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*

If you're looking for some extra motivation to hit your goals and stay accountable, then sign up for Write Motivation. After only a week, I feel jazzed about what I'm doing. Faulty thinking is banished. Negativity - poof, it's gone. Knowing people are rooting you on is inspiring. Course I always did like those gold stars back in grade school. In a single click, there's someone in your corner :) Talk about motivation!

There’s no need to feel alone. Get active in finding your support system. And then get active by being supportive!

~Ann Cory

First Campaigner Challenge

For me, Monday usually comes with its own set of challenges, especially if I've stayed up late the night before. However, there are some challenges I welcome.

The First Campaigner Challenge started today in the form of a 200 word story with a beginning of Shadows crept across the wall. For a bonus the story should be exactly 200 words (excluding the title), include orange, and end with everything faded.

So below is my entry for the challenge.

Enjoy!

The Promise of Night
By Ann Cory

Shadows crept across the wall beyond the reddish-orange flames that flickered like a beacon. Peyton lay in wait, her bare flesh warm against the cool satin sheets. Sprigs of lavender on her bedside table infused the air with its soothing scent, while the moon dimmed its ethereal beams.

As the shadows neared, her pulse skipped.

Eyes closed, she stretched her body and welcomed the feathery kisses along her skin. A smile tipped her lips. The promise of a night bathed in pleasure, mere moments away. Aware of movement on either side of her, she tensed. Trails of heated splendor ran the length of her thighs. Unseen hands awakened and aroused her inch by inch.
Peyton released a soft moan. They were skilled lovers and knew what she liked, wanted, desired. They knew where to touch, tease, and taunt. She didn’t know why they’d chosen her. She didn’t care. Loneliness no longer plagued the hours before dawn.

Arms stretched above her head, she played the submissive. Body arched, she melted at the parting of her thighs. Tonight her ravenous appetite would be sated.

***

As she opened her eyes, the sun painted the walls in buttery shades, and with it, everything faded.

Whew! Such fun :)

To view others involved in the challenge, you can follow this link here.

Thank you to everyone who stops by - I look forward to reading your entries!

~Ann Cory

Promo Sapphic Planet Anthology release day!

Sapphic Planet Anthology is here and available from Amazon.

Inside these pages you'll discover nineteen stories written specifically to tease and titillate your senses.

From a frolic in the rain with a Bathing Beauty, to a concerned sibling showing his sister some Brotherly Love, and everything in between. Whether you're in the mood for steamy romance or unrequited lust, we've got a story guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

This anthology showcases just a fraction of the talent from the writers of Sapphic Planet, a group specifically created for authors and aspiring authors of quality lesbian literature

Now sit back, relax and enter our world. Afterwards, while waiting to catch your breath, take a moment to visit us online Sapphic Planet


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Allison Wonderland-----Bathing Beauty------------
Jean Roberta--------------Fame-----------------------
Kissa Starling------------An Act of Passion---------
Jodi Payne----------------Licked----------------------
Jennifer Cross------------Patience--------------------
Dylynn DeSaint----------Haircut---------------------
JT Langdon---------------Eyes of Surrender--------
Nan Andrews-------------Her Smile-----------------
Meg Leigh----------------Two Steps Back-----------
Fiona Zedde---------------‘Love, Zora’---------------
Ann Cory------------------Her Forever----------------
Adriana Kraft-------------Accidental Contact--------
Dalia Craig----------------A Secret Liaison-----------
Stephanie Rose------------Traffic Stop----------------
Tenille Brown-------------Taming Tildy--------------
Kira Chase-----------------Seduced---------------------
Moondancer Drake-------Top Priority-----------------
Roxy Katt------------------The Ungirdling-------------
Beth Wylde----------------Brotherly Love-------------

Blurb from Ann Cory’s story Her Forever:

On the night before her arranged marriage, Callista waits beneath the moon for her true love, Selena, for a final night of passion.

Sapphic Planet - a literary realm where women are free to love one another without fear of prejudice or reprisal.

~Ann

Strengths and Weaknesses

This weekend I updated my strength chart.

What’s a strength chart? A visual chart of my strengths and weaknesses to show me the areas I need to work on. I actually have two separate charts. One is personal and the other is professional. I’m going to focus on my professional chart today.

When I first made the chart, I had a longer list of weaknesses than strengths. Over time the weakness list has decreased. But that's okay, I don't mind having weaknesses. They give me a goal to strive toward.

In life, we are students forever. We can learn and grow each day. We can better ourselves all the time. If you want to try a new career or write in a new genre, or develop new healthy habits through diet and exercise, you take the time to learn. You study, research, and analyze. You create processes<---that's for my hubby, record data, test theories, and put forth the action. You find what works, what doesn't work, and where to improve. We can always improve.

I spend time each day learning something new. I study my craft, read books on the business of writing, research, look up new ways to plot and develop. My brain is a total sponge and loves to absorb everything. I would do well on a game show about random facts and tidbits.

Each of us can list a number of strengths, skills, and talents. Some of my strengths on my chart include: coming up with catchy titles, writing short stories, quick learner, fast typer, constant supply of creative ideas, determination, passion, perseverance, wit, motivational, and writing sensual tension.

And while it's wonderful to focus only on strengths, it's just as important to pay attention to weaknesses. I choose one area of weakness each month and work on it until it’s on my strength chart. This can be areas of grammar, character development, world building, complex plots, or passive voice.

You'd think at some point my weakness chart will be blank. But no...I'm human, I'm not perfect, nothing comes easy for me, and I'm a student for life. There are always areas I can work and improve. A chart is a great visual to show me where to work, and keep me balanced.

Do you keep track of your strengths and weaknesses? What are some areas you'd like to improve?

