Friday, December 22, 2006

Apparittion.....Part 2

“Damn it!” Jared muttered to himself. Where was that damn limo? It was supposed to be there fifteen minutes ago. Jared didn’t want to have to deal with one of his father’s lectures about punctuality, but as he was late he knew he would hear it. Being the son of Dominic and Natalie Cross had it pits falls. At thirty he was one of the most eligible bachelors in NY. Living on the east side of Manhattan in a loft wasn’t so bad to say the least. But Jared did not need his father’s money to survive, he need it for his two projects to survive. He ran two shelters for teenage runaways living on the streets in the city. Instead of sleeping on corners and being forced into prostitution and drug habits. Jared gave them a warm bed, food, a roof over their heads and offered other opportunities for the forgotten of the world. So if he had to listen to his fathers lectures to ensure a handsome donation to his shelter’s he sit and button his lips.
Shit! The word was spit out of him. He decided then and there it would better to go through Central Park to get to his parents. The lived not to far from one of the many exits of the park. He’d just hop in a cab on the other side and zip to their place. Dressed in a dark tuxedo that accentuated his large frame Jared crossed the street and headed into the park. He liked this idea better anyway of walking anyway, That way if he ran into any kids looking for a safe place to sleep, he could give them a card and directions to the shelter. Jared walked in front the traffic that was almost to a complete stop, he moved quickly. He smiled knowing that in New York when the traffic is read to move, you had better be not standing in front of it.
Shadows were already beginning to form from the setting sun. The trees made a canopy of shade and Jared walked through the park unafraid. He was six two and with long brown hair falling down his back he looked more like a sexy biker that the son of a shipping baron. It was just after Labor Day and the city still had a little humidity from the summer left. In a tux it was hell on wheels and Jared could feel droplets of sweat starting to run down his back. Sitting on a bench were two teens as he passed. He could tell by the wariness in their eyes that they were homeless. Jared knew the routine sit in the park like if you are just relaxing until it was safe from cops chasing them away. The twosome would try to find a place to sleep for the night. The next day the process would begin all over again. Jared hated to see it. But in New York kids like these were looked over. His aim was to do something about it.
“Hey guys, you looking for a roof and a meal? He stopped and asked.
“Listen asshole, we don’t do shit like that. Shove off!” the boy stood up with his fist balled just in case he had to defend him and his companion.
“Whoa calm down kid. I run a shelter. You and your girlfriend could stay there.” Jared replied. His hands were up to show the kid he meant no harm.
“She is not my girlfriend, she is my sister.” The girl did not even look up. She seemed withdrawn and scared. Her body language, her silence was the classic signs of brutality.
Making a mental not about getting counseling for her, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a card. “Look, go to the “Safe Harbor Shelter. It’s off Columbus Circle. That’s my place, ask for Max and tell him I sent you.”
“This ain’t no bullshit right?” The boy asked warily.
“No you guys will be safe there and as long as you follow the rules you can stay as long as you like.” Jared assured him.
The boy took the card and helped his sister from the bench and Jared watched them walk off. He call Max later to see if they got there and to sent up someone to talk to the girl. He looked at his watch again, he was over an hour late. “Damn it!” He said to himself and walked quickly lost in his own thoughts. Jared noticed his surroundings a few minutes later. He had been walking and not paying attention to where he was going, He was sure he made a wrong turn somewhere because this was not where he needed to be. Cursing softly to himself he turned on the smaller path to head back in the direction he came from. How in the hell did he end up in one of the bike trails? The part of the park the lanes were smaller and carried more dense bushes. Out of the corner of his eye Jared swore he saw a wisp of blue. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and he turned quickly to confront who ever was behind him. There she stood dressed in a blue with bare feet. Her black straight hair blue gently but there was no breeze, everything seemed to go still. She could be no more than nineteen, her eyes were sad and Jared felt an instant amount of concern that over rid the wariness.
He took slow careful steps towards the small woman and reached out his hand talking softly to her. “Hi, are ok? Do you need help?”
Her response was to turn and run deeper into the wooded path. “Hey!” Jared called after her and followed. She moved quickly for a woman with no shoes on. She stooped suddenly and faced him once again.
Jared skidded to a halt. “Lady why did you run? If you need help, let me take you to the police or a hospital.”
The woman in blue stared at him with the sad brown eyes. This time it was her who reached out her hand to him. Jared stepped forward to take it but she steeped back .
“Help me.” She whispered. “Find me.”
“Find you?” Jared asked. “You’re right here, I found you al…….”
Jared words stopped as he watched the woman fade from his sight, her out stretched hand was the last thing to disappear. With his mouth gaping open Jared stared at the spot where she stood a few seconds before. What the fuck! This was not possible he thought wildly. She could not just disappear! Jared looked around expecting to see her standing somewhere else, but there was nothing she was gone. Jared walked away slowly looking back over and over again to where she last stood. His mind was having trouble comprehending what he knew he had just saw and talked to a ghost.
“Jesus Christ this had been an odd day.” He muttered. He found his usual path thought Central park and got to his parents building over an hour and a half later that he was supposed to be there. He kissed his mother’s check dutifully and even managed to smiles as she winked thought his father’s lecture about him wasting his life. But his mind was somewhere else. It was on the park and what he saw. She needed help, she needed someone to find her. Find her what? Her body, her killer? Jared didn’t know but by the end of the night, he knew he was going to find out.

