glad that there weren’t any knick knacks on it.
“You must have been reading my mind,” she panted as Antonio nibbled on her neck, his only response a throaty rumble that sent desire pulsing through her. “Who needs a bed when there’s a sturdy table closer?”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he growled, his voice husky with lust.

As he resumed nibbling her neck and earlobe, Katia unbuckled Antonio’s belt and tugged at his waistband. He moved back enough so she could slide his pants and boxers past his hips, gravity taking care of the rest and he kicked them to the side. The clang-thud of the buckle hitting the wooden floor made her flinch; surely that would give away what was happening in this room. The warmth of his erection pressing on the other side of her panties saw her cares fly out the window, however. All she could hear was heavy breathing from both of them as they kissed and ran their hands over each other, teasing.
 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday

I've decided that yes, I'm finally ready to join in with Tantalising Tuesdays, Thursday Tasters, and Flash Fiction Friday. My muse needs the whip cracked, and here's hoping these exercises get her flexing once more! To read other Tantalizing Tuesday posts, just click here.

An innocent pom pom flower? No...

She lay on her back, completely naked except for the blindfold covering her eyes. A cool breeze from the open window licked her skin and made the satin sheets rustle underneath her. Silk ropes had her tied to the bed posts, and she was squirming well before he even started. She felt the mattress dip as he climbed on to the bed and straddled her leg. His warmth was exciting in itself, but the anticipation of what he had in store for her had her quivering.

A tickle so soft that she almost missed it brushed against her stomach, and sent goose bumps shooting across her body. A second sweep across her abdomen of something delicate and fragrant, and she arched her back, a moan escaping her lips. His large hand was then on her belly, as he gently pushed her back down on the bed. She felt his fingers trace idle lines down to her sensitive nub, and disappointed heat flooded her when he moved away. Tingles replaced her disappointment when he began to sweep the soft something across her skin once more. The feather light tickles ventured down to her center and she was consumed by fiery ecstasy.