Diary of an Author

The Really Big (like way big) Accidentally Dead Giveaway Contest!

2008-07-01T17:13:59Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

Today, July 1, 2008 marks the release in the second installment of the Accidental series, ACCIDENTALLY DEAD, by the totally fabulous, utterly amazing, stupendously brilliant, always in her color wheel Dakota Cassidy (She made us say that–all of it. We fought back. Don’t laugh. We did. It got ugly. She threatened us with heinous acts of yellow. She won.). </p>

ACCIDENTALLY DEAD picks up with über potty mouth Nina Blackman and her newly acquired vampire woes (not to mention his undead hawtness, Greg). Here is a link to Amazon (We are subtle, aren’t we?): http://tinyurl.com/4pntvc

In celebration of Nina’s release, and because Dakota’s such a bitc–er, so charming, we’re having a scavenger hunt where you can win big! (Don’t whine. Didn’t we say killer prizes were involved?)

So here’s what ya gotta do—Visit the blogs of Michele Bardsley, Mark Henry, and Toni McGee Causy (in that order, people) then hit Dakota’s blog and get yer quiz on. That’s it! All entrants who post correct answers in the comments section of Dakota’s blog will be thrown into a random drawing. The prizes:

* Dakota’s giving away a signed copy of THE ACCIDENTAL WEREWOLF, a $15 Amazon Gift Certificate, and an RT tote bag from RT 2008 filled with some goodies!

* Mark’s upchucking an autographed copy of HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED (and maybe another surprise or two … it’s a purge, darling, you never know what’ll show up).

* Toni’s offering an autographed copy of BOBBIE FAYE’S VERY (very, very, very) BAD DAY and other Bobbie goodness. We promise she won’t blow up another bridge (at least not near you).

* Michele’s spewing (again … gah! Can she get control of that spittle issue already?) an autographed ARC of WAIT TILL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME and some Broken Heart swag.

Those damned contest rules: Entries must be posted to Dakota’s blog by midnight (CST) Wednesday July 2, 2008. All correct answers from participants will be placed in a random drawing. ONE winner will be announced on Dakota’s blog on July 3, 2008. The winner must contact Dakota to collect the prizes.

Start with the interview below and then move on to Mark Henry’s blog.

For Dakota:
Yellow. The color of atrocity. What do you say to those unfortunate enough to wear an homage to bananas, sunlight, and Liberace?
Take action now before it’s too late and it isn’t only me mocking and laughing at you behind your back. And dude, no way–Liberace wore yellow? Heinous…

What is your favorite scene in ACCIDENTALLY DEAD? Tell us why. In excruciating detail, of course.
Uh–when Nina goes into Anaphylactic shock (my genius BFF Renee George’s idea), and Wanda has to save her. Even though Nina’s already dead…

John Cusack comes to your house and asks you to autograph ACCIDENTALLY DEAD. What happens after you awake from your swoon?
I send up a prayer that I replenished my supply of duct-tape and granola bars

For Nina:
What ever possessed you to sell Bobbie Sue cosmetics? Wasn’t being broke and nearly homeless bad enough?
Tell me the fuck about it. Cannot believe I hooked up with those makeup slinging Hare Krishna’s, but I was desperate. My cable was about to be shut off. Jesus, do you have any idea how frickin’ hard it is to live without the SPEED channel?

Describe Greg in one word. (Fucktard doesn’t count.)
HawtMortalityStealer.

What’s the best advice your friends Marty or Wanda ever gave you?
Advice means I’d have actually had to listen to those two nutjobs…

Please continue on to Mark Henry’s blog:
http://mdhenry.livejournal.com/

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

2008-06-29T01:16:59Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

You can view Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog for FREE on July 15, 17, and 19. See details at the sites listed below. But first, watch the teaser! http://www.vimeo.com/1227202

Official Website: http://www.drhorrible.com

Official Fansite: http://www.doctorhorrible.net

Joss Whedon rules.

Changeling Press Celebration!

2008-06-25T19:14:24Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

Come celebrate with us!

Use the discount code GLBT2008 on any order between now and the end of the month and you’ll get 10% off your order — PLUS 10 winners will get a free PDF copy of Ann Vremont’s Wolf Dance! Just buy any new release or GLBT theme book and enter the discount code GLBT2008 to receive 10% off your entire order and a chance to win a free book!

My menage a trois (with dragon shape-shifters!) erotica, MAKE MINE A DOUBLE, received a Recommended Read from Joyfully Reviewed, which said, “Make Mine a Double stirs fantasy, whimsy and scorching hot sex into a surefire winner! Author Michele Bardsley delivers a threesome tale that sizzles and burns like the sun…”

See all my Changeling Press releases here:

http://www.changelingpress.com/author.php?uid=41

Now go shopping! And I’ll go back to writing!

Contest for da Minions!

