Don’t Judge Me! (Warning Rant Ahead)

I will be the first to admit that I have some rather unorthodox views about life, love and spirituality. I believe that we should all be free to learn and discover and find beliefs that fit each of us individually. Sadly, there are far too many people who don’t share this point of view. During my lifetime I’ve been looked down upon, judged harshly, called all types of names (which I’ll be nice enough not to list) and told I was going to some not so nice places (which I will not name). I’ve been told I was wrong to live my life the way I do…as if they have the right. For people to make these types of judgment calls without even knowing who I am makes me sooooooooooo angry! Picture a large fire breathing dragon with a big ugly thorn at the bottom of its foot. Yeah, not pretty.

Anyway I personally feel that we shouldn’t be JUDGING each other anyway. We should be working to accept each other as we are. Our differences make us unique and beautiful. Diversity should be used to learn about our wonderful differences not used to tear one another down. None of us are perfect. Deal with it!

/rant

Queen Bee by Gail Roarke

Daisy Cooper's fellow secretary likes to think of herself as a bad girl, but she'd be shocked to discover her unassuming co-worker's secret pastime. Every weekend Daisy sheds her mild demeanor and conservative image to revel in the hedonistic pleasures of the notorious Soixante-Neuf sex club. She knows exactly what she wants from the men there--and she isn't shy about getting it.

She also knows what she doesn't want--emotional entanglements. But when a new co-worker stumbles upon her secret, Daisy knows things will never be the same. Her only choice is how to deal with the changes.

To read an excerpt, or to purchase a digital version, click here.

For more titles from Gail Roarke, click here.

A Poem for Christmas

A few years ago (maybe more than a few) a very nice lady asked me to write a Christmas poem. Since I adore her I couldn't possibly say no. I thought it might be something nice to share since it is that time. So here it is and I hope you enjoy.

A Beautiful Christmas Day
By. Lauren Murphy

The sun shines on a new day caressing us
with its rays and the warmth that it makes.

Little crystals drift from the sky one by one
coming together to create one perfect unit.

Men made of snow with sticks for arms and
carrot noses are constantly being created.

Angels brought to life drift by slowly spreading
love and happiness to all that are near.

Inside we sip hot cocoa as we sit mesmerized
by the fire and its rhythmic-hypnotic dance.

Colorful words flow from our mouths
as we tell tales of flying reindeer,

And an old jolly man with plump rosy cheeks
in a red suit riding around in a magical sleigh.

The fragrant aroma of a Christmas bird
sweeps through the house drawing us near.

We all speak words of wisdom and thanks
followed by a great amen and begin the feast.

Joy floats through the whole house
followed by a stream of anticipation it’s time to open presents.


The evergreen stands tall and proud
with dancing lights, and a glowing golden star.

Boxes covered with wrapping paper
sit underneath full of surprises and mystery.

Sounds of delight and excitement escape from
lips as the gifts shed their wrappings.

Love consumes the room as hugs and kisses
are passed around from one to another.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Christmas Magic by Adelle Laudan

Let Christmas Magic take you away from all the stresses the season might bring you. At @2.99, it makes the perfect gift for each one of your cyber friends. After all, everyone can use a little Christmas Magic, right?

In Christmas Magic, a tragic fire puts a major damper on Laura Payne's holiday spirit. She'd just as well skip Christmas all together. A series of circumstances brings self-imposed bachelor, Justin Carron to care for his sixteen year old niece, Richelle, whom he's never laid eyes on.

A winter storm, and an unexpected turn of the wheel, on their way home from the airport, changes all three of their lives forever. Each one is faced with their own mortality, the prospect of becoming a family, and the kindness of strangers.

Mr. C. is a kind old man, who lives alone, and tends to a stable of deer. There is something different about the jolly old man with a white beard and suspenders. After a series of unexplained incidents, he shows them that all things are possible, if they'd just let go of the past, and believe in the magic of Christmas.

This is my first holiday themed story. I hope everyone turns the last page with a sense of hope for better days ahead, and maybe, just maybe...a little Christmas Magic.

Available NOW at Red Rose Publishing.

You can purchase your copy of Christmas Magic HERE

Drop by my WEBSITE for Contest Details

From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our girl, Chachi

For the Holidays

I'm in the winter spirit today so I thought I'd share a poem. Enjoy.


Winter Love

Frosty white branches
Of whipped creamy goodness
Wave in the winds
In a winter’s night dance

Delectably delightful
Little snow angels
Skip across blankets
Of frost sheltered land

Icy winds redden
The noses on faces
As children hip hop
Dodging orbs made by hand

Inside fires blaze
Sending smoke out of chimneys
While cocoa is sipped
With family and friends

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

The Christmas She Rules by Jennifer Leeland

"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.

It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.

Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.

Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.

Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.


BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.

