So many good memories! But my most favorite ones are from the years before I turned ten. We lived in the ‘pink house’ then, probably one of the best places for a kid to grow up. It was a large house with a back staircase and a big backyard. And even better, it was haunted, but that’s another story!

Boxers, briefs, boxerbriefs…. Or commando on a man? Why?

Boxerbriefs are about the sexiest thing under the sun! Especially if they have little buttons, driving me crazy. They sit there so innocently yet scream at me to undo them, one by one… ahem…

I was at work messing with the flowers, as usual—minding my own business, I might add!—when they walked in, the most gorgeous set of eyes I’ve ever seen. I’d never thought it was a true expression before, but my jaw actually dropped. I think I grinned like an idiot, too, but I don’t think anyone saw me.

It was at my Mid-trimester ultrasound. There I was, lying on that cold bed with sticky jelly all over my belly and the nurse running that machine around. Look, there’s her toes and fingers! There’s her face and arms.

Um…yea. It all looked like a jigsaw puzzle to me. All squiggles and rounded edges.

And then that little bundle of life hiccuped! I blinked. Did she just… And then she did it again. The cutest thing I’d ever seen! Or felt. There was a strange little flutter near my stomach and I saw her little body jump with another hiccup.

My little darling! Before, I knew I was pregnant and had to eat right and take my vitamins. But now, there was my and my husband’s child rolling around inside me. It’s like she instantly became real. My heart filled up for this little person. I couldn’t wait to meet her!

Definately, love at first sight. You can talk all you want to about the instant attraction for some sexy man/woman. But I’ve never felt anything more profound than the love that swept through me. Those baby hiccups brought my girl to life for me.

And now my daughter is twenty-one years old, an intelligent, beautiful woman I couldn’t be more proud of. Ah me, isn’t love grand?

http://jennifermhartsock.wordpress.com/critique-and-editorial-services/

First Love

With Love

Valentine’s Day Blog Hop!

Happy Valentine’s Day my dears! 

Today I want to talk about my best ‘first love’ of 2011.

I was published for the first time in 2011!!

Sorry for screaming like that , but you have to admit, that’s pretty sweet. Yup, little old me, who’s been writing for longer than I care to admit, finally had a story pubished. I’ve had quite a few more since, but Shelton in Love will always be closest to my heart.

It’s the  story where I first learned that all the naughty little fantasies I indulge in have a place to live and breathe, and perhaps titillate my readers a bit. And who doesn’t like that?

I have to say, I’ve fallen in love with writting m/m erotics. Men are so delicious! I love climbing into that warm and fuzzy place in my mind and begin. What does my main man look like? Is he wearing those, oh so deliciously snug!,  jeans? What color are his eyes? Do they darken with passion? Light with fire when he’s aroused? Is he dark and slim?

And what about his mate? Is he the opposite, tall and fair? Do they linger over kisses or get straight to the point in bed? Is it love or hate at first sight? You can bet the sparks fly when they come together!

To celebrate my first love, here’s an excerpt from Shelton in Love:

 Nevil parked the car in front of their apartment and shut off the motor. His beautiful eyes smoldered as he gazed at him and Shelton could hardly breathe when he touched his cheek. Nevil shifted on his seat and leaned over to claim Shelton’s mouth again with his own.

The kiss was different this time, urgent, demanding, drawing an instant response from Shelton’s love-starved body. Nevil’s tongue plundered the soft lining of his mouth, plunging in and out until Shelton’s head was spinning with a nameless yearning. He slipped his own tongue between Nevil’s lips and thrilled at his soft moan. The scent of Nevil’s cologne became a pleasure in itself, alluring, seductive, swamping his doubts in an overwhelming need.

Nevil’s kisses burned down his neck and Shelton leaned his head back to give him access as he deftly undid the buttons on his vest and the shirt beneath, spreading them open to expose his chest. Shelton’s tie was still in place, in stark contrast with his white skin. Nevil rubbed the silk over one of his nipples with a decadent laugh in his throat, sending a tingle of pleasure through him. The man quickly nipped the opposite breast and this time the current jolted straight toShelton’s groin, making him cry out in surprise, instantly aroused, his lower body straining against the confining clothing holding him in.

Nevil’s lips teased at the hardened bud on his chest, then returned to his mouth for another shattering kiss. “We should have done this ages ago,” Nevil murmured appreciatively, slipping an arm under him to lift him closer.

A horn blared as headlights swept through the windows, the car pulling out of the parking lot with a squeal of tires. Nevil loosened his hold, chuckling as he pulled away from Shelton. “No one’s done that since high school.”