Unrealistic Goals Can Burst Your Bubble

Do you ever have that moment when you're on top of the world? You're invincible, and excitement radiates throughout your body like you're plugged into a super-powered Energizer battery? Life is brighter, easier, full of hope and promise?

That smashing good mood of yours has you planning your entire week. You're going to get that project finished. Clean out the garage. Go through all the cupboards and closets. Churn out one story after another. Blog daily with renewed enthusiasm. Invest time in the social network sites. Edit your current story with the hope of subbing it out within days. Oh, and query an agent. Good times!

You log your goals on a notepad and get started. Because you're all amped up on happy juice you're cruising through and marking each item off. You're singing like a rock star, getting your groove on. You know you're going to bust through tomorrow's agenda with the same mad passion.

And the next day...

Your oh-so-happy mood bubble burst. The creativity bug sprouted wings and took off to some Avatar-inspired world. You look at your lengthy to-do list and think WTF?

Life is funny that way. You can have a super productive day and be walking around with a cute little bunny bounce, and the next day you're struggling to put on a sock. What happened? It's easy to get caught up in a moment. It's easy to plan your day in advance, especially when you're pumped. It's even easier to set yourself up for failure because you expect too much. And a vicious cycle happens when you set unrealistic goals. You berate yourself, call yourself down, tap into negativity and give up. You think you can't finish what you start and you're a failure. Not good!

When you set goals, whatever they are, they should make sense. They should be doable. They should be positive. They should fit within your daily schedule. Otherwise you're doing yourself a disservice. You only have so many hours in a day and losing sleep to finish your overloaded list is equally damaging. At some point you'll crash or your family may consider an intervention. I used to have unhealthy work habits, and my hubby will call me out if I even think about repeating them.

Find the right balance. Make goals you can accomplish. Be forgiving when life happens. Believe it or not, there is always tomorrow.

~Ann Cory

What's Stopping You?

Let’s say you’ve decided on a project. You have all the tools and materials you need to complete this project. You have set aside the time needed and you’ve done your research so you can move forward. Nothing is stopping you. You’re prepared. And it’s going to be great. Ready?

It’s go time!

Wait, what happened?

Why are you stalling? What’s keeping you from completing the project? Oh…YOU are.

Gotcha.

How many times has this happened to you? An idea comes to you and you’re psyched. You jot down the information, figure out what it’s going to take to complete, and get all pumped up to do it. Maybe you even tell other people about this fantastic project. You’ve got the visual in your mind of how it will look when it’s done. But even after all of that time and preparation, all the planning and dreaming, you aren't any closer to completion.

Don't sabotage yourself. Don't be the one standing in your own way. Be cautious of all the little signs that try and veer you off your path to success. They're bright and pretty and sparkly and sound a lot more fun than doing work ever will. We all want to have some fun in our day, and we should incorporate fun in our day, but even that has to have a limit. We owe it to ourselves to keep moving forward and working toward our goals. We owe it to ourselves to do what we're passionate about.

There will always be times when life puts up road blocks. You can’t plan for every crisis. Maybe you have health issues you have to work around. Perhaps a family member came down with a cold or the flu. Maybe your spouse gets laid off from work. Perhaps Mother Nature decides to have her say. Interruptions are a part of life. Teach yourself how to make use of the time that you have. Don't wait for the time. Make any time productive.

If you have only fifteen minutes to spend on the project a day, then make those fifteen minutes valuable. Give those fifteen minutes all of your attention. Baby that fifteen minutes. In as little as fifteen minutes a day, every day, eventually you will complete that project. If you can spend fifteen minutes on the phone, watching TV, playing a game, hitting the snooze button, reading emails, getting off track while researching, or sitting down thinking about how much you don’t want to do something…you have that time.

If you’ve been wondering how you’re going to fit in the time to write when you already have a busy schedule, then set aside smaller increments of time. If it means setting a timer and making yourself write for a minimum of fifteen minutes without distractions in order to get your writing done for the day, then set that timer and have at it. If it means getting up fifteen minutes earlier, then it may be worthwhile.

Say you can type 1,000 words in fifteen minutes. In seven days you could have 7,000 words of your story written. Over time these words add up.

Say you want to build a cabinet or clean out your closet. Don’t make the decision to try and do it all in one day. The task will seem too big and you’ll talk yourself right out of it. It’s easy to do. But by breaking it up into smaller bits of time, you may surprise yourself how much you can accomplish.

If you want something bad enough, you’ll make the time. You’ll never find time, but you can make it, and you can make it work for you.

Do you have a spare fifteen minutes in your day? What can you fill it with?

~Ann Cory

Brand New Excerpt of Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One

Brand new excerpt of Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One available now on Kindle

Blurb -

When Audrey Kessler opened her new age shop, Tokens of the Heart, she never expected it to be such a success. While her life is all about being neat and orderly, she hasn’t found much success in the other areas of her life. Mainly love.

Enter Dominic Blume, a jack-of-all-trades, who in one day manages to capture her attention and draw her ire. Preferring to play things safe, Audrey does her best to focus on her business and ignore the way her body ignites whenever Dominic is near.

But when she needs a strong, warm body to comfort her after a traumatic event, Audrey worries that she has succeeded too well at keeping Dominic away.

Excerpt –

Her mind whirred. The man was bad for her nerves. On one hand he had an incredible face, voice, and body. He smelled damn good, and his seductive smile made her entire being shudder. On the other hand he didn’t know the first thing about communication. His words spilled out, without any filters. She speed walked around the store, finding herself too wound up for the peaceful ambiance she’d created. The music was all wrong. Heavy metal rather than Celtic harp would be more her pace at the moment.

A string of obscenities lay at the tip of her tongue and she was starting to sweat from walking so fast. She needed to find a way to catch her breath and be calm. If she threw herself into her work, thoughts of Dominic, wanting to touch Dominic, and wanting to kiss Dominic, would disappear.

