Friday 28 August 2015

Shipwreck Dives and Romance

source:Fotofolia
About 2000 years ago, in the Roman-era, a grain ship, believed to have been carrying loot from the Roman occupation of Greece sank off the island of Antikythera.

example of a roman era grain ship-source:www.news/com/au

Why is the shipwreck news today? 

A second archaeological expedition will soon return to the Antikythera dive site to search for artifacts, and an important one in particular. The news jogged my memory of a Harlequin romance story that begins with a shipwreck dive scene involving the hero and heroine.

 The story is The Sicilian Duke’s Demand  which was written by Madeleine Ker and published in 2006.  More on the romance to follow, but first I wanted to write some more about the Antikythera shipwreck.

Down in the briny depths, and amongst the looted Roman war booty, the archaeologists found an ancient bronze and copper alloy gadget. They are claiming it is an ancient analog computer. Amazing! The relic is called “the Antikythera Mechanism”.


source:www.adelaidenow.com.au
The experts believe the relic was used to predict the motion of the planets and the dates of upcoming eclipses. When I saw the picture of the device, I immediately thought of a natal or birth chart used in modern astrology. 

The basic principle is, when a person is born, depending on the time and location of their birth, the positions of the stars and planets can be plotted onto a circular chart. The interpretation of the celestial positions and comments about the characteristics and destiny of a person can be gleaned from the birth chart by an experienced Astrologer.


The archaeologists are returning to the waters around Antikythera to search for maybe a second, ancient computing device. 


About the Romance…


The story starts with Archaeologist, Isobel, floating in Sicilian waters, and surveying a wrecked ancient Greek gallery lying on the seabed. She spots a powerfully built male body, naked but for his black shorts free-diving down below. She suspects the worst—that the good-looking diver is a pirate attempting to steal historical artifacts from the shipwreck to sell on the blackmarket.

She sees a glint of gold in his hand and her worst fears are confirmed. She takes action to stop the thief and grabs him by the hair. Only the pirate is Alessandro, and he’s the Sicilian Duke who is sponsoring the archaeological expedition. 

Isobel has made a big error in judgement. By the end of the opening scenes, she has the golden coin of Poseidon, god of the sea in her possession. And Alessandro has passionately kissed her and she’s a boneless wreck….....
Here's the link to the book on Amazon,   

In 2010, the same story was also packaged into  a three book collection titled- The Italian's Summer Seduction.

The blurb from the paperback edition of the book goes like this;

“The reputation of the Duke of Mandala is infamous—Alessandro is every inch the playboy. His self-made millions and suave Sicilian heritage make him dangerously attractive.

Isobel Roche knew all of this before she even met Alessandro, but nothing could have prepared her for his skillful seduction. Now he has the power to destroy her—unless she gives him what he wants…”



Have a good week,
Ashlyn

What Saturday's Super Moon Really Means For You

This Saturday's (August 29) Super moon will have a powerful energetic influence on us. It will be illuminated 99 per cent which means from the Earth it will appear at its brightest. So the celestial energies are going crazy! When three celestial bodies (earth, moon, sun) are all in alignment like this, the energy they create is a massive vortex – so tis time to try and stay as grounded as possible as the moons pull is at its most intense. Read more over at The Carousel.com, here's the link What Saturday's Super Moon Really Means For You

Friday 21 August 2015

TV - Xena:Warrior Princess Reboot


There was talk back in July that the 90’s television series, Xena:Warrior Princess might be returning to the small screen.  More recently, the news was confirmed by NBC and the reboot is scheduled for 2016.


Yay!


I’ve had a lifelong interest in history, myths and legends, and an appreciation for the Goddess, female warlords and warriors from a world that is different to today. 
source:Fotofolia
source:Fotofolia

Or maybe the inner, mystical worlds haven’t changed for centuries and the Goddess and her warriors live on in many guises which includes the character of Xena. 

source:Fotofolia
But back to the Warrior Princess….

The opening narrative for the television episodes goes like this,

“In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings
A land in turmoil cried out for a hero.
She was Xena , a mighty princess forged in the heat of the battle.
The power…the passion…the danger.
Her courage will change the world.”

Xena has her story roots in Greek mythology and from a spin-off TV show with big, hunky Hercules. Did these two warriors ever have a romance? If not, why not? 

Throughout the series, Xena does have some sizzling encounters with an antagonist, Ares. He’s a seductive, shape-shifting, dark god of war. Youtuber, Messalina, has put together a compilation of Xena and Ares scenes. They’re sensual, hot and sexy, with love him/kill him warrior moments. Ares does fall in love with Xena, but his ultimatum to her is, "join me or die".

Watch the bad-boy in action here.

I remember the TV shows as adventurous and entertaining. Xena’s sidekick Gabrielle had a knack for getting into trouble and leading Xena into the same.


