Welcome to my stop on the Sizzling Summer Blog Hop!
Summertime here in the south is hot and steamy. We have more than our fair share of humidity, but we also have more than our fair share of fun, and I love to include this in my books – especially my Backstage Pass series. After all, rock stars are not known for their predictable ways.
So here are my band Solar Uprising’s favorite ways to beat the sizzling heat:
BARBEQUES
If it's one thing rockers love to do, it's party. What better way in the summer then a barbecue and beer and a pool?
“Chicken fight!”
Becca wasted no time getting to her feet. “That would be my cue to exit. The annual chicken fight is definitely not my scene.” She strode toward the locker rooms, leaving Taylor to face the music.
She turned a wide-eyed gaze toward the rest of the party, which was rapidly dividing itself by groups of two. Even the teenagers. Her stomach started to churn, faster and faster, like a merry-go-round gaining speed.
She stayed put, sort of an “if I’m very still, no one will notice me” move. After all, no one had so far. But she should have known her luck would run out.
Not two minutes later Michael detached himself from the group and swam in her direction. Oh, that hot dog had been a mistake. She just might puke in the pool.
No. No no no. Please don’t make me do this. The last thing she wanted was for Michael Korvello to try to lift her. She could just imagine the stoic grunt as he realized just how much she weighed. Not to mention having to do it in front of a handful of women shaped like twigs. With boobs, of course.
His head lifted above the water with slick grace, the wetness somehow deepening the smoky blue of his eyes. “I need a partner, Taylor.”
She swallowed hard. “No, thanks.”
“Come on. You wouldn’t leave me hangin’, would ya?”
Her expression must have showcased some of her “you bet I would, mister” sentimentality, because the laughter in his ramped up. “Come on. Just a friendly game of chicken.” His emphasis on the word notated his challenge.
Just like he challenged her every day. Drawing her out, coaxing her to take the leap. But this time she had fear of taking her towel off in front of thirty-some-odd people on her side.
“Not happening.” She shook her head to drive her point home.
Above the slosh of people in the pool, a voice suddenly rang out. “I thought you said she was a cool nanny?”
A quick glance revealed the teens looking her way, and not a single soul left out of the pool, except one woman wrangling two toddlers.
And her.
So much for outgrowing peer pressure. Her “okay” got everyone back to their preparations and their eyes off her, thank God. But not Michael’s.
He watched with a raised brow as she stood next to her lounger. Her legs shook with the desire to run back to the locker rooms and hide. How could she possibly do this? But some teeny-tiny spark inside insisted she could ramp up that sexy glint in his eyes.
Fake it till you make it.
Sucking in her stomach, she let the towel drop to reveal her new swimsuit. His gaze traveled down the teal one-piece with interest, lingering where it dipped low over her cleavage. Turning, she draped her towel over her lounger. A totally unnecessary maneuver, but his quick intake of breath told her he’d seen the heart-shaped cutout right over the dimples at the small of her back.
Did he like them?
Remembering when those dimples had been the subject of ridicule rather than an intimate secret between lovers, she approached Michael with a touch of caution. When she was within a few steps of him, he breathed, “Damn, woman.”
Ah, victory.
A few deep breaths got her through the indignity of climbing onto Michael’s muscled shoulders. Thankfully he didn’t moan or stumble over her weight. The only thing that eased her self-consciousness was the feel of his wet skin against hers. His hands warming as they curled around her thighs. The flex of his arms as he balanced her securely.
Oh, she was so going to hell for her thoughts.
Luckily no one else seemed to be paying her any attention as one of the men yelled, “Ready. Set. Go!”
from Finding Her Rhythm, Book 1
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Summer nights provide many a chance to step off the beaten path and explore all the options. These bad boys will wonder off the straight and narrow every chance they get!
