Favorite Movie Soundtracks

I'm in the mood for some good music this Monday because I re-watched Forrest Gump this weekend and it is one of my very favorite soundtracks of all time. I love all those rock-n-roll classics, the mood music...I could listen to those tracks all day long, I swear. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Joy To The World" by Three Dog Night, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd...I know all the words by heart and sing 'em out loud when no one's around because ears would be bleeding for sure. They do put me in a great mood, though. Especially when I'm driving. I tap out the beats on the wheel and it makes me a whole lot more pleasant in the car in heavy traffic. I tend to cuss out the other drivers who get on my last nerve.

Forrest also got me thinking about some other favorite soundtracks. Dirty Dancing is a soundtrack guaranteed to get me going and I own both the original 1987 album as well as the 20th anniversary compilation. I especially love "Cry To Me" by Solomon Burke, "Love Is Strange" by Mickey and Sylvia, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes and "In The Still Of The Night" by The Five Satins. What a softie I am. :)

I am an 80's child and one of the penultimate 80's dance movies, aside from Dirty Dancing is Footloose. This 1984 soundtrack is one of my very favorite albums. Nothing gets me going like "Dancing In The Sheets" by Shalimar, the title song "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins and "Hurt So Good" by John Mellencamp. God, Kevin looks young on this cover, too. LOL

Now, lest you think I'm only about pop and rock, I do have my big dramatic soundtracks, the ones I listen to relax or to inspire me as I write. One favorite in this category is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This one definitely inspires an epic battle or two as well as providing some haunting music to inspire those scenes of conflict and angst.

My final choice for today comes from a little known Tom Selleck, Bess Armstrong film called High Road To China. It is one of my most favorite romances of all time. I have worn out two VHS copies and a DVD watching this one. As well as scratched up the original album and lost a CD listening to the soundtrack. This one inspired my current WIP, a pilot story set along the Old Silk Road. I don't admit to this film very often because well, I think of this movie as my comforting favorite. I watch it whenever I am depressed, nervous, upset. It is my cure all, I guess. I never saw this in the theater, I found it in the video store completely by accident. How incredible is that?

What are some of your favorite movie soundtracks?

A Field Trip With Some Werewolves

That's right, I took a field trip with my werewolves today. I piled Maxie and her fellas into a minivan-not easy-, drove to the airport, then flew to Austria to be with cool horror geek, Maynard, at his blog Maynard Morrissey's Horror Movie Diary. If you love horror and anything dark side, you should get to know Maynard's blog.

He has a wicked cool interview with yours truly and a kick-ass review of my wicked tale Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf.

Celebrating With Gratitude

It's the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States and while I am so happy to have a very long weekend, I am also filled with a profound sense of gratitude for all the people in my life, all that I've accomplished and all that I have.

I am grateful for my family. I irritate them, yell at them, tease them and yet, they stick with me for some reason. I love them very much and would not be the person I am without them.

I am grateful for all of my friends, both here with me and out there on the web. I do not know what I would do without all of you. You support me, put up with my quirks and weirdness, my potty mouth and allow me to be me in all my eclectic glory. I love you all very much.

I am grateful for being able to walk around. I have severe arthritis in my hips, knees, shoulders and hands. Have had it since I was in my early twenties, a legacy from my grandmother. Sometimes, it is a wonder I can move at all some days and I am ever so grateful to still be kicking.

I am grateful for my writing. It is my passion and I am grateful that the voices in my head keep talking to me and allow me to create such adventures. I am gobsmacked that I am published and that people really seem to enjoy the tales that spin out of my demented brain.

I'll be in and out this weekend, not sure if I'll post, but I'll be around. Take care, my friends. Have an amazing rest of the week and a beautiful weekend. Peace.

Bridesmaids: A Hellagood Laugh Riot

Hey Imaginarians, before we go any further, Russell, formerly of Chaos N Mayhem, has now started his own new film blog called 1:37 Exactly. It rocks. He talks about anything and everything film, his posts are witty, thought-provoking and brilliant. His style is friendly and engaging, encouraging some really great discussions. Go on and check him out. You'll love him as much as I do.

