Cynthia Rayne

Blazing it up...

2011-06-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Currently Working on a Blaze novel. They are my favorite Harlequins. Sure, the plot is a big predictable. Sure, they are quick reads. But I like them. They are a steamy, sexy, fast read and perfect for the beach. And it is what I am in the mood to write. Nothing too deep for the moment.

Captain Jack Harkness

2011-06-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

Long time, no blog, huh? But, I am back. And this time it is personal. Okay, so I have developed an obsession with Jack Harkness from Torchwood. New season debuts next month...SWEET! What is not to love about Jack? He has matinee idol good looks, pain-filled big blue eyes, and he has a voracious, omnisexual appetite. I kinda like that about him. He is earthy, not always a hero (or maybe an anti-hero?). Anyway, he is a post modern hero type.....

New Kids on the Block

2009-04-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

It's official.

I'm seeing NKOTB in concert on June 26th. With my two best friends from childhood,Robin and Kelley.

We had an obsession as teenagers. Robin loved Joey. Kelley loved Jordan. I loved Donnie.

Why? He was such a bad boy. Unpredictable and that naughty grin.Rumors about groupies,destroying hotel rooms,and his general devil may care 'tude. Not to mention? The hip thrusts that boy did on stage fueled my adolescent hormones.

I wrote my first erotica about them...sure it involved kissing and my euphamism for sex "cleaning the tourbus"...but that was hot stuff for a 13 year old. Not to mention? I remember sending Donnie a pair of socks and a semi-sexual card called The Joy of Sox for his birthday? Who does that?

So,"Mean" Kelley, Robs and I are gonna drink, go sing songs, and dance...

Although since I'm the only single one? I'm so hoping to clean the tourbus.

Hugh Jackman

2009-02-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, so watching the Oscars last night renewed my interest in Hugh Jackman. He was adorable...with the sly jokes, the singing, and the dancing. I loved it. Plus. he is People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive and I can't help but agree with that. I mean, the eyes, the mouth, and his lilty accent. Amazing. I can't help but drool a little when I see him.

What do you think of him?

Pretty in Pink

2009-01-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I hate the color pink.

Does this make me less girly? Aren't romance writer types supposed to wear pink suits ? And write while eating bon bons? Um...well, no.

Recently, my niece informed me that pink was no longer her color of choice. She preferred black. I sighed in relief when she did. Already nine and she is empowered! Or is she..?

I never wanted to be Barbie growing up. Never wanted her pink and purple clothes and to live in her dream house.

I preferred black and red. I wanted to be a vampire. In fact, in high school I wore black for an entire year and I wore red for an entire year in middle school.

It is just who I am. I guess.

I think it is the epitomy of female flightiness somehow for me. Pink is just so darn girly. I consider myself a woman. A powerful woman. So, I have been running away from pink for years! In fact, the only items of pink clothing I own were given to me by my mother. I have two sweaters and two shirts. I wear them...not often.

But today I'm wearing one. And it is okay. Admittedly it isn't hot pink, it is a pale pink that I find more tolerable.What do all of you think of pink? Is it girly in the extreme?Is is a beautiful color and I need to get over myself?

Do YOU know who you are voting for? I do!

2008-10-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, I'm an Obama girl.

I admit that he's a bit too centrist for my taste on some issues. I'd like universal health care and legalizing gay marriage to be part of his platform, but the rest? No contest.

But my point....? He is going to be a much better president than John McCain and he is going to be fifty times better than George W. Bush was. Barack is steady, even-keeled, and thoughtful. He's been educated and he can actually put together a well thought out argument for his opinions.

I'm all about Barack. Our nation will be safe in his hands...but only if you get out there and make a difference. Millions of democrats didn't vote in 2004...and that's how we got George W. Bush AGAIN. Remember the stock market crash? Wiring tapping and stomping on the constitution every chance he got? Along with dozens of Republican scandals? Well, think about that, before you decide to stay home on Tuesday, November 4th.

So get out and ROCK THAT VOTE!

If you need to find your polling location, visit his site. They have a handy tool to find it, along with the hours:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

2008-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Whore VS. Madonna

I am a liberal and a democrat but I feel some empathy for Sarah Palin. I know! She's not ready to be president. In fact, she's not ready to be vice-president, but instead of her qualifications we are focusing on her relative attractiveness, her wardrobe, and her sex appeal.

Last night I read an article in the Washington Post that suggested that Palin was chosen because McCain was flattered by the attention from a young woman.

Has this happened to Biden? To McCain? No. While Obama has had to deal with some racism, he hasn't had his sex appeal questioned.

Even Rush Limbaugh, commenting on Hilary, who is a stateswoman, that he didn't think the country was ready to see their leader turn into "an old lady". But they are okay with an old man?

Guess we aren't ready for a female in the West Wing.

Keith Olbermann....A Bonafide Sex God

2008-10-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Why do I lust after him? Let me count the ways.

5. Spectatcles. They are dark-rimmed and sexy. it gives him an intelligent air, like a college professor.

4. Sophisticated Older Man. He makes a lot of obscure references and gives off the air of someone who has said and done a great deal. He's just so damned accomplished.

3. LIBERAL. All caps. All the time. Just like me. I admire his ideals and his die hard partisanship.

2. Intelligence. He is smart as a whip and his wit is lethal, especially when it is unleashed on the conservatives.

1. All that Anger. He is so angry and all that passion is interesting, no? You can easily invision getting into an argument with him that would spill over into his bedrom.

The Election...

2008-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

I was really looking forward to this election. But it is starting to wear on me. I was hoping for a sharp, inciteful discussion of the serious issues facing our nation. I wanted to hear debate on the economy, the health care system, terrorism, and the future.

Instead? We have been forced to endure mudslinging by both sides. Palin actually described Obama as someone who would "pal around with terrorists". Obama served on the same board as Bill Aires, a very far left activist in the 1960's. This is really....sad.

In a new ad, Obama characterizes McCain as "Erratic". Maybe a substext in that statement about senility or age...?

This has really dissapointed me. I am still voting for Obama, because his views most closely match my own, but how about both camps pull it out of the gutter and act like the gentleman and lady I know they can all be?

Don't tell me why the other camp is bad. Tell me why you are worthy of my vote!

Acheron

2008-09-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Oh...Acheron. I've waited so very long for this book. Acheron is the most secretive, the most seductive, the most alluring of all the Dark Hunters.

I have longed to read this book for years and finally I have it in my hot little hands. I barely put a dent in the book last night but I'm so intrigued.

Is he a god? A man? Something else entirely? I can't wait to find out. Any other Acheron fans out there..?

Some wonderful Acheron quotes...

"Unlike a normal woman, you are cranky 28 days out of the month."

