Undisclosed Desires Video by MUSE - MySpace Video

Undisclosed Desires Video by MUSE - MySpace Video

Excerpt Monday - Painted Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.


Excerpt from Painted Soul

Puzzola with his usual cool exterior was outside leaning against the wall when the brothers exited Elizabeth’s gallery. The flash of lightening and rumble of thunder reflected the storms churning inside him. He was balancing on a thin line. The plan was in motion.

“I’m trusting you with my sister, friend,” Michael said, meeting Puzzola with a cold stare as lightening flashed again in the distance.

Erick palmed a key to the dark figure, “Oh, she’s mad at us!” Then he leaned closer to whisper, “Good luck.”

Puzzola nodded to his friends before slipping inside. The plan called for elevating Elizabeth’s emotions to the same level she had experienced that memorable night while dancing in The Place. Tonight they would finish what they started, both releasing years of pent up emotion. The lightning lit up the empty gallery showing him the stairs, but he could not miss the mind-blowing music full of hard driving guitar riffs and unbelievable energy. From personal experience, he knew Elizabeth was on an escapist trip. Drugs or alcohol could never take a person close to the trip an artist takes while working intensely on a piece. Pausing at the top stair, he tried to slow down his breathing.

Slowly, he peered into the studio like a peeping Tom, but wasn’t prepared for the sight. With her hair flowing freely over her shoulders Elizabeth danced in the candlelight holding a paintbrush and wearing only a thin camisole and thong panties. She raised her arms over her head in a graceful gesture swaying her hips to the sexual groove blasting from the speakers. Her smell filled his nostrils, his hunger for her intensifying as he struggled for control.

Elizabeth was definitely caught up in the mood of the candles, music and emotion. When she finally turned and saw him standing in the doorway, she stopped dancing, still holding her paintbrush. Puzzola met her gaze, smiled as he shrugged his shoulders and boldly stepped into the room. Sexual tension in the air was thicker than the paint on the pallet.

“Hello, my lady,” his voice thick and sensual.

She stood breathless, still in shock. Here he was, in her studio. “How did you get in here?”

“Someone thought I might need this,” he placed a key on a table. “I wanted to thank you personally for coming to my opening. But I’m sorry if you found some of my work disturbing.”

“You were there.”

“Yes. I enjoy listening to my work being analyzed,” he moved effortlessly around the room sending her sultry glances. “It’s a fun little game I play with my critics.”

“I’m sure Painted Soul will get you committed.”

“Committed to whom?”

He was the most delicious man she had ever seen. Taller than she remembered and more masculine than the clean cut punk with two-tone hair she met so long ago. Yet he still held a mysterious power over her. In his black clothing, he moved like a panther. She shivered thinking of the image in “Painted Soul.”

“Nice work,” he complimented as he looked at the painting. His eyes momentarily narrowed then flashed back to Elizabeth.

Puzzola held out a hand to her, she saw the scar across his palm and the gold band on his thumb. Her heart pounding, she touched it. Upon her hand, she wore a thumb ring she purchased shortly after meeting him. Puzzola rubbed his thumb against hers with a slow stroking motion. Cat-like he moved until they touched palm to palm and stood chest to chest, staring into each other’s eyes. Elizabeth’s heart pounded to the beat of the provocative music. Emotions and memories filled her mind. She wanted him more than ever.

“Do you want me to be here, Elizabeth?” Puzzola asked in a husky voice.

In a daring move, she touched his check remembering the two black painted stripes long gone, then traced his jaw line with her fingertips. Her throat felt dry, as she caressed the face that haunted her dreams. She couldn’t believe he was real, but she could feel his heat. Elizabeth saw the raw hunger in his eyes reflecting what she felt.

“Yes,” she answered with little more than a whisper, “very much.”

Like the lightening outside, Puzzola quickly moved her into his arms and pressed hard against her. His carefully planned night was unraveling, he was losing composure. His emotions were taking control. He had to devour his ravishing tormentor and make the pain inside his soul subside. She would be his, tonight.

