Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy New Year 2012!



Wishing each of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. I hope that you'll make this the year you follow your dreams. Sometimes we have to speak our destiny into exsistence. What do you want to accomplish this year?

I will be releasing at least 4-6 books in 2012 including follow-ups to WYNTER'S BLOSSOM and NEGOTIATING LOVE. Keep in touch with me here and also via Facebook and Twitter.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Monday, December 19, 2011

Negotiating Love - Cover of The Week!



NEGOTIATING LOVE won IRMC Books cover of the week contest! Visit IRMC Books for up-to-date info on interracial and multicultural romance books.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Wynter's Blossom Trailer!



The fabulous J.M. Powers has created an absolutely fantastic trailer for my novel Wynter's Blossom. I can't even begin to express just how happy I am with this. Check it out and let me know what you think.



Wynter's Blossom Trailer

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Friday, December 16, 2011

Vote For Negotiating Love


My second book NEGOTIATING LOVE is up for cover of the week at IRMC Books!! I need your votes.
So speed type your way over to http://www.irmcbooks.com/?p=1414 and VOTE!!!!!

If you haven't read Negotiating Love yet it's available at Beautiful Trouble Publishing.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Friday, December 2, 2011

Happy Release Day - Negotiating Love


My second book, Negotiating Love, is now available from Beautiful Trouble Publishing. The first book in my SWAT series is a hot little interracial romance that you won't be able to put down (I hope). Get your copy today!


Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Saturday, November 26, 2011

New Book Cover!


Here's the cover for my upcoming release Negotiating Love. It's a hot interracial romance with a hunky SWAT officer and a sassy Assistant District Attorney.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Friday, November 18, 2011

Give Thanks Reader Contest

I'm feeling incredibly blessed to have my debut novel Wynter's Blossom published and receiving rave reviews. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I'd like to give back to you, the readers, who make toiling over my laptop for hours a day worthwhile. For your chance to win a $25 Visa Gift Card just email me (elledhayes@yahoo.com) a proof of purchase for Wynter's Blossom dated Nov 8 - 21. Make sure the subject is Wynter's Blossom Contest. One lucky winner will be chosen on Tuesday November 22.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

This Is Why I Need Medication - A Mom's Story


Back in February my daughter informed me that she planned to join the Air Force.  I listened to her plans and saw her excitement.  Her enthusiasm was contagious.  This is the child who can’t leave the house unless she’s put together and who appointed herself my official stylist when she was just twelve.  I had a ball making Private Benjamin jokes and even rented the original with Goldie Hawn so we could watch it together (she was not impressed). 

Through mountains of paperwork, testing, multiple trips to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), delays for vision waivers and self-doubt I’ve been right there cheering her on.  When she started attending thrice weekly physical training sessions with other recruits at a local park I rearranged my schedule so I could attend too.  I rejoiced with her back in July when she finally found out what day she’d be leaving for basic training and when she needed to go shopping for items she’s required to pack I was her willing shopping partner.

Through it all friends and family kept making remarks about how hard they thought it was going to be for me to let go.  I scoffed at them and rolled my eyes.  Are you kidding?  She’s twenty-two, smart, strong and sure of what she wants.  I was looking forward to the opportunity to visit her in exotic locales around the globe.  Then something strange happened.  We hit the one week till leave date mark on the calendar and I lost all sense of composure and bravado.  This bitch named Reality started picking at the scab over the wounds made when my apron strings were cut from my body. 

My Princess leaves for basic training hundreds of miles away and will only have limited contact with home for the next two months.  My only child, my baby girl, my own special treasure.  To say this is going to be a hard adjustment is an understatement.  I understand that now.  I also understand that this is a milestone that millions of moms have gone through before me with their sons and daughters and that it’s not all about me.  This is HER moment.  Out of the nest with wings spread she will soar to heights that I only imagined when I held her for the first time all those years ago.  Back in 1989 she wasn’t quite eight pounds of screaming independence but she was already preparing for this moment with that first change of venue from the womb to the cradle.

