Smolder Springs Now Available!

Good morning! I’m thrilled to announce that my sexy contemporary erotic romance Smolder Springs is now available from Resplendence Publishing!

Welcome to Smolder Springs. Pampered by day. Seduced by night.

After years in an emotionally draining job, Kaitlin West visits a luxurious spa known for its healing springs and breathtaking beauty. And where her personal guide, Harrison Knight, helps to awaken her long suppressed desires.

Excerpt

Out from the sea of women stepped a handsome man with broad shoulders clad in a partially unbuttoned white shirt and denim shorts. Bathed in sunlight he looked like every wine-induced fantasy she’d ever concocted at two in the morning.

Her head swung side to side in disbelief. If she had had the ability to purr, she would have. No question, he put the smolder in Smolder Springs. Judging by the drawn gasps behind her, she wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Mister dreamboat-in-denim parted from the group and approached in measured strides, his chiseled biceps flexing as he lifted a megaphone to his perfect mouth.

“Welcome to Smolder Springs, ladies. I’m certain you’ll find your time here most rewarding.”

The sight of him had a definite reward factor in itself. Forget buying a souvenir, she’d take him home.

“You’ll each be paired up with a guide who will give you a tour and see that all your needs are met. They’ve been chosen based on answers you filled out online at the time you registered.”

Kaitlin’s smile faltered. She didn’t realize the online form held such merit. Did anyone take that kind of set-up seriously?

“Now I’ll call out your name and the name of your guide. From there your three days of pampering can start. Have a wonderful time at Smolder Springs.”

Her pulse amplified in her ears. What the hell had she put on that form? She searched her memory while names were called out, listening for hers at the same time. It concerned her that no one else veered on the edge of a breakdown. Though, why should they if they’d answered honestly. Had she? Not likely or why the heart palpitations?

Perspiration laced her bra. Why couldn’t she remember? Oh, that’s right, it had been the same night that she’d polished off that third banana daiquiri, thinking it tasted like another.

Not good.

Faces blurred in front of her as guides and guests met and shook hands like old friends during alumni week. Out of frustration she stopped racking her brain. She couldn’t change the answers now, only deny them.

The crowd continued to thin until she was the last woman standing.

Dreamy in denim set the megaphone down on a bench swing and perched his sunglasses atop his head. He gave her a measured once-over and tucked the clipboard underneath his arm.

“I guess that leaves us.” His voice dripped of caramel sauce.

Kaitlin’s lips parted to respond and stayed that way. Any words or sounds she’d planned had tangled up with the butterflies circling inside her stomach. She hadn’t expected to be paired with a man. And he truly was all man.

She figured his age somewhere in the lower thirties range, older but not too old, her personal preference. Rugged good looks bordered on clean cut without the Ivy League polish. Also a preference.

Her eyes drank in every visible part from the firm muscles that hugged his arms and legs, to his thick waist and gently angled face. Her favorite feature was the stunning jade color of his eyes—clear and sharp and mesmerizing. She appreciated the dark tumbling mass of hair that fell around his neck but grieved over his choice of attire and how little it revealed his sculpted, sun-kissed body.

All six-foot-two inches of him gravitated toward her, his broad shoulders even more impressive up close. She tilted her chin to look up at him. Talk about a towering inferno. A sinful smile tugged at his full masculine lips.

When she’d sufficiently scrutinized him from head to toe, her mouth remembered how to work again.

“Uh, hi. I’m Kaitlin West. I think there’s been a mistake on the pairing up part.”

“Name’s Harrison Knight.” He thrust out his strong-looking hand and casually slid it into his pocket when she didn’t reciprocate. “There’s no mistake on the pair up. I picked you myself.”

(copyright 2011)
~Ann Cory

Another excerpt of Smolder Springs today at TRS BLUE

Good morning! Today you will find another excerpt of Smolder Springs over at TRS Blue Blog:) If you get a chance, I'd love for you to stop by! Have a wonderful day!

~Ann Cory

Smolder Springs - Sneak Peek excerpt

Morning everyone :) Hope you've been having a good week. I'm staying busy with work on the sequel to Immortally Theirs. With August 10th just around the corner, I wanted to post a sneak peek excerpt of Smolder Springs. Hope you enjoy!

