Everyone Else

Just My Type, released on September 14th from Samhain. It’s the third book in the three-book Bradfords series and I’m so happy it’s out! Every release is exciting, every story is special, but this one was particularly fun for me. The characters in Just My Type have been recurring, pretty major characters in all of the books in the series and just like the readers, I’ve gotten to know Mac and Sara over the last two books and figure out who they are, what they want and what their happily ever after should look like. So you’d think that this book would have been really easy to write, wouldn’t you? I knew the characters well, I knew what their lives looked like, who their friends and families were.

In fact, it was the hardest of the three. Not only did I not know that this would be a series when I wrote Just Right, I didn’t know that the perfect man for Sara was her brother’s best friend, Mac, until halfway through book two, Just Like That. Once it became obvious, I also thought “great, this will be easy”. But it wasn’t. Because they had a relationship prior and their relationship affected everyone around them. The “everyone else” that I’d known and learned about and come to care for over the previous two books. It was hard to think about disappointing them, to have them fight with one another, to have to choose sides.

But that’s real life isn’t it? True love, happily ever afters are rarely about just the couple. It affects everyone in their lives. For Sara and Mac it was, most importantly, Sara’s siblings and their friends.

I know how this feels and I’m sure everyone reading can relate as well. When my best friend met her now-husband it affected me and vice versa. Suddenly there was this new important person in the picture who was giving her advice and taking her time and attention. In fact, we didn’t get along very well at first, and that was really hard on all of us. On the other hand, when my sister met her now-husband, he and I did get along. So when they went through a rough patch and it didn’t look like it would work out, that was awful. And sure, my friendship with him made it harder on her. (Thankfully they made it through and have been happily married for twelve years now).

The point is, relationships don’t happen in vacuums and if was always easy … well, that would be pretty boring (reading anyway!). So Mac and Sara’s story is a little messy and complicated, but in the end it's worth it. And "everyone else" agrees.

Erin

www.ErinNicholas.com

Blurb:
Secretly wanting her—no problem. Her not-so-secretly wanting him—big trouble.

The Bradfords, Book 3
There’s only one problem with the woman Jason “Mac” Gordon wants: his best friend’s little sister is off limits. Way off limits, and too young and innocent for the likes of him. From past experience, he’s learned to hide his not-so-nice preferences from the nice girls he seems to attract. That definitely includes the woman he’s always thought of as a sister. At least until recently.
Sara Bradford always gets what she wants—which is partly Mac’s fault. After all, he helped spoil her. So she has no intention of taking his no for an answer on anything—least of all his refusal to sleep with her. He thinks she’s too innocent? Fine. She’ll simply get un-innocent and show Mac that she wants him—the good, the bad and the nipple clamps.
When Mac’s plan to drive her away works too well, he’s forced to follow her to a tropical paradise, determined to make sure she doesn’t find her wild side with anyone but him. Once she gets a real taste of what he likes, he’s sure everything will go back to normal.
That’s until he discovers a slight kink, er, flaw in his logic…

Warning: Contains hot sex at the beach, kinky online shopping—and yes, cotton-candy-flavored body powder does exist.

Paying it forward

I was fortunate enough to be a mentor this year via an online RWA group to an aspiring author. And, lo and behold, she sold her first book (congrats, Rolynn!) My mentoring mainly involved answering questions and being a board off which she could bounce ideas. Great fun for me -- really, it was.

As soon as she knew she would be offered a contract, she sent me a list of questions and it brought back a lot of memories. It's been 4 years since I signed my first contract, and 3 years since my first books came out. Now here I am, 17 books later, and I'm still learning as I go along! But I was able to offer her some regarding her questions, and you know, when I look back at what I wrote, I realized, it's all mainly common sense and it boils down to one thing:

Act like a professional and you'll be treated like one. Yes, you'll meet some people along the way who don't act very professionally, but overall, I think you will be treated with courtesy and respect if you just take a minute to act like a businessperson.

Publishing is a business. It's a creative business, true, but it's a business. So treat it like the business it is, and you should be fine.

And above all else -- enjoy that first year! It's a crazy learning experience, one that really never ends (the learning, that is). Grow as a writer, learn your craft, and keep experimenting, but overall of that -- have fun! Your enthusiasm will show up in your writing (I certainly hope it shows up in mine!)

So if you're just getting started on a writing journey or if you've never tried to pen a book, stop and think about what drives you forward, what makes you happy -- and if you can, pursue that. It's a fun, fun ride if you do...

J L Wilson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and paranormal thrillers. See her web site for more details about her "mysteries with a touch of romance...and romance with a touch of gray" novels.

Lancelot's Lady by Cherish D'Angelo

My debut romantic suspense Lancelot's Lady began as an idea a few years ago and then was hidden away, unfinished, on my computer until Dorchester Publishing and Textnovel.com decided to hold a "Next Best Celler" romance contest in 2009. 