So what’s a mom to do but suck it up, smile through the tears and say “I love you.  I’m so very proud of you.  Go get ‘em girl!!!”

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hot New Releases 11/6-12

One Night Forever by Marteeka Karland
Hell’s Angels by RW Shannon

**Coming Soon**
Sweet Allure by Nikki Winter
Life In Two Parts by Janet Eckford

What are you reading this week? What's on your wish list?

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Presenting Wynter's Blossom

When I started the journey to becoming a published author just over two years ago I had no clue what lay ahead.  I just had big dreams of sharing the stories in my head with other book lovers.  Along the way I’ve met some great people, learned to deal with rejection and survived the grueling editing process. 
There were quite a few can’t see the forest for the trees days when I couldn’t really envision celebrating the release of my debut novel, Wynter's Blossom.  Thankfully there were also a bunch of friends who had been there and done that.  They kept me encouraged and motivated.  Now at long last it’s my honor and my privilege to introduce everyone to my wolves and the mates that make them howl. 

Click HERE to read a hot excerpt.


Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday - Wynter's Blossom

Sarah wiped her tears with shaking hands, but they kept coming.  After everything she’d been through, this man seemed just too good to believe in, but she did believe in him.  She had no doubt he could be dangerous if he wanted to be, but with her and Summer he was gentle and caring.  He must think I’m a complete nut, she thought as she tried not to look at him.  “I’m so s-sor…” He had her in his arms before she could finish stuttering out her apology.

**Excerpt from Wynter's Blossom. Available November 9, 2011 from Beautiful Trouble Publishing.**

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Getting Back On Track

I'm back!!!!

Sorry about the unexpected hiatus but I was feeling a bit under the weather for several months. Finally took my happy azz to the doctor and started feeling better. Nothing serious, I just needed to learn to balance my life a little better. All work and no play makes for a very tired and out of sorts Elle. Not good.

Wynter's Blossom got delayed because I needed to rewrite a good portion of the final few chapters. It's in the final proofing stages now and should be out before the end of the year.  I've gotta give a special thank you to the team at Beautiful Trouble Publishing for their patience and guidance.  I'm so thrilled with the manuscript now and can't wait for everyone to read it.

I just submitted my second book. A novELLEa with one hot police officer and a sassy take no shit assistant district attorney.  It'll be the first in a series (cause I just have to write series). I'm also working on two more submissions I hope to have ready before the end of the year. With five more stories on the drawing board for 2012 look to be hearing a LOT from me.

Happily writing,
Elle
Chief Erotic Officer

Thursday, September 1, 2011

On Caristo's Watch by Billy London


I'm lucky enough to write for the same publisher as the talented Billy London so I've been hip to her brash European style for some time now. Her latest, On Caristo's Watch is the much anticipated follow-up to Windows. The UK native revisits the conflicting world of the London based Da Canaveze crime family. If you love bad boys these blokes are for you. They live dangerously and love passionately.

On Caristo's Watch tells the story of Anthony "Tony" Caristo and Lydia Mills. She's a nurse working to raise her younger brother while dealing with an obsessed ex who can't take no for an answer. He's the bad-ass best friend of crime boss Nick Da Canaveze and has a quick wit that will leave you laughing until the tears flow. Characters that you first fell in love with in Windows are back to help this couple dodge bullets and blades, but not each other. Buckle up because On Caristo's Watch is a thrilling roller coaster ride to bliss.

Happily writing,
Elle

Monday, August 29, 2011

The Grunt by Latrivia Nelson



Okay, I'll go ahead and admit from the onset that I'm a HUGE fan of Latrivia Nelson. Her Medlov Crime Family series is a favorite of mine that I still pull out when I need a boost. Her latest, The Grunt (part of the Lonely Hearts series) is destined to be re-read over and over again as well.

Like the author, I'm married to a retired military man and I love stories that have strong military heroes. Brett Black is a hard-core lifer in the Marine Corps who gets hit with the  one-two sucker punch from hell courtesy of his gold-digging wife. He's left a single dad trying to raise an adorable little boy who will steal your heart. His saving grace arrives in the form of Courtney Lawless. Down-to-earth and nurturing, Courtney brings stability into their lives and they give her a renewed sense of purpose.