Interview with H. Renay Anderson

I had the pleasure of talking with author H. Renay Anderson about her new book release. She is a shy but sweet person, who's personalty comes out in her writing. This is what Renay had to say***

Kelly: Tell us how long you have been writing Renay?

Renay: I have been writing since I was a little girl. I was and I am still a very quite person. Not shy at all, but I express myself best through my writing. My first published work was released in 1996. It was a book of poetry that I self-published. The title was ‘Four Generations Deep’

Kelly: I know this is the second time your book has been released. Tell us did you add anything new to it any more spicy love scenes?

Renay: Yes Ma‘am! I have learned a lot since 2003. That is when it was released the first time. I know it is my book, but I still get chills reading about Valerie and Mitchell’s hot tub scene!

Kelly: I love the title of your book. What was the inspiration behind your book? Tell us more about it.

Renay: This part of the title 'Why Women Wear Shoes They Know Will Eventually Hurt Their Feet' came to me before one word of the book was ever typed on the keyboard. One day I was walking in a pair of shoes that had not quite been broken in yet. The shoes were too tight when I bought them, but were the latest style and all my friends had a pair. When I thought about it I knew when I bought them that the first time I wore them they would hurt my feet. Yet, I talked myself into it by thinking I would break them in by the end of the night if I wore them long enough. Sometimes women pick men for the same reasons. They want a man who is cute, popular, or financially well-off. These women over-look bad habits if he has them or his excuses for not committing. They hope to break him in someday.

The 'After Party' part of the title is just my way of saying that sometimes we spend so much time preparing for big events like social dances and parties that we miss the point of why the party is being given in the first place. We buy new dresses and shoes then end up spending the whole night uncomfortable and bored. Not until we leave to go home or we go somewhere else where we can relax and take off our shoes do we end up having a good time.


Kelly: What else is coming from H. Renay Anderson in 2007?

Renay: I am glad you asked! This has been a great year for me. In August of 2006 I had a short story published in the book ‘Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul’. The title is ‘Walking the Lessons of Life’. Next my first book ‘The After Party…’was re-released by Mardigras Publishing in November of 2006. Then I had another story accepted in the book ‘How I Met My Sweetheart’ by Amani Publishing. It will be released in February 2007. In addition I had a poem accepted for the upcoming 2007 release of ‘Gumbo for The Soul: The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community’ Anthology #1.

Kelly: Where can readers go to find about more about you?

Renay: My personal website can be found by going to http://clix.to/renay or they can just type in H. Renay Anderson in google.com, ask.com or any search engine.

Kelly: Where can readers find your book?

Renay: Right now it being sold at Mardigraspublishing.com and Fictionwise.com

Kelly: If a fan wanted to send you an email. Where could they reach you?

Renay: My email address is renay6331@yahoo.com

Kelly: What is your inspiration for writing?

Renay: Life or should I say the lives of folks I love

Kelly: Do you have any chats or appearances scheduled? If so tell us where we will be seeing you?

