Good Girls Go to Heaven, Bad Girls Go to Amsterdam

Hey all,

Well, I'm back again and we are still in Amsterdam.

When last we parted, I'd just discovered the riverside flower market. A beautiful way to indulge your senses. But now I was heading for something not so light and pretty. But you sure as hell can indulge all right! LOL

It's Red Light District time.

Now, for those of you who don't know, Amsterdam is a pretty open to anything town. Prostitution is not only legal, but regulated and taxed. While I was told you can buy someone all over town, this is the area where most of those slightly frowned upon things hang out.

I went for the space cakes and to see the sex shops. And found myself in awe of the women who have the guts to stand in a window and toss "come hither" looks at passing strangers.

The picture to the right and below is just a taste of what you might see. There are girls of every shape and size and all ages. I saw grannies! I kid you not. I saw oversize women, girls dressed up as baby dolls and then the more normal costumes ranging from barely there underwear to sailor suits with split crotches and one even dressed up as a fireman(woman).

The place is like a rabbit warren with alley after alley of narrow windows that show off the prostitutes "room". They are decorated in character for the girl and a door leads to the outside where the "client" knocks for entrance. There are strict rules about NOT taking photos of the women so the photos here are ones I got off the internet. If you'd like to see more, just google-- amsterdam red light district. There are a plethora of pics.

Now, I don't have a problem with the whole seeing yourself for sex thing. I've often thought it should be legalized and regulated like it is in parts of Nevada. But I found myself having difficulty as to where I should look when I walked by these working women. Maybe in part was the fact they were crooking their fingers my way, and I totally don't swing that way, but mostly, I realized that even though I say I don't have a problem with it, my narrow American world view had trouble digesting what I saw.

Does that make sense?

I'd fight for their right to do it, but seeing it made me very uncomfortable. That's something I'll have to chew on a bit more to understand.

And let me tell you about the sex shops. Every other store has things I'd never seen and in my line of work, I've seen a LOT. I was at first embarrassed, but after the first few, it's no big deal to walk on in and discuss the goods with the clerks.

I picked up a couple of interesting toys, (are you reading this Jonathon?) and then sprinted over to do some window gawking at the sex musuem on the corner. Wow! I have never seen some of those positions.

Now it's handy that one of the best known coffeehouses (places to purchase pot) is also in the red light district. I searched out and found Hunter's Cafe which is just off one of the alleys or rabbit warrens. I went in and was pleased to find they did have in stock, space cakes.

I purchased one and sat down amidst the reefer smoke and nibbled my way to nirvana. It wasn't the best brownie I'd ever had, but it made me remember the old days when I was in college. LOL

I had a great time people watching as tourists came in to ask about the type of pot that could be bought and what could they do with it after they paid for it.

Watching them light up the first time was a hoot!

I was a little disappointed. I ate my brownie, had a coffee and enjoyed the view, but I didn't get a buzz. Oh well, at least I'd done the deed!

I headed back out of the red light district and went and picked up my souvenirs, including a shirt that said--you guessed it-- Good Girls Go to Heaven, Bad Girls Go to Amsterdam! LOL Then I bid a fond farewell to the beautiful canal city and took the train back to the airport.

Got there in plenty of time and set about repacking my luggage when the oddest thing happened. I suddenly realized that my mouth was really, really dry. I'd drink some water, but nothing seemed to help. Then, as I was packing, it dawned on me that I was grinning like an idiot and staring off into space for unknown periods of time.

Oh, oh. The damn space cakes finally kicked in.

That thought had me laughing like a loon and I have to tell you, packing my suitcase when high isn't the easiest thing to do. I think a ten minute job took me over an hour. Luckily I had plenty of time. And it was so much fun. I love getting mello.

Note to all: Eat pot filled brownies when you are NOT on a time sensitive schedule or do as I did and give yourself a LOT of extra time. *snort*

But I made it on the plane (which was packed--no laying down on this flight) and headed off to Singapore. Amsterdam was a great layover and I hope to take Jonathon there one day. I want to see his eyes bug out when he sees the ladies! LOL

Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow with my first day in Singapore. Take care and I hope you are enjoying this travel log!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Canals, Flowers and Vlaamse Frites

Hey all,

I made it. As I post this I'm sitting in a hotel room overlooking my courtyard in Singapore! It's hot, tropical and beautiful here, and I am enjoying every second of it.