“I have made time stop for us tonight. You will not get away from me this time,” he whispered in her ear. He felt her melt into his arms as his body gyrated against hers in time with the music. “Welcome to our fantasy. Open your mind let your wishes come true. I am here, Elizabeth, flesh and blood to set you free. I will be whatever you want me to be. I am all your dreams and your worst nightmare in one. Release me only when you are ready to begin your reverie.”

Elizabeth pressed against him, tilted her head back with closed eyes as a small moan escaped from her lips. Her body begged to be touched, to feel the burn. She needed him to wipe away those lost years without him. He cupped her face with his fiery hands, forcing her eyes to open. His eyes burned into her then they rolled back when she ran her hands across his torso and along his sides, feeling the sculpted muscles beneath the silk fabric of his shirt. She could hear his struggled breathing and feel his rapid heartbeat. Pleased with her affect on him, she continued her movements.

His eyes opened as he caressed her throat with his fingers and brought his hand down her chest across her breast. Elizabeth thought her heart would leap out of her chest when his hand stroked her body as if inspecting, then finally resting on the small of her back. His other hand slid behind her head. A soft purr escaped from her as he tangled his fingers in her hair. Elizabeth closed her eyes, breathing hard, tipped her head back desirous for a kiss.

Pulling her close Puzzola nuzzled her check, “You have haunted my dreams. I can not believe I am finally holding my specter. I have wanted you so long.”

His mouth came down on hers in desperate need. Heat churned inside her as she answered back with the same desperation. Flames of passion and desire spread to inferno.

“Dream lover,” she touched his check and he turned his face to place a kiss in her palm, “take me where I want to be.”

Hearing the repeated promise of long ago, Puzzola smiled, “Oh, my lady.”

Lightening flashed, thunder rolled and rain began to pound on the roof. The music, the candles, Puzzola lost all control as the need to be released from the burning desire peaked. In a swift movement he pulled the camisole off Elizabeth’s body, exposing soft round breasts to the glowing candlelight. He picked her up with his hands under her, pushed her back against a wall and covered her neck with fervent kisses. She gasped and arched against him as he sucked a sensitive nipple into his mouth. Puzzola groaned as she ran her fingers through his hair. He took her mouth in a deep, possessive kiss as he pulled off her panties. The kiss stopped when they both were breathless. Looking into her eyes, he was lost.

“You are so beautiful, my lady,” he murmured, “I want to taste your sweetness.”

“Puzzola,” Elizabeth whimpered as she placed a hand on his face.

“I am here,” he said as he trailed kisses down her neck.

He buried his face into the softness of her chest, his tongue flicked at her nipples and traveled down across her flat belly. He dropped to one knee, cupped her butt and moved her legs over his shoulders.

Elizabeth didn’t pay any notice to the cold wall on her back. The fire within her blazed. Bracing her back on the wall she twisted her fingers in his silky black hair. She was floating in air consumed by the emotions and sensations she was feeling. His touch pushed her higher, she thought she was on her way to heaven. His fingers probed her as his tongue tickled the silken folds, she cried out his name in sheer pleasure.

Not stopping his kisses, he gently moved her legs down and rose while she tugged at the stays of his pants. Elizabeth was amused when she found there was nothing between this man and his leather pants as she reached to release his throbbing manhood. His pulsating erection felt like velvet in her hands. Puzzola’s tremble and muffled groan told her of his struggle.

He leaned forward with both hands on the wall as she touched him. With the next clap of thunder he reached under her butt and roughly lifted Elizabeth and braced her against the wall. He had to become one with her. Elizabeth cried out in pleasurable surprise as he thrust inside her. Puzzola paused for a moment to allow her to become accustomed to him, but when he felt her muscles milking him, he couldn’t hold back any longer. With vicious ferocity he pushed Elizabeth to cry out in ecstasy before he exploded inside her.

Still inside her, holding her tightly he slid to his knees. The burning need did not decrease, his pulse continued to race.

He let out a shaken laugh, “Erick said you would bring me to my knees.”

