Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Tuesday Shameless Promotion

Hey all,

Another Tuesday, another day of tooting my horn!  LOL  This week's offering is one of my series published by Samhain.  I love this series and according to my readers, they love it too!  If you haven't picked up a copy, do so and let me know what you think.

Here's a little about it.  DON'T SPANK THE VAMP.  The first book in The Don't Series.  Sensual Paranormal/Fantasy Romance!!!

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…


~~REVIEWS~~

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


~~And How About an Excerpt!!!~~


   Aidan hadn’t yet released Dawn’s hand. When she surreptitiously tried to tug it away, he just smiled and held on tighter. He wasn’t about to let her go now that he had her. Besides, she was staring at him with the oddest look on her face.
   “Is there something wrong?”
   “I would love to get my hands on you,” she muttered.
   His pulse spiked at her words. His cock, already stiff just from being near her, gave a hard throb in reaction. “I beg your pardon?”
   Dawn went bright red. She groaned when she realized she’d spoken her thoughts out loud. She’d been distracted, recognizing the reason he’d seemed familiar was she had seen him before…in Aithne. So much for her artist’s eyes. “Uhhh…”
   Sam giggled. “She wants to use you.”
   “Sam!”
   Aidan looked back and forth between them. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
   Sighing, Dawn knew she’d have to explain. “Your sister told you I was an artist?” At his nod, she went on. “I’m a sculptor. Sometimes it’s easier to sculpt if you’ve been hands-on with the subject. To get a feel for what you want the work to look like.” She looked even more embarrassed. “But sometimes I get so caught up in the process of figuring things out, planning what I’m going to do, I just speak without thinking.”
   A sexy smile curved his lips, and he raised her hand to his lips again. “I’ll bet you have wonderful hands. You are more than welcome to use them on me any time you wish.”
   Dawn’s mouth dropped open, and she couldn’t even respond. Had this gorgeous man just tried to hit on her? Apparently her friends thought so, because they faded away into the crowd, leaving her and Aidan alone.
   “I hear you had a reading today.”
   Dawn swallowed, hoping she could talk. All her nerves were dancing at his touch. “Ummm…yes. Your sister read tarot cards for me.”
   “And did she tell you things that pleased you?”
   “It was a good reading. Somewhat confusing.”
   Aidan lifted a dark brow. “Confusing? How so?”
   She blushed. “Oh, she just said some things that were impossible right now. That’s all.”
   “Anything is possible if you want it enough.” He finally dropped her hand, leaving her bereft of his touch. “Life is full of possibilities.”
   Dawn grinned. “Well, I must say I hope her prediction about my art comes true. I could use a little help there.”
   “I would like to see your work. Will you show it to me?”
   She blinked, surprised. “I guess. If you want to see it.”
   “I am interested in you, beautiful Dawn. Everything about you.”
   Staring at him, she wondered if she was dreaming. She’d never had a man like this interested in her. Ever. Yet everything about him drew her. It didn’t make sense. She didn’t act like this. Dawn wasn’t the type of woman who believed in lust at first sight. But this man made her panties wet and her breasts throb. She wanted to get to know him better, but there was a part of her that screamed she knew him already. This feeling confused the hell out of her.
   He smiled as if recognizing her uncertainty. “Are you all right?
   Dawn shook her head and changed the subject. “You said you were Aithne’s business partner?”
   Blinking at the obvious switch in conversation, his grin widened. “Yes. We both own Don’t Spank the Vamp together.”
   Dawn frowned. “It’s an unusual name. What does it mean?”
   Aidan grinned, and his emerald eyes darkened. “Just what it says.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “Someday, I will explain further.”
   The touch of his hand on her made her knees go weak. She felt all melty inside and wavered between desire and fear. What was happening to her?
   “Dance with me.”
   She blinked and noticed music had started in the background. Several couples were already circling slowly in the center of the floor.
   “Please,” he murmured. “I want to hold you in my arms.”
   Unable to resist his plea or the emotion leaping inside of her at his words, she nodded mutely.  Aidan’s eyes flared with heat, and he took her hand, leading her out to where the other dancers were. Once there, he pulled her swiftly into his arms, molding his hard form against hers.
   Dawn couldn’t move…couldn’t breathe. If she’d been unsure before, she wasn’t any longer. Aidan was so close to her she felt every line of his body. Especially, the hard length of a truly impressive erection pressed against her stomach. She gulped as the full truth hit her square between the eyes.
He wanted her.
   Now the question was…what was she going to do about it?