Best of course is being back with Jonathon. Let's just say the reunion more than made up for the separation. Even though he's working 10 to 14 hour days, we are managing just dandy! LOL

I've got lots to tell you, so I'm going to start with the layover in Amsterdam. I was really worried at first because I had less time than I thought to visit the city. (took time to get through passport control) But, I still wound up with a good seven hours to explore.

First off, let me tell you I lucked out on the plane over. I was sitting in the middle seat section on an aisle seat and the plane was so empty I was able to stretch out across all four seats for the night. A sleeping pill and a couple of rum and cokes, and I actually got about four hours sleep. So once I got to Amsterdam I was raring to go. Stored my carry-on luggage at the airport in a locker, jumped on the train and off I went.

It was slightly drizzly when I got there, but I had an umbrella. I wandered out of the station and looked at the harbor and thought "wow...I'm in the Netherlands". After a quick dance with a nearby stranger, I started on my way.

My first stop was a canal boat ride. These hour long tours give you an overview of the city via the famous waterways. I got a great seat, right up front and proceeded to enjoy.

The canals are full of history and beauty. The houses are skinny and colorful and built right on the water. Each house has a hoisting beam at the top to lift large object and supplies through the windows. The doors and stairs are just too small to use.

This dates back to when the city used the waterways only for shipping. Now-a-days, they just have no choice.

In this pic, you can see the narrowness of the houses as well as another kind of house that is very common. The houseboat. These line the waterways and are strictly regulated because of the limited moorings. There are less than 2500 in the city and our guide said that number will never increase. Some were large and beautiful, others more like slums, but each was unique in its own way.

The tour gave a great overview of the city at large and once I had that under my belt, it was time to take a closer look at what I'd seen from a distance. Armed with a souvenir map, I headed first down the major tourist street to see what souvenirs to get. I'd hit that later, on the way out. I did pick up some yummy vlaamse frites-- which to those not in the know are the Amsterdam version of french fries served with mayo instead of katsup. Tasted like steak fries to me, so I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about. But I had them.

On to Anne Frank's house. I wasn't planning on going in, it's so crowded you wait for a very long time. But I was curious as to what it looked like.

I was disappointed. The original house had been swallowed up by another building, so other than a pic of the name in gold letters, there was nothing to be seen from the outside. So I said a quick prayer for all who had died and headed off to my next site, the flower market.

On the way I saw the palace which isn't something you can visit, but it's pretty mag looking at the outside. But I walked a bit further on and saw the market. OMG....it was so beautiful. Flowers and bulbs everywhere! I couldn't believe it!!! Even in February there were blooms of all colors.

The stalls line the river and stretch as far as the eye can see. Every type of bulb and flower you can imagine and some I'd never heard of. I was just amazed they could have all these flowers in the dead of winter!

I wanted to buy everything! But since I didn't know the importing rules of Singapore, I settled on getting a tulip bulb in a can. White Dreams. Isn't that perfect?

Now, this blog is getting long, so tomorrow I'll finish up my trip to Amsterdam. So far you've heard all the nice touristy things. Tomorrow, I'll take you deep into the dark alleys of sex shops, cannabis and window prostitutes. Shocking, I know, but I had a blast!!!!!

See ya all tomorrow!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Snoozing in Singapore

Hey all,

This is hopefully the last predone post. I might be up and ready in Singapore, but just in case I wanted to have one little touch for each of you. So since today is excerpt day, I'll do one of my more exotic ones. *smile*

The Phoenix is a beautiful legend and one I wasn't even aware of when I first started writing the Don't series. I actually found it when I was doing research on another series all together. But once I saw it, I knew I'd found my hero.

