Warm Days, Cool Nights and Hot Guys....

Wednesday Releases!

2012-03-06T21:58:00.001-08:00

Welcome to something new! I'm going to host New Releases on Wednesdays, so if you want to see what's hot, join us each week on hump day. ;)

Please welcome my first guest, Lynda Bailey! And be sure to leave a comment and your email addy for a change to win an e-copy of BATTLE BORN LOVE!

*******

Writing Porn – With a Plot

Thanks Jennifer for letting me hang-out today and promote myvery first indie-published book, BattleBorn Love. Leave a comment and be entered to win a PDF copy!

I hope I didn’t offend anyone with the title of this blog. I’vealways written really hot love scenes in my books. (Just ask one of my formerCPs who’s in her seventies. She claims I made her “twitchy”.) However, I nevertook the “plunge” into erotic romance. That is until about four years ago. Now,as an avid writer of erotic romance, I’ve had to grin and bear the comments –good-natured and well-meaning alike – about how I write “smut.” Well, I don’twrite “smut” aka erotica. Erotica is weak on character motivation and thestories don’t end with an HEA (happily ever after). I write romance, veryexplicit and graphic, but still romance.

A good example of erotica would be the porn classic, Debbie Does Dallas. It’s all about thesex and little else. Not that I’m a prude. Porn can be quite entertaining. Imean all hard-working cheerleaders engage in sexual activities to make a littleextra cash, right? Porn and/or erotica is hot and explicit and very, verygraphic, but without a doubt not romance.

A great example of erotic romance would be the love scene inComing Home. The movie wasn’t basedsolely on two or more people having sex. It was about the struggles of aparalyzed Vietnam vet (Jon Voight) and a young hospital aide (Jane Fonda). Thelove scene between these two characters wasn’t as explicit as a porn movie, butit was unquestionably motivated, extremely hot and definitely erotic. And it was a romance.

In a nutshell, erotic romance has very explicit, verygraphic love scenes which are character driven and thus motivated. It’s not justabout a young and beautiful wife, left home alone by hercorporate-ladder-climbing husband, who drops to her knees when the pizzadelivery guy shows up – no matter how drop-dead-gorgeous the delivery guy! Thedifference is important, especially if you’re defending yourself to family andfriends.

Now, having said all that, Battle Born Love isn’t an erotic romance, though it’s still prettydarn hot/explicit and will make you (I hope) “twitchy.” Remember to leave youremail addy in your response to be entered to win a free copy. (You can alsoemail me: Lynda@lyndabailey.net)

Thanks again, Jennifer, for letting me be here today.

Blurb:

LOVE BORN FROM BATTLE. . .

Spiritedrepo owner, Rory Dawson, agrees to be what she isn’t in order to save herfather from a prison sentence. Now Pop is safe, but is her heart?

Handsomebanker, Kane Williams, has made a deal with a most provocative devil in hopesof securing a coveted promotion. All his life Kane has endeavored to be thebest, to erase the failure of his father. Will years of work be forfeited for awoman, albeit the sexiest one he’s ever known?

Fromopposite sides of the tracks, Rory and Kane forge an unlikely friendship. Soon,that friendship becomes a steamy relationship. Through trial and pain, theybattle to have the love of a lifetime.

Excerpt:

She bit herlower lip. “Sorry.”

Kanestraightened, his gaze fastened to her mouth as her teeth released the fleshyskin. He suppressed his growl on a cough. “It doesn’t matter,” he choked out.“We should leave anyway. It was wrong to put you in this situation.”

From thecorner of his eye, Kane saw two assistant managers from the downtown officepass by, staring. He edged Rory closer to the wall to shield her.

She placeda hand on his arm. “How will it look if we leave? We should stay.”

He massagedthe tight muscles in his neck, trying to figure a way out of the evening. Shewas right, damn it.

Her handsqueezed. “I promise to stay by your side and be the best fake girlfriend ever.No one will suspect anything. In fact. . .” He watched her gaze slide over tothe managers who were still ogling them.

“I thinkit’s show time.”

Before hecould react, Rory wrapped both hands around his neck and pulled him to herwaiting lips. Her tongue made an immediate foray into his mouth and Kane’sworld zeroed down to nothing. No restaurant. No bank people. Nothing.

Just Rory.

He tiltedher head up with his middle finger while his thumb stroked her cheek, histongue sparring with hers. Kane needed his other hand propped on the wall forsupport.

To a casualobserver, the kiss probably didn’t seem all that intense. What a lie.

Smallsounds, only he could hear, emanated from deep in her throat. Her body quiveredcloser to his. Kane thought again about leaving, now for very differentreasons.

Rory brokethe kiss and her eyes, bright and iridescent skewed him. She cleared her throat.“We should return to your friends.” In reluctant moves, he shifted to give herroom to move. Her hand again squeezed.

“But, ifyou want to continue this later, you’ll know where I’ll be. In the bedroom nextto you.”

Histhoughts on that temptation, Kane followed behind her to the group.

Man Candy Monday!

2012-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

We need a volunteer to test the water with this guy! Anyone? Anyone?

Enjoy!

Special Saturday Appearance!! Meet Lynn Crain!!

2012-03-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome author Lynn Crain! After some electronic difficulties yesterday, Lynn has brought us a fantastic post today:)

You can find out about all of Lynn's writing at http://www.twitter.com/oddlynn3;%20www.lynncrain.blogspot.com

Welcome, Lynn!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

I know, I sound like Mr. Rogers or something from my childhood but my neighborhood is much, much different than the average place. Every day I look out my window and see...palaces...you heard me right. Sure, there are a few other things as well, but my up-close-and-personal view is of two palaces; one well-known, the other not so much.

In May of last year, my husband and I moved to Vienna, Austria for his new job. At first, I didn’t like it because the culture shock took me by surprise. Yes, I was expecting the normal getting-use-to a new place syndrome but this went far beyond that. I’d never been anywhere where I couldn’t communicate with people yet I landed in Vienna without a word of German in my vocabulary. Now...that’s not quite true...I knew nein was no and ja was yes. But that’s it...which is sad in a way...my mother’s family came from Germany in the mid-1800s and I’d never really thought about it before living here.

While I’m here, I plan to explore all that I can by traveling around Europe. We’ve already went to Rome, it was smaller than I expected, and are planning another trip, destination unknown, for our anniversary this month. Still, every weekend is an adventure as we discover the city we now live in.

On any given Saturday, we start by looking out our windows. If I’m in my office, I look to the left and can see the Palais Schwartzenberg. Straight out the window, I look upon the guardhouse of Belvedere and if I look right, I can maybe see the tiptop of that Palais. The grounds are a beautiful sight to see first thing in the morning...see for yourself...here’s a bit of what I see.

The Guard Garrison at Belvedere

The Palais Schwartzenberg

Once we take the dog for a walk, have breakfast then shower, we’re off to a place called the Naschmarkt. This is like a huge Farmer’s Market, only better. Parts of it are open every day while others, like the flea market, are only open on Saturday. There are all sorts of fresh fruits and veggies as well as restaurants, bakeries and a variety of cheese and souvenir shops. It’s an interesting and wonderful place to be.

One of the final things we do on a Saturday is to go on a long, long walk with the dog. Sometimes we go here in a place called the Prater. It used to be a royal hunting ground, one of many, for the Hapsburg. Sometime in the late 1700s, it was decided that it would be great to open it up to the people. As you can see, the hauptallee, or street as we would call it, is long and tree-lined. It is pretty much the purview of pedestrians as well as bikers, skateboards and inline skate enthusiasts. There’s an occasional car or two but they are mainly service vehicles and or the police.

The Prater is also an amusement park with plenty of rides for kids and young adults. There are arcade games, places to eat and a Ferris wheel that allows one to see the whole city from the top. There is even the occasional dining experience in the cars, which are the size of a small bus. They were originally built in 1873 for the World Exposition.