2008-06-21T19:53:56Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

It’s CONTEST time! We (Beth and Becky) the owners of the Broken Heart Consortium gift shop on Café Press ( www.cafepress. com/bhconsortium ), are calling on all Michele Bardsley fans to get creative. We are updating the shop to reflect things from Michele’s latest book, Because Your Vampire Said So and we want YOUR ideas! Come up with the best phrase, saying or design that relates to the book and you could be famous! Ok, so maybe not famous, but if you win you will have your design on an item (or two) in the store, receive an autographed copy of Because Your Vampire Said So (courtesy of the fabulousness that is Michele Bardsley!) and other assorted Broken Heart swag. To enter, please email your design(s) to michelesminions@ aol.com by midnight on June 30^th. The winner will be announced on (or around) July 4^th. (Oooh! And we might even throw in some fireworks JUST FOR YOU to celebrate your win! *g*) Just remember folks, no copyrighted pictures/designs please unless it’s your own.

Comment at RNTV … win an ARC!

2008-06-16T14:34:19Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

I’m featured today at Romance Novel TV. We’re discussing the viability of dating dead guys. Is undead the new cute? One winner will be chosen from those readers who leave comments. The prize? An advanced reading copy of WAIT TILL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME, which comes out on November 4, 2008.

http://www.romancenovel.tv/

And don’t forget to check out Mark Henry’s interview at Bitten By Books. You can win a copy of his hilarious book, HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAMNED and a $30 Amazon Gift Certificate.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=4

Michele

Bobbie Faye’s (kinda, sorta, not exactly) Family Jewels Contest!

2008-06-01T15:18:31Z

Originally published at The Official Website of Michele Bardsley. Please leave any comments there.

In an effort to make up for trashing half of Louisiana, Bobbie Faye’s been offered a chance to right her wrongs by writing an advice column for her local paper. Michele Bardsley and Dakota Cassidy decided who could use advice more than their heroines, Nina from Accidentally Dead, and Patsy from Because Your Vampire Said So?

We’re all giving away prizes! Just leave comments at each blog. Each author will choose a winner. And here’s what you could win if you come play with us!

Dakota’s giving away a signed ARC of Accidentally Dead and an Amazon gift certificate for 15 smackers

Michele’s offered up an ARC of her November release Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home and some Broken Heart goodies.

Toni’s giving away a $15 Barnes & Noble gift certificate and the most AWESOME T-shirt to ever hit RT: http://www.cafepress.com/bobbiefaye.245732603

And now those damned contest rules–

Contest begins Sunday June 1, 2008 and ends Monday June 2, 2008 at midnight CST. All winners are chosen at random and must check back at each blog on Tuesday June 3, 2008 to see if they’ve won in order to claim their prize.

Read Bobbie Faye’s answers to our poor heroine’s dilemmas, and get to know one of the freshest, funniest voices in humor today! And if you haven’t already, check out Bobbie Faye’s (kinda, sorta, not exactly) Family Jewels. And don’t forget to pick up Bobbie Faye’s first adventure, Bobbie Faye’s Very (very, very, very) Bad Day!

And now, let’s start the fun!

Dear Bobbie Faye,

I’m dating a new guy, and I’m just not sure if it’s gonna work. He sleeps all day, never springs for a real dinner, won’t take me to meet his mother (he says she’s just too much of a zombie to have visitors), and he has a real fascination with my neck. I don’t mind how he nibbles on me, it feels kinda nice, and oo-wee, he’s a real good kisser. Ever since we started going out, I feel weak–in the knees and everywhere else. The man’s gotta be doing something illegal. He got wads of money, but no job. He lives in a big ol’ mansion on the edge of town and boy, does he need a housekeeper. And I think he might be sick on account of he’s so pale. I keep telling him to get some sun, and he says he’s allergic. Who the hell is allergic to sunlight?

But for all his faults, I really dig him. He fills out a pair of jeans like nobody’s business and his smile could melt the polar ice caps. He keeps promising me that we can be together forever, but I just don’t know. Is he the one, or am I falling for another bloodsucker?

Batty in Love

Dear Batty:

Honey. Okay. Listen. First? I need you to step away from the tight jeans. I know. I know. Yes, all the way away. Seriously. Yes, if counts if it’s just one hand.

Are ya on the other side of the room yet? Now, ask yourself this, does he flinch whenever you flash a toothpick? (What do you mean, you don’t have a toothpick? Are you American?) Fine, does he get all frowny and squirmy when he sees your silver cross jewelry? Does he look really longingly at dark, cramped sleeping quarters? Is he all over that dental hygiene? You MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM.

But here’s the thing. Just tell him to keep his nibbles to himself, and otherwise, you can have some fun. God, er, maybe not in this case, maybe somewhere a little south of God, but someone KNOWS that really fine filled-out jeans usually mean ABS and OTHER STUFF and I am all about the ABS and OTHER STUFF. I’m not entirely sure if I’d be able to say no to…. oh, who the hell am I kidding? I’d so be there, stitching those curtains closed.

But the upside is, he pisses you off? You simply WHIP OPEN THE CURTAINS, gooooooooooooood morning little Bluebirds of Singlehood, because your problems will be SOLVED. That would be the easiest breakup on record. Women all over the world will be impressed. Divorce attorneys will cry. It could be an entire reality TV show.

