Random Acts of Fantasy by Julia Kent

From New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent comes the third in her Random series:

You ever really think that you'll win the lottery? Meet Mr. Right? How about two Mr. Rights?

Somehow the universe is handing me everything I want (except for that lottery part...), and I don't like it. Not one little bit. Because just when you get all your dreams handed to you on a silver platter, that's when an airplane dumps its sewage on your house. Or your mama's diabetes takes a bad turn. Or your mobile phone gets stuck in your hoohaw.

(What? It happens…)

Boring old average me got everything I wanted already, moving from small-town Ohio to big-city Boston to follow my heart. So when the fancy invitation offering me a pile of money to come with the band, Random Acts of Crazy, to perform on an island resort and be their manager arrived, I thought it was a cosmic joke. Enough money to help my mama get what she needed, five days in sunny paradise, and a shot at greatness for the band? Unreal. One big shoe was waiting to drop. On my head.

Just like no one really ever finds a naked man wearing only a guitar standing by the side of the road hitchhiking and ends up falling in love with him and his friend and moving halfway across the country for true love, no one gets an invitation to come to what turns out to be a resort where people make what me and Joe and Trevor do together look like a chaste peck on the cheek. But...

Well.

I guess these things do happen.

To me.

 *****************************************************************************

Buy Now links:

Amazon

Amazon UK

iBooks

Tuesday Teaser from Alissa Baxter and The Blog Affair

My good friend, Alissa Baxter had an excellent book released back in October.  I recommend to check this book out. I guarantee you'll get caught up with the creatively way it's written and the story will take you away. 

BLURB:

Twenty-something, white, South African Emma Bradshaw has a pattern of falling for unsuitable men and starts a blog about these so-called “serial datists”. Her search for new beginnings takes her to Cape Town, where she gets a job working for sexy author, Nick Reynolds. Romance with her boss is a no-no, but slowly, Nick works his way around her defenses. Trust him, or not, especially with her awful track record with men?

When an anonymous male reader of the blog challenges her on her ideas about the male species, Emma realises she must confront her past and find her true self before she can move forward...and love can blossom again in her future.

EXCERPT FROM THE BLOG AFFAIR

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him. Like a bad apple, he just had to pop up in her new home. She’d left Durban to escape him, and here he was, back again, tormenting her as ever. Awful enough that memories of him were with her all the time, without him turning up in the flesh. And what flesh it was….

“You had a good time in Italy?” she inquired.

Phil nodded.

“Great. Well, I have things to do. Bye.”

“Running away, Em?”

Emma, who had starting walking toward the door, stopped in her tracks and turned around. “I’ve moved on, Phil.”

“You mean you’ve moved away. You haven’t moved on.”

“What makes you so sure?”

Phil gazed into her eyes before looking down at her mouth, and Emma swallowed hard. He always made her insides twist into knots, and the fact she couldn’t bear to be in the same room with him for even five minutes clearly showed she hadn’t moved on. She had to put him behind her, though, and stop allowing him to upset her equilibrium to the degree he did.

But as she studied his once-loved face, she let out a tiny sigh. How did you just move on and forget someone? Especially when you’d once believed that someone was the love of your life?

She stood immobile for a long moment. Then, without a word, she turned around again and walked out of the room.

AUTHOR BIO:

Alissa Baxter was born in South Africa, and grew up with her nose in a book on a poultry and cattle farm. After school and university, where she majored in Political Science and French, she published her first novel, The Dashing Debutante. Alissa travelled to London, England, and did an odd assortment of jobs while researching her second novel, Lord Fenmore’s Wager, which she wrote after she moved back to South Africa and settled in Durban. Alissa then relocated to Cape Town where she wrote her third novel, Send and Receive, before moving to Johannesburg, where she currently lives with her husband and two sons.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

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Special Release from Paige Tyler

Paige and I met through an online writers forum and we've hung out a few times in person at 
Lori Foster's Readers & Authors Get Together. 

