Reading, Writing and Trying to get healthy....

Hi there ladies and the few gents that come around.  If you've been following my blog you've probably noticed that once again I haven't posted in a while besides the weekly Waiting on Wednesday posts.  I'm still working my contest submission and on a short for new project I am working on with a close friend.  I will post more details on that once everything is confirmed.  In the mean time I've read a few more books and have been, as the title of this blog mentions, getting healthy.

How many of us have made a New Year resolution to get healthy? Maybe you want to join a gym, eat healthy, stop smoking, etc.   For many of us it is easier said than done. Personally I’m guilty of making all of the above resolutions and never sticking to them, falling off the wagon a week or in some occasions only days later, giving into temptation once and never picking up where I left off.  This year however I did not make any resolutions.  I figured I never stuck with any of them why start now? 

But you know, I did want to get healthy and not just saying it, so I took matters into my own hands.  Who else would do it if not me?  Obviously the pounds weren’t coming off by themselves so I had to do something and to tell you the truth it’s been hard and expensive but I am finally seeing results.

I started slowly and little by little eliminated one bad thing at time from my diet.  First, I cut out whole milk and gradually moved down to 1%.  I don’t like the taste of skim so this is as low as I am going.  Red meat was cut down to once a week as well and this is hard for me.  I love a good steak but as the saying goes everything in moderation.  My red meat fix was met on a Friday or Saturday night and usually where dancing would be involved after to help process it a little faster.  Sushi, which I love and is healthy if eaten in small amounts, was also reduced to once a week.  Fried foods were avoided and again only once a week or none at all.  I replaced white rice with brown rice and the little soda I was drinking (I cut that out a few years ago) has been completely eliminated and my water intake has increased 50%.  More veggies and fruits have been added to my daily meals as well.  What has also helped was doing  a complete cleaning of the junk/bad foods from my house.  No longer do I keep sugary cereals, white bread, white rice, sugar, vegetable oil and several other things that were an easy go to for a meal.  Like I mentioned before, eating healthy isn't cheap but its a sacrifice for my and my family's health that I am willing to make.

In my next post, along with a small snippet I'm working for you guys, I will talk about the exercise schedule I'm on. Until then happy reading and hope everyone has a fun and safe long Labor Day weekend.

Ria Cruz

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

Expected publication: October 25, 2011

Blurb:

In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya Banks’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Girls Who Bite

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Girls Who Bite: Lesbian Vampire Erotica

Expected publication: September 13th 2011

Dark hungers, shocking thirsts... For blood, for connection… A sharing of nourishment and comfort… Infliction and acceptance of pain…”


A vampire is the ultimate bad girl. The very word invokes images of dark, shadowy liaisons, forbidden desires, and sensual blood lust. Whether depicting a traditional blood-drinker seducing a meal, a psychic vampire stealing life-force from an unknowing host, or a real-life sanguinarian seeking a partner to share a ritual bloodletting to cement a bond, the stories in Girls Who Bite are varied and unexpected. Bestselling romance writer Delilah Devlin and her contributors investigate vampire myths from around the world, adding fresh "blood" to add to the pantheon of paranomal. In Girls Who Bite Devlin delivers a sexy read you can sink your teeth into!

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Mistress's Master

  

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Mistress's Master: Men In Blue, Book 3 by Jayne Rylon

Expected publication: September 6th 2011 by Samhain Publishing

Blurb from Goodreads

Nothing can bring her to her knees—except a dose of her own medicine.

Mistress Lily, proprietress of the elite Black Lily club, battles something more frightening than the dark forces of her own desire. SexOffender, a potent aphrodisiac designer drug with terrifying side effects, is ripping through the BDSM community.

Determined to protect her charges, Lily plays a dangerous game, cozying up to the drug’s creator while secretly smuggling victims to safety. It’s a war she’s losing…until the night she spots an undercover cop at what is supposed to be a private bash.