Just make sure that dustbuster is charged. Trust me on this one.

–Bobbie Faye

Read Nina’s cry from the lovelorn here: http://www.dakotacassidy.net/

Hit Toni McGee Causey’s blog: http://www.tonimcgeecausey.com/blog.html

Release day, contest, and four fab authors!

2008-05-06T13:59:00Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Because Your Vampire Said So officially hit bookstores today! Woo-hoo! Joining me in release-dom are the fabulous authors Anya Bast, Erin McCarthy, and Tate Hallaway. We’ve all answered some very important questions (snerk) and what’s better, we’re all giving away killer prizes.

But before we get to the interview, let’s talk about me … er, I mean my book. Romantic Times BOOKReviews gave Because Your Vampire Said So 4.5 Stars and said, “The combination of humor, sarcastic wit, and parental trauma is unmistakably Bardsley.” Obviously, you should totally buy it. Duh.

To read an excerpt of Because Your Vampire Said So, click here. To order the book from Amazon.com, click here. Are you done reading and ordering? Then let’s get on with the interviews…

You’re a vampire. Who would you Turn and why?

Michele Bardsley, author of Because Your Vampire Said So: Keanu Reeves. Because he so hawt. And then, after I Turned him, I would smear him with chocolate and lick it off. Then I would satisfy my unholy thirst for his … er, blood. Oh. Maybe the blood thing is before the chocolate thing. Whatever. Suffice it to say lots of licking and sucking would be going on here. And he would be mine for all eternity. Muhahahahaha….

Anya Bast, author of Witch Blood: Ooooh, I would want to turn Christian Bale. Yum! Then I could gaze at his deliciously adorable crooked front teeth forevermore!

Erin McCarthy, author of Fallen: I’m going with Christian Bale too, just so I could bite him.

Tate Hallaway, author of Romancing the Dead: I’m afraid I have to go for the sentimental answer: my partner. I can’t imagine living forever without Shawn. Yeah, okay, cue the sappy music and a chorus of: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Post a comment on my blog May 6 and May 7, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com! Winners will be announced on May 8th.Click on any of the authors below to continue…
Anya Bast

Erin McCarthy

Tate Hallaway

The Accidental Houseguest

2008-02-05T20:02:11Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

So, I’m sitting at the kitchen table in the home of the fabulous Dakota Cassidy. (I’m blogging because Terri Smythe has threatened to take away my chocolate if I don’t. Terri don’t mess around, honey.) Me, Terri and Renee George have arrived in Dallas as the official cheerleading entourage of She Who Is an Emotional Wreck.Dakota’s first major release, The Accidental Werewolf, hit bookstores today. I’m afraid Dakota herself might hit the floor. “You know this is gonna be bad, don’t you?” she asks us constantly. She’s referring to the Day My Writing Career Ends a.k.a. The Book Launch Party, which will commence on Friday, February 8th at 7 p.m. “There will be four of us,” she laments. “You better eat the cookies. Everyone here better eat the freaking cookies!”

I am fully prepared to eat cookies, freaking or otherwise.

We have reassured Dakota that not only will her book launch party be a mondo success, but so will her hilarious paranormal about a make-up-selling, lavender-wearing, poodle-owning woman named Marty who is accidentally bitten by the sexy werewolf, Keegan. Fun, right? Hey, don’t take my word for it. You can read Chapter One HERE. Oh, hell. Just order it! You will love it! Yes, I’ve read it and yes, I loved it. Duh.

I’ll keep you apprised of our progress. Today, we are off to the bookstores so we can sign stock. And go to Starbuck’s. We are all about the white chocolate mochas, forget the calories!

If you’re in Dallas or within driving distance (or even if you’re not … there’s still time to book your flight), here’s the 411 on the new book and party:

THE ACCIDENTAL WEREWOLF
By Dakota Cassidy
http://www.dakotacassidy.com

When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing atan alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.

Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he’s a werewolf, she is now, too.Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there’s more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one…

Read Chapter One
http://www.dakotacassidy.com/AWexcerpt.html

Order from Amazon.com (Seriously. Do it now.)
The Accidental Werewolf

THE ACCIDENTAL WEREWOLF LAUNCH PARTY

February 8 — 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Barnes and Noble
Creekwalk Village
801 W. 15th St. Suite E
Plano, TX 75075

EVERYONE WHO GIVES DAKOTA SOME LOVE ON MY BLOG WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN AN ARC OF BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO!

Make Mine a Double

2007-11-18T02:32:38Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Rookery Cove Aphrodisiacs:
Make Mine a Double

Brim and Stone are dragons who were hatched on the island nearly a hundred years ago. Now, they live in the dark caverns below the factory, guarding the Heart, which is the very essence of Rookery Cove. As their first-century birthday approaches, Brim and Stone are experiencing the quickening. They desperately need a female to sexually facilitate their joining so they can complete their permanent transition.

