Showing posts with label Marianne Stephens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marianne Stephens. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Boxed Set: Summer Nights of Delight - by Marianne Stephens



Summer Nights of Delight - Latest boxed set from authors at Romance Books '4' Us!

With the summer months gone, the temperature will still stay hot when you read this heart stopping collection of passion and seduction. Brought to you by the authors of Romance Books 4 Us, and written by today’s hottest bestselling authors, there is a little bit of something for everyone in each story. So run, don’t walk, to your nearest online eBook retailer and one-click this compilation of sexy reads which will pull you into… summer nights of delight.

My story: 
I'LL DANCE FOR YOU 

Fellow professor Nate catches Carla practicing her stripper routine for an amateur night contest. Mutual attraction leads to a lusty affair. Her secret’s out…and she’ll soon discover his well-hidden one.
Genre - Contemporary    
Heat Level - 4 (Steamy to Scorching)

Visit: http://www.romancebooks4us.com for buy links, excerpts, and blurbs. 
Marianne Stephens

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Excerpt from Cupid's Curious Case by Marianne Stephens

Part of the NAUGHTY PHANTASIA boxed-set, available now!


Find it here:


Blurb:
Alan’s last job as Cupid 84 involves neighbor Amy and a special box of candy. Both secretly desire the other. Can they find true love?
*Published in a previous Naughty Literati anthology.*


Copyright © Marianne Stephens, 2017

Excerpt:

Amy picked a pink candy with a red heart on it. Alan chose a blue piece that had white sprinkles on it. They popped their chosen pieces into their mouths at the same time.
A tingle went through Amy as she savored the rich treat. It spread through her body, and sent a shocking flame of desire to every inch of her body. There was a catch in her breath, and she itched to satisfy a lustful need she’d never felt with Scott.
She peeked at Alan, and noticed his eyes were closed as he devoured his candy. His breathing quickened, and dropping her gaze lower, she spied a distinct bulge pressing against his jeans’ zipper.
Alan opened his eyes and stared into hers. A heightened sense of craving, want, desire seemed to spark between them. Amy was at a loss for words, at least common sense ones. She wanted him. Here. Now. With a wanton passion.
“Try another piece,” she whispered, almost afraid to say anything.
“I—Sure. These are overwhelming. All my senses are aware of the decadent taste it leaves in my mouth. You too?”
“Yes,” she managed to answer before biting into a green piece of candy with a soft, minty inside that slid down her throat, leaving more tingling sensations wreaking havoc with her body.
Alan raked a hand through his hair. “Is it me, or is it hot in here?”
A stinging rush of heat course through her, settling in her cheeks. “It must be the champagne.” She fanned her face with her hand. “It does feel warmer than before.”
“Why don’t we open your window a little? Cool us off.”
Both stood, and walked to the window. Amy cranked it open and a rush of cooler air flowed inside. For a moment she shivered, and then felt warmer as Alan, wrapped his arms around her.
“You’re cold. Maybe this wasn’t a great idea.”
Amy clasped his arms, hugging them tighter. “No. I mean, we can close the window, but I’m enjoying standing here with you.”
Alan pulled her back towards him. Amy couldn’t stop her hormones from racing into overdrive at the sensation of rubbing against the bulge in his jeans. “Turn around, Amy. I want to see you while I hold you in my arms. Please.”
She quickly turned to face him, never losing contact. Heat radiated between them, satisfying her passionate lust now controlling her every thought. “I want to be held by you—touch you.” She rested her head on his chest. “We’ve missed out on being with each other all this time. I feel a need now. And no, it’s not the champagne talking. It’s me. I’ve always hoped for more between us.”
Alan lifted her head, lowered his mouth to hers, and began with a slow, gentle kiss. He pulled his head away and said, “We’re together now. I want this. I want you. No, like the note said, I desire you.”
His next kiss was more urgent as he rubbed his hands down her back and lifted her rear end closer. “Tell me now if you want me to stop and I’ll leave. I’ll go, but I don’t want to.”
“No. Please stay. I want you,” she moaned, consumed in a need to have Alan make love to her.
The next series of kisses were more frantic, with tongues slipping between teeth to thrust into each other’s mouth. Amy ran her hands down his chest and pressed against the zipper of his jeans. She noted the catch in his breathing as she undid his belt and lowered his zipper.
Then, she slipped her hand inside and touch the torrid flesh of his penis. Alan had circled her breasts with his hands. With every brush across each nipple, Amy’s breathing raced. Her nipples ached to have him hold, squeeze, lave them.
She stepped back, holding her lust in check, for a moment of sanity. “We’ll be more comfortable in my bedroom. I’ll undress you and then you can undress me.”
His smile only encouraged her to take control. “A definite invitation I won’t refuse.”
She took his hand and started walking to her bedroom.
Alan pulled her on a slight detour to grab the candy box, champagne bottle, and glasses. “I have plans for this.” He winked.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Memorable Rejections Received Over the Years by Marianne Stephens

