LyricJames

The Vampire Oracle: Rebirth

2008-10-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Cobblestone Press Presents

The Vampire Oracle

Rebirth

by Lyric James

Genre: Vampire, Interracial

Destined to be together, not even a killer can keep them a part.

Blurb:
A professional thief by choice, Robyn keeps her heart under strict lock and key. An orphan human raised by a vampire. Brandon works tirelessly to keep the creatures of the night a secret from the normal world. Things get a little complicated, however, when the one woman he hoped to never see again gets blamed for a crime he knows she didn’t commit.

Robyn has always loved Brandon, but doesn't know if she has the willpower to accept Brandon and everything being a vampire entails. Will they be able to mend their relationship before she becomes the killer's next victim?

Excerpt:
A thick layer of clouds wafted over the moon, dimming the expanse of the backyard. Robyn Hood sprinted across the freshly cut lawn. The now-covered full moon hid her shadow. There was no sound. Not a whisper of wind, no rustling leaves. She was a silent figure lurking in the night.

Dressed all in black, she crept up to the door and peaked inside. Met with darkness, she smiled with satisfaction and pulled her lock pick out of her back pocket. Using both hands, she stuck each piece inside the door and maneuvered it around just so. When she heard the lock click open, she twisted the knob, slipped quietly inside the home and found the alarm system on the wall. She took her equipment out of her bag, pried off the cover, and attached the correct wires. On the green florescent panel, she watched as the six-digit code materialized one by one on her screen.

She keyed in the code and waited for those magic words—system disarmed. "Works like a charm every time," she whispered.
She had it on good authority that the owners of the house were out of town on vacation, so she leisurely looked around, taking in the beautiful surroundings.

They had a large kitchen with crisp white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The house had been empty for at least two days, but the aroma of pine and ammonia still hung in the air.

In the adjoining family room, there was a big screen plasma TV mounted on the wall, surrounded by cabinets filled with books, DVD movies and small items she was sure they had collected on their many travels. A large room, the moonlight cast a glow over the plush, chocolate leather furniture and oak tables. She traced a gloved finger over the edge of the pool table, then sat and twirled around in one of the chairs at the large poker table in the corner.

"Now this is how to live."

The small refrigerator behind the bar was filled with an assortment of beer and soft drinks, and a collection of crystal wineglasses gleamed above her head.

Out in the foyer, a large chandelier twinkled from the ceiling. She passed an office on her way to the spiral staircase, which took her upstairs.

Robyn quickly found the master bedroom. The blueprints she’d "borrowed" from the state registry office revealed there was a secret room hidden behind the large mirror on the far wall. She found the correct remote control off the coffee table in the sitting area and clicked it to open.

"Un-freaking- believable," she murmured as the glass slid quietly into the wall. She tugged the strap of her bag up and over her head so it slanted across her breast. Then she pulled out the other bag she'd tucked inside it and went to work.

She opened one drawer and found several Rolex watches. After dropping them in her bag, she found another had diamond necklaces and bracelets. "He might be an ass, but he sure has good taste."

A third had diamond, emerald, sapphire and ruby rings. She found pearls in a fourth, and almost screamed when she opened one with several bundles of cash in it. "This is so going to make up for the crap that man put me through the last few months."

Finished, she looked around to make sure she'd shut all the drawers, then stepped out. She picked up the remote, slid the mirror back into place, and placed it exactly where she'd found it on the table.

When she stepped into the hallway, she paused, flattened herself against the wall and waited. She thought she heard voices. After several seconds of silence, she crept down the steps.

Damn.

It sounded like someone was in the office she had to pass on her way back to the kitchen.

Shit. This house is supposed to be empty, damn it..

Her black tennis shoes made no noise as she slinked across the room to the wall. Her fears were confirmed when she heard two men arguing. But she blocked out their words, hoping she could get past the room unseen. She dipped her body low. Just as she was about to go by the room, she saw an unusual green flash of light out of the corner of her eye.

Unable to ignore it, she turned to look. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw a man dressed similar to her holding a dark stick pointed toward the other guy. A long sliver of energy struck the other man in the chest, and he went flying against the wall, knocking over a lamp and two winged back chairs along the way.

A scream split from her throat at the same time the man slammed into the wall, breaking a mirror. The attacker turned toward her, and she saw his evil red eyes narrow. A table went sailing through the air as he came in her direction.

Robyn twisted around and bolted for the exit. She flew around the island in the kitchen and ran out the door, not even bothering to shut it as she jumped over the four steps to the grass. She sprinted across the lawn as green flashes of light missed her and hit bushes and trees instead. "Oh my god."

Her backpack, full of the jewelry she'd "borrowed", thumped against her back, almost making her fall. She jumped at the wall surrounding the property, but slipped and fell to the ground. An energy pulse hit it, sending several of the bricks tumbling to the ground. She scrambled up, used the hole he'd made for support and clamored over the top.

She hit the concrete with a thud, scraping her knee and elbow as her body smacked the ground. Ignoring the pain shooting through her limbs, she got up and sprinted down the street to her car parked on the next block.

Robyn heard his feet hit the pavement with ease as he chased behind her. She rounded the corner and made it to her car. She dug in her pocket for her keys, unlocked the door and jumped inside. When she stuck the key in the ignition and turned, nothing happened.

"Not now. Don’t do this to me now."

She pumped the gas and tried again. Nothing.

When she looked up, he was running full speed toward her, his wand raised. Yes, she knew what he held and what he was. She'd promised herself ten years ago never to return to that life.

"Please, please work," she cried, turning the key again. The engine purred to life. "Thank you, thank you."

He was almost on her as she gunned the engine, sending the car wheels spinning in reverse. Her right side window shattered as he aimed the weapon at her again. She sent the car into a one-hundred- and-eighty- degree turn, yanked it into drive and sped down the street. The last thing she saw was the man standing in the middle of the road and green flecks hitting the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~
Available TODAY from Cobblestone Press

The Pleasure Club: The Principal

2008-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome To The Pleasure Club

Dear Ms. Moore,

We're pleased to welcome you to The Pleasure Club.

As you have already signed and returned the contract and filled out all the necessary forms to ensure you received your every wish, we will be in touch with you shortly with the details of your first Pleasure Night. Your Wish List and Pleasure Forms have been turned over to our staff of highly trained Pleasure Guardians, and they are hard at work finding your perfect match.

We will endeavor to meet your personal fantasy.

When you are contacted again, you will be given a location where your Pleasure Night will begin, and you will also be given a safe word to use should you at any time become uncomfortable. There is no shame in changing your mind. We're here to pleasure, and should your safe word be used, your match for the evening will cease all activity, and the game will be put on hold until a mutual agreement between you can be reached.

Once again, welcome to The Pleasure Club.

Please feel free to contact the office at any time should you have any questions.

Yours truly,

The Pleasure Club Management

* * * * *

Ms. Moore,

Your Pleasure Night will be held at the Carmichael Building in Room 690, Friday, May 2nd. Please knock on the door at precisely 9:00 p.m.
Your safe word is Grade.

Sincerely,
The Pleasure Guardians

* * * * *

Oh, my God. It's really going to happen.

Celeste Moore tightened her fingers on the steering wheel and blew out a deep breath. She slowed down and picked up the directions she'd printed out on her computer, glanced at them, then dropped them back on the passenger seat. Lowering her right foot just a little bit, she watched the speedometer go from fifty-five to seventy. She couldn't wait for her evening of pleasure to begin.

She saw a liquor store off the freeway and thought about stopping to get something to settle her nerves, but she shook her head at the thought. She still had about ten miles to go, and she would never drink and drive. Besides, she wasn't much of a drinker anyway. If she even had one drink, she'd probably pass out. Even one ounce of liquor was too much for her.

The letter she received said her night would begin at nine o'clock. Her plans to arrive early so she she wouldn't chicken out were dashed when her mother called as she was on her way out the door. She couldn't rush her off the phone by telling her she had to be somewhere. Her mother would wonder where in the world she was going at this time of night. She couldn't very well tell her, "I'm about to go have sex with a complete stranger. And I asked for it."

So, she'd waited, impatiently, for her mother to finish telling her about her pregnant older sister, who'd just found out her second child was the boy she and her husband were waiting for. Her younger sister had just gotten engaged to the lawyer she'd been dating for the last two years. Which all led her mother to lament over the fact that Celeste wasn’t married, didn't have a boyfriend, or any prospects for that matter. She was too focused on her career. Why did she have to go to medical school? Why didn't she just find a doctor to marry instead so she could stay at home and have a truckload of babies?

Not.

Celeste was on a mission. She would not be her mother or her older sister. Never would she allow a man to dictate the role or plan of her life. Finishing undergrad at the top of her class, as well as medical school, she was now in her last year of residency in anesthesiology. Four more weeks and she would be moving to Atlanta, into a new house and new car, and would be working for a world renowned hospital, making three-hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year.

Tonight was her birthday, and she was going to celebrate it just the way she wanted.

Medical school took up so much of her time she couldn't even remember the last time she'd had sex. Her friend, Victoria, had confided in her a few months ago about The Pleasure Club. The next day nothing could keep Celeste from writing her own letter. The only thing on her mind had been finding someone just as fine and sexy. Not that she knew anything about getting sent to the principal's office. She just imagined being punished. Someone bending her over a desk, raising her skirt and doing all kinds of naughty things to her to make her scream.

Turning into the parking lot, she let her gaze wander over the other cars until she found an empty parking spot. A glance at the clock on her console read 8:55 PM. She had five minutes. Checking her appearance in her rearview mirror one last time, she applied another coat of lipstick to make her lips shine, and then grabbed her purse and her keys and got out of the car. She speed-walked through the entrance and found the elevator. As it dinged open, anxious flutters zinged around in her stomach.

It was almost time.

She'd always had fantasies about African American men, ever since she was a teenager in high school. The principal at her school had been so fine. She’d always imagined being sent to the office by one of her teachers for acting up in class. The secret crush she'd carried for him had lasted the entire time she was a student at Southwest High School. Always a good girl, she'd never gotten into trouble, nor had any reason to visit his office, so she’d had to admire him from afar. The fantasy had never died, though.

A few months ago, as she'd begun the momentous task of packing up her old room at her parents' house, she'd run across her high school yearbook, and all those memories and desires came roaring back. Then, a few days later, Victoria had told her about The Pleasure Club. It was as if fate told her to do this.

Now that she was here, she wasn't sure what to expect, but she was excited as hell to find out.

As the numbers on the elevator slowly lit up, one floor after the next, her excitement grew. She was about to have sex with a total stranger. Instead of being scared and timid, or ready to hit the first floor button to go back down as soon as the door opened, a deliberate smile crept over her face.

She needed this night. She wanted this night. Who knew when she'd get this opportunity again? For the next couple of weeks she was going to be tested over everything she'd learned in the last ten years. Celeste was going to sleep, live and breathe anesthesiology.

But, it would all be worth it when she got that huge diploma in her hand that said, Celeste Moore, Doctor of Anesthesiology.

After that, she was moving to Atlanta, into her new home, and into a career she’d dreamed about since she was sixteen years old. There wouldn't be any time for men, or even a relationship for that matter. Sex would be non-existent in her life for who knew how long.

Ding. The sixth floor. Celeste took a left off the elevator, following the signs.

I need this.

Six-eighty.

I want this.

Six-ninety.

I’m here.

When she looked at her watch, it was straight up nine o’clock. She took a deep breath, smoothed her plaid skirt over her hips and pulled down the tails of her perfectly starched white shirt. It was the closest thing to a schoolgirl outfit she had in her closet. Her heart pounded louder than the rapid knocks she placed on the door.

"Come in," a smooth, rich baritone voice said from the other side.

I’m really doing this, she thought as she twisted the knob and opened the door. The man who sat on the other side of the desk made the air hitch in her throat. Oh, my God! She took a step back, looked at the numbers on the door again to make sure she was in the right place.

She was.

How did she get so lucky? When Victoria told her how gorgeous her Pleasure Master the guy was—Officer Drake—she could only hope hers would be too. But this man, whoever he was, had pleasure written all over him. She couldn't tell how tall he was because he was sitting, but his upper body was coated in a dark, double-breasted suit. Blue or black—she couldn’t tell because the light in the room was dimmed low.

His caramel colored skin made her think of a ripe, red apple and the state fair she used to go to when she was a child. All she ever wanted to do was lick it and lick it until it was all gone, and then get another.

Lean fingers were tented in front of him, his elbows resting on the arms of his leather chair. Dark, sensuous eyes and a smooth covering of low-cut hair accentuated his high cheekbones, regal nose and strong chin. He was a work of perfection.

Now…if only he could fuck.

"Come in, Ms. Moore."

She stepped into the room. It was big for an office. A small conference table and chairs to the right and a couch and coffee table to the left flanked the large mahogany desk he sat behind. He waved to one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. "Why don’t you have a seat?"

Still not sure what to say or what to expect, she nodded her head and sat.

"It has come to my attention that you got into a little trouble today in your health education class."

Oh, she thought with a smile, and sat up straighter in her chair. "I didn't do anything," she said and flipped her auburn, shoulder-length hair over her shoulder, away from her neck. She wished she had a piece of gum, then she could really get into her role of schoolgirl.

"Mrs. Brown told me you wouldn't cooperate in class."

She shrugged her shoulders and crossed her legs. "Didn’t want to."

His gaze dropped. "Why not?" He leaned back in his chair.

"I just didn’t."

"Do you have a problem with learning about sex education, Ms. Moore? It is something you really need to know."

"No. I don't have a problem learning it. I just didn’t want to learn it from her."

"She told me you were very disrespectful."

"So?"

"Now you're being disrespectful to me. Do you know what happens to little girls when they're disrespectful…and naughty?"

A delicious shiver shimmied up her spine. She couldn't wait to find out.

She rolled her eyes at him. "Whatever."

