The Life of a Personal Assistant Extraordinaire

Move over, there's a new Queen in town...

2009-03-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Miss me muchos?

It's been too long.

Yes, it's true...I've finally returned to the land of the living after a long global excursion, a tragic heartbreak...and now this...I've been passed on to a new Queen Cassidy and this one may just be as demanding as the first.

I can hear it now: Grande Whole Milk Latte with 3 Pumps Classic Syrup and Whipped Cream

I adore her but I hear she's a bit of a dragon when it comes to what she wants. Let's hope I'll survive the pressure of being at her beck and call....

Yours,
Thaddeus Brighton

P.S. I hear Ms. Cassidy has been resurrected one last time. Her swan song will be in the form of a print anthology, SUNSWEPT, set to be released in late May by Phaze Publishing. Details will be provided once they're finalized...stay tuned.

Parting is such sweet sorrow....

2007-08-30T22:42:00.001-07:00

Alas, Queen Cassidy has decided to retire. She has purchased a villa in Tuscany and is in full pursuit of new dreams. Her passion for writing will never die, but her love of art and philanthropy with continue... Of course, I am still her humble personal assistant...(she still needs her daily lattes, mind you!) Can you blame her? She's now acquired an Italian hunk to share her days with and her new journey will hopefully take her to new and exciting destinations....

This is certainly a new chapter in everyone's lives... please continue to support these two wonderful authors as they go off on their solo careers...

Jax Cassidy

Amanda Jean Kelly

The words live on within the pages of Cassidy Kent's books....

ONE WICKED WINTER published by Amber Quill Press
FORTUNE'S FOOL published by Phaze.com

Novellas

From Phaze.com
Sunset Key
Raleigh In Rio
Dolce & Diana
Miranda Writes (in the Fortune's Fool anthology)

From Amberquillpress.com
Santa's Helper
Dear John
What Lies in Winter

I have a kindred friend...

2007-06-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

What can I say..when I feel blue I have my very own Jax to commiserate with. We simply uncork a nice bottle of Pinot Noir with a dusty vintage and exchange woe stories. This time, I have walked away from my beau. He is a kind man, but we lacked the chemistry and the passion. He is a Savignon Blanc that has not been cradled in the wine cellar and has young grapes that are not ready to ripen. I am a vintage Merlot that has experience the dank darkness and breathed well in the company of daylight. He has moved on and although I am happy for him, a part of me wonders if he is only grasping for something knowing that he does not want to spend the rest of his days alone. Sad to see that there are those who relies on stability to keep them grounded. I cannot fault him for it. I am on a different plane and I find independence exhilirating. So, tonight I sit with my dearest friend and we share in the many wonderful bottles of vin and know that everything will be grand tomorrow. For tonight, we celebrate understanding and growth. It's nice to have that one person who knows everything about you and does not judge. That's why my wallowing is best done with the company who understands me better than I do myself....

My dahlings...

2007-06-11T15:16:00.001-07:00

Queen Cassidy has kept me sooooo busy I've been away. Well, another fab-u reason is that I met the man of my dreams! He's dark, handsome, smothering eyes..a body of an Adonis! AHEM, so you can't fault me for being away. I will have to say my sweet Cassidy is leading a fiery path with her releases. Have you checked out the beautiful ONE WICKED WINTER print book? It brings tears to my eyes every time I pick it up. I read the stories and it made me all gooey and sentimental! I hate that bitch! Okay, I do love her for taking me spa-ing on Memorial Day weekend... I've been picking up some extracurricular activities and I must say that life drawing is absolutely refreshing! I made my Adonis pose while I sketched him in the nude. OH, all right, it was the best way to get him to strip. Anyways, let me get back to the topic at hand. You must read FORTUNE'S FOOL anthology. The MIRANDA WRITES story is hilariously funny and steamy! So steamy I didn't need to re-heat my latte when I picked it up.

Well, kids...go check out Cassidy's releases....

May 2007 Updates!

2007-05-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Lots of quick updates so far this month...

What Lies in Winter has earned a spot on the top ten bestseller's list for All Romance Ebooks! It has also been awarded the Ecataromance 2006 Reviewer's Choice Nomination and is Joyfully Recommended by Joyfully Reviewed! If you'd like to get a piece of all of that fire and ice, check out the book that The Good, The Bad, and the Unread called "Grade A."

