Shelley Munro Blog

I’m a member of the RWA Kiss of Death chapter and while I was at conference I attended the AGM. Allison Brennan was the guest speaker and everyone who attended received copies of Allison’s books. I picked up the first one - Speak No Evil and started reading it last night. Allison’s serial killer isn’t a nice person and I worried about nightmares.

I was quite relieved to dream about Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh instead. I have NO idea why I dreamed about them but let’s just say they had a very amusing State visit to Munro House. (Who said dreams need to make sense!)

I had to get up during the night to go to the restrooms and since we stayed in a cabin last night it was a bit of a hike to get to them. It was dark in the restrooms. I turned on the light. Suddenly I thought about Allison’s book. I didn’t think there was anyone in there with me but I checked every cubicle and pulled back shower curtains to make sure before I went about my business.

I finished Speak No Evil today. I love the way Allison made her characters so real and intertwined the suspense plot with the romance. I definitely recommend her books. I’ll be starting See No Evil tonight. Luckily we’re in a lodge and I won’t need to check behind so many doors and curtains should I decide to wander in the middle of the night!

James Belshaw, 26, and his girlfriend Sophia Severin, 23, from London, shared an unbroken kiss for 31 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds. They began kissing in the Plaza Shopping Centre in Oxford Street at 11:15 BST on Wednesday. The pair broke the previous record, which was set in the US four years ago, by more than half an hour. Throughout the event they were not allowed to sit, or fall asleep, could only take sustenance through a straw and had to stay kissing even while visiting the toilet.

Now that sounds a little extreme. I like kisses. I like reading about them and writing them, although I’m not sure about 31 plus hours of kissing. It makes my lips hurt thinking about it, but I thought we could share a few virtual kisses today.

Writers: post your excerpts up to 500 words maximum showing a kiss from your published book or work-in-progress. If it’s a naughty kiss with lots of explict language please post a WARNING at the top of your comment. Excerpts from m/m books are okay, but once again, post a warning at the top of your excerpt. If your book is published also leave us a buy link so we can explore further.

Readers and Writers: Tell me what you like to see in a kiss. If you have any kiss trivia you’d like to add, tell us about it. I’m giving away several spot prizes of downloads from my New Concepts books. All you need to do is post a comment and you’re in the draw. I’ll announce the winners on Sunday. If you like a kiss excerpt, tell the author. We love praise!

Kiss Quotes

It was brief, swift, and then it was done. It was a professional job. I needed to be kissed, and I was kissed. ~Actress Uma Thurman

This girl said “Yes” when I wasn’t ready. I kissed her lightly and got so dizzy I had to sit down. ~Actor Antonio Banderas

The first kiss I had was the most disgusting thing in my life. The girl injected about a pound of saliva, into my mouth, and when I walked away I had to spit it all out. ~Leonardo DiCaprio

If you kiss on the first date and it’s not right, then there will be no second date. Sometimes it’s better to hold out and not kiss for a long time. I am a strong believer in kissing being very intimate, and the minute you kiss, the floodgates open for everything else.
~Jennifer Lopez

A kiss can be a comma, a question mark or an exclamation point. That’s basic spelling that every woman ought to know. ~Mistinguett (Jeanne Bourgeois), Theatre Arts, December 1955

People who throw kisses are mighty hopelessly lazy. ~Bob Hope

Kissing is like drinking salted water. You drink, and your thirst increases. ~ Chinese Proverb

I’ll leave you with a kiss from my latest release, Wanderlust.

Sebastian moved closer, stopping when we almost touched, his expression cloaked in shadows. “Is that it? Don’t I get a kiss good night?”

“I—” His lips came down on mine, interrupting my train of thought about mixing business and pleasure. He nibbled my bottom lip, nipping and soothing the sexy bite with his tongue. When I gasped, he took advantage, pushing his tongue inside. Our tongues moved together in a sensual dance. Our breath mingled. It was as if we’d never parted. Sebastian drew me closer, fitting our bodies together. My breasts squashed against his muscled chest, increasing the throb of excitement that pounded me. It had been so long. It would be so easy to open the door to my cabin and let him inside. Apart from the fact that Elizabeth would arrive back at some stage and it was against hotel rules.

My mind hazed with pleasure, moisture starting to form between my thighs. Temptation slithered through my veins, and it was with deep regret that I pulled back from the kiss. “Good night, Sebastian.”