She grabbed a notepad off the counter along with a pen, and wrote down the amount and colors of Betsy’s bracelets that needed to be restocked, especially in lapis blue. Audrey groaned. Great, the lapis blue bracelet, another thing that reminded her of the day the tactless wonder walked in.

No sooner had she jotted down numbers, a streak of light shone into the store, followed by Dominic himself. She groaned again, this time to herself. Wouldn’t he ever leave her alone? She’d never seen him before and now she couldn’t escape him.

Through gritted teeth she asked, “Can I help you?”

“I feel the need to apologize, again,” he said. “Err, repeatedly.”

“It’s not necessary,” she grumbled. “If we stay out of each other’s way then there won’t be a problem.” She’d have to find a new place to go for lunch, which sucked on many levels, or she’d always be looking for him.

“Listen.” He reached out to touch her arm and stopped before his fingers made contact. Curling them into a fist, he put his arm back down to his side. “I’m not in the habit of saying sorry, to anyone, but I can tell you don’t think much of me, and I’m to blame for that. I have a feeling you’re going to hold a grudge against me because of what I said about the pennies.”

Audrey shrugged. She was feeling very out of her comfort zone around him. Words escaped her.

He walked over to the penny display and turned it slow. “These really are something. It’s a clever idea.”

She folded her arms. “Don’t be condescending.”

“I’m not trying to be, I swear,” he said, leaning his god-like body against the counter. “Yesterday I only had one thing on my mind and that was getting the best gift I could for my niece. You can’t fault me for not knowing you made them. Hell, I didn’t even know your name.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but he made a good point. His comment about the pennies wasn’t even the issue anymore, and she knew it. She was angry for having made him out to be perfect at first glance and then felt betrayed by her own high expectations. It was easier to blame him than her lousy quick judgment.

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, looking past him.

“I can tell it matters.”

“I’ll get over it. I’m good at that.” Audrey could write a how-to book on the subject if she wanted.

Dominic straightened and took a step closer. “Can we consider starting over? I’d like another chance.”

If he knew how much he aroused her in that split-second with the way he moved and his words, he’d use that to his advantage.

She clicked her tongue. “I’m not interested.”

His jaw slackened. “Then you’ve already made your mind up about me.”

“I didn’t say that,” she said in a rush. “I just know myself,” she explained, feeling like an idiot. “Anything you say will of course sound better now, but it won’t erase what you said before. You could’ve knocked anything else in the entire store, but you ridiculed something dear to my heart. I said I’ll get over it, but it will take time. The hurt can’t be removed with smooth talk or a charming smile.”

His lips curled in a tantalizing way. “Do I have a charming smile?”

She paused. How had that slipped out? Blurting wasn’t her style. Flustered she looked around the store, trying to focus on something that would guide her. Nothing did. She’d been very close to having everything together in her life before Dominic. It made sense that things would be better if she stayed clear of him. Not knowing what else to say, she glanced at the clock. “Look, I have a ton of work to do. If you aren’t going to buy anything, then you should leave.”

“I’ll leave,” he said, his tone serious again. “I promise.”

The sooner the better, she thought.

“How about that drink later?”

Along with learning some tact, the guy needed to learn to take a hint. She shook her head. “I don’t drink.”

“Do you do dinner?” A twitch of something, smugness? crossed his lips.

“I don’t close until seven,” she answered with a bitchier-than-planned tone. “I usually heat up something in the back around six and munch on it. Thanks anyway.” She wondered when he was going to leave.

“Dessert? I’m a big fan of cake.”

Audrey thought back to the cheesecake at the café and her resolve weakened. “Oh yeah? What kind of cake?”

“Any kind, though I’m partial to white cake with butter cream frosting.”

She nodded. “Sounds good, but I’m a sucker for cheesecake.”

“Noted,” he said and pretended to take out a pad of paper and write it down.

Dessert conversation over, she returned to her frown. He’d almost made her forget to be irritated.

(copyright 2012)



~Ann Cory

Upcoming Release Sapphic Planet Anthology

The Sapphic Planet Anthology is almost here with a release date of February 20th! It will first be made available in ebook format, and then released in print on March 1st.

About this anthology:

Inside these pages you'll discover nineteen stories written specifically to tease and titillate your senses.

From a frolic in the rain with a Bathing Beauty, to a concerned sibling showing his sister some Brotherly Love, and everything in between. Whether you're in the mood for steamy romance or unrequited lust, we've got a story guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Here is a brief blurb for my story titled, Her Forever -

On the night before her arranged marriage, Callista waits beneath the moon for her true love, Selena, for a final night of passion.

I can't wait for this book to be available :)

~Ann Cory

Fourth Writer's Platform-Building Campaign

While I consider myself a fairly motivated person, I recognize that I don't always like to be so solitary. I enjoy cheering on and motivating others, and well...on occasion I kind of like to be cheered and motivated too. It gives me a creative boost.

So, I've signed onto the Fourth Writer's Platform-Building Campaign hosted by Rachael Harrie. You can find out the details about it Here.

Registration ends Wednesday evening 11:59pm.

I look forward to meeting new fellow writers, participating in challenges, and being of help however and wherever I can.

Hope to see you there!

~Ann

Interviewed by Books We Love

The wonderful gals at Books We Love have posted an interview they recently did with me. If you have time please check it out Here

Valentine Blog Hop Winners Announced!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by my blog and leave a post about their favorite scene in a book or movie. Favorites included Gone with the Wind, Titanic, Meet Joe Black, Love Actually, Casablanca, The Notebook, Sixteen Candles, and Pride and Prejudice. All excellent movies!

