Don't Ask...

What I love about writing romance is that I get to learn about the male species, and this can be quite enlightening. To be able to write a convincing male hero, I've had to have a number of conversations with men of all types, from singles to married to really, really married (like for 50 years or so). They've come from all walks of life, all ages, different cultures, etc. It doesn't seem to matter, though, their insights always amaze and--most of the time--delight me.

I've also learned quite a bit just from cohabitating with my hubby, including which questions to ask and which to withhold if I want to avoid a heated discussion about, literally, nothing at all.

We all have these relationship questions, those seemingly innocent inquiries to which we already know the answer but can't resist asking anyway. Don't know what I'm talking about? Let me give a couple of examples:

1. What do you want for dinner?
This questions is ALWAYS useless. We have this discussion endlessly, and it always turns out with a tie or default, however you wish to view it. Neither of us wants to foist our dinner menu choices on the other, for some unknown reason, and so this question usually starts a dialogue that can end only one way--with the IChoose app on my cell phone. Seriously, we've discussed dinner options for hours until I pull out the app and Hubby realizes that control has been taken away from both of us. Relinquishing control is not something he enjoys (writers take note of this very male trait), but he lets me whip out my cell phone in the spirit of cooperation. Ultimately, no matter what pops up as our selection, he chooses what he wanted in the first place or has me pressing buttons until we've played the best two out of three. Sometimes I wonder exactly how many relationships this app has saved. lol

2. How does this dress look on me?
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking a woman shouldn't ask this because the man will say something about her butt looking big, and animosity ensues. In truth, that's the least of my worries. I avoid asking how clothing looks on me because my dear spouse will inevitably say it something like, "Great! I like that blue on you." Which is very complimentary, except the color I'm wearing isn't blue. It's green. Not even sea green or greenish blue, but G-R-E-E-N like bad lunchmeat. However, Hubby, who is not colorblind, sees blue. He insists it's blue, too, even when I try to explain to him the subtle differences between, say, what color a turtle is and the color of the sky. Apparently, to him they're all the same. This goes for orange, red, and pink as well. I could be wearing a daring fuchsia dress that garners the attention of everyone at the King's ball, and Hubby, instead of acknowledging my bold choice and the social implications thereof, reduces its significance by labeling it red. Plain old red. Jeesh.

The outside colors, as I like to call them, are yellow and purple. Yellow falls under the orange category, while purple is a sub-color of red, although depending on which day of the week it is, the grape-y hue might qualify as a blue. Can you see my dilemma? How does a wife trust the judgement of a man to tell her how big her butt looks in a pair of pants if he can't even figure out that the pants are a fine shade of chartreuse?

Those are just two questions, and there's many more. However, I'd like to hear from our readers. What question do you know to never ask you significant other? Please do share!

Happy Reading,
Cameo

You're Gorgeous, Baby!

I really enjoy eye candy week, and not just for the obvious reasons. No, I like it because I get to sift through dozens of sexy, fun photos and call it work.

I love my job! Heh heh heh.

Seriously, I'm fascinated by human beauty, or what we each consider human beauty. I love art, and I love that artists like da Vinci saw beauty in those others might consider average looking. He was as apt to sketch a drunk at the local tavern as he was to paint a beautiful woman or an angelic child.

I like pretty things, but I'm constantly reminded that what I consider beautiful or sexy is not what constitutes the same for someone else. That's what makes the world such a wonderful place: diversity. I like to think that somewhere in this wide world, there is someone who might think I'm the most gorgeous creature on the face of the planet (besides my hubby), just because s/he likes the symmetry of my countenance, or the lack thereof.

With six billion people floating around, the chances that someone will find me attractive are quite high, even if that person resides in the farthest reaches of the globe and doesn't get out much, and that makes me feel good. Yes, I know that it's much better to be loved for who you are and not how you look. I believe it, too, because heaven knows I'm not the most easy-to-look-at gal in the universe. However, you have to admit that each of us has an ego, and that ego loves to be fed that little morsel of "Hey, you're cute!" once in a while.

Now, I'm not saying I need this reinforcement all the time. No, that's why the gods created chocolate and romance novels and cats--pleasant distractions for when the world has not adequately recognized our face value. Literally.

Speaking of face value, let's try an experiment. Look in the mirror. Stare straight into your own eyes and say, "You're ugly." Easy, right? Now look in the mirror and stare straight into your own eyes and say, "You're gorgeous, baby!" Easy? Not so fast. Did you giggle?

