Vamps, highlanders and gargoyles... oh my!

Back book writing

2011-10-19T19:26:00.003-04:00

So it's been 3 years since I've had a new fiction book published. Of course, Divided Love came out in print a few months ago and it was fun to have a new cover! But, man, where did that time go and why have I been fiction book MIA?

Well, I decided to opt for a steady income in non-fiction and frankly, I didn't have any energy leftover to even think about writing a book. I advanced through the ranks from writer, to senior writer to site editor and my last promotion was to group editor. I had 8 channels and was in position to take on more topics (channels) when a company layoff ended it.

Now, 685+ articles later, I'm unemployed... hmm...bright side of that is - I finally have time to focus on finishing two EC books that I've been trying to finish for more than 3 years and tackle some other books on the back burners. I also have a couple of non-fiction books outlined, so for now, it looks like it'll be back to book writing as I job hunt!

I'm excited by the prospects and have just finished writing two magazine articles that will be published in the winter (January) issue. I'll post more about them once the articles are out. I'm taking up my blog again and hope to have new book news to share in a month.

Halloween Month

2010-10-04T16:03:00.001-04:00

Halloween is coming! It's time to scare yourself and this is the month to do it. The air is tinged with the promise of cooler weather! Our upper 90 degree weather has finally dropped to the 70s and I'm thrilled to have the break.

I think this has been the hottest summer I can recall and parts of my garden suffered. My bean plants didn't produce due to the heat but as soon as the temps dropped to 90 degrees, they started producing their hearts out. I could certainly understand their reluctance to do anything in the heat. (g)

The leaves will soon turn brilliant colors and pumpkins fields will be opened for eager buyers ready to carve out a Jack-O-Lantern. It's just one of many traditions this time of year ushers in. Ahh… I want to soak it all in. Smell crisp fall air tinged with woodsmoke and listen to the change in the sounds around me.

Tradition is comforting and gives me a sense of belonging and a feeling of continuity in life. There's a sense of permanence that I know deep down is just an illusion, but that's part of the mystique of life. Besides, celebrations like Halloween just make life more interesting and fun, not that I need an entire holiday as an excuse to have fun!

So grab some fun this month, whatever your cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee blend and enjoy the changing of the seasons. Happy Halloween!