One of my favorites is Just Like Heaven, which is what hubby and I will be watching this evening :) I cry, I laugh, I sigh, and then cry some more. Such a touching movie.

And without drawing out the suspense here - onto the winners: Stacie D and Shadow_Koehler! I'll be emailing you shortly with your ebook. I hope you enjoy!!

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Reading Romances for hosting this amazing blog hop, and to all who participated!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

~Ann Cory

Romancing the Valentine Giveaway Hop

Love is in the air whether it's snuggling up with your loved one, listening to your favorite romantic song, watching a heartfelt movie with a box of tissues nearby, or curling up with a cherished book. Next to snuggling up with my hubby, I do love to get swept away with a beautifully written romance book. If you do too, then there's a contest that I think you'll enjoy. And the best part is, there are prizes.

It's all about the love here and the participants of the Romancing the Valentine Giveaway Hop, hosted by Reading Romances, are giving away some fantastic prizes including romance books, ebooks, and gift cards. The contest runs between February 6th and February 13th, so don't hesitate to enter!

I'll be giving away two of my ebooks, Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One, and Midnight's Sweet Kiss, to two lucky winners. Simply post your favorite romantic scene in a book or movie along with your email addy so I'm able to contact you. Names will go into a box and the winners will be announced on the 14th here on my blog.

But I'm not the only one giving away lovely goodies.

For a list of the other participating bloggers, click Here

~Ann Cory

New Excerpt from Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One

I hope you enjoy the second excerpt from my newest book Penny Serenade, the first book in my Tokens of the Heart series available now on Kindle.

This is a contemporary erotic romance novel with at least two more books planned.

Blurb -

When Audrey Kessler opened her new age shop, Tokens of the Heart, she never expected it to be such a success. While her life is all about being neat and orderly, she hasn’t found much success in the other areas of her life. Mainly love.

Enter Dominic Blume, a jack-of-all-trades, who in one day manages to capture her attention and draw her ire. Preferring to play things safe, Audrey does her best to focus on her business and ignore the way her body ignites whenever Dominic is near.

But when she needs a strong, warm body to comfort her after a traumatic event, Audrey worries that she has succeeded too well at keeping Dominic away.

Excerpt –

Audrey couldn’t believe she shared such intimate details of her life with him. Things she didn’t expect to ever tell a stranger. Or whatever he was to her. She didn’t know how to think of Dominic. A friend didn’t sound right. A stranger, well no, she’d never felt like he was a stranger, even when he first walked into the shop. The connection she’d felt with him made things more complex than she was looking for.

Betsy had always told her love happened when you didn’t look for it, but she didn’t feel like a candidate for love, and did her best to avoid it. Relationships required more of herself than she cared to give. Maybe she was too solitary and independent, but she liked things the way she wanted, and she’d worked hard to get past the grief from her youth. Everything had been a struggle in her life. She was finally starting to mend. Being around Dominic made her question why she closed herself off to people. He’d listened and empathized. He didn’t make her feel foolish. Somehow he’d gotten her to open up and she felt good. Not even good, but that a huge weight had been lifted.

She looked at the moon and wondered what her father would think of this man next to her. Would he approve? Would he welcome Dominic with a fatherly embrace or a gentleman’s handshake? Pat him on the back and then threaten to cut off his balls if he dared do anything to hurt her? Audrey knew her father would want her to be happy and for her to choose someone who would treat her right. She’d been of the mindset that she didn’t need someone to take care of her. When had that changed?

Audrey felt the tears return and forced them back. She refused to cry. What would Dominic think? He’d think her weak, and she couldn’t take that.

She turned and at the same time, he leaned in. His mouth, sexier than ever, covered hers. Eyes closed, she allowed the bliss overtake her. Her body sizzled at the touch of his hands moving along her back until they settled at the small of her back. Aware her legs were ready to give out on her, she rested her hands on top of his shoulders. For a moment she felt his muscles ripple beneath her touch and it made her entire body swoon. Not wanting to part from him anytime soon, she gave into his deepening kisses. The guy might not be a smooth talker all of the time, but he wasn’t lacking in the area of lip service.

Shivers followed the path of his hand up her side. He cupped his hand along her lower jaw and brushed his thumb along her cheek. Heat and longing filled her insides. The initial judgment of him faded fast, and in that moment she didn’t see how she could ever be angry with him again.

Dominic withdrew his lips and rested his forehead against hers. It felt like days before she found her voice.

“Um, you kind of caught me off guard. Did you…I mean, why did you kiss me? Like that, I mean.” Her cheeks burned at the way her words came out.

“I couldn’t wait a second longer. I’ve wondered what those beautiful lips would taste like since I walked into your store.”

“Really?”

He’d felt the same way? He’d felt the same need and desire? She’d always balked at the scenes in movies where the characters met and fell in love with one another right away. Instant connections didn’t happen in real life, did they?

She had to wonder now.

“So, then, was it what you’d imagined?” She asked, her voice resounding all crackled and hoarse.

“I’ll need another taste to make a solid evaluation.” Dominic prompted her to turn slightly so her back was against the car. His body seemed bigger, and his eyes smoldered. “Would you mind?”

Was he kidding? Her pulse pounded, and this time she didn’t have background music playing to mask it.

“I’m fine with that.”

He leaned in, his hands on either side of her against the car, and caught her mouth with his. Audrey pulled him closer, her back flat against the door. Her nipples throbbed behind a wall of lace, and ached to be kissed with the same wild abandonment he gave her mouth. She was almost sorry that they hadn’t taken advantage of the darkness of the planetarium. Though, at the moment, being beneath an actual starry sky seemed to make the moment extra special.

