In case you hadn't noticed, I've been away.

There's a saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm not sure if that's true, but it is a nice segue into explaining where I've been. 

I've made some huge changes in my life. Once again I've left the city for a country lifestyle, but it's one with a twist. My soul sister and her hubby have leased a country pub and they've invited me along for the ride.  It's been a very busy transition from city life to country. We hit the ground running with a party on the Saturday night after we arrived. The place was packed and it served as a huge learning curve for us all. Exhausted has been a word commonly thrown around since then. Unfortunately, along with being tired as I get accustomed to the workload, there hasn't been any time for me to write. I hope to rectify that very soon as we all seem to be falling into a regular routine of daily duties. I plan on adding writing to mine.

So where am I living? Well the town is called Mendooran. It's a small town adjacent to the Castlereagh River in the Warrumbungle Shire of central western New South Wales, Australia.The town is approximately 348 kilometres west of Sydney, so I'm a long way from city life and has a population of just over 300, so when I say a small country town I mean it...lol. All of the locals have been really friendly and trying to remember  their names is a huge task, especially when in true Aussie fashion, they have a real name and a nickname. I have to say, I'm totally confused most of the time but slowly making headway remembering them.

I was a little amused to find that the pub is pink. In Australia the local pub is like a huge man cave located on the main street of each town. Some towns boast more than one pub but not Mendooran, we're the pink pub on the corner, the only drinking/watering hole in town. It's not very masculine at all but the fellas don't seem to mind. We have cold beer and good food so that's all that really matters.

The pub was also part of an artists attempt to turn Mendooran into The Mural Town of the central west. Quite a few of the buildings left in town, and there aren't many, have murals depicting country life painted on them. 

This is one of the painting on the outside of the pub.

Some of my author friends have asked if the place is giving me inspiration for new books, characters or series. I guess time will tell what sort of influence the place has on me but let me just say this, I did have a few ideas for books when I went to the yearly rodeo festival. I was very inspired by the bucking broncos and the chap wearing lovelies that rode them.  

Edible Delights Vol 3

Edible Delights Volume Three has arrived. It's the final anthology in a series featuring Australian authors and some delicious food themed stories. 

Volume three includes works by Tasmin Baker, Khloe Wren, Willsin Rowe and me, Jan Graham.

Over the next few days I'll be highlighting each novella from the book to give you all a taste of what's included. 

The Anthology is available in most formats from Secret Cravings Publishing and should hit sellers such as Amazon, B&N, etc over the next week or so. The print version will be available in a few months.

If you haven't already done so follow me on twitter or Facebook (links to both appear on the side tab) to stay updated as more purchase links become available.

Buy Link: Secret Cravings Bookstore

Author Life - Under an Avalanche of Stuff

I have a confession...I'm a Virgo. Yes, it's true and there's no changing it. I also admit I'm one of those Virgo's who's true to the descriptions you read therefore, I don't function at my optimum when people, things, and everything else I think I should be able to control is disorganized or messy. After a writing week where I struggled to make sense of what to put on the page and where to go from here I'd had enough.  

Even my characters, Mercedes, Zane and Ash seemed to be affected by our surroundings and I ended up saying things to them like... I know you told me that before and I wrote it down but I just can't seem to find where I put it. 

Frustration was the word of the week and something had to give. 

Eventually it was me and I took a break to clean up the mess that had become my work area. It was a slow accumulation over a period of months and I kept telling my self I'd sort everything out later, later never came. 

Now I know some of you may look at the pictures and say, that's not messy. I'll keep my response to that simple...VIRGO.

I knew under the reams of papers that I had a printer, a diary, my plot, research and scene ideas for the book. I also have to admit my mail from the last three weeks or so lurked in and around the chaos. As did my new personal recorder that friends had given to me so I could record plot ideas or a scene on if I was out or woke up in bed in the middle of the night and didn't want to turn on the computer. I can speak the story and then type it up later. It's brilliant. I definitely needed to find that. I could see the empty box, even the instructions for it were visible in the mess, the slimline device wasn't. At some stage over the weekend, I'd also managed to bury my mobile somewhere in the clutter. 

So I began. My methodical Virgo brain knowing exactly where to start. Put the purple bra away. That, of course, led to me sorting out all my clothes and repacking my drawers and wardrobe. I now have a nice bag of clothes for the thrift store. Avoidance behavior I hear you say. Au contraire, mon ami, the bra HAD been put away, along with the jeans and a couple of tops strewn over furniture. I was an hour into it and I'd effectively moved three items, I was on a roll...lol.