Now, before I get into my review, I have a confession. No nothing really salacious, although...Just kidding. I'm not about to confess to THAT unless serious money changes hands. ;) Anyway, I have a side of me that is a terminal 12 year old. I laugh and laugh at things like bodily functions and other really low brow stuff. Much to the chagrin of my mother. I can't help it. It's this sense of humor that brings me to Bridemaids, one of the most hysterical movies I have ever seen.

The script is wicked funny and smart for the most part with a few scenes that were really chick flick and not in the comedy vibe. But, hells to the yeah, the ladies went down and dirty and bought the freakin' tee shirt up in here. I laughed til I choked in certain parts, especially the bridal shop food poisoning debacle. I admit, my bestie Nancy and I rewound that scene more than a few times. I had a headache from laughing so hard. Maya Rudolph frog-walking across the street then finally shitting herself is bar none one of the most hysterical things I have ever seen. I can sympathize with her pain. Almost. All I can say is Girl's Night Out, too much beer and El Taco Burrito Palace #2, the mortal enemy of stomachs and intestines everywhere.

As if Maya weren't enough, Melissa McCarthy just blew me away. My sweet Sookie has transformed into comedic blockbuster ala Chevy Chase. She was the most brilliant part of this movie. I watched her scenes again and again. The rest of the cast was terrific. I loved Rose Byrne as the snobby boss's wife and Kristen Wiig as Annie, the bride's childhood best friend. Their constant need to upstage each other is psychotic and great fun to watch.

Bridesmaids, like Bad Teacher, shows off the dirtier side of female humor. That we can be just as raunchy, low-brow and in-your-face as the guys. I hope H-wood takes notice because I want to see more movies like these.

Triple H Monday: Hot Story, Hot Men and Hotter Cars

Well, I had a rotten weekend, spending four excruciating hours at the dentist. Ugh! To make myself feel better, I am bringing the hotness this Monday morning.

First, I got a pretty terrific review for my sizzling erotic tale Nathan's Angel.
Pixie from MM Good Book Reviews gave Nathan's Angel 3 and a half hearts. Whoo Hoo! My first official review for my first ever M/M story. Check it out here.

Second, in my quest to catch up with what the rest of the planet has already seen, I watched Fast Five. This really perked me up Saturday night. All I can say is hot men, hotter cars and no plot required. They had me at The Rock. Yes, I have a HUGE crush on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Along with Tyrese, Sung Kang, Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. Then there were the cars...Holla! Oh man, I've got Auto Show fever, now, and it's only November. There are still three more long months til Chitown's cargasm extravaganza.

I digress. Now where was I? Oh yeah, my Fast Five review. Not much to tell, I freakin' loved it. The action sequences were an incredible rush and the car chases high-octane. Director Justin Lin brought the goods and then some. The characters united from all the other Fast and Furious films and they had chemistry in spades, adding to this hellagood ride. Vin makes an awesome big bro, I just adored the brother-sister moments he had with Jordana, reprising her role of Mia.

I found myself missing the snap and sass of Letty, though. Michelle Rodriguez is a complete badass bitch. However, that did not mean that this flick lacked for strong women. Oh no. Gal Gadot rocked it as Gisele, blazing in on her Ducati street racer (I have a thing motorcycles, too) and Elsa Pataky was aces as badass cop Elena Neves. Elena stood her ground with The Rock's Luke Hobbs, faced down machine gun fire and rocket launchers, too. The men were more balanced out this time around by these kick-butt women and I really dug that. I hope to see more of this as they continue the franchise.

Now, for a couple of my fave cars, cuz a post about Fast Five would not be complete without them...

Dom Toretto's signature 1970 Dodge Charger

1972 Pantera Detomaso

1966 Ford GT 40

Did you all see any good movies this weekend? Who or what do you consider drool-worthy? Talk to me.

Saint Sanguinus By Julia Phillips Smith

It's no secret that werewolves are my monsters, but I do love an awesome vampire tale. And how fitting that on the very day Mr. Sparkles and his insipid bride hit theaters, I am reviewing a truly dark, dangerous and true-to-the-blood-thirsty-core vampire tale.