Blind luck scored Jeremy Radisson the break he needed to get close to Morselli. Gaining the kingpin’s trust, though, means revealing parts of his past as a legendary Dom. And teaming up with a woman who doesn’t have a submissive bone in her body, yet dominates his every fantasy.

When Morselli unexpectedly changes the rules, Lily and Jeremy find themselves pitted against each other in a wicked game of who’s-on-top. Lily’s forced to make a desperate choice to prove her loyalty. Jeremy relies on every ounce of his power to keep her safe without blowing their cover while praying they survive long enough to find out if she’ll kneel for him…forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Warnings
Buckle up! This book is a one-way ticket to Dir-tay Town. Stops along the way include Massive Ménage Village, Sex Machine Square and Fisting City. What else would you expect from an experienced Mistress and the Master who tames her?

2011 Golden Palm Contest & Workshop

Hi everyone;

Sorry I haven't been around much lately.  I'm working on my book-length submission (40,000 words or more) for the 2011 Golden Palm Contest, put together by Florida Romance Writers.  This is the first year they have an Erotic Romance category and the judge is from Ellora's Cave.  The original deadline was for Monday, August 15th but due to low submissions it has been extended until Monday, September 22nd.

I'm planning on submitting Second Chances which is currently at a little over 45,000 words, I printed a draft of it and I'm simply working on a few edits necessary for it to be complete.  Wish me luck.  I will keep you all apprised of the situation.

On another note, I'm in the middle of taking a two week workshop entitled, "Creating Better Heroes: Male POV for the Romance Writer" with Sascha Illyvich.  We've only had one assignment so far but I expect to learn plenty from Sasha.

With that I leave you for now.  My "Waiting on Wednesday" post will be posted later today and I will be sharing some of my new writings as well.

'Til then, take care.

Ria Cruz
Links: Facebook, Goodreads

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Breakaway

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Breakaway by Deirdre Martin (Part of the Blades series)

Expected publication: February 7th 2012

Blurb from Author's Site

They had it all planned out: college, marriage, happily ever after.
But it didn't quite work out that way...

Erin O'Brien was everyone's favorite in Ballycraig, while Rory Brady was the town's golden boy: the local lad who moved to America and became a professional hockey player. Rory promised to return to sweep Erin away to the life of her dreams in New York. But the bright lights and late nights turned his head and he never came back.

Two years later, Rory realizes he's made the worst mistake of his life. Heading back to Ballycraig, he's confident that all he needs to do is flash his winning smile and Erin will fall back into his arms. But Erin's moved on.

Racing the clock, Rory needs to prove to her that the man she fell in love with is still there. But can happy-go-lucky Erin risk it all and give another chance to the man who broke her heart?

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Taking a Shot (A Play-by-Play Novel)

Expected publication: February 12th 2012

If you want to score, you have to get in the game…

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock—even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all—including Ty…

Book Review: An Appetite for Passion by Cynthia MacGregor

Blurb from Goodreads:

Kari meets Max online, and the relationship sizzles. But there is a BIG obstacle--her weight. He knows she loves to eat but doesn’t know what that’s done to her figure. Will it bother him when he finally meets her in person? Meanwhile, Jeff is funny and fun, and Kari loves being with him as a friend, but he admits he has a secret. Could it be that he is, after all, the guilty party in the political campaign sabotage? But if he’s innocent, can Kari prove it and clear Jeff’s name? And can they be more than just friends?

Review: 

This short contemporary romance revolves around Kari, a plus sized publicist with bad luck in love. Her best friend is married with a baby on the way and no longer has time for her. Her friend's husband gets her involved in volunteering with a mayoral candidate where she befriends Jeff, a funny, sweet and lifelong volunteer for different causes. When Kari purchases a computer to get connected she joins a chat room and exchanges recipes with several people.

Online Kari meets Max. He seems to loves her love for food and they share many things in common. When their emails start turning towards flirtation Kari starts falling for him. They exchange pictures but she only sends him a head shot out of the insecurities she has with her body. The online relationship advances over the course of a few weeks when they start calling each other on the phone at night before going to bed.