A slight breeze flirted with the ruffle of her skirt, playing around her bare legs. They came around a curve in the road, and Becca smiled. She had noticed the little park on their way over, but hadn’t taken the time for a thorough look. Swings and seesaws sat still in the darkness, with a pavilion and other equipment deeper in the shadows. An abundance of trees would keep the area shaded during hot summer days, but tonight they took on the magical qualities of an enchanted canopy.
“So pretty,” she murmured, pausing for a moment to take it in.
Daniel squeezed the hand he still held. “Come,” he said, sounding as if he had jumped into her little fantasy, “let’s go for a stroll in the park.”
She giggled as they stepped off the pavement, then walked slowly around, exploring the nooks and crannies. Becca soaked in the rustle of the leaves overhead and the occasional brush of Daniel’s body along her side. Finally he tugged her farther toward the shadows at the back. “I see a place perfect for a few adult games,” he said.
“Daniel, no.”
“Come on, cutie. Take a walk on the wild side with me.”
She wasn’t especially wild. At least, not without Daniel. But who could resist that gorgeous grin? A bit of necking never hurt, right?
Only she should know Daniel never did anything halfway. Guiding her into the stand of trees, he found a nice wide trunk to back her up against. She giggled as he nuzzled into her neck, then moaned as he sucked her skin. God, he felt so good.
“Becca, I don’t think I can wait until we get back to the hotel,” he murmured.
“You mean the one I can see from here?” she teased even while her hands pulled his hips closer. That didn’t help her case. She wanted to tease him again, but his words against her skin had her shivering with sensations. How could words turn her on so much?
“I want to open this demure little button-down of yours and expose those pretty pink nipples to the night air,” he said, his mouth traveling down as if to follow through. Her nipples reacted, tight and tingling, as the image filled her mind.
from Settling the Score, Book 2
BLESSED RAIN
One sure way to cool down is a steady summer shower. And who doesn't want to play in the rain? This bad boy definitely does.
Now she needed to deal with the reality.
Which was why she was trailing Sean through the mist in the dark. The words of his note had floated through her mind throughout the meal. You can’t hide from me forever, girlie. The flush that rose over her chest and heated her cheeks had drawn his eye, but he hadn’t remarked on it—or anything else for that matter.
She’d expected him to hunt her down as soon as they were dismissed. Instead he’d disappeared into the depths of the house with his brother. She’d wanted to seek him out but hid behind a book in the library for long moments trying to prepare her explanations.
Then she’d heard footsteps passing by. She was still buttoning her coat as she caught a glimpse of him rounding the corner of the building. Quickening her steps, she saw just a dark shadow before he was swallowed up by the cloaking mist.
Boy, he was moving fast. Like he had a ton of energy and no way to expend it. She totally sympathized.
Luckily the path he disappeared down led to the old ruin by the lake. It was one of the few places she hadn’t explored yet, but Clarissa had pointed it out. The pebbled path was lined with small lights at regular intervals. They provided just enough illumination for her to keep on track, even if her surroundings were obscured by the gray blanket hanging in the air.
Navigating the darkness gave her an excuse to slow down and put off the inevitable. She could admit it, even if she wouldn’t let herself give in to it. Reaching the looming stone structure, she paused for a moment of awe. The stone walls were ancient and beautiful in the gloom, so tall she couldn’t make out the top floor. The beauty touched her heart, as if the old building welcomed her. A deep breath for courage, then she stepped through the gaping doorway.
The damp chill increased inside the walls, introducing a slightly creepy factor. “Sean?” Her voice echoing in the space didn’t help. Maybe she should return to the warm fuzzies outside? Then a light beam appeared in the far doorway, sweeping rapidly across the ground to find her eyes. Ouch.
“Meghan?”
Relief rushed over her as she heard Sean’s voice, but her mortification returned too. She swallowed it down. He deserved an explanation for leaving him without a word, naked and needy.
“Hey.”
Wow—dynamic opening.
His steps were quiet across the grass that had taken over the inner floor. “Sorry, girlie. I didn’t think you’d be looking for me.”
