I was asked at the beginning of the year by my Samhain editor whether I was interested in writing a novella for a Christmas release. I automatically said yes, for a couple reasons A) She's my editor B) I had a great idea for a campy, sexy story set in a Christmas themed...strip club, named Sugar Plums, and coincidentally enough, I'd stumbled across an AC/DC song title "Mistress Christmas" that I had to use. I mean, I had to. Come on, that's a great title - although, now that I think about it, "Big Balls" might've worked as a title too...hmm...maybe for next year.
Anyway, I'm sort of a sucker for romantic stories, especially stories set around Christmas. "The Gift of The Magi" absolutely captured my heart as a young girl, and to some extent still epitomizes what a romance should be. If I see a Christmas themed book or anthology I buy it - recent purchases include, "I'm Your Santa", "On Santa's Naughty List", "Santa Baby" and "Have Yourself A Naughty Little Santa" -- all books by some very talented romance authors. All books that'll seriously steam your hot chocolate.
I realize "Mistress Christmas" isn't destined to be a classic--no apologies here, everyone needs a fun, sexy romp once in a while, eh?--but it made me question whether "classic" Christmas tales, besides Dickens and Clements and the Bible, are now more cinematic - It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, White Christmas, any of the cool claymation stuff from my childhood, that have become staples in our house that we *have to* watch every year.
On my list of my favorite recent Christmas themed movies? "Love, Actually" and "The Ref" -- seriously, The Ref is like Christmas with my in-laws.
What are your favorite cinematic Christmas tales? And yes, Lifetime and made for TV movies count!
Here's a teaser for my release - yes, I did write the jacket copy and the warning label. "Mistress Christmas" will be available in several downloadable formats, including kindle, at online bookstores everywhere December 23rd --
Mistress Christmas
Lorelei James
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
…all signs point North for not-so-Saint-Nick
In a rare moment of recklessness, mild-mannered accountant Holly North lets her best friend guilt her into filling in as Mistress Christmas at Sugar Plums, a Christmas-themed strip club. Fearing she’ll be recognized—or worse, considered a fraud—she dons a velvet mask along with the Mrs. Claus-meets-dominatrix costume. She’s shocked at how deliciously wicked anonymity feels.
Detective Nick West is determined to discover how his friend was supposedly robbed after a lap dance at Sugar Plums. His visions of revenge vanish faster than a flying sleigh upon his first peek at Mistress Christmas—a leggy brunette with smoky eyes and a lush mouth begging for hours beneath the mistletoe.
Their attraction flares hotter than a fireplace on a cold winter evening, and Nick is only too happy to oblige when Holly blurts out her one Christmas wish…
For a naughty secret Santa to sweep her away for a night of anonymous sexual pleasure.
Warning: This erotic comedy contains naughty holiday innuendo, creative use of garland, sexy love scenes hot as spiced cider, a heroine as sweet as sugared plums, and a wildly romantic hero with a great big…candy cane.
Bestselling author Lorelei James writes contemporary, erotic stories set in the modern day Wild West. For excerpts and fun stuff, visit: Lorelei James website
Lorelei, I absolutely cannot wait for Mistress Christmas to come out. Less than two weeks to go.
As for my favorites Christmas movies, I love National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the movie.
Posted by: Barb L | December 11, 2008 at 08:40 AM
L~ The countdown begins for Mistress Christmas now doesn't it? ;)
Now my favorite Christmas movies...well, I love the 24 hours of A Christmas Story (I just love Ralphie!), and I love the movie Scrooged with Bill Murray. And last but not least, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation...I've watched it 7 times so far this month. Nothing like spending a holiday or a vacation with the Griswolds'!
Posted by: Carla | December 11, 2008 at 08:57 AM
My favorite Christmas show isn't a movie - it's the Twas The Night Before Christmas cartoon, the one with all the mice and the genius mouse breaks the clock. LOVE that one.
Also - I'm pretty sure that if my books had covers like Mistress Christmas, they would sell way better. WAY better.
Posted by: Jeff Shelby | December 11, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Favorite holiday movie is HOLIDAY INN with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Favorite line: "Orchids. Loose. Looking like they don't care."
Agree with Jeff on the book cover, although I've got a pretty hot looking chick on my tattoo shop mystery cover coming out in July.
Posted by: Karen Olson | December 11, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Favorite Christmas Movie: Die Hard.
Rapidly moving up the hit parade: Elf.
Posted by: J.D. Rhoades | December 11, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Oh, and don't we need a pic of the mysterious Ms. James for her guest blog? I hear she's really hot.
Posted by: J.D. Rhoades | December 11, 2008 at 10:56 AM
The Ref is one of my all-time favorites!! Also, It's a Wonderful Life and Charlie Brown Christmas (Linus' speech never fails to make me cry.)I have to say, The Spongebob Christmas Movie and our two box sets of Simpsons Christmas episodes are a must-watch, too.
Posted by: AlisonGaylin | December 11, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I love The Ref.
And I definitely agree with Jeff on that cover. Love the boots.
Posted by: toni mcgee causey | December 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Hi Lorelei!
The Bishop's Wife (yep a black & white)and Jingle All The Way are my favorite Christmas movies.
Enjoying all your excerpts and blurbs.
Rose
Posted by: Rose | December 11, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Hot cover. I could think of a few uses for the pointy boots and spiked heels. Do they factor in the story at all?
My favorite shows:
Charlie Brown's Christmas, Santa Clause 1 & 2, White Christmas, and some soppy movie (name forgotten) on Lifetime.
Posted by: Becky Hutchison | December 11, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Okay my favorites are Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and Charlie Brown's Christmas. There I'm a kid at heart.
Can't wait for the book L~. It should be fun.
Kristie~
Posted by: Kristie | December 11, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I like twisted Christmas stuff like Bad Santa and The Ice Harvest. The Ref is great as well as is anything with Dennis Leary.
Posted by: Bryon Quertermous | December 11, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Hi Lorelei! This so will be another of your sizzling reads! And to have a story too set at Christmas time is a double treat!
We almost always watch NATIONAL LAPOONS CHRISTMAS VACATION each year! Doesnt'matter how old we are getting, we laugh so hard with our children who too are young adults. There's always that kid in us all to laugh at these. I don't watch much movies but do with the Christmas ones. Going to check which recently released ones from last year we didn't see!
Posted by: Caffey | December 12, 2008 at 02:42 AM