When he got up, she almost melted into the leather of her chair. He was tall, real tall. At least six-four. Her gaze roamed the length of him, and a sweet heat she hadn’t felt in a long time sizzled inside her.

He came around the desk and sat on the edge in front of her. Her gaze zoomed to his dick. Oh yeah.

"What happens to naughty girls?" She licked her lips, anticipating how wide her jaws would have to get when she put that magnificent piece of male flesh inside her mouth.

Reaching behind him, he grabbed a long, wooden paddle.

"I'm not scared of you," she said. But she visibly allowed a delicious shiver to cascade over her entire body.

With the handle of the paddle in one hand, he rubbed it back and forth with the other. "Oh, I think you should be afraid, Ms. Moore. Very, very afraid."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Avaiable NOW from Cobblestone Press

Temptation City

2008-05-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Blurb:

Mixing business with pleasure has never been so tempting.

Ashia Forrester has always lived by one rule: Never mix business with pleasure. As the owner of Temptation City, a male strip club, that has never been a problem. Until now. The talented new stripper she's hired stirs a desire in her that cannot be denied.

Jalen Spencer is an undercover cop who loves his job. His next assignment is to pose as a stripper at a local club and find out if the owner is laundering money for the mob. He's pretty sure this mission will be a walk in the park, until he meets the sexy owner. It isn't long before Jalen's giving hot performances on stage and in bed.

But how will he handle it when she learns everything about him is a lie?

Excerpt:

Ashia picked up her walkie-talkie. "Who's next, Vivian?"

"Jalen Spencer."

She glanced down at her watch. "How many are left?"

"Three."

Thank goodness. Maybe she would actually have a lunch break today. "Ten-four."

Ashia sifted through the mound of applications and paperwork she’d collected. Not one decent dancer in the bunch. Oh, there were plenty of good-looking guys, but they didn't exude the sexuality and attitude Temptation City was known for. She dropped the folders in the box behind her.

"Excuse me."

The rich baritone voice sent a tingle across the back of her neck. She swiveled around too fast and tripped over her chair. A pair of large masculine hands grabbed her forearms and held her up. "Are you okay?"

Shock waves charged up her spine. She sucked in a breath, looked up and got a blast of remarkable hazel eyes with tiny flecks of green. "Y-yes. I’m fine. Thank you."

He released her and stepped back. "I'm here to interview for the position you have open."

Yes, yes, oh yes.

Now this was what she was talking about. The man shouldn't be allowed outside without a bodyguard. The way he looked at her was enough to make any woman come on the spot. And the way he filled out a plain black t-shirt with those broad shoulders and chest, his superman arms…it just wasn't fair to the female population.

Ashia allowed her gaze to travel his body from head to toe and then back up again. Close-cropped hair cut, trimmed mustache and full lips slanted upward in a smirk. He looked like he'd been sculpted by Michelangelo, dipped in caramel and left for human admiration.

She saw him peeling away every stitch of clothing on his body and every woman in the club screaming her head off, begging to put money between his ass cheeks.

"Ma'am?" he asked, an eyebrow arched.

She shook away the arousal that threatened to turn her into a complete idiot. "Um, the position?"

"Yes, I heard you had a bartender position open?"

She glanced down at her papers and back up again. "I'm not hiring, um, bartenders at the moment. I'm only looking for…" Her voice trailed off as her eyes zeroed in on his crotch. "…strippers."

A look that bordered on disbelief crossed his incredibly handsome features. "Strippers?"

"Yes," she replied. "The only ad I placed was for male exotic dancers."

His lips thinned. "Well, I didn't come quite prepared for that."

"Have you ever danced before?"

"Not that kind," he answered looking toward the stage.

She looked him up and down again and smiled, tilting her head. "There's a first time for everything."

His eyes pleaded with hers. "You sure you don't have any other positions open? Bouncer? Anything?"

She was beginning to enjoy this. Obviously, someone had given this guy the wrong information. But if she convinced him to step onto that stage, she'd have a full house of dollar-flinging women for the foreseeable future.

Regretfully, she tore her gaze away from his body. She moved in front of the table and leaned against it. "With a body like yours, you could make a lot of money here. Easily seven-fifty to a thousand a weekend."

"Well—"

"Why don't you get up there, try it out and see if you like it?"

He just stared at her.

All right, he was going to take a little more convincing. He didn't give off the "look at me, I'm gorgeous" vibe. He was more reserved. Laid back, a more "I like to be in the background" sort of guy. He'd have to be coaxed into it.

"You got a girlfriend?"

He raised a brow. "No."

"Family in town? Mom? Grandmother?"

He tossed her a wicked smile and shook his head. "No."

"Then, you won't have to worry about it getting back to them, if that's what you're worried about."

"That’s not it. I just wasn't expecting," he waved his hand toward the long ramp, "…this."

"Well, what's that saying? If the world gives you lemons, make lemonade." She sat and crossed her legs. "You need a job, right?"

"Yes."

"And you want a job at Temptation City?"

"Yes," he answered again.

"Well, up on that stage is all I've got." She paused for effect. "If you can handle it."

It was a dare. She knew it. But for some reason, he struck her as the type of guy who never backed down from anything. Especially a challenge.

"I didn't bring any music."

She yelled to her DJ without taking her eyes off him. "Hey, Ravyn, play this guy some music."

Seconds later, Tyrese's "Signs of Making Love" came over the speakers. Perfect. With his face and body, and if he could tantalize her with a dance, she’d hire him on the spot.

"I’ve never done this before," he reminded her.

She grinned. "I know. Just let the music move you. Let it seep into your mind, your soul, and see what happens."

The lyrics asked her if she was a freak.

Damn skippy.

His dance was seductive and slow just like the music, and his eyes never left hers as he moved. The words guaranteed her that he’d give her body whatever it needed.

Ashia squirmed in her chair.

When he began to remove his shirt, pulling it from the bottom straight up over his head, she saw an exceptional six-pack and imagined running her hands over his taut muscles. The shirt landed at her feet.

The melody wanted to know if she was the freak he’d been looking for.

Hell yes.

Her eyes glazed over when he began to unbutton his jeans. He bent over and slid them down and off his legs. A pair of red knit boxer briefs hugged his muscular thighs.

Her favorite color. She gulped. Oh God.

The next thing she knew, he was coming off the stage toward her. He'd really gotten into his performance. A line in the song asked the listener to whisper in his ear. Jalen leaned over to hers.

"How am I doing?" he asked, a sexy tone in his voice.

He was close enough for her to get a whiff of his scent. She caught a brief hint of tangerine, mandarin and sage. Ashia cleared her throat. "F-fine."

He turned around, spread his legs and bent over to touch the floor, leaving his ass right in her face. She itched to reach out and palm him to see if his cheeks were as firm as she thought they were.

Right now, he was the embodiment of temptation. A graceful animal in motion stalking its prey. A cougar or a panther.

Perfect for Temptation City.

Perfect for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Available NOW from Samhain Publishing

Thoroughly Tempted

2008-02-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

Blurb:
Who knew that a little Florida R&R could be so thoroughly tempting!

Wounded cop Wesley Duncan is sent on a forced vacation to spend a week at Tempted, the perfect place for him to relax and recover. But recovery becomes the last thing on his mind when he discovers sexy spa owner Sierra is the only other person around.

After a hectic year and half making Tempted a success, Sierra Morgan is looking forward to having her Florida spa all to herself for a whole week. The last thing she needs is someone messing up her plans to be blissfully alone.

But when a seriously hot stranger shows up, Sierra is thoroughly tempted to make a serious change of plan.

Excerpt:
Sierra Morgan adjusted the robe she'd wound around her body and sighed with satisfaction as she walked toward the pool. Pride swelled beneath her breast. It was hers, all hers. Well, hers and Jennifer's. Her gaze strayed toward the window where a custom-made oak deck and white sandy beach spread out all the way down to the Atlantic.

Their very own spa.

She could hardly believe it. She and Jennifer had worked hard the last year to turn their dream into a success. Tempted was a luxury spa that catered to the man or woman who needed a place to unwind and relax, or the couple who wanted to get away from the kids for a long weekend. It was still hard to wrap her mind around the fact that their first year had been so successful.
Quite honestly, no one in her family believed that she could do it. When she'd quit her dead-end job at a medical insurance company and moved to Florida a year and a half ago after much prodding from her best friend, they all thought she was crazy. But it was the right thing to do. Since she didn't have a medical degree, that job would have gone nowhere.

Now, look at her.

She was the owner of her own business that earned a very nice profit and provided her with a place to live.

Being the only one of her siblings who didn't earn a college degree had made her the black sheep of the family, so to speak, the one who was never able to compete with her sister's success as an attorney, or her brother’s famous career as a pro football player.

Here was where she found refuge from all of that. A place to belong. A place she'd help build from the ground up with the money she'd saved and Jennifer, the friend who was more like a sibling to her than her real ones.

Now it was time for a much needed break. Jennifer was off to spend a week with her sister and celebrate the arrival of her brand new nephew. For this one week, they'd closed the spa to enjoy a vacation of their own.

Truth be told, though each and every day the spa opened brought a piece of heaven to her life, she was looking forward to this little reprieve from the constant needs and wants of their customers.

Though it was small compared to others in the area, Tempted was a topnotch spa and resort that offered first-class accommodations and services including a full-service salon that offered manicures, pedicures and a specialty spa that offered massages, facials and make-up consultations. It had a small golf course, an indoor pool, a five-star restaurant, and to top it all off, it sat right on the beach. Since all the staff was gone for the week, Sierra looked forward to having the place to herself. Sometimes, the spa got so busy, all she wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Since she was all alone she decided to go for a swim sans swimming suit. Sierra strolled over to the radio that was on the bar, checked to see what CD was inside, pushed play and turned the sound up sky-high. A hip-hip beat had her sashaying her hips toward the edge. She sat her cell phone down, dropped the robe, did a few stretches to warm her body up and dove in.

The cool refreshing water felt wonderful. An expert swimmer since the age of five, she decided a few freestyle laps would do her body good. But the enjoyment was short-lived when she began to turn a flip into her third lap and glimpsed a pair of tennis shoes at the edge of the pool. Her gaze moved up to muscled tan calves, a pair of khaki shorts and a white shirt that sat on incredibly wide shoulders. She looked up into a very handsome face with forest green eyes and hair the color of midnight and choked back a scream.

************

"I should have just stayed at home," Wesley Duncan grumbled under his breath as he reached into his pocket for the key his cousin sent him. He tugged the front of his shirt in a futile attempt to get some air since he was unused to the Florida heat. His cousin, Jennifer, had told him that other than her partner, the resort/spa would be deserted and a perfect place for him to recover from the gunshot wound he’d received eleven weeks ago stopping a bank robbery.

Though he would much rather be sitting at home on his couch watching all the summer re-runs he’d missed because of work, he had to admit the place was awesome. His cousin had really outdone herself. And he really did look forward to being alone and away from his smothering mother. A wry smile curled his lips. He did appreciate the fact that she’d taken care of him the past few months, but enough was enough.

Besides, he really did need to get away and decide if being a cop was something he still wanted to do. While lying in the hospital he'd done some soul searching and wondered if it was time for him to hang up his gun and get that law degree he'd always wanted.

At home, he was constantly reminded of the cop heritage he was supposed to live up to. His grandfather had been a cop, as was his father, both his brothers and his sister. Even though he'd initially gone to college and gotten his degree in criminal justice with the express intent to go to law school, he'd followed in the footsteps of everyone else in his family.

At any rate, he was sure this week-long excursion would give him some perspective and help him make up his mind once and for all.

He heard the music as soon as he walked in. He dropped his bag on the floor and admired the space. A cherry wood circular reception desk sat in the middle of the room. Large floor planters with tall trees sat on either side of huge, welcoming chairs and couches to lounge in. The marble floor gleamed and the place smelled like the ocean.

Jennifer had insisted he come here and told him that Sierra would take good care of him. She'd worn an odd little smile when she said it, as if she were privy to some hidden secret he knew nothing about. There were hallways to the left and right so he decided to follow the music.
He passed several rooms with massage tables all decorated differently until he came to a huge glass room with a pool. Inside he saw caramel-colored arms fly expertly through the water. He walked to the edge and waited for her to finish her lap. He saw a white robe on the floor, and as she got closer, he realized the woman did not have on a bathing suit.

She stopped, gripped the edge, and her gaze slowly rose to meet his. Fear lit her eyes before she said, "Who the hell are you and how did you get in here?"

The woman who hovered in the water below him had short dark hair, eyes the color of rich chocolate and a mouth that had "kiss me" written all over it. Two simple, diamond studs winked at him from each ear and a gold chain disappeared between magnificent breasts. He blinked and searched his mind for the correct answer. However, the minute he looked into her face, any rational thought he might have had left his mind.

Damn, he couldn’t even remember his own name.

Available NOW from Samhain Publishing

A Gift of Chocolate

2008-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Available TODAY from Cobblestone Press

Six-year-old Kennadi has a very special gift for her mom on Valentine’s Day: a gift of chocolate.

When Officer Allen Hughes escorts a little girl back to her mother after she buys a special Valentine’s Day present, he never expected his act of chivalry would send cupid’s arrow shooting straight to his heart.

Divorced mother Sabrina Miller is terrified when her daughter turns up missing from her after-school art program. But when a twist of magic brings her face to face with the cop who returns her, she suddenly begins to believe in love and second chances.

Excerpt:

Sabrina rushed forward and shouted, "Kennadi."

Her daughter smiled and jumped out of the car. "Hi, Mommy." She held up a little red box with a bow on it. "Surprise!"

"What is it? Is she okay?" Abby asked her.

"For some reason, she's with a police officer."

"Oh, my God," she whispered.

Sabrina dropped down on her knees and pulled her close. Kennadi reared back.

"Look, Mommy. I bought you something for Valentine’s Day."