When Max decides to make the four hour drive to consummate what he and Kari started online she worries he will not like what he sees but figures if he likes her online and over the phone that her weight will not be too much to dwell upon. She even buys a negligee that enhances her figure. Bad weather delays Max's trip and Kari is completely distraught seeking friendly comfort with Jeff, who is slowly falling in love with her, they cook and laugh together but Kari's thoughts revert back to Max.

When Max finally comes by he seems a bit cold and distant but she figures he's tired from his long drive. Unfortunately Kari's deepest fear, that Max doesn't do big woman is proven within 48 hours of the trip leaving her heartbroken.

I liked this story up until Max showed his true colors.  I agree with the character that Kari should have been truthful with him about her size, she had tried to do so many times in their daily emails but always deleted and changed the subject but from that came her feelings for Jeff who never criticized her size and never made fat jokes.  I do feel she had built up the “relationship” with Max in her head a bit more than it actually was, calling him his boyfriend before they had even met in person.

Overall, An Appetite for Passion is a well written contemporary romance with real, believable characters.

Rating: 3 ½ stars

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Belong to Me

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Belong to Me by Shayla Black

 

Belong To Me
Wicked Lovers, Book 5
Publisher: Berkley HEAT
ISBN-13: 978-0425243152
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: Erotic Romance

She’s undercover and in over her head…

When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs’ fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a Dallas BDSM club called Dominion. But no man can top a woman with Tara’s moxie convincingly enough—until an edgy, dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and sets her heart racing with a single, commanding glance. Too bad he’s also the man who stole her innocence years ago—and the one to whom she will never submit.

He’s got everything under control…until he falls for her again.

Navy SEAL Logan Edgington once left the woman he loved to save her life. He knows Tara will never forgive him, but he has no doubt that he possesses the knowledge to master her fears and the strength to guide her through an unfamiliar world of pleasure and pain. He alone can protect her on a dangerous mission that reveals both wicked depravities and terrible secrets. Logan relishes the exquisite torture of holding her again, feeling her uninhibited response. No matter how much Tara insists their fling will end after this mission, he’s determined that she will be his again—and this time, he’ll never let her go.

 

Breaking the Rules...Smells so good

This one is for Deb...hope you enjoy an unedited excerpt from Breaking the Rules, the follow up story to Second Chances.  Feedback is welcome.  

**Warning story is erotic in nature and is for adult readers only***

Taking advantage of Tony’s state of deep sleep, Rachel slowly slid under the cool bed sheets and lowered her head to the semi erect cock that tented the fabric.  With a hand on each side of his muscled thighs she nuzzled the dark hair that covered them and inhaled his crisp clean masculine musk.  The intoxicating scent made her mouth water.  Never in her twenty nine years would she have imagined being drawn to a man’s cock for the mere scent.  Biting her lower lip Rachel held back a laugh.  Tony was definitely a good change in her life.  Taking another deep breathe in she felt him shift slightly making her stop momentarily.

“Are you okay down there?” Tony asked with a chuckle in his rough morning voice.

Smiling to no one but herself Rachel sat back on her heels letting the sheet slide off.  Streaks of the morning sunlight peaked through the cracks in the blinds covering the tall windows of her room granting her a wonderful view of his muscular chest and tattooed arms.  “Good morning,” she leaned forward and dropped a kiss on his sculpted abs.  The muscles below his tanned skin bunched up then relaxed.

Sitting up Tony lifted her by the arms and pulled her to kiss her mouth. “Good morning to you,” he whispered trailing his mouth down her chin then up to her ear.  With a lick and a tug he told her, “Seemed like you were lost for a minute” he breathed against her skin and rubbed his now fully erect cock brush against her inner thighs that were now slick with her arousal.  He did this to her everytime. 