You wouldn't believe how many people have no problem telling themselves they're ugly or finding a flaw, but when it comes to acknowledging their own beauty, many stumble. They can't say it. They can't say it because they don't believe it, when the truth is, we're all beautiful. Ask anyone to point out a flaw, and you'll get a list three miles long. Ask that same person to point out an attractive feature, and you'll get maybe one or two items listed if any.

Let's go back to that imaginary person way on the other side of the world who doesn't get out much, the one who thinks I'm the epitome of hot, a goddess of the first order. I could tell myself that s/he doesn't know what s/he is talking about, that the person has bad eyesight, that the person spends way more time with mountain lions and sheep and whippoorwills than s/he does with humans and therefore has very low standards of human beauty. But I'm not going to because that would be insulting, and the need for self-deprecation should never overwhelm one's good manners. So I smile and am grateful that shepherding doesn't require glasses. :)

I'll now hop down off my soap box, or better yet, let one of these nice gentlemen assist me in getting down, and leave you with some "art" from my collection. Enjoy these hubba hubbas, and remember...

You're gorgeous, baby!

It Ain't Sexy...

I've looked forward to autumn for some time now; however, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the warmth of the summer sun. Thoughts of the sun bring thoughts of the ocean, which I adore, and thoughts of the ocean invariably bring thoughts of sailors and pirates. So, I thought that I would write something about sexy pirate heroes, since it would connect nicely to the post about anti-heroes. After all, how can temperamental scalawags with a penchant for wild women and too much port be the object of any woman’s desire?

That post was my intention, but it didn’t work out quite that way. I went searching for some new hunk pics, hopefully some in pirate costumes, to, you know, add a visual perspective to the text, and that’s when I decided my post needed to take a different direction.

I haven’t searched for images in a long time, so I’d forgotten what happens when one types in search terms like “sexy men” or “erotic+men” on a royalty free image site. After the first couple of photos popped up, it all came flooding back. Yikes!

What you get when you do a search like this is about four pictures of sexy men and 2,809,654 of what other people consider “erotic” or “sexy,” and it ain’t pretty. Granted, some photographers tag their work with that label just to get their pictures to come up in a variety of searches in a lame attempt to get more sales, and thus along with sexy or erotic men, you might also get pictures of a male zebra taking leak, Godzilla doing the tango through some poorly constructed model of Tokyo, or a toddler blowing out birthday candles, which is just creepy. However, I got the impression that some photographers label their pictures truly believing they know what constitutes sexy or erotic in the eyes of others, as well as their own, when in fact the results of their artistic efforts are anything but.

I have my own ideas on what is considered sexy, as I’m sure everyone does, and I’d like to know what yours are. Please feel free to elaborate in the comments section at will. In the meantime, I’d like to, based on the results I saw, explore what is NOT sexy. I've included some photos I thought had the potential to be sexy just to, you know, add some verve. :)

A picture with a man and a woman engaged is some kind of sexy activity or posed in an erotic way is not sexy at all if one of the participants looks like he or she would rather be anywhere else, or dead. If a guy is fondling or licking a woman in a picture and she looks like jumping off a cliff is starting appear as a viable alternative…it ain’t sexy.

Also, bodily functions…not even in the realm of erotic. Pictures of a guy’s bared chest, with muscles rippling, can be sexy. If said guy’s intense expression—squinted eyes and a grimace—even though intended to send a carnal vibe, indicates he could be having a bowel movement…it ain’t sexy. Ditto for drooling. People drooling on each other is not close to being sexy, even if one is supposed to be a vampire and the drool is red. On the realistic side, drooling means someone probably needs medical attention. On the fantasy side, you really have to know why vampires are considered hot to stage a pose that looks like a creature of the night delighting in lustful abandon with his damsel as opposed some cheaply costumed model slobbering for all he’s worth on his counterpart, who’s probably hoping she doesn’t get rabies.

I’ve discovered in my research that pictures can be half sexy. I found one very expensive shot of a handsome man, shirt open, sporting an inviting, smoky, come-hither stare. That part was sexy. The other part, a blonde standing behind the man clutching him, ruined the whole shot. Why? Blue eye shadow. She wore enough for both of them, and though I could see she was beautiful, it made her look like she came from another decade and gave off a really maternal vibe. Dudes dating their moms…definitely not sexy.

