In Defense of the Status Quo










In Defense of the Status Quo
by Francis Joseph A. Cruz

If cyber-libel was a person, natural or juridical, it would have been itching to call its lawyers to discuss with them the possibilities of filing a criminal case against all the facebook, twitter, and blog users who have maligned it, proclaiming it to be violative of the Constitution, among other hurtful accusations. Thankfully, it is not a person but a reportedly surreptitiously added provision in the newly-minted Cybercrime Prevention Act and as such, is outside the scope of possible victims of the said crime and cannot sue. Before it does any damage to anybody, all its supposed illegalities have now been brought before the Supreme Court for it to decide, hopefully with certainty, whether or not the Filipinos deserve to continue enjoying its cyber-free speech.

Libel has gone a long way in its commission. During the age of Julius Caesar’s dictatorship in Rome, libel is committed by a man if he starts shouting at the top of his lungs in a public place certain profanities against a specific person. Now, specifically in the Philippines, where some sort of dictatorship is absentmindedly being formed by the powerful who deem themselves immune to public scrutiny, a quick flick of the pointer finger against the overly eager button of a mouse, which would then result in either a “share” or a “like” of a possibly offensive material is either an act of libel or an act of aiding the commission of the act of libel.

In a country where being online is slowly becoming a part of life’s routine, especially since families are now scattered all over the globe and the internet has turned into the most cost-efficient of keeping in touch, the criminalization of the so-called cyber-libel has not effectively lessened its commission by the citizenry, it only turned majority of the citizenry into criminals. It is simply too easy to commit. The habits and culture formed by several years of unguarded internet and social network usage cannot be simply undone by an edict that is questionable precisely because it is so repulsive to freedoms that should be part and parcel of the democracy we are so proud of.

If one examines all the victims of the onslaught of possible libellous remarks spread over the many social networking sites available, they are all personalities whose actions only brought to the fore certain issues that society should be discussing, like the right to be informed, artistic freedom, plagiarism, or abuses committed against traffic enforcers. Filipinos, being perpetually attracted to both fad and intrigue, have become drawn to the issues that are innately intertwined with the individuals’ sudden fame. To those who are required to maintain a respectable public image, they become accountable to actions they commit because the public is no longer beholden to traditional media and can form opinions of their own.

In a way, the sudden power the public has garnered because of the freedoms provided by the internet is essential to the country’s democratic maturity. The dangers of such power are negated by the internet itself. Unlike print media wherein the subject of the alleged libel has no other recourse to defend himself except through the courts since publication is limited and expensive, the internet provides anybody unlimited opportunities to defend oneself in the same venue. Simply put, the Filipinos who are responsible for the dissemination of those overly creative and imaginative critiques and expositions of societal ills brought about by specific individuals’ actions or inactions are the same ones who actively initiate relief and rescue drives during calamities. They do not take Constitutionally-mandated rights lightly and will exercise them to their full extent.

Should the Supreme Court maintain that the cyber-libel law is legally sound, there is a great possibility that nothing will change. Stupidity committed by leaders in the hallowed chambers of government will still be met with rabid derision in the excited and exciting walls of Facebook. When the gods of technology have finally given the people the most effective way of taking part, even indirectly, in forming national policy, a supposedly benevolent leader cannot simply take it away and expect quietude.

(Edited and published in Supreme, Philippine Star, 29 September2012 as "Of Free Speech and Cyber-Libel.)

Lady Jane's Salon: Late Recap + Giveaway

I finally made it to another meeting at the Lady Jane's Salon! I had such a fun time! I enjoyed the readings and we had the MOST attendees on record! It was definitely great, and there were PINK goodies!

First, we had Teresa Carpenter. She read her book The Sheriff's Doorstep Baby and it was a rewriting of sleeping beauty. I also got a bookmark for her next book which comes out in December. She said it was the Beauty and the Beast version :)



Next, we had the ever beautiful Cassi Carver. I've mentioned it before, but I really loved the way she was so expressive when she read. She even acted with her hands! Absolutely amazing, and the story was just as amazing. Her recently released book is definitely a must-read. Don't have a copy yet? Enter to win here.


Next, we had Lisa Kessler read from her also recently released book Night Thief, which has a very beautiful cover, by the way. She was worried about her French, but I think it was great. Lisa is such a happy person that even when she read, she sounded happy :)




Finally, we had Jenn LeBlanc. She started the first After Dark Session in the Lady Jane's Salon history in San Diego. Her book was super big with illustrations of sexy people and it was pink!!! It was compilation of images and 6 books. I'm excited to get to know her more! I also met Kati Rodriguez from Regency Rockstars on Facebook and got some swags to give away! If you want to win trading cards (not signed) for The Rake and the Recluse, just leave a comment with your email address. No address, no entry. 4 winners, International, Ends October 30, 2012



Good luck everyone!