This book took me through a wide range of emotions from beginning to end. I wanted to dish out an old-fashioned beat down to the sleazy wife. I wanted to hold Brett and protect his son. I wanted to have Courtney's back when she finally stood up for herself and most of all I wanted a happily ever after for her and Brett. You will not be disappointed in the journey Ms. Nelson takes you on with this engaging story. It's a must read so pick up your copy of The Grunt today.

Happily writing,
Elle

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Elle's Back In The Game

Life can be a real B*tch sometimes. Such has been the case for the last couple of months in my world. Things at the day job reached critical mass in June (I work in public education and we're in a recession, you get the drift) and I'm still recovering from the fall-out.  My extended family all lost their minds at once and my muse went into hiding. On top of all this my hubby and I are trying to purchase a new home and dealing with all the headaches involved with that.

My saving grace during this upheaval has been my Princess who's been working hard to gain entry into the US Air Force. She's had to endure repeat physical exams (she inherited her Momma's poor eyesight), long delays waiting for waivers (for the aforementioned bad eyesight) and the rigors of getting into shape for basic training. As her Mom I willingly went on this journey with her. That means at least three days per week I was working out at a local park with her and several other young recruits. I walked while she and the other 20-something year olds jogged. I lifted eight pound weights while they did push-ups by the dozens. Almost two months later and we can both see and feel the difference. I actually FEEL stronger. My energy level is climbing everyday and my muse is happy again.

Now it's time to catch up. This blog has suffered enough so get ready for some fresh content in the coming weeks. My debut novel Wynter's Blossom is still going through a rigorous editing process with my publisher and I'm learning so much and growing as an author. I'm finishing up a short story with one hot-as-hell SWAT officer and going back to another story about shifters in small town USA. There's also my very first novel which I never submitted but plan to in 2012. Yeah, I'm definitely back in the game and loving it.

Happily writing,
Elle

Monday, July 18, 2011

Guest Blogger - Tonya Kinzer

Today I am thrilled to welcome author Tonya Kinzer to my world.  Tonya is the author of the super sexy Boss's Pet series. She’s not only sharing a little of herself but also having a great contest for everyone who leaves comments. 



EDH:         How and when did you get your start writing?

TK:            I started writing years ago when I got bored with the books out there. Some of the plot lines were so sappy that I thought I would try my hand at writing my own. It was years after that when I decided to publish my work for others. I’d received many rejection letters before deciding to self-publish and those sales are growing daily.

EDH:         I’m all too familiar with the dreaded rejection letter. I’m glad you didn’t give up.  Tell me, what do you like most about writing?

TK:            I like being my own boss, writing at my own pace, not having major deadline stress and creating characters and worlds that my readers can’t wait to get back to. I do set my own release goals for my books and sometimes have to adjust those according to my schedule since I also have a business in real time!

EDH:         Okay, what about the flip side of the coin?  What do you like least about writing?

TK:            The discipline it takes to keep your butt in the seat and your fingers out of the internet. There a so many time wasters out there. If we want to get any serious writing done, we have to schedule the online stuff AFTER our daily writing goals have been met. For me, I’m still working on that.

EDH:         Facebook and Twitter are huge distractions for me to, but I love them.  Tell me what a typical day is like for you?

TK:            I grab my morning coffee and head straight to the computer to check email, hits on websites, comments on blogs and on-going interviews. Next I make sure to spend an hour or two on marketing on Twitter, Facebook, commenting on other blogs and sites and working on a newsletter. After that, I try to write some daily. I need to work harder on setting a daily writing goal for Tonya.

EDH:         Do you have a writing mentor?  If so how have they inspired or encouraged you?