She's a great gal, an amazing writer, and has a handsome "writer's research" assistant. 

I love Paige's work and want to share this announcement with every one. 

It's release day of Paige's re-release, the hot vampire romance VAMPIRE 101 

(Book One of Modern Day Vampires)!

I love the cover. Erin Dameron-Hill is the artist and it features Jimmy Thomas! Yummy!

Being a Vampire Isn't What It Used to Be!

Savanna Royce is a weekend Goth-girl who’s always been fascinated with vampires. She doesn’t really believe in them, of course, but that changes when she’s bitten by a rogue vamp and left for dead. Fortunately, two-hundred-and-seventy-eight-year-old vampire Kaige Travers is there to rescue her. Unwilling to let her die, he turns Savanna into a vampire to save her life—not knowing if she’ll thank him or hate him for it.

While Kaige is teaching Savanna what she needs to know about being a vampire, neither of them can deny the chemistry that’s there. Somewhere between getting her registered at the local vampire admin office and teaching her how to order blood on the internet, they fall for each other—fast and hard.

Just as things are heating up between the sheets—and everywhere else—they encounter one minor problem. The rogue vampire who attacked her is back and this time he wants to finish the job he started.

Pick up your copy today!

BUY LINKS

Amazon 

B&N

ARe

Baby, It’s Cold Outside Blog Hop - Jan. 3-5

Here’s a little tease from a work in progress, Eagle Dance. This book is part of a collection of Native American shifter stories that take place in a sweet little log cabin on Cherry Lane, at the Mountain Castillo Resort. The scene opens with our couple arriving at the cabin with some takeout pizza and other “necessities” for some hot romance on a cold winter night. I’ve taken the liberty of breaking the excerpt into smaller tid-bits to wet your appetite.

*This is from a WIP/not professionally edited*

She hated storms of any kind. He held her hand while effortlessly plowing through the storm. The simple gesture spoke fathoms. He pointed out the splendor of nature cloaked in a blanket of snow. Within moments, his deep voice lulled her nerves.

After traveling down a winding lane deeper into the woods, they found the cabin. Trudging through a foot of snow from the truck they found seasoned wood stacked neatly on the quaint porch. She carried their dinner while he brought in their overnight bags. Burgundy drapes covered the windows lining log walls. Hardwood floors covered with Turkish rugs and woodland décor gave the place a cozy atmosphere. River rock formed the new fireplace and chimney. A bar made from logs and rock graced one end of the room with a small refrigerator located underneath.

She slid the pizza box on the coffee table, set the bag of syrups on the counter then placed the ice cream in the tiny freezer. Hanging her coat on a hook behind the door, she slipped off her boots onto a matt. A fruit and cheese basket including two bottles of wine rested on the bar. Picking up a note, she quickly scanned it.

“The basket is from Madame Eve.” She noticed Dyami paused from building a fire to listen as she read. “Take a step into the past before you dance into the future. There is not greater feeling in the world than moving together to a piece of music and letting the world around you disappear; except for looking into the soul of your partner and seeing yourself.”

“For some reason she reminds me of a shaman.” He shook his head.

“Yeah, this makes her sound like a real mystical lady.” She put the odd message down and picked up the bottles. “Do you prefer red or white?”

“Let’s start with the red.” He shucked off his coat and wet boots, then proceeded to light the fire. “The white might be sweeter and perfect for later.”

Her body trembled with anticipation of what later would entail. “Would that be before or after dessert?”

He kept his back to her and answered with a deep chuckle. Squatting over the hearth, his baggy pants pulled tight over his thighs and revealed a squeezable butt. Biting her lip in frustration, she turned her attention to their dinner. The man oozed sexual aura. On the other hand, something about him seemed familiar. 

A click of the stereo launched music creating a melody with crackling flames, she swayed her hips in rhythm. She opened the wine. Dyami stood behind her and set two glasses on the table next to the open pizza box.