With a moan Rachel kissed him back flicking her tongue against his plump lower lip then tugged it in deeper until he responded with equal hunger.  Her pussy fluttered with need but she pulled away from him, “I was just enjoying how good you smell” Rachel told him kissing and nibbling down his neck, laved at his collarbone then ventured lowered.  She covered his tattooed chest with wet kisses before she stopped to suck and pull the metal barbell pierced through his left nipple.

 “Thank you?” his eyebrows rose in question as she continued rousing his senses and licked a path across his chest, tugging on his other nipple, “No one’s ever said that before.”

With an ear to ear grin Rachel continued on her way to originally destination, his delicious cock.  “Really? What do they usually say?” she asked reaching the patch of closely trimmed curls around his long hard shaft.

Tony let out a deep masculine moan, “Do you really want to hear this while you’re doing that?” he asked obviously frustrated by her teasing. His chest heaved heavily.

Wrapping a hand at the base Rachel gave him a few gentle pulls, “Yes. Tell me,” she wanted to know what his previous lovers thought of his magnificent cock.  It was a good nine inches when fully erect, perfectly formed, thick but not outrageously so.  There was such a thing as too big, at least for her.

Tony covered her hand with his own guiding it up and down in lazy slow strokes. Clearing his throat he finally answered, “They’ve said that it was hard… and long… and thick…” he told her before going silent when she lowered her head again and swiped her tongue across the slit licking up the drops of liquid that pearled there.  He tasted sweet and salty and spicy and manly.

“Yes, those are true but you also smell good and taste just as wonderful” With that she licked him from head to base then back up again.  She applied pressure to the large vein that coursed under it then repeated the same treatment to the rest of his shaft.  Finally when his hot flesh throbbed under her Rachel took him in her mouth and sucked hard bring the spongy flesh to the back of her throat then retracted causing Tony to groan...

A day late but here is my "Waiting on" Wednesday post...

*Sorry I'm posting this on Thursday but I had major car problems last night and was not able to get to my computer on time to set everything up. Stay posted for an excerpt from my erotic romance "Breaking the Rules"*

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: Men Out of Uniform: Three Novellas of Erotic Surrender

Expected publication: October 4th 2011

The hottest thing about a man in uniform is imagining him out of it...
They may enforce the rules, but when men in uniform are off duty and under the covers, they're experts at breaking them. In this searingly sexy anthology, popular authors Maya Banks, Sylvia Day, and Karin Tabke present men in uniform-unzipped... 

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Changing the Game (A Play-by-Play Novel)

Expected Publication Date: August 2, 2011

This is book two in Ms. Burton's Play by Play series.

Blurb:

Sports agent Liz Darnell will do anything to win back her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley. And Gavin's more than ready- especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of all.

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dark Taste of Rapture, Book 6 in Gena Showalter's Alien Huntress Series

Expected Publication Date: August 23, 2011

From Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter captivates with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, and a powerful AIR agent consumed by his desire for a woman he can never have. . . .
With one caress, he can give unforgettable pleasure . . . or unending pain. . . .
 
Hector Dean is shaved, tattooed, and totally ripped—and he has a deadly secret. He is a walking weapon, capable of killing with a single brush of his fingertips. Little wonder he’s determined to remain on his own. But Noelle Tremain is a temptation like no other. She is beautiful and rich, with a party girl smile that hides a shocking vulnerability, and from the beginning his sizzling attraction to her is undeniable. For the first time, his stone-cold resistance is tested. But to be with her, he risks destroying her.

When a wealthy businessman is murdered in New Chicago’s seediest district, the two are partnered, and there’s no escaping what they both want: each other. Yet neither Hector nor Noelle knows what to fear more—the killer case, or their own lethal desires. . . .

What I am Working On...

Hi Ladies and Gents:

I know I haven't posted anything in a little while but I wanted to share a small unedited portion from my paranormal/shifter romance.