Saint Sanguinus is by Julia Phillips Smith, a cool author who puts the monster back into vampire. It is the first of the Dark Ages Vampire trilogy and it is a hellagood start. Peredur is a Welsh warrior fighting Irish raiders when he is brutally cut down by a spear. Cursing God as he bleeds out, he is visited by a darkly compelling man who offers him a chance at another life. He takes it, knowing that something is very wrong, yet a new life, even one without his beloved Tanwen, will be better than no life at all.

So begins Peredur's initiation into The Brotherhood, an elite group of vampiric warriors charged with keeping the other vampires in check to prevent them from destroying humanity. He is determined to make the best of his new life, yet he cannot forget Tanwen.

This book is savagely beautiful with characters that tread a dark path. They are honest, flawed, yet sympathetic. Peredur is made a vampire not through some evil purpose, but because in a frightened, angry moment he grabbed a lifeline. Tanwen is a strong, courageous woman taking her life into her own hands, yet she remains an authentic product of her time.

The Dark Ages setting is one of the most beautiful things about this story. Phillips perfectly captures the social strictures, the superstitions as well as the danger and daily struggle for mere survival. She weaves a spell over her readers with her subtly brilliant dialogue and lush descriptions. I was right there in the cavern with Peredur and the Brotherhood. I could smell the forest, hear the crackle of the fires and oh my God can she write fight scenes in all their bloody, violent glory. Putting this one down was almost impossible and I so can't wait for the second installment.

To find out more about Julia and her work, visit her blog, A Piece of My Mind or visit her web site.

You can purchase Saint Sanguinus here.



Now, onto You Should Know Friday. Today's cool peep is Robyn Alana Engel from the absolutely hilarious and witty blog Life By Chocolate. Her trials and tribulations will make you laugh, cry and want to eat chocolate by the truck load. I just love visiting her and I know you will, too.

Favorite Old School Cartoons

Okay, so with my nephew's b-day just passing and me buying him some DVD's of his favorite animated shows with names like Kick Buttowski, Fish Hooks and Johnny Test, I thought I would take a trip in the Way Back Machine and revisit some of my childhood cartoons. Here we go...

Speed Racer

Oh my God I loved this show. I was in like first and second grade, just dreaming of the day I could ride in the Mach 5 with Speed and fly in the helicopter with Trixie. If I remember right, my Big Wheel served as the Mach 5. Here's a bit about my ultimate ride.



Scooby Doo

My love of all things scary has its foundations with that crazy Great Dane and the crew of the Mystery Machine. I wanted to hunt ghosts and monsters with the gang. Then when I got older and realized why Shaggy and Scooby were always hungry, I wanted to party in the Mystery Machine. It also had the most rockin' theme song.





Thundarr the Barbarian

Who knew 1994 would be such a bad year? I was such a sucker for this post-apocalyptic cartoon. I wanted to fight evil wizards alongside Thundarr, Princess Ariel and Ookla the Mok, whatever the hell a Mok was.



Battle of the Planets

An American version (some would say ripoff) of the Japanimation series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, this was one of my absolute faves. I wanted wings to be a part of the Whirlwind Pyramid and to fly in the Phoenix, defending Earth from Spectra and Zoltar




The Banana Splits Adventure Hour

This came on in syndication when I was a wee tot and I was enthralled with the live action and animated sequences like Danger Island, Arabian Nights and The Three Musketeers. I also wanted to play with Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snork. And of course who can forget the song?




What are some your favorite childhood cartoons?

Glittering Ashes by Kelley Smith

Glittering Ashes: Dark Artist Series Book 1
It sure has been a long time since I reviewed a book here at The Imaginarium. I'm getting back into the swing of that with Kelley Smith's YA novel, Glittering Ashes.