CBLS Book Review/Giveaway: Love's Debt by Rachel Brimble


Title: Love's Debt
Author: Rachel Brimble
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Length: 81 pages
Genres: Historical Romance

BUY LINK(S):
The Wild Rose Press |Amazon (Kindle)

BLURB:
To keep herself from the depths of poverty, Milly Shepherd needs to be appointed manager of the Red Lion Tavern. The elderly owner is in failing health and has promised her the job permanently if no one more suitable applies. Milly will fight with her entire being to make the job her own.

Joseph Jacobs needs to supplement his income to pay off his father’s creditors and save him from debtor’s prison. Though the job as manager of the local tavern looks promising, Milly is favored by both the owner and customers.  Instead, Joseph swallows his pride and agrees to tend bar.

As they work together, their attraction grows, their goals cross, and both Millie and Joseph find they must face their fears …the question is whether they face them alone or together?


Excerpt #1
Joseph Jacobs closed the tavern door behind him and paused a moment to take in his surroundings. As a man used to looking over his shoulder and sensing trouble, experience taught him to be aware of others before they became aware of you. He narrowed his gaze. The meager number of patrons at the tables surprised him at an hour when he expected the bar to be fairly busy. He glanced at the clock; maybe it wasn’t time for the workers yet.

He shifted his gaze to the woman standing beneath the clock and his heart kicked. Her green-gold eyes held him where he stood. She stared and Joseph swallowed, willing some words to come forth from his frozen tongue or at least a smile to curve his paralyzed lips.

She lifted her eyebrows and slowly pulled a cloth from her shoulders. Her hair was a mass of fire-tipped curls around her oval face, her skin creamy-white and her parted lips, a soft delicate pink. Joseph cleared his throat and belatedly removed his hat.“Good evening, miss.”

Her smile slipped easily into place. “Good evening to you, sir.” Her voice was smooth, clear and full of confidence. “Are you looking to quench your thirst or just planning on soaking up the atmosphere?”

Joseph inhaled a long breath through flared nostrils as if trying to smell her. Something told him she’d smell of lavender…or maybe musk. Something to throw a man off guard, to lower his defenses.

He stepped forward. “Neither. I am looking for the landlord. Would you happen to know if he’s available?”

Her gaze lingered on his a moment longer before she looked to the four glasses at the table beside her. She grasped them expertly between her fingers and carried them behind the bar without answering his question.

Joseph couldn’t take his gaze from the natural sway of her hips beneath the deep burgundy dress she wore, the bustle a little too prominent for the current fashion showing her lack of money to afford better. Why else would a woman with the features of an artist’s model be working in a tavern unless necessity demanded it?


Excerpt #2
“No, I take it from here.” His jaw tightened. “I mean it, Milly. I don’t want you in there.”

“Why are we arguing about this? I thought we’d built a trust between us.”

His gaze darted over her face, lingered at her lips. “This has nothing to do with trust.”

“Then what?”

“Pride. If I haven’t got that…if I’ve stooped so low as to put a woman at risk, then there’s no point in going on at all. I won’t do it, Milly. I won’t expose you to whatever is behind that door. If you can’t stay here, then go back to the tavern. I’ll see you there shortly.”

His face was set, his shoulders stiff and Milly’s irritation grew. She poked a finger into his chest. It was like iron. She swallowed. “Have you heard the saying, pride before a fall?” He nodded. “Good, because if people don’t reach out to other people, Joseph Jacobs, they fall further than ever with nobody there to catch them.”

“Milly--”

She raised her hand. “Go. Do what you want. I’ve got more important things to worry about that a man full of so much pride, he looks fit to burst.”

Turning, Milly gripped her bag tightly in her hand and strode away. She did not look back, and she didn’t stop walking. Her stupid heart had let her down. Made her get involved in a man’s life and begin to care about him. Well, the buck stopped there. No more. If Joseph Jacobs ever needed her help again, he could take a long walk off the dock.

Blinking against the rare sting of tears, she tilted her chin and retraced her steps across town. Her shift at the tavern started in an hour’s time, but that didn’t matter; there was always plenty to be done and at least there, she was appreciated. Joseph certainly didn’t see what was right in front of his damn face.