Guided by the sheer lust tearing through her core, she didn’t hold back.
Somewhere in the distance she heard an odd sound, like someone clearing their throat. She opened her eyes a crack, blinking back the sensual haze. A man stood off to the side in a ball cap, with agitation written all over his face.

“Do you think I could get into my car?” His voice rumbled.

Heat blazed her cheeks. “Of course, I’m sorry.”

Eyes wide, she pulled from Dominic’s embrace and together they moved out of his way. Audrey shook her head. She’d forgotten they were in the middle of a parking lot. She’d forgotten anyone else existed. The kiss had transported her to somewhere lush and exotic.

With a harrumph, the man got into his car and started it up. He rolled the window down and gave them a sneer. “Get a room, hey?”

Tires squealing he backed out and hauled ass out of their view.

“I’m embarrassed,” she murmured.

“Don’t be. He was jealous, and I don’t blame him. Not every guy gets to lock lips with a siren like you.”

Her cheeks engulfed with flames. Siren? She hoped he meant that and it wasn’t some cheap tactic to get her to put out later. Audrey looked to him and saw the way his eyes burned on her. It was a look that shut down all the thoughts of him being less than genuine.

“We should probably get going,” he suggested and unlocked the car door.

“Yeah. It’s getting late.” She slid into the car and let him close the door. Her body tingled from the way he’d held her. Was it her imagination, or had she never felt safer?

(copyright 2012)

If you'd like to read the first excerpt from my novel, please click Here

~Ann Cory

Excerpt from Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One

Penny Serenade, the first book in my Tokens of the Heart series is available on Kindle.

This is a contemporary erotic romance novel with at least two more books planned.

Blurb -
When Audrey Kessler opened her new age shop, Tokens of the Heart, she never expected it to be such a success. While her life is all about being neat and orderly, she hasn’t found much success in the other areas of her life. Mainly love.

Enter Dominic Blume, a jack-of-all-trades, who in one day manages to capture her attention and draw her ire. Preferring to play things safe, Audrey does her best to focus on her business and ignore the way her body ignites whenever Dominic is near.

But when she needs a strong, warm body to comfort her after a traumatic event, Audrey worries that she has succeeded too well at keeping Dominic away.

Excerpt –
On her way back to the front of the shop, Audrey snatched up a box of matches. Her low-heeled pumps tapped against the dark wooden floor on her way to the far corner where she lit a row of candles. Beside them were a collection of incense sticks displayed in beautiful dusky blue ceramic vases. She chose her favorite scent and lit the stick, taking a moment to breathe in the spicy notes of patchouli. Tiny wisps of smoke curled up and around the rainbow catchers that swayed from the gentle draft of the ceiling fans.

Audrey’s shoulders loosened. She’d taken great pains to create an atmosphere both soothing yet visually stimulating, filled with the things she loved and made her feel safe. It was her sanctuary.

The bell above the door jingled, and she welcomed the warmth of the late May sunshine along her back. Audrey glanced over her shoulder, squinting through the golden light that illuminated the doorway. “Good after—”

The last part of her customary greeting abruptly faded off. Her breath turned jagged and then stalled. Talk about visually stimulating. At around six foot two, the dark haired, blue-gray eyed man stepped inside, bringing an air of mystique with him.
“Afternoon,” he reciprocated and closed the door behind him.

Heat flamed throughout her body from the casual word spoken in such a deep sensual rasp. Sexual energy sizzled crackled along her skin. If it weren’t for the mournful cries of violin playing in the background, she worried he’d hear the rapid throb of her pulse.

In one fluid motion the man strode toward the other corner of the store. She stood frozen, struggling to remember how to breathe. The entire atmosphere of the room altered, becoming all warm and moist and just…different. A curious kind of different.

From beneath her lashes she stared at the enigma of a man. What was it about him that triggered such a fierce change? This wasn’t her usual reaction when a male customer walked in, and she noted that that was a good thing. She’d get little done, otherwise. Audrey forced in another breath to keep from passing out. She hated that she ogled the man like a predator, so drawn to each movement he made. He lifted a hand to his chin and slanted his brow, as if deep in thought. With him preoccupied, it allowed her a moment to take inventory of his profile. Nice shaped nose, strong chin, and jet-black hair that hung to the nape of his neck. She liked how he wore it carefree rather than gelled and combed neat. His charcoal gray t-shirt hugged a broad chest and fell loose just below his abdomen. She didn’t doubt he kept himself in good shape, but how good was left to her imagination.

Audrey clenched her fists in an effort to tame the wild urge to reach out and touch him. If the desire to palm his chest grew stronger, she’d be forced to restrain herself with leather binding, which to her advantage, she sold in the shop. Tempted, her gaze drifted lower to the paint-stained denim, slung low at his hips and fit in all the right places. Oh yes, all the right places. A soft thrum started between her thighs.

Afraid of where her mind would wander, she raised her level of vision and noted the way his shirt sleeve ended at the mass of muscles that braided his arm. An embrace from the likes of him would be pure rapture. Jane wants Tarzan, she thought, and did a double-take. What was wrong with her today?

She considered it would be more appropriate if she moved behind the counter, where she could observe him at a safe distance without threat of being caught. But she longed to linger in the effects of whatever spell he’d cast over her.

She’d have been content to watch him all day until she remembered where she was. Her workplace. Could she be any less professional?

Audrey pulled herself together and attempted a sound business-like tone. “May I help you find something?” Now if only she could wipe the exaggerated grin from her face that pulled her skin too tight.

The man turned her direction, his brows knitted.

“I need a gift for a special someone,” he started in his hypnotic voice, “but I haven’t a clue what to get.”

She held the overstated smile though her insides felt like a house of cards toppled over. It’s not like she was surprised to hear he had a special someone. She’d be more surprised if he were single. A man with his build and good looks always had a woman.

