Romance, Hot and Wild

January 7 and still no web in site

2012-01-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

Heheh. Sorry for breaking out the puns, but it's that or tears, ands I hate crying. It waters down my drinks.

;)

So, if you're here, YES, I do have a pretty website with all my series and books listed. I'm in the process of changing hosts, and hope I have a new home by release on Tuesday, but with me being in Ecuador that adds a little chaos to every task. We'll see when we can get there.

CONTESTS
If you're lookng for contest information-- I'm going to re-run the entire giveaway I mentioned in my newsletter. I'll re-send, but I don't want to be spamming my subscribers, so I'm waiting until I have something to send them all to.

COWBOYS

This Tuesday is BOOK 2 Rocky Mountain Haven. Book 1 is already available and BOOK 3, Rocky mountain Desire is already up for pre-order at Amazon and Nook. If you click on my name at either of those sites, or Sony, Kobo, etc, you'll get a list of most if not al my books.

If you like the contemporary cowboys, try TURN IT UP or TURN IT ON--they're similair in tone and heat to the cowboys.

If you like a little MORE heat, you can try FALLING FREESTYLE or PARADISE FOUND, but be warned those two stories are menages with happily ever afters for 3 people. Yes, kind of like fantasy in a contemporary setting. :D

And if you don't mind a little paranormal, my Granite Lake Wolves series is a bit of light hearted humour with a sexy touch. They are not meant to be high literature, but i like the fun escape.

Enough about the books.

I have to mention I witnessed the most incredible sunset tonight here in Ecuador. Total horizon filled with golden and fiery red followed by this dusky glow--kind of making the edge of the sky match the street lights in the village. Very cool.

January 2012 Update!

2012-01-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

What a way to start the year- my web host got hacked on the 2nd, which means my website was down. They got things back in place and then on the 3rd, the hacker hit again.

People need to get a life. Really.

So today, January 4, 2012, my host is doing a reboot which puts my site down again for a few hours. If you're looking for the place to enter for the cowboy contest, give it a few hours and retry the links in the newsletter.

Sorry for the inconvience, but damn, it's making for an exciting start to 2012, isn't it? Lol.

Viv

Woot!

2010-04-01T02:39:00.001-07:00

My new/main website and blog are back online! What a wonderful April 1st treat.

You can find me back at the new place, Vivian Arend, Romance , Hot and Wild

Make some noise-WINNERS

2010-03-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

It's come to an end. Not quite the finishing final days I expected, but in the big scheme of things, it's all good. Hopefully by tomorrow the main site will be back...if not, I'll be a busy girl and get things up asap.

In the meantime, I want to say thank you for partying with me. You've ALL made my anniversary one for the memory books, in so many ways--never dreamed I'd have enough visitors in a month to blow up the site! I hope you will come back once the regular site is up--I have new covers to show off, and the second book in the Six Pack Ranch will be out in April, giving me time to test the new band-width with a sexy cowboy countdown.

I will post this list at the other site when possible. As well, I'm going to give people extra time to contact me, since life happened. If you know anyone on the winners list, be sure to let them know.

Winners. please contact me at vivarend at gmail dot com...you know the routine, switch the symbols. If you've won a print book I need your mailing address. If you won an ebook, let me know your choice and your format. I'll get things out asap. I tried to give an extra clue if the winner's name was a common one--hopefully you can figure out if it's you.

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Day 1- Ebook Your choice Giving Chase, Cowgirl Up and Ride, Pack Challenge, or New Year's Kiss--- Desiree

Day 2- Print: Sherrilyn Kenyon's One Silent Night-----Steph J.

Day 3- Print: Lora Leigh's Dangerous Games----- Breiab

Day 4- Ebook: Your choice of Lauren Dane's Samhain books----- veronica (reviews)

Day 5- Ebook: Your choice of Lorelei Jame's Samhain books----- Karin

Day 6- Wolfies!! Plus some mementos from the Olympic Torch relay---- Heather (Darkly Reading)

Day 7- Print: Jess Dee's Only Tyler------ Fedora

Day 8- Ebook: Mari Carr's Come Monday----- Marlene Breakfield

Day 9-Print: Cheyenne McCray's The First Sin and The Second Betrayal----- Anne (northwestern)

Day 10-Ebook: Your choice of Moira Rogers' first three Red Rock Pass books----- Beth (new name)

Day 11- Print: Maya Banks Sweet Seduction----- Nancy Gilliland

Day 12- Ebook: Your choice of books edited by Anne Scott-check the thread---- girrlit

Day 13- Print: Double the Pleasure----- Booklover0226

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I hope you had some fun over the past weeks, and that you will come back again. It's been a spectacular year. I could never have imagined this...and I've got a pretty good imagination!

Make some Noise-Day 13

2010-03-30T03:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the final day of the party. Looks like we'll be hanging out here for the duration, so let's make the best of it. It might be a little cozier, but that's all part of the fun. Be sure to come back here tomorrow to find out the winners. I'll be keeping the list posted for a while as I try to iron out the bugs at the other site.

Since today is a final chance to say thank you to the people who really make it all happen--the readers.

Today's prize is a reflection of a special event this past year--my first conference as a writer. In June, I got to attend the Lori Foster Reader/Writer event in Cincinnati. I managed to meet up with fellow members of International Heat, but I also got my first taste of being with readers. It was magical-- like walking into a tight knit community.

Thanks for letting me in.

The final prize is a PRINT copy of the CAPA award winning anthology Double The Pleasure

New York Times bestselling sensation Lori Foster, USA Today bestselling authors Deirdre Martin and Jacquie D’Alessandro, and Penny McCall come together to deliver four all-new stories of fun and games between friends and lovers in this tantalizing anthology. Included in this spellbinding collection is a brand-new novella featuring Foster’s Winston cousins—sexy twins who use their knock-out mirror-image good looks to switch places and have a little fun with the girls of their dreams.

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To enter the final contest, tell me if you've read a good anthology lately. (Like I need more books suggestions, but...)

Make some noise-Day 12

2010-03-29T03:03:00.000-07:00

So, a few partiers are still straggling in after the big blowout yesterday. You know how to get your party on, don't you? :wink:

Two days left in the anniversary, and then I'll be posting the winners on the 31st. I have all the entries from the previous days (thank you, Gmail!) so there's no troubles there.

Today I want to celebrate Samhain Publishing and my editor Anne Scott. She's been the most amazing person to work with. From that first acceptance letter to now she's pushed me to become stronger. To make the stories more complete. I don't know what I would have done without her, although I do miss having to give up all those '...' and 'that' and 'ly' words.

In honour of Anne, today's prize is an ebook copy of one of these four books she's edited. Three are established authors at Samhain, and one, Marian Perera, is a new writer who Anne picked her book from the slush pile.

Fairytales do come true, and Anne is one of those people who make it happen. Thanks so much, for everything, Anne.