Thanks to her overprotective male relations, Charlotte “Charli” Maguire’s current love life is non-existent. She yearns to fulfill her fantasy: Hot sex with two men. Hah. She might as well wish to visit the moon. Then Charli wins a contest sponsored by Rookery Cove Aphrodisiacs: An all expense-paid vacation to Halifax, a tour of the factory, and $500 worth of sex aids.

During the tour, the guide takes her to the “fantasy room.” Charli finds herself the sensual participant in a threesome with two gorgeous men. Forget the sex toys. Forget the nearest exit. These two hunks are better than any prize!

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=726

EXCERPT

“The room I’m taking you to is very special. In fact, we like to think of it as the place where your deepest, darkest fantasy can come true.”

With Charli’s heart beating a sudden, rapid tattoo, she followed Elwyn through the dimly lit hallway. At some point the concrete floor gave away to the grit and bumps of natural stone. They walked up a short set of stairs carved into stone and through an arched doorway.

Holy canole! The room was all black marble; the unrelenting dark was softened only by the recessed lighting in the ceiling. Charli noticed the huge, circular bed on the right. The glossy shine of black silk sheets caught her gaze. A dozen black pillows in all shapes and sizes filled the top part of the bed.

“What’s your fantasy?” asked Elwyn.

“Do I have to tell you?” She wandered away the magnificent room, her stomach squeezing in excitement. “This is an interesting place, all right.”

“If you sit on the bed and make your wish,” he said, walking to it and patting the covers, “you might get exactly what you want.”

“So, this is a magic room? Oh, c’mon.” Still her pulse raced at the very possibility. Maybe they had researched her and found out she wanted two men to make love to her. Yeah. God. What if they had? What if part of her prize package was trying out Rookery Cover’s sex-tastic room o’ fun? Charli gazed at the bed. Really, she should be thinking more clearly about this situation.

She was caught between doing the right (and boring) action or taking the risk — the risk that Elwyn wasn’t teasing her or that she wasn’t crazy.

“So, if I sit in this room and think about my favorite sexual fantasy… I’ll get it?” Her gaze flicked to his. “That’s quite a leap of faith.”

“That’s the thing about faith,” he said. “You always have to jump for it.”

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=726

Learn to edit, win a critique from NAL editor!

2007-11-13T19:23:25Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

EDITING BOOT CAMP
How to Become a Better Self-Editor in 10 Days
By Michele Bardsley

GOOD NEWS! One participating student will win a very special prize: a critique from Kara Cesare, Executive Editor for New American Library. She will read and comment on the first two chapters and synopsis of the winning student’s work. NAL is an imprint of Penguin Group (USA). Ms. Cesare is the editor for many talented authors, including J.R. Ward. Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

READ ON…

Instructor: Nationally bestselling author Michele Bardsley will show writers how to polish their work until it shines. With twenty-three years of editing experience, she has worked with newspapers, publishers, and authors to craft better prose. She’s presented Editing Boot Camp and other workshops at numerous conferences and online venues.

Workshop: In ten days, you will learn how to examine your work with the eyes of an editor. After Editing Boot Camp, you’ll be able to deliver cleaner, better written manuscripts. As part of the class fee, Michele will critique five pages OR a synopsis for each enrolled student.

Students will be subscribed to the workshop list. Michele will post information and homework each day. The course is at your-own-pace. Your participation level is up to you. The list will remain open for discussion and questions during the full two weeks.

We will cover the editing process, word choices, description, passive writing, critique groups, and much more!

When: November 26th – December 7th. Monday – Friday.

Where: Online. After payment is received, students will be subscribed to the workshop list.

Fee: $20.

Payment information:
http://www.geocities.com/michelebardsley/editingbootcamp.html

Don’t have time to take the class? Get the full 28-page workshop for $10. (Please note ONLY students in the course qualify for the drawing to win a critique from Kara Cesare.) Order the book here:
http://www.geocities.com/michelebardsley/editingbootcamp.html

Win an advance copy of BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO

2007-09-23T06:51:48Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Pop Quiz! Er … Contest!

The winner gets an autographed advanced manuscript of my third Broken Heart novel, BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO (release date: June 2008). The winner will also get an autographed copy of DON’T TALK BACK TO YOUR VAMPIRE *and* your name will be listed in the acknowledgements for WAIT ‘TIL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME.

All you have to do is purchase my e-books between September 20, 2007 and September 30, 2007. To enter, forward the receipt (or other proof of your purchase) to me at michelebardsley@yahoo.com. For every e-book of mine that you buy, you get an entry into the contest.

Below are the direct links to my e-books.

Changeling Press (Erotic Romance)
http://www.changelingpress.com/author.php?uid=41

Ellora’s Cave (Erotic Romance)
http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=MBa

Hard Shell Word Factory (Romantic Comedy)
http://store.fictionwise.com/servlet/mw

Loose Id (Erotic Romance)
http://www.loose-id.net/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=220

Mundania Press
http://www.mundaniapress.com/books-unravelings.html

Whiskey Creek Press (Romance/Anthology)
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/authors/Michele_Bardsley.shtml

If you purchased IMMORTAL CURSE (which came out on September 7th from Ellora’s Cave) before September 20th, I will give you an additional entry into the contest! Just email me proof of purchase.

