A Day With David Gandy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldLJTnMsEJU

Check out this really great video of David Gandy. Lots of modeling along with discussion of the industry along with more about David.

Miz Love Loves Books - Best of 2011

Some days you have to drag your sorry self out of bed, go to work and forget all about your dream of writing full time!

Other days, you get an email from Miz Love, which states that my book WICKED LORD is in the "best of" list for 2011. Yes, Wicked Lord was dubbed the Best M/F Historical!

Read about it and other great selections here: http://www.mizlovelovesbooks.com/p/best-of-2011.html

Happy reading.

You can buy Wicked Lord here: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9562-wicked-lord.aspx

COLD PLAY coming soon

Last month, I signed a six contract deal with Ellora's Cave for my new romantic suspense series COLD PLAY. The whole series is seven books, the first BEST SERVED COLD will be out in January. And you know that with EC, the stories will be smokin' hot.

BSC features one of my favorite heroines, Dr. Keefe Pearson. She's an archaeologist. Her love interest is former CIA, working at the American Embassy in Athens, Greece. His contacts at the CIA don't want to let him go and have a knack for getting him involved in Dr. Pearson's life in ways that infuriate her.

Their story is told in three of the seven books, Best Served Cold, On Thin Ice and Deep Freeze.

Can't wait for release date!

My Writer Friends: Lily Harlem's Cold Nights Hot Bodies

Doesn't this sound great?

All my life I’ve been the quiet bookworm, the office mouse. It hasn’t bothered me. Immersing myself in erotic novels has kept me wriggling on the edge of my seat at work and firmly entrenched in my own fantasy world at night.

Though one thing is bothering me—my damn virginity. If only I could find a sexy bedroom expert to introduce me to the delights of having a lover. Someone handsome and charming, who can rival the hunky alpha males in my books. I have a very vivid, very well-fed imagination—he’ll have to keep up.

Then, one bitterly cold night, thanks to a devious, conniving so-called-friend, the perfect opportunity to rid myself of this pesky virginal problem comes along. Before I know it, the heroes in my novels have come alive in the person of Shane Galloway, who’s pleasuring me with every trick in the book and wheedling into my heart in the hottest possible of ways.

HERE's the BUY link.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9705-cold-nights-hot-bodies.aspx

And check out this HOT cover!

Oh Wow! Spectacular new cover for BEST SERVED COLD

I recently mentioned the new contract with Ellora's Cave for a romantic suspense series I'm doing. The first book BEST SERVED COLD now has a cover. It is too amazing for words. The cover designer is Dar Albert of Wicked Smart Designs. Check her out. She does fabulous work.

I am stunned and amazed! Shocked and awed. What do you think?

My Writer Friends...Cindy Jacks.

Check out Cindy's newest release: Phantom Touch

Erika leads a quiet life—at least in the real world. But her alter-ego, Little Lottie, is a singer at a local club and engages in a wild online romance. For months she’s been communicating with a mysterious man, known only to her as the Phantom.

Her lover contacts her via texts, emails and instant messages. When he offers to fulfill her desires in real life, she can’t refuse. The only condition to meeting for their sizzling assignations—he wears a mask to hide his true identity. Despite his reluctance to reveal himself to Erika, he tears down her inhibitions and unleashes her suppressed passions, taking possession of her body and soul.

Erika may have finally found the one man who can sate her every longing…if only he would show her the man behind the mask.

And you can buy it here: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9623-phantom-touch.aspx

The chances of getting published greatly improve if...

I don't normally post from other blogs but I thought this from Jen Jackson of Donald Maass Agency had some interesting statements about what wanna-be-published writer's will do that will sabotage their chance of getting a request from an agent.

For a direct read, go to: http://arcaedia.wordpress.com/

Here's what I cut:

Things that made me go huh in this last batch….

* The sheer number of people who can’t be bothered to begin a letter with a salutation. And the number of those who can’t be bothered to include a letter of any kind.

* Not sending the requested first five pages and stating only full manuscript requests will be considered (it would apparently be meaningless as the book can only be appreciated in its entirety). Closely followed by first novels that will not be finished for another six months.

* Sending a one-liner email with the full manuscript attached.