"If I wanted to play mind games, I'd buy a Rubik's cube."

"Have you ever noticed that salvation, much like your car keys, is found where you least expect it?"

"No one should ever have to pay for love. In flesh or in blood."

Cats!

2008-07-09T10:06:00.001-07:00

First off, let me say that I love my cats. I have two of them: Moon and Magic. I've had Magic three years and Moon two years. They are adorable, fuzzy, and they make me smile.

They also irritate me. Just a little bit.

Moon (aka Moon Pie, Moon Shine, Moonbeam, Moonchild, Moony) is white and fuzzy. He's wonderful to hold and I love cuddling him. But he lives white hair all over everything. I'm always using a lint roller to pick up his hair. He also has the irritating habit of lying on keyboard, usually when I'm writing feverishly. It's like he has radar or something!

Magic is the more taciturn of the two. She is jet black and is a Hemingway cat (with thumbs!). She has quite the attitude problem. She snarls, hisses, spits, and smacks people (since she's been declawed). I think that makes her a little evil, but I secretely admire her wicked 'tude. She is her own cat.

I prefer cats over dogs. For one thing, they can entertain themselves. They don't sit at your feet staring up at you with slavish devotion. I'm lucky if Magic will even look at me. I prefer the way that they curl around my legs, purring and rubbing their sweet little faces against me. Of course, this is a ploy to get food (but, hey, I'm open to bribery). I enjoy laying in bed with one of them at my feet as I'm reading. I think dogs kind of smell, while Moon suspiciously smells of my perfume (because he likes to sprawl across on my discarded clothes).

What about you? Are you cat people? Or dog people?

A New Obsession...

2008-06-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

I've been in withdrawal. For years. Jonesing for a hit. After Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Angel, the Series left the air...there has been a black hole in my television watching ways.

Sure, I love Grey's Anatomy (the first couple of seasons where Meredith was all dark and twisty), Dexter (about a serial killer, which is brilliant!), and Weeds (yes, also a dark theme about a pot dealing suburban mother. Don't judge me!)

But nothing compares to Joss Whedon. He is the master, he is my mentor, and some have even called him a god. Including me. Not big G God, but little g god, like Pan or Dionysus. You know, slightly naughty and with enough human characteristics to make him interesting.

His shows are like crack. I see one episode and I am suddenly hooked on them. The mythology, the tight plotting, and the way he thinks seasons ahead! Every story line has always had a great big payoff. And I found out that he has a new series debuting in January. Talk about a birthday present for me. I'm so there!

Dollhouse.

Sure, the name sounds girlie, but...um, so did Buffy, Angel, and Firefly. Right? Joss is the original male feminist and the heroine of Dollhouse is Eliza Dushku. Yes, Buffy fans, Faith. I loooooove Eliza Dushku, especially in the guise of Faith. Faith was tough, damaged, sexually promiscuous and pretty much hot (yeah, I had a girl crush on her, what of it?). I liked her much more than Buffy...probably because she was hopelessly flawed.

But Echo (aka Dushku) looks to be equally flawed. Check out the trailer here: http://www.dollverse.com/trailer/ Episode pictures are here:

http://www.watchingdollhouse.com/forums/showthread.php?p=113#post113

I can hardly wait til January....

Bewitching the Faerie

2008-06-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Bewitching the Faerie By Cynthia Rayne
Available today!
Maeve is the most hapless witch in her family. When she cooks up a spell to boost her powers, she accidentally unleashes a powerful fae from his moonstone ring prison.Ronan, a fae prince, was imprisoned by Maeve's ancestor and he is bent on revenge. When he sees the beautiful, curvaceous witch, he decides to take his revenge in the most deliciously wicked way possible — seducing her and leaving her brokenhearted.Maeve is drawn to Ronan's seduction but she has no desire to become his sexual plaything. When he whisks her away to a Celtic Sea island where time doesn't exist, she soon finds out that there is no resisting Ronan.

http://www.ellorascave.com/Excerpts/Excerpt_BewitchingtheFaerie.htm

Lover Enshrined

2008-06-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Watch out! Spoilers ahoy!
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What a dissapointment.

I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve who discovers that Santa isn't real.

I'd been looking forward to reading Lover Enshrined for months, but it fell way below my expectations. There was very little time spent on the love story of Cormia and Phury. What love story? This was almost a book with romantic elements. There were many subplots that I felt dizzy reading it. Subplots that were unecessary. Does J.R. Ward even have an editor anymore?

The recent brother. Why, oh why, must be spend so much time (in nearly every book!) on John/Xhex? By the time we get to this book, I will feel as if it is over!

Rhev is everywhere! I'm intrigued by Rhev. Especially because of the Rhev/Marissa thing. But...please save that for his book!

General weirdness. Don't get me wrong. I love this series. Though, I'm somewhat perplexed by their ghetto slang and the name dropping (alcohol, clothing, etc.)

Phury and the Wizard? Who looks like a ring wraith?! With a British accent? WTF is up with that? She lost me from page one on that one. Surely didn't see it coming. Didn't want it to come.

Phury in general. Grow up and grow a pair, Whiny McBitch. So what?! Life is tough. Why the hell are you running around with slicing up lessers and smoking enough wacky, supernatural weed to choke Cheech and Chong? BTW, neither are sexy habits. Just kinda...woah!

Don't get me wrong, all of the brothers have an issue. The King is blind. V is seriously into bdsm (in a sexy way) because he was abused for years. Butch never felt good enough, even though he is a serious hero. Rhage is judged for his looks, plus the crazy, sexy, cool beast thing he's got going on. Phury's dad liked alcohol, his twin was used as a slave, he lost a leg. It just doesn't add up.

The good stuff?

Cormia is intriguing. I was so afraid she would be mousy and deferential. But, hello, she's got some fight to her! The scene with her outside, enjoying her freedom absolutely broke my heart.

In fact, I liked her so much, I wanted her to have someone better than Phury. :( Probably not what J.R. was hoping for.

Bottom Line?

Try Kresley Cole. She's amazing. Her books tight, well-plotted masterpieces. You won't be sorry! http://www.kresleycole.com/docs/book_DDAD.php

Bewitching the Faerie

2008-05-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

New release coming from Ellora's Cave on June 15. What is a witch to do when she unwittingly releases a faerie from a family ring? Especially a faerie bent on sexual revenge against a member of Maeve's family?

The Allure of the Southern Gentleman

2008-05-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, I've moved to the South...

Some would argue that Southern Virginia is not the South, but I think it is. Since then, I've become aquainted with The Southern Gentleman. A species of man I'd only had contact with before in movies such as Sweet Home Alabama, Gone with the Wind.