Yet each step that took her across town weighed heavier and heavier. She’d seen where he and his father lived. It was little better than a hovel. She’d seen the newspapers stuffed around the window frames in an attempt to keep out the cold, the bare floorboards, and thick layers of soot from the fireplace spilling into the room. The landlady should be seeing to that, all of it. Bitter resentment furled in Milly’s stomach as her past flashed through her mind. She’d pulled her family from the gutter, and the future looked brighter than ever before.

Which didn’t help the nagging feeling that she could do more—wanted to do more to help Joseph. But she couldn’t. It would mean putting a hold on her own plans. All for a man she had hardly known more than two weeks.

She curled her hands into fists. This feeling inside her was new. This sense of wanting to fight for someone outside of her family. How had it gotten like this? To kiss him was bad enough, but to have this…this fear for him? That scared her more than anything.


Review

I truly, immensely enjoyed this book! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE historical romance? This book just re-emphasizes that fact.

One thing I was sad about this book was that it was so short! There was so much story to tell and I felt like I got cheated on that note. Other than that, this book was amazing with minimal editing issues.

Milly was such a headstrong woman - just like her mother - and I longed to be just like her when I was reading this book. She was a no-nonsense woman and she worked hard for what she wanted. There was nothing she couldn't have if she set her mind into it.

Joseph on the other hand was a gentleman who had faced cruel life changes. Thanks to his gambling father, they came from being an affluent family, to a family who lived in a one-bedroom apartment and a whole lot of debt.

Put these two together and a rich story was formed. Seriously, I can't even begin to comprehend how I'm going to justify the magnificence of this book. The author truly was amazing in that I could picture the setting in my head and it was BEAUTIFUL. With that said, I'll leave you with my two favorite scenes.

He drank deeply, swiping his hand over his mouth. He turned around. "I have just come from town. I have a new job. No, a second job."

A flicker of surprise showed in his father's gaze before he blinked, and it was gone again. "Doing what?"
"Joseph puffed out his chest and beat it with his fist in irony. "Why, I can now add bartending to my list of growing trades."

His father's eyes widened. "Bartending...but that's insane. A man of your stature does not tend bar."

Joseph laughed. "My stature? And pray tell me my stature, Father. I live in a room rented to me by the drunken wife of an often absent husband. I haul loads from incoming ships and then pack them on again for an outbound journey. I come back to the single room I share with my father, once upon a time a respected lawyer. Please. Remind me of my superior stature."
"Take my advice, Milly girl. Leave it a week. Let a man deal with his own trouble for a while. It's only when they see how much they need a woman do they want her with all their damn stupid hearts. Mark my words."

Go buy this book!! Or enter the giveaway :)

Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bathin the UK.  She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.

Represented by USagent Dawn Dowdle, of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family.  Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

Contact Rachel at:
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/rachelbrimbleor @rachelbrimble

Guest Post: Michelle Madow's Top 5 Favorite Makeup Products

When I saw a fellow blogger (Ren's Rambles) with a guest post from Michelle Madow, a bright idea popped into my head: Why don't I ask her to stop by my blog, too? So, I did. Luckily, she had time for me and now, here she is! Check out her awesome guest post!


Top Five Favorite Make-Up Products

I’m so excited to be doing make up products for a top five! A lot of time people assume that just because someone is a book worm, it means they don’t like make-up and fashion. Which in my case is a TOTALLY wrong assumption! I love anything beauty-related, and can’t wait to share my favorite products with you.

Since I own a large amount of beauty products, this top five will focus on my favorite make-up products for daily wear—the ones I can’t live without. Enjoy!

1) Urban Decay Naked Palettes (Naked 1 & Naked 2)

These eye shadow palettes are the BEST! The colors are “universally flattering,” so they look good on everyone. The neutral colors are great, because you can get a classic look without appearing like you went overboard with your makeup. There’s a nice mix of shimmer, glitter, and matte shades, along with lighter and darker colors. You can do light colors for the day, and use the dark colors to create a smoky eye at night! (The dark colors can also be used as eye liner.)
Arianne: I LOVE neutral palettes! They're pretty much all I wear.


2) MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden

I have been using this bronzer for over ten years—it’s my absolute favorite! After I’m finished doing my makeup, I use a big powder brush (MAC 187) and put this bronzer all over my face and neck. It gives an instant summer glow, so you look tan and healthy even in the winter months.

187 Duo Fibre Brush

3) YSL Anti-Cernes Concealer

I have been using this concealer for about six years. I have terrible dark circles under my eyes, and this concealer does an excellent job covering them up. I never go out without my concealer on. Once applied, my entire eye area looks so much brighter! It makes a huge difference.
Arianne: This is the MOST BEAUTIFUL concealer I've ever seen. I just LOVE YSL packaging. Too bad I can't afford them. The packaging alone makes me want to buy their products.


4) YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cil

Six years ago I noticed a friend of mine always had amazingly thick, dramatic lashes. I asked what mascara she used, and it was this one. I bought it, and it’s still my favorite mascara out there! It creates volume for a false lash effect without clumping or drying. I’ve had people ask me if I have false lashes on when I wear this mascara! 
Arianne: I wonder if this works for me since I have such short eyelashes. I don't suppose this creates an illusion that I have longer, thicker lashes?


5) Skylark Ava and Sophia Lip Gloss

This is the first product for Elle & Blair Fowler’s makeup line, Skylark. I just got these lip glosses last week, and I am LOVING them! The light-pink “Ava” color is fun for the day, and the berry “Sophia” color is beautiful for night! I prefer the Sophia color for my skin tone—it’s such a gorgeous color. The gloss also stays for a decent amount of time, and isn’t too sticky. 
Arianne: I might consider this line if they come out with more lip gloss shades. Those aren't really my go-to colors.


Thank you, Arianne, for having me on your blog!  

Author Bio:

Michelle Madow was inspired to write Remembrance after seeing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video while a junior at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. The song and video gave her the story idea about a high school girl reincarnated from Regency Era, England. She handed in the first chapter as a homework assignment for class, and when her teacher and classmates wanted her to continue writing, she decided to go for it. By the end of the school year, her first novel was completed!

For more information on Michelle and her books, visit www.michellemadow.com.

Michelle lives in Florida, where she is hard at work writing more novels for young adults.


The final part of the Transcend Time Series, Timeless, comes out on November 20, 2012. Be sure to read the first two parts, Remembrance and Vengeance, first!

    

Release Day Blitz: Shallow by Georgia Cates


Shallow

Going Under Series Book 2
By Georgia Cates 

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary 

Cover Artist: Georgia Cates 

Book Description:
 Nick Hawke likes his car fast and his girls even faster. He blows through females quicker than his muscle car races down the drag strip in Collinsville and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Determined to avoid the devastation he has watched his father endure in the aftermath of his mother leaving, he believes there is no room in his life or his heart for a relationship lasting more than one night. He seeks happiness in things that won’t let him down...fast cars, parties and one night stands. To his absolute dismay, all of that changes when he unexpectedly runs into an old friend and is introduced to Payton Archer, the first girl he ever wanted for more than one night. There’s only one catch...she is completely immune to him and his smooth talking ways.

Payton Archer is looking for what Claire has with Jessie, but she has given up on finding it...at least until she leaves for college in the Fall because she is certain that is where she will find the perfect guy to fit into her perfect world. She plans on Summer being nothing but three uneventful months of fun, but it turns out to be anything but ordinary when Payton is introduced to Nick Hawke, one of Jessie’s old Collinsville friends. She is shocked by her immediate and intense attraction for “Hawke” because nothing about him is what Payton is looking for. Sure, he’s hot and sexy but he comes from Collinsville and that is definitely not on her list of prerequisites. Everything about him makes Payton’s heart speed because he is exciting and dangerous, but his fast car and the dangerous chances he takes isn’t what scares Payton the most...it’s the way Nick Hawke makes her feel every time he looks at her. Can Payton find that moment of total fearlessness and make the decision to leave the safe, shallow end of love to risk going under completely?

Chapter 1
Sex Tricks Jedi

Payton

Why the hell was I driving to Collinsville to watch Dane Wickam race? And better yet, how had I let him talk me into making a two-hundred dollar bet that he would win? I didn’t know jack about racing and if I had to guess, Dane didn’t either. Sure, his parents bought him a fast, new Porsche for graduation, but that didn’t mean he knew how to race it.

I came to a stop at a red light just before we entered Collinsville, Jessie’s old stomping ground, and looked up in my rearview mirror at him sitting in my backseat. “Hey, Jessie, do you know this guy Dane is going to race?”

“Yeah, I went to school with Hawke at Collinsville. We were in the same class.”

“Hawke?” I laughed and the only thing I could picture was some guy with a big hooked nose like a bad cartoon. “What kind of name is Hawke? His mom is wrong for doing that to him.”

“His name is Nick Hawke, but everyone calls him Hawke and the name suits him pretty well. He’s well known as somewhat of a predator.”

That didn’t sound like a compliment. “A predator? You mean like a hunter?”

I watched Jessie laughing in my mirror. “No, girls are his chosen prey.”

Claire turned around in her seat to look at Jessie. “That’s funny because I was under the impression that the Collinsville ladies’ man left when you came to East Franklin.”

