My favorite book by @amgriffin

My Favorite Book

The title makes it sound as if I'm about to write an essay, *snort* rest assured it's nothing that formal. I'm an avid reader (well, I used to be before I started writing and my TBR list grew from 10 - 200) so I have plenty of favorite books to share.

When I first picked up a Johanna Lindsey book I couldn't put it down. Even after I finished it, I re-read it and then ran to the local book store and bought more. Even when I was in nursing school and my pennies got tight, I turned to checking her books out from the Library.

The book that started it for me was Love Only Once. I was hooked into the Malory family the first time I started reading about them. And by looking at the Amazon ranking for this book that was released in the late 1980's or early 1990's I can say that I'm not the only one that her stories have had an effect on.
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Only-Once-Johanna-Lindsey-ebook/dp/B00512LSAS/ref=wp_bs_1_B00CKD6FR2_kindle_edition

While Johanna Lindsey is my go to favorite for historical romance, Dean Koontz is my go to for paranormal. Anything Dean touches is gold. In my humble opinion, his shit don't stink.
 I'm digging his Odd Thomas series, but like I mentioned, I'll read anything he puts out. This is the book that I read, well listened on Audible, a couple of months ago:

Innocence http://www.amazon.com/Innocence-Novel-Dean-Koontz-ebook/dp/B00CQZ653S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1393804533&sr=1-1&keywords=dean+koontz

I could go on, but I'm afraid my post would span pages and pages, and considering the title is "My Favorite Book", I'm already going over my allotment. LOL.

Happy reading!
-Griffin

Interview with Chocolate Hotness a.k.a @amgriffinbooks

Hey ya'll,

A little while ago I was interviewed while on blog tour, but it didn't get to the host in time and wasn't posted. It was a good interview and worth while, so here you go.

1. Tell us 5 things that make you happy

Just 5 (LOL)? I would have to say personal peace is first. I think if one has personal peace that everything else will fall into place, including happiness. Hmm… When I originally saw this question I thought I would have a list a mile long, but in reality I’m happy with only having one answer. Anyone who has had a bout where their personal peace was ever disrupted will understand where I’m coming from. Without personal peace everything else seems to unravel. I think this is what makes some stories better than others. As readers we tend to identify with the hero/heroine and when they become unsettled (losing personal peace in some form or another) we identify with that and we long for them to find it again (happy ending).

2. What makes your perfect man, perfect? What do you look for in a hero?

I like strong, commanding men. I like for them to know what they want and go after it. They also know when to fold when needed or regroup when necessary. I like them sexy and handsome. They don’t necessarily need to be model perfect. I like a man with some flaws and maybe a scar or two. I want them to have been through some kind of struggle in their past—things didn’t come easy. Whew! In a nutshell I guess I like reading and writing about imperfect men. When you read one of the stories in the Loving Dangerously series you will get where I’m coming from. In Dangerously Mine, Taio Xochis is trying to stay out of his father’s shadow and in doing so has become rigid and stuck to his ways. Kane Epps in Dangerously Yours is hell bent on revenge that it takes him a while to recognize love staring him in the face. And Rasha from Dangerously Hers gets knocked on his butt by a feisty human.

3. What qualities make up your least favorite heroine?

I don’t like heroines that a too stupid to live. We all know the type. They always seem to be in trouble by doing, saying or going somewhere stupid. I like my heroines smart, witty and sassy. They’re one step ahead of every once else (or they think they are).

4. Do you have any quirks? When writing, or otherwise?

Quirks? Hmm… I don’t think so. I’m pretty normal and easy-peasy.

5. Do you have any hobbies that you take part in when you aren’t writing?

I love traveling! I’ve been on 5 trips this year alone and two of those were out of the country. Wait, is traveling considered a hobby? *shrugs* I don’t know, but I’m counting it as one.

6. What do you like to read?

I love science fiction, that’s why I write it. I also love paranormal. I’m sold on anything with vampires, shifters, witches or faeries. But what people are most surprised to find out about me is that I love historical romance. I can read anything about a Scottish Laird or the life of “the Ton”.  I actually read more of those than anything else. I don’t write it because I really don’t have the patience for the amount of research that would have to go into it. And also because my heroines tend to cuss too much to conform to the historical mode.