(BTW, I've had a chance to read Before the Storm, and I'll be posting a review/squeal on release day. Very enjoyable story.)

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To enter the contest, tell me who your favorite author was when you were growing up.

Make Some Noise- Day 11

2010-03-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

It appears we've been partying too hard. (Snort!) The neighbors called the cops on us, and so we've had to move to a more remote location.

You guys know how to make some noise!!

Until I get the other site back up and running, you can enter for today's contest here. I've still got everyone's entries for all the previous days, and hope to get things settled soon.

Today's prize is a PRINT copy of Maya Banks Sweet Seduction. Maya has been one of the authors I've followed from ebook to print and enjoyed the heat all along the way.

To enter, let me know where you like your reading temperature? 1-10, sweet and closed doors or flaming hot and explicit?

2010-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Moving on...

2009-10-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

I've set up a sparkling new website with the blog attached. Click the link below to join me at:

Hunk Day

2009-09-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Okay. In honour of starting to get back in shape I HAD to show you this picture. Just staring for a while and I swear I can feel my tummy muscles get stronger.

Have a great day all, we'll see you tomorrow for a VERY special announcement!

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-09-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

I've been busy writing wolves, so thought I'd just go back and do a little shot out of the first book in the series. Wolf Signs.

We're fast approaching the release of book two! I'm getting excited...

_________

Oh, lordy, she wanted to be naked with him.

That was really, really not her.

She’d reached twenty-six years old with limited sexual experience. Whether it was because Tad was overprotective or because her deafness made her too unattractive to warrant more exploration, she’d never worried about it too much. She had read erotic stories over the years, and she knew how to climax, but she’d never had any desire to try much of anything with anyone.

Tad said she was saving herself for the “right man”.

Her parents had told her that when it was time, she’d know.

After all these years she’d figured that the Timex took a licking somewhere along the line and busted, because no one had really turned her crank.

Until now.

This stranger made her mouth water, and she hadn’t had a real taste of him yet. She opened her lips a crack, to see what he’d do and his eager tongue slipped past to trace the edge of her teeth.

Damn, he tasted good.

A sudden rush of scent filled her head and made it spin. Tingles raced down over her body coming to land between her legs. She reached out a hand to see if something was pushing on her crotch, but nothing was there except the internal pressure that made her want to squirm.

Keil’s hand slipped around to the back of her neck, drawing her closer and shifting her mouth to a different angle as he continued to kiss her. She pressed into him, enjoying the pleasurable sensations flowing through her. Yet even as she kissed back she wondered what she was doing. Why she wasn’t pulling her knife on him and getting him to back off?

He lifted her around to lie on top of his body as his tongue worked its magic on her mouth. His heart beat under her hands, the long, hard length of his body warm against her torso and limbs.

And she realized the long, hard length of something else nestled between her legs. Oh. My. Word. She pushed up with her hands on his hard chest to stare into his dark brown eyes, uncertain what to do. She felt safe, even if this had to be the most insane thing she’d done in her life.

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Some awesome reviews

2009-09-28T03:30:00.000-07:00

Time for a little more fun. A few reviews for Rocky Mountain Heat AND a really cool one for the cover. April Martinez did a fabulous job with the cover, getting in everything I asked for. The rest of the review can be reached by clicking the links.

Seductive Musings:
I just love the cover of Rocky Mountain Heat from Vivian Arend's Six Pack Ranch series. While some covers are just nice to look at like this one is, I think it also conveys what the book is about too. For me that is the ultimate combination...enticing you to buy while conveying an accurate representation of the story. This one is brilliant at doing all of that....

The Romance Studio
This story started out with a strong opening that set the stage for the whole book. I found myself totally captivated until the very end...

I'm a happy girl!

Snippet Saturday- First Paragraph

2009-09-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

First Impressions. First Paragraphs.

In a twist on the theme, I thought I'd show the progress from what WAS the first paragraph to what it ended up being. I'm an obsessive draft saver as I write. At the end of a story I will have dozens of the manuscript saved, and each time things get tweaked more and more.

From the Book 2 in the Granite Lake Wolves, coming October 27th. Wolf Flight.

-------------

Version #1- started two years before the real story. Eventually got cut as too much back story.

The sun shone off the surface of the lake to reflect a million sparkling jewels back into his eyes. The bright blue summer sky stretched from mountain peak to mountain peak. Tad maneuvered his floatplane toward the portable dock visible along the north shore of the small lake. He took a deep breath and congratulated himself for being smart enough to find a job that got his butt out of an office and into some of the most beautiful county anywhere in the world.

Damn, he loved to fly.

He had just tucked the plane next to the dock, neat as can be, when he felt a solid clasp to his shoulder.

“Nice landing, hotshot, very nice.”

Version #2- starts in the real story but now there was too little backstory. It was impossible to jump in so fast, so as fun as this was, it got moved into a later chapter.

Hellooo Legs…..

Tad leaned up against the doorframe, the dropped washer he’d been chasing from the backroom forgotten as he looked up at a very well formed pair of gams. True, they were covered with a thick layer of high altitude fleece, but still. Tasty.

And the ass. The light brown pants did nothing to hide the curve of the sweet cheeks under the padding layers.

One of the ‘Top Ten Reasons to eventually move south’ was being clearly demonstrated. Number 3 on Tad’s list, in fact. Living in the Yukon meant that there was usually only about a two week window that the girls were able to wear mini skirts. Now in the cold of February the fact he could admire anything at all other than a fine pair of Kodiak boots and a floor length coat amazed him.

Version #3- Okay, getting more serious now. This -is- before the hero/heroine meet, but it turned out vital to know who the bad guy was.

The Whistler pack house was crowded after dinner, small groups of people arranged around the room talking amongst themselves. Many of the shifters had apartments off the back of the complex within the secret community. Hushed conversations carried on the air quieted even further as raucous laughter burst out from where the Alpha and his cronies sat in the prime seats before the huge stone fireplace. Unease filled Missy as she tried to concentrate on the discussion between the girls in front of her. She felt more tension than usual the air tonight and that was saying a lot. A warning sensation snuck up the back of her neck telling her it was time to retreat. To hide. Saying goodnight to her friends she headed quietly toward the exit.

#4- cleaned up and tweaked w/editorial finesse to become the final start for Wolf Flight

The Whistler pack house was crowded after dinner, with small groups gathered around the room talking amongst themselves. Conversations quieted for a moment as laughter burst out from where the Alpha and his cronies sat in the prime seats before the huge stone fireplace. An icy warning trickled up Missy’s spine, and she gave up on the discussion in front of her. She rose from her chair and headed quietly toward the exit, weaving between the couches and recliners that filled the meeting and relaxation area for the pack.

Missy had no illusions about the precariousness of her position. As the widow of a high-ranking wolf, even one whose position had come from his family relationship instead of his power, she was an obvious target for any of the wolves looking to improve their standing in the pack.