So, this is probably a good time for you to buy my newest release from Changeling Press, right?

Viva Los Regalos: Virgin’s Kiss

Michele

Viva Los Regalos: Virgin’s Kiss

2007-09-23T04:47:37Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

When he’s not making idiotic thieves pay financial homage to the Family, who owns everything in Los Regalos, demon Simon LaRue mixes cocktails at the Dusty Star Casino & Lounge. If you want a drink with pizzazz, you ask Simon for the Virgin’s Kiss.

Miranda Boson is a scientist raised by an aunt who believed in intellect over emotion. She knows something is missing from her life. After all, she’s never had a friend, a lover, or even a birthday party. When her aunt dies and leaves her a fortune, she jumps at the chance to do something unexpected and fun. She’s delighted when Hot Spot Destinations books her on a fantasy vacation to Los Regalos.

When Miranda stumbles into the wrong section of town and is nearly mugged, Simon rescues her. Their attraction is undeniable. Miranda is hoping for an affair to remember. What she doesn’t know is that Simon adores her body, but it’s her purity that really turns him on. There’s nothing sexier to a demon than an innocent soul begging to be corrupted. And all it takes to start the hellfires burning is a real virgin’s kiss…

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=695

EXCERPT
The bar was badly lit, crowded, and smoke-filled. All the same, Miranda spotted Simon right away.

And he spotted her.

He patted the bar top. The crowd parted and allowed her to sit on the stool.

“Neat trick,” she said as she slid onto the worn leather. “Got any more?”

“Yes,” he said, flashing that wicked grin that made her stomach flip-flop. “How about we go somewhere private and I’ll show a few of my better ones.”

She shrugged, trying to remain cool in his saliva-inducing presence. That, and she had no idea how to flirt.

He leaned on the counter. His eyes were such an odd color, caught between gold and amber. There was something animalistic about their shape. Come to think of it, his whole demeanor was animalistic. The idea of being his prey was both terrifying and exhilarating.

If he was really chasing her… what would he do when he caught her?

“So, you said something about a Virgin’s Kiss?” she asked casually.

The words were barely out before his lips captured hers. He thrust his tongue into her mouth, a swift hot attack that made her knees go wobbly. She grabbed the edge of the bar to keep from toppling over. The mad kiss went on for longer than all of eternity. She felt a ball of fire burst inside her, its heat radiating to every point in her body.

Simon let her go and she nearly fell off the stool. Shaking and discombobulated, she couldn’t quite get her breath back. Against the wall was a mirror that ran the full length of the bar. She saw her own shocked reflection: the dazed look in her eyes, the swollen, wet look of her lips.

He studied her, his expression a cross between arrogant and lustful. “How was that?”

“I was referring to the drink,” she said, her voice quivering.

“It helps if you’re specific. That way we both know what you want.” He whipped out a cocktail shaker and starting pouring liquid into it. Out of the five liquids he poured, the only one she recognized was pineapple juice. He also added a pinch of pungent black powder.

“Is that pepper?” she asked. She didn’t know much about alcoholic beverages, but really, who put pepper in their cocktails?

“It’s not pepper. It’s my little addition of magic.”

“Magic?” She couldn’t keep the cynicism out of her tone.

“Yes.” His left eyebrow quirked. “Don’t you believe in magic?”

She laughed. “I’m a scientist. Trust me when I say magic does not exist.”

He only grinned as he shook the concoction. Opening the top, he strained the mixed drink over a glass filled with ice. He added a cherry then slid the Virgin’s Kiss to her.

Miranda sipped the drink, which tasted tangy-sweet and strangely smoky. It was lip-smacking good. Before she knew it, the cocktail was gone. The cherry sat forlornly among the ice cubes. Simon plucked it from the glass.

He traced her lips with the sticky sweet fruit then he laid it on her tongue. She closed her mouth and he pulled the stem out. As she chewed, he watched her, his gaze dark and hot.

“Thank you for the drink,” she said, reluctant to leave. She was just getting the hang of flirting. “I have reservations at Joy.”

His animal eyes pinned her. “I’ll see you again, Miranda. Sooner than you think.”

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=695

Friend us at the Viva Los Regalos MySpace!

Man-alicious Monday: And he reads, too?

2007-09-17T12:33:37Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Seven Random Things about Me…

2007-08-09T06:17:04Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Lela Davidson tagged me in … er, June. Hey, we’ve established that I have time and/or organizational issues. Robin D. Owens tagged me, too, and we’ll get to her next. Eventually.

Seven Random Things About Me…

1. My dad calls me Shelly. And so does Laura Shinn (hmm … maybe I should tag HER!).

2. I own a cat who has extra toes on her paws. Okay, that’s not about me, but whatever.

3. I won the Grand Prize in the 72nd Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. I am the only one who continues to be amazed by this.