Lancelot's Lady grew quickly and developed into a far better story than the original. Readers voted it #1 Most Popular for the first three months of the contest and #3 Most Popular for the remaining three months. Lancelot's Lady placed in the semi-finals of the contest and later won an Editor's Choice Award from Textnovel.

Now you have the opportunity to read my award-winning novel and 'cherish the romance' between Rhianna and Jonathan.

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

When palliative care nurse Rhianna McLeod is given a gift of a dream holiday to the Bahamas from her dying patient, billionaire JT Lance, Rhianna has no idea that her 'holiday' will include being stranded on a private island with Jonathan, an irritating but irresistibly handsome recluse. Or that she'll fall head over heels for the man.

Jonathan isn't happy to discover a drop-dead gorgeous redhead has invaded his island. But his anger soon turns to attraction. After one failed marriage, he has guarded his heart, but Rhianna's sudden appearance makes him yearn to throw caution to the wind.

To live fully in the present, Rhianna must resolve her own murky past, unravel the secret that haunts JT, foil the plans of a sleazy, blackmailing private investigator and help Jonathan find his muse. Only then can Rhianna find the love she's been searching for, and finally become...Lancelot's Lady.

~*~

Thank you to everyone for dropping by this blog and visiting me on my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour. Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and other ebook retailers. Pick up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..." 

Prizes & Giveaways: Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.


The grand prize is a Kobo ereader! Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

GRAND PRIZE: 1 KOBO eReader will be given to one lucky winner. Rules: Anyone who leaves a comment with email address on any of my posts during my tour (Sept. 27 to Oct. 10) will be entered to win this draw. 1 point will be given for every blog you visit. To increase your chances, you can receive an additional 25 points if you purchase Lancelot's Lady during those dates and email me the proof of purchase receipt by October 10th. You'll receive 1 entry per point. The winner will be selected at random and will be notified by October 31st.

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com.

~Cherish D'Angelo

Celebrate the debut of romantic suspense author Cherish D'Angelo and Lancelot's Lady

Join me on my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour, which runs today to October 10th. This promises to be the BIGGEST online book tour ever, with over 100 blog stops and free ebooks at every stop.

Today's event: Cherish the Romance Virtual Launch Party

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

"Romance, mystery, danger, black-mail, and twists and surprises, this tale contains them all… Despicable intentions threaten every character in this finely crafted tale of sweet tension…Lancelot’s Lady is a non-stop adventure combined with the agonizing struggle to not give in to the magnetism between them. Enticing. Fun." ―Midwest Book Review

"From the cold rocky shores of Maine to the extravagant mansions of Miami to a lush tropical island in the Bahamas, Cherish D'Angelo takes her heroine through a series of breathtaking romantic adventures that mirror the settings, often in surprisingly ironic ways.  A page turner in the best possible sense." ―Gail Bowen, author of the award-winning Joanne Kilbourn series

Thank you to everyone for dropping by this blog and visiting me during my Cherish the Romance Virtual Launch Party. Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at KoboBooks, Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and other ebook retailers. Pick up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..."

Prizes & Giveaways: Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes. Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

Special prizes: Purchase Lancelot's Lady today from KoboBooks, Amazon's Kindle Store, Smashwords and email me with your receipt as proof of purchase and you'll be entered into a special draw to win a signed paperback copy (2 prizes) of Divine Intervention or a 'Lancelot's Lady' pendant (4 prizes).

GRAND PRIZE: 1 KOBO eReader will be given to one lucky winner. Rules: Anyone who leaves a comment with email address on any of my posts during my tour (Sept. 27 to Oct. 10) will be entered to win this draw. 1 point will be given for every blog you visit. To increase your chances, you can receive an additional 25 points if you purchase Lancelot's Lady during those dates and email me the proof of purchase receipt by October 10th. You'll receive 1 entry per point. The winner will be selected at random and will be notified by October 31st.

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com and http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com.

~Cherish D'Angelo

Tanya Hanson: Redeeming Daisy...and the rest soon to follow.

Things got hectic since last time I posted here. White Rose Publishing offered me a six-novella contract for the entire clan of siblings at Hearts Crossing Ranch, which was released in June. In the first story, cowboy Kenn Martin who carries a load all his own, falls for landscaper Christy Forrest, and brings her to faith and love.

Then just two weeks ago, the second brother's story, Redeeming Daisy. was released. Large-animal vet Pike Martin tries to resist lost-soul Daisy Densmore, his brother Kenn's ex, in a story of regaining trust and offering forgiveness.

Third brother Hooper, a testicular cancer survivor, had his story turned in just two days ago!

It's a dream to be writing inspirational contemporaries for White Rose although I truly enjoy the western historicals in my Paradise Brides series at The Wild Rose Press. As I see things, it's all good!

I hope to see you around the romanceosphere. Take al look at the all-western romance site, Petticoats and Pistols, where I blog every first and third Wednesdays.