~~*~~

Hope you enjoyed it!  And if by any chance you want more, do this.  Go to https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/1050/dont-spank-the-vamp to pick up this first book in an amazing ongoing series!  And if you want to hold the book in your hands, pick up an autographed paperback copy at http://www.cjengland.com/dont/buythisbook.htm.

Until next time!

Hugs,

CJ England














Follow Your Dreams
http://cjengland.com/luckbealady/luckbealady.htm


Friday, June 19, 2015

Signage Near and Far

Hey all,

A little fun today since my computer has been down with a HUGE reboot and cleaning.  I upgraded my Mac to Yosemite (still not sure I like it) and it takes bloody FOREVER to put things back to rights.

So if you haven't seen me around, that's why.  Way too much stuff to redo to get myself normal (or as close as possible) again.

Anyway, since I didn't have time to do much research for this blog, I thought some fun signage would be in order.  These first four are from Bern, Switzerland.  They gave me a chuckle or two.  Hope you enjoy!

While to the naked eye it looks as if this sign doesn't know if it's coming or going, it's actually a waderweg sign, showing the walking paths that traverse most of Switzerland.  The country is awesome about showing all the places you can walk.

Apparently, the name SCHMUCK is very common is this area of Europe.  But it sure made me do a double take, then double up with laughter!

Sign near the Bear Pits in Bern.  It's a wonder they allow you to breathe!!!!!!!!

My favorite signage in Bern.  I think every country should have it.  Set just outside one of the public toilets in Old Town, the figures crossing their legs needing to pee, really gave me a giggle.  The sign actually says, "Supervised WC System.  Here on the Mezzanine."


And now moving on to back home.  This sign was somewhere between Colorado and Ohio in a gas station.  While I'm all for trying something new, I refused to let Jonathan have any since it was only 7am.  I couldn't stomach the smell of them that early in the morning.  *bleah*

OMG.  The I Like Cheeseburger Kitties are taking over.  This was on a bag of pretzels!  LOL

Saw this funny sign as we were riding through the Ohio Amish country.  We so often mistake their faith for being too dour and serious.  This shows just what a great sense of humor they have.

And finally, right here in Columbus, we saw this sign as we were taking a bike ride.  I couldn't believe it.  Are Americans so clueless that they need a sign like this?  Apparently so.  Doesn't bode well for the future!!!


Well, there you have it!  I hope you enjoyed this weeks offering.  Stay tuned for more news in the upcoming weeks!  I'm baaaaacccckkkkk!!!!!!


Hugs,

CJ England












Follow Your Dreams
http://cjengland.com/luckbealady/luckbealady.htm

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Tuesday Shameless Self Promotion

Hey all,

It's Tuesday, so that means another bit of shameless self promotion with one of the books I enjoyed writing so very much.  Someday I'd like to write a sequel or two as well.  I get more fan letters about this book than any other.  If you haven't checked out this one, I encourage you to do so.  Ready?  Here's a bit about it!

The Faerie Mist Has Opened and the Prophecy Has Begun…
A world where elves battle ogres, and rock trolls hide precious talismans in their caverns. A place where a healer’s touch can mend more than a broken body. Where magick and love come together to create something very special…
Varol Thysi
A force of passion…the power of Soulmate Love

To purchase this book, go to...