Dolce & Diana's been cooking up a storm ever since its March release. JERR called it "snarky, feisty, fun". Says Romance Reviews Today, "DOLCE & DIANA is a delicious treat!" And last but not least, Dolce & Diana is a Recommended Read by May Review!
One Wicked Winter is currently on sale at Amazon for $10.40 and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping. Don't miss this chance to experience Cassidy Kent for the very first time in print!

Whew! I think that's about it. Next up...

Fortune's Fool: An erotic anthology I'm releasing with several of my friends from Phaze. "Four mistresses of erotic romance present a collection of tales destined to get pulses racing. Sexy psychics offer delectable divination in the past, present, and future…"

Happy New Year, my darlings!

2006-12-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone and I can't believe I've survived the roadtrip. Oui, mes amis..I've been driving cross country as a vacation for moi! My lovely Cassidy granted me some time off before making me slave away another year. It's been an exhilirating and educational experience working with such an incredible person.

On to the real news...Queen Cassidy finally did it! She's going to PRINT and this is the first ever exclusive look at her new cover from Amber Heat! It's scorching hot and it's a read that anyone would want because it will definitely warm you up for some fun, fun, fun... I must say I got a sneak peak of Dolce & Diana as well as Miranda Writes and it's FABU! I think you'll all enjoy it. I can't believe Cassidy with have a total of 3 print books out in '07! Gosh, now I have to remember to change the digits on every blasted thing all over again.

Okay love, I'm going to sink into a hot bubble bath and unwind from the great adventure. I'll post pics when I am mentally available!

I'll have another...

2006-10-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen Cassidy's Mixology page, it's a must see.. She's got some yummy stuff and sure to add in a few more as she goes. This next novella DOLCE & DIANA is simply scrumptous. I am salivating just thinking about all the food concoctions she comes up with for the h/h. If you don't know what it's all about..let me tell you. I can say this is going to be a great ending to tie in SUNSET KEY and RALEIGH IN RIO. It's good stuff!

DOLCE & DIANA
Release Date: March 12, 2007
Publisher: Phaze

After a quick and painless divorce, fashionista Diana Radford (formerly Simmons) is ready to start over. With a settlement of three million and a resort island off the coast of Grenada, she decides to realize her culinary dreams by taking over the island's restaurant, naming it "Dolce" after her mother. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, Diana possesses a rare natural ability and puts it to work creating brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes.

Chance Kohler is a culinary celebrity like no other, with an arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, Chance jumped at the opportunity to host "Fighting Chance", his own reality cooking series. For the past two seasons, he's faced off against the best and the brightest of the cooking world. When Diana is selected as his next opponent, Chance balks at his producer's choice. The former waitress doesn't even have a degree and has only had her restaurant for six months, even if she is some kind of prodigy!

From the moment Chance sees Diana dicing mangoes in designer couture, she whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. Diana can't stand his antagonistic edge, but there's no denying the delectable sensuality in his every movement. After all, even if she loses to him, it means press for her resort. But if she wins, Diana will be the series' new host and Chance will suffer the humiliation of losing. Either way, the competition will be fierce but tasty, and the whole world will be watching.

Miss me, dahlings?

2006-10-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

I've been having late nights with dear 'ole Jax and a bottle of raspberry rum. Seems to me she's following a familiar path down the dark and dreary streets of PAE hell...except, Queen Cassidy is top notch when it comes to being the boss. Okay, I know it's been tough on her with early morning start times and the late night drive home, but 'it too shall pass'. Smoochies, hon, it'll all work out. I'll bring by a tub of your fave Starbucks Coffee ice cream the next time I'm over (which will be tomorrow. LOL)

Well, where have I been you say? I guess I've been preparing for parties, accepting invites, and getting ready for the Christmas season. Imagine that! The holidays are around the corner and soon Jack Frost will be nipping at our toes. Maybe if I'm good Santa Baby will bring me a hottie wrapped in a big red bow!

Catch Cassidy's new HOT RELEASE!

Available at Phaze.com

Raleigh in Rio -- The Book Preview is now Available!