Shelton stayed where he was, panting, slightly dazed. Nevil took his hand, kissing his fingertips. His eyes lingered on Shelton’s heaving chest. “I could take you right here,” he confessed, his voice unsteady. “But let’s go inside. I need a little more privacy for what I have in mind.”

 Okay! Now for my Valentine’s gift to you. Comment below, telling me who was the first person to cause those delicious butterflies to take flight in your stomach for a chance to win a PDF copy of any book in my backlist, your choice!

Have a splendid day with all the loves in your life. Happy Hopping!

“First Love” Ravencraft’s Romance Realm

“With Love” Valentine’s Day Blog Hop

First Break-Up

He pushed off the smothering weight of loneliness. Nevil wasn’t having everything his way. There was nothing to stop Shelton from catching a taxi and confronting him at the lake house. So what if he was going to Denver? There wasn’t anything to keep him from coming home to Gresham on weekends.  Oregon was only a few hours away from Colorado, by plane.

He pulled his cell phone from his pocket as he went to the kitchen for something to appease his rumbling stomach. He’d already pressed the number for the taxi service he frequented when a glitter on the counter caught his eye. He ended the call and set the phone on the table. He put his briefcase on the ground, his movements slow and careful as his mind took in what he saw.

The ring he’d given Nevil with such love six months ago sat on a slip of paper by the coffeepot. Nevil wasn’t playing fair. Shelton knew he was hurt and disappointed, but did Nevil have to torture him like this? He went to the counter and swore, frustrated. The only word on the note was Good-bye.

Shelton picked up the ring, his heart sore. “I’m sorry, Nevil.” He mourned and kissed the cool trinket, wishing with all his heart it was Nevil’s lips he was kising.

First Make-Up

He glanced up from the sidewalk as he turned the corner of his street. Nevil! The Prius sat in the driveway of the brownstone. His heart hammered as he hurried to the front door. He stopped and chewed his lip as he carefully removed the chain holding Nevil’s ring from around his neck.

He was still looking at it doubtfully when the door flung open. Strong hands reached for him, and he was pulled into Nevil’s crushing embrace.

“Nevil…”

He gave up trying to speak as Nevil kissed him over and over, making little sounds of delight. Shelton had the presence of mind to nudge the door closed with a foot, and then he slipped his tongue into the sweet heat of Nevil’s mouth, savoring the taste of him. His body caught fire under Nevil’s wandering hands.

“I’ve missed you,” Nevil confessed and ground his hips against Shelton’s to show him just how much. Shelton’s body was just as hard and yearning, and he pushed against Nevil, urging him toward the living room. Nevil drew him along and then paused at a soft clink on the floor.

He bent down and picked up the chain. “What’s this?” he said, sounding puzzled.

Shelton’s heart dropped to his feet. He didn’t want to talk about it right then. He wanted to take Nevil to the couch, strip, and climb onto his lover’s lap. He took a steadying breath. It was probably better to get it over with.

“I was hoping you’d take it back. It doesn’t mean…” Damn, it was hard to say with Nevil looking so eager. He tore his gaze away from his darling’s face and stared at the tiles under his feet. “I don’t expect you to spend your nights alone when I’m gone, but I was hoping you’d want to see me on weekends.”

Nevil touched his chin, raising his face. Shelton blinked in surprise. Nevil’s lovely turquoise eyes were filled with unexpected laughter. A fond smile played on the corners of his lips. “My sweet Shelton. No wonder I’m so crazy in love with you.”

You guessed it!

These are excerpts from my m/m contemporary romance ‘Shelton’s Choice’. To win a PDF copy of this yummy story, simply tell me in a comment what was the best time you had making up with someone.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shelton’s Choice

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-choice

After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion he’s been working toward at the bank. Unfortunately the new position is in another state, and Nevil doesn’t want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted coworker. Torn between the pressures at work and at home, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.

‘With Love’ hop HERE!

‘First Love’ Blog Hop!

1. Ravencrafts Romance Realm 4	2. Louisa Bacio — Love Knows No Bounds 3	3. Margay Leah Justice 3
4. Ginger Simpson – Dishin It Out 4	5. Dianne Hartsock-Write What Brings You Joy 3	6. Yvonnes Erotic Universe 2
7. Deannas Tidbits 3	8. Brenda & Steve, Authors of Erotica 4	9. Sandras Blog 3
10. Sarah Gilman Books 3	11. Readers Haven	12. Tonyas Tales
13. Writers Block NZ

This time it’s the

First Kiss

First time he kissed me

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
The fingers of this hand wherewith I write;
And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
Slow to world-greetings, quick with its ‘Oh, list,’
When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
That was the chrism of love, which love’s own crown,
With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
The third upon my lips was folded down
In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
I have been proud and said, ‘My love, my own.’

