I'm taking this week off from blogging so I can get caught up. I'll be back to articles and fabulosity next week :) Hope everyone is doing well and staying productive!!
:) Ann Cory
Sweet and spicy romance author who enjoys contemporary, paranormal, historical, menage, fantasy, and western.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday Fabulosity!
It's time for Friday Fabulosity!
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
In all honesty most of my fabulosity has been about my son's graduation and how proud I am of all that he's accomplished. The week has been full of family activity and celebration. So this Friday's Fabulosity will be short.
It's rare when I'm not reading something. This week I finished a gripping book titled Blue Heaven by C.J. Box. Definitely a must read. Rich in setting and details and packed with nail-biting scenes, I finished it in two days...only because I had so much going on and well...I needed a little sleep :) This is the first book I've read by C.J. Box and I'm interested to read more.
For a truly fabulous wine just perfect for warmer weather, try a Chateau Coussin 2010 rose' from Domaines Elie Sumeire. It has a soft blush tint and a crisp, clean taste, with a refreshing nose. Great for lighter fare, also roast/grilled/poached chicken, and of course cheese :)
And just because the true fabulousness of my week centered around my son, here he is again in his graduation robe.
I'd love to hear what fabulosity you encountered this week! Maybe a movie you saw?
~Ann Cory
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
In all honesty most of my fabulosity has been about my son's graduation and how proud I am of all that he's accomplished. The week has been full of family activity and celebration. So this Friday's Fabulosity will be short.
It's rare when I'm not reading something. This week I finished a gripping book titled Blue Heaven by C.J. Box. Definitely a must read. Rich in setting and details and packed with nail-biting scenes, I finished it in two days...only because I had so much going on and well...I needed a little sleep :) This is the first book I've read by C.J. Box and I'm interested to read more.
For a truly fabulous wine just perfect for warmer weather, try a Chateau Coussin 2010 rose' from Domaines Elie Sumeire. It has a soft blush tint and a crisp, clean taste, with a refreshing nose. Great for lighter fare, also roast/grilled/poached chicken, and of course cheese :)
And just because the true fabulousness of my week centered around my son, here he is again in his graduation robe.
I'd love to hear what fabulosity you encountered this week! Maybe a movie you saw?
~Ann Cory
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It Just Takes A Little Polish
Do you ever get irritated with all the nonsense in the news about political figures and celebrities who aren't capable of conducting themselves properly? The scandals and the secret babies, the destructive behavior and the just plain moronic behavior...I'm sure you know who I'm talking about with that last one. It all makes for great fiction, but that's about all it does.
Whether you talk in front of the camera or post online, people need to be responsible for their behavior and words. How you put yourself out there matters.
I know there are people who enjoy the gossip mill. And there are people who love drama. I've managed to stay clear of both because I don't gossip or desire drama, I lack the time and interest, and in the end it doesn't serve me to get involved. It doesn't add benefits to my life or well-being. It stirs negativity and hinders creativity. If you can't say something worthwhile and constructive, why bother?
For writers, and really for all professions, words matter. We want our words to have meaning, substance, purpose. There is a lot of power in words. You can empower with words. You can also strip someone of their power with words.
Putting the spotlight on writers, we spend a lot of time editing our work. We edit, edit again, and then edit again before we send our work to an editor who then edits even more. Why? Because we want our work polished before it's presented to the world. We want our best work to shine because it represents us, our brand, and our business. That mentality should extend beyond stories. It should extend into our daily lives.
We can all strive to do and be our best. We can conduct ourselves with grace and dignity. We can make a difference with our words in a way that counts. It just takes a little polish.
~Ann Cory
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Proud Mama!
The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity! I think I'm almost recuperated here from my son's graduation and his all-night senior party.
The graduation was surreal in so many ways. To see my son walk up to receive his diploma and wearing his graduation robe...wow...even as a writer I can't come up with the right words to express what I experienced. It's a day I thought about when I first found out I was pregnant. It's a day that always loomed as this incredible milestone. And it's a day that I also kept wanting to put off. Only because I'm not ready for my baby to grow up. I'm still not!
The graduation ceremony was lovely. Great inspirational speakers, their school choir sang beautifully, and it was entertaining to listen to the kids recount their four years of high school.