Which would be, oh, pretty much everyone. Only she wasn’t worried about all of them, just one very dangerous individual.

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For more firsts. ;)

Kelly Maher
Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers 
Taige Crenshaw
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Shelley Munro
Sasha White
Ashley Ladd

New Release- Lila Dubois

2009-09-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, tomorrow we talk about Monster Contests, today we talk about Monsters.

Book Three in Lila Dubois' brilliant series, Monsters in Hollywood, released this week. This is one of those series that make you go 'that is such a cool idea...why didn't someone think of it before?'. And then after you read the book you're doubly glad that Lila thought of it. Because they are sooo much fun, so creative, so sexy and downright HAWT. I'm working my way through all the books again and have to confess this is one series I have in both ebook and print. Yup. That good...

“Gone with the Monster” by Lila Dubois

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-670-9
Length: Category
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: September 22, 2009
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

Kidnapping and bondage are no way to win a girl. Well, actually…

Monsters in Hollywood, Book 3

Runako has good reason to distrust humans. His sister’s murder taught him it’s safer to keep his Monster form under wraps. Now comes word that a woman is making a movie that will supposedly “help” his people. He’s not sure about that, but one thing is sure…Margo is too beautiful to be ignored.

Presented with the opportunity to use his people’s Captive Caves—a secluded mountain fortress designed to hold hapless, tasty humans prisoner—Runako knows exactly whom he wants to star in his ultimate fantasy.

Margo knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. At least where her career is concerned. Runako is just the kind of bad boy with whom she’d like to heat up her nights. In a land of skinny blondes, though, a hottie like him would never notice her lush, Latin curves.

No one is more surprised when she finds out his version of “wooing” includes kidnapping. Forced to stand before him in chains, her paper-thin confidence is burning up fast in the heat of his desire. And when it turns out she can identify his sister’s murderers, they both must decide where their loyalties lie…

Warning: This title contains light bondage, spanking, anal play, sex with a Monster and misuse of home décor.

Hunk Day

2009-09-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

Why do I feel the violent urge to go pump some weights and then challenge him to an arm wrestle? Or just watch him arm wrestle with someone else. That would be fun too.

Have a great Wednesday everyone, and tomorrow we're going to talk about contests, okay?

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-09-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrating!! First draft of Wolf Games is done and here's a rough tidbit to enjoy.

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Jared leaned back on a nearby tree, looking at her with a curious expression.

“What?”

“You’re very pretty."

She felt heat race over her skin. The admiration in his eyes embarrassed her and inside her wolf sniffed with disdain.

“Thank you.”

“Is there something up between you and Erik? TJ swears you two are scented like Mates, but…” He shrugged. “You’re not acting like it. Just in case you’re interested in a –”

“I don’t want to get involved with you.” Maggie’s tongue tripped over itself in her hurry to turn him down. An icky sensation covered her at the thought of touching anyone but Erik.

Jared laughed out loud, his face split with an ear-to-ear grin. When he finally got himself under control he wiped the tears from his eyes and sucked in air. “I was going to ask if you were interested in a little advice. Sweetie, if you’re scented to the Beta, I’m not going anywhere near you in a sexual way, even if you beg. I’d like to keep the family jewels intact and usable for a few more years.”

She didn’t think she could be any more embarrassed. She’d been jumping to conclusions left and right lately. “Sorry.” She lifted her gaze to find him still grinning. “So, what’s your advice?”

Jared shrugged. “You don’t seem to know much about him. The mate thing is supposed to be cool, as in you know for certain they’re the only one for you. Yada yada. I know it works. I’ve seen it with the Alphas, and with others in the pack. I still think there’s nothing wrong with a little good old-fashioned conversation to go along with the instant physical attraction and the lifelong chemical bond.”

Maggie stood stunned for a moment.

“What? You look like I just suggested the two of you go bite heads off live chickens or something.”

She snorted. “I’ll confess your advice is not what I expected to hear.”

Jared adjusted the straps on his pack and pointed up the trail. He resumed talking as she walked beside him. “Why? Because you heard I like the ladies? I do, and if you weren’t taken I’d be doing my damnedest to romance you. But I’m not stupid, I like more than a tumble. Sex is fun, but my hand is a lot safer than a regular routine of loving and leaving without more than a howdy-do and goodbye.”

Maggie walked in silence for a minute before facing him. “That’s good advice.”

He winked. “And if you’re not mates, then…”

She swung at him lightly and he danced ahead of her, laughing. She took a deep breath and followed.

Monday madness

2009-09-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

I confess. I hit the almost end of Wolf Games yesterday and started...procrastinating.

It's true. I feel so guilty!

But damn, I had good reason. There was this:

People of Walmart

Stinginthetail who met I via twitter.

Yes, there was that too...twitter...

Of course, twitter was a positive influence for a while. I arranged to do a few word wars, where you write madly for a set amount of time and attempt to beat your old record or at least embarrass the person you're warring against. The only embarrassment happening was when I mistyped 'word war' and almost declared a 'World war' starting in ten minutes.

Good news...in the end, draft one... well, it's not done at 10pm when I'm writing this message, since I'm...yup.

Still procrastinating.

(10:45 update...it's done! Hurrah! Tidbit on Tuesday...)

Snippet Saturday- Let's kick some butt

2009-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday a group of authors, inspired by the talented Lauren Dane, post snippets of their books for you to sample. The theme this week is 'kicking butt'. As you surf the links you'll get a taste of some bad guys getting what's coming to them.

My snippet is from Wolf Signs. The bad guys have shown up at the final moment in a sneak attack on the hero/heroine as they ski out from the wilderness.
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Keil undid his clothes while hiding from the view of the trees behind Robyn’s body. A dangerous gleam was in his eyes and an impression of power rolled off him. They might be in a tough place, but Keil was not going to be as easy a target as the others imagined.

“Protect your throat. If they’re close enough to get at your throat, I want you to shove your arm into their mouth. They’ll still be able to snap it and it’ll hurt like hell, but your wolf can heal a busted arm. You can’t regrow your throat.

Robyn gaped at him. “Love you too, sweetheart. Man, you take your girl on the most romantic dates, don’t you? Any other advice for me, Cujo?”

Keil flashed a grin at her. “Just remember that kicking a wolf in the nuts hurts as much as it does a human.”

“Good to know, hon. So don’t piss me off anymore, okay? What do you expect me to do, other than stand around looking like dinner?”

His answering smile reassured her more than it should have with wolves about to streak across the snow to try to kill her. “I expect you to use your ski poles, your big knife and your tough-as-nails attitude, and kick some butt for me. Ready?

“You are sexy when you’re all tough. I guess if they think I’m TJ I shouldn’t lean over and plant a big one on your cheek right now, hmmm?”