7. If you had to pick one of your characters to survive a zombie apocalypse with, who would it be and why?

All of my characters can survive a zombie apocalypse attack. They seem to really love weapons and are quite trigger happy and like to see heads roll. The men in my books are either royal guards which are highly trained warriors or they are space pirates who have lived on gut and gumption. My females have some type of martial arts or weapons training. So yeah, I’d be on their team. LOL.

8. Tell us a bit about how the idea for your book came about.

When I first sat down to write Dangerously Mine I knew my story would start at the end. The end of life on Earth as we know it. I wanted strong female characters that would face their futures head on without snivelling or cowering in a corner. I also wanted to create an event where I could have endless possibilities to follow humans as they move forward in their new lives on new worlds. I hope that one day when a new sci-fi author is asked this question he/she will be able to say that one of my books has opened their eyes to a different way of writing and scenarios

9. Which of the seven deadly sins are you most partial to? Which do you indulge in the most?

O.K. so I actually had to look this one up. I’m not partial to any of them. I really hope this means I can get into heaven.

10. Who is the person who most inspired you? Either in your life, or writing?

I would have to say my mother. She’s a writer as well. I remember her at her desk on her typewriter for hours at a time. She inspired me to get published. That’s something she never inspired to do. She was afraid of her work not being accepted or liked.

11. Do you have a favorite quote?

My late grandmother used to always say “Everybody has a little good in them. Either good for something or good for nothing.” It would crack me up when she would say it because it usually came right after someone would say something like, “I have a good man.” Needless to say she was feisty.

12. Can you tell us a little about your latest project?

I’m in edits with the fourth book in the Loving Dangerously series titled Dangerously His and I’m one week from submitting the fifth book titled Dangerously Forever. Dangerously His is about two people who want to be together but are being separated by forces they can’t control. Dangerously Forever is the story where Eva (from Dangerously Mine) and her best friend Allysan finally reunite. It’s definitely not the end of the series. There are still so many worlds and characters to explore.

13. Last but not least, if you could be anyone else in the world, who would it be, and why?

I really enjoy being me. I have a really good life. I love my family, my husband and kids. It’s by far not perfect, but that’s what I tend to like anyway.

Aries Baby!

ARIES BABY!

 

 March 21 - April 19

 

 

 

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and that's pretty much how those born under this sign see themselves: first.

Yeah baby! We're first because we're the very best.

 

Aries are the leaders of the pack, first in line to get things going. Whether or not everything gets done is another question altogether, for an Aries prefers to initiate rather than to complete.

How did they know that I have a million things that I want to get done?

 

Aries is a bundle of energy and dynamism, kind of like a Pied Piper, leading people along with its charm and charisma. The dawning of a new day -- and all of its possibilities -- is pure bliss to an Aries.

Okay, sooooo I'm not sure with this one. I don't like people following me. It gives me the creeps. And the dawning of a new day? Hell, I still have stuff from this day that I didn't finish.

 The symbol of Aries is the Ram, and that's both good and bad news. Impulsive Aries might be tempted to ram their ideas down everyone's throats without even bothering to ask if they want to know.

Yes, yes. My ideas are the best. Even if I have to paint you a picture and make-up a song to get you to see reason. I will and you will. Why? Because I know best--about everything.

 

You're not likely to convince the Ram to soften up; these folks are blunt and to the point.

I've been told that I don't have a filter. Why would I need one?

 

Much of Aries' drive to compete and to win comes from its Cardinal Quality. Cardinal Signs love to get things going, and Aries exemplifies this even better than Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.

Did you read that? We exemplify and blah, blah, blah. We're better than those other signs.

Taking a peek at Roman mythology, we find that Mars was the God of War. Our man Mars was unafraid to do battle, and much the same can be said for Aries. These folks are bold, aggressive and courageous. They can summon up the inner strength required to take on most anyone, and they'll probably win. Aries do not lack energy or vitality, and they can stay in the game longer than most anyone else. Now that's a winning edge.

You know what my takeaway from this is? If you want a war call an Aries.

 

Sadly, Aries won't usually be around for the final victory (defeat? never). These folks will more than likely have bolted to the next project before the first one is done.

Humph. I wouldn't say bolt. I would say, "Have moved on."

Aries love physicality, so they won't sit on the sidelines for long, if at all.

Huh? What? No sitting on the sidelines? Are we talking about Aries? I like to sit.

 

Making things happen is what it's all about to these folks. Aries are also unafraid of stepping onto new terrain. The challenge inherent in taking on the unknown is heaven on Earth for Rams.

Great, now back to stuff that I know about. I can take on the world and am not afraid to do it! Who's with me!