When my son's name was called to receive his diploma, I just clapped and whooped as loud as I could. Did I mention how proud I am? SUPER PROUD!!! It was also fun to see his friends graduate - everyone wearing their robes and big smiles, celebrating their very special day.
Afterwards it was home to change and off to the senior party. I volunteered to help out and I'm so glad I did! The facility where they had the party was incredible! They had it all decked out and there were so many activities for the kids to do. The school puts on these parties each year to keep the kids safe while they celebrate their momentous occasion.
Some of the activities they had set up included: a casino room, movie room, video games, inflatable bouncy room, rock climbing, laser tag, pool games in the indoor heated pool, races, yearbook signing area, and okay I can't remember them all because there was so much for them to do...and the food!!! WOW! These kids were well fed :) lol.
My son and his friends spent most of their time in the casino and he won some impressive prizes. The party lasted until 5:30am. Yeah, very long day. I slept most of yesterday away, lol.
So today I'm trying to get back on track here, but I'm still wearing the same proud mama smile even as I type this :)
WOO HOO to the class of 2011!
~Ann Cory
Monday, June 13, 2011
Support Matters!
Ladies, make sure you’ve got a proper fitting bra, and gentlemen, make sure you’ve got the right fitting belt. What the heck am I on about? I’m talking about support.
We all need it. Even if it’s just a little bit. None of us do well for long when we’re out there flailing around or riding low. Hence those bras and belts! It doesn’t matter what size you are, this is a one-size fits all kind of deal.
Everyone benefits from support. It’s a wonderful gift to give someone. Who doesn’t benefit from a pat on the back or a spirited “well done” every once in awhile? Who doesn’t benefit from the knowledge that they aren’t alone and don’t have to feel like they’re alone when they try a new job, story, or project? Everyone benefits!
And even more rewarding, not only does it feel good to have someone support you, it’s a boost to be supportive.
When you work hard and put all of yourself into your task, it’s nice to know someone is there to cheer you on and help pick you up on the days you question what you’re doing.
I’m lucky to have a wonderful support system at home. I can write anything and I know that my hubby is proud of me. But it isn’t just about supporting my actual work, he supports my business ethics. He finds ways to help make my office more functional by building shelves, installing the right kind of lighting, and creating ways to help me stay organized. He's my tech support and personal handyman. He’s also fun to storyboard with when my characters are running amok, and provides me with emotional support when a deadline looms or I second-guess myself. Yeah, it happens.
Not everyone has support from their family. And you may have close friends who can't provide you with the support you're looking for, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to be a loner forever. Take the initiative and email someone in your line of work/genre/project and see where it goes? You may have to do the initial work to find someone, but after you do, it becomes a team thing. *pom pom swish*
Write a list of traits you're looking for and seek out like-minded people. Strike up conversations and see where they go. You won't know until you try. I mean, unless you know exactly what you're looking for, you tend to try on a few of those bras and belts, don't you? *wink*
It’s important to have someone in your corner. There’s no need to feel alone. Get active in finding your support system. And then get active by being supportive!
~Ann Cory
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Her Warrior Heart Excerpt #2
Her Warrior Heart available now from Resplendence Publishing
The snow started up making her path difficult to see. Raina ignored the feeling of needles stabbing up her leg and carried on. She thought of the queen and how worried she must be, counting on a woman she’d only heard about to save her husband and the kingdom. They were bonded by love and the fear of losing it.
A sob caught in her throat. She couldn’t lose Torin now. If she did lose him, the blame rested on her shoulders. He wouldn’t be near death if she hadn’t chosen him to be with her. It was her foolish idea to stop and make camp. And it was her injury that sent Torin out alone and into the sorceress’ trap. Raina wished she’d taken the poison herself.
Her mind locked on the poison.
A memory about it filtered through, one more detailed than her mother telling her to never touch it. A memory outlining how slowly it affected a person, and that filled her with hope.
In all her healing travels, she’d never had to choose between two lives. Granted she’d never had feelings for someone she healed. Love had gone and changed all the rules. And she did love him. There’d be no more denying or talking herself out of the way she felt. She’d tell him the moment she saw him and not worry about the repercussions. If he left she’d understand over time. At least she’d have been honest. That had to be worth the risk.