After about 4 hours of putting things away, opening and dealing with mail (oops), filing and completing a few other unfinished tasks, I looked at my new well organized space and smiled with contentment. Order restored. I found the voice recorder, mobile phone and external hard drive that I knew had to be somewhere, along with four coasters that I thought had been lost forever. I also confirmed that under the mess I did indeed have a printer. 

With life now back in order, I'm ready for my new work week. I just have one final thing to do today and I bet you can't guess what it is... the picture below might give you a little hint at what it is. 

The Author Life for Me

I often am amazed that what people assume I do as an author and what I actually do are two completely different things. I know I've blogged about it before but I need to do it again since it's on my mind once more. When I tell people that I'm an author words like wow, exciting, cool and amazing get thrown around. Of course then there is usually a statement about how whoever I'm talking to has always wanted to write a book. The fact is my life isn't really exciting or that amazing, it sometimes has a few wow moments but generally it's not what you think it is.

Today for example I'm sitting in front of the computer typing, just like many people do in their everyday jobs. That will be my day, a solitary typist sitting at her desk and talking to herself (or the characters in my head) as she tries to work out what words go together to form a coherent story that people may like. I've been awake since 5.30 a.m. I've been working since I woke and I'll continue to work until I decide my day is over (usually around 6 p.m. or the likes). I'll take a break from the screen and tapping away at the keyboard for lunch or cuppas, but not from thinking about my work. You see whether I'm in front of the computer or going out for groceries or cooking a meal, the characters are always there, the current book is always on my mind. It's all consuming.

Now I'm not saying there aren't advantages to working as I do, one of them being I'm at home. So again today, for example, I'm sitting in my PJ's, rugged up in a blanket with my fluffy slippers on as I construct this blog. I didn't have to brave the cold (yes it's winter in Australia) or get dressed, put on makeup, do my hair and arrive at an office by a designated time. Sometimes I'll sit in my jammies all day and work because it doesn't matter how I look, I won't see another soul. 

Being an author is a solitary business, which for the most part suits me. Even promoting your book is a solitary activity. In the modern ebook era if I do an interview or a book tour as a way of promotion it's done from home, mostly over the internet. I get the interview questions or design a blog post and email it away to whomever and then wait for the information to go live in cyber town. When Finding Angel was released I did a blog tour. It amused me that I could actually 'appear' all around the world all from the comfort of my then office in the Southern Highlands of N.S.W, Australia. As part of the promotional activities, there may, or may not, be discussion on the blog or website the information appears on, so I keep an eye on that in order to respond if necessary, but the activity is still void of human contact. We're all cyber identities conversing via electronic means from our own little worlds. 

The other misconception people seem to have about being an author is that I'm rich, or at least make an income that supports me in the lifestyle they believe I lead. The opposite is true. I'll need a lot more publications before I can even claim to make a modest living from writing. Most authors, including me, have alternate sources of income that pays the bills. Whether that be a partners income, a regular day job or other money to keep them housed, clothed, fed and pay the bills. I'm not saying that I don't make any money from writing but it certainly doesn't provide for my needs. The money from writing comes in, usually, on a quarterly basis, and it often goes back out on items like swag, competition prizes and other promotion like advertising to further sales in the next quarter. It doesn't take me on an overseas trip around the world, although I hope it will one day. 

The other thing I try to inform my friends about my work is this. Just because I'm home doesn't mean I can go out or talk on the phone for hours on end, I'm home because I'm working. Sometimes I almost feel rude about ignoring the phone or sending a text saying 'not can't go out I'm writing'. I realize many of my friends will understand but that doesn't mean I haven't lost some friends because of saying no or ending a phone call before they are ready for it to finish. Sometimes even plans I've made change. Recently I'd set the day aside to go out with a girlfriend to the movies. I'd been working flat out and the words had been flowing at a great rate. When Friday morning arrived the words were still pouring out of me and I didn't want to stop the flow, so I rang her and said I'm not going out I'm staying home to write. She understood and agreed if I was on a roll then I should stick to it, but unfortunately that isn't the case with everyone.  The plain and simple truth is, if I don't write I don't make any money, so I need to prioritize the time to get the next book out. 

One of my favorite things (not) that friends have said is, 'but I saw you on Facebook so I know you aren't working'. Well, actually, yes I am. Authors do their own promotion and networking via the world of social media. I don't use it for fun, although some of the thing that happen and conversations I have when I'm on there can be fun, but it's not the reason I log in. I'm updating my author page, I'm talking with readers, authors and publisher...I'm making a living (well except when I play Candy Crush, then I'm just frustrating myself...grr).  

I should just clarify that I'm not writing this blog to complain or bitch about being an author. I wouldn't change what I do for the world, it's the love of my life at the moment (yep, no love interest on the horizon) and I'm thankful I have the opportunity to do it. I'm mainly blogging about this so that people have a better idea of what my job is actually like. 