Oh, I wouldn’t if my conscience would let me avoid it. “Were you meeting someone?"
“No. Just revisiting old memories.”
Glancing around at the stone walls, strong despite their crumbling mortar, she could see how this would be the perfect place for reminiscing. She shifted, not sure where to start. Couldn’t they just return to the mindless need of the early morning? That she could handle. When she had to think about things, not so much. She always said the wrong thing. Or other people seemed to think so.
“This is a cool place,” she said, glancing around the gloom. She could just make out a narrow staircase and a doorway leading into more rooms.
“Yes,” Sean said, his voice way more relaxed than she felt. “It was a crackin’ stage for games when Kieran and I were kids. We played here a lot.” The flashlight beam swept the interior, revealing age against the classic beauty. “Great relief from the orders and arguments waiting for us at the big house. And later, lots of privacy for meeting girls.”
from Striking a Chord, Book 3
As you can tell, these bad boys love to heat things up and keep life cool. I hope you'll consider joining them for an adventure! Speaking of, what's your favorite way to enjoy some summer fun? One lucky commenter will win a copy of Backstage Pass Books 1 & 2, Finding Her Rhythm & Settling the Score, on Sunday.
If you'd like to keep up to date on my book releases and cool happenings, please join my newsletter group here! And don't forget to check out the other blogs in the hop at www.justromance.me!
I'm so excited about the next installment of my Backstage Pass series! This book is very special to me, as Sean Rosslair was the first band member to speak to me after the Korvello brothers. A large portion of this book also takes place in Ireland, a country I was privileged to visit while writing this book. That very rarely happens for an author, and I found it incredibly exciting!
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Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
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Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
To add to the pleasure, my incredible cover artist Elizabeth Wallace, created a cover I absolutely love! I hope you'll love it to. Here's the cover for Striking a Chord, Backstage Pass Book 3, which will release on July 2nd!
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Subscribers to my newsletter will receive an exclusive sneak peek next weekend, along with a special Double Scoop winner! Sign up by Friday to be eligible to win.
And don't forget the first 2 Backstage Pass novels: Finding Her Rhythm and Settling the Score.
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
To add to the pleasure, my incredible cover artist Elizabeth Wallace, created a cover I absolutely love! I hope you'll love it to. Here's the cover for Striking a Chord, Backstage Pass Book 3, which will release on July 2nd!
Success as a US rock star is payback to Irish drummer Sean Rosslair, whose father insisted music was a waste. Now Sean just needs to see the body to go with the smokin’ sexy voice of his new assistant, and his world will feel complete. But she ends up being the very woman he should never have.
Anxious to do a good deed, Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her boss. Only he doesn’t react the way she expects—to her body or his brother. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking…but can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?
Can Sean teach Meghan his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?
Subscribers to my newsletter will receive an exclusive sneak peek next weekend, along with a special Double Scoop winner! Sign up by Friday to be eligible to win.
And don't forget the first 2 Backstage Pass novels: Finding Her Rhythm and Settling the Score.
Before I started writing, I thought characters were like puppets. The author pulled them out of a box, tugged on strings to make them do what she wanted, then put them away again.
Boy, was I deluded!
I wrote my first draft while living in that fantasy world. Then I heard Linda Howard speak at our chapter meeting about hearing characters ‘speak to you’. That’s a little weird, I thought. After all, I’m in charge of the story, right? But I tried, because after all, this was Linda Howard talking.
I still remember those first few times I tried to “listen” to my characters. And my utter shock when words—their words—started to float through my head. Over the years, that trickle has become a stream until now its unnatural for all of my characters to be quiet at once. :)
Makes for a pretty busy mind landscape, but that’s the nature of being a fiction author. Keeps life interesting (especially for my poor hubby who has to tolerate my constant daydreaming). But my hope is that it makes my characters more alive for readers, just like they are for me now.
Today, share with us the characters that you’ve become most attached to because they have become real to you. You know, the ones you just can’t stop thinking about!