He smoothed his palm across my cheek. The tender gesture brought renewed desire and the siren lure of lust and temptation. So enticing just to step into his arms, hold on and never let go.

“Good night, sweetheart. Happy birthday.” He smiled before turning away and walking off into the darkness.

When my husband and I traveled through India, we went with a group. Much like the characters in my new release Wanderlust, we traveled in a truck, both camping and staying in hotels during our circuit of India. At the beginning of the trip we decided we’d play a game that’s all about murder. Here’s how it works:

Everyone receives a slip of paper, one of which bears the word “murderer”. Once the murderer is picked he or she quietly tells one member of the group they are murdered and how they must die. That particular person must pretend to die in the chosen manner and then he or she is out of the game. The murderer chooses his next victim and waits for them to die before choosing another. The object of the game is for the person acting as the murderer to kill off everyone before someone in the group discovers his “or” her identity.

One person acts as the judge. All players can take one guess at the murderer’s identity. If they make an incorrect guess, they are out of the game.

Here’s a little real life drama from when we played the murder game during our trip to India. My husband was in charge of lighting campfires each night, and the murderer suggested he died very realistically with fire. He scared me half to death. I was so angry and upset I refused to play the game any longer. I also didn’t talk to my husband for a few hours. Mr. Munro won the prize for the best death, and we still have his small plastic Oscar trophy. It’s bright orange – for those who’d like to picture it.

In Wanderlust, the passengers play the murder game. Anna, the tour leader isn’t very amused with her passengers when they pretend to die. And when her passengers start dying for real, she’s not impressed with the game at all!

I’m guest blogging over at Jenyfer Matthew’s blog today. The excerpt over at Jenyfer’s site shows the first death in the murder game. Everyone who comments on Jenyfer’s blog goes into a draw to win a download of Playing to Win. What are you waiting for - hop over and say hello.

An excerpt from Anna Tietjen’s travel journal. Anna is the tour leader of OE68, a Wanderlust Adventures overland trip from London to Kathmandu.

~*~
Felixstow, England.
There are eleven passengers on the tour, and for a change the male/female split is about even. The ages range from 19 - 32 and there’s a mix of Australian, New Zealand and British passengers with one lone American. Like most trips, all the passengers seem pretty subdued at the moment, feeling their way with people who will become close friends or possibliy enemies for the next four months.

After checking off names, Greg and I loaded the luggage in the back locker and the passengers piled on board Alice (our truck). Home for the next few months. It should be a good trip. I’ve driven the route from London to Kathmandu a couple of times before. This is my second trip as leader. Greg, my co-driver is great to work with and thankfully, he doesn’t spend time trying to talk me into sex. Not gonna happen. Ever. It’s a personal rule. I don’t sleep with my co-driver or the passengers, although I might share a room to keep costs down. This is work. My personal life (Sebastian) is separate and that’s the way I like it.

Once we were on board the ferry, we left the truck and headed up to the passenger deck. I had a quick word with the passengers, trying to connect faces with names, and arranged a meeting point for them in the morning. That done, Greg and I went to the bar for a quick drink before finding our cabin. The passengers were on their own…

Wanderlust by Shelley Munro, coming to Cerridwen Press on 17 April 2008. Read an excerpt here.

Coming to Cerridwen Press on 17 April 2008.

I’m guest blogging over at Sandra Barkevich’s blog today and giving away a download from my Ellora’s Cave or Cerridwen Press backlist. I’m talking about romantic suspense and there’s mention of weeds…

I hope to see you there!

Kate Alexander, my heroine in my upcoming release, Playing to Win is an aromatherapist who offers massage and uses essential oils during her treatments. Basically aromatherapy is defined as the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well-being. It is the study of scent.

Here’s a very brief excerpt from Playing to Win:

“Damn, that feels soooo good.”

Forest birdsong and the bubble of flowing water poured through concealed speakers in the corner of the dimly lit room. A tea candle flickered under a bowl of scented water, steam rising to release floral notes of lavender and exotic sandalwood.

Like Kate, I love scents and feel that scent is important in our everyday lives. A particular scent can bring back memories of the past, both good and bad. It can make you wrinkle your nose with distaste or bring a smile. Different scents trigger different reactions in a group of people. Think of the scents around you every day. There are the food smells that might bring hunger pangs. The scent of chocolate brings pleasure and anticipation, or at least it does in me. Just the smell of good chocolate makes me think of how it will taste in my mouth. And I dare anyone to walk past a Subway store that’s baking. Does anything smell better than freshly baked bread?

