<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203</id><updated>2011-04-21T15:48:32.122-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Pepperverse</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>17</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-115336856032150719</id><published>2006-07-19T21:08:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-19T21:09:20.336-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Streets of Florence 3 1/2 Flags from Euro Reviews</title><content type='html'>Anthony and Christine have had an on-again, off-again love affair for the past twenty years. The first time that they saw each other, their connection was immediate and intense. Each time they’re together though, Christine always finds a reason to leave and Anthony is tired of having his heart broken. When he’s given the opportunity to be the one way to walk away for the last time, he doesn’t know if he has the strength to do it. When he discovers Christine’s secret, he’s determined to help her but will it be enough to keep them together or will it once again, tear them apart? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Streets of Florence is well written and the love scenes are really hot. Since Christine kept on running away from Anthony, I feel that it would have added a lot to the story if we had known why. Having said that, the internal as well as the external conflict between Christine and Anthony added a lot of depth to their story and fueled the intensity of their passion. I would have rated this story higher but at the end, Christine's lukewarm admission of love didn’t leave me feeling that this story had a really happily-ever-after.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-115336856032150719?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/115336856032150719/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=115336856032150719' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115336856032150719'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115336856032150719'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/07/streets-of-florence-3-12-flags-from.html' title='The Streets of Florence 3 1/2 Flags from Euro Reviews'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-115334220772390959</id><published>2006-07-19T13:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-19T13:50:07.736-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Streets of Florence 5-Ribbon Review</title><content type='html'>&lt;A HREF="http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/article_6172.shtml"&gt;5 Ribbons from Romance Junkies&lt;/A&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Anthony was in Florence on business when he found Christine. They had been running into each other at different places but he had heard that she was in Italy and was hoping to see her. They had a history together and he cared about her very much. So much he was willing to risk his job for a night with her. She was so beautiful and he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Anthony missed the wonderful sex that they had and he also missed Christine. There was something about her that he couldn’t get out of his head and heart. Could he be in love with her?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Christine was visiting Florence when she ran into Anthony. She was glad to see him but not surprised that they had met again. She was down on her luck but didn’t want charity from anyone, especially Anthony. She cared too much for him and didn’t want him hurt. They had a history together and she wanted to keep that memory forever. Whenever they met they had mind blowing sex and she knew in her heart that it was more than the sex. What they had was special between two people but she was afraid to commit to anything.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Anthony and Christine were meant to be together but the years of just passing each other for a quick roll was too much for either of them to forget. Would Anthony help Christine when she was in need and would Christine let Anthony help her? Would these two find the love that was buried deep in their hearts and find happiness?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pepper Espinoza has written a great story of long-lasting love. Anthony still cared about Christine even if they only saw each other in passing and Christine was happy to see Anthony whenever they did meet. I was enchanted with this story and had a hard time putting it down. It moved me the way that Anthony gave up on Christine only to have her re-enter his life. He never gave up on his love for her. She was always on his mind. I was hoping that each of the characters would find each other and realize that they belonged together. THE STREETS OF FLORENCE will give you hope of finding that long-lasting love that everyone is looking for. Ms. Espinoza, I love your books and I am looking forward to reading more of them in the future.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-115334220772390959?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/115334220772390959/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=115334220772390959' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115334220772390959'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115334220772390959'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/07/streets-of-florence-5-ribbon-review.html' title='The Streets of Florence 5-Ribbon Review'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-115325979612835021</id><published>2006-07-18T14:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-18T14:56:36.130-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Zebra Wore Blue Jeans &amp; The Zebra Wore Black Leather</title><content type='html'>&lt;A HREF="http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=517"&gt;4 Stars from Euro-Reviews&lt;/A&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One morning Aden, a law student, appears on Kevin's doorstep, answering the ad for a nude model. Chemistry boils and churns between them as Kevin paints sexy man's portrait. Who is Tamara to Aden, Kevin wonders. She invites him to stay with them for the night, as a threesome, but he refuses and leaves wanting only Aden. Kevin contemplates Aden's relationship with the woman. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Penniless and homeless, Aden stays at Kevin's apartment as finals near. Kevin learns the truth about Aden and Tamara's relationship. Aden wants Kevin and vice versa. What inspires Kevin months later, regarding Aden's posing for him that evening? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Both stories combined and gave me a light and enjoyable read. The author succeeded in making me care about her likeable and believable characters.Their thoughts and actions brought the story to three dimensional life. The well-written, easy-to-read scenes in and out of the bedroom riveted my attention. Aden and Kevin will live on in my memory. Great job Pepper Espinoza on The Zebra Wore Blue Jeans and The Zebra Wore Black Leather . I will be looking for more stories of this nature that are penned by Pepper.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-115325979612835021?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/115325979612835021/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=115325979612835021' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115325979612835021'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115325979612835021'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/07/zebra-wore-blue-jeans-zebra-wore-black.html' title='The Zebra Wore Blue Jeans &amp; The Zebra Wore Black Leather'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-115325971666755314</id><published>2006-07-18T14:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-18T14:55:16.693-07:00</updated><title type='text'>"The Pumpkin House" Ecata Romance Review</title><content type='html'>&lt;A HREF="http://sensual.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&amp;id=241"&gt;4 Stars&lt;/A&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Peter Gourd is a man with everything, a woman he loves and one who loves him, or so he thought. When he receives an email from her with her version of a Dear John letter, he finds himself forced to do something to save his marriage. Peter hatches a plan to recapture his wife and her love but take an unexpected turn when his plans go awry. Can the Pumpkin House bring them back together and help them find their love again? Or are they both just prolonging the end? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Pumpkin House showed the determination of a man intent on saving his ailing marriage and the steps he will take to win his wife back. When I started reading this book it was slow and I couldn't quite get into it but after a few pages I just couldn't stop reading. It drew me in and then delivered a remarkable story of two people that had lost their way in their relationship and worked at rebuilding what they had lost. This relationship had its trials and tribulations but in the end they discovered their love was what kept them together for so long. Pepper Espinoza is a new author for me and what I've read so far is amazing, not only that but she has penned a book that has characters that go through a rough patch but came out of it stronger and more in love than before because they have survived. It is also a book that will remain a keeper for me.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-115325971666755314?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/115325971666755314/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=115325971666755314' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115325971666755314'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115325971666755314'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/07/pumpkin-house-ecata-romance-review.html' title='&quot;The Pumpkin House&quot; Ecata Romance Review'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-115177070899173673</id><published>2006-07-01T09:17:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-01T09:18:29.006-07:00</updated><title type='text'>"I'll Come To You By Moonlight" 4 Angels from FAR</title><content type='html'>Bess was in love with a man that had no name except “The Highwayman.” She waited for him every night, listening for the sound of his horses clip, clop, clip, clop... Some times she was disappointed when he didn’t show. She first met him when he can into the inn that she lived in with her father. Bess knew that he was special, but also that he was a wanted man. She loved him anyway because he made her feel special and wanted. He promised her he would come for her and take her away real soon. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bess was afraid that someone would find out and kill her lover. Her worst nightmare came true when Tim the Ostler, who worked for the inn, betrayed her and told the king’s men what he knew. Bess wanted to warn her lover that the King’s men were after him but didn’t know how. Could Bess warn him about the trap that was at the inn? She would save him in any possible way even if she had to give up her own life to do so. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pepper Espinoza has written a twisted tale that will keep you reading until the story is finished. The plot was great and the characters are so real that they draw you into the story. You cheer Bess on and hate the ones that want to ruin her happiness. The sex scenes are hot and intense. Ms. Espinoza is a great author, and I will be looking forward to reading other books by her. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;A HREF="http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/June/Moonluster-IllCometoYoubyMoonlight.htm"&gt;Reviewed by: Moonluster&lt;/A&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-115177070899173673?