“No, Hawke was always the favorite among the chicks. They love his pretty face. I swear he can sweet talk himself into any girl’s pants, so I want you to keep your distance from him. I don’t want you falling for any of his Jedi sex tricks.”

What tha’? I spun around to look at Jessie sitting in the backseat behind Claire. “Did you just say Jedi sex tricks?”

Somehow in the midst of turning to look at Jessie, I forgot I was the one in the driver’s seat and my foot accidentally slipped off the brake and pounded onto the accelerator.

“Payton, look out!” Claire squealed just before I rammed into the back of the car stopped in front of us.

The whole thing happened in a split second. Shit. My parents were going to kill me. I didn’t have the best driving record ever, but at least I’d never gotten into an accident. So much for my clean accident-free driving history.

Jessie leaned toward me in the driver’s seat. “Yes, I said Jedi sex tricks.”

“Shut up,” I barked as I looked at the car in front of us to assess the damage but I couldn’t tell anything from inside the car. I watched the driver sling his door open and get out to look at the back of his car before he turned and stared at me with narrowed eyes.

Oh. My. Gosh. I just mated my Lexus with a P.O.S. Camaro being driven by quite possibly the hottest guy I’d ever seen. The problem, other than the obvious? He was pissed about it...like really pissed and he was staring at me like he could strangle me.

“Uh, I don’t think you should get out of the car. He looks really mad. Maybe we should just call in the accident and wait on the police to come,” Claire suggested.

“Nah, I’ve got this.” Jessie opened the door and was out of my car before Claire could object. He was Claire’s knight in shining armor and because I was the bestie without a boyfriend, he took it upon himself to be my protector as well. That was just Jessie.

I cracked my window as he walked by. “Hey, Kimosabe, do you think you can manage to not take a gunshot wound or knife to the gut? You know you don’t have a really great track record with confrontation.”

Without looking back, he flipped me off over his shoulder and I turned to Claire. “You really need to teach your boyfriend some manners.”

She rolled her eyes as she shook her head. “Apparently I’m not very successful at that. I haven’t managed to teach you any over the years.”

“I have manners, but you know my motto. Why be difficult, when with only a little bit of effort, you can be impossible?”

Claire shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she watched Jessie put his hands on his hips and turn back to look at us in the car. “There are a lot of other things you could excel at besides being a smart ass,” she argued.

“I'm sorry you find my normal behavior to be highly inappropriate, Princess.”

“Nope, you know that you don’t get to call me that,” Claire protested. “Jessie is the only one with that privilege.”

Jessie turned from talking with ‘hot guy I just slammed into’ and walked around to Claire’s side of the car. She rolled down her window and Jessie leaned in with his arms resting on top of my car and looked at Claire. “Warning...This is going to go over like a turd in the punchbowl.”

I leaned around Claire to see Jessie. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“He says that he won’t sue if you’ll go out with him.” He was laughing as he said it.

I looked at Jessie and waited for the punchline. “You need to stop trying to be a clown because there’s not a circus in town.”

He held his hands up like he was an innocent party, but he was still laughing. “That’s what he said.”

“Oh, hell to the naw,” I announced as I waved my finger in the pattern of an imaginary zig zag. I slung my car door open and said, “I only need a minute to take care of this.”

“Be nice, Payton. You did just run into the back of his car,” Claire reminded me.

I slung my car door shut and straightened my short skirt before I walked toward Mr. Prince of Nothing Charming in my four inch wedge heels. This was going to be the most fun I would have all night so I better take advantage of it.

Damn. The closer I got, the more I realized how great looking this jerk was. His hair was dark and longer than I liked, but it fit him so perfectly the way the untamed tendrils curled and stuck to the perspiration along his hairline. He reached to shove a lock out of his face and his chocolate brown eyes pierced mine as though he saw straight through to my soul. My own heart betrayed me as it began to race without my permission and my breath was held hostage in the back of my throat as I wondered what his slightly scruffy face would feel like against my jaw.

Snap out of it, Dummy! I reminded myself that this guy was actually trying to blackmail me into a date.
Cars crept by and the occupants rubbernecked in our direction hoping to see something exciting. I stopped in front of him, crossed my arms and got down to business. “So, I have to go out with you if I don’t want to get sued, huh? Are you kiddin’ me, dude? That’s called blackmail.”

He gave me a big lopsided seductive grin and I was certain it wasn’t the first time he had used it to get what he wanted. “Some might call it extortion, but yeah...I think a date would be adequate compensation for any damage that may have occurred.”