Love Me Tomorrow

2010-07-01T12:18:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th!!! Now, more than ever it's so important to remember all of the brave selfless people who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we have a 4th of July to celebrate. Have a great holiday celebration and God bless America!

~~~~~~ ************************************************** ~~~~~~~~

I'm pleased to announce the single title release of Love Me Tomorrow, previously released in the Fated Mates anthology, which was reviewed by Romantic Times as a 4.5 star, top pick and also nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Award. I hope you enjoy this futuristic scifi love story. - Sally

Earth, 2360

Shalene Courers leads freedom fighters against the Demrons to retrieve a crystal that is the secret to Earth’s defense. When she captures the mysterious Mecah—tall, blond and very sexy—desires flame and the interrogation soon melts under his scorching passion.

Mecah’s possession of Shalene is more than lust—she’s the kismet mate he’s sought all his life, only she doesn’t believe him. Shalene and Mecah join forces to turn the tide of war, but without winning the heart and soul of his fated mate, he stands to lose his greatest battle.

Excerpt
She changed into a clean uniform, donning a fresh pair of black boots. If she was going to seduce him, then she needed to allow herself to enjoy it. Didn’t she? It was a direct order. She was a good soldier and did whatever she was ordered without hesitation or question. She squared her bare shoulders, looking at her reflection.

Strong arms were exposed from the tight bustier vest. Her breasts rose high and full above the leather lacings. The matching leather pants clung to every curve, and she knew with the high-topped boots, in another time, she would have looked like a dominatrix. All she needed was a whip. She laughed at herself and turned from the mirror.

She reached for the canister of brandy, noticing how her hand shook. The glass was cold against her sweaty palms. She poured the golden liquid into the goblet, letting the bottle tilt longer than normal, until the glass was full. That should bolster her enough to seduce Captain Mecah. It would be easy. He was a willing partner. But was she? Could she do this? It had been fifteen years since she’d been with a man and while it was her choice, it was still something she missed. Would she find, after years of abstinence, her ability to control her passion foolproof, or would the ever-present longing for the feel of a man overpower and dominate her?

The alcohol shot through her, fanning in warm layers, dulling her mind and giving her a relaxed buzz. That felt good. She picked up the helmet, feeling giddy and school-girlish.

Abber waited outside Shalene’s door.

“The prisoner’s demanding food. I ignored his request. I figured food would be part of the…ah…”

“Torture?” Her boot heels clicked faster as she hurried down the corridor with Abber a few paces behind her.

“The general ordered me to get some extra things, so I need to see about it.”

“What things?” She halted and turned on him, her rage seething just below her façade of control.

“Ah.” His face rushed crimson. “Wine, music, candles, ah—”

“You have to obey the general’s orders, Abber. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Her heart tugged for the pained look centering his eyes. “While you’re about it, grab a plate of chow for the prisoner and bring it to the room.”

“Aye, Commander.” He saluted and practically ran to the mess hall.

Her hatred for General Jacob flamed at the thought of him using Abber. He knew how close the youth was to her. She balled her hands into hard fists, standing outside the metal black door, dreading what she had been ordered to do. She was a solider and a commander. In spite of all attempts to accept the order, her anger toward General Jacob grew.

So be it! She’d not give Jacob any satisfaction. Donning the helmet, she stiffened her spine and took a deep breath. She would do this her way and to hell with Jacob! She keyed in the passcode and shoved the door open. Mecah jumped from the mattress, not even attempting to hide his excitement over seeing her.

“Commander? I’ve not had a leisurely shower in a long time. A plate of warm food would make this close to utopia.”

She noticed he’d plaited his blond hair into a single braid that fell below his shoulders. His strong, muscled body filled the military-issue pants and T-shirt, highlighting the raw strength of years of disciplined training. As a warrior she could appreciate his body, but as a woman she appreciated it more. She cleared her throat, trying to disentangle herself from the unwelcomed sensations fluttering in her stomach.

“We’re afforded baths because there’s plenty of water down here.” She noticed he had shaved and was surprised by the compelling desire to trace his square jawline with her fingertips. Instead, she tightened her hands into hard fists by her side.

“Plenty of water? Then we have something to bargain with.”

“What would that be?”

“Water in exchange for information.”

She looked away from his intense stare and pushed the helmet down tighter on her head.

“I thought something was wrong since you were gone so long. Had I known you were showering—” He sighed appreciatively and sat down on the edge of the bed, resting his forearms on his legs. “What’s with the helmet?” he squinted. “Oh, I see, ore lined. Just so you know, it won’t stop our minds from reconnecting. Once the initial contact’s made, it can’t be severed. Now, I do like your black leathers, and a lace-up bustier vest always makes me hot.” His gaze swept over her.

Shalene felt as though she weren’t wearing any clothes.

“Do take off that helmet, love, so I can see your silky hair. Frankly, had I known you were grooming for me—”

“Please don’t flatter yourself. I’ve been out on recon for days. And my delay was due to a very boring and typical debriefing. It certainly wasn’t in preparation for you. And you will address me as Commander or Commander Courers but never as ‘love’. Are we clear?”

“Do you really mean never?”

“Are you going to make this painful or painless, Captain?”

“Is that an invitation, Commander?” He flashed a devastating smile and she looked away, attempting to shield herself against his disarming magnetism, but his smile ripped a need through her that startled yet aroused.

“Interrogations can become very unpleasant, as I’m sure you know.” She closed the door behind her. The automatic lock jarred her pulse into an erratic throbbing. She glanced at the wall mounts where cameras had once been suspended. The general would not be playing voyeur. Perhaps Abber had removed them on his own. Relief washed over her.

“I only want to indulge in pleasure where you’re concerned, Shalene.” He took a step closer.

“I will remind you only once more to address me as Commander or Commander Courers.” She squared her shoulders and took a step forward, all the while studying the way the corners of his lips turned up in a very sexy grin.

A sudden urge to feel those lips pressed against hers overpowered all reason. She halted mid-stride, fighting against the impulse. Had he inserted the very desire into her mind without her knowing it? She fought the quivering heat slipping down her spine to her pussy and willed the aching need to leave her body. Instead, it burst white-hot in a passionate urgency to feel his mouth claim hers. Was he right? Was the ore-lined helmet useless?

“You feel it, don’t you?” His voice invaded her protective barriers, storming through her defenses as though they were mere vapor.

“What?” Her voice shook in spite of her attempt to keep it unemotional.

“Kismet. I feel it too. Do you have it in your culture?”

“Do you mean fate?”

He nodded with eyes turning dark plum. His look seared her skin in a fiery path as it dropped to her lips then wandered to her breasts. She knew the bustier pressed their fullness high above the leather lacings. With each rapid breath, the soft leather stretched against her nipples, creating erotic sensations.

“W-What are you saying about fate?” She leaned back, flattening her hands against the cold door for added support.

“There’s a Kismet between us, Commander Courers. Shalene.” He stepped closer.

The way he spoke her name sent excited goose bumps up her arms, followed by electrical jags of heat and desire racing to her pussy. Her heartbeat thumped harder. He was moving closer and with each step, her pulse pounded harder.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Whatever was going on, she clearly had no control over her own body. She stepped across the room in front of him, feeling his stare follow her, slipping down her back to her ass. She knew her body was in strong physical shape from training, yet had never felt such delight in a man’s appreciation. She braved a look in his direction and her gaze was immediately captured by his intense stare.

“You can deny. You can try to resist, but Kismet has its own agenda, as your people say. It won’t rest until it is appeased.”

“A-And just how is it appeased?” she challenged.

“The only way any hunger can be sated.” His laughter was deep and infectious.

Shalene swallowed back the lashing fire that threatened to consume her. Was it his passion or hers coursing through her? How could she discern?

“Stop trying to understand it. There’s no understanding. There’s no avoiding it. When Kismet declares itself to a man and woman, the only solution is submission to its power.”

“You’re a talented mind controller.” She turned her back to him, focusing on anything else that might break the connection with him.

“Like I said, there’s no stopping it. We can play this game forever or you can take that helmet off and sit down with me so we can talk.”

“You’re my prisoner, in case you forgot. I’ll decide when we sit.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Have it your way.” He sat down in one of the plastic chairs but continued to stare at her.

Scenes, unbidden, flashed in front of her. He stood over her as she lay naked beneath him, enjoying the way he looked down at her as she moved her hands over her body, spreading the lips of her pussy wide so he could see her better. His excitement charged her, sending a frenetic rhythm undulating to her hips.

Shalene squinted against the vision.

“Stop that!” she yelled.

“I didn’t give you any vision you didn’t want. I merely summoned your deepest desires. They did the rest.” He paused. “Care to share what you saw?”

“I’ll ask the questions.”

“The first being? What do I want?” He smiled.

“Exactly.”

“Aside from you? I want the same thing you do, Commander. The Demrons destroyed.”

Read a 2nd excerpt

Read a 3rd excerpt

Ellora's Cave

New Sexy Cover

2010-06-05T01:13:00.002-04:00

This book is undergoing a second life emerging from the Fated Mates Anthology into its own cover and isn't that just the sexiest cover? Rarrrr! Mecah never looked so good as the rogue alien caught in the middle of a war he has no interest in until of course Shalene captures him.

You can imagine how this violet-eyed, blond, alien warrior unnerves the freedom fighter female leader, but Shalene is a woman who knows her mind and what she wants. She soon realizes she wants Mecah!

There's no release date as yet, but there is that cover. Thanks, Syn for another amazing cover!

Changes that New Years Bring

2010-01-04T12:38:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

It's that time again, the beginning of a new year. It's a time when we shrug off the past and move blindly into the future. If you're like most people, you do this with a twinge of trepidation and a whole lot of hope for a better year.

2009 was a starting over year for me and my family. We were caught in the last three months of 2008 bank failings since our livelihood was in that industry. I read an astrology article recently about how we change directions in our careers and lives every 10 years due to planetary shifts.

This made me start thinking about my past careers and amazingly, this proved to be true. What about you? Do you see a ten-year period of job changes, promotions, or even complete career changes? Some changes are easy to make while others are very painful and difficult. I think the best thing we can do when change is forced upon us is to accept it. Resisting just makes it more painful and tends to drag the process out longer than necessary.

It's natural to want to hold on to what we've built, I certainly did, (g) but as I've discovered this past year, change is good when it's made with the right attitude. It's getting to that point of having a good attitude that requires all the work. (g)

If you were caught in the wave of change in 2008 and 2009, I hope you've managed to come ashore and find a new path that's rewarding. My family has been greatly blessed ever since we rode that wave into shore. If you're still paddling, have faith and take heart, the sand will be beneath your feet once more.

I wish you and your family a very happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2010! God bless!

3 Winners Announced!

2009-12-01T12:52:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays!

I wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season!

Congrats to the three winners of the Thanksgiving Contest! This contest was open only to newsletter subscribers. Because this contest was so popular, the next contest will also have 3 winners and is open to newsletter subscribers. Details will be in the next newsletter scheduled for December 18th, so join the yahoo newsletter list so you can enter! (Just send an email to: Sally_Painter_Paranormal_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com that's all )

The entrants for the Thanksgiving Newsletter Contest had to respond to the following scenario:

A demon has marked you for its own. You now have a red aura emitting around your body that lets other demons know you're taken, but you're not going quietly. You must hide from demons. What are the three things you must do or take with you to ensure you survive? Be creative.

Prizes: 3 autographed books awarded: 1 book to 1 winner: Reunited, Book 1 of Gargoyles Seduced, Midnight Treat, featuring To Kiss a Gargoyle and TTGBITN VI, featuring Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle.

Here are the winners' responses (all of the answers were fun and creative, so I'm glad it was a random drawing because it would have been impossible to pick from such great creative responses.

Gayle O. Won Reunited:
1. I would drink a lot of Blue Hawaiians to change my aura to purple
(red +blue = purple). They would then think I was royalty and not
Bother or harm me.
2. I would have a shotgun with plenty of silver bullets to shot them
In the head. Hey, it works for Zombies so it must be worth a try.
3. I would take my set of encyclopedias and read from them incessantly
Creating my own demon filibuster. Hopefully the sound of my monotone
Voice going on and on and on will bore them to death, put them to
Sleep or have them leave me alone as they don't want to hear my voice
Going on and on and on for hours on end. :)

Maggie J. Won TTGBITN VI:

1. Go to the beauty salon. Must look my best when on the run.
2. Whip
3. Lots of chocolate

Crystal B. Won Midnight Treat:

1. A magic cloak to cover me and hide my aura
2. A sword blessed by a priest
3. A Blackberry with all loyal contacts on speed dial to help me battle the demons

Big Hugs and Congrats to the winners and to everyone who entered!

$25 Amazon Gift Cert Winner and Next Contest!

2009-11-04T18:43:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Pamela S., who won my Halloween $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. Pamela emailed me today that she'd already used the gift certificate! Thank you all who entered. I enjoyed reading your entries and comments. You're such great fun!

The next contest for November is a Thanksgiving Contest that will have 3 winners. I'm giving away 3 autographed books:

Reunited

Midnight Treat

TTGBITN VI

Contest Scenario
You've been marked by a demon and bear the red aura for all demons to see. It's just a matter of time before the demon claims you. You're on the run.

What are the 3 things you take with you or do?

Details on how to enter are in the Current Contest File Folder in my newsletter yahoo group. If you aren't currently a subscriber, you can easily join by sending an email

*This contest is open only to my newsletter subscribers as a holiday treat.

Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle

2009-10-12T16:04:00.001-04:00

I'm thrilled that EC has repurposed Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle into a single title. It's great to have the fantastic Syneca cover for one of my first gargoyle books.

To celebrate, I'm holding a contest on my website http://sallypainter.com for a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. The contest ends at midnight October 31 and the winner will be announced on November 1.

Oh, and The Halloween Newsletter is up and if you wish to join the yahoo newsletter list, (Sally_Painter_Paranormal_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ) it's very low volume with only announcements and a newsletter every 2-3 months. Some of the contests that I've run in the past have been strictly for the yahoo group, so you may wish to hang out and see what's happening for the rest of the year and the big plans for 2010 sign up.

Below is an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Have a great Monday!

An Excerpt From: DREAM LOVERS OF GARGOYLE CASTLE
Copyright © SALLY PAINTER, 2006
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

He led her down a hall and paused in front of a door. The air was electric. Keenly aware of his body so close to her, Tessa panted, trying to refrain from reaching down and grabbing his shaft between her hands.

“I have prepared a nice retreat for us.” He opened the door. Candles flickered in the dark room, giving an instant rush of warmth and romantic glow. Before she could comment, he shoved the door closed and gathered her into his arms.

Demanding lips covered hers. He tasted strong, virile and hot. Oh, so hot and ready. His thick cock pressed against her abdomen and large arms ribboned with powerful muscles encased her. The need to feel him inside her blazed white-hot. He was like a rock of male flesh against her tender breasts. Big hands were everywhere, grasping her buttocks, massaging her breasts then plunging beneath the gown to squeeze tender nipples hard.

She moved her lips over his and opened her mouth to taste him fully. Thrusting his tongue inside, he captured hers in a frenetic twisting and curling. Her mind burst with all kinds of longings and fantasies. He would do whatever she asked, after all it was her dream. Long, powerful fingers threaded into her hair as he pulled her head back to receive the rapid plunging of his tongue into her mouth. Electrical pulses streaked to her clit sending the need for relief racing up her spine in jagged, fiery streaks.

“I knew ye would be mine from the first moment I saw ye. I’ve waited for someone all these years and it was ye,” he said and lifted her from the floor, taking long strides across the room to gently lay her onto silky linens. The cool material greeted her but quickly warmed. His eyes reflected the fire scorching inside her.

“This feels so real. It’s the best dream I’ve ever had.”

“I will be the best lover ye ever had, Tessa.” He splayed his hand over her gown, letting his fingers massage her abdomen.

“I-I definitely want you to prove that to me, right now.” She reached around his muscular thighs and cupped his firm buttocks. The contact of his flesh under her fingers sent wild streaks of need pulsing harder to her groin. She wanted to feel him inside her.

He supported himself with both hands planted on either side of her head. His hard cock brushed her thigh.

“Spread yer legs,” he said in a deep husky voice that melted her into a mindless creature with only one thought, to do whatever he asked. “I want to see yer sweet pussy.”

Fire blazed through her. Trembling, she lifted her legs slightly, parting them.

A low appreciative groan vibrated from him.

“Now, remove yer gown,” he commanded.

Again, she did as he ordered with her fingers slipping against the material. Tightening the grasp, Tessa pulled the gown over her head and let it drop forgotten on the bed.

“Yes,” he said with his fiery breath fanning over her stomach. “Oh yes, ye are most pleasing.” He shifted and pushed her thighs wider apart and let his gaze move slowly over her. Waves of heat washed tender splotches over her following the path of his deliberate regard.

“Ye are indeed a gorgeous woman, Tessa, and I intend to make ye my woman.” He lowered his mouth to her shaved pussy, slipping his tongue inside the mounded crease. She moaned, luxuriating in the flicking motion against the tender flesh. His tongue pressed against the aching throb and flickered against her clit. She moaned, moving her hips to thrust against the building sensations. His tongue darted around her swollen nub, teasing against the hood of her pussy. He caught the folds between his lips in a slow kiss, sucked and tugged against her. The sensation made her wild and Tessa released a deep moan, wiggling under his expertise. Incited by her reaction, he plunged his tongue between the fleshy mounds once more and lashed against her clit harder and faster.

Undulating beneath the teasing, she matched the erotic rhythm. Her body tingled with a need greater than any she’d ever felt. When his hand trailed along her waist and to her breasts, her breath rushed from her in expectation. He closed his thumb and forefinger around the tip and squeezed. She gasped against the intense pleasure streaking to her clit. He released the nipple, only to squeeze a little harder, all the while flicking his tongue faster against her clit.

She twisted under the delightful flames lashing against her pussy. A fierce need roiled in her. His other hand trailed down to her leg and joined his mouth against her pussy where he slipped one finger into her, then another. She groaned under the added sensation of thrusting fingers as he finger-fucked her while flicking his tongue harder. His fingers plunged deeper, drawing her breath from her with each thrust. Cascades of pleasure and heat pulsed through her and up her spine, building upon each new wave of pleasure. The rhythm grew and she lifted her hips to meet it, rising higher with each scorching wave until ecstasy burst in shards of hot release. She shuddered and cried out, molten sensations carrying her deeper in wave after wave of orgasmic spasms.

He sucked against the rush of her juices flowing from her opening and eased his fingers from her pussy. He traced circles around her throbbing clit and the walls of her pussy clamped closed and opened again around his fingers.

“Aye, ye are a comely lass.” His words were muffled as he buried his head between her legs to lick her pulsing clit once more. “Let’s have ye on yer sweet stomach, shall we?”

You can also read:
EC excerpt
Sally's Website Excerpt

Free Book - Danu, the Return

2009-09-22T08:05:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to offer readers another FREE READ from EC. This is part of The Hussies series. Be sure and let me know how you enjoy it! And, thank you all for being such loyal readers!

The story:

Danu has one weakness—hot, sexy dragon-hunter Ragna. As leader of the Hussy Warrior Hunters, she reaped eternity with him in the Netherworld—until now.

Destiny calls Danu back to Earth—alone. Torn between her sacred duty and her lover, Danu agonizes over losing Ragna forever. Strong, fearless Ragna makes her mindless with desire, and each time he touches her, Danu melts. Ragna is powerless to stop her from being ripped from his arms. His last words ring in her ears… He’ll find a way to return to her.

Get your FREE COPY

FREE BOOK - Not Just an Orgy

2009-04-20T14:12:00.001-04:00

NEW BOOK RELEASE TODAY!

Here's another free book read as my way of saying THANK YOU for being such loyal readers!

NOT JUST AN ORGY

Alexia was in trouble the moment Haden Tate kissed her. The months trying to gain access to him had been worth it. His passion overwhelms her and Alexia's plans come undone in a moment of lust. Desire burns her to her toes and her resolve to remain unemotional about the handsome man and his secret sex club melts under his possession.

Haden is hiding more than a private voyeur club within the walls of his Savannah nightclub. He's protecting a darker secret and if this sexy bombshell reporter doesn't stop teasing him, he may just reveal the naked truth to her.

Title: Not Just an Orgy
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9990100000060 Ebook (Digital)
Publication Date: April 20, 2009

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
An Excerpt From: NOT JUST AN ORGYCopyright © SALLY PAINTER, 2009
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Alexia Wrightman knew she was in trouble the moment Haden Tate's demanding lips touched hers. Her pulse throbbed. She had to remind herself to stay focused on the reason she was there. It had taken three months to charm him into this date. Every night during those months she'd pretended to be a thrill-seeker determined to be his next most-willing conquest.

And here she finally stood on the precipice of uncovering the truth about the club, River Rat, and its rumored private room, and all she could think about was how good he tasted—a hint of wine mingled with spicy hot. She wanted more. Excitement pounded through her, yet it wasn't because she was so close to landing the biggest story of the century. The tingling sensations racing down her back were because of the man. Not his naughty secret.

She tugged from his kiss, gasping for air. The last thing she wanted to do was sabotage herself by allowing this sexy man to distract her beyond all reason. And the way he kissed…such firm soft lips…

Focus! The mission was to ferret out the rumor of a mysterious secret room called The Sanctuary where he held private orgies. Only a handful of nightclub patrons were invited to enter and tonight she'd just become one of the lucky few. She was alone with Haden. The man of her dreams. The man she'd wanted for her own ever since she'd first seen him months ago. The mysterious club owner who could have any woman he wanted and he'd chosen her.

"Don't you like kissing me?" he asked, and tilted her chin to receive another one.

Firm lips covered hers. Groaning, Haden trailed his fingers down the column of her neck, dipping over the exposed mounds of her breasts. His touch scorched her flesh and her breath caught in her throat as he fingered the bodice edge of her dress. She sensed his longing to plunge his hand beneath the silk and tease her nipples into hardened buds, and held her breath, waiting…

Anticipation trembled all the way to her toes. She was on fire and rubbed against him, writhing under the excited pulses throbbing to her clit. Her nipples ached for his touch and when his fingers finally brushed over the silk bodice, her heart slammed against her chest. A low moan vibrated in her throat. He stroked her, rubbing his thumb in circles to tease her nipples. A streak of pleasure shot to her clit.

Alexia broke from the kiss again and her head fell back against the steel door. She was tempted to remove the rhinestone barrette from her hair and end this charade, but the hair clamp concealing the mini-spy cam was her only protection should things get out of control. She wondered what her cohort Ollie Underwait was able to see through the scope of the lens. Right now, probably the ceiling.

Haden pressed kisses over her cheek, working his way down her neck to the cleavage of her breasts rising above the bodice. She didn't look down, not wanting her best friend on the other end of the hidden camera to witness her succumbing to Haden's skillful seduction. She was lost in a riot of delightful sensations.

Her fingers caressed his strong muscled back beneath the crisp dress shirt. All concerns about Ollie vanished. All desire to prove her journalistic skills seemed unimportant. She nuzzled Haden and he lifted his head. At that moment she only cared that her wildest fantasy was coming true.

"Haden," she panted, and he stopped kissing the fleshy mounds and straightened.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered in a deep silky voice that made wet heat dampen her panties. His brown eyes darkened with desire and fire lashed at her throat. He leaned down to kiss her and she was lost once more. His tongue teased her lips open and slipped between them inside her mouth. God he felt so good. She combed her fingers through his black hair, marveling how soft it felt.

Not Just an Orgy (FREE BOOK)

Thanks and I hope you enjoy it!

Sally:)

Romance Your Lover

2009-03-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

It seems like such a simple thing, very easy to accomplish, but for some reason, it’s not.

If you want to romance your spouse or lover, then you need to think back to how you treated your spouse when you were first dating. That bloom of romance inspired you to impress and go out of your way to win her or him over. It’s human nature. Eventually, we relax and allow the other person to see all sides of us, well, most of us do.

So what happens once you have that special someone? Life. It’s all about schedules, work and perhaps taking care of kids. And even beyond those daily demands, it’s also human nature to become a tad complacent, too comfortable with each other and unfortunately, often taking the most important person in your life for granted.

Infusing romance back into your relationship will take a little effort, but that’s all. Time, effort and energy all directed toward making that special someone happier. In turn, you will, too.

Little acts of kindness

Don’t save those little acts of kindness just for strangers. It’s the little things we do for each other that adds cement to our bonds with each other and endears us to each other. Loving someone naturally inspires but life’s demands can interfere with the all important follow-through. Don’t let that happen to you.

Make a list of some of the nice things you can do for your lover to make her or his day brighter. This doesn’t need to cost money, just time and effort.

Leave a love note in a lunch bag, business trip suitcase, coat pocket, or purse.
Call during the day just to say I love you
Touch your lover. It sounds so natural, but people often forget that special touch, squeeze of the hand, stroke of the face.

Block out the worries, fears and cares of the world and steal a moment, a fleeting second to feel that love and then express it. That’s really all it takes and you’ll soon be smiling more and more because one small act will bring an avalanche of romance back to you.

Music to romance by

2009-02-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect romantic music for your candlelit dinner or to share a glass of wine at sunset? Try the Second Movement of Bach's Double Violin Concerto in D Minor.

Yes, it's a mouthful, but well worth the effort to locate this piece.

String orchestras are some of the most romantic musical instruments, especially violins when playing a movement like this one. The two violas compete with each other like two lovers desperate to let the other know, "I love you".

While most musicians will tell you the construction of this piece is an excellent example of a technical composition known as counterpoint, you don't have to know anything about music in order to appreciate its beauty. It'll carry you to emotional highs that are a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.

Still, if you're curious, it might make good table conversation to know a little about the piece. The technique, counterpoint, focuses on two instruments or sections of the orchestra playing different melodies in a kind of duel - note against note. Each violin's melody is independent of the other yet when played together, they fit. The two harmonize and blend into a wonderful bigger sound that is exciting and breathless.

As you listen to the building of the melody, the strings wail with heartfelt emotion and rise almost to a crescendo only to fall back into the melancholic rhythm gradually rising once more.

So set your table, light those candles and enjoy this piece while dining, knowing you're setting the perfect romantic mood.

Wallis Simpson and King James VIII

2009-02-22T01:20:00.000-05:00

Best romantic couples countdown - # 44

Wallis Simpson was an American socialite and married the former King of England. It was a love affair that caused great upheaval. Rumored to be lovers while she was still married to her third husband, Wallis divorced her husband when Prince Edward ascended to the throne in 1936.

The new King of England proposed to her, but there was such an outcry within the royal court because she’d been divorced two times and both ex-husbands were still alive. Gossip and whispers surrounded the love affair and engagement and escalated to the point where King Edward had to choose between his love for Wallis or his duty as King.

On December 11, 1936 it shocked the world when King Edward VIII announced that he was abdicating the throne to “marry the woman I love”.

The controversy their relationship caused didn’t stop there. Rumors followed them wherever they went with rumors about their loyalties to the crown throughout World War II and long after. They were married for 36 years until Edward died in1972.

Kiss me baby!

2009-02-21T01:03:00.000-05:00

We all do it. Love it. Enjoy it. We all remember the first time we did it - Kissed a lover.

Scientists believe that the biological process and motivation of kissing is more than just an attraction or a chemical response. It's all about taste testing. A kiss can help you determine if the recipient is a good match for your life partner. So what does the taste test tell you?

There are many subconscious messages been transmitted to each of you when your lips meet that first time, but there are more conscious messages being processed and evaluated.

It's a known fact that if your romance is escalating and moving to the next stage, the first kiss is going to determine if you keep going or if everything comes to a screeching halt with the sound effect of a needle scratching across an old vinyl record echoing in your head.

Many wonderful romances have been doomed by a bad first kiss. Chances are if that first kiss doesn't curl your toes, you aren't going to grant a do-over. No second chances with the first kiss because you've got all the information you need to make that decision.

So will being a good kisser help you in this taste test? Surprisingly, this is one time practice and expertise doesn't mean much.

The first criteria is to put your heart into it. You can't just kiss someone without genuine emotion and expect your partner not to sense it. Kissing should be fun and exciting. It should set your heart pounding and your senses tingling. If the chemistry isn't there, no amount of kissing techniques can change it.

On the flipside, if that first kiss spark ignites a wildfire, then you're on to more great kisses and romantic moments with your newfound love.

So pucker up those lips and get ready to taste test romance..

Internet Romance Gone Bad

2009-02-20T10:55:00.003-05:00

You’ve heard stories of successful internet romances and then there are the horror stories of deception and in some cases tragedy.

How can you avoid this kind of incident to your internet romance?

It’s easy for people to disguise themselves over the internet. It’s not a unique story of a woman flying to meet a man. She's out of her own territory and trapped.

What can you do to assure this scenario doesn’t happen to you?

... Read rest of Article

Fae's Gargoyle - Top Pick!

2009-02-18T01:55:00.008-05:00

The reviews are coming in for Fae's Gargoyle. Below are some snippets:

"Fae’s Gargoyle will sweep you up in erotic passion as the plot quickly pulls you into the dilemma that faces the destined lovers. The characters develop with each page to give you a well-rounded romance that sizzles and leaves you burning for more of Ms. Painter’s sexy gargoyle stories. Fae’s Gargoyle is a great read and a satisfying quickie..." Night Owl Romance