After the long walk, we come home and reflect on anything new we’ve seen and plan for Sunday. Nothing is open at all in Vienna and it is truly a day of leisure. Again, we’ll either go for long walks, visit a museum or try to go see something new that we’ve never seen before. No matter what we do, the neighborhood is always wonderful and now that winter is gone, warm, sunny and a sight to behold.

Hope you enjoyed a little peek into my life in Vienna.

Lynn

Here’s a little more insight to Lynn and her world...enjoy!

Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring jog over hot coals? It was a tiring jog but most of the time the coals were cold. LOL! It just took me a long, long time to get it done right.

Do you have critique partners? Absolutely, my work wouldn’t be what it is today without the women of my crit group!

If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part? Most of the time it’s either Hugh Jackman or Ryan Reynolds. They are both hotties in my book!

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book? Funny, you should say that...LOL! I have a t-shirt that says, ‘Careful: You might wind up in my next NOVEL’ and I was wearing the other day. My husband started snickering and I asked him why. He told me there was never a more true t-shirt he’d ever seen in his life. Go figure. LOL!

If you could time travel would you go forward or backward? Wow...this is a hard one...I would have to say both. There are times I’d love to go back to...like the building of Stonehenge and Roman times...but I’d sure love to be around when they cure all the diseases and to see man land on a planet far away.

What is your favorite dessert/food? A cake called Belvedere Cake. It is divine and that’s saying something from a woman who doesn’t care for sweets or chocolate. Yeah, my husband says that too! LOL!

What is your favorite writing conference to attend? Desert Dreams in Phoenix. It’s only every couple of years but it reminds me of the early years of RWA. I love it!

Check out Lynn’s latest work, A Lover for Rachel.

BLURB

The magic of love comes to everyone.

Rachel Hamilton comes to Stonehenge to celebrate her birthday on Summer Solstice, only to find herself trapped beneath the massive rhyolite bluestones with sexy wizard, Dewin Kingston, who convinces her that she is the key to their escape.

NOTE: This is a SHORT STORY with EXPLICIT language and adult situations.

Lynn Crain realized at an early age she wanted to write. She took the long way to being published by doing a variety of things like nursing assistant, geologist, technical writer and computer manager all of which have added to her detail-oriented stories. Now she’s a full-time storyteller and weaves fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal tales, as well as erotic stories for various publishers. She normally lives in the very hot southwest with her husband, son, two dogs, three cats, and she’s gotten rid of her snakes. Don’t ask. Other members of her clan live nearby and include another son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons, plus various long-time friends. She is a past national board member of the RWA; founding president of Las Vegas Romance Writers Chapter of RWA; has held the positions of president, vice-president, secretary and contest chair of EPIC. Her latest adventure has taken her to Vienna, Austria with her husband as he works for a UN-affiliated organization. You can find her hanging out at A Writer In Vienna Blog (www.awriterinvienna.blogspot.com) and various other places on the net (www.theloglineblog.blogspot.com; www.twitter.com/oddlynn3; www.lynncrain.blogspot.com ). Still, the thing she loves most of all is hearing from her readers at lynncrain@cox.net.

Man Candy Mon......Er, Friday!!!

2012-03-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

A special Friday treat. Pack your bags. He's waiting to take you on a weekend adventure! Any takers???

Enjoy!

Man Candy Monday!

2012-02-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Alexander Skarsgard......by special request!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet author J. E. Hopkins!

2012-02-23T18:53:00.002-08:00

Please help me welcome the

talented, J E Hopkins! J E

has a treat for all you

Paranormal fans! 1 lucky

commentator will win a copy

of WE SHALL RISE:)

You can learn all about J E at

 www.jehopkinsauthor.com

but be sure to come on back and

visit with us.

Grab a cup of coffee. I'm having

hazelnut flavor today. ;)

J.E., thanks so much for being here today.

1- Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring jog over hot coals? My feet are still charred from those hot coals.

2- Where is your favorite place to write? I love to write while on vacation. Being in a relaxing atmosphere helps me de-stress and unlock my imagination.

3- What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions? Emotions can be a struggle. It’s hard to convey it words what the heart feels.

4- Do you have critique partners? Not formally. I have people I trust that I discuss certain aspects of my writing with, but I don’t have a person I rely on to give me a chapter analysis.

5 - What music are you listening to lately? My musical taste is all over the place. I love all music. Recently, I have been hooked on Adele. Talk about emotional music. Every song takes you on a journey of her emotions.

6- Tell us about your real life romance. Unfortunately, not much to tell which is probably why I write romance novels. I get to imagine what’s not happening in real life.

7 - Classic Novel you would like to see turned into a movie? My favorite novel of all time is The Scarlet Letter. There have been attempts to turn it into a movie, but it hasn’t worked. I would love to see someone turn this classic work into a strong script.

8 - If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part? As I was writing, We Shall Rise, I pictured a beefier version of Johnny Depp as my hero Kaden. The guy is just gorgeous. Kaden has similar facial qualities, but he is a little brawnier.

9- Do you believe in love at first sight? I definitely believe in lust at first sight. I think love at first sight is a rarity, but it does happen. Too often, people mistake love, lust and infatuation.

10 - How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book? Everyone in my life inspires some aspect of what I write. It may not be a perfect match, but there are similarities. Certainly, just riding the subways of Manhattan you see some interesting people which provides a lot of great source material.

11 - If you could time travel would you go forward or backward? Backward definitely. I am such a history geek. I would love to go back to almost any period of history just to experience life in those times.

12 - What was the best advice you were given leading you to getting published? To not give up and stay true to myself.

13- If you could switch places with one of your characters would you? I would love to be my character Reysa. She kicks butt and gets to go home to a sexy vampire who looks like Johnny Depp. I would definitely love to be her.

14 - What did you do to celebrate when your first book was published? I just felt so content that I finally accomplished a dream. I didn’t do much to celebrate, but it was certainly one of the best moments of my life.

15- What is your favorite dessert/food? My mother makes a coconut cake that is simply divine. I also love banana pudding.

16- Tell us a little about your WIP. I am working on book #3 in my Misfits of the Lore paranormal romance series.

17- Favorite romance movie? The Thorn Birds.

18- Favorite actor/actress/both? My favorite actors are the late Laurence Olivier and Paul Newman. My favorite actress is probably Meryl Streep. I also enjoy Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman.

19 - Favorite song/singer? Favorite band of all time is Queen. I also love, love, love Otis Redding.

20- Do you believe in love at first sight or just lust at first sight? I think lust at first sight is much more common, but love at first sight can happen.

21 - What is your favorite writing conference to attend? I’ve attended a few RWA conferences, but I don’t really have a favorite.

22 - What is your favorite time of year? I’m a winter baby.

23- Tropical or European vacation? Both really. For the last few years, I’ve enjoyed European vacations so this year I am off to the Caribbean.

Buy links:
 
Amazon:  http://amzn.to/weshallrisejehopkins
B&N: http://bit.ly/weshallrisemisfitsofthelore

Links

www.jehopkinsauthor.com

jehopkinsauthor@gmail.com

@jehopkinsauthor

Amazon: http://amzn.to/weshallrisejehopkins

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-shall-rise-je-hopkins/1106957341?ean=2940013235366&itm=5&usri=j.e.+hopkins

Man Candy Monday!

2012-02-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

Something for you Gerard Butler fans!!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet author Rose Gordon!

2012-02-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome talented author ROSE GORDON. She's brought her latest release, HER IMPERFECT GROOM! (Rose, I love, love, love that cover!)
You can find out more about Rose at her website http://www.rosegordon.net/
But come on back and visit with us because Rose is offering 2 - TWO! - e-copies of either HER IMPERFECT GROOM or one of her backlist titles as prizes! So two of you can win this week:) Be sure to leave your email addy so we can contact you if you win.

Thanks so much for being here today, Rose!

Tell us about your real life romance.

