Yep, that's what's on my mind today. Had a chat talk last week and the subject came up of why erotica sells better than sensual. My books get kinda hot, but are not erotic. The truly erotic ones seem to be the bigger sellers in the e-book market. I'm stating this purely from the sales figures of Ellora's Cave as against those of Cerridwen press. Both branches of the same company. And even twenty years ago I don't think erotica would have been such a big seller, but then who knows? It wasn't easily available. I personally am all for a woman being able to read anything she wants, and today's erotica is beautifully done and involves some great writers. I wish I could write as well, but erotica seems too hard for me to do. Poorly done eortica just one body part fitting another body part, but well done it's beautiful.
So why do you think erotica is doing so well? Suppressed desires that today's open society has finally allowed to us all to enjoy? Something to think about.
The snow part comes in because we drove to the desert on Friday the last hour of the drive was gorgeous. We could see the snow-covered mountains looming in the distance, and when we actually reached the desert the snow seemed to come down one third of the way to the desert floor. I've only seen it this beautiful once before. Having breakfast the first morning here and surrounded by so much majety was awe-inspiring. Wish I were a better photographer so I could attach a picture. We've now been here two days and already you can see the snow line creeping back up the mountainside. By the time we leave at the end of the week only the tops will be crowned with white.
The desert is already starting to bloom. Some wildflowers are appearing, although it's several weeks before their full glory. Lots of California poppies, and creeping phlox. Very small white flowers dot the sand in the distance, and I mourn that Idon't know their name. Every spring I mean to look up all the names, and maybe this time I'll actually do it. The message in all this is take heart everyone, spring is on the way.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
When haven't we all felt like "Letting Go"
Just released by Ellora's Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/
For Kari Loftin life was all about control, in every aspect of it. But she realized that at forty two she had managed to shut out every form of pleasure b y keeping a tight rein on herself. With her beloved Cubs on a winning streak, she tossed away her control for one night and ventured into the world of Petey’s Sports Bar. Little did she expect to meet a hot young stud like Riley Tucker, who showed her a side of herself she’d never dared to explore. One night together and Riley wanted more. Much more. Could Kari get past the age difference—something that didn’t seem to bother Riley at all? Could she take that step and just.......let go?
Excerpt
He settled his hands, big and warm, on her shoulders, the heat from them burning through her t-shirt. While she watched with wide eyes he bent his head and licked her lips. Just a very, very light sweep of the tip of his tongue but she felt it all the way through her breasts to her womb. Heat crept over her skin and the beat of her heart tripped over itself.
“Mmm, good.” He licked his own lips, then slid his hands up to cup her face. “I knew you’d taste delicious.”
His mouth came down on hers again, his lips like rough velvet. She was sure he’d be the kind to attack voraciously but instead he seduced her mouth. He nibbled at each lip, his teeth teasing around the shape of her mouth, his tongue touching each tiny bite. He rubbed his lips against hers, then drew in her bottom lip and sucked on it gently.
Her bones felt like wax and more liquid soaked her panties. She felt as if she was suspended in space, attached only to his wonderful mouth.
When his tongue pressed against the seam of her closed mouth she opened with a sigh and thought how good he tasted. It swept inside, pleasantly shocking her as it stirred the nerves on every inner surface. Not an inch was left untouched—the roof of her mouth, the insides of her teeth and her cheeks, the pebbled surface of her own tongue. Tentatively she stretched it out to touch his and in seconds they were tangled together.
He kissed even better than he looked. She couldn’t breathe. Every bit of air was trapped in her throat. She lifted her hands and wrapped her fingers around his wrists, not to pull him away but to hold him in place. Her brain felt fuzzy, her body weightless and she wanted this kiss to go on forever.
Then a switch snapped on in her head and she tore her mouth away from his. Inbred insecurity reared its head and skittered along her spine.
“Wait,” she gasped. “Wait, wait, wait.”
He lifted his head and took a step back. “For what? What’s wrong, Kari”
“I have to tell you something. Please.”
He frowned at her. “Like what? You’re married?” He lifted her left hand, the ring finger glaringly bare. “No ring, unless you’re one of those liberated women who doesn’t think they’re necessary.”
“No, no.” She yanked her hand back. “It’s not that.”
“So what else could it be? You’re really a man who loves cross-dressing? Hell, I think it would be very hard to fake luscious breasts like those.” He skimmed the palm of one hand over her. “Yup. Real and made for touching.”
She took a step backward, wet her lips and let out a breath. “I’m forty-two.”
Riley stared at her, confused. “And?”