Without a word, he slid his hands around her waist and moved with her. Leaning into him, he drew her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck sending shivers of excitement along her spine.

“Do you like to dance?”

“I love to.” She turned to face him and rested her hands on his chest. “When I was a little girl, I’d dance with my dad by standing on his feet. Now I can’t find a dance partner tall enough.”

“I think we are a perfect fit.” He pulled her tight to emphasize the truth to his words.

His voice dropped and the richness struck a chord of arousal. A faint aroma of musk tempted her to kiss him. His soft lips responded to hers with the casualness if they’ve kissed hundreds of times.

Under her palms, his heartbeat echoed hers. He picked up the beat of the music. She followed his lead and slid her arms around his neck. Catching one hand in his, he led her into a dance. She floated on air until the song finished. He stopped and his hands gripped her waist. His pale eyes sparkled in the firelight.

“I would like nothing more than to continue dancing with you, but I’m starving.” His voice deep with regret reminded her of the pizza cooling on the table.

Moral to the story: when it’s cold outside warm up with pizza, wine and dancing with your honey.



Dyami Schafer is a Chippewa Eagle shifter.

Stay tuned for a release date on Dyami and Amanda’s story, Eagle Dance.

 

Here's a little eye candy...

 

Feel free to enjoy Seth and Lucy’s story in Crow Magic, the same little cabin but in warmer weather.

Now available. Click here to buy or read an excerpt.

Join the fun of Baby, It's Cold Outside Blog Tour
for a chance to win a FREE Download of Crow Magic.


Brought to readers and book lovers by JustRomance.me

Tuesday Teaser - Take Me Home

The mascot of my high school was the Lumberjacks. Later alumni purchased a statue of a hunky lumberjack posing with axe in his large hands, muscles bulging, to stand in the front courtyard. He inspired many wayward thoughts in our teenage minds back then.

 After all... who doesn't love a hot lumberjack?

I live in the woods and dream one up on occasion.

Now, let's take that sexy fella and throw him into our mature, womanly minds. 

 

Here's one in a sexy cover we can take home. 

Blurb:

Logging manager Matt Shaw is wary when Kayla Edwards, the owner of Mountain Specialty Spices, hires his firm to harvest timber on her Appalachian property. It's a place he knows better than the back of his calloused hand—it's his family's old homestead, lost years ago in a painful foreclosure. He's hauled himself up from dirt-floor poor since then, and resolves to stay professional…but Kayla's vivacious beauty makes it hard to focus on his job.

Home. That's how army-brat-turned-foodie Kayla feels about her new mountain hideaway. What's more, the hottest lumberjack ever to swing an axe has agreed to manage her timber crop and get the old maple syrup operations back on tap. Matt's ruggedly sexy ways and passion for the land have her falling hard.

The heat between them grows wild…until Kayla discovers that Matt hasn't been up front with her. She feels devastated and, worst of all, used. How can Matt prove it's her he wants and not her land?

Do I have your attention?

Here's your teaser for today:

Kayla waved a hand at the tree. “Tell me what you’re doing.”

“Measuring the DBH.”

“DBH?”

“Diameter, breast high. To make a mathematical estimate on how much board footage is in each tree.”

Sharp white teeth nibbled at her lip. “Uh, you’re like what, six foot something?”

“Six-one.”

“Right. And I’m five-eight. We have different breast height. How does that work?”

His eyes dropped to her bustline and that smear. Her breast height would fit snugly into his chest and would work just fine. He cleared his throat.

“There is a leeway of about twelve to eighteen inches.” He motioned to the hickory. “Just use the center of your chest. A measurement from anywhere in that range normally works.”

A purring sound poured from her throat as she stepped closer. The tips of her breasts grazed his shirtfront. She tilted her head and looked up at him with a playful slant along her lips. “Look at that. You’re right. This range works pretty well.”