2006-09-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Dahlings...

I'm proud to announce the new book preview for RALEIGH IN RIO. It's available on Cassidy's website. With the October 1st release nearing, I hope the little teaser will get you read for the steamy novella at Phaze.com. RALEIGH IN RIO is the follow up to SUNSET KEY and even Freesia makes an appearance.

Please check out the book preview and tell me what you think...

Busy as a bee

2006-09-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Fine, I know. I've neglected my post. It seems easy to do with running errands, pooch sitting, traveling and trying to find Mr. Right. Gads, wouldn't it be easy to just run into your soulmate and not have to worry about the whole 'dating scene'. Frankly, I've been so involved in the whole trash rags and celebritydom... I suppose living in the La-La land it's easy to get roped into the gossip...fabulous juicy gossip, and often I can't help picking up an US or People mag at the checkout line. So what if it's ludicrous and fictitious half the time. Anybody with an inkling of sense would know that these mags didn't get sued for nothing..how often do we hear that they run with the story before they can do a background check on the 'source'. Now that we're on the topic of celebs...if someone mentions TomKat one more time I'm likely to hurl. Then there's the hollywood break-ups, hook-ups, style disasters and such and I start to realize that Queen Cassidy is right. I need to wake up and smell the latte. Time to face reality...that reminds me, I've got a date with Mr. Braff...

On another note, Cassidy's SUNSET KEY is now heating up Fictionwise with a rush of tropical air and a stormy romance you'll want to cuddle up with long after beach-reading season is gone. This week only, her novella of love and second chances is available for 15% off the purchase price at Fictionwise! That's right, only $1.70 to check out the novella that Romance Divas called "...my idea of a perfect romance."

If you haven't picked it up, it's a must!

Also, watch for RALEIGH IN RIO to be out October 1st. I hear she's got quite the contest lined up for your newbies. Not to mention she's got SANTA'S HELPER still available at Amber Quill and WHAT LIES IN WINTER due out near the holidays...or at least when she gets the official release date.

Miss Me?

2006-08-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

I took a pseudo hiatus to settle in the confines of my condo to beat the unusal heat wave. When I grew bored I'd spend hours in the pool or invite a few of my friends over for a gourmet meal I whipped up after watching the FoodNetwork. I'm sure Queen Cassidy had a reason to allow me to have a bit of summer break while she worked on her hellacious projects. Seems to me she acquired quite a few leads at RWA Conference in Atlanta this year. Word around town was that she was quite the Diva.

Well, I can say that I'm enjoying the movies..including one exceedingly sexy man in tights and a pirate with an attitude. It's been a pretty boring movie year except for the occasional big budget action flicks. Lately, I've been turned on to Cassidy's Raspberry Mojitos. I spent a great deal of time perfecting the drink and now it's a craving that's hard to quench. Thank goodness I have little Trixie to babysit and that cute yorkie is a whole lot of fun after a few licks of rum.

Tonight I should be balancing my checkbook but I think I'll watch the elimination round of RockStar. Gawd, I want to crank up the A/C but seeing as there may be an energy crisis...I've been a good Thaddeus and have my thermostat on 78... Yes, I do care about the environment. I just signed a petition to help reduce global warming. In the scheme of things, $3 a month to the California Environment organization is a small price to pay if it helps prevent us from getting heat stroke.

If you've been out and about, you should take a long cold shower and everything will be back in perspective.

Ciao.

Cassidy Kent's Sexy Stocking Giveaway

2006-07-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas in July with Cassidy Kent. To celebrate the release of SANTA'S HELPER, Cassidy has decided to host a contest! To enter, all you need to do is sign up for her newsletter by clicking below.

JOIN CASSIDY KENT NEWSLETTER

The winner will receive Santa's Sexy Stocking, stuffed with all kinds of goodies for Cassidy's naughty and nice readers. The contest results will be announced on July 16, so sign up soon!

Long time no write

2006-06-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hello dears... It's been a good long while and I've been trying to survive the heat wave. First off, Queen Cassidy has sold two more novellas! Raleigh in Rio was picked up from Phaze.com and What Lies In Winter was purchased by Amber Quill Press. An impressive month, indeed!