Why is he being so stupid? And why did I come upstairs with a man eleven years younger than me?
“I’m forty-two years old,” she practically shouted. Get it out now and get it over with.
“And that’s a problem how? I’m sorry. I don’t get it.”
She clenched her fists in frustration. Why wouldn’t he understand. “How old are you, Riley? Thirty? Thirty-one?”
He shocked her by bursting out laughing. “Jesus, Kari. For a minute you had me scared there. I thought there was a real problem.”
Excerpt
He settled his hands, big and warm, on her shoulders, the heat from them burning through her t-shirt. While she watched with wide eyes he bent his head and licked her lips. Just a very, very light sweep of the tip of his tongue but she felt it all the way through her breasts to her womb. Heat crept over her skin and the beat of her heart tripped over itself.
“Mmm, good.” He licked his own lips, then slid his hands up to cup her face. “I knew you’d taste delicious.”
His mouth came down on hers again, his lips like rough velvet. She was sure he’d be the kind to attack voraciously but instead he seduced her mouth. He nibbled at each lip, his teeth teasing around the shape of her mouth, his tongue touching each tiny bite. He rubbed his lips against hers, then drew in her bottom lip and sucked on it gently.
Her bones felt like wax and more liquid soaked her panties. She felt as if she was suspended in space, attached only to his wonderful mouth.
When his tongue pressed against the seam of her closed mouth she opened with a sigh and thought how good he tasted. It swept inside, pleasantly shocking her as it stirred the nerves on every inner surface. Not an inch was left untouched—the roof of her mouth, the insides of her teeth and her cheeks, the pebbled surface of her own tongue. Tentatively she stretched it out to touch his and in seconds they were tangled together.
He kissed even better than he looked. She couldn’t breathe. Every bit of air was trapped in her throat. She lifted her hands and wrapped her fingers around his wrists, not to pull him away but to hold him in place. Her brain felt fuzzy, her body weightless and she wanted this kiss to go on forever.
Then a switch snapped on in her head and she tore her mouth away from his. Inbred insecurity reared its head and skittered along her spine.
“Wait,” she gasped. “Wait, wait, wait.”
He lifted his head and took a step back. “For what? What’s wrong, Kari”
“I have to tell you something. Please.”
He frowned at her. “Like what? You’re married?” He lifted her left hand, the ring finger glaringly bare. “No ring, unless you’re one of those liberated women who doesn’t think they’re necessary.”
“No, no.” She yanked her hand back. “It’s not that.”
“So what else could it be? You’re really a man who loves cross-dressing? Hell, I think it would be very hard to fake luscious breasts like those.” He skimmed the palm of one hand over her. “Yup. Real and made for touching.”
She took a step backward, wet her lips and let out a breath. “I’m forty-two.”
Riley stared at her, confused. “And?”
Why is he being so stupid? And why did I come upstairs with a man eleven years younger than me?
“I’m forty-two years old,” she practically shouted. Get it out now and get it over with.
“And that’s a problem how? I’m sorry. I don’t get it.”
She clenched her fists in frustration. Why wouldn’t he understand. “How old are you, Riley? Thirty? Thirty-one?”
He shocked her by bursting out laughing. “Jesus, Kari. For a minute you had me scared there. I thought there was a real problem.”
Check me out at
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Slight goof on first blog
Posted my first post a few minutes ago and it came out as posted Saturday...I've obviously got to work this blog business out...It's there, just in the wrong place. Scroll down if you want to see it....See you next Tuesday...Jean
Monday, February 16, 2009
Check out the free read!
Today's the day! And noon today's the time!
Hot Moon Rising, the sequel to my shapeshifter erotic romance, Line of Sight makes its debut. And it's free, free, free. That's right. Today's the day you can find the first batch of Free Reads on the Ellora's Cave web site.
Just go to http://www.jasminejade.com/ and there it is.
Why a shapeshifter for me? because I have a new love affair with the wolf. It is a strong, 
heroic animal whose natural instinct is to protect its mate andd its pack. If you;re going to Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, look out for my wolf earrings!!!
heroic animal whose natural instinct is to protect its mate andd its pack. If you;re going to Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, look out for my wolf earrings!!! And here's a taste of Hot Moon rising for you.
In Line of Sight, Charlie Aquino had trouble believing his partner, Jesse Farrell, fell in love with a shapeshifter. Now he’s drawn to one himself, Liane Cosa, a woman who makes his blood boil, his body hard, and erotic images scream in his brain. One hot night, beneath a full moon, they finally come together, indulging themselves in an orgy of unbridled lust where anything goes. But what will happen when the moon finally sets and daylight creeps up on them?
