Who doesn't love duck porn?! Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything about our ducks, so I thought it might be time for an update.  For those of you who haven’t been following the story, we rescued a duck named Scooter, felt sorry for her being alone and adopted two more ducks—Tubby and Sunny—then Scooter got injured and we lost her, leaving us with Tubby (the duck commander) and Sunny (the faithful sidekick).  I think that pretty much brings you current.  Yeah, it’s the 20,000 foot view.  What’s your point?  Keep up, here, will ya?  LOL

Anyway, like I said, we have Sunny and Tubby, who seem to be happy as can be.  Sunny started out yellow and is now a very light brown…sort of a buff color.  He’s cute and completely devoid of any personality at all…but he’s faithful.  To whom?  Why, to Tubby, of course…he does whatever Tubby tells him to do and as I’ve told you before, Tubby has plenty to say.  In fact, she’s NEVER at a loss for words.

What?  How do I know Sunny is a “he” and Tubby is a “she”…well, that’s the easy part…I’m a romance writer.  What kind of romance writer would I be if I couldn’t tell the girl from the boy?  Honestly, keep up, people!  LOL  The truth is, Sunny and Tubby have become very good friends…and I mean very good.  In fact, it’s not an unusual occurrence in my neighborhood for me to walk out the back door and find my neighbor parked in a lawn chair in front of the duck pen.  The first time I found her there, it surprised me.

“What cha doin’?”  I asked her.

Her reply?  Classic!  She grinned and pointed at the ducks and replied, “Watching duck porn.”

When she saw the confusion written all over my face, she grinned and asked, “Did you know Tubby is a girl duck?”

“Yep, she’s a girl…and Sunny is a boy and he really likes her.”

Well, who the hell knew?  Sunny may not have personality, but he’s got game!  And apparently he’s got Tubby…and the neighborhood now has entertainment.  It can get pretty crazy out there…the duck porn going on, the dog barking at the ducks, and the neighbor laughing and pointing.  All I need now is the cops coming around to ticket me for indecent duck exposure!

Then there’s the eggs.  Yep, for those of you who don’t know it, ducks lay eggs just like chickens.  My grandsons were totally surprised to find out ducks laid eggs and that you could eat them just like chicken eggs, so maybe you are too.  What we have learned is that the eggs are almost the same as chicken eggs, but not exactly the same…the shells are thicker and harder to crack and there is a membrane on the inside of the shell that you almost have to rip to get the egg to come out.  My son cooked duck eggs for the first time tonight and I caught him just as he threw the first two in the trash.  He thought the thicker shell and membrane and thicker texture of the egg itself was an indication the egg was old.  Nope…collected within the last 2-3 days, so it’s fresher than what you’d find in the stores.  Proves you’re never too old to learn something new.

No one will ever accuse Tubby of being overly maternal.  She lays her eggs everywhere in the pen and just leaves them lay right where they popped out.  She might pick the same spot 2 or 3 nights in a row and then you’ll find them somewhere new the next day.  She is now consistently laying 2 eggs a night.  Sometimes the eggs are together, sometimes one is in the same spot as the night before and the other is in a hole on the other side of the pen.  Sometimes it looks like she’s been digging a hole, trying to bury them, sometimes the eggs are just sitting out in the open on the ground like a rock, and sometimes the eggs are at the bottom of their wading pool.  Yep, you read that right…Tubby apparently is skilled enough at the egg laying thing now to pop those puppies out while she’s swimming.  I’m not sure if that’s a skill or a handicap but it’s intriguing as hell.  LOL

Well, that’s the update on the ducks.  They’re doing well…fat, sassy, happy, satisfied, and keeping my family in eggs...not to mention providing some life education for my grandsons.  LOL

That’s my story, ducky and daffy, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Hang on tight now ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!

Love ya,

Posted by Kayce Lassiter at 4:00 AM 3 comments: Labels: Alexis Walker, Dawn Kunda, ducks, eggs, farm life., Kayce Lassiter, Lexi Post, Marie Patrick, Romance, sunny, tubby

Low Pressure by Sandra Brown Happy reading,

Posted by dawn kunda at 6:00 AM No comments: Interview with Tina Donahue and a Giveaway Alexis: Today we have Erotic Romance author Tina Donahue  who is giving away a choice of one of thirteen books to a lucky commenter! Whoohoo!

So Tina, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Tina: Forever? LOL. I started writing when I was a kid. At eight or nine, can’t recall which, I wrote my first book and illustrated it (I’m an artist too). After making numerous copies by hand  (we didn’t have a copier, but that didn’t daunt me), I went around the neighborhood and sold my books to my friends’ parents. I consider that my first book tour. J I barely got through high school and college because I was always writing poetry and stories during the boring lectures.