TK:            Years ago I belonged to a critique group and learn so much from them. As a newbie back then, they were great about sharing things they’d learned from other writers. I kept notes, copies of how-to articles and pointers. I think the main thing I learned was how to stay in my character’s POV. My original works had to be rewritten to correct that and I can laugh about it now. I was in each character’s head in every paragraph so yes, the rewrite was VERY time consuming. I did end up publishing that work but it’s not a big seller so perhaps I need to rewrite again and republish it, who knows. Another thing I learned was to read my finished work out loud. If you have another who is willing to listen, that would help to. Perhaps read into a recorder and listen back but it will help you hear the flow of your words. If it sounds shorts and choppy and a bit like an instruction manual, you need to work a bit harder on the sentence structure…make them flow together so it’s a smooth read.

EDH:         Head-hopping has been an issue for me as well.  Do you have other professional pursuits?

TK:            I do help my husband run a business that we’ve expanded together and it’s doing quite well. We have several offices and I can manage my part of the business a few days a week, which in turn, allows me to write and market my books.  I write under two pen names in separate genres (romance and erotica) and keep them that way because my children read my other work. Combining the two wouldn’t be appropriate…they have a hard time with some of my tame sex scenes!! Writing as Tonya allows me to be free with my topics, characters and more playful with my sex scenes. So far, I’ve not heard any complaints! *wicked laugh*

EDH:         What types of books do you like to read in your spare time?

TK:            I love historical and time travels as well as contemporary romance. I don’t read many paranormal/sci-fi stories.

EDH:         What was the last good book you read?

TK:            I read Best Lover In Town, authored by two friends of mine, Brenda Woody and Steve Tindle. They’ve just released a new book titled Temptation Triggers, which is an anthology of short stories. Currently I’m reading Hour of the Lion by Cherise Sinclair.

EDH:         I’ll have to check out Best Lover in Town.  Tell me something about you that would surprise your fans.

TK:            Hmmm…..maybe that my friends never know who they’re talking to? Hubby tells others that he never knows who he’s going to bed with because I have several personalities - one being ‘The Boss’s Pet’ - *laughing* I’ll not go there, you have to read the series and make up your own mind!

EDH:         I see one of your personalities is a tease *wink*.  Define sexy? 

TK:            That’s a tough one. Sexy is different to everyone. To me, sexy can be many things. Visually, sexy is a nice pair of eyes that can look into my soul with one glance, a strong pair of biceps and a broad chest or strong thighs.  A man’s hands can be sexy or the way he walks or laughs. Mentally, sexy is a man who is faithful to his wife and does things for her everyday that make up the small things. Hubby and I pour coffee for each other, grab a cookie or two while we’re up or whatever. He doesn’t expect me to wait on him nor him on me, it just works for us the way it is. Does that make sense?

EDH:         It makes perfect sense.  What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done or had someone do for you?

TK:            We’ve been together for several years and hubby is still surprising me with things he does for me. He brings in the coffee pot and my half and half to my desk if I’m working away and he knows I haven’t refilled my cup. I’ve planned getaways for us and dropped rose petals into the Jacuzzi with glasses of champagne by candlelight.

EDH:         Wow, I have to try the rose petals in the Jacuzzi. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

TK:            My series, titled The Boss’s Pet, now has three books to it. The newest, Sharing Among Friends, was released June 22 and is available at Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/3fetwfq ) and a great reader site, All Romance Ebooks (http://allromaneebooks.com) online store (you must be a member to purchase here). Readers can find me at the following locations:
EDH:         Thanks so much for stopping by Tonya.
TK:           Elle, thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog! I’m
                
beginning my book tour for the release of book three, Sharing Among
                 Friends, and appreciate being able to chat with your readers!
CONTEST:  Tonya would like to know what readers find sexy in the opposite sex. Please leave your comment and on Wednesday morning she will pull one lucky winner for a $15 gift card to Amazon or B & N.

Happily writing,
Elle

Monday, July 11, 2011

Back Soon Lovelies

Miss you, one and all. I'm frantically doing edits this week so I'll talk to you soon. I'm sure there will be a funny story to tell by the time I'm through with this round of edits. Something involving alcohol, chocolate and banging my head on tables and walls.

Next week Tonya Kinzer is coming to visit so make sure you check back and show her some love.

Happily writing, Elle

Monday, July 4, 2011

Sorry I Missed You...

Hi friends!

