My Writing Process Blog Hop

My fellow Beachwalk Press Author Pepper Anthony tagged me in the "My Writing Process" Blog Hop.

Pepper and I have been writing for Beachwalk Press for a little over two years and have enjoyed wonderful experiences with the press. She has two books with them and one coming out later this year. You can learn more about Pepper here...

http://www.pepperanthony.com/

My Writing Process...

What are you working on at the Moment?

I'm currently working on the sequel to my popular novel The Weekend Proposition. This book focuses on Tyler Cannon, the brother of the hero in The Weekend Proposition. I'm excited to share this book because not only do I get to tell Tyler's story but readers get a chance to see how Spencer and Coda are doing. I plan to have The Weekend Surprise to my editor by the end of the month.

How Does Your Work Differ From Others in the Genre?

I try to step outside the box whenever I get a chance. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't but at the end of the day I tell the best romance I can.  My characters have depth. I want the reader to connect with them. I think it's important to create a backstory for them and help the reader understand why the characters act the way they do. I want to create a connection that stays with you long after you read the last page.

Why Do You Write What You Do?

Growing up I loved to read romances. The spicier the better but many left me wanting more. I didn't want the door shut in my face when they hero and heroine were getting to the good part. Not every book calls for explicit sex but leaving the bedroom door open helps the reader connect with the characters. I like to deepen the connection and what better way then to write about how they love one another in a physical way ;)

How Does Your Writing Process Work?

I've been writing my whole life. The plots and dialogue play out in my head like a movie. The ideas are constantly forming. I just go with it. There are times when an idea is in my head for years, growing and manifesting into what you see on the pages. When I sit down in front of the computer the words flow because I've given hours and hours of thought before I begin.

Celebrate the season with Pepper Anthony... Giveaway

LOOKING FOR THE MISTLETOE HOP? CLICK HERE!

I'm thrilled to celebrate the season with Pepper Anthony. Please be sure to check out her giveaway at the bottom of the post!

Thanks so much for having me as your guest today, Ella. I’m very excited to be a part of a great three-story holiday anthology this Christmas. Candlelight and Kisses brings you a trio of sexy love stories, just right for the holidays. Here’s the info about my story, Sunny’s Second Chance (27,000 words): 

Blurb:

It’s a rough Christmas for the just-divorced Sunny and her six-year-old daughter, Jasmine. When your no-good husband leaves you for a pretty young dancer, it’s hard not to feel old, fat and frumpy. But then she meets a handsome widower, Ben Stillman, and his young son, Spencer. The two kids hit it off, dragging their parents into an unwitting friendship. 

Sunny’s never thought about dating a white man. The whole interracial thing seems risky, especially since Jasmine is still struggling with adjusting to her father’s defection. What if the little girl gets attached to Ben and Spencer, and things don’t work out? 

Ben has been struggling under the weight of grief since his wife’s death a year ago. He suspects it’s too soon to move on, but somehow he wants to make Christmas special for Spencer. Then he meets Sunny and everything changes. She chases away the darkness and makes him feel alive again. Can the two of them learn to trust the magic between them long enough to give love a second chance?

Excerpt:

They pulled into her driveway. Leaving the motor running, he cracked his door open.

“If you can get your picnic basket, I’ll carry Jasmine inside,” he whispered.

“Okay. But what if Ben wakes up while you’re gone?”

“He’s a heavy sleeper. He’ll be fine. I’ll only be in the house for a minute.”

He undid Jasmine’s seatbelt and scooped the little girl up in his arms, then followed Sunny through the back door. They went up a few steps and into a roomy kitchen, where a night light burned above the stove. For a moment he thought he could still detect the smell of cookies in the air.

“This way.” She beckoned from another doorway. He went behind her down the hall and into a small, dimly lit bedroom that was decorated with posters of ponies and fairies. He laid Jasmine on the bed and turned to go.

“Thank you, Ben,” she whispered, following him out into the hall.

He came to a stop there, where a slice of soft yellow light came from what was probably the bathroom door. It fell directly across her face, making her eyes shine like golden pools.

“You’re welcome.” His heart was suddenly going a million miles an hour.

“I had a wonderful day. Jasmine did too. The best day in a long time.”

“Good. Good. I’ll email you the pictures.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

Several beats of awkward silence ticked by. He cleared his throat and took a half step forward. They were still whispering.

“Sunny.”

“Yes?”

“I had a wonderful day too.”  

“Uh huh.”