Excerpt:
Charlie Aquino glided his car slowly to the curb, cut the engine and headlights, and rolled down his window. It was quiet in this little cul de sac where Derek and the rest of his group—er, pack—lived. He scanned the house that he drove by every night on his way home, after a long shift for the sheriff’s department. Just looking at the house, hoping for a glimpse of her, calmed him. Soothed all those frayed and jangled nerves.
Sometimes a light would be on. Other times, like now, the little house would be completely dark.
Was she outside, running? Alone or with her “friends”? He closed his eyes and Liane Cosa’s face swam before his eyes. High cheekbones, amber eyes and a silken waterfall of ash blonde hair. When she smiled at him, the bottom fell out of his heart.
Jesus, Aquino. You’ve really lost your mind.
But a year had made a lot of difference in his life. Twelve months ago he and Jesse Farrell had been working the gang task force for the sheriff. The most exotic things in their lives were the devious gang leaders who always lay in wait. And he’d never heard of a shapeshifter. Now his partner was married to one and he, for his sins, was falling helplessly in love with another one.
Sometimes a light would be on. Other times, like now, the little house would be completely dark.
Was she outside, running? Alone or with her “friends”? He closed his eyes and Liane Cosa’s face swam before his eyes. High cheekbones, amber eyes and a silken waterfall of ash blonde hair. When she smiled at him, the bottom fell out of his heart.
Jesus, Aquino. You’ve really lost your mind.
But a year had made a lot of difference in his life. Twelve months ago he and Jesse Farrell had been working the gang task force for the sheriff. The most exotic things in their lives were the devious gang leaders who always lay in wait. And he’d never heard of a shapeshifter. Now his partner was married to one and he, for his sins, was falling helplessly in love with another one.
While you're at the Jasmine Jade website, if you haven't read Line of Sight, be sure to pick up a copy.
And come visit me at http://www.desireeholt.com/
And come visit me at http://www.desireeholt.com/
Saturday, February 14, 2009
First blog
I'm honored to join this group as the Tuesday blogger....With such distinguished writers on the panel I'd better darned well keep up to snuff...A little about what kind of books I write. I've written eight books on Druids and the last one, Druid in Flight,was released in January. Of course if anybody coaxed me I would always add another one. Right now I'm caught up in doing final edits for the first in my new series about mages. Few people know the word, so I'll mention Merlin was a mage. Think someone with Merlin's abilities to change shape, transport himself, read minds, etc. My hero Damien uses his abilities sparingly, and wants to win his love without using them at all. He wants her body, soul, and mind, but only as himself. But he might have all his powers to use them to save Toria.
I love the concept of a hero who is strong enough to want to use his normal powers to get the girl. Kinda the strong but silent type. How tempting can it be when he knows he has only to invade her mind to get her to consent to sex with him. Then he'd have her hooked for sure. As it is, his restraint is honorable, but hard to get around. The book is called Damien's Destiny and will be out in June. Second book, Gareth's Gambit, has been accepted and I'm well into the third one.
I'd love to know how readers react to a series. Do you prefer a series where you can follow characters in the family, or do you like your heroes one at a time? I've generally fallen in love with my hero and don't want to let him go, but what do readers want? Please comment and let me know.
And how about e-book readers? So many questions I'd like to ask you all. I just read an article about a new reader coming in about a year that is the size of a legal pad, very thin and feels about the weight of a New Yorker magazine. Supposedly it's so much better it will knock others out of the market. It was at a recent Consumer's Electric show. That sounds promising, as there have been several articles lately on the e-book revolution...
I love the concept of a hero who is strong enough to want to use his normal powers to get the girl. Kinda the strong but silent type. How tempting can it be when he knows he has only to invade her mind to get her to consent to sex with him. Then he'd have her hooked for sure. As it is, his restraint is honorable, but hard to get around. The book is called Damien's Destiny and will be out in June. Second book, Gareth's Gambit, has been accepted and I'm well into the third one.
I'd love to know how readers react to a series. Do you prefer a series where you can follow characters in the family, or do you like your heroes one at a time? I've generally fallen in love with my hero and don't want to let him go, but what do readers want? Please comment and let me know.
And how about e-book readers? So many questions I'd like to ask you all. I just read an article about a new reader coming in about a year that is the size of a legal pad, very thin and feels about the weight of a New Yorker magazine. Supposedly it's so much better it will knock others out of the market. It was at a recent Consumer's Electric show. That sounds promising, as there have been several articles lately on the e-book revolution...