Blurb: Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.


Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.

Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.

With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?

Excerpt:

Before he could turn back, he saw her slumped upon a boulder at the edge of the creek, head in hands. Like the weight of the world had unloaded on her.

No matter. It was a weight she’d caused herself. Still…Something stirred deep down. Pike had strong shoulders and enough stamina to lean on.

As if guided by an invisible hand, he made his way to her side. Somehow a rose-flavored fragrance lay on the breeze ruffling the chokecherry trees. Over the burbles of the creek and whimpers of the wind, much less his quiet cowboy footfalls, she didn’t seem to hear him coming. He had plenty of time to change his mind.

But he didn’t. Why, he didn’t know. Unless somewhere dark and deep down wanted him to talk with her.

“’Morning, Daisy.”

She started, scrambled to her feet, and glowered at him.

“’Morning back at ya,” she said. Then she pushed back the sleeve of her black sweater and pointedly looked at her watch. “I’m sure you don’t want to be late for the clinic.”

Sure enough, she’d ruffled his feathers. “Just a fine point here, but this is Martin land.”

“I guess that’s code for I’m trespassing?” she shot back.

He kept his cool but regretted his impulse. “Any and all are welcome. It means I know where I am and how long I need to get to work.”

Like a gunfighter of old in a draw, she faced him, arms tense, fists clenched. Just like the night at the hoedown, he knew it was all false bravado, and something in his heart tweaked. Surprised, he noticed his knees weakening a tad.

She lost the draw, dropped her gaze to the toes of her boots. Faded blue jeans hugged her legs like an old friend, worn comfy boots snug up her calves. That black sweater, though, had seen far better days. Then she looked up at him from about five-feet zero, eyes so dark he couldn’t see the pupils. The long black pony tail had long ago given in to the wind.

“Well, then, thanks for letting me stay. It’s peaceful here. Picture-perfect.” Her voice lost its edge and something in her tone touched him, deep down. She still didn’t look at him, but her cheeks pinked. “I recalled this place from when…from when Kenn and I used to come here. I…needed to gather my thoughts.”

Mention of his brother riled him, brought back memories of the hoedown, and ruined any thoughts of peaceful and picture-perfect for him. Wishing he’d stayed away, far away, he straightened his knees and loomed over her, taller yet. “You better not be pining for him,” he rasped.

“No. No. Don’t get me wrong. I know he’s with somebody else now.”

“Not just with somebody else. Engaged to her.” Pike himself heard the extra harshness in his tone.

She nodded. “I know. I’m not here because it reminds me of Kenn and what…what we had. I just remembered how much I liked it here. And the bridge? I came to, well…”

“What? Jump off it?”

Her face fell, turning pale. “To throw a penny in the creek and make a wish.” Then she held her chin strong and looked up him straight on.

“Ought to try an honest prayer instead of some dumb wish.”

“I know what I do doesn’t mean anything to you.”

“You’re wrong.” Pike tried to keep his voice from shaking. “It means you need to apologize.”

Best wishes and God bless,
~Tanya
Tanya Hanson
http://www.tanyahanson.com/
http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/
http://heartscrossingranch.blogspot.com/

Was it good for you?

"Let’s talk about sex baby. Let’s talk about you and me…Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. Let’s talk about sex…" Salt -N-Pepa knew what was up. As a romance writer, talking about sex is an integral part of what I do. Last week, as I stared at my author copy of Game, Set, Match and reflected on my debut release, a thought suddenly occurred to me….People are going to read my book...sex scenes in my book. People I know. People like my mother and mother-in-law.

I still remember my ten year old first foray into the romance aisle at the bookstore. Curious about the bright glossy covers with half naked men on them, I picked one up. Let’s just say my mother was not amused. The tongue lashing I received was enough to make me stay away from that aisle for a good long time. You’d think I was looking at a Hustler magazine or something and not some corset clad historical heroine. In that moment, I was old enough to understand that romances were something to be hidden, because, gasp, they contained “the sex” as my mother called it.

Granted ten is a little young for purple prose, but the moment I was old enough to make my own reading choices, I devoured romances. But not because of my raging teen hormones (well, not entirely), but because of the love stories. I’ve always gravitated to the happily-ever-afters in life. And now I write them.

Picture it. The dewy morning after a raucous night of drinking and dancing. Those crazy health nuts are out running and the sleepy dog owners are standing about wondering why they don’t have cats. Then you see him or her. You know, the perhaps still-a-little-drunk stagger or hobble. Dressed in what so clearly is last night’s attire. Head down, casting furtive glances about as they attempt to taxi or walk home.

Will I be the walk of shamer? Will I hang my head as soon as I encounter a reader who’s seen into my very….erm….active imagination? Will I wonder if they’re judging me? Will I wither and wish for a sinkhole to swallow me whole once I discover my mother in law has read one of my sex scenes?