 

Oh, and on the subject of arguing, it's the Ram who will have the last word, so save your breath.

Of course! My hubby knows best. I can wake him up in the middle of the night to get the last word in.

 Aries plays as hard as they work. These folks are happiest in a spirited soccer match or engaging in the martial arts.

Sure. In my head.

 

The Ram's color is bright red, a sure sign of the fire that breathes within.

Umm, black. I'm breathing black from within.

 The great strength of the Aries-born is in their initiative, courage and determination. These folks love to get things going and are fearless along the way. Their dynamism and competitive spirit add considerably to any of their endeavors.

Yes! All Aries are great. We'll one day take over the world. Now where are my fluffy house shoes?

Information taken from: http://www.astrology.com/aries-sun-sign-zodiac-signs/2-d-d-66918

EC Romanticon 2012: Reminiscing

This time last year I was biting my fingernails down to the nubs. I was packing and getting ready for my first author conference.

The reason for my angst? I didn’t have a book out yet, so I was applying the title “author” very loosely. I had a book, but I was entrenched in edits and it wouldn’t be released in time for the conference.

My other worries? I was going to another state to spend the weekend with a bunch of people that I didn’t know. I would be forced to make (gasp) new friends. And since this was my first ever conference I didn’t know what to expect or bring.

My only saving grace was that I had hooked up with another author as roomies. “At least I would have someone to talk to some of the time,” I thought to myself. Lea Barrymire was a newbie author like me and this was also her first conference. So, putting on my big girl panties, I packed and headed out to Ohio to Ellora’s Cave Romanticon 2012.

I can honestly say I left a scared and timid woman and came back with new found confidence. I was able to meet a bunch of other authors who were just as crazy and quirky as I was. I danced and I laughed so hard that I cried a couple of times. I was even mistaken for a superstar by Danica Avet (and no, I will never let her live that down). Lea and I were walking by and she mistook us for some other authors and called us over. We've all been buddies ever since.

But I think the funniest meet was Piper Trace. True story: Lea and I are sitting at a table and writing and Piper comes over, happy to have some authors to write with, reaches into her computer bag, pulls out a diaper and cusses. She then sits her computer on the table and says, "I want you bitches to guard my laptop with your life. I'll be right back." What else could we say but "ok". She didn't come back for 45 minutes LOL.

Not only did I have a blast, but I joined a group of smexy authors and we’ve since become a force to be reckoned with! As the Cabal of Hotness, we’ve put out 5 anthologies called Fondled and Gobbled.

Writing can be a very lonely world, but luckily I now have friends to bounce ideas off, exchange crits and yes, even participate in plots to take over the world. LOL. It’s been wonderful. And I’ve loved every minute!

I don’t know what I’ll experience this time around, but I can't wait to find out. Now, off to pack!

-Griffin

If I could go anywhere

On Earth...

 

I'm an avid traveler. I love it! I even love packing clothes for a trip!

 

I'll go just about anywhere with the promise of fun, good people, good drinks, good times and warm weather.

 

It's imperative that I take at least one major vacation a year. I prefer two with about five minor vacations, but I'll try not to appear greedy in the vacation department in this blog and leave it at one.

 

Pft... Who am I kidding?

 

I'm going to be greedy (bwa ha ha ha).

 

I want to go somewhere with plenty of this...



 

 



 

 

 

and this...

 



So I can do this plenty of this...

Or maybe enjoy a view like this...

Now, if by chance I had to leave Earth and travel to another planet, I'd prefer for it to be very hospitable to my likes. My fictional world of Sonis which I created for my Loving Dangerously series is scorching hot with one large ocean.

 

So far, its not a place where I would opt to take my vacay. But with time I plan to build it to a thriving attraction of fun and sun.

 

I can't do anything about the heat (Sonis has two suns), but I have plans for the Singha Ocean in the near future. No waterparks or anything like that, but a place for rest relaxation would be top on my list. Maybe a nice lodge where a couple could watch a storm rage on and how it affects the alien sky...

 

My plot bunny is rearing its pretty little head so I must say ado!

 

Dangerously Yours the steamy sequel to Dangerously Mine is available now!

 

Available from Ellora's Cave
Available on Kindle
Available from ARe



And the award goes to...

David Beckham

I don’t know what we were going for when this month’s theme was picked but David Beckham was the first thing that popped into my head. Maybe it had something to do with me patrolling the internet pics of him in scantily clad clothing, sweaty and bulging in certain places (ah hem). But the award, whatever it is goes to him.

