The Winning Virgin Titles offer paranormal readers vampires, ghosts, and shapeshifters

Explicit Adult Vampire Novels

Vampires-Panther Shapeshifters-Ghosts

Clip from Winning Virgin Promises

She watched as if a movie unfolded before her. The pending drama

brought forward a new leading man and Gabriel stepped through the

transparent silk material.

“I knew you were out there,” she whispered, rocking back and

forth. “Please….” She swallowed hard, disappointed because she

couldn’t deny herself. She would beg if he required it.

“Can you help me?”

His eyes sparkled with the undeniable shades of lust. The color in

them changed from a mix of dark pink and lavender to a soft screen of

light blue before he approached her.

 

“You don’t have to help me, of course,” she muttered, drawing

her legs closer. She watched as he unbuttoned his cotton shirt.  “I…I’m…”

“You’re glad Sebastian is your mate,” he growled, his gaze

meeting hers. “You’re happy he chose you.” His guttural tone stayed

at an unrecognizable pitch. “He makes all of your little girl dreams

come true. I get it, Constance. I heard the conversation you had with

your sisters-in-law.

“What I want to know is what does my brother

do for the woman inside of you? Hmm…there’s the question. Does he

make you happy, Constance?”

She nodded. “I am, really…happy.” She also needed to touch Gabriel,

but before she reached for him, she had to control her breathing, relax.

“Vampires lie, Constance. A lot.” He smirked as he shrugged out

of his polo. “You apparently fib to yourself more than anyone else.

Hell, I feel for Sebastian. Poor bastard doesn’t have a clue, does he?”

He strolled over to her bedroom door and slammed it, locked it, and

insinuated a lot by doing both.

“What do you mean?”

“You care for me,” he firmly suggested.

“You know I do.”

“You’re in love with me.”

“No, that’s not true.”

“I don’t believe anything that’s coming out of your mouth tonight.

Perhaps you are truly ill. I didn’t believe you when I stood there on

your terrace and I don’t now.” He slid next to her and put his arm

around her shoulders.

Immediately, she felt better, and worse.

 

 

“I don’t love you,” she whispered as he nuzzled her cheek.

 

“I’m not here to argue with you,” he whispered across her lips. “I’m not here to convince you to love me more than you love Sebastian because I wouldn’t want your love even if you offered it.”

She swallowed tightly remembering in an instant how a similar

proclamation tore her heart out once before. “Then why are you here?”

“Duty,” he replied, tapping at his neck before he flipped the protruding vein. “I have a responsibility and you were hurting at the club.” He took her hand in his and for a second, they held hands. He caressed her thumb roughly with his. Then, he removed his grip and

left her open palm on his lower belly. A test no doubt, to see if she’d drop her hand and stroke him.

Constance avoided trials because they often resulted in errors. Instead,

she moved her hand up his bare stomach and left one hand on his

chest while the other gripped his shoulder.

He held her close and stared at her mouth. The tiny tips broke free

and the elongated fangs fell from her mouth.

With a hiss, she fought to restrain, Gabriel’s eyes widened and his

upper lip curled into a wicked, well-satisfied grin. “Ah, that’s what I

wanted to see—appreciation.” 

http://www.bookstrand.com/destiny-blaine

Breakfast by the Sea is Available Right Now at a 15% Savings--Releases on November 17, 2010

Erotic Cowboy Ménage a Trois/Quatre Romance, M/F/M/M/M/M, M/F/M, May-December, Suspense

Five tough operatives fall for a woman they’re supposed to eliminate. When the team discovers Paige Lambert is in fact the Queen of Hearts, they can’t ignore their handler’s orders. Will the Queen of Hearts die for her past crimes or will she end up under the protective custody of the men hired to kill her?

Excerpt:

He felt like he’d just laid eyes on her for the first time. He started at her chin, noticing the way the dark brown hair curved under her jaw, a lock of hair so delicate but there nonetheless, like it was clinging for dear life. Was that what Paige was doing? Was she frightened? Was she running scared?