Heck no! (Well, maybe a little in the case of my mother in law.) But, I’m not ashamed to say it. I write romance. That means that if my characters call for it, they will be getting it on. What can I say? They’re slaves to their hormones. But, if the seventy-five year old granny in my local chapter can announce that she’s just sold an erotic menage novella, I can look my readers in the eye and ask “Was it good for you?”

It’s not porn. It’s not dirty. It’s not evil. It’s just sex. And like romance, there’s something for everyone. From sweet to skin scorcher. We should all be so lucky to be getting some.

Game, Set, Match! Available now from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Be Open

I had the great fortune to help out a beginner writer a couple of weekends ago. I took her to her first author lunch and then to her first writing seminar. I've been writing for a few years. I don't know nearly enough about the writing world but I was able to pass along some gems of wisdom.

The best piece of advice I gave was to be open and generous with information. Other writers, being polite, asked her about her story. My friend didn't want to tell them about her plot because she was scared about her plot being stolen.

I never worry about people stealing my plot.

There are very few truly, truly fresh plots out there. Plus most writers have way too many plots than they can ever write. We know what our strengths are and we design plots around our strengths. I would never write a non-alpha hero. I write alpha. That is what I know. That is what I do best. There is, thankfully, a demand for that type of hero.

Recently another friend of mine did an exercise in a workshop. Every writer was given the exact same barebones plot. Not a single story was the same. They were so completely different that the buried core plot was difficult to uncover.

The benefits to sharing far outweighs the downsides. Other writers can help with plot holes. They can give insight on to who and how to market the story. They can point us to great research and often private research. We share from each other's experiences.

Be open. Be fearless.


$

Kimber Chin is giving away a freebie story on http://businessromance.com/ .

Love Hurts....sometimes

Love Hurts
Dreaming of a marriage, or a wedding, is a sign of a death in the family. An old wives tale…or is there always some truth to words of yore?


“Can we really trust in love?”

Falling in love with her fiancé’s best friend is wrong—right? Not in Shania Miller’s case it isn’t. The man she vowed to marry has a second fiancée and failed to remember her after returning from Iraq. Now, unable to trust in love, she answers lonely hearts calls, saving up enough money to attend a university three hours away from the only home she’s known.

Broken hearted, Shania and her son move to Briarwood, Indiana. Struggling financially, she wonders if she’ll ever have a complete family – one with a mommy and a daddy for her son - will become a reality?

Mark Hardwick stood silently by as his friend broke Shania Miller’s heart. His faith allows him to help Shania, especially after she’s abandoned by her fiancé and family. Why then, did he hesitate when she announced her broken engagement and love for him on his wedding day?

Content warning, explicit sex scenes and violence.

Excerpt:

He fidgeted with the blue tie while glancing out the church’s chancery window. Her rusty four-door jerked to a stop in a yellow zone of the parking lot. Shania jumped out of the SUV.

Morgan’s heart pounded against his rib cage. Strands of brown hair caught in the wind fell from the knot at the nape of her slender neck, as she ran to the other side. The baby “everything” bag flopped against her side as she lifted Justin out of the car seat in the rear. Using tight fists, Justin rubbed his eyes, and then wiped his nose on her shoulder. While massaging his back, she kissed his plump baby cheek. There was no denying Shania Miller was an excellent mother.

A teenage girl wearing pigtails, jeans and a white t-shirt met Shania on the sidewalk near the bell tower. A quick transfer and Justin’s mouth opened wide as he struggled to grab his mother, kicking his feet in rebellion. Shania handed the bag to the tiny bit of female, and then kissed Justin’s forehead. Smoothing his hair, Shania said something to the youngster. A quick bob of her head toward the chancery window, then the overburdened teen pivoted to walk along the cement path. Shania glanced up and smiled. Love for her exploded inside him.

What had she wanted to say last night at the rehearsal? Her perfect lips drew his attention, making him miss most of her words. Unable to resist, his fingers had caressed her bare shoulder as he released her. He chastised himself for giving in and making the contact. Sometimes doing what was morally correct hurt.

“What are you staring at?” Tom asked from behind him.

Hesitant to look away from the scene below, Morgan glanced at his best man, who was tugging his shirt at the neck. “Shania just arrived.”

Tom stared at him, reading him as he always did, and nodded. Morgan could never keep his thoughts hidden from him. “Are you sure you want to go through with this wedding? It’s not too late to call it off.”
Morgan grimaced. Was he that obvious? A few seconds later Shania rushed through the door and stood stock still, gathering her breath. His plebeian attendants hovered, mouths open, gawking at her. Granted, her sexy body was sheathed in a thin form-fitting dress.

“Leave us alone,” he ordered. The guys stopped their incessant ribbing for the first time in two days and dragged their feet toward the door.