Here's a questionable rejection from a very high profile, RWA-recognized, well-known agent.

I sent the requested three chapters. I received a rejection thanking me for giving her the opportunity to read my complete manuscript. I wrote back and noted I'd only sent three chapters and wondered if we were talking about the same submission. She wrote back...and I quote..."Once a letter has been mailed, we do not offer any additional feedback on a submission."

I have no idea if my chapters were what she was rejecting or someone else's full manuscript.

My second questionable rejection is from an agent no longer recognized by RWA.

I sent a requested full manuscript. She called and spent 30 minutes asking questions about the book and other books I had written or was in the process of writing. She said she was almost through reading it and it looked fine. She wanted to finish it and make sure I'd followed through with the story to the end. This was a Monday. She said she'd get back to me by Friday or the following Monday.

A month later she called and proceeded to tell me all the things that were wrong with the book to include plot, too much character-driven material, etc. She suggested I read 4 books on writing and redo the story before I'd be allowed to resubmit to her. I chose not to contact her again.

Another rejection:

I'd written a category romance following the guidelines and sent in a query. My rejection stated that they really weren't looking for books with children in them for this particular line...and mine was about a woman running a daycare facility. Nowhere in the guidelines did it state they didn't want kids in the story or else I'd never have submitted.

I now publish with self-publishing groups.

Anyone else have memorable rejections to share?

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://romancebooks4us.com
photo: Flickr: Caro Wallis photostream



Friday, July 14, 2017

Annual CHRISTMAS IN JULY Contest at Romance Books '4' Us! by Marianne Stephens



HO-HO-HO! Romance Books '4' Us announces our BIG, annual "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" contest! Visit our website at http://www.romancebooks4us.com for details. 

Authors and prizes are listed. Gift cards, ebooks, audio books, print books, and other assorted items are listed. TWO winners will each receive a $25 GC for Amazon or B&N, and FIVE other winners will split the remaining 30+ prizes.
 
Have you been Naughty or Nice? Enter the RB4U contest and see what Santa decides! Contest ends 23 July so enter NOW!

RB4U has lots of authors and their books for your to see...check each author's page!

 Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
 

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Operation Man Hunt in Entice Me Anthology by Marianne Stephens


















ROMANCE BOOKS '4' US IS RE-RELEASING ENTICE ME - LUSCIOUS LOVE STORIES!

 



My story: OPERATION MAN HUNT by Marianne Stephens  









Blurb:
Chris Carlisle needs a man and Tony Davis becomes her goal. He learns the hidden reason for her enticing attempts to capture his attention. Both can’t deny the mutual, lusty attraction. Will true love follow? 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Excerpt:

At the door, she looked through the peephole. “Tony. Just a minute.” She unlocked the door and invited him inside. “Hi. I’m surprised to see you.”

With a grin, he replied, “You left your watch at the barbecue. I volunteered to return it.” He looked around. “Nice apartment.”

She took her watch from his outstretched hand. “Thanks. Would you like a drink? Coffee?”

Me?

“Glass of wine if you’ll join me.”