Roe is on the outs with her mom and has come to live her aunt in the small town of Gaudium Falls. Here she finds a new friend, Jordyn, who is eager to show Roe the Abyss, a mysterious place with a fairy-tale like magic. Roe, of course thinks Jordyn is off her rocker, but cautiously goes along. Once inside, the Abyss proves more than Roe ever could have imagined, a beautiful and dangerous place where dark meets light. Here Roe realizes she is to be a competitor in the Games, a gauntlet that will test her, the prize being her life and possibly the heart of Dominic, a compelling young man whose family controls the Abyss.

Kelley has created a dynamic and compelling tale that sweeps the reader into a dark, strange fantasy realm. Roe is a quirky, provocative heroine, tough, intelligent, yet vulnerable and insecure at times. In a world that has gone nuts over Bella Swan, Roe is a shining example of what a strong, smart girl should be.

The pacing is terrific, leaving readers on the edge as they turn each page. Smith has a deft hand in creating exquisite tension, capturing the essence of teenage drama. The interactions between Roe and the other characters made me feel as though I were eavesdropping in the halls of a high school.

The world of Glittering Ashes and the Abyss is dreamy, dark and dangerous. Kelley's descriptions are a rich tapestry of nightmare and fantasy that is utterly captivating. As a debut, this is a terrific story with only some minor flaws that I point out for the sake of honest disclosure here. There are a few editing issues, but nothing that really detracts too much from the story overall. I suspect they might have occurred during upload.

I am not a reader of YA normally, but I was drawn into Roe's world and look forward to the next Dark Artist novel. Kelley, you must write faster. :)

I did an interview with Kelley not long ago, she is a terrific writer. You can read it here. For more information on her and on Glittering Ashes, you can go to her blog, Writtled or visit her Amazon page.

Hanna : A Teenaged Badass Bitch

Yes, I finally, FINALLY watched Hanna with my friend and her daughter. I know it's only been out on DVD for a million years or so, but I'm putting in my two cents worth anyway. We LOVED this movie! And I was slap-happy to see a young movie heroine worthy of being called a heroine. My friend and I believe that Hanna actually broke G's heretofore disturbing fascination with Bella Swan. She said to me after the movie that she liked how Hanna saved herself and did her own butt-kicking because Bella always lets Edward and Jacob do it for her. How's that for pre-teen logic? It brought a tear to this ardent feminist's eye, I tell you.

I digress.

From opening sequence to final credit roll, Hanna was an ace flick. Saoirse Ronan is seriously freakin' talented. She rocked it as Hanna Heller, a girl who is the sole survivor of a CIA experiment and raised in the deep woods of Finland by her father to be a multi-lingual assassin. Hanna is intelligent, quick-thinking, fast on her feet and hellagood with weapons. She made me think of a cross between two of Joss Whedon's most famous badass bitches, Buffy and Zoe. If I were the parent of a young girl, Hanna would definitely be a character I would want her to like and pretend to be while at play.

This movie is one hell of a rush, too. There are very few slow parts and these serve as an intriguing counterpoint to all the breath-stealing action. Here we get to know Hanna and watch her figure out how to grow up. I loved the family she hooked up with. Olivia Williams and Jason Flemyng are superb as Rachel and Sebastien, a couple on a road trip with their two kids. Jessica Barden plays their daughter, Sophie. She is wise-cracking with attitude to spare and helps Hanna navigate the realm of teenagers. I just have to say that I think it is awesome that Hanna's first kiss comes with Sophie and not with the two boys they had hooked up with. G asked her mom and me if girls could kiss other girls like that for real and our answer was a resounding yes they absolutely can. And boys can kiss boys, too.

Cate Blanchett creates a whole new level of bitch in this film as Marissa Weigler, the CIA agent who oversaw the experimental medical program that Hanna's mother had belonged to. She has no hesitation in killing anyone who gets in her way and screws people over left and right, lying and using whatever means necessary to get what she wants. And in this case that is Hanna and her father dead. Eric Bana shows another side of his talent as the scientist, Erik Heller, who tried to right a serious wrong by helping Hanna's mother escape, then raising her daughter to have mad survival skills.