She smelled of sharp spices, fresh pine and sun-warmed woman. His stomach clenched with a hunger that had little to do with food. Every masculine instinct he had screamed to drop his head and kiss her, to push her back against that hickory and show her a hardwood of a different variety.

“Lumberjacks are sexy as hell, know that?”

Heat brewed between them. Heat he couldn’t return out of self-preservation.

“I’m not a lumberjack, I’m a forester.”

Her fingers lifted, tracing along his upper arm, and he fought the urge to tighten his biceps. “What’s the difference?”

Matt gritted his teeth. “About a hundred years.”

Kayla moved in. Full breasts pressed into his chest, and her hands dropped to his waist. She circled her hips and his erection leaped. Her tongue touched her lip again. “Hmm, how much does wood grow in a hundred years?”

Lust tightened, drew hard inside him until the only thing he could feel was his dick throbbing in his pants. He wanted her naked and under him, now. His feet moved without thought, forcing her back until her spine hit the hickory, his free hand curling around her hip.

A soft gasp escaped her but her hands flew to his shoulders. Dark pupils wide and shining, Kayla stared, tilting her chin up to offer him her mouth. Her kiss was his for the taking. He lowered his head, his lips a mere fraction of an inch from hers.

“Kayla.” He swallowed his groan. “I can’t.”

 

The Best Journeys are the Ones That Bring You Home... Country Roads

TAKE ME HOME -Inez Kelley
Book 1 in the Country Roads Series
November 25, 2013 - Carina Press

 

 

Buy links:

Amz, B&N, ARe, Carina, iTunes

 

*****************************************************************************

INEZ KELLEY was born and bred in the mountains of West Virginia. Although you can never take the hillbilly out of the girl, her knight in shining armor transplanted her to the Midwest along with their teenage drama queen, Spawnetta, and the Demolition Duo – Damien and his twin, the Omen.

Signup for Inez’s newsletter to get sneak peeks and contest entries. You can visit her at her website http://inezkelley.com/  Follow Inez on twitter at @Inez_Kelley or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/inez.Kelley

 

 

 

 

Tuesday's Tasty Teaser - Love Unlocked

SQUEEEE!  Today's Tasty Teaser is from Libby Waterford's new release, Love Unlocked.

It's a contemporary romantic suspense from Decadent Publishing.
Many of you know I was an artist before I became a writer so this book is special to me. 

It's soooo steamy, I can't wait to read my copy!
Congrats Libby!!!!! 

Retired art thief Eve Caplin has come all the way from Paris to start over in a small Central California town. When she locks herself out of her new house she gets much more than she bargained for in Hudson Cleary, part-time locksmith and world famous artist. Eve tries to resist Hudson’s seductive pull, but can’t refuse his help when a man from her past blackmails her into stealing a ten million dollar painting from under the owner’s nose. Hudson not only has the key to stealing the painting, Eve fears he may hold the key to her damaged heart as well.

Hudson hasn’t picked up a paintbrush in two years when he unlocks Eve Caplin’s door and the mysterious beauty arouses much more than just his creative impulses. He needs Eve in his studio and wants her in his bed. When he discovers that danger follows the woman he’s quickly falling for, he must decide how far over the line he’s willing to go to protect her. Will he lose his heart, his muse, and his freedom all in one unforgettable night?

 

Ready to be teased some more?

Sit back and enjoy the following excerpt for Love Unlocked:

 

“So what’s the plan?”

“What do you mean?”

“The plan, you know, how are you going to steal the painting?” He spoke more calmly than he felt.

“I hardly think you need to know about that.”

“John mentioned involving me. Let me help.” He needed her to let him help her. He couldn’t stand by and let her face the threat of prison, bodily harm, or death all alone. Somewhere between her locked front door and the Rembrandt, Eve had become his to protect, and he wouldn’t let her down.