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/115177070899173673/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=115177070899173673' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115177070899173673'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/115177070899173673'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/07/ill-come-to-you-by-moonlight-4-angels.html' title='&quot;I&apos;ll Come To You By Moonlight&quot; 4 Angels from FAR'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-114395525474218628</id><published>2006-04-01T21:20:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-04-01T21:20:54.763-08:00</updated><title type='text'>5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews</title><content type='html'>&lt;A HREF="http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/March/Elizabeth-TheZebraWoreFishnets.htm"&gt;FAR&lt;/A&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Belle Sterling is single. That’s not to say she hasn’t seen any naked male bodies lately. Au contraire, her two sexy neighbors, Aden and Kevin, give her plenty of eye candy, strolling around dressed and undressed in their apartment with their blinds open. What female could resist looking at them? Certainly not Belle. Whilst Belle is very interested in them, she lacks the confidence to introduce herself. Plus, in her mind she is no match for either of them, physically speaking. They are stunning; she is, well...dumpy. It’s not until they return home from a trip that things start steaming up. They notice her looking into their apartment at them and put on a titillating show, then invite her over. Belle can hardly believe her luck. Sex with the pair is hot, but Belle soon wants more. The question is, is there any room for a permanent third in Aden and Kevin’s decade-old relationship?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you don’t like ménage stories, then this one is not for you. Similarly, if you don’t go in for M/M or F/F/M sex scenes, you should stay away from this one. There are many M/M sexual encounters, as well as a F/F/M one, too. Sex scenes are varied and piping hot, and do include anal sex and double penetration. Now that I’ve gotten those warnings out of the way, I’ve got to tell you this is one fabulous book! The characters are all really well-developed and very likeable. Aden and Kevin are in an established relationship, occasionally having a female third partner, though not looking for anyone permanent. They have had their eye on Belle for some weeks, but have only now made their move. She is a great bed partner and accepts them both as they are. Neither Aden nor Kevin expected to want Belle for anything more than sex, and so are stunned when they realize she is coming to mean something to them. They are very resistant to changing the status quo, however – Kevin more so than Aden. When their professional and personal lives cross over, they have a big decision to make, but what? A number of plot twists keep the reader unknowing of what is going to happen from one scene to the next. The characters all face tough decisions and hardships. I am so happy I picked this one up. The Zebra Wore Fishnets is a great, unusual tale that will keep you reading and immersed in the plot, hoping for the best for this trio of lovers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Reviewed by: Elizabeth&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-114395525474218628?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/114395525474218628/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=114395525474218628' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/114395525474218628'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/114395525474218628'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/04/5-angels-from-fallen-angel-reviews.html' title='5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-114395445683108388</id><published>2006-04-01T21:01:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-04-01T21:08:11.376-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Naughty and Nice--5 Angels from Fallen Angels</title><content type='html'>Naughty and Nice is a great book that is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. These talented authors have woven together three diverse stories that compliment each other beautifully. This anthology has something for everyone and is sure to please. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Kissing Clause by Robin Danner – Alex Barrett has had a crush on Scott Clause for years and is finally ready to let him know how she feels about him. Scott is the golden boy at her father’s law firm, who had breezed through law school; Alex, is determined that tonight she will use her father’s annual Christmas party to her advantage in getting Scott to notice her as a woman. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Kissing Clause is a sensual tale that will have you wishing for cold winter nights and a hot partner. Robin Danner is a wonderful storyteller who has created smart and sexy characters along with spicy sex scenes that leave the reader wanting the story to never end. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Passenger Side by Pepper Espinoza – Rebecca Cooper has been working long hours to make extra cash for the upcoming holiday season and needs to ask for all the extra gigs she can get with the catering service she works for at night. When Rebecca calls into Star Parties and asks her boss Mike for extra work, he offers her a guaranteed job with a large bonus if she can chauffer around Jeff, the bartender that also works there. Rebecca doesn’t like Jeff and isn’t looking forward to spending any time with him, but cannot turn down the money that she will earn from this job or the charm that Jeff exudes. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Passenger Side is a hot and sexy read. This author knows how to turn up the heat with sexual tension and balances it with more than just sex. The characters in this story were vivid and passionate. I truly enjoyed watching Rebecca and Jeff circling one another while getting to know each other better. I was also thrilled by the touches of humor and sense of duty throughout this book. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Christmas Strangers by Lisa Marie – Rachel Morton is working at the Silver Spoon on Christmas Eve, wishing that she didn’t have to spend the holiday alone. While lost in her less than cheery thoughts, Rachel becomes aware of a man entering the empty diner. The man is dressed in designer clothes and seems distracted. When the man asks Rachel to join him at his table, she notices an envelope with the name Tyler Jennings on it and figures that is the stranger’s name. Rachel cannot think of a better way to pass the time than to sit with the handsome man. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Christmas Strangers is an emotional story of two strangers brought together in their desire to shed loneliness. This tale is well written with heart-warming and compelling characters that are realistic. Lisa Marie has done a great job with this story and is sure to have her readers believing in happy endings. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Reviewed by: Tammy&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/March/Tammy-NaughtyandNice.htm&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-114395445683108388?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/114395445683108388/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=114395445683108388' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/114395445683108388'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/114395445683108388'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/04/naughty-and-nice-5-angels-from-fallen.html' title='Naughty and Nice--5 Angels from Fallen Angels'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113927888863570264</id><published>2006-02-06T18:20:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-02-06T18:21:39.166-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Another good review</title><content type='html'>From &lt;A HREF="http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_5248.shtml"&gt;Romance Junkies&lt;/A&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Belle Sterling never thought of herself as a voyeur. At least not until two sexy guys moved into the apartment across the alley from her. Now, Belle’s favorite pastime is spying on the two hotties. One night the boys not only put on an X-rated show for her, but they hold up a sign inviting her over. Belle accepts and has the night of her life. Only problem is, she wants more.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Aden Scott and Kevin Lane have been roommates and lovers for ten years. When they meet Belle, they quickly come to realize that they want her to be a part of their lives. Aden and Kevin have one rule, honesty, as long as everyone is honest, anything goes. When push comes to shove, are they willing to make room in their lives for Belle and will they play by their own rule?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Warning: This book is not for everyone. The lovemaking is very erotic and graphic. Not only does it contain scenes with multiple partners but there are also scenes with same sex partners. That said, this story is absolutely scorching. Belle, Aden and Kevin ignite this tale right from the start and the heat never falters. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These characters are not only titillating, but genuine. Pepper Espinoza has crafted her characters with human flaws, giving them an intensity and realism that makes them more believable. Belle is very insecure in her self image and unsure of her decisions. Once she gives her heart, she does so completely. Belle is willing to sacrifice to win a chance with her two lovers. Aden can be very sweet but self-involved. On the one hand, he is willing to go out of his way to help Belle. On the other hand, he may break her heart without even realizing what he has done until it is too late. Kevin is very ambitious, getting ahead at work means a lot to him. This can blind him to the more important things in his life. When it comes time to make a choice, Kevin follows his heart. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mix these three together, throw in a slimy ex, and tack on some blow your mind erotic encounters and it adds up to a fast paced, mouth-watering jaunt. Ms Espinoza has written a risque tale that this reviewer thoroughly savored. &lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113927888863570264?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113927888863570264/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113927888863570264' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113927888863570264'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113927888863570264'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/02/another-good-review.html' title='Another good review'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113924994813745691</id><published>2006-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-02-06T10:19:08.180-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Another Good Review For Zebra</title><content type='html'>Good reviews make me happy :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Title: The Zebra Wore Fishnets&lt;br /&gt;Author: Pepper Espinoza&lt;br /&gt;Publisher: Liquid Silver Books&lt;br /&gt;Publisher URL: lsbooks.com&lt;br /&gt;ISBN: 1-59578-181-1&lt;br /&gt;Reviewer: Suni Farrar&lt;br /&gt;Rating: 4/5 Stars&lt;br /&gt;Heat level: O&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Belle Sterling is a peeping Tomisina. Who can blame her with the very hot Aden and Kevin living across the street? Since, they parade in front of the open window, she tells herself it is ok to look. However, when they hold up a note that reads, “Come over-#19,” Belle is struck dumb. After, much internal debate she does just that and is greatly rewarded. Now, she wants in on their relationship but will Kevin and Aden make room for another?