Bonnie Burton over at Cnet.com has written a post about the Xena reboot. She quotes actress Lucy Lawless (Xena) as saying the female friendship between Xena and Gabriella, and having two women who really like and respect each other is important to the fans. Thumbs up! Here’s the link to the post;  http://www.cnet.com/news/xena-warrior-princess-officially-returns-to-tv-in-nbc-reboot/

Can Lucy Lawless please return to play Xena:Warrior Princess rebooted?

Here’s hoping for the best,
Ashlyn

Friday 14 August 2015

Book - "In Touch"


International sassy author, Cd Brennan is about to publish her first book in a new Rugby Romance Series called "Play On" .

Fancy reading about a sexy, passionate and fierce Irishman? Padraig O'Neale is your man.

Back home in Ireland, Padraig played at the elite level in Rugby, and wasn't short of female admirers. When his sporting career hits the rocks, and he's forced to cross the Atlantic, his celebrity appeal doesn't follow him to the USA.

Wooing the American woman he wants but shouldn't have—the footy club's physical therapistGillian Sommersby, is a challenge he's up for.

Gillian is a quirky and original heroine. There's laughs to be had from the wacky treatments she gives the footy guys.    


Here's the blurb for "In Touch"


Irish rugby star, Padraig O’Neale, has fecked up his life and is one angry man. When caught using a banned substance for his back pain, Padraig is excused from both his provincial club and the Irish International team. Right before World Cup selection. 

Out of choices, his agent convinces Padraig to play for a small American club in Michigan. Just until things settle down. But when Coach asks the team physical therapist, Gillian Sommersby, to help the newest Blues player with his issues, Padraig finds himself trying every wacky treatment out there from stinky salves to music to yoga. 

Like her therapies, the therapist herself is a bit…odd. The cute college grad in Converse and glasses doesn’t seem all that impressed with Padraig’s celebrity status, nor gives a shite about his excuses. As it turns out, she might be exactly what he needs…

"In Touch " will be published on Amazon, 1 September 2015. It is available for pre-order right now for the special Kindle price of $0.99US. Here's the link,  Amazon.Com


Cd Brennan kindly provided an early preview of the story with this excerpt.

As soon as Gillian closed the door, she launched into him. “It’s none of my business, but you should be careful with Jenn. She works her way through all the boys.”
He dropped his bag, a half-smirk on his face. “You’re right on the first account. It isn’t any of your business. I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m not worried about you. I know that Coach doesn’t like it when the boys get together with Jenn.” Even when Andrew had played with the Blues, Jenn had been a tease, having started her flirtations young at the ripe old age of sixteen. She had some sort of connection with the club, an ex-player’s niece or granddaughter or something. More than one player had been off their game after fooling around with her. She played the lads against each other, and it was rotten.
Padraig had stepped around the physio table and into her space. God, he was big. She stood her ground. No alpha gorilla behavior would intimidate her. “Just giving you fair warning, is all.”
“I’m good, thanks. Now, we done here?”
What? They hadn’t even started. “No. This isn’t about Jenn. Coach really did ask me to help with your back pain.” Gillian unzipped her bag where she’d placed it on the table and grabbed a small jar of ointment. “I’ll use one of my special treatments on—”
“I’m not interested.” Padraig took a step back.
“I can show you some exercises specifically for the lower back, and if you apply this cream twice a day, you’ll notice a change within a week.”
His fist clenched at his side. “I told you I’m not interested in your help. I have a routine that my physio back home gave me. That’s working.”
“You’re not in pain?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Nope.”
But she could tell he was lying by the way his eyes had darted to the corner of the room and back before he’d answered. The way they shone, all glassy. The way he walked with stiffness in his step. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. Not anymore.
“Take your shirt off, please, and lie on the table with your head at the far side. I’m sure you are familiar with massage. Head goes down in the center.”
She pulled her hoodie over her head and hung it on the hook on the back of the door. She bent at the waist and shook her hair down, bunched it up, and pulled it through the ponytail holder that resided permanently on her wrist. When she stood up, Padraig was staring at her as if she’d grown two heads. Maybe she had a ketchup stain on her tank top. She held the shirt out but saw nothing. Huh.
At his almost imperceptible nod, her courage grew. Just like any client. “Lie here on your stomach.”
He did as instructed and settled his head onto his overlapped hands, elbows jutting out like chicken wings. In gentle, fluid movements, she un-tucked each hand and arm and let them trail down the sides of his body. She lifted his hips to lower his track pants so they rode low on his bum. Sweet mercy. His ass was divine. Rounder and juicier than a summer cantaloupe.
But she was a professional, and he, a client. And a jock. A deep breath in and out. Gillian uncapped the jar and rubbed her palms with the ointment.
“What the hell is that smell?”
“None of your worry. It works really well. Hasn’t anyone told you the smellier the concoction, the better the results?”
“Just like Rory. You are all mad,” came muffled through the table.
“Crazy knows crazy. Now shush.”
She started at his lower lumbar and moved her hands in sweeping motions up his back, around his side, under his armpits, and finally over his shoulders. She began again at his lower back and kneaded and rolled along his spine, then outward, circling her palms over knotted muscles. Hitching his pants lower, she delved under his boxer band, massaging the top of his bum, smoothing the muscle out and away from his spine.
As normally happened once she was in rhythm, the time ticked by. After a few repetitions along his torso, she stopped to check on him.
He appeared to be asleep. The endorphins released by the massage weighted him to the table, as happened with most of her clients when they fell into a peaceful lethargy. So quiet, she couldn’t hear him breathe. Wide back, broad shoulders, dark, tousled hair. A man any woman would want. Except for Gillian. He was no Lloyd Dobler.
So not to startle him, Gillian withdrew her hands from his back with a soft swish of her fingers. With a deep breath, she took a step back and waited. But he didn’t move.
She should really be getting him up and out the door so he could catch his lift from Del, but she couldn’t get herself to do it. Instead of waking him, she decided to let him rest. So she took a seat on one of the chairs along the wall. Leaning her elbow on her knee and resting her jaw in her hand, she watched him sleep. A dark, manly brow that had finally relaxed. Black, thick lashes. Strong nose and a top lip that came to a defined point.
He was gorgeous, really.
She was so mesmerized that when his eyes blinked open, she screamed. Just like in a horror movie when the corpse comes to life. She had scrambled halfway up her chair when he let out a laugh.
Her hand over her racing heart, she didn’t see the humor, but then, he’d only opened his eyes, which didn’t normally elicit such a dramatic response. She was still shaky as she gathered her gear together. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him move, first to sitting where he waited a few beats, then onto his feet.
As he was pulling his shirt over his head, Del barged through the door. “Everything all right here?”
Both she and Padraig responded in unison. “Fine.”
Del raised a brow. “Uh-huh.”
Rory crowded in the door behind him and said to Padraig, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah, all set.” He stopped at the door and turned back to Gillian. “Thanks.”
And then he was gone, and Gillian was still breathless.