Sabrina touched her face, fingered her ponytail, and inspected her from head to toe. "I was so worried about you. Where have you been?"

With a smile on her face and a chocolate smudge on the corner of her mouth, she said, "I went to the bakery across the street."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? You shouldn’t have done that. You disappeared, and Abby didn’t know where you were. We were both so worried."

Kennadi’s caramel-colored little face switched from happy to sad. "I'm sorry. I wanted it to be a surprise."

Not wanting to put a damper on her gift, but needing to let her know what she did was wrong, she responded, "Thank you so much, sweetheart. But you scared Mommy to death. Did you walk over there all by yourself?"

The corners of her mouth tilted upward. "Uh huh. And I even looked both ways before I crossed the street. Just like you taught me."

Abby asked the police officer, "How did you find her?"

Sabrina was so focused on her child that she hadn't taken much notice of the police officer standing behind her daughter.

"I was in the store when she came in, so I decided to bring her back. I figured you’d be looking for her by now."

Sabrina looked up and then up again. This guy, with his shaved head and near-perfect stature, was the stuff heroes were made of on the covers of the romance novels she read. At least six-two, he looked as if he'd been specifically chosen and decadently placed in a rich pool of milk chocolate by God himself.

Abby, unaware of the tension rolling through Sabrina’s body, said, "Well, that's good. I’m so relieved. We were so worried about her. I'll go inside and get her bag."

Sabrina needed to snap out of it. One minute she was about to go stark raving mad with worry about her daughter, the next she couldn't take her eyes off the officer who'd brought her safely back. "Thanks, Abby. And thank you so much, Officer...?"

"Hughes. Allen Hughes."

She liked his voice. And his eyes, which were a deep shade of brown, almost black, were mesmerizing. "I thought..." She shook her head from side to side. "Well, never mind what I thought." She stooped back down to look at Kennadi. "I’m just glad you’re okay."

"I'm fine. Officer Allen helped me pay for your surprise, too."

"Oh, no. I couldn't let you do that," she croaked, inwardly wincing at the choked sound of her own voice.

He tilted his head to the side and smiled. "It's no problem. Besides, if you pay me back, then it wouldn't be a gift, now would it?"

"I guess not."

Kennadi tugged at her sleeve. "Open it, Mommy. Open it."

"Okay, sweetie." Sabrina untied the bow, then opened the box and lifted out the tissue paper.

"Try one. It tastes really good."

As she pushed the paper aside, she grinned. "Chocolate."

"Your favorite."

"They sure are, sweetie." She cupped her daughter's cheek. "Well, since there are three pieces, why don't we all eat one?"

"I already had one. The lady at the store let me try one before we bought them. Just share one with Officer Allen."

"Okay." She lifted the box up, and he grinned as he took one out.

"Thanks."

After she took a bite, she told him, "I don't think I can say thank you enough for finding her, and for this," she said, lifting the box up. "I really appreciate it."

He ate his in one bite. "No problem. Just part of the job. Plus, she seems like a really good kid."

The sudden surge of love for her daughter made her beam as she responded, "Yes, she is." Sabrina leaned down until she was face-to-face with Kennadi, and then she tweaked her daughter on the nose. "Except for today. Don't you ever do that again, do you hear me?"

Kennadi's cheeks flushed and her hazel eyes, so like her father's, sparkled with excitement. "Yes, ma'am. You like your present, don't you, Mommy?"

"Yes, I do, and it was very sweet of you to get it for me, but no more crossing streets without an adult. Okay?"

Kennadi nodded. "I promise."

"You and your husband raised a very well-mannered little girl," Officer Hughes said.

Sabrina tensed, not quite sure how to respond. "Well, um..." What could she say? I had a husband, but we’re not together because drugs were more important to him than his family. No. She wouldn't respond that way. She couldn't hang her dirty laundry out there like that.

"Mommy and Daddy aren't together anymore."

Embarrassed, Sabrina squeaked out, "Kennadi." She gave her a fierce hug, turned her around, and patted her on the back. "Why don’t you go inside and get your backpack from Abby so she won’t have to come all the way out here."

"Okay."

"Tell Officer Hughes goodbye and thank him."

Kennadi turned before she walked through the door and waved. "Goodbye, Officer Allen, and thank you for helping me buy Mommy's Valentine's present."

He returned her wave. "You're welcome, Kennadi." Then he focused his attention on her. "So, I see you're a student, too."

Almost forgotten, she tugged her backpack up on her shoulder. "Oh, yeah. I just got out of class."

"Where do you go to school?"

"Pulaski Tech. Kennadi comes here every day after school and then I pick her up."

"Well, I patrol this area, so I'll keep an eye out for her. Make sure she doesn't take any other unsupervised trips to the bakery without permission," he offered with a grin that threatened to make Sabrina's toes curl.

"Thank you. I don't know what made her do that. She knows she's not to go anywhere by herself."

He shrugged. "Well, she wanted it to be a surprise, so she probably planned it and waited for the perfect opportunity; when her teacher wasn't in the room."

"I guess so. I never knew she was so sneaky."

His grin sent a shiver through her, and it had nothing to do with how cold it was outside. Lord, this man could get her motor running with just a little smile.

"Kids will amaze you."

"Don’t I know it?"

Sabrina stared up at him for an awkward moment. She never thought she was a sucker for a man in uniform, but something about his dark blue suit, the gun belt wrapped around his narrow waist, and the badge on his chest just did something to her.

"I got my bag, Mommy," Kennadi said, running full speed out the door.

"Okay then, I guess it's time for us to go."

Quickly, she bent down, pulled Kennadi's hat over her head, and zipped up her coat. It was a short walk to their apartment, but it was still cold outside, and she couldn't afford for either one of them to catch a cold. After she did the same to herself, she turned to Officer Hughes. "Thank you again."

"No problem."

She hated to see him go, but as attractive as he was, he wasn't for her. No man on earth wanted a ready-made family, no matter how nice he seemed. Besides, between school, Kennadi, and her new job, she didn’t have time for a relationship. Not that he wanted one anyway. "Goodbye."

"Bye.”"

She watched him as he got in his patrol car. Sabrina clasped Kennadi's hand tightly as they walked down the sidewalk and turned right, past the arts center. She loved the old building, especially since they remodeled it. The russet brick and tall white columns; the beautiful landscaping and the water fountain out front. Amazing was the only word to describe it.

"You need a lift?"

Shocked, she turned to see Officer Hughes pull up beside them. "Um, no. We don’t live that far away. We can walk."

How nice of him to offer, but she didn't want him to feel obligated, even though he was a cop.

"It’s no trouble."

"Come on, Mommy. It’s cold," Kennadi said, making up Sabrina's mind.

"Well, then. If you're sure it's okay."

"Sure. Hop on in."

She opened the back door, ushered Kennadi inside first, then got in and shut the door.

"Where am I going?"

"Sixteen-twenty Sherman," Sabrina told him as she buckled Kennadi's seat belt, then her own.

"So, where do you go to school, Kennadi?" he asked as he glanced in his rearview mirror and pulled out into the street.

"Rockefeller Elementary School. I'm in first grade."

"Do you like school?"

"Yes."

"What's your favorite subject?" he asked quickly, his lips twitching.

"Art."

"Which is why the after-school program at the art center is perfect for her," Sabrina added. "It allows her to get out all that creative energy."

He probably saw her as pitiable. She didn’t have a car. She almost lost her daughter and, when he saw the building she lived in, it would be even worse. It wasn't a slum, but it was old and small. However, under the circumstances, it was the best she could do.

"What is her mom studying in school?"

"Respiratory Therapy."

"Cool. I don't think I've ever met a respiratory therapist before," he replied as he turned onto her street.

"Well, I’m not one yet."

He glanced at her. "You will be, though. I can tell."

He pulled up in front of her building and put the car in park. "Here we are."

"Thanks. I appreciate it," she said and hurriedly unbuckled both of their seatbelts, eager to put their unexpected meeting behind her.

"Anytime."

"I’ll see you around, I guess."

"I hope so."

When she reached the front of her building, she turned just in time to see him wave. Maybe she'd run into him again. He worked in the area, and so did she. Plus, she did volunteer that Kennadi was at the art center every day. He'd know she'd be there after school. Of course, that didn't mean anything. She was quite sure he wouldn't seek her out. She just wasn't that lucky when it came to men.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Get your copy today!!!

Check It Out!

2008-01-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

I'm over at the Novelty Girls today!

A Little "Pimpage"

2008-01-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

My good friend Moira Reed has a release today, Pay Dirt!

Elle Parson wins $10 million in the Texas Two-Step Lottery and her life immediately turns to crap. First someone almost steals her purse containing the ticket.

Then, she unwittingly mucks up a police undercover operation to catch the Houston Marauder, a psychopath who has already abducted, raped and murdered three women.

Then things turn much worse.

Get your copy at Cobblestone Press today!

Another Best Seller!!!!

2008-01-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

Cobblestone Press Top 10 for December 2007

1. Christmas Moon by Loribelle Hunt
2. Conquering Connie by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton
3. The Secret Santa Project by Lyric James
4. Special Delivery by Marie Rochelle
5. Reign Of Pleasure by Emma Petersen
6. The Diamond Heartstone by Leila Brown
7. Desiring Dixie by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton
8. Dancing For The Wolf by L.A. Day
9. Rules of Engagement by Loribelle Hunt
10. Bone Deep by Summer Alan

Whoohoo!!!!! I got this awesome news yesterday. Thanks to everyone who purchased my book last month. I hope you enjoy it.

Cobblestone Press Introduces!!!

2008-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Words In Motion Conference

(WIM) is an annual online conference developed to offer support, marketing, and networking within the romance and erotic romance industries. Our goal is to provide affordable and convenient opportunities for authors, publishers, and other professional individuals. WIM is a free event, meaning it costs absolutely nothing to attend or participate.

2008 WIM Conference: Romantic Suspense
January 2nd - 6th
The Lamplighter Conference Center
Main Street Community Forums

Special Presentations

Forensics: A Reality Check for Authors - M. E. McCombs
Image Building: Developing a Web Presence - Croco Designs
Workshop for Authors on Marketing - Kayelle Allen
Writing the Convincing Villain - Melanie Atkins

Go here to check it out! You won't regret it!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

2007-12-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

You Are a Bow

You don't think of it as the holiday season - you think of it as the present season!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Take the quiz and find out!

Smooches! :-)

Black Butterfuly Review Holiday Explosion TODAY!!!

2007-12-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Black Butterfly Review Book Club presents a Holiday Explosion!!!

You are cordially invited to our 1st Holiday Explosion. On Sunday, December 16, 2007 @ 7pm EST, join us for a lively discussion with the prolific erotica author, Kimberly Kaye Terry as we discuss her latest release, Ridin' The Rails.

Immediately following the book discussion we will kick off the Author Explosion with a chat session featuring some of your favorite authors as they introduce their new releases and share some of their holiday traditions.

There will be door prizes, lots of book giveaways and a festive atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join The Chat!

http://www.blackbutterflyreview.com/

Authors Attending

Maureen Smith
Gwyneth Bolton
Cheris Hodges
Marlene
Samara King
Taige Crenshaw
Shelia Goss
AC Arthur
Lyric James
TJ Michaels
Andrea Blackstone
Sapphire Blue
Lorraine Morris Cole

We hope you can join us for the exciting event!

Come On Over...

2007-12-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

I'm at the Novelty Girls today!

The Secret Santa Project

2007-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Secret Santa Project kicks off Cobblestone Press' 12 Days of Christmas.

Pick up your copy today!!!

Join me tomorrow in the Cobblestone Press chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST for fun and contests! However, since today is "release" day, I'll be giving away a copy today!!! But you have to be a member my newsletter yahoo group to be eligible.

Click the link to the left to right to join!

Smooches, Lyric

Pimping A New Website & Blog

2007-08-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Okay...so you guys know how I absolutely lurve mystery's. Well there's a few new ladies on the web/blog block. Killer Fiction. These wonderful authors include: Kathleen Bacus, Christie Craig, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Leslie Langtry, and Bethany True. They all write cozy humerous mystery that will have you rooting for the heroine all the while hoping she gets her man and solves the crime. You can also go here to their blog.

I have personally read Gemma's High Heels Mystery's and I adore them. I can't wait for Undercover In High Heels to release later this month. So...go check em' out. They all sound like wonderful ladies.

News & Stuff & Great News!

2007-08-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

To say that a lot has been going on these last few weeks is an understatement. First for the announcements....The Promise of Forever made the best sellers list AGAIN at Cobblestone Press. This time in the #3 spot. Whoohoo!! Up two places.

Cobblestone Press July Best Sellers List

#1 Dominant Territory by Cora Zane
#2 Rescue Me by Anna Leigh Keaton
#3 The Promise of Forever by Lyric James
#4 Walking With Synn by L. Shannon
#5 Charming Carmen by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle
#5 In Smoke by Crystal Jordan

Also....I submitted a proposal for the The Vampire Oracle series with Cobblestone Press, a series that will be available in both ebook and PRINT!!!! Whoohooo! And what I think is also super cool, is when my novella comes out in print...it'll be in the same book with Sable and Deanna...which is AWESOME!!!!! Here's the list of other authors that were selected.

The Vampire Oracle Series from Cobblestone Press

The Moon by Michelle Hasker
Birth by Diana Bold
Innoncence by Lia Morgan
Life by AL Debran
Hunger by Sophie Athens
Chalice by Ericka Scott
Power by Ava Rose Johnson
Battle by Lia Sebastian
Fever by Sapphire Blue
Lust by Jade James
Sin by Antonia Pearce
Sacrafice by Leila Brown
Love by L. Shannon
Harmony by MG Braden
Shadow by Karen Erickson
Sunlight by Moira Reid
Ashes by Contessica Ryans
Death by Yolanda Sfetsos
Sleep by Eugenia O'Neal
Tomb by Rebecca Goings
Awaken by Eliza Gayle
Rebirth by Lyric James
New Life by Emma Petersen
Wisdom by Sable Grey
Circle of Life by Deanna Lee

Let's seeeee...what else. Oh...I submitted a Valentine story to Cobblestone Press. Hopefully TONIGHT...I'll be submitting a Christmas story. And, I completed edits for both of my Samhain titles due out next year.