~~~~~

"Fae’s Gargoyle is like a smooth, rich square of silky chocolate; deeply satisfying, incredibly decadent and completely delicious. This one is sure to have existing fans whooping in joy and sure to create new fans in just a few pages. Ms. Painter is proving to be quite the force in erotic romance writing." Sensual eCataromance

~~~~~

"This erotic fantasy will keep you flushed and fanning yourself, as the newlyweds enjoy each other. The sensuality shared between them can only hold danger off for so long; soon trouble comes knocking on the door. Maria has to complete her mission which happens to include her new husband.

Even though this is a petite fable, it is savory. It is everything you would expect in a longer novel only compressed. The vivid writing will make you feel every caress and penetrating kiss." Bitten By Books

~~~~~

"Sally Painter writes passionate full-bodied whimsical stories that never fail to thrill readers. With FAE'S GARGOYLE we meet this unlikely pair (a fae and a gargoyle) who despite their differences and the troubling situation love with a single-mindedness that is simply enchanting. Of course there's plenty of conflict and butt kicking..." Romance Junkies

Fae's Gargoyle available at Ellora's Cave, Jasmine-Jade

Science takes the heart out of romance

2009-02-17T01:07:00.000-05:00

You feel giddy, flushed and unable to think about anyone but your lover. You’re in love and it’s all coming from your heart.

Wrong.

According to neuroscientist researchers it’s actually coming from your head. Science can now explain how romantic love really works and it’s all about hormones, genetics and of course the big processor – our brains.

According to these researchers it all takes place in four little areas of your brain. In other words, it depends on how you’re wired as to how you respond to love and romance.

Another disheartening find for die-hard romantics is that the emotion that love creates is really a chemical response that basically makes you addicted to love. Oh yeah, you already knew love was addictive, but now you have the science to back up your suspicions.

Does this explain why people die for love or even kill for it? Are we truly slaves to nothing more than chemical reactions?

Whether you’re madly in love or horribly heartbroken, it’s still just a chemical reaction that these scientists compare to a cocaine addiction.

So what next? A new drug to give you the same feelings of being in love when you aren’t?

Maybe you’re like the rest of us romantics and simply prefer not to think about the science but just enjoy the way love feels.

For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher .

Free Book - Lap Dance

2009-02-16T01:00:00.005-05:00

Cat’s last task in the Extreme Challenge is to give a lap dance to a stranger. Simple—until she landed on Grant Evanston’s lap. Now she’s a pulsating wreck each time she rubs against him. The new challenge is to not have an orgasm in front of everyone.

Grant needs a woman to accept his true gargoyle form before sunrise or he’ll be imprisoned in stone for another twenty years. His extreme challenge just became to not rip the scant costume from the curvaceous Cat. The sexy redhead has set him on fire and there’s only one way this teasing lap dance can end.

EXCERPT

Stiffening her spine, Cat took a deep breath, before turning back to the handsome man still watching her. His blue eyes were like magnets and latched onto her gaze.

The crowd clapped when she returned and sexy Grant opened his arms wide in a greeting.

“Come on, Cat, I’ll be good. I promise,” he said, giving her a wicked grin.

She closed her eyes. This was the most humiliating challenge yet. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes to the knowing look moving over his handsome face.

“This is not personal,” she said.

“Wanna bet?” he asked with a deep chuckle.

She shook her head and straddled him, letting her bare legs fall against his thighs. He released a deep groan.

Did he have to do that? Her heart pounded faster. She locked trembling hands behind his neck. Well, damn, his neck was like a thick piece of human steel. What did this guy do for a living? Or was he one of those body-builder types?

Her palms were clammy and the nightclub seemed to close in around her. The shouts and cheers were deafening as she rolled her head forward and let her long hair cover his face.

She couldn’t think about how she was sitting on a stranger’s lap about to grind her pussy into… She swallowed hard. Was that…oh yes…it certainly was an erection. She lifted her head, peering at him through strands of curls. He shrugged and a slanted grin lifted one corner of his lips.

Oh, he had no shame or modesty. She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him again and started to grind against him. The last thing she wanted to see was that satisfied grin or the excitement dancing in his eyes.

Get Your Free Copy of Lap Dance

How well do you know your Valentine?

2009-02-15T01:04:00.001-05:00

Surprising, many surveys reveal that women know their men better than the guys know their gals. Okay, maybe you’re laughing about now because you already knew this. What would be the results of your personal survey ?

The following questions will help you determine just how well you know each other.Be sure and get your Valentine to answer the questions too.

You can highlight the questions and then print two copies for each of you. The first will be your answers about your lover and the second will be the answers about yourself. Once finished, swap papers and compare notes. Be sure and leave a comment on how you did.

What is your lover’s…

Ideal romantic weekend?
Favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day?

Hobbies?

Favorite school year?

Favorite musical group?

Dream car?

Favorite color?

Best friend’s name?

Deepest passion?

Cherished dream?

Biggest challenge overcome?

Favorite book?

Shoe size and clothing sizes?

Ring size?

Least favorite thing to do?

Favorite food?

Worst memory?

Biggest fear?

Closest relative?

Biggest challenge facing him/her?

Personalized Valentine's gifts

2009-02-14T01:30:00.000-05:00

If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little more personalized and says what you want it to say instead of limited messages, then Personalization Mall is for you.

There are all kinds of products to choose from to express your love for your special Valentine.

Some of the gifts include:

Personalized Frames
Choose from wood, acrylic, marble, sterling silver, canvas and more

Love Letter Engraved on a Lucite Heart
You write the message from your heart and it'll be engraved forever on the sculpted heart.

Candy Jar of Chocolate Hershey's Kisses®

You write the love messages etched in 7 hearts.

Your Personal Love Letter Inside A Bottle

Write a love letter for your Valentine. It'll be scrolled onto parchment paper and tied with a red ribbon. Your love letter will then be corked into a bottle.

Personalized Canvas Art

You and your Valentine - Your names written in the sand in this artwork.

Chocolate Body Paint

French chocolate with a gold seal lid using your customized message.

Personalized gift – Perfect Valentine

For Him

For Her

Cheap roses - best kept Valentine's secret

2009-02-13T01:29:00.000-05:00

So the economy has you reconsidering spending those bucks on roses for your sweetheart? Money is tight and most of us have to consider our expenditures more than we did this time last year. Stop. Have you considered alternatives? All that's required is an adjustment to your shopping mentality.

So before you nix the roses consider one of the best kept secrets in the flower giving world – the grocery store florist.

Wait. Before you turn your nose up, consider the economics of this alternative. Admittedly, It might not be as glamorous as your past flower giving, but buying roses from the grocery store will allow you to still give your sweetheart that dozen red roses.

Two Options:

You have two options when you shop at the grocery store florist. You can purchase a bouquet arranged in a vase or you can buy the roses wrapped in plastic and arrange the bouquet yourself.

Most grocery store florists provide bouquets of arranged flowers at a fraction of the cost you typically pay at a floral shop.

Arrangement Vs. Bouquet

An arrangement at the grocery store will cost more than the bouquet wrapped in plastic and sitting in the cooler, but it's still cheaper than what you'd pay ordering through a floral shop.

If you're going to buy an arrangement for Valentine's from a grocery store, call to place an order, if you just walkin on Valentine's Day expecting to find an arrangement, you'll be disappointed. Make sure you get the price because even the grocery store florists' prices go up on Valentine's week - $3- $7 more. That's still a savings over a traditional florist.

Here are some of the current prices at local grocery stores for a dozen roses floral arrangement:

$40.00
$38.99
$59.99

If your budget just can't take this price even at such a reduction, then consider buying a bouquet of roses that come wrapped in plastic and arranging them yourself, or getting a friend or family member to help you arrange them.

The cost will depend on what region of the country you live and from which grocery store you buy. Just add some baby's breath and/or greenery and you'll have a dozen red roses you'll be proud to give your Valentine.

A sampling from a few phone calls to local grocery stores for a dozen roses (not an arrangement):

$12.99
$15.99
$21.99

You can expect to pay $3 - $7 dollars more per dozen the week of Valentine's Day. Even so, this is still a great price for roses.

Add a nice vase and a few sprigs of baby breath and your cost will be between $20 - $30 for a bouquet of red roses in a vase.

Select healthy roses by avoiding those with darkened edges around the petals.

Don't have a clue how to arrange the flowers? That's the easy part.

Select a vase and make sure the mouth isn't too wide. 3"-5" is a good diameter. The smaller the mouth the tighter the bouquet and easier it is to keep your flowers arranged.
The height of your vase should be no less than 1/2 the height of the flowers. You don't want your vase to be top heavy and tip over.
Fill the vase half-way with water and if it came with an extended-life packet of powder, then add the packet to prolong the life of your flowers.
Divide the roses and set them in the vase. Try not to bruise or touch the buds.
Place the baby's breath between the roses. The sprigs will help keep the roses separated.
Next fill the vase with water, adding it from the rim of the vase and not the center of your arrangement. Let the water trickle down the inside of the vase. This method keeps from disrupting your arrangement and risking damage to the roses.
Add a card and a bow and you're set to deliver your bouquet to your Valentine.

Still think you can't afford roses this year but want to give flowers? You can buy other flower bouquets at the grocery store florist section that will cost less than the roses.

Explore alternatives and other ways to save money while still having the kind of Valentine's Day you want. Just because the economy took a nosedive doesn't mean your romance has to follow.

Alternatives to roses:

Potted plant
Pansies repotted in a nice flower pot

For the gardener:

Gazing globe
Garden art
Stepping stones
Tabletop water fountain

Just use your imagination and think outside your normal shopping mindset. And, remember, Valentine's Day is not about the gifts. It's about the romance!

Biltmore House - Valentine's Day romantic rendezvous

2009-02-12T01:27:00.000-05:00

If you've never been to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, then Valentine's Day is the perfect time to go.

Here's what the Bilmore has in store for you and your Valentine:

"Biltmore provides the ideal location for romance with Biltmore House, a stunning French Renaissance chateau built in the late 1800s, as a backdrop; spectacular gardens and woodlands perfect for leisurely strolls as well as horse and carriage rides; a winery, the most visited in the U.S., where guests can purchase sparkling wine for that special toast; and a 213-room inn with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations.

On Sat., Feb. 16, guests can dance to live music from the band Emporium, and enjoy a delicious dinner at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant Wine and Roses Dinner, or savor an intimate four-course dinner at Bistro, located adjacent to the Winery. If guests are interested in extending their stay, Inn on Biltmore Estate is offering a Romantic Getaway package:"

Romantic Getaway Package
Everything from champagne to candlelit dinner.

Included:

Accommodations
Valet parking
Estate admission for the length of your stay
Estate transportation
Audio tour of Biltmore House

Plus:

Champagne delivered to your room after check-in
Chef's breakfast buffet daily or breakfast delivered to your room
Dinner daily in The Dining Room or Bistro, gratuities and alcoholic beverages not included.

Reservations can be made online .

Venice: City of love and romance

2009-02-11T01:26:00.000-05:00

trip to Venice is the ultimate romantic getaway and a perfect place to spend Valentine's Day. Imagine you and your lover gliding through the canals in a gondala.

Carnival

Februrary 13 thru 24

The famous Carnival begins the day before Valentine's Day and lasts until February 24. You can probably still get a booking by going to some of the travel auction sites or contact your travel agent. Last minute deals are always available.

Venice Connected: New Tourist Service

An inventive new service is now available to visitors. On February 1, the City of Venicelaunched a new website called, Venice Connected. This portal allows visitors to the city to plan their trip beyond the usual hotel, restaurant and touristattraction.

It gives you the opportunity to purchase in advance the services you might not consider in the budgeting of your trip.In addition to assisting the visitors, this online purchase center allows the city government to plan for the actual number of tourists for any given day or week. This means greater efficiency and a smoother trip for you

Here’s how it works:

You will first register on the site. Once you have your username and password set up, you’ll access the services area.

You select the first day of your stay in Venice and then choose what services you’d like to have included in your trip.

These services include:

Public Transport
Museums
Toilet Services
Car Parking In The Municipal Garage

Why bother to book these online? Because they are cheaper than when you buy them after you arrive in the city.

Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year. A brief guideline is given about the pricing:

Low/Medium season

Cheapest online price

Medium/High Season

Medium online price

Peak

Higher online price

*In order to get online prices, you must book at least 15 days before your arrival.

Be sure to read the description of each service as well as its terms and conditions so you’ll know what you are purchasing.

Each service selection requires you enter the date of service and will go in your shopping cart.

You’ll receive a voucher via email with a unique code (PNR) along with a summary of the services you purchased. You will need to print out the voucher and bring it with you on your trip. If you lose your voucher, you can always access it again online.

Live Webcams of Venice

There are four webcams set up throughout the city. While they are not the best cams, you can still get a glimpse of your destination. You'll need to refresh with F5 to advance the frames.

