A @TrashyWriter Double Cover Reveal!

One of my favorite people, “Trashy Writer” extrordinaire Amelia James, has a lot going on these days. Not only is her first ménage book, Her Twisted Pleasure, FREE right now on Kindle (Pssst! Yeah, she’s that kind of “Trashy!” 😀 Go get it NOW!!!!), but she’s also got a couple of cover reveals.

Without further ado, here’s the fun, fabulous Amelia James!

Twice the Trashy Cover Reveal!

Today I have not one but two gorgeous covers to expose. The first is for my upcoming contemporary romance, Tell Me You Want Forever which will release this winter.

The second is a new cover for the previous book, Tell Me You Want Me. The original cover is beautiful, but in recent months I’ve been seeing that couple on dozens of other books. I want to stand out, so I’m doing something different.

Both new covers and the original were designed by Mallory Rock.

But that’s not all! Here’s a little something to whet your appetite!

Arouse All Your Passions….

Bestselling romance Tell Me You Want Me gets a steamy sequel….

Notorious heartbreaker Austin Sinclair vowed he’d never fall in love, but all that changed when he met his Janie. They’re living their happily ever after… until an unexpected threat tears them apart.

Austin is desperate to get Janie back, but fails miserably. He’s said ‘I love you’ so often Janie doesn’t care anymore, and getting her in his bed to prove it seems impossible. His old life beckons. Could he be that guy again?

Jane scored big when she landed Austin, but now she faces a temptation she never expected—one that makes her question what she really wants from love. Staying in a relationship with him requires all the strength she has. She’s tired, and giving in to someone else would be so easy.

Each hopes that something will change, that the other will give in, but it’s going to take both of them—together—to overcome this obstacle. Can they make their love last forever? Or has their fight been for nothing?

About Amelia James

I got hooked on trashy romance novels in junior high, but my mom took them away from me, But she couldn’t stop me from daydreaming. After I got married, I wrote some of my naughtier daydreams down and sent them to Playgirl magazine. Two of them got published. I kept daydreaming and writing stories until my dirty stories turned into trashy books.

I live in Colorado, but I’ll always be a loyal Wisconsin Cheesehead. When I’m not lusting after my next bad boy hero, I’m looking for inspiration in sci-fi and action movies, football players, morally ambiguous lawyers, muscle cars, and kick-butt chicks.

You can find me on Facebook, and on Twitter I’m known as Trashy Writer. I call myself a trashy writer because I want my readers to know that I enjoy mindless escapism as much as they do. I’m not out to win a Pulitzer Prize. (But I’m an award-winning finalist in erotica, USA Book News 2012.) I just want to help someone relax and get away from it all for a little while. I write romance, erotica and trash for fun and pleasure.

Trashy’s Treasures Blog: http://trashystreasures.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TrashyWriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaJamesAuthor

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106317629275663311597/posts

Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/trashywriter

Continuing Education of the Sexual Variety

A friend of mine recently reached out to me and asked for my opinion based on an article that had caught her eye. The subject was sex education in high school (and whether or not a certain text book selected for the class was appropriate for 9th graders). It was a topic of controversy in California. Parents were outraged. Civil liberty people were called. Text books were deemed by many of the parents to be “pornographic.” And in the end, the text book was pulled. The parents won.

As I read the article and contemplated her question about my opinions I found myself thinking about how often misconceptions surrounding sex come up. How often friends ask me for clarification and/or advice despite the fact I’m not a therapist. I’m just pretty knowledgeable and enjoy researching the subject (in the many various formats available for “research”.)

So here are my thoughts as they pertain directly to the California scenario. The parents were well within their rights. Although I firmly believe it’s very important that sexual education continue, and not just from a “sex is evil/having sex can get you diseases that can range from embarrassing to lethal/save yourself till marriage” standpoint, there are certain subjects that should probably be left for private discussions rather than a public forum. For example, the text book chosen went into details such as sexual positions, bondage, and helpful hints for masturbation. Now, to be fair, there’s no way to know if these subjects would’ve been discussed in class, but they also came with illustrations a la The Joy of Sex. In my opinion, that’s probably pushing it a bit, and I can see why the parents were up in arms.

In an ideal world kids would come to their parents or schools would have a social worker or therapist on staff that they could come to…to sit down and talk about these things if they’re curious. Heck, let’s be real….do you really think there aren’t any precocious freshmen girls who haven’t read 50 Shades? You’d be deluding yourself. But on the flip side, the entire class doesn’t need to be in the middle of this discussion because everyone’s level of knowledge and experience or desire to go there is not and will not be the same!

