Taste of Cyn

Some Sam And Dean On Release Day

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

I LOVE this Sinful Rewards post at I’ll Read Until I Drop!!!

Sam and Dean from Supernatural ROCKS!

http://willreadtillidrop.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/release-day-blitz-sinful-rewards-by-cynthia-sax/

And the chosen quotes – freakin’ AWESOME!

I love the header quote…

“I was wrong about you, wasn’t I?”

“You’re not a good girl.”

– Nicolas

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Some Sam And Dean On Release Day

Why Some Writers Shouldn’t Give Interviews – Grins

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

A Reader Lives a Thousand Lives interviewed me today!

http://areaderlivesa1000lives.blogspot.ca/2014/07/book-nerds-dozen-cynthia-sax.html

Here’s a snippet…

Waiting in line at Starbucks, what are you ordering? What name do you give?

Cynthia Sax: I’m a chocolate gal so a tall hot chocolate for me, no whipped cream or any of that fancy stuff. (grins) My name is Nutella. When they call that, the chocolate lovers FREAK out.
(grins)

And the interview gets crazier from there.

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Why Some Writers Shouldn’t Give Interviews – Grins

A Year Of Sizzling Hot Sax – Sinful Rewards 1 Read Along

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

The first novella in Sinful Rewards, a 12 novella contemporary erotic romance serial, releases today! Novellas will be releasing once a month for a year.

Yes, we’ll be spending a year with Bee, a vertically challenged (and in denial) exhibitionist, Nicolas, the jellybean loving billionaire with a dark secret, and Hawke, the tattooed bad boy biker.

We’ll be having so much fun this year. Part of this fun is a read along, both here and in greater detail on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along ).

As regular Cynthia Sax readers know, there are no throw away lines in my stories. Every sentence means something, often multiple somethings. A read along will be the story version of a director’s commentary on a DVD. I’ll talk about scenes, what they mean, the impact they have on the story.

Bee And Her Purse

For example: In the first scene (which you can read here for free here – http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/06/16/sinful-rewards-1-first-excerpt/ ) , we start the story with Belinda (Bee) Carter talking about her frayed, cheap designer-knock off purse. This seems like a trivial scene. She’s discussing her purse, right? But she’s truly sharing her outlook on life and what she desperately wants.

Bee is all about lasting relationships. She doesn’t like temporary anything. She doesn’t like fleeting fashions, jobs or love. Bee sees her purse falling apart as a betrayal (hinting that she’s been betrayed by people in the past). She counted on the fashion accessory to last, emotionally investing in the piece, and it didn’t.

So she tries to fix it as she tries to fix her failing relationships. The rational part of her realizes the repair is also temporary but a tiny slice of her heart hopes it isn’t. She hopes her efforts will make the relationship with her purse, with the people she loves last.

Bee Vs Belinda

Some of my beta readers asked me why Hawke calls our heroine Belinda and Nicolas calls our heroine Bee. This is because the two hunkalicious men view our heroine very differently. Originally, Nicolas sees Bee as she wishes to be seen. Hawke, having watched our heroine in private, sees the secret exhibitionist, constantly cleaning side of Belinda. Neither man sees all of Bee, not in this first story.

Their choice of names also hints that Nicolas and Hawke may not be whom they portray themselves to be either. Nicolas appears stiff and formal. I would have assumed he’d used her proper name – Belinda. Hawke is a rebel, super casual, very informal. I would have assumed he’d use the pet name – Bee. That they don’t use these expected names suggests that both men also have secrets. (grins) Yes, more secrets!

If you’d like to read more insights on Sinful Rewards 1, please join our Goodreads group at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along .

Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on A Year Of Sizzling Hot Sax – Sinful Rewards 1 Read Along

Release Day For Sinful Rewards 1!

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

Yay! The first installment in Sinful Rewards, my sizzling new contemporary erotic romance serial from Avon Impulse, has released today! Do you like bikers, billionaires, hot naked men standing on balconies? Do you have 99 cents (which can’t even buy a convenience store chocolate bar)? Do you deserve a treat today? If you said yes to any of these questions, say yes to Sinful Rewards!