NOW...I need to complete the menage story I've been working on and my submission to the annual Brava contest. So, lot's to do for me over the next few weeks. Plus, school has started, which means I'm back at work in my library so my writing time has been cut dramatically. But, I know it'll all work out. My muse will DEMAND it!!! LOL

4 Angels for The Promise of Forever

2007-07-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Promise of Forever is a story that warms your heart. Sonja’s past is painful and even a bit frightening, yet she’s strong and won’t allow it to destroy her future. Although the timing of their encounter isn’t perfect for Sonja, she can’t resist Trent for long. He’s the man she’s always hoped for and while a little wary, she soon realizes she deserves happiness. I enjoyed the growth of these characters and while I wish Trent’s character had been developed more, overall I enjoyed their relationship and the growth of their love.

To read the entire view...go here.

Weight Watcher Wednesday

2007-07-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well....I've given up. Ok, that's not exactly true. I just have no

M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N!!!

Zero! Zip! Nada! I've lost 35 pounds and I can't make myself get back on the program. I thought it would be easier during the summer, but it hasn't. I've even considered hypnosis. Have any of you ever done this? Ever thought about? I've heard it helps with smoking. I've seen ads in the newspaper about it. Just not sure yet.

I really just need something to "click" in my mind EVERYDAY that I should EXERCISE!!! I guess it just all boils down to making myself do it, no matter how much I don't want to. And it's so funny, once I get started, I'm fine. It's just taking that first step...on the track that is. LOL.

So, you got any ideas? If you're a regular exerciser, what keeps you motivated?

What Kind Of Chocolate Are You?

2007-07-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Samara King's blog and thought it would be fun! - Take the quiz and let me know what kind of chocolate you are?

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds.
You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life.
Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

It's All About The Fireworks

2007-07-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Is available NOW from Freya's Bower.

Novelty Girl Saturday!

2007-07-07T18:55:00.001-07:00

I'm a Novelty Girl today. Join me!

"Thursday Thirteen"

2007-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Movies I Want To See This Summer

1. Nancy Drew - How can I resist? She's the ultimate kid sleuth.

2. License To Wed - Robin Williams - Nuff said!

3. Ocean's Thirteen - I just have to. OK?

4. Evan Almighty - I loved the first one. Besides, Steve Carell is hilarious.

5. Ratatouille - My kids have already seen this. Now, I have to find a reason to go see it again.

6. Pirates of the Caribean: At World's End - Johnny Depp at it again. Can't resist.

7. Fantasitc Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - Chris Evans is just sooo cute...and the special effects are going to be awesome.

8. Live Free or Die Hard - Classic Bruce Willis action. Love-it!!! (Already saw it - It was awesome!!!)

9. The Transformers - I remember watching this cartoon when I was a kid. Have to see it on the big screen. (Already saw it - Another awesome movie!!!

10. The Bourne Ultimatum - Matt Damon, ummm...Duh!

11. Rush Hour 3 - Chris Rock and Jackie Chan in action again. Saw a movie trailer already - hilarious!!!

12. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry - Adam Sandler and Kevin James, seperate they are funny - together - well, I don't think funny is a good enough word.

13. Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix - The one I'm dying to see the most. July 13th can't get her fast enough!!!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Stella Price

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the Thursday Thirteen is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

The Promise of Forever is a Best Seller!!!!

2007-07-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

I came back from vacation to find out that The Promise of Forever made the June Best Seller list at Cobblestone Press. Needless to say, I am very excited about this because it's my first time making the list. :-)

I want to congratulate my fellow Novelty Girl, Crystal Jordan, for making the list at #1 - Whoohoo!!!! Crystal. I also want to congratulate the other listees especially Madison Layle and Anna Leigh Keaton!!! These two ladies have been with me since the beginning of my writing career and I wouldn't be where I am today without there critiquing, encouragement and support! Thanks ladies!! Here's the rest of the list.

Top Ten Best Sellers

1. Wereplanets: In Smoke by Crystal Jordan
2. Incognito: Charming Carmen by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton
3. Season of Change: Hurricane Season by Loribelle Hunt
4. Dominant Territory by Cora Zane
5. The Promise of Forever by Lyric James
6. Dominic's Temptation by Jade James
7. Icosoceles Triangle by Summer Alan
8. Incognito: Collaring Kat by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton
9. Undercover Pleasure Droid by L.A. Day
10. Narian Summer by Tiana Xander & Bonnie Rose Leigh

Novelty Girl Saturday

2007-06-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to the Novelty Girls and read some funny tales about my trip to Jamaica! :-) This is my last day here :-( but I can't wait to see my kiddos. I've missed them.

My laptop has been acting screwy so I haven't been able to upload any pictures. I'll do it next when I'm home.

Smooches!

Jamaica Here I Come!!!!

2007-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo!!! I'm off to spend a glorious fun-filled week in Montego Bay, Jamaica with the hubby. I'll be back either on July 2nd or 3rd - depending on when the husband wants to drive back home from Texas.

This is where I'll be!

Isn't it gorgeous. Check back during the week. I plan to post pictures!

Smooches, Lyric :-)

Novelty Girl Saturday

2007-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm posting over at the Novelty Girls today. Come on over and join me!

The Promise of Forever

2007-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

*****Releases TODAY from Cobblestone Press*****

Blurb

Sonja Milton escapes an abusive relationship and leaves all she knows behind for a new job as the personal assistant to best-selling author, Trent Logan. She’s determined to keep her heart under lock and key. But when she sees his softer side, his love of children, not to mention the way his sexy body fills out a pair of jeans, she can’t help but wonder if she should risk her heart again for the promise of forever.

Excerpt

His attempt to console her had tears seeping out of her eyes. She thought she'd cried all the tears she could over the loss of her child, but evidently, she hadn't. Even Devin hadn't taken the time out to comfort her afterward. He had the nerve to pretend that nothing was wrong, even when she'd lain in bed for days after. But this man, a man she'd only met a month ago, offered her what she'd wanted, someone to weep with her, feel sad for her because of the loss. One ounce of soothing from him, and when she least expected it her armor cracked and revealed her vulnerability, leaving her with nothing but a feeling of helplessness.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, and she sank into his warmth. She rested her cheek over his heart and counted the strong, steady beats. Tears overflowed as she cried and soaked the front of his shirt. He moved his hand over her back in swirling, comforting motions. "Everything will be all right."

Trent pressed a kiss to her temple. He wiped a tear away, and then pressed his lips against her cheek, over the bridge of her nose, and finally, a soft kiss to her lips. She had no idea how this man felt about her, but in one month, he'd offered her more comfort and happiness than Devin had in two entire years.

It was all so confusing.

Live for today. Let tomorrow worry about itself.

Debra's long time mantra echoed in her head, and right now, here with Trent in this beautiful hotel room, he offered her everything she needed. She wanted to focus on right now instead of agonizing over what may or may not be happening between them.

Leaning forward, Sonja pressed her mouth to his, kissing, lingering, and savoring his taste, the touch of his warm mouth. He kissed her back in a series of slow, light kisses that set her nerves on edge.

Their mouths joined. Trent tightened his hold on her. What had begun as a friendly attempt at comfort segued into a hungry, burning desire. A spark had been lit and was now stoked to a feverish pitch. Her nipples tightened and ached; her breasts began to swell and feel heavy against the fabric of her shirt.

He pulled back and cradled her head between his large hands. "You know what's going to happen if we don't stop, don't you?"

"Yes," she murmured.

"I want you, Sonja. More than I've ever wanted a woman in my entire life. You're good for me. You remind me that life isn't all about words. It's about feeling."

He released her and pulled her up to stand in front of him. "I know I'm your boss, but I also want to be your friend. I want to protect you and be there for you. I've been alone for a long time, and until I met you, I had no idea how lonely I was."

Strange and disquieting thoughts swirled through Sonja at his words. What did this really mean? What was he really trying to say to her? "What do you want from me, Trent?"

"I want you to live with me, work for me, and be with me. I promise you that I'll never hurt you. I'll never hit you. I will worship you and treasure every moment I have with you."

He still wasn't promising her anything, but since they'd only known each other a short while, how could she expect that? Did she have it in her to be his live-in companion?

Right now?

Yes. Yes, she did.

She would let tomorrow or next week, or next month even, worry about itself. If she were truly honest, she wanted this just as much as he did.

Sonja closed her eyes tight and opened them again. "I want you, Trent."

He swept her off her feet. His long, determined strides took them across the living area, down the hall and into the bedroom he'd chosen to sleep in. He walked to the bed and lowered her to the mattress. The light from the full moon shimmered between the curtains and cast a soft glow in the room.

Only the sound of their uneven breathing echoed through the air. He stood over her as she gazed up at him. A combination of longing, need and want filled her. He tugged his fingers through the strands of her hair, then grazed the back of his hand across her cheek.
"I think I've wanted to make love to you from the first moment I saw you."

How was it so easy for her to fall into another relationship so quickly? She'd planned to erect a wall around herself that was so tall, no man could climb it. But Trent did. He scaled it and then some, with his tender looks, his love of children, and his gentlemanly ways. She lowered her head and smiled. "When I saw you for the first time, I thought you were the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen."

Trent leaned over and kissed her with a passion so tender it threatened to overwhelm her. She reached up and began to unbutton his shirt. When she was done, she grabbed the collar and gently smoothed it over his shoulders, down his arms, until it hit the floor. She wanted this to happen slow and easy, so she'd remember each and every millisecond of their first time together.

It's All About The Fireworks

2007-06-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

****Releases July 3rd From Freya's Bower****

Blurb

Britain Coleman is a professional organizer. Anything from a wedding reception, a 10-year old birthday party, a corporate luncheon, to a closet, she’s your girl.

There was nothing Richard Chase loved more as a kid than setting fireworks. He turned that love into a multi-million dollar industry.

At her employers annual 4th of July celebration, Britain is more concerned about her dismal love life than the pyrotechnician in charge of the fireworks displays unexpected arrest. After all, her cousin's wedding is just weeks away, and there isn't a prospective piece of eye candy in sight to escort her.

But when an unexpected phone call brings Britain face to face with her high school crush, Richard, she finds out just what it means to experience fireworks.

Excerpt:

She looked at him now. He'd always been tall but now, it was hard to ignore the hard muscular build that rippled beneath his shirt.

An involuntary shiver of awareness went through her. Disconcerted, she asked. "How are your parents?"

The dimples in his cheeks spread a mile wide and reminded her of the Richard she used to know. "They're doing great. Still wishing I'd move back home." A teasing light zipped through his eyes. "I see you put that nitpicking nature of yours to good practice."

She straightened her spine. "I am not a nitpicker," she said shortly.

"Right," he said, nodding. "I seem to remember a family get together where after someone set the table, another certain someone went back and refolded all the napkins and placed all the silverware just so."

Waving her hand in the air, she said, "You just threw them on the table any kind of way." Britain hated to admit and would never tell anyone that she was really nothing more than a glorified party planner. A well paid one. But she liked her job damn it, and she was good at it.

However, despite her lofty and rewarding career, Richard's teasing brought out the bitchiness in her.

"Does it surprise you that my organization skills turned out to be so lucrative?" she countered.

Mischief sparked in his eyes and she watched as he gave her a thorough once-over, causing a spark of desire to zing through her body. What did he see when he looked at her? Slender curves or skin and bones? Long brown hair that hung long and straight down her back or rich auburn tresses that cascaded in waves over her shoulders?

She wasn't a bombshell, but she always thought her green eyes were her best feature.

His gaze came back to hers. "No, it doesn't surprise me one bit," he murmured. "And I'm not disappointed either."

She felt a flash of heat. Was he flirting with her?

* * *

Damn she looked good. Richard watched as Britain's magnificent sea green eyes widened and he realized that he'd unnerved her. After all, she was the reason he was here tonight.
He could have bent down and kissed the ground when Rebecca called and asked him to do the fireworks for an upcoming event she and Britain were organizing. So many reasons to see her or not see her had been going through his mind for the past few days since he’d arrived in town.

When he stopped to think about it, it amused him to think that his childhood joy ended up being a career. He'd started a lucrative business and his net worth was a testament to his financial success. It allowed him a freedom he never thought he’d have.

From behind him, Richard heard the first sparkle of the fireworks display begin. Glancing around, he watched as the first pop in the air had the crowd had gathering at the edge of the yard to watch. He glanced down at Britain who was looking around distractedly. "It's really good to see you again."

She stared at him in confusion. "What?"

Those beautiful eyes always drew him in. Every single damn time. His arm wrapped her her waist and pulled her close.

She glanced down in surprise and back up again. "What are you doing?"

He gave an exaggerated sigh of resignation. "Kissing you."

Dimly, he was aware of the crowd, but as the flash from the fireworks lit up the sky, there was no worry that they were drawing any ones attention. Her gaze lowered to his lips and her tongue swept out and left a wet trail on her bottom lip.

Oh yeah.

* * *

Kissing me? Richard wore an amused expression on his face, like he was daring her to push him away. He really did have a nice mouth. It was curved and inviting and looked just soft enough to give her an enormous amount of pleasure. She pushed down the flutters that began to wreck havoc on her stomach.

That mouth was also attached to an equally delectable body. He leaned toward her and her focus moved up from his mouth to his eyes where he caught her with an intense look.

"You scared?" he taunted gently.

OK..Almost "One Word"

2007-06-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

OK...I totally stole this from Kate Willougby's blog and thought it was fun!