“I really want to kiss you.” His heart slammed even harder in his chest.

She stared up at him for several seconds. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Yes. I do.” Before she could stop him, he grasped her shoulders and pulled her in.

They were both still dressed in their coats, so he had only the vaguest impression of her breasts and hips pressed against him. He hovered above her lips for only a second, enough time to register the look of surprise on her face and then the sweep of her lashes as she let her eyes go closed and lifted her mouth to his.

Her lips were full and cushy, and she still tasted faintly of the mint candy cane she’d been sucking during the drive home. As he pressed his mouth to hers, careful to keep the kiss chaste, his whole body reacted. To her smell, her softness. To the kittenish sound she was making deep in her throat. His belly tightened and his cock hardened. His blood raced in his veins.

Holy shit! He was so ready to take this to the next level. Somehow he managed to rein himself in. He pulled his lips away from hers and stepped back, leaving her with a stunned expression on her face.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, and turned to go, not waiting for a response.

Along with Sunny’s Second Chance, readers will also enjoy a sexy Christmas reunion story by Kaylie Newell called The Mariner’s Gift (14,000 words) and a tale of small town romance by Nola Cross called A Home for my Heart (25,000 words). That’s three heart-warming, sexy stories for the price of one. Who can resist that?

Giveaway:

As a thanks to your readers for stopping by today, I’m awarding one copy of Candlelight and Kisses to a random commenter, so be sure and leave me a little note that you were here.

You can buy Candlelight and Kisses on Amazon here.

Or at Barnes and Noble here.

Or at Smashwords here.

I’d also love to have readers stop by my website/blog:  http://www.PepperAnthony.com

Or friend me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepper.anthony.39

Welcome Pepper Anthony...

Hi Readers! I’m excited to be celebrating the Second Anniversary of my first novella, NAKED TREATS. And I’m glad to be Ella Jade’s guest today, and to offer NAKED TREATS on sale for just 99 cents all month at all online outlets. I’m also doing a giveaway. For your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, see details at the end of this post.

Official Blurb:

How does a newly graduated culinary student distinguish herself in a city full of experienced personal chefs? Rose Phelps cooks for her private clients in the nude. Her favorite client is sexy and successful Zack Cranston, a confirmed bachelor. The more he’s around Rose, the harder it is for Zack to resist her naked charms. Still, he figures all he needs is one night between the sheets with her and he’ll be over it. 

Up till now, Rose has ignored his teasing advances; she’s dead set on keeping things all business between them. Then unexpected circumstances cause their emotional and personal boundaries to crumble. Will one night of smoking hot sex lead Zack and Rose to heartbreak and pain, or the possibility of a whole new future together? 

WARNING: The following excerpt contains adult content. By reading further, you certify that you are at least 18 years of age.

Spicy Excerpt:

He’d crossed the line just now, yes. But could you blame a guy? She’d stuck that delectable finger of hers right in his face.

To be honest, there were other delectable parts that he’d much rather have captured. Those parts are what had no doubt given him the erection. There were her lush red lips, which had been only inches away from his. Not to mention her naked breasts swinging soft and full as she’d beaten the eggs. Oh how he longed to close his mouth around one of her firm pink nipples.

Setting the bottle down, he swirled the liquor against the edge of the glass and then turned around. She was carefully filling the ramekins with hot custard, pretending to ignore him. Fine. As long as she didn’t put on her coat and leave in a huff, he hadn’t totally blown it with her.

He let out a long, slow breath. Okay. He’d bide his time for now; he’d continue to play the game her way. After all, he did have a reputation for his nerves of steel, his cool control, even under the most severe pressure. He was confident that her reserve would thaw, contract or no, and he’d have her between the sheets. He’d seen the way her pupils dilated and heard the catch in her breath. Hell, her nipples were hard as buttons right now, and not because of a chill in the air. He’d bet his BMW she was just as turned on as he was.

Yeah, one hot night together. That’s all he needed. He’d fuck her till she couldn’t stand up. They’d part as friends. She’d be out of his system for good then.

But she’d also be out of his kitchen. That knowledge stabbed through him, then he laughed at himself. The city was full of personal chefs he could hire. God knows he didn’t really need a naked one. 

Zack retreated to his favorite recliner in the living room and clicked on the television. From here, he only had to cant his head a few degrees to see what Rose was doing now. Something with lettuce and lemons. Then she turned to the wall oven and opened it to look in at the desserts, allowing him a perfect view of her curvy ass framed by the ties of the apron. His cock responded immediately. A whole new scenario began to play through his mind. Rose, bent forward over the island, her elegant pussy impaled from behind on his thrusting cock.