* Indicating that the query was sent because of a characteristic of two novels that I have sold where those two novels have not yet been released, and one of them is by a debut author, so claiming any sort of familiarity with the work seems unlikely. This really comes across as someone looking up the most recent sales on PM and using them in an attempt to personalize without actually doing real homework. Go figure.

So the moral of this story is...this is so simple it kills me to say it...follow the instructions!

FAST FIVE FRIDAY at the Writer's Studio

I'm blogging today at The Writer's Studio. Stop by for a chance to win a free ebook of Wicked Lord.

http://angeladrake.blogspot.com/


I was telling my editor last night about "another" story idea I have for the Wicked series. As I was writing it, the first five paragraphs had me in tears. It will be heavy on the emotion side and with equally passionate sex. I hope. Sometimes I think a story idea is so deep it is beyond my ability to write, but I will give it my best and let my editor and readers decide.

A glimpse of WICKED:

First Review of WICKED LORD - Check it out!

Oh, it is always so exciting to get that first review in...and here it is...

This is from Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and More.  Check out Wicked Lord and other reviews at the sight below.

http://mochasmysteriesandmore.blogspot.com/2011/09/wicked-lord.html

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Wicked Lord

Book Three in the Wicked Affairs series. Helene Cosgrove’s only passion is her art, until she is betrothed to a respectable baron. Believing he will be the love of her life, she’s crushed when her father ends the engagement. Helene is approached by a second suitor, the wicked Lord Redding, Edward Chase. She is duty-bound to marry the scoundrel even though she despises him. Redding happily snatches his rival’s betrothed and finds himself married to a woman of outstanding talents, utter radiance and innocent sexuality. Her haughty and summary rejection of him only spurs his desire to have her, and prove he’s as worthy of her love as her former swain. And what better way than to tutor her in his bed? Helene is tempted by Redding in all the wrong ways. When he delivers her secret desires, she must reconcile her heart to the matter—deciding whether she loves Redding for who he is or for what he can do for her, in and out of the marriage bed.

Ellora's Cave puts out the best erotic historicals under their Legend line and Eliza Lloyd is one of my favorites in their roster of authors. I love her Wicked series as they focus on married couples discovering each other, weathering the storms in their relationships and growing stronger as they learn how to make each other happy. I loved the love/hate relationship Helene and Redding formed in Wicked Lord, ending up in a true Happily Ever After. I especially enjoyed the twist of what Helene's art revealed about the desires she tried so hard to keep from her husband. Scorchingly hot and decadent!!!

Best Served Cold - A new contract with Ellora's Cave

I'm so excited to tell you that my next contract with Ellora's Cave (just signed) is going to be something brand new - a contemporary romantic suspense set in Athens, Greece. Athens is one of my favorite places in the world - the weather, the history, the Mediterranean, the baklava. I want to pack my bags and head out now.

I love the intrigue of the James Bond/Bourne series' and I've tried to write something that resembles those settings. I'm not making any comparisons so please don't laugh when you actually read it...but I have, I believe, written my strongest heroine in Dr. Keefe Pearson, a world renowned archaeologist neck deep in trouble.

Why have I titled an erotica Best Served Cold? Well, Dr. Pearson is out for revenge and, as the saying goes, it is best served cold. Keefe has waited years to take her revenge and just when everything has fallen into place, HE shows up.  HE is the stone-cold CIA man who's on her trail.

Can't wait to get this one in your hands though we haven't started editing yet. It's dear to me and I hope my fans will enjoy the switch to intrigue.  Don't worry, the next WICKED book is nearing completion.

My Writer Friends: ALWAYS YOU by Karen Stivali

Here's the blurb:

When Shari discovers that her fiance has been cheating on her, she lets the wedding go on according to plan, except while everyone else is at the church, Shari is heading to the airport to fly off on her honeymoon with her best friend, Jon.

Jon is only too happy to help Shari escape what he knew would have been an awful marriage. Plus he’s thrilled by the prospect of time alone with her in a tropical paradise. He’s always loved her and desired her as a lot more than a friend.

A steamy, romantic night on the beach turns into a whirlwind of desire as they take their friendship to multiple new levels of passion. But when Shari’s apologetic ex tries to win her back, she must choose between the life she thought she was going to have with him and the possibility of love with Jon.