1. WHERE IS YOUR CELL PHONE?: desk
2. RELATIONSHIP?: great
3. YOUR HAIR?: permed
4. WORK?: vacation
5. YOUR SISTER?: friend
6. YOUR FAVORITE THING?: books
7. YOUR DREAM LAST NIGHT?: weird
8. YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?: drpepper
9. YOUR DREAM CAR?: Lexus
10. THE ROOM YOU’RE IN?: hubbies playroom
11. YOUR SHOES?: comfortable
12. YOUR FEARS?: failure
13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 10 YEARS?: thinner
14. WHO DID YOU HANG OUT WITH THIS WEEKEND?: family
15. WHAT ARE YOU NOT GOOD AT?: keeping in touch
16. MUFFIN?: blueberry
17. ONE OF YOUR WISH LIST ITEMS?: bigger house
18. WHERE YOU GREW UP? Arkansas
19. LAST THING YOU DID?: made a bottle
20. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?: shirt/shorts
21. WHAT AREN’T YOU WEARING?: socks
22. YOUR PET?: none
23. YOUR COMPUTER?: indispensable
24. YOUR LIFE?: happy
25. YOUR MOOD?: content
26. MISSING?: my hubby
27. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW?: peace
28. YOUR CAR?: Escape
29. YOUR KITCHEN?: too damn white
30. YOUR SUMMER?: Jamaica!
31. YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?: purple
32. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED?: today
33. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: today
34. SCHOOL?: doctorate
35. LOVE?: Henry

It's HOT!

2007-06-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Instead of eating the real thing, cause I could really leave the house RIGHT NOW and go to Coldstone Creamery and get a lovely helping of Cookie Doughn't You Want It. Instead, I got this from Ericka Scott's blog. I'm on a forced - yes forced - diet to lose a few more pounds before I leave for my trip to Jamaica on the 24th. Join me today over at the Novelty Girls.

Have a great weekend.

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core.
You often find yourself on the outside looking in.
Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works.

You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

Thursday Thirteen

2007-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things

I Need To Pack For My Vacation To Jamaica!

1. A skimpy bikini (NOT!) A nice bathing suit.

2. Sandals to show off my French manicured toes and tennis shoes to walk around in.

3. $ to spend on presents for family back home.

4. Cute sun dresses to show off my 34lb weight loss. Yeah me!

5. Shampoo and conditioner because I plan to spend a lot of time in the pool and the ocean.

6. Sexy lingerie- because I plan to spend a lot of time doing other things. *wink*wink*

7. Pictures of my kids because even though I really NEED this vacation - I'm going to miss them terribly.

8. Several good books to read for those lazy times by the pool and on the beach.

9. White Linen - You can't go to the islands without white linen!

10. Music and IPOD - again, for those lazy days on the beach and by the pool.

11. OK - The normal stuff: shorts, shirts, casual wear.

12. A pair of sexy three-inch heels. Do you even have to ask? LOL

13. My husband - well, he won't be packed, but I can't go to Jamaica without him.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Anniversary Contest

2007-06-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Cobblestone Press' one year anniversary AND the release of my next Cobb release, The Promise Of Forever, I'm having a contest. Well....two actually.

Contest #1
All you have to do is join my yahoo group It's Lyrical. For EVERY member I will pick someone at random to win a copy of one book on my backlist.

Contest #2
Go here and check out the Contest Parade for the rules of Contest #2.

The good news - not only will you find MY contest in the Contest Parade - but a entire slew of contests are going on to celebrate Cobblestone's one year anniversary. So there are many chances to win a lot of great books!

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The benefits of joining my newsletter group? Every month I draw a random winner from all the members and give them a free pdf copy of anything off my back list. This means, for the month of June - you have three opportunities to win. Join today!!!

A New Sale

2007-05-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

I've had an awesome day today. I finally...and I do mean finally....got around to writing the synopsis and re-reading/editing Temptation City. I submitted it to my editor this morning. This afternoon she told me she loved the story and offered me a contract! I am sooo excited. I've never had a story accepted that fast.

In other news, the Novelty Girls and I will be chatting this Saturday at Joyfully Reviewed starting at 2 p.m. Come on by and join us. There will be mayhem of fun, prizes and our overall general craziness! Hope to see you there.

Don't forget - Cobblestone Press begins their one year anniversary celebration tomorrow!!!

Happy Anniversary "Cobblestone Press"

2007-05-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the Cobblestone Press One Year Anniversary Bash!

When: June 1-3 for a three day celebration!
Where: The Main Street Forums

And what do we have going on?

June 1st:

Huge Release Day with 6 new titles released from Cobblestone Press!

Don't miss the unveiling of a new vampire series and the opening of submissions for the first five books of the series. And a very exciting contest that you definitely want to be a part of!

And the release of the very first issue of our new quarterly publication CPQ Magazine! This magazine is an interactive pdf download filled with author, model, and agent interviews, short story romances, articles about writing, spotlights on writer and reader websites, and so much more!

And the Friday night chat at 7p.m. central where we will be celebrating all our new releases and partying like crazy. Everyone is invited to join us in the Cobblestone chat room

June 2nd

Publisher Activities: Join Deanna and Sable Grey while they discuss the first year of Cobblestone, present awards, and run special contests.

Also, several special guest authors will be visiting in the Main Street Forums to give presentations, talk about their books, and answer reader questions.

Angela Knight

USA Today best selling author, Angela Knight has books published at Berkley, Red Sage, Changeling Press, Loose Id, and Ellora's Cave.

Amanda Ashley

Multi-published print author of paranormal and historical romance, Amanda Ashley has over 40 titles in publication with several more coming soon, including Night's Touch, coming in July from Zebra Books.

Rae Monet

Published at Red Sage, Liquid Silver Books, and Cerridwen Press, Rae Monet is a 2006 RWA Golden Heart Winner and author of paranormal, fantasy, futuristic, and contemporary romance.

Loribelle Hunt

Loribelle Hunt is a multi published e-book author at Cobblestone Press, Samhain Publishing, Freya's Bower, and Forbidden Publications. She writes contemporary, paranormal, futuristic, and suspense.

June 3rd

Contest Parade for Readers! Every great event ends with a parade. It's a free for all! Cobblestone Press authors will be holding contests all day for readers in the Main Street Forums. You won't want to miss this day for prizes and fun!

LL Cool J = Lyric Loves Cool James

2007-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

OK...that's not what it "really" stands for. It's actually Ladies Love Cool James - but since this is my blog and I saw him in concert last night, well, I can make it mean any damn thing I want to. LOL

And since this man is just ab-so-lute-ly gorgeous, I thought I'd post some pictures. Enjoy :-)

I Am Just....

2007-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

All over the dang place today. Join me at The Novelty Girls and Sexy Sheets where I'm blogging...sooner or later.

The Novelty Girls are chatting ALL day at EBookLove and we will be giving away tons of prizes so come on over and join us.

Oh...and I'm also in writer and editing hell, but that's a whole nother story. LOL

Have a great Saturday!!!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-05-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Reason's School Can't Be Over Fast Enough

1. I'm about to lose my mind.

2. I can write full time everyday.

3. I can send my kids to the boys and girls club.

4. My vacation trip to Jamaica will get here faster.

5. I can exercise before the sun comes out and it's hotter than the blazes of hell.

6. I can take a nap in the middle of the day.

7. I'm about to lose my mind.

8. Harry Potter Movie #5 is coming out.

9. Harry Potter Book #7 is coming out.

10. I can still get a paycheck for doing what I love, even though I'm sitting at the house.

11. I can stay up late and sleep in.

12. No more paperwork to fill out, send off, or get signed.

13. I'm about to really, and truly, lose my mind!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

WINNERS OF THE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY CONTEST

2007-05-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

$5.00 Gift Certificate to Cobblestone Press
lisamlg2259

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$5.00 Gift Certificate to Samhain Publishing
justsmileclk

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Free download of "It's All About The Fireworks"
saportamoanah1

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Congratulations everyone!!

Remember - if you're a member of my newsletter group, I'll draw a winner for a free download of any one of my books on the 15th every month.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

To all the women who help make my life meaningful.

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance seperates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

But...

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day we need each other still...

Author unknown

*************

I got this from my sister-in-law and it was so special I wanted to share it with you. So, to all you mother's, this is for you.

I hope you have a great day!

Whoohoo New Sale

2007-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I sold a story to Cobb for the June anniversary month. I 'm so excited. So..that's three sales this year. Yeah me! That means I have not 1 but "2" releases for the month of June. Phew! Lots of promo and chats coming up. I'll let you all know about that next week. The Novelty Girls and I will be all over the place chatting and giving away a ton of stuff.

I just emailed my web master (Ms. Jodici) a bunch of stuff to update my website - it's been a while...can't wait to see it all up there nice and pretty. So check back in a few days...there will be new stuff every where.

Check me out at The Novelty Girls today!

Have a great weekend!

I've Been Tagged

2007-05-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

By my good buddy Samara King.

So, here are the Rules.

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (All's fair in Lurv and bloggin')

4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Okay....here goes

Eight Random Things About Lyric

1. I can watch any Star Trek, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings movie over and over and over again....and not get bored.

2. I have a secret (well, not anymore)obsession with Shemar Moore.

3. The Young and the Restless is my favorite soap opera and I watch it all the time.

4. I love to eat raw peanut butter cookie dough.

5. I'm eating chili dogs tonight because I don't feel like cooking.

6. My favorite day of the week is Friday.

7. My favorite color is purple.

So....who shall I tag...Jodie Becker, Eden Bradley, Amanda Brice, Ann Cory, Shelli Stevens, Nonny Morgan, R.G. Alexander, and Dayna Hart

Sooooooooooo............

2007-05-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in revision hell right now. I've never been in revision hell before. It's true. Is that a strange thing for a writer to say? Maybe, maybe not. I'm the type of writer who revises as she writes. I write. Then, I reread what I wrote and edit. The next day, I reread it and edit again. That's enough for me. When I'm completely done with the story, I do another read through and that's it. I don't leave it be for a few days or a week and then come back. When I'm done...I'm done. I guess I'm anal that way. Who knows?

I think I already mentioned that I completed my BIAM project (four days ahead of time - yeah me!), but it's over the word count. E-Harlequin Spice only wants projects up to 15K...I was over by about 1300 words. So, I've been reading and tightening up..now, I'm down to about 15,900. I have a feeling that I'm going to be cutting into a couple of nice sex scenes. Ack! We'll see.

My next projects to take me through the end of May is a re-write of It Takes A Thief and my Rune for Cobblestone, The Librarian Who Wore Stillettos. Thief has been rewritten twice already and it's just not working the way it is. So, I have a new idea for it and I'm going to work it in and see how it goes. The Librarian is a story I came up with a year ago, wrote the first 10 or so pages and now I need to finish it. I'm hoping to get both of these done by May 31st. If I can complete 1k each a day on both of these (I'm aiming for 20K on each), then it'll happen. But of course, life always seems to get in the way, but I'll keep positive that nothing major will be thrown at me.

At least by the time "The End" comes - school will almost be out. June 1st - here I come.

Winner of Birthday Contest and Opportunity To Win More Free Prizes

2007-05-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Is Jennybrat! Whoohoo! Congrats and thanks to each of you for my birthday wishes. Spidey was awesome! Now I can't wait for it to come out on DVD so I can watch it again. LOL

Well, if you want another chance to win some other goodies, I started a newsletter. So, if you really love me, go ahead and join. Come on...you know you wanna! On the 15th and the 15th of "every" month, I'll be drawing for great prizes.

I DID complete my BIAM today! Whoohoo! It ended up being longer than the allowed 15K for Spice...so, after I go back and edit, if it's still more than 15K, I might end up sending it somewhere else. Haven't decided yet. If you want a sneak peak at it, join the newsletter group. There's a excerpt in the first edition.

I hope you have a great week.

Smooches, Lyric

Click to join ItsLyrical

It's My Birthday!..It's My Birthday!

2007-05-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

And no...I WILL NOT tell you how old I am. I'll just say that I'm slowly creeping toward the big Four Oh. But hey, I am still FAB-U-LOUS!!! LOL Well, in honor of my birthday I think I'll give away a present. I have a release coming out in June...so you'll have to wait until then, but I'll give away a copy of It's All About The Fireworks - my release from Freya's Bower.

OK - you have to do three easy things - post on both the Novelty Girls Blog and the Sexy Sheets Blog. Then, come back here and answer these questions and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a copy.

From the Novelty Girl's blog - Who is our newest member?

From the Sexy Sheets blog - What is my topic today?

I will post a winner tonight after I come back from seeing Spidey in his new black tights!

I hope you have a great Saturday!

Sold

2007-04-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Got some great news...er...email today. I sold Thoroughly Tempted to Samhain. I am so excited. Talk about happy dancing. It probably won't be out until early 2008 because they're super busy....but it's still awesome news. Also, the story I sold on proposal to Freya's Bower is complete, submitted and is set to release on June 21st. More happy news. And...if that isn't enough, I also completed A Gift of Chocolate, a valentine story I plan to submit to Cobblestone. It's an anthology with 3 other authors.

So, I'm just rattling around with good news to share. I have two other stories I'm working on right now, one a possible Halloween submission, the other a Xmas submission, that I hope to finish up by mid-March.

Have a wonderful Easter and eat lots of candy for me!

Smooches, Lyric

"Novelty Girls" Saturday

2007-02-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Join me over at the Novelty Girls today! I hope you had a great week!!!

"Cobblestone Press" Friday!

2007-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

By Midnight by Jennah Sharpe

In order to expel a predatory ghost from her private dreams, Adele Amhurst enlists the help of her attractive yet arrogant neighbor, Nicholas. Despite his boldness or perhaps because of it, Nicholas is the only one who can save her, but with that comes an intimacy she can’t ignore.

Savannah's Hero by Diana Bold

Haunted by guilt and regret, the last thing Tristan Kane needs is another ghost from his past. Savannah McKenzie sees past the hardened gunslinger he’s become, remembering the tender young man she fell in love with. Will her secrets give him the hope he needs, or destroy him forever?

