So, I have to fly next Wednesday. I’m headed for Amarillo, Texas to visit mom’s side of the family tree. Don’t get me started on how scary Texas is for the single, non-church goer. They either want to save me from my single-status (thus hooking me up with many, many babies *terrorfied*)…or they waned to save me from my wicked ways. Let’s not talk about the look on my auntie’s face when I told her I write erotic fiction. *terrorfied*

In other travel/ university librarian news, I’ll be flying out to San Francisco in March to do a scholarly presentation at a national conference. In a weird collision of my two worlds, I’ll be presenting on a study I’m doing on erotica and erotic romance. Freaky, no? Now to keep my pen name a super top secret from my library world folks. They know I write, but not what I write. Considering the aforementioned *terrorfied* look on my aunt-who-loves-me-long-time’s face, I think it’s best to keep that wee skeleton tucked securely in the closet, don’t you?

That’s the wonderful world of Crystal update. Carry on!

A little something of the stocking stuffer variety by young adult novelist Sabrina James. Check it out!

Noelle, a hopeless romantic, just knows that her gifts have to be from her senior crush! And geeky Froggy thinks the game is the perfect way to get super-popular Celia to fall for him…except she thinks his gifts are from Jake, the school’s resident bad boy, and starts to crush on him! Romantic mishaps abound, but all is revealed the night of the Winter Dance, where there’s more than one surprise waiting under the mistletoe!

Find out more here.

M’s off house-sitting and dog-sitting for some friends and I convinced her to send pics of her and the cute little Dachshund she’s hanging out with named Tucker. Aren’t they cute?

Any regular member of RD knows the forums been down for updates for days, but fear not! The admin/mod team have come up with ways to keep you in touch.

First, a temporary Yahoo Group:

Click to join romancedivas2007

And if Yahoo makes you break out in hives, we have a list of other contact sports at the Romance Divas blog. Check it out here.

I’m over at The Novelty Girls today. Come play!

My girl Lacy Danes has a new book out! I read this one for her when she sold it to Spice Briefs and lurrrrrrved it cuz it was dirty enough to make me happy inside. It’s a must buy, so I’m pimping it big time!

Here’s the blurb:

Her lover’s gift–a unique erotic toy–was accompanied by an invitation: Wear this gift and meet me on the trail at dusk. Following his direction, she wore no bra or panties under her hiking outfit. As they entered the woods, the anticipation was more than she could bear. Soon their game would begin–dominant man in control of his spirited woman–and she would glory in the intoxicating thrill of submission.

You can buy it here.

Warm your heart and hearth this winter with nine naughty and nice stories of hope and love.

Available December 4 at Freya’s Bower

Christmas in Ireland, a kiss beneath the mistletoe, a snowstorm centuries in the past, Mother’s Night in wintry Germany, and the sweet gingerbread aromas of a fine bakery are only a few of the gifts you can give yourself and loved ones this year.

Come visit to find out what other winter treasures await. Help yourself to an excerpt while you’re there!

This week we’re doing hottie couples, either from movies and television or actual real life hottie couples. Enjoy!

Mad Madam M: Clark Gable and Carole Lombard: Nobody does it better…

Crystal: It’s important to value the classics.

Mad Madam M: In most cases, I find a couple either cute or sexy. Very few can pull off both and this is one of them. Will & Jada 4 eva!!

Crystal: It’s true! I also love that when they stand up, he’s like 3 feet taller than her. I think that’s where the cuuuute factor comes in.

Mad Madam M: He’s more than a little country and she’s not really rock ‘n roll (come on you know you are laughing at that Osmond joke!), but I don’t care. They’re pretty and that’s all that matters!

Crystal: I never laugh at Osmond jokes, but they are a seriously pretty couple.

Mad Madam M: Oh lordy am I a sucker for Eskimo kisses. Feel free to point and laugh!

Crystal: Awwwww. *not pointing or laughing (much)*

Mad Madam M: Ohh…pleather and tight black t-shirts. More couples should be encouraged to coordinate in this way!

Crystal: There are few couples where I can say I’d prolly do them both, but Kate in pleather and Scott in tight black t-shirt? Oh, hell yeah.

Mad Madam M: Man I want some hottie to take me dancing. Oh and while I am wishing for unattainable things, I so want to be able to dance and pull off that dress! And get that hair?!?!? And have I mentioned the purse?!?!!?

Crystal: I love that they’re an adorably awkward couple. Stand less than three feet apart, guys!

Mad Madam M: Aww Seth & Summer. Too bad it didn’t work out in real life. That would have been too perfect I guess!

Crystal: Another he’s-two-foot-taller couple. Always a winner in my book.

Mad Madam M: So they were never really a couple in a ‘normal’ relationship way, but then again this is Whedonverse…nothing is normal!

Crystal: Is she going to stake him through the heart? That’s so hot! Awesome couple!

Mad Madam M: Come on…you know you think they’re hot too!

Crystal: Doctor Quinn and Sully! *pets pretty western people*

Mad Madam M: Looky looky…Keira almost has cleavage. Oh and Mr. Darcy is pretty as well!!

Crystal: I love Pride & Prejudice! This is such a cute picture. Awwww.

Mad Madam M: Not sure what is going on here, but I am sure that Mulder has a theory and it’ll be a good one!

Crystal: They’re kissing each other through a wall. That seems weird to me, but it is X-Files. I think weird was the point.

Mad Madam M: Oh Veronica and Logan…why couldn’t you silly kids ever make it work?!?! I mean your first kiss may be the best I have ever seen on the tellie…

Crystal: They did have an awesome first kiss scene. I may have watched it over and over again because it was so good. Just maybe.

Mad Madam M: mmm…Brad Pitt *sighs*

Crystal: Another couple I’d be happy to make a Crystal Sandwich with. Yum.

Mad Madam M:
Dear Ryan & Rachel,
Why?!?! Why?!?!? Why did you break up?!?!!? Well at least I will always have The Notebook…
Inconsolably Yours,
Mad Madam M

Crystal: Wait. They dated in real life? Aww…now I’m sad they broke it off. They were so cute together in The Notebook.

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I stopped off at Feisty’s house on my way home. I can only say that her Mr. Manroot makes the kind of cocktails that get you high off the fumes. And the two of them kept giving them to me, I think they wanted to take advantage of me. As if I need to be toasted for that. Pshaw.

Here’s me after the first drink, chair dancing with two of Baby Manroots toy box things stacked on my head. Never said I didn’t have good balance toasted.

Me after the second cocktail. I think I’m voguing, but I’m not sure.

Baby Manroot getting in on the action.

Me, toasted and having stolen Feisty’s camera.

Which I used to take a pic of her sexy self. Look at that tongue action! Lucky fork.

Me and Feisty playing footsie on her couch.

Me and Baby Manroot being all adorable in our pajamas. We’re so cuuuute.

I’m over at the Novelty Girls today. Come visit!