Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!


Instead of a static picture, I want to share a song that is one of my favorites - especially this time of year. Found this video on YouTube and it is a very beautiful tribute to the song and to the man - Dan Fogelberg.

Hope you chase and hold tight to your dreams in 2012.

Reflections on 2011 and a Thanks

So, this is the last day of 2011. Wow. So much has happened this year! Let me sit back a moment with my coffee and just...let it wash over me. 

We all have goals in our lives, whether we admit to this or not, realize this or not. Sometimes they are detailed and definite, other times they're simply open-ended. And then, there are times our goals involve more than what we thought and we tend to re-evaluate our desires.

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a published writer. Let me amend that. Not just a published writer, because I could pay any vanity publishing house to print out my writing. No, I wanted a contract, an editor, a publishing house that would accept my stories and then I would be paid for this awesome event. 

I diddled with this for many, many years. A few years ago, I became super serious and knocked out a couple of stories - beginning to end (and let me tell you, this is a major feat in itself). I finally clicked with one particular story. My best friend, Marie Harte (hi Marie!) encouraged me tremendously. Truthfully, she nagged the hell outta me ("don't do anything but write!" she'd admonish me at our weekly get-togethers). She helped me understand about the e-publishing world and suggested reputable publishers to submit my story. 

So I submitted. And submitted. And submitted. I received rejection letter after rejection letter. But they were good, as far as rejections went, by giving me helpful advice and words of further encouragement. I took several of these notes to heart, polished up my story and finally, in late 2010, received the elusive contract I'd wanted for most of my life. Total E-Bound had accepted The Deciding Factor, a contemporary erotic menage story. It's release date was January 17 of this year, kicking 2011 off to a fabulous start!

About this same time I was submitting a short story to some other publishers. Changeling Press took my submission into their Shamrock Challenge Contest and in the spring of 2011, I found out I'd finaled in the contest! Talk about a big boost to a fragile writer's heart. This story, Malathix Soul: Soulless, became the first in a series of tales (Broken and Jagged followed) about strong, shifting, beastial futuristic aliens. A bit darker than my contemporary, but something I had so much fun writing. 

When calls for a Christmas story wended its way through the grape vine, I jumped on board and Emmy's Wish was born - my latest release with Changeling Press.
This makes...five published stories this year alone. 

If truth be known - this number is actually seven. I have two very, very short free reads in Changeling Press' Encounters. 


Still. Wow, I say again. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that I'm published sometimes. Especially as I look into 2012. I'm thrilled to say I already have a tentative project lined up with Total E-Bound (story is written and submitted; just waiting on a contract), and four projects - minimum - lined up with Changeling Press. But I'm already scrambling to push this number up. Not drastically. I honestly don't have the time to write full-time. But I could conceivably write anther story or two this year. Push my number up to seven or eight or nine. Not to mention I've toyed with the idea of writing a non-erotic story. Pure fantasy maybe. I don't know yet - this one's still knocking around in my brain.

I've learned a lot this past year and made a lot of new friends. I've discovered groups and events and sites I'd never dreamed were real. I've discovered that writing the story is the easy part once you're published. Whew, that was a very tough lesson. I've learned to keep a datebook handy and note down everything and check that sucker all the time. I've learned to keep a new set of priorities and to push myself as I've not done in tons of years. I've put myself out there, nervous with trembling knees and all that, trying something new. Get your mind out of the gutter (grin). I mean through promotional work.

Writing-wise, I have no complaints over this past year. It's been a fun ride, and one I intend to remain on for many years yet to come.

Thank you, everyone out there who has supported me, read my stories, written and contacted me. I will never be able to express my gratitude enough. I write because it's in my heart; in my blood. I'd write even if I lived under a rock (sometimes I feel like that, hahaha), but knowing that you enjoy the tales I spin, makes the hard work so much easier. 

Have a terrific and safe end to your year. Here's a coffee-toast to a fantastic 2012!

Ayla

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Are you ready?