I have to admit. I'm hooked. They drawl, they open doors, they're polite, and they love their mommas. Don't trust a man who doesn't love his mother...but not too much. Anyhoo, that is another topic.

What about any of you? Any good intereactions with Southern Gentlemen?

Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma....who knows?

2008-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Alpha Male

I've been thinking about this one. Romance and erotic novels are often filled with images of the alpha male. The kind of guy that goes after you like prey until you sexually submit to him.

Is this the kind of guy women really want? I haven't actually met an alpha male out in the great dating wilds. I've met me who are alpha in some respects of their life (work life, sexually, etc.) but not the whole package.

I think I'm kinda glad about that.

I like a little give and take in my relationships. I don't want to be the boss or the servant. Ideally, a partnership is what we should strive for. Right?

Beta males are often portrayed in fiction as the wuss, right? He actually cares about your feelings and asks you what you would like to do.

I think ideally I'd like a mix of alpha and beta in my males. Didn't that come out wrong?

What are your thoughts? Alpha male? Beta male? Mixture?

Valentine's Day? Bah. Humbug

2008-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so an erotica/romance/romantica (thank you Ellora's Cave) writer should probably be all giddy with the thought of Valentine's Day.

Not. So. Much.

No boyfriend this year. Well, let's be honest I've only had a boy in the picture once during A Valetine's Day and it wasn't that fabulous. Although, there is a certain someone in the picture, it isn't for certain what that will hold.

But what is all the hub bub about? Cupid is a freaking fickle little brat. He's made me fall for men who don't care for me in the slightest. He's made men fall for me that I would never consider touching. Even under an end of the world type of scenario (and that's bad!).

So, yeah, I'm not feeling the cupid love this year. Not at all.

Okay, I know what you are thinking. Hmm....bitter single woman. Right? Right. No, I'm actually feelin' the love of being single this year. I can come and go as I please, I have control of the remote, I don't have to worry about putting on some lacy "present" that is clearly not a gift for me so much as him.

Yeah. No sex? Such a bonus of being single and unattached. Okay, maybe that's a minus.

But the point is. I'm fine. For now.

A Little Southern Comfort

2008-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

So, I recently moved from Northeastern Ohio to Northern Virginia. I must say...what a culture shock. Now, I grew up in a family that is Applachian. My father is from West Virginia and my mother is from TN.

So, I know a little bit about Southern culture but dabbling in it is is one thing. Swimming in it is quite another. I've noticed several things.

1. Everything takes more time. Whether you are at the grocery store or paying a parking ticket, everyone is super friendly. This is great, in theory, but it makes every interaction with some last forrreeeevvvveer. I can literally feel myself aging in line.

2. The food is...well, different. Collard greens, okra, beans of every sort, and corn bread everywhere. I was given a taste of these at home occassionally but I'm not used to a steady diet of it. However, biscuits are amazing. Much better than bread. :) Especially when they are doctored up with honey and butter.

3. Culture. Gun racks, hunting dogs, country music, and a general "redneck" sensibility has been fascinating for me. I am sort of redneck-ish by way of genetics. Heck, I enjoy running around barefoot on a summer day and I've been known to belt out some Garth Brooks in the car, but this is so different for me. I'm slowly learning and adjusting. Pretty soon, I will no doubt have a pick up truck.

4. Word usage. I'm learning new phrases, such as "fixing to" as in...I'm fixing to go to lunch. Wanna come? I'm not sure what is broken or why we are fixing it but it is a phrase. Ya'll. . .ya'll want a piece of this pie? I kinda like this one and plan on using it more.

5. Temperatures. I'm nearly giddy over this one. It has been in the 40s and sunny nearly every day in January. This is the only year I haven't gotten a blizzard on my birthday!

Hallelujuah and pass the amunition!

Love's Fool

2007-09-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

"I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it!" Spike, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Those immortal words, spoken by my favorite character on BtVS, keep rolling around in my head lately. I pride myself on being strong-minded, a feminist with unshakeable ideals and standards...until occasionally a man comes along that destroys that self-image.

He will remain nameless to protect the guilty, but epitomizes everything I look for in a man. Charming, witty, handsome, educated, straight, no baggage (at least none that I've seen). He's got it all...except he doesn't want me. We have an almost relationship. We are simply friends. Flirtacious friends, but that's all. Just. Friends.

Have you ever been tantalized with the promise of a relationship? One that never really takes off? Well, I have. I know that this is going nowhere, yet I can't seem to break away from him. Can't seem to move past it. I've already tentatively broached the subject with him, but he seems quite content to keep me in this holding pattern. I find the theme comes up again and again in my writing, only because I control this world, my heroine always gets the hero.

What's worse? I haven't shared this with anyone. Not my friends. Or my family. I know how rumors travel and I'm certain that nearly everyone else can tell. I've made a vow to myself that I'm backing off from him....we'll see how long it lasts. So far, I'm one week and counting. And its been excruciating. I mean, like coming down off of drugs excruciating. Do they make a patch for this? Cuz I could use a couple to slap on my arm.

I've deleted him from my phone. Ignored his calls. But its been difficult. I had to literally take my cell phone battery out and put it in my car, so I wouldn't call him back. How pathetic is that?

The only good news is that I seriously feel like writing lately. I need to purge this out of my system. Coming soon to a store near you.

Darkly, Delicious Dexter

2007-09-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

So, I have a new obsession and it's name is Dexter. The new series on Showtime. I just spent Labor Day weekend forming an attachment to the show and I'm so excited that Season 2 is coming to Showtime on September 30th.

What's it about? Let me tell you. Dexter, the protagnoist, is intelligent, possesses a dry wit, has a good relationship with his sister, and works for the Miami Police Department as a Blood Spatter Expert. Oh, wait. Did I forget to mention?

HE'S A SERIAL KILLER!! But he's a nice one. He only kills "bad" people. His foster father, Harry, a policeman noticed that Dexter's cheese was slowly slipping off his cracker (pets in the neighborhood kept dissappearing). He knew that Dexter was a done deal. Dexter has no emotions much beyond anger and curiousity but Harry taught him how to fake it. He taught him how to blend in to society and pick off "bullys" or people that deserved to die.

I'm seriously in love with this show. With an anti-hero cast as the protagonist everything is turned upside down. I feel bad but I kind of root for him to take out the bad guys, the like the child molesting serial killer he slices in the first show. He also keeps a little drop of blood from each kill as a creepy little trophy.

What's even more endearing/creepy is that he tries to be human but he ends up being akward in social situations (like when his girlfriend tries to make love to him--his facial expressions are priceless, or when his "friend" takes him out for drinks and he ends up carrying the big guy home.

Some great quotes:

Lt. Maria Laguerta: So then he must have already had the head with him in the front seat. Huh, that's weird. Why would he keep it there?