True to My Muse

I am an adult writer that writes for other adults. First I write to please myself then I write to please my readers. I feel that if I don’t like what I’m writing how can I expect for anyone else too? I (as well as some of my other writer friends) have gotten comments that suggest otherwise.

Presently, I am enjoying where I’m at as far my writing career. I love my characters and the scenarios I throw them in. I love the way they interact… and they are never “perfect” (as if anyone ever is). My characters, curse, can be rude, make love, have sex, even fuck (well this is an adult blog). My characters make loads of mistakes and then they work to try and fix them and or learn from them. They are based on real people not a fantasy.

Regardless, I have gotten (heard) comments that sound to me like I should change my writing to make other people more comfortable with reading my work. For instance it’s “wrong” to curse so my characters shouldn’t do it. Or “people in love don’t fuck” so my characters shouldn’t. Pfft! (I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous). More comments then these have been flung my way but these two irk me the most. Don’t get me wrong two much if either of the above would probably distract me from the story and make me think twice about finishing the book. I do like for my characters to have tender sweet moments but not for the entire book. I need some edge, some variety. Should I really change my stories, my characters, my voice to fit into a mold that doesn’t…fit? For me writing is about the love of the story. It’s about developing the characters and emotions that fit them. It’s about allowing myself the freedom to express what the muse has given me in the way that best fits the story.

So what do you think; change to fit the mold or make the mold fit you?

The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian by R. F. Long

"The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian" by R. F. Long

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

BUY IT HERE!
Read an excerpt HERE.

Thursday Thirteen

I love to hear what people have to say, especially if they’re funny. I’m particularly fond of quotes that can make me laugh. I have a few websites I like to visit that have some of the best quotes ever. Today, I thought I’d share a few with you.

Thirteen quotes that make me lol. ;)

1. “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” - Louis Hector Berlioz (A side of the argument you don’t hear very often…)

2. “I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.” - Henny Youngman (I would have kicked him with the other leg after I was done laughing.)

3. “I have opinions of my own -- strong opinions -- but I don't always agree with them.” - George Bush (It’s just funny I don’t care what anyone says.)

4. “A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.” - Groucho Marx (I totally love Groucho Marx… I blame my dad who acts just like him.)

5. “Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing.” - Robert Benchley (I do this often… probably not often enough though.)

6. “I am free of all prejudices. I hate every one equally.” - W. C. Fields (I really know people like this… it’s not me either.)

7. “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” - W. C. Fields (I’ve never added it to the food…I should try that.)

8. “I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.” - Rodney Dangerfield (In my house it’s the other way around… just kidding.)

9. “I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.” - Joan Rivers (Holy cow!)

10. “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx (Again, I love him.)

11. “I used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass.” - David Lee Roth (When I picture it happening it’s even funnier.)

12. “I would talk in iambic pentameter if it were easier.” - Howard Nemerov (I shouldn’t have sipped that water BEFORE I pictured this one. *wipes down keyboard*)

13. “What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on?” - George Carlin (Dude, I ask this question every time and no one ever gives me an answer!)

If you want to check out more quotes click the links below.

http://www.coolfunnyquotes.com/

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_funny.html

Miscellaneous Musings

I don’t have a lot of friends however most of the friends I do have are couples. Unfortunately our couple friends seem to argue a lot. I’m not saying The Man and I don’t have any issues but they are few and far between. We talk and actually listen to what the other is saying. Apparently this practice isn’t very common.

We’ve both noticed that our friends talk to each other but they don’t really comprehend what the other is saying. Often we’ve noticed that they hear what the other is saying but then turn it into what they THINK their significant other (SO) has said. “Honey, your ass looks great in those jeans,” turns into, “Honey, you have a fat ass and need to get to the gym now.” Okay, this may be an exaggeration (not really) but you get where I’m going.

There isn’t always some hidden code in our SO’s words. Sometimes they are saying exactly what they mean and we blow it out of proportion. I know I’ve done it a handful of times in the eight years he and I have been together and so has he. We move past it by talking and understanding the other instead of drawing our own (a lot of the times incorrect) conclusions.

I’ve also noticed that some of our friends seem to base their happiness entirely on the actions or feelings of their SO. They want their SO to change the way they act, think and view the world to fit their needs. This, I do not understand. I believe that my happiness is in my hands. I think if we base our happiness on someone else then we are always setting ourselves up for failure.

Yes, I want my husband to be happy, but should I have to totally change who I am to make him happy? I certainly don’t expect him to change for me. I married him because I loved him for who is was (and still is). I now don’t want him to be someone else. I am in charge of my happiness and he is in charge of his. Let me just clarify that I like to do things I know will put a smile on his face. I do. BUT, I don’t feel that we should become slaves to each other’s emotions or wants. I have enough trouble dealing with my own.

What’s your take on it?