She pushed back from the bar, hands on her hips. “John was out of his mind to suggest such a thing, and you have no business being anywhere near this situation.”

God, she could be stubborn. “Then why did you tell me about it?”

She goggled at him for a moment, then ignored his question. “John and I can handle it. We have to get access to a museum fundraiser where the painting is going to be displayed and take it from there. It’s simple really. You’re not needed.”         

Hudson saw his window and he went for it. “A fundraiser? Not for the Santa Barbara Art Museum?”

She was slow to respond. “Yes, actually.”

His chest surged with relief that he could offer her something that might help her stay out of harm’s way. “I donated a print to their charity auction. It’s a joint fundraiser for the museum and for art education scholarships for low income high schoolers.”

“Of course it is,” she grumbled.

“Which means I have an invitation,” he said. “Want to be my plus one?”

She bit her lip and crossed her arms. She wouldn’t be able to turn down his perfect way in, and he’d be at her side, keeping the wolves at bay.

“It’s dangerous, you’d get us all caught.”

He smiled. He knew rationalizations when he heard them. She was going to cave any minute.

“You need my help,” he said, moving closer. “I don’t like the thought of you out there up to no good on your own.” They were so close they were practically breathing the same air.

“I won’t be alone,” she said halfheartedly. “I’ll have John.”

He wasn’t above playing dirty. He slid a hand around the back of her neck, stroking the soft hair that covered it like a waterfall. It took physical effort to keep from shuddering at the intense pleasure the sensation brought him. “I really don’t like the thought of you out with John at some swanky party. You’ll probably be dressed to the nines. High heels and everything,” he murmured.

“Jealous?” she breathed.

“Very.” And he kissed her.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Decadent

 What Readers are saying:

“The compelling hero and heroine have great chemistry and the thrilling plot keeps you guessing!” – Philippa on Amazon.com

 About the Author:

Libby Waterford writes California-set steamy contemporary romances. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and works off her weekly pilgrimage to In-N-Out by swimming and climbing the city’s hidden staircases.

Contact Details:
Website

 

Email

Facebook

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Tuesday Teaser - A Sweet & Sassy Match

My good friend Stevie MacFarlane is working on a new contemporary romance series, Sugar Babies, Inc.  Book 1, A Sweet and Sassy Match is out and she sent us a little teaser.

BLURB

Sam Barringer worked his way up from the slums of Philadelphia to a corner office with a magnificent view of Manhattan.   A powerhouse in his field, Sam made more money than he could spend.  Still single, he watched quietly as his associates marriages crumpled one after another.  It seemed there was always another beautiful gold-digger ready to take whatever the first or third wife left up for grabs.  Many of his male clients were ridiculously wealthy and so very alone, unable to trust their own judgment when it came to women, but there were good women out there.  The problem was they worked in coffee shops and school lunch rooms, as bus drivers and mechanics, hardly likely to meet a man who could and would provide them with security, love and guidance.

As his bank account grew, so did his dissatisfaction.  The men surrounding him were unhappy and frustrated, looking for something they were never going to find, despite their wealth.  It was then that Sugar Babies was born.   Quickly Sam discovered that there were a lot more men like him than he'd previously believed;  Dominant men, who firmly believed that disciplining their woman was sometimes necessary to insure a healthy, peaceful and long term relationship.  He also discovered an entire group of clients that wanted something more, a woman-child to call them Daddy.  

While scouting out a new location for a branch office, Sam meets Johanna Maxwell.  Jo is beautiful, hard-working and everyone’s best friend.   If you're moving and need an extra hand, Jo’s your girl; house-sitting, baby-sitting, pet-sitting?  No problem.  Need a loan, a last minute date, call Jo?  In fact, the only person Jo didn't take care of in her large circle of friends, family and co-workers, was Jo. 

Sam falls hard, but can he convince Jo that his business is legitimate and more to the point can he convince her that when he pulls her over his knee, it’s out of love?