“I have a new bottle of red wine I’ve been thinking of trying. Would you open it for me?”

“Sure. “

“This way to the kitchen.” She grabbed the bottle and handed it and an opener to Tony. She opened a cabinet and took out two glasses. He immediately popped the cork and poured their drinks.

“Let’s go in the living room.” She strolled away and he followed. “Have a seat,” she said and nodded to the sofa.

Once comfortably settled, Tony quipped, “Let’s toast to new friends.” He clinked his glass with hers.

She smiled and added, “And interesting friendships.”

They sipped their wine in silence for a few seconds. “Unique taste.” He gave her a wink.

Start talking.“Do you enjoy living here? I moved here a few years ago and love it.”

He frowned. “I’ve kinda been a workaholic for the past two years. Haven’t seen much. Moved here from Texas.”

“So neither of us are long time locals. I’m from Virginia.”

Tony finished his wine and refilled his glass. “Ready for more? This is good.” He looked at the label. “I’ll have to remember it. It’s a Missouri wine.”

“More, please.” She held out her glass and he poured. “That’s why I bought it. I wanted to try something from this area. I like it, too.” She settled against the sofa cushions.

“Tell me about yourself. Why live here? Enjoy teaching?” he said as he scooted closer to her.

“I love my job. Coming here gave me what I wanted. A new location. Meeting new people. And you? Same questions.”

The distance between them could be measured in inches. Chris caught a whiff of his aftershave, a woodsy scent she always savored. It reminded her of naughty fantasies she’d had about him.

Tony placed his arm along the back of the sofa. “Same answers. I needed a new start in life.” He grinned. “I think we need to toast new starts with fascinating people.” He lifted his glass.

Chris brought her glass to meet his. That’s when Sassy jumped, hitting both glasses and spilling the contents on Tony’s lap. “Sassy!”

Tony stood, took both their glasses and put them on the coffee table. “Guess your cat wanted some wine,” he quipped.

She grabbed a napkin from the table and began to wipe away the wet, red stains on his clothes. “I’m so sorry.” She turned to the cat. “Naughty girl. Go to bed!”

Tony grabbed her hand and she looked back at what she was doing. While yelling at the cat, her hand had slipped down his body and rested on his zipper. She quickly pulled away.

He let out a laugh. “I certainly enjoy your effort. I’d hafta take off my clothes if you want to continue,” he drawled.

Her heart pounded. “Take off your clothes.”

He stepped closer. “Is that a question or an invitation?” he said in a whispered tone.

Tony drew her into his arms and kissed her. A slow, wine tasting kiss soon became more urgent. Chris wrapped her arms around his neck and moved his head closer to hers.

Tongues danced between teeth, and she moaned. Chris tried to weigh the pros and cons of inviting him to her bedroom, but her passion, and need, surpassed clear thinking.

For the moment, all she could think about was exploring his body and making love. She missed feeling wanted and having sex. Every fiber in her body urged her to continue. Even though her hormones were on full alert, she stepped back and out of his reach. She needed a moment of sanity.

Tony was breathing fast. “Wow. I’m guessing it’s an invitation.”
For more blurbs, excerpts, and buy links, visit http://www.romancebooks4us.com

thanks
Marianne Stephens

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Does Your MOTHER Read What You Write? by Marianne Stephens

My mother was very excited when I began my writing career and wanted copies of ALL my books.

Uh...I don't think so.

Knowing her taste in books, I gave her copies of my romance books....but not the erotic ones! She'd be surprised if I offered them to her and wouldn't have read them. She was happy reading my OTHER romance books and nonfiction books.

Does your mother read erotic books? Or just those sweet to sensual romances?

I was surprised by my daughters' reactions to my books. I gave them copies, but they never did say if they read the erotic ones! You know, it''s like thinking of your mother and SEX. Mom couldn't possibly write all that stuff! And, of course, we don't think of our mothers as having any type of sex life anyway. Right?

While always proud of my writing, my mother and daughters avoided discussing "those" books. We just concentrated on the OTHER romance books and nonfiction books I've written. Fine with me!