While everyone says real life romance is nothing like the romance in books, I have to disagree! In many of the books I've read, the hero towers over the heroine and marriages happen as a result of scandals (particularly in historical romance novels). At 6'4”, my husband is more than 16” taller than me, which came in handy when I needed a place to hide following our botched elopement! Truly, my husband and I are not the norm. We eloped as teenagers and had our fist child a month before our first anniversary. We've been married more than seven years now and while the “romance” part might not be what one reads about in books with romantic dinners out, boxes of chocolates, and flowers, replaced with endless meetings, burnt dinners, and a house covered with matchbox cars and Legos, we find time to remember why it was we couldn't wait another day to marry. Ironically, a lot of the sweet gestures the heroes in my books do, are modeled from the things my husband does for me—even if a bit misguided.

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

That really depends. I've written a few villains who've had personalty traits of people I know... For the most part though, I don't base a lot of my characters' personalities on people I've met, but rather, their looks. Two years ago I saw someone in passing with eye-catching features and was nearly stunned at his appearance. I later went home and changed my hero to having jet black hair and vibrant blue eyes.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Absolutely. I believe in hate at first sight, too. Both of these emotions were felt when my husband and I first met... I fell head-over-heels in love, and he couldn't stand me! (See how that worked out?)

If you could switch places with one of your characters would you?

Yes! I've written quite a few very lucky and enviable heroines. The only thing that keeps me from firing up the Delorean is one little, fourteen-letter phrase: modern plumbing. I'm really not sure how I'd handle a chamberpot or even a water closet.

What is your favorite dessert/food?

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I love pizza. I could eat pizza almost every day. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't go for this, so we compromise. Whenever I pass some sort of milestone with my current work-in-progress, we go out for pizza. As an added bonus, our little boys love this, and this little tradition makes mom cool. Can't beat that.

Tell us a little about your WIP.

Currently, I've taken a break from Regencies and have decided to write a trilogy of Westerns based in Indian Territory in the 1840s. At the time, the United States Army had set up several forts across the land and the men stationed there were there to help keep the peace between the Indian tribes and offer protection for those who had to pass through.

Because only military men and their wives were allowed to live at these forts, if a man did not come to the fort with a wife, he was unlikely to find one until he returned home. Unless one is accidentally left when a frustrated stagecoach driver leaves town before all of his travelers have returned, that is...

Thus sets the stage for the first book where a well-to-do lady traveling by stagecoach from her home in Boston to meet her fiance in Santa Fe finds herself stranded in a military fort when her stagecoach leaves without her. Given the choice to either temporarily marry an officer until her fiance can come rescue her or take her chances with the Indians, she marries a the glib Captain Wes Tucker, who, unbeknownst to her, grew up in a wealthy Charleston family and despises everything she represents. But when it’s time for her fiance to reclaim her and annul their marriage, will she still want to go with him, and more importantly, will Wes let her?

Though 1840s Indian Territory is as far away from Regency England as one can get, I'm having a ball writing this series and learning far more than I ever thought possible.

****

BLURB for HER IMPERFECT GROOM

Upon their first meeting, seventeen year old Edwina Banks loses her heart to the handsome, Sir Wallace Benedict. She then spends three years doing everything in her power to see him again only to be devastated when she hears that he still holds a tendre for his former love interest—Lady Chatterfield.

Disappointed but not defeated, Edwina forms a plan to help Sir Wallace gain his much-deserved and long awaited happily-ever-after by winning the object of his affection’s favor. For truly then she can put aside her feelings for him and pursue her own match.

Or can she...

Despite his three engagements, the thrice-jilted baronet, Sir Wallace Benedict, has never had an easy time charming those of the fairer sex. Having been deceived and used more times than he'd care to remember, he's erected a wall around his heart and is skeptical of everyone. Everyone except one Miss Edwina Banks, that is. With an inquisitive disposition, yet a relaxing presence, Edwina is a mystery which has held him captive ever since their first meeting three years ago. So when she offers to give him advice for how to conduct a courtship that will end with the most favorable result: marriage, he agrees without hesitation.

But when Wallace learns that not only does Edwina have another suitor, but that her advice was meant to help him woo the wrong lady, he forms his own plan: use Edwina's wooing advice on Edwina.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Imperfect-Groom-BOOK-ebook/dp/B0073VRQSS/ref%3dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328049707&sr=8-1

BARNES & NOBLE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-imperfect-groom-rose-gordon/1108487553?ean=2940014091343&itm=7&usri=rose+gordon

Man Candy Monday!

2012-02-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

I had to post this favorite of mine - and yours - since it's Valentine's Week! If this doesn't say sexy romance, nothing does!!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet Author Rachel Brimble!

2012-02-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome my friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, RACHEL BRIMBLE! She's brought her recent release, THE ARRIVAL OF LILY CURTIS, a wonderful Regency Romance:)

You can find out more about Rachel and all her works at her Website

But make sure to come on back and visit with us:)

Thanks for being here today, Rachel! You have to promise to come back and bring your next release.

1 - What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?

Conflict definitely! I am having an absolute nightmare with the book I am revising at the moment. My agent is expecting it March 1^st and I am in a major panic. I thought I had everything it needed but on a third read through I realized about half way through, the hero and heroine both want the same thing. They could easily work together. Panic!!

I have this same problem with every story I write – lack of reason for my hero and heroine not to be together. Arghh!!

2 - What music are you listening to lately?

My absolute favorite band to listen to right now is Lady Antebellum. Gorgeous sound, beautiful lyrics and amazing voices. What more could a girl ask for? Love ‘em! J

3 - If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part?

I always use a visual for my hero and heroine when writing, if only so I have a permanent record of their hero color etc. For the historical novella I submitted for consideration a few weeks ago, my hero was Dan Stevens (who plays Matthew Crawley in the fabulous Downton Abbey).

Here is the pic I used – perfect Victorian hero, I feel!

4 - How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

Very unlikely – my imagination just not work that way. I very rarely meet someone or hear their story and think I have to write something about them or that. My inspiration often comes from articles I read in the newspaper, or an interesting real life fact from history…or most popular of all, the theme of an episode in a TV drama.

The amount of stories kicked off by Grey’s Anatomy, Poirot, Eastenders or Rizzoli and Isles, you wouldn’t believe. Lol!

5 - Tell us a little about your WIP.

I am currently working on book 2 of what I hope will be a romantic suspense series. My agent is busy with book 1 and several houses have it under consideration and know it will be part of a three-part series. It is set in the fictional seaside town of Templeton Cove in South West England.

It’s all very exciting as I haven’t released a romantic suspense in three years but these books came to me out of nowhere, begging to be written. I have everything crossed for their success!

6 - What is your favorite time of year?

I am my happiest in the sun BUT I also love the first taste of Autumn when I can go back to warm boots and a wool coat. Love that feeling! Summer is what I love though. I have a cabin at the bottom of my garden where I write with my Black Lab laying at the open door or I take my laptop onto the decking and feel the sun on my back.

Bliss!! J

Rachel’s latest historical romance is The Arrival Of Lily Curtis, available now from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb:

At the mention of an arranged marriage, Elizabeth Caughley feels her life is over at the age of three and twenty….so she hatches an escape plan. She will reinvent herself as a housemaid. Overnight, Elizabeth becomes Lily…

Viscount Westrop wants nothing more than his legacy to be passed to his own son one day. Even though he feels insurmountable pity for the unborn child already, he knows how much pain a broken promise can cause and will do what is right. But with the arrival of his new housemaid, his plans are thrown into disarray. Lily is funny, feisty and the most beautiful creature on earth – Andrew is thunderstruck. But if anyone suspects how much he wants to ravish her and endlessly love her, Andrew’s lineage will be in peril. And he cannot let that happen…

Buy Link:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=176_138&products_id=4124

Links:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/RachelBrimble

Man Candy Monday!

2012-02-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Can you say wash-board abs???? Yow-za!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet author Velda Brotherton!