Now that I have had a bit of time in between researching, I thought I would tell you a neat little ditty Jax sent me. It will make you appreciate working in corporate. It's a parody on James Blunt's You're Beautiful song.

Oh, my.. have to run off to a birthday party in Santa Monica... I'm such a procrastinator. I guess I'll stop off and pick up a nice bottle of red wine for my friend.

Until later my dahlings.

Toodles!

Driving me nuts!

2006-05-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Queen Cassidy hardly answers my knocks. Sniff. Even when I pass the latte I get a quick air smooch and nothing more. When I signed up for this gig I expected company, not a workaholic boss who has no time for her dear assistant. She's even sent me out on spa day ALONE! Well, tonight I'm going to drag her tight little ass out of the office and order take out. Then, I'll flip to American Idol and we're going to watch it like any normal family, dammit!!

Sigh, that Taylor Hicks is mighty cute. In the beginning I thought he was interesting, but I must confess, I am starting to see another side of him that makes me jump up and whistle. It's totally not me. What shall I do for the rest of the day? Hummmm, I can always call Jax and harrass her. She's gotten a new job and from the sound of it--I should pay her a visit. Drop off some pastries...but of course, she loves her lattes too. I'm so there.

Cassidy Takes Over Phaze Blog

2006-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you, it has been a mah-ve-lous experience interviewing my dear Queen Cassidy. If you haven't visited the Phaze Blog... you should go see what Cassidy has to say about SUNSET KEY, her life, her writing. Also, if you can guess what kind of pet she owns then you can be eligible for a copy of SUNSET KEY.

We've just come back from an afternoon of shop hopping and now I'm exhausted. I think I'll go sink into a nice hot tubbie and let go of some stressful tension.

Toodles!

The Long Awaited SUNSET KEY is out

2006-04-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sunset Key
Cassidy Kent
ISBN 1-59426-563-1

Freesia Daniels, personnel specialist and consummate planner, wasn't prepared to get the boot from her company for possessing a heart. When she decides to return home from Boston to the sunny beaches of Key West to lick her wounds, she discovers her heartbroken past has finally caught up with her in the form of Zachary Gray, her childhood sweetheart. He lures her to his island getaway and lands them smack in the middle of a raging hurricane. Lightning doesn't often strike twice, but this storm might give them both a second chance at love.

Size: HeatSheet
Rating: Pulsar
Excerpt: http://www.phaze.com/Excerpts/SunsetKeyExcerpt.htm
Product Link: http://www.phazebooks.com/catalog/product_...?products_id=87

Covers

2006-04-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hummm...I believe that a cover says a lot about a story. Unfortunately, once the real covers come out for Cassidy's books I think it will pale in comparison to Jax's designs. LOL

Did I tell you I met Mr. Right... how many times has it been this year? Well, not enough I'd say. I have to admit, Paris is a certainly the city of amour! At least on a short term level until I'm back in the Cite d'Anges. What can I say, I've been clicking away and now have at least three hundred digital images, but I won't stop there. I swear, every second is a photo op (I can't help myself)!

God, I love the lattes here! Can't have enough of them and I'm slowly feeling as if I've been duped by Queen Cassidy. Frankly, all she has to do is buy a cup and I'd do practically anything she'd ask me to do. Like this morning, she had room service bring me up a nice aromatic cup at 6 AM and I'm jogging down to the newstand to pick up Elle magazine for her! Jeez, I need to kick this habit! Hell, I want to wrap it up and stuff the espresso maker in my suitcase. I think the skycaps might be a bit disgruntled....

Oh, time for a trip to the the patisserie--like I said, one latte and I'm ready to go.. Sigh, SIX AM! Did I really sign up for this gig?

Toodles,
Thaddeus Brighton
Personal Assistant Extraordinaire

Planes, trains, and historical sites

2006-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Seems that Queen Cassidy has surprised me with a trip to "oui oui" Paris! It was a pleasant surprise to say the least. I can't really complain since we've already done some serious damage with our credit cards and we've just arrived. I can't tell you how great it feels to soak my feet every night after our little excursions. We've visited museums, gardens and cathedrals--you name it, we've been there. It's like the woman has a built in battery pack and her entourage of friends are doing their best to catch up, bless their hearts. Our only incentives would be the cafes for authentic lattes and such...oh-la-la! I can't even begin to describe the delectable bakery goods, oh, and let's not forget the crispy, hot-out-of-the-oven BAGUETTES! Scrumptuous!