God.

Zack flicked blindly through a dozen TV channels. What had ever made him think he could have a naked female parading around his home and not want to fuck her? Especially someone as luscious as Rose? What a crazy, unnatural idea.

And he couldn’t be the only one of her clients dealing with this problem. No doubt most, if not all, of Rose’s clients wanted to fuck her.

Had they all managed to maintain their distance?

Or had she let her guard down for some of them?

An unreasonable streak of something like jealousy twisted in his gut as he pictured another man beside her at the island right now, nibbling her ear, squeezing her breasts, sweeping aside her apron. Helpless, he watched as the Rose of his fantasy dropped her spoon and turned into the embrace of the other man. Her throaty moans pierced him clear through. The stranger took possession of her, laying her back on the counter, spreading those creamy white thighs wide open. 

“Yes! Oh, yes!” Fantasy Rose cried, offering herself up like a delicious gourmet treat. When the make-believe man buried his face in Rose’s pussy, Zack leaped out of his chair and headed back out to the terrace.

The sun had set, throwing its colors onto the neighboring buildings and the lazy river that wound away in the distance. An evening breeze cooled his face. Some kind of small bird lit on the railing and then flitted away. Gradually, Zack came back to reality.

This simply wasn’t going to work.

He couldn’t wait any longer to have her.

He had thought he could, but this relentless pull toward Rose had become stronger than anything he’d ever experienced before. He turned and leaned back against the rail, staring through the glass of the sliding door. She was setting the table. A pair of tapers threw flickering light on the terrain of her face and body as she moved about the room.

An odd sense of yearning spiraled through him; the implications of it stunned him cold.

He wanted her in his bed, yes. God knows he’d wanted to fuck her since the first morning she’d appeared in that sweet little apron of hers.

But he wanted her there in his kitchen, too, setting his table. And he wanted her to look up at him and smile, and then stroll out onto the terrace with her own drink. He wanted her to stand beside him at the railing and watch as the sunset colors faded from the sky. He wanted her long, slim fingers intertwined with his.

Damn. Damn. He was so screwed.

One night with Rose, if she ever did give him the opportunity, wouldn’t be enough.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Intrigued? I hope so! Here’s where you can grab NAKED TREATS on sale during the month of April 2013 for just 99 cents:

Buy it on Amazon here

On Barnes and Noble here

Or from Evernight Publishing here

I’m also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter. To leave your comment, you’ll need to go to my website and click on the NAKED TREATS 2^nd ANNIVERSARY tab at the top of the website. Here’s a link to that page.

Thanks so much for stopping by Ella’s site today and for reading my excerpt! ~ Pepper

Beachwalk Press Authors... Batch 5

Are you finding some hot reads today?

 

 

Be sure to comment for your chance to win one of two 

 Amazon Gift Cards!

**Some Teasers contain adult content**

Next up we have...

 

Kaylie Newell 

With her heart in her throat, Jessica turned and bumped into a solid male chest clad in a wrinkled white t-shirt. Her eyes inched upward, over the obvious ridges of pectoral muscles, to the tanned skin of his neck, and finally to his face, where she had to tilt her head all the way back to see. He must have been at least six foot three, or maybe even taller. He towered over her, his short blond hair messy, his eyes narrowed into slits. He gave off the obvious impression of rolling right out of bed. And looked thoroughly ticked off.

 

“Just be glad it was me who found you and not Albert.”

 

Jessica forced herself to stand taller. “Who are you?”

 

“I’m guessing I’m going to be your babysitter for the next few days.” He grabbed her elbow. “Come on.”

 

She stepped to the side and yanked free. “I’m not going anywhere.”

His eyes raked over her, his lips settling into a hard line. “Lady, do you actually think you have a choice?”

 

Buy Link

 

***

Lacey Wolfe

Greg’s footsteps echoed on the stairs. Her heart raced in anticipation. She heard him clear his throat before opening the door. As he stepped in, she quickly placed her hands in her lap and diverted her eyes to the floor, but what she really wanted was to look up at him.

 

Greg stopped in front of her. “It’s been a long and frustrating day. Right now all I want is your pretty little mouth wrapped around my cock, sucking me off. What color are we at?”

 

“Green, Sir,” she responded.