And my fans have fallen in love with Milcham. He's the perfect hero for the beautiful and loyal Aithne. Plus, you get to see Aidan and Dawn for a bit in this book as well. So sit back and check out an excerpt of one of my favorite of all my books. Heat level is high, so send the kidlets away!!! Enjoy!!!

Aithne has spent her life living for her brother. Now that he’s found his twin flame, she’s free from her duty as his familiar. She plans to relish every moment—and search for a soulmate of her own who will match the longing that burns in her heart. For now, a traveling carnival looks like the perfect vehicle to find the adventure she craves. Starting with the carnival’s handsome and enigmatic owner.

Milcham Phoenix hides a secret behind the carnival’s dazzling distractions. As the only creature in Paradise who didn’t fall into sin, he is unique…and lonely. For centuries he has searched for the one woman whose beauty, spirit and passion tempt him to open his heart. No one has come close—until Aithne.

The fire within them burns out of control. But before they have the courage to share their true feelings with each other, evil attacks, and painful secrets are exposed. Truth is the one thing that will overcome an ancient enemy…and the one thing their love may not survive.

Excerpt

My Dearest Milcham,

You have given me so much and expected so little. Now it is time for me to do something special for you. So put away your little scribbles, and come to me. The rest of the evening is ours.

Meet me at the Ferris Wheel. You won’t be disappointed.



Aithne

PS… Don’t wear underwear.


Milcham knew he’d never moved so fast before. He got his books put away and his clothes changed in record time. Now he was standing in front of the Ferris Wheel…but Aithne was nowhere to be seen.

He glanced over at Jarrod who was the ride jock that night for the Wheel. He sat in the doghouse with a sly look on his face as he watched Milcham.

“Lookin’ for someone, Boss?”

“Aithne,” he answered, knowing good and well that the big man knew exactly what was going on. “Know where she is?”

Jarrod chewed on a straw. “Might.”

“You want to tell me?”

The man grinned. “Nope.” He nodded to behind Milcham. “Don’t need to.”

“I’m here, Milcham.”

Turning, he saw her. She was in the car that had just come to a stop. She smiled at him, and when Jarrod undid the safety bar, she patted the seat beside her, her sultry green eyes teasing. “Want to take a ride?”

“On the Ferris Wheel?”

Her dimples flashed. “For a start.”

Wonderingly, he climbed in beside her. Jarrod snickered as he put the bar down. “Have fun, you two.” He glanced at Aithne. “You remember what I told you.”

She nodded and blushed. “Thank you.”

Stepping back, Jarrod saluted them both, and then turned back to restart the wheel.

“What was that about?” Milcham raised a blond eyebrow.

Aithne giggled. “You’ll see.”

Sitting back, Milcham put his arm around her. He loved the view of his carnival from the top of the wheel. This late at night, all you could see were the lights of the nearby rides. It gave the car a feeling of being completely alone in the world. He pulled Aithne closer and dropped a kiss on her upturned nose. “I haven’t done this in a long time.”

“Really?” Her voice was full of laughter, and when they passed by Jarrod on the ground, Milcham saw he was grinning like crazy. The wheel stopped to let off and take on passengers, but it was several times around before Milcham realized that they were the only ones on their part of the wheel.

“What’s going on?” he questioned out loud, when the wheel went to full circling speed. “We’re only half full. Everyone’s on the other side from us.” When the lights dimmed, he frowned. “We lost the lights, too! What’s he doing?”

“I’d say he’s doing me a favor. You too.”

He turned back to her just in time to see her slip out from under the safety bar. “Aithne! What in God’s name are you doing?”

“Okay, folks,” she whispered nervously. “Don’t try this at home.” Quickly, she knelt between his legs and looked up at him with a shy smile. “So how ‘bout it mister? Wanna have some fun?”

He stared down at her, his cock going instantly hard. She couldn’t mean what he thought she did…could she? “I…” The sound was too hoarse so he cleared his throat and tried again. “I don’t know if I understand.”

She grinned and reaching up, gently undid his belt. “I think you do.”

His hand covered hers. He thought about their angry words of the night before. “Aithne. You don’t have to do this. I didn’t mean—”

“I know,” she interrupted as she carefully undid the top button of his jeans. “But you were right. I was letting my fears get in the way. I’m not going to any longer.”

