A Sexy Date Night ~ @oddlynn3 #MySexySaturday #Saturday7 #MSSAuthors #LynnCrain

Welcome to week 66^th week of My Sexy Saturday. This week’s theme is all about A Sexy Date Night. I’ve had a few in my time but I wasn’t sure if I had actual dates in any of my stories. I know that’s sad but a lot of my characters are thrown together in many different situations then they fall in love. Dating is part of the process only if you have time. I know that sounds odd but think about when you were dating. Sometimes you just hung out and did nothing special. Other times, you went to fancy restaurants and did all the things one would dream about when they date. Personally, I’m somewhere in between. I actually took my husband out on our first fancy date because he helped me with something that has long since been forgotten. That’s not to say we didn’t go out for many more.

This week in Austria was also between brrrr and pleasant overall. I’ve seen colder days and I’ve seen warmer days here but I must admit, so far it’s pretty good as we slide into winter. Today is so beautiful we’re going for a long walk somewhere…not sure where…but somewhere. LOL! Research and writing is still going on and I’ve been creative in more ways than normal.

Don’t forget Longmire this week as I think it is still trying to find a home. The Posse is doing great in keeping attention focused on finding them a place. They had a few more stampedes this week and had some good fun. A&E still hasn’t dug themselves out of the hole they’re in as far as I’m concerned. I did see a few shows that looked interesting on their network but decided to pass since I don’t count. Craig Johnson is still doing his tour with his book of short Longmire stories. I have to say, I do love reading them as it lets me know how important characters are to a story. The hashtag is #LongLiveLongmire and if you have a chance, check them out to see what Longmire has been up to this week.

Now back to our sexy date night. When I hear the terms date night, I actually think about the 2010 movie of the same name. The term date night in recent years has been associated with young parents who are keeping their love alive by setting aside time to be with each other. Sure, it can be about different things but that’s what comes to mind for today’s world. Well, I’ll be the first to say…I don’t have any stories in that vein…at all. Most of mine revolve around people who don’t have kids though there are a few in the future. Not that I don’t like children, I do, it’s just that I’ve never put out any books with those parameters.

My closest story to this theme would be A Viennese Christmas. Yes, it’s an amazing little Christmas story about first everything. Here’s the setup:

Sign language interpreter, Amanda Kranz, wants to find her soul mate but fears her chance has past due to the death of her childhood sweetheart. Finding sexy historian Henry Jager during an outing in her new home of Vienna, Austria, may have been a stroke of luck. When his ex-fiancée shows up just as their relationship starts to sizzle, Amanda must decide if standing up for what she really wants will give her lifetime happiness. Or will she be destined to spend her life alone?

This is one of my few self-published books and I enjoyed writing it immensely since I learned more about the place I currently live. It was a real eye-opener as I wandered the city in search of places for scenes to take shape. It gave me a new perspective on where I live. Don’t forget to pick up your copy today! Here’s my sexy seven paragraphs…enjoy!

Her low sensuous laugh filled the small hall. “I hope not. Thank you for walking me home and for a lovely night. I appreciate it.” She stuck out her hand and it stayed there for a moment, wavering before Henry took it in his much larger one.

“Nor am I the kind to kiss on the first date.”

“So that’s what this was...a date?”

“Not really but if it was...”

“You wouldn’t kiss me.” She kept her tone flat, not wanting him to hear her disappointment.

He took a step closer. “If I did it might go something like this...” Anticipation hung in the air yet he made no other move toward her. “I would start with a light caress to your face. Just a brush up the side of your chin. It would feel something like this...” His thumb tenderly rubbed the back of her hand with soft, gentle strokes. “Then I might lean in closer to you, to smell your enchanting perfume.” His face moved to just a breath away from her. “Close your eyes, Amanda.”

Her lids fluttered shut and her heart pounded. She wanted him and it had been so very long since someone had wanted her in return. His lips brushed her forehead and he let her go, stepping back. “I’m going to pick you up for dinner tomorrow night at eight. It will be our second date. Now, you never know what can happen on date number two.”