In my stories, I never seem to have a heroine's mother as an integral part of my story. Aunts, yes. Mothers, no. Mothers are mentioned, but don't play major roles. However, I do have mothers as part of my stories...but they're always mothers of heroes!

Hmm. Very interesting! Didn't consider this heroine's-mother, no, hero's-mother, yes aspect of my writing until writing this blog!

Anyway, I wish all a Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy time together or with fond memories of mothers who've passed away.

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

image: http://www.animationlibrary.com

Friday, April 14, 2017

It's My Birthday - Want to Win a Naughty Literati Tote Bag? by Marianne Stephens

It's my birthday and I'm OLD! Oh, well, can't stop Mother Nature from moving along!

If you'd like a chance to win one of 5 Naughty Literati tote bags, just comment below. Say "Happy Birthday", leave your email address, and tell me what country you live in. Totes only shipped to US addresses. If your name is picked and you live in a different country, I'll have something else for you!


Second chance to win something! Visit http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com for a chance to win one of 10 size XLRB4U T-Shirts!

Both giveaways end midnight 15 April ET.







http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
http://naughtyliterati.com

photos: Flickr: Nicke Kenrick photostream and AnimationLibrary.com

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day...Enjoy the Guys! by Marianne Stephens



Yeah, I can't let this opportunity go by without posting some wonderful guys for you to drool over. After all, Valentine's Day is here, and we all need a "lift", right?
 Maybe you'll be someone who gets a stuffed bear, like the one shown in this photo. Oh...if you're lucky, the guy holding it will look just like this hunk and come aptly dressed (or undressed) when he presents you with his gift.
Notice his bulging muscles, the strategic position of that teddy bear...and the bear's little hat.
Are you wondering what's behind that bear? When you grab for the teddy, will you "find" something else, waiting for your caress?


Candy and flowers are the usual choice of gifts for your sweetheart to give you, but wouldn't you love something that keeps giving, and giving, and giving... Of course, recharging is necessary, but dream and fantasize all you want! What's under that bag? 
Use your imagination and place a face for this mystery man. And, what's under that box of Valentine chocolates? After you eat all the candy, will you find another wonderful surprise to enjoy?


Now, the message with this photo tells it all. What a luscious satin pillow for you to lay your head on. Comfy, smooth, surrounded by hot, sizzling male flesh. You get to fantasize what comes next! And...is that your hand holding up the pillow? How quickly can you move it aside to peek at what's behind it?

Valentine's Day is for lovers of all ages. Enjoy the day with someone you love...in any fantasy way you desire!



Marianne Stephens

Photos: Rockshots.com

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Revenge is Sweet - a Blog by Romance Author Marianne Stephens


RAISE your hand if you've never considered a way to exact revenge and "get even" with someone. If your hand is up, you're either very forgetful, have a selective memory, going through a "senior moment", and lightning will soon strike! It's part of human nature to feel mad and want to even the score...even for a "saint" like me!

Dating, romance...and being dumped or used. All stuff we go through in the game of love. Initially, you feel hurt and are embarrassed by questions like "Where is ...?" asked by friends and family. You may make excuses, tell fibs, change the subject so you don't have to admit a breakup has occurred.

Most times, you go on and finally tell people your version of the story. Doesn't matter if it's exactly true, but its something you'll stick to and feel better about yourself for saying. You can analyze and justify it in your head, and that's how you cope.

More power to you. Getting rid of a loser, even one you thought you loved, is better than being with one. I'll now tell you my story of revenge against an ex-boyfriend, the first and only time I ever "got even".

If you believe that, I have a bridge in New York I'd like to sell to you!

I dated Ron in college for months. I knew he was on academic probation but he didn't seem to be able to pull up his grades. Ron finally got word that he'd flunk out if he didn't leave, so he quit school. We were to spend his last weekend at the college together before he headed home and either went into the military or found a job.

We had plans; lots of couples stuff to do starting on a Friday night. He called me an hour before coming over to my dorm to let me know that an "old ex-girlfriend" surprised him by coming from a nearby college to say goodbye so if I didn't mind, he'd see her that night and see me the next day.