He groaned when she stroked him gently before carefully unzipping his pants. “Still…all I was talking about was letting me kiss you.”

She giggled. “You can kiss me later. Right now, all I want is a taste of you.”

Milcham swore as the car went by the ground. Luckily, his Ferris wheel had a gondola car type of seat, so no one could really see what Aithne was doing. It was just the knowledge that she was going to give him a blow job in public that made him completely aroused and achingly hard in seconds. When her hand pulled his already engorged cock from his jeans, he moaned.

Aithne smiled at the sound. Her cheeks were flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal, but she didn’t stop. She wanted to touch him. To taste him. To prove to him that she wasn’t ashamed of how they felt about each other. She was making this choice.

“You are so hard,” she whispered as she stroked his naked penis. “You feel like steel wrapped in silk.” She wrapped her hand around him and pumped gently. “Do you like this?”

“Assai, I like it too much.”

She laughed softly. “Never too much, Milcham.” She continued pumping, until a tiny bead of pre-cum appeared on the head. She bent and licked it off, causing him to groan even louder. “I do like your taste.”

Bending lower, she tugged his pants down slightly so she could get to his balls. They were tight and drawn up hard against his body, but she pulled them free and carefully rolled them in her hands.

“Christos!” Milcham exclaimed as he grabbed onto the side of the car. He closed his eyes, his face tight with pleasure.

“I think you’re ready,” Aithne murmured. Gently, she began to lick. Starting at his balls she licked slowly up the underside of his shaft until she got to the small ridge of flesh just below the base of the head. There, she rapidly flicked her tongue back and forth. She heard him swear and his hips thrust forward involuntarily.

Again, she started at the bottom and made her way up, but this time after the teasing flick of her tongue, she licked the weeping head, swirling her tongue into the slit where even more pre-cum oozed.

“Aithne,” Milcham gritted out, his voice tight with need. “Don’t tease me.”

She felt heady with the power she held over him at this moment. So often when they made love, he was in charge, but this time…she was, and she intended to savor the feeling. “Am I teasing?”

“You know you are!” He growled out the words.

“But Milcham,” she whispered, giving his cock a quick swipe with her tongue. “I haven’t even started yet.”


END OF EXCERPT...

Hope you enjoyed that bit of heat. You can pick up this book and see what else Aithne and Milcham did at the carnival that night at http://new.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/dont-tempt-the-phoenix

For more info on this series and another excerpt, go to http://cjengland.com/dont

Hugs and hopefully I'll have a guest blogger up for you tomorrow. *crosses fingers*

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

How About a Singapore Sling?

Hey all,

If all goes right by the time you read this, I'll be wrapped around my sweet darling husband. I am now in the beautiful city of Singapore. But more importantly, I'm back where I belong. With Jonathon.

I know it may be sappy, but he's my world and who I want to spend every second with. The last two months have been difficult. I tried very hard not to think about him being gone, and while it never really completely worked, I was able to get by.

But now I don't have to.

I'm sitting across from him right now, sipping on a Singapore Sling, the signature drink of the country. And it sucks. LOL

Yet I have to drink it. It's the thing to do! *giggle*

But once we're done having the drink, we get to spend the rest of the night and the next day together before he goes back to work. And you can just imagine what we are going to be doing. *waggles eyebrows*

So, I'm off to do just that! You all take care and I'll see ya later!!!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Het is een Mooie dag in Amsterdam

Hey allen, Ik ben in Amsterdam en het houden van van het.


That means...

Hey all,

I am in Amsterdam and loving it. LOL At least I hope I am. I'm writing this ahead of time just to touch base with everyone.

I can't imagine not having fun. Once I get through customs and all that stressful stuff, I've got most of the day to wander and play.

The pic to the right is one of the canals that are in and around the city. At this very moment --CJ said hopefully-- I'm cruising around on one of the sightseeing barges looking at the beautiful city and enjoying my layover.