Alexis: Wow, you did start young! What made you choose this title for this release?

Tina: SevenSensuous Days is the amount of time that Tessa, an escort, is supposed to be with Logan, a billionaire client of the agency. He wins her at an erotic auction and the rest is, well, history.

Alexis: I love the concept. Which authors inspire(d) you?

Tina: There are too many to count. I was reading Dickens in the fourth grade. I loved his work. The summer before my freshman year in high school, I got a reading list from the school (all girls – ugh). I learned later that I was the only one in the entire class who’d read everything on the list. Mostly classics. I didn’t mind. I loved the Bronte sisters.

Contemporarily, I’d have to say that the authors who inspired me the most were Stephen King (earlier works), Dean Koontz, Margaret Atwood, Hilma Wolitzer (you have to read Hearts, simply exceptional), Lawrence Sanders, Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Grasso (adored Seducing the Prince), and a whole host of others. As you can see, my tastes are all over the place.

Tina: It begins with me seeing scenes in my mind, sort of like a film. As I watch the characters interacting, I start to think of occupations for them, which then leads me to the setting. I use a Name the Baby book to find appropriate names to match their personalities. One thing builds on the other until I have a fleshed out story.

Alexis: So what are you working on now?

Tina: A new series. Erotic romance, of course. That’s all I’m giving away for now :-)

Alexis: Aw, what a tease :-) Why did you choose this sub-genre of romance?

Tina: I actually began with romantic comedy. Comedy comes easily to me. I’m very irreverent. My editor, at the time, suggested I write erotic as it was selling very well. I did. Liked it and am continuing with it.

Alexis: Thank you, Tina, for visiting us here on Happily Ever After Thoughts. I am so buying this book!

Check out this blurb. Doesn’t it sound great?

Seven Sensuous Days blurb:

Seven Sensuous Days buy link: http://www.ellorascave.com/seven-sensuous-days.html About Tina

Alexis: Tina will choose one commenter at this site as her winner. Winner gets her choice of one of Tina’s award-winning, bestselling ebooks from this list: Leave a comment for a chance to win!
Posted by Alexis Walker at 7:00 AM 10 comments: Labels: Adored, Alexis Walker, Claiming Magigue, Deep Dark Delicious, FREE Book, In His Arms, Lush Velvet Nights, Sensual Stranger, Seven Sensuous Days, Tina Donahue

Tagline Help and Giveaway I need help (no kidding). But as opposed to the psychological kind that may have jumped to mind, I want a different kind of help. After all, they say two heads are better than one, so I’m thinking about twenty should do it for this project ;-)

I’m working on a tagline for my erotic romances that are inspired by classic literature. Some readers see the word “classic” and run the other way, (seriously they do, I have witnessed it), so I’m thinking I need something different.

In the past year I’ve heard two other phrases to describe my books that caught my attention, so I was hoping you could tell me if you like one of these or if you have a better idea. I’m am completely open to suggestions. I want something that will attract readers, not make them run away :-)

Here are three phrases that have been used regarding my writing:
1) Erotic Romance Inspired by the Classics   (From me originally)
2) Erotic Romance with a Whole Lotta Story  (From an industry professional)
3) Erotic Romance for the Intelligent Reader  (From a fan)

So what do you think? Do you like one of these?  Do you have another idea? Come on, this could be fun :-)

Everyone who gives me feedback will be entered for a chance to win an Ellora’s Caveman Calendar.  Why not? There are still over 10 months left in 2014 :-}

Always, Lexi
Posted by Lexi Post at 7:00 AM 6 comments: Labels: classics, Erotic Romance, Free calendar, Lexi Post, taglines

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Cruzan Rum From sugar cane to molasses to rum, is steeped in the history (which we know fascinates me….actually, anything historical fascinates me, but you know that) of the rum trade and this island is dotted with remnants of that bygone era. Everywhere one looks, the reminders are there. Peeking from behind the lush greenery which pervades this island, one can see smoke stacks and sugar mills from the plantations of yesteryear. For me (or any writer of historical romance), it’s enough to get the creative juices flowing.
I had the pleasure of touring the Cruzan Rum factory while visiting . It’s the oldest on the island and my brain went into overdrive (as we knew it would). I loved it. Our guide was knowledgeable, imparting interesting facts and answers to my many questions, which was wonderful because all I kept seeing in my head were story ideas and characters (I know, my brain is a funny, scary place).  This is a picture of a sugar mill (but not at Cruzan Rum because...well, I was so enthralled, I forgot to take pictures!)
Oh, I tried a new drink and why wouldn’t I? We were at a rum factory. It’s called Velvet Cinn and I highly recommend it.