Everything about this movie was fantastic. From the stellar characters and Joe Wright's fierce direction to the outstanding screenplay by David Farr and Seth Lochhead, Hanna is an epic film. For G and all the little girls and teens out there like her, we need more girl-centric action films like this. I am so sick of movies that highlight boys and their adventures with girls, if they appear at all, relegated to playing sidekick or, gag me, love interest. I want a sequel to Hanna. :)

Speaking of more films like Hanna...

Haywire, Haywire, Haywire...Only 8 more weeks until Gina Carano stars as a black ops super soldier out for revenge. Until then, here's to my badass bitches out there and more books and movies about them.

**Photo on right appears courtesy of Alex Bailey/Focus Features

String Bridge Amazon Rush & A Whole Bunch Of Awesome Sauce

Today is the big day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit
the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by Jessica, herself, for free! How cool is that?

All you have to do is
purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and
then email the receipt to:
jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com
She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

Today is also the BIG LAUNCH DAY for RaShelle Workman's Exiled. She's launching in conjunction with her Dark C.A.R.M.A. buds Ali Cross and C.K. Bryant. They're having a Twitter party with lots of goodies and other fun, so be sure to check it out starting at 11:11AM Mountain Time under the hashtag #darkcarma.

And now for my You Should Know Friday

Today I am spotlighting a very cool sci fi chick, Ms. Mariah. She has a wonderful blog called Ms. Mariah's Space Blog-yssey. Here she talks all things sci fi from television to movies and cons. I love visiting as her reviews are always balanced, smart and very thoughtful. There's usually some lively discussions to be found in the comments as well. If you love sci fi, you definitely need to know Mariah. Right now she has an excellent spotlight of Tarsem Singh's Immortals.

Seriously Twisted Television

I am absolutely in love with the new show American Horror Story. It has to be the most twisted, creepy, squirmy thing I have ever seen on television. Check it. The show centers on the Harmon family, Ben, Vivien and daughter Violet. They move from Boston to Los Angeles after Vivien gives birth to a still born babe because she discovered Ben having an affair with a patient. Cool drama so far, no? Anyway, they move into this restored mansion that has a hugely tragic and evil past. As Ben and Viv struggle to repair their broken marriage and poor Violet suffers from depression, they must confront the horrors in their new home.

The always excellent Dylan McDermott stars as Ben, a psychiatrist on the ragged edge. He's sunk all of his money into this second chance, very aware that he has Mt. Everest to climb and Death Valley to cross in order to have even a chance at winning Viv back. Viv, played by the super-talented Connie Britton, is broken woman, who's seeking some kind of way out of the black hole her life has become. She hates her husband, but yet, he's also offered her a kind of life line and the glimmer of a way out the dark forest s she's willing to latch and at least try. Violet is played by newcomer Taissa Farmiga. She's depressed, resentful and been forced to leave everything familiar behind. Added to this insanity are Jessica Lange as Constance, the whacked-out neighbor whose mentally handicapped daughter is obsessed with the house. Evan Peters is Tate Langdon a new patient of Ben's who is obsessed with Violet and has his own connections to the house. Some recurring guest stars include Kate Mara as Ben's student lover, Zachary Quinto as a former owner whose obsession with the house has clearly not been cured by leaving and Frances Conroy as Moira, the housekeeper who definitely has her crazy connections to the place.

Now we come to the house. And man, this house makes Amityville look like an over-stimulated kindergartener. Built by an insane surgeon, there has been murder, mayhem, sick experiments and other evil happenings in this house since the very beginning. Every week we are treated to yet another glimpse from the house's evil past. It drives its residents insane when it's not killing them off.

Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the creators of the brilliant Nip/Tuck and Glee are the fiendish minds behind this series. I watch every single week and I am never disappointed. I can't believe I'm seeing this on television. It's just mind-blowing, psychotic and outrageously creepy. I can't wait for more.

Monday Blues And Some Damn Good Television

Ugh! It's Monday and I'm already having a bad week just thinking about the shit I have to do this week. I want to turn the clock back to Friday. I hate when the week just starts and already my blood pressure is hopping. Stop the ride, I want to get off...NOW!!