Sorry I missed you. I'm over at Tonya Kinzer's blog (tonyakinzer.blogspot.com) all week. I hope you'll stop by daily to share in all the fun.
  • Monday: My Favorite All American Hero (Happy Independence Day USA)
  • Tuesday: Author Interview (featuring yours truly)
  • Wednesday: Character Interview with Sarah Eriksson (heroine of Wynter's Blossom)
  • Thursday: Character Interview with Wynter Grey (hero of Wynter's Blossom)
  • Friday: Ten Reasons to Read Wynter's Blossom

Happily writing,
Elle

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Visiting The Naughty Nights Press Blog TODAY!!!

My good friend Gina Kincade over at the Naughty Nights Press Blog was kind enough to interview me recently. I had such a blast doing this interview and can't wait to share it. Stop by today and let me know what you think.

Questions:
Fellow authors, do you still remember the first interview you ever did after being published?
Romance readers, what makes up a good author interview in your opinion?

Happily writing,
Elle

Saturday, June 11, 2011

New Cover - Wynter's Blossom

Presenting the cover for my upcoming release Wynter's Blossom...


I received it the other day and WOW! What a thrilling experience. Veteran authors have since told me there's nothing like getting that first cover. They all agree that you never forget it or how it made you feel.  Well I hope that I never lose this feeling. I want to embrace this giddiness and ride it until I close my eyes a final time. 

What's your fondest reading/writing memory?

Happily writing,
Elle

Monday, May 23, 2011

Man-Candy Monday - Jamie Ungaro


When I started this feature it was my intent to show that the models we all drool over are just regular guys with multi-faceted personalities and interests beyond the bright lights of cover photo shoots.  This week’s guest, former Mr. Romance Jamie Ungaro, is another perfect example of that.  First of all, sorry ladies but he’s happily married to his very own Cinderella.  Secondly, he’s a man who embraces his faith and isn’t afraid to share it with others.  Veteran model CJ Hollenbach says of Jamie, “I picked him to win the Mr. Romance contest in Columbus (OH). He is a genuinely good guy, very spiritual.  Gotta love the dimples too!”  Today, let’s look beyond the dimples and fabulous physique and learn a little about Jamie Ungara together.

EDH:. How did you get your start in modeling?

      Jamie: After high school with my football career going nowhere a lot of people kept urging me to get into modeling and acting.  They kept on telling me you have what it takes, so after thinking about it for a while I went to an agency in Columbus, Ohio around 2004; just a year out of high school and jumped in and began my journey to become a model and actor.  I just really want to be an actor on the big screen one day.  Modeling is restricted for me, because of being into power lifting and bodybuilding.

EDH:  What do you like most about modeling? What do you like least?

      Jamie: What I like the most is getting to know how different poses with the right angle of light make some really awesome pictures, or sometimes they don’t.  LOL!  What I like the least would be just taking a thousand shots to get a couple good shots. But I really like it all around, because it is a lot of fun with different locations or themes you have to act out.

EDH:  What notable modeling gigs have you done in the last year or two?

      Jamie: I did an ad for a dance club with other models.  I also did a book trailer for Circle of Seven Productions.  It was my first time acting on screen.  The book is call “An Eye for Glory” and out in stores now; it was done for the company Zondervan and I was really excited with that job!  It took place in the beautiful country side of Kentucky. Here is the link to the video (I’m the guy in blue that shoots the rebel soldier and then has mercy on him). Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKmjL5ZfqLo

EDH:  What do you like to read in your spare time?

      Jamie:  I try to read and study the Holy Bible a lot. I don’t read many other books, but I do read Muscle & Fitness magazines to stay on top of fitness trends and I’ll pick up a newspaper wherever I’m at to keep updated on what is going on.  When I’m not reading I’m in the weight room most of my time because strength training is a passion for me.  In the winter I try to get out and do some snowboarding and the summer I like to hike, water ski, camping, and just stay active.  Last, but not least, in my spare time I jam on my acoustic guitar which brings me such peace to my soul.  I still need to sharpen my skills before I go playing in front of people. LOL!