If you're thinking of being an author then great, do it, but don't go into it thinking it's the be all and end all to happiness and an exciting life. It's a job, just like any other. Sometimes there's the wow moments but mostly it's a quiet, solitary lifestyle that brings more personal fulfillment and joy than monetary gain or notoriety. 

So, author friends, have you been faced with misconceptions about what you actually do that frustrates you? And, readers friends (I know sometimes we are both) do you have anything you've ever wondered about a authors life that you'd like to ask but never been game? I'll try to answer anything as honestly as I can. 

Have a great day everyone. 

   

Edible Delights Vol 2 Author Highlight - Bianca Sarble

Flavor of the Month

Guest post by Bianca Sarble

When it comes to food and sex, the first thing that comes to mind is cake. A deliciously decadent piece of mud cake, served with whipped cream by a sexy, preferably half naked man in front of a roaring fire! Whether you’re vanilla, strawberry or rocky road, sometimes the right food can make you moan just as much.

In Flavor of the Month, Cate Gallagher is a baker but it’s a long time since she’s had any men in her kitchen. She’s learned the hard lesson that all that glitters isn’t sugar coated.

Patrick Garrett is the man to change her mind. He pulls out all the stops and tries to charm her out of his favourite caramel sauce, and if he’s lucky, her heart as well.

I hope you enjoy Flavor of the Month as a part of the Edible Delights Anthology Vol. 2, and read it with a serving of your foodie guilty pleasure.

Excerpt: Flavor of the Month by Bianca Sarble

Taking a break from the Sunday morning breakfast rush, Cate rested her head on the cool surface of the stainless steel countertop wishing the relief she needed would kick in. Either from the pain meds she’d taken for the massive headache, or the two blocks of chocolate she’d eaten to ease the sexual frustration. It seemed now the feminine parts of her had come out of hibernation, they wanted to feast on spring berries. Specifically, Patrick’s berries.

Tying her apron over her work uniform of white T-Shirt and black shorts, she looked up the length of the counter. There he was ordering coffee from Millie, complete with panty-drenching smile. If he aimed that thing her way again, she’d need another block or two of chocolate, which wouldn’t keep her in a size fourteen for long. She tried to turn with the hope he hadn’t seen her.

“Hey, Cate!”

No such luck. She slowly turned to the ordering station.

“How’s your head today?”

She smiled with a level of enthusiasm she didn’t feel. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

“I see my raw masculinity still hasn’t won you over. Can I at least tempt you to sit and have a coffee with me?”

His grin was infectious. His voice was like velvet on her very sensitive nerves.

“Ah…no.”

“No? Is it because I knocked you down with my reckless driving? I can promise you’d make it to your chair without incident.”

He made her laugh. She’d give him that. “Sorry, but the fact that you drive a BMW and wear designer labels doesn’t impress me. Been there, done that. Plus, it’s just Millie and I here today so I really don’t have time to sit around drinking coffee.”

“Got me all worked out have you? We’ll see about that. I know you won’t be able to resist my animal magnetism once you get to know me.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ll just wait around to see if you change your mind.” He grinned and stepped backward.

“I doubt I will.”

He just grinned at her, almost in challenge

What was it about this man that made her laugh? She wanted to stay mad, but it seemed impossible whenever he was around. It didn’t hurt that he looked like a GQ cover model or that his voice sent shivers down her spine, but the kicker was the warmth in his smile.

“Okay, come in. I’ll grab some coffee.”

While she worked on the coffee, Patrick put the flowers on the counter before perusing the sample tray. “So, what are we tasting tonight?”

Cate froze. Cake. He’s talking about cake, not body parts. “Carolyn said she wanted something different, so we have the cherry mud cake, Tia Maria mud cake, Cookies & Cream, chocolate mud cake and last but not least, butterscotch with its own caramel icing.”

“I’m guessing that’s your favorite right?”

“My favorite is all of them. It’s too hard to choose just one.”

As she approached the table with the coffee, he surprised her again by coming around and pulling her chair out for her. His body heat radiated against her back and she had to stop herself leaning into his muscular chest. She gave herself a mental slap to pull her professional mask back in place as she sat. She broke off a piece of her first selection with a fork and offered the handle to him.

“This is the cherry mud cake. I have a recipe for a cream cheese icing that sets it off perfectly.”

Keeping his gaze on hers, he folded his fingers around her hand and guided the fork to his mouth. He hummed and licked his lips as the flavor exploded in his mouth, drawing her attention to his very lickable lips. Maybe she should have served ice water instead of coffee because she certainly didn’t need to heat things up.