Shania took his full attention. Though beautiful before, after giving birth to Justin she’d matured into a sexy voluptuous woman. Unlike her normal jeans and sweatshirt, she’d dressed in a revealing outfit and looked stunning. He’d been falling in love with her since the first day they met.

Should he call off the wedding as Tom had suggested? No, he and Shania could never be together, too many missed opportunities to become lovers. They would be buddies for life and remain simply friends. He tried to think mundane thoughts and proceeded to recite the Ten Commandments, waiting for her to speak her mind.

She dashed forward and halted within an inch of him. The scent of mint surrounded him, rushing out of her mouth, as she licked her perfect pink lips.

“Don’t marry her,” she demanded.

“What?” Commandments forgotten, he shook his head in disbelief and wonder.


BUY LOVE HURTS


Love Hurts
$5.50 To Buy: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=111&zenid=dk4jpqhij49plp18u0fg037dp6
Genre: Romance
Digital ISBN: 978-1-61650-189-1
Length: Novel
Digital Publication Date: September 6, 2010
Cover art by Valerie Tibbs
Formats: .epub, .lit, .pdf, .prc (Kindle and Mobi), .lrf (Sony Reader) and pc and raw .html



jj Keller

Fantasies with spice and humor.
http://www.jj-keller.com
Dark Sun Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1KBQOdBSQA
All rights reserved.

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

     Well, I've lost control.  Maybe, I never had it - but there was this illusion. . .
Now, poof!  it's over.  My hero, Tyler Landon, has struck out in a direction that I had not anticipated.  Now, let's think about this.  For those of you that have read T-R-O-U-B-L-E, you know that sweetie-pie Kyler has a gruff Texas-ranger brother, Tyler.  In this sequel to
T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Tyler has witnessed a murder and has been taken into protective custody - by a woman!  He thinks he is about to lose his MAN card, but rough, tough Tyler has finally met his match in Aliyah.  And what a woman she is!  Tyler has Dominant tendencies and there is nothing submissive about Mossad agent, Aliyah Sharon.
     Tyler is not thinking about drug deals or white slavery or the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  All he thinks about is sex.  Now, that's not a surprise - after all he is a Texas good ole' boy.  But - Lord help me - the boy is turning sweet.  Yesterday, he brought Aliyah flowers.  Granted, it was just a bunch of wildflowers:  Indian blankets, black-eyed susans, pink buttercups - just plain little old East Texas weeds.  But, he brought them to her - holding them behind his back - like an old-fashioned suitor.  What am I going to do?  He made Aliyah cry and I boo-hooed like a baby. 
     When your characters, that you create, in a world where you are absolutely in charge - won't do what you tell them to do - how much control can I possibly have in a world where my influence is barely negligible? 
    That's the point - i don't have any control over most things.  I, like you, am at the mercy of the world.  An unkind world at times.  So, if I can spread a little kindness, a little love - a bunch of wildflowers - I need to do it.  And the heroes I create are alpha males, yes - but alphas with a heart.  Alphas who can be gentle and sweet.  Truly, there is nothing sexier than a rough, tough cowboy holding a little bunch of wildflowers in his hand.
Picture it.
If you haven't read T-R-O-U-B-L-E, meet Kyler and Tyler, they are quite a pair.  

Here's the link - thanks - Josie Arlington.

http://josiearlington.com/t-r-o-u-b-l-e

Joy in the TBR pile

I’ve been reading a lot lately. I’ve caught up on some books that I had on my TBR – to be read - pile for a bit. The only problem… well not a problem except to my wallet. LOL. The books on my TBR pile are part of a series. Usually before I get a new series even if they are recommended to me I like to read the first in the series to see if I enjoy it. My TBR pile has a lot of first books in various series. Books I’ve been trying to get to. Now that I have I am longing for the next in the series.

Since I enjoyed the first one of about five different series I am now going to buy the rest in the series. The various authors backlist if you will. At the time I got the first books in the series I knew they were the beginning of a part of a series but it took me so long to get to them that the series is now a few books in. I’m ecstatic I don’t have to wait. I now can get a few books to read in the various series. I’m sort of impatient when it comes to waiting for the next in a series I love.

So with my reading I have been doing I now have some new authors to add to my TBL – to buy list – and some reading to do. (Eyeing my TBR pile) I spot a few more books I am going to be reading and if the cover is any indication I have some more buying coming in my future. I’ve had fun finding the joy in the TBR pile.

What are some good books you’ve read?

McKenna Jeffries
http://www.mckennajeffries.com/

…. sensual, edgy, unexpected

Blog: http://www.mckennajeffries.com/blog

Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/McKennaJeffriesList

Free Reads Site: http://www.satinnotes.com/

Conquering Jazz - What’s a woman to do when she unwittingly makes a tantalizing proposition to her best friend?

Be brazen, bold and set some ground rules.Her offer. One night of carnal bliss. No emotionallowed.

His counter offer. A continued affair to fulfill all their sexual cravings.