“You’ve come to the right place,” she responded and winced at the annoying pitch of her voice. Audrey knew she was overdoing it but couldn’t seem to settle down. It took all her strength to keep composure while her body smoldered at the thought of his hands casing her thighs.

“Humph,” he grumbled beneath his breath. “I’m not so sure about that. I’m not into this New Age crap, but the little lady seems to like it well enough.”

Her lips twitched. Had she heard him right? New age crap? Not that she expected everyone to be a fan of the items she sold, but she’d never had someone come right out and say that it was crap to her face. Her irritation must have been apparent because he turned to her and flashed a meek smile.

“Sorry if I offended. This just isn’t my scene.”

“That’s fine,” she replied, unable to do mask her clipped tone. “Maybe I can steer you in the right direction.”

He shrugged and turned his attention back to the shelves. She was about to make a suggestion when he picked up a box of tarot cards. “She likes puzzles. Do you think this would make a good gift?”

Audrey swallowed the urge to laugh. Could he be that dense? “Those are tarot cards, not a puzzle.”

His brows swept upward. “Terror cards?”

“No, tarot cards.” She gave herself kudos for not doubling over in a fit of laughter. He made it too easy. But she reminded herself he was a potential patron and kept her cool. “You know, tarot, like fortune tellers and seers use them to offer insight into one’s lives.”

“Oh.” Disdain marred his face and he set the box down. “What would you suggest?”

“These candleholders make a nice gift.” She gestured to the side wall, feeling like a game-show hostess. “I just received these moon-shaped tea light candle holders that have a brushed silver finish.” Audrey held one out to him. His deadpan expression said enough. Not what he wanted. Over the next several minutes she pointed out one item after another while he continued to shake his head or groan. By now anyone else would’ve found something. This guy was a hard case.

“Thanks for trying to help, but as I said, I’m out of my league here. I just don’t know.” Again he shrugged. “This is her favorite store.” Audrey started to smile until he added, “But I honestly can’t figure out why.”

Her lips pressed together tight. The guy was getting on her last nerve. Despite her initial response to his appearance, she now found herself loathing his very existence.

“Maybe I should look elsewhere,” he mumbled and turned to leave.

The words should’ve relieved her, given the irritation she felt toward him, but instead she took them as a challenge. She refused to have him leave empty-handed. “Wait. Give me one more shot here. I know I can help you find the perfect gift.”

(copyright 2012)

Ann Cory

New Release - Penny Serenade: Tokens of the Heart Book One

If you heard a squeal followed by some clapping somewhere off in the distance - that was me excited about the release of my newest book Penny Serenade, the first book in my Tokens of the Heart series. This is a contemporary erotic romance novel with at least two more books planned.

Blurb -
When Audrey Kessler opened her new age shop, Tokens of the Heart, she never expected it to be such a success. While her life is all about being neat and orderly, she hasn’t found much success in the other areas of her life. Mainly love.

Enter Dominic Blume, a jack-of-all-trades, who in one day manages to capture her attention and draw her ire. Preferring to play things safe, Audrey does her best to focus on her business and ignore the way her body ignites whenever Dominic is near.

But when she needs a strong, warm body to comfort her after a traumatic event, Audrey worries that she has succeeded too well at keeping Dominic away.

Penny Serenade is available now from Amazon

Oh, and I'm tossing around some shiny silver confettii while I'm at it :)

~Ann Cory

New Cover Love - Penny Serenade - Upcoming Release

This morning I received my lovely new cover of my upcoming novel Penny Serenade, part of my Tokens of the Heart series! What do you think?

Blurb:

When Audrey Kessler opened her new age shop, Tokens of the Heart, she never expected it to be such a success. While her life is all about being neat and orderly, she hasn’t found much success in the other areas of her life. Mainly love.

Enter Dominic Blume, a jack-of-all-trades, who in one day manages to capture her attention and draw her ire. Preferring to play things safe, Audrey does her best to focus on her business and ignore the way her body ignites whenever Dominic is near.

But when she needs a strong, warm body to comfort her after a traumatic event, Audrey worries that she has succeeded too well at keeping Dominic away.

Coming soon!
~Ann Cory

Midnight's Sweet Kiss #58 on Kindle Contemporary Chart

Thank you dear readers, you have made my year! Currently, Midnight's Sweet Kiss is #58 on Kindle's Contemporary chart.

For those who did purchase my book, I hope that you enjoyed the story of Sophie and Noah. And maybe you are a little bit curious to find out if Olivia and Tate, the close friends of Sophie and Noah, ever hook up. If you are, I'm happy to share that I'll soon be starting to write their story.

Midnight's Sweet Kiss is an Amazon exclusive and can be purchased Here

Sophie Kurtz finds herself stranded in New York after catching her fiancé kissing another woman. But thanks to Noah Conley, a knight in shining armor, or rather, a kindhearted, attractive cab driver, her night turns around.

