About Me

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Southeast, Florida, United States
I've had a love affair with books since I was a little girl. Once I discovered that stories could take me to amazing worlds where heroes and heroines could tackle insurmountable odds and yet live happily ever after, I was hooked. My overactive imagination always questions "what if?" and I often daydream about scenarios for the next story. Living in South Florida is a dream I fulfilled. For many years now, the balmy breezes, palm trees and surf crashing upon the shoreline have satisfied my soul. They often show up as settings for my stories. I used to say that I'd try anything once, but that was before some suggested skydiving, mountain climbing and swimming with sharks. Nowadays, I prefer the comfort of my chair in front of my computer where the most dangerous thing I face is writer's block. I let my characters tackle the impossible challenges and all I have to do is make sure they have a happy ending. I welcome readers to explore the fantastic world of my imagination where anything is possible and most likely will happen. Look for my books and e-books at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other fine e-tailers

My Website gaildeyoung.com

My Website gaildeyoung.com
Click on this picture to take you there

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Feed Your Fantasy

Let’s face it. It’s very easy to get into a rut in life. Day in and day out, we go through the same routine. Before we know it, weeks, months and perhaps years have gone by. Yet, nothing has changed. It’s not that we wouldn’t like to do something different, it’s just that there are things that must be done to keep the household running, the kids going to school, and the bills paid. Whether we’re single, married or divorced, life can become monotonous and routine.  

Those who live together know that seeing the other person on a daily basis complicates the ability to excite their companion. The simple fact is they’ve seen us at our best and our worst. No surprises equals same old, same old.

Those who live alone, for whatever reason, may also experience a lack of excitement. Even going out to the bar scene or on a blind date doesn’t guarantee any luck in finding the thrill we seek. And if life has dealt one a blow, such as an illness or the loss of a spouse, it may seem impossible to ever feel again. 

So, where is that joy de vivre that used to make us look forward to greeting each new day? Where is the spark that gave us a tingly feeling when we thought about or got together with our special someone? How do we revive it so when we get together we can create some fireworks?  If we’re alone, are we doomed to never know that joy again?

Absolutely not! I’ve got good news…you can do it, but it’s going to take some work. Luckily, we were all born with an imagination and with that come fantasies. All we have to do is allow ourselves the luxury of giving into them. Fantasies add “spice” to a dull, boring, predictable life.

Sure, you say. That’s easier said than done. Perhaps you don’t think you can trust your imagination. Or perhaps you’ve been together doing it the same way for so long, you don’t know any other way. Have no fear -- erotica books are here! Yes, these books do more than tantalize; they can also teach. Read a few and see if there isn’t something in there that you haven’t tried. Then try it. There’s plenty of frank description in case you need to visualize it. You’ll surprise your partner and there’s a good possibility that it will turn him or her on and you’ll be getting pursued more often.

These days, you don’t have to be afraid of someone seeing you reading one of “those” books.      E-readers very conspicuously hide everything you’re reading, so unless someone is looking over your shoulder, you’re safe. You could buy one in the morning and by that night, have read it and made notes (if necessary) so you’re ready to experiment that evening. The book might have been so hot that you practiced a little beforehand. Who would know?

So why wait? Delve into your fantasy. It’s your imaginary world. Do what you want to do; be who you want to be. Perhaps you’ve wondered what it’s like to be a femme fatale, or a sexy woman in the red light district. How about a slave or cop working undercover? No matter what turns you on, you’re sure to find it in these stories.       

This is one of the reasons I write these books. My imagination goes into overdrive. Perhaps I haven’t done everything I write about in person, but there’s a good chance I have either seen it done in movies (x-rated, of course), or watched others do it. Do I get turned on while writing this stuff? You bet I do! If I don’t, I go back and rewrite that scene again until I do. I want my readers to “feel” as much of the story as they can. I know I’ve hit my mark when someone writes a review telling everyone how “hot” my book was.

For all those who love reading erotic romances, I’m happy to feed your fantasies.  Please visit my website or this blog for news on upcoming books. I appreciate the opportunity to satisfy your every desire. As always, I welcome your comments. 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Rhonda Lee Carver Here Today!!!