Edible Delights Vol 2 Author Highlight - Imogene Nix

The Chocolate Affair

Guest Blog by Imogene Nix

I love chocolate. It’s gooey and oozy as it melts on your fingertips. Silky and smooth coating...well, coating cashews or strawberries in particular.  It’s true I do like food and in particular well prepared and tasty foods, but my weakness is, like many women, for the sweet treats that come afterwards.

It’s not just the sensual texture that draws me. It’s the taste and the way I feel afterwards.  Yes, I guess it is an addiction because I know chocolate releases both endorphin's and serotonin into the body. And yes, chocolate does contain caffeine, which is a known addictive substance, but it also contains many other aspects that are actually good for you (although as with anything, it should be enjoyed in moderation.)

Now, endorphin's are the “make you feel better” chemicals and works very quickly which is why you get that rush straight afterwards and serotonin is also a regulator of the sense of well being (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin.)  Plus with the added benefit of the fats in the chocolate which makes the flavours more intense it releases another chemical called galanin which helps to control, among many other things, our sense of feeling good. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galanin)

Did you know:

Chocolate lowers blood pressure, lowers the bad cholesterol, and lowers the risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:

Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.

Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent. (source: http://homemadebyjaci.com/3-really-awesome-health-benefits-of-eating-chocolate/)

Anyway, when I sat down to write my story about Edible Delights it occurred to me, knowing these extraordinary facts, that setting my story of healing a broken heart, the journey of two lost souls in a chocolate factory just made sense.

So here’s a taste: The Chocolate Affair by Imogene Nix

His first view of Deanna McCalchy had taken in the glorious lush curves and midnight hair as she shook it free of the ugly confining hat she wore. Her blue dress molded to her body while the heat of instant arousal suffused him.

Now here stood a true goddess. The thought took him by surprise. He hadn’t thought in those terms for over a hundred years.

His small exclamation of interest had taken her by surprise and she had slipped. He moved with his preternatural speed extending his hands and catching her before she hit the floor.

As one of the two owners of Rustafan, he kept a low profile. He didn’t want his father’s minions to know where he and his sister, Entara, were. They had taken on Christabel as their media spokesperson well before she’d become Entara’s lover. This afforded them a gratefully accepted anonymity.

It was a habit to hide his personal life from others. Right now, he embraced the freedom that afforded him to scan the woman in his arms, feel the weight of her body.

She watched him silently while he righted her.

“Hello, what have I found here? A pleasure princess from Piero?” Knowing that the business mainly transacted with the pleasure planets, the words slipped out. He cringed as soon as he heard them. But she didn’t take offense at his words—at least not vocally, though a red tide crept over her cheeks.

“I don’t know who you are. But this is a restricted zone.” Her soft words of censure made him smile even as she gazed into his eyes. She was off balance, all the better for him to find out how the factory worked and maybe about her too. He shook himself mentally. That wasn’t why he was here.

“That’s okay, I’m supposed to be here.”

“And why are you supposed to be here?” Her words betrayed her interest, but he detected no knowledge of him in her mind and let the tension release from his muscles.

“I’ve been sent here to assess Scheherazade.” He held out one of his hands, and as she clasped it he felt a jolt of recognition, leaving him breathless for just a second. “I’m JD Ruan.”

“Oh heavens.” Her face pinked slightly again and he grinned, though he worked to contain his amusement at her old-fashioned comment.

Book Blurb:

Deanna has one love. The Scheherazade Chocolate Factory. When it’s bought out by an off world consortium, they send someone to inspect their purchase.

JD Ruan is their expert investigator. But JD has a secret. He’s a demon. And not just any kind of demon –a Pleasure Demon.

Secrets, abilities and hidden truths will find their way… especially when chocolate is involved.

About the author

A mother of two, compulsive reader and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, 2 daughters, dog, cats and prize winning chooks. She has a particular fondness for Vampires, Star Ship Captains and things that go bump in the night.

She is also a firm believer in writing what you enjoy… something she strictly adheres to!

Connect with Imogene Nix

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+

Edible Delights Vol 2 Author Highlight - Kate Belle

The Banquet

Guest post by Kate Belle

Thanks for having me here again, Jan. I’m very excited about the inclusion of The Banquet in Edible Delights Vol 2 and really happy to share the inspiration for my story.

I’m a big fan of food and sex. They are a great combination, don’t you think? All that juicy deliciousness and sensual pleasure just go together so well. And no one does sexy food better than Nigella Lawson. She’s one of my favourite cooking celebrities and the inspiration for my character Sheba in The Banquet.

I’ve watched with fascination as Nigella’s sexy kitchen antics made the heterosexual men around me melt into a gooey mess. ‘What is it about her?’ I ask them, and their adjectives soon dissolve into oooh’s and aaahh’s and funny little grunts. Whatever it is that Nigella’s got, it’s hard to put into words.