She watched him mix the drink with ease and pour them into a couple glasses, complete with green olives on a toothpick.
He handed the glass to her. “Enjoy. It’s my specialty.”
Sophie took a sip and let the liquid slide down her throat. “This is delicious. Is there anything you don’t do well?”
“Sing, so please don’t ask me to torture you or my neighbors that way.”
She laughed. “I can’t sing either.” When her glass was empty he took it from her.
“Care for another?”
Aware of the growing desire for him, she thought it best to stop at one. At least for now. “Maybe later. So I’m curious, what would you like to do if you weren’t driving the cab?”
Noah set their glasses on the counter and put his hands in his pockets. “I don’t really know. I never made a solid plan. I’ve been a go-with-the-flow kind of guy.”
“Do you regret that?”
“Not at all. You never know what’s going to be around the next corner. I guess that’s why I like driving. I could follow a map where the streets are all marked out, or I can take different streets and enjoy the adventure.” He paused and shook his head. “That probably sounded dumb.”
“No. I like how carefree you are. I wish I could be with you. Err, like you. Carefree I mean.” Heat flushed her face.
He stared at her long and hard, and she swore he was going to kiss her. She moved a half inch from the counter just in case he decided to follow through. Even the soft tick tick tick of the clock on the wall started to sound like kiss kiss kiss to her.
Noah leaned in and she closed her eyes. She willed herself to not burp or hiccup at the same moment his lips made comment. What she hadn’t counted on was the untimely interruption of the telephone. Its loud incessant ring just about did her in.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbled and reached past her. “I should grab that.”
“Sure.”
Noah answered in his thigh melting voice and paced from the kitchen to the dining room and back. As he talked, she took a moment to gather her composure. That had been close and much as she wanted it, she didn’t have any business kissing another guy right now. The timing was all wrong and she was confused about the way she felt. Not about Kyle, but about Noah. She knew it wasn’t love – it was too soon for an emotion that involved and complex, but the desire to know the way he felt with his arms wrapped around her was strong. It scared her. Had she become so cold, unfeeling woman who could go through men like a disposable razor? Once they stopped working it was easier to toss and snag a new one?

Ann Cory

Patchouli Dreams #65 on Kindle top 100 list

When Marilyn Sommers inherits a beautiful Gothic-style house, she has no idea its past and hers are intertwined. In the room upstairs, the scent of patchouli lingers, a scent that reminds her of Mason Donahue, the guy she dated her senior year. The guy that got away.

Marilyn decides to host a get-together, and invites Mason and two of her girlfriends over. It’s a night to revisit the past, and a night that could change the future.

Patchouli Dreams available on Amazon Kindle

Midnight's Sweet Kiss - New Release - Amazon exclusive

My new release, Midnight’s Sweet Kiss, is now available at Amazon.

Blurb
Sophie Kurtz finds herself stranded in New York after catching her fiancé kissing another woman. But thanks to Noah Conley, a knight in shining armor, or rather, a kindhearted, attractive cab driver, her night turns around.

Excerpt
Sophie grabbed her airport carrier and dragged it behind her to the nearest bar. While not her scene, she had an affinity for bright colored drinks with fruit hanging off the rim. Late as it was, she decided on something less showy and ordered a mojito with its velvety mint garnish and clean, smooth taste.
Three mojitos later she was less pissed at Kyle, and just pissed in general. She moved to New York to start fresh with a new job, a new place, and a new life. It would be the start of an amazing year that included a walk down the aisle with her man of three years. Only now the plans didn’t look quite so promising. If she could somehow take herself out of the one to blame category, she would, but it all fell on her shoulders. No one twisted her arm to make the big move. She’d decided on her own and it was a bit late to change her mind.
Sophie tried Kyle’s number one more time and after cursing the voicemail message, paid the bartender. If she spent another minute in the airport, she was going to lose it. Luggage carrier in tow she headed outside into the cool December air and hailed a cab.
To her relief, one pulled up before her foot touched the curb. At least she could count on something. The cab driver opened his door to get out but she waved him off.
“Just pop the trunk, I’ll take care of my stuff.” There was no sense both of them being cold. Plus, all of her possessions were in the suitcases. It gave her comfort to load each one in. They felt like old friends.
She gave a final look back toward the airport and then scrunched into the cab. Ready or not she was on her way. She hoped Kyle would be thrilled by her surprise. And she hoped he had a real good reason for not picking her up.
“Where to, miss?”
The seductive deep voice from inside the cab sent shivers along her spine. She looked up and met steel gray eyes in the rearview mirror. They were deep-set and hypnotic and trained on her.
“Uh, Miss? I’ll need your destination.”
Sophie blinked to break her trance-like stare. “My fiancé’s place,” she blurted and felt her cheeks blaze red.
The driver’s dark brows arched. “I’m not familiar with that location. Maybe you could give me a street name?”
Heat spread from her neck on up. “Sorry, it’s on the corner of 9th and Davidson,” she replied with a shaky voice.
What was up with the knot of nerves forming in her belly? She might’ve been with Kyle for the last three years but it wasn’t like she’d never looked at another man.
A charming grin tugged the driver’s full lips. Even with his body half concealed by the front seat, her senses responded, and not with any subtlety. It was like he’d been chiseled out of a clay mold of perfection. His navy blue shirt fit him snug around the chest, and there was a slight vee in the collar area that made her want to hook her finger there, pull down, and check out the rest of him.
She returned her attention to the mirror and back to his eyes. They scanned the road, moving ever so slight from one side to the other and then for a brief moment at her. His gaze had her transfixed. With his take-me-I’m-yours looks, he could tell her to strip and she’d obey in a heartbeat.
You’re taken, she reminded herself and glanced down at her ring. It was a princess cut, though the diamond was larger than she preferred. Kyle insisted on the size despite her preference for something modest. She wasn’t naïve. He’d bought it big to impress people with how much he’d spent on it.
“So, I take it you just flew in?”
Again shivers flecked her skin. How did his voice have such a commanding effect over her? “Yeah, I mean, yes,” she said and wondered if he ever made his girlfriend wait hours for him to show up. She didn’t think so. For right now, or at least while she stayed mad at Kyle, this dark-haired dream was the ultimate sex god and could do no wrong. Olivia would be jealous.
“Is this your first time in New York,” he prompted.
“Yes.” Sophie sighed, though not because of his question. She was homesick and starting to doubt her decision.
“I thought so.”
“It’s pretty much stamped on my forehead, isn’t it?” She drew her bangs back to give him a better look.
He chuckled. “Nah. You just don’t seem like a New Yorker.”
“Not even close. I’m from Oregon. What gave me away, the scared shitless look on my face?”
“No, but there is that. It’s just little things.” He glanced her way and shrugged. “I don’t have much else to do from up here, so I try to get a read on people. I’m usually good at it too, but you’ve stumped me.”
She arched her brow. “How so?”
“You strike me as someone who likes things calm and easy going. You won’t find those things here,” he replied.
Boy, wasn’t that the truth. “I’m impressed,” she said and smoothed a wrinkle out of her skirt. “I do like things calm and simple, but not stagnant. I thought change would be good, a way to start over. New house, new job, new life.” Each time she listed them it made her more apprehensive.
“Sounds daring,” the driver responded.
“I guess.” She glanced out the window as a reminder of where she was. All the months that she’d readied herself for this move had been bearable because she’d still been home. Now she didn’t have that comfort to fall back on.
“To be honest,” she started, “moving here wasn’t my choice.” Her eyes widened at the frankness of her own comment and she tried to backtrack. “I mean, at first it wasn’t. Now I’m cool with it. My fiancé’s work is here and if I want to be with him then this is where I have to live.”
Wow, the way she explained it made her sound like she’d been held at gunpoint. Where was her enthusiasm? This wasn’t a life sentence. Was it? The cab shrunk around her while her ring grew three times its already ostentatious size. Was she having her first official nervous breakdown?
“At least you’ll have someone to help you through it. That makes a difference,” he offered.
“Sure does,” she agreed and rolled the window down for some much needed air. “I don’t mind a challenge.” Since she couldn’t even convince herself, she switched the conversation onto him. “So do you do anything else besides drive people around?”
“I drive them crazy,” he joked and started to laugh.
She snickered along with him. Handsome and charming, what were the odds? “I meant, is this a full time gig?”
“For now,” he said. “It keeps me away from desk jobs and starched uniforms. I’m allergic to both.”
“Same here.”A chill ran through her and she put the window back up. Head cocked to the side she asked, “Do you like driving a cab?”
He rolled his shoulders. “Most days. Driving relaxes me.”
“Even in this traffic?” She wouldn’t last ten minutes behind the wheel here.
“Yep. It helps remind me to slow down. It’s easy to miss things.”
Sophie liked his carefree philosophy. It differed from Kyle’s nonstop rambling about how successful he was in his career, and how everyone admired him. He’d spend hours on the phone with her rattling on about business mergers and conferences until her hand tingled from holding the phone to her ear so long. It was nice to hear someone be casual about their job, and not make money the topic of every conversation. She didn’t have the nerve to tell Kyle how much it bored her, and often worried she’d fall asleep with him still talking.
In the next breath she felt a tinge of guilt. Sure she was mad at Kyle for not calling to say he’d be late, but it wasn’t fair to find fault with him. She’d feel even worse when he explained what kept him. He was going to be her husband soon, and she’d need to show interest in the things he did.
“We’re coming up to your stop,” she heard the driver say. His interruption was more than welcome. “Is there somewhere in particular you want me to drop you off at, or right at the corner?”
She grabbed her purse and poised her hand over the seatbelt buckle. “Yeah, the corner will be…”
Sophie’s words faded off at the sight of Kyle in a steamy lip lock with some redhead in a tight little skirt, his hands freely roaming.
Her chest tightened.
“I didn’t catch that last part,” said the cabbie.
From the corner of her eye she saw him turn her direction, follow her gaze out the window, and then turn back to her.
“Oh.”