Venice Webcams

Calendar of Events

You can click on a calendar of events to help you plan your trip.

Venice Connected

For more info: Sally's books are Romantica™ fiction and can be purchased directly from her publisher

A Green Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T01:25:00.000-05:00

Looking for a Valentine's treat that is unique and helps promote green? You can do this while pampering your sweetie with a luxurious romantic getaway packages at Portland, Oregon’s Avalon Hotel & Spa.

The Pacific Northwest’s greenest hotel, The Avalon, invites guests to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul with packages including everything from:

Gourmet Chocolates
One Dozen Roses
Four-Course Italian Wine Paired Meals
3 Hour Couples Spa Treatments.

Avalon Hotel & Spa is the Pacific Northwest’s first USGBC LEED certified existing hotel building - the second in the World.

The Avalon provides luxurious accommodations in a sustainable fashion.

Part of the Avalon green:

Recycling bins in every room
Offers preferred parking to guest arriving in hybrid vehicles
Powers all hotel vehicles with biodiesel

Pampering packages including Valentine’s Is Not Always for Two and Cupid’s Couple Spa Package are sure to appeal to the environmentally-conscious and luxury-seeking traveler alike.

Valentine’s Day Special Accommodation Packages:

Valentine’s Is Not Always for Two:

This one-night accommodation package features a four-course dinner for one at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a glass of Prosecco Italian Champagne, a 35 percent discount coupon for spa treatments, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Two Night Valentine’s Package:

This two-night accommodation package features a Friday, February 13, 2009, four-course dinner for two. Saturday then features three hours of relaxation treatments at the Spa, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room, overnight parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Everlasting Love:

This one-night accommodation package features a three-course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Cupid’s Couple Spa Package:

This one-night accommodation package features a couples aromatherapy massage, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a bottle of wine in room upon arrival, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Imagine Me & You:

This one-night accommodation for two package features a three course dinner for two at Aquariva Italian Kitchen, a couples aromatherapy massage, rose petals, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of wine, complimentary parking, and late checkout at 2 p.m.

Avalon Hotel & Spa

Exotic Valentine's dinner

2009-02-09T01:24:00.000-05:00

Looking for something exotic yet elegant for your Valentine's Day dinner? If you'll be in the Los Angeles area you might want to make reservations at the Rendezvous Court located in the Biltmore Hotel. This Spanish-style hotel has everything to make it a special evening for you and your valentine.

==What you can expect==
A Moroccan decor will set the mood immediately for a very special evening complete with cabanas and elegant pillows.

==Let them entertain you==
The enchantment doesn't stop with the decor or delectable food. Your dinner entertainment will have an exotic flare as you and your lover enjoy the professional performance of belly dancers.

==After dinner==
But, wait there's more. If you dine in the Rendezvous Court, you get free access to the hotel's Gallery Bar & Cognac room. You can enjoy an after dinner drink while listening to romantic Latin Jazz.

==Spend the night==
Be sure and book your romantic overnight package for an evening sure to please any valentine.

Go to Big Sur for Valentine's Day

2009-02-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

Don't wait until the last minute to make special Valentine's Day plans for you and your lover.

There are some wonderful weekend packages available. Many have been created just for a romantic getaway. In fact, the Ventana Inn & Spa just created one for romantic souls or rather soul mates :

Kindred Spirit
This is a new romance package being offered by the Ventana Inn & Spa . Designed for those couples who feel a deep spiritual and soul mate connection, this package is the perfect Valentine's Weekend getaway.

Package includes:

Two-nights deluxe accommodations
Couples Spa welcome basket
Dinner for two ~ $150 dining credit
An 80-minute Couples Experience at Allegria Spa
Special turndown amenity each night
Complimentary daily activities including; welcome reception, sumptuous Big Sur breakfast, discovery walk and yoga session

Ventana Inn & Spa is located along the Big Sur Coast, between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

New York the new Las Vegas?

2009-02-07T01:30:00.000-05:00

When most people think destination wedding, their thoughts turn to Las Vegas or the Caribbean. In a bold, media-attention move, New York's newly renovated Manhattan Marriage Bureau believes the new facility will allow it to compete with Las Vegas. The vision is to become the #1 wedding destination and nudge Vegas aside.

Can New York pull this off? New York has Broadway shows for entertainment, great food, art, music, sightseeing... but can any city compete with Las Vegas and win?

In this gamble to bring more tourist revenue into the city, the bureau renovated its 24,000 square foot facility with a focus on being wedding friendly.

All that remains to be seen is if the brides and grooms will come to New York instead of Las Vegas.

Strange romances - Taco Bell wedding

2009-02-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

It's true enough! In Normal, Illinois, a couple got married inside a Taco Bell but the fastfood restaurant didn't shut down for the ceremony.

Customers gawked as the ceremony took place. The couple, seated in a nearby booth, exchanged vows over the din of requests for value meals and extra hot sauce.

After the ceremony, the guests didn't have far to go for the reception food line.

Interview with Eliza Knight

2009-02-06T09:09:00.005-05:00

I had to break out my Ren dress in order to catch up with Eliza Knight, the author of sizzling historical romance and time travel erotic romance. At last, I was able to get her away from the jousting long enough to answer a few questions. I discovered that when she's not chasing after her little children, she is writing, reading, researching, and living with her own knight in shining armor. Eliza operates a blog site, History Undressed, where she discusses the wildly fascinating yet not popularly known facts of history.

Interview

Sally: “When did you first start writing romance?”

Eliza: “When I was in high-school I toyed with short romantic stories that I hid in my closet. In the public eye, I was more journalistic, working for my high school newspaper and even starting a major in journalism at the University of Maryland (which I switched several times before deciding on a B.S. in Family Studies, emphasizing my classes on, what else? Couple relationships!) Those stories still remain buried to this day, but my love of romance writing is alive! I started seriously writing romance as a career about three years ago and haven't taken a break since.”

Sally: “What do you like the most about the romance genre?”

Eliza: “There is just something so completely fascinating to me about relationships, falling in love, working through conflicts and staying in love. When I'm reading it, and when I'm writing it, it's like I am falling in love myself--it's a wonderful feeling that I like to happen over and over again. A rush, if you will, that keeps me grinning like a besotted lover.”

Sally: “Who had the greatest influence on your writing?”

Eliza: “The very first romance novel I ever read was The Bride, by Julie Garwood, and from there I picked up any I could find. I'm also a huge fan of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, so I suppose you could say all three writers helped me fall in love with the genre, and feel the need to create my own characters and stories.”

Sally: “Your latest release Warrior in a Box is a time travel erotic romance and is published by The Wild Rose Press. This book is part of a series. Can you tell us about the book and the series?”

Eliza: “The series is titled, The Highland Jewel, all three of the short erotic romances are centered around a Celtic brooch that, when caressed by a character, takes them either into the future or to the past to be with their true love. The first story, Warrior in a Box, brings a Highlander to the future. Here's a blurb:

Blurb

Lainie Shaw, travel writer, work-a-holic, has no time for men. Even if she did, no man could match up to the one in her imagination. A man who makes her blood heat, her body weep and her heart clench with love. Instead, she is almost content drooling over sexy paintings of Highland warriors while working in Inverness, Scotland. An unexpected purchase in the way of an antique box delivers the man of her dreams right at Lainie's feet. Her wildest fantasies are realized when the Highlander shows her up close and personal what he doesn't wear under his kilt. Not only do they click physically, but emotionally, Lainie finds herself falling hard and fast for this sensual, sweep her off her feet, man from the past.

The second story, Lady in a Box, brings our heroine, Natalie, to the past to meet with Ian, who happens to be Donell's twin from the first story. Lady in a Box releases February 6, 2009. The third story, Love in a Box, (release date TBA) brings the son of Donell and Lainie (from the first story) Colin, to the past to meet with his true love, Sera.”

Sally: “That sounds like a very exciting and unique premise for a series. Is your love affair with writing mostly time travel or do you write in other genres?

Eliza: “Yes, I do. I love writing historicals. I have another series titled, Men of the Sea. These are Regency romance novellas about Royal Navy captains, also being published with The Wild Rose Press. The first one, Her Captain Returns, released January 28, 2009. You can visit my website to read the blurbs and excerpts. I also have a few medieval romance novels currently searching for a home. “

Sally: “I can see your love for history carries over in other endeavors. I recently discovered you’re the author of the blog, History Undressed. What inspired you to start this blog?”

Eliza: “I have always been a huge fan of history. I love reading it, watching it, going to museums, whatever I can get my ears/eyes/hands on. The idea for the blog actually came about when I was doing research for what type of underwear my characters would wear in the time period I was writing. I couldn't find a straight answer anywhere, if at all. I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice if there was somewhere writers of history could go for a quick overview of information that isn't widely known, all in one spot? Hence, History Undressed was born the following week, and has been quite popular among writers and history lovers alike.”

Sally: “ Thank you, Eliza for spending time with Romance Examiner and congratulations on such a successful blog. I wish you much success with your series.”

You can visit Eliza at her websites:

Eliza Knight

My Space

History Undressed

Never too old - 101 year old romance author

2009-01-18T01:36:00.000-05:00

You may think you're too old to start a new career or seize your lifelong romantic dream, but with role models like romance author, Jean MacLeod, who celebrates her 101 birthday on January 20, you may just change your mind.

Mrs. MacLeod hasn't let age stop her from doing the thing she loves - writing romance books for Mills and Boon (Harlequin). It's reported that she is currently writing romance novel # 130.

This is one romance author who literally takes the cake when it comes to not letting age get in the way of living or in her case, writing about romance.

Joy of Sex is back - vibrators and foursomes

2009-01-17T01:30:00.000-05:00

If you missed it the first time around in the 1979, you can catch the new wave of the revised edition of "The Joy Of Sex". This was the book that helped bring the sexual revolution discussion out into the open.

So how has sex been revised? Well, it's been updated to reflect the modern view of sex and includes a section on STDs and of course, AIDS. Also added is a brief mention about the use of vibrators and helpful advice for multiple partners or foursomes.

The best-selling books had a face-lift with a new purple cover and pink pages.

You can read excerpts online

Taco Bell Wedding

2009-01-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

It's true enough! In Normal, Illinois, a couple got married inside a Taco Bell but the fastfood restaurant didn't shut down for the ceremony.

Customers gawked as the ceremony took place. The couple, seated in a nearby booth, exchanged vows over the din of requests for value meals and extra hot sauce.

After the ceremony, the guests didn't have far to go for the reception food line.

Male sexual sweat - women's brains recognize

2009-01-15T09:29:00.000-05:00

Below is the press release sent to me that I found very interesting. I hope you do too:

New study by Rice University psychologist finds women's brains recognize, encode smell of male sexual sweat

Rice University
Office of Public Affairs / News & Media Relations

News Release

HOUSTON -- (Jan. 8, 2009) -- A new Rice University study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that socioemotional meanings, including sexual ones, are conveyed in human sweat.

Denise Chen, assistant professor of psychology at Rice, looked at how the brains of female volunteers processed and encoded the smell of sexual sweat from men. The results of the experiment indicated the brain recognizes chemosensory communication, including human sexual sweat.

Scientists have long known that animals use scent to communicate.

Chen's study represents an effort to expand knowledge of how humans’ sense of smell complement their more powerful senses of sight and hearing.

The experiment directly studied natural human sexual sweat using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nineteen healthy female subjects inhaled olfactory stimuli from four sources, one of which was sweat gathered from sexually aroused males.

The research showed that several parts of the brain are involved in processing the emotional value of the olfactory information. These include the right fusiform region, the right orbitofrontal cortex and the right hypothalamus.

"With the exception of the hypothalamus, neither the orbitofrontal cortex nor the fusiform region is considered to be associated with sexual motivation and behavior," Chen said. "Our results imply that the chemosensory information from natural human sexual sweat is encoded more holistically in the brain rather than specifically for its sexual quality."

Humans are evolved to respond to salient socioemotional information.

Distinctive neural mechanisms underlie the processing of emotions in facial and vocal expressions. The findings help explain the neural mechanism for human social chemosignals.

The understanding of human smell at the neural level is still at the beginning stage. The present work is the first fMRI study of human social chemosignals.

The research, co-authored by Chen and Wen Zhou, graduate student in the Psychology Department, appeared in the December 31 issue of Journal of Neuroscience.

The research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health.

Who Knew?
Located in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked one of America's best teaching and research universities. Known for its "unconventional wisdom," Rice is distinguished by its: size -- 3,001 undergraduates and 2,144 graduate students; selectivity --12 applicants for each place in the freshman class; resources -- an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5-to-1; sixth largest endowment per student among American private research universities; residential college system, which builds communities that are both close-knit and diverse; and collaborative culture, which crosses disciplines, integrates teaching and research, and intermingles undergraduate and graduate work.

Christmas caroling party

2008-12-14T10:38:00.003-05:00

Most people have filled their calendars for the holidays, but if you enjoy singing, then you may still have time to organize a Christmas caroling party. It could be a great chance to invite that guy you've been too shy to approach. Maybe you’ve just started dating a special someone or you and your lover are looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday season.

A Christmas caroling party can be a great way to spend more time together without the pressure of an official date. Just make sure your new love can actually sing or the evening will be disastrous.

==Where to start==

Make a list of people you know who enjoy singing and who would be fun to spend the evening with. A good place to start is your church choir and other church choirs.

Call your fellow carolers for an impromptu neighborhood caroling. For a festive look, ask guests to wear red and green. If this isn't possible, then at least dress in holiday hats, scarves and don't forget to wear gloves. If you live in a warm climate, you can adjust your apparel to still be festive.

Purchase actual sheet music or a book of carols for each caroler or borrow hymn books from your church. Map out your route. Now that everyone has the music and attire, you're ready to carol. If you can squeeze in a practice before heading out.

==A progressive Christmas caroling party==

This one will take more time to plan, but can still be done on between now and Christmas if you're willing to put in the effort. To make things more interesting and fun, enlist the help of your carolers and those on your caroling route to host a progressive party. This can be very simple and be nothing more than a warm drink or other refreshment and one hors d’oeuvres or holiday cookies.

An added benefit of doing a progressive party is with each home you visit of your carolers, you can add another singing voice to your group or at the very least visit with each other’s family.

If you don’t live in town, but are in the country, then hook up a trailer, add some bales of hay and combine a hay ride with your caroling. Just be sure and call ahead of those on your route to make sure they’re home. If you don’t have access to a hayride, then create a caravan of carolers and stop at each home. Sing long enough to give everyone time to open their doors.
If strolling through a neighborhood, then continue to sing as you walk to create the ambiance of traditional caroling.

==Last Home On Route==

The last stop in your caroling route will be your home. Have someone assist you in preparing this final party destination. You'll want to serve your guests with beverages and finger foods. You can also have the carolers' families bring their leftovers and combine for a fun finale to an entertaining evening.