4. One of my favorite books of all time makes me laugh and want to yark. It’s called GRAVEROBBERS WANTED (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY) by Jeff Strand. If you read it, you’ll know what I mean.

5. I hate rabbits. My sister rescued one and gave it to us. It was white with pink eyes and sharp teeth (which he used to BITE me). He was evil. My daughter named him Howard. It didn’t make him any less evil. We found him another home. Now, I see a bunny and think, “You are evil in soft fur.” What can I say. I was emotionally scarred.

6. I had to borrow Dakota Cassidy’s razor to shave my legs. Neither one of us was thrilled with this arrangement, but that’s what friends do: Make sacrifices. (Mostly that was Dakota’s sacrifice.)

7. My very first rock concert was Rick Springfield.

If you can not see this video click the link …… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adaYUM5wl7c

As for tagging other people … nah. I won’t torture you. This time.

Wrap up of the Great Blog Hi-Jacking….

2007-08-08T02:55:26Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

O.K. so I ran out of steam there at the end of the week. I did plan a log for Sunday but went out Saturday night and had too much fun. See….

Drinking and Dancers and GOOD friends makes for LOTS of FUN and NO Sunday BLOG. No I was not hung over just tired from too much fun.

So anyway I thought I should post the winners for the 4 days of contests that I did do. So without further ado here are the winners……

Day 1 - Post a comment here with the funniest title you can come up with while sort of keeping with the current scheme of titles - By FAR the one that made me laugh hardest and the Winner of Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire Signed by Michele is: Audrey with “What the Fuck? Whose Fangs are in my Neck? I will send you the cleaning bill for my Monitor I decided to give two ebooks out as I was having problems choosing second place so it is a tie between Erin the Innocent with “Got Blood?” and Christy Arbuckle with “What happens in the Coffin Stays in the Coffin”

Day 2 - O.K. so you see the pattern here with the HOT GUYS right…. So for today’s contest tell me who is your ULTIMATE CELEBRITY HOT GUY and why - Becky had the BEST reason - Hugh Jackman!! He’s the all around guy….scruffy, bad boy, dark and twisty in X-men but cleans up reeeeeeeeeal nice as in Kate & Leo. What’s not to like! - So she gets all 4 Demon Hunters or 4 other e-books if she already has them.

Day 3 - O.K. so today’s contest is if you could only ask Michele ONE question what would it be and WHY do you want to know? - Bonita - What is your very favorite Godiva chocolate? Why this question — I adore chocolate in soooooooo many forms (but I am slightly allergic to it –so frequently get sick) that I am curious about other people’s addiction to this divine gift. I thought since Michele is a Godiva NUT we need to know what her FAVORITE one is. I have also decided to give a second ebook to Lisa - What one book/CD/movie can you not live without? although there is no reason for why she asks THIS question I like the Question

Day 4 - so for Today’s contest tell me who is your all time favorite fictional character and why? It can be a book character, a movie character, TV character, but ONLY ONE !!! - I liked Jambrea’s answer BEST - Scarlett O’Hara. She is a diva before divas were around. She was a spoiled little rich girl that learned the hard way what it takes to survive. I just wish she would have come around with Rhett before it was too late. but also decided to give Arlene and e-book too for her answer - Dr Who (yes, I am a geek, why do you ask?). No matter what happens, he’s brave enough to get involved & to help people. He relies on his wits, both to get into trouble & to get back out again.

So anyway been FUN ladies thanks for playing with me while Michele was away and All the winners send me an e-mail ( terri@michelebardsley.net ) and your Mailing Address and I will send Bookmarks… as a matter of fact anyone that wants a bookmark send me and e-mail at that address and I will send you one for playing.

The Great Blog Hi-Jacking… Day 4

2007-08-03T01:11:40Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

O.K. well I am not a writer and I don’t even write on MY blog this much so I am running out of things to do. So I will say that I did hear from Michele and she DID finish book 3 of the series (WAIT TILL YOUR VAMPIRE GETS HOME) and she also has some new e-books coming out:

Vampire Kisses: Fireworks for July
Changeling Press ~ August 2007

Published romance author Lanie Haart is really just Southern girl July Jameson — a single mother who still waitresses to pay the bills. Ever since her husband ran out on her and their daughter, she’s decided writing about love is the closest she’s going to get to the real thing.

Marcus Moravius is a literary agent and a vampire, one of the oldest in existence. Once, he was a Praetorian Guard, whose wife and two little girls were assassinated by the mad Roman Emperor Caligula. Marcus is not interested emotional entanglements, but he certainly doesn’t mind a beautiful woman warming his bed.

At the Fourth of July weekend party hosted by famous author Steven Jones (a.k.a Adora LaFortune), Marcus spies the lovely July and decides to seduce her. However, July is not easily swayed by charm or good looks or even vampire glamour. But what Marcus wants … Marcus gets.

While you’re waiting for Fireworks for July, check out the other Vampire Kisses: Christmas for Eve and Candy for Valentine.