Okay, bitch session is over. It's not all bad, honestly, I'm just whining because that's the way I roll sometimes. And what better day to bitch, than Monday?

Anyway, I watched Walking Dead last night and saw the coolest zombie kill ever. It was gross and hilarious all at once. My favorite kind, really. Picture water-logged zombie and immense dead organ spillage. I have got find the clip and post it. I nearly peed myself laughing. Yep, I'm just that twisted.

I also watched Hell on Wheels. Great is an underwhelming adjective to even begin describing this show. It is savage, visceral television. The production is just mind-blowing. I could almost smell the filth, the animals and the people. Whoever it was that said the Old West was romantic obviously had no clue what they were talking about. Uh can we say "Ewwwww..." That being said, this show absolutely captures that brutal period known as Reconstruction. Carpetbaggers, corrupt politicians, Native Americans, freed slaves, greedy tycoons, gunslingers, families wanting to start fresh, ex-soldiers, prostitutes and preachers all in a roiling, seething mass of expansion and rebuilding. What a savage period to have lived through. The U.S. had blown itself apart in civil war, the social order was in complete upheaval, the president had been murdered and we were building one of the country's greatest infrastructure projects. Not a period for family values that's for sure.

The characters are incredible, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, each with their own agenda. Colm Meaney is wickedly brilliant as Thomas "Doc" Durant, a greedy railroad man who is hellbent on building the transcontinental railroad, but also just as relentless in wringing as much money from the process as possible. Anyone who stands in his way is brutally run down. Anson Mount is intense as Cullen Bohannen, an ex-Confederate bent on revenging his wife's murder. A far, far superior cry from Brit Brit's love interest in that godawful Crossroads. Chitown's own Common is incredibly brilliant as Elam, a former slave working the line and determined that no man will ever own him again. Check the trailer and tune in for sure.

First Annual Natalie Acres Boot Scootin' Boogie Blog Tour

Imaginarians, today I'm steaming things up with erotica writer Natalie Acres, who is celebrating the release of her newest title, Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts from Siren Publishing.

Here's a little taste of this extremely hot menage tale...

Blurb

Seduction turns deadly when Abby Rose, an agent with the Underground Unit, decides to put a provocative spin on revenge. Her plan to sleep with a cartel leader backfires when fellow operatives refuse to let Abby face her enemy alone.

Abby’s fellow agents begin the fight of their lives. After discovering Abby will use her body to lure in the man who killed her father and their command leader, seven highly trained special operatives cope with high tensions as each man comes to terms with feelings they never acknowledged.

This team isn’t fighting for another cause or plotting the best way to take out their mark. The stakes are much higher. These men will take up arms and meet their greatest challenge as they work together to protect the woman they admire and love.

Excerpt

Abby looked freshly fucked. That’s the only way Ace knew how to describe her. She had a soft glow to her cheeks when she stepped away from the car. Her round nipples were hard, pressing through her thin light blue shirt, and those plaid shorts looked crumpled. Some heavy petting must’ve occurred in the backseat of that SUV.

“Hey you,” Ace said, forcing a smile. “I’m glad to see you’re in one piece.”

“I’m fine, Ace,” she assured him, glancing over her shoulder.
Judson slid out of the vehicle. Ace took a ragged breath. He wasn’t worried about Judson. He wasn’t the competition. He’d held Abby’s heart in the palm of his hand for a very short time.

Ace had been with her for the last five years.

Judson stuck out his hand, “Nice to see you, Ace.”

The others politely greeted Judson as well. By the time Kit stepped away from the automobile, everyone stood on the driver’s side of the Suburban. Kit and Brantley exchanged words, and everyone was introduced. Ace and Brantley were the only two operatives who’d worked with Kit in the past. Their time together was brief.

Thank God.

“Ace,” Kit said, narrowing his gaze. “You look stressed. How’s it going?”

“I’m super, you?” He stuck out his hand and shook. Damn, that hurt. He immediately wondered where the guy’s hands had been.

“Never better,” he replied, winking at Abby.