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: New Releases | Comments Off on Release Day For Sinful Rewards 1!

Sinful Rewards Read Along

By Cynthia Sax on July 14, 2014

I’ll be leading a read along for Sinful Rewards on Goodreads.

What is a read along?

It is like the director’s commentary on a DVD. First, we’ll all read the novella. Then I’ll walk through the story with you, adding insights (no spoilers!) and fun facts.

I’ll also be sharing inspirational photos and fun facts. There will be monthly writing challenges. If there’s interest, I can write some extra scenes (like that Nicolas-Bee-Hawke fantasy menage scene many buddies want).

Sinful Rewards is more than a monthly serial. It is an event. We’ll have some fun this year!

If you’d like to read more insights on Sinful Rewards 1, please join our Goodreads group at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along .

Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Sinful Rewards Read Along

Interview With Madeline Pryce

By Cynthia Sax on July 11, 2014

I sat down (virtually) with Madeline Pryce for a short interview. Madeline Pryce’s latest release is Dark Secrets, a sexy Paranormal.

Cynthia Sax: How does Dark Secrets start?

Madeline Pryce: Dark Secrets picks up two months after the close of Dark Cravings where she was put through the ringer. The opening scene represents a culmination of events that finally pushes Ella over the edge…

A swirling mass of orange and red flames cut through the air, the sound of its approach deafening. I narrowed my gaze, shutting out everything except the firebomb hurling in my direction. Time slowed. Oxygen vaporized into thick, curling strands of smoke. Heat waves wrapped around the outside of the blazing inferno barreling ever closer.

I should be doing so many things right now. Years as a lethal killing machine afforded me the training I needed to protect myself. Ducking, phazing…hell, even something as simple as a side-shuffle to the left would have saved my ass.

Except I didn’t move. Instead, I had a complete and total what the fuck moment. Our routine training session had just taken a complete one-eighty in the wrong direction. Micah McGregor, my half-demon lover, had just thrown a fireball at my head. Holy crap. Since when had he been able to conjure flames out of thin-freakin’-air? Knowing he was a demon and actually seeing it were two very different things. Proof that his demonic powers were manifesting lay in the ribbons of black magic twisting from the starburst pattern embedded into his palm.

Cynthia Sax: Does a character in Dark Secrets have a secret?

Madeline Pryce: Dark Secrets – as the title indicates – is all about the secrets we keep from the ones we care about. Ella isn’t the only one withholding information. As the book unfolds – one secret after another is revealed, pulling the readers deeper into the plot and series arc.

Cynthia Sax: Is Dark Secrets a series and will you be writing more stories in this series?

Madeline Pryce: Dark Secrets is the second full-length book in the Dark series. The first book, Dark Cravings, released from Ellora’s Cave in Dec 2013. The main series follows Ella and Micah with some novella interludes for the side characters. There is also another spin off 3-book series contracted by Ellora’s Cave that will start publishing next year in 2015. One thing you can expect from the Dark series is pulse-pounding action, gritty action, witty dialogue and some smokin’ hot sex scenes.

Series Reading Order
Dark Cravings (#1 Ella/Micah – 85k)
Dark Innocence (#1.5 Hannah – 45k)
Dark Secrets (#2 Ella/Micah – 85k)
Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro – 45k) – release date coming soon!
Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah) – Spring 2015

Cynthia Sax: What one piece of advice would you give new writers?

Madeline Pryce: This is a question I get a lot. The best thing any new writer can do is write. And read. Read tons and tons of fiction books, study the wording, how the sentences are constructed and what techniques the author uses to foreshadow and reveal the plot. The more you write, the more naturally it will come (most times, LOL). Next, get yourself a good critique partner – check out writing forms. The ability to take a critique and learn from it and use it to enhance your novel is a valuable skill. Don’t ever give up, just keep trying and writing.

Thank you, Madeline Pryce, for joining us today!