There are many things I love about Nigella. I love that she’s not scared of fat or salt (two of my favourite additives). I love her unapologetically rubenesque figure. I love the uninhibited way she talks about and enjoys food.

When thinking about a theme for my Edible Delights story I kept returning to Nigella and her sensual relationship with food. I wondered what Nigella would serve up to a room full of beautifully dressed men with well developed palates all hungering for her, not just her menu. I imagined a feast of Roman Empire proportions: excessive, decadent, magnificent, a sensory heaven. And I imagined how those men might show their gratitude for such divine offerings, especially if the dishes were mainly aphrodisiac foods. A feast indeed! 

The scene that unfolded in my imagination resembled the renaissance paintings of Ruben. A gathering of plump and sensual nudes draped over a table or each other, indulging in the various pleasures of the flesh, with Sheba at the centre of it all.

Throw into this mix a man who sees Sheba, my celebrity chef, as his saviour. Why? It is her aphrodisiac recipes that have saved him from a life of enforced celibacy. You see, James isn’t an attractive man. I liked the idea that a man cursed with bad looks might find a way to romance through food. James and Sheba are the antithesis of the perfect couple, she is gorgeous and he is not, but James is nonetheless determined to win Sheba’s favour. And what better way to do it than through her taste buds? James develops an exclusive dessert to tempt Sheba. She is intrigued and jealous and sets out to wrest the recipe from James using her many alluring talents.

‘I can be terribly persuasive.’ Sheba stuck two fingers over the top of his jeans and pulled his pelvis toward her. ‘Perhaps you’d like to come back to my hotel room and I’ll try to prise the secret out of you.’

Will James give away his prize recipe in the hope of gaining Sheba’s love? Or will he use it to gain entry into Sheba’s private world? What unfolds is a tale of culinary and sexual one-upmanship where the only one who wins is the one who can keep a secret.

About the Author - Kate Belle

Kate is an accomplished, multi-published author of dark and sensual erotic fiction. Her first full length novel, The Yearning, was published in April 2013 by Simon & Schuster to rave reviews.

Kate holds a tertiary qualification in chemistry, half a diploma in naturopathy and a diploma in psychological astrology. Kate believes in living a passionate life and has ridden a camel through the Australian desert, fraternised with hippies in Nimbin, had a near birth experience and lived on nothing but porridge and a carrot for 3 days.

Kate lives, writes and loves in Melbourne, juggling her strange, secret affairs with her male characters with her much loved partner and daughter, and a menagerie of neurotic pets.

Blog/website: http://www.ecstasyfiles.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katebelle.x

Twitter: @ecstasyfiles

The Banquet by Kate Belle

Unattractive and lonely James is a cook and restaurant owner obsessed with Sheba, a sexy celebrity chef famous for her aphrodisiac recipes, which have saved James from a life of involuntary celibacy. In studying Sheba’s recipes James has created the ultimate in aphrodisiac desserts, a recipe that never fails to lure women into his bed.

When Sheba appears at the Sydney Writers Festival, James takes the opportunity to meet her at her book signing and woos her with a gift of his dessert. Sheba finds James’ speciality irresistible and exchanges a night of pleasure for the recipe. But James is clever and keeps one ingredient secret, hoping Sheba will pursue him for it. Two months later James receives an invitation to Sheba’s annual banquet, a mysterious event everyone who’s anyone in the hospitality industry is aware of but knows little about. Nervous and out of his depth, James attends in the hope of repeating his one night with Sheba. But nothing can prepare him for what lies ahead as Sheba introduces him to a world where the boundaries between food, sex and one-upmanship are entirely blurred.

Edible Delights Volume 2

For everyone who enjoyed reading Edible Delights Vol 1 then get excited. Volume 2 is due for release on the 17th of this month, that's only four days away...*squee.

In order to celebrate I'm going to have a series of blog posts between now and when the book comes out featuring the five authors included in the anthology. I hope you enjoy what the ladies have written for you, both here on the blog and also in Edible Delights Vol 2. 

Starting tomorrow I'll have one post a day by the participating authors starting with Alysha Ellis, then followed by Seanna Smythe, Kate Belle, Imogene Nix and last, but in no way least, Bianca Sarble. I hope you enjoy the fun week that's planned. As soon as the pre-sale and purchase links are available I'll be adding them to the posts, so stay tuned.

Massive Aussie Giveaway

No you can't win Australia but you can win a selection of great romances written by some amazing Aussie Authors.