My traditional publisher, eXtasy Books, is still having a $0.99 sale on some of my books. There’s a great selection and if you’ve never read any of my stories, now’s the time to get them at a great discount and see if I write stories you like. Pick up your copies today!

The Thing About Elves ~ Book 2 in the Santa’s Elves series

The Haunting of Maggie Grey ~ Scottish Historical about a woman doctor

Iain and Kelsey ~ Story about a woman’s darkest fantasy

Fluke ~ Book 1 of the Orchid series, sci-fi romance

An Elf’s Desire ~ Book 3 in the Santa’s Elves series

A Love for Eggther ~ Book 3.5 in the Santa’s Elves series

Shopping Spree ~ Story about a very special dress shop

Don’t forget to visit all the great authors from the My Sexy Saturday weekly blog hop listed below. They have even more amazing and sexy snippets to share.

Have a great weekend...see you next week!

Lynn 

Digital Book Day ~ @oddlynn3 #LynnCrain #FreeReads

Looking for some great FREE books to read?

Join me and nearly 400 authors as we show off our best on Monday, July 14, 2014 at the first ever, Digital Book Day! I’m giving away my book A Viennese Christmas. So grab your copy now.

Just click on the link and go to the greatest website ever...thanks...and please share it with everyone you know!

Lynn 

Winners And More!

Good Morning Hoppers!

Sorry, I am so late but remember when I said I was having internet issues...sigh...they didn’t go away. The internet has been down more than it’s been up for the last three days and all I can do is blame the snow.

Yes, that white, fluffy beautiful stuff can be the bane of my existence especially in a building going on 150 years old. The building I live in was built in 1867 and it’s seen a lot of things happen in it’s lifetime. But I digress...

You’re here to find out just who won the contest. Well...first, let me tell you that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having you all drop by and visit me. I’m sure hoping you can do it again sometime soon. Second, because of the internet issues, I decided to give away 4 more copies of my book, A Viennese Christmas, as well as the grand prize.

Without further ado...here are the names of the winners:

Copy of A Viennese Christmas

Ruth Reynolds

Jeanette Platt

Ash

Kathy

And my grand prize winner of ‘The Kiss’ goodies is...drum roll please...Paula Martin!

If you are a winner and left your email address, I will email your book here shortly.

Unfortunately, the grand prize winner didn’t but I will do everything I can to track her down. I’ll keep you posted on that!

I’ll be having more prizes and possibly participating in more blog hops down the road. Check in each week to see what’s up and what I’m giving away!

Again, it was a pleasure to have you all here. Hope to see you back real soon!

Lynn

New Year's Blog Hop - Day #3

Hello Hoppers!

Just a reminder that today is part of the New Year’s Blog Hop and below is what I’m offering.

If you are starting on my blog you’ll need to get the whole scoop about the blog hop! To go to the spot with all the instructions, just click on the logo and it will take you there.

My contribution to the hop is simple. Each of you will be entered into my daily drawing for a copy of my latest book, A Viennese Christmas. Second, have any of you heard of the painting called The Kiss? Here’s a copy of it in case you’ve never seen it:

This painting is by the artist Gustav Klimt and is a very famous painting that resides in the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria. It also happens to be just right up the street from my flat. Here’s more on the painting and the artist should you be so inclined to check him out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kiss_(Klimt)   

Now, you’re probably wondering just why I’m telling you this. My grand prize package will be a ‘Kiss’ package sent to you direct from Vienna. In it you will find notebooks, scarves, book marks, cards and anything in regards to the painting ‘The Kiss’ or Vienna itself. This is my best blog hop package yet.

About today: I am such a bad girl. First, let me apologize for not posting yesterday. It’s been such a lazy weekend since we once again have our flat to ourselves. The DH and I decided to have a quite weekend since the youngest went back to college in the States. And wouldn’t you know it...a cold front has blasted its way into Austria...and we’re getting snow and everything that comes with the weather. Including sketchy internet.