That is all.

If I Wasn't A Writer (Chocolate Hotness)

If I wasn’t a writer…

Let’s face it. I know I’m not normal and despite what my mother says, “Baby, you are so unique.” Or what my hubby says, “You are one in a million.” I know that what they’re really saying is, “You are one step away from a strait-jacket.” But hey, the crazy in me takes it all in stride.

It’s no secret that my debut book Dangerously Mine was hatched because I kept having dreams about Earth being invaded by hostile aliens. The self-defense mechanism in my brain just happened to click on and think of a way that the alien invasion could turn into a good thing (being rescued by a hunky alien king and having lots of hot sex). Yay for self-defense mechanisms!

I was blessed with an over active imagination (yes, I see it as a blessing). While my school-age friends were dreaming about the boogey man, I was dreaming about vampires. By the time I reached junior high, my closest friends understood that the cross I wore around my neck wasn’t because I was very religious, it was to stave off a vampire attack. And even though they would laugh about it, whenever a bump was heard in the night, they would all rush to my side. Why? Because I was the only one prepared to fight off a vampire attack.

I would keep two Popsicle sticks in my pocket at all times. Why? You guessed it, so I could whip them out and form a cross at a moment’s notice. Ever since my mom caught me tearing the braches from the trees in the backyard and sharpening the ends on the sidewalk into points, the Popsicle sticks were my only defense.

By high school my vampire obsession hadn't subsided, but had to make room for aliens. I was convinced they were coming and they weren’t going to be happy when they got to Earth. Think about it, if you had to travel years to get to your destination would you be in a good mood? No. Exactly.

Luckily for me, writing provides an outlet for every cray-cray thought I have in my mind. Now, when I wake up in a cold sweat, I turn to my pen and paper and write the craziness down. I, like my family, is hoping that one day I’ll be able to make a living off my craziness.

I could ramble on and on about the inner workings of my mind, but I think you get the gist.

If I weren’t a writer, I would be on medication and sitting in group therapy.

What am I looking forward to in 2013?

Tits

 

I’m talking about nice, round, perky DD tits.

I’m begging Santa to hear my Christmas wish *bats eye lashes* and deliver me to a plastic surgeon. I’ve been wanting new tits for a long time, but every time I was about to get them, something else always came up.

Sending the kid off to college

Car broke down and needed a new one

Paying for kid to enroll in a trade program

But not this year *laughs manically*.

The various heroine and hero's in the Fondled and Gobbled series (available now) got me thinking about how badly I want tits this year.

Now, I've never had really small tits like Steele in Cassandra Carr's spoof - Wild Fantasy Hero. According to Cassandra, Steele has got itty bit titties (poor girl) - or as my husband would say, "She belongs to IBTC - the Itty Bitty Tittie Committee."

But I always wanted titties so big that I’d knock over drinks, smother little kids when I hug ‘em and cause grown men to have wet dreams.

I can just see me now, I'd be like Danica Avet's heroine Holly in Cookie Bound with 36DD tits, walking through the grocery store with a tight fitting shirt, no bra, tight jeans and high heels. Oh, I won't be there to shop. I’d be there to show off my beautiful new rack.

Not surprisingly my hubby is very supportive of this tittie dream of mine. When I verbalize my dreams, he’s right by my side, voicing his opinion about how many drinks I’ll knock down, how he’ll have to buy me new bigger bra’s and how I’ll need to set my car seat to the furthest setting away from the steering wheel. I think he would prefer I had tits like Heather in Sasha Devlin's Special Brand of Lovin' who's like DDD. But I think with tits like those I would get in a world of trouble.

*sighs* He’s so great.

I hope 2013 brings you all what you wish for most.

Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow

Before I get to the good stuff, Random.org picked Wendy P as the winner of the Cabal goodness. But don't despair, folks! The Cabal is holding a mega awesome blog hop for St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to check back for updates!


I'm totally blogging twice this week. That's twice the Cajun spice. Does your ass hurt yet? Hm, that didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to.

Ah well, by now y'all should be used to my goofiness.

What's so special about this week? The second volume of awesomeness otherwise known as the Fondled and Gobbled anthology. Oh yes, you didn't think we were finished with it, did you? Bwahaha! Of course we're not. As we've stated repeatedly, when questioned by people who lay claim to sanity, there's far too much ridiculousness in the world to stop now.