Why focus on the advanced courses without addressing the basics? What should be discussed in this sex ed class (because I truly do believe we should continue the education…heck, they haven’t had sex ed since their private parts and their functions, including periods, were explained in 4th-5th grade)? How about a positive body image. How about instead of focusing on tips and pointers of masturbation, we explain that it’s a natural function and that exploring ones self is normal. How about explaining the impacts of cruel cutting words surrounding a person’s body and/or sexuality. Detail how such simple things as words can create eating disorders, fear, and even suicide….and that there is power in social media, so they should be judicious in how they choose to use it. Or that positive words can build a person up and help them take on the world? How about tolerance for people who may not share our sexual interests? There’s no need for the details there, though it certainly may open some people’s minds up for questions and curiosities. Heck, they may even go to people they know who are into whatever it is that caught their attention and learn something…including tolerance!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that sexual education definitely needs to continue, but some of it should be explored and experienced through independent learning. Helping guide people to thirst for more learning is the first step. Taking away the taboos and the fear is the second. (And it doesn’t mean you have to push aside the very real concerns about safety, pregnancy, and diseases.) Third is teaching that with sex comes responsibility, and that sex is never a decision that should be taken lightly without understanding the potential for consequences. We can do ALL of that without threats and fear!

You know why else sex education is important? Because you don’t want your child to be the 23 year old girl who asked a very close friend of mine if she had to worry about becoming pregnant because she swallowed when she gave her boyfriend head. Or my own friend who, at 19 years old, was confronted with a boyfriend who didn’t like condoms and wanted everything to be “natural” including the pills they bought together at a health food store. Needless to say, she was pregnant with twins by the time she was 20. These situations, while extreme, are examples of what can happen when sex discussions are pushed away or fear is put at the forefront. Where old wives tales prevail. Or worse, ignorance.

Heck, I’m 40 years old and I’m still continuing my sexual education. How about you? BTW, if you’ve got your own stories of fear/ignorance, I’d love for you to share… And if you’ve got thoughts on sex ed, I’d love to hear those, too!

The Magic of Robin Williams

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a Robin Williams fan. Yeah, I remember him as Mork. As a child I got a huge kick out of him as Popeye. But as I got older, matured, he somehow managed to touch my soul….

My passion for poetry? He seemed to understand….

Understanding that sometimes the flaws are the best (and most overlooked) parts of a relationship? Yeah, he got that, too…

I could go on and on, but instead I’ll just say a prayer for the people he loved and left behind….and for all of us who he touched along the way even though he never knew us. The magic of Robin Williams was in his depth, his intelligence, and his ability to draw out our laughter, even through his pain. He will be missed by so many.

Sharing Witness to my Heart by @LoniFlowers #NewRelease

There’s something pretty awesome about the friendships we build online. Loni Flowers is one of those fabulous gifts that writing and blogging has given me. If you’re lucky, you’ve made a friend or two like Loni. She’s always available to share a laugh, enjoy a song, and cheer you on. In fact, she’s such a warm and loving person, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for her!

So, of course, when she told me she was working on her third book, I stood up and cheered. You wish well for people like her. You want to see them succeed. And when she reached out to me once the book was done and asked me if I’d help pimp her, my answer was easy. An unequivocal HELL YEAH!!! I’m honored to help.

So, without any further ado….Here’s a bit about her awesome new book, slated to release this AUGUST 12th! (BTW, she’s also got a giveaway, so read on to WIN!)

 

Blurb/Book Description:

Keep a low profile. That’s what Abigale Peterson was supposed to do, especially when the person she was being protected from was one of the world’s worst crime lords. After seven years in the Witness Protection Program, she felt no safer now than she did when she was seventeen. Revenge was rarely forgotten when it came to a professional criminal like Zerilli. Low profiles meant no social life and definitely no love life. Paranoia and lies became daily habits, going against everything Abigale believed in, but they kept her safe. They kept everyone safe. Until a house fire puts her out of that safety and into the arms of a stranger. Max Smith is sexy, smart, and has major attitude. He’s the only one who seems to get her. He calms her fears and comforts her from her nightmares. But he also sees right through her lies. Before Abigale can stop, she’s in too deep; confiding too much and breaking the one rule she promised herself to uphold: Never fall in love.