His hidden agenda. Conquer to make sure their affair never ends.

Buy here at Liquid Silver Book.

New to the TRS Blog, New Book

Hi everyone! I'm excited to guest blog at TRS today. I've read this blog many times, but I've never posted here before. Next month, on October 1st, I have a new book coming out at Desert Breeze. BELOVED CAPTIVE is the fourth book in my New Orleans Detective series. This book is an “on the run” story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love writing books like this. It’s so much fun! I love the cover, too. Jenifer Ranieri does great work.

Only two more books to go in this series once this one is released: UNWILLING ACCOMPLICE will come out in February, with PERFECT PARTNER to follow in June. I’m working on a new series, though, titled Keller County Cops. Those books will come out beginning in April. Can’t wait!

Blurb for book:

Detective Kevin Jacobs believes integrity is the most important trait a cop can possess, until a beautiful doctor accuses him of murder and he’s forced to take her hostage in order to clear his name. Rebecca Daniels cooperates with Kevin, and soon finds herself in a fight for her very life — and also for her heart.

Excerpt:

He gritted his teeth. “We’re going to get up together and you won’t make a sound. Got that?”

She didn’t answer. Didn’t move, didn’t breathe. Silence filled the space around them so completely Kevin forgot to breathe, too. When he did, he drew in the bitter tang of blood. The coppery scent caught in his throat.

He gripped the back of her neck and squeezed, careful to keep his fingernails from digging into her tender skin. “You hear me?”

She nodded slowly, and a lone tear dripped down her cheek. Her pulse skittered wildly beneath his hand.

He tamped down the urge to be gentle with her slender, quivering body. He needed her to fear him so she wouldn’t cause a commotion as they left the courthouse. How he’d get away without leaving a trail of blood, he didn’t know. But he had to try, and she was his best hope.

“Get up.” He rose and pulled her with him.

She held herself rigid. He turned her around. The light hit her face and he reeled from the animosity written there. Her eyes were the color of a clear summer sky. They snapped with rage.

“You killed Judge Boykin.” Her sharp words made him blanch.

He tightened his grip on her arm. “It wasn’t me.”

“Oh, no? I saw you.” Her accusing gaze slid down his black-clad body and he suddenly realized he and Fowler could be mistaken for twins — except for the blood now soaking his clothes. She tried to wriggle free, but he held her fast.

“I can’t let you go. I need your help.”

“Are you crazy?” She gaped at him.

He fought off a wave of dizziness. “I have to get out of here. I’m losing blood fast.”

She looked at his side and her eyes widened. “Oh, my God.”

“He stabbed me.”

“Who did?” Her gaze jerked to his. “The judge?”

“No.” There wasn’t time to explain further. He eyed the window.

“There’s no way out,” she said “except the door.”

“We’ll see about that.” He lifted the Glock to her head. “Walk over to the window. Now.”

“Surely you’re not planning to–”

He looked at her.

“You are.” The blood drained from her face.


For more info on all of my books, check out my website and my blog, and follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Feel free to email me as well. The address is on my website.

My New Orleans Detective Series:

CHERISHED WITNESS, available now!
PRIME SUSPECT, available now!
CHOSEN TARGET, available now!
BELOVED CAPTIVE, October 2010
UNWILLING ACCOMPLICE, February 2011
PERFECT PARTNER, June 2011

My Keller County Cops Series:

MARKED FOR MURDER, April 2011
SHIELD OF VALOR, September 2011
QUEST FOR JUSTICE, January 2012
DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL, June 2012

Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com
Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins
Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins

Don't End

The other day I was reading a book that was really good. I mean really good. The characters were captivating, plot very interesting and the whole concept was so engaging. As I continued to read I didn’t want the story to end. Each page closer to the end I wanted to know what happened next but didn’t want it to stop. The ending was perfect to story. A book like that is so satisfying to read.

It made me think about what happened after the end. I wanted to know more about the characters, their friends and the world they love in. They made me care to know what comes after the end. What happened to them as a couple? What about their friends, what is their story? Will their friends have a story to? Will their neighbor get their own happily ever after? So on and so on. The story did end satisfyingly with all the loose ends rapped up however I was so engaged with the book I wanted it to continue. This is why I love series that continue in the same world and/or with the same characters. Series where you get a chance to see characters from previous books and how they evolve.

Even now a week later I think about the book and wonder what happens next. I love books that create this feeling. Make me long to read more. It is a gift when you are so capture by a story. This is the feeling writers strive for. The feeling I strive for in my own books. From some of the emails I receive/d on my books I have achieved it. This book got it and I was glad I had a chance to read it. Even though it did end. (grin) I’m on the lookout for my next book I don’t want to end. So share some of the books you’ve read that you didn’t want to end. Give me details.