A plump pheasant swooped down to the ground a short ways ahead. Her luck was changing. She started after it and dove on it before it got away. Raina plucked the feathers with hurried precision and cut it the way Torin had shown her. She did a quick check of the inside to make sure it looked healthy and built a small fire using scattered twigs found in the snow. Her stomach rumbled while she bound the bird to a stick and made it so she could turn it over the fire. The unexpected food would fuel her for the rest of the journey.
While the pheasant cooked, she checked her wound. Pleased with the healing, she added more salve and changed the dressing. At least something was going right. In the distance she heard a distinct scratching sound followed by a high pitched screech. Please no, she hissed to herself.
A harpie stepped into the clearing leading its enormous dragon. It walked with a limp and had a badly burned ear. Raina knew those small defects wouldn’t be enough to give her any kind of advantage. Out here in the open, she had nowhere to hide. Even if she managed to kill the harpie, she’d still have to battle the dragon. Alone she didn’t stand a chance. She was cold, tired, and famished, and she didn’t know if she’d make it in time to save the king. She’d failed everyone, especially herself.
She released the handle of her dagger and sat back. The creature stalked closer, its eyes shifting from her to the fire. Spittle dripped from its twisted mouth and formed tiny crystals on the snow. Gods, she didn’t want to die a harpie snack. The fire crackled beside her and Raina snuck a look at what would’ve been her meal. Skin charred in all the right places. Meat just tender enough to sink her teeth into.
Raina picked up the stick and waved the pheasant in the air. “You want this? You can have it. Here.”
She threw the stick in front of it and drew her knees up close to her body.
The harpie swiped the stick from the ground and tore the pheasant in two. It swung one half over to its dragon and swallowed the rest of it whole. Raina knew that wouldn’t be near enough to satisfy either one of their appetites. She wished the ground would open up so she could escape.
The creatures clawed at the snow and then returned their hungry gaze to her.
“What are you waiting for? Finish me. Go ahead.” The harpie took a step toward her, cocking its head in all directions. She flinched but refused to run. What good would it do?
“Here,” she said and thrust out her arms. “I’ll make it easier for you.”
The harpie blinked its bulging eyes and made a terrible screech. Breath held, Raina closed her eyes and waited. She didn’t want to think about the inevitable pain.
~Ann Cory
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday Fabulosity!
It's time for Friday Fabulosity!
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
I'm going to start things off by mentioning a fabulous book. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I picked this book having heard some mere mention about it and found myself unable to put it down. Talk about being engrossed. The delicious tension and fast moving action. There were times when I did stop that I noticed how exhausted I was, as if I'd taken part in the games as well. You know a book is good when you feel like you're right there with the characters. Seriously, an incredible book!
Fabulous wine - a staple when it's in stock at our local wine shop. Colli Amerini 2006 from Umbria. Delicious with roast chicken, lamb, most red meats with an herb and garlic seasoning - especially barbecued, red pasta sauces, and of course white cheddar cheese. Honestly, if a wine doesn't pair well with white cheddar cheese I don't even bother. The price is more than reasonable. It's a lovely garnet color and the nose is a nice bouquet of spices. Slightly oaky taste but bold enough to stand up to bold meats. Mmmmmmm *clink*
Peppermint tea makes my morning a little something special - you know, besides seeing my handsome hubby's face. Three minutes brewing time and it's a cuppa paradise. Even tastes delicious cold, which with the weather starting to warm up will mean drinking it that way too.
Some more fabulous I encountered over the week included my son's prom. Talk about a dashing young man and his lovely young lady! Apparently they made such a lasting impression on an elderly couple dining at the same restaurant, that their dinner ended up comped.
My son is graduating this Monday - so I've been a fabulous mess. Yep, I'm such a mom. Can't seem to accept my baby is growing up. But he has grown into a fabulous young man and I look forward to being here for him whenever he needs me! Which probably won't be enough to my liking, lol.
Did you have a fabulous week? I'd love to hear what fabulousness you encountered! Please share!
~Ann Cory
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
I'm going to start things off by mentioning a fabulous book. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I picked this book having heard some mere mention about it and found myself unable to put it down. Talk about being engrossed. The delicious tension and fast moving action. There were times when I did stop that I noticed how exhausted I was, as if I'd taken part in the games as well. You know a book is good when you feel like you're right there with the characters. Seriously, an incredible book!