Ace stalked across the garage and stormed inside. Behind him, Brantley said, “We’ll discuss our plans once everyone gets settled in. Stop off at the refrigerator and grab you something to drink. We have plenty of snacks in the pantry. Meet upstairs in the control room in fifteen.”

Ace entered the kitchen. Abby was right behind him. No time like the present to get a few things out of the way.

She hit the last step. He grabbed her arm. Casey saw everything.

Right as Ace dragged her into the utility room, Casey said, “I got this, Ace. You can owe me later.”

There was a brass latch at the top of the door, Ace used it. He slid the lever in place, turned around, and faced his fears. Time to play, and way past time to sate the need and satisfy the longing. Although he feared after he fucked her, things would only get worse.

“I’m in love with you.”

“What?” she asked, acting surprised.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t see this coming,” Ace said, stalking her. “Don’t act as if you don’t know there’s something between us.” He loosened his belt, snapped it as he pulled the leather away from the denim. Shirtless after working in the hayfields all afternoon, he noticed how her gaze worked across his dusty, hay-coated abs.

“I’m hot. I’m sweaty. I’ve been farming all day.” He reached behind her and turned on the shower nozzle. A matter of convenience more than anything else, the mudroom housed a washer, dryer, toilet, sink, and small shower stall. “And I need to clean up.”

She placed her hand over her mouth and hid a smile.

“Considering I don’t know where you’ve been or who you’ve let touch you, I think a bath is in order for you, too.”

“Ace this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of,” Abby said. “You’re what? Jealous of Kit and now you’re ready to fuck me?”

“You’re half right,” he replied, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her against him. “I’m not jealous, but I am gonna fuck you. Right here. Right now. I don’t care if someone interrupts us or not.”

“Ace, no,” she said, shaking her head.

“Why? Because you don’t want to hurt him?”

She thinned her lips.

“Do you love him?”

Her eyes watered.

“You do,” he said, processing.

“I always will,” she informed him.

Ace felt his jaw tighten. He felt like a blasted fool now. Maybe he should’ve asked her about her feelings for Kit before he dragged her off to the shower.

“And I’ve known for a long time I’m in love with you, too.”

He felt his jaw relax. “Of course you are.” He hoped like hell he didn’t sound pussy whipped. “Yeah, you are.” The second time sounded more confident.

“You should believe that,” she whispered as she stood on her tiptoes and took their first kiss. Her wicked tongue jabbed through his sealed lips. They parted and welcomed the invasion, the overdue moment that would prove they somehow weathered the storm.

Whoa...I think my glasses are fogged up. :) As if this spicy excerpt weren't enough deliciousness, Natalie is giving away prizes at the end of this tour. So leave a comment or three since the more you comment, the more chances you have of winning. For the rest of her tour stops , click here. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and I will see you on the Flip Side.

It's Friday!!!!

I am so psyched, my peeps. I just received news that Nathan's Angel is the #5 bestseller for October at Amber Allure. Drinks all around!!! Who cares if it's not 5 o'clock yet? It's so completely freakin' awesome to have my story and the word bestseller together in perfect harmony. What's that Lionel Richie song? "Oh what a feeling, when we're dancing on the ceiling..." I am so blown away and considering the story has only been out for 2 weeks? Wowzers! Thank you all so very, very much for the support. You rock!!

On to some more awesomeness, my You Should Know Friday. Today, I want to spotlight a wonderful blogger friend that I just adore, Ella from Ella's Edge . I just love her. Ella is a poet, an artist and all around creative genius. She always has the most interesting posts and opens up your mind with her unique blend of art and writing. She always leaves upbeat, quirky comments that make me smile and give me a lift when I really need it. Visiting Ella's site is like going to a favorite place and giving your spirit a lift. You should all get to know her.

See the Movember button at the top of my side bar? Jamie aka Mithril Wisdom is growing a stache for a good cause. He's helping to raise funds to fight prostate cancer. So click on there and check it out. Go Jamie and go Jamie's 'stache!