Keil threw back his head and laughed. His arms reached out and while he kept his eyes on the tree line he kissed her thoroughly. “What a wonderful idea. Now they’re going to be worried about the sneak attack and freaking out watching us. Here they come. By the way, Robyn, I do love you.”

They drew a hands span apart. Robyn watched as Keil threw off his clothes and shifted to his wolf. His silver grey form raced toward the nearest of the wolves on the left. He flew across the snow and she cheered inside as she saw Keil’s huge body slam into the smaller wolf and bowl him over.

Then she couldn’t watch anymore as the wolves on the right closed in on her.

She turned and crouched, making sure that she had a firm grip on her knife. Her pack lay to the side and she made a mental note of its position to avoid tripping over it. Glancing back up toward the trees, she gasped.

“Damn it, you owe TJ an apology. They obviously think he’s tougher than you realized. There are three wolves coming at me.”

“I know. I’ve got three as well. Give me a second. Try and distract them.”

Robyn grit her teeth together. Distract them? “What, you want me to do a cancan dance or something?”

Fear and anger battled within Robyn. It was bad enough Keil was supposed to have to fight in the challenge this weekend. That at least was a time-honoured tradition and involved the values of fair play. This was nothing more than a sneak attack, cowardly and cheap.

She pulled the can of bear spray from her pocket where it had been stored since the start of the trip. One of the rules of the north was to never piss off anything you couldn’t reason with.

Robyn was really pissed off.

She waited until the first wolf was in range, then lunged toward him as she held her breath and coated the beast with pepper spray. A four-second burst was enough and he howled in pain, scratching at his eyes with his paws as he rolled away from the fight, burying his face in the snow.

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Wolf Signs is available from Samhain Publishing

Come enjoy some more butt kicking.

Jody Wallace
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
Ashley Ladd
Moira Rogers 
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Victoria Janssen
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle
Sasha White
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro

Guest Blogger- J.K. Coi

2009-09-18T03:30:00.000-07:00

J.K. Coi is one of the great authors that I've gotten to know over the past year. She's got a fab story hitting the eBook shelves today and ...I'll let her tell you the rest herself!!

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A huge thank you to Viv for having me as a guest here today!

I’m celebrating the re-release of one of my favourite books this week. The Trouble With Destiny is available September 18, 2009 from Samhain Publishing. This novella was previously released last year, but now it has been re-edited and re-vamped with a great new cover!

But I’ve been asked a lot recently what I’m working on now, whether it will be another book in my Immortal Series, or maybe the next chapter in Sarah and Dorian’s story. Actually, while both of those are definitely in the works, after finishing a short story and doing some editing of another, my most exciting project right now is something brand new!

Sadly, I can’t say too much about it. Not that it’s super secret, but I am uber-superstitious about certain things. Let’s just say that this new direction will not involve vampires or immortals or demons, but it will have a few characters that are pretty hard to come by in this world.

Sorry I couldn’t leave you with more about the new project, but luckily I can leave you with this:

The Trouble With Destiny

There’s got to be more to life than studying…

The starving student routine is starting to wear a little thin for Sarah McInnes. If only she could be left alone long enough, she could finish grad school, get a normal nine-to-five and finally afford to move out of her one-room apartment. Maybe even afford a decent wardrobe.

Destiny has other ideas. Not the least of which is the mysterious, overbearing, insufferable Dorian…who also happens to be the hottest thing this side of hell. Three months ago he saved her from certain dismemberment at the hands of a daemon. He also discovered she possesses the ability to send these beasts back to hell where they belong.

Now he not only won’t leave her alone, he’s forcing her to face certain facts: Her social life isn’t going to improve anytime soon. And she may never make it to calculus on time again.

It’s enough to piss a girl off.

Warning: This title contains a beautiful, capable college student whose mystical tats have gotten her in almost as much trouble as her smart ass mouth. It also includes a devastatingly hot, mysterious warrior whose sense of humor is as non-existent as his humanity.

Excerpt

I braced myself when I exited the bathroom, wary of the neon light I expected to find streaming in through my one large window. But surprisingly, the curtains had been pulled tightly closed. Dorian must have done that. He’d know my headache would be coming on hard and fast, making my eyes sensitive to the lights from Mrs. Patel’s grocery sign. She had thoughtfully hung it just outside my window, and it made the whole apartment glow with bright green and yellow light all night long.

I threw a quick glance in Dorian’s general direction as I came out of the bathroom. Holy hell. There should be some kind of law against a guy looking that good.

Honestly though, as much as I could appreciate the view, I was tired, and my head was already pounding too hard for it to have a substantial effect on me. Sad but true.

Like a coward, I avoided looking directly at him. My circa 1980s, thirteen-inch television set with the manual dials along the side panel was turned on with the volume down low, and if I didn’t know better I’d say that Dorian was engrossed in the final minutes of the hockey game. He was quiet as I walked past the sofa where he sat. Too quiet.

I kept my gaze averted as I passed him on the way to my bedroom. There was a thick tension suddenly swirling in the air, so I knew he wasn’t asleep.

Despite my best intentions, the draw was too strong and I finally looked. He was staring back at me. I met his gaze. I drowned in the depths.

“Stop it!”

He blinked, surprised. “Stop what?”

“Stop that…that thing you’re doing with your eyes. Stop looking at me like you want to devour me.” I hesitated. Maybe that was a poor choice of words, because it sounded more like an invitation than a rebuff even to my ears. Heat crept up my throat and into my cheeks.

His breath caught and I could see golden flames starting to leap and dance in the deep brown of his eyes. All of a sudden I wasn’t worrying so much about my headache anymore. What headache? And I didn’t really care that my body ached.

Now I ached in a whole new set of places.

He sighed and dropped his head. “I can’t,” he said. “Believe me, Sarah. I would if I could.”

“What do you mean you can’t?” Whoa. That sounded a lot like an admission. Was Dorian actually acknowledging that he was attracted to me? Was he saying it right out loud for the public record? Was this the Twilight Zone?

Wait a minute. “What do you mean you would if you could?”

It wasn’t that I doubted Dorian might feel something for me. I’m not exactly hideous, even if I haven’t had a date in an eon and a half. I just never expected him to admit it, or ever do anything about it.

But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t have come up sooner or later. I know I couldn’t have continued to ignore the snaps of electricity crackling between us forever. In the last several weeks it had built to what could only be termed explosive levels. In fact, I felt like I had been walking through a brambly field strewn with fifty-year-old land mines. Each step was measured, careful, because they couldn’t all be duds and it was just a matter of time before I put my foot down on a live one and it blew me to smithereens.

After a slight pause and a deep breath, Dorian stood and walked to me. I wasn’t sure of the wisdom of that idea. The part of me that worried over my self-preservation knew that Dorian and me, together, was a nuclear disaster waiting to happen and wanted to take a corresponding step backward. But the wilder, more daring part of me wondered if the crash and burn might be worth it. That part knew that Dorian and me, together, would be the hottest, sexiest, most explosive disaster that ever rocked the Casbah.