My blog has been hijacked. Today we have a special guest – Rhonda Lee Carver. She’s here to tell us about her latest book, Castle’s Fortress, which sounds amazing. Enjoy! Please feel free to leave a comment. Welcome Rhonda - take it away!






Rhonda Lee Carver

"Everyone deserves romance...one page at a time."















Author of:

Double Dare www.lyricalpress.com

Diamond in a Rose http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Second Chance Cowboy http://www.lyricalpress.com/

Delaney's Sunrise June 20, 2011 http://www.lyricalpress.com/

Castle's Fortress just released September 19, 2011 http://www.lyricalpress.com/

Rhonda Lee Carver's website: http://www.rhondaleecarver.com/


"When love's breath breathes life into our lungs and understanding into our mind, we shall only yield to its magical hearth. To deny it is foolish. Escape is futile." RLC

Thank you for having me Gail!

Creepy is hot.

Ghosts galore, haunted houses, spooky mayhem…The more the better.

There is something about a romance novel that entwines a love story and a haunting, making it sexy. The hormonal reaction a reader gets as they embark upon the supernatural is connected with the “fight or flight” syndrome. At the very moment we are scared we get a sudden boost of adrenaline, or “power.”

You can get this “adrenaline rush” by riding a roller coaster, or walking through a jungle at night waiting for the wild animals to burst out from the darkness. A simpler, and safer, way is to read a story that is hauntingly beautiful. Be terrified by an author’s eerie imagination. Allow your “survivor instinct” to kick in as you stroll through pages of horror.


As I wrote Castle’s Fortress I wanted to keep an even balance between love and the darkness beyond the natural. I wanted for the hero and heroine to have a special connection. Jake and Fall have this. Fall has the ability to read Jake’s mind. Together they are force to be beckoned with as spirits attempt to pull them into the world of the unknown.

Castle’s Fortress was my favorite book that I’ve written so far. I hope anyone who loves romance mingled with a haunting will pick this eBook up.



Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000265604936#!/profile.php?id=100000265604936

Author page:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000265604936#!/pages/Rhonda-Lee-Carver-Author/155568577811615

Blogspot: http://rhondaleecarver-author.blogspot.com/

Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=425



Blurb



One hundred years ago, a little girl died mysteriously. Twenty years ago, another followed. Today, Fall Winters has to find out why.

The last person Jake Castle expects to see again is Fall Winters. Twenty years ago, they were been best friends, until her father killed his sister. He left her and his sleepy hometown--and all the memories in it. He didn’t want a stroll down memory lane, especially with her.


Fall has never believed her father was guilty. He was responsible for a lot of things, but not kidnapping and killing a teenage girl. Now, Fall’s own sister is missing under similar


circumstances. It looks like she was right. She must find her sister alive and prove the connection between the cases, not to mention her father's innocence. Fall turns to the only person she can trust--Jake.

Jake agrees to help Fall on one condition: They never step foot in the ramshackle haunted house that almost left Fall dead when she was ten. Jake wants to believe the ghost they saw that night was a figment of his imagination. But as they delve further into the mystery surrounding the kidnappings, Jake begins to realize there is a connection to the house, and a stronger one with Fall. He knows it’s time to face his fears--and the feelings inside his heart that lead him straight to Fall.

Excerpt

“Jake...”


His sensual gaze roved over her from eyes to worn boots, an impish smile taking the place of the innocent grin. She resisted the urge to squirm while he smoothed a glance over her chest.

Jake made no effort to do the decent thing and remove his gaze from her. This was a new side to him. It would take some getting used to, but from the ache building in her, she didn’t find it an unwelcome change.

Damned body betrayed her mind. She hadn’t asked him to come to Marietta to start up a romance. In fact, feelings of a sexual kind could only deter from what she needed.

She narrowed her gaze on him, hoping she did a good job at hiding any sign of attraction. “Jake, don’t they have breasts in New York?”

His gaze trailed a slow, intense path upward until their gazes locked. “I believe you had a psychic vision and saw me coming.” One corner of his mouth kinked as his brows wriggled in covert meaning.