***
Here are some reviews for this great fantasy romance

EYES OF FIRE is the most sensational book I have read this year. CJ England comes out swinging and definitely leaving my heart aching for the next in this series. Talia and Calion will leave you breathless. ~~~Recommended Read from Dark Angel Reviews

With the striking images in her stories, CJ England is able to craft novels which speak to the heart. Mere words cannot express the magnitude of THE MYLARI CHRONICLES: EYES OF FIRE in terms of rousing creativity.~~~5 Stars from Ecataromance

Just reading this first one about Prince Calion and Lady Talia had me so enthralled to it that I forgot to make dinner. CJ England is a genius in creating magical places and characters so memorable it’s hard to just forget about them.

~~~Recommended Read from Fallen Angel Reviews

You will be so eager to know what will happen next that you can't stop reading. Maybe the publisher should print a warning on the cover. "Caution: Read only if you are willing and able to read non-stop until the end." So please be aware that you will not be able to stop till you finish reading this book!
~~~5 cupids each for pleasure and plot from Cupid's Library Reviews

For all the great reviews, go to http://cjengland.com/mylari/eyesoffire.htm

To Read an Excerpt, go to http://cjengland.com/mylari/eyesoffireexcerpt.htm

Friday, June 12, 2015

Creation - Beautiful or Just Weird

Hey all,

Three weeks in a row.  I'm on a roll!!!  I'm trying to get back on track and so far, so good!  Anyway, this week has gone well, with lots of editing going on since I'm trying to keep to my new publishing schedule.

But I also take at least one day a week to just go play and that's been fun, too!  This week I went out and explored the downtown area of Columbus, the Columbus statehouse and the Northside Market. Then later on, Jonathon and I went to the monthly Saturday Art Walk.  And that's where things got interesting.

Apparently, every first Saturday of the month all the galleries in a certain area of town throw open their doors late so patrons can come visit.  There were supposed to be artists and performers on the street as well.

At the same time at the nearby Convention Center, there was a gaming convention going on.  Game creators had booth after booth of new and wonderful games.  

And if you know anything about gaming, you know that gamers are a breed unto themselves.  The ones that attended this convention were REALLY into it, complete with costumes and role-playing.  You haven't lived until you've seen a dozen furries dancing down the street being chased by heroes and knights yelling, "Smite the beasts!!!!"

Yeah.  Weird.  But highly entertaining.  *smile*

And then to the sublime.  The art walk was pretty cool, and the art galleries we visited were amazing.  But I have to admit I was kinda disappointed in the quantity of the street artists and performers.  The ones that were there were good, but they were few and far between.  And it seemed as if each time we were close to one, they wound up taking a break.  And they took a LOT of breaks. *pout*

So, while we enjoyed our time there, we had more fun just watching people.  Sitting at a table in a window, watching the flow of people wander by.  All different kinds of people.  Rich, poor, art lovers and those just out for a good time.  A few people from the convention meandered through--elves, princesses and mushrooms seemed to be the most popular.  And that bit of weirdness just added to the overall ambiance of the artiness of the area.

Will I go back next time?  Probably.  After all, creation isn't on a timer.  Who knows what we'll run into next time.  Maybe there will be a sci-fi convention and I'll see a few aliens, vampires and werewolves toddle by!

Until next time!

Hugs,

CJ England











Follow Your Dreams
http://cjengland.com/luckbealady/luckbealady.htm

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Wednesday Shameless Self-Promotion

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Hey all,

I thought, since I'm getting back in the saddle, I'd get some shameless self promotion on the blog as well.  I'll start with the books I have out already and then hit the ones I'll be re-releasing over the next few months.  I also have several brand new books I'll be adding to the mix, so stay tuned.  If all goes as planned, the next six months will be busy!

Anyway, let's start with one of my favorites.  I actually go back and reread this one quite often.  I love the idea of an empath and a warrior mating.  I hope you will too.
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When a dark, warrior prince breaks tradition to mind-mate with a beautiful, innocent empath, centuries of beliefs are challenged.