Fabulous wine - a staple when it's in stock at our local wine shop. Colli Amerini 2006 from Umbria. Delicious with roast chicken, lamb, most red meats with an herb and garlic seasoning - especially barbecued, red pasta sauces, and of course white cheddar cheese. Honestly, if a wine doesn't pair well with white cheddar cheese I don't even bother. The price is more than reasonable. It's a lovely garnet color and the nose is a nice bouquet of spices. Slightly oaky taste but bold enough to stand up to bold meats. Mmmmmmm *clink*
Peppermint tea makes my morning a little something special - you know, besides seeing my handsome hubby's face. Three minutes brewing time and it's a cuppa paradise. Even tastes delicious cold, which with the weather starting to warm up will mean drinking it that way too.
Some more fabulous I encountered over the week included my son's prom. Talk about a dashing young man and his lovely young lady! Apparently they made such a lasting impression on an elderly couple dining at the same restaurant, that their dinner ended up comped.
My son is graduating this Monday - so I've been a fabulous mess. Yep, I'm such a mom. Can't seem to accept my baby is growing up. But he has grown into a fabulous young man and I look forward to being here for him whenever he needs me! Which probably won't be enough to my liking, lol.
Did you have a fabulous week? I'd love to hear what fabulousness you encountered! Please share!
~Ann Cory
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Kicking Around Today
Good morning everyone! I'd hoped to have another article posted today, but with two releases back to back this week I'm running behind.
Today you'll find me at Ginger Simpson's Blog
as well as at the THe Romance Studio Party so stop by and say hi when you have a chance!
Tomorrow I'll have Friday Fabulosity and next week I'll give you a double whammy :) Sound fair? lol.
Have a wonderful day!
~Ann Cory
Today you'll find me at Ginger Simpson's Blog
as well as at the THe Romance Studio Party so stop by and say hi when you have a chance!
Tomorrow I'll have Friday Fabulosity and next week I'll give you a double whammy :) Sound fair? lol.
Have a wonderful day!
~Ann Cory
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Her Warrior Heart now available
My sensual fantasy/adventure/historical romance Her Warrior Heart is now available from Resplendence Publishing.
Raina, a gifted healer known for her magic mead, must deliver her rare medicine to King Valin who lies dying from a poison of black magic concocted by a vengeful sorceress.
On her quest she is joined by Torin, the fierce and handsome warrior she handpicked from a village to join her.
Along the way they are thwarted by harpies, a ruthless warlock, and the sorceress herself, but it is only when Torin falls prey to a spell of black magic that Raina must trust her heart to decide who she will save.
EXCERPT
Sated from the meal, Raina patted her belly and lay back on the blanket. “Thank you for the delicious catch. It was just what I needed.”
“I can only take half the credit. The herbs you added were a nice touch. Your cooking skills have come a long way.” He wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his tunic and then inspected the tears in it left by the harpies.
Her heart sank. She’d been consumed by her hunger and forgotten all about Torin’s injuries. Raina sat up and gestured with her chin. “I should tend to those cuts.”
The gold flecks in his hazel eyes brightened against the firelight. “No need. They’re fine.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” she offered and reached toward her salve.
“No.” His tone suggested that they could go back and forth all night, and she wouldn’t get anywhere.
Raina took that as a challenge. She grabbed her salve and approached him, ignoring his pointed stare. “I’m going to take care of these, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.”
With that said, she knelt behind him and stiffened. All this time she’d wanted a proper excuse to touch him, and now that she had one she’d lost her nerve.
Torin cleared his throat. “Should I take off my tunic?”
“Uh, no, I’ve got it.”
Her fingers fumbled as she pulled the garment up and over his head. The sight of his massive shoulders sent a surge of heat through her, and for a moment she forgot how to breathe. She’d seen him many times before without his tunic. But not from this close. Not in this way.
“Did you fall asleep back there?”
“No,” she snapped. “Just be quiet.”
You can do this, she told herself. Remember you’re a healer, this is what you do.
Raina forced herself to relax. She took a handful of salve and carefully rubbed it into his wounds. To her delight his hard muscles bunched and moved beneath her palms.
Torin groaned. “That feels good.”
It did feel good. So good it almost hurt.
Her breath turned heavy. She was dimly aware of the fire crackling beside them. Its light accentuated the peaks of his muscles. When she’d finished his back, she crawled on her knees to face him. With everything in her she tried to avoid looking at his chest.