She wondered if he used this manly magic on all the women. She sighed. “You didn’t come all the way to Ohio to admire the view.” She relaxed her hands on her waist and slanted a hip. “Right?”

“Although the scenery is quiet spectacular here,” he flicked a glance over her again, “I have other things in mind besides sightseeing.”


She couldn’t imagine many women could block an internal heat wave under Jake’s magnetism. He possessed a quality that probably had women falling at his pricey loafers all the time. However, she wasn’t just any woman. Charming or not, she wanted one thing from Jake, and it had nothing to do with what lay behind his zipper. Although, she was a bit curious at what did lay there.

She swallowed the naughty-girl lump in her throat and tore her mind back on path. “Did you drive all night?” The inky darkness rimming his eyes was a sign that he needed sleep.


Jake nodded. “I couldn’t wait to get here.”


Did his lip curl? She caught the sarcastic tone to his words. She blew it off as she unplugged her machinery and tossed her woodworking tools into the leather case. When she turned back to him, she planted an award-winning smile on her lips. “As far as I see it, you won’t be any good to me until you’ve had a large dose of caffeine and a moment to catch your breath. I need your energy, not your attitude.”


Eyebrows curved, he smiled. “Sounds kinky.” He ran a long finger along the edge of the table and her stomach did a flop. He should have just slid that finger down the line of her curves. It would have had the same effect on her. “Be honest with me, Fall. Did you bring me here just to live out your childhood fantasy of kissing me?”


Oh, he was a charmer.


His lure was dripped in warm honey butter, and she didn’t need the calories. “Jake Ivan Castle. Not only do you adorn yourself with a big company and fast cars, I hear you like those same qualities in your women.” She bit back a smile when he appeared offended. “As you see, my breasts reside in one county and my brain is bigger than a pebble. The only thing fast about me is my skills at woodworking. So, in layman terms, I’m not your type, and truthfully, I like men who enjoy the simpler things in life. Now, let’s clean our thoughts. We have work to do.”















Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Rhonda Lee Carver Will Be Blogging Here On Friday September 23rd!


Castle's Fortress

Author: Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre: Romance/Paranormal
Digital ISBN: 9781616503178
Length: Short Novel
Digital Publication Date: September 19, 2011
Cover art by Renee Rocco
Formats: .epub, .lit, .pdf, .prc, .html
Buy direct for Kindle, Nook





Rhonda Lee Carver, Author of  "Second Chance Cowboy", "Double Dare", "Diamond In A Rose" and "Delaney's Sunrise", will be here on Friday to blog about her newest book "Castle's Fortress" which was released on September 19th.

About Rhonda: I'm a believer in love and love happy endings. Creating interesting characters and crafting romance stories is not only a thrill, but means as much to me as taking my next breath.



Castle's Fortress Blurb:

One hundred years ago, a little girl died mysteriously. Twenty years ago, another followed. Today, Fall Winters has to find out why.


The last person Jake Castle expects to see again is Fall Winters. Twenty years ago, they were best friends, until her father killed his sister. He left her and his sleepy hometown--and all the memories in it. He didn’t want a stroll down memory lane, especially with her.

Fall has never believed her father was guilty. He was responsible for a lot of things, but not kidnapping and killing a teenage girl. Now, Fall’s own sister is missing under similar

circumstances. It looks like she was right. She must find her sister alive and prove the connection between the cases, not to mention her father's innocence. Fall turns to the only person she can trust--Jake.

Jake agrees to help Fall on one condition: They never step foot in the ramshackle haunted house that almost left Fall dead when she was ten. Jake wants to believe the ghost they saw that night was a figment of his imagination. But as they delve further into the mystery surrounding the kidnappings, Jake begins to realize there is a connection to the house, and a stronger one with Fall. He knows it’s time to face his fears--and the feelings inside his heart that lead him straight to Fall.


