Monday, January 31, 2011

Movie Monday :: Her Minor Thing


This was a cute movie about a woman who's reporter boyfriend accidentally annouces she's a virgin on air. Misunderstandings ensue - including stolen tickets for a Brazillian cruise!


I wish the pacing had been a bit faster, but some of the supporting characters made the slow bits worthwhile. There is the VAGUE league - Virgins Against Guys Under Evolved...or something close to that. They even have a dance!

Private Scandal

The galley's for Private Scandal were turned in yesterday...which makes it very real for me. I'm always swamped by doubt monsters until a book passes from my computer, to my editors, to the publishing gurus at Samhain. Once they have it in the line up, it's happening!

It's even on the website as coming soon -- 4/19/11 to be exact :)

It doesn't even have an excerpt yet...so I'll share one right here ::


Product Warnings :: Samhain Publishing cannot be held responsible for any characters harmed by flying handbags, improper use of a door or the misguided application of hickies. All activities involving lingerie, towels or ice cream are to be executed with extreme caution.


PRIVATE SCANDAL by Jenna Bayley-Burke
Copyright © 2011 Jenna Bayley-Burke
All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication



“Do you think I could take a bath? The tub upstairs is divine.” Megan stretched her arms over her head, her lush breasts pushing at the thin fabric of her T-shirt. “Of course, I don’t have anything to change into. Would you mind if I ran these clothes through the wash?”

Brandon grinned. Now this was his Megan. A sexy minx full of innuendo and ripe with sensual possibility. They’d once used the soaking tub upstairs so thoroughly she’d actually claimed she couldn’t get herself out.

He pushed up from the floor and stood, extending his hand to her. “Make yourself at home, babe.”

She slipped her hand in his and lust snapped around him like a whip as he pulled her up. She slid right into place, her body skimming his as she stood. He recognized the passionate promise in her gaze. Blood thrummed in his veins, anticipation simmering as her eyes met his.

Her shining blonde hair tumbled over her shoulders, the waves curling about her face. He lifted a finger to her cheek, tucking the loose waves behind one ear and then the other. She really was breathtakingly beautiful, with features fit for the most fairytale of princesses. Before he could think about the repercussions, he moved his hand to the nape of her neck and threaded his fingers in the warm, silken strands. He curled his hand around the back of her head to hold her still, because he couldn’t stand for her to turn away now. He lowered his head, hesitating for a split second before his lips found hers.

A bolt of sensation shot through him as the world faded into a whirling haze. With the kiss he tried to show her just how much he’d missed her, how much he hated that he had a hand in what had happened to her family. But as his body went from hot to blazing, he could only think of how long it had been since he’d had her naked.

He skimmed his hands across her soft skin, loving the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips. Her body had always screamed sex to him. He saw her and went hard at the promise of sizzling, wild, mind-blowing sex.

It took nothing but a look and he was ready for anything she had on offer. He moved his hands around to her bottom and pulled her closer, his erection pressing into her belly.

Megan’s hands pushed at his shoulders, breaking the kiss. She arched a brow and gave him a naughty smile. “I think I’ll take that bath now. Alone.”

“Are you sure?”

She gave a coquettish giggle and nodded. “I’ll let you know if I need help with anything, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

She stepped back into the laundry room and pulled her shirt over her head. The cream-colored lace edging on her black bra sent his pulse running. She tossed her shirt in the washer and started it up. She stretched for the detergent on the shelf over the machines, but couldn’t quite reach.

Thankful for a reason to get close to her again, he made his way into the small space and snagged the container. She gave him a smile as she added soap to the wash, but it was painted on, not genuine like before. He knew he’d pushed too far with the kiss. He just couldn’t help himself after so long without her.

“Megan, I know things between us are complicated right now, but—”

“We’ve always been very uncomplicated, Brandon. Pleasure for pleasure, no responsibilities, no awkward complications.” She undid her belt and slid it from the loops, then set it atop the dryer.

“It feels awkward right now.”

“That’s because we want different things.” She unfastened her jeans and slid them over her hips and down her legs. Her blue eyes sparkled as she grinned this time. “You want to take care of me, and I want to take care of myself.”

She was the queen of the double entendre. He couldn’t count the number of times she’d worked things into conversations at parties and events that had him ditching everything to be alone with her. He cleared his throat and fisted his hands for strength as she bent over to step out of her jeans. Her breasts were amazing, but when she leaned down they were delectable.

After tossing the jeans into the wash, she reached behind her for her bra clasp. Brandon swallowed hard, and wished for time to speed up. He ran his hand over the top of the dryer, his fingers playing with the soft leather of her belt.

“Do you remember that Labor Day party when we tested out the spin-cycle theory?” She shrugged off the bra and added it to the mix.

Brandon could only nod and pray she wanted a repeat performance. Though he didn’t remember it being one of their better moments, he’d settle for anything right about now.

“I think that’s what’s happened to us.” She hooked her fingers in her panties and pulled them down. She leaned over and he had to close his eyes. If he watched any more he’d be inside her within ten seconds with no preamble or permission. “We had fun for a while, but when it came down to it, the cycle ended.”

His eyes shot open and he wanted to disagree, but she’d already left the room. He scrambled out in time to watch her shapely bottom sway with each step up the stairs.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Workout Wednesday :: Spinning


Or Indoor Cycling as my gym calls it. But let's be honest...it makes your crotch hurt! Oh my wowza. I think my crotch was more sore than my legs.

Great for cardio, but not comfortable.

To try and mitigate the pain, a girlfriend bought one of those cushy gel seat covers.

It slipped.

And she fell off the bike going full speed and twisted her ankle.

We haven't been back to spin class.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Movie Monday :: Did You Hear About The Morgans?