2012-02-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome my friend and fellow Wild Rose Press author, VELDA BROTHERTON. Velda and I share a love of Old West stories. I've had the pleasure of hearing her speak several times, and she is a wealth of knowledge:) She's brought her latest release STONE HEART'S WOMAN.
You can learn about Velda and her writing at http://www.veldabrotherton.com
But then come on back, grab a cup of coffee and visit with us! Velda has graciously offered 2 Freebies - 1 e-book and 1 paperback to two lucky commentators. So don't forget to leave your email addy so we can contact you if you're name is chosen:)
Thank you for being here today, Velda!

1. Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring job over hot coals?

While it was delightful because I met so many wonderful people, I wouldn't call it a stroll in the park. Perhaps a hop, leap and often flight over hot coals would better express the journey. Writing my first novel came about during several years when I wrote for local newspapers. And did it ever take years. Where I began and where I ended were such far-distant points. I began writing a women's fiction novel, you know that Great American Novel so many of us strive for? I ended in changing an award winning three chapters of a western into a western historical romance after an editor at Penguin suggested it. I've been in love with historicals ever since. And if you won't tell anyone, I wrote and had that book, and five more, published without ever reading a romance. Goes against all advice, huh? Lisa Wingate, a good friend, who was at that time published in romances, took me under her wing when the editor asked for the change, and she suggested what to do and where to change the book. She was not a critique partner, but rather a member of the first critique group I belonged to, and one that is still active today.

Dusty Richards, another group member, shoved me forward to pitch the book to the Penguin editor. Many others have been so kind and helpful over the years, to help me leap and fly over those coals. Like I said, I've met some wonderful people along the way.

2. Tell us about your real life romance.

I'm in love with, and married to, my high school sweetheart. In those days, and I won't say exactly when, if we gals didn't wear an engagement ring by the time we graduated from high school, we were failures. I met my husband-to-be when I was 14 and he was 16. We married when I was 17, much to my father's dismay. Hubby has carried my books ever since, and we've been married 58 years this past December. That's a long time to be with the same person and it's been bumpy, but he's always been romantic. He buys or picks me flowers often. When he goes shopping on his own, he often comes back with something for me, even if it's just a favorite treat from the fruit or veggie section. He sometimes brings me fresh mushrooms cause I enjoy them so, even though he can't stand them. Maybe that doesn't sound very romantic, but it suits me just fine. He also does much of my research and travels with me on my research trips. Best of all, he puts up with my writer ways.

3. How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book? Very likely, and I often wear a tee shirt that announces, "Be careful, or you'll end up in my novel." I'm careful, though, to disguise them pretty well. Most everyone I know has had their name appear, first only, of course. A funny story: I made a friend early on who writes mystery novels. Quite a few years ago, Radine Trees Nehring was surprised when she found I'd used her first name for a young "soiled dove" in one of my books. She was so proud she actually sold more of those books than I did when we'd have book signings together. She later used Velda as a name for one of her characters. I've used most all my close relatives' names, and often their personalities here and there. It's wise, however, to be careful not to slander anyone. Even relatives can take a notion to sue.

4. If you could switch places with one of your characters would you? Well, sometimes I think I might, but when I get to thinking about it, most of my books take place before modern conveniences and those I really wouldn't want to do without. But if I were much younger, I think it would be fascinating and exciting to travel west along the Santa Fe Trail, especially if one of those handsome heroes came along. One of my favorite characters comes from my book, Images in Scarlet. Allie carried a Navy Colt and was very self reliant. Many women went west on their own, bought land, took jobs dressed as men, etc. My editor at Topaz once told me that to keep the stories romantic we had to leave out the bedbugs, and she was perfectly right. We can romanticize the west all we want, but some things people put up with would be horrific.

5. Tell us a little about your WIP. I have two new books out, but I'll talk about Stone Heart's Woman, out from The Wild Rose Press, because it's a western historical romance and the story is close to my heart. Though I always set my books during a time and place that particularly intrigues me, the plight of the Northern Cheyenne as they tried one last time to go home is heartbreaking. Their courage and determination is even more so. For 1500 miles their small band of men, women and children battled soldiers and dreadful conditions to make their way home to the land of the yellowstone.

Stone Heart is the son of George Armstrong Custer and a Cheyenne woman. Raised white, he is torn between two worlds, but makes his choice and joins the Cheyenne during their "final outbreak" from Ft. Robinson in Nebraska. Badly wounded, he holes up in an abandoned shack to heal. There he encounters Aiden Connor, a woman on the run, a red-haired Irish lass abandoned in a small frontier settlement by her fiance. Left to her own devices, she sings onstage until the good women there band together and run her out of town.

From need rather than choice, the two join forces. She to nurse him back to health, and he to see they survive the brutal cold and return to Ft. Robinson where the lone remnants of his people are penned up and starving. He will see they are freed at any cost, and Aiden soon joins him in the battle. One that will finally only be won with the help of Libbie Custer.

Jennifer can draw one comment out for a print copy of Stone Heart's Woman.

Those who want to answer this question can compete for a Kindle copy of another of my historical romances, Dream Walker.

Question: Why do you read western historical romances?

Links: Website http://www.veldabrotherton.com

Blog http://veldabrotherton.blogspot.com

Purchase Stone Heart's Woman http://www.tinyurl.com/6q3fab5

Backlist on Kindle http://www.tinyurl.com/7dr9mbn

Man Candy Monday!

2012-01-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

OK, I know you're all thinking it......just what's happening in the lower part of this picture that put that look on his face??? Whatever it is, he's deliciously sexy;)

Enjoy!

Friday Fun: Meet author Mac Crowne!

2012-01-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome my friend, the talented MACKENZIE CROWNE! She's brought her SOON To Be released, GIFT OF THE REALM, a paranormal romance.
You can learn about Mac at http://macsmadmania.blogspot.com/
and I'm sure she'll let us all know the release date there too!

Thanks for being here today, Mac!

If you were going to cast the hero of your book, what actor would get the part?

So many choices. Hmmm, let’s see, Colin Quinn, who are you? I could go with Timothy Olyphant, just because I’ve loved him in his various roles. Of course, there is Russell Crowe, wowser, and Pierce Brosnan has always done it for me. Am I showing my age? But when I think of Quinn, I think of his smile. Eric Dane would have to be it.

Do you believe in love at first sight or just lust at first sight?

You know, I’ve never really given it a lot of thought but I think lust at first sight is a precursor to love, don’t you? Okay, so you may not end up in love with all of those hotties out there who catch your eye, but that one? Oh yeah, my one definitely kicked up a little heat before love took hold.

What music are you listening to lately?

If you ask my boys they’ll tell you I find new music and play it to death before finding the next. My current favorite is the soundtrack to Burlesque. I’d never listened to Christina Aguilera before seeing the movie but, holy cow, can that girl sing. The movie is my current fave too, and hubby doesn’t mind my watching it over and over again, not with all the half naked burlesque singers doing their thing.

Tropical or European vacation?

Can’t I have both? I love the beach. Love it, love it, but I grew up in Boston and learned the value of seeping myself in history. My idea of the perfect vacation would be a Caribbean cruise followed by multiple sea days with stops in all those wonderful, ancient European ports. Of course, I’d want another swing through the Caribbean on the way home. Did I mention my friends call me Vacation Mac?

If you could switch places with one of your characters would you?

Hmmm, if I were to switch places with Keely O'Brian, my heroine in Gift of the Realm, I would suddenly be years younger. I’d be gorgeous, and as a Halfling, I’d have mystical gifts like the ability to zap myself from one place to another just by thinking. I’d live in an ancient cottage near the Irish coast, and a wicked-hot Halfling Irishman wouldn’t be able to resist me. That would be a yes! Of course I’d switch, and do so all the time! Isn’t that why we read and write after all?

What was the best advice you were given leading you to getting published?

Keep writing! Like everyone else, I received my share of form rejections, but I also received one early rejection that has always stuck with me. ‘While I can’t offer you a contract for this project, my advice is to keep writing,’ an editor told me. ‘You have a fun voice. Develop it. I look forward to seeing your name cross my desk again in the future.’ While I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant at the time, I kept writing and hopefully I’ve succeeded at following her advice.