Only a few more days until we say good-bye to 2011. Wow. Time does fly. 


Have you looked back at this year and smiled at the amazing things that came and went? The things that still are? 

Even though I don't normally get into the whole lets-look-back montage, I can't lie. I still do, whether I want to or not. I don't know if it's ingrained in us by the media or by human nature.

Either way, I'm going to end this year on Dec 31 by sharing some of my own highlights of this past year. Stop by and share a smile or two, and feel free to share moments of 2011 that meant something special to you.

Come Chat with me tonight!

Hi! I'm hosting a chat tonight at Coffee Time Romance. Info below:

What:              Open Chat with Ayla
Where:           Coffee Time Romance e-loop
When/Date:   Tuesday, December 27, 2011
When/Time:   9 -10:30 PM

How
:              Click here - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karendevinkaren/

Why
:             Contest. One winner of those participating will be able to choose one story from my back-list.
What to expect: LOTS of fun and excerpts! Plus, we'll talk about if our Christmas wishes came true or not.


Hope to see you there!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!


To everyone:
I hope your Christmas 
and holidays 
are very joyous, merry and bright!

Ayla

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Today is Visiting Day!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

Join me today as I spend time with my fabulous friends across the sea at Total E-Bound. My blog post on Hitting The Hot Spot for today is yummy - in  a purely stomach satisfying way. I've left a couple cookie recipes sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Hidden Mint and Giant's Thumbprint Cookies. 

Stop by, jot down the goodies, and make sure you let me know how you enjoyed them!

Here's to a Happy Thursday!!

~Ayla

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Super Sale



Now until Christmas, shop Changeling Press and save!

This Week Only! Countdown 2011 -- 
Purchase any new release 
and get 10% off your entire order,
no matter how many books you stuff in your cart -- 
one order only.

Just log in to your Changeling account 
at _www.ChangelingPress.com_(http://www.ChangelingPress.com
and use the discount code Countdown2011 at checkout 
to receive your 10% discount! 

Good now through December 25th.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Winner Announced!

Congratulations goes out to Eva, the winner of my contest for the Stuff Your Stockings blog hop this past weekend. She wins one copy of my latest release, White Hot Christmas: Emmy's Wish

Thank you to all who hopped around with me this past weekend. I had a great time!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

**Free Books**

There are free books and more up for grabs today. So many places to visit. Get comfortable in your favorite traveling chair, hold on tight to your mouse, and let's go!

Stop One: Easy. It's right here! Prize: one copy of Emmy's Wish, out now with Changeling Press. Yesterday's blog post has more in the way of excerpts from this hot little elven story. To enter: comment on one of my blog posts from Dec. 16, 17, or 18th (simply scroll down to see the additional posts). Contest ends tonight, midnight, EST and the winner will be announced on the 19th. Please remember to leave me an email addy so I can contact you. 




Stop Two: Click here to join the Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop where over 180 authors are hopping around and giving out grand prizes! All contests associated with this hop end today, so hurry!






Stop Three: The Romance Studio!  


Click Here to go right on over! Today they're having a release party for Changeling Press, where you'll be able to read so many great excerpts. Comments here are entered to win a 12-pack of Christmas themed books from Changeling. *sweet*


Stop Four: Changeling Press!  


Click here to go straight to their contest page. In sum, any White Hot Christmas story you purchase this month (contest ends Dec 31) is entered for a chance to win free books for up to a year! Hint, hint, Emmy's Wish is one of the White Hot Christmas stories.

You're still reading? C'mon, get going. Start here, leave a tid-bit, then blaze your trails all over the place. With so many chances to win, what have you got to lose?

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Emmy's Wish in a Writers Montage


Welcome back to day two of the Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop! There are so many great authors in this hop it's enough to make you dizzy. Hang on, because it's not over yet. 
As a treat for you today, I've decided to do a little something different. I know montage is supposedly for movies and photos, but why not for written works as well? I've taken the liberty of putting together my own. Instead of getting only the first page or so of the book (which you are more than welcome to peek at HERE), I'm giving you bits and pieces from throughout the story.