Madeline Pryce’s Website: http://madelinepryce.blogspot.com

*****************************************************************************

The worst moment of Micah’s life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.

Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that she and Micah’s relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons—and prove that love and trust are more than just words.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Now From Ellora’s Cave:

http://www.ellorascave.com/dark-secrets.html

Topics: Author Interviews | Comments Off on Interview With Madeline Pryce

Why Tryst Denied Isn’t an Interracial Romance

By Cynthia Sax on July 10, 2014

Readers have asked me why Tryst Denied isn’t classified as an interracial romance. Many readers believe Tawania, the heroine, is an African American. They believe Raff’s current form is Caucasian. If you look at these two beautiful people, you might think they were an interracial couple.

But they’re more than that. Raff is an Orogone. He’s, as Tawania calls him, an alien, not human, a different species. Technically, Tryst Denied is an interspecies romance.

I never address race because this couple has bigger challenges. They come from different planets, different galaxies. They’re being hunted by the savage Palavians and trying to simply survive. They’re not as concerned with the different color of their skin.

I also never address race. Period. In any of my stories. I never say a heroine or hero is African American or Caucasian or Asian. I mention their names and describe them in my stories. I also describe them to my publishers’ cover artists. Tryst Denied’s cover artist interpreted Tawania as looking like the woman on the cover. Other cover artists might have interpreted her a different way.

I do this because I don’t identify people in real life by race. When the hubby and I go to China, I see millions of different faces. They all look unique to me. Their coloring might be similar but their faces are one of a kind. My characters are as special. They’re all different, all unique, all more than the color of their skin.

Tawania sees aliens. She knows they’re not real. To avoid being locked up in an institution, she does what any functioning insane person would do—she ignores her imaginary intergalactic visitors. Only one tall sexy alien won’t be ignored. Raff’s heated touch scorches Tawania’s grip on reality. His kisses drive her to madness. He declares that she’s his destined mate. He also insists he’s real.

Raff, an Orogone warrior, is very much real. This handsome warrior has been sent to Earth to round up misbehaving off-worlders and he’s not accustomed to being ignored, especially not by a brown-eyed human female with the most kissable lips in fifteen galaxies. He has mere days to convince her to bond with him. Failure results in death.

Buy Now At Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/tryst-denied.html

Buy Now At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tryst-Denied-3-Mating-Mark-ebook/dp/B00L91AYXW

Buy Now At Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/tryst-denied

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Why Tryst Denied Isn’t an Interracial Romance

How To Dress Like A Romance Hero – Cuff Links

By Cynthia Sax on July 9, 2014

I LOVE cuff links. My dear wonderful hubby has a huge collection. He uses them to add some personality to his classic business suits. Cuff links reveal so much about a man.

Eugene “Gene” Klompus from Just Cuff Links ( http://www.justcufflinks.com/ ) has more than 25 years experience in the cuff link business. He’s helped many, many men and women with their cuff link selections.

I asked Gene to recommend the perfect cuff links for four different romance heroes.

*******************************************************************************

The Sophisticated Executive

(think Nicolas from Sinful Rewards)

This billionaire hero wears expensive dark suits, white shirts, silk ties. He travels in a limousine, eats at the best restaurants, is seen at Chicago high society events. He has a private jet and divides his time between Chicago, New York and LA.

Recommendation

Gene – This is an 18KT gold and sterling silver pair with a faceted and genuine Lapis center stone.

Our website’s item number is: EX-CL-47D.

I chose this pair because of its simplicity of design, and obvious good taste appearance. This pair matches the Sophisticated Executive’s conservative taste and follows his appreciation for quality.

Cynthia: Nicolas, the billionaire hero from Sinful Rewards, would definitely want this pair. I’m drooling over these.

*******************************************************************************

The Bad Boy Biker

(think Mack, Hawke’s biker friend, from Sinful Rewards)

This hero dresses in leather and denim, has tattoos and rides a Harley. He thumbs his nose at the rules. He rarely dons a suit but when he does, it certainly isn’t traditional. He will do anything once and thinks the guys on Duck Dynasty are wimps.