What could I say? Annoyed but trying to be reasonable, I agreed. We'd have all day Saturday to spend together. And, we'd spend Sunday morning before his bus left since he had to vacate the dorm that day.

Saturday morning came. He called again. His "ex" was still there, and wouldn't leave until late that night. Would I mind waiting to see him until Sunday?

Hell, yes, I minded. I remained calm as wheels in my head started turning. Ron apparently was dumping me for his "ex" and I didn't matter to him. Crushed at first, anger swiftly took its place and the word "revenge" planted itself in my brain. I had to do something to "get even".

Once again...but this time through gritted teeth...I agreed to his suggestion. But I was already formulating a plan in my head, one that would get the message through to his "male-ego" brain. Maybe he'd take note and not pull this type of "dumping" act on another female.

His plan was to leave at 11:00am on Sunday. The bus only came twice on Sundays...11:00am and 11:00pm. We were to meet after church at 10:00am at a spot on campus we liked to go to for coffee. We'd then go back to his dorm and I'd help him carry his stuff up "the hill" and into town to the bus stop.

I never went to meet him. He called at 10:15 and I said I was on my way. He called again at 10:30 and I told him the same thing. His final call came at 10:45. It was too late for him to catch the morning bus, but now he'd spend the rest of Sunday with me and take the 11:00pm bus. Since he had to vacate the dorm at noon, he figured I'd let him leave his stuff in my dorm room and help him carry it to the bus stop that night.

Now was my turn
. I knew I'd delayed him from taking the earlier bus. I knew he'd have to wait 12 hours for the next bus. I knew he'd have nowhere to store his things. With a nonchalant tone in my voice, I told him I would be busy the rest of the day but wished him a happy life and promptly hung up. I had visions of him lugging his stuff to the bus stop and sitting there all day...and that was my act of revenge. I had to quell the curious streak urging me to go "peek" and see if he waited there hopefully full of regret.


That's my version...and I'm sticking to it! So, what's your tale of revenge or "getting even"?

Marianne Stephens
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photos:Flickr: xRockxSTARX, Kristin Moat, and Jessica C.'s photostream.





Wednesday, December 14, 2016

This Santa's Helper Could be Making a Stop at Your Home!! by Marianne Stephens





Nothing serious this month. Just a fun blog about Santa's Sexy Helper!


Whew! What a HARD time Santa's helper is having this year while trying to bring a special "GIFT" to all good ladies! This poor guy is so-o-o tired, he just had to settle down for a short nap. Lucky thing he found some grass clippings to keep him warm...plus, he's got on his Santa hat!

He worked very hard all year to buff up in time for the holiday season. Santa gave him a list of all the good ladies to visit and deliver his special "GIFT".

 
Are you on his list? I know he's not done bringing joy and fantasy happiness to all those listed, so maybe he hasn't made it to your door yet. If you've been good, then you know he'll be coming.

Those abs promise lots of hard muscle to run your fingers over. And those arms look strong enough to warm you on a cold night. Now those thighs...and what's hidden under the grass...hint at some mighty powerful action when stirred and focused on your pleasure.

 
How about a story of a Santa's helper who tries to visit all good ladies in one night? I wonder how many he could share his passion with and still have more to go around to others. Maybe he could take the month of December and get to a few thousand everyday. Surely there are that many being good who deserve his "GIFT"!

 
Wake up, Santa's helper! It's time to hit the road and bring a smile to the faces of all good ladies everywhere who are waiting for your "GIFT"!


Enjoy! Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

 photo: rockshots.com

Monday, November 14, 2016

Thanksgiving, Sex, and a Recipe by Marianne Stephens




How many of us think about sex when Thanksgiving rolls around? Aren't your days filled with menu planning, inviting dinner guests, food shopping, preparing some items ahead for "the big day", etc.?

I guess sex could be a great stress relief option, but who has time? Aren't you exhausted days before the day of (especially if you're feeding more than a small army of people), and for days after? Some might even go so far as to say "Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex...but, of course, that would never suit a romance reader or author! Men...those guys from "Mars"...might have a different opinion, however!