Taige Crenshaw
http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/
…increasing the sizzle factor

Blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog
Chat Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crenshawcafe
Newsletter: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/newsletterandgroups.shtml
Free Reads Site: http://www.satinnotes.com/

Wilde Seduction - What happens when a woman who doesn’t know how to relax meets a man whose lust for life will change her and make all her deepest desires come to life?

Buy here at Total-E-Bound.

I cracked up when I read the comments on this picture. Imagine your reaction if a man ever said this to you. I’d probably deck him. The days of women being expected to be stay-at-home moms, waiting on our menfolk hand and foot, are over and done with. Nowadays, we’re independent. Able to look after ourselves. Capable of taking care of our own needs. And if we do choose to be stay-at-home mums that’s our prerogative and we shouldn’t be dissed for it.

This picture got me thinking about how the heroines in romance books are portrayed. Or more importantly, the heroines I like to read about. I like to read about kick-ass heroines. Strong women who know what they want and are capable of going after it. Women who are independent, but not so tough they can’t ask a man for help if they need it. At the same time, not so wimpy they almost become too stupid to live.

I don’t want a heroine who feels she has to prove something to the men in her life by belittling and emasculating them. I’m talking an equal partnership where both the hero and heroine bring something to the relationship She’s tough, but compassionate. She gets things done and she’s not afraid to take control if necessary.

Yes, she can open her own door, pull her own seat up to the table, but it gives her a warm glow to be treated that way on occasion, because she know it’s being done out of respect and love. This woman is not afraid to give in to her feminine nature because she know it doesn’t diminish her worth in her partner’s eyes.

That’s the type of woman I like to read about and that’s the type of heroine I try to craft with every story I write. That’s my idea of a kick-ass heroine.

So what about you? How do you describe a strong heroine?

Reading a Romance, Enjoying the chase

As many have heard me confess one of my procrastination past-times is reading magazines to find what-ifs to throw at characters or research for character and plot development. Last week, I came across two studies in Psychology Today that caught my eye...

One study made me glad I am in the writing profession and romance is the genre through which my creativity flows. The study found that reading a romance novel triggers the same positive physical responses falling in love does, including lowering the levels of Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. The overall feeling carries over into everyday happenings, making life and your mood all the more happier. This is something I intend to point out to my hubby the next time he arches his brow at my book purchases! Although, I think he's a firm supporter of my addiction by now.

The other study revealed that the libido can be jump-started by playing a competitive game. One that gets you moving, like tag. *g* Competition raises your testosterone level...In case you didn’t know that’s the hormone that boosts your sex drive. Participating in a competitive event can raise it 49% in women, just anticipating the competition raises it 24%.

Men’s levels rise too. But unlike women, whose levels stay peaked win or lose, if he loses his testosterone level plunges. So ladies, I guess it’s in our own best interest to let him win. *wink* I guess the phrase "the pursuit of happiness" really does fit.

Implementing all kinds of fun and games, that competitive edge between characters as they discover and grow in their relationship...oh the scenarios that come to mind! back to writing for me...


May you enjoy the conquest, whether by reading the heated chase of hero and heroine in a romance novel or in pursuit of your own true HEA.
HUGS
Mari

More Than Just Sex

     A Wishing Moon is a sexy book. The love scenes are sweet and hot and I had a blast writing them. But the book is about more than sex. It's about prejudice.
     Arabella, the heroine, is different. She walks to a different drumer. She believes a little differently than others. Her lifestyle choices aren't exactly the same as everybody elses.  But, she is a good and kind person and the hero loves her desperately. He has to make a choice - as we all do. Do we follow our heart? Or do we let society tell us who our friends should be, or how we should feel, what we should do to make ourselves happy?
     A Wishing Moon has a happy ending - I wouldn't write anything else. Arabella and Jade solve their problems, make sweet love (alot) and live happily ever after - at least until the sequel.
     I have faced prejudice also. I don't always behave the way other people expect me too. I dissappoint people that I care about. I don't look the way some people would prefer that I look. Isn't that the way it is with all of us?
     We, as writers of the romantic genre, have a unique privilege. We can create worlds where love prevails, wrongs are righted, and prejudice is overcome with kindness and compassion. Isn't it a shame that sometimes fantasy is preferable to reality?
     We are entering my favorite time of the year. I love Halloween! Black cats, ghosts, witches, pumpkins - I love it all! A Wishing Moon is a perfect book for the season. Arabella is a witch by birth, not a religious decision. Her whole family has powers, they practice New Orleans style witchcraft or hoodoo, as some call it. All of the information in the book was carefully researched and I found it absolutely fascinating and I think you will, too. Plus, you will fall head over heels for Jade Landale. He is an absolutely gorgeous, conservative
Texas congressman who meets his dream girl. She isn't what he expected, she isn't what he had planned - she is better.
     This world is big enough for us all. Different religions. Different races. Different likes and dislikes. And what makes it exciting and worth living is love. And as romance writers - we can spread that emotion far and wide. So here's to happy endings.