-----

Wow! Thanks for dropping in JK, and man...could you get any more mysterious, woman? You're driving me insane! Luckily there's something good to read to distract me...

Hunk Day- late

2009-09-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

A day late...and I'm still in the writing cave. Enjoy the boys.

Tomorrow- a guest blogger. Shhhh, it's a secret. Be sure to drop in to find out the scoop.

The Roaring Twenties! 20 Authors and over 20 Prizes!

2009-09-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

THE ROARING TWENTIES
A Romance Treasure Hunt!
20 authors, over 20 prizes, 20 chances to win. September 16-30

World War I is over, jazz music is blossoming, the flapper changes the definition of modern women, Art Deco is peaking, and the Great Depression looms! Go back to school (just for a few minutes) and learn about this fascinating era through photos. You’ll have a chance to win one, or perhaps several, prizes donated by some of your favorite romance writers!

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I'm joining Ciar Cullen and a group of twenty authors to have a little contest! You'll be eligible to win one of over twenty prizes while you search for a image from the Roaring Twenties. The full instructions are found here at Ciar Cullen's Collapsing Universe. Psst, want a hint? Mine is really easy to find if you like freebies...keep scrolling down to the right!

Good luck, and have fun!

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-09-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

First to announce that my friend and one of my fellow authors-in-crime over at International Heat, Jambrea Jo Jones, has a release today. It's a short story out from eXtasy books. Check it out here.

Tidbit from work in Progress: Wolf Games.

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He shrugged. “I won’t go all he-man on you, but I will take care of you.”

“Oh yeah? You can control the wolf that much that you won’t hurt anyone who touches me?” Maggie walked away from him, leaning her back on the sidewall of the passenger compartment.

This conversation grew more confusing by the second. “What are you talking about?

“I saw it. In the Whistler pack, there was an incident. Tell me it won’t infuriate you if I…hugged someone. Or kissed them.”

Holy shit. Missy had told them a few stories about her time in her old pack, but there were obviously more horrors than he’d been aware of. He knelt and took her hands, warming them by rubbing them between his palms. “I wouldn’t like it, but I can behave responsibility. I don’t think my reaction would be any wilder than a typical human man. I do have control. I’ve worked hard at it.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “Really.”

She stared at him for a long time, a curious expression in her eyes. A crowd of noisy tourists poured onto the deck and her gaze narrowed, her face growing red. What the hell was going on in that devious mind of hers?

Maggie walked slowly toward the crowd of people, glancing over her shoulder at him as if making sure he still watched. She tapped one of the young men on the shoulder and smiled sweetly at him before saying something. The man shrugged.

She looked over her shoulder again, then grabbed the stranger. The whole group started talking loudly as she planted a huge kiss on his lips before releasing him and strolling back to where Erik stood.

He checked his blood pressure. He checked his temper. Both seemed normal, and the taunting look in her eyes did nothing but fill him with amusement. Okay, that was interesting. His wolf even snickered a little, seeing the humor in what she’d attempted to do and contentment rolled over him. He really did have this under control.

Now he just had to deal with her underestimating him.

He lifted her chin with his finger so their gazes could meet. “Just what do you think that proved?” She chewed on her lower lip, a crease marring the space between her eyes. He hadn’t reacted as she’d expected. “Should I go hit him? Fine.”

“Erik, wait. I’m…” she grasped his hand. He patted hers gently before letting it drop and wandering over to the confused gathering, his amusement growing by the second. The men spoke in Russian, and he translated their words with ease.

“What was that all about, Demitri?”

“I don’t know, but I think I like American girls.”

Shhh, in the writing cave...

2009-09-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm at my parents for a few days, so internet is limited. I'm using my computer time to add to Wolf Games. There will be a tidbit from that work in progress tomorrow and then a cool announcement coming Wednesday about a chance to win some prizes. Come back and see!

OH!! I just found out today is the day you could win a copy of Wolf Signs over at the week long extravaganza at WriteMinded. Haven't got that one yet? Check it out for a chance to win. There's FIVE books on the list today, including on from my favorite series by from Shelly Laurenston. Look here for info.

For now, enjoy hanging out with the guys.

The buzz about Rocky Mountain Heat

2009-09-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little tipsy with the rush of positive feedback I've been getting about Rocky Mountain Heat. I'm so glad that readers have been enjoying it. Not just the heat, although that's been mentioned a few time :wink: but they've been getting the whole setting and feel of the story, and that makes me very proud.

Chris at Night Owl Romance gave it a 4.5 and a Reviewer Top pick
--------------
Neighbors for what seems forever, Blake and Jaxi have a history. But when Jaxi starts to develop into a young woman, Blake who is ten years older than her, suddenly becomes scarce. Hurt and confused by his actions, Jaxi still hangs around the Coleman ranch, and even dates one of his brothers. But he’s the man she loves and hopes to marry someday. How will she ever get him to notice her?

...I absolutely inhaled this story. Full of angst, anxiety and confusion Jaxi and Blake’s dance around each other made for an absorbing read.
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The rest of the review can be found by clicking the link to Night Owl.

Mistress Bella's Reviews

Rocky Mountain Heat is short, sweet and an awesome set up for what I hope is an erotic and fun series. Six, sexy studs in all, the Coleman clan made me laugh and made me want to be part of their family. Vivian Arend shows a real knowledge of men in her depiction of the brothers. They are naughty, authentic and utterly irresistible. I give Rocky Mountain Heat four smacks with the option for more once the series is completed. It's hot and sweet right now, but I could see the rest of the brothers jacking that up to smoking!
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And thanks to the ladies at the James Gang who have made me blush with their praise. I'm very honored readers are enjoying the book.

Because that's why I'm writing...

Snippet Saturday-World Building

2009-09-12T03:30:00.000-07:00

World Building. The making of a setting into something that let's us suspend belief long enough to leap into a story and accept that which isn't real to -be- real. I've read other stories, to find the common themes, such as in werewolf tales, and then picked my favorite pieces to incorporate into my worlds.

With Tidal Wave, it was a picture that inspired the story, and helped start the world building. While I still had to figure out the details of the shifters, from the moment I saw this painting I knew my watershifters had to have three forms--merfolk, dolphins and St Elmo's fire.

Alexia opened her eyes to find she lay on fluffy cushions set on a thick mat of sea grasses, the rough roof of a cave overhead. A few feet away down a sandy shore there was ocean water, the surface smooth and unbroken, the storm’s madness calmed by the shelter of the cave. Darting moonlight sparkled through the entrance, dancing lights changing the hanging stalactites from fearful objects to ones of beauty and peace. She tasted salt on her lips, the scent of something ripe and wonderful filled her nostrils, and she turned to follow it.