His gaze traveled down her long, slender neck. He admired how she held her head high, the structure of her slender collarbone leading to a bare chest with plenty for a man to enjoy. Before he indulged too much, Paige knelt down and retrieved her clothes, shrugging into a sports bra, one she had to yank over those full mounds in order to secure them.

Damn. She was right. Snapping that neck of hers would be a terrible waste.

That’s when his mouth watered. Why hadn’t he gawked when she’d been topless? And why did he find her sexy as all fucking hell right then?

Her flat stomach made him itch. He’d love to kiss around her sunken belly button and insinuate a slow sex act, make her arch for him, beg him for more.

Finally, he studied the band of her shorts. What he’d give to lick and tease his way a little lower, strip away those shorts and show her what she’d been missing. Maybe in her body, he’d find what he’d been looking for all along. Perhaps he needed to fuck a woman he wasn’t later expected to kill. Then again, he couldn’t be so sure that order wouldn’t come.

Stop thinking!

“Is something wrong?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.

“No,” he replied, storming ahead of her. Suddenly, he wondered why she followed him then when she hadn’t trailed behind him before. He stopped, turned around, and shook his finger again. “Don’t you dare run. I’d like to have breakfast before we do that again.”

“Okay,” she said, catching up and walking beside him. “Want to answer my question now?”

“Which one?”

“How can you keep up with me?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he growled.

“I’m asking.”

“I’m in great shape.”

“I can tell.”

Jeff stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Is that you coming on to me?”

She sashayed by him. “No, Jeff. That was me trying to figure out how I can outrun you next time.”

“There won’t be a next time,” he told her, grabbing her from behind and slamming her against the steps, bracing her back with his large hands.

His breath matched hers. The move knocked the wind out of both of them.

“Now what?”

“I’m not going to kiss you,” he said, thinking he wouldn’t put up much of a fight if she laid one on him.

She moistened her lips. “I didn’t think so,” she whispered, arching her neck. “What if I kiss you?”

“Is that what you’re planning to do? You have the rest of these guys by the balls, and since I’m not turning tricks to taste the pudding, what ’cha gonna do, darlin’, offer me a spoon?”

“I don’t understand your riddles,” she stated flatly, licking those full, enticing lips once more.

“Let me give you a warning. I’m the real thing, sweetheart. I’m in Jekyll Island to work. It’s something all of us do very well when we don’t have a distraction. Now, since I’ve been assigned to you for the time being, I’m setting you straight. You’ll do what I tell you, and you’ll do it with a wide smile to boot. Understand?”

“Or you’ll what?”

“I told you what I’d do. If you want to see how much I enjoy skinny-dipping, pull one of your stunts again. I’ll drag you into that ocean and make sure every tourist within ten miles hears you when you scream.”

“I already heard the guys talking. You wouldn’t rape me,” she said, narrowing her gaze and proving then that she wasn’t so sure.

“Rape? Hell, no. You’ll respond to me like a bitch in heat. I have a way about me.”

“Really? Who would’ve thought?” she asked diabolically, moving her lips to his ear. “Who can I ask to verify this? Hmm? Have you left any of your past lovers alive? Because if you have, I’d love to give them a call and invite them to join me for tea.”

“Take a Bite Outta This”

Winning Virgin Devotion, Book Five in the Winning Virgin Series is coming to Siren Publishing on Monday, August 23, 2010. Pre-order your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion now through Sunday, August 22, 2010 and you could win a snazzy Winning Virgin T-shirt like the one below!

How to enter: Purchase your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion while the e-book is being offered as a pre-order selection: http://www.bookstrand.com/winning-virgin-devotion

Send a copy of your receipt to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com with TAKE A BITE OUTTA THIS in the subject line.

On Monday, August 23, 2010 ONE RANDOM winner will be chosen and the winner of the Winning Virgin T-shirt will be notified via email. Winner’s name will be posted at: http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com.

Please note: The only size we have in stock is an ADULT MEDIUM. Winner will not have the option of trading this prize for another future or past prize or swapping for a different size. Image on the T-shirt is WINNING VIRGIN PROMISES. In order to verify your purchase of Winning Virgin Devotion, please copy and paste your receipt in an email and follow the directions above. Without the c/p receipt, we’re unable to verify book purchase. This contest/sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.