Buy Link:

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9551-always-you.aspx

And the cover:

And the winners are...

A big thanks to all those who entered the WICKED LORD release contest.

Here's a reminder of the prizes:

First prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, the first season DVD of Hawaii Five-O and a paperback edition of one of my favorite historical novels by Loretta Chase, Lord of Scoundrels along with a $25 Lord and Taylor gift card. WINNER Diane Diamond

Second prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, a paperback of Wicked Desires and a paperback of another favorite novel, My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne. WINNER Rustye

Third Prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord and some author swag. WINNER Wanda Kay

Don't forget - the DVD won't got out until month-end because of the release day. If you would, please send me your information privately (mailing and email addresses) to elizalloyd@yahoo.com.

THANKS EVERYONE.

It's Release Day! Wicked Lord is on sale now at Ellora's Cave

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9562-wicked-lord.aspx

Thanks for all your interest in the WICKED series!

Andy Whitfield RIP

Andy was such a perfect cast for the role of Spartacus. I, along with countless others, had looked forward to several more seasons of him playing Spartacus. A tragic loss and I'm so sorry for his family.

Mae West...a romance writer at heart

This blog started as a composition of humorous and truthful quotes on romance, love and sex. Until I ran across some Mae West funnies. I think she was a romance writer at heart.

Marriage ain't a word, it's a sentence. (Scarlet Pimpernel) Okay, I left this one in because I like it so much.

I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.

Don't keep a man guessing too long - he's sure to find the answer somewhere else.

Women like a man with a past, but they prefer a man with a present.

I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.

I have found men who didn't know how to kiss. I've always found time to teach them.

Love thy neighbor -- and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.

If a little is great, and a lot is better, then way too much is just about right!

Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere.

Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can't figure out what from.

Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.

Isn't she witty? There are so many clever women out there. Cher also has some good one-liners. Who else?

Gil Elvgren's Pin Up Girls

Okay, this might seem like a strange blogpost but I just have to share. I bought a picture book of Gil Elvgren's pin up girls and I am just fascinated by it.

The drawings are flawlessly sexy, a little naughty and a lot fun. And I love that they are smiling.

They look how I think women should feel about their sensualty. They look like they enjoy being a sexual creature. Granted, I would be smiling more if I had breasts like those and a tiny waist to go with it but I think you can see what I mean. Take a look and tell me what you think.

Don't forget, the Wicked Lord Release day contest is going on and any post to this blog or a follow for this blog automatically enters you.  Check yesterday's blog for details.

Wicked Lord Release Contest

I haven't done a contest for awhile so here goes! I was originally going to call this contest a "Fortnight of Narcissism," but I thought that was too narcissistic.

Between September 1st (the paperback release of Wicked Desires) and September 14th (the ebook release of Wicked Lord,) you may enter the contest by: 1) commenting on a blog post 2) following this blog or 3) friending me on twitter (elloydwriting.)  Be sure to leave your contact information, preferably an email address.

And what's in it for YOU?

Don't forget, you need to be 18 to enter!

First prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, the first season DVD of Hawaii Five-O (quick some one tell me why I choose that series,) and a paperback edition of one of my favorite historical novels by Loretta Chase, Lord of Scoundrels along with a $25 Lord and Taylor gift card. Okay, have you figured out the LORD connection to Hawaii Five-O. I know it was a stretch.

Second prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, a paperback of Wicked Desires and a paperback of another favorite novel, My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne.

Third Prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord and some author swag.

Prizes will not go out until the end of September (due to the DVD release date of Five-O.) Tell all your friends so they can share in my narcissism!

What's next for the WICKED AFFAIRS series?

With the release of Wicked Lord on September 14th, a new character is introduced, Alizabet Standifer. She is the only sister of the Wicked Lord Redding, Edward Chase, and has her own marriage difficulties. This book, tentatively titled Wicked Secrets, follows two people with the darkest of secrets. Her husband Charles has just admitted to an affair. Yes, I know, it is going to be hard to redeem him by the end of the book.

