First off, my deepest apologies for slacking on my blog duties. It’s truly unforgivable that I kept y’all in suspense for 5 days.

I have a good reason. I promise.

At first, I thought it was just a blog-funk. One of my favorite blogs hadn’t been updated in a couple of days, and it made me blue. It was tough to work through that disappointment. But they started posting again at the beginning of the week…and I felt better.

But still, I didn’t blog.

You’ll have to forgive me. I finally know what kept me from blogging. I made this discovery on Tuesday–it’s something I think I’ve known all along–but I didn’t really put the pieces together until the other day.

I’m a super hero.

It’s true. For those of you who watch Heroes…I must be on the list.

The problem is, I haven’t been able to focus my super power yet. But now that I’m aware of my power, it’s only a matter of time.

You see, I’m electric. I have the ability to shock anything and everything all year around. It makes for a very tenuous and difficult time when it comes to kissing or opening doors.

How do I focus my power and use it for good?

Do I really want to use it for good? Evil seems like it would just be more fun.

What should my way cool real super hero name be? Mel just doesn’t sound right. I could go with Melectric, I suppose. And can my superhero costume be pink? Do I have to wear leotards? I have cellulite, that wouldn’t be pretty. But I’m all about the cape.

Hmmm. I like knowing I’m a superhero. But as Peter Parker’s uncle told him “With great power comes great responsiblity.” I just like the “great power” part of the sentence. I think I’ll tweak it to apply it to me. “With great power comes great fun. Enjoy.”

Now I have to hone my evil laughing skills.

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha

I’m so gonna be a bad girl.

First off, my deepest apologies for slacking on my blog duties. It’s truly unforgivable that I kept y’all in suspense for 5 days.

I have a good reason. I promise.

At first, I thought it was just a blog-funk. One of my favorite blogs hadn’t been updated in a couple of days, and it made me blue. It was tough to work through that disappointment. But they started posting again at the beginning of the week…and I felt better.

But still, I didn’t blog.

You’ll have to forgive me. I finally know what kept me from blogging. I made this discovery on Tuesday–it’s something I think I’ve known all along–but I didn’t really put the pieces together until the other day.

I’m a super hero.

It’s true. For those of you who watch Heroes…I must be on the list.

The problem is, I haven’t been able to focus my super power yet. But now that I’m aware of my power, it’s only a matter of time.

You see, I’m electric. I have the ability to shock anything and everything all year around. It makes for a very tenuous and difficult time when it comes to kissing or opening doors.

How do I focus my power and use it for good?

Do I really want to use it for good? Evil seems like it would just be more fun.

What should my way cool real super hero name be? Mel just doesn’t sound right. I could go with Melectric, I suppose. And can my superhero costume be pink? Do I have to wear leotards? I have cellulite, that wouldn’t be pretty. But I’m all about the cape.

Hmmm. I like knowing I’m a superhero. But as Peter Parker’s uncle told him “With great power comes great responsiblity.” I just like the “great power” part of the sentence. I think I’ll tweak it to apply it to me. “With great power comes great fun. Enjoy.”

Now I have to hone my evil laughing skills.

Bwahahahahahahahahahaha

I’m so gonna be a bad girl.

Renee Luke, a fellow TKA sistah, has a February release that is perfect for a yummy Valentine’s read. Go forth, and purchase. You may never see another title and cover so delectable again. Besides, wouldn’t we all like to be Dipped in Chocolate?

Dipped in Chocolate
NAL / Signet
ISBN: 0451220315 (trade paperback)

February 2007

Book Description

Romance has never been as temptingly sweet as it is in this trio of erotic treats from an author who knows how to seduce…and deliver.

In Gimme Some Sugar…
Jackson never realized how much he loved his best friend Alexis—until her wedding day was on the horizon. Now all he has to do is convince her that their harmless kissing games over the years weren’t so harmless after all. In fact, they may end up breaking his heart.

In 4 U Sweetheart…
Toni never imagined that a night of speed-dating could lead to something serious. But three minutes with the hunk of her dreams changed that. Especially after he slipped her a candy heart that said “Pick Me”…

In Dipped in Chocolate…
Nathan wants a special delicacy for his sister’s bridal shower. He finds it in Jayla, the owner of a decadent chocolate shop. As hot as she is, Jayla’s not looking for a fling. As hot as he’s getting, Nathan may have to abandon his bachelor ways for a piece of chocolate that’s a little more solid.