“I’m not through with you yet,” Elizabeth felt a surge of newfound energy. Standing, she tugged hard at Puzzola’s shirt, buttons flying in all directions while nibbling on his ear.

She couldn’t help but stare at him once he had shed the rest of his clothing. His sculpted body called to her touch. The Painted Soul towered over her, his chest wet with sweat, all muscles tense and hard from their last workout. His black hair fell over his forehead and into his eyes. He flashed a lusty smile at her.

Elizabeth remembered the night they met and the way he smiled when she was caught staring at him. This time she kissed the lips beckoning to her, showing him her flaming passion. Her tongue stroked his, her teeth tugged at his lower lip. Feeling daring and wanting more, she became more adventurous.

“Let’s make a fantasy real,” she taunted as she kicked a large roll of canvas into unraveling across the studio floor. Elizabeth took Puzzola by the hand and led him to the center. His eyes glimmered with recognition of her plan.

“I hope you’re planning to use acrylic paint on this canvas,” his eyes never leaving her body while his smile only grew larger.

“Certainly,” Elizabeth presented him with a basket full of brightly colored tubes of acrylic paint.

Available at Amazon.com Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

“Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
N ote: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Halloween Treats (for Adults)

How about something a little different than edible underwear for Halloween. Here's some sweet ideas.

1. Candy suckers










2. Flavored Condoms on a stick (but don't eat them!)











3. Whipping Cream









4. Gummy Boobs










5. Candy pouch













6. Vanilla Ice Cream Bondage Kit












7. Candy Nipple Tassels













8. Candy Love Ring












9. Candy Cuffs














10. The Adult Version of Pop Rocks














11. Licorice vines – long enough for tying














12. A milk chocolate copy of your honey’s penis. It’s a kit!












13. More Whipping Cream













Happy Halloween Everyone!

Publisher's EBook Special

EBOOKS ARE HERE TO STAY! VHP FICTION JUST $5.99!
The Soul Series by Mary Quast

2009 READ ‘EM AND LOVE ‘EM EBOOK PROMOTION!


All Vanilla Heart Publishing Fiction Titles in ALL EBOOK FORMATS are only $5.99

Kindle – AllRomance – OmniLit – Smashwords

And coming soon, Fictionwise, Barnes & Noble Ebooks, and Sony eReader

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Date Nights

We all seem to live very busy lives and time for romance is simply squeezed in. A friend of mine gave me the idea to write this post when she told me how she and hubby set a night a week aside as a date night. All week long they anticipate the one evening alone without kids and some one-on-one time with each other. Hmm… I think I like that anticipation part.

1. Stay overnight at a hotel and order room service.
2. Go out for dinner and a movie. Stop at a popular coffeehouse on the way home.
3. Visit a bar or pub you used to frequent when you were dating. Or simply visit a local saloon for a drink and dancing. How about acting out a romantic encounter?
4. Visit a museum or attend a poetry reading.
5. If you have an entire day, hop into a car and drive in one direction for an hour. See where it takes you and find things to do when you get there. I remember doing this with hubby and we’d find fun ice cream parlors, antique shops and even a couple wineries.
6. Grab a pizza to go and a bottle of wine then find a nice spot in a local park or even your backyard to eat.

7. If you are tight on time and/or funds, go out just for dessert.
Eat it sensually.



8. Go for a walk in the woods or a park. Take a blanket and lie under a tree and cuddle for an afternoon or watch the moon rise.
9. Make dinner together, sipping wine as you do. Play music and enjoy simply being together. Be sure to laught and touch each other often.
10. Rent a movie, serve up drinks and popcorn. Slip into “something more comfortable” and see if you make it to the end of the movie.
11. Play a board game. Strip Monopoly, honey?
12. Have an indoor picnic. Lay out a blanket on the floor or use the coffee table. Light candles and have some fresh flowers to add to the ambiance. Play a cd of soft music and nature sounds.
13. Take a long bath together by candlelight. How about some wine too?



What would be a romantic date night for you?

13 Foreplay Fundamentals

I'm not going to waste any time here; I'll get right to my list.