The back of the cave was a solid rock platform. A low wooden trunk was set like a table with a bowl of fruit and a flickering candle. Suddenly ravenous, Alexia picked a ripe strawberry from the offering and bit down, its flavor exploding in her mouth. She sat amidst the cushions and ate. Slowly, deliberately, each sensation peaking higher and higher on her taste buds. She watched the water lap at the shore.

It must be a dream. She’d seen this place so many times since she’d started to come to the coast. Ever since she’d fallen in love with the ocean, she’d had dreams involving this cave. Dreams of dolphins and blue lights and endless need that had her waking dazed, restless and aroused.

The cave filled with the brilliant blue glow she’d seen around the medallion earlier. It swirled past the entrance and poured like liquid silver through the air, flowing throughout the cavern. It touched her in passing and paused, frozen in midair like a bit of the Milky Way torn from the sky and tossed into the small cave.

The light brushed her feet, swirled around her ankles and twisted its way up her legs. Touching, caressing. A tingling sensation moved with the light as it floated over her skin, and Alexia froze as her body was momentarily enveloped before the light shot to the far back corner and bounced down to form into the solid body of a man.

His skin was smooth. Blond hair fell to his broad shoulders, muscles well defined in his arms and torso. Brilliant green eyes smiled at her and her heart leapt.

“Joshua?”

He paced forward, long limbs eating up the distance between them, and Alexia sucked in a gasp of air. He was naked, his skin shimmering with a warm light like the haze of a hot summer’s day. She debated retreating to the water, but there was no time before he knelt at her side, his hand reaching for hers.

“Alexia. I’ve waited for this day. It’s been far too long in coming.” He lifted her fingers to his mouth and kissed her knuckles lightly, his eyes staring into hers. Her body responded to his presence, her nipples tightening, her passage flooding with moisture. She was no blushing fourteen-year-old, he was no youth.

It was a dream and she was so ready for it.

He lowered their joined hands to brush his knuckles over the metal of her necklace, his smile warming her even more.

“It looks marvelous on you, my lady.” His voice was low and husky.

Alexia frowned. My lady?

He wrapped his other hand around her neck and drew them together, and all her concerns washed away as their lips touched.

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Tidal Wave is available from Samhain Publishing
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More authors and their world building to enjoy:

Michelle Pillow
Kelly Maher
Mark Henry
Jody Wallace
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
Ashley Ladd
Moira Rogers 
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Victoria Janssen
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle

Math Musings

2009-09-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I'm a secret math geek. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

:wink:

If I write 2K words a day I could be done both wolf stories and the next cowboy story in 42 days.
If I wrote 5K a day like some of the full time writers do, I could be done all three first drafts in 17 days.

Of course, I'd be totally numb at that point, but the thought of it is fun. ;)

2K is do-able for me on some days. 5 only when my family doesn't mind eating take out, wearing dirty clothes and marking their own schoolwork. It also means I can't be doing edits on other things, writing synopsis or doing a lot of promotion, all things that take time themselves.

Bottom line, I'll get done as much as I can when I can, and try to keep enjoying the journey.

P.s. I love edits...in spite of the picture. But they do take time!

Under the Northern Lights

2009-09-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

I've double checked, but I don't think I announced this yet, and it's worthy of a squeal of delight or two. Samhain has decided to put books 1 and 2 of the Granite Lake Wolves together into an anthology and next summer they will be available in print.

Wow!

Under the Northern Lights is the title for the book that will be released August 2010. I know there have been people asking about getting a print copy of Wolf Signs, and they'll be able to, along with Wolf Flight. This is actually a very good match since the books take place in a very close time frame, and many of the same characters are in both stories.

A split second is all it takes to pull the trigger on destiny

Wolf Signs

Robyn’s deafness doesn’t stop her from taking the backcountry trip she’s been craving. Meeting a hot, ripped hunk-of-male at the Yukon cabin starts cravings of a different kind. And raises questions about wolves, mates, and duels to the death.

He wanted a quiet retreat before challenging for the pack Alpha position. Keil wasn’t planning on meeting his mate or discovering she’s not aware she has the genes of a wolf to go along with her attitude…

Wolf Flight

Tad’s workaholism keeps his bush-pilot company in the air, and his inner werewolf in check. Letting it lose would mean compromising his human principles. Then Missy re-enters his life, and their chemistry is off the charts, pushing him closer to the step he’s not sure it’s safe to take.

A wolf pack is a dangerous place to have secrets, and Missy’s corrupt Alpha has sniffed out her carefully hidden Omega powers. Her only choice is to get to Tad, and hope like hell his untapped powers are strong enough to negate her own…

Warning: Contains nasty Alphas, secret Omegas, and yup—predestined mates. Includes dangerous use of sarcasm and hot wilderness nookie.

Happy Hunk Day

2009-09-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

I've been missing my good looking men on the blog since the end of the Cowboy Countdown. Dare I confess--I had to go back and cruise through the pics once more for...inspiration? So new tradition starting now. Wednesday, traditionally known as humpday, has now been renamed Hunk Day.

Come and visit often!

In other news, I'm working on edits from Legacy. I was -very- pleased with how quick they've gone. I improved a great deal in terms of making the writing cleaner right off the bat, and not tormenting my editor as much. I just have to write a little additional sex. I guess I left one scene a little too hot and bothered and you readers, and my characters, deserve a little satisfaction.

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-09-08T03:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's in the works. Wolf Games. Still rough, but I'm having fun. We'll see where this ends up...

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“Maggie? You’re here!” Missy twisted in her chair and what Maggie thought was a pillow twisted with her.

“OMG, you’re…” Oops. Gigantic was probably not a good thing to say to a pregnant woman.

“Huge? Damn it, Maggie, I don’t feel like a wolf, I feel like a stinking whale. Come and give me a hug. I don’t get up too easily these days.”

Maggie came as close as she could, wrapping her arms around her sister and relaxing into her embrace. The heavy bulge of Missy’s baby filled belly separated them and Maggie giggled. “There’s never been more of you to love than now.”

“Oh gee, good one. Like I’ve never heard that one before.”

They grinned at each other. The years apart faded away. Missy was family—all the family she had left and she desperately needed family right now. “Thanks for letting me join you.”

“You’re going to be working for your keep, trust me. I can’t move fast enough to keep up with Jamie. I’m so glad he won’t be able to shift into a wolf until he’s a teenager. He’s hard enough to catch as a one year old.”

Maggie glanced around the room, looking for her year old nephew. “Where is he?”

“Sleeping. I think. I don’t hear rockets going off, so he must still be locked in his room.”

Tad dropped a kiss on his mate’s forehead before squatting beside her. Missy glared at him. “Finally. Did you get me—?”

He thrust out a handful of brightly coloured chocolate bars. “Dark chocolate. Plus orange chocolate…with walnuts.”