Reviews

4 Stars “Luke cuts right to the chase in these three spicy novellas with interconnected stories. A common thread is the intense passion each couple inspires. If you like quick, hot and sexy reads, you’ll definitely enjoy this anthology.” Leigh Rowlings, Romantic Times Book Reviews

5 Necklaces “Renee Luke’s three stirring entries in the most excellent Dipped in Chocolate will leave even an ice statue sizzling. There is fine, high-quality romance, there is love, there is sweets, and yes, reader, there is most definitely all the steaming and inventive erotica one could ask for. Run, do not walk, to your nearest outlet and buy this book!” Annie, Euro-Reviews

4.5 Lips “Dipped in Chocolate by Renee Luke is sinfully delicious and very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed all three decadent stories and know that I will never eat another candy heart with out thinking of 4 U Sweetheart. I loved the way the three tales are brought together not just with the common thread of a candy theme but by the characters from the previous story. As one story rolled into the next, I was completely captivated by the characters and storyline.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or not I would highly recommend that Dipped in Chocolate be on your must-read list. I look forward to reading more work from the very talented Ms. Luke!” Susan, Two Lips Reviews

4 Stars “These three entertaining novellas will educate readers on all the practical use of chocolate (thank goodness I am not diabetic) with fully developed instructors providing delightful sweet tooth and more usage. Renee Luke provides three delicious tales that go beyond jus CHOCOLATE KISSES” Harriet Klausner, A reviewer

Renee Luke, a fellow TKA sistah, has a February release that is perfect for a yummy Valentine’s read. Go forth, and purchase. You may never see another title and cover so delectable again. Besides, wouldn’t we all like to be Dipped in Chocolate?

Dipped in Chocolate
NAL / Signet
ISBN: 0451220315 (trade paperback)

February 2007

Book Description

Romance has never been as temptingly sweet as it is in this trio of erotic treats from an author who knows how to seduce…and deliver.

In Gimme Some Sugar…
Jackson never realized how much he loved his best friend Alexis—until her wedding day was on the horizon. Now all he has to do is convince her that their harmless kissing games over the years weren’t so harmless after all. In fact, they may end up breaking his heart.

In 4 U Sweetheart…
Toni never imagined that a night of speed-dating could lead to something serious. But three minutes with the hunk of her dreams changed that. Especially after he slipped her a candy heart that said “Pick Me”…

In Dipped in Chocolate…
Nathan wants a special delicacy for his sister’s bridal shower. He finds it in Jayla, the owner of a decadent chocolate shop. As hot as she is, Jayla’s not looking for a fling. As hot as he’s getting, Nathan may have to abandon his bachelor ways for a piece of chocolate that’s a little more solid.

Reviews

4 Stars “Luke cuts right to the chase in these three spicy novellas with interconnected stories. A common thread is the intense passion each couple inspires. If you like quick, hot and sexy reads, you’ll definitely enjoy this anthology.” Leigh Rowlings, Romantic Times Book Reviews

5 Necklaces “Renee Luke’s three stirring entries in the most excellent Dipped in Chocolate will leave even an ice statue sizzling. There is fine, high-quality romance, there is love, there is sweets, and yes, reader, there is most definitely all the steaming and inventive erotica one could ask for. Run, do not walk, to your nearest outlet and buy this book!” Annie, Euro-Reviews

4.5 Lips “Dipped in Chocolate by Renee Luke is sinfully delicious and very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed all three decadent stories and know that I will never eat another candy heart with out thinking of 4 U Sweetheart. I loved the way the three tales are brought together not just with the common thread of a candy theme but by the characters from the previous story. As one story rolled into the next, I was completely captivated by the characters and storyline.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or not I would highly recommend that Dipped in Chocolate be on your must-read list. I look forward to reading more work from the very talented Ms. Luke!” Susan, Two Lips Reviews

4 Stars “These three entertaining novellas will educate readers on all the practical use of chocolate (thank goodness I am not diabetic) with fully developed instructors providing delightful sweet tooth and more usage. Renee Luke provides three delicious tales that go beyond jus CHOCOLATE KISSES” Harriet Klausner, A reviewer

Yeah, it snowed. But not enough to even take a picture of. If school doesn’t get canceled then we can’t really call it snow.

So, to get over my disappointment, I’m gonna do this little tag. Thanks Mauizzle for thinking of me.

Here goes…

1. YOUR REAL NAME:

Melissa Francis

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first three letters of your name, plus izzle)

Melizzle. Awesome

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three of your last)

Mfra Um. How is that pronounced exactly?

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal)

Pink Flamingo. Kinda redundant, no?

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, Street you live on):

Renee Audubon *snort*

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom’s maiden name)

Framesmi I like this one. I’m thinking it might just be my new pen name.

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (favorite color, favorite drink)

Pink Sierra Nevada huh? Not sure that sounds very superheroy and I don’t think it sounds very appetizing either.

8. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dad’s middle name, 1st letter of a sibling’s first name, last letter of your moms middle name)

I don’t like this one, so I’m skipping it on the grounds of social protest.