EDH:  What are some of your other favorite fitness routines/activities?

      Jamie:  I’m into power lifting and I enjoy the challenge it is for yourself to push your body to its limits.  My routine consists of three core lifts.  The bench press, dead lift, and squat.  I bench on Mon. and almost max out every time to gain strength and size and I do the same for the dead lift on Wed. and squat on Fri.  At 6’2’’ and 225 lbs. I have a max of 1,305 lbs. total.  That’s bench 350 lbs., dead lift 505 lbs. and squat 450 lbs.  I need to step it up if I want to compete.  I plan to really invest in all the power lifting gear and really start to move some serious weight and enter some contests.  What can I say it’s a rush and an ego trip!  LOL!



EDH:  Tell me what a typical day in the life of Jamie Ungaro is like?

       Jamie:  I’m a very positive and motivated person.  I try to do things for others when I have the chance.  If I see anyone that might be having a bad day I try to give them words of encouragement because many times people get too caught up in the fast pace of their life to even slow down to spread help and kind words filled with love that might make the whole difference in that persons day, or life.  The world would be a different and better place if everyone had that type of a loving heart and compassion for others who may be less fortunate.

EDH:  What are some of your other professional pursuits?

      Jamie:  Other than just supporting and maintaining my family I really want to be an actor.  After doing the book trailer for Zondervan, I was hooked!  I really enjoy becoming a different character.  I like myself but, it’s just thrilling to get out of your comfort zone and totally bring this different character to life.  All I need now is a good agent to start my career, and I hope to be able to just act full time in the future.

EDH:  Do you have a favorite charity or cause that you are passionate about?

      Jamie:  I don’t really follow up on charities, but I would support any that supported the less fortunate families that may be starving and I’m passionate about bringing people strength, whether it be physical in the gym or spiritual. I’m very passionate about bringing words of life to people that I see who need healing to their soul.

EDH:  Define sexy or tell us what you looked for when searching for a significant other?

      Jamie:  It’s all in ones attitude to see if they are sexy, or not.  There was a time I thought I knew what I wanted and what was best for me which kept on ending in heart breaking relationships because the outer surface is temporal; at any giving time it life it can change and will change with age.  The heart is what you want to get to know in a person, because what comes out is really who that person is.  The best thing I ever did and best advice I can give to others is to just give your life to the Lord and let Him direct your path, because honestly we think we know what is best for us but we really don’t, but the Lord does.  I did just that and God brought me a beautiful woman; inside and out, and our hearts couldn’t have been more equally match if I tried to (because he’s the only one that can see our heart).  The connection and love in our marriage is amazing!  She is my best friend.

EDH:  What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for your wife?

      Jamie:   This was the selling point for my wife, so I guess it was the most romantic thing, or what she likes to call “a smooth move”.  I was leaving for work one morning, walking towards the front door, and before I left I turned around to give my wife a kiss (at the time she was my girlfriend).  I saw that she had a cupcake in her hand.  I went to kiss her and as she closed her eyes I licked the chocolate icing off and held it on my tongue while I kissed her.  It was a very delicious kiss!  Let’s just say that she was pulling me back in the door and didn’t want me to go to work that day. LOL!

EDH:  Tell me some of your favorite things about your wife.

      Jamie:  My favorite dish is my wife’s corn beef and hash.  It’s a southern thing I guess, because she is from AL and I wasn’t familiar with it until she made it.  It’s awesome!  I’m not much of a drinker these days, but when I do indulge I enjoy to have a good semi-sweet red wine with my wife and stay in, wink, wink!  LOL!



EDH:  Freestyle time! Tell me whatever you want the readers to know about you, your life, your work and your future plans.

      Jamie:  I might be repeating some things I already said , but I’m a very self motivated person that is very passionate about doing good for others before myself and helping people that may be down and depressed.  I’m no therapist, but I’ve helped a few of my friends and talked some of them out of suicide.  I have bad moments to, but I have a helping hand to fill my spirit back up with joy and strength, so I try to gives advice and encouragement with the spirit which dwells in me and speak with the words of life to hopefully bring light and joy to their soul and spirit.  That’s what brings me the greatest blessings of joy and strength so I can stand and be a leader for others.  Just spreading the love that was shown to me and opened my eyes, or you could say that the veil was pulled from my face only to reveal the truth in my sinful life and the truth around me in this world.  I think you know where I’m going with this, and I’m not preaching, just spreading the love and Jesus IS love.