 

“Good.”

 

Megan heard him let the zipper down. His pants and boxers then fell and he kicked them off.

“You may raise your head,” he said.

 

She looked up to see him slowly stroking his dick. He wrapped his free hand around her neck and guided her mouth to his cock. Megan opened right away, letting it slide in as far as she could.

Greg pulled out and held the tip to her lips. “Lick it.”

 

Letting her tongue swirl around the tip, she tasted him. A small drop of cum seeped out the tip and landed on her lower lip. Sucking in her bottom lip, she tasted the salty liquid.

“God, your mouth drives me crazy.” Greg shoved back into her mouth, not being gentle this time. “Relax your throat.”

 

His cock pushed through where she typically gagged. Never before had she had anyone this deep. Both of his hands curled in her hair and his hips pumped. His breathing was rapid, and she knew he was going to come soon. She did her best to stay calm, but she’d never had anyone release into her mouth before and she wasn’t sure what to expect.

 

“You’re going to take it all, do you understand me?” he said.

 

She hummed in agreement.

 

“Oh God, this feels so damn good.” His hips gyrated more, his grip tightened, and a warm, salty liquid burst into the back of her throat. Without time to think, she swallowed it down as he continued to pump into her.

 

After he caught his breath, he pulled his cock from her mouth. “You did good.”

 

Buy Link

 

***

 

 Tamaria Soana

From Giving In

 “Do you trust me?” he whispered against my skin.

“Yes, of course.”

“Bedroom, now,” he demanded.

We found ourselves in his dimly lit bedroom. He unzipped my sundress, letting it fall to the floor, my bra disappearing next. He spun me around. I could feel his erection pushing up against my ass as his hands roamed my body, finally cupping my breasts.

“God, I love your tits.”

His lips grazed my neck, and his hands firmly massaged my flesh and pinched my nipples. I turned to face him. I needed this man so bad. I unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it down his muscular arms as I placed light kisses on his chest. He smiled at me then unbuttoned his pants and slid them off. All that was left between us was his boxers and my thong.

“Crystal, do you still trust me?” he asked.

“Yes,” I responded breathlessly.

“Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

I stood there panting, watching as he went over to his dresser and pulled out two black silk scarves. My heart sped up and a wave of arousal swept through my body in anticipation of what he had in mind. His eyes met mine as he slowly walked toward me, gauging my reaction. I nodded, letting him know that I was okay with this. I trusted him completely.

“Relax, honey.” He placed one scarf over my eyes and tied it behind my head. “I would never hurt you,” he whispered in my ear.

 

Buy Link

 

***

 

Pepper Anthony

When a beautiful but innocent young woman is placed in the custody of her much older attorney, they are drawn into a powerful mutual sexual attraction. Jerrod struggles to resist the temptation to make love to Macy, but her nubile body and enchanting eagerness weave a spell of seduction he simply can’t resist. On her second night in his home, a naked midnight rendezvous at the hot tub brings their attraction to an unbearable tipping point, and Jerrod invites Macy into his bed. Once there, he schools the young woman in the exquisite responsiveness of her body, and awakens her to sexual pleasures she had only imagined.

 

But the morning brings feelings of remorse on both their parts. Macy knows her over-protective father would be furious, and Jerrod is convinced Macy should be with someone closer to her own age. They settle back into an uneasy platonic relationship, both secretly longing to more fully explore that elusive promise of love.

Then an unforeseen circumstance raises the stakes, and Macy must make the toughest decision of her life. Will she have the courage to lay claim to the man she can’t forget? And will Jerrod dare to open his wounded heart to love once again?

Warning: explicit adult content

 

 

 

 

 

Buy Link
 

***

GIVEAWAY

We're spreading the love all day! Comment for your chance to win one of two Amazon Gift cards! We have one $35 and one $25 up for grabs!

Leave a comment with your email address in any of the teaser posts today and you'll be entered into a random drawing. The more posts you comment on, the more chances you have to win. So keep checking back.

The next batch will feature a few more Beachwalk Babes. I'll reveal them an an hour! Can you wait until then?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author... Pepper Anthony

I'm thrilled to welcome my fellow Beachwalk Press author Pepper Anthony to the blog today.

*** 

What motivates Pepper Anthony, the author? Why do you write?

Wow, what a question! I write because I can’t not write. Sure, there have been periods of time when I had to put my literary aspirations aside, but I have always at least kept a journal, or written newsletters or short stories. I am drawn to the page. It’s really that simple. I bet most serious writers can identity with that.