Harrison's cock pulsed with each gentle pat of the towel against her curves. He cursed under his breath for staring like a predator, but damn if he could force his attention away.

She let out a whoosh of air that made her hair rustle, and then tilted her head. “I’m curious, why don’t you walk around naked or in a robe?”

“Because I’m here to cater to your needs, not to make you feel propositioned.”

“Oh.”

Harrison bent in toward her. “Unless you want me to proposition you.”

Her cheeks flushed again, darker this time. It triggered that carnal urge he’d felt before and damn if he’d ignore it now. If she couldn’t handle the physical contact then he’d know he’d be making a huge mistake taking her where he planned.

“This time I’m only half teasing.”

“Oh.”

He stepped closer and skimmed his thumb along her jaw, over the bow of her lips and rested it at her chin. The fact she didn’t flinch was a good sign. “Do you mind my touching you?”

“A little. No, not really. Um, maybe.” She worried her bottom lip for a moment. “You frighten me.”

“I don’t mean to.”

“I know.”

Being so close to her made his pulse go all erratic. He inhaled her heady scent, determined to not ravish her the way he wanted. “This may frighten you more but I’m going to kiss you.”

Her eyes widened.

“Any reason I shouldn’t?”

“Uh, no. None.”

“Good.”

She dampened her lush and willing lips in preparation and stared up at him with her hopeful baby blues, sending a shot of lust to his groin. He lowered his head and her eyelids fell closed. A breathy sigh released from her pretty pink lips a second before he claimed them.

They were soft, the way he’d imagined and sweet like honey straight off the comb. Their lips moved together, slow at first, then escalating into urgency. Holding back at this point stopped making sense. He rested his hands at the curve of her back and brought her hips against his thighs.

Her warm body relaxed into him, her breasts firm and full against his chest. She brought her hands up and rested them at his waist. His cock throbbed in response to the headiness of her arousal.

Harrison groaned and pressed into her intoxicating touch. He swore the heat from her could melt his flesh. Without a doubt he was in way too deep, and at this point he wouldn’t grab a lifeline if offered one. He’d drown willingly.

As if to test that theory, Kaitlin’s lips parted enough for him to taste her. Enough to make him enthusiastic for more. Starved, he claimed her lips harder, stoking the passion between them. Breathing in her heat, he didn’t think he’d survive without it. How had he ever? Of course the last five years had been a different kind of survival.

Harrison’s muscles tightened with tension. He couldn’t believe how self-absorbed he’d become, consumed by his past and desperate for an event to help wake him up. And that event was the arrival of Kaitlin.

There was no way he could make these two days only about sex. He wanted her, and he wanted all of her. He didn’t care whether it made sense or not. He didn’t want some other man to awaken her desires. Kaitlin had gotten more than just under his skin. She’d claimed a place in his heart that had been vacant for half a decade.

copyright 2011
Smolder Springs releases August 10th from Resplendence Publishing

~Ann Cory

Smolder Springs Cover and Blurb

Apologies for the crickets for the last few days, I've been busy doing final edits for my upcoming releases, Smolder Springs(August 10th), and The Balancing Act(October).

But I honestly couldn't wait to share my cover for Smolder Springs that I just received! What do you think? I'm loving the colors :) Next week I'll post a sneak peek excerpt. For now, here's the blurb:

Smolder Springs

Welcome to Smolder Springs. Pampered by day. Seduced by night.

After years in an emotionally draining job, Kaitlin West visits a luxurious spa known for its healing springs and breathtaking beauty. And where her personal guide, Harrison Knight, helps to awaken her long suppressed desires.

Smolder Springs releases August 10th from Resplendence Publishing :)

~Ann Cory

Juggling: What Is Too Much?

According to the Juggling Information Service Committee on Numbers Juggling, Albert Lucas juggled thirteen rings for thirteen catches. Wow – that’s impressive. Thirteen sounds like a lot to juggle. Maybe too much, considering it’s a very rare feat and would take a lot of practice.