While visiting a neighboring country, Prince Jhoral is invited to watch a special Empathic Melding Ceremony, something he doesn’t even believe in.  But his whole world is turned upside down when a stubborn empath chooses him to be her receptor, and their minds meld together in an exquisite mating of tenderness and passion.

Lanai has waited her whole life for the one person to complete her.  But, unlike other empaths, she’s always wanted more.  Adventure, excitement...even love.  However, her dreams couldn’t prepare her for the shock of mating with a handsome prince whose life was filled with so much violence and war.

Will their melding of minds bring their peoples to the brink of war, or will an empath’s search for her perfect mate teach a warrior’s heart the power of true love.

~~Reviews~~

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More than a Warrior is a wonderfully written tale that everyone needs to read. Congrats on an awesome story. It made me stop, reflect, and look at things in a new light. ~~~You Gotta Read Reviews 

A powerful story of passion and love, and the struggle to overcome all odds to be together.~~~Whipped Cream Reviews

A beautiful love story, explosive in its intensity. Stunning.  I can't recommend this book enough.~~~Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

The stirring images and unforgettable characters of MORE THAN A WARRIOR make this a rousing love story filled with fascination~~~Ecataromance Sensual


~~Exerpt~~

“What will happen if she doesn’t find a receptor?” Dyas asked the question everyone was thinking. “Will she die?”
“She can’t die!” In spite himself, Jhoral’s voice rose. He immediately cleared his throat. “I mean…she will have another chance, won’t she?”
Mistress Aleris nodded, but her face was no longer serene. “It could be her perfect mind-mate isn’t in the circle. It is difficult to believe, but there may be other receptors out there we missed.”
“How do you find the receptors?” Jhoral kept his eyes on Lanai as she touched yet another receptor. A single tear appeared on her cheek, and he wanted to howl out his own frustration. He wanted to leap down into the room and rip her away from all that was hurting her. He wanted to protect her.
“They come to us to be examined. It is voluntary, so I suppose it’s possible this empath’s perfect match has not yet been found. But those who can be receptors are usually glad to be tested. Having an empath increases status in our society. Everyone wants one.”
“You make it sound like the latest fashion or newest toy,” Jhoral growled, forgetting diplomacy in his disgust. “Surely, she is more than that.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Mistress Aleris said quietly, as if sensing his annoyance. She glanced apologetically at the other royals. “The empaths are an important part of our people.”
“She’s made it around the circle again,” Dyas interrupted with a sigh. “I guess that’s it then. No mind-mate here.”
Jhoral flinched at his friend’s matter-of-fact tone. “There must be more we can do.”
Mistress Aleris shook her head. “No. It is the first time such a thing has happened, but if she hasn’t found her mate by now, she is not here.” The mentor walked over to the railing and signaled the two gray-robed women standing off to the side. “She will be returned to the training house until other receptors are found.”
Jhoral watched, his stomach in knots as the empath was taken by the arms to be led out. He badly wanted to leap over the railing and go to her. To gather her in his arms and give her comfort. It took everything he had in him to just sit and watch. It didn’t make sense. By the gods, he didn’t even know her. But the desire to push everyone aside and go to her aid was so strong, he could barely contain himself.
She was so bent over from despair, she stumbled, leaning heavily on the helpers for support. But, just as she got to the door, she gave a whimpering cry and jerked away from the women. The colorful rainbow of energy surrounded her once more as she turned and raced back to the line of receptors.
Jhoral found himself on his feet as she threw her arms around the receptor nearest her and tried to find a meld. Her courage and strength of will made him want to cheer her on. The empath’s stubbornness may be abhorrent to the Kylians, but to Jhoral it was a most attractive trait. His people equated persistence with strength, and if he was any judge, Lanai was not one to give up easily. He prayed to the moon gods she would find the mate she was seeking.
Beside him, Mistress Aleris sighed. “I thought she might be difficult. Lanai never knows when to give up.”
“Farsaeans find such strength admirable.”
“Admirable, perhaps,” the older woman agreed. “But unfortunately, this time it is unfeasible. Her receptor is not here.”
That fact didn’t seem to deter Lanai. She jerked away from the hands that tried to restrain her, moving to yet another receptor to try again. Jhoral’s heart pounded with empathy, and he thought it ironic, since he still wasn’t sure he believed in the emotion. The perfectly ordered ceremony dissolved into a wrestling match as the two gray-robed women tried to force the smaller empath to leave. He watched as she fought them, stumbling from woman to woman, tears coursing down her face. His whole body tensed as if it were him fighting down there in the cold white room.
“They must catch her.” The mentor spoke softly, her voice gritty with sadness. “She will kill herself if she continues this way.
Suddenly terrified she might do just that, Jhoral leaned over the railing. His hands clenched at the barrier so hard they hurt. “Come on, little one,” he whispered to himself. “You can do it. Don’t give up, Lanai.”
The empath went abruptly still. Complete silence filled the room as everyone froze with her. She whirled around, jerking her head up, and those ever-
changing eyes met Jhoral’s. He felt the impact of her gaze like a punch in the stomach, almost reeling back from the power of it. His fingers tightened on the balustrade, his fingernails leaving marks in the soft wood. His mind felt like a mighty wind was ripping it open. The astonishment of sharing his head with another swept through him, and he groaned in shock and surprise. He didn’t even notice Dyas leap to his feet. He wasn’t aware of the appalled look on Mistress Aleris’s face. All he could see…all he could focus on was the woman who held him in her sway.
Her eyes lit up so bright he thought he would be blinded. Her smile reached out to him. Pushing away from the two women who held her, she staggered toward him, her arms outstretched.
Finally…” Her sobbing mind-voice penetrated his thoughts. “Finally, I’ve found you."