Copyright 2011, Rhonda Lee Carver
All rights reserved, Lyrical Press, Inc.

http://www.rhondaleecarver.com/

Join my author page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhonda-Lee-Carver-Author/155568577811615?v=wall

Purchase:http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=425











Sunday, September 18, 2011

GOTCHA - FIRST LINES THAT WON'T LET GO

             I love first lines in a book that make me want to read more. Whether they shock me, tease me or make me laugh, they snag my attention and draw me into the story. Before I know it, I can’t put the book down and I buy it. I’d like to share some of my favorite first lines that caught my attention. I am delighted to say these books reside on my bookshelf or in my e-reader.

“Well, thank God, this is about to be over.” Ill Wind by Rachel Caine

“If he catches me, I’m dead.” Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

“His brother had thought Hell a fiery abyss, but Nicolas Montfaucon knew better. Seduced by Darkness by Delilah Devlin

“Many things are not as they seem: the worst things in life never are.” White Night by Jim Butcher

“Once, there were more of us.” The Dream Thief by Shana Abe

“Death, Pestilence, Famine – They surround me, my lovers, the terrifying Unseelie Princes.” Dream Fever by Karen Marie Moning

“A funeral always made for a bad day.” Falling Awake by Jayne Ann Krentz

These are just a few of the many, many books that have drawn me into them. What do all of these have in common? They beg the question – what in the heck is going on?  I have read the front and back cover, so yes, I have an idea what the story is about. But I always open the cover and read the first page or so to see what the writing is like.

Knowing that I enjoy reading quite a few genres and, in those genres, there are hundreds of new books to choose from, I peruse the book store looking for the next gem that I will take home and devour.  If an author has a series that I’ve already started, i.e., Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, I don’t even have to do any of my “research”. I just pick up the next book in the series because I know I’m going to love it. But I have discovered a plethora of new authors who I now follow simply because I read the first few intriguing lines.

So how important is that opening? To me, if I don’t know the author, it’s paramount. It could make the difference between buying that book and choosing another. When I put it that way, there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.

Now, it wouldn’t be fair to judge others if I didn’t let you judge mine, also. So here are the first lines of my books. Have I done a good job of hooking you?

“There was so much blood. Everywhere.” Leaves in the Wind by Gail DeYoung

“The sign on the door to Decadent Delights read, ‘Mature audiences only. Anyone under 18 not allowed.’” Decadent Delights by Gail DeYoung

“Submission…the most intimate exchange of power. If this is your goal, let me take you to your limits and beyond.” Desire’s Awakening by Gail DeYoung

I welcome your comments.




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Length -- Does It Really Matter?


            I know what you’re thinking. But, no, this isn’t about that topic. Well, at least not yet. You see, there is a much more important aspect of length that I wish to discuss.

Stories come in all different lengths, from a few hundred words to -- yikes – close to a thousand pages. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows” is 759 pages. It takes a lot of stamina to do that. I truly admire authors who can work at both ends of that spectrum. It’s just as difficult to fit a convincing story into a short-short as it is to weave a tale that goes on forever. From an author’s point of view, editing a short story can be a breeze, while working with a monster could possibly take a long, long time.

But from a reader’s point of view, what is more appealing?  Do you find yourself skimming a big book, but paying closer attention to detail in shorter ones? Do you look at your unread list and decide what to read next based upon the amount of time it will take you? Would you prefer to read one lengthy novel, or five shorter ones in the same amount of time? Or does length really matter at all?

From my perspective, I prefer to read what I call “middle of the road” length books. These are stories that I can breeze through in as little as two hours or as long as four. Perhaps my preference has to do with my writing. I haven’t mastered the art of crafting the short-short. Well, not yet, but that’s a goal I will attain one of these days! Anything over 500 pages scares the heck out of me, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying quite a few of those books to put on my bookshelf. Because there aren’t enough hours of the day to accomplish all the tasks on my “To Do” list, I have to weigh my choices carefully. Ah…decisions, decisions.

Add to that my tendency to read more than one book at a time (I know – who does that?) This is a skill which I believe was bred into me by my mother who insisted that I learn to multi-task when I was growing up. The funny thing is that no matter how much time has passed since I picked up a book, I recall every detail I previously read. So when I sit down to read a book, not only do I have to decide on what length of book to choose, I have to decide whether or not to finish a previously-started book or a new one. If it is late at night and I’m going to bed soon, I have to choose something that won’t take too long in case I fall asleep.