Many of us juggle far too many things than we should. Not always with success. In fact, usually it involves a lot of sacrifice of important things like exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep, and family time. You know, unless you have magical abilities or some other cool gift.

Most of us attempt to juggle as many things as we can in a day. I know I’m guilty of that, and I’m constantly working to scale back. If you’re always feeling harried, rushed, and like you never have enough time, it’s because you don’t. Why? Because you’re trying to fit in too much in your day. Do all of those things have to be done that day? Can one of those items wait another day? Does your house have to be spotless? Or can laundry wait another day? Do you want to be known for keeping a perfect house or for writing great fiction?

An area you may be guilty of is being a workshop junkie or a submission junkie. Hang on now, I’m all about learning. We are students of life, for life. I am not at all suggesting that you shouldn’t take out time everyday to learn more about your craft, or learn a new hobby. At the same time, it needs to fit in your day. It needs to make sense. You won’t learn well while you're juggling everything else too. And while you may have no shortage of fabulous ideas for stories, the world won’t stop if you save it for another time. If you're worried that you'll forget it, kick out a few paragraphs or jot down a brief outline, and then come back to it when you’ve completed the other eight you want to write.

If you want to be in this job for the long haul, why tax yourself early? Think longevity. Thing quality over quantity.

You know my posts are always written because of something I’m doing, dealing with, working through. I’ve gone the quantity over quality route. I’ve gone the never say no - I can do it all route. Am I a prolific writer? Yes I am. I understand this business and my part in it. But I’m not looking to fizzle out early. This isn’t a fifteen minutes of fame process. I aim to be around a long, long time, writing in many different genres. I will always strive to be better. But I have a life and a family, and they’re more important. Sure, the lives of my characters are important to me. I can put them into some very unsettling situations. In the end, the lives of the people I love (including myself) are more precious.

So before you try and throw another task up into the air, consider how many you’ve got going now. Take inventory and figure out what tasks can be set aside for later. Set a limit that works for you. There’s no need to try and do it all. Even if you can, what does it get you? Stress. Less time. Unhealthy habits.

Rather than take on one more activity, why not take that time to exercise? Make a healthy meal? Read a book. Close yourself off from the world. Unplug and walk away. Turn off the phone. Stop checking emails. You know you just sent that story in yesterday, so let it be.

Put all of the balls down for thirty minutes a day, and tune in to yourself. Yes, you can do it all. Yes, you are all that. Yes, your life is valuable, maybe more than that of your characters.

~Ann Cory

Derailed - Getting Back On Track

You know those personal and professional goals that you make with good intentions? You’ve found a balance of all the important aspects of your life and you can almost coast along with your eyes closed? You don’t of course, but you think you can. It’s a great place to be! But what if suddenly, out of nowhere, you get derailed? What if those goals and plans and daily progress get knocked for a loop? Ever had that happen to you?

*raises hand* I have.

In fact, that is part of why I haven’t updated my blog as often. I was enjoying a pretty nice pace and thought I had enough reserves in case life happened. But then…life happened. It only took two days for me to derail, and two weeks to get back on track. But the beauty is that you can always put yourself back on track.

How? Get back in the driver’s seat. You control that wheel. Just because you went left when you were supposed to go right doesn’t mean your entire trip is a bust. You may have to do some work. You may have to work hard. And you may have to fight off self-doubt and insecurities in the process. Remember that the end result is worth it because the end result is your success. You don’t have to throw your hands in the air and stay stuck. Realign yourself. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be back to making it happen. It’s not easy to right yourself, but it’s possible and you can do it.

Here’s my own personal motto that I made up: When your great intentions go astray – get back on track to find your way.

It may sound hokey, but you matter, and how you treat yourself matters. Nothing goes right all the time. It’s how we learn and grow. It’s how we find out what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes a little shake-up can be positive. It depends on how you react and how you recover.

~Ann Cory

New Article Tomorrow!

Hi everyone! I'll have a new blog article posted for you tomorrow that will help explain what I've been up to. Hope you'll stop by!

~Ann Cory

Taking This Week Off

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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