~~end of excerpt~~

I hope you enjoyed it!  See you on Friday!
Hugs to all!!!!

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


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Friday, June 5, 2015

Enjoying What's in My Own Backyard

Hey all,

Look at me...two weeks in a row.  *smile*  Maybe I actually AM back on track.  LOL  And it feels really, really good.

I've been here in Columbus for just over a week now.  My apartment is set up, I've got my list of things to go see and the daily schedule is set.  Columbus has quite a few outdoor venues, parks, gardens and river walks to enjoy, plus a few museums and other attractions.

In this city we will be taking a long weekend and heading up to visit Niagara Falls.  We're probably going to do it over the Father's Day weekend since my birthday is the week before.  Two birds with one stone and all.  :-)

I'm looking forward to it, have always wanted to visit Niagara.  Since we went to Iguazu Falls in Brazil, it only seems right we head to the famous falls here in the USA.

We also will be going on some bike rides.  I've found a website that gives us a list of wonderful rides here in the Ohio area.  If the weather holds (and it's been COLD and windy here lately) we're thinking of taking a ride through Amish country this next week.  I love the peaceful country roads, old barns and small villages.  I know I'll take tons of photos.  

Anyway, I've been out once already and found a beautiful park just north of the city.  Whetstone Park, or The Park of the Roses is one of the most famous parks in Columbus.  I went the other day and while the roses hadn't quite popped yet, it was still a beautiful park.  Check out these pics.






 I'll go back in a few weeks to check it out again.  See what new roses are blooming.  I'm sure when everything is up and going, it will be gorgeous.

After the park I spent some time at a couple graveyards.  The Union Cemetery and Greenlawn are both VERY American (which means not as ornate as other countries) but I did find some pretty memorials.  Here are a few pics from those cemeteries...

That's the Kooza big top in the background!


A family plot.  Americans do one large stone with smaller ones below.  



Flags were put on veterans graves to celebrate Memorial Day.  Beautiful.

As you can see, there are some interesting things to see here in Columbus.  I've just started my time in this city and I'm looking forward to the next month.

Until next time...

Hugs,

CJ England














Follow Your Dreams
http://cjengland.com/luckbealady/luckbealady.htm