Riverina Romantics has organised this huge giveaway. There are ebooks, print books, swag and gift cards. It's more than massive it's Gargantuan. To be part of the action, click on the link below and get yourself in the draw. You can earn over 20 entries and it's as simple as liking some Facebook pages.
How exciting... good luck everyone.

Riverina Romantics Massive Aussie Giveaway

Cuddle Up with A Contemporary Romance Blog Hop

Check out all participating authors by clicking here

I know it's spring over in America but in my neck of the woods (Australia) it's Autumn and we are quickly heading into winter. The days are getting cooler, people are mentioning it's time to get the fires ready for the cold nights ahead and of an evening, if you don't take a jacket when you go out, you have the potential to freeze... brr.

I discovered this fact for myself when I went to a party a few weeks ago. Canberra is our capital and it's set slightly inland and further south than where I currently live. I didn't even think the temperature would be that different to my coastal home. Silly me. The temperature went below zero the night of the party and all I had to wear was a lightweight dress and lace jacket. Talk about cold. Luckily for me there were outdoor fire pits, a lovely wood-fired heater inside and a fair amount of alcohol flowing to keep me warm. Oh and of course there were some lovely men who offered to hold trembling women in their arms to prevent them from freezing. Chivalry isn't dead ladies, well not in Canberra at least. :)

Anyway, back to the Cuddle Up with A Contemporary Romance Blog Hop. It's the perfect blog hop for any romance lover but especially for us Aussie's. Fire up the ebook reader, make a hot chocolate, grab a blanket and sit by the fire to read about the chivalrous heroes we all adore. And you never know if you pick a book from an Aussie author you may get to read about one of those lovely men in Canberra that offered to help keep me warm. 

As part of the blog hop I'm giving away two things that make cuddling up easy to do. The winner will receive a PDF copy of the just released (as in yesterday, so it's brand new) Anthology - Edible Delights Vol. 1, plus a tasty little indulgence pack.

Edible Delights introduces you to the writing of four Australian erotic romance authors. An excerpt from my novella, All You Can Eat, which is included in the anthology, features below. The indulgence pack includes a coffee mug, coffee, tea and hot chocolate selections and a small packet of Australia's infamous chocolate biscuit the Tim Tam... how yummy. 

To enter select an option from the choices listed in the competition panel following the excerpt. The winner will be chosen by raffle-copter within 48 hours of the competition ending and notified via email. Good luck everyone. 

For information on who else is participating in the blog hop, visit the Secret Cravings Blog at http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/

Hot Off the Presses Excerpt - All You Can Eat  by Jan Graham

Kat strode to the bathroom and turned on the cold water, hoping a chilly start to the day would calm the heat of her arousal. The water rushed over her naked skin causing a shiver, her breasts ached as her nipples became more erect than Kat thought humanly possible. Picking up the cake of soap, she lathered her body. Her hands sliding over wet soapy flesh felt unexplainably sensual so she changed tack, adopting the roughly-lather-quickly-rinse approach. It didn’t feel any less erotic as visions of Jai taking her crudely, forcefully, filled her mind. Kat rested her head against the cool tile wall, an aggravated moan accompanied the soapy bubbles as they disappeared down the drain. The situation was impossible.

“Do you need any help washing your back, kitty kat?” The sound of Jai’s deep voice caused her pussy to clench. She groaned, flicking off the faucet, Kat quickly reached for the towel hanging over the glass petition of the cubicle.

Jai stood in the doorway leading from his bedroom, jeans sitting low on his hips, muscular stomach and chest on full display, hair ruffled from just getting out of bed. The look on his face could only be described as wicked and Kat averted her eyes, attempting to ignore the distinctive bulge at his groin. She summoned the energy to appear indignant.

“How long have you been there and why are you in here?” she snapped.

“Well, hearing your soft moans, I thought I’d better investigate. Luckily, I arrived around halfway through the soapy display. So, in answer to the first part of your question, long enough to be entertained, amused, aroused. As to the why, well, you didn’t lock the door. I did warn you last night. I believe I said—”

“Yes I remember.” Kat snapped. “If I don’t want you catching me wet and naked in the shower I need to lock the door.” Kat adjusted the towel to ensure she was fully covered. Not that it mattered now because he’d seen her in all her glory—every curve and wobbly bit—she doubted the soap covered anything much.

“Exactly, therefore I assumed…door not locked…my kitten wants me to see her naked, glistening with water and bubbles.”

“Male logic never ceases to amaze me.” Kat couldn’t decide if she wanted to smack the smug look off his face or have him rip the towel off her body, then take her roughly, pressed up against the bathroom wall. Maybe both would be equally satisfying.