Dani
I wrote my first draft while living in that fantasy world. Then I heard Linda Howard speak at our chapter meeting about hearing characters ‘speak to you’. That’s a little weird, I thought. After all, I’m in charge of the story, right? But I tried, because after all, this was Linda Howard talking.
I still remember those first few times I tried to “listen” to my characters. And my utter shock when words—their words—started to float through my head. Over the years, that trickle has become a stream until now its unnatural for all of my characters to be quiet at once. :)
Makes for a pretty busy mind landscape, but that’s the nature of being a fiction author. Keeps life interesting (especially for my poor hubby who has to tolerate my constant daydreaming). But my hope is that it makes my characters more alive for readers, just like they are for me now.
Today, share with us the characters that you’ve become most attached to because they have become real to you. You know, the ones you just can’t stop thinking about!
Dani
This week I'm on an adventure--and this time its not just in my imagination! I'm traveling with friends through the bustling cities and green countryside of Ireland! I wish y'all could join me, but alas, there's not enough room on the bus. Sorry! I'll return with pictures and lively tales in 2 weeks. Until then, I hope you enjoy this taste of Irish culture. *wink*
(Okay, maybe Scottish, but pretty, right?)
Dani
(Okay, maybe Scottish, but pretty, right?)
Dani
I'm blogging today with Keira Kohl and her readers about the Dominant/Submissive themes in my books. Do you prefer the darkest of D/S in your books or your D/S on the lite side? Join us for the discussion and comment for a chance to win a gift card!
I'm over at Delilah Devlin's High Octane Heroes blog talking about my very own High Octane Hero, Michael Korvello! Check it out and comment for a chance to win a gift card!
As I pondered what to share with my readers this Monday, which here in the United States is a Memorial Day holiday where we honor our military men and women for their service past and present, I was reminded of a Facebook post I read on the London military serviceman slaughtered in a terrorist attack there last week. The poster called the man a hero, but was argued with by a commenter who claimed military personnel didn't want to be called heroes. Yet that term is used all the time by civilians and even their own superiors as they recognize these men and women's sacrifices.
So what are heroes, really?
This is a term that's become commonplace to me and other romance writers because its the designation we use for our protagonists. Heroes and heroines are our main characters and we refer to them as such even after they have their own names. We use it in plotting, discussions, classes, and even advertisements (hunky hero pics, anyone?).
But I think, at its core, the meaning of the title "hero" is the same. Far from the sexy man cliche, truly formed, well-written romance heroes are men willing to risk everything to be with and protect those they love. Sometimes they may risk their lives, but other times they may be risking lifelong beliefs and behaviors that have been at the core of their existences, putting their emotional lives on the line for something more powerful than themselves.
Here in the US, our military personnel, law enforcement, rescue and medical personnel put themselves at risk every day -- for what? Low pay, continually dwindling benefits, and often times a country that doesn't seem to value what they risk on their jobs. No, I firmly believe most of them show up because they believe in what they're doing and believe its worth the risk. Whether they ever take a bullet is irrelevant. Risking themselves (health, life, family) for something they believe in is heroic.
I have friends in law enforcement, uncles and a father who served in the military, and have lived long-term in 2 military towns. None of those close to me have died in the line of duty, but I still consider their service to our towns and our country heroic.
And isn't the fact that they don't consider themselves heroes make them that much more so in our eyes?
Share with us what hero you want to honor today!
Dani
So what are heroes, really?
This is a term that's become commonplace to me and other romance writers because its the designation we use for our protagonists. Heroes and heroines are our main characters and we refer to them as such even after they have their own names. We use it in plotting, discussions, classes, and even advertisements (hunky hero pics, anyone?).
But I think, at its core, the meaning of the title "hero" is the same. Far from the sexy man cliche, truly formed, well-written romance heroes are men willing to risk everything to be with and protect those they love. Sometimes they may risk their lives, but other times they may be risking lifelong beliefs and behaviors that have been at the core of their existences, putting their emotional lives on the line for something more powerful than themselves.