I also have a question for visitors: In Gift of the Realm, Keely learns she is decedent from a fairie-human relationship, and as such she has magical gifts. Like her ability to zap herself anywhere by simply speaking a word, if you could have any magical gift, what would it be?

GIFT OF THE REALM ~ available spring ~ 2012
http://macsmadmania.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mackenzie-Crowne/167719346640372

Meet Author Kat Henry Doran & COOL Giveaway!!

2012-01-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

Help me welcome author Kat Doran! She's brought her fantastic contemporary romance, MAD DOG and the ARCHANGEL, one I think you ladies who love a bad-boy hero will love!

You can find out more about Kat and all her work at http://www.KatHenry.com
But come on back a visit with us for awhile:) Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a darling Cell Phone/iPad bag!

Thanks for being here today, Kat.

1. If I were to cast the hero of MadDog and the Archangel, I would want Lou Diamond Phillips. He's the only onewho could play Rafe Archangeli, the Scourge of Summerville.

2. People Imeet or know run a high risk of ending up in my books. In my first full lengthnovel, Captain Marvelous, I needed ahead nurse in the ER and wanted a male nurse. He needed to be big all over withhuge hands and a heart of mush. I used a cop I once worked with and adored; helater became the hero in Those Who Wait[a novella I wrote for Decadent Publishing, w/a Veronica Lynch]. I neededsomeone with a whippy sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye; Joe Murphy wasperfect to play Keenan Rossi. On the negative side of the fence, a former bossbecame the heroine's snarky supervisor in ThoseWho Wait. I laughed my way through the two scenes that featured that bird. The former chief of police of the citywhere I've lived for the past 40 years became the COP for the three stories Iwrote for the Class of 85 series, including MadDog and the Archangel.

3.Currently my two favorite actors are LievSchreiber and Daniel Craig. Totalyummy both of them. Did you them in Defiance? Wonderful. Toe crunchtime.

4. Icelebrated the release of my first book [CaptainMarvelous] by getting rip roaringdrunk. It was 2004, I was in Dallas at the RWA conference. My first book; myfirst time at RWA.

5. The music I'mcurrently listening to is governed by mood. If I'm having trouble in my lovelife, no one but Johnny Mathis does it for me. If I want to rock, it's FrankieValli and the Four Seasons. If I want to kick some ass it's the Eagles. If I'mfeeling romantic, it's George Gershwin all the way. I'm trying to memorize thelyrics to “Come a Little Bit Closer” by Jay and the Americans for my currentWIP. My grandchildren sing it with me, particularly the trumpet refrains ofbump-bump-bump. I love the sound of their laughter and this song always doesthe trick.

. 6

I absolutely believe in love at first sight―butlust is a whole lot more fun, particularly in a book

7. If I couldtrade places with any of my characters it would be Maggie McShane, the heroinein my second novel, Try Just Once More.I admire and respect her for the changes she's made in her life, including thesummoning the courage to try just once more with hero Mike Brandt who is sosexy he makes my toenails curl.

BLURB:

RafaelArchangeli returns home to Summerville to bury an old friend, collect hisinheritance, and then return to the only life he knows—conning wealthy womenout of their money. In Rafe's world, money not only equals success, it goes along way to obliterate the stigma of his past.

GraceDunavan, former nun turned community activist, gave up worldly goods a longtime ago with no regrets. But she's never known a man with the raw appeal ofthe Scourge of Summerville: Rafael Archangeli.

Theirfirst meeting is like an errant strike of lightning, fierce and stunning inintensity, and takes both by surprise. Has Grace turned Rafe into a changedman? Or is he using his inheritance to pull off the biggest scam of his life?

EXCERPT:

“The terms of the will demand theheirs be notified in person of the gifts, and stipulations pertaining to them,within one year of Mr. Thurgood's passing. You, Mr. Archangeli, are the firstof the heirs to be found and notified.”

After the night with Grace, toppedoff by the morning's revelation of her previous occupation, Rafe figured he'dbest get his ass back to New York and put this stroll down memory lane behindhim. “What is the inheritance?”

Attorney Burke slid the file acrossthe the desk at him. “The Thurgood Trust.”

Rafe stared at the folder. A couplepieces of paper were worth getting his sister all nervous and jerky? “I don'tunderstand.”

“According to an audit completedjust two days ago, it's worth nine hundred million dollars.”

“So?”

“Congratulations.” Burke's stonyfeatures belied the single word. “The Trust is yours.”

If Rafe had been forced to come up with a last minute scam, thiswould top the list. “This isn't my first trip to the prom, Mr. Burke. In that Ihave better things to do with my time, thanks but no thanks.”

The attorney's sigh was full anddramatic. Rafe had often used the same ploy. Easiest way to bring a mark overto the dark side is to act put upon. “When he learned his diagnosis wasterminal, Mr. Thurgood decided to establish a charitable trust with the goal ofmeeting the needs of under-served populations in our community. Your mission,should you choose to accept it, is to manage the Trust.”

Nine hundred million dollars.

LINKS: my website: www.KatHenry.com

my blogsite: www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com

To purchase all mybooks, go to www.thewildrosepress.com and type in my name inthe 'books by' box.

Man Candy Monday!

2012-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

What's he thinking?
" Come on back to bed, darlin."

Or......
What do you think, ladies?

Enjoy!

Man Candy FRIDAY???

2012-01-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

OK, ladies, you know what happens when an author doesn't give me there post for Friday Fun. You get more Man Candy!!

Enjoy!

Man Candy Monday!!

2012-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

What's better than Alex O'Loughlin in uniform??

Alex O'Loughlin out of uniform, of course! :)

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet author Victoria Gray!

2012-01-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome the talented, VICTORIA GRAY. She's brought her wonderful Civil War era story, SURRENDER TO YOUR TOUCH. (You ladies know how much I love that era!) Plus Victoria and I have the same taste in men ....Johnny Depp and Alex O'Loughlin. *sigh*

Victoria is going to give away 1 e-copy to a lucky winner, so be sure and leave your email with your comment.

You can find out all about Victoria at her website http://www.victoriagrayromance.com

Then come on back a visit with us:)

Thanks for being here today, Victoria !

Please tell us a little about your story, Surrender to Your Touch.

Will Reed is out to settle a brutal score. The disgraced Rebel officer's own men want him hanged, and an enemy has ordered him killed. Intent on clearing his name and evening the score with those who betrayed him, he begins with the woman he once loved—Union spy Kate Sinclair.

For years, Kate used seduction as a lure. She knew better than to let her heart get involved--until she fell in love with Will. Grieving his death, Kate's joy at discovering him alive shatters when she is confronted by a bitter, vengeful man—a man who'll stop at nothing to learn the truth of her betrayal. As danger pursues them, Kate fights to tear down the barriers Will has erected around his heart, but her most powerful weapon may ultimately destroy her—surrender.

What are your favorite foods?

Chocolate and white wine!

What’s your favorite romance movie?

Wow, that’s a tough one…there are so many great ones! I think it depends on my mood. For a lighthearted romance, Romancing the Stone is a classic …especially since the heroine is a romance novelist, and I adore Bridget Jones’ Diary…there is something super sexy about Colin Firth. If I’m in the mood for a brooding hero, Jane Eyre, is a great choice. Michael Fassbender was wonderfully smoldering in the latest version. The Notebook is a touching romance, and I adored Crazy Stupid Love…wonder if Ryan Gosling had anything to do with those choices?

Who’s your favorite actor?

Again, it’s hard to name just one. Russell Crowe is my absolute favorite…he is simply brilliant and so very hot! Robert Downey, Jr. is another actor at the top of my list these days. His portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is witty and very sexy. Ryan Gosling is terrific, and I adore Edward Norton. Oh, and I certainly can’t leave out Johnny Depp…those dark eyes get me every time!