==The spirit of Christmas==

Just remember, this parfy is to be fun and festive. If it becomes too involved in the planning stages or begins to get away from you and you’re stressing out over the details, then reign it back in and make it simple. You can easily get three or four friends together and strike out on a spontaneous caroling trek, just make sure your neighbors are home.

Merry Christmas!

Read more articles

Heart Symbol for Romance

2008-11-13T01:01:00.002-05:00

The heart is probably the most recognized symbol for romance and love. It's been a long held ideology that our emotions come from our heart. We even have catch phrases using heart as a metaphor for how our emotions are conveyed:

♥ Speak from your heart

♥ Put your heart into it

♥ Heartfelt

♥ Heartless

♥ Breaking my heart

♥ Cold heart

♥ Heart of stone

♥ Heart on his sleeve

So just how did the symbol for the heart become something other than the actual shape of the human heart? There are several theories about this unique symbol.

==Magic==

During the time of alchemists, the heart symbol was used and accepted as the symbol for romance and love. These masters of chemistry and magic used heart symbols in their spells. Certain rituals also utilized this symbol in an effort to strength love relationships.

==Christianity==

The Sacred Heart of Christ is well documented and used within the Roman Catholic Church. The symbol is one of divine love, compassion and good will. Within this emblem of religion is also the message of divine truth. So the heart symbol becomes the purest form of expression for love. All kinds of love. It was cemented into the church’s symbolism sometime in the 1600s. This was when Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received a vision. In this moment of enlightenment, the shape of a heart inside a crown of thorns was revealed to her.

==Ancient Egypt==

The heart is also symbolic of the soul. In ancient Egypt, the heart was removed from the dead and weighed on a scale in balance to the Feather of Ma’at, Maat, or Mayet, (pronounced, (Muh-aht) Egyptian goddess of truth, balance, justice, law, and mortality. This symbol represented the judging the dead and determining if the person's heart was lighter than the fabled feather. If it was, then the soul was deemed worthy enough to cross over into paradise. (No documentation exists about the results of this weighing in only that it was a death ritual.)

==Playing cards==

In the 15th century, the suits for playing cards were created and the heart was used as one of the four suits, clubs, spades, diamonds, and hearts. The color red was used to symbolize blood.

==Human anatomy==

Others believe the shape depicts several female anatomical attributes. It’s further believed that the symbolism was created during a time when there was male dominance in the world. This gives the symbolism a very different meaning and removes it from love into lust.

==Silphium seed==

In Cyrene, located in ancient Greece (7th century BC) now present-day Lybia, the silphium plant was abundant and a big commodity for the city. While it was marketed as a spice and seasoning, it was also used as an herbal method of birth control. This enormous fennel type plant, which is now extinct, had seeds that were heart-shaped. It was so important to the Cyrene economy that the coins minted by the city depicted a heart-shaped seed of the silphium plant with a double outline around the heart.

==Swans==

The mating ritual of swans has long been depicted in various romantic symbolism. When their long necks arch so they can butt heads, the shape formed is that of a perfectly formed heart.

==Hearts are an expression of romance==
The heart symbol for romance seems to be ancient. The heart shape we use in so many everyday expressions of love and romance will no doubt remain an emblem to convey those emotions.

For more romance articles visit Sally at Romance Examiner.

Fae's Gargoyle - Releasing Today!

2008-11-05T03:43:00.008-05:00

Maria Jennings awakes to find a naked man in bed with her—how he got there is a blank. Her shock soon turns to panic when she recognizes gargoyle warrior Denton Prescott, the man she’s loved—and hungered for—for years.

Before she can steal away, Denton, the sexiest hunk ever to draw breath is seducing her again, and it’s every bit as hot as she ever dreamed. Scorching sex aside, Maria is a Hussy, and her reawakened desires for him threaten her mission—to save Denton.

But Denton has a mission of his own—convincing Maria it takes more than the loss of gargoyle magic to stop two soul mates from falling in love. He’ll use every weapon in his erotic arsenal to prove it.

Excerpt

Maria Jennings opened her eyes and was startled to find a naked man lying beside her. Her erratic heartbeat pounded in her ears. She jerked up in bed but the painful throbbing in her temple forced her back down onto the pillow. The room spun around her. Swallowing the dryness in her throat, she tried to remember what had happened. How had she ended up here? Naked?

The sound of the ocean pounding outside the open patio door matched the hammering in her head. The last thing she remembered was standing in Danu’s castle saying goodbye after months of training. It was time to begin her mission, so why was she naked and in bed with—just who was this man?

Gingerly, she lifted up onto one arm and blinked against the diffused light. The room illuminated brighter each time the silk draperies billowed out and a breeze rushed across the room, carrying the scent of ocean and tropical flowers. Her spirit soared with the smell of home, only something was missing within the familiar scents. Something was very wrong.

Moonlight rushed across the room and fell over the muscular man lying beside her. Shadows swayed and the light moved across indented buttocks, then rose past broad shoulders to stretch toward dark wavy hair. Before she could glimpse his face, the light flittered away with the retreating breeze.

She held her breath and waited until the next gust of wind shoved the draperies aside in a fluttering mass and once more bathed the naked man in soft light. It moved over him like an ocean’s tide and this time touched his face.

Her pulse spiked. She sat straight up in bed and smothered a gasp with trembling hands. This had to be a dream!

She was in bed with Denton Prescott!

It couldn’t be. She closed her eyes, but when she opened them he was still there. Denton Prescott? In bed with her? Naked? He shifted onto his stomach, turning his back to her. Maria dropped her gaze. Heat rushed to her cheeks. His buttocks were just as fine as she remembered. Well, she’d never seen them in the flesh, only in stone when he’d stood to take flight but had been caught in the rays of sunrise.

The moment rushed back to her as though it happened only yesterday instead of ten years ago. They’d been chatting on the campus steps late into the night. Time had seemed endless until the first rays of daylight struck his face. She’d been in awe as she watched his magnificent gargoyle form emerge and his clothes singe to ash. The hardening had spread over him until he was completely cast in stone.

She released her breath. It seemed an eternity since that night. A painful eternity when he was called to war, never once contacting her. And when he returned home a hero, he was quickly caught up in the life of a celebrity. She stared down at his hard, muscled body, her fingers itching to stroke the fine planes. Instead, she closed her hands into fists. How cruel this was. Her fondest fantasy come true and she was unable to touch him.

Unable to tell him how much she loved him. Not that he cared.

The air stirred cooler and she shivered. What had Danu been thinking, plopping her down into his bed? She had long since tamped down her feelings for him, but at that moment realized when she’d been captured forever. Ever since he’d flashed that first devastating smile.

Oh, Danu, what have you done? Maria shook her head. The ancient guru wasn’t a cruel creature so this had to be a mistake. She tried to recall arriving there but met a thick fog where memories should reside.

Regardless how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed, she must fly away before he woke up and discovered her. Scooting out of the bed, she bent down and groped at the discarded clothes littering the floor. Her fingers closed around a dark-colored dress but she froze when he stirred again. She scooped up the dress and tiptoed toward the open bedroom door.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she hurried down the hall, all her attention focused on the arched doorway ahead. She emerged into what appeared to be a large den lit by a corner floor lamp. Her bare feet slapped against the terra-cotta tiled floor while she struggled to pull the silk dress over her head. She hurried toward the glass doors, determined to exit through the portico and fly into the night. The ocean sang to her and her pulse pounded like the waves beating against the sand. Just where the hell was she? Nothing seemed familiar. The gardens surrounding the pool were not the rich vibrant colors she was accustomed to seeing. There was no magical vibration in them. In anything.

She’d worry about that later. Right now she needed to escape. She stretched forward, but the familiar pop didn’t come. She checked the dress to make sure none of the material was covering her shoulder blades. The strapless garment fit fine. Nothing to block her wings. Again she flexed her muscles and mentally summoned her faerie wings to release.

Nothing.

Okay, maybe she was sick. That might account for her inability to recall how she’d ended up in Denton’s bed. Pain seared her temple and she gripped the back of a nearby chair. Oh, that was not normal. She massaged the throbbing ache with trembling fingers. She’d just leave by her own two feet and try flying once she was away from the house.

The image of Denton lying beside her flashed across her mind. Oh dear butterfly wings! She’d been in bed with Denton Prescott. Her breath came in hard, short pants. And she was running away from him because? She mentally shook herself. Because she had no explanation for being there. Because he didn’t love her.

But Denton…naked… She wrung her hands together, longing to return to his bed and at long last live out her greatest fantasy. Enough of this. She had to leave before he found her there. She took a deep breath and reached for the door knob.

“Where are you going?” came a groggy baritone voice behind her.

Caught! Her heart skipped a beat. What should she do? She pretended she hadn’t heard him and closed her fingers around the knob.

Ellora's Cave

Fae's Gargoyle - Coming November 5th!

2008-09-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

Maria Jennings awakes to find a naked man in bed with her and has no idea how he got there. Her shock soon turns to panic when she recognizes the man is her former secret crush, gargoyle warrior, Denton Prescott.

Before she can steal from bed, she's seduced by the sexiest hunk ever to draw breath. Maria knows love between a fae and gargoyle is forbidden, but soon realizes that's the least of her worries- Denton is hiding something from her.

Reawakened desires for the gargoyle threaten her mission to save him. Maria now feels she's the one who needs saving - from losing her heart once more to the man she swore to forget.

Join the CELTIC SEERS !!!

2008-09-02T12:23:00.002-04:00

Join me Wednesday, September 3 at 11:00 am EDT and Melissa Alvarez as we debut our new internet talk show - Celtic Seers!

Be sure and call in to say hi and ask us some questions about the paranormal! (646) 915-9977

Space Elevator

2008-07-21T02:00:00.000-04:00

Arthur C. Clarke predicted the buliding of a Space Elevator in 1979.

See the technology and those who are working on it. It's no longer a prediction. It could provide a solution to energy crisis with unlimited solar power for the world. Safe. Cost effective. Easy to operate.

Want to see it? Click here.

Reunited Released Today!

2008-07-18T16:27:00.002-04:00

Reunited By Sally Painter
Book 1 in the Gargoyles Seduced series.

Jen Ormand vowed never to return home. Traumatized by visions of demons only she could see, followed by a spell in a psychiatric hospital, she's determined to create a new life away from her hometown's dark past — until her parents die.

Now she's back and the demons are after her — again. Late one night they attack and sexy Garrett Dermonté saves her. When he sprouts wings and flies off into the night, Jen's sure she's suffering another psychotic break, especially since tall, dark and delicious makes her wet and hot for a lot more than rescuing.

Garrett has finally found the woman prophesied to reconcile his gargoyle clan. Jen is destined to lead them into battle against the demons, but can he convince her in time? Consumed by an uncontrollable lust for her, Garrett worries he's finally succumbed to the virus ravaging his species. Can he resist committing the unforgivable sin of making love to a human or will his hunger for Jen doom the world to demonic rule?

More

$20 Gift Certificate - MIDNIGHT TREAT CELEBRATION

2008-06-10T09:57:00.001-04:00

Margaret, Shelley and I are thrilled to announce the paperback release of our Pocket Books' EC anthology - MIDNIGHT TREAT!

I'm celebrating on my website with a $20 gift certificate to amazon. Just complete the form on my website site and be entered. Winner will be announced on June 30th.

Excerpt follows:

WANTED: Kissable bachelor with fangs seeks soft,
sexy lady for a kinky good time. Meet me at midnight....

SALLY PAINTER
To Kiss a Gargoyle

Tempted by the half-man/half-lion statue perched outside her high-rise office window, Marcy puts her hot lips on his rock-hard body, bringing the towering, muscular stud to life -- along with her wildest fantasies.

MARGARET L. CARTER
Tall, Dark and Deadly

After a business meeting with irresistible leading man Claude Darvell ends in carnal ecstasy, Eloise learns he's no actor -- he's a vampire -- and his seductive bite arouses her erotic appetite.

SHELLEY MUNRO
Curse of Brandon Lupinus

The gorgeous hunk who haunts Jess's dreams shows up in the flesh, claiming to be a ghostly eighteenth-century werewolf -- and together they indulge in some naughty bedroom play that leaves both of them panting for more.

More info.

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Pocket (June 10, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416577238

TO KISS A GARGOYLE EXCERPT

Her forefinger brushed a sharp jagged edge. The column base. She reached higher, but couldn’t stretch enough to touch him. She’d misjudged the distance and needed to shift onto one hip to roll her body past the opening and onto the ledge with him. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to the gargoyle.

She kneeled beside him on the concrete ledge, surveying the inset and ledge’s short expanse. She had done it! Her pantyhose snagged and ripped from the rough concrete. With her hair lashing in a chaotic, twirling mass against her face, she managed to capture the unruly strands and tuck them behind her ear. There he was! Leonardo. It was incredible! Her laughter was carried away on the wind. Her hands trembled. She must touch him.

Intoxicated by the victory, she slowly became aware of where she was—dangerously close to the edge of the narrow alcove. Timidly, she glanced at the busy street scene below. The city was loud and bright, and several hundred feet below—all backdropped by a full moon. The world spun around her. Panic momentarily replaced elation, but she looked away from the dizzying street scene and focused on Leonardo.

“Oh my! You’re so magnificent,” she gasped, looking at his sinewy form. His sleek, hard body was so expertly carved. Raw masculine power was captured in the frozen pounce stopped just before he lunged forward into the air. She trembled as if he’d brushed his hand against her pussy.

Her breath latched in her throat, as she expected him to melt free of the stone and turn to her. Desire scorched a path over her, hardening her nipples in its jagged path to her clit. His face, only inches from hers, was the face of a man, yet his forehead was similar to a lion with a long unruly mane permanently caught in the wind. How could a statue be so lifelike?

She reached out, but stopped short of touching his shoulder. To touch him meant the fantasy would end. When he didn’t come to life, everything she’d hoped for would no longer be possible. It would all be over with one simple touch. Yet the temptation to touch him drew her closer. She drew a deep breath and steeled against the finality of the long-awaited touch.

“I’ve wanted you for so long, Leonardo.” She ran her tongue over her lips. The wind swirled around her with the faint sound of night traffic ebbing from below. She hungered for him. The need to feel him beneath her touch was stronger than any fear of losing him forever. Kneeling there, so close to the edge, she had only one thought. Leonardo.

She lifted onto her knees so she was eye level with his handsome face.

“Hello, sexy,” she whispered, staring into his piercing look. For a brief instant, she wondered if he were in truth a wild animal instead of her sexy lover. Once set free would he turn on her like a creature from the jungle, startled by human touch? Just inches from his face, she couldn’t pull away. She was actually going to touch him. After all the nights of yearning for this moment, it had arrived. Her arousal released in a rush of hot moistness that drenched her panties.

Could she join him on the column without falling to her death? She didn’t dare look down again. All she needed was to brush her pussy against his hardness. It was insane yet she didn’t care. Some people had foot fetishes, well, hers was a statue. His name curled over her tongue and past her lips.