The following (minus some images and with a few modifications from me) comes from http://www.flowgo.com






TEN REASONS THANKSGIVING DINNER IS BETTER THAN SEX
Yo
u're sure to get at least one of your favorite dishes.

The turkey never suffers from modesty.

You can nibble before dinner even if Mom sees you.

You are expected to pass the dishes around.

There are always at least two kinds of desert, with or without whipped cream.

They give you the day off WITH pay to have dinner.

Thanksgiving dinner is a "sure" thing.

Seconds are encouraged. Take home, too!

You're expected to fall asleep after dinner. (for men)

And the number 1 reason why Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex:
You are EXPECTED to watch football BEFORE and AFTER dinner! (again, for men).

Happy Thanksgiving!



Here's a fabulous Cranberry Salad Mold recipe!
Part One:
2 c. cranberries
2 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 packages (3oz each) cherry (or other flavor) jello
1 c. pineapple juice
Cook cranberries in water. Add sugar and bring to boil. Remove from heat and add jello. Stir well. Add pineapple juice. Chill and partially set.
Part Two:
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts
1 c. finely chopped celery
1 c. drained crushed pineapple
1 c. finely chopped apple
Add all these to chilled mixture. Pour into mold, refrigerate to firm consistency.
Part Three:
3 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. sugar
1 T lemon juice
Blend above ingredients. Spread over unmolded Cranberry Salad. Refrigerate. Serve. Yummy!


Marianne Stephens

Photos: Flickr: Ozone9999, LoneGunMan, and milky.way's photostreams.


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Writing Short Stories Is My Goal Now! by Marianne Stephens

Maybe it's old age, but now I find I don't have the time nor patience to write more than 10,000 words for a story. My goal is to write short stories, and to publish them with other authors in boxed sets.

Naughty Literati has lots of sets available...and I'm in some but not all. Our latest release, Naughty Heatwave, is available now!

Also, releasing on 15 June, is Wickedly Wanton, a boxed set by Sensuous Romances. My story in this set is DANCE FOR ME.
Blurb:
On a dare, Carla enters a stripper amateur night contest. Fellow professor Nate catches her practicing in her office. Always intrigued by her, Nate asks to watch again and their mutual attraction leads to a lusty affair. Her secret’s out, but she won’t know his until the amateur contest night.
 

My stories are sensual to scorching...and contemporary. For more information, visit: http://sensualromances.com

WW has already made it to ARe's Best Seller list!


http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com





 

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Excerpt From HOT BUNS by Marianne Stephens

Part of the NAUGHTY HEATWAVE boxed-set, available now.

Purchase the E-book:
amazon all-romance-buy-button googleplay kobo_button nook

Purchase the Print Book:
amazon

Blurb:
Angela offers to pay Vinnie to use his bakery ovens until hers are delivered. For financial reasons, he agrees. Being near her threatens his determination never to forgive her betrayal. When the truth surfaces, both must share the blame. Can smoldering love between them flame into passion once again?

Genre/Theme:
Contemporary Romance, sensual male, naughty bakery, second chance at love

Copyright © Marianne Stephens, 2016

“Tell me about Sinfully Sweet Bakery and Catering. Isabelle doesn’t know everything, I guess.”

Angela relaxed whenever talking about her company and her career dream. Vinnie had known about it. Part of their future plans together had included a bakery and catering service, except it would have been both of theirs, not just hers.

“Long story short, I finished college and culinary school, worked in Mom’s bakery while starting my own catering service. When my sister, Lydia, opened her lingerie store, it seemed like a good idea to move my business there.” She opened her purse, pulled out a brochure, and handed it to him. “My product list. Not exactly what your normal Italian bakery has. Or what the usual catering business offers.”

Vinnie scanned the pamphlet. “I looked online and saw this. Unique idea and it must be lucrative.”