Dexter Morgan: I don't know. So he could use a carpool lane?

*****

Dexter Morgan (looking at another serial killer's blood-drained victim): No blood. No sticky, hot, messy, awful blood; no blood at all. Why hadn't I thought of that? No blood. What a beautiful idea!

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Dexter Morgan: There's something strange and disarming about looking at a homicide scene in the daylight of Miami. It makes the most grotesque killings look staged, like you're in a new and daring section of Disney World: Dahmerland.

Can't wait for season 2. Bring on the fatalities, Dexter.

Black's Magic!

2007-06-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Black's Magic -- Just Released from Siren Publishing!

http://www.sirenpublishing.com/cynthiarayne/bm.asp

Sorcerer Rowena Black tracks down dangerous warlocks and extinguishes their powers. She is determined to capture her father's murderer, warlock Damien Rochester, the leader of the Coven reputed to practice magical and sexual perversions.
Vayne Thorne, a member of the Coven, is beginning to lose his taste for violence. While in a magical duel with Rowena, she scars his handsome face. Fascinated by her, Vayne intends to make her his slave.
In a desperate attempt to infiltrate the Coven, Rowena allows herself to be captured. Damien Rochester gives her to both Vayne and his rival Galen Sinclair, the Coven’s apothecary, as their sexual servant.
Caught between the two warlocks as their obsession with her grows, Rowena experiences pleasures she never knew existed. As she falls in love with one man, Rowena fights against temptation as she tries to complete her mission--to bring down the Coven once and for all.

The Doldrums of Summer

2007-05-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

So, my "other job" is working as a hall director at a state university. Yes, doesn't that sound fun? I live and work with 400 18 year-olds. Sometimes I feel like I'm the last grown up on earth. Other times, I miss them!

Like right now.

It is just too quiet here! I walked up to the 12 th floor yesterday and looked out as I drank my coffee. I felt like the last person in the universe. A very strange feeling!

Then, I scampered downstairs and turned on my stereo as loud as it would go. That's right! I'm free!

Back to the writing!

Blood Ties is Bloody Good

2007-05-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Blood Ties

Watched the season finale of Blood Ties this week. Wow! Norman came back from Hell (literally) and all hell busted loose. How much do I love this show?

I'm ready to cry that we won't get new episodes until October! That is just painful! Anybody else out there watch it?

2007-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is Magic, my two-year-old black cat. She's adorable and I love her dearly. She's also a pain in the ass. I just turned in a novella to Ellora's Cave featuring her, in the guise of Voodoo, my main character, Dante's, black cat.

Anita Blake...where you have gone?

2007-04-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

I picked up the new Laurell K. Hamilton book, Danse Macabre, because I was desperate for a good vampire read but I stopped thirty pages in. Where has my Anita gone?

I was forced to pull out the first book, Guilty Pleasures, and re-read it. God, I love this Anita, some would argue the true Anita. What are Anita's rules...? She hates vampires. She kills them. She shoots first and asks questions later. Anita also is a regular girl who just happens to have the ability to raise zombies. It was a power she was born with, she didn't aquire it. And did I mention the sex thing? She hates casual sex and has to feel something for a person before she beds them.

What is she doing now? Sleeping with eight men? Nine men? Also, she sleeps with them without any build up or sexual tension. I squirmed for several books waiting for her to sleep with Jean Claude and/or Richard. The sexual tension was delicious. Hell, I was even on board for Asher who is uber sexy. But I can't handle her barely knowing a person and tumbling into bed with them. There is no build up for me. Plus *SPOILER ALERT*. She has sex with Jean Claude, Micah, and Nathaniel. Um....ewww. It was graphic and seemed uncomfortable as hell. I miss my Jean Claude. I think he should get pissed at Anita and find some other girl to stalk.

Back to the powers. What the hell? She's part werewolf. Part jaguar. Animator. Human servant to a vampire. She has a vampire servant. What the hell is going on here? Pick one supernatural power and stick with it. This isn't a buffet, lady. Why not just kick ass with the animating power? It was cool as hell when she raised a whole cemetery or had the power to control a vampire. Why not make that power grow? Have her command legions, without trying. Something to that effect.

Now, we're on to the personality. She used to be a little cranky. A little edgy. Her hand always itching over the trigger finger. Especially around threats (namely vampires and other scaries). Now, she is happily participating in all kinds of vampire rituals. Not to mention ones with the pack. Or is it pard.

Oh. Who the hell cares? I don't.

Blood Ties on Lifetime

2007-04-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so who has seen Blood Ties on Lifetime TV? It is on Sunday nights at 10 p.m., Eastern Time and... Oh my God! I haven't felt this way about series since Buffy and Angel. Blood Ties is based on the Blood Books by Tanya Huff. It is about a 500 year-old-vampire, the bastard son of a king no less, Henry Fitzroy.

He is a vampire and has spent most of the last few centuries drinking both wine and women, and maybe singing a few songs now and then, too. He is powerfully attracted to Vicki Nelson, a PI who is going blind due to a degenerative eye disease but she resists his advances. Mostly because she is involved with a human cop, Mike Celluci. The show is witty, sexy, and romantic.

And did I mention how hot Henry is?

Some of my favorite quotes:

"I wouldn't have pegged you for a day over 450." ~Vicky

"I use a great moisturizer." ~Henry

"You didn't notice that she was drinking your blood?!" ~Vicki

"My neck wasn't the only place she put her mouth." ~Henry

Updated the ol' website

2007-04-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

After having a craptastic vacation in Florida (can you believe that I only got to see the ocean from my window in the car?!), I returned home. How painful is that? Anyway, I've been feverishly working on a novella for Kensington. I also updated the website. Check it out: www.cynthiarayne.net

I also got my brand spanking new cover for Ellora's Cave. Isn't it gorgeous?

The Craft of Writing Witches

2007-03-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on a witch story. The Craft, Charmed, Witches of Eastwick, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are all favorites of mine so I'm familiar with the concept of witches on the screen. I'm trying to decide how much magic my girl can get away with and still remain realistic. I don't want her to use magic to solve all of her problems.

Any thoughts on writing about witchcraft?

Newly updated and remixed website

2007-03-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Check out my revamped website. It is SEXY AS HELL

My brand new cover

2007-02-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

This is the template for my upcoming quickie story with Ellora's Cave. It is hot. Hot! Hot!! My story is called Love, Honor and Obey.

Bedrooms and Broomsticks

2007-01-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Woo! I signed a contract with Ellora's Cave for Bedrooms and Broomsticks. It will be coming out this summer! I'm so excited that I can hardly stand it.

Here's what it's about...