Read another excerpt: http://tinyurl.com/6gc3fx

Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/63wyaw

Pocket - http://tinyurl.com/667jdt

THANKS!
Sally

SEXED UP - A couple of New Reviews

2008-04-22T10:52:00.009-04:00

"riveting... nearly impossible to put the book down...really pulled me into the story... sexual chemistry between he and Randi was volcanic and it was my pleasure to experience their heat...I was so immersed in Sexed Up that nothing else in the world existed save this book and its characters... Sally Painter wrote an outstanding book, one that I am honored to present a Gold Star Award to." Misa Noire, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

"... thoroughly enjoyable read... will also leave us tearful, cheering, and needing a cold shower... I highly recommend..." Diane Mason, The Romance Studio, 4 Hearts

Read Excerpt Read Another Excerpt

Divided Love - Favorite Book Of the Month!

2008-04-04T17:01:00.019-04:00

A queen, a curse, and a captain of the royal guard whose hands are suddenly full of two sexy, spirited women.

When Reci, Queen of Cups, abdicates her underwater throne, she has no idea of the curse awaiting her. But when the curse hits, and she splits, Arthur, her captain, finds himself with two Recis to protect—and love.

For a man who has long suppressed his feelings for his sexy queen, being royally seduced by the lusty, sex-starved half of Reci is an irresistible temptation, the realization of every sexual fantasy he’s ever had about her. But Reci is more than a split personality—she’s now two people, and getting back to Cups becomes a priority before the split is permanent and the curse kills her.

Two women, one man. And a royal sister who will stop at nothing—even murder—to hold onto the throne she ripped from Reci’s fingers.The race is on—to get Reci back together, and save the throne and the woman he loves before the sands run out.

What readers are saying:

"...full of raw emotion, danger, and some steamy sex. I was truly on the edge of my sea." Two Lips Reviews, Julianne

"...fascinating story... With its unique premise and captivating characters, DIVIDED LOVE is a novel I highly recoomend." RRTErotic, Jennifer Bishop

Read Excerpt

Read Another Excerpt

Buy

Sally

Sexed Up - Now Availalble

2008-03-07T01:00:00.003-05:00

In 2383, all the men on Earth are dead. The Anti-Male world government, convinced it was "God's will", has outlawed all research into re-creating males.

Working illegally, Randi Mayers, the world's foremost sex-replacement designer, aims to create the closest thing to a real man the technology is capable of. William, the result of advanced nanite technology incorporated with DNA, is the ultimate "sex replacement" and everything Randi dreamed of. His sexual prowess leaves her breathless — and very, very satisfied.

But William is much more than a machine, dammit — he's a man! As his "testing" continues and he demonstrates more and more human characteristics, they fall in love, but discovery and industrial espionage place them on a collision course with the Anti-Male faction, with dire results.

Read Excerpt

Read 2nd Excerpt

New Cover - Reunited, Gargoyles Seduced Series

2008-02-26T16:38:00.002-05:00

Jen Ormand vowed never to return home. Traumatized by visions of demons, she eventually landed in a psychiatric hospital. She’s created a new life away from her hometown’s dark past—until her parents died.

Now, she’s back and the demons are after her—again.

Late one night, they attack and sexy Garrett Dermonté saves her. When he sprouts wings and flies off into the night, Jen is sure she’s suffering another psychotic break, especially since tall, dark and delicious makes her wet and hot for a lot more than rescuing.
Garrett can’t believe he’s finally found the woman prophesied to reconcile his gargoyle clan. Jen is destined to lead them into battle against the demons, but can he convince her in time?

Consumed by an uncontrollable lust for her, Garrett worries he’s finally succumbed to the virus ravaging his species. Can he resist committing the unforgivable sin of making love to a human or will his hunger for Jen doom the world to demonic rule?

Read Excerpt Read Second Excerpt

Divided Love - 5 Blue Ribbons Recommended Read

2008-02-23T23:04:00.004-05:00

I'm thrilled to share the Romance Junkies Review for Divided Love. This is part of the review, the rest can be found at the links.

"I’m not sure I can even come up with the words to describe the impact this book had on me. Sally Painter creates a world so incredible that I found myself immersed in the characters, their plight, and the wonders of this underwater nation. Reci and Arthur are perfect together but without the curse she would have never followed her heart and admitted to loving him. I loved the differences between Reci and RW, and eagerly kept reading to find out just how their problem would be resolved. This is a story that pulls the reader into the storyline and allows you to experience every action packed and emotional moment along with the characters. Beautiful job Ms. Painter! DIVIDED LOVE is a wonderful story and the perfect way to ‘lose’ yourself for a few hours." By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne

What is your INNER Valentine's heart?

2008-02-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun quiz to discover your inner Valentine's Heart!

discover what candy you are @ quiz me

New Cover - MIDNIGHT TREAT

2008-02-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

Here's the cover for the EC book being released by Pocket Books June 10, 2008.

My quickie, To Kiss a Gargoyle, is featured in this anthology.

For Pre-Orders Midnight Treat: Ellora's Cave

DIVIDED LOVE Available Today!

2008-01-25T01:03:00.000-05:00

Title: Divided Love
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419914355 Ebook (Digital)
Publication Date: January 25, 2008

Here's a little teaser:

When Reci Waters, Queen of Cups, an underwater nation, suddenly abdicates to live on land, no one, not even the two people closest to her, knows the real reason-to save her kingdom from a deadly enemy.

When the Curse of the Empty Throne hits and Reci divides into two people, she's forced to face emotions she's long suppressed-most importantly, her feelings for her handsome Captain of the Royal Guard, Arthur Finn. But when her hot-blooded twin decides it's time to explores those sexual longings, things don't just grow steamy, they're scorching hot!

Arthur has loved Reci for years, but royal protocol forced his longings to smolder just below the surface...until Reci divided in two. Now he's finding her irresistible- both of her. There's only one problem — Reci will die if he doesn't get her back to Cups, and her twin has run off, refusing to return to her underwater home.

EXCERPT

“I’ve never felt like this. It’s almost as though I’m two people. One moment we were talking and the next I couldn’t hear you—”

“Oh my crabcakes!” Kit’s voice pitched an octave higher, startling Reci. “It’s happening. I thought it was just a myth, but it’s happening to you. We have to do something about it. Right now!”

“What are you babbling about?” She braked the car at the stoplight and turned her attention on Kit. Her assistant’s tanned face drained of all color.

“The curse! Remember? From childhood? It forewarned if a royal abandoned her duties and left Cups, then she would be divided.”

“And your point is?”

“I mean, into two people. Don’t you get it? The tarot reading. Oh my goddess, Reci. You’re dividing in two.”

Reci couldn’t stop the laughter bubbling to her lips as she guided the car onto the highway.

“Your Majesty, you can’t laugh about this.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Reci. You have to pay attention to this.”

“It’s been a year. Why did it take until now for the curse to take effect?”

“It happens on the anniversary of abdicating—”

“Wait a minute. You’re just now telling me this?”

“How could I have forgotten about it? I mean, it’s so obscure, but I was trained in all legends and curses. I just…I’m so sorry. Look, we must return to Cups, immediately. This is bad. Real bad. We have to call Arthur.”

“Oh no. We’re not going to bother the poor guy. He’s finally having a life after I convinced him I no longer needed a bodyguard.”

“That wasn’t why he was staying, Reci.”

“Stop that. He’s not in love with me. If he were, he wouldn’t have left. He’d have professed his love or something.” Reci felt her heart tug. If only Arthur had stayed with her. She missed him, but would never admit it to Kit, much less to him.

“You commanded him to leave. He’s a loyal subject, for Poseidon’s sake. What Captain of the Royal Guard is going to tell the queen he loves her when commanded to seek out a new life on his own?”

“You’re being silly now.” She steered the car, her hand trembling against the wheel. Was Kit right? Did Arthur love her?

“He’s madly in love with you, Reci. How can you not see it? He wears it like a cloak. Are you blind?”

“Deaf. Remember? I couldn’t hear you. I was deaf not blind. We were discussing the curse.” She didn’t want to discuss Arthur and tried to get them back onto the subject of the curse even though she was beginning to find it just as unsettling as the mention of Arthur. The mere sound of his name made her pulse jump.

“Even if Beatrice is still seated on the throne, you can return and be saved from the curse. We have to plan a way for you to return and reclaim your birthright. Arthur can help us.”

“I don’t want to involve him. Besides he might have gone back to Cups.”

“Are you serious? Reci, he’d never leave you. We are calling him. You have to return to Cups or die.” Kit’s voice pitched higher and Reci frowned at her.

“Whoa. Wait a minute, I don’t recall the dying part of the curse,” she said.

“It’s only known to those who are trained to be your personal assistant. There were two of us trained for the role and you selected me, remember? Well, I was trained in all things related to your throne. That was ten years ago and there was a lot of material to learn. Just be glad I recalled this curse.”

“So which part of me will die?”

“That doesn’t matter because if you cannot return to the throne, then the split will be permanent.”

“Split? You mean I’m literally going to—”

“Divide into two separate people.” Kit nodded, with her eyes widening when Reci gasped.

Her mind whirled and she felt as though she was going to faint. She panted and steered the car off the highway onto the ramp that would lead them to the beach house.

“Okay, explain how the split will happen. Will it be painful?”

“I don’t know. One Reci will be the side of you that you hide from everyone. Your inner self. The other will be—”

“A direct opposite?” Reci gulped. Could this be true? Was there really such a curse?

“Judging how you act most of the time on an even keel, very methodical and deliberate, I suspect the inner Reci will be like a tornado. We have to get back to Cups before you divide,” Kit said and opened her purse. “If you can’t get back to Cups both of you will die. You have no choice but to go home, Reci.”

“This can’t happen.” Reci turned the car into a parking lot, threw it into park and stared at Kit. “It can’t.”

“Well, it hasn’t yet. But if we don’t act fast, it will,” Kit said, rummaging through her oversized purse.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling Arthur.” Kit pulled the phone from her purse.

“And then?”

“You are going to let him help you. I’m sure he still has connections with the Royal Guard. He was best friends with Matt Seas. He can work out an agreement to return you to Cups.”

“I can’t return to Cups, Kit. Even though I want to. There are things I’ve not told you about. Things I can’t tell you. But believe me it’s impossible for me to return to Cups.”

“What things?”

Reci shook her head. She knew what would happen the moment her sister knew of her return. It would be a suicide homecoming.

“I don’t care what it is, we will deal with it. Right now I have to get you help.”

“How long do I have? I mean before I divide into two people?” Reci asked, trying to still the quaking. She secretly longed to return to Cups, and she certainly didn’t want to be two people.

“I don’t know. Let’s operate on the premise you have no time. Arthur has been waiting for this call ever since you sent him away.”

Reci chewed on her lower lip. Arthur was the one man in life she’d always depended upon. He was her captain. Could she do this to him? She’d granted him freedom, and now to ask him to risk his very life for her once more was selfish and unfair. Could she recall him and manage to keep her feelings for him hidden? It had required everything she was as a queen to keep her attraction to him under control.

He was always within reach when they’d lived in Cups. His hard, tanned body easy enough to touch if only she’d stretched out her hand, but she’d always balled her hand into a fist and willed the impulse to recede. It was a constant struggle. Her body responded to the sexy captain as though under a spell. Could she risk being close to him—again?

I hope you enjoy!

Release Date

2007-12-12T19:58:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to announce the release date for Sexed Up is March 7, 2007!!!

I have a release date!

2007-11-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

I'm very happy to announce Divided Love will be released January 25, 2008. Starting the new year out great!

Still waiting on release info for Sexed Up and the contract for my first gargoyle series book, Reunited. Thank you for the emails. I now realize there are many lurkers on the blog and only a handful of posters. That's cool with me because your private emails encourage and inspire me to write more books! Please feel free to email me anytime! I love hearing from readers.

I'm currently writing my first hussy book, Danu, The Beginning and hope to have it to my editor within the next two weeks. I'll keep you updated on my next projects.

Dream Lovers of Gargoyle Castle - In Print!

2007-11-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

Available now in Print - Dream Lovers featured in Things That Go Bump In the Night VI from Ellora's Cave - FREE SHIPPING.

Sexed Up

2007-10-31T01:35:00.001-04:00

I was so thrilled to receive the cover for my next Ellora's Cave book, Sexed Up. Here's a little about the book:

In 2383, all the men in the world are dead. The new Anti-Male world government has outlawed all research taking an stance, but the Pro-Male movement works in secrecy to re-create human males.

Dr. Randi Mayers, the world's foremost sex replacement designer hopes her latest design, William, will give women a programmable companion, via advanced nanite technology incorporated with DNA, supplied by her new employer, Sexed Up. Randi ‘s boss wants to push the envelope past legal restrictions to create a cyborg male and saturate the market before the government can react.

Things heat up the moment Randi accidentally activates William, who’s determined a determined dedicated lover. Industrial espionage sets the lovers on a collision course with the Anti-Male faction.

Can Randi save the man she's created? Can William convince Randi he isn’t a machine but a human male? When he falls in love with her, William must convince Randi he isn’t a machine and they have a future together?

What have I been doing?

2007-09-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

Writing and writing. (VBG) I've also been out of town a few times since my last post. Very wonderful mini vacations. Sigh. Always too short.

I'm polishing up the first book in a new gargoyle series and will be posting about it probably around November. We'll see how it goes.

I'm currently writing the first book in The Hussies™ that tells about Danu, our central figure in the series, and how she became a Hussy. The working title is Danu, The Beginning. Okay not quite as spiffy as my original, Danu and the Dragon People, but then that is a long title and really doesn't state what it is - The Beginning.

Ciana asked me to write Danu's story, so I'm not feeling any pressure since Danu is the leader of the Hussy warrior hunters who have progressed into the 21st century. No pressure at all. (VBY) I really do love challenges.

Danu is proving to be the model for a HUSSY. I hope you are going to enjoy it.

Ciana's Hussy™ book will be released December 14th - ALL IN TIME and you will want to read it because it is a hot and deep emotional read.

Newsletter contest deadline on the horizon

2007-09-09T11:11:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that the contest deadline for newsletter subscribers only is September 15th.

I will be announcing the winner on the EC Chat List during The Hussies HUSSY TIME CHAT.

If you aren't on the newsletter, you can join and find the details in the Files section.

The newsletter comes out only when there is genuine news to report to you. There are messages about excerpts, chats, releases, contests, etc. that are posted to the list as well.

Sally:)

Great tour. Thank you!!!

2007-08-25T15:28:00.000-04:00

It was a lot of fun conducting the 3-day virtual tour. I appreciate your emails and glad you enjoyed the trip! I had a blast. Still finding sand in my clothes. (vbg)

This morning I woke up to find the edits I'd been waiting on for DIVIDED LOVE, so I'm busy this weekend working through them. Hope ya'll are having a great weekend!