He stalked toward her, grabbed a fistful of wet hair, engulfed her lips with his own and immersed her in the most passionately, erotic kiss she’d ever experienced. Her arms entwined his neck, the desire to respond with equal vigor overwhelming her. Jai swallowed each moan of delight elicited from her, a guttural groan his response to the need she expressed. The towel slipped from her body as he released her mouth. She gazed into lust-filled eyes as he began to gently dry her skin with the towel, she now realized, he’d pulled from her.

Kat couldn’t speak, the kiss leaving her breathless, the aching need between her legs clouding her mind. His towel-covered hands pawing at her breasts, down her back, over her legs, between her thighs as he dried her held her in a mesmerized state of confused delight. She should stop him. He had no right to even be here, his behavior—totally inappropriate. Oh but it felt so right, so good, and so damned erotic she didn’t want him to stop. Kat moaned deeply, leaning back against his bare chest as the towel tumbled to the floor allowing Jai’s now bare hand to cup the flesh between her thighs.

“I don’t seem to be able to get you completely dry, kitty kat.” His fingers pressed between her lips, stroking gently over her clit. “I wonder how horny you will have to become before you ask me to take you, because I won’t take you until you ask.”

Kat could barely breathe as her body erupted with heat. She wanted Jai more than any man she’d met before, but at the right time, in the right place. Not here and now, the focus of this visit should be work, not fornicating with her mentor’s son.

“Please, Jai.” Kat’s words were spoken with a groan. “Your father may not approve…I need to think of the reason I came here not our attraction for each other. Please, don’t do this to me.”

“I love the desperate way you say please, kitty kat. I’m wondering when you finally say the words—should I make you beg before satisfying you?” He removed his hand, kissing the top of her head as he released her. “Now, I’ll leave you to dress. Wear something sexy for breakfast. Father won’t be back until tomorrow morning as the food critics’ luncheon is set for noon. So it’s just us here until then.”

Jai walked out the door before Kat could respond, leaving her steadying herself on the basin for the second time in less than twenty-four hours.

Click to Purchase

Edible Delights Vol 1 is published by Secret Cravings Publishing and available for purchase at their website.  

If you enjoy reading Edible Delights Vol 1, watch out for the next two volumes highlighting even more Australian erotic romance writers for you to enjoy.

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Pre Release Day Giveaway - Edible Delights Vol 1

Edible Delights link

The wait is nearly over and very soon you'll be able to delve into a feast of erotic romance like you've never read before. Edible Delights Vol 1 features four Australian authors who have written some truly delicious, food related erotic romance novellas to tempt your reading taste buds. The anthology is due out on Friday, 17th May, through Secret Cravings Publishing...but, as one of the authors appearing in volume one (there are three books in total) I simply don't want you to have to wait. So you don't have to (yay) I'm giving away a PDF copy of the anthology to one lucky reader. 

To give you a hint at the type of story you'll find in the anthology, below is a little teaser blurb about my novella. For other info about the anthology please click the Edible Delights Link under the cover picture.

Edible Delights Vol 1 - All You Can Eat by Jan Graham.

Combine one sexy chef, a dominant food critic, and a generous splash of mistaken identity. Apply heat to create a deliciously erotic banquet for two. 

As a Chef, Katrina McGregor knows she can’t please everyone so when a prominent food critic slams her signature dish she’s faced with a choice. Crumble under the weight of one man’s opinion or use it as motivation to change. Katrina’s curiosity peaks when she’s invited to trial her new menu at the critic’s country estate. Why has he taken such an interest in her career and is food the only thing that Conrad Fletcher has on his mind?

Conrad Fletcher refuses to be held responsible for Katrina assuming his elderly father and namesake is the critic who condemned her food. If his plan to seduce the voluptuous little chef who captured his attention weeks earlier succeeds, not only will Katrina have a critically acclaimed menu, she’ll also be in his arms and home forever. The only thing that threatens to prevent successfully achieving that goal—her reaction to a simple case of mistaken identity. 

How to enter: 

Putting in an entry is simple (at least I hope it is...lol). Choose an option in the competition box below and you go in the draw...easy. Good luck everyone. 

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Author Hot Seat Welcomes Maggie Nash

The author hot seat specials are designed to help readers get to know some of todays popular and up and coming authors a little better. The questions are broken into four sections - About your writing, about you, fun stuff and finally. Some of the questions are easy, other may need a little more thought and some may cause our author friends to hesitate before answering. Still, they all answer.

Today we welcome Maggie Nash to the hot seat, Maggie is not only a great author but a fun  person to hang out with.  Having attended the Australia Romance Readers Convention earlier this year with her I can vouch for that. Let's see what  Maggie has to say today.

About your writing:

How did you get started as a writer?