Cayte Taylor is having one hell of a thirtieth birthday. She recently discovered she's a witch with supernatural powers and on the night of her birthday, decides to perform a summoning ritual to get the man of her dreams – Tristan Moore. He is handsome, sexy, and comes from a wealthy, well-heeled local family. Instead her spell summons Beau, an incubus who has inspired the earthier appetites of mortals since the beginning of time. He is mysterious, autocratic, and brimming with sexual energy.

Beau decides to help Cayte and puts a seduction strategy into action, intending to sample her lush delights himself in the process of helping her seduce Tristan. Soon, she has gotten Tristan’s notice but he doesn’t hold her interest the way he used to. Her thoughts have drifted more and more to Beau. It is forbidden for a lust demon to know the delights of love and Beau must make a life-ending decision in order to be with Cayte forever.

Taking Eve has been released

2007-01-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

Taking Eve has been released!

Excerpt of Taking Eve

2006-11-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Eve was dreaming -- at least she thought it was a dream.

Nothing seemed real to her. "Blood moon," Eve whispered stopping to stare as it changed before her yes.

Rising as a pale circle in the blackened sky, the moon had illuminated the night world of Full Moon Bay with silver light. But the moon had changed, turned crimson – the exact color of freshly drawn blood. Eve knew it was a bad omen of some sort, but she wasn’t certain what it meant exactly. All she knew was she needed to get home and do some research.

Something wicked was coming.

Eve wrapped her arms around herself as she hastily made her way through the graveyard. There was a creeping mist on the ground that slid up her jean-clad legs.

It seemed to cling to her, sapping the warmth from her body as it traveled over her. Eve reached into her boot and withdrew her blessed blade, but she doubted it would be much protection against the evil in the air.

Eve was a self-proclaimed vigilante against the dark supernatural forces in the world. She’d learned the hard way that things really did go bump in the night. Eve’s parents had been killed by vampires two years ago and she’d become obsessed with hunting them down. Along the way, she’d learned there were worse things than vampires.

While the scary setting didn't bother her, the crackle of powerful magic in the air did.

Eve had never learned very much about magic, preferring a hack-them-to-little-pieces approach. Since violence seemed to do the trick, she’d never had to get her voodoo on.

Eve could feel the magic in the air, an overwhelming force. It tingled her senses and made the hair standup on the back of her neck. She knew that she wasn’t alone. Something was here. To be more accurate, someone was here.

"Blood on you," a voice said from behind – an ineffably beautiful voice. “Or maybe I should say in you.”

Eve turned to see a handsome man dressed in a sparkling midnight robe. There was an impression of darkness that surrounded him, as though he was blacker than the shadows themselves. His eyes were black as pitch and appeared to be bottomless.

His pale face was adorned with aristocratic features and framed by a shock of black hair. Eve could literally feel the power emanating off of him. It rolled off of him in waves that nearly brought her to her knees. She’d never felt anything quite like him.

“Funny, I’m not a vampire, although I have dated one.”

While the man before her was very threatening, she got the impression that he was not a threat to her, per se. In fact, the look in those black eyes was decidedly warm.

"You are lovely,” the man said, watching her carefully. His perusal wasn’t exactly sexual – but there was an edge to it. “You look beautiful dressed in nothing but your bare skin.”

“How would you know?” Eve narrowed her eyes, stepping back a pace. She normally had a punch first and ask questions later philosophy but his magic was far too potent to ignore. She doubted she could survive a hex from him. “If you’re going to hit on me, you could at least tell me your name.”

"The more interesting question is who are you?"

"I know who I am,” she said defiantly. “I’m the girl who’s going to be slicing your head off in a minute.” Eve gripped the blade.

The man’s laugh was infectious, as musical as it was mesmerizing. It made her want to hear it again. She had the odd thought that she could get lost in him. “Yes, you know all the particulars, your name and so forth, but you have no idea who you are about to become.”

The whole mysterious air he gave off made her patience wear a bit thin. “Look, I’m kinda tired. I have to get up and look at purchase orders tomorrow morning. It makes me a little bit cranky, so if you won’t tell me your name, then tell me what you are. Are you a wizard? Some kind of sorcerer?”

“Nothing so common as that.” He bowed formally. "My name is Bayne. I am the
Blood Prince of my realm, but I didn't come here to talk about myself. I came here to awaken you."

Eve was done. "Yeah, well, I’m awake alright. Despite your efforts to bore me to death. It’s time for you to go.”

Bayne grinned. "I know nearly everything about you. You feel me, and I can feel you, too.” He licked his lips. “I can almost taste you, my dear.”

“That sounds dirty.” Strangely, she found it attractive in some kinky dark place inside her soul.

“Maybe it was meant to sound that way.”

She wasn't about to stand around while some supposed arch villain made quasi-sexual remarks to her. She deserved some respect.

"Look, I’m not some stupid co-ed who goes walking around cemeteries for the thrill of it all, okay? I kill nasty things all the time and I wouldn’t mind adding you to the list. You don't want to mess with me."

"Yes, you are a servant of the light." The man chuckled again. "But I know that there's a wicked streak in you, my dear. You can’t help your true nature. Why serve when you can rule beside me in the darkness?"

Eve had to admit she was fascinated by him and his power. Her relationship with

Lazarus was a glaring reminder of her decadent side. But who was he? How did he get so much magic? "What the hell are you?"

“I’m going to offer you the proverbial apple, Eve. Your true self and I are going to become much closer."

"Fabulous. No offense, but I already have a boyfriend. Okay, maybe he’s not my boyfriend in the traditional, romantic, white picket fence sense of the term, but I’m involved. I don’t need to be hit on by Black Magic Man."

Bayne moved toward her, slowly sliding -- not walking over the grass.

She stepped back. “Holy shit! How the hell are you doing that?”

He smirked. “Magic.”

He stopped just in front of her and Eve found herself engulfed by his presence. It felt right somehow. She didn’t want him to leave her side ever again. Bayne touched his hand to her cheek.

“I have a gift for you.”

“My mother told me to never accept something from a stranger,” Eve whispered.

“Your mother’s dead.”

A tear fell from her eye, but she stood rooted to the spot.
From thin air, he produced a blue rose. It was perfect – every satiny petal and every sharp thorn. The rose smelled clean and fresh, faintly of the ocean. “It pales in comparison to your beauty.” He ran the rose down her cheek, letting her inhale its sweet scent, before he pressed it into her hands.

He brushed a kiss over her bloodless lips. “Goodnight, Eve. Sweet dreams."
And from his kiss, came shadows.

Eve could feel it seeping into her pores and pushing out all that was good and decent in her. It slid under her skin, rose up on her pale limbs and engulfed her in a magic so black that it was nearly fatal. Eve was being consumed by him, swallowed up by the shadows and it made her thirsty for more.