Descriptions of the pictures I've posted below:
Photos by moi

Shakespeare and Company (there's a long story about this, but I'll share for another day)
Shakespeare and Company (inside)
Louvre
Louvre at night
The fountain at the Jardin des Tuileries (artistic attempt in B&W)
Another image of the same fountain
Of course, the Jardin itself
The Notre Dame Cathedral
Finally, my favourite spot is the Les Deux Magots which have been a spot where many literary greats and artists have passed through...such as: Elsa Triolet, André Gide, Jean Giraudoux, Picasso, Fernand Léger, Prévert, Hemingway, Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Voltaire...

Toodles,
Thaddeus Brighton
Personal Assistant Extraordinaire

A perfect day

2006-03-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

I woke up feeling like I had a blow to the head. Not the kind I don't bloody remember from the night before, either.

Sniffling, sneezing, stuffy-head fever...and, er, masculine peguin slippers (one of the gifts Cassidy gave me Christmas last year). Maybe I can do one of those flu ads...

Well, I managed to bring Queen Cassidy her latte sans foam with two packets of sugar cane. Just like she likes it. Just when I thought she'd run me ragged, she managed to surprise me. Yep, she wrapped me up in her fave cashmere blanket and sent her housekeeper scampering for the Lemon Chamomile tea. Needless to say, I'm camping out in her guest bedroom and surfing blogs. You can learn a lot from romance writer when you read their inner most thoughts online.

Yes, dammit, I'm a lurker. There, are you happy? I've admitted it, now Jax can get off my back about it. God, I dread to think now that she's unemployed how much time she'll be over for brainstorming sessions. Heaven help me, but that's going to double my latte runs.. Let me tell you, the woman may be pint size but she's got some serious energy. Tends to intimidate most everyone, including moi. Oh well, it could be worse..she could have a different taste in music than I do. How can I not love someone who shares the same sentiments about Zach Braff and James Blunt that I do?

Alright, I need to slip into a coma now. The fever is taking over and I need my energy to keep my job.

Sickly yours,
Thaddeus Brighton
Personal Assistant Extraordinaire

Lattes, Tantrums, and Spas

2006-03-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Being a Personal Assistant Extraordinaire to author Cassidy Kent can be quite a challenge. The above title can be easily broken down...

Lattes = Cassidy
Tantrums = Moi
Spas = Us (when I'm behaving)

Let me tell you, this is a 24/7 lifestyle. Some may think PAE's don't do squat, but I'm here to give you the lowdown...we are the lifeline and when our fab-U-lous superiors snap their fingers-- we're on it like rice on white. Otherwise, I'll be kissing my sweet BMW convertible good bye. Because, frankly, who will make my car payments if I don't successfully carry out my task. Don't get me wrong, I've hit the jackpot when I landed this superfly job with Cassidy. She's a dream to work for (and a witch when she's PMS-ing). Thank goodness she is too busy to read blogs or I may be minus a manicure this week.

It's hard work mingling with celebs, spies, and convicts..er, I mean, clients. What a change from her previous employment. I still can't believe she's an author..but once Cassidy puts her mind to something she really beats all odds to achieve it. It was just last December that she started writing and now she's published! Whoooeeee, it still boggles the mind. I was there when she got the e-mail and I was there when she called Ben and Angelina...they were estatic for her. They offered to name their first child after her if it was a she..but our dear Cassidy declined, stating it was their firstborn and it should be a precious decision to choose wisely. Can you believe that? She is such a gracious individual..cough cough...I tend to believe she would like to be the only Cassidy in the world if she had her way...you didn't hear it from me. I think the second person she called was Jax. Now, there's a sweetheart for you. The woman is so driven she'll probably drive herself into the ground. Smoochies, dear, you know I love you!

Anywoo, I hear the Super Diva calling me from the office. She's awful when I don't drop everything for her...but can't help not loving her. Humm, maybe now would be a good time to approach her on that raise.

Toodles,
Thaddeus
Personal Assistant Extraordinaire