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I love football! I’m a total football fanatic…unfortunately, my team is now out of the playoffs (I’m a Steeler gal!), but now I can root for Drew Brees…wow, is he hot!!!

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

A quiet dinner with my husband, followed by a moonlit walk and time in the hot tub with a glass of wine.

If you were going to cast your hero in a movie, which actor would you cast?

When I wrote Surrender To Your Touch, I had Alex O'Loughlin in the part. He’s tall, dark, handsome, and possesses the emotional intensity to play Will.

Where can readers find you on the web?

I hope readers will stop by my website and my blog, www.victoriagrayromance.com ; www.victoriagrayromance.blogspot.com.

I’d love for you to friend me on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1819636616

and follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/VictoriaGray115

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

A quiet dinner with my husband, followed by a moonlit walk and time in the hot tub with a glass of wine.

Where can readers find your book?

Surrender to Your Touch is available from The Wild Rose Press (print- http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4652 and e-book - http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=176_135&products_id=4643

Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/6rhtyos

Barnes and Noble - http://tinyurl.com/7l5e73b

And other great retailers!

Man Candy Monday!

2012-01-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

For you ladies who love Firemen!!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet Author Kristi Lea!

2012-01-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to host debut author, my friend and fellow RWA chapter mate, KRISTI LEA! Kristi brought her brand new release, THE PARIS AFFAIR. (I love the cover, Kristi!)

You can find out more about Kristi at http://kristilea.com/WordPress/

But come on back and be sure to leave a comment. Kristi is giving away a copy of THE PARIS AFFAIR to one lucky winner!

And Kristi wanted me to tell you she has to be at her day job but she will check in when possible.

Thanks for being here, Kristi and congrats again on your debut!

****

Where is your favorite place to write?

I amsupposed to answer “in my new home office” since we recently moved and I made ahuge deal about claiming a room of my own because I’m a Real Writer now. But mytrue favorite place is Starbucks (it was my “home office” for the first severalyears of writing!). The smell of the coffee immediately gets the words flowing.Or maybe it’s the caffeine and sugar that does the trick…

Favoriteromance movie?

The Princess Bride. I have owned it in every format possible (book,VHS, DVD…). My sister quoted it in her toast for my wedding. I have eveninsisted that my children watch it with me. Makes me swoon every time.

Doyou believe in love at first sight or just lust at first sight?
Somewhere in between. The day I first saw my future husband, I knew therewas something important about the two of us. It wasn’t just lust (though he wascute!). But actual love, the kind that lasts through 10 years (and counting) ofmarriage plus kids plus life in general took a lot more than one quick glanceto develop.

Tropicalor European vacation?

Tropical. Give me a beach, an umbrella, andan electronic stack of books (i.e. a network connection plus my e-reader).

What did you do to celebrate when yourfirst book was published?

Ihave had the strangest experience with the publication of my debut. We bought anew house this fall, and the same morning the movers were arriving for ourfurniture, my editor contacted me about buying my book. I was ecstatic. Butthere was no time to celebrate because we had way too much junk still to pack.

Ispent the next three weeks with no internet access in the new house because thecable company was so backlogged. My fall was a blur full of boxes and unpackingand learning new commutes, plus the craziness that is the start of the kids’school year. The book was important, but it was one of many important things Iwas dealing with. Release day itself was in the middle of the week, rightbefore Christmas. I had an important meeting at the dayjob that day, so Icouldn’t play hooky, and I think I made frozen chicken nuggets for dinner.

ThankfullyI had vacation days between Christmas and New Years, and it finally sank in.I’m a published author. Squee!

(Andnow the real work begins…)

BUY LINK:

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/the-paris-affair/

THE PARIS AFFAIR EXCERPT:

“Ididn’t invite you in.”

Heshrugged. “I’ll just walk you toyour door. My mother would skin me alive if I left a woman alone on a dark citystreet.”

Claireglanced up and down her block, full of hulking warehouses. Some buildings, likehers, were being converted into loft apartments. The neighborhood wasconsidered trendy by the few, transitional by the many. She walked past him,and headed for the brick archway that covered the street-side door. She couldfeel Helmut following her steps.

Thedoor opened before Claire reached it, and her two downstairs neighbors walkedout.

“Thanks.” She smiled, and went inside. Helmut followed, still justbehind.

Shepassed the elevators and took the wide wooden stairs at a slight jog up to thethird floor. Claire stopped to extract her keys from the bottom of her purse,and Helmut braced one arm against the wall beside her, his breathing muchcalmer than hers.

“Youlead a merry chase,” he said.

“Alittle exercise never hurt anyone.”

Shemet Helmut’s gaze in the dimly lit hallway. In hisdarkened eyes, she recognized the same burning attraction she’d been flirting with all evening, but he held somethingback.

Claire’s fingers closed on her keys, and she tried to pull them outof the bag, but they snagged on the strap and tumbled from her grasp.

Almostbefore they hit the concrete floor, Helmut was on his knees at Claire’s feet, retrieving them. He stood slowly, his body a merebreath from hers. Though he didn’t so much as brush her clothing, herbreasts tingled at the heat radiating from his chest. If her heart beat anyharder, it would have smacked him in the face.

Thisclose, Claire could see a faint touch of stubble darkening his squared jaw, hereyes level with his Adam’s apple, above the finely tailoreddress shirt that fit closely to firmly muscled shoulders. He wore no tie, andthe top button was undone, showing a small hint of tanned, supple skin. Claire’s knees went weak at the thought of unbuttoning that shirtand running her fingers across his chest.

Shewatched, dazed, as he reached his left arm around her, his sleeve brushing herwaist, and fit her door key into the lock. He leaned his head down as hereached around her, until they stood almost cheek to cheek. Claire closed hereyes as she felt his warm breath tickling her neck, her ear.

Ithad been a long time since any man had seduced her so subtly. It had been along time since any man had seduced her at all. After Frank, she had promisedherself to avoid work-related relationships, and she had no time to meet menanywhere else. But from what she knew of Helmut, he didn’t do relationships. Heartbreaker. Cold-hearted snake.Hot-blooded man. One who might leave her bed and not dog her steps for years.That didn’t sound bad.

Witha click, he turned the knob and pushed the massive wood door open.

“Iwill see you tomorrow,” he whispered, the baritone of hisvoice sending shivers down her spine.

Claire’s eyes flew open as he stepped away and cool air replacedthe radiating heat of his body. She slumped against her open doorway andwatched dumbly as he retreated back down the stairs.

Man Candy Monday!

2012-01-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! May every morning of 2012 you wake up every morning next to Alex O'Loughlin.
(How's that for a wish?)

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet author Louisa Masters!

2011-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, everyone! Please help me welcome, LOUISA MASTERS to the blog. This is the first time I've had the pleasure of her being my guest here ....But with a cover like this one, I think she needs to come back more often! *grin* (That is a hot cover, Louisa!)

Anyway, the first time I read the blurb for INTER-OFFICE RELATIONS, I put the book on my TBR list.

You can visit Louisa anytime at her website http://louisamasters.com/

So without further ado, let's get to know Louisa a little better. Don't forget: Leave a comment for a chance to win and be sure in include your email addy so we can contact you:)

Thanks for being here today, Louisa!

Whereis your favorite place to write?

I wish I could say I have atidy desk where I sit in an ergonomic chair, but the truth is my apartment isso small there's no room for a desk. My options are the kitchen table or thecouch, and sadly, my favorite is the couch. I put my feet up, settle the laptopin my—hehe—lap, and thrash things out. It actually led to disaster in 2010,what I call the Great Computer Crash. Itripped on the power cord and the laptop crashed to the floor. Because I don'tdo things in half-measures, the hard drive shattered and I lost nearlyeverything. Thank heaven for back-ups!
Whatis the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?

Emotions. I always go backand end up adding them in. My problem is that I find it so much easier to tellthan show.

Doyou believe in love at first sight?