Eve's scream woke her up. She was relieved to find herself in her own bed but that didn't stop the chills that were spreading down her spine. Clutched in her hand was the strange blue flower.

It was no dream.

New Critique Group for Authors!

2006-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RERCG/

Update on my Progress...

2006-09-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a submission for Ellora's Cave.

1. Something Wicked (my paranormal sensual novel) is out to two agencies. I'm very excited to hear back about it!
2. My novella, Black's Magic, has been sent to the Secrets anthology.
3. My novella, Bedrooms and Broomsticks, is currently being considered by Kensington.

I hope something comes through very soon! I'm on pins and needles waiting!!!!

The Last Unicorn

2006-09-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

I'm currently writing a book about a unicorn. Hmmm...

a href="http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=miettescity"> border="0" src="http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/circus/319/selectsmart/molly.gif">
size="1"> Which'>http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=miettescity">Which character from The Last Unicorn are you?

Avon Fan Lit

2006-09-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I entered the Avon Fan Lit Competition. The title of my chapter is An Improper Woman.
Please vote for me today!

2006-08-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Whoo! I was a nominee for the Ecataromance Reviewers' Choice Awards. :)

Sale at Aprhodite Unlaced

2006-07-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

So, what's new in the world of Cynthia Rayne? Well, Aphrodite Unlaced is having a summer sale. The Story of Zoe is there and is listed as a best seller on fictionwise.com! Whoo! More information on the sale can be found at www.aphroditeunlaced.com.

In other news, I have submitted a novella called Bedrooms and Broomsticks to Kensington. Cross your fingers!

Sold the Sequel to Tempting Eve!

2006-06-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

I just sold the sequel to Tempting Eve called Taking Eve to New Concepts Publishing. I'm so excited! Eve comes up against a scary, sexy fairy prince. More info soon!

~Cyndy

2006-05-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Story of Zoe will be released by Aphrodite Unlaced very shortly.

Here's a little excerpt....

Is it sick that I fantasized about being at the mercy of a handsome stranger? A bad boy who would bring out my inner vixen but make me feel sinfully guilty in the morning? Well, I did fantasize about it and I was okay with it. I not only fantasized about it, I wrote about it.

Then I handed it in to Professor MacCoolan.

That’s the moment where I must have lost my mind.I should have gone back to my computer and written something a little tamer, but I had decided to be brave. So what if I had written something a little daring? Why not take a chance? I had bolstered myself up and managed to turn it in with a smile on my face. Walking back to my apartment, I’d had a little meltdown and been nervous ever since.Now, when I reached the door to the classroom my hand hesitated on the doorknob. I had the overwhelming desire to flee; to run back to my apartment and hide. I could just drop the class with a click of my mouse and make the whole problem go away. I was about to turn and go when someone grabbed the doorknob, sliding his hand over mine. The hand was warm and strong.

“Hi there, Zoë.”

Oh, crap.

I slowly turned my face to see Ian MacCoolan staring down at me -- all six feet five inches of him. Nah, that wasn’t intimidating. “Oh! Hello, Professor MacCoolan.”“Formality isn’t necessary,” he admonished, his lips twitching a little. “I’ve told you all to call me Cool. But maybe you should call me Sir.” He said it like that, with a capital ‘S’. He looked like he was in on a private joke.

Yep and the joke was on me.

Cool, as he liked to be called, was a good teacher. I learned more in his fiction class than I had in most of my other classes combined. He had a friendly demeanor and was always quick to praise. Cool challenged us to write edgier, richer material. In his open classroom, everyone felt free to throw out ideas. We were a collective of creative energy. I felt like I’d really shown growth as a writer under his tutelage -- until I turned in my dirty sex story.

Yep, I’d gotten off the growth train at Slutsville. Population: 1. Not that there is anything wrong with sadomasochism. Lots of people engage it and, even though it’s not in the mainstream, it’s still around the realm of normal. It wasn’t like I wanted to have sex with Rover or anything. I just wish my professor didn’t know I was a closet submissive.Cool’s hand squeezed mine, but it wasn’t a comforting touch, it hurt just the tiniest bit. It hurt kinda good and that was really bad.

Double crap.

“Well, are you going to go in or fondle the doorknob all night?” he asked with a teasing smile.

“Uh, no.”“Would you like to fondle something else?”

Visit my website!

www.cynthiarayne.com

Tempting Eve is Here!

2006-04-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ever since vampires murdered her parents, Eve prowls the streets of her small hometown, Full Moon Bay, looking for creatures of the night to kill. Lazarus, a handsome master vampire, wanted to keep her out of the affairs of vampire but he cannot ignore the desire burning between them.

More information is available here:
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/temptingeve.htm

Tempting Eve Excerpt #2

2006-03-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Excerpt #2 from Tempting Eve available at www.newconceptspublishing.com

“Great. I never wanted to see Night of the Living Dead and now I’m about to catch the live show.” Eve gripped the sword, ready to take out as many of the zombies as possible. She wanted to go down fighting. She’d rather be drained by a vampire than be eaten by a group of hungry zombies.

The first attacked, it was the remains of a teenage boy. Eve reacted quickly, doing a spin kick and sending him down to the ground. She easily beheaded him. Two more shambled forward, this time it was two old men in rotted suits. One was behind her and one ahead. She threw a holy bomb at the one in front causing it to hiss and wail in pain. Then she turned to her right and brought the sword across the other’s midsection. The zombie landed on the ground, severed in two but still animated.

“Need some assistance?”

Eve glanced up to see Lazarus leaning against a mausoleum. He was dressed in black jeans and a black sweater. He was sipping a cup of coffee, looking relaxed and unconcerned, as though he were watching a television show or play.

“No, I’m fine!” Zombie sliced into another howling zombie. The one she’d severed had seized her ankle and was gnawing on her shoe.

“Bravery will only get you killed, pet. You need some help and I could be persuaded to step in, if it you made it worth my while.”

Eve lobbed a couple of holy bombs into the crowd of zombies, but there were far too many. She needed to make a deal with the devil. “ Fine. What do you want?”
“We both know the answer to that question, pet.”
She kicked a zombie. “You’re blackmailing me into sex?”

“That sounds so tawdry.” Lazarus took another sip of coffee. “No, I’m blackmailing you into letting me seduce you.”

“I don’t date vampires,” she puffed. She stomped on a nearby zombie’s foot, breaking it. “How do I know you aren’t finishing off the zombies so you can kill me yourself?”

“You do have quite an imagination. I thought I made it abundantly clear that my intentions aren’t homicidal.”

“It still isn’t fair to use the situation to your advantage!”

“You’d rather be zombie fodder? You do realize they eat people alive, don’t you? Any second now they’re going to be having some human sushi.”