Recommendation

Gene – This is a nicely enameled and classic pair of cuff links depicting a skull and crossbones.

Our website’s item number is: SK-CL-Cufflink.

I chose this pair because it matches the macho mindset of this biker. And, I know from experience that it is a favorite pair among bikers

Cynthia: I can see every biker at The Road Gator (the biker bar in Sinful Rewards) wanting a pair of these cuff links!

*******************************************************************************

The Marine

(think Hawke from Sinful Rewards)

He’s proudly patriotic, willing to die for his country. He supports the All American dream, was likely the quarterback of his high school football team, likes apple pie and his mom. He calls the people he respects Sir or Ma’am, is very clean, organized, and always on time.

Recommendation

Gene – Red, white and Blue “waving flag” in a gold setting.

Our website’s item number is: FL-JJ-3572.

I chose this pair because The Marine is highly patriotic. He would be very proud to wear this pair!

Cynthia: These would be the only cuff links Hawke would wear. These are a must for every proud American!

*******************************************************************************

The Movie Star

(think Cole from Sinful Rewards)

He’s always in the spotlight, wears the latest trends, is seen in the latest social hot spots. He’s concerned about how he’s depicted and is constantly on for the cameras. His clothes, cars, attitude all scream ‘look at me.’

Recommendation

Gene – This is a highly sparkling pair of Cherry Red Swarovski crystal cuff links with a clear crystal surround.

Our website’s item number is; MIS-AU-SW27

I chose this pair because of The Movie Star’s strong desire to be noticed. This pair has great “bling” and he would love the attention it commands.

Cynthia: Not only would these cuff links appeal to Cole, but they would appeal to color loving Cyndi also. If they ever met, she’d happily buy him a pair!

*******************************************************************************

Thank you, Gene, for sharing your expertise with us today!

For fellow cuff link lovers, Just Cuff Links has the largest selection of antique and vintage cuff links on the net. Be careful though. If you’re an addict like I am, you’ll have a wish list several pages long!

Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Writer’s Block Or The Causes Of Word Constipation

By Cynthia Sax on July 8, 2014

Some writers claim that there’s no such thing as writer’s block. They’ve written a gazillion stories and they’ve never suffered from it. That’s awesome. Good for them.

But, unfortunately, it is all too real. Just because these writers haven’t experienced it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is like love at first sight. Many people insist that isn’t real either. I thought the same way until I met my dear wonderful hubby. Heck, I mocked friends who experienced this phenomenon. Then the hubby and I fell in love at first sight. Bam. I was a goner, one of those besotted fools I once mocked. Twenty plus years later, we remain very much in love.

Writer’s block is less fun than falling in love at first sight. The words don’t flow. There may be a trickle or a complete stoppage.

Here are some of the sources of writer’s block and how I solve the issue (If you have your own solutions, please share them in the comments).

We’ve Run Out Of Story Ideas

We need a story for a call for submission (a publisher asking for types of stories) or a boxed set or a contest or (name your need here) and we have NO ideas, absolutely nothing. We look in our brain and it’s a barren wasteland, our imaginations parched and lifeless. We panic, worrying about our deadlines and thinking we’ll never have another great idea again. This makes matters even worse, diverting our creative juices to deal with our insanity.

THIS is what writing buddies are for. I keep a list of my top 100 story ideas. Perfectly good ideas drop off this list every damn day. I write light and the idea might be darker. I might not write in that genre. The idea is a little too mainstream for me. Whatever the reason, ideas drop off. I would be THRILLED to give you some of these ideas. I’d hand them to you happily. You likely won’t write them either but they might prompt another idea, a better idea (for you).

If your writing buddies are currently as insane as you are (hey, it happens), consider reading headlines, JUST the headlines. Guess the rest of the story. Or go to the mall and listen to conversations. Phone calls are the best for this as we only hear one side of the conversation. Take a book you love and play what if with some of the elements. What if Pride and Prejudice was set in a steampunk world? What if Mr. Darcy had a delicious secret he was trying to hide (maybe he’s scarred from a war or…)?