A separated couple on the verge of divorce witness a murder, and are sent into witness protection together. The typical New Yorkers are dropped in Wyoming, and hilarity ensues. Being so out o ftheir element, give the pair a chance to come together again and talk out the issues they'd been avoiding.

My fave lines?

Meryl : Actually, I'm a member of PETA. "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals."
Emma : So am I. Except mines "People for Eating Tasty Animals."
I'm really enjoying watching movies again :)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Workout Wednesday :: Yoga


Savasana. That's why I go to yoga class. They end with a rest period called savasana. Lying down for 5 - 15 minutes (depending on the instructor) is amazing for a mom-on-the-go. I love it.

Now exalted warrior, that's a post I am not a fan of. Yoga looks so natural and easy, so much like stretching. But there are poses that make you sweat and your muscles cramp. But they're always followed by luxurious stretching poses. In all, you kind of feel like you didn't get a workout when you leave.

And then the next morning you wonder why your shoulders feel like you spend the afternoon rock climbing.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Pink Heart Society: Slushing Through : Focus

The Pink Heart Society: Slushing Through : Focus: "The Pink Heart Society editor Jenna Bayley-Burke is coming clean. She may love to spin eight stories in the air and once time...but they ten..."

Monday, January 17, 2011

Movie Monday :: The Proposal

I've wanted to see this movie for ages! I have to say, it was as fun as I thought it would be. I love when that happens.

Margaret is facing deportation, and so blackmaisl her assistant, Andrew into marrying her. Maybe it's extortion. Anyway, with the INS onto the scheme, they head to Alaska to tell Andrew's parents they are getting married. And while there, they stumble their way into love.

Betty White stole the show, as usual.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Workout Wednesday :: Stability Ball

It sounds dirty, spending the evening playing with balls. Add in all the time we spend sitting on a ball and circling our hips, and it because impossible for me not to make crude jokes. which makes the class all the more fun!

It doesn't seem like a giant ball would help much, but I am more sore after this class than any other. Plus, it's taught me some great modifications I can work into other classes.

Alas...my gym cancelled it. I need to figure out a way to get it back!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Movie Monday :: I Hate Valentine's Day

Florist Genevieve loves dating and romance...but to keep it from getting boring and falling apart, she only has five dates before moving on. Enter Greg, who thinks a sleepover counts as two dates, and so cheats her out of her fifth date. Over the next year, the two comes to realize neither wants a final date.

Cute...but since it is the same pairing from My Big Fat Greek Wedding...I kept thinking that was a better movie.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Workout Wednesday

This year, I'm going to focus more energy on developing healthy habits. Like working out. I joined the local rec center last summer, and have been inching my way towards being a workout maven ever since.

Lookout for workout Wednesday posts where I chat up my misadventures in exercise!

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Me and the Pink Heart Dancing Guy

I'm blogging at The Pink Heart Society today, about being crafty.

OK, so about teaching my kids how to be crafty.

OK, OK I'm talking about how I use craftitude to teach them without them knowing. You got me.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Movie Mondays!

I love movies...who doesn't? Unfortunately, between the kids and the writing and everything else... I haven't seen movies in years! But this year, I'm taking more time for myself. Which means watching movies :D

I figure if I have a weekly blog assignment to blab about a movie, I'll actually get it done.

So you're forewarned...Monday's are about movies around here. And since I haven't seen many, they might be pretty old, but new to me!

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Art Journal Every Day?

My friend Nicole is my craft goddess, and she's starting the Art Journal Every Day. I want to be crafty...and sometimes I can manage a few craftastic moments...

So I signed on, opened a new notebook and did a collage type thing. It's nothing spectactular, but it was fun to sit down and do it. Plus, I recycled 2 old magazines once I had skimmed through them for material.


Another step in my promise to feed myself this year - body, mind, soul...and apparently, creativity.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

One Year Ago & One Year From Now

Last year one of my friends posted something on her blog that really resonated with me, so I posted my version here. These were my goals for 2010 ::

Learned - How to focus on things that matter
Changed - my exercise habits (in that I need some!)
Figured out - A way to get Grace to sleep, Hayden to feel
confident, and Bayley to relax more
Completed - 2 novels
Stopped - Obsessing about weight
Started - Sleeping 8 hours a night (see Figured Out for a
clue as to why I'm sleep deprived)
Acquired - A hot tub.
Yep, that's the first thing that came to mind, Not a SUV for Jeff or the piano I
claim to want. Saw that and thought - hot tub.
Given up -
Fast food, because upon examination, it's disgusting. It doesn't matter if the
kids like Happy Meals. I can buy them the toy for $1.
Visited - At least 2 National Parks. (Crater Lake is first
on our list.)
Left behind - Weight issues, for good.


I'm quite happy with my progress! The girl started sleeping & so am I, I've found a few workout classes that have changed my perspective a wee bit, visited Crater Lake & Mt St. Helens, figured out that nighttime prayer relaxes Bayley and fills Hayden up, and completed two novels. OK, one and completely revised another. It still counts. I completed half of my goals!

2011 will be even better. Some things are the same, but this year they all feel so much more attainable then they did last year. I think it's knowing that I made it through half of the list that's given me more confidence.

In 2011 I will have...

Learned - How to manage my writing time to be more productive (remember those 4 book years?)

Changed - my relationship with food. It's fuel, not a friend or a reward.

Figured out - a way to spend more time with Hubba Bubba

Completed - 2 novels

Stopped - Obsessing about weight

Started - A solid exercise habit

Acquired - Fabulous vacation photos...

Given up - Facebook games. I do them when I am on the phone...but still, they take up too much time!

Visited - Disneyland, Las Vegas, NY, & Hawaii (hey, dream big!)

Left behind - Weight issues, for good.

Go on...you try it.