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

 Writing is my destiny for sure. At about the age of four my father read the classic Black Beauty to me. I remember asking him how a horse could write a book, and he explained that someone had imagined what a horse would write about. I was enthralled with that idea – that someone can just write down whatever they wish to imagine – and it wasn’t long before I learned to read and then write my own little stories and poems. .

What is your favorite genre to write and why?

 I’d have to say that straight contemporary romance is my favorite, the steamier the better. Present-day settings and circumstances help me identify with my characters and their issues. Right now I’m exploring the “interracial” niche of contemporary erotic romance. I enjoy adding in that extra layer of possible conflict that the characters have to work through.

Is there a certain aspect of the story you begin with? Do you create the characters first or do you come up with the plot?

  Usually an idea will just hit me and I’ll start with “What if – “.  Ideas for stories are everywhere! Once the kernel of an idea occurs to me, I create the characters, their back stories and their main conflict. Then I let them loose to “play together”. I’m always fascinated at the plots my characters come up with.

Tell us about the most intriguing character you've created.

 Last year I wrote a short BDSM story for an anthology. The main character is a storyteller in a make believe time and place. Her job is to entertain a depraved old queen with her BDSM tales, in hopes of winning her freedom.  I’m very interested in going back and exploring both those characters more in depth. I’m sure the story teller has several more twisted tales that naughty Queen is waiting to hear.

What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?

 My first piece of contracted writing was an 8K short for an anthology of ménage stories. I just about passed out when I opened that email and saw the contract attached. That’s a rush I never get tired of.

Has there been a person or influence in your life that has helped you reach your writing goals?

  I can’t say enough good things about my two critique partners, Amy Lamont and Kaylie Newell. Not only are they great at pointing out (in a kind and constructive way) where my stories need help, but they are wonderful, supportive friends as well. I’ve faced some pretty tough personal challenges this past year, and I hate to think about trying to make it through without them. My family is also very supportive.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

 The most important thing is to never give up on your dream. Take time off if you have to, but don’t give up. When my second child was diagnosed as a toddler with a form of autism, I had to come to terms with the fact that there would be no time and energy left for my writing. He needed my full attention for many years, including years of homeschooling. Now he is grown and I’ve gotten back to writing. It’s never too late to pick up where you left off. Just don’t let go of that dream.

Tell us about your current release.  

Macy’s Awakening, published by Beachwalk press.

Can Macy and Jerrod overcome the differences in their age and race to find lasting love?

On Macy Wilson's first grown-up adventure to the big city, she inadvertently ends up in jail. Her father hires an old college friend, defense attorney Jerrod Preston, to get Macy out of trouble. Jerrod is more than willing to help out his buddy by representing the gorgeous young black woman, but finds he must first battle his intense attraction to her, especially when the judge puts Macy under his protective custody.

Still an innocent at the age of nineteen, Macy ignores the differences in their age and race and sees the opportunity to learn all about sex from the handsome older man. On her second night in his home, a naked midnight rendezvous at the hot tub proves too powerful for either to resist, and Macy is awakened to pleasure like nothing she could have imagined.

But the morning brings feelings of remorse on both their parts. Macy knows her father wouldn't approve, and Jerrod is convinced Macy should be with someone closer to her own age. They settle into an uneasy platonic relationship, both secretly longing for the love that now seems just beyond their grasp.

Then an unforeseen circumstance raises the stakes, and Macy must make the toughest decision of her life. When she lays claim to the man she can't forget, will Jerrod send her away, or dare to open his heart to love once more?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Macys-Awakening-ebook/dp/B005VXNXWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326232001&sr=8-1

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

  I’m currently working on another IR, the story of an embittered, widowed architect and the young woman who comes to help organize his home. The working title is Delsy’s Chance.

Where can readers connect with you?

   Website:  http://www.PepperAnthony.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001859508548

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pepperanthony

A little bit about Pepper...

 Like most writers, I’ve done a lot of other things along the way—voice actor, artist, bookkeeper, retail sales—but my first, best love has always been writing. Now I’m working toward making that my full time career. I live in a rural area outside Portland, Oregon with my very supportive husband and younger son, and a small menagerie of furry writing assistants. A firm believer in the Law of Attraction, I like to remind my friends: we create in our lives that which we focus most upon. So fill your head with positive, sexy thoughts!

***

Thanks so much for hanging out with us today!