“I can’t believe you!” Eve took a swipe at another zombie. “Weren’t you born in the age of chivalry or something? This isn’t very gentlemanly.”

“This isn’t very flattering for me either. Going out with me is only slightly better than being devoured by a group of the walking dead?” He set his coffee down and pushed up his sleeves. “I do hope you’re done complaining, they’re starting to get the upper hand.”

Eve couldn’t stand it anymore. She was getting tired. “Yes. Fine! I agree! Just get over here!”

Lazarus retrieved a spade that had been propped against the crypt before he sprinted over, beheading zombies with the sharp shovel as he went. He wielded the garden implement as though it were crafted for him.

Eve continued her assault on the zombies, keeping her back to Lazarus as she did. Odd, that she should trust him with her life. . .at least for a small amount of time.
Between the two of them, they were able to kill all of the zombies. Eve collapsed on the grass, breathing heavily and exhausted. “I hate zombies.”

Lazarus wasn’t affected at all. He sat on a tombstone, watching her intently.

“Must be nice to have super powers,” she griped.

“I enjoy it. Oh, I forgot.” He stood up and walked over to the crypt again. He held another travel cup aloft. “Would you like some coffee? It’s chocolate mint.”
Eve stood up and dusted herself off. She had mud on her backside and stray bits of grass in her hair. Oh, yeah, real sexy. Hold up. Who cares? Regardless, she plucked the vegetation from her body and threw it away before heading over.

Eve took the coffee and was about to drink it, when something didn’t add up. “What are you doing wandering around with coffee anyway? I thought vampires don’t drink or eat.” Then, comprehension dawned. “You were stalking me!”

“No, I was merely keeping an eye out for you. And that’s complete rubbish. We do eat and drink, just not that often. Blood is our main food source.”

“I don’t really care about your feeding habits right now. You were following me!”

“That sounds so negative. If I hadn’t been, you’d be dead by now.”

She narrowed her eyes. “How do you know I like coffee?”

“I have my spies.”

“Now you’re spying on me?!” She sprinted away from him. “This is too creepy for me. All bets are off.”

Lazarus caught her arm and swung her around. “There is no going back with me, Eve. You made a promise.”

“You’re manipulating the situation.”

“I’m a vampire. What did you expect, love? Flowers and valentines?”

“No, but I do expect honesty. I kill vampires and I could never fall for one,” Eve pushed at his chest, wanting him to back off. She might as well have been pushing a concrete wall. “Let go.”

“I can’t let go of you. I won’t.” He pulled her inexorably closer.

She felt like their bodies were being welded together by the heat their bodies generated together. “Why do you want me? You don’t even know me.”

Their eyes locked. “But I want to. I can’t quite figure you out.”

Eve turned away from him. “I hate vampires.”

“Why ?” Lazarus asked.

“Other than the fact that you kill people?’

Lazarus sighed. “Yes, other than that.”

“Vampires murdered my parents,” she said fiercely.
“Now, do you see why we don’t belong together?”

“I never said that we belonged together, sweet Eve. I’m not the white knight come to rescue you. I want you. This isn’t about love, this is about desire. Let me show you.” His mouth took hers again, fierce and possessive.

2006-03-10T17:20:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Tempting Eve
Available April 2006 from
New Concepts Publishing.
www.newconceptspublishing.com

“You have been a very naughty girl.”

Eve was thrown back to the present by a honeyed voice that was laced with venom. She mentally berated herself for not being more aware of her surroundings. It was a good way to become a permanent resident in the graveyard. The Flynn family plot already had too many occupants.

The vampire stood a few feet from her, illuminated by the light of the moon. She knew instantly that he was a force to be reckoned with. He vibrated with barely leashed strength only a master vampire could possess. It wasn’t only his power that was intimidating. The vampire was also physically imposing. He was taller than she was, well over six feet. His eyes were a piercing blue and Eve got the impression that he missed nothing with his unwavering gaze. He had short-cropped blond hair with just a trace of silver at the temples. He’d been made a vampire when he was a bit older. Eve guessed he was made while he was in his late thirties He was dressed in a pair of black jeans and a gray sweater. His arms were crossed over his chest and his expression was mocking.

Yes, this vampire was most definitely male.

Eve had heard that master vampires weren’t made on a whim in the vampire community. They were selected for their cunning, physical prowess, and beauty. This vampire seemed to embody all of those characteristics. All of these qualities were combined with the tightly leashed power he possessed was frightening.
Eve was in big trouble.

She decided to play dumb. “Because I’m at the cemetery after visiting hours?”

Unfortunately, he wasn’t buying it. “No, because you’ve been killing my minions,” he admonished. “Good help is hard to kill these days.” His accent was British and upper-crust.

Eve knew she was out-gunned or at least out-fanged here. He was a powerful master vampire and she’d be willing to bet that he was at least a century old. Probably more. She really wanted to avoid a physical fight if possible.

“Who are you?”

“Lazarus,” he announced, as though his name alone was reason enough to be afraid.

“That’s it? Just Lazarus? No last name? Like Madonna or Cher?”

“I’ve long ago done away my surname, Eve.”
He knew her name. Great. “Now that we’ve been introduced, are we going to fight?” Eve took a shuddering breath, she trying unsuccessfully to appear nonchalant.

“Not just yet,” Lazarus replied. “ I know who you are and what you’ve been doing. I’ve been watching you all night. I must say that I’m not impressed. The first lesson a fighter should learn is to always be aware of one’s environment.”

He began to pace a path around her. His movements were slow and sure. “I’ve heard all of the whispers about a young human woman who fancies herself a warrior. You’ve been meddling in things that are far beyond your reach, little girl. How old are you, anyway?”

“I’m 24, but who’s counting?”

Eve knew the key to dealing with a vampire was to walk the thin line between deference and contempt. Vampires were predatory beings and if she appeared to be too weak, he wouldn’t respect her and, therefore, attack. If she behaved too boldly, he would see it as a challenge to his authority and he would attack to protect his reputation and place of power. Of course, she got the impression that she’d already challenged his authority. The conversation sounded like a prelude to a beat down, not a nice, safe graveyard chat, assuming there was such a thing as a safe graveyard chat.

“You need to be taught some manners.”

“Funny, you don’t look like Emily Post.” Eve taunted, trying to fuel her anger, not her fear.

“She rarely kills people for breaches in etiquette. I don’t have any qualms about making an example of you.” He slowly began to advance on her, a predator caging in some tasty prey.

“What’s the big deal?” Eve asked, resisting the temptation to back away. It wasn’t easy. “Vampires kill people all the time. I was only trying to even the score.”

“You simply need to see things from our vantage point. We’re a bit higher on the food chain than humans.”