Front:

p>

Back:

Don’t Miss the Best of the Winning Virgin Series—Ghosts, Vampires, and an unforgettable shape shifter guarantee to keep the paranormal reader flipping the pages!

Contest ends at 12:01 AM PST on Monday, August 23, 2010.

Good Luck!

Destiny

Winning Virgin Devotion is Coming to Siren Publishing This Fall

I’m thrilled to announce Winning Virgin Devotion is coming soon to Siren Publishing. For those of you who enjoy the Winning Virgin series, please watch my blog for updates at www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com. In the meantime, here’s a taste of what you can expect in Winning Virgin Devotion:

The following PG-13 clip is taken from an unedited version of Winning Virgin Devotion:

When they landed at Miami International, Irisa asked, “Where are we going?”

A good start, Richart mused, since she formed a complete sentence and expected some sort of interaction since she asked a question. She even took out her earphones when she made the inquiry, an indication she planned on listening for his reply.

“We’re headed to the Sabbat boat.”

“Oh, cool,” she said, flippantly. Then, she stuffed her plugs back in her ears.

Walking through the airport, Richart noticed what a ladies’ man his son truly was. He had that swagger down. Confidence was one thing. Cocky as all hell was another. Shit, he should’ve been Gabriel’s son.

When they reached the curb, Richart waved for a taxi. Irisa turned up her nose.

“Is there a problem?” Richart asked, opening the door.

“You can’t expect me to ride in one of these,” she snarled her nose, and this time, didn’t remove the earplugs. In fact, she turned the music up so loud he could even hear the lyrics.

Samuel slid across the bench seat and said, “So this is the way the mortals live!”

Irisa studied her fingernails. She didn’t budge from the sidewalk.

Richart tugged at the white cord attached to the earpieces. “Irisa, we’re only going about five miles. I need you to get in the car, please.”

“I’m not riding in that,” she said.

Richart knelt down and said, “Yes, you are.” He straightened his back and felt rather proud of the way he exerted his parental authority until she yanked his sleeve.

“Uh, no, I’m not.” Smugly, she stuffed the earplugs back in her small ears and hailed a limousine.

“She’s serious?” Richart asked, leaning down.

“Looks like it,” Little Samuel confirmed, retrieving his shades from the backpack and sliding them over his eyes. “How do I look? Normal? Human?” He flashed his pointed teeth and laughed.

The driver of the cab checked out his rearview mirror and grinned. “Nice teeth, kid. Where’d you get them?”

“Uh, Sammy, we’re going with your sister.”

“Sammy? Okay, that works. And no, I like this ride. Besides, Irisa always gets her way, damn it. Let’s move around town like the mortals.”

The driver turned around and said, “Aren’t you taking this vamp thing a little too far? That ain’t no way to talk to your pappy, kid.”

A hiss filled the car and Richart, recognizing his volatile son had too much testosterone to manage on his own, grabbed Little Samuel from the car. “We’re taking another car,” he informed the driver, shoving a crisp twenty dollar bill in his hand.

Richart quickly shuttled the children in another direction, thankful they could hitch a ride without too much commotion, no thanks to his daughter. Once inside the limousine, he said, “Let’s get one thing straight, kids. I’m in charge.”

Samuel’s teeth dropped and Richart glared straight ahead, opting to ignore the boy. After taking a minute to harness his temporary loss of control, he told the driver, “Take us to Haulover Beach.”

“You got it,” he sang.

Richart hit the button for the divider window and quickly made a decision. He concentrated on those damning fangs his son wanted to show off and decided to match him. When his sharp elongated teeth fell, he said, “Try that again and so help me, I’ll ground your ass.”

“Nice,” Irisa drawled with a lot of exaggeration. “Looks like we’re going to have a lot of fun with dear old Dad.”

Other news to share: Breakfast by the Sea, a romantic suspense MFMMM novel with western elements has been contracted by Siren Publishing. Watch www.destinyblaine.blogspot.com or www.destinyblaine.com for more details.