9. YOUR STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/body spray)

Vanilla Bean Sounds pretty strippery to me.

10. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father’s middle name)

Sue Milton. Just kill me now.

I tag: Ellen, Wolfie, Maria, Lucy

Yeah, it snowed. But not enough to even take a picture of. If school doesn’t get canceled then we can’t really call it snow.

So, to get over my disappointment, I’m gonna do this little tag. Thanks Mauizzle for thinking of me.

Here goes…

1. YOUR REAL NAME:

Melissa Francis

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first three letters of your name, plus izzle)

Melizzle. Awesome

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three of your last)

Mfra Um. How is that pronounced exactly?

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal)

Pink Flamingo. Kinda redundant, no?

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, Street you live on):

Renee Audubon *snort*

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom’s maiden name)

Framesmi I like this one. I’m thinking it might just be my new pen name.

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (favorite color, favorite drink)

Pink Sierra Nevada huh? Not sure that sounds very superheroy and I don’t think it sounds very appetizing either.

8. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dad’s middle name, 1st letter of a sibling’s first name, last letter of your moms middle name)

I don’t like this one, so I’m skipping it on the grounds of social protest.

9. YOUR STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/body spray)

Vanilla Bean Sounds pretty strippery to me.

10. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father’s middle name)

Sue Milton. Just kill me now.

I tag: Ellen, Wolfie, Maria, Lucy

Dear Mother Nature,

I don’t ask for much. Seriously. I mean, I have daydreams about waking up one morning to discover I switched bodies with Beyonce overnight. I fantasize about winning the lotto and having a pool boy. But do I ask for these things?

Nay. I do not.

So, this morning when your minions were predicting 2 inches of snow, I experienced a little tingle of expectation. That tinge of excitement that can only be experienced by a southerner who loves snow.

Loves it, but doesn’t want to live in it.

We don’t get the white stuff often. I haven’t seen it around these parts in 2 years. Not even a hint of it. This morning, your minions said it was coming.

And like a good little southerner, I made sure I stopped by the liquor and grocery stores on my way home. Can’t get snowed in without milk, bread and bourbon. Don’t you know the rules? Apparently all of Oxford knows the rules…cuz the entire population was in aisle 9 of Kroger with me.

But what do I hear when I get home?

We’ve been downgraded to “winter weather advisory”.

Now, Mother Nature, I ask you this. How is that fair?

I beg you, please let me wake to a white yard and icy streets. I know it won’t last, but if it’s on the ground in the morning, school will be canceled and I won’t have to go to work. (I know, I know. I feel my yankee friends rolling their eyes as I type this. Sorry. But that’s how we roll down here. Even just seeing snow clouds can cause some schools to close.)

Don’t let me down, sista-gurl. I’d hate to have to send my entourage after you to teach you a lesson. I promise, it wouldn’t be pretty. Not nearly as pretty as a white blanket of snow covering my yard.

Dear Mother Nature,

I don’t ask for much. Seriously. I mean, I have daydreams about waking up one morning to discover I switched bodies with Beyonce overnight. I fantasize about winning the lotto and having a pool boy. But do I ask for these things?

Nay. I do not.

So, this morning when your minions were predicting 2 inches of snow, I experienced a little tingle of expectation. That tinge of excitement that can only be experienced by a southerner who loves snow.

Loves it, but doesn’t want to live in it.

We don’t get the white stuff often. I haven’t seen it around these parts in 2 years. Not even a hint of it. This morning, your minions said it was coming.

And like a good little southerner, I made sure I stopped by the liquor and grocery stores on my way home. Can’t get snowed in without milk, bread and bourbon. Don’t you know the rules? Apparently all of Oxford knows the rules…cuz the entire population was in aisle 9 of Kroger with me.

But what do I hear when I get home?

We’ve been downgraded to “winter weather advisory”.

Now, Mother Nature, I ask you this. How is that fair?

I beg you, please let me wake to a white yard and icy streets. I know it won’t last, but if it’s on the ground in the morning, school will be canceled and I won’t have to go to work. (I know, I know. I feel my yankee friends rolling their eyes as I type this. Sorry. But that’s how we roll down here. Even just seeing snow clouds can cause some schools to close.)

Don’t let me down, sista-gurl. I’d hate to have to send my entourage after you to teach you a lesson. I promise, it wouldn’t be pretty. Not nearly as pretty as a white blanket of snow covering my yard.

Yes, 9 years ago today, I was in the hospital begging for drugs.

Frankly, I’m too young to be the mother of a (soon-to-be) teenager and now, a 9 year old.

Happy Birthday, Rader.

Yes, 9 years ago today, I was in the hospital begging for drugs.

Frankly, I’m too young to be the mother of a (soon-to-be) teenager and now, a 9 year old.

Happy Birthday, Rader.