1. Fruit. Sensual fruit such as strawberries, grapes, apple slices and bananas may be easily found in your kitchen and can be a lot of fun to tease with. Try dancing around your partner and feed him bits of fruit while teasing him with your body.
2. Sensual food. Whipping cream (see my 13 Things to Do with Whipping Cream). Chocolate and other sensual foods. (See my Sensual Food Post).
3. A nice beverage. Wine or a cocktail is always nice. Did you know a hot cup of coco or tea can be sensual in its own way especially in winter? Try a cup of spicy Masala Chai, or a tea containing yarrow, or better yet the aphrodisiac tea - Black Galingale.

4. Candles. Men have a tendency to prefer candles that smell like food – vanilla, orange spice, melon. Women may prefer floral scents for romance. Cluster candles on a reflective tray. I like to mix the scents – Lavender, vanilla or orange spice, Hawaiian flower, white tea & ginger. Visit a local candle shop and select candles together for a special evening.

5. Sensual music. What gets you in the mood? Soft jazz for a romantic evening of slow love making? Underground dance music for some creative adventuring? Hard rock for some fierce pounding? I suggest picking out the music in advance and being flexible to your mood at the time. One night you might like soft jazz, the next you might choose something louder.

6. Lingerie. Silk boxers for him, g-string for her? Silk slip? Flannel pants and tight cotton tank? Whatever you feel sexy in is what you should choose. However, latest polls show men don’t like lots of lace and buttons/snaps.

7. Sheets. If you’re taking it to bed think of what feels good under you. Don’t always think silk sheets are the best… flannel sheets are very cozy, especially in the northern regions.
8. Blankets. If you visit my house, you’ll notice a variety of cozy, soft blankets on a blanket rack in the great room. They aren’t just for making kids’ forts. Ever try snuggling on a leather couch under a fleece blanket? Try it!

9. Lotions. Keep ones that sensually inspire your mind and ones that can be licked off.

10. Feather. Ever wonder why romance writers love writing plumes so much. Heh, heh. Next time you’re at the zoo, pick up an ostrich feather or visit you local sex shop for some top notch fun feathers.
11. Blindfold., silk scarves, hand cuffs. Need I say anything more?

12. Love coupons. Pick up a booklet of them or print them on the computer. Hide a coupon in a special place for your honey to find. A great teaser!
13. Romantic games. There’s a wide variety out there. A great way to add a little exploration into your love life. Always remember, laughing in bed can be a wonderful foreplay move.

What motivates you?

Excerpt Monday - Painted Soul

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You=2 0don’t have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.



Blurb:
Painted Soul is the first book of the Soul Series. A story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

Elizabeth McAlister was only eighteen when she met the art student, Puzzola in a London nightclub and gave him her heart. Ten years later, they meet again when a summer of intense passion and dark secrets begins.
As Elizabeth falls deeper in love with Puzzola, she tries to rescue him from tortured memories he refuses to discuss. Eventually, his double life and erotic past are exposed in a local newspaper just as he is involved in a life-threatening accident.

Painted Soul
Chapter 3

Mrs. Somerby was enjoying lunch with her handsome son, Andrew, in a London cafe. He always admired his mother and how she tried to keep peace between him and his father. With every visit, she’d try to get him to return to Sussex. But he wouldn’t go home until his father accepted him for the man he really was.
“I think you pay your barber too much,” his mother touched his hair, “he never seems to cut anything off.”

“I like it this way,” Andrew frowned and pulled his head away. “Please stop, we’re in public.”

"Oh, I wish you would come home,” she begged.

"Mother, I can’t. The bank keeps me quite busy.”

“I will talk to your father again. I will make him understand how much I miss you.”

“Talking to father won’t change anything.”

“Andrew, I know you weren’t to blame for what happened to your grandparents. It was an accident.”

“Father doesn’t see things as clearly as you do, mother. I can’t believe he’s carried this grudge all these years. They loved me in a way Father never could, and I loved them back. I needed him when they died, but he turned his back on me and placed the blame on my shoulders,” Andrew lamented. “Mother, I was too young to handle such rejection. When Father said I couldn’t paint and took away the funds they left me for art school, it was the final straw. Painting was my deepest connection to my grandparents.”