An International Best Selling E-book and Trade Paperback Author, Destiny Blaine can be found on the web at www.destinyblaine.com or by visiting www.myspace.com/destinyblaine.

HOT off the Press and Coming Soon to Siren Publishing

I love receiving brand new book covers, especially when they look like Jinger Heaston's latest for Love's Unselfish Gift. What do you think? YuUuUMmY, right?

Yes, the guy in the middle is mine! Well, okay, I'll share. After all, he does. Take a look:

Marco Giovanni adores his wife Suzy and he loves her enough to let her go, taking extreme measures to protect her. Faking his own death, Marco runs away from the checkered past he’s always tried to hide. He leaves behind a letter asking his brother to protect and love Suzy.

Alanzo Giovanni knows Suzy is the only woman for him. When his brother dies, and long before he realizes Marco’s death is a hoax, Alanzo tells her they belong together. Battling inner demons, Suzy drowns in her sorrow, unsure if she can take another chance on finding happiness.

By the time Marco resurfaces, Alanzo and Suzy are weathering the storm of a rocky love affair. In the end a new love emerges, and the ménage relationship Suzy has always wanted is suddenly within her reach.

AND that's not all!

GOOD NEWS JUST IN for WINNING VIRGIN READERS!

Winning Virgin Book Five: Winning Virgin Devotion was accepted at Siren Publishing for fall publication. I received word today. Look for the continuation of the Winning Virgin series later this year. In the meantime, if you haven't picked up a copy of Winning Virgin Promises, take a look at what you're missing: http://www.bookstrand.com/winning-virgin-promises

As for Winning Virgin Devotion, watch for blurbs, behind-the scenes, and excerpts coming soon. In the meantime, check out some of these reviews for the Winning Virgin series.

Winning Virgin Promises:

"You GOTTA READ": "Destiny Blaine's Winning Virgin Promises was simply phenomenal. I haven't read books on vampires and usually shy away from them, but the love I have had for Ms. Blaine's other books made me consider this book for review. Some words to describe this book could be spectacular, mind-blowing, incredible, seductive, and alluring. Even these descriptions do not bring justice to Winning Virgin Promises. This book will astound and have your riding a rollercoaster of emotions. I had so many mind boggling OMG moments that I did not see coming. You will never believe what is around the next corner and I highly urge you to buy this book." -- Val Pearson, You Gotta Read Reviews

5 KISSES: Winning Virgin Promises is the fourth installment to the Winning Virgin series. I found this one to be the hottest, sexiest and most compelling of all the books in the series that Destiny Blaine has written thus far. I was unable to put this one down even for a second." -- Tina, Two Lips Reviews


Winning Virgin Blood:


Professional Reviews

5.5 KISSES: Recommended Read: "In Winning Virgin Blood, the first book of her new Winning Virgin series, author Destiny Blaine introduces us to the rowdy, willful and `sexy as sin' Spencer clan. Although Orlando starts out more the love `em and leave `em type, fate has other plans for him. When he reluctantly returns to Las Vegas and meets the redheaded Natasha, he hits the jackpot when their chemistry is off the charts. I felt the sizzle just reading it! The lovely Natasha however, is no easily won prize. She requires some major convincing so the very determined Orlando pulls out all the stops when it comes to his personal brand of 'persuasion'. I think you'll find Winning Virgin Blood a very enjoyable and steamy read, with a highly likeable cast of characters. I personally cannot wait for the next installment of this series. Winning Virgin Blood is a `must read' and one for the keeper pile." -- Tina, Two Lips Reviews

5 PIXIES, Recommended Read: "Winning Virgin Blood is spectacular! This is Destiny Blaine's first attempt at a paranormal novel, and I am completely astounded. Readers expect an author's first foray into a different genre to pose a few issues in the storyline. However, I couldn't find a single thing to detract from this amazing story! Filled with a wickedly dynamic storyline, very engaging characters, and a romance that will blow your mind, Winning Virgin Blood is at the top of my favorite paranormal list this year. I was totally swept away by this story and the complexity of this vampire family's lives. I genuinely feel like I've gotten to know everyone involved in this story, and I wasn't left with feelings of boredom or repetition anywhere. If you're looking for a phenomenal paranormal romance, look no further. Winning Virgin Blood is the book for you!" -- Amanda Haffery, Dark Angel Reviews