“I offer things like ‘bikini cakes’ and other sexy cookies and hors d’oeuvres. People jump at the idea of something naughty and different.” She checked the timers and then leaned back in her chair. “I cater lots of bachelor/bachelorette parties. But also birthdays and whatever events people celebrate. If they call and I have openings, we cater. Or people come and pick up what they want for private parties.”

Vinnie looked around the room. “We were on track for all this.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “We could have been together.” He sighed. “I still remember our dreams and goals.”

One timer rang, and Angela jumped. She moved from the table to check the cookie oven. She, too, remembered everything they’d shared, but so much time had gone by. Business. Concentrate on that. “We need to get these trays out to cool and do the next batch.”

Their discussion ended, she enjoyed his help in removing cookies and starting the next round.

Vinnie wore his jeans again, this time with a pristine white T-shirt. If she hugged him, would they fall into a passionate frenzy, just enough to satisfy her desire for him but allowing heartache to stay at a distance?

Once the cookie timer had been reset, she checked her cakes. Fifteen minutes until they’d be done. Without looking at Vinnie, she walked into the hallway. “Be right back,” she said, and headed for the bathroom.

After switching on the light, she checked the surroundings. It had been remodeled from top to bottom. New floor, beautiful full counter with sink, light-blue paint. The tub was gone, and heat raced up her cheeks as she remembered how she and Vinnie had sometimes shared a lusty water encounter in the old, claw-foot tub. A small enclosed shower now took its place.

Angela stared into the mirror. She needed to cool down, both from the heat of the ovens and the overwhelming desire to touch the man she still loved. Damn him. Why couldn’t she forget him and the heartache she’d suffered? She splashed cold water on her face and grabbed a towel. While drying, she inhaled and relished the aroma of Vinnie’s scent that clung to the towel fibers.

God help her, but she wanted him. Business deal, heartache, or not. Not touching him or having him touch her for their week together wouldn’t work. She didn’t want it to. Being in his arms again and making love would be heavenly and satisfy every craving in her body.

But, would he want her? If she read his body language right, he did. That hug they shared aroused every fiber in her body. Had he felt the same?

She walked back into the main room. Vinnie was staring at her trays of cookies.

“I know what these will be,” he said as he pointed to the penis sugar cookies. “Use a model or your imagination?” he asked as he moved his hand as if to grab a cookie.

Angela reached over and caught his arm. “No tasting. And, no model. Why? Don’t they seem realistic to you? Are you offering to model for me?” she teased.

He laughed. “Trying to get my clothes off and take advantage of me?” He narrowed his eyes. “Hmm. Will you pay extra if I do?”

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Intuition, ESP, or Fact-Based Logic? by Marianne Stephens




The 10th was "Trust Your Intuition Day". I'm not sure I always trust mine...how about you? 


Intuition: "The immediate knowing of something without the conscious use of reasoning." Now, that's what my big print, Webster's Dictionary says. (Yes, I like the big print!). This means you know something happened, will happen, is happening minus the thinking process to figure out the when/why/how/who/what.


It's said that women have intuition. Do we...really? A mother might say something like, "I knew he was no good for you." Was that intuition...or based on the fact that she heard him sweet-talking on his cell phone while her daughter went into the kitchen? Or, while watching a movie, someone will blurt out, "The butler did it." Are they guessing? Basing that answer on other movies they've seen or books they've read?

I guess the key word is immediate. No thoughts about a subject. Just a brief "flash" in your head about someone/something.

So...is it intuition, Extrasensory Perception,  or simply a matter of experience-based logic?
I wrote one book about a psychic who uses her special gift, ESP, to match couples at her dating service. ("Second Sight Dating" by Marianne Stephens) No intuition or experience-based logic was used in her process. She simply "saw" numbers and letters of clients in her head and matched them. She couldn't possibly remember what each wrote on their client forms, and match them that way. Her matching process had no scientific, fact-based routine involved at all. She had to close her eyes, concentrate on a letter, and wait for a number to appear in her head (or the other way around).
"Trust Your Intuition Day" gives the appearance of you going about your daily routine, and believing anything that pops into your head as being the truth. So, if you're at work and suddenly think "the phone will ring"...and it does...maybe it's your intuition at work. Or...maybe deep down inside you realize you're so busy that life would throw you a curve ball by having that damn phone ring just to bother you!