Immortal Curse
Ellora’s Cave ~ September 2007

Once, they were Vikings who abandoned the old ways to seek new lives of peace and prosperity in an unknown land. Now, they are vampires, immortals cursed by the witch of a dying race. For a thousand years, they’ve lived lonely lives in the shadows, preying on mortals, trying to hold onto the last remnants of their humanity.

Alrek: Once a great leader, he gladly left Greenland’s shores with his best friends to start over… only to lose his new wife and baby daughter. In modern times, he lives only for his own pleasure… until he finds a woman who may be able to end his suffering.

Zlfr: Tucked away in a remote village of Mexico, Zlfr is known as the Dark One. To assuage his hunger for blood and pleasure, he accepts the sacrifices offered by the locals. However, their latest offering is a beautiful virgin–and the woman who can save his soul.

Thsrr: In his human life, Thsrr had been a spiritual man–and for a millennium he remained the conscience and the hope for his brethren. But not even he is prepared for the woman who believes she is not only his lifemate… but the reincarnation of his long-lost love

and…

Viva Los Regalos: Virgin’s Kiss
Changeling Press ~ September 2007

so for Today’s contest tell me who is your all time favorite fictional character and why? It can be a book character, a movie character, TV character, but ONLY ONE !!!

The Winner will received their choice one of Michele’s e-books and a Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire Bookmark.

Blog Hi-Jacking…… Day 3

2007-08-02T02:28:45Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

O.K. well I had a LONG day at work and then walked and I am tired so this is going to be short and sweet.

5 things everyone should know about Michele !

5 - She has two beautiful children.

4 - She writes AWESOME books.

3 - She has SUCKER written ALL over her.

2 - She has a heart as BIG as Tex-ASS

1 - She is a Chocolate WHORE !!! … Especially Godiva !

O.K. so today’s contest is if you could only ask Michele ONE question what would it be and WHY do you want to know?

I will pick my favorite at the end of the week as with all the OTHER contests.

The winner will get an answer from Michele when I can tackle her down for a minute to find out, and a copy of Michele’s e-book Bride Portal (one of MY FAVS)

My favorite female characters from Michele’s books…

2007-08-01T00:02:34Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

O.K. Day two of the Blog Hi-Jacking and here I am posting my top 5 Female Characters from Michele’s books. It was hard to pick 5, but here they are.

5 - Marrisa Vanderson - (Wild Women) What is NOT to like a Wild Woman trying to stuff a lifetime of fun into 2 weeks, and she gets the HOT GUY. What a fun book that was

4 - Evangeline Louise LeRoy - (Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire) - Eva is strong when needed and mushy when she wants to be, the animals LOVE her, she has a GREAT relationship with her daughter and she is a BOOKWORM . Oh and she gets that HOT VAMP Lorcan TOO.

3 - Maggie Mortis - (Demon Hunter Series) - Talk about a Kick Ass woman Maggie is it ! She is rough and tough and still manages to get the HOT guy

2 - Mary Jeanne Wolmack (Bride Portal) - As I told Michele I LOVE any fat chick that GETS the HOT guy. Her life is in the crapper and she still manages to snag the HOT guy next door who actually wants her for her BODY !

1 - Jessica Anne Matthews (I’m the Vampire That’s Why) - OMG what can you say about Jessica I LOVED this character… not just cause she is fashioned after MJ’s GREAT Jessica G, but she was so much fun I mean she is fun and snarky and wakes up from the dead sucking a HOT guys thigh. (Lucky BITCH)

O.K. so you see the pattern here with the HOT GUYS right…. So for today’s contest tell me who is your ULTIMATE CELEBRITY HOT GUY and why. (and no HUBBY answers LADIES)

At the end of the week I will pick my favorite answer and you will receive ALL 4 Demon Hunter e-books. (I will substitute 4 other e-books of Michele’s if you already have them)

Oh and by the way you can enter each of this weeks contests as MANY times as you like, but only one prize will be awarded to each reader. If you win more than one you will get your choice of prizes between the ones offered and all other prizes will default to the NEXT in line.

Funny Titles Michele will never use……

2007-07-30T20:10:26Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

So the titles of Michele’s Vampire Novels so far are :

Book 1 -I’m the Vampire That’s Why

Book 2 - Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire

Book 3 -Because Your Vampire Said So

I thought it would be funny to see what kind of CRAZY names you all can come up with. I kind of like:

Shut Up Because I said so Dickhead.

So here is the contest for today…. Post a comment here with the funniest title you can come up with while sort of keeping with the current scheme of titles. At the end of the week I will choose my 2 favorite ones. The BEST one will get a copy of Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire signed by the woman herself Michele Bardsley. The Second BEST one will get their choice of one of Michele’s E-books. I will be the ONLY judge since I am the one taking over the blog and giving out the goodies…. and you all know I am WARPED so make them good and funny !

Next up (hopefully tomorrow) : My top characters from Michele’s books and why I like them…..

Taking over Michele’s Blog

2007-07-30T00:20:51Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Well since Michele has decided to go MIA. (Not really DECIDED, she has a book to finished and a wedding to attend) I have decided to take over her blog to keep the masses entertained. (Not like she has posted in ages anyway)

I hope to entertain you all with some fun stuff this week and a few contests as well. I will be giving away some signed print books as well as some e-books too.