One of my favorite floral scents is lavender, although I’m also a big fan of anything citrusy. Throughout the ages oils, herbs and plants have been used in medicine. These days some people don’t believe they can help but for me scent is a big part of my well-being. For example going outdoors and smelling my favorite flowers always makes me smile and feel better, if I’m feeling a little down. Of course the fresh air might be part of it but I like to think scent plays a part too.

Here are some uses for lavender oil:

Headaches - 1-2 drops of neat lavender oil, pressed between forefingers and massaged at temples and nape of neck.

Sinus problems - 1-2 drops onto a hanky and breathe in the aroma or 1-2 drops onto a bowl of hot water, place towel over head, lean over bowl and breathe.

Bites, stings, burns - use neat 1-3 drops onto affected area.

Insomnia - 1-2 drops on hanky and place inside pillow slip where you can gently breathe the aroma.

Bruises, muscle aches, stomach upsets - 5 drops into 10mls of carrier oil - arnica is an ideal base for bruises and muscle aches. Massage gently over the area.

Note: as always use common sense. If the injury/problem is severe, seek medical advice.

What are your favorite scents, either food, flowers, perfume or something else? Which scents do you favor? Which scents make you wrinkle your nose the most?

Everyone who comments will go into a draw to win a download of my upcoming release, PLAYING TO WIN. I’ll draw the winner on Wednesday so don’t forget to check back to see if you’re the winner.

Take two - for part one go here.

Kate Alexander:
The shriek of brakes caught my attention. Photographers? Why are they taking my photo? When I glanced at the man, he seemed to know. He cursed and asked if could talk inside. Before I could answer he shoved me through the door and followed me inside. He still looked angry but he seemed in control of his temper so I directed him to the den. The last thing I need is another violent man in my life. Been there, done that.

Lane Gerrard:
The woman is a cool cucumber. She’s denying everything even though I’ve shown her the newspaper article. It’s there in black and white but she’s denying she talked to the press. My parents don’t need this, especially with Mom just out of hospital. When I told Kate to organize a retraction she just looked at me with her big eyes. Damn, I really don’t need this. I’d hate to have my promotional contracts canceled because some crazy woman is spreading malicious lies.

Who the hell is he? He looks familiar. Massage? Whoa? This woman is a kinky masseuse? Maybe I should set the cops on her? Okay, lady. No need to shout like a fishwife. I’m going. We’ll let the lawyers sort this out.

~*~

What is up with the photographers? Why are they interested in Kate? Does Lane really think she’s an adult masseuse? How is Kate going to set him straight? How big will the lawyers bill be? Will Kate and Lane ever get together?

Read Kate and Lane’s story in PLAYING TO WIN by Shelley Munro, coming to Cerridwen Press on 17 Jan 2008.

Kate Alexander said:

When I opened my door I expected Jamie. Instead I found myself face-to-face with a glaring stranger. I gaped. Yes, I probably looked a little like a fish but consider the situation. What would you do when faced with a tall, dark and sexy stranger dressed in a designer suit. I mean what man doesn’t look good in a suit? My friend, Danielle says they’re good for hiding beer bellies, which is true. But this man didn’t have a beer belly. I know because I sneaked a look while he was glaring at me and eyeing me up and down. It made me want to squirm so I brazenly did the same to him. My cheeks went hot, my stomach took a dive south and I felt as if I were on a rollercoaster. I haven’t dated for ages because I’m too busy running my business and keeping ahead of the bills. But I started to think of sex. Heck, doesn’t this man ever smile? Who is he anyway? Ooh, sexy voice. He spoke and I started to think about sex again. He’s probably at the wrong house. I must grab a chocolate bar from the pantry. Maybe that will stop me thinking about sex…

Lane Gerrard said:

I expected a blonde bimbo with old eyes and a hard face. Instead an innocent pixy answered the door, fresh-faced and dressed in loose baggy clothes. She has freckles—-cute little golden dots across the bridge of her nose. When I asked if she was Kate Alexander she said yes, but her tone was cautious and she edged away from me. Hell. Not that I blame her. I can practically feel the smoke coming out my ears. The woman’s trying to blackmail me. Dammit, she’s not getting away with it, no matter how cute she is!

Will Kate have enough chocolate? Will Lane change his mind about her? Will they ever get together?

Read Kate and Lane’s story in PLAYING TO WIN by Shelley Munro, coming to Cerridwen Press on 17 Jan 2008.