Now lets hope I don't get caught up in what I'm doing and miss my plane. *snicker* Only one "space cake", CJ, only one!!!!

Anyway, just a short note. You all please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Traveling mercies and all that!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

On A Wing and A Prayer

Hey all,

Well, I'm outta here. In a few hours I'll be winging my way across the Atlantic to get to my Sweet Baboo. I'm all packed, my house is clean, my kids know what they're responsible for and...

I'm terrified.

Now, I've left home before. The longest being last year when we were in the UK. But that was three weeks and this is twice as long. And it might stretch out even longer.

Can the kids handle it? Sure. They are all smart and mostly on target responsibility wise. But they are my babies and it hit me today just how much I'm going to miss them. *very big heavy sigh*

Jessaca and I hugged goodnight last night before we headed off to bed and suddenly we were tearing up and holding on tight. I'm going to miss her so much. She's my best girlfriend and since she broke up with her boyfriend and Jonathon's been overseas, we've spent a lot of time together.

Plus, while the boys have come, gone and come back again, *grin*, she's always been here and so this separation will be the hardest for us. But I know everything will work out. She's busy with her massage and working at the theater, Jeramiah is working 12 hour days at his job getting ready for the Harry Potter opening at Universal, and Jasiah is on the road a lot doing his Flipper's corporate training.

But, I'll still worry, and miss them all more than I can say. Knowing I'll be with Jonathon makes it a bit better, but still, a mama will always be a mama. And I will be thinking of them each and every day.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers over the next couple days as I travel. I don't worry too much. Just enough to wish I was already there. LOL

I've got pre-done blogs for the next couple days, but I may add a new one if I can get online.

Take care and I'll catch you on the flip side!!!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Guess What I Get to Do in Amsterdam???

Hey all,

So I'm checking out the stuff I can do in Amsterdam and it's gonna be fun. Anne Frank's house, canal boat tours, museums, the Heineken Brewery and the red light district. (Jonathon has given me specific notes on what he wants me to pick up there.)

Then my daughter told me about the coffee shops they have. Apparently, for those of you not in the know, Amsterdam allows what they consider "soft drugs" in certain areas. And marijuana is one of those soft drugs. So they have these coffee shops that have sprung up around town and are open to sell cannabis, drinks or these things called "space cakes". I guess kinda like the pot-filled brownie of my youth.

So, you know I have to go try one, right? That and the red light district is gonna be a hoot. It's for research you know. I mean how can I not go see how legal prostitution is handled? LOL

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!! Besides, Jonathon says I gotta and I ALWAYS obey my husband. *rolls eyes*

So here's a question for you all. If you had a chance to take the plunge and go to one of these coffee shops, would you? And if you did, would you partake in their interesting menu? Put your answer in the comments below.

So, there is a little tidbit about what I'm going to do in Amsterdam. I'm spending a bit of time today printing off what I have set to do so I can get off the train there and go right to sightseeing. I don't want to miss a thing!!!

Be back tomorrow with some thoughts on leaving the US of A and my family behind. *sniff* See ya then!!!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Rant- Packing and Planes and Security- Oh MY!!!

Hey all,

Today's blog is just a quick rant. I've got a dozen things left to do before I go overseas and I'm trying my best to get them all done. Knew it would happen. Those pesky last minute hidden things I'd forgotten.

But my main worry--always is--is packing.

Now I'm a great packer. Comes from moving every year since Jonathon and I were married. *grin* But when I get on a plane I always stress a little more. Why? Because all the bloody airlines have different bloody rules for what you can bloody take with you!!! WTF????

Now I get the whole security thing. Although I totally don't get why Granny can take a long pair of knitting needles, yet I can't take a 4" metal nail file. Seriously, dear old Granny can do a hell of a lot more damage with those things.

Anyway, what drives me nuts is that every airline has a different size and weight requirement for your luggage. Which is daft. If you flew a lot, does that mean you have to buy a different suitcase for every airline you might take?

Why not just standardize them and make it easier for the poor consumer? Or is that just too logical?

When Jonathon and I went to Scotland last year, we bought new luggage. Bought it to the size that Delta required, never believing that other airlines might be different.