5 HEARTS: "Winning Virgin Blood by Destiny Blaine is hopefully the first in a series of vampire brothers on the search for virgin brides. Ms. Blaine's compelling, erotic novel is a masterpiece. It was hot, sexy, and sinfully exotic. Hooked from the first words, Ms. Blaine truly delivers an amazing tale of feisty red hot love!" -- Crystal Adkins, Book Reviews by Crystal

4.5 BLUE RIBBONS: "Winning Virgin Blood is a book that pulls you in and totally keeps you hooked. Orlando is a sensual and powerful character that will curl your toes and keep you turning the pages. Natasha is his perfect counterpart and together they are dynamite. The love scenes are very intense and emotional investment of the characters will have you up late into the night to finish the story. Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. This is the first book in the Winning Virgin series and it proves to be a wonderful start. I can hardly wait to see what the next book in the series will bring. Destiny Blaine has done an excellent job of creating a tale that readers won't soon forget." -- Angel, Romance Junkies

4 STARS: "I am not usually a fan of vampire novels. Vampires give me nightmares. However, Winning Virgin Blood has a biting appeal to it. Destiny Blaine has added just the right amount of wit to give readers a large, toothy grin. Orlando is the lead bloodsucker in this book. Natasha has spunk. I will just finish by telling you that if you like vampire romantica you will enjoy Winning Virgin Blood." -- Debra Gaynor, Review Your Book

4 TOMBSTONES: "Winning Virgin Blood is definitely a testament of wills between the sexes. Ms. Blaine heats up the intensity of the story right out of the gate on this book. What I enjoyed about this book is that Natasha didn't give in immediately to the demands of the arrogant Orlando. The lengths they both go through to get their way with one another is humorous, I found myself laughing out loud at several points in the story. The story was well written, fast paced, and a must read for anybody who wants a different spin on vampire romance this summer. I am really looking forward to the next books in the series." --Rachel, Bitten by Books

"Orlando's huge ego got in his way a time or two, but he was so taken by Natasha, he gave in to her whims quite a bit. I nearly laughed at seeing his ego knocked down a time or two. His instant love and devotion to Natasha was evident and I enjoyed watching him persuade Natasha to accept his gift of love and immortality. The end of this book sets us up for the next installment of the series, involving Orlando's twin brother and Natasha's sister. By their initial meeting, I am sure that their courtship is going to be just as exciting and difficult. I look forward to reading of Almonzo's fight for Tabitha." -- Melissa Conaster, ParaNormal Romance Reviews

News on the Winning Virgin Series

As promised at TRS Blue, I have a little more information about Winning Virgin Devotion. Below, you’ll find the unofficial blurb copy subject to change for the fifth book in the Winning Virgin series. The fifth manuscript will be submitted soon for consideration. Check back often and follow the progress of this manuscript as I fill you in on the submissions process. You'll discover new Winning Virgin developments as soon as I can share them with you!

Hugs,
Destiny

UNOFFICIAL BLURB COPY for Winning Virgin Devotion

Darian Sabbat isn't accustomed to betrayal or failure. Thanks to his brothers, he's familiar with the taste of both. Now, he's looking for revenge and he knows where and how to find plenty.

Hell bent on taking the one woman his brothers love most in the world, Darian realizes only one proposal can change his mind. When the delicious offer arrives, the trade-off falls from the most sensual lips Darian has ever known. Soon, he's prepared to stop the disposal of the Spenser's favorite gem. However, the price paid is higher than any imaginable going rate and one he's certain the messenger will pay.

With a lovely offer on the table, one person offers their body in a fair exchange. When Constance Spenser detects a new love rising, she knows it's one with too many consequences for everyone involved. But will she make the sacrifice required to stop a plan already in motion?