I turned to look at the back of his car and saw that neither of our vehicles had suffered any damage during my unfortunate Jedi sex trick mishap. I could have argued that there was nothing to be compensated for, but I felt like having a little fun with this guy. “Do you have something I could use to write my contact information on?”

His lopsided grin oozed with satisfaction and turned up on both sides to reveal two of the cutest dimples I had ever seen. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. “Don’t need it. I’ll put you in my phone,” he said as he stood there waiting to hear my digits.

He was going to add me in his cell phone, today’s version of the Little Black Book. He didn’t see the smirk on my face because he was busy looking at his phone while I called off, “5-5-5-3-9-8-5. Vivian Archer, Attorney at Law. She’s my mother and your attorney may contact her so they may discuss the conditions of your claim against me.”

Okay, that was a little bit of a lie. My mother had not practiced law in years, but he didn’t have to know that. His sexy little grin faded and mine spread bigger as I said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have money riding on a race and I’d like to be there to collect my winnings.”
Then his lopsided grin returned. “A race, huh? I heard about that. I hope you bet on Hawke instead of that spoiled rich kid from East Franklin or you can expect to kiss your money good-bye.”

So, he was a ‘know it all’ also. “As a matter of fact, I did not bet on anyone named after a bird. My money is riding on the brand new Porsche.”

In his fitted black T-shirt and dark washed jeans, he stepped back and leaned against his old black Camaro. He crossed his arms and I suspected he did so to call attention to his muscular, tanned biceps. Mission accomplished.

“You placed a bet on a car with no consideration for the driver? That’s known as bad betting, Doll Face. I hope you didn’t wager a lot of money because you are going to lose.”

I shifted my weight to one leg and kept my arms crossed over my chest. “I have two Benjamins on the Porsche that is going to win.”

He let out a high pitched whistle. “Wow, you seem very confident in your car, so how would you feel about upping your ante since you’re so positive the Porsche will leave Hawke in the dust?”

I wish I could, but I didn’t have cash on me and I doubted this jerk took credit. “Sorry, no can do unless I can swipe my Visa up your ass crack.”

He laughed as he said, “Wow, I didn’t expect anything like that to come out of that beautiful little delicate mouth of yours.”

His statement alone showed he didn’t know all he thought he did because it was a rare occasion that anything delicate came out of my mouth. “You’d be surprised.”

He cocked his head slightly and smiled, a sure sign that he was intrigued by my less than ladylike statement. “I love surprises.”

I heard a car honk its horn in the distance. “In case you forgot, we’re in the middle of the road holding up traffic,” I reminded him.

He displayed his lack of concern with the traffic by the wave of his hand in their direction. “They can wait. I have a proposal for you.”

I suddenly thought of Demi Moore and Robert Redford in Indecent Proposal. “A decent proposal, I hope.”

He smiled and I was pretty sure he understood my reference to the movie.

“Don’t worry, Doll Face. It’s a decent proposal,” he promised. “I’d like to make a side bet with you. If your car wins, I’ll give you two-hundred bucks in addition to the winnings you’ll receive from the pot on the bet you have already placed.”

Wait for it. Wait for it. Where was the catch? “I’m listening, but I didn’t hear what you are proposing I wager?”

There was that seductive lopsided grin again. “I only ask that you agree to one night with me.”

Was he kiddin’ me? There was no way that could be considered a decent proposal. The way he said it was so seductive and I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by ‘one night with him.’ I was speechless. I was breathless. I was curious.

His expression became smug as he lifted one eyebrow and said, “I guess you’re not as confident as you claim to be or this would be a no-brainer.”

Shizzle, that eyebrow lift thing he did was sexy. I mentally pimp slapped myself and doused my face with ice water. I managed to gather some words but I wasn’t sure how convincing I sounded when I squeaked out, “I’m very confident that my driver is going to win.”

“Okay, prove it then. Accept my bet,” he provoked.

There it was. He challenged me and totally got my competitive juices flowing. I knew I shouldn’t agree to it because what would I be proving? Nothing...but it sure would be funny to wipe that grin of his face and it never hurt to make an extra two-hundred bucks. “I’m not afraid, so I’ll take your challenge.”

He held his hand out to me and I looked at it like it was a snake in the Garden of Eden. I reached to take it and asked, “Can I safely assume that you will be at the race and that you won’t run off with my money after Dane wins?”

He laughed at me and I might have been pissed about it except I got to see his gorgeous dimples again. “There won’t be any running off with your money, Doll Face. I’ll be looking for you so we can settle up on our night together.”