Don't forget to comment in order to be entered into my contest to win your very own copy of Emmy's Wish. That's all. A comment. I'm easy that way.

Emmy’s Wish in a Writers Montage

My shiny new release is fun, festive, and a whole lotta naughty. Who knew elves could have so much fun? Emmy is a tiny Workshop elf and has begged Santa for years for a partner that would be...more than what most Workshop elves offer. She's a persistent little thing, and her years of wishing have finally paid off. Question now, is can sweet Emmy take every part of what her wish entails?

Enjoy. 

~~~~~

Dancing a little to make her bell sing as she made her way into the living room, she didn’t pay attention around her, and her leg banged against something solid. Off balance, she fell over the obstacle and landed hard on the floor.
“Mmm, Merry Christmas to me,” a low, male voice resonated through the room.

 ~~~~~

She clapped her hands and, raising her head, whispered, “Thank you, Santa.” Looking back into the arresting face of the male underneath her, she said, “You’re my gift. I get to play with you all day!”

 ~~~~~

“Let the games begin,” he announced in a hushed whisper.

 ~~~~~

Spreading his stance, and with little effort, Trey swung the hook up and over a rafter. The hook swung around the rafter three times before stopping and digging into the beam. He tugged to secure it. It didn’t escape her notice that he’d placed the rope to drop dead center over her bed.

 ~~~~~

She shuddered at his words, spoken right against her ear, tickling and stimulating her at the same time. “You can push me as far as you want, Trey.”

 ~~~~~

“I wasn’t done with the first one. You’re so hot it melted before I could even put it where I wanted.”

 ~~~~~

They only had a few hours left, and she wanted them filled with as many happy memories as possible.

 ~~~~~

“Emmy, I’m going to give you the best memory of all.”

 ~~~~~
  
Go too slow and you’d never get in. Too fast, and she’d want to kill you from the pain.