Ah, such a dilemma! Now add to that my love of writing and well, I think you get the picture – I am juggling every minute of the day. My current WIP (work in process) needs attention, but I mustn’t forget several others sitting on the back burner brewing in my creative juices. Crafting a story takes time, and I find the longer I “sit” on a story, the more interesting the plot and characters become.

Now, as to what you thought this article was going to be about, I won’t keep you in the dark any longer. Does length matter? I used to think so, but an older and wiser me believes it’s not the length of the pole, it’s how he wiggles his worm.

 I welcome your comments.




Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New Release - "Decadent Delights"



I'm pleased to announce the release of my new book, "Decadent Delights" from Ellora's Cave. For  a sneak preview of the first chapter and a peak at the sexy book trailer, please stop by my website, http://www.gaildeyoung.com/. In connection with the release of the book, I'm also running a contest for chocolate. Don't forget to sign up while you're at the website. The winner will be drawn on October 15th.

Here's the video for "Decandent Delights" enjoy!


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Sex Is Good At Any Age


We’ve all heard the saying, “watch out for the quiet ones,” but I always assumed that quote referred to the bookish-looking, unadorned young women who always wore glasses and smiled sheepishly if you mentioned sex. Until I started writing erotica, I didn’t realize that could also refer to sexy senior citizens.

Yes, we assume that as one ages, the sex drive goes into a sex stall. There wouldn’t be so many Viagra commercials if a good portion of men over 40 didn’t need a little help rising to the occasion. But just because the equipment may need a little boost to get it properly working again doesn’t mean that the “urge to merge” still isn’t alive and well in people who are “up there in years” (anyone over 40).

Women, especially, know this is true. We hit our stride in our 40’s. Men may have a burning need to chase anything that wiggles its rear end at them when they are 20, but watch out for those cougars! Not only have they learned to strut their stuff, they’ve also had experience and aren’t afraid to tell men exactly what they want and need. Perhaps that’s why the older women/younger men themes in some of our stories rings true to a certain segment of the population.

But folks in their 40’s aren’t the only ones who still like sex. As people climb the age ladder, they still enjoy titillation. Though some might not want to admit it in public, they’re intrigued by it. I’ve come to the conclusion that yes, there is an entire audience of older people out there who quietly enjoys reading erotica novels.

In the past, whenever an older person would ask what kind of stories I wrote, I’d dance around the question by saying “um, romance.” But if they pursued the topic further by saying, “Oh, I’d like to buy one of your books. Where can I get them?” I’d have to be a little more specific in my description of what I write. After all, I didn’t want to offend them. But, more often than not, I’d be pleasantly surprised by their reaction.

In fact, last year, one of older the men I worked for asked if he could read a work in process. I gave him the first chapter of “Undercover Lovers” and I heard him ooh-ing and ahh-ing. He came out of the office and asked where he could read more. I told him the story wasn’t finished, but he could read “Desire’s Awakening” and gave him my web address. He left with a big smile on his face.

Though at least one-third of my published books were required to have graphic sex in them, I always made sure there was a solid storyline, too, involving charismatic characters who face believable situations. My goal is not to write smut, but to make my stories as realistic as possible. I don’t get turned on by x-rated videos where there is no storyline, just two (or more) people having sex, so why would I write that? If that is what a reader is looking for, they’ll have to read someone else’s books.

I’m always delighted when someone older than me asks to be my friend on Facebook so they can keep up with my newly-published stories. After my sister created the book video for “Decadent Delights” and posted it, I was stopped by several people at work who told me how awesome it was and that they were looking forward to reading the book. That, alone, makes writing these books all worthwhile.

Sex is just one part of our lives, but it is an important part. I guess that’s why people of all ages like it. We may grow older and lose our youthful sex appeal, but inside, we never really give up feeling like that young, sexy person. As long as that desire still resides with us, we can enjoy the rush that comes from sexual excitement, even if it is just from reading something that turns us on. And what’s the harm in that? After all, we’re only human.