Second, because of this I am giving away two copies of A Viennese Christmas for Friday and Saturday. I’ll announce the winners at the end of the post. I also didn’t say last time just how I’m going to pick my grand prize winner. I will choose my big winner from all the comments from the four days. My grand prize winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 15 once all the comments are tallied. Last but not least, here’s another excerpt for Sunday’s copy of A Viennese Christmas.

Enjoy!

“Let me walk you to your door and I’ll be out of your hair.” It was if he understood her unspoken dilemma and took matters into his own hands.

“You’d don’t have to if you’d rather not.” She kept all emotion from her voice. It wouldn’t do to let him know of her interest...at least that’s what all the latest magazines said.

He shook his head. “My mother taught me to always walk a lady to her door.”

Her heart beat faster at the prospect. He treated her with such genuine respect that it made her want him more. “All right. We go in over here.” She headed toward a door in the building to their right. Each apartment had huge terraces and lots of windows. Putting her key into the lock, she pushed open the door.

The hall wasn’t long with an elevator at the end. The walls were white and the carpet new.

“Looks nice.”

“You can tell that from the hall?” She frowned.

He shrugged. “Actually yes. If the entrance looked old and worn, I’d worry about two things.”

“And those would be?” She was really interested in his opinion of the place she’d chosen as home.

“First, I’d worry about the maintenance of the place as well as the look inside the apartment itself. I’ve been in places that the entrance looked shabby and so does the inside. I also like that everything is so secure. I’ve seen some places where it was very easy to get inside if you knew the trick.”

She nodded in agreement. “I remember when I was looking for a place. Some were so out of date that I shuddered at the thought of living there. Others weren’t complete as they didn’t have a kitchen at all.”

He laughed. “That’s not uncommon for a place here to not have a kitchen or a bathroom. If that’s the case, something called an ablöse would be added to the lease.”

“An ablöse?”

“A clause that basically says the owner has to reimburse a tenant for any improvements made to the apartment. A tenant needs to make sure one is in place if they plan to make improvements to a rental space.”

Her eyes grew wide. There were so many things she didn’t know about living here. “I didn’t know that. There’s nothing like it in the States.

“Maybe, maybe not. It’s just the way the system works here and it’s been in place for years. I’m amazed that you didn’t get the information in your orientation.”

Amanda could feel her cheeks growing red. “I’ll admit, I skimmed that packet.” Turning away, she stepped inside the elevator and pressed P1. “I live in the penthouse furthest away from Belvedere.”

The door opened onto a small hall with a door at each end. Amanda turned right and fumbled with her key before finally getting it in the door.

“This is where I leave you.”

She turned fast and dropped her keys. “What? Don’t you want to come in?”

He shook his head then reached down to retrieve the keys, pressing them into her hand. “Not tonight. I’m not the kind who kisses and tells.”

What do you have to do to be entered you ask...comment and tell me one thing about the excerpt I posted from my latest book A Viennese Christmas. It’s that easy. Tell me whatever you want about my story...and do it often...every comment and item will be one entry into my contest. The more you comment, the more you’re entered not only in the daily contest but my grand prize one as well. Don’t forget to leave me your email address because if you don’t, and you don’t contact me within 48 hours, your prize will go to someone else.

Now to the most important stuff...Friday’s winner is crystaley73 and Saturday's winner is Christina Cole. If you left me your email addy like requested, you’re prize is already winging it’s way to you. If not, please contact me at oddlynn3@gmail.com and I’ll send you your copy of A Viennese Christmas!

See you all tomorrow...promise!

Lynn

New Year's Blog Hop

Good morning hoppers! Yes, you’ve come to the right place for the New Year’s Blog Hop. I’ve even got the graphic to prove it! LOL!

If you are starting on my blog you’ll need to get the whole scoop about the blog hop! To go to the spot with all the instructions, just click on the logo and it will take you there. I'm here for three days of fun, fun, fun and did I mention...PRIZES!!!