He sighed, “There is more to our problem than the day of the accident. He just uses that as an excuse. My whole life, Father never praised me for anything I did. I could never manage to be the perfect son for him. I’m a failure. What happened in Italy was only more proof for him, and he wasn’t afraid to let me know that. Now my heart is stone. I go through the motions daily, the dutiful son running his father’s bank. He doesn’t even care about the work I do here. He just keeps me around because he wouldn’t be able to explain to his friends why he sent me away. He doesn’t give a damn about me, and I don’t want to be anywhere near him.”

“Oh, my dear, you are not a failure,” his mother bowed her head. “You know your father is aware of all the fine work you’ve done at the bank.”

“But when I stayed in Italy and didn’t give up school, I lived a life style that could disgrace our family, if anyone ever found out. He won’t let go of that.”

“That’s in the past, leave it alone. You’re living a good life now. You’re a good son.”

“Am I?”

“Yes, you are. I was just hoping, perhaps you’d come home for a visit. Maybe if you would just talk to each other…”

“The last time Father spoke to me outside of the bank was when he brought me back from Italy. He told me to pull myself together, and forget about what happened. If I do as I’m told, everything would be all right,” he shook his head. “Mother, I was sick when I came back, you knew that! Then I was thrust into the management position at the bank, clueless. It’s amazing I didn’t ruin everything right then."

"The funny thing about this is, while I was gone, he told everyone I was studying business abroad. Oh, I learned business all right, just not the kind you use in a bank! I went from one prison to another.” He grimaced and took a drink, “no matter, time has gone by, but the wounds won’t heal.”

She fumbled nervously with her napkin obviously trying to think of something to say to change his dark mood, “Adeline McAlister’s daughter has moved into Hampton House. She is such a beautiful and charming girl, and I truly enjoy visiting with her.”

“I see what you are up to dear Mother.” Andrew shook his finger at his mother, “Matchmaking won’t work with me.”

"Besides being beautiful, she is a very talented artist, too!” His mother’s face lit up with the turn of the conversation. “She reminds me of her mother, so passionate with everything she does. Why, you should see the beautiful gardens at Hampton House. She steps right in and takes charge, and all the while her staff adores her. Why, you could use a good, stable woman in your life. The way her two brothers cherish her, I don’t think she...Andrew, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Andrew?”

“Elizabeth? Michael and Erick’s sister?” he croaked.

“Yes, dear, you know them so well, I’m surprised you don’t know their sister,” his mother shot him a puzzled look. “Anyhow, I think you should at least be friendly and call upon her. Maybe introduce her to some of your friends. It’s high time you start thinking about love.”

“Love? You are such a romantic, Mother. What happened in Italy took away my ability to love.”

“Maybe you just haven’t met the right woman yet.”

“You think so!” Andrew threw his head back and laughed.

She went on talking about some garden party she was thinking of throwing, but Andrew wasn’t listening. Elizabeth McAlister was the one who haunted his dreams and inspired his art. She was here in England. Why hadn’t Erick mentioned anything? He ran his fingers through his hair, remembering her touch. He still burned for her. His memory served him too well. They were young then, what was she like now as a woman? Could she teach him to love?

Andrew managed to sit through the rest of his meal, than bade his mother good-bye. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he walked along the streets of Mayfair. He unlocked the door to the closed gallery, went up the stairs to his studio and checked for messages on his answering machine.

“Hi! This is Reva ringing. Just want to let you know there is a hot, new artist coming from the States. Her name is Elizabeth McAlister. You should check her out. Bye.”

He picked up the phone and quickly dialed Erick’s number. He was full of questions, but a recorded answer was all he received. He had the phone number to Hampton House, but he dared not call it. He slammed the phone down and nervously paced the floor.

The ghost from his dreams was here. He could almost feel the way her body was pressed against his as they shared one last kiss. Andrew remembered the way her hair smelled as he whispered the promise, “Yes, we will meet again.” He remembered how the look on her face expressed what he was feeling inside. He knew the time had come. Her overprotective brothers were allowing fate to step in and let them meet again.