We’re Staring At A Blank Page

We have a story idea and now we don’t know where to start. We’re staring at the blank screen until blood drips from our ears and THERE ARE NO WORDS. Oh my God. What happens if there are NEVER any words?

When this happens to me (with every single story start – big sigh), I write down what I know. I already have my story idea. I’ll write that down. Voila! The screen is no longer blank. I have words and I’m writing. Hey, this isn’t so intimidating. I might have a glimpse of a scene or a tidbit of a conversation. I write that down also. I don’t expect to keep any of this. The idea is to start writing because usually when I start writing, I continue writing.

Usually.

Our Words Simply Stop

We’re zipping along, writing like madwomen, super excited about our stories, and the words simply stop. Can’t…Get…Past…This…Scene. We force ourselves to write because that is what many more experienced writers advise. This isn’t bad advice as long as we realize that all we’re doing is buying time to figure out what is wrong. These forced words will likely have to be scrapped.

Because we’ve made a wrong decision.

This is the number one reason why MY words stop (your reasons might be different). I’ve made a wrong decision for my characters. They know this. My brain knows this. But I’m stubborn as hell and determined to be right. I refuse to revisit it and my characters go on strike. The characters ALWAYS win and they should. If they know they’re doing something they wouldn’t, readers will know this also.

I go back to where the words were flowing in the manuscript and examine the following scenes. If I still can’t see the wrong decision, I’ll hand the manuscript to a writing buddy or I’ll talk it over with my dear wonderful hubby. Sometimes simply talking about it clears the issues up in my mind.

It could be something minor like the heroine’s motivation for an action isn’t right. In Sinful Rewards, I first thought that Bee was clothing obsessed because she cared what other people thought. Yes, she cares but the REAL reason she’s clothing obsessed is because she associates clothing with happiness. When Bee was young, her mom always looked tired and unhappy when she wore her cheap waitress uniform. As soon as I figured that out, the words flowed.

It could be something major like a lack of magic between a hero and a heroine. Writing romance is much like matchmaking. A couple might look good in theory but when we put them in the same room together, there’s no spark, no magic. I originally paired Camille from Breaking All The Rules with Michael. That was the grand plan. But when I got them together, there was NO interest, nothing, nada, zip. Then I introduced her to Nate and there was magic, that zing of sexual attraction. The trickle of words became a deluge.

We Don’t Want This Story To End

We only have one last scene to write. All of the plot threads have been wrapped up. We have that last lovey dovey scene to write and we’re done.

But we don’t want to write it because this means saying good-bye to the characters OR in the case of pantsers, we know what this last scene is. There will be very few surprises.

THIS is the scene I usually force myself to write. I tell myself that I’m writing a series (whether or not I am) and I will see this couple (or more) again. I like circular storytelling so I’ll focus on creative ways to reference the beginning of the story. I remind myself why this scene is important to my characters (it is their reward for surviving the story – grins) and readers (it is their sweet dessert at the end of the romance meal).

What are some of your techniques for dealing with writer’s block?

Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Writing Tips | 1 Comment »

Sinful Rewards 1 – Fourth Excerpt

By Cynthia Sax on July 7, 2014

This post has adult content. If you are under the age of eighteen years old or sensitive to adult language/situations, please do not read this post.

I’ve shared the first three scenes from Sinful Rewards 1.

Read the first scene here

Read the second scene here

Read the third scene here

Today, I’m sharing the fourth scene.

***

I hastily don my purse, wearing the strap across my body. Leather smacks against my thigh, the fashion accessory designed for tall supermodels, not for my slighter proportions. If I leave the condo now, I can pretend I was never here.

I march out of the unit and into the hallway. The door closes behind me and the state-of-the-art lock buzzes, electronically clicking into place. My heels sink into rich red carpet. Gold light fixtures illuminate the common areas. Vanilla fills the air, the scent appealingly light. I’m surrounded by opulence and beauty. It feels good and right, as though I belong here, and no one, certainly not some tattooed stranger, will take my new home away from me.