Sally:)

Join me this week...

2007-08-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

You are invited to join me Wed, Thurs, and Fri.

I will be conducting one of my virtual tours on Melissa Alvarez's online paranormal workshop from Wed, Aug 22 - Friday, Aug 24.

My subject of course is paranormal and I'm going to be taking everyone to some really interesting places online with lots of OMG, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT kinds of fun.

You can join her list here

See you on the other side,
Sally:)

New Book Contract!!!

2007-08-17T13:34:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to announce I just contracted another book with EC titled SEXED UP. Here's a little about it.

In 2833, all the men in the world are dead. A doomsday virus struck nearly fifty years ago and the scientists no longer seek a solution. The new world government has outlawed all research taking an Anti-Male stance, but there is another faction, the Pro-Male movement that works in secrecy for re-creating human males.

Randi Mayers is the world's foremost sex replacement designer. She hopes her latest design, William, will give women something better than the rubberized clunky life-size robots— a real companion, programmable via the advanced nanite technology she’s incorporated with the black market, very rare, human male DNA, supplied by her new employer, Sexed Up.

Her new boss, Ellen Forte has revealed the Board of Directors wants Randi to push the envelope past legal restrictions. If she can create a cyborg male, then Sexed Up will use the guise of a new sex replacement to saturate the market with her creation, before the government can react. This will be the first step to re-introducing men into society with the hope of one day creating a human male.

Things heat up the moment Randi accidentally activates William and he is determined to show her the many skills he possesses as a dedicated lover. Industrial espionage sets the lovers on a collision course with those determined to keep the world free of men.

Can Randi save the man she's created? The clock is ticking and Sexed Up pushes to mass produce the cyborgs before their secret lab is discovered. Can William convince Randi he is not a machine but a human male? Can he make Randi admit she's in love with him and they have a future together?

whada think?

2007-08-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Workers in South Africa dug up hundreds of these metal spheres nearly 40 years ago.

No one knows the origin of these mysterious spheres, but there are two distinct types. The first is solid and is comprised of a bluish metal that has flecks of white cast throughout. The second one is hollow and filled with a strange, spongy, white substance (which science has yet to identify). Both have been determined not to be of natural origin. Manmade or... Both types come in various sizes between 1-2 inches in diameter. One type has three parallel grooves running around the middle. Unnaturally formed grooves.

While this alone creates a mystery, the real intriguing and baffling aspect of these spheres is they were dated to be 2.8 billion years old!

So what do you think they are? Who made them? And what happened to them? The last info I could find was a debate by a scientist who was going to study the spheres but that was in 1996 and I've not been able to find any results published by him.

Sally:)

DIVIDED LOVE Cover!!!!

2007-08-09T01:10:00.000-04:00

I just got this late yesterday evening. I'm so psyched over this cover. Syneca once more just tapped into my mind and created Reci Waters as I envisioned her. Syneca is EC's queen of covers!!!

The ghost story - True

2007-08-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't had time to smudge and white light room by room like I typically do whenever I've moved into a new house. I did what my mom would call a lick and a promise.

The other morning I was awakened at 5:30 but didn't know what had awakened me. I rolled over beside hubby and suddenly the bathroom door that I close until I hear it catch every night swung open.

I felt the presence of a young girl about nine years old. I didn't say anything because I wanted to see what she was up to since we've been waked up several time by the tv in our bedroom suddenly turning on. The cat jumped off the bed and moved to sit in front of the closet doors looking up as though watching someone. Then he turned and ran from the room and bounded down the stairs as though chasing something or someone.

I sighed and told myself I would have to send the girl on her way later and went back to sleep only to be awakened a few hours later by the TV downstairs in the den blaring. My husband was not in bed, so I assumed he'd decided to watch the morning news a bit louder than norm, so I called down to him, okay I had to yell to be heard above the noise and asked him if he could turn it down a bit, only to have him respond from his office across the hallway, saying he was just about to ask me to do the same thing.

So yesterday I did tell the entity she had to leave because I didn't sense she really needed my help. She was just being mischievous, which my pal, Melissa, verified for me this morning.

Anyway, I guess I spoke too soon about not having any entities in the new house. Hopefully, there won't be anymore passersby. After all these years of dealing with them, I've pretty much put up a do not disturb sign. Maybe I need to make my sign bigger. (g)

I'm Bacckkk...

2007-08-07T13:42:00.000-04:00

To blogging here as well as The Hussies™ blog

I have a true ghost story to tell you, but I'm off to a meeting right now and will post it laster tonight!

Glad to be back on this blog.

Sally:)

A New BLOG

2007-04-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

Hey there!

I've joined forces with 3 other authors to create a fun fun fun Blog.

HUNKS 'N' HUSSIES™ is just the beginning.

Join us for visits from our favorite hunks and lots of fun and game.

Sally:)

EC Chat list March 31st

2007-03-20T21:15:00.000-04:00

Be sure to join the HUSSIES: Susie Charles, Denise Rossetti, Ciana Stone, and me starting at 10 am EST until 6 pm EST on Saturday, March 31st for a fun unique List Mom Day.

We will be launching our new BLOG and website and loads of prizes and excerpts and some very fun games.

Sally:)

Your favorite kind of Hero?

2007-02-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

In having a discussion with a couple of writer pals, we were discussing the attributes that make a man a hero. Here are the top five we came up with. What do you think makes a hero?

A protector of not just his heroine, but others.
A sense of right and wrong.
Seeks justice whenever there is a wrong.
Can be vulnerable and strong at the same time.
Flawed, but not a villain kind of flaw - Examples: will do anything for the heroine. Or is OVERLY protective. A good trait taken to an extreme.

Time flies....

2007-02-23T12:08:00.001-05:00

When I announced I'd be offline for a while, who knew it would be nearly a month! So much has happened in those 4 weeks. I'm working on 3 deadlines as a direct result. It's amazing when a person decides to go in a certain venue the universe just starts opening doors. That's me - in a revolving door - LOl - trying to decide where to stop and get out.

I'll just keep plugging away on these looming deadline and eventually emerge from the revolving door. All the other doors look so exciting. It is always difficult to make a decision when everything appears equal.

But, I do have something I can announce - my next EC book will be Divided Love , Queen of Cups - EC's Torrid Tarot series(which is one of my current deadlines).

A short blurb:

Reci Waters, Queen of Cups abdicates her throne in what appears to be a selfish act of betrayal, but she left to save her people from a war destined to destroy everyone.

Now, a year later, all the enemies are revealed and she’s planning to reclaim her throne, only something strange happens. She’s been out of the water too long and falls victim to a curse. Reci suddenly divides into two people and her worst half has no intentions of returning to the underwater city. In fact, her other half is now free to explore those hot erotic daydreams with hunky Alex Masters.

Please join my newsletter to get uptodate announcements.

I will be back tomorrow and pick up the blog on a daily basis.

If you have questions for me, just post in the comments section and I'll answer them.

Thanks and have a super weekend!

I'm a vampire...

2007-01-21T21:24:00.000-05:00

I've been accused of it for years, not because I have fangs or am pale or because I drink blood - Yuck! I don't do that either.

But because I stay up so late at night. My regular bedtime can vary between 2 - 3:30 am. Drives my acupuncturist crazy as it's now her life mission to reset my internal clock. "Go to bed with the sunset get up with the sunrise" (In what world?)

My clock has always been this way. Even as a kid, I never could sleep more than 5 hrs and I typically would lie awake from 9 pm until 2 or 3 am listening to music and making up stories until I could fall asleep.

A lifetime of sleep deprivation is what my acupuncturist proclaimed I was suffering from.

A vampire is what my loving family and friends call me always followed by laughs and a few crossing of forefingers just in case. (Bwaahhh)

But frankly, I love staying up late. No phone calls typically after 9 except for friends and family who know I'm up, but they're generally asleep by 11 pm, except for some of my author buds and one is in Australia and knows she can always IM me at 1:30 am. I can have 2 or 3 IM conversations going and we all feel normal being up at that hour.

When I worked outside the home, I did keep regular hours, but getting up at 5:30 or 6 am was like torture to me. Even if I got to bed by 12 am, I still would not fall asleep until 3am no matter how tired I was.

My fam and friends don't care that I roam about the house at all hours, writing, watching an old movie, writing some more, chatting with pals on IM at 2 am... They know me and accept my evil ways. BUT my medical practitioners go crazzzzyyy over my schedule. They don't get that the creative stream flows a bit closer to the earth from 12 - 3:30 and I am just naturally wired to ride it.

So to those who want to rewire me... Leave me alone! I'm happy like I am. (vbg)

And, yes, you can call me after 9 pm. I'm up and quite lucid until 4 am.

Sally:)

Afterlife

2007-01-18T02:02:00.000-05:00

Is one of my new discoveries on BBC. I just love this show. The female lead is so authentically written in how I and those I know who are seers struggled with the 'cruse' as my friends and I called it until making peace.

Anyone else watching this chow?

Sally:)

Happy New YEAR!

2006-12-30T14:01:00.000-05:00

I love New Year! As I posted previously about my vacuum theory, my gal pal, Melissa, sent me a tradition of sweeping, tossing water and money. I'm going to try it this year.

I will be off the blog until January 3rd - have a lot of sweeping to do in order to tie up loose ends. Tie up... Hmmm. I must think about that one for one of the books I'm planning in 2007. Who knows!

Anyway, I received this in my emails this morning and thought it was a good place to start my 2007 planning. I hope all of you have a very happy, healthy, successful, and wonderful New YEAR! You all certainly made 2006 great for me!

Cayce said:

"The purpose in life, then, is not the gratifying of appetites nor of any selfish desires, but it is that the entity, the soul, may make the earth, where the entity finds its consciousness, a better place in which to live."

I hope each of you will find 2007 a better place to live.

Hugs,
Sally:)

Ghosts and such

2006-12-28T20:16:00.000-05:00

So we've been having the sounds of someone walking around upstairs while we are downstairs in the den.

The other night I got up from the couch to go into the kitchen and practically collided into a being. Of course he was startled and poofed outta there so fast.

He'd been crouching in front of this huge (nearly 4 ft tall) prayer plant I have in the dining room where I cut through to go into the kitchen.

I have zero tolerance over the past years for any entities in my home. So this not only shocked me, but really made me a bit outraged that someone would ignore my do not disturb sign and I promptly ousted him from the house.

My pal, Melissa, upon hearing my story commented that he was probably an elemental since he was in front of the plant, almost a part of the plant.

Now I'm suffering from guilt that I kicked him out of the house where he was tending to the plants. Good grief!

Getting set up for 2007...

2006-12-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

Lots to do in planning for 2007. I'm trying to tie up the loose ends of 2006 this week and then get my planning calendar out.

What about you? Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Do you declutter the ending year in preparation for the new one? What are you rituals?

Sally:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2006-12-25T08:47:00.000-05:00

Checking in on my email this morning and saw a Couple of posts and decided to wish those celebrating today - a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I love this time of year and it's such fun being with family and friends and cooking. Tomorrow it's back to writing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!
Sally:)

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

2006-12-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

I made a pound cake and banana nut bread last night when we got home from the party. Today we are getting the food cooked.

The menu is:

Appetizers: Shrimp pate on crackers(onions, shrimp, tomato soup, cream chesse, etc) served with wine. (I published this recipe in my newsletter)

Turkey
Ham
Bread/celery/onion Stuffing
Cornbread dressing and gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole (w/marshmallows on top)
Broccoli and Chesse Casserole
Corn
Homemade Yeast rolls

Dessert and Coffee
choice of
Pound Cake
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Petit Fours

Yum Yum... now I have to get busy cooking, but I love doing that so it'll be a fun day. Everyone is coming tomorrow instead of Christmas day, so hubby and I are talking about taking off for a day or two on Christmas Day --something very different from normal Christmas Day.

Everyone have a great Christmas if you are celebrating! I'm offline until next week.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Sally:)

Weather gone WILD!

2006-12-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

It's December in North Carolina, but I believe we are being terra-formed into a new tropic or at least another Florida.

Seriously, we are still running the A/C most of the time and today we saw a street lined with cherry trees - the pink blossoms already in full bloom. Then when we get home, I notice one of our perennials along the walkway is also in full bloom, glancing up at the trees, I then see that all of the trees are covered in buds and ready for new leaves.

What in the world?

Sally:)

An artist at work

2006-12-22T00:40:00.000-05:00

My husband sent this link to me. It is truly amazing to watch as an artist draws a woman from the inside out!

Sally:)

Getting to look a like...

2006-12-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

(Photo taken after decorating tree.)

Chaos around here. LOL. Too many things to finish up before the big holiday.

I so love Christmas! I used to wait and do my shopping the last two days before Christmas because I loved getting into the crowded stores. The energy was always so excited and jumping. Like a living thing. And, I always got great bargains.

But that was then and this is now. Now, I love internet shopping. I can shop for great prices without having to go all over creation and I get them delievered to my front door! Life is good!

So, the cat is under the tree. He thinks we put it and the Christmas treeskirt there just for him. He thinks the ornaments hanging down are new toys and the snowballs on the Snowman themed skirt are new scratch boards.

The only missing element to this Chirstmas is cold weather. Our trees are budding! My daughter's dog is shedding his winter coat.

In spite of the springlike weather, it still feels like Christmas.

Off to tackle that wrapping presents tasks.

Ho ho ho!
Sally:)

Newsletters, chat groups and more

2006-12-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's a question that's been haunting me.

Which do you find most enjoyable and helpful as a reader?

Newsletters - once a month?
once every 2 months?
quarterly?

Individual author's reader lists or a group of authors?

Anything else I've overlooked?

I have a newsletter, but I don't have a readers group list. I do have a discussion list for paranormal topics and it's pretty small a little over a 100 members, but we have great discussions and I have the paranormal workshop that is only once a month.

I've been talking with some fellow authors and wondering if a readers list is now passe with blogs and myspace being so widely used or do readers still enjoy this kind of list where they can have interaction with authors aside from say EC's chatlist?.

What do ya'll think?

I love Fridays

2006-12-15T03:47:00.000-05:00

I enjoy this day of the week because it means weekend and down time!

When I worked outside the home, Fridays were my joy days. I always liked Wednesdays because they were hump days but when I was growing up, my most fun activities were held on Wednesdays such as Girl Scouts, choir and baseball games (during season).

As I grew up, Fridays grew too - more fun because they were ballgame night for the varisty teams.

When my daughter was born, Fridays meant end of the work week and I'd have the whole weekend with her.

When I met my husband, every other Friday meant a weekend away just the two of us. We had such romantic fun trips, too!