His cockiness pissed me off so I was the one to pull my hand free from his. “I think you’ve delighted me long enough with your trash talk. I have a race to watch.”

“And I have a race to win,” he said before he got into his car. He started the engine and it roared loudly, just like a race car. I stood frozen in the middle of the road and watched him pull away as I realized I never asked his name.

Shit! Was that Nick Hawke and had I unknowingly been preyed upon by the Sex Tricks Jedi? I did not want to admit it, but I think I had just been bested. I walked with my tail tucked between my legs and got into the car.

“What’s wrong, Payton?” Claire asked when I didn’t volunteer an explanation.

“Hell just froze over,” I said as I stared ahead at the spot once occupied by a Camaro and its driver.

“Oh, shit!” I heard Jessie growl from the back seat. “I know that look.”

I turned around and said, “That was him, wasn’t it? Nick Hawke? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t give me a chance to tell you anything before you hopped out of the car with promises of man handling him. You said that you only needed a minute to straighten him out and I believed you,” Jessie reminded me.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and Claire recognized that as my signature move when I was stressed. “You’re pinching your nose. What’s wrong? What did he say to you?”

I felt stupid and played and I wasn’t telling them about my ignorant bet with Nick Hawke unless I had to...if I lost.

“Nothing, Claire. Let’s just go watch this race and get it over with.” And hope Dane drove that Porsche like he stole it.


About the Author:

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was her first novel and it was released in September 2011. She decided to briefly step away from the paranormal genre to try her hand at a young adult contemporary romance when she wrote Going Under, but returned to the paranormal romance platform to complete the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series, Blood Jewel.

Her current works in progress are Shallow (A Going Under Novel) which will release on September 27th and Blood Doll (The Vampire Agápe Series #3), to be released in January 2013.

Pink Spotlight (12) : "Cute" Variety


First, I received some goodies from Kieran Kramer. I won giveaway for some swags, but since I've already received them before, she sent me a new, different set of goodies! Seriously, she has such a variety! Thank you Kieran!


Before class on a Monday, I decided to stop by Staples to pick up some pink things. I needed a folder to put resumes and headshots when I go to job interview or auditions. They had one in a coral shade and then they had the one pictured below. I liked the purple-pink rather than the coral-pink. I also needed a new thumb drive and I knew they had a pink one before, so I specifically asked for it. While waiting for the associate to find me my pink drive, I walked around looking at other merchandise. I saw an island of Sharpies and decided it was time for me to get a pink Sharpie. There were metallic ones, too; I'll get them another time :)


One night, my roommate and I ended up in Big Lots. I didn't know Big Lots was some kind of a discount store. I saw the shelf of hand soaps for $1 and I couldn't help myself. I had to get the scents I liked.


Finally, as mentioned in my New Design post a couple weeks ago, I purchased two phone cases. The second one is pictured below: black background outlined with white flowers. I quite like it :)


I've been looking for blank cards. Finally, I caved in when I saw how cute they were, even though they were almost $9. I calculated the cost per card, and I thought it was still a good deal, especially with such cute design. I've already used the blue card and envelope to send Matt Bomer a birthday card!



I finally received my copy of Maze Runner by James Dashner. I was so excited, I can't wait to read it. I'll try to read fast and really limit the books I sign up for review so I can catch up on the books I actually own.


I got the following ebooks. I didn't want to put the images since most are in the adult genre.

-Menage Bound by Sascha Illyvich - for blog tour review
-Wild for You by Sophia Knightly - free on Amazon
-Bittersweet Symphony by JoAnne Kenrick - for blog tour review
-Shades of Blood by L.M. Pruitt - for blog tour review
-Take Me Now by Giselle London - free on Amazon
-Everything He Desires by Liz Lovewell - free on Amazon
-Family Secrets by Stephanie Amox - free on Amazon last weekend
-Honor Bound by Brenda Novak - free on Amazon


What have you received this week?

Top 10 Tuesday: Series I Haven't Finished

This is my second time participating in this meme! The first time was posted on Reading on the Wild Side for the top 10 list of bookish people I wanted to meet. I don't like making lists, but I decided I'll participate when I can easily make a list for the assigned topic for that week.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they were particularly fond of lists.

Top 10 Series I Haven't Finished (in no particular order):

1. Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
I think I read three books in this series. It just doesn't appeal to me. It's quite boring to be honest. I've only finished 2 seasons of True Blood, too. I can't make myself watch or read any more. Maybe down the road I'll pick them up again.


2. Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts
I just want to prolong this series. I've read three out of the four books already. I just don't want to read the last one and finish the series completely. You could say I'm savoring the knowledge that I still have one more book to look forward to.