In doing my searches, I was also reminded that society apparently thinks that guys need more sexy material than women. When I typed in "sexy," I got about 8,101 results. When I limited the search to "sexy men," the numbers when down dramatically--173. But "sexy women" netted 1,920 results. So, 2% versus 23%. It's as if no one could believe women like us would have any interest at all in scantily clad men. Noooo, not us innocent ladies. HA!

Other results included psychedelic colors and stone therapy, which are, I guess, supposed invite ardor in some way. One benefit of my efforts was that I was heartened to find the following pictures and to discover that it is now, according to the photographers on the royalty free image site, sexy to do the following:

Work in a lab (test tubes as phallic symbols?)


Carry a cool purse and wear ridiculously-heeled shoes and tight metallic pants...


Use the bathroom (although you must have matching shoes and panties!)

And best of all, it's sexy to have cellulite!

So, what is sexy to you? What is NOT sexy? Any sexy trends that you think are just complete bunk? Any sexy trends you'd like to see?

The Fine Art of Flirting

As those of us who write and read historicals novels know, flirting was one of the fine arts practiced by women in the days of yore. Chaste won over brazen. Touches were fleeting yet, if performed in a certain way, stoked fires of anticipation and desire. Dare the heroine lift her skirt and give the gentleman a peek of her ankle, whether or not she was climbing the stairs? Would she become bold enough to wiggle her pinkie at a prospective suitor while tipping her teacup? Could a turn of her head float her flirtatious laughter over to the man of her most romantic dreams?

Since I’m now again a single woman, I’ve been back into the flirting game and enjoying every minute. One thing I will note, though, is how what one’s partner deems harmless flirting can be immensely hurtful to his significant other. Hurtful and devastating. After all, flirting isn’t without an invitation—be it one boldly lettered or more demurely decorated—designed to attract the attention of someone in whom we’re interested. I’m a firm believer that flirting should be more about the coy than the commando tactics. Choose your flirting subjects wisely, as we live in a fascinating but dangerous world, and be prepared for the delicious results that may follow your wild ways. Married men and men I know have significant others are always forbidden flirting territory.

For me, flirting begins with the eyes. After making brief eye contact, I know whether or not I want to continue the game or move on. If he holds my gaze, this is a sign to take flirting to the next level. While across the room is great for scoping out men with whom I may develop a deeper relationship, closer proximity allows me to trot out my flirting techniques. During a discussion of the economy or a sporting event, I slowly glide my fingers over his lower arm or touch the back of his hand while maintaining eye contact. Sometimes I press my fingers against the back of his wrist to take his radial pulse. In the event he further piques my interest, and I his, we find a place away from the crowd. If we’re enjoying a private conversation and some canapés, I tap the toe of my stiletto or sandal against his calf. Only once. If he moves closer, my flirting shifts into higher gear. When sipping from my glass, I run my tongue around the rim, again while looking him in the eye. If he whets his lips or flares his nostrils, I move closer. By now, my mouth is watering and I’m drinking in more of him than my beverage of choice. Basically it’s a dance. A progression of delightful steps that will hopefully find us on the dance floor or sharing a toe-curling kiss before the evening ends. Before we part ways I know if the flirting has simply proved a fun pursuit for the evening or will lead to future encounters with the guy who’s no longer a sexy stranger. Over the past hour—but who’s keeping track of time, anyway?—he’s told me about himself and I’ve reciprocated. He helps me on with my coat, takes my hand and walks me to my car. We make a date to meet at our favorite coffee shop or part ways wearing smiles. No matter how much I’m attracted, I never give out my phone number to a guy I’ve met for the first time. And we make a date for a future meeting on neutral territory for safety sake. What makes flirting fun is a woman never knows how the story will end. She simply hopes for more chapters in what will become a lifelong romance.

While in Manhattan recently, I flirted with several men, including the handsome guy who helped me with my suitcase at the train station. Someday the timing will be right and those playful interludes will lead to more passionate, and lasting, ones. Flirting can definitely lead to forevers!

Wishing you all many happy reading moments,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Coming April 29 to EC Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Sharing Some News and Philosophies

But fewer and fewer raindrops are falling this time of year. More likely snowflakes are flying as a chilly wind kisses our cheeks. Tis the season for lots of good cheer and wonderful times spent with friends and family. We celebrate and reflect upon the true reason for our joyous season. There’s activity everywhere. Shoppers fill the parking lots and aisles as they search for the perfect Christmas gifts. In many windows, festive trees gleam and proudly display their decorated boughs. Folks are singing along with seasonal tunes. The aromas of baking cakes and cookies fill the air inside our homes and tempt us to indulge in their goodness.