Color me ignorant!

The airline Jonathon took to Singapore was fine--can't remember what it was, but his luggage fit. But the one I'm taking has a totally different requirement. My check in bag still meets the standards, but my carry on is iffy. I finally had to call and find out the deets before I could pack.

That's just stupid. Why don't all the cute little airline execs get together and decide what size would be best for everyone (I know, I know--that would be a meeting and a half) and implement them. Then their customers wouldn't have to gnash their teeth and go buy a new bleeping suitcase each time they travel.

Whew.

Can you tell it pisses me off? A lot about airlines piss me off. I just wish I was in a position to do more that gnash and bitch. *sigh*

I'm off to get my hair done. New length and streaks to knock Jonathon's eyes out! LOL You all have a great day!

CJ England Follow Your Dreams http://cjengland.com/secondchances http://cjengland.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

To Critique or not to Critique

Hey all,

It's Monday again and you all know what that means. That's right. Time for a guest blogger. Today we have Angela Kay Austin, whose first book, Love's Chance, will be published on February 11, 2010. Angela tells us a little about herself in this manner on her website...

Once, I heard an actress describe why she wanted to act. She said, “When I watched movies, I pictured myself in every role.” That’s how I feel about writing. I imagine my ‘voice’ telling the stories. Any story. Whether it’s a book, television, movie or magazine I try to figure out what’s going to happen. I try to tell the story MY way.

So, I write.

Since I do the same exact thing, I think Angela and I will get along just fine. So everyone give a big welcome to Angela Kay Austin!!!

~~~~~

Critique groups?

How many of you have or are a member of a critique group? How many critique groups or partners have you had since you first began writing?

Well, I have had several groups, and partners, and I can’t say that all of my experiences have been great. In fact, some of them have been down right horrible.

My first experience with a critique partner came when I joined a local romance writing chapter, and sent out a call for partners on the listserv. Only one person responded. I was new to the group, and the existing members all had critique partners. So, I sent out the notice in hopes that there was someone out there that didn’t attend meetings that might respond. And, she did.
Let’s just say, our personalities didn’t match, and we lived too far apart.

The next experience was with a group. A group I started, but was kicked out of. Why? Because, as I was told, they didn’t know if I could write fast enough, and I worked a lot. Hmmm. Well, yes, I have to admit I work full-time, and usually, I write at night after work. So, I guess they were right.

Now, my critique partners are all online. We never meet in person, and it is GREAT! We exchange work back and forth with comments through Word’s track changes, and it works like a charm. Why was this so hard to find? Who knows, but thank goodness I did.

Because I’ve been able to work at my own pace in my own way, I’ve finished two manuscripts, and I’m working on several others. The feedback I receive is thoughtful, and constructive allowing me to strengthen my writing with each new comment.

I’d almost given up on finding a critique group that ‘fit’ me, but a little diligence and that group has helped me reached my first sale: Love’s Chance will be released by Red Rose Publishing on February 11th, 2010.

I have another piece I’m resubmitting to a different publisher this month. It’s still amazing how far this group has brought me. If you have had some of the experiences with critique groups that I’ve had, I urge you not to give up. Just try different types and formats. You never know what might work.

~~~

Thanks, Angela for that look into crit groups. I know they are often a huge reason why some writers do such excellent work.

Look for Angela's first book, Love's Chance to come out on February 11, 2010. Visit her website at http://www.angelakayaustin.com/

Hugs and see you all tomorrow when I'll rant about the woes of packing!!!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Sexy Toys and Sexy Lovers

Hey all,

It's promo Sunday and that means it's time to toot my own horn. Today's entry is on my bestselling book, Don't Spank the Vamp. The idea came from a discussion I had at an RT conference with Linnea Sinclair and a group of other panelists about one liners and blurbs. Linnea tossed out the name Don't Spank the Vamp and jokingly challenged us to write a book with that as an idea.

Well, I went home and took her up on it. It started out as a short story and was so well received, when I moved it to Samhain, I revamped it, making it 2/3rds longer and even hotter. It was a bestseller at two publishers and has gotten great reviews. Check these out...