*  *  *  *

I’ll never forget the first kiss my gorgeous husband and lover gave me! No, it wasn’t on our first date. Nor the second or third. It wasn’t until our fourth day together that he laid one on me.

We’d spent the day hiking in the Rocky Mountains and were tired but content when we got home that evening. I mean, to my home. I was living with my brother and his wife then, but they were out. Thank goodness!

I let us in through the back door. He stopped me by the washer. Oh my. My heart started racing. I had begun to think he’d never kiss me! And I sure wanted it. My husband’s tall, blond, blue-eyed and delicious. If he didn’t kiss me soon I was going to shove him up against something and take all I wanted.

He took my hands and gave me the sweetest, shyest smile I’d ever seen, then touched his lips to mine. Holy cow! I was expected a gentle little brush of mouths. But the second his lips touched mine, electricity sparked through my body, making even my toes tingle!

I gasped and he took advantage by deepening the contact, his sweet tongue dancing with mine, making my head swim. I forgot where we were. Heck, I lost contact with reality, drowning in the sensations he roused in me.

We were both breathing hard when we finally broke apart and I stared at him in wonder. Where’d that come from! Let me tell you, I wasn’t going to let this man get away.

And I’ve been enjoying those mind-blowing kisses for the past twenty-five years. Lucky me! Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart!

Here’s an excerpt from Shelton’s Choice where Shelton gets some delicious kisses of his own:

Nevil waved it off. “I’m sure you’ll come down with a cold or something by morning. Live a little, Shelton! The bank won’t fall apart without you tomorrow. I want to celebrate.”

Shelton leaned back in his seat. Who was he to argue, especially when Nevil’s gaze raked over him with the promise of passion in his beautiful eyes? The highway ascended steadily up into the mountains, and Nevil turned off along a narrow road, then onto a private driveway. Shelton whistled appreciatively when they pulled up to a modern glass-and-redwood-sided bungalow snug against the lake.

“It’s beautiful,” he said in admiration, recalling the blueprints for the house on Nevil’s desk last winter.

“The Gordans haven’t moved in yet and lent it to me for the weekend.”

“But why?”

Nevil turned off the engine and moved closer to Shelton. “I told them it was my first-year anniversary with the man I love.”

Shelton reached out and cupped the back of Nevil’s head, pulling him closer for a kiss. So delicious. He never tired of the taste of this man in his arms. Nevil pressed against him, and the heat of his body ignited Shelton, the scent of Nevil’s skin filling him with the longing to run his tongue over every inch of Nevil’s body.

Nevil groaned low in his throat and slowly pulled away from him. “Let’s go inside,” he said unsteadily.

“Absolutely.”

Nevil squeezed his hand as they left the car and climbed onto the wide porch surrounding the house. Shelton’s heart pounded with excitement as Nevil fished the keys from a pocket and opened the door. He waved Shelton in and barely let the door close behind them before pulling Shelton tight against his body.

The dark head bent to him. “I love you,” Nevil told him and captured Shelton’s lips before Shelton could reply. He opened to Nevil’s tender assault, tasting him, their tongues twining in their own erotic dance. A flutter began in Shelton’s stomach and quickly descended to his groin. He recalled those same fantastic lips there, and his body burst to life. He hardened as Nevil plundered his mouth with kisses that scorched his blood.

‘

Here’s the prize! A PDF copy of ‘Shelton’s Choice’ for a commenter who tells me the best kiss they’ve ever had!

‘With Love’ hop HERE!

‘First Love’ Blog Hop!

1. Ravencrafts Romance Realm 4	2. Louisa Bacio — Love Knows No Bounds 3	3. Margay Leah Justice 3
4. Ginger Simpson – Dishin It Out 4	5. Dianne Hartsock-Write What Brings You Joy 3	6. Yvonnes Erotic Universe 2
7. Deannas Tidbits 3	8. Brenda & Steve, Authors of Erotica 4	9. Sandras Blog 3
10. Sarah Gilman Books 3	11. Readers Haven	12. Tonyas Tales
13. Writers Block NZ

 Having fun so far? So many lovely firsts, and today I’d like to tell you about one amazing ‘first dance’ I had, way back when I had just turned twenty.

He was breathtakingly beautiful! I had trouble breathing whenever he came into the office, let alone speak coherently. Black hair and blue eyes and a decadent smile. Plump, but in an adorable way.

The company’s New Year’s Eve party was at a swanky hotel in Anaheim, CA, that year. A group of us rented a Limo and after work we all met at a friend’s house to dress. I had bought a slinky silver dress to wear especially to gain his attention. He smiles at me at work, but I’d never gotten more than an occasional approving look from him. I meant to change that!