And today marks the day we're unleashing the Kracken. A second time. Yes, I totally said that in the French knight's accent from The Holy Grail (that's a Monty Python movie y'all). So what can you expect in this volume?

Something....like zis?

Well, maybe not exactly like that, but the idea is there.

This volume takes us on a journey with uh, *looks at her notes* badaliensexlosingyourvirginityinabadyetgoodwayScoobyDoosoundingheroesandpenisphobiasandstrippersand...
Okay, let me try this again.

The virgin whose carefully planned hymen removal doesn’t work out the way all the romance novels told her it would. A busty broad doing what she can to get over her penis anxiety—assisted by a cadre of male strippers. A not-so-bright (and not so “big”) alien who comes to claim his life mate, and the Earth girl who wants to be claimed at all costs. A cursed, mute shapeshifter who needs to pop his cherry with his unsuspecting fated mate.


If you’re looking for the perfect romance with the perfect hero and heroine, this isn’t it! This is a series of spoofs, parodies, just-for-fun lighthearted take-offs. It’s for all us longtime, hard-core romance readers who can laugh at the clichés, purple prose and “suspend your disbelief” plot devices that haunt our beloved favorite genre.

And trust me, this book is funny. OMG. I think I had tears in my eyes when I read these stories the first time around. I can only imagine how crazy it is now!

So how can you get your copy of Fondle and Gobbled: Going Back For Seconds?
Try these fine retailers of naughty smut:
Ellora's Cave
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

And be sure to share it with the world. I'm still holding out that the Wayans brothers will want to make a movie out of the spoofs. What do y'all think? If you've read volume one, who do you think should play the heroes and heroines? (All of them.) Personally, I think Armie Hammer could play Cade Kincaid, except he'd have to pretend he's not hung. Not that I know if he's well-endowed or not *hides the naked pictures* Hm, CGI should be able to handle that, right?

Cabal of Hotness: Released onto the world!

The moment you've all been waitng for is finally here.

The Cabal of Hotness Present:

Fondled and Gobbled: Someone Had To Do It

How did the madness begin? Well, Nine authors met at Ellora's Cave Romanticon 2012, and a writing and support group was formed: the Cabal of Hotness. We decided it would be fun to do a series of erotic spoofs, and after pitching the idea to Ellora's Cave, Fondled and Gobbled was born.

Blurb:
The perfect man—with the imperfect cock and oral skills. The Dom who isn’t a dom, and the man who proves it to him. The alien with dessert-flavored semen and three cocks. The older man (a kajillionaire with a penthouse in Seattle…) who has limitless ability to come all night with his naïve little virgin. A woman on a diet who craves a feast of meat and finds herself five Broadshaft Brothers who can deliver.

If you’re looking for the perfect romance with the perfect hero and heroine, this isn’t it! This is a series of spoofs, parodies, just-for-fun lighthearted take-offs. It’s for all us longtime, hard-core romance readers who can laugh at the clichés, purple prose and “suspend your disbelief” plot devices that haunt our beloved favorite genre.

You can read even more erotic spoofs and goofs in Fondled and Gobbled: Going Back for Seconds available February 22nd.

Snippets:
*Danica Avet’s Cookie Bound: *
His hands reached for my bra, but I shook my head and gave him a little
shove in the direction of the sofa. My boobs were far too saggy to be seen
in the light of day and the only way my bra was coming off in front of him
was with a court order and a crowbar.

*Lea Barrymire’s Moonlust Paradise:*
She didn’t want to let his cock out of her mouth. Mumbling around his dick
she tried to answer, but it came out garbled. “Mithy.”
“You must remove my cock from your mouth. I didn’t understand you and the
translation chip didn’t catch what you said.”

*Cassandra Carr’s Wild Fantasy Hero:*
“Baby girl?” her man said from the couch. “I need you again.”
“Again? But the last time we had sex was only a few hours ago. I haven’t
even had my protein shake.”
“I’ll give you a protein shake.” Grey waggled his eyebrows and Steele
frowned.

*Piper Trace’s Slave to the Sausage:*
They closed in on her… Five muscled studs, large and tanned and in
possession of delicious sausage secrets shared only amongst themselves.
Emily instantly dropped the package, the condoms, her diet plan and her
good intentions and squealed as five sets of strong hands carried her like
their new toy to the kitchen table she’d set for one

Help support the madness!
Follow us on Twitter

Buy Links:
Ellora's Cave
Kindle
Barnes & Noble