Missy stared disgruntled, her mouth twisting. She planted both hands on the sides of her chair to heave herself into a new position. Tad rushed to help her. She smiled sweetly at him and started again. “After you left I decided I also want—”

“—dried smoked salmon. There’s one bag on the table. I left the rest in the fridge.”

Maggie chuckled behind her hand. “Missy, are you trying to be difficult?”

Her sister pouted. “It’s his damn fault I’m a bloated beach ball. Again.”

Tad winked at her. “All my fault. I confess.” Maggie watched in amusement as the two of them teased and verbally sparred for a minute before he rose, kissing Missy’s cheek once again. “I’m going to leave you two ladies alone to get reacquainted. I’ll take Jamie with me, but we’ll be back in time to escort you to dinner.”

“I want pickles at dinner.”

Maggie burst out laughing as Tad shook his head slowly. “You hate pickles.”

“I want them.”

Tad snickered at Maggie. “Pickles. At least it’s not pickles and ice cream. That would be too cliché.”

“Your fault,” Missy restated.

He blew her a kiss. “I seem to remember you were there too.” He ducked the pillow she threw and left.

Monday Moanings

2009-09-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in a funk. I made the mistake of making a list of the stories in my head screaming to be written.

There's sequels to the stories that have been released and the ones I've already contracted. The ones written out in submission. The ones I've written parts of, or that need cleaning up.

Arghhh! How did I end up with so many stories in such a short time? Don't get me wrong, it's a great thing to have to complain about, but it's also slightly overwhelming.

So for your anticipatory pleasure Natasha (and everyone else :wink:) here's the list. Bold are the stories already available or contracted. The others are things I'm working on, have completed, had a dream about. :)

Granite Lake Wolves
Bk 1-Wolf Signs. Keil and Robyn
Bk2- Wolf Flight. Tad and Missy
Bk 3- Wolf Games. Erik and Maggie
Bk 4- Wolf Tracks. TJ and ?

Six Pack Ranch
Bk 1- Rocky Mountain Heat. Blake and Jaxi
Bk 2- Rocky Mountain High. Daniel and Beth
Bk 3- Rocky Mountain Hope. Matt and Hope
Bk 4- Rocky Mountain Heaven. Jesse, Angel and Joel
Bk 5- Rocky Mountain Hustle. Travis and ?

Forces of Nature
Bk 1- Tidal Wave. Joshua, Alexia, Anthony
Bk 2- Whirlpool. Braden, Chelsea, Jamie
Bk 3- Riptide.
Bk 4- Undercurrents.

Turner Twins
Bk 1-Legacy. Ryan and Maxine
Bk 2- Foundation. Maxwell and Natasha.

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Claiming Derryn- Space Opera m/m/f
Stormchild- Paranormal shift m/f
The Wind and The Sun- modern fable m/f
Fae Visions- Urban Fantasy m/f
Untitled Redhot Fairytale for anthology call :)
Hidden Away- Werewolf m/f
Future Shock:Wild Card m/f/m
Gold Fever-Historic m/m
Yukon Quest- Contemporary Suspense m/f

And I refuse to put down anymore. :) Let's see what the list looks like a year from now in terms of what I've done/ changed my mind about/ added.

Off to write frantically...

Taking a deep breath

2009-09-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I started this blog. I had only recently signed the contract for Wolf Signs, and over the first months I shared about the process I was experiencing for the first time. Filling in art forms, creating drafts of blurbs and warnings--gotta love the warnings they include at Samhain!The first edits. Removing a million extraneous words from the story...oh my did I use a lot of 'that, begin, just, simply...' in that first story.

Now that I'm working on the the sixth (!) set of these papers, I have to tell you the thrill is still there, but it's ...different. The joy is more like a steady buzz and less like an electric shock.

Both, equally addictive. Really.

There's sad moments too, but I'm also learning that part has changed in tone as well. I submitted Claiming Derryn for the Space Opera anthology, and just found out that while I made it to the very end selection, my story was not one of the three chosen. I'm disappointed, but there's still this amazing sense of accomplishment that rings through me. I wrote a Space Opera! And a damn good one. In one month's time I wrote and polished a 30K work that I really enjoy reading.

Wow.

The story is now with my regular editor at Samhain. We'll see what she has to say. I trust these people--the editors. They're not rejecting me. They're saying that in some cases the work needs a little more polish, or in the case of the anthology, there were simply better stories to fit together.

I'm still anticipating being able to share my Space Opera with you at some point. The sharysa will continue to breed prolifically until they are brought into the light of day to enjoy! In the meantime, I'm working on Book three in the Granite Lake wolves. Daily Progress is shown on the bar at the right--

And it's still magical to see the words appear under my fingers. I can hardly wait to see what happens next...

Coming Soon- Legacy

2009-09-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

I know I announced it before, but with the excitement of the cowboy contest I didn't get to tell you everything. Legacy has been bought by Samhain, and is tentatively scheduled for a January 19th release!

My first story of 2010.

Maxine Turner needs an expert to make the home she’s inherited a safe place for a single woman to live. Captain Ryan Claymore, now ex-Marine and owner of the local security installation firm, needs advertising and web design for his company.

Ryan is intrigued enough by Max’s enthusiasm for life, and her commitment to family to reconsider his decision to stay single. The explosive attraction between the two of them weighs heavily into his decision; only the secret he’s keeping could be enough to tear them apart.

That—and whoever seems determined to destroy Maxine’s home, and her sanity along the way.

------
Unedited excerpt to enjoy:

The kiss started gentle yet the desire was there underneath. Tongues caressed, lips and teeth feasting on skin soon heated to boiling. Ryan loved how she tasted, loved how she felt under his hands that had taken a life of their own and now explored the soft full curves of her body. He stroked the swell of her breasts and she moaned, pressing into his touch. He didn’t stop, continuing the journey down her waist, over her hip, circling the flesh of her ass before returning up her body once more. All the while he kissed her, feasting on the flavor and softness of her mouth.

She combed her fingers through his hair and tugged, wiggling upward until his lips met her neck. She dropped her head back, offering him a clear path down the pale skin, the pulse in her throat beating time with the pulse in his body. He rolled her, pleased to find the swing had an extra wide seat to allow the room they needed. Ryan nibbled and licked his way down her throat, pressing her sweater and blouse to the side to allow him access to her collarbone. He unhooked one button after another, slowly revealing the creamy swells of her breasts above the pale yellow of her bra. She shivered under him, a small whimper escaping her throat that made his blood race. He dropped kisses over her heart, enjoying the scorching heat of her skin under his lips.

Ryan lowered his face to the valley between her breasts and breathed deeply. As much as he wanted to consume her completely, as much as he wanted to continue nibbling the length of her whole body, he needed to proceed carefully. She’d responded enthusiastically to his touch, to his kiss, but from hints she’d let slip during their dinner conversation, and her current full body blush, he knew she wasn’t very experienced. She needed more than a rush to the bedroom.