We drank champagne in the Limo, me doing my best to appear legal. It was an hour drive across town and by the time we arrived at the party, I no longer cared.

Jim was so delicious in his black suite and gaudy red tie! Yes, his name is James. I still get butterflies when I think of that first dance of ours. He couldn’t take his eyes off me! Of course, I was staring at him the whole time, but after another drink, I thought he smiled back.

He dumped his girlfriend for me anyway, and held me close in his arms and told me how beautiful I was… Just like Cinderella at the ball. Yes, I was a hopeless romantic even then.

I had a wonderful, magical time, and a wild three months dating him afterwards. But he was six years older than I and eventually left me for a girl over twenty-one. But all in all, it was an unforgettable dance and kiss that still burns my lips when I remember it.

Okay, my prize for the day! A PDF copy of ‘Shelton’s Promise’ for a commenter who tells me what their favorite dance song is. Mine is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7-CKirWZE&ob=av2e

‘With Love’ hop HERE!

First Love Blog Hop!

1. Ravencrafts Romance Realm 4	2. Louisa Bacio — Love Knows No Bounds 3	3. Margay Leah Justice 3
4. Ginger Simpson – Dishin It Out 4	5. Dianne Hartsock-Write What Brings You Joy 3	6. Yvonnes Erotic Universe 2
7. Deannas Tidbits 3	8. Brenda & Steve, Authors of Erotica 4	9. Sandras Blog 3
10. Sarah Gilman Books 3	11. Readers Haven	12. Tonyas Tales
13. Writers Block NZ

Happy Valentine’s Week! Our fabulous topic for the day is:

First Date

 The very first date in my life was a total dud. He was a younger man who ended up reminding me of my brother. And his goodnight kiss was just about as exciting.

Luckily! Things go better for Shelton.

Excerp from ‘Shelton in Love’

             To his surprise, Nevil took him to one of the more subdued pubs in town, saying he didn’t want too much competition for his attention. Shelton sighed in relief as he slipped into the booth and settled against the comfortable leather cushions. He’d been half afraid Nevil would take him to one of the clubs he frequented. This was a more intimate setting, but there were enough people milling around for him to keep his head with Nevil.

             A tingle of excitement filled Shelton as the waiter took their order, the man’s eyes clearly showing interest as they flicked over him, further bolstering Shelton’s confidence. Nevil chortled softly, but the sound was warm rather than mocking, filling his heart.

             Nevil leaned towards him across the table after the waiter brought their drinks. “I’m glad you’re here. Everyone’s jealous of me.”

           Shelton snorted, but his heart soared at the praise; and curious why Nevil had said that, he sneaked a look around the crowded room. It startled him to encounter a man’s hard stare. Caught, the blond picked up his drink from the bar and walked towards them, never taking his green eyes off Shelton.

            Sliding into the booth beside Nevil, the man gave Nevil a familiar kiss on the cheek. “Who’s this, darling? Lovely jacket.”

            Shelton felt instantly self-conscious. “Thanks. It’s a ‘Tera Shaw’.”

            The man snapped his fingers. “That’s where I know you! You’re right, Nevil, the man’s as gorgeous in real life as he is in the catalogues.”

            Shelton stared at his drink, heat burning his face under the man’s hot gaze. When had Nevil discussed him with this man? Shelton didn’t even know the guy. What had they said?

            Nevil picked up his glass and swirled the contents, his eyes focused on the reflection of light in the amber liquid. “Now you’ve seen him. Shouldn’t you be getting home to the boyfriend, or are you going to solicit an autograph?” he taunted. The man made an irritated sound, but then his expression changed as he looked from him to Shelton.

            “Oh, I get it. Want some privacy,” he said, giving Nevil a broad wink. He tossed back his drink and slid to his feet. “Well, gotta run. You two have fun.” He leered at them before pushing  his way through the group of people clustered around the bar.

            Nevil scowled at the man’s retreating back then turned a rueful face to Shelton. “Michael’s an ass even at work. Ignore him. I try to.”

 

Shelton in Love

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-love

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Win a PDF copy of ‘Shelton in Love’ by telling me in a comment what was the first date you went on with the love of your life.

This is a Blog Hop!

1. Ravencrafts Romance Realm 4	2. Louisa Bacio — Love Knows No Bounds 3	3. Margay Leah Justice 3
4. Ginger Simpson – Dishin It Out 4	5. Dianne Hartsock-Write What Brings You Joy 3	6. Yvonnes Erotic Universe 2
7. Deannas Tidbits 3	8. Brenda & Steve, Authors of Erotica 4	9. Sandras Blog 3
10. Sarah Gilman Books 3	11. Readers Haven	12. Tonyas Tales
13. Writers Block NZ

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