Recently I received my first holiday present—a present meaning more to me than words can ever convey. After a busy workday I came home, brewed a mug of my favorite coffee and took a few moments to check my emails. If any of my neighbors happened to be outside, or if anyone walked past, they probably heard my shouts of joy. Ellora’s Cave is contracting more of Hellé Hawthorn’s adventures.TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN pits the Devil’s daughter against two more villains—one who controls much of Sin City’s development, the other who proves as powerful as Satan.

This past year has given me much to mull and equally as much for which to give thanks. No matter how many times life wanted to deal me defeat, I refused to surrender. After all, good things come to those who wait. Those are the words comprising one of the philosophies in which I most firmly believe.

Before I share my favorites, Hellé wants to share hers –

“Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, “Oh, no, she’s awake!!”





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Here are some of the other philosophies I’ll share with you all today –




















































Wishing you all much happiness, good health and endless chocolate,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED -- Available now at Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave

Let's Talk Turkey, Trimmings and Hot Men

This coming Thursday millions will enjoy the company of family and friends as they celebrate a beloved national holiday. But after the dishes are cleared, the day shifts into a lower gear and dining yields to discussion. We catch up on everything and anything that’s happened over the past year and often times the topics broached tend to be downright hilarious, bizarre and/or thought-provoking.

Once you’ve indulged in the last bite of pumpkin pie and you’re sipping a beverage of choice, here are a few interesting facts for sharing:

Cranberries were originally called “craneberries” by the Puritans because of the way the cranberry plant drooped and resembled a crane’s neck.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey declared our national bird.

Fifty percent of Americans put their stuffing inside the turkey (I’m among the 50 percent who don’t)

Turkeys roamed the land colonized as “The Americas” ten million years ago

Southerners tend to make their stuffing from cornbread.

Turducken originated in Louisiana as an alternative to the holiday staples of roasted turkey, roasted duck and roasted chicken.

President Lincoln decreed a Thanksgiving holiday in 1863. In 1941 Congress passed the bill choosing the fourth Thursday in October as our nation’s day of Thanksgiving, and FDR signed the bill.

Turkeys can suffer heart attacks

In only a few seconds, frightened turkeys can accomplish a speed of 50-55 mph while in flight.

Okay, enough of the facts. Now for a special dessert sans calories. Before you ladies head out to the kitchen to tackle the dirty dishes and wrap the leftovers, remember to access the Fierce Romance blog again and sample the sexylicious sweets below.

One thing is certain—with eye candy like this around, I wouldn’t take flight. Chances are you’ll soon want to be tackling something other than the after-meal mess.













Oh, and I couldn’t let the blog end without including a sexy cowboy (my favorite, by far, of all four pics).




Blessings and bounty,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED -- Available now at Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Halloween Candy

Though I'm a chocolate lover, with Halloween approaching I'm in the mood for more than a bit of eye candy. You know, the kind of sexylicious sweets without calories that turn up the heat in any room.

To satisfy the craving, here's an assortment of fantasy candy.

















Wishing you all a happy, hunk-filled Halloween,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED -- Available now at Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Sharing My Racy Thoughts

As I sat plotting a new erotic romance, I mulled many prototypes for the story's hero. Needless to say, this pondering gradually trended toward images of pecs and attention-grabbing men. Sometimes a girl's gotta let her imagination run wild--especially when writing fiction.

All of the mental pictures I conjured presented numerous heroic possibilities. Today's blog is all about sharing my intimate thoughts with you. Thoughts that didn't necessarily further my plotting but ones that proved pleasurable nonetheless.

A Hollywood hero showing his softer side...






Ready for a walk on the wild side...







What's not to enjoy with a hunk like this around?







More than three cheers for a handsome man in uniform...







The sexy truth when it comes to men..







Wishing you all many happy reading moments,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED -- Coming October 8 to Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Sexy Settings

There's something about water and bare-chested men that is just darned sexy. Bare-backed can work too. I never was much interested in fishing, but this guy would definitely change my mind! Don't you love his...uhm, waders?

I find adding water to a scene can really make it sexy! In Heart of the Wolf--it's the rain. In Don't Cry Wolf, it's the shower. In Betrayal of the Wolf, it's the beach. And in Allure of the Wolf, haven't come to that part yet. :) It's awfully cold in the Canadian Arctic! :)

What do you think? Fishing look any better from this viewpoint?

Terry Spear

http://www.terryspear.com/

Heart of the Wolf, Don't Cry Wolf