She gathered more salve in her palm and curled her fingers up his arm and across his chest. Her hand heated and tingled against his flesh.
Raina made the mistake of looking up at him and saw him staring back at her. Was that interest in his eyes? Her gaze dipped to his firm full lips. Gods, she wanted the courage to kiss him. She wet her lips just thinking about how wonderful it would feel. Torin released a sigh and gently took hold of her wrists, holding them loose enough for her to get free.
“Raina.”
The soft caress of his voice sent a pleasurable shiver through her. She fastened her gaze on his mouth, watching it part and move. Her arousal-hazed mind barely registered the words he was saying.
“Raina, please.”
Her mind exploded with what he wanted to tell her. Maybe he felt the way she did.
Gods, he could free her with his words.
“Yes, Torin?”
Breath held, she waited.
~Ann Cory
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Unladylike Behavior now available
My f/f historical romance Unladylike Behavior is now available at All Romance Ebooks as well as for Kindle.
Scarlett Devane finds her status as a princess disheartening and lonely. Headstrong and defiant, she loathes her father’s many attempts to find her a suitor. She believes the men only want her for the fortune and nobility her status can bring them, and shuns any attempt to marry.
She seeks refuge with her sultry chambermaid as they partake in unladylike behavior in the gardens outside the castle. Desperate to be with the one she loves, Scarlett tries to find a way around centuries of tradition.
Excerpt
There was a subtle hint of naughtiness in the air. Scarlett strolled silently as a cat, careful to not awaken anyone. In her satin robe, the summer’s moon drenched her skin. As she lay among the soft meadow grass, the crickets rubbed their legs and played a midnight lullaby. She waited for her lover to arrive and whisk her away to delicious heights of unladylike behavior.
The sky was filled with sparkling trinkets, a jewelry box of precious gems with a story to accompany each one. She wondered which tale her lover would enlighten her with this night.
Her muscles tensed as a rustle came from the rose bushes. Silently she prayed it was only a small animal, and not one of the meddling guards. The brute-like men were always traipsing about, watching over her like she was an unruly child, rather than a woman with sexual needs.
“My lady,” a voice whispered as light as the wind. “I am here to attend to you now.”
Scarlett smiled and pushed herself up, eyeing the delicious silhouette of her lover. “Come out my little seductress, it is safe. I see no guards at this time.”
The sultry dark-haired beauty hired by her father, King Devane, served as her new chambermaid, and had caught Scarlett’s eye immediately. Her former servant had been an old and dowdy woman, rarely doing her work without fussing over one thing or another. After months of tantrums and stubborn pleas, her father gave in and fired the woman. He hoped she’d find someone to be a replacement mother.
Scarlett knew no one could ever replace her mother.
From Alicia’s first day, the two began with mild flirtations and suggestive whispers. A force neither could explain drew them together, and through it they developed a close bond. The basic tasks expected of the chambermaid gave way to exciting opportunities for exploring desires and convening together outside the palace walls.
It was only in the night, far away from the castle, when she could fully experience the maid’s true handiwork.
~Ann Cory
Monday, June 06, 2011
Success - Fear or Desire?
Do you desire success?
Do you fear the idea of success?
Most people understand fearing failure more than fearing success, but you can fear one or the other or both. You can desire success and doubt yourself. You can achieve success and fear what will happen next. You can convince yourself that you will never achieve the kind of success you desire, so why bother. You can fear success before you ever give it a shot because it’s an unknown, and maybe you don’t do well with unknowns.
Fear is powerful. It paralyzes us. It crushes our dreams. It keeps us from new experiences and adventures.
Fear makes us cling to our tried and true comfort zones. What’s wrong with comfort zones? They aren’t always the best place to be. Sure they’re comfortable, but that’s because we don’t have to think about them. There’s no surprise. There's no challenge. It’s like being on auto-pilot.
Fear makes us play the What If game: What happens if I’m asked to do more than I’m able? What happens if I have to make a choice between family and career? What if people don’t like me? What if people don’t like my work? What if I’m a one-hit wonder? What if even after all of my success, I still fail? It’s legitimate to have these fears and worries and stresses, but you need to have faith in yourself. Believe in your capabilities. You're here to learn and live and experience.