 ~~~~~

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere yet. I don’t have feeling anymore in my body.”

~~~~~

I hope you enjoyed this sip-by-sip take on Emmy's Wish. Remember, all you have to do to win your own e-copy is make a comment on any of my blog posts during this hop which runs Dec 16, 17 and 18th. I'll announce a winner on the eve of the 19th. Don't forget to leave me an email addy for contact.  

Click here to return to the blog and happy hopping!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

New Release *coupled* with Blog Hop

Friday could not be sweeter!  I'm participating in the Stuff Your Stocking Blog Hop this weekend ~ click the picture to view all the amazing blogs, and have a great time!

This is a season to have a great time, isn't it? Lights, decorations, presents, Santa. Wishes. Yes, I did say wishes. We all have them. Those special one-of-a-kind items we'd love to see under our trees come Christmas morning.

With wishes in mind, I came up with my newest release - out today! 

White Hot Christmas: Emmy's Wish, is available NOW from Changeling Press. Read on for a short blurb and excerpt - then check back tomorrow for more. 

Dear Santa,

Every year you tell all the Workshop Elves to write down one wish they'd like you to grant as their Christmas present. Every year you bring amazement and joy to all us little Elves. In fact, this is one of the perks I've loved about being a Workshop Elf.

During the past couple of years, though, it seems that something's happened to disrupt our communications. I've not received my wish yet. I don't know if my request isn't getting to you, or if my wish is unclear, but this is the third year I'm making the same request.

Santa, I want a BIG, real live man as my present. The first year I left the time open-ended. Last year I asked to have him a month. This year, because having him around for a long time seems to be an issue, I'm willing to negotiate to have him only one day -- preferably Christmas Day.

Thanks, Santa. And if my wish can't be granted this year, I'll drop by sometime, because you're going to have to spell it out for me why this wish isn't working.

Your ever faithful worker ~ Emmy.

P.S. In case you aren't sure what I mean, I want a BIG male with BIG, um, male parts. Bigger than our local Workshop Elves, at least.

Excerpt:

Emmy woke up Christmas morning hopeful, excited, and with eyes squeezed shut. She took a deep breath and peeked to her right.
Damn. No hulking male. Instead, there was a shiny little golden bell resting on the pillow next to her head. "Thanks, Santa," she mumbled as she picked it up and gave it a little shake. Its tune spread high and bright through her room, and Emmy sighed. In truth, she wasn't surprised to find her bed empty -- again. Hopeful, but not surprised.
"No sense staying in bed if it's empty." Determined to enjoy her Christmas day, she climbed out from under the red satin sheets, naked -- ever hopeful -- and rummaged through the top of her messy bureau. Finding what she wanted, she picked out a shiny red and green twisted ribbon, which she threaded through the bell. She hung this around her neck, admiring how the bell rested perfectly in the shallow valley of her breasts.
She tapped the bell, smiled at the pretty tinkling sound, then cupped her small breasts and flicked her nipples. "Sorry, girls. Looks like we're flying solo again this year." Shrugging her shoulders, she bounced out of her bedroom.
Her destination: the kitchen, and breakfast. Even though it was still early and not much sunlight filtered in, she didn't turn on her lights. She'd decorated the high, open beams throughout her cottage with bright, twinkling, multi-colored rope lights, lending a festive glow throughout her home. Dancing a little to make her bell sing as she made her way into the living room, she didn't pay attention around her, and her leg banged against something solid. Off balance, she fell over the obstacle and landed hard on the floor.
"Mmm, Merry Christmas to me," a low, male voice resonated through the room.
Emmy froze with her forearms on the floor, and her waist caught over what she quickly realized was a male leg.
"Does that sweet ass come with a face?" the voice inquired seductively.
Her initial embarrassment fled and excitement poured through her. She pushed up to her hands, turned her head and became speechless at the sight of the male draped across her couch. As she looked up his length, his clothing stood out first. His pants and shirt shimmered a blue and white blend that reminded her of the frozen lakes out back. She smiled at the bulge growing under his pants, but moved her gaze up to his face. His dark skin stood out starkly against so much white. It was difficult to pinpoint under the glow of the lights, but she'd put his coloring at a light smoky gray. Like the first shadows to fall at dusk. His white hair was long, thick, and shaggy -- not in a derelict way, but more of a blending in with nature kind of way.
She stopped breathing when their gazes locked. His eyes were white, with icy blue irises and a brighter starburst of white for pupils. He tilted his head and her gaze averted to his pointed ears. Elf's ears. It couldn't be. "You're an Elf?" she asked incredulously.