Yes and no. I believe youcan meet someone and instantly have a connection, a spark, and that it can growinto love, but I think you actually need to spend time with a person before lovecan grow.
Howlikely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

I would never put realpeople in a book. Erm. Well, not the entire person. Maybe just a couple ofcharacter traits. That's what I tell my family, anyway.

Whatwas the best advice you were given leading you to getting published?

Persevere. And I hated it. Iwas convinced that it was the suckiest, crappest advice ever. I mean, how isthat going to make me a better writer? How is it going to make publishers likemy story?

Now it's the single piece ofadvice that I attribute my publication to. Rejection hurts. It made me want tocurl into a ball and pull the covers over my head every time I got a "no,thanks." But I persevered. I reviewed and revised my story a thousandtimes. I kept on going, even when I just wanted to scrap the whole@$^&&#$% thing. And in the end, it got published. (wheee!)

Tell us a littleabout your WIP.

I'm currentlyworking on an as-yet-untitled short about one of the characters in One Night ina Bar, which is due for release from Total-e-Bound mid-2012. Mandy is Karenfrom ONiaB's best friend, and when she recognizes former rock star Blake Hawleyat the local watering hole, she fulfils a fantasy and propositions him: one hotnight of sex. He turns her down. Drunk chicks aren't his style. But he givesher his number and a promise that he won't turn her down when she's sober.

You can read moreabout One Night in a Bar at my site, www.louisamasters.com,and I'll post updates on my WIP as I have them.
What is your favorite time of year?

Summer. Long days,vacation time, warm weather. Clothes are more comfortable, food tastes better.I can write outside. Spend time at the beach. Mmmm.
Tropical or European vacation?

Well, seeing howmuch I love summer... Plus, I honestly believe that vacation is for relaxing,and the one time I was in Europe, I was up early every morning for a full dayof sightseeing. So, definitely a tropical vacation.

Blurb:

With her resignation submitted, Jeannie Price hasone last task she's itching to perform before leaving her job. After months ofsitting next to hot, sexy colleague Tim Harding, it’s time to turn fantasy intoreality with a scorching invitation to collaborate on matters of the flesh inConference Room B. Then she can walk away without regrets.

Tim’s dreams of wild, sweaty sex with Jeannie come true when he accepts heroffer, but he's stunned to learn she doesn't want to see him again after theirsteamy tryst. She may be trying to brush him off as just one more item on herTo-Do List, but he’s determined to convince her there’s nothing taboo aboutinter-office relations.

You can read an excerpt on my site, or buy Inter-Office Relations at any of these retailers:

Bigthanks to Jennifer for being an awesome host! Leave a comment and go in therunning to win a title from Jennifer's backlist—you have until midnight on the1^st January.

Man Candy Monday!

2011-12-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

He really didn't want that underwear for Christmas! Any volunteers to help him take it off??

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet author Lacey Wolfe!

2011-12-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome my friend, the talented LACEY WOLFE! Lacey writes hot contemporary romances and has brought her latest release, FOOL ME ONCE. She's also going to give 1 free copy to a lucky commentator:)
You can learn more about Lacey and all her work at www.laceywolfe.com then grab a cup of coffee - I'm thinking Salted Caramel today - and visit with us!
Thanks for being here today, Lacey.

Was your road to publication a delightful stroll in the park or a tiring jog over hot coals?

My road wasn't as hard as some but it also wasn't a walk in the breeze. I've been writing for years and sharing my stories here and there with friends and so on. Amber's Muse, my debut novella was the first thing I wrote for publication. It was in ten drafts before it found a home, but I did receive several rejections along the way before it found its home at Beachwalk Press.

Do you have critique partners?

Yes, and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. Thankfully they aren't afraid to tell me what needs work and what sucks. I think they are the reason I have had the success I have so far.

What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?

I think the emotions. You have to get it right so the reader feels it too. This is something I've learned a lot about through editing. How to get deeper into my characters so the reader feels like they are the hero/heroine.

Tell us about your real life romance.

I think my real life romance might make for a good romance novel. My hunky hubby was once my boss. And it was instant attraction between us. It took us three years, but we finally found our way to the alter. Its been ten years now and I enjoy each day with him.

What is your favorite dessert/food?

I love taco salads and fried chicken! And dessert, give me chocolate with more chocolate. In fact, lets make it a chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting, and top it off with chocolate sprinkles. Yum!

How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

At this point I think people are safe. I have plenty of characters in my head banging to get out. Once I use them up, I may start looking for some inspiration.

Thank you for having me here today Jennifer.

To learn more about me, visit www.laceywolfe.com

www.twitter.com/LaceyWolfe

www.facebook.com/AuthorLaceyWolfe

Fool Me Once (Hot Bods Series)

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Drew is the last person Skylar wanted to see across from her at a local bar. A month ago he'd wined and dined her all weekend, leaving her feeling fully in love, but then she awoke alone in an empty hotel room and she hadn't heard from him since.

The weekend Drew spent with Skylar was phenomenal. There had never been anyone who made him feel as complete as she did. He shouldn't have disappeared, he should have called, but his feelings for her scared him, so he distanced himself. But when he saw her again, he knew he couldn't stay away any longer.

Skylar's determined not to give Drew another chance to hurt her, but he's just as determined to win her back. Although it won't be easy, he's up to the challenge, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal.
BUY NOW!
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Once-Hot-Bods-ebook/dp/B006N9FJDK/ref%3dsr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1324164077&sr=1-1
Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fool-me-once-lacey-wolfe/1107866182?ean=2940013865044&itm=2&usri=lacey+wolfe
BeachWalk Press http://beachwalkpress.com/fool-me-once/
ARe http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-foolmeonce-661427-144.html

Holiday Reads and Giveaway!!

2011-12-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays, everyone! I'm continuing the December fun. Today my guest is LAURA BROWNING. (Check out the cover!!!) Please leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for an e-copy of SANTA'S HELPER.

Now, help me welcome, Laura -

Are you ready for Christmas? I think my teenager has beenready since birth. Combine the proximity of Christmas with the end of exams andthe break from school, and his excitement’s reached darn near torturous levels.Torturous for me. I finally told him if I heard one more word about how I needto wrap gifts and not leave it until the last minute I would return all of his,so there would be no need to wrap gifts. I am the Grinch. He is Cindy Lou Who.

Now I only have to listen to the countdown to school beingout. Sigh.

I need some help from the heroine of my newest Wild RosePress release, Santa’s Helper. Merryhas plenty of Christmas spirit. In fact, she works part time as an elf at thelocal mall. That’s where she meets Jack, the unlucky sucker who lost a bet withhis employees and now has to ring the bell out front.

Here’s an excerpt from Santa’sHelper:

Merrysipped her coffee and angled her head at him. “You know, the first night I sawyou, you didn’t look like the bell ringer type. And even though you’ve changedout of the fancy clothes, you still don’t look the type. How did you end updoing it…and doing it every night?”

Jack laughed. “I lost a bet with my employees and had totake over all their shifts.”

He watched in fascination as color stained her creamycheeks. “Well, I’m glad. I’ve liked being able to bring you coffee and gettingto know you.”

“I have another week, Merry.”

Her eyes widened. Was that hope he saw there? Gladness? “Youdo?”

He nodded before touching the delicate skin inside herwrist. “I want to kiss you. Will you let me?”

He watched her hesitate, and then she nodded. He smiled andscooped the last bit of brownie and ice

cream. “Here. It’s yours.” Her eyes held his as she slid thesweet from the spoon. Jack dropped the spoon into the bowl. “Let’s go,” hegrowled.

***

Watch it, Merry. Jack’s got a whole lot more than kisses onhis mind…lol.

You can purchase Santa’sHelper from TheWild Rose Press. It’s also available on Amazonand Barnes& Noble.

You can also visit me at my website www.laurabrowningbooks.com or myblog www.laurabrowningbooks.blogspot.com.

Thanks so much for the chance to visit today. If anyone hasa surefire way to ramp up the Christmas spirit, I’d sure like to hear it!