3. Brenna Blixen Novels by Liz Reinhardt
I just haven't gotten a copy of Slow Twitch yet. Eventually I will, hopefully.


4. House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristin Cast
The books have become very magical as opposed to just normal vampires. I'm stalling on reading Destined even though I was super excited when I won the book back when it was just released. Now Hidden is coming out and I really should catch up.


5. The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel
Ever drives me nuts. Dark Flame just annoyed me so much, I didn't want to continue reading the series for a while. I also don't have the fifth book yet, so that's another problem ;)


6. Thirst Series by Christopher Pike
I really enjoyed the first volume of this series. The second volume was weird and I just couldn't imagine what else the author could write. As a result, I wasn't in any hurry to get the third and fourth books, or was it the 5th and 6th??


7. Blue Bloods Series by Melissa De La Cruz
Another one of those where I just haven't got a copy of the most recent book. I miss this series now that I think about it.


8. Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
This is another series that I seem to be savoring. Not sure why, though. I also heard from a friend that the books were transferred to a ghost writer so L.J. Smith isn't even the one writing the books anymore. Besides, the books don't mirror the TV show anyway, so I'm in no hurry to finish the series.


9. Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine
Another series where I don't have one of the books. I already have Black Dawn but I can't read it until I have Last Breath. Someone have pity on me and send it to me, haha!


10. Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer
I read the first book. I attempted to read the second book and it bored me to oblivion. Dare I say more?


So, which series have you not finished yet?

Guest Post/Giveaway: A Practical Arrangement by Nadja Notariani



Practical plans go awry when prim sensibilities unwittingly capture the heart of a scandalous seducer.

Blurb:

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother.  Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm.  Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor.  Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement.  A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior.  Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions.  As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.

Buy Link: Amazon (Kindle)
Guest Post

A Romantic At Heart 

Thanks for inviting me to share with your readers today!

Ahh.  Sweet romance.  Since the first pages of Pride And Prejudice, which I turned as a young teen, I've been hooked on romances.  Rebecca, The Flame And The Flower, Ride The Wind, Zoya, Wanderlust...these are a few of my most memorable reads.  But what draws me into romantic reads?  

I've long been intrigued with this thing we call love.  Some fall in love in an instant, jumping in with both feet and relishing the occasion, while others stand back hesitantly, careful and watching.  Relationship dynamics fascinate me – always have – especially those concerning love.  What is it about a certain person that sparks tender feelings?  The way they move, or carry themselves?  Their intelligence?  Is it how they treat others?  The words they use to express themselves?  Maybe.  Yes.  Positively.  But I imagine that if you ask one hundred people, you'd discover nearly that many answers.  

Within the pages of romance novels, I find all manner of delightful situations in which men and women fall in love.  A gentle first touch, a bold confession, a generous act – these offer the kindling for love to smolder and ignite.  It's a lovely thing to witness.  In short, I am a romantic.  I'm swept off my feet with each and every heroine – and sometimes even harbor secret crushes on those heroes!  I adore those first kisses, those shy and reluctant heroines, and certainly those roguish heroes.  And of course, I relish every happily-ever-after.  

Love – that first epiphany or that long harbored affection – brings out the best in us.  We see the world through a happy lens, curved just so to reveal another human being in a new light or reflect their admirable qualities anew.  Love inspires us to step out and achieve new things.  It bolsters our confidence – knowing someone is behind us all the way.  Love comforts us in times of need or sorrow, wraps us in a blanket of security when things go wrong.  For a romantic like me, love truly does make the world go round.

Are you a romantic at heart?  What does romance look like to you?  If you love – well...love – as much as I do, grab up a novel and indulge in a new romance!

~ Nadja Notariani

Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania.  Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition.  Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.
Nadja resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing new adventures with her husband, three sons and faithful German Shepherd.  She also boasts two grown daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own adventures.
Within her titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal to historical, always with a happily-ever-after.  Nadja enjoys hearing from readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center.  Readers are welcome to contact her via email nadja.notariani@gmail.com
·         Website  http://nadjanotariani.blogspot.com/
·         Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Giveaway

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Free YA Books on Amazon

Check out these awesome books by clicking the images! I've reviewed the first two, so check them out if you like as well! Hurry and get them, I don't know how long they will stay FREE!

Rae of Hope (The Chronicles of Kerrigan)

BOUND (#1 in The Crystor Series)

EXILED (Immortal Essence Series)
This is the new cover for this book!

BECOME (Desolation #1)

The Mystic Wolves

Have you read any of the books above? Did you like them?!