He nodded. "I'm a Border Elf."
"The ones that protect and patrol the North Pole? I'd heard you guys were ugly."
The Border Elf laughed out loud.
"You are definitely not ugly," she said hurriedly, teetering on his leg as she worked herself upright. Once on her feet, she didn't stay there for long. She crawled right up and over the male and straddled his hips as if she'd done so a million times before.
"Whoa." He grinned. His blinding smile dazzled her. "What's this about?"
"Santa sent you, right?"
"He did. He told me he had an Elf who wanted to play with a Border for a day."
She clapped her hands and, raising her head, whispered, "Thank you, Santa." Looking back into the arresting face of the male underneath her, she said, "You're my gift. I get to play with you all day!"

******

You know what's so fabulous about this hop? You get a chance to win prizes. Yep. Gifts just for you! All you have to do is comment on my blog anytime between now and Sunday midnight, EST, and you'll have a chance to win your own copy of Emmy's Wish!

Have a great weekend and a wonderful Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Party at Goddess Fish Today!!

Are you ready to party? I am!

Today I'm over at Goddess Fish Party Pavilion, throwing streamers, toasting drinks and getting awesome foot rubs from the ever helpful Cabana Boys with the White Hot Christmas story authors. You don't want to miss this!

I'll be posting throughout the day, as will plenty of other White Hot Christmas authors. 

Have some fun, read a little about EMMY'S WISH - ON SALE NOW at Changeling Press, and raise a glass with us! I'd love to hear from you!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Deleted Scene from Emmy's Wish

Emmy's Wish will be available for your reading pleasure in less than one week: December 17! (December 16 if you're really good - grin)

I'm here today to give you a little preview - a tease if you will. 

CLICK HERE to go to The Cheeky Changeling. This is the monthly e-zine from Changeling Press, and once you click on their Encounters, you'll see an amazing assortment of free reads. 

Yes, you heard me right -- free reads!

This month, a very, very, hot deleted scene from Emmy's Wish is available for you to read. Did I mention already that it's free?? It should be the second one down on the list.


Enjoy your read, I look forward to partying with you over the new release this coming week and have a great weekend!


P.S. Don't forget, every time you purchase a White Hot Christmas story this month from Changeling Press, you'll be entered for a chance to win free books for a year!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Psstt (whispering)...wanna Free Read?

You will not believe what I did. *shaking head* I deprived you a Free Read for nearly a month now. Shame on me.

You see, I had thought this story would be out in January. I looked at all of the Changeling Press free reads, as I usually do, in November.

It didn't "click" with me that my Free Read - that I thought would be up next month - has actually been available for a few weeks now. \headdesk

I'm too busy. That's it, right? 

Well, my mistake is now your extra boon. CLICK HERE to go to the Cheeky Changeling free read portion where you can see my FREE READ entitled  


It's super short, is super hot, and best of all, it's absolutely free!

Enjoy your little treat and if you get a chance, whisper the news to someone else.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Visit me Quick for a **CONTEST**

**One Day Contest**Head over to Marie Treanor**Contest**Enter to get your FREE BOOK on Marie's blog**

I know it's a little late - sorry to all the early birds out there. But hey, look at it like this, I'm a night owl so maybe I'm giving the owls a chance. :D

Today I'm visiting Marie Treanor's blog where you'll not only get a sneak-peak excerpt from my upcoming White Hot Christmas release: Emmy's Wish, but you'll also be able to enter to WIN one book from my back list (winner's choice).

But you have to hurry, the contest is only good today, so head on over and let me know what's one of your Christmas wishes. See you there!

Gotta love Contests!


This month Changeling Press is having a great contest. Do you like books? Do you love to read? How does Free Books for a Year sound to you?

Don't pass up your chance - CLICK HERE to get more information.

While you're at Changeling, go ahead and pick up the first releases of Changeling's annual Christmas stories. This year's theme is White Hot Christmas, and this oh so little gift to yourself will get you your first entries into the contest!

What are you waiting for? Go! Go now!

Happy Reading, and Good Luck!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

New Cover - New Story!!


Isn't he just handsome!

This is the cover for all of Changeling Press' White Hot Christmas stories...hot, sexy, short and naughty-packed reads that'll be sure to heat up your cool nights (or make you hot ones a little hotter)!

My release, the above story, Emmy's Wish, will be available December 17. Mark the date - even though you can be sure I'll remind you!  :)