My very first encounter with what I labeled intuition happened the day President Kennedy was shot. (Yes, I'm that old). I wasn't "into" politics at that time...just trying to get through the angst of high school. I remember having breakfast and suddenly blurting out to my mother, "I think President Kennedy will be shot in an open car."

Yes...I'd seen news reports of him visiting cities and riding in open cars. But I had no idea where he was that day. An overpowering feeling of dread made me say what popped into my head. My mother assured me I was wrong and I was NOT to even think that might happen.

So, I went to school, he got shot, and I freaked out. Even went to church because I somehow felt like my intuition had told me that would happen and I should have warned him. As if anyone would have listened to the ramblings of a teenager!

Another time, I was in a car, going to a bridal shower with relatives. I knew my father was working late. Suddenly, the thought of him being in danger with a fire popped into my head. I said nothing, but called my mother once we got to the shower. Sure enough, my father had been working on a ship, a fire had broken out, and he had helped get some workers out of danger.

Again, I was a teenager and knew he worked on ships...but where had the danger and fire come from? ESP or my intuition kicking in?

I wish my intuition had helped me other times...like when I dated two brothers (not at the same time), got dumped by both, felt awful...and then found out both were gay. Then again, after  dancing and talking to my husband the night we first met, the thought that popped into my head was, "This is someone I can take home to meet my mother." Was that my intuition kicking in?
Any tales of intuition lurking in your past? Share your stories with us!

Marianne Stephens

Photos: Flickr: kpishdadi and A30_Tsitika's photostreams


Thursday, April 14, 2016

What if You Write a Blog...And No One Comes? by Marianne Stephens





Blogs. They're everywhere and it seems like everyone is writing one while trying to find a "new angle" to gain your attention.

But what if you have a blog and no one comes...or comments? Does that mean you should give up? Try a new approach? Do more promo to gain interest?


Have blogs become too numerous, making it difficult to decide which ones to read? We try to stick to romance/writing material, and sometimes some personal thoughts. What makes you decide to read this blog as opposed to thousands of other ones? How can we entice you to keep coming back and reading new blogs here?

I take time to think about what I'll write, hoping I'll have some new words of interest to catch a reader's attention. I promo my blog and try to make the title "catchy".

I notice that in the past, when I've posted photos of "hunks" with blogs, I've gotten greater hits numbers. Is that the answer? Always have a great-looking guy or guys with a blog?


So...what else can be done to gain readers? Suggestions?
  http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net

 Photos: Flickr: alamodestuff, Kristina B., Sean MacEntee's photostreams.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Words of Doom: "Let's Just be Friends" by Marianne Stephens



 
 "Let's just be friends."

Good Lord. Those four words can send you into a tailspin, crushing your world and causing you to crash land while your heart breaks. It signifies the other person doesn't feel the same "need, want, desire" for you as you do for him or her.

Relationships are so stressing, especially if one person is more committed to it than the other. If one seeks "more" than the other is willing to give, the "just friends" words will end whatever hope for a future the dreamer has.

Sometimes romance books have the hero and heroine begin as friends...and sometimes they're not exactly enemies but end up on opposite sides of arguments. The ones that are friends, seem to fight the attraction pulling them closer together, as if they need to avoid that giant step to a more committed relationship.


When I met my then 24-year-old husband-to-be, he had a 6-year plan of what he would do, where he would be, and told me he wouldn't get married until he was 30. I said, "Fine." I figured we'd date...but I'd already made up my mind he was "the one" for me.

Being "just friends" didn't work out as he'd planned. Five months later, we got married and will celebrate our 40th anniversary this year.




When it's meant to happen, the hero and heroine are fated to fall in love. They can still "be friends", but on a much more interesting and sexy level!


http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
Photos: Flickr: Tiago Riberio, Juliana Continho, and bobafred's photostreams.