This mini scene is a flashback our heroine Nina has on the drive to her godfather's estate.  Not only was he her legal guardian after her parent's accident, Zachary Martin was the pack's Alpha and had requested her presence at the Harvest Festival.  She tried getting out of it but Zach sends his Beta to pick her up.  Knowing its best not to push his furry buttons any more Nina reluctantly packs a bag and endures the three hour drive to the Catskill Mountains.  I hope you like it.

The sounds from the ground below drifted through the open window of the air conditioned dance studio as Nina Giraldi walked to the large audio system installed in the side wall. Sliding the small mirrored door over she pushed a series of the buttons until Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2 drowned out the laughter, chatter and occasional growling from the Spring Run festivities. Just in case she turned the volume up three more notches to make sure she wouldn’t hear the sounds of the annual celebration.

This was the first year Nina decided not to attend. It was too painful and embarrassing to sit around while everyone else her age shifted into their wolf forms like they were supposed to once puberty hit, but here she was days away from her sixteenth birthday and still nothing. Most wolves started shifting between the ages of twelve to fifteen. Like it wasn’t bad enough that she was a half-breed mutt and orphan, Nina thought.

Removing the light sweater she wore over her purple leotard and tights Nina tried to convince herself that she should be happy about not having to endure the physical pain of it all. But that wasn’t enough. It was more than just going through the pain. It was a rite of passage to adulthood for the members of the pack. Sort of like when humans handed their sixteen year old son or daughter, who just got their driver’s license, the keys to a brand new car. A lot of power in inexperienced hands. Marching over to the large window she slammed it closed trying to avoid looking down at her classmates and friends. Now the dance studio was practically sound proof.

Today was the day, she decided turning around and lowering her arms to form a circle with her palms facing each other, the edge of her hands resting on her thighs. Her attention ahead. Pulling her shoulders back Nina prepared herself mentally for the dance to come. Tchaikovsky was one of her favorites. The music was strong and powerful but above all of that dancing to it was the only thing close to feeling like her parents were still alive...

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Deeper Than Midnight, which is 9th installment of of one of my favorite Paranormal Romance series, The Midnight Breed by author Lara Adrian. 

Release date: June 28, 2011 (only a few days away)

Blurb from Goodreads

At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vampire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well--the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.

Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos's most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he's hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he'll go to end Drago's reign of evil--even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne's tender heart.

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Prowl the Night by Crystal Jordan

Release Date: October 2011

From the Author's Website:

They are Panthers, sleek and sultry shapeshifters who survive by banding together and mating for life. Theirs is a world of unmatched power and uncontrollable passion…

Crave Me

As newly appointed heir to his Pride, Tomas Montoya struggles with both his new duties and his new mate. He craves the dark and dangerous pleasure he finds with Ciri but wonders if he can ever satisfy her need for more…

Want Me

Teresa Garcia has seen how loving and losing a mate can drive someone mad and she has no interest in experiencing that herself. But when she meets Rafael Santiago, she wants him like no other. Driven by desire, she hungers for his body with a fierce and feral passion…

Shadow Cat - Book Review

Reviewed by request of author.

Shadow Cat by Reena Jacobs is a paranormal erotic romance that takes place in the Malaysian rain forest. On a research expedition that pharmaceutical CEO Eric Randall meant to be a working vacation and an attempt to get away from a marriage obsessed girlfriend, he finds himself drawn to a beautiful native, attacked, left for dead and then rescued by our heroine. Berani is a Kemering (wehr-tiger) and healer who is trying to get the researchers off her land and protect her clan when she stumbles upon Eric. Even with language as a barrier and the constant obstacles thrown at them: his fever hallucinations of her trying to harm him, her attracting other males when she goes into heat and attacks by blood sucking creatures, Eric and Berani fight it out together and have their HEA (happily ever after).

Well written, very detailed and steamy hot where it needed to be. This is the first of Ms. Jacobs’ books that I’ve had a chance to read and hope that it won’t be the last.

4 stars