I know this sounds really cliché, but I really did start writing one day when I ran out of books to read. I was a stay at home mum at the time, and I’d gotten in the habit of reading at least one book a day! Yes, it’s true – I am a book addict. This particular day my car was getting serviced and I was stuck in the house. Public transport and shops weren’t much of an option where I was living, and I realised that I’d already re read most of my keepers. I sat at the computer tapping my fingers on the mouse and wondering what I could do, then it came to me – why not write one myself? So I made myself a cup of tea, thought about what I would like to read, and then sat back at the computer and wrote the first chapter of my first book.  I realised very quickly that I had no idea what I was doing, so I researched and found writing organisations and groups online, and joined Romance Writers of Australia and from there I was hooked!

Why do you write?

I’m not sure, to be honest. I’ve always been one of those people who notice things…things others don’t necessarily see, and I like to share what I see, feel and think. So maybe that’s it? Or maybe I’m just an exhibitionist at heart LOL.

Have you ever had a day you wanted to quit and never write again?

Absolutely! But they don’t last long because as soon as I think I want to quit, I start thinking about how much I would miss it and I start planning the next writing session J

Do you feel lucky to be doing what you are doing?

Oh yes, I love writing, I love working with my editor, and getting a new cover and seeing the book for sale…all of it is so much fun and I feel very blessed.

Tell me how you got to where you are today?

To be honest, it’s been a long and rocky journey LOL.  I started my first book in 2003, it was published in 2005, then a few publishing company disasters happened and I was out of circulation for a few years, but I came back and since 2009 I’ve had 5 books out.  Yes, I’m a slow writer!

How do your family/spouses react to your work as an author? Do they know what you write? 

My family are very supportive. My husband loves reading my books and my mum says the sex scenes are “very educational” J  My sons think it’s cool, but will never read any of my stuff… “We don’t want those pictures in our heads!”

About you:

What are you passionate about in life?

My family, my friends, my writing and my day job teaching at university.

If you had to give a thank-you speech at the Oscars, who would you thank and what would you say?

I’d thank my writers group for their support and friendship, my editors and publishers for helping me be a better writer, Romance Writers of Australia for getting me off on the right track, my readers for taking the time to look at my work, and my family for putting up with me when I’m on a deadline!

What are the three most important life lessons you’ve learned that might make life easier for others?

Forgive and move on.

Don’t stress about what you can’t change.

Keep working towards that dream and it will happen!

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. Whom would it be and why?

I want to be Eve Dallas – because I want to be married to Roarke!

What's the worst thing you did as a kid?

When I was 3, I was supposed to go to a neighbours house for the day while she visited my brother in hospital, but I hated them, so I tricked my mum into thinking I’d gone there…then snuck back into the house and stayed by myself for the day….until some friends of my mother dropped by and found me!  They got me dressed in my best clothes and took me to the beach and bought me fish and chips and icecream!

What do you do to have fun?

I love to spend time with my friends while I’m drinking a great coffee.

Share a funny incident in your life.

You mean my adventure as a 3 year old isn’t funny enough?

Fun Stuff:

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Definitely Julia Roberts.

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Chocolate brownies…crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

What is your favorite color- food- song- movie?

Purple-chocolate-Home by Michael Buble-Moonstruck

What's the funniest pick up line ever used on you?

D’you root?  (Yes – really!)

What's the one thing you can't live without?

My Redness Solutions makeup for my red face!

And finally:

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, it's raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
                       -An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
                       -An old friend who once saved your life.
                       -The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
You can only fit one person in your car, who would you choose to offer a ride to?

Wow – that’s a tough one!  I am thinking I would comfort the old lady, give the perfect partner a kiss, then save my old friend. 

Thanks Maggie, and yes the story of when you were threee was funny enough :) If you'd like to ask Maggie anything just pop your questions in the comment section or if you just want to find out more about Maggie and her work then check out the following links.

Links:

www.maggienash.com

www.maggienash.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/maggienash

https://www.facebook.com/maggienash

Maggies has a new book, KINKY BET (Releasing on 29 April, but available for pre order now!) Here's a littel peek at what you're in for. For anyone wanting to pre-order please click the buy link at the bottomof this post. 

Blurb:

Who knew losing a bet could be this much fun?

Erica Nielsen agreed to a bet with her best friend, but she never imagined losing would involve a weekend of punishment at Dangerous Liaison, a BSDM retreat. But was it really punishment being trained by a sexy Irishman who takes her on a sexual journey of a lifetime?

Conal Brennan agrees to help a young woman find her submissive nature. He always enjoys being the one in control, but one look at the Nordic blonde he calls 'Fire girl' and he’s not sure who’s controlling whom.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of light BDSM, spanking, bondage, voyeurism, group sex, public sex, M/F/M, some F/F action and a whole lot of kink!

BUY LINK :

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2085