I press the button for the elevator and study my reflection in the metal doors. My shirt is an impeccable white, the cuffs neatly folded at my elbows, the style copied from one of this month’s fashion magazines. The designer shirts in that spread had been expensive silk. My shirt is cotton, purchased at a discount department store. I’ve raised the hem of my black formfitting skirt so it skims my bare knees. My shoes match my skirt, the Louboutin knockoffs sporting the distinct shiny red-lacquered soles, the heel height and toe shape perfectly duplicated.

I brush a stray strand of hair behind my right ear. Even my hairstyle is borrowed from the pages of a magazine, my straight brown tendrils swept upward and contained by a plain clip. I might not be able to afford the real designs, but I can look damn close.

The doors open. Lona LaMarre, the notorious occupant of five oh one south, stands in one corner of the elevator. I hesitate, silently questioning if sharing space with her is wise. The aging beauty is rumored to be a high-class escort, a character no decent woman would ever associate with, a woman who makes my perversions appear normal.

She’s profited well from her perversions. Lona is clad in a gorgeous black Chanel suit, the detailing on the buttons and collar exquisite. She clutches a gold phone in one hand and a red Alexander McQueen bag in the other, the leather in mint condition.

Her flawless fashion sense lures me closer. I step inside the elevator car and press the button for the lobby.

The doors close and Lona raises her gaze from her phone. Her blue eyes are cold and assessing, not missing a single aspect of my appearance. I shift my weight from my right foot to my left, uncomfortable with her perusal, suspecting she’s determining my net worth down to the penny.

My measly net worth must amuse her. Lona’s lips twitch, her peach-colored lipstick immaculate. “Good morning, Belinda.” Her voice is husky, hinting of smoke and sex. Her floral perfume teases my nostrils, the scent expensive and refined.

Lona would never wear fake anything.

“Good morning,” I mutter as I claim the far corner. Our images reflect in the mirrored walls, and I wince. Standing next to her, I resemble a girl playing dress-up, short, slender, and insignificant, a cheap imitation of the real thing.

Even my good-girl reputation is a lie, as the tattooed man uncovered this morning. I gaze morosely at the red digital numbers, willing them to change faster. My telekinetic abilities are weak. The elevator descends agonizingly slowly.

“Your purse won’t last the day,” the escort murmurs, breaking the silence. “You should replace it before it falls apart.”

“It’s not that easy.” Her assumption that everyone has money irritates me. This week’s paycheck is already spent, the money needed to pay my mom’s rent.

“It could be that easy.” Lona smiles, her teeth straight and white and perfect. “You’re a beautiful young woman.”

I’m beautiful? I snort softly. Is she looking at the same reflection as I am?

“I have principles.” I want security and safety, a man who won’t leave me as my dad left my mom.

“Principles don’t buy designer purses or pay the rent, hon.” Lona’s brilliant eyes flash. “What happens when your bubbly little friend finds a man and settles down? She’ll want the condo to herself. What will you do then? Go back to that sleepy little one-stoplight town, work at the diner with your mom, taking orders from snotty teenage girls? Will you be content with that life?”

I jerk my chin upward and meet her gaze. “How do you know where I grew up?” How does she know about my mom, about the diner, about the teenage girls who made my high school days a living hell, forcing my mom to wait on them, to pander to their every need?

“Oh, baby.” Lona chuckles. “My sources might have given me the details, but I knew who you were the day you moved into the building.”

Don’t ask. Don’t ask. Don’t ask. I curl my fingers around the strap of my purse and dig my fingernails into the faux leather. Shit. This sensory distraction isn’t enough. I need to know. “Who am I?”

“You’re me, twenty-seven years ago,” Lona informs me triumphantly.

“I’m not you. I’ll never be you.” I’ll resist my unnatural urges, hide my perversions. No one will ever know. . .except for the tattooed stranger.

Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/

Sinful Rewards 1

Cynthia Sax

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Sinful Rewards 1 – Fourth Excerpt