Midnight’s Sweet Kiss. Available now.

Ann Cory

New Release - The Balancing Act

My f/f book The Balancing Act - part of the Sapphic Signs series - is now available from Torquere Press :)

Michelle and Gracie became fast friends on the gymnastics team, and were inseparable. That friendship intensified into romance, and they never looked back. More than Gracie’s confidence took a tumble during an important competition, resulting in an injury that has kept her in and out of surgeries, and their once red-hot relationship has never been the same.

But Michelle’s love for Gracie keeps her determined to find balance and revive the passion they had for one another both on and off the beam. She must come clean about where she’s been going during her spare time, while Gracie decides to have one final surgery.

Excerpt
She caught a glimpse of Michelle walking toward the coach in her navy blue leotard. The tight garment showed off her sinuous muscles to perfection.

Gracie never thought she’d be sitting in this place again. She expected anger and regret to keep her away for good, but she felt neither of those things.

Along the sidelines, Michelle practiced her routine on the floor. Her body moved with the same dancer’s grace she’d always had. Gracie loved how she bent forward, her back arched, with arms above her head. Her legs of pure muscle, the back one extended into a perfect arabesque. She leapt and then spun on her toes with her arms straight and body in flawless alignment.

For a moment she put herself in Michelle’s place. Gracie remembered how she used to glide and turn, flip and leap. Her teammates liked to challenge her to see who could hold a pose the longest without falling.

Much as she enjoyed the floor exercise, she preferred the rush of being up high, to be the envy of gymnastic hopefuls with the way she could hold her body with such intensity. She’d mastered all the dance moves on a small wooden beam instead of a spring boarded floor. Had she known the result of competition night, she might’ve treated her body better, been easier on her muscles, taken better care of her joints, but in the end perhaps she hadn’t been meant to perform in front of a large crowd. Gracie chuckled to herself. She knew this was all her way of analyzing, trying to justify and make the situation right considering there weren’t many options.

A woman in a business suit stepped up the microphone and announced the start of the competition.

The crowd got to their feet behind her and she cupped her mouth, screaming and shouting along with them. She watched her team on the uneven bars and the floor events. When it came time for the balance beam, she saw Michelle seek her out. Gracie nodded and smiled, giving her the thumbs up sign. And then the knots in her stomach doubled.
(copyright 2011)

~Ann Cory