To the left you can read more about sweet little Emmy and her completely honest - if naughty - Christmas wish. The story begs the question, however, will she get her wish this time? If she does, will she get more than she can handle, and will the stipulations of her one wish be enough to make her happy, or bring her down?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Save the Date!


December is bound to be busy - isn't is always! I'm amazed at how much is going on this month. Don't know about you, but I won't even have time to think about being bored, much less have this incident happen to me.

I'll make sure to remind you as these dates crop up, but go ahead and mark them down in your calendar to be sure not to miss any exciting event this month! I'm not adding links today; they'll come up soon so be sure to check back. I promise I won't leave you in the dark!

December 1 - This date is open-ended, but be sure to check out TEB's Booty Box (see my side bar for the link). Here you can grab some great gifts featuring covers from some of your favourite TEB authors!

December 2 - begins Changeling Press' Win Free Books for a Year Contest

December ? - not sure of the exact date yet, but Changeling's monthly e-zine will have a FREE READ from yours truly; a deleted scene from Emmy's Wish. You don't want to miss this one. 

December 15 - Changeling Press's White Hot Christmas authors is having a party at Goddess Fish, celebrating all our new releases.

December 16 - 18 - Christmas Blog Hop! **Contest** Visit my blog to have a chance to win one copy of Emmy's Wish!

December 17 - White Hot Christmas: Emmy's Wish, is for sale!

December 18 - Christmas Party at The Romance Studio

December 19 - my birthday: I'm perpetually 28!

December 22 - I'm blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

December 25 - Christmas Day. Spend time with family and friends and share the love and warmth of the season!

December 27 - I'm hosting a chat at Coffee Times and Romance from 9 - 10:30 PM EST. Join me as I talk about the highs and lows of Christmas Wishes come true (or not). **Contest** Winners choice of one copy from my back-list.

December 31 - New Year's Eve Party at Changeling Press

...and...I'm looking over my calendar and I know I've left events out. Darn it, I hate when this happens. SOO much going on. Love it! I will definitely update as new events crop up. 

Stay warm, stay sane, and when the season gets to be too much...hide in a corner and READ!! :D

Monday, November 28, 2011

Yes, I'm trolling for Votes!


Never thought I'd do this, but yes, I do want your vote. :D
Every month the lovely and talented D. Renee Bagby holds a contest for the Best First Chapter and Best Cover of all the first chapters of books she's posted the previous month.

In October, the first chapter for Malathix Soul: Jagged had it's debut and this is now on the very honored list of nominees for the coveted title of Best First Chapter for the month of October.

It's not too late to cast your vote...CLICK HERE now to vote. Covers come first and the chapters come below. If you want to read the selections, just peruse the October entries.

Don't be shy. If you're still not sure, below are the URL's and the list of contestants.

Oh, and trust me, it's well worth the click to go there. Have a pen and paper as well because not only will you make (someone's) day happy with your vote, you'll have the opportunity to read the beginnings of some great stories you know you'll have to have!

P.S. and in case you forgot - my book's title is Jagged. *grins*

Direct URL's to the two places you may vote (both links to the same poll)

Vote on the blog:
http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/

Or vote on the poll:
http://2707165.polldaddy.com/s/best-of-oct-2011

Titles:
Whiteout by Shelby Morgen
Dona Nobis Pacem by Willa Okati
Bound and Determined by Belladonna Bordeaux
Thale by Jessica Coulter Smith
Day of the Dead by Adera Orfanelli
Silence by Lena Austin
Jungle Fire by Sarah Mäkelä
Grande by Cynthia Sax
Risk Assessment by Dany Sirene
Dark Side (Collection)
Cardboard Hero (with Wild Geese) by Shelby Morgen
Way of the Wolf by Shelby Morgen
Bad Hare Day by Camille Anthony
Jagged by Ayla Ruse
Mara's Men by Faith Talbot
Fun in the Garden by Isabella Jordan
Security by Shelby Morgen
When in Rome by Kate Hill
Comanche by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
The Perfect Seasoning by Stephanie Burke
Paranormal Mates Society Vol. I (Collection)
Paws On Me by Silvia Violet
Imperial Haven by Anne Kane
Demon's Captive by Selena Illyria
Lost Temple by Dany Sirene

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Check out this post - Girls on Film

In skimming around the internet this afternoon, I came across a very interesting blog that I now want to share with you in hopes you'll grace her page.

CLICK HERE to go Dita's Den and her blog post today entitled Girls on film. Dita comments on the porn industry and the female perspective. As an added bonus, she gives out links to several sites who are supposed to cater to the more sensual approach of sex on film. As a disclaimer, I will state that I have not visited all these sites (yet *g*), so I personally cannot attest to the good/bad of each. 