About Cd Brennan


Having traveled and lived all over the world, Cd Brennan now enjoys reliving her glory days by writing about them. Feisty heroines with wanderlust or sexy rugby heroes who breathe passion for more than just the sport.

Aussie/Yankee twined, Cd is now settled in Michigan with a rugby player of her own and two wee sons who are still adapting to the snow. A full-time editor and mum, her and her hubby still dream of starting up a buffalo farm. And maybe some chickens and pigs, too. She loves rugby, traveling, and all things from the 80s.


Doesn’t watch TV so don’t chat to her about that, but she loves to hear from readers about anything else! Perhaps some cooking suggestions? She’s desperate in the kitchen! Find her on loads of your favorite places.



Connect with Cd Brennan

Instagram @cdbrennan_author

  
Get hooked by a book and enjoy your week!
Ashlyn

Friday 7 August 2015

Cook Like a Sexy Italian

Last week, I wrote about the “Men on the Menu” book by Bambi Smyth. She said she found The One in Rome. It got me thinking some more about Italian men and cooking. Two enjoyable pastimes. 

Most nights when my fingers tap away on the computer keyboard, I have a man of Italian descent on my mind. Mr J is the hero of my Hen Party story, and he has some moments of laying on the charm which is hard for me, and the heroine to resist. 

In the past, I've certainly read a few Harlequin Mills & Boons stories with Italian, Greek and Spanish alpha heroes.  But my inspiration to write about a man with an Italian heritage goes back even further in time. 

When I was a university student at a party, Mr Tall, Dark and Handsome propositioned me with a very rude and crude va-jay-jay offer. I was shocked and hot-faced. I gave him a suitable and fiery "NO" answer that he wouldn't forget in a hurry (it was a little bit physical).

While his volatile temper exploded, my mates shepherded me out of the party house before Mr Dark and Handsome had a chance to retaliate against me. We never spoke to each other again, but there were some moments of gazing at each other across the university campus or looking at a tempest of emotions waiting to unleash. (I was scared too!)

Over the years that have passed, the memory of him kind of stuck in my mind, and I have often wondered, "what if I did try and tame that tiger?" Shrug! Who knows if the direction of my life might have changed. But what I do know is that the encounter with the rude and crude, dark and handsome tiger is brilliant inspiration for a romance story. I'm writing a better version of the guy I met at university. Mr J is a story hero, I could lose my head over and fall in love with.     

Now onto the cooking...

A couple of years ago, a video advertisement for olive oil appeared on the internet. It featured a short cooking show with a man, Alfredo, who called himself a “sexy Italian”. He is bare-chested and bare-bummed for some of the scenes. There’s also mention of the romance cookbook novels he’s written. From behind the elaborate balustrade on the staircase, he teases with a fleeting view of his total nakedness.

The video sets out to compare the sexy Italian’s knowledge of cooking with different types of olive oil with that of a less sophisticated Australian man, a “yobbo” or a “bogan”. I don’t think the acting in the advertisement is meant to be taken seriously but your lips might curl into a smile at Alfredo’s frolics in the kitchen and beyond.

Grazie
Ashlyn