A Garden In The Moonlight by Samantha Lucas

Kaine Kingsley and Hope Tanner find in each other a completeness neither knew was missing until a scandalous proposition and one night together show them just how empty the lives they’ve chosen have become. Now the question is, can they find the courage to choose the life they both desire?

Drop by Cobblestone Press TODAY! and get your copies!!!

Weight Watcher Wednesday!

2007-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

The weight loss is coming along swimmingly despite my surgery a few weeks ago. I've lost a total of 25 1/2 pounds and I'm loving it. Still a long way to go to June and Jamaica...but I'm determined.

I have a huge sweet tooth and a hunkering for a good ol' juicy hamburger...but I'm going to make it. The one thing I've told myself is that if I do slip up and eat something I know I shouldn't eat...I won't beat myself up over it. I'll just move on to the next day and keep on trucking.

W.I.P. Tuesday

2007-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay...so I had three goals this month. Complete: Thoroughly Tempted, A Taste of Chocolate, and It Takes A Thief. TT is complete and once I complete the synopsis I'm going to submit it to Samhain. I thought I'd give you a little sample.

My God he's gorgeous Sierra thought to herself as she stared at the man perched above her. However, the fact that he was fully clothed and she was completely naked made her drop a little farther into the water. And then, a knot of fear careened inside her chest.

She was damn sure all the windows and doors were locked so how on in world had he gotten inside. She should have set the damn alarm. At least that way, she would have been warned. "I'm Wesley Duncan," he finally said. "My cousin, Jennifer invited me." He held up a set of keys. "She even game me her keys."

Sierra felt her eyes widen. "Jennifer is not here."

"Um, I know. She told me that you'd be here. That you'd take care of me."

She blinked and shook her head. "Excuse me?"

"Shit," he swore, glancing away. He passed a hand over his face. "That didn’t come out the way I meant it to," he said and smiled.

Two of the most sexy dimples she'd ever laid eyes on graced his cheeks and an odd little flutter zipped through her belly. "Jennifer didn’t mention you were coming."

"Oh. Well, um...

"Look, do you mind if I get out of the pool?"

He backed up. "Sure."

Was he that clueless? She hoped he didn't think she'd get out butt naked with him standing there watching. "Could you turn around please?"

Hope you enjoyed it! Smooches, Lyric

Mystery Monday

2007-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you could consider the mystery I'm reading now a "cozy" or not...she is an amateur sleuth, but it sure is hellaciously (is that a word) funny! I'm reading Spying In High Heels by Gemma Halliday. It's chick-lit mystery I guess since its "high crime meets high fashion." But whatever the big-wigs in NY want to classify it, I classify it as FUNNY! and a GREAT READ! And I do mean laugh-out-loud funny! Seriously! I was in the beauty shop today reading and laughing out loud under the hair dryer. Here's the blurb:

L.A. shoe designer Maddie Springer lives her life by three rules: Fasion, Fashion, Fashion. But when she stumbles upon the work of a brutal killer, her life takes an unexpected turn from Manolos to murder. And things only get worse when her boyfriend disappears - along with $20 million in embezzled funds - and her every move is suddenly under scrutiny by the LAPD's sexiest cop. With the help of her post-menopausal bridezilla of a mother, a 300-pound psychic and one seriously oversexed best friend, Maddie finds herself stepping out of her stilettos and onto the trail of a murderer. But can she catch a killer before the killer catches up to her?

If you haven't picked this book up - run to the store now - as fast as your Manolo's can get you there and pick it up.

The second book in the series Killer In High Heels is going to be released February 27th and you can visit Gemma here.

Where In The World....

2007-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Have I been you ask? In the lala land of writing. Good news though...I sold another book. And what's so cool about this sale is...I was asked to be involved in an anthology of sorts of summer stories. I pitched it and they said "yes" and sent me a contract. So, It's All About The Fireworks will be out sometime this summer from Freya's Bower. I'm really excited! Here's the blurb:

Britain Coleman is a professional organizer. Anything from a wedding reception, a 10-year old birthday party, a corporate luncheon, to a closet, she’s your girl.

There was nothing Richard Chase loved more as a kid than setting fireworks. He turned that love into a multi-million dollar industry.

At her employers annual 4th of July celebration, Britain is more concerned about her dismal love life than the pyrotechnician in charge of the fireworks displays unexpected arrest. After all, her cousin’s wedding is just weeks away, and there isn’t a prospective piece of eye candy in sight to escort her.

But when an unexpected phone call brings Britain face to face with her high school nemesis, Richard, she finds out just what it means to experience fireworks.

I can't wait to get cracking on this story. I have completed Thoroughly Tempted. Now, I have to do something I've never done....write a synopsis. Ugh! I dread it...really, but I know it has to be done...and perfected. I'm finishing up two more stories, A Taste of Chocolate (a Valentine story for next year) and It Takes A Thief, which I'm having fun writing. It's always fun to write an unconventional heroine - she's a thief..so what can I say, but I hope you love her anyway, despite her faults. This story has a bit of a paranormal feel to it, so does A Taste of Chocolate. Yes, I'm trying my hand at paranormal again even though I sucked royally at it the last time. But hey, practice makes perfect, right? I sure hope so. So, wish me luck.

I have a whole smorgasboard of goals for the next few months that I hope to start AND finish! I'm hoping to keep myself busy busy busy, so I can make lots of sales sales sales!

Have a great week!

Check It Out!

2007-02-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Nicole, Ms. Dark Ice Goddess, herself has an interview up about me! Go check it out here.

Also, you can check me out at the Novelty Girls today.

I've gotten some great reviews lately. One Day At A Time received 4 1/2 Lips from Two Lips Reviews and Multiple O's from Romance Reviews Today.

Vindication recieved 4 1/2 Lips from Two Lips Reviews

Aren't those great!

Have a great weekend!

"Novelty Girl" Saturday

2007-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Come join me today over at the Novelty Girls!

Have a great weekend.

Lyric

"Cobblestone Press" Friday

2007-01-12T08:00:00.001-08:00

Released today from Cobblestone Press!

In The Still Of The Night by Samantha Lucas

Jayden hasn’t spoken in years, but in Mica’s arms, passion speaks louder than the words trapped inside her. Mica has no idea how much trouble his damsel in distress has gotten him into, but in the still of the night, nothing has ever felt so right as loving Jayden.

To Serve and Protect: Where There's Smoke by Anna Leigh Keaton

After suffering unmentionable horrors, Kate has finally found a man to trust...and love. Until he’s accused of the vandalism to her pub. Toby only wants to keep Kate safe, but his own tainted past rears up to bite him. Can Kate see beyond her belief that where there’s smoke....

Up In Flames by Emma Sinclair

Kat Ashbrook has two things on her mind—catching a murderer and sexy new boss, Connor Mercer. She never expected his come-hither looks, but she’s betting she can resist if she keeps her mind on the job. Too bad a prank leads to her surrender and possibly their deaths.

Pick up your copies today!

"Sexy Sheets" Thursday

2007-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Look...didn't I tell you last week that I had a little obsession thing going on with him. Get used to it! LOL

Look at those "abs." How can you not drool over them?

Join me over at the Sexy Sheets blog today!

Happy Thursday!

Lyric

Weight Watcher Wednesday

2007-01-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

I gained a stinking 1/2 pound last week. But, I'm not surprised. I didn't exercise the three days before I weighed in, and I ate like a little piglet that previous weekend and I cheated. So sue me! However, I'm still below the original goal I'd set, so that's good.

Also, I had to change my weigh-in day because the hubby's schedule changed. He used to be off on Saturday's and Sunday's, and Saturday was my day. But I've now switched to Wednesday's so I'll be going this evening. Wish me luck that I've lost my goal of 2 pounds..hopefully more. I've been doing really good since last Wednesday. I haven't cheated, I've exercised four days, plus I'll be exercising tomorrow before I go as well. So here's to weight loss!

Smooches, Lyric

Extra! Extra!

Weight Loss This Week - 3 lbs

Total Weight Loss - 14 1/2 lbs.

W.I.P. Tuesday

2007-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

My new story is rolling along. It's tentatively titled Thoroughly Tempted. Here's the blurb...

Wesley Duncan's cousin sends him on a forced vacation, a week at Tempted, the perfect place for him to recover from a gun shot wound he received on the job. But recovery becomes the last thing on his mind with a woman like Sierra around.

Sierra Morgan is looking forward to having Tempted, the Florida resort and spa she owns with her best friend, all to herself for a week. So, when a sexy stranger shows up, Sierra is in serious danger of becoming thoroughly tempted.

I'm currently on page 25 (single spaced) of this wip and it's coming along well. I have no targeted word count....I'm just letting the writing take me where it wants me to go. I have several (depending on how long it ends up) e-pubs I'm considering sending it to, so we'll see.

Happy Tuesday

Lyric

Mystery Monday

2007-01-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

My cozy author feature this week is Kate Collins. She's the author of four cozy mystery's called "The Flower Shop Mystery's."

The Flower Shop Mystery's are about Abby Knight, a defunct law student who bought a flower shop. The first book in the series is called "Mum's The Word."

So maybe Abby's life isn't the bed of roses she was hoping it would be. She adores her job, but a new low-cost competitor is killing her profits - and a black SUV just rammed her vintage Corvette in a hit-and-run. Determined to track down the driver, she accepts the help of hunky ex-cop Marco Salvare. But their budding relationship is threatened when the trail turns deadly. Now Abby is caught in a tangle of menacing phone calls, police corruption, and murderous road rage. If she's not careful, the next flower arrangement might be for her own funeral.

The second book in the series is called "Slay It With Flowers", the third, "Dearly Depotted" (which I'm reading now and loving it), and the fourth, "Snipped In The Bud" (the one I read first).

Someone orders a black rose for Abby's old law school nemesis, Professor "Snapdragon" Puffer. But her plans for a speedy delivery are foiled when he catches her putting the bloom on his desk and sends it straight into the trash. Abby flees in terror, only to run smack into Carson Reed, the professor who recently had her arrested at an animal rights protest. After a biting exchange, Abby storms out of the building. But if there's anything she can't stand, it's injustice and bullies. So, even though she knows bad luck comes in threes, she ignores the advice of her sometimes boyfriend, hunk-a-licious Marco Salvare, and heads back in to retrieve her dignity and her flower - only to find the rose now decorating a dead professor, and herself the prime suspect.

I have absolutely loved this series even though I read them all out of order. Ms. Collins has a new book in the series coming out in March called "Acts of Violets." You can visit her on the web here.

Now, go out and buy some books!

Smooches, Lyric

Did I Stick To My Goals?

2007-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Ha! Fat chance. I don't know what's wrong with me. The two stories I told you about last week started off pretty strong...I was keeping to my word count and then by Thursday, I fizzled out. Didn't write anything Friday. However, inspiration struck on Saturday and I wrote over 20 pages this past weekend...on a totally different story. How crazy is that?

Still, it did feel good to put words on paper. It is an awesome feeling. So, I plan to continue with this story and hopefully complete it soon and start another. The other two might just sit on the back burner for now unless another magic jolt of inspirations kicks in.

I hope you have a great week!

Smooches, Lyric

"Novelty Girl" Saturday

2007-01-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

Come join me over at the Novelty Girls today!

Smooches, Lyric

Cobblestone Press Friday

2007-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Released today from Cobblestone Press

In The Runes: Last Resort by Jennah Sharpe

Her runes showed Ehwaz, signifying movement. That movement comes in the form of a flight with a sexy pilot with no patience for a spoiled movie star. When Kate LaCroix’s plane crashes on an uninhabited island, she is forced to choose between reality and her sexy pilot, Captain James Payton.

Midnight Dream Girls: The Scent of Revenge by Savannah Madanelle

Morgan Fremont has to find a job fast. She’s heard how much the Midnight Dream Girl dancers make each week just by dancing fully clothed on top of the bar at the Midnight Saloon. But will Morgan get more than she can handle if she becomes the newest Midnight Dream Girl?

Lunar Mates III: Chasing The Moon by Loribelle Hunt

Jackson has issues. His most trusted friends are gone, his Beta is convinced another werewolf stole his mate, someone in the pack is trying to steal his job, and his woman is on the run. When all his problems rush together on a collision course, will he find the strength to come out on top?

Drop by Cobblestone Press today and download your copies!

Have a great Friday!

Smooches, Lyric

"Sexy Sheets" Thursday

2007-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

For your "eye candy" pleasure....I'm sure most of you know I have a little obsession thing going on with Shemar Moore. The man is just gawgeous!!!! LOL

Come join me over at the Sexy Sheets blog today.

Smooches, Lyric

Weight Watcher Wednesday

2007-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yes...I'm losing weight. And yes, I joined Weight Watchers. Actually, I joined over a month ago and I've already lost 12 pounds. I've been a member before...well...twice and lost weight, but I never stuck to it. I could never get past three months. I'd be going strong, exercising, eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and then WHAM! I would get sick and tired of not eating what I wanted to eat and down hill I would go and up up up on the scales. But now, I have no more excuses. The "I'm going to have another baby anyway so...." does not work any more since I had my baby...eight months ago. LOL

Also, the hubby and I are going to Jamaica this June and I refuse to put all this booty in a bathing suit and be embarrased about it. And add to that, I am now the heaviest I have ever been in my life and I refuse....REFUSE....to be this weight for the rest of it. So, I'm on it. My goal is 8-12 pounds of loss a month. I met it in December and I'm hoping to do the same in January. I attend meetings every Tuesday evening so on Wednesday's I'll keep you updated on my weekly weight loss progress.

If you care to join me in my weight loss mission, feel free to post how you're doing, post a great recipe, or send me and others an encouraging word.

Just so you know, I WILL NOT share before and after pictures until it's over. LOL But let's just say, I have a long way to go.