Each of us is capable of success. And I'm not talking about the kind of success measured by others. To be successful you need to be the best representation of yourself. Maybe that means raising personal expectations. Maybe that means putting less limitations on ourselves. Maybe it means a little more work, but it's the kind of work you can be proud of.
You can go as far as you want. You don't need the auto-pilot. You're in charge.
~Ann Cory
Friday, June 03, 2011
Friday Fabulosity!
It's time for Friday Fabulosity!
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
I'm starting off with my brand new fabulous cover that I received last night for my upcoming f/f historical romance Unladylike Behavior. I love how soft and feminine the cover is :) Here's the blurb: Scarlett Devane finds her status as a princess disheartening and lonely. Headstrong and defiant, she loathes her father’s many attempts to find her a suitor. She believes the men only want her for the fortune and nobility her status can bring them, and shuns any attempt to marry.
She seeks refuge with her sultry chambermaid as they partake in unladylike behavior in the gardens outside the castle. Desperate to be with the one she loves, Scarlett tries to find a way around centuries of tradition.
Unladylike Behavior releases next week!
Another fabulous workout that really works the backside is The Booty Barre with Tracey Mallett. Thanks to a sedentary career choice, I have to make sure that I get myself up and moving everyday. I prefer to dance and do kickboxing to get my heartrate up, but for toning my tush, it's the Booty Barre all the way. It works but I'm not about to lie and say it's easy. I hurt for a week, lol. Trust me though, it gets easier the more you do it.
You know I can't do a fabulous post without mentioning wine - it's unheard of! Another staple wine on our dinner table is Valpolicella Classico 2007 - a delicious Italian dry red wine that is ruby red in color, and rich and intense on the palate. Goes down smooth, stands up well to red meats and hearty sauces, and pairs perfectly with sharp aged white cheddar.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense book that keeps you turning the pages and makes you stay up all night just to finish, then pick up One Scream Away by Kate Brady. The woman knows how to write suspense. Reading it at night didn't help, but I couldn't stop. Fabulous read by a new-to-me author. I'll definitely be reading more books from her.
And finally, over the weekend the family and I went to see Thor! LOVED IT! Great cast, loved the humor and the action sequences. Better than I expected. Did you see it yet? What did you think?
OH WAIT! I forgot to mention someone pretty darn fabulous - MY HUBBY! I could write a novel about all the reasons why he's fabulous, but I won't do that here. Just take my word for it :)
I'd love to hear what made your week fabulous :)
~Ann Cory
Each Friday I plan to post about some fabulosity that I encountered during the week -whether it's wine, movies, food, books, favorite or new to me authors, and well-whatever strikes me as pretty fabulous. So, let's get fabulous!
I'm starting off with my brand new fabulous cover that I received last night for my upcoming f/f historical romance Unladylike Behavior. I love how soft and feminine the cover is :) Here's the blurb: Scarlett Devane finds her status as a princess disheartening and lonely. Headstrong and defiant, she loathes her father’s many attempts to find her a suitor. She believes the men only want her for the fortune and nobility her status can bring them, and shuns any attempt to marry.
She seeks refuge with her sultry chambermaid as they partake in unladylike behavior in the gardens outside the castle. Desperate to be with the one she loves, Scarlett tries to find a way around centuries of tradition.
Unladylike Behavior releases next week!
Another fabulous workout that really works the backside is The Booty Barre with Tracey Mallett. Thanks to a sedentary career choice, I have to make sure that I get myself up and moving everyday. I prefer to dance and do kickboxing to get my heartrate up, but for toning my tush, it's the Booty Barre all the way. It works but I'm not about to lie and say it's easy. I hurt for a week, lol. Trust me though, it gets easier the more you do it.
You know I can't do a fabulous post without mentioning wine - it's unheard of! Another staple wine on our dinner table is Valpolicella Classico 2007 - a delicious Italian dry red wine that is ruby red in color, and rich and intense on the palate. Goes down smooth, stands up well to red meats and hearty sauces, and pairs perfectly with sharp aged white cheddar.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense book that keeps you turning the pages and makes you stay up all night just to finish, then pick up One Scream Away by Kate Brady. The woman knows how to write suspense. Reading it at night didn't help, but I couldn't stop. Fabulous read by a new-to-me author. I'll definitely be reading more books from her.