Renay: The After Party …’ was jusr released. I am busy promoting it now and working hard to get somethings scheduled. Please visit my website for updates on my scheduled chats and appearances.

Kelly :One fan wrote your book was inspirational and it should be turned into a movie. Who could you see playing the roles of your characters in Hollywood?

Renay: Valerie is a good Mom and works really hard to take care of her sons. Yet, she is also using work as a shield to keep her from falling in love again. I can easily say that has been me at one or more times in my life. I could see Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls)playing that role.

Kelly: I myself find your book inspiring. Being a single mother and dating it hit close to home. You and your children are a package. I was lucky enough to find a man who loved us all. Tell me Renay is there a personal experience behind your book?

Renay: Some parts of my book are from personal experience. The majority of it is not.
I too have been smart enough to only consider someone who thought of me and my children as a complete package.

Kelly: Before you go, is there anything you would like the readers to know?

Renay: Yes, I want the readers to know that the chapters in my book contain fictional situations, but I am telling the story based on real life and the hard lessons I and other women I know have learned. The readers will absorb the text on every page of this book and linger on the last page pining for more! I can't wait to see what happens next to Valeria and April myself!


That was my interview of the wonderful writer H. Renay Anderson. This inspiring author will have you caught into every word of her book. 2007 look out for her! She will be taking the writing world by storm.
Dahlia Rose

Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

An Interview with Victor Cantrell...SWAT Cop from Love and Lights

Victor is a tough Italian Cop from NY. He won his woman back in Love and lights. We wanted to know more about the man that didn;t stop trying to change christmas for him and Rachel. These question were compiled by my friend and publicist goddess (Melinda). For the sexy Victor. Let's see what he has to say.... Dahlia


1.What got you into a career as a bomb technician?
Victor: Well I first started out as a beat cop and worked my way into the swat team. I loved taking apart bombs. It’s dangerous and I have to admit it is a rush to be able to dismantle something that is meant to destroy. Not only buildings, but lives. To take it apart before it does damage is like taking back the fear a bad guy wants to give the public.

2. Tell us readers what attracted you the most to Rachel?
Victor: Other than the body? (laugh) No seriously. When I met Rachel she was like a flame in the room. She walked by and I swear the air crackled. She has this confidence about her that makes people stand up and notice. A temper that will make you take cover when she gets started. But her heart is what makes everything irresistible. She loved me and was not afraid to say it even when I was. Rachel is the total package.

3. Tell us Victor you have been in hot situations working in the SWAT team but when it comes to Rachel she makes you sweat and be proud in admitting your feelings towards her. Why?
Victor: The situations in SWAT and Rachel are two different things. Swat is a pressure to be successful because if you don’t you die. Rachel is my bomb. When she touches me, I want to just throw her down and ravish her. When she looks into my eyes and tells me she loves me. I can see it. She never expects anything from me other than my love, honesty and trust. How could I not tell her how proud I am that she gave me another chance?

4. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Victor: Of course Christmas is my favorite holiday. It has bitter sweet memories for me. I gave up the love of my life on Christmas Eve and I got her back on this holiday as well. I promised her that Christmas would be perfect from now on. I aim to keep that promise. Always Love and Lights for my Rachel.

5. Three years ago you left Rachel what made you do that and why?
Victor (with a dark look): It was my dumb ass thinking. I had just gotten my promotion to bomb tech. I knew the job was dangerous and I wanted to protect her from the grief of losing me if anything happened. Stupid thought I know, but I loved her so much. The thought of her feeling pain at my death was too much for me to bear. Thinking about the what ifs almost made me lose the love of my life.


6. What part of your relationship with Rachel did you like the most the making up or just being able to talk to her and why?
Victor: Can I say both? (Smile). It is both actually. When we argue, the making op is hot and wild. We get all our issues out in mind blowing lovemaking. But even after that, we’ll lay there and talk. Not about anything in particular we just talk. It could be silly, or we whisper how much we love each other until we fall asleep. She does first of courseand she snores but she will never admit it :)

7. What is your favorite food to eat?
Victor: I’m Italian to the bone. My favorite Food would be a meat ball sub from Tony’s in Manhattan. But If Rachel ever asks you. Tell her I said it was her Shepard’s Pie. (Laugh). It’s really good but it doesn’t beat out Tony’s sub.