So stop back this week and check it out…….

Ter

Michele’s BITCH IN CHARGED

Broken OK Movie…..

2007-06-30T21:22:55Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

Check out the Broken Oklahoma Movie I made HERE.

Countdown to Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire……

2007-05-25T05:49:56Z

Originally published at Michele's Mutterings and Musings. Please leave any comments there.

What are you doing over HERE?

2006-12-10T03:34:47Z

This blog is no longer active. I'm too lazy to take it down so enjoy the past entries and visit my LJ friends. If you feel sad about the lack of bloggin' going on here, check out my other online hang-outs:

Michele's Amazon Blog

Vampire Mom's MySpace

Michele's Website & Blog

Demon Hunter's MySpace

The Lake House redeemed my movie-going experiences...

2006-06-20T13:44:40Z

My friends and I went to see "The Lake House" last Friday. Loved it! Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite actresses and we all know how I feel about Keanu Reeves. He could star in something called "Staring At My Ceiling" and I'd go see it.

"The Lake House" is movie redemption for me. You see, I decided to give Jennifer Aniston another chance. I went to see "The Break-Up" and ... and ... Jennifer you disappointed me. How are you choosing these roles? Did I not traipse to the movie theatre to see "Rumor Has It"? I wanted to like it. Really. But I ... didn't. I'm sorry! I couldn't bring myself to see "Derailed," but I rallied to go to see "The Break-up." I like Vince Vaughn. "Dodgeball" is freaking hilarious. Did you ever see him in "Clay Pigeons?" Weird, cool movie. Anyway ... I am a romance writer. I am a romance reader. I want the happy ending. Did you give me the happy ending? No. No, you did not. You gave me the "I have to go find myself and grow as a person" ending. I hate that kind of ending. Reality sucks (as you well know, Jennifer) and I don't want reality in my movies. Or my books. Say it with me: Escapism.

So, I came home from "The Break-Up" and put in a rental: "The Family Stone." I wanted to clear my mental palette. "The Family Stone" was not a good choice. Sigh. There's this whole circle of life thing going on that I got, I really did. And there were funny bits and mini-happy endings ... but to watch it after "The Break-Up" just compounded the pain already incurred by movie-disappoint-itis.

I'd been looking forward to seeing "The Lake House," but I was wary. Had I not been disappointed before? Had I not lamented the lack of happy endings? Love, people. I write about LOVE. Well, the fantasy of love. At the end of the movie, I had to take off my glasses and wipe away tears, and there were long seconds of wondering, "Oh my God. What if she's too late?"

Thank you, Keanu and Sandra. "The Lake House" redeemed my faith in the movies. And it gave me a happy ending. And that's really all I wanted.

Of Guinea Pigs and Boys...

2006-06-03T02:30:00Z

My son begged and begged and BEGGED for a hamster. My daughter, who will be seventeen (I'm not that old, I'm not!) in August, had a hamster phase. Oh, we had hamsters. We had cages and colored tubes and squeaky wheels and anxious cats staring at lunch-on-legs. At one point, we also had mice and lizards. I don't know why. I'd much rather forget.

So, when Reid started in with "I want a hamster," I steadily and resolutely ignored his pleas. Or made lame excuses about why he could not have a hamster. Then, the other day, I was in a pet store for a cat-related reason and I thought, "Well, it couldn't hurt to look."

I found the guinea pigs. Oh, they had hamsters and rats and some other crawly-fuzzy creatures, but the guinea pigs BOND with their owners. They're SOCIAL. And really CUTE. I have harbored a recent desire to own a pig. A real pig. A little cute black one. Or maybe a pink one. I shared this desire with my daughter who spent a good ten minutes laughing until she nearly passed out from lack of breath. I decided not tell my husband about my wish to own a piglet.

Anyhoodles, I figured what Reid really needed was a guinea pig. After a pet conference with my husband, off we went to the pet store. Reid wasn't convinced NOT getting a hamster was a good idea, but after comparing the pros and cons (provided by moi, of course), he went for a little tan cutie pie he named Wiggles.

I love Wiggles. She is not the real pig I want. But she is cute. And she makes these little cooing noises. And snuggles. God, I love a snuggler, human or beast. She has a cage and little cloth tunnel. And special snacks.

Tonight, Reid had Wiggles in the living room. He always lets her run around the couch and he hops all over the cushions and pillows. Hel-lo. I am not cleaning up squashed guinea pig. Blech. Oh. Back to the point... so Reid has Wiggles on the couch. I snuggled with her for about five minutes and listen to her sweet little coos. Then, I handed her back to Reid. She crawled off his lap and settled next to his leg.

Then Reid looked at me and said, "Something warm is on my back." And when he rolled to the side, I saw that Wiggles had urinated on her owner. Yes, I laughed. And yes, I made Reid clean it up. I draw the line at cleaning up guinea pig pee. Wiggles ain't that cute.