Nowadays since we both work from home, it means we meet in the den early and snuggle before dinner, catch up on what our afternoons were like (his office is upstairs and mine is down, but we do talk in IM a lot during the day). Or maybe we go out for dinner and come home to watch payforview or even something TIVO'd. Saturdays are usually the nights when we entertain friends or family and many times we go out for the night, dinner and a movie or something more exciting like a bar/club. We enjoy being with our friends, but we also love our time alone.

Whatever we do, even it if it just sitting on the patio sipping coffee or traveling back home to the mountains, we always have such fun together - even when we do nothing. And weekends make it even more fun because work is off the hook for a couple of days.

Happy weekend!
Sally:)

Telling it like it is...

2006-12-14T02:26:00.000-05:00

I'm a blurb buyer.

I always read blurbs before I purchase a book. A blurb that captures my imagination will snag me as a buyer. Rarely have I read a blurb that didn't match up with the story.

The second trigger is the cover. Now, granted the cover might grab my attention first, but I don't care how great a cover it is; the blurb has to be even better.

What about you? Are you a blurb buyer or a cover buyer? Or maybe like me-both.

Sally:)

How do you feel about list chats?

2006-12-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

I've done my share of list chats and chatroom ones since 1994-95 when I first got online. For 4 years I was with AOL and a chat moderator and sometimes host.

In the beginning the chatrooms were dynamic and exciting, today, they are old news.

Yahoo lists especially are fun ways to connect with readers and other authors. Lately there seem to be so many lists, I was wondering if readers are on all of the lists or are they like me, time constrained and unable to participate on all the lists I'd like?

And then there seems to be lists that are nothing but promo posts.

Do readers enjoy the promos lists as well?

What do you think?

Sally:)

Me? A political writer?

2006-12-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

That's what I was asking when I opened the email invitaiton I received to become a political writer for a new ezine.

Then it hit me --this was the same type of mistaken identity made about two years ago when I received a phone call from a US Senator's office inviting me to attend a dinner with President Bush. The same people I'd repeatedly emailed that they had the wrong Sally Painter.

Could you just imagine that introduction and ensuing conversation at the White House as I shook hands with my host?

Shaking my head,
Sally:)

A fun quiz - it identified my accent!

2006-12-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Not that anyone who's ever met me would wonder what part of the US I'm from. (snort)

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
Philadelphia
The Midland
The Northeast
The Inland North
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

What made you start writing?

2006-11-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

I've had several emails this week from readers. Emails from readers are the extra fuel that helps me stay awake an hour longer to get that scene just right. This profession is a solitary one. It is invaluable to have feedback from readers and know they are enjoying those books I spent hours obsessing over a single word to convey exactly what I wanted.

So THANK YOU, readers, for encouraging me and reading my books! It means more than a simple thank you can ever express.

Readers always ask: How do you come up with your ideas and what does it feel like to create a story? What made you start writing?

So I thought this might be a good place to answer. (g)

Every writer is different, but for me, each book starts from a kernel of a thought or a vision that springs to mind and I go, oh yeah, that would make a good story. And then it grows from there. It's a very personal process as with any kind of artform, obviously. And, it's a given in that sense, it's something writers do for ourselves by writing the story. Each writer's vision will forever be different from anyone else's and that is part of the magic of writing.

Having majored in art, I've had careers as a copywriter, layout artist and interior designer. I studied sculpture, did a few of my own, threw some pots on a wheel, painted in oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc., paper mache, collages, photography - developed my own films even used sepia tones, created silk flowers from scratch, cooked from scratch, gardened, took piano lessons for years, and any number of other creative artforms. And I still practice many of them.

Out of all those things, however, only one form of expression intensified and grew more than the others — writing. Granted, it took me a while to figure out which one thing I enjoyed the most—longer than some writers— and to focus on writing as a career. However, I believe life is a process of experiences we are meant to explore, and hey, we are all works in progress. That’s why I believe my other careers led me to this one.

As different as all those careers are, they each shared a common element - the creative process. It's all about getting into that creative stream flowing through the universe. It's a current I can literally feel. Maybe because of years of meditation which have helped me tap into the creative stream much easier than I did in my teens.

To answer what it feels like to create a book, I’d have to tell you how it feels to step into the creative stream. First of all, it is always there. I can feel it enter my body. I practically gyrate from its power. It's the source of all I do and frankly all I am in life. As it is with everyone only some people just don't sense it as much as someone working a creative field. But it's there. It’s a constant.

As to what made me start writing... I'm not sure. I wrote my first story when I was 9 years old one day when I was home with a fever. I know it was agonizing to write it out long hand and told my mom, I want to be a writer when I grow up, but writing it out makes my hand hurt. I can't write fast enough. She laughed and said, well, then, you won’t ever be a writer. Those words stuck with me. And I wrote faster and harder.

At one point, I could not write if I wasn't doing it long-hand. When I started on a keyboard, I actually held a pencil in my hand while I typed, tucked between my thumb and palm. That sounds silly, I'm sure, but having participated in the ARTIST'S WAY workshops, I realized the hand to mind coordination and function the process serves.

Eventually, thank goodness, I was able to get rid of the pen while I typed. It took a long time though.

So from my clumsy penmanship at 9 years old (which has only progressively gotten worse) I stumbled my way to writing as a career.

My mom always said if you have a talent, it will find its way out regardless how long it takes. For me, I feel it has been more hard work than talent in finding my way to writing as a career. Either way, I know it is what I was created to do and that is a good feeling to finally be in a profession where I feel 100% this is where I need to be.

Thank you readers for your questions and emails!

Sally:)

Chance Encounters with Guides

2006-10-19T10:41:00.000-04:00

I've been discussing with a good friend of mine how guides can appear to us without us recognizing who they are. We've both had quite a few of these encounters and once we started recounting them, were amazed at the number of encounters we've had.

Most messages from my guides don't seem that way at the time. It's not until I get home that I realize, OMG, that was a guide.

These messages usually strike a chord about something I'm going through and the offhand remark or brief encounter stays with me, almost haunts me for days. It is something that replays over and over again in my mind. And, each time it does, another detail of the blinking of an eye encounter strikes a deep chord of understanding. Another aspect of such an encounter is that the person just disappears at the turn of a head.

I've had this happen in grocery stores, hotel lobbies, airports, and just out and about shopping. One of the most profound encounters was while I was standing in line at a grocery store and a man spoke behind me about the previous day's event which had me so upset. It was something I had inadvertantly caused when I had released my anger through my crown chakra.

This man, a complete stranger, had no earthly way of knowing about this, but what he said was so profound, I turned to look at him, but never could remember his face later on. I agreed with him and turned around to push my cart forward in the line when it struck me he was a guide. I turned back around to comment and he was gone.

No more than a split-second passed when I looked away. There was no way he could have been out of my range of vision in that brief time even if he'd run away because the store was not very crowded. His message was received and I never release any energy, espeically negative - instead, I transform it into something positive.

Have you ever encountered a stranger where something was said to you that struck you like a bolt of lightning? It could easily be a guide. (G)

Yesterday's Ultraviolet

2006-10-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

Well, we had a big success day on my paranormal discussion list. We all participated in the Ultraviolet wave that passed through our planet yesterday.

It is claimed to be the beginning of such events between now and 2013. We'll see what transpires.

Our group stopped what we were doing at 9 PM ET and wherever we were meditated on world issues as well as our individual ones. So far everyone reporting in had a great surge of positive energy and some had many wonderful things manifest earlier in the day when they had practiced individually.

We will be holding a monthly online meditation and possibly a chatroom event.

If you are interested in this and paranormal discussions in general, you can join the group. (MUST BE 18)

Hope to see you on the other side,
Sally:)

Meditation - Purple Clouds

2006-10-06T19:21:00.000-04:00

About 15 years ago, I started noticing during my meditations purple clouds would appear as though I were flying through them and then they would part and I would be shown what I was seeking.

These clouds disappeared from me for the last 10 years until recently and they have returned. The puruple is not of any earthly hue I could describe.

Anyone else have this kind of experience? It is a very proufound feeling and the information I'm given or scene revealed is 100% accurate prediction.

Sally:0

Video Spotlight

2006-10-03T02:55:00.000-04:00

I created a couple of book trailers for http://myspace.com/sallypainter

Here's one for my latest release, Last Resort. Leave a comment on what you think!
Sally:)

A puzzling day...

2006-09-24T00:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a FUN PUZZLE.

ENJOY!
Sally:)

Name the Genre

2006-09-23T12:14:00.000-04:00

I have a new contest: Name that Genre, running just for newsletter listers until 10/7.

Details are mailed to you when you join the list or you can find the most recent message in archives.

If you'd like to play:

Sally_Painter_Paranormal_Books-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thanks!
Sally:)

http://sallypainter.com
http://sallysmidnighthour.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/sallypainter

"Last Resort", vampire beach fun, Ellora's Cave Now Available

FALL EQUINOX, SOLAR ECLIPSE, NEW MOON

2006-09-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

ALL THAT IN ONE DAY!Amazing!

One short span of hours and we have a new moon AND a TOTAL Solar eclipse. If you are like me, I'm thinking... darn, I sure am out of step with nature not to have realized all this on my own. Well, not so, actually... The ecplipse was not really where I could have viewed it here in the US. Here's a map to help see what part of the world it was best to be in to experience the solar eclipse.(You will need to click on the graphic to zoom in.)

As for the new moon, that happened at 7:45 am ET.

From an astrology POV - this new moon is in Virgo, 29:20 degrees to be exact. So what does that mean?

Well, it is pretty CRITICAL, so I hear. Virgo is an Earth sign which represents: practical, precise, level-headed, unemotional, sensible, dedicated. Virgos are planners and very logical. What makes this critical are the degrees which represent ENDINGS.

And there's one other amazing aspect of today - it's the FALL EQUINOX. The Celts used a different calendar than what is used today and the Fall Equinox fell on their September 25th which is our 22nd. This is the day when according to astrology that the sun enters the sign of Libra. Libra is the balancer of life.

I think I'm going to go sit on our patio, sip some coffee and enjoy the new moon, solar eclipse's passing and the Fall Equinox. I mean, how many times does such an opportunity to be a part of the earth moving through so many changes at once come around?

Sally:), now where is my leaf headdress?

Butterflies in my stomach!!!

2006-09-20T01:41:00.000-04:00

Well, the cover is enough to do that! BUT, the flutterings in my stomach are caused by it being RELEASE DAY!!!

I always get so excited on release EVE that I can't sleep. And so I'm sitting up flipping channels having watched MXC on SPIKE TV, Dead Like Me, Eureka, Twilight Zone on SCIFI TV and back to flipping channels while I surf websites on my laptop. Not much new with all that except how I'm feeling while doing it... BUTTERFLIES in my stomach.

I really am trying not to think about it, but it's always so exciting when a new book is released. All that work, all the people on the team who have made it happen and it's about to be released.

The feeling is like being a child on Christmas Eve. It's nice to be able to have that same kind of anticipation and excitement as an adult especially over something that is make believe!

I hope you enjoy LAST RESORT and sexy vamp, Alex Masters.

Sally:)

List MoM Day on Ellora's Cave yahoo list

2006-09-17T14:34:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for a day of sexy hot fun? Join me and 15 other EC authors as I serve as List Mom on the EC chat list. (For details about other contests - subscribe to my newsletter ).

The sizzling fun starts at 11 am ET and will go strong until 8 pm ET. We'll have steaming excerpts, games, prizes, and book giveways.

Hope you can join us!
Sally:)

Where'd they send my mail?

2006-09-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

I hate rants, so this is just a big fat SCREAM!!!!!!! I'm so frustrated! I mailed a first class package on Wednesday, just 4 states away and expected 1st class to move faster than this. We bought the additional 90cents tracker service because of past experience with packages never making destinations.

Well, the tracking says it is in transit ever since Wednesday... expected date of delivery... are you ready for this? October 13th. Where the hell are they delivering my package? to the space shuttle in orbit around the dark side of the moon? Hello???

And, no that's not a pic of me, my hair's longer.. hahaha... and oh yeah, woman... LOL.Sally:(

What makes a man a hero to you?

2006-09-15T02:30:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about this the other day. What qualities truly make a hero and remembered something I was told when I first started writing romance about how to mold a hero.

A hero's actions are always heroic. A hero never does anything that could be perceived as anything less than heroic. That is a tall order because even heroes must have flaws, but I try to give my heroes good flaws. Over protective or being kind to a fault, and other ways of taking a positive attribute and making it excessive until it becomes a weakness.

Heroes don't let anyone derail them, unless of course it's the heroine and then being derailed is half the fun of getting back on track.

What qualities do you find to be a turn on in a hero?

Sally:)

Can't Wait - Season Finale TONIGHT!

2006-09-13T13:21:00.000-04:00

I can't wait for tonight's episode of Blade- The Series. Watching this series is like watching an ongoing movie - even better than the original movie! Hubby and I will be sitting in front of our TV tonight with a bowl of popcorn like kids!!!

Have you been watching this fantastic series, too?

Sally:)

Happy Labor Day!

2006-09-04T11:06:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone celebrating had a great weekend and will be spending fun with family and friends today.

I'm off to finish up a couple of chapters and then out onto the patio with hubby for some vino and grilling out.

Sally:)

What is the one thing...

2006-08-30T12:32:00.000-04:00

That you love most about fall? LOL. Yeah, Adrian Paul does rhyme with fall...

Seriously, Fall is on it's way.

I love the crisp air, the smell of woodsmoke and how everything sounds differently. Fall leaves, Halloween and Thanksgiving. And then there are the foods!

What about you?

Sally:)

LAST RESORT COVER

2006-08-21T03:45:00.000-04:00

No words needed. Sigh.

Sally:)

Last Resort - Release Date!

2006-08-17T01:51:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited, I had to shout it here! Just received word from my editor that my next EC vampire book, LAST RESORT, will be released on September 20th.

Still waiting on my cover, but typically follows pretty soon after receiving word.

Thanks for letting me share my news!

Sally:)

New Book Contract - LAST RESORT

2006-07-29T01:44:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy to see this book contract with EC. Here's the blurb:

Last Resort
by Sally Painter

Unemployed Emma Trent can’t believe her dream job as masseuse of a luxury island resort just fell into her lap. There’s one thing the agency forgot to mention—the resort caters to vampires! She meets resort owner, Alex Masters, and reels. Alex is the mystery lover she’s been spending all her nights with—in her dreams.

Alex built the resort as a way for his kind to experience a “day at the beach”. But even the grand opening of his greatest achievement is overshadowed by the ache in his soul for one woman—the sensual woman who’s been tormenting his dreams with a taste of the love that has so far eluded him. When he meets the new masseuse, his libido kicks in with a vengeance. His dream woman has dropped out of his dreams and into his life. For a vampire this encounter means one thing—she’s his eternal mate. He didn’t count on Emma being mortal though—a deadly quality on an island of hungry vampires!

Unable to deny it’s more than overwhelming passion drawing them together, Emma’s faced with an impossible decision—choose between her fear of death or her love for Alex.