My contribution to the hop is simple. First, each of you will be entered into my daily drawing for a copy of my latest book, A Viennese Christmas. Second, have any of you heard of the painting called The Kiss? Here’s a copy of it in case you’ve never seen it:

This painting is by the artist Gustav Klimt and is a very famous painting that resides in the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria. It also happens to be just right up the street from my flat. Here’s more on the painting and the artist should you be so inclined to check them out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kiss_(Klimt)

Now, you’re probably wondering just why I’m telling you this. It's quite simple...my grand prize package will be a ‘Kiss’ package sent to you direct from Vienna. In it you will find anything and anything in regards to the painting ‘The Kiss’ or Vienna itself. Things like coasters, notecards, or keychains...but the best part is...this is a once-in-a-lifetime-gift. This is my best blog hop package yet IMHO.

So, what do you have to do to be entered you ask...simple...just comment and tell me one thing about the excerpt I post from my latest book A Viennese Christmas each day. It’s that easy. Tell me whatever you want about my story...and do it often...every comment will be one entry into my contest. Please, please, please do not forget to give me your email addy so that I can get in touch with you.  The more you comment, the more you’re entered. I will announce the today’s ebook winner at the end of tomorrow’s blog and the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed on Tuesday, January 15.

Here’s your first excerpt...enjoy!

Her disappointment must have been plain on her face as she found herself suddenly gazing into the greenest eyes in a very handsome male face. A question in German followed as she tried to ascertain just what he said.

“I’m sorry,” she stated, her confusion obvious. “I’ve only picked up a word or two since I’ve been here. Do you speak English?”

“You’re American?” he questioned without the accent most Austrians possessed.

“Don’t make it sound like such a curse. There are a lot of us, you know.” Her indignation evident in her tone.

His rich laughter filled the space, warming her to her bones in ways she hadn’t expected. “Sorry. I guess one does pick up the attitudes of where they live.”

She looked at him puzzled. “That’s that supposed to mean?”

“Henry Jager, American, at your service ma’am.” His sweeping bow brought a smile to her lips.

“Amanda Kranz and I hardly think I qualify as a ma’am.” She stuck her hand toward him. His firm grasp sent an electric sensation as she felt the spark deep within her. She swore he felt it too as his eyes darkened.

“Do you prefer Amanda or Mandi? I know there’s not much of a choice with Henry.” His serious gaze spot of his interest.

Laughter bubbled up in her, the first such emotion in weeks. “Henry is a fine, strong name. And it doesn’t matter much with mine.” His hot look made her want to shiver in anticipation of what she could only speculate.

“Really? I would have thought your business associates would call you Amanda. Now your intimate contacts I expect call you Mandi.”

She gazed at him. Intimate contacts, now there was a misnomer. It had been years since she’d had any intimate contacts of the male persuasion. “Sounds good to me.”

“You gave in too easy.” He reluctantly let go of her hand as his look took on a more serious aspect. “Are you meeting someone?”

She shook her head. “No one to meet.”

“Good.” He grabbed her hand again, placing it in the crook of his arm. “Have you ever been to one of these before?” Henry expertly meandered around people, baby carriages and more as he led her to the next booth.

“Not really. I saw them last year but being so new to the city, I couldn’t bring myself to go to one alone.” She gazed at the Rathaus beyond them, remembering how intimidated she’d been by building even though it had a Christmas tree in front.

His eyes narrowed. “Sounds like you’re still a relative newcomer.”

“I suppose so. I got here in November of last year.”

“Ah – your impression?” His brows lifted when he drew back as if to study her face.

“Very commercialized. I expected something more – ” she struggled to find the right word. “– more homey, more authentic – more Austrian.”

Henry gazed around a moment before looking back at her. “I see your point. This is probably the one Christkindlemarkt that’s got the least to offer in specialized, authentic goods in my opinion except it does have a certain ambiance. And of course, there’s the skating rink as well as the park decorations.”