Smooches, Lyric

W.I.P. Tuesday

2007-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day of Xmas vacation. Tomorrow, it's back to school and dealing with the emotional ups and downs and attitudes of teenagers. Sounds fun, huh? LOL

Well, in case you haven't figured it out, Tuesday's will be dedicated to my work(s) in progress. I'm going to keep you updated on my progress, word count, and share little excerpts of my stories. I'm currently working on two WIPs at this time. One of them is the second in my Private Jane series which I've tentatively titled Under His Cover, which tells Jade's story who you briefly met in Vindication. Here's my blurb....

P.I. Jade Conner is going under cover to protect Lt. Governor Jared Carrington whose been receiving death threats. It doesn't matter to her one way or the other that he's single, sexy, rich, and the most eligible bachelor in Tennessee. She refuses to let it interfere with the job she's been hired to do. Jared can't help but be taken with the lovely Jade, especially since she's trying so hard not to be attracted to him. Jared has a has a hard time convincing Jade that he's not the player the media portrays him to be, especially when all he wants to do is get Jade under his covers.

My plan is for this to be a novella, about 20-25,000 words. And of course, submit it to Cobblestone Press. So, wish me luck.

Smooches, Lyric

Mystery Monday!

2007-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!!

As some of you know, I fell completely in love and over heels with cozy mystery's this year. I don't know exactly what it is, but there's just something about unraveling a unique and twisting puzzle and figuring out who-done-it that appeals to me, but it does. So, I've decided to dedicate Monday's to "Cozy Mystery's."

The first book(s) I'll share with you are the Wine Lover's Mystery's by Michele Scott. I was first introduced to this author through a Romance Diva's workshop this past summer. The first book in the series is Murder Uncorked and it introduces amateur sleuth, Nikki Sands. Here's the back cover blurb

Nikki Sands was like every other aspiring actress - waiting tables between jobs. But Nikki had taken serving wines to heart. She knew enough to impress Napa Valley's golden boy, Derek Malveaux, who offered her a job at his vineyard. And though Nikki may have left her dreams of stardom behind, the world of wine is ripe with intrigue - and the seeds of sleuthing are planted...

Nikki has just set foot on Napa Valley's rich soil when she realizes her new job may not be as safe as she thought. First off, Derek Malveaux is disconcertingly sexy. Second, his top winemaker is dead in the bushes outside Nikki's cottage. It doesn't take a connoisseur of foul play to know something's taken a terrible turn....

Doesn't that sound like a fabulous read? And believe me, it is. I could barely put this book down when I read it this summer. It's full of recipes and wine pairings, stuff I had no clue about, but was interesting to read about. The book itself gives you the romance you're looking for, and the twists and turns I love to figure out who killed the winemaker.

So, if you like a good mystery, check it out. The second book in the series is called Murder by the Glass, and the third in the series, Silenced by Syrah will be out in March. I personally, can't wait to pick it up. You can visit her website here to read more about her and her books.

Smooches, Lyric

Endings and Beginnings....

2006-12-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

Wow.....2006 is almost over. Can you believe it? So many wonderful things have happened in my life this year. Two of the most notables.....the birth of my little boy, Henry, and realizing my dream of publication with Cobblestone Press. And as this year ends and another is about to begin, it's time to set new goals for myself. Not resolutions, mind you....GOALS! I hate resolutions...because nine times out of ten...I never EVER keep them. So, I'm setting goals instead. I won't share them all now...but one I will tell you is that I plan to sit down at the computer and write every single day. Wasn't I doing this already? No. A big fat whopping NO. In fact, I must confess that in the last two months, I've barely written a single thing. And that's a terrible habit for a writer.

Now, don't think I haven't been "thinking" about writing, but it doesn't mean anything if you don't actually sit down and do something about it. So, my first goal is to sit at the computer and write. Even if I only write one stinking line, at least it'll be something. I also plan to post on my blog more. I have some exciting "theme's" for the days of the week that I'll be posting about each day. So, be sure to pop by, post something, and let me know what you think.

Some good news to end the year with. If you happen to get the Romantic Times Magazine, Cobblestone Press will have an ad in the February issue and a review and cover for my tryst, Vindication: The Adventures of a Private Jane will be in it. Isn't that awesome! I received a 4 Star rating from Aishe Cargile and here's what she had to say. "This is a fabulous but too-short story. You have incredible sex, a mystery that hits close to home and a heroine who's out to avenge her sister -- and has the means, the skill and the determination to do it. Hopefully, James' next release will be longer, so that readers will be able to savor more of her wonderful characters." What a fabulous ending to a great year!

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year! I hope it's fantabulous! :-)

Smooches, Lyric

Happy Holidays!!!!

2006-12-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Kwanzaa!!!

Happy Hannakah!!!

Love! Peace! and Happiness!!!

I hope you had a wonderful day!!!

Smooches, Lyric! :-)

Come On Over.....

2006-12-20T04:40:00.000-08:00

To the Sexy Sheets blog.

Anisa, Jade, Paz and I are posting excerpts all week and giving away E-books for an early Xmas present!

Hope to see you there.

Smooches, Lyric

Join Me!

2006-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

On the Novelty Girls blog and also at Joyfully Reviewed. I'll be around off and on all day today with other Cobblestone authors chatting, posting excerpts, and giving away prizes.

Happy Saturday!

Smooches, Lyric

Sensual Scavenger Hunt

2006-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Hi all...just wanted to let you know that I'm part of a Cata-Network scavenger hunt with a bunch of other great authors. Check it out and maybe you might get an early Xmas present!

http://mb.catanetwork.com/upload/index.php?showtopic=377

Smooches,

Lyric

I've Been Tagged!

2006-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

By my good buddy..Anisa Damien. So, here goes, :-)

Four Jobs I've Had
1. Lifeguard
2. Adminstrative Assistant
3. Office Coordinator
4. Library Media Specialist

Four Places I've Lived
1. Little Rock, Arkansas
2. Alexandria, Virginia
(sorry..that's all I got - LOL)

Four Favorite Foods
1. Pizza
2. Cheesburger
3. Chicken Spaghetti
4. Pralines & Cream Ice Cream

Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over
1. Sleepless In Seattle
2. The Brothers
3. Any Star Trek Movie
4. Any Harry Potter Movie

Four TV Shows I Watch
1. Criminal Minds
2. Ugly Betty
3. The Young & The Restless
4. Grey's Anatomy

Four Places I've Visited
1. Dallas, Texas
2. Atlanta, Georgia
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Four Places I'd Like To Visit
1. Sydney, Australia
2. Paris, France
3. New York
4. Canada

Four Websites I Go To (almost) Daily
1. Romance Divas
2. Cobblestone Press
3. Blogger (mine, Novelty Girls, Sexy Sheets)
4. Kids Read and Teens Read

Four People I'm Tagging To Do This
1. Shelli Stevens
2. Paz Edwards
3. Amanda Brice
4. Eden Bradley

My First "Recommended Read"

2006-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

I received my first "Recommended Read" and "5 Angel" review from Fallen Angel Reviews today. This is my first review for One Day At A Time, so this totally makes my day today. Here's what Tewanda from FAR had to say...

Lyric James' One Day At A Time is a deeply emotional and erotic read. Kellye and Xavier are professionals that have struggled to become successful in their chosen profession. Neither expects to have love find them in such an unexpected way. Xavier and Kellye have an intense physical desire for each other, but during their 'just sex' relationship they are able to also become friends and confidantes. Ms. James tells an emotionally charged story from the first word and will hold the reader until the last word.

On a personal note, I joined Weight Watchers today. Wish me luck. I've done it before and lost 23 pounds. Since having the little one in May, I have too much "junk in the trunk" I'm carrying around. So, I decided to go ahead and buckle down and get it off. I went to the first meeting this morning and walked one mile afterwards. I remember a time I could walk two miles without feeling like I was about to pass out, but today, phew! It felt good to get out there though. It was cold, but I didn't mind it. I don't like to exercise in the house for some reason. I like to get away from the house and know that when I get home, it's already done so I don't feel bad about being a couch potatoe or sitting at the computer desk for hours.

The other reason I want to lose weight is because the hubby and I are going to Jamaica next June. I refuse to go to the beach in a bathing suit and be embarrased about the way I look in it and have to wear one of those cover thingys.

I decided to start today so it wouldn't be one of those New Years Resolution type of things...which I never ever seem to keep. So, I figure, if I'm already doing it...it's done and I'll just keep on doing it. So, again, wish me luck and I hope you have a great Saturday.

Smooches, Lyric

Happy Turkey Day!

2006-11-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Whoohoo! It's Turkey Day today. I'm off from work. I've finished cooking. The hubby's home from work. I'm ready to have a nice relaxing holiday weekend. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to brave the "hugest shopping day" ever tomorrow and get out at butt-crack ass of dawn and go shopping. I need to check my sales papers first and see if there's really anything out there that I want. There's no need in getting up that freaking early in the morning if I'm not going to buy anything. Right?

I hope you all (even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving) have a great day!!

Smooches, Lyric

Check It Out!!!

2006-11-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

My good friend and blog buddy, Anisa Damien created this for me. Click on this link. Let me know what you think.

Smooches, Lyric

I'm Just All Over The Place

2006-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Visit me on the Between The Sheets blog, read an excerpt....you might even win a free book!

Smooches, Lyric

Join Me

2006-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

At the Novelty Girls blog today. Hope you have a great Saturday.

Smooches, Lyric

One Day At A Time Available TODAY!!!!

2006-11-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

Xavier lost a bet and now has to pose nude for an art class. While posing, things sizzle between him and one of the students. She shows up later for an interview at his law firm. She’s the best candidate so he has no choice but to hire her.

Kellye has wanted to work for the most prestigious law firm in Dallas since graduating law school. Can Xavier convince Kellye that when it comes to finding love, all they need is one day at a time?

And don't forget my November contests. Check out the contest page on my website today to see how to enter!

Smooches, Lyric

Winner of October Contest!!!

2006-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

The winners of the Novelty Girls Readers Group contest are:

1 $5 Gift Cert to Cobblestone Press - Mariac62282

2 Free download of one of my books - Debby236US

3 Sex Bomb from Lush - Chevybelairgirl

Congratulations!!!! Email me at lyric_james(at)sbcglobal.net so I can get you your prize.

Smooches, Lyric

Ooohh...Spooky Day

2006-10-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Halloween is almost here! And yes, I admit it, I*ve loved this holiday ever since I was a kid. I don*t know if its getting to dress up as someone else, or all the NowAndLaters (which I*m chewing on right now) I get to eat, but it*s soooo much fun. My kids are at that stage where they really enjoy it as well. The hubby and I are taking them to a carnival tomorrow which should be great, and hopefully I*'ll get more NowAndLaters...cause I*m almost out. How about you - are you doing anything special for Halloween?

Tomorrow is the last day to enter my October contest by joining the Novelty Girls readers group. If you haven*t done so already, zip on over and do so. I*ll be drawing for a $5.00 gift cert to Cobblestone, a free download of any choice of one of my books, and a Sex Bomb from Lush.

Have a great week.

Smooches, Lyric

Parallel Heat by Deidre Knight

2006-10-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

A little promotion love for a fellow author - Check it out!

Deidre Knight Cranks up the Heat in Her Latest Installment in the Parallel Series: PARALLEL HEAT

*Intelligent characters, hot romance and breathtaking adventure with epic feel—exactly what I want to read!* - Susan Grant, New York Times bestselling author.

*A fantastic and riveting new voice in paranormal fiction.* -Karen Marie Moning, New York Times bestselling author of Spell of the Highlander.

*At times humorous, at others heart-wrenching, but always compelling, Deidre Knight offers readers a fresh, wonderfully creative glimpse at the complexity of human decisions. What a page-turner!*-Gena Showalter, Author of Playing with Fire

In the unforgettable, alternate world of Parallel Heat, two enemies are bound by betrayal, vengeance—and forbidden passion. Warrior and royal guardian Marco McKinley has been assigned a vital mission on Earth, where a war between human fighters and otherworldly soldiers is rising in the far reaches of Wyoming. But he's also been warned about twists of fate yet to come-ones that will transform him into the enemy of his own people and appoint him the personal protector of beautiful soldier Thea Haven.Little do Marco and Thea know, but they have met before in an alternate universe, and they are bound by betrayal and vengeance. Now, on a world at the brink of destruction, forbidden passion ignites—but will the destiny Marco has glimpsed unfold a second time?

Sign up for Deidre’s newsletter and be eligible to win a $50 Amazon gift certificate, signed copies of her books, and plenty of other goodies! Just click here. Check out the book that launched the series, PARALLEL ATTRACTION or order your copy of PARALLEL HEAT today! And coming in April, PARALLEL SEDUCTION.

Catching Up!

2006-10-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Phew...haven*t been on here much this week. I*ll try to do better. My writing is going well. I had a little setback with the YA I*ve been working on...but it was a good setback. After I wrote a chapter in the book I realized that the book I was writing should really be the second book in the series, not the first. So, those chapters will have to be revised. I backed up to plot the first book, which I finished doing today and also started writing.

NaNoWriMo is 11 days away. My intention was to write my cozy mystery during this time, but I*ve decided to change and work on the YA, both of them actually. Hopefully I can finish at least one of them and begin querying agents with it.

Hope your week went well. Come check me out tomorrow on the Novelty Girls blog.

Smooches, Lyric

More Great Reviews

2006-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Romance Studio gives One Week Stand 4/5 Hearts! Here's what Sarah had to say...

One Week Stand is a satisfying and romantic novella that will have you engrossed throughout its entirety. The chemistry, dialogue, and interactions between Jasmine and Evan are all genuine and smoothly penned. From the start, even with their surprise beginning, there is no awkwardness between these two. It truly makes for a romantic read because they seem to click so very well together. I was impressed with how well Ms. James built an entire relationship into one short week. There were conflicts, sexy moments, intimacy, laughter, and just fun. Evan and Jasmine are a great pair. This is one story I can recommend wholeheartedly for the romance fan who wants a quick read but needs emotion and connection to be part of the equation. One Week Stand has all that and more.