I’m blogging today at Tigris Eden’s Forbidden Blog

It’s Friday. Most folks are ready for the weekend. Me? I’m ready for summer. I don’t care if it’s a Monday, Tuesday, or Sunday, just as long as it’s summer. I can already feel the heat. Can you?

Close your eyes now. Imagine you’re in the middle of a beautiful garden. It’s a hot summer day. Birds are chirping one melody right after the next. A waterfall is in the distance and those sweet soothing sounds of natural cascading waters nearly rock you to sleep. With the hot sun shining bright in the sky, it’s almost as if an angel is looking down, making sure your every wish is brought forward like a demand.

Ah, and maybe with any luck, your guardian angel would look a lot like the creature standing here: http://www.tigriseden.com/apps/blog/.

I clicked over to Tigris Eden’s blog this morning and the first thing I saw was this sexy hunk staring back at me. Talk about getting the muse kicked into gear. So I’m off to write. I hope you’ll blog with us today over at Tigris Eden’s Forbidden Blog. I’ll have a giveaway tonight!

Hugs,
Destiny

"21" and Open Ramblings

I have a lot to blog about. Really, I do. I can think of a billion things to talk about but time is going to limit me. So, I thought I’d just chit-chat about casino gambling today. After all, it’s on my mind. It should be.

There's a lot to do between now and my April 28th release of Winning Virgin Blood (Siren Publishing) because my goal is to have Winning Virgin Love completed prior to the debut of my first book in the Winning Virgin series.
Yes, I should be writing now—not blogging. You all are more fun so I’ll blog. Besides, my characters are ignoring me. Don’t ask.

I’m also working on the sequel to Casino Player (Whispers Publishing) and it is almost finished. This story stayed in my head forever but completing it was like an act of counting down a continuously-shuffled shoe (yes, impossible). The reason it seemed so hard to complete doesn’t make sense to most people but it will to some gamblers.

Casino gambling has been in my blood for so long that it finally tainted it just enough that I had to push it aside and believe me, it’s paid off and I can’t wait for you to see the results. My renewed love didn’t come without the appropriate inspiration. Thank you Jim Sturgess (see below).

Actually, it's safe to say, I should be gambling now.

Why? Because I need an excuse to run so any random reason will do (Jim Sturgess and the movie 21, for example). When I run—I typically head south for Mississippi.

If my Dad is reading this right now, he's already holding his head in agony. In fact, it's safe to say he's watching for me as this post is being typed. He lives in Nashville now. I always stop in to see him and his adorable girlfriend when I'm passing through (my daughter thinks she looks like a little china doll). I also drop in on my brother who is just as interested in heading for a casino as I am—well, most of the time.

After seeing the movie 21, I’m ready. My bag is packed and I’m ready to go. There’s a slight problem with that though—I believe that blackjack is beatable but only by those who have enough self-discipline to walk away. Unfortunately, few gamblers do.

Today, it's tougher than it used to be to “beat the house” because many of the casinos we frequent also use some kind of shuffling device (some say, it’s the casino’s way to cheat—don’t let anyone tell you anything different). However, if you saw 21 then you know and I know that the player can beat the casino—right? Right.

Hang on there friend…not exactly. Looks can be deceiving.

If a shuffling device is in play—you won’t beat the casino counting cards. What kind of device is it? You’ll know it when you see it. I’m going to leave it at that so I’m not accused of driving traffic to my site only to slam their product. But no, I don’t play on these tables and hate the concept. Enough said.

Now that you’ve been warned, let me tell you why you should take my word for it. I’ve spent more hours in the casino than the average casino player—and I write about them. I know what I’m talking about. Even when I’m not working on casino-related material, I’m printing off news and updates and mounds of research to use later.

So let’s talk about these continuous shuffling devices that should be considered downright criminal. Today, the game of 21 (blackjack) should not be considered a game with a positive expectation for the player if these little babies are in play at a table where you park your sitter-downer.

I stood by several years ago in a southern casino watching as a friend of mine tossed away a chunk of change trying to figure out how to beat a continuous shuffle concept. In my outspoken opinion, and it’s probably a good one here, it can’t be done.