Excerpt:

I tossed my phone in my bag and relayed the particulars to Max as I returned to the edge of the pond. Rain began to fall heavier, pelting the canopy above us, and creating large rings in the water. A few drops fell on me, but they felt cool on my overheated, sticky skin and I welcomed them.

“Well, we might as well pack it up,” Max said, sounding disappointed. “She’s getting in the car with him now. Plus, I don’t think the rain is going to let up. The clouds are getting darker.”

I turned toward him. “Not just yet. I love listening to it, especially now, when it hits the leaves. The steady rhythm is very peaceful.” Larger drops started to penetrate the branches, but I ignored it, as well as my dress, which was getting wetter by the minute. I leaned my head back, spread my arms out, and twirled in the rain like I always wanted to do. It felt wonderfully cool on my face. I giggled at my silly behavior, but didn’t care how childish I was acting. “I really am going to miss days like this… and places like this.”

“I know you’ve heard me say this before, but you do have a choice, Abi. No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do…. You know, like leave this place?”

I stopped and peered down at him. “I’m sure it seems like a reasonable choice when you’re not the one having to make it or knowing the reasons behind it.”

“Maybe I could understand better if you told me.”

“You probably would, but it’s still not going to happen.” My hair stuck to the sides of my face and my dress became heavier as the wet fabric clung to my skin. Max didn’t seem fazed by the rain anymore than I, and his eyes followed me as I continued to dance around.

He uncrossed his ankles and sat up straighter. “Can I be blunt with you right now?”

I stopped and stepped closer to hear what he was about to say. “When are you not blunt?”

“Would it change your mind if I said I didn’t want you to leave?”

Snatching a leaf from a branch, I pretended to find it more interesting than our conversation. We were heading down a path I didn’t want to travel.

“It would only change how I feel, and make it that much harder to leave, but I’d still have to go.” It was about as close to the truth as I could get. I smirked, peering back at him. “You’re not doing a very good job at being blunt,” I added, stepping closer and wondering where he was going to take this.

“I don’t want to go back to St. Louis. There’s nothing for me there. I’d be more than happy to stay around here and see how things pan out.”

“Bluntness, Max. I thought you wanted to be direct here? I’m still not feeling it. What do you want to say?”

I knelt down on my knees in front of his feet on the edge of the blanket, dangerously closer, and intended to press a few more of those buttons he had under his skin. But I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him when the rainwater dripped off the strands of his hair, rolling down his cheeks and neck. Max’s white shirt stuck to his skin like tape, revealing the black ink of his tattoos as it became transparent. My hair was soaked, and rain droplets fell over my shoulders and down my back as well as from the tips of my hair. The rain increased, pelting the canopy above, and soaking us both to the bone.

“How about if I tell you not to leave. And you tell me exactly what’s going on; and no matter what it is, or how bad it was, I promise to protect you. Is that the kind of bluntness you want to hear?” He licked the rain off his lips.

“You’re not being blunt now; you’re giving orders.”

His sultry grin made his dimple pop and I watched his eyes lazily sweep the length of me. “We’re both drenched and you look incredibly sexy right now. So we better go.”

Yes, I was definitely pushing his buttons. “I’m waiting, Max. Come out with it. Say what you really want to say. Why hold back now?” He stared at me a moment, and his caramel eyes contemplated my words.

“I want you, Abi. Every part of you. The good parts, the ugly parts. All the parts that you’re too scared to share with me. I want it all. From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve wanted you. I may be the craziest person on this planet, but I’d move clear across the country if it meant I could spend some more days with you.” His fingertip traced my jaw. “Is that blunt enough for you?”

Witness to my Heart By Loni Flowers

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Date of Publication: August 12, 2014

ISBN: 978-1500677626

ASIN: 1500677620 

Number of pages: 376

Word Count: 94,600

Amazon          Barnes & Noble       Smashwords   

Win a Gift From Loni!

Click HERE to WIN this in a Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Isn’t it fabulous? What an adorable gift! Seriously. If you aren’t friends with Loni or following her via one of the below social media outlets, you’re missing out on known a pretty spectacular person. Check her out! Tell her I said Hello! I promise you won’t regret it.

About the Author:

Loni Flowers lives in Eastern North Carolina with her husband; two daughters, who never slow down for a second; and her couch-potato dogs, who only raise an eye when foods around.

time professional job and when Loni isn’t there, you can find her playing on the internet. Chatting on Twitter and Facebook are her weaknesses! She loves to read and loves most genres, but she’s a definite sucker for a good romance story! Contemporary romance is her writing genre of choice, but she’s not opposed to writing something different should an excellent idea strike.