How far were they willing to let things go before friendships would be jeopardized? Under what circumstances would they meet? Would she see him as the artist, the man of his heart? Or would she meet Andrew, the dutiful son, and the stuffy banker? Should he share his dark secret with her? Would his two worlds meet and become one, or would they crash and burn, destroying everyone involved?

“I need to stop thinking!”

He ripped off his tie and his dress shirt, sending buttons flying. To hell with afternoon meetings, his presence wasn’t necessary today. With his pulse racing, he grabbed a paintbrush and pallet. He would put his emotions on the canvas, and then sort them out later. He hoped.



See the trailer for Painted Soul


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Purchase Painted Soul


“Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Guest blogging at Killer Fiction

I'm super excited that I'm guest blogging at Killer Fiction today. *Squee!* I'm honored to be there with such an amazing group for the day. My post is "How to be a Sensual Diva". I talk about how to add sensuality into your characters and your life. Get a notepad ready. LOL

Check it out

Who Wants a Horny TV Quiz-Show Host?

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Naughty Moves to Drive Him Wild

I don't think I need any kind of intro on this list...since everyone is going to skip in and go right to the list.

1. Try a bit of bondage. Being tied up means you are at the mercy of your partner’s urges, which can be exciting. You can focus entirely on being pleasured since you’re not able to reciprocate. Let yourself be his sexy toy. Remind him that he’s in control and responsible for getting you off.

2. Blindfolds and scarves. Tie him up and place a soft blindfold over his eyes. While he’s lying naked at your mercy, touch him softly with feathers, your fingers, your tongue, and tell him what you’re doing.

3. Give him a peep show. This can be done two different ways. A. Masturbate alone but don’t let yourself climax. Greet him naked; let him see the flush all over your body. In a husky voice, describe to him what you were doing. Or…B. Let him watch you masturbate and let him finish you off.
4. Give him his own personal lap dance. Touch yourself in all of yours and his favorite spots. Some dirty dancing will not only make you feel sexy but it’ll make him hot as well.

5. Manhandle him. Surprise him with a hand job when he least expects it such as when he’s relaxing on the couch or on the phone. Just make sure he's not on the phone with his mother.


6. Have strange sex. I don’t mean weird sex, but pretend you don’t know each other. You know… role playing. Set up a time to meet at a particular bar. As you make your way to him, flirt with a few guys. Introduce yourself; even make up a name and character you want to play. Role playing can push both of you out of your comfort zone and possibly enjoy sensations and positions you wouldn’t normally try together.
7. Play the innocent. If you want to have more fun role playing, pretend one of you is innocent and is in need of sex lessons. Prepare for a very X-Rated tutorial.


8. New views and new angles. Take the action to the living room couch. Try standing-up sex in this semipublic room, it’ll feel a bit naughty. Keep in mind this is the room where your parents and friends will be sitting.
9. Give him the “Oh, my God” erotic view. Start in a seated position on the couch, straddle him, and then place his hands on your hips to keep you secure. Lean all the way back so your head is down by his feet. You can put your hands on the floor for extra support, then rest your feet on the back of the couch.
10. Continue exploring the various rooms in the house. You will find you will be forced to accommodate your positions to different obstacles.

11. Ambushing your guy. Pounce on him when he gets out of the shower. Nothing smells or tastes as nice as a clean man! Or slip into the bathroom and strike a seductive pose in your birthday suit. When he pulls aside the curtain, he’ll be surprised with the stunning scenery.

12. Sexting. Next time you go out to dinner tell him you left something in the car. Once outside, text him that you need his help with something. When he comes out, pull him into the car and go at it. (You might want to be in a remote part of the parking lot.)

13. Sexy talk. Tell him how you feel during sex. Verbalizing the sensation brings your attention to it, which reinforces the pleasure you’re experiencing. “I’m coming” is a simple but magical phrase for a man to hear; he’s pleased he’s gotten you so aroused that you’re out of control.