That’s all for me….I have work to do now (so many ideas, so little time!).

Posted by Marie at 4:00 AM 2 comments: Labels: Cruzan Rum. Velvet Cinn, Dawn Kunda, Kayce Lassiter, Lexi Post, Marie Patrick, rum, St.Croix., Sugar mills

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Interview with Tina Christopher and a Giveaway

What are you working on now?
[null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCtlmgAkJX8/UxF41Xpyq0I/AAAAAAAAAZs/QnFIoBf-lmI/s1600/Ducks.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCtlmgAkJX8/UxF41Xpyq0I/AAAAAAAAAZs/QnFIoBf-lmI/s1600/Ducks.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Ducks"}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8PfpjLXuAk/UwbKiodj9fI/AAAAAAAAAPU/nHLKDPkgUo4/s1600/facebook.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8PfpjLXuAk/UwbKiodj9fI/AAAAAAAAAPU/nHLKDPkgUo4/s1600/facebook.jpg", "formatted_filename": "facebook", "alt_text": "www.lexipostbooks.com", "rendered_width": 640, "rendered_height": 235}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CB4eAirKHs/W4ggQN6_waI/AAAAAAAAAwE/iAnrR8noxbY2AIZwHx01znwE9RLH2T0oQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Aloha_Cowboy_ebook200X300.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CB4eAirKHs/W4ggQN6_waI/AAAAAAAAAwE/iAnrR8noxbY2AIZwHx01znwE9RLH2T0oQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Aloha_Cowboy_ebook200X300.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Aloha Cowboy ebook X", "alt_text": "Newest Release!", "rendered_width": 180, "rendered_height": 270}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eMu-Gevlg/Wr7At9hUGbI/AAAAAAAAAaw/CsaA87A15WEMJlao_o5TgZ74O2MKG6TgQCK4BGAYYCw/s230/AK3%2B-%2BFinal%2BCover%2B%2528LJ%2BQuote%2529%2Bmed.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eMu-Gevlg/Wr7At9hUGbI/AAAAAAAAAaw/CsaA87A15WEMJlao_o5TgZ74O2MKG6TgQCK4BGAYYCw/s230/AK3%2B-%2BFinal%2BCover%2B%2528LJ%2BQuote%2529%2Bmed.jpg", "formatted_filename": "AK B BFinal BCover B LJ BQuote Bmed", "alt_text": "Newest Release!", "rendered_width": 149, "rendered_height": 230}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wX-CXe1BEQ/W1olUSLVVAI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wzlslAFwBI068fTWgvFlW4m8Gdm6rBQcwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/KatiesRock_4sm.jpg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wX-CXe1BEQ/W1olUSLVVAI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wzlslAFwBI068fTWgvFlW4m8Gdm6rBQcwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/KatiesRock_4sm.jpg", "formatted_filename": "KatiesRock sm", "alt_text": "Another Release!", "rendered_width": 150, "rendered_height": 225}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqDW8OMlU3s/W5nRbymbcNI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XH_IG2McZ3Ux4NdRsnPnOHQyouLPXWlGgCK4BGAYYCw/s180/Dirty%2BWindows%2Bfull%2Bcover%2Bebook%2B%2Bcomplete.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqDW8OMlU3s/W5nRbymbcNI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XH_IG2McZ3Ux4NdRsnPnOHQyouLPXWlGgCK4BGAYYCw/s180/Dirty%2BWindows%2Bfull%2Bcover%2Bebook%2B%2Bcomplete.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Dirty BWindows Bfull Bcover Bebook B Bcomplete", "alt_text": "Newest Release", "rendered_width": 121, "rendered_height": 180}, null, null, {"document_url": "https://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2014/02/", "unformatted_src": "//2.bp.blogspot.com/-17mIqeUnuJU/W4ggjRXuIKI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/n_LKcO6sz-8DZblKuZd0tGqfawr9LZ8sgCK4BGAYYCw/s180/Nicolette.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17mIqeUnuJU/W4ggjRXuIKI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/n_LKcO6sz-8DZblKuZd0tGqfawr9LZ8sgCK4BGAYYCw/s180/Nicolette.jpg", "formatted_filename": "Nicolette", "alt_text": "Newest Release!", "rendered_width": 118, "rendered_height": 180}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]