“You aren’t on the food chain. Humans are as high as it goes.” Eve knew she had no hope of defeating this vampire. She slid off the tombstone easily and moved back away from him, trying to get a clear shot out of the cemetery.

“Do you think you’re going to get away, Eve? You’ll never out run me.”

The need to flee had been instinctual but she knew he was probably right. Lazarus had longer legs and preternatural strength. She wouldn’t even make it to the graveyard gate. Eve knew that he wasn’t some undisciplined minion looking for a quick feed. Lazarus was a master vampire and in complete control of actions and his vampire abilities. Her only hope was to make him angry enough to attack her without a plan. She might be able to injure him if he was unfocused. Even if she did manage it, any wound she could inflict would merely slow him down. But it might give her enough time to run to safety.

“It’ll be a lot easier after I break your kneecaps.” Eve bragged as she stretched her arms over her head. “Hold on. I need to limber up first.”

“If you were a fledging you would have learned to obey your elders. You need to learn some respect.”

“Well, I don’t intend to pledge that particular fraternity. Ever.”

“I don’t remember issuing you an invitation.” He pondered it for a moment. “Fledglings are such a lot of hassle, but some are worth the effort.”

“No thanks.” She laughed at his look. “Oh, excuse me, did I offend you?” Her apology was less than sincere. “I don’t really care how baby vamps act. I don’t respect filthy, bloodsucking creatures-of-the-night.”

“You will learn the error of your ways shortly.” Lazarus began to pace around her and she stayed up with him, never giving him her back. “You’re faster than I thought.” He took a swipe at her but she easily ducked his hand. “Very good.”

“I don’t enjoy being toyed with.”

“Who said I’m only toying with you? Maybe I’m testing you.”

“Why?”

Lazarus closed the distance between them so fast that she hadn’t seen him move. Before she could react, he was on her. Lazarus pulled her flush against his body. He spoke low into her ear, his mouth grazing her earlobe, a soft push of air. “Before this night is over, I’m going to taste you.”

Eve could hear her heartbeat roaring in her ears. Adrenaline was pumping through her body but she couldn’t compete with him in a fight. He could toss her across the graveyard as if she were a matchstick. Summoning all of her anger, she turned her head to face him. Their lips were an inch apart. “Before this night is through, I’ll be wiping your blood off of my knife.”

Lazarus tightened his hold on her. Eve struggled in his grasp, which only made him laugh. “I’m disappointed, vampire killer, you can’t even get yourself free.”

“Don’t expect miracles. You’re a lot stronger than me.” Eve stopped moving completely and turned baleful eyes on him.

“You’re just going to give up? That’s quite a let down.” He still held her arms, but he gave her a small amount of space. “I was hoping that you’d at least be entertaining to kill.”

Eve struck before he could block her. She shoved a wooden stake she’d pulled from under her sleeve into his side, right between his ribs. It tore through his flesh with a revolting wet sound. It wouldn’t kill him but she bet it hurt a hell of a lot.

Lazarus gasped in pain and threw her away from him with a roar. Literally. She was airborne for a second before she landed on her side on the damp grass. Wincing in pain, Eve got to her feet. She took off at a dead run with the vampire right behind her. The grass was damp with dew, almost matted to the ground and extremely slippery. Eve couldn’t get enough traction to run at full speed so she didn’t get very far.

Lazarus landed on top of her, nearly knocking the breath from her lungs. The vampire rolled her over so that she lay on her back and eased off her body. He loomed over her, like some sort of a conquering warlord, one foot on either side of her prone body.

“That wasn’t very nice,” Lazarus admonished as he pulled the stake out of his side. He didn’t even flinch. It came out with a sickening scrape of wood against bone. Lazarus tossed it aside as if it were a splinter. “I’ll have to punish you for your insolence as well.”

“Yeah, I always forget to say ‘excuse me’ when I jam a stake into a vampire. I need to work on that.”

“You know, you should be thanking me for my attention. Normally, I’d just send a minion to take care of something this small.”

“Actually you did, remember? I killed them all.” Eve couldn’t help it. Mouthing off to him was the only defense she had left. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m really touched, you taking the time out of your busy schedule of blood sucking and bossing people around or whatever it is you do. Besides following women around the cemetery and drooling on them, that is. Remind me to send you a greeting card.”

He ignored her. “I don’t think killing you is an option just yet.”

“Your plan is to talk me to death instead?” Eve was growing more nervous. She raised herself up on her elbows, even though it brought her nearly flush against his body. Why wasn’t he attacking?

“Don’t test my patience, little girl.”

“I thought your plan was to ambush me, get a little neck, and be on your way? But now you feel the need to talk.”

He seemed mystified by her behavior. “I must say that I’m intrigued. I had no idea you would be so devious. You actually managed to hurt me. Do you know what an achievement that is?” Lazarus rubbed his side. The wound had already closed.

She’d never ceased to be amazed at their healing powers. By tomorrow evening, he’d be on the mend. In a couple of days, he wouldn’t even have a scar. The blood had already stopped flowing from the wound
“Yeah, I’m sneaky like that. Don’t get your hopes up, I’m not kissing it and making it better.”

His fingers came away tipped with crimson. His eyes filled with heat as he gazed down at her. “I’d rather have you kiss something else of mine.”

Eve’s eyes widened. “How about you kiss something of mine instead? You can kiss my ass. How’s that?”

Neptune is out!!!

2006-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Click on this for a very juicy excerpt and information!

:)

Great news!

2006-01-18T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling particularly blessed.

New Concepts Publishing (www.newconceptspublishing.com) has bought my novella, Tempting Eve. It is due out on April 7th.

Ruthie's Club (www.desdmona.com) is interested in giving me a page and asked for three flash stories from me.

Whoo!

2006-01-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

The absolutely gorgeous cover for Communing With Mighty Neptune was done by Jinger Heaston at www.jingraphix.com. I'm thrilled with it! Available soon from www.oceansmistpress.com.

New Blog Design

2006-01-03T00:42:00.000-08:00

I hope you are enjoying the new design on the blog. My short story, Communing With Mighty Neptune, will be coming out very soon with Ocean's Mist Press. Check out the link for more info!

I have been very busy in the writing department. I am currently working on this project:

Demon of Desire
This is a novel about an incubus who has fallen in love with a mortal girl.

2005-12-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

Hey there!

I have a yahoo group. Please join it for updates on my work.

Just send an email to:

cynthia_rayne-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

2005-12-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

Long time, no see. I have been in a writing frenzy. My story Communing with Mighty Neptune is going to be published by Oceans Mist Press. Yeah! It's the story of a young woman's erotic encounter with a merman. I'm currently working on a book about a woman who falls for a handsome warlock. More soon!

Hello and Welcome!

2005-10-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my blog. I will be updating frequently with information about me and my published works.