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Kevin and Aden have been together for over ten years. No matter whom they take in their beds, they always stay together. Now, with Belle in their lives, Kevin and Aden are on opposite teams. Can they survive the split?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you are searching for a novel that incorporates complex yet interesting characters with a good plot and mind-blowing sexual encounters, then The Zebra Wore Fishnets is the novel for you. Aden’s personality was adventurous and lovable. He gave this story a breath of fresh air it needs. I laughed with him whereas I agonized with Belle. She was the tortured soul who was desperately searching for peace and happiness. I felt her frustration with life and wanted to throw things, because she did not. Kevin is a complicated character. It was hard to get a total grasp on his personality, but the one thing I knew for sure was his love for Aden. When the two men made love to each other without accompaniment, it was sensual and heartfelt. Even when they were angry at one another and had hot climactic sex, the love was evident. Getting involved with Belle did change their chemistry, but I felt it enhanced the experience instead of hampering it. All in all, I was satisfied with Ms. Espinoza presentation of The Zebra Wore Fishnets and would gladly read more from the author. &lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Last Friday, for the first time in my life, I sold a novel based on the first three chapters alone. To further sweeten the deal, it was the first novel I ever completed, 3 years ago. And even better, it was after a long series of rejections, which came down to "I liked the writing, I want to see more from you, but this just isn't going to work for me." I could have changed the main character--Jason wasn't a "romantic lead," and my heroine doesn't "tame" him, and he's still the basic asshole at the end, but an asshole with layers and emotions, just not tamed. I could have changed him. But then I would have had a different novel. A novel I didn't write and didn't want. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But it didn't come down to that. I've already signed the contract. &lt;B&gt;Mad World&lt;/B&gt; will kick off Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's new line, Torrid Special Edition.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113924994813745691?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113924994813745691/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113924994813745691' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113924994813745691'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113924994813745691'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/02/another-good-review-for-zebra.html' title='Another Good Review For Zebra'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113799711297816678</id><published>2006-01-22T22:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-22T22:18:33.006-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Pushing Through</title><content type='html'>My muse has been MIA throughout December--perhaps he was on Christmas vacation--and only recently graced me with his presense again. I appreciate that he returned, though it's been a bit of a struggle. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've been pushing myself to write 20 pages/day since Friday. That means before I go to bed tonight, I should have a total of 60 pages--I'm seven pages short of that goal. But this time, it has nothing to do with my muse. I know exactly what I want to write. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This time, it's about the pressure.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Due to circumstances I'll elaborate on later, possibly, my current WIP could be my big break. I'm talking BIG PUBLISHER big break. I was numb, and then excited, and now I'm horrified. Absolutely horrified. The book sucks. I suck. I should crawl back under my rock...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I think.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's really impossible to judge my own work. Basically, I write what I write, clean it up, do a bit of revising, and send it off, hoping for the best. I get support from my betas and my husband, and I must not be too awful, because things are going well for me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So I'll get back to work. I'll just do what I do. Ultimately, I have no control over whether or not this book will be published. All I can do is submit the best book I have in me. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;That's what I intend to do...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113799711297816678?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113799711297816678/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113799711297816678' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113799711297816678'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113799711297816678'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/pushing-through.html' title='Pushing Through'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113782233770791730</id><published>2006-01-20T21:44:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-20T21:45:37.726-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Zebra Wore Fishnets Reviewed</title><content type='html'>I found &lt;A HREF="http://www.cupidslibraryreviews.de/thezebraworefishnetspe.php"&gt;this lovely 4 Cupid Review of The Zebra Wore Fishents&lt;/A&gt;. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Belle likes to spy on the male couple living in the apartment across from her. It's their own fault if they don't close the blinds, right?! One day they invite her over - and she accepts the invitation. How fast can something that was intended to be a one night stand with the hotties from across the street turn into something serious, and what are the chances of it lasting? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This book digs deeper than one would think at the first glance. Of course it's full of hot love scenes - no doubt about that - but it's also about the difficulties of how to make a ménage-à-trois work. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Kevin and Aden have been a couple for a decade, and the way their interaction with each other is portrayed makes it believable, too. It's not the first time they have tried a threesome, but it might very well be the first time they can make it last. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Belle is the outsider, who becomes a lover first, then a friend and a beloved later. In the beginning she is alone, if not lonely. She's still not quite over her ex and the damaged ego he left her with. Therefore, the attention she receives from Kevin and Aden does not only soothe her loneliness but also boosts her self respect. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Personally, I would have liked Belle to be a tougher character - I felt that she is too often too out of control. On the other hand she is very likable simply because of her insecurities and doubts - same with Kevin and Aden, who are both great, but have their good sides as well as their bad ones. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Altogether I can assure you that Ms. Espinoza has the talent to give the characters the depth to make this book more than just plain erotica.&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113782233770791730?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113782233770791730/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113782233770791730' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113782233770791730'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113782233770791730'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/zebra-wore-fishnets-reviewed.html' title='The Zebra Wore Fishnets Reviewed'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113744011938744005</id><published>2006-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-16T11:35:19.413-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Thank goodness for Betas!</title><content type='html'>For some reason, when I'm really into a story, my brain does not send effective messages to my fingers. For example, I could think &lt;I&gt;Eliza stepped out of the old house into fresh sunlight&lt;/I&gt; and I could actually type &lt;I&gt;Emily stepped out of the oldd house into the fresh sun light&lt;/I&gt;. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Why?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don't know. But I do know that a good beta reader is worth her price in gold!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113744011938744005?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113744011938744005/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113744011938744005' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113744011938744005'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113744011938744005'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/thank-goodness-for-betas.html' title='Thank goodness for Betas!'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113731298266258750</id><published>2006-01-15T00:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-15T00:16:22.663-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Winning is nice...</title><content type='html'>When I'm not thinking about writing, I'm thinking about football. Glorious, glorious football. Seriously, what's not to love? We have:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1) Pure aggression (tempered with rules, but still)&lt;br /&gt;2) Hot, hot athletes&lt;br /&gt;3) Sexually charged language (deep penetration, tight-ends, balling, etc)&lt;br /&gt;4) Hot, hot rivalries. &lt;br /&gt;5) And sometimes, when you're lucky, you get to witness something great. NFL fans are patient. The Seahawks won today for the first post-season win since 1984. My team, the Broncos, won their first post-season game since 1998. The years of pain, of frustration, of tears, and let-downs are totally redeemed by one great play, by one great drive, by one exceptional athlete. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I joke a lot about football being sexual. Jake Plummer is the hottest hot thing since hot came to Football Town, but that's just superficial. I love football because of the primal need for war, the satisfaction of victory, and yes, even the pain of defeat. It's a beautiful game, featuring men at the peak of physical perfection. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The post-season is more exciting than Christmas in my house. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;GO BRONCOS! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In other news, I have  afew ideas for new stories today. It's exciting to be picking it up again.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113731298266258750?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113731298266258750/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113731298266258750' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113731298266258750'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113731298266258750'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/winning-is-nice.html' title='Winning is nice...'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113711256281841842</id><published>2006-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-12T16:36:02.830-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Writing of the Kings and Queens of things I've never seen</title><content type='html'>My subject line has nothing to do with my post today, I just like it. THe real subject? Ironically enough (In an Alanis sort of way) is Titles. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How do you think of them? Where do you find them? When should you figure it out? Before you start writing? When the work is complete? How important are they? Oh, how i hate thinking of titles. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Titling poetry is easy enough. Just do the ol' Emily Dickonson trick and take the first line of the poem and make it the title! Easy-peasy! I imagine titling non-fiction would be easy as well, or at least, not present the difficulties of titling the novel. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was told, many moons ago, that the title is the controlling metaphor of a novel, or short story, and as such is VERY VERY IMPORTANT! Well, I can't shake the notion, and of course, I'm paralyzed when it's time to think of titles. I really hate them, and so I tend to lift them from poems and from song titles. Or I still them from other people's random sentences. Look at the following titles and try to figure out which is not from a song or a poem: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;California Stars&lt;br /&gt;The Zebra Wore Fishnets&lt;br /&gt;New Frontier&lt;br /&gt;Be Thou My God&lt;br /&gt;Passenter Side&lt;br /&gt;The Pumpkin House&lt;br /&gt;I'll Come to You By Moonlight&lt;br /&gt;Mr. William&lt;br /&gt;Mad World&lt;br /&gt;An Angry Fix&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you guessed "The Zebra Wore Fishnets," "The Pumpkin House," and "Mr.William", then you'd be right. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Though, looking at the list, I must admit that all in all, my titles aren't too horrendous. I don't think they're too fabulous either. I would just run contests and have readers title my work, but to me, titles are a lot like names. You wouldn't run a contest to name your baby, would you? They're too personal, and they do matter a great deal.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But one day, I'll get frustrated and lazy, and come to the Interwebs for help. That means you. So start thinking.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113711256281841842?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113711256281841842/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113711256281841842' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113711256281841842'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113711256281841842'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/writing-of-kings-and-queens-of-things.html' title='Writing of the Kings and Queens of things I&apos;ve never seen'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113702729093447012</id><published>2006-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-01-11T16:54:50.960-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Characters</title><content type='html'>So, I did a vanity search on my name, and my blogger profile was the first to come up. I've decided that since somebody, somewhere is looking at my profile (probably because of the SEx Blog), I better start posting more regularly!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've been thinking a lot about characterization lately. How do you create an entire person, or an entire cast, out of nothing and make them real? THe people we know are shaped by experiences, family, friends, genetics, dreams, goals, fears, etc. They've had a whole lifetime to develop their personalities! But writers are often left to their own devices to create strong, three-dimensional characters--and most of us don't have a life-time to do it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know there are some tricks to the trade. Some authors don't bother inventing characters--they steal them from real life. "Oh, I just base it on this guy I used to know." I can honestly say I've never done this. I don't think I ever will. I suppose I could base a character on my professor or my boss or my husband, but that's making an assumption that readers would care to read about my professor or boss or husband! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Then there's basing it on fictional characters that already exist. Some call this fanfic. I call this smart righting. THink about it. Let's say you want to write a mystery starring your favorite detective, Columbo. Well, you write this 75K word novel featuring Columbo solving the mystery of the Golden Harpoon or something. Obviously, you can't publish it with Columbo, as the character is copyrighted and probably trademarked. But you can change the name and some distinguishing features. Then Bob's your uncle! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You can do the same with stories too. Turn on the TV to some random movie channel and find out what is playing tonight at midnight. Read the summary. Write a short story based on the summary (it helps if you've never seen the movie). Watch the movie. Compare them. I guarentee you, they won't be anything alike. But you'll be a story richer for your troubles. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sometimes a writer hits gold, and she's got characters that she adores, characters that seem  to be real, living, breathing people. I refer to many of my characters as if they were people I know, and they do talk to me when they have a story to tell. A whimsical part of me thinks that writing does have a very real magic, and when the magic works, you don't create characters at all--rather, the characters guide you to their story. That's why I write without an outline, and I never think of any defining characteristics before I start writing. If somebody is there, he or she will let me know, and they'll reveal themselves. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Some characters you can't let go. They keep coming back again and again, with passions and dreams and anger and love so intense that you can't ignore it, even if you wanted to. I have two characters that are featured in three of my stories (Kevin and Aden, originally from The Zebra Wore Fishnets). Whenever I sit down to write a scene with them, it's almost like I can feel the sizzle of their chemistry, feel their desire, feel their need. When I think of those characters, all I can think about is their love and lust for each other, and that's all I can write about too. I don't just KNOW they love each other because I said so, I feel it in my heart because it's true. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Creating people is a crazy thing. It's so hard, but it's so rewarding.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113702729093447012?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113702729093447012/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113702729093447012' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113702729093447012'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113702729093447012'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2006/01/characters.html' title='Characters'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113165249626354525</id><published>2005-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2005-11-10T11:54:56.273-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The words of lurve...</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;I’m supposed to be writing right now, but I’ve got to talk a minute about something that’s been bugging me. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;Language reflects a culture. It’s really quite wonderful the way you can trace a culture’s values and history through their language, word choice, inflections, etc. Imagine how different your life would be if the English language had no word for love, and thus, no concept of it. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;So what does our language say about how we view sex? &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;I’m no linguist or anything, so I can’t go too in depth on this, but it’s really starting to bother me. We either have dry, clinical terms for the genitals and the act of sex, or we have cartoonish, vulgar words that work, but sometimes aren’t the best choice in a given situation or between certain characters. As a writer, this really crimps my style. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;In David Cronenberg’s movie, “Crash” there is a scene between Catherine and James in bed, having sex. (there are actually lots of those, hee!) But Catherine starts talking, and she uses words like “penis” “anus” and “seaman.” That’s not hot. “Do you want to put your penis in his anus?” is not hot, even if actually imagining penis/anus insertion IS hot! When I’m writing an erotic scene, I do not want to use clinical terms, except when I’m forced to, like for g-spot. There is no slang for g-spot! I’m not surprised, since men, in general, refuse to believe it exists. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;Can’t use penis, vagina, clitoris, and anus? You want your characters to fuck, not copulate? Then what do you use? &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;Cock, dick, pussy, clit, ass, etc. But those words are so loaded. They’re dirty! Children get their mouths washed out with soap if they say cock or pussy. Why? Because they’re dirty! Some people can get over their culture-induced inhibitions when reading or writing about sex…I know I use cock without blinking!…but you can’t help but feel a little bit silly. And because we were trained to consider these words DIRTY, I think readers don’t want to see them when they’re reading about making love, as opposed to, well, fucking. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;That leaves up with euphemisms. I don’t know how anybody can write euphemisms with a straight face, and I know if I’m laughing while I write it, then people will probably laugh as they read it. Slick love tunnel, manhood, mushroom of love, throbbing manhood, blossoming flower, dewey petals…you’ve all seen it. And don’t even get me started on the language of orgasms! I’m guilty of abusing the language of orgasms…it seems after a five page erotic scene, we all deserve more than “and then they came!” Just like after a 500 page novel, everybody deserves more than “and then they all got hit by a bus!” &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;Where does that leave us? Well, unless we can radically change the language to introduce words that are not clinical or “dirty” slang, I guess we just have to work with what we’ve got. But I think it’s a real shame that there are no neutral words for the act…we rely on distant, cold terms (copulation), harsh, “dirty” terms (fucking), and euphemism (making love). &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class="MsoNormal"&gt;I wrote all that to avoid writing. Clever, huh? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113165249626354525?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113165249626354525/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113165249626354525' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113165249626354525'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113165249626354525'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2005/11/words-of-lurve.html' title='The words of lurve...'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18715203.post-113133458585764434</id><published>2005-11-06T19:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2005-11-06T19:36:25.876-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Testing</title><content type='html'>This is only a test.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/18715203-113133458585764434?l=pepperverse.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/feeds/113133458585764434/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18715203&amp;postID=113133458585764434' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113133458585764434'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/18715203/posts/default/113133458585764434'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pepperverse.blogspot.com/2005/11/testing.html' title='Testing'/><author><name>Pepper Espinoza</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06676924659404132227</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