Man Candy Monday!

2011-12-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Now this is what I call decorating for Christmas! A couple of ornamental balls and he'll be ready to - oh, wait.
*evil grin*

Time to unwrap your gift! I hope I got the right size ;)

Enjoy!

Friday Fun-Meet Author Amber Leigh Williams!!

2011-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, AMBER LEIGH WILLIAMS. :) She's brought her wonderful story, BET IT ON MY HEART, in both e-book and Audio Book!!

You can find out all about Amber and her work at http://www.amberleighwilliams.com

Then come on back, settle down with a cup of coffee (I'm having French Vanilla) and visit with us.

Thanks for being here today, Amber:)

1- Where is yourfavorite place to write?

Iusually write best in the dining room, particularly when it’s raining. There’sa nice glow there on sunny days and there are windows all around so the soundof rain makes for a creative, lulling atmosphere. It’s also easy kitchenaccess. All that creative adrenaline calls for snacking J

2- What is the most difficult foryou to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?
Noneof them are difficult, but I would say that character motivation and conflictboth can sometimes be challenging. Oddly, emotions are easiest for me to write.They often seem to be tied in with character and motivation, which influenceconflict. All three elements are wound pretty tight together. If I have one,the others will come.

3– Which classic Novel you would like to see turned into a movie?
Whatgreat classic novel hasn’t been adapted to the big screen at least once? I oncethought there should be a sequel to Gonewith the Wind then I realized that there was and it was based off the book Scarlet by Alexandra Ripley. And, forme, there’s no Rhett Butler without Clark Gable. I could think of severalmodern movies that should be made into movies or television series. The InDeath series by J.D. Robb. J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’m allfor both!

4-Do you believe in love at first sight?
Idon’t think I do, and neither do my characters. I believe in that great bigsignificant “spark” at first sight because I’ve experienced it and revisit itoften while writing romance. And while I don’t believe in love at first sight,I do believe in a form of recognition –because I’ve met people and instantly known that they were going to have amajor impact on the course of my life. My husband was one of them. It’s almostlike déjà vu…but in reverse.

5- How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?
Idon’t base my characters off real-life people, but I have been known to steal aline of dialogue or a mannerism or two J

6-If you could switch places with one of your characters would you?
Great question! While I’m writing theirstory, I would love to be able to switch places in order to see theirmotivations and conflicts more clearly. But part of the fun of developing acharacter is discovering them organically through the words of the story and itwould be hard to give that up.

Thank you so much for the interview,Jennifer!

Blurb:

ANTE UP!

Keefe Ridge's bronc-busting days are nearly over. Despite thatand the fact that he is slowly making his dream business venture a reality,Wayback's wildest cowboy doesn't see any reason to settle down. He is evenwilling to bet that marriage isn't in the cards at all for him.

Agent Calli Morlani came to Wayback on a mission: to bringStella Ridge back to Hollywood . When Stella refuses, she dares Calli to takein some local color and see what Wayback has to offer. Whether that includesStella's devastatingly charming brother becomes irrelevant once Calli findsherself in bed with him - in more ways than one…

Will it take a tough city girl to make the Wayback playboy finally fall longand hard? Or will Keefe give Calli a reason to stay? Place your bet!

Excerpt:

"Are you a gift from God or dothey make all the men like you around here?"

"What’re you talking about?"he asked with a chuckle, threading his fingers through hers and pulling herclose, navel to navel.

"You ride a horse like a Trojanwarrior," she pointed out. "You happen to look like one, too, minusthe hat and boots. You’re ninety-nine-point-nine-nine percent charm. And youalso happen to be a fabulous dancer." She tilted her head curiously."All that’s missing is ‘Great Kisser.’"

He lowered his lips. They brushed hersas he murmured, "Got that covered."

Her eyes drifted to a close while helingered a breath away, teasing her. That fresh smell of his wrapped her closeand warm. "Of course, you do." Her lips parted under his to acceptthe full depth of his smoldering kiss. The hands she’d twined at the nape ofhis neck fell limp on his collar. Her head bowed back into his cupped palm ashis tongue danced over hers in firm, languid strokes.

Heart pattering, breath stalling, shehardly noticed the hum that escaped her throat. His hand was trekking down herback, long fingers inciting the skin underneath the zipper of her dress.

The song ended, but she didn’t breakaway from him when applause sounded around them and people began to nudge pastthem on and off the dance floor. His hands gripped her hips as the kissintensified. Good God.

BET IT ON MY HEART available nowin ebook – Only $4.00! http://www.thewildrosepress.com/bet-it-on-my-heart-p-3906.html

AUDIOBOOK: http://www.audiolark.com/books/bet-it-on-your-heart/

NOOK:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bet-it-on-my-heart-amber-leigh-williams/1103569196?ean=2940043319388&itm=1&USRI=bet+it+on+my+heart&

KINDLE:http://www.amazon.com/Bet-Heart-Wayback-Texas-ebook/dp/B003BEDY1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1300178697&sr=8-1

Holiday Reads and Giveaway!

2011-12-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT!!!

Please help me welcome my friend and RWA Chapter Mate, Megan Kelly. She's brought her brand new -- and I mean so new you'll have to go to her website this week to get the BUY Link - SANTA DEAR!

Here is Megan's website. Please check back tomorrow if you're not the lucky winner. http://www.megankellybooks.com

Thanks for being here today, Megan. This sounds like a great read!

Trish needs a man--but ONLY to play Santa for her five-year-old son.
Sam wants to build a family, but not with a woman after his money.
Tyler just wants a bike.

Does Santa have enough magic to fulfill the wishes of these three people?

Trish Howell finds a letter to Santa Claus from her five-year-old son, Tyler. In it, Tyler mentions that Santa might "just be a story," like his dad, who passed away when Ty was one. The doubt breaks Trish's heart but steels her resolve to reassure her son. She'll hire a man to play Santa. It will be neat and tidy, with no strings--unlike those her husband used in his manipulation of her time after time. She's not looking to repeat that experience.
Sam Carrow is taking a break from his successful construction business to rehab a house for resale. Meanwhile, he's living with his friends, Bart and Jenny, to escape the plaster dust and enjoy a family holiday, even though it's not his family. He can't refuse to play Santa for Tyler, but Sam has no intention of getting mixed up with Trish, who admits she'd like a rich husband. He's been burned by ambitious career women in his past, including his mom and almost-fiancee. No way is he getting mixed up with another.
Trish's mother-in-law is threatening a custody battle over Tyler. Trish has to be careful to give her no reason to charge her with being an unfit parent. Fortunately, her business is supporting them well enough, and there's no man in her life to compromise her reputation. Especially not the man using her friend Jenny as a housemaid, cook, laundress, and cleaning lady..
Santa has his hands full with this bunch.

EXCERPT:
"She doesn't need just the rich part, Sam. She needs someone to take care of her for a change. She's a really nice woman, if you'd just give her a chance."
"I'm not in the market for a gold-digger."
Laying a hand on his forearm, Jenny met his gaze and held it. "Not all women are like Sherry."
An image of his ex-girlfriend came unbidden to his mind. Sleek. Beautiful. Cold. Living together suited Sherry. She liked being seen at the places he'd taken her. Until he'd proposed.
She'd refused, stating that planning a wedding would sidetrack her from getting ahead in the corporation. She'd have been satisfied with continuing her relationship as it stood, but she needed to concentrate on her career.
Sam had declined and moved to Cloverdale.
He wouldn't get mixed up with another woman who put her career before her family, no matter if she was Jenny's best friend. His mother and Sherry had been lessons enough. He would find the ideal woman someday, but it wasn't Trish Howell.
"Tell her to look elsewhere for Santa and for a husband."

In unpublished form, this book won the GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. This is my first self-published work, although I have four Harlequin Americans in digital form also.
Website: www.megankellybooks.com

Man Candy Monday!

2011-12-11T19:03:00.001-08:00

Does anyone think he needs a towel....or should we just lick him dry??

Enjoy!