Charles is fighting his heritage - a father who was the veriest scoundrel and seducer of women. Charles fears it is in his nature to be as faithless. Alizabet was abused as a child and leaves her cold to his advances. Can they stop the spiral of anger and hurt before they are destroyed by wicked secrets?

WICKED DESIRES out in trade paperback SEPTEMBER 1st

Yes, this makes me very happy! My first novel WICKED DESIRES is being released in paperback. While I love ebooks, I'm thrilled with the idea of touching my book, licking it maybe.

Get your copy here.  (Please don't think bad - badly, I never can get that one right - of me that I'll be pressing the buy button on the 1st.)

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9578-wicked-desires.aspx

David Gandy and Cars

Another reason why I dig David Gandy. He loves his cars and is devoting some time to test driving some spectacular (as in, you and I will never drive these machines,) automobiles. Enjoy.

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2011-08/23/gq-cars-david-gandy-caterham-supersport-review/verdict-rating



http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2011-07/05/gq-cars-david-gandy-jaguar-xkr-s-car-motor-review-test-drive/tata

David Gandy - Free Refills.

I'm sorry I've been negligent. So many David Gandy photos, so little blog time.

Enjoy.  Oh, and don't forget the new fabulous book DAVID GANDY will be available at Amazon next month.

WICKED LORD release date changed to September 14th

Sorry for the confusion. The release date for WICKED LORD was reset to September 14th. As always, you can pick up your ebook at Ellora's Cave.

WICKED LORD, releasing on September 14th

I received news today that WICKED LORD, the third installment in the Wicked Affairs series will release on September 14th from Ellora's Cave. The great cover was designed by Dar Albert. She does 'bodice ripper" so well!

Here's the blurb:

Helene Cosgrove’s only passion is her art until she is betrothed to a respectable baron. Believing he will be the love of her life, she is crushed when her father ends the engagement. Helene is approached by a second suitor, the wicked Lord Redding, Edward Chase. She is duty bound to marry the scoundrel even though she despises him.

Redding happily snatches his rival’s betrothed and finds himself married to a woman of outstanding talents, utter radiance and innocent sexuality. Her haughty and summary rejection of him only spurs his desire to have her and prove to her he is as worthy of her love as her former swain. And what better way than to tutor her in his bed.

Helene is tempted by Redding in all the wrong ways. When he delivers her secret desires, she must reconcile her heart to the matter—deciding whether she loves Redding for who he is or for what he can do for her, in and out of the marriage bed.

Hope you enjoy Redding, one of my favorite bad-boy heroes.

All I Now About Romance Novel Heroes I Learned from Flynn Rider

Had an excellent conference yesterday with the Ozark Romance Writer's in Springfield, Missouri. We got to hear from industry professionals on the state of publishing. Romance novelists Leah Michaels and Shannon K Butcher gave excellent presentations on suspense plotting and things that stump the best of us. I got to give a humorous presentation on heroes that all started because of Flynn Rider in the movie Tangled.

Half way through the movie he remarks, "I don't do back story." Well, I jotted down some of the events that happened during the movie and, viola, the pattern for hero-making.

A couple of my favorite points:
One favorite line occurred at the Snuggly Duckling when Rapunzel says, "Give me back my guy." It is a lovely analogy for that point in the romance novel when the heroine realizes she wants/needs the hero.

At another time, Flynn attempts to return the crown to his former comrades-in-arms. Rapunzel is concerned and says to the effect, "I was starting to think you ran off with the crown and left me." Of course, it's all part of the wicked Gothel's plan to get Rapunzel back and discredit Flynn, but the point is, that during the writing of a manuscript one might have them meet and conquer danger while keeping the larger danger, the dark moment, in the back ground and spring it on the reader at the end. And the more emotional turning point is that Rapunzel now has doubts about Flynn.

Tangled is a great pattern card for blocking out a hero for your next manuscript.

Copyright: Disney

Just Thinking About...David Gandy

Just a couple of great pics...he really is too beautiful for words.

ANOTHER LOVER, up for Book of the Week at LASR

Got news that ANOTHER LOVER is up for Book of the Week at LASR. Would love it if you could stop by and click for me at:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/index.htm

Thanks so much.

Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews for ANOTHER LOVER

Oh, wow! I just got an email from LASR/Whipped Cream that ANOTHER LOVER was given a 5 Cherry review! This is so awesome I had to share (translation: brag.) And with this rating, I will be up for Book of the Week! The voting will begin Saturday and I'm going to bug all my Blogger, Facebook and Twitter friends to check it out. I know there will be a ton of other great writers to choose from...so I'll say thank you now even if you aren't able to cast your vote for me.

Here's the link to the review:
http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/search?q=eliza+lloyd

Dads

Okay, I have a thing for DADS who don't just play the part!

At the mall, at the pool - they are everywhere. But of course, being a romance writer I would NEVER dream of poaching. However, we can all agree that it is okay to look.

So let's look. How about that David Beckham? I've always had a thing for him. Not to worry, David Gandy has a firm grip on my ovaries. Becks is physical, competitive and caring. A photo of him with one of the kids is so adorable. Not the same way that a photo of him in his Armani's is adorable, but I digress. A topic for another blog.

Photos? Must have photos.

Oops, how did this get in here....

Why Loretta Chase Rocks.

Any one who has read my blog (or my JERR Interview here: http://elizalloyd.blogspot.com/2011/06/interview-at-just-erotic-romance.html ) knows that I dig Loretta Chase's historical novels. She is so clever.



So, I'm reading Silk is for Seduction. The premise is unique: a dressmaker who catches the eye of a Duke. Marcelline, the heroine, is lovely. A shark at heart, she also is very aware of what and who she is...and poor Clevedon can't help by fall for her by the page.

Another great read from Loretta and I would highly recommend for any reader who enjoys a witty historical romp.

Good news for David Gandy fans

David's new coffee table book from Dolce and Gabbana will be available from Amazon.com and, I assume, other outlets in September. Amazon shows a release date of September 27, 2011 but you can preorder with some substantial savings.

http://www.amazon.com/David-Gandy-Dolce-Gabbana-Howarth/dp/0847837521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309631597&sr=8-1

This works for me since there isn't a D&G store nearby where, I think it was available starting last month.

Also, here is David's Vogue blogpost where he talks about the excitement of the event on release day. Yes, David you are all that!  ( I don't think he believed the crowds where there for him. )

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-gandy/2011/06/my-career-highlight#CommentList

And of course, what blog is complete with some David Gandy shots.

Ozark Writer's Conference...Just Around the Corner

http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/

Don't forget the upcoming Ozark Romance Author's Conference on July 23rd!

Want to see me carry Shannon K Butcher's luggage?

Want to hear some great speakers with excellent advice on publishing in today's crazy market?

Want to share kale chips with me and Jill Slack?

Well the place to be is Springfield, Missouri. Don't miss it!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Clarion Hotel Conference Center, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri

Ten Reasons I'm Not at RWA in New York

10. EDJ
9. Three day writing weekend extravaganza planned over the 4th.
8. Edits for new book must get done.
7. I'm scared of Kristen Nelson.
6. I don't want to be mistaken for a Macy's parade float.
5. I was slighted in the RITA category for best first book in the historical paranormal rakes are forever category.
4. My passport is expired.
3. The Naked Cowboy as put his pants back on.
2. That's a long way to go just to meet Jim Butcher.
1. I'm in the middle of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Netflix.


And here's a little David Gandy while I pout:

Dark Vampire Novels

It came to me recently that there aren't many dark vampire romance novels out there (or maybe I'm just missing them in my rush to the historical aisle.) I'm not saying I'm the one to write such a story, but I am giving it a shot. It's a writerly stretch for me - as most of you know I write primarily historical. I have been kicking around an idea for about a year and the first real plot and characters came vividly alive about two weeks ago. Love when that happens.

The idea I have is a series, but I am seeing this as a bunch of shorts - 20,000 to 40,000 words. I want them to be dark and intense and very sexual (you're probably not surprised by that, are you?) The men are going to be classy with the very real potential of being bad, true to their vampire heritage. They will still be out for the blood of the heroine and will be willing to turn her if it means keeping her. Yes, bad boys. And perfectly willing to live with the consequences.

I hope my first one will be done in a couple of weeks, then it is prayers and fingers-crossed while my editor decides if it is worthy for my publisher.