Some of Loni’s favorite authors include: Kristan Higgins, Darynda Jones, Jill Shalvis,  L.J. Kentowski, Stefne Miller, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, and Karen Marie Moning, Nicholas Sparks, and Mae Clair… just to name a few.

Blog:  http://www.loniflowers.com/?page_id=57

Web: http://www.loniflowers.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LoniFlowers

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLoniFlowers

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5405526.Loni_Flowers

Meaningful Gifts of Love and Friendship

It seemed appropriate on International Friendship Day to share some really special things two very important friends and sisters (one biologically, one by heart) did for me recently. There’s just something about certain gifts. You know, the kind that let you know that the giver took a lot of time and understands who you are at the core. They did that for me, and it meant the world.

While I was in Chicago I got the opportunity to spend time with one of my oldest friends. Although we talk online and over the phone, we haven’t seen each other since my wedding. She lived down the street from me when we were in middle school. We had slumber parties at each other’s homes. When my brother died, she was one of the first people to make it to the accident site. She took care of my younger sister while I rode in the ambulance. She was with us the day we had to let him go. She held my hand and cried with me. And after I moved away, when the world would close in, all it took was a phone call to her. She’d come get me and help me escape my own head for a while.

Seeing her again was a treat all on its own, but as is typical of her, she outdid herself. She decided to get me a couple of amazing belated birthday gifts.

Is this not totally me?

My fabulous friend remembered that I love to write letters. On paper. So she found some quirky stationery that suited me. Nothing too mature. Or plain. Or snooty. She found something playful. With a doggie…and a writing theme!

But she didn’t stop there. Remember what I said about her in the first few paragraphs? Well, she also found a keychain with a built in charm locket. Check it out!

Isn’t it adorable?

It’s got paw prints, then a “K” for Kitt…and a heart that says Sister. Because, really. That’s what we are to one another. How’s that for making a gal feel loved?

Those of you who either follow me or are my friends on Facebook may have already seen the amazing gift my bio sis got me for my birthday while I was in Chicago.

Fire Agate and Jasper

As pretty as the jewelry is, it was the meaning behind the gemstones that caused my sister to purchase these beautiful pieces.

Did you know that there’s actually a whole story behind fire agate and that it’s supposed to promote certain properties? According to some paperwork my sister printed out to go with the gift:

“Fire agate helps manifest Divine guidance through action, and assists one in taking decisive action in unclear circumstances. It increases passion, emotions, and reconnection to one’s deepest desires, and provides courage to take risks to fulfill those prompting. It can stimulate sexual and physical energy and increase stamina and circulation. A stone of creativity and expression, it is particularly helpful in overcoming artistic blocks of all kinds. In the workplace, it is a crystal of ambition and high achievement. It helps writers express ideas in marketable form.“

And that’s just some of what it says about fire agate. How cool is it that there was something specific to writers? She knew that when she chose this gift.

And then there’s the Jasper.

“The unique artistry of Jasper is that of Nature itself- golden sunchine, a nighttime sky, poppy fields or a deep green forest, desert sands, the undulating ocean, red rock canyons, sweeping mountains. EAch stone is a masterpiece of the Creator, bold and primitive in style, solid and earthy in form, with a warm, harmonious energy that resonates with the primal self. Known as the ‘Supreme Nurturer,’ Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort, security, and healing. Its presence balances the aura to a level of wholeness and peace, and acts as a reminder that one is not here on the physical plane simply for oneself, but to bring joy and substance to others.”

Yup! My sis really considered me when choosing the types of stones she wanted to get me. She picked things she though would compliment or strengthen me, and I was blown away. I usually buy my jewelry purely on appearance (unless we’re talking pearls or alexandrites–those are my birthstones). She took it a step beyond, then shared the whys.

Now I find myself completely intrigued with gemology and looking at stones in a completely different light. They showed me in their actions just how much I mattered to them and completely blew me away in the process.

It only seemed appropriate to recognize their loving gifts on Friendship Day.

By the way, many of you have wowed me with your support and comments and your generous hearts. I’m grateful for every one of you, as well. So, on Friendship day, I’d love to hear about a time when a friend did something generous for you that blew you away…. And I’d really love to know if you’re into gemology.

I’ll also leave you with this song about three awesome friends…because it sort of reminds me of my gal pal, my sister, and me.