And finally, over the weekend the family and I went to see Thor! LOVED IT! Great cast, loved the humor and the action sequences. Better than I expected. Did you see it yet? What did you think?
OH WAIT! I forgot to mention someone pretty darn fabulous - MY HUBBY! I could write a novel about all the reasons why he's fabulous, but I won't do that here. Just take my word for it :)
I'd love to hear what made your week fabulous :)
~Ann Cory
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Her Warrior Heart releases June 8th
I'm pleased to share that my sensual historical romance Her Warrior Heart releases June 8th from Resplendence Publishing.
Blurb -
Raina, a gifted healer known for her magic mead, must deliver her rare medicine to King Valin who lies dying from a poison of black magic concocted by a vengeful sorceress.
On her quest she is joined by Torin, the fierce and handsome warrior she handpicked from a village to join her.
Along the way they are thwarted by harpies, a ruthless warlock, and the sorceress herself. When Torin falls prey to a spell of black magic, Raina must stay strong and trust her heart to decide who she will save.
Excerpt -
Sated from the meal, Raina patted her belly and lay back on the blanket. “Thank you for the delicious catch. It was just what I needed.”
“I can only take half the credit. The herbs you added were a nice touch. Your cooking skills have come a long way.” He wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his tunic and then inspected the tears in it left by the harpies.
Her heart sank. She’d been consumed by her hunger and forgotten all about Torin’s injuries. Raina sat up and gestured with her chin. “I should tend to those cuts.”
The gold flecks in his hazel eyes brightened against the firelight. “No need. They’re fine.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” she offered and reached toward her salve.
“No.” His tone suggested that they could go back and forth all night, and she wouldn’t get anywhere.
Raina took that as a challenge. She grabbed her salve and approached him, ignoring his pointed stare. “I’m going to take care of these, and I don’t want to hear another word about it.”
With that said, she knelt behind him and stiffened. All this time she’d wanted a proper excuse to touch him, and now that she had one she’d lost her nerve.
Torin cleared his throat. “Should I take off my tunic?”
“Uh, no, I’ve got it.”
Her fingers fumbled as she pulled the garment up and over his head. The sight of his massive shoulders sent a surge of heat through her, and for a moment she forgot how to breathe. She’d seen him many times before without his tunic. But not from this close. Not in this way.
“Did you fall asleep back there?”
“No,” she snapped. “Just be quiet.”
You can do this, she told herself. Remember you’re a healer, this is what you do.
Raina forced herself to relax. She took a handful of salve and carefully rubbed it into his wounds. To her delight his hard muscles bunched and moved beneath her palms.
Torin groaned. “That feels good.”
It did feel good. So good it almost hurt.
Her breath turned heavy. She was dimly aware of the fire crackling beside them. Its light accentuated the peaks of his muscles. When she’d finished his back, she crawled on her knees to face him. With everything in her she tried to avoid looking at his chest.
She gathered more salve in her palm and curled her fingers up his arm and across his chest. Her hand heated and tingled against his flesh.
Raina made the mistake of looking up at him and saw him staring back at her. Was that interest in his eyes? Her gaze dipped to his firm full lips. Gods, she wanted the courage to kiss him. She wet her lips just thinking about how wonderful it would feel. Torin released a sigh and gently took hold of her wrists, holding them loose enough for her to get free.
“Raina.”
The soft caress of his voice sent a pleasurable shiver through her. She fastened her gaze on his mouth, watching it part and move. Her arousal-hazed mind barely registered the words he was saying.
“Raina, please.”
Her mind exploded with what he wanted to tell her. Maybe he felt the way she did. Gods, he could free her with his words.
“Yes, Torin?”
Breath held, she waited.
~Ann Cory
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
What If Wednesday!
It's What If Wednesday. Each Wednesday I post three questions. Choose to answer one, two, or all three questions. Why? Well that doesn't matter - it's all about What If? (And it's fun). So here goes:
1) What if you were trapped in a tunnel by hideous and ferocious monsters and your only way out was if a superhero rescued you. Which superhero would you choose to save the day?
2) What if you had the choice between a theme song that played when you left the house or the ability to walk in slow motion all cool-like. Which would you choose?
3) What if you had to choose to keep only one book because they were all going to disappear on some random night. Which book would be your keeper?
Thanks for playing!
~Ann Cory
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