EDH:  Thank you so much for being my guest today and for sharing so much of yourself.

      Jamie:  Thanks for the interview Elle.  God bless you all!



Happily writing,
Elle

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I'm visiting another blog!

I'm spending Tuesday and Wednesday over at Sex Marks The G-Spot. Come on over and hang out with me.

Happily writing,
Elle

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Trouble Maker Tuesday – May 3rd, 2011

This week I’m bringing you two more hot books from Beautiful Trouble Publishing.  First there is the sizzling new release from Violette Dubrinsky, Bound: Dark God Saga. Then there is the latest from Billy London, a sassy short entitled An Old Cake Tale.


What happens when you take a dark god, a succubus, and a classic tale of mistaken identity?

Previously known as the “nicest” of the dark gods, Hypnos, the God of Sleep and Dreams, can no longer claim that title. An encounter with Marissa, a succubus who managed to bind him and use him as her food source, nearly killing him in the process, has left him with one sole purpose: to find, torture and kill. So when he finally locates her, he’s planning to put his plan into motion with relish.

Katrina Black is a succubus living as a human. A past incident has made her horrified of her own nature. So imagine her surprise when she’s snatched from her home and taken to Tartarus to be punished for something she did not do. The solution is easy. She just has to tell the man—god—that he has the wrong girl.

Katrina finds out it isn’t easy to rationalize with a single minded god hell-bent on revenge. . Especially one who looks like perfection reincarnated. And after experiencing some of his ‘torture’, finds herself questioning if she really wants to


Efia Amoah was going to end up in prison for murder if she spent any more time in the company of Rhys Lloyd, but with him being the best man at her best friend's wedding, she couldn't avoid him for love nor money nor cake. She just wanted to get through the day without giving in to the temptation to stab him for the sake of giving her friend the perfect wedding. Being a bridesmaid only made her notice exactly what was missing from her own life, so she hoped if she followed the tradition of placing a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, Mr. Right would come knocking. However, the Mr. who does come knocking turns out to be the Mr. she’d thought would never dare to touch her door on pain of death.

Rhys quite liked living on the edge. Despite Efia's sharp tongue and cutting glances, he saw a future with her. He didn't even mind the prospect of sleeping with one eye open for the rest of his life in case Efia did try to stab him in his sleep. With her friend's blessing and further threats to his life hanging over his head, Rhys was all in for the challenge of proving that a wedding night is not just for the couple who exchanged the vows...
***
Go ahead and order your copies of these two great reads today. But wait!! Before you leave, what's your favorite mythical story?

Happily writing,
Elle

Monday, May 2, 2011

Man-Candy Monday - CJ Hollenbach




That hair! Those eyes!! That incredible body!!! If you love romance novels then you have probably read more than a few with CJ Hollenbach on the cover. I was given the opportunity of a lifetime recently when the modeling legend agreed to tell me what it’s like to be a model and how he has sustained a successful career for twenty years with no signs of slowing down.
CJ is a consummate professional that has endeared himself throughout the writing community. Author Heather Graham, who spent time with CJ at the recent Romantic Times Booklovers Conference in Los Angeles says, “C.J. is a doll! He's helped out a zillion times at the vampire party, and is always there to lend a hand!” I have to agree, CJ is a doll and it was a pleasure getting to know him. Keep reading to see for yourself.