Monday, February 9, 2009
The history of romance-customs and courtship
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought it would be nice to take a look at the history of romance. A big thank you to Ask.com for being such a great resource.
What was courtship and marriage like for our distant ancestors? Was it more formal than now? Less formal? Beginning with the ancient Greeks' recognition of the need to describe more than one kind of love, inventing the word "eros" to describe carnal love, and "agape" to mean a spiritual love, take a stroll back through romantic heritage with this timeline of romantic customs, dating rituals, and tokens of love.
In ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice - when there was a scarcity of nubile women, men raided other villages for wives. Frequently the tribe from which a warrior stole a bride would come looking for her, and it was necessary for the warrior and his new wife to go into hiding to avoid being discovered. According to an old French custom, as the moon went through all its phases the couple drank a brew called metheglin, which was made from honey. Hence, we get the word, honeymoon. Arranged marriages were the norm, primarily business relationships born out of the desire and/or need for property, monetary or political alliances.
From buying a woman dinner to opening a door for her, many of today's courting rituals are rooted in medieval chivalry. During medieval times, the importance of love in a relationship emerged as a reaction to arranged marriages, but was still not considered a prerequisite in matrimonial decisions. Suitors wooed their intended with serenades and flowery poetry, following the lead of lovelorn characters on stage and in verse. Chastity and honor were highly regarded virtues. In 1228, women first gained the right to propose marriage in Scotland, a legal right that then slowly spread through Europe.
All the Nordic countries have courtship customs involving knives. For example, in Norway when a girl came of age, her father let it be known that she was available for marriage. The girl would wear an empty sheath on her belt. If a suitor liked the girl, he would put a knife in the sheath,
which the girl now wore as a sign that she was betrothed.
The custom of bundling, found in many parts of 16th and 17th century Europe and America, allowed courting couples to share a bed, fully clothed, and often with a "bundling board" between them or bolster cover tied over the girls legs. The idea was to allow the couple to talk and get to know each other but in the safe (and warm) confines of the girl's house.
Dating back to 17th century Wales, ornately carved spoons, known as lovespoons, were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by a suitor to show his affection to his loved one. The decorative carvings have various meanings - from an anchor meaning "I desire to settle down" to an intricate vine meaning "love grows."
Chivalrous gentlemen in England often sent a pair of gloves to their true loves. If the woman wore the gloves to church on Sunday it signaled her acceptance of the proposal.
In some parts of 18th century Europe a biscuit or small loaf of bread was broken over the head of the bride as she emerged from the church. Unmarried guests scrambled for the pieces, which they then placed under their pillows to bring dreams of the one they would someday marry. This custom is believed to be the precursor of the wedding cake.
Many cultures throughout the world recognize the idea of matrimony as the "ties that bind". In some African cultures, long grasses are braided together and used to tie the hands of the groom and bride together to symbolize their union. Delicate twine is used in the Hindu Vedic wedding ceremony to bind one of the bride's hand to one of the hands of the groom. In Mexico the practice of having a ceremonial rope loosely place around both
So, what’s the romance like in your life? How did you and your other half meet? What’s the most romantic date you’ve ever had? Leave me a comment to celebrate the day.
And visit me at:
http://www.desireeholt.com/
http://www.judithrochelle.com/
www.myspace.com/judithdesiree
What was courtship and marriage like for our distant ancestors? Was it more formal than now? Less formal? Beginning with the ancient Greeks' recognition of the need to describe more than one kind of love, inventing the word "eros" to describe carnal love, and "agape" to mean a spiritual love, take a stroll back through romantic heritage with this timeline of romantic customs, dating rituals, and tokens of love.
In ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice - when there was a scarcity of nubile women, men raided other villages for wives. Frequently the tribe from which a warrior stole a bride would come looking for her, and it was necessary for the warrior and his new wife to go into hiding to avoid being discovered. According to an old French custom, as the moon went through all its phases the couple drank a brew called metheglin, which was made from honey. Hence, we get the word, honeymoon. Arranged marriages were the norm, primarily business relationships born out of the desire and/or need for property, monetary or political alliances.
From buying a woman dinner to opening a door for her, many of today's courting rituals are rooted in medieval chivalry. During medieval times, the importance of love in a relationship emerged as a reaction to arranged marriages, but was still not considered a prerequisite in matrimonial decisions. Suitors wooed their intended with serenades and flowery poetry, following the lead of lovelorn characters on stage and in verse. Chastity and honor were highly regarded virtues. In 1228, women first gained the right to propose marriage in Scotland, a legal right that then slowly spread through Europe.