Give me a hand-shuffle and I’ll change my opinion. Show me a counter who is spotted, and I’ll change it drastically. Show up with an actual accurate count and the self-discipline to boot and I’ll show you a casino that will be on to you in record time.

Any questions?

I didn’t think so.

By the way ladies, believe me when I tell you that you want to see this movie for more reasons than meet the eye! Even if you aren’t a gambler, if you’re female then—just trust me—go see the movie.

Jim Sturgess plays the lead and he is masterful in his performance. However, I have to ask the real Ben Mezrich if he really thinks Jim holds some similarities to him—never mind.

In any event, I can’t tell you of another movie that I loved as much as I loved this one. I just enjoyed 21 on so many different levels but I won’t go into all of them here. At least, not now. Keep in mind; I liked the book but the movie? Wow! It just exceeded my expectations.

For the record, Ben Mezrich’s book Bringing Down the House is a must-read but the book isn’t the first and only of its kind. Ken Uston’s Ken Uston on Blackjack told a similar story. If I had to compare one book against the other—Ken’s book would probably earn my vote but Mezrich’s story made the better movie. Then again, Jim Sturgess made the movie. Enough said. No, not really.

While waiting for the movie to start, I must say that I was surprised at how many young couples strolled into the theatre with kids in tow. In fact, there were more young families out for an afternoon treat to see “21” than singles or couples. It reminded me of my own childhood only we stayed glued to the television watching college and professional sports.

Today, moms and dads everywhere are taking little Tommy to see how to count cards. Then, Daddy-dearest will go out to the casinos and try to become the next Ben Mezrich. And he will fail—miserably.

The casinos are counting on it. In fact, they’re waiting on him—with their glitter and gold shining ever so brightly. If you don’t believe me, call ahead and speak to a host in Player Development. Say the right things, talk to the right people, and throw a few names around—throw mine out for that matter. See where it gets you. (Smiling here) Remember, I write under a pen name so it won’t get you too far.


Most of the time, a big player will find a limousine waiting at the airport in Memphis but guys and dolls, those in Tunica will have to know you’re on your way! Yes, you have to learn to walk it and live it if you’re going to gamble for a living. Ask Ben. Wait, you can’t. He doesn’t do it anymore. Care to guess why?


Sigh. My brother swears that there are billboards up from Memphis to Tunica that say “Welcome Home Destiny (only with my real name)!”

My last trip wasn’t profitable. At all. That said, I dare say if I called one or two hosts, and told them I just saw the movie 21 and then proceeded to ask them if they thought this Mezrich guy was on to something, that they would indeed be glad to see me. It’s actually quite funny to contemplate. Up goes another billboard—only this time it states the obvious—“Come on back—suckers welcome!”


My husband and I had this discussion several times after we saw the movie.We had a few laughs about this after seeing “21” because we know the casinos are counting on the counters now. After a movie like this, many would-be players will go broke counting card decks. Even more will fail to realize that when Mezrich played in the casinos of Las Vegas, few casinos had the security measures in place to stop a counter viewed by the casinos as cheaters (which is funny). Yes, it is. Stop and think about these new systems in place to protect the casinos and you’ll see the irony.

The automatic card shufflers that are continual throughout table play, were not in practice during Mezrich’s day and most casinos weren’t cutting open eight decks to start the game. Times change and casino rules can fluctuate to benefit the house. In any event, I do still recommend the movie. In my humble opinion, it will be one of the best of 2008. However, I don’t suggest that you book your next trip to Las Vegas with a team of would-be counters. Las Vegas will be ready for you—and so will the casinos in almost every corner of the world!

Until next time, keep it sexy and read something hot and spicy!

Destiny

Added note: For more information, just search Google or Yahoo for “continuous card shuffler” and you’ll understand why Ben Mezrich’s story is a wonderful true life account of something that would be very hard to repeat. However, history is often known to show its pretty little face again and again. My hope is, if you try to do it, you win and you go to the casinos armed with knowledge and the ability to count down a deck or two (or six or eight) without being spotted by the eyes in the sky. And with that said—go break a leg! Remember in order to count cards correctly, luck isn’t needed—but a sharp mind is required.