EDH: Hi CJ! Thanks so much for giving me a few minutes of your time today. First off, how did you get your start in modeling?
CJH: I started right after I graduated from college with a degree in graphic design. Whenever I would take my portfolio to an ad agency they just thought I was a model. I was told "If you're not a model, you should be! Come back with photos!" The rest is cover model history!
EDH: Well after almost twenty years in the business what do you like most about modeling and what do you like least?
CJH: I like seeing the finished art work and how the photographer or artist's "vision" has come to fruition. Most of the time the photographs look nothing like the finished piece. What I like least is the traveling. I live in Ohio, which just about ALL the NYC photographers remind me of when I work with them. I'm always in a hurry to get to the shoot on time, which I always do. I like to enjoy the experience of being there, but the "getting there" is such a hassle at times.
EDH: Whew! Glad you didn’t say you like nosey writers the least. Anyway, besides book covers what other notable modeling gigs have you done in the last year or two?
CJH: I just did a shoot for Soap Opera Digest. Unfortunately, I told Jackie Zeman of General Hospital, who I shot with, that I loved watching her. Then I added, but that was like a hundred years ago. UGH! I've also done a lot of work with artists and photographers in my local area.
EDH: I’m not going to touch that ‘hundred years ago’ comment since I’ve been known to put me foot in my mouth from time-to-time. What do you like to read in your spare time?
CJH: Autobiographies or biographies of interesting people intrigue me.
EDH: Me too! There’s something encouraging about reading the stories of those who have found success after rising above adversity. What else do you like to do for fun in your down time?
CJH: I workout like a fiend.  A must for my career, but I've always done it. I also like to write. I am going to pitch an article idea to Romantic Times Book Lovers magazine about celebrating my 20 years in the business. I've written for them in the past as well as other magazines.
EDH: Wow! I bet a lot of people including my fellow writers didn’t know you like to write. What else? What’s your favorite workout?
CJH: I also write for various magazines when I can. Love writing! It's such a creative outlet for me. As for my favorite workout, my chest routine would have to be it if I had to pick just one. I get the most results from that, it seems.
EDH: Okay, tell me what a typical day in the life of CJ Hollenbach is like?
CJH: There is nothing "typical" about any of my days! The first thing I do every morning is have at least 2 cups of coffee or forget about it. Then, I do my e-mail, which is a lot these days. I plan my weeks around what jobs I have going on. I also have an internet company, CJH Designs, that keeps me busy.
EDH: Tell me more about CJH Designs.
CJH: At CJH Designs (www.cjhdesigns.com) we do websites and all sorts of promotions design work. We just redesigned the T-shirts for my nephew's college volleyball team.
EDH: You seem like such a well-rounded guy on all fronts. What about giving back? Do you have a favorite charity or cause that you are passionate about?
CJH: The American Cancer Society. So much of my family has been touched by that disease.
EDH: Okay let’s get even more personal. Define sexy or tell me what you look for in a significant other?
CJH: I don't think there is one definition of "sexy". A great personality and a sense of humor will take you far with me, believe that or not. Self confidence is also key. You really have to have that if you're going to hang with me.
EDH: What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done or had someone do for you?
CJH: I just do things that I’m later told were romantic. I don't think of it that way when I'm doing it. Sometimes, I just think of it as being thoughtful. Remembering a birthday or a special day isn't that hard. I do remember one particular incident years ago when I was dating this girl in college and she was driving me to her apartment for the weekend. We were pulled over by the cops, probably for speeding. As the cop pulled away she was nearly hysterical and said "This is the worst day of my life. I could really use a drink!" I pulled a bottle of champagne and 2 glasses out of my duffle bag in the back seat that I was saving for that night. I said "How about this?!" We drank it when we got to her place. The timing on that was pretty cool, I must say. Too bad my tuxedo was at the cleaners.
EDH: That’s a great story! Definitely include that one when you work on your biography. Before we close, what would you like the readers to know about you, your life, your work and your future plans?
CJH: Just want the readers and fans to know that I really do appreciate all their love and support they have given me over the past 20 years. I wouldn't still be doing this after all these years if it weren't for them. I have always told people the romance fans are the absolute best.
EDH: Awww, its official. You are a sweetheart. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing more and reading more from you in the future.
CJH: Thank you.
***
Want more CJ? Of course you do! It is Man-Candy Monday, afterall. Check out the pictures below.









Happily writing,
Elle

All photos courtesy of CJ Hollenbach