Her brow arched in amazement. She really hadn’t expected anyone to agree with her. All the women she knew gushed over every one of them. “You agree with me?”

His naughty smile was breathtaking. “Most definitely. This is the one where most of the tourists come. While there are some very Austrian things here hidden amongst the drivel, most are not unique or special in any way.”

“My thoughts exactly. Where exactly does one find more traditional items?” Astonishment spread through her. She had not once heard anyone say a negative comment about Vienna. All her colleagues gushed over the city but as far as she was concerned, it was just another place to live.

They stopped in front of a food booth, the aroma tantalizing. “Would you like something hot to drink?”

The brisk breeze nipped at her cheeks and she felt the cold through her coat. She definitely could use something to warm her up. “Sure.”

See you all tomorrow!

Lynn

The Next Big Thing

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family and friends, happiness and joy. I was invited this week to take part in a blog hop called The Next Big Thing by Jill Hughey. Her post is at http://jillhughey.blogspot.com and she talks all about her current work in progress.

When she first asked for volunteers, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it...then...I thought to myself, who doesn’t want to be the next big thing. It’s every author’s dream to hit it big no matter what the venue. The whole point of this hop is to share authors with new readers. At the end of this blog, there is a list of authors who are new to many of you...but more on that later.

Here are the answers to the interview questions for The Next Big Thing:

What is your working title of your book?

My current work in progress is titled A Viennese Christmas and it’s the first in my A Taste of Vienna series.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I was trying to find a way to learn more about the city I now find myself living in, Vienna, Austria. All my friends told me I should be having a blast and I wasn’t. So, I decided to start this series and I can say I certainly have a different eye for the city now.

What genre does your book fall under?

It’s going to be a sensual romance, which is a departure from my normal erotic romance. The characters told me they wanted things to be more private. I always listen to my characters.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Now this is hard. The heroine would need to have an air of sweetness around her while the hero would need a great smile. I think I’d pick Ginnifer Goodwin for the heroine and Eion Bailey both of who are from the show, Once Upon A Time, my new favorite.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Amanda Kranz, alone in Vienna, Austria at Christmas, meets sexy historian Henry Wakeman, who convinces her true love is real and within her grasp.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

This one will be self-published by my Shooting Star Books imprint.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

A couple of weeks. It’s short...less than 20K...and I can do those fast.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

That would be a hard one as I don’t compare myself to other writers much. I think each of us have a unique style.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I’d have to say Vienna itself as I’m finding out things I never knew and at one point, I probably wouldn’t have tried to find out about this fabulous city.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

This book is as accurate as I can make it and it’s told totally from an American point of view by someone who is living there. It’s a nice little romance that fulfills the hope each of us have for Christmas.

Now I have a special treat for each of you...this is a squeee moment for me...here’s the cover!

Isn’t that just the coolest thing you’ve ever seen? My cover artist, Su Kopil from Earthly Charms, is the most amazing person. She got this one done much sooner than I ever thought. The building in the background is called the Rathouse and it’s the home of Vienna’s local government and it looks that amazing all lit up for the holiday season.

Now, it’s time to pass the torch to the authors next in line for The Next Big Thing. Please drop by and see each of them the week of November 26th as they give you their information for their works-in-progress. Here’s there links to their blogs. Drop by next week and see them when you can...I’ll be tweeting and posting them on Facebook when they come out...thanks everyone! Help us all become The Next Big Thing!

Tyffani Clark

www.moviestareyes.blogspot.com

Adriana Kraft

http://adrianakraft.com/excerpts/the-next-big-thing (Posting November 30th)

Helena Fairfax

https://helenafairfax.com

Margay Leah Justice

http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com

Frances Pauli

http://francespauli.blogspot.com

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Next month I will have Christmas guests, a reveal on a couple more new covers as well as some Christmas surprises. Please drop by and see me...I think you’ll enjoy it!

Lynn