8. Do you feel that you are Rachel’s soul mate?
Victor: I can answer that with a resounding yes. I am her soul mate. We are connected in so many ways. I swear she can hear me thinking about her and she’ll call. Plus any other man that looks at her funny I’ll beat him with his own arm. And yes I do have a little bit of jealousy in me. I am not ashamed to admit it.


9. If there was one thing about Rachel that you would remember the most if you two didn’t get back together what would that be?
Victor: Her mouth, she has one of the sexiest mouths I have ever seen. It gives the most amazing kisses. She can say the sweetest loving things through those lips. And she can cuss like a sailor when she is angry (laugh).

10. Tell us about your first night with Rachel was it magical like us women want them to be?
Victor: It was the summer time, and we were on our third date. I took her on a carriage ride in central park. The smell of the horse was awful and we got out early. She leaned her face up to me and kissed my cheek and told me it was good thought anyway. We walked back out and took the train back to my place in Brooklyn. I wanted her to see where I lived. (ulterior motive) but she had the same idea. I put ton some music and had we had some wine. Before I could make a move she got of the sofa and slipped that white sundress of her shoulders and slid to the floor. With the heat of summer on her skin, it glowed and I kissed her every where that night. It was not just magical for her. I was for me as well. I guess I knew that night she would be in my hear forever. Even if I sort of broke her heart a few months later.


11. Do you believe that Rachel is a strong or weak woman for you and why?
Victor: Rae a week woman? Never. I could never use the word weak when it comes to her. She has a inner strength that I loved. And she can open her self up to love even if it hurts. It takes great strength to do that. To be open and willing to love and to take a leap of faith. She has an abundance of strength. I should have thought of that three years ago.


12. When did you realize that you loved Rachel and why not three years ago?
Victor: I always loved Rae, even when I broke up with her. I was so afraid that she would be burying in me. I know how she grieves. She would have been crushed if something happened to me. I was not thinking about the strength. I don’t think I was even thinking of her. I was thinking of my self. If I was in the shoes where I lost her. I know I would not have been able to stand it. It was a screwed up thing to do. I kicked myself ever day for three years for letting her go.

13. I understand that you went through a hard ordeal in your work life. Tell us how your injury I going now?
Victor: My leg is healing nicely. The scaring is there but not so harsh at it was. That is thanks to Rae. She uses cocoa better on my leg and she helps me with my physical therapy. I can’t say I don’t like her in the whirl pool with me. (Laugh).

14. What inspired you to surprise Rachel with those thoughtful gifts to win her heart back?
Victor: When I want something I go after it. Rae was worth every elaborate gesture. I wanted her back so badly I would have done thing to show her how much I loved her. Her mom helped me to come up with some of it as well. Come to think of it if she has asked me to pluck her stars from the sky. Damn if Nasa would not have to put me on the next shuttle up there..:)


15. Tell us what your all time Christmas fantasy would be like with Rachel if you two ever do get married?
Victor: Let me say first off that we are getting married. My plan is another grand gesture. Since I am a retired cop and I do have a few friends in NY t help me pull some strings. We are planning to get married Christmas Even under the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Sounds good doesn’t it? I can’t wait to marry her.

That was the interview with The magnetic Victor Cantrell. The hero from Love and Lights. It is fair to say that he won his woman’s heart all over again. And this man has no intention in ever letting go. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Step Into My Erotic Paradise "All are welcome"

Dahlia Rose,

Author, mother, lover, friend she is a rainbow of openness never to be defined. Defining her would be like trying to block a bullet. But, if you tried and happen to stumble upon her in wikipedia, you would find that she has lived nine lives and has warmed a million hearts. She has done more than most and navigated everywhere loving freely and forever changing her hair. A light to this world who uses her being to unfold secrets and keys that lay beneath destinies and blessing. She worships the moon and tattoos her dreams in books. A lioness brought here to conquer the sun with a pen…no war…love as a weapon to win. With Love as her sweater constantly warming you and I with words.



A best selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her five kids who she affectionately nicknamed "The children of the corn” and her biggest supporter/long time love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, Sci-fi and the things that go bump in the night. Books and writing are her biggest passion and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books