Well, that's it for today. A short sweet post to see you all into the weekend. Do you all have big plans? I want to try and hit the theater since this is I did not get there last weekend, either. Harold and Kumar are back, Yay!! Those two crack me the hell up. I'm also having dinner with friends and of course, there's the Bears-Lions game. Yes, I am a football junkie. I even play fantasy football. I can see the eye rolls and sad head shakes out there. :) I wish you all a stellar weekend.

Author Spotlight: Jessica Bell

Imaginarians, I am dancing with excitement because the amazingly talented Jessica Bell is spending some time here with us on her whirlwind tour for her debut novel String Bridge.

String Bridge tells the story of Australian musician Melody, who married a Greek music promoter and settled in. Eager to make her new life work, she gives up her music for a proper career and eventually, motherhood. Unable to bear what she's become, Melody makes plans to return to life on the stage and the person she once was. However, the obstacle mount and tragedy unfolds, leaving Melody to wonder if she's been looking for fulfillment in the wrong place. You can read the official blurb here.

If you're not already familiar with Jessica via her spectacular blog, The Alliterative Allomorph, here's a little bit more about her. She is a literary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successful independent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

String Bridge is your debut novel. What was that moment like when you first found out it had been accepted for publication?

I really didn’t want to, seeing as it’s all I had been doing with every rejection, but I cried. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I was ready to shelve the thing. I’d said to myself, “This is its last chance.” It really felt unbelievable.

What has surprised you the most about the business side of writing? Is there any part of publishing that you have found especially challenging?

The marketing, the networking. It takes just as much time, if not more, than writing does. I also don’t really enjoy tooting my own horn. I feel like I’m imposing myself on people. But I guess it’s something I’m going to have to get used to.

What will you take away from this experience and how do you think it will affect your future pursuits in publishing?

I will forever cherish the memory of all the support I’ve received from people like you. The launch of this book would seem useless without you! How will it affect the future? Well, it’s certainly changed my view of myself. I think I’ll stop doubting myself so often.

Do you write every day or only when inspiration strikes? How do you keep your creative juices flowing?

Only when inspiration strikes. I lose my flair when I push myself. But I love to write, so my breaks aren’t usually lengthy. I keep my creative juices flowing by writing poetry.

What message do you hope readers will take away from String Bridge?

I’m hoping readers will realize that there aren’t ever really any wrong choices in life, there are just different roads to follow. The challenge is to take a step back and figure out what is the most important to us before taking that leap in a new direction.

If we looked on your bookshelf right now, what are some of the titles we would find?

A Marilynne Robinson, Anne Lamott and Margaret Atwood library …

Writers receive advice from many sources along their journey. What was the best piece of writing advice you have received?

To be true to myself.

Aside from writing, what are some of your other passions and pursuits?

Reading, singing, playing guitar, cinema, travel, ancient history, making beaded jewellery (though I haven’t made any for quite a long time), learning how to enjoy physical exercise! (not quite succeeded yet)

If you were sitting in a room full of young girls who aspire to be writers and poets, what would you say to them?

Learn the rules and then break them intelligently!

That's some great advice. Thank you Jessica so much for being here. String Bridge debuts from Lucky Press, LLC. For more information go here and visit the amazing site Jessica has set up for novel. String Bridge is available for Kindle at Amazon and Amazon UK.

As if this book weren't amazing enough, she also wrote a soundtrack for the novel called Melody Hill: On The Other Side. You can check it out on iTunes, Amazon and Amazon UK.

Want more of this amazing writer? Visit her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or her blog.

Insecure Writers Support Group

Well today is Insecure Writers Support Group Day and I am sending out positive, productive thoughts to all my fellow writers out there. Some you of, like my good friend Vics over at Hairnets and Hopes, are doing NaNoWriMo this month. Vics, you can rock this challenge!! I have every faith in you. And the same sentiment goes out to all my writer buds doing the NaNo. Write On!!

In the spirit of the Writing Muse, I want to share some of my favorite quotes about writing. Here's hoping we all take away some inspiration today.

"A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket." ~Charles Peguy

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." ~Sylvia Plath

"When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing." ~Enrique Jardiel Poncela

"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." ~Gene Fowler

"Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia." ~ E.L. Doctorow