Here in the US, our military personnel, law enforcement, rescue and medical personnel put themselves at risk every day -- for what? Low pay, continually dwindling benefits, and often times a country that doesn't seem to value what they risk on their jobs. No, I firmly believe most of them show up because they believe in what they're doing and believe its worth the risk. Whether they ever take a bullet is irrelevant. Risking themselves (health, life, family) for something they believe in is heroic.
I have friends in law enforcement, uncles and a father who served in the military, and have lived long-term in 2 military towns. None of those close to me have died in the line of duty, but I still consider their service to our towns and our country heroic.
And isn't the fact that they don't consider themselves heroes make them that much more so in our eyes?
Share with us what hero you want to honor today!
Dani
There’s very little that’s hotter than the south in summer! With 100 degree temperatures and high humidity, stepping outside can be like stepping into a sauna sometimes. And unlike some places we don’t get the relief of a daily rain shower. Nope, just sweat, sweat, and more sweat.
But sometimes that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s the perfect combination to get those hot heroes to take off their shirts for ya. Maybe when they’re working on the lawn, or out in the field, or on the car…After all, it’s hot. And so are they – glistening muscles under the southern sun.
Of course, that’s not the only reason they take off their shirts. Swimming is an epidemic during a southern summer. Pools, rivers, lakes…heck, even a pond will do. Anything wet.
Maybe that’s why my hero in FINDING HER RHYTHM has a million-dollar pool at his mansion outside Atlanta, GA. It’s a long-held dream of mine, ever since I saw a bare bones version at a hotel once. But Michael Korvello, famous rock star, doesn’t go for bare bones anything. He likes his pool like his woman, curvy and lush. Slides, smooth rock formations, a waterfall, a little cave…all over the top, surrounded by lush tropical plants. The perfect way to cool down (or in his case, heat it up – his heroine accuses him of having a thing for sex in water).
So share with us your favorite way to cool down in the summer! One lucky winner will get an Amazon or B&N gift card from me. All commenters are eligible to win the grand prizes through the rafflecopter!
FINDING HER RHYTHM
A Backstage Pass Novel
Struggling after the death of her parents, Taylor let her hormones lead her into the biggest mistake of her life. Now she has a dangerous ex who still wants to own her and a desperate need for safety. What could be safer than her new job as a rock star nanny? Except now she’s locked herself in with a man who is potentially more dangerous…to her heart.
Michael Korvello has a dominant nature and a lonely heart that he keeps firmly under wraps. His kids have suffered enough for the mistakes of his past. But his new nanny has those dark desires howling at the gate. The only thing keeping him in check is the fear lurking in those brilliant green eyes. Can he earn her trust, and the right to transform all her desires into reality?
Just when neither can deny their need for each other, Taylor’s ex shows up like an unlucky charm, intent on taking back what he considers his…even if he has to destroy Michael’s world to get to her. Can two kindred souls protect the passionate love they ache for from an outsider bent on ripping them apart.
Don't forget to visit the other blogs on this hop for more fun, prizes, and hot, hot, hot!!! The list can be found here.
I'm hanging out with my sis, Ella Sheridan, over at The Mutual Admiration Society. Guess who's hangin' with us? Michael Korvello, rock star hero of Finding Her Rhythm! Come check out the story behind his "look" (and there might be a giftie up for grabs!).
Most of the Playfriends are gone to the Romantic Times convention this week, so I thought I'd host a little party on the Writing Playground blog! Come check out the hunky hero I most wish I could party with and comment to win some Release Week goodies!
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The Playfriends from The Writing Playground (L to R) Dani Wade, Kimberly Lang, Kira Sinclair, Andrea Laurence, Marilyn Puett[/caption]
The Playfriends from The Writing Playground (L to R) Dani Wade, Kimberly Lang, Kira Sinclair, Andrea Laurence, Marilyn Puett[/caption]