All the Nordic countries have courtship customs involving knives. For example, in Norway when a girl came of age, her father let it be known that she was available for marriage. The girl would wear an empty sheath on her belt. If a suitor liked the girl, he would put a knife in the sheath,
which the girl now wore as a sign that she was betrothed.The custom of bundling, found in many parts of 16th and 17th century Europe and America, allowed courting couples to share a bed, fully clothed, and often with a "bundling board" between them or bolster cover tied over the girls legs. The idea was to allow the couple to talk and get to know each other but in the safe (and warm) confines of the girl's house.
Dating back to 17th century Wales, ornately carved spoons, known as lovespoons, were traditionally made from a single piece of wood by a suitor to show his affection to his loved one. The decorative carvings have various meanings - from an anchor meaning "I desire to settle down" to an intricate vine meaning "love grows."
Chivalrous gentlemen in England often sent a pair of gloves to their true loves. If the woman wore the gloves to church on Sunday it signaled her acceptance of the proposal.
In some parts of 18th century Europe a biscuit or small loaf of bread was broken over the head of the bride as she emerged from the church. Unmarried guests scrambled for the pieces, which they then placed under their pillows to bring dreams of the one they would someday marry. This custom is believed to be the precursor of the wedding cake.
Many cultures throughout the world recognize the idea of matrimony as the "ties that bind". In some African cultures, long grasses are braided together and used to tie the hands of the groom and bride together to symbolize their union. Delicate twine is used in the Hindu Vedic wedding ceremony to bind one of the bride's hand to one of the hands of the groom. In Mexico the practice of having a ceremonial rope loosely place around both
So, what’s the romance like in your life? How did you and your other half meet? What’s the most romantic date you’ve ever had? Leave me a comment to celebrate the day.
And visit me at:
http://www.desireeholt.com/
http://www.judithrochelle.com/
www.myspace.com/judithdesiree
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
YIKES
Back in December I signed up for an event, then promptly forgot all about it. Good thing I noticed it in one of my email folders the other day. I have a book signing THIS SATURDAY! In Ohio. Now when I signed up I thought it was northern Ohio--maybe an hour or two away. Nope. Way down in the southern part. I'm going to owe my dh all sorts of favors for driving me to this one!
So here's the scoop:
Where: Barnes and Noble
1738 Hill Rd. North
Pickerington, OH 43147
614.751.0927
When: Saturday, February 7, 2009
11 am to 6 pm
Who: Besides me?
Rosemary Laurey
M. A. Ellis
Paige Cucarro
Casey Daniels
Marcia James
Nell DuVall
Saralee Etter
So if you live in central or southern Ohio, I'd love to see you. Really!
So here's the scoop:
Where: Barnes and Noble
1738 Hill Rd. North
Pickerington, OH 43147
614.751.0927
When: Saturday, February 7, 2009
11 am to 6 pm
Who: Besides me?
Rosemary Laurey
M. A. Ellis
Paige Cucarro
Casey Daniels
Marcia James
Nell DuVall
Saralee Etter
So if you live in central or southern Ohio, I'd love to see you. Really!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Do You Trust Me?
That's the question McCall demands of Rina in a heart-stopping erotic romantic suspense. If you like fasy-paced plots and hot, hot sex, come on and take a look.
Just released from The Wild Rose Press
Available at http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnes&noble.com/
http://www.alibris.com/
http://www.booksamillion.com/
www.thewildrosepress.com
Available at http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnes&noble.com/
http://www.alibris.com/
http://www.booksamillion.com/
www.thewildrosepress.com
And visit me at my web site http://www.desireeholt.com/
BLURB:
A cryptic message from her brother leaves Rina Devargas with a secret and no one to trust...
Carrying the fate of a nation in a locket next to her heart, Rina's life is turned upside down as her brother’s partner, McCall, moves into her home under the guise of keeping her safe. Though she surrenders her body to his dark desires, someone betrayed John, and until McCall gives her a sign, Rina can't be certain that someone isn't him.
Assigned to protect her, Connor McCall must gain Rina's confidence the only way he knows how...Having once shared a night of forbidden pleasure, McCall reawakens her submissive appetite for dominance. However, keeping his mind on the job and his hands off Rina proves difficult--remaining aloof from his feelings for her, even more so. He’s been down that road and paid a handsome price for it—the life of a fellow agent.
With an assassination plot brewing and killers after Rina, will McCall gain her trust before it’s too late? Or will their dangerous desires ultimately destroy them all?
EXCERPT
Available at http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnes&noble.com/
http://www.alibris.com/
And visit me at my web site http://www.desireeholt.com/
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