Emotions pour out on every page and DON'T SPANK THE VAMP makes one believe in the supernatural power of love.~~~Ecataromance Sensual

One heck of a spicy romance. CJ England takes readers deep into the very sexy and emotional world of vampires. A Recommended Read~~~Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

Hot, Hot, Hot! This book was steamy and sexy from the start to the finish.~~~Literary Nymphs

A hot sexy story with characters to die for. Soul stirring, yet with a fast paced storyline that will melt your heart.~~~Love Romances & More

An instantly addictive book. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher handy~~~Romance Junkies

Felt pretty good about all those. And what was supposed to have been a single book, evolved, as so many of mine seem to do, into a full fledged series. Once you meet the characters, you'll become instantly invested, just like I did. I had to write more about them because I wanted to know who they were!!!

But let's start with Don't Spank the Vamp... Here's the blurb, followed by a Hot excerpt! X rated, so shoo the kids away!!!

Dawn is so focused on making a name for herself in the art world, her personal life has fallen into a rut. She spends far more time with her hands in clay than on a man. Then her friends liven things up by taking her to a toy shop for her birthday. A very different kind of toy shop for special sexual games. And there’s more than sexy entertainment on the shelves—a fortune teller says Dawn’s destiny awaits if only she will reach out and take it.

Aidan is a vampire who has existed for over a century searching for his one true soulmate, his twin-flame. One look at Dawn takes Aidan’s breath away. One kiss later, he knows she is the one woman who will sustain him forever—if he can convince her to walk with him on the wild side.

Dawn responds to his inspiration better than he could have hoped. Then she goes one toy too far…

Excerpt

“What are those for?”

He gave her a sexy smile and climbed onto the bed. “Lesson one.” He pushed her onto her back and kissed her lightly. “Do you trust me, Dawn?”

She began to tremble. “I think so.” She searched his dark face. “I want to.”

“That is a good beginning,” he said quietly. He took one of her wrists and tied a colorful tie to it. Then, keeping his eyes on hers, he carefully attached her wrist to one of the bedposts.

Dawn’s heart pounded in a mixture of dread and excitement. She’d never done anything like this before. She wasn’t sure how to respond. But she did know her quim was throbbing, and the thought of being tied up wasn’t nearly as frightening as she thought it would be.

“Obviously, this is something new to you, so let me tell you how it works.” Aidan spoke softly as he affixed her other wrist to the post by the headboard. “After I tie you up, I am going to do things to you that will make you scream with pleasure. I will not hurt you, but some of the things will be different, and at first, some may even be frightening to you.”

He continued to watch her as he moved down the bed and gently spread her legs apart. Wrapping a tie around one ankle, he secured it to the post at the foot of the bed. “But you will always be the one in control, even tied up. I want you to choose a safe word. If you use it, I promise I will stop whatever I am doing to you.”

Dawn’s nerves were jumping, but the very care he was taking gave her the security she needed. She thought quickly. Could she do this?

Aidan fastened the last knot and then leaned back on his heels. “Give me your safe word, Dawn…if you want to continue.”

The look of desire in his eyes decided her. “Palette,” she whispered. She trembled with the enormity of her actions. “My safe word is palette.”

He smiled. “Perfect. If at any time you want to end what we are doing, just say the word. But understand, once you do, everything will stop.”

“Everything?”

Aidan chuckled. “I will release you from your bonds, and we can continue, if you wish, with a more accepted form of lovemaking.”

Dawn gave her hands an experimental tug. She couldn’t move. “I thought you said we were going to use some of your toys. I didn’t see these downstairs.”

Surprisingly, the big man’s cheeks reddened. “Ahhh…it has been a long time for me. And you are the first woman I have wanted to play with in a very long time.” He bent and dropped a kiss on her flat stomach. “I don’t usually keep handcuffs up here, so I had to improvise.”

She giggled at his embarrassment. It was endearing. “So you don’t have any toys, huh?” she teased. “All smoke and no fire?”