A Wishing Moon and a link to check it out.
http://josiearlington.com/a_wishing_moon


Till later

Josie Arlington

Grand September Newsletter Giveaway by Felicity Heaton / F E Heaton

I'm having a Grand September Newsletter Giveaway on my author website.

All you need to do to enter is sign up to my newsletter in September. If you like paranormal romances, science-fiction romances, or dark fantasy/urban fantasy romances, then check out my website to see the stories I've written. This giveaway is a great chance to try out my e-books for free!

First Prize: One copy of Her Fallen Angel plus 2 x e-books of their choice from my collection
Second Prize: One copy of Her Fallen Angel plus one e-book of their choice from my collection
Third Prize: One e-book of their choice from my collection

To enter, just visit my site and sign up to the newsletter!

Don't worry about being spammed! I only ever send newsletters when I have a new release, a discount or offer for my readers.

Felicity Heaton
(also writing as F E Heaton)

What if you woke up from a drugged sleep and...

Found yourself with a gun in your hand and a body on the floor. When Katja "Kat" Lombardo wakes up near the dead body of her partner with a gun in her hand and no memory of what happened, she calls on the only person she trusts to help her—Zak Delaney, the lover she abandoned two years ago. Now Zak must put aside his anger toward Kat in order to find the real killers before he once again loses the woman he loves...this time for good.
Excerpt:
Kat Lombardo wanted to open her eyes but the lids felt coated in cement. Immovable. She shifted her head, only to discover a percussion orchestra had taken up residence and a huge bubble of nausea was stuck in her throat. Exerting a superhuman effort, she tried lifting her eyelids again, but her vision was blurry, everything swimming as if she were underwater. The only shape she could distinguish was the outline of the tall window in the opposite wall, with the blackness of the night shimmering like waves.
Oh, God. What’s wrong with me? And where the hell am I?
The room had a vaguely familiar feel to it, but her head was pounding so heavily she couldn’t properly focus her eyes. She blinked once. Twice. Very slowly the image of the room began to sharpen and she looked slowly around.
Okay. She was in the paneled den in the very palatial home of her partner, Nate Dunning, and she was wearing a jeweled cocktail dress.
Cocktail dress? Had there been a party? And where were her shoes?
And where the hell were her shoes?
Aware now that she was lying on a couch, she turned her head to the side carefully and with great difficulty, then scanned the room. Familiar enough, considering the number of times she’d been here. Nothing unusual. Then, shock sliced through her like a steel blade. She felt bile rising at the back of her throat and had to force back the nausea at the sight of Nate Dunning’s tall, muscular body lying on the floor. Dressed in a tailored shirt with an entwined ND on the breast pocket and black boot cut slacks, no jacket or tie, the pristine white of his shirt was covered with blood. And he wasn’t moving.
Kat closed her eyes, fighting back the queasiness that surged forward again and waited for the dizziness to settle. Her skin felt clammy and when she lifted a hand to wipe her forehead, she realized she was holding something.
A gun.
Gun?
Holy hell!
She didn’t even own a gun, so where had this one come from? She stared at it stupidly.
Don’t panic. Just don’t panic.
Right. Easier said than done.
Gritting her teeth she dragged herself upright and pushed to her feet. Still holding the gun she walked unevenly across the room and forced herself to kneel beside the body. She pressed two fingers to the hollow at Nate’s throat to feel the carotid artery. No pulse. Nothing. Not even a faint thump.
Nate was definitely dead.
What had happened here tonight? And why was she here in the first place? As far as the evening was concerned, her mind was a total blank.
Another wave of dizziness hit her and her eyes threatened to slam shut again. She felt as if she’d been drugged, but how was that possible? Was that what was making her sick? Besides Nate’s dead body, of course. And who could possibly have drugged her, anyway? All of this made her already dizzy head spin. Biting her lip hard enough to shake away whatever was working in her system, she rose on shaky legs. How had she ended up in Nate’s den with his dead body? And this gun?
Walking unsteadily to the door, she cracked it open, listening for sounds of anyone else in the house. Any activity. No voices or sounds of movement, but in the distance she heard a thin wailing sound. Even in her foggy state she identified it as the sound of a police siren, no doubt headed for this house. Her stomach twisted into a huge knot.
Thinkthinkthinkthinkthink.
A cold sense of dread settled in her stomach. She might not remember what happened tonight, but she couldn’t forget how upside down her life had been since she’d confronted Nate about some strange accounting information. First her house had been broken into and her den ransacked. Two nights later, in a blinding rain, her car had nearly been run off the road, leaving her shaken and terrified.
The police had been absolutely no help. There was no evidence of another car and they blamed it on poor driving conditions. There was no evidence of the break-in at her house and she could tell they wondered if she’d done it herself.
No, the police were not going to be her friends. Whoever had her in their sights had set her up. With Nate’s dead body.

Come see me at www.judithrochelle.com
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