Visit Stevie MacFarlane's website.

Tuesday Teaser - Crow Magic Excerpt

“I am a man who is yours tonight, Lucy.” He walked toward her with arms out from his sides, exposing his nudity. “Draw on the power within you. Look at me. Overcome your apprehension of men. Have I not shown you gentleness?”

She nodded and approached him while tugging the strap of her sundress.

“Keep your dress on. Take it off when you are ready. This night is about you. Explore my body, learn from it, and take whatever you want. You are in control.”

He led her to the center of the blanket and faced her. She stood still with her fingertips resting on his waist. Cupping her face, he lost himself in her eyes.

“I am your instrument to use tonight. Open yourself up and delve into this opportunity I offer. I am yours to command. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“I think so.” She considered his offer. “What do I do?”

“Follow your feminine intuition.” He couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Touch me, tickle me, beat me, kiss me, bite me, lick me, suck me…whatever you want. Take whatever you need from me to strengthen you.”

In the moonlight, an endearing, innocent blush spread across her face. Amazing how a woman who lived her life in fear caused by abuse could be so naive of her own sensual power. If she knew her potential, she could bring him to his knees.

Please, bring me to my knees.

COMING APRIL 26

Six Sentence Sunday - Love Knot

The breath from her words bounced off his lips back onto her. His lips were so close the heat radiated from them. Her arms locked around his neck as she stood on her tip toes. His mouth set fire to her body as he placed soft kisses along her jaw. Wonderful sensations swirled in her body as he enveloped her in his embrace. Soft lips brushed over hers then he gazed at her with a smirk on his face.

AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $1.99
ON SMASHWORDS.

Tasty Tuesday - Excerpt from Love Knot

Satisfied with her work, she set her brush down and picked at some green paint left on a fingernail. A draft swooshed up the stairs as a door below opened. Mimi recognized the heavy footsteps on the stairs and turned just as Robbie entered the room. Excitement rose.

“Well... you're a sight for sore eyes!” Mimi grinned as the sight of her long-lost friend thrilled her senses.

Dressed in black jeans, black boots and black tank under a plaid shirt with hunky muscles peeking out; hot enough to make any woman with a pulse drool. His reddish blonde hair fashioned in the usual mess as if he just crawled out of bed. Dark brows arched over beautiful green eyes and those lips...so kissable.

Without saying a word, Robbie placed a box he carried as well as a highly polished apple onto the table and walked towards her. His hand slipped under her hair to cup the base of her head, while his other arm circled around her. When his lips came down on hers, Mimi had to grab onto him to keep from falling over in surprise.

Not a sweet kiss of friendship but an obvious promise of decadent pleasure. With a tilt of his head, Robbie took the kiss deeper. The scent of milled soap and masculinity made her heady. She could barely remember the last time he kissed her, not that she complained at the moment. Robbie slowly pulled away, tugging at her lip with his teeth as he did.

“Ah... welcome home?” She choked on the words.

AVAILABLE ON SMASHWORDS NOW!

Monday Mojo - Meet Robbie Mac Donnell

            Robbie Mac Donnell            

Born: in Ireland
Lives: on the East Coast of the US.
Age: 35
Eye color: green
Height: 6'2"
Tattoos: Large cross on right shoulder
Jewelery/Piercings: No piercings but wears a Celtic cross on a chain and a sivler Celtic ring.
Normal Attire: Jeans, t-shirts, flannel shirts, boots
Occupation: Marine Biologist/Enviromental Scientist

  Irishman, Robbie Mac Donnell never wanted to stay in one place very long. His job as a scientist allowed him to travel the world without ever making permanent ties to anyone. However, when he finds the perfect person and the perfect place to settle down, he's not sure if she'll believe him.               
       
Available now on SMASHWORDS

NEW RELEASE- LOVE KNOT

She's a homebody and he's an Irishman who doesn't like to be in one place very long. 