Just Erotic Romance Reviews gives Vindication 4/5 Stars! Here's what Mahaira had to say...

The two characters complement each other well though, providing strength where needed and their relationship develops after a lot of mind-blowing sex and thrilling action. The combustible passion between them will send the blood pumping through your veins. It is a very fast read where in one minute, the couple is enveloped in a never ending intimate moment, and in the next, they are running for their lives!! The author keeps the book moving quickly and never gives the reader breathing space amongst all of the action to stop and look around. Ms. James has succeeded in making sparks fly even as danger threatens.

Aren't those great?! Needless to say, I'm a happy camper.

Have a great week. Lyric

Proud Mama

2006-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

I*m a proud mama today. My girls did great in their first Karate competition. To build the kids self confidence and to also allow everyone to go home a winner, each child received a trophy. Torie also won a first place trophy in weapons for her age group and Stephanie won first place in weapons in her age group and also third place in sparring. So yep, I*m a pround mama. I even included pictures.

I have a release date for my next book! One Day At A Time will be released on November 3rd from Cobblestone Press. I probably won*t have another book out until February (hopefully). Since I*m trying to complete both my YA and my cozy by the end of December and participating in NaNoWriMo next month, I probably won*t have time to concentrate on anything else. Hopefully I*ll be able to finish a Valentine related story to be released then. No promises I*m tellin* ya, but we*ll see.

Hope you had a great weekend.

Smooches, Lyric

Another Great Review

2006-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Coffee Time Romance gives Vindication 4 Cups!

Here*s what Wateena had to say about it: This is a sensational tale with fast action, suspense, and hot steamy love scenes. Creatively written, you will follow Karyn*s dangerous quest to find out what happened to her sister and fall in love with the man who stands by her side. Never a dull moment, it grabs you from beginning to the very end. Everything you want in a romantic suspense is all tied up in this neat book. A fabulous read.

Lurve getting great reviews and knowing that someone out there likes my books.

It*s FRIDAY!!! Whoohoo! It*s been a looonnnggg week. Tomorrow my daughters (Torie-9 and Stephanie-7) will be competing in their first Karate competition. I*m so nervous and excited for them. They*ve only been doing Karate since the beginning of September. But they*ve both earned two stripes on their white belt, which is great for them. I*ll let you all know how they did tomorrow. We have to be there at 9:30a. I should be in bed already. Picture me yawning. LOL

Come visit me Saturday over at the Novelty Girls blog.

Have a great weekend. Smooches,

Lyric

The Dentist....

2006-10-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

I*m probably one of the few people in the world who genuinely like their dentist. Strange, yes. But true. I*ve been going to the dentist on a regular basis ever since I was in the 3rd/4th grade when I had to get braces. I kinda slacked off after that, but then, when I got a job that offered me dental insurance, I started right back. It*s a father-son dental practice and they*re really nice and I call them by the first names (Dr. Bill - Dr. John). My whole family goes, including my sister and her three kids and my mom.

Well, I mention all of this because yesterday I had to get a crown, a really long procedure if you*ve never gotten one before. This is the only time I dislike going to the dentist...even getting a cavity filled isn*t as bad as it was. Last time I got a crown, I ended up having to get a root canal anyway. I*m hoping that doesn*t happen again.

So in-t-way, my writing sucked last night and today because I*m still feeling the effects of it. Hopefully I can jump back on the writing bandwagon tomorrow. Have a great day.

Smooches, Lyric

Happy Writing Days Continue

2006-10-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the great writing days continue. I took a break Sunday, but zoomed right on through chapter 4 of my YA today. I am really enjoying this book. It has been really fun to get inside the head of a teenage girl....a place I haven*t been in a long long time. LOL. She*s intelligent and smart, but still goes through the regular teenage angst like a normal kid....but she*s anything but normal. Maybe I*ll post a blurb tomorrow to see what you guys think.

At work today I worked out all the details for my Scholastic Book Fair I*m having in mid-November. I*m hoping to get a lot of community and parent participation this year so I can buy a lot more books for my library and some individual kids too who can*t quite afford it.

I hope you guys had a great Monday.

Smooches, Lyric

Come Join Me...

2006-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Over at the Novelty Girls today. Also, don*t forget to drop by Between The Sheets, I have a post over there too.

Have a great Saturday. It*s really freaking early right now and I*m off to join some friends-church members-co workers in the 2K Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. I haven't exercised in I don*t know how long. Hopefully I won*t pass the heck out and need an ambulance home. LOL

Lyric

Great Writing Day

2006-10-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo! Awesome writing day today. I cranked out 10 whole freaking pages on my YA today and it felt terrific. I was struggling with the beginning, and then this afternoon it just hit me and wham!...in under 2 hours I was finished. And I*m hoping to get a little bit more done tonight. So, we*ll see.

It*s also and awesome review day today. Fallen Angel Reviews gave Vindication ***5 Angels***. Here*s some of what they had to say...

Danger, double-cross and delicious bed play make Adventures of a Private Jane: Vindication an excellent read. Lyric James has just found her way onto my *best new authors* list as she serves up a piping hot and slickly suspenseful read about secrets, slimeballs, and sex. These are some smoking love scenes, to be sure, and I found myself admiring the intensity and attention to detail in this tail. Karyn is a bold, tenacious woman who knows what she wants, and aims to get it. Zechariah does admirable duty as her erstwhile lover who finds himself tangled in their web of passion. Watching a woman get her man has never been so entertaining! Five Angels for Lyric James' Adventures of a Private Jane: Vindication.

Isn*t that a great review. I always sweat when a new book comes out and I have to wait for the reviews. Phew! Load of my shoulders.

Also, tomorrow I*ll be chatting at Joyfully Reviewed...actually, a lot of Cobb authors will be hanging out all day, so stop by and join us. I*ll be giving away a free copy of any choice of one of my books.

Smooches, Lyric

October's Contest

2006-10-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

August and September*s contest were sooooo much fun weren't they. I enjoyed it so much that you all stopped by to visit my blog. This months contest is going to be fun too, but different. All you have to do is join the Novelty Girls readers group between October 1st and October 31st to be entered in a chance to win one of these great prizes.

#1 $5.00 Gift Cert to Cobblestone Press

#2 A free download of one (any choice) of my books

#3 A Sex Bomb from Lush

So click on the link over there -----------------------------------------------------------> and join the group. :-)

Smooches, Lyric

September Contest Winners

2006-10-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by my blog the month of September. I hope you enjoyed yourself reading my sometimes quirky blogs and learning a little about me. Please keep stopping by...I love visitors.

So, without further ado....here are the winners of the contest.

#1 Free download of One Week Stand - Jennybrat

#2 $5 Gift Cert to Cobblestone Press - Lisa Williams

#3 $10 Gift Cert to Bath & Body Works - Michelle B

#4 Gift basket from Bath & Body Works - Deborah Chan

Whoohoo!! Congratulations winners. Email me off list at lyric_james (at) sbcglobal.net and give me your email addy or snail mail addy to get your prizes.

Stop by tomorrow to read all about October*s contest.

I hope you had a great weekend.

Smooches, Lyric

It's The Weekend

2006-09-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

I don*t necessarily *live* for the weekends...but I sure am glad when they get here. LOL

I plan to get some serious plotting done this weekend so I can start fresh writing on Monday. Remember, today is the last day to enter my September contest. I will be posting the winners tomorrow and announcing a new contest.

I*m over at the Novelty Girls today - so drop by there too.

Have a great Saturday

:-) Lyric

Check Out Some New Digs

2006-09-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I joined with another group of ladies and formed the blog - Between The Sheets - drop on over and check us out. Don*t worry, I*m still a Novelty Girl (and by the way, check out the post today on Banned Books Week - there*s a contest).

Did anyone watch Ugly Betty tonight? It was awesome. I can admit, I watch tooooo much TV as it is, but boy that was a good show. I can*t wait to see it next week. There*s just something about an underdog making it in the world of the size 2s and succeeding.

My September contest is coming to a close on Saturday. As a reminder, the prizes are:

1 $5.00 Gift Cert to Cobblestone Press

2 $10 Gift Cert to Bath and Body Works

3 A download of One Week Stand

4 Gift Basket from Bath and Body Works

And of course, there will be another contest starting October 1st as well, but this one will be a little different. So keep on dropping by, I love visitors.

Happy Friday!

Lyric

There Are Days....

2006-09-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

When I love parts of my job....and when I REALLY love parts of my job. Spending Money!!!! The good thing about being a librarian is I get a budget, and a pretty niced sized one at that. I began the day shelving tons of books back, and then sat down at the computer, found my consideration file and started cruising the net for young adult and middle grade books. It was great fun I gotta tell you. I*m not finished yet. What I*m going to try and do is spend half of my budget this fall, and then the other half in the spring. I love love fiction, but I also need to update my non-fiction titles so I think I*ll spend tomorrow looking for some non-fiction titles.

Last get to know you question(s)...What city and state were you born in? AND, If you could live in any city/country in the world, where would it be?

I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Sydney, Australia. It seems like such a beautiful city.

Smooches, Lyric

Getting To Know You - Question #6

2006-09-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

I had a dentist appointment today. Yes...Ouch! But honestly, I don*t so much mind the dentist. I*ve been going to one ever since was I little when I had braces, so I don*t fear going. But the pain associated with it afterwards I can never get used to as my gums right now are really hurting. I*m waiting for my BC to kick in so I can eat my dinner.

What*s really bugging me about this visit though, is I have a cracked tooth, which means I have to get a crown, which also means $$$. That*s the big Ouch! I do have dental insurance to pay for half of it, but still, spending $ is still spending $ when you didn*t plan for it. Thank goodness we have savings.

They want me to come in tomorrow to get it done. But my husband already had a scheduled appointment at 3 - they want me to come in at 2 - which leaves us no one to watch the kiddos while we*re both strapped in the chairs. LOL So, I might have to see if they can squeeze me in on Wednesday instead. All of this means I*m in for more pain one more day this week. Oh well...I think I*d rather have a little pain than lose a tooth.

If you could be trapped in a TV show for one month, which show would you choose?

Hmmm...I absolutely love Desperate Housewives, but Shemar Moore IS on Criminal Minds. So either one of the two would do for me.

Have a great day.

Lyric

Stormy Weekend

2006-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

I*m in the middle of thunderstorm and tornado warning and watches right now. It*s all gloomy outside as a I hear a crackle of thunder and see a spark of lightening outside my window. And of course, this is going to put a damper on my computer time today. I hate to be on the computer when it*s so tempermental outside. But, I had to jump on and post my getting to know you question of the day and to also tell you that I*m over at the Novelty Girls today, so stop by there too as you cruise through the blogosphere.

I hope you*re having a less stormy day than me.

If you could be any age for one week, what age would it be? Why?

I*d go back to when I was 25 so I could slap some sense into myself and tell me NOT to marry my first husband. It only lasted 7 months. Ouch!

Smooches, Lyric

Youth

2006-09-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

I think I've mentioned before that I've been best friends with my friend Kim for over 17 years. Well, today her oldest turned 16 years old, and all I could think about was what my life was like when I was that age. What were my dreams? What did I want to be when I grew up? I also realized that he has his whole life in front of him. He's a very smart (straight A) student and wants to attend Duke University and major in Engineering. And in my heart of hearts, I know he'll succeed.

His birthday also made me think about where I want to be in my life in the next 5, 10, 15 years. Will I have accomplished my dream of becoming a published (New York) author? Will the desire still be there? After all, one third of my life has already passed. What about you, where do you want to be in 10 years?

Today's getting to know you question. If you were the eighth dwarf, what would your name be?

My answer - Lusty! LOL

Smooches, Lyric

Getting To Know You - Question #3

2006-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter the Novelty Girls Contest. The last day is today!!! We're giving away a lot of great prizes.

Today's "get to know you question is..." Would you rather be a butterfly or a cockroach? Why?

I'd rather be a butterfly because they start out as catipillers and evolve into something else, beautiful and free.

Smooches, Lyric

Getting To Know You - Question #2

2006-09-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? If so, tell me more?

My answer - I didn*t have an imaginary friend, but my dolls did talk to each other and they had names. LOL

Getting To Know You

2006-09-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a special day for me. Nine years ago, my husband and I met on a blind date. So, happy first meet anniversary to me. :-) And guess what, I still have the receipt from that date. On our first anniverary, my hubby had it laminated and gave it to me as one of my gifts and I still have it. Isn*t that all sweet and mushy? LOL

In honor of yesterday*s post, I decided that I*d post some more get to know you questions over the next week or so. And no, I was not creative enough to come up with these questions....I stole them from The Romance Divas, a forum I*m on. So, get ready to share.

If your life were made into a television show, would it be a soap opera, a drama, or a sitcom? What would it be called?

My answer - a sitcom called...My Husband and Kids...And My Job...and My Students and a little Writing. LOL

Your turn!

Smooches, Lyric

Tell Me Something....

2006-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't get a chance to play this game on the Cobblestone Discussion Group last Friday, so, I thought I'd post it here.

10 Things About Lyric

1. I am a married mother of three children (1 boy and 2 girls).

2. I am a junk food addict.

3. My favorite color is purple.

4. I have two degrees, but my ultimate is to receive my Ph.D. in higher education.

5. I swam professionally as a child and I have several trophies and blue ribbons to prove it.

6. I didn't always want to be a writer.

7. I loath spiders.

8. I*ve always wanted to go to Australia.

8. I absolutely love the Young and the Restless.

9. I have a secret (well not anymore) crush on Shemar Moore.

10. I have been best friends with my friend Kim for 16 years.

You wanna share? Go ahead

Have a great Monday.

Smooches, Lyric

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