His eyes darkened. “I didn’t say I don’t have toys. Just not handcuffs. I always keep a selection up here to show to buyers. I won’t disappoint you. That…I can easily promise.”

She wriggled in nervous excitement. “Then get on with it.”

Aidan laughed. “So curious. All right, love. We will start with this.” Leaning over, he took the last tie and lightly placed it over her eyes.

Dawn’s mouth went dry. He was going to blindfold her too? Her heart pounded faster at the thought. She said nothing as he tied the silk securely over her eyes.

“Too tight?”

She shook her head. She didn’t know if she could speak. She felt him leave the bed, and she could hear a rustling sound. Then the bed sagged again, and she held her breath, waiting. What would he do to her?

It seemed like forever before she felt a gentle touch on her chest. It was fleeting at first, but it made her whole body tighten in reaction. Then she felt it again, a longer, more erotic touch as it circled her nipples and traced across her soft curves.

She moaned and arched her body upward. The touch was so soft, so erotically sexy, she couldn’t help herself. Over and over again, it traced around her nipples, sensitizing her breasts, before finally flicking across the tips themselves. She cried out, the feeling shooting through her like a tiny bolt of lightning.

He moved then, tickling down her stomach then up her sides, touching under her arms and then circling her neck. It fleetingly touched her lips, and when she instinctively licked at it, she realized Aidan was teasing her with a feather.

She moaned again as the feather moved back down her body. It made one more stop at her breasts before tracing down past her bellybutton, to the hair between her legs. Dawn cried out in surprise when the feather flicked gently through the curls and touched her moist lips. When it teased her clit, heat began to coil in her stomach.

“Aidan…” she moaned.

“I’m here, love.” Aidan swallowed hard as he watched her wriggle on the tangled sheets. He stared down at her spread-eagled body, and his own tightened dramatically. Her swollen nether lips were exposed to his gaze, and his mouth watered at the sight. A mixture of his seed, and her own juices dribbled down her thigh.

Touching her this way made him want to explode, and he was very glad they’d already made love once. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to handle it. He took a deep breath, wanting her again, as much, if not more, than he had before.

Carefully, he drew the feather through her exposed lips, seeing it gather the wetness pooled there. Unable to help himself, he bent and replaced the feather with his tongue.

She cried out and lifted her hips instinctively. He groaned aloud. She tasted of woman and heat, along with his own essence. It was the most delicious thing he’d ever had in his life. He sucked and nibbled until her movements signaled her climax was close. Abruptly, he lifted his head.

“Not yet.”

Dawn groaned. “Aidan…please.”

“There is more. Much more.”

She whimpered and strained at her bonds. “But—”

“Shhh…” he whispered, dropping a kiss on her pouting lips. “Just enjoy.”

He moved again, feeling her stiffen as his hand traced down the cleft of her rear to the small wrinkled hole of her backside. Gently, he massaged it, carefully covering it with slippery oil.

“Aidan,” she said uneasily.

“Give it a chance, love,” he urged. “Everything is all right. Remember, you always have your safe word.”

She nodded and took a deep breath, knowing he’d promised he wouldn’t hurt her. Something pressed against the rim of her anus. It was cool, smooth and about the size of a man’s thumb. It went in easily at first, the lotion he’d massaged into her easing the way, but then she felt it spreading her, as whatever he’d inserted in her rectum, widened at the bottom.

“This is a butt plug, sweetheart,” he said hoarsely. “It will add to your pleasure, this I promise you.”

What he was doing was exciting to him, Dawn could tell by the sound of his voice. All at once she relaxed again. She loved knowing she could do that to him.

“What does it do?” she panted out. The fullness took a little bit to get used to, but it wasn’t unpleasant.”

“Wait.”

*end of excerpt*

I wanted my hero to be sexy, generous and totally in love with his lady. I got it. Aidan is every woman's dream. So what if he nibbles on your neck once a day!!! *smile*

Buy this hot, hot story at by going HERE. And enjoy!!!

And stay tuned tomorrow to when we have a guest blogger. Come on over and say hi to Angela Kay Austin!!!!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

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