When Robbie makes the decision to settle down, will Mimi believe him?

 

BLURB:
Mimi Cates is an artist who lives over the coffee shop she owns. Content with her life, she won't allow herself to become to close with her sexy, wanderlust neighbor, despite what her heart tells her.

Robbie Mac Donnell never wanted to stay in one place very long. His job as a scientist allowed him to travel the world without ever making permanent ties to anyone. However, when he finds the perfect person and the perfect place to settle down, he's not sure if she'll believe him.
EXCERPT:

Dressed in black jeans, black boots and black tank under a plaid shirt with hunky muscles peeking out; hot enough to make any woman with a pulse drool. His reddish blonde hair fashioned in the usual mess as if he just crawled out of bed. Dark brows arched over beautiful green eyes and those lips...so kissable.

Without saying a word, Robbie placed a box he carried as well as a highly polished apple onto the table and walked towards her. His hand slipped under her hair to cup the base of her head, while his other arm circled around her. When his lips came down on hers, Mimi had to grab onto him to keep from falling over in surprise.

Not a sweet kiss of friendship but an obvious promise of decadent pleasure. With a tilt of his head, Robbie took the kiss deeper. The scent of milled soap and masculinity made her heady. She could barely remember the last time he kissed her, not that she complained at the moment. Robbie slowly pulled away, tugging at her lip with his teeth as he did.

“Ah... welcome home?” She choked on the words.

Available only on Smashwords. 

BUY NOW

Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop 2011

Welcome to the Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop.  You probably just hopped in from Romance Writers Behaving Badly.  I hope you had a Holiday beverage handy as you read those HOT posts from those naughty authors. Do you need a minute to catch your breath?

Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a PDF download of my latest book Handcuffs & Silk.

Your next stop on the hop after here will be exciting as you dive into a writer's world with erotic author Louisa Bacio. 

"The mistletoe is hung up near a doorway or in the kitchen and young men have the privilege of kissing girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases."

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The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is one of my favorites and I believe a lot of kissing under the mistletoe has been going on for ages.  In today's tradition the part about plucking the berries (which, incidentally, are poisonous), and then all kissing under the mistletoe ends when the berries run out!

As a little girl, my mother told me how a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she cannot expect not to marry the following year.

*******************************

I found references of "kissing under the mistletoe" in Celtic rituals and Norse mythology. In Gaul, the land of the Celts, for instance, the Druids considered it a sacred plant. It was believed to have medicinal qualities and mysterious supernatural powers.  (Hmm... I wonder what kind of "power" I would have if I wear a piece of mistletoe on my coat.  After all... I am Scandinavian.)

The Norse myth of Baldur. Baldur's death and resurrection is one of the most fascinating Norse myths and stands at the beginning of the history of mistletoe as a "kissing" plant.

Baldur's mother was the Norse goddess, Frigga. When Baldur was born, Frigga made each and every plant, animal and inanimate object promise not to harm Baldur. But Frigga overlooked the mistletoe plant -- and the mischievous god of the Norse myths, Loki, took advantage of this oversight.
Ever the prankster, Loki tricked one of the other gods into killing Baldur with a spear fashioned from mistletoe. The demise of Baldur, a vegetation deity in the Norse myths, brought winter into the world, although the gods did eventually restore Baldur to life. After which Frigga pronounced the mistletoe sacred, ordering that from now on it should bring love rather than death into the world.

Happily complying with Frigga's wishes, any two people passing under the plant from now on would celebrate Baldur's resurrection by kissing under the mistletoe.

**************************************

I have my mistletoe hanging.  Do you?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a PDF of Handcuffs and Silk

Decadent Publishing A 1 Night Stand Story Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night. Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options. A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both. Genre: Contemporary romance, erotic romance, BDSM

Your next stop on the hop after here will be exciting as you dive into a writer's world with erotic author Louisa Bacio.