Enjoy your Saturday, your weekend, and your viewing.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Day to be Thankful


For all those on "this" side of the world, Happy Thanksgiving!

A moment, please, of your time for reflection....

I've found myself at odds here and there lately about thanks. In today's economy, in our world, there is much to disparage. There is much to sit and wonder "if I had this or that," or "I don't have this or that." Lord knows I'm guilty of this. It's a struggle for most of us. Keeping a roof over our heads, gas in our cars, having enough food and decent clothes for the kids. This is especially hard when I turn my head and see other people who seem to be doing so much better.
This dangerous thinking can lead only into depression. It's easy to become mired in this downward mind-set. It is a challenge to look ahead, and not down. If you're one of those stuck in this frame, I ask for one favor today.

Simply. Be. Thankful. 

It may not be much to be thankful for, you may say, but there is always something for which to be thankful. You are alive. You are reading this post. You already have more than some. This alone is worth more thanks than this one day presents.

However you celebrate today - even if you don't - choose to have a great day today. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

*Extra! Extra!* New News at Total E-Bound!

Check this out!!




Now Shipping Worldwide!

Due to a new print distribution partnership, we are now able to offer shipping to anywhere in the world direct from our site.

With competitive shipping rates and fast delivery times, there is no time like the present to order your favourite print titles in time for Christmas.

We have added 21 of the most popular shipping destinations in:
  • UK and Europe
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • India
  • Asia
  • South America

There is no need for you to do anything, just order your print titles from:

Select your required shipping destination and the calculator will display the shipping methods available to you.

If your required destination is not listed, don't worry, we can still ship to you! Just email us with your requirements (you will be prompted from the order page if this is the case).

To celebrate this additional feature, we are offering 10% off all of our print titles in the run up to Christmas!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Come by for a Smile today!


Hello this fabulous Tuesday! Life gotcha down? Wanna pick-me-up? Stop by Total E-Bound's Hitting the Hot Spot today where I give honor to the only thing we women don't have, but love to...um...have in our lives from time to time.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

White Hot and (almost) Ready!

Woo-hoo! Check this out!! Next month I have a new release with Changeling Press. It'll be one of their annual Christmas stories and this year's series is entitled White Hot Christmas. Absolutely fun little sexy snippets perfect for the holidays! My title is Emmy's Wish and it'll be available December 17. Here's the tag line and blurb - and at the end a link to the CP site where soon you'll be able to read an excerpt!

White Hot Christmas: Emmy's Wish 
by Ayla Ruse

Will this little elf get the huge (male) present she wants?




Dear Santa,



Every year you tell all the Workshop Elves to write down one wish they’d like you to grant, as their Christmas present. Every year you bring amazement and joy to all us little elves. In fact, this is one of the perks I’ve loved about being a Workshop Elf.



During the past couple of years, though, it seems that something’s happened to disrupt our communications. I’ve not received my wish yet. I don’t know if my request isn’t getting to you, or if my wish is unclear, but this is the third year I’m making the same request:



Santa, I want a BIG, real live man as my present. The first year I left the time open-ended. Last year I asked to have him a month. This year, because having him around for a long time seems to be an issue, I’m willing to negotiate to have him only one day – preferably Christmas Day.



Thanks Santa. And if my wish can’t be granted this year, I’ll drop by sometime, because you’re going to have to spell it out for me why this wish isn’t working.



Your ever faithful worker ~ Emmy.


P.S. In case you aren’t sure what I mean, I want a BIG male with BIG, um, male parts. Bigger than our local Workshop Elves, at least.

Click here to go to Emmy's page. 

And click here to see a copy of the Cheeky Changeling - CP's monthly ezine. When you sign up, not only will you receive a mix of great information, the ezine is always packed with Encounters - Free reads from the CP authors. Hint, hint, in December's edition, you might even see a deleted scene from Emmy's Wish.  

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Belated Veterans Day Views and Commentary

Veteran's Day in my corner of the country is a big deal. I live not too far from a military base, so active and retired military are people you encounter everywhere, everyday. I myself have no intimate interactions with the military (no brothers/sisters in; no husband in), other than people I know in passing.

Most of the military I know are older. Makes sense, I suppose, since I'm older. I see the retirees, or the still active men and women who are rearing families as well as going through their military careers. They've been in awhile already. I don't often think about where and when they started - in a practical sense.

This past week opened my eyes in a new way.

Last week, the church I belong to hosted a Veteran's Day dinner which involved all the parishioners (where we naturally have a lot of retirees) as well as several bus loads of young, active duty men and women. The point of this dinner was to have the young and old share stories and interact; to recognize the current military and pay respects to those who came before. 

A great time was had by all during this very successful dinner. While my kids and I were nearing the end of our dinner, a young man in full dress uniform stopped and asked if he could eat with us. Naturally I agreed for him to join us. We all talked and were entertained by the brief stories he shared of where he came from.

However, as we talked, I noticed he looked awfully young. This bothered me a little because I'm thinking: military, guns, world assistance - and this guy looks like he could be in high school. Then I looked around - really looked around at some of the active men and women and noticed that most looked...young.  The host of the dinner even asked who was the youngest person there and he started asking for age 17!!

Now, I'm not ancient or anything, but I do have little kids and am in relative good health, so I don't often think of myself as old. 

During our conversation, the young man happened to mention he was 19. As in 19 years old! He'd just had a birthday. It struck me that I could be his mother! He explained how he was finishing school here and then he'd be deployed. He hasn't yet been in the service for a year, and he knew he was going off into places that could be dangerous, and he was okay with this.

Again, it struck me how he was so energetic, so patriotic, so full of life and a yearning to make a difference. A fresh change compared to the military I usually see.

I know he wasn't the only one, either. All the young active duty men and women there mirrored his desires. 

I realized that night, in living so close to all things military, I've taken everything about the military for granted. Whoa. Yeah, I have. I suppose this happens, when one is exposed to something everyday, one becomes desensitized.

Now, my thanks may be belated in relationship to the actual holiday, but that is because I wrestled with my views and how and if I wanted to share this story. 

It is heartfelt thanks I send to all those in the military - active or not - because our country stands for something, and these bright, young men and women embrace this truth and do their best to carry it forward for the whole world to see. 

Thank you. With everything in me, thank you. 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Add *ME* to your Wish List!

Okay, not me-me, per se - but my books! How awesome is this!

Go RIGHT NOW to All Romance e-Books and click on any one of my books up for sale on their site, add it to your wish list, then shop away! Or you could buy one and put one on your wish list.  Every day ARe will choose a winner and this winner will get their Wish List granted - for free! I copied the details below to make sure all the bases are covered. Oh, and if you want to find out more about my books (as in excerpts or reviews), just look to the right of your screen. Each of my books has its own page for more info.

Here's to Happy Wishing!!

Click here - my books page at ARe                 Click here - ARe home page

Buy or Wish List - seems you can't loose either way! What a great way to stock up for the upcoming Holidays. You know you'll deserve a break after cooking your feast. Indulge, indulge, indulge!
 
How do you win?
  1. Log into your account at All Romance/Omnilit, browse titles, and add books you would like to have to your wish list by clicking on the "Add to wish list" button on the book detail page.
  2. Shop like you normally do and check out. Each time you shop, you receive an entry for the next days contest.
  3. The contest will run for 21 days, so we will have 21 winners. Winners will be awarded all of the titles in their wish list (up to a value of $100.00).
The Fine Print: This contest will run from November 1, 2011 - November 21, 2011. Each day's contest will close at midnight US/Central on that date. Entries received after that time will roll over to the next contest for the duration of the contest. You must be 18 years of age to enter. Employees of All Romance eBooks, LLC are not eligible to enter. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. The winner will be chosen at random daily and notified via email. The daily prize of free eBook downloads will value up to $100.00. Prizes are being furnished by All Romance eBooks, LLC, DBA All Romance and OmniLit. 334 East Lake Road, Ste 286, Palm Harbor, Florida 34685-2427.