Yet he had no intention of letting her get away. He knew how to take his time, make it good for both of them. He rose over her, staring into her passion darkened eyes. “I want you, Maxine.” He kissed her lips tenderly. Her tongue teased his and the pressure built.

Damn, if he was inside her in ten seconds it wouldn’t be soon enough.

Pulling away, his desire reflected back from her eyes. “I’m going to make love to you, Maxine. I’m going to remove every stitch of your clothing and touch every inch of your skin. I’m going to spend hours learning what your body needs, learning what you enjoy and then hours more giving it to you.”

Her eyes widened, her face flushed crimson, her mouth open in a circle of awe as he spoke. Her tongue slipped out to moisten her bottom lip and he nipped at the plump wet surface, the burst of her flavor sending his arousal even higher. He lowered his torso on top of her slowly, his rigid cock pressing against the yielding softness of her body. Their lips were mere inches apart and she continued to stare at him, her eyes showing desire and panic in equal proportions.

The porch boards creaked to their left. “Maxy? Are you out here?”

Fuck.

Maxine squirmed under him, pushing at his chest until he sat back, his body hard and aching. “It’s my brother.” She scrambled to button her blouse. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why he’s—”

“Maxy? Where are you? Are you okay?”

This was not fucking happening. Ryan dragged a hand through his hair and tried to calm his body down before he did something stupid, like picking Maxine up and carrying her into the house under her brother’s nose.

“We’re over on the swing, Junior.” She turned her wide eyes on Ryan, her lips swollen from his kisses, her breathing erratic. “I have no idea what he’s doing here,” she whispered.

Maxwell rounded the corner. “Why are you…?” He spotted Ryan and his forward momentum ceased, his gaze snapping back and forth between them. Ryan guessed their disheveled condition encouraged Maxine’s brother to assume the worst.

Of course, if he’d been half an hour later, he might have been right.

It's Offical! Number 5.

2009-09-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the thrill of opening up the email to find your cover art. And Angie Waters has done it again. Missy, the heroine of Wolf Flight, is a petite blonde with more to deal with than your average werewolf. I love the cool winter colour, and it's going to look great next to the first book, Wolf Signs!

Coming October 27, 2009 from Samhain Publishing

An untriggered werewolf. A runaway Omega. It's not easy fighting destiny.

Granite Lake Wolves, Book 2

Tad Maxwell’s workaholism serves to keep his bush pilot company in the air, and his inner werewolf in check. In the two years since he discovered his heritage, he’s resisted the longing to test the power of his wolf side. It would mean compromising his human principals.

Then Missy Leason re-enters his life. Ten years ago, their teenage attraction never went beyond hand-holding. Now their chemistry is off the charts, pushing him closer to the step he’s not sure it’s safe to take, especially with a human.

But Missy is more like Tad than he realizes. She's wolf too, and a wolf pack is a dangerous place to have secrets. Missy’s alpha has sniffed out her carefully hidden Omega powers. Her first response: run from the corrupt alpha’s plan to make her his mate. Step two: get to Tad, and hope like hell his untapped powers are strong enough to negate her own.

Every touch with Missy is hot, hot, hot, but even finding out she’s pure wolf doesn’t solve Tad’s dilemma. Is she using him, or are they truly destined mates? Only one thing is certain. He will defend her to his last breath—on his terms. Even if it means losing his life.

Warning: Contains nasty Alphas, secret Omegas and werewolves acting raunchy on the dance floor. Sarcasm, wilderness cabins, and hot nookie back by popular demand.

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I'm going to link you to the first chapter of the story, available here at Samhain Publishing.

Tidbit Tuesday

2009-09-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. Just taking it a lot slower after the release of Rocky Mountain Heat and the end of the contest. Tomorrow, a regular post. Today, have a little tidbit. :)

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Jesse and Joel took their turns, managing to sink eight balls in a row into the appropriate pockets before missing. Blake and Leo took over and they put away two more before Jesse cleared his throat to announce the next challenge.

“Triple Play.”

“Hell, Jesse, you’re kidding,” Leo complained. “Do I need to worry about why you want to slip between me and Blake while we shoot?”

Jesse shook his head. “Not me. I figured we could talk Jaxi into helping us.” He turned and held a hand to the girl. “What do you think, sweetheart? Run a little interference for us?”

Blake’s heartbeat increased as Jaxi took the hand offered her and smiled sweetly at Jesse. The boy had the guts to clasp her by the waist and slowly lower her to the ground, letting their bodies rub together tightly.

Jaxi propelled herself back from Jesse’s arms with a wink. “I’m in, but I’m supposed to start with Blake’s team. Troublemaker.” She patted his cheek and turned toward Blake, her eyes flashing. “Unless you’d rather give up right now and admit defeat. I never took you for a quitter, but I guess you can’t tell when things will get too hot for a person to handle.”

Blake shoved down his anger. She wanted to play with fire, did she? He was hot enough to burn through her teasing and take her on the table, right in front of the whole world, if she didn’t back off. Damn the consequences.

Blake examined the table for a sinkable shot. “Twelve in the side pocket, Leo.” His partner nodded and eyeballed the line before placing his hand on the table for Blake to rest the cue on. Leo twisted his body far to the side, leaving plenty of room for Blake to make the shot using one hand.

Except Triple Play meant he had to have Jaxi between him and Leo. Touching them both at the same time. Blake threw Jesse an evil look and a roar of laughter shot back at him.

“I did shower recently,” Jaxi said, moving in close.

Bloody hell. Don’t talk about showers right now.

Blake wrapped an arm around Jaxi and tugged her into his side. She slid her arms over his torso to his back and clung to him as he leaned over the table, positioned the cue on Leo’s outstretched hand and took the shot.

Jaxi’s sweet scent rose around them, her breath hot on his neck as he stood slowly. Tension built in his gut, not only from the feel of her against his body. Nine more balls to sink before they went to the next challenge and he would go insane if he had to watch his little brothers spoon Jaxi between the two of them.

Leo picked a shot and Blake set up the cradle. Instead of hugging onto Leo, Jaxi slid close to Blake again, resting in tight against his chest, her breasts compressed against him, swelling to the top of the scooped neck of her dress. Blake bit back a groan.

“You got troubles, Blake?” Jaxi whispered in his ear. She licked him, her hot little tongue slipping into his ear, making his whole body jerk in reaction.

-------

Available at Liquid Silver Books

New Release- Rocky Mountain Heat

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Are we there yet?

YES!

I'm so excited to announce it's finally here. Rocky Mountain Heat releases today. While I love the story, I think I love the story about the story even more. It's through this book I met a couple of my best friends in the writing community, Jess Dee and Rhian Cahill. I didn't manage to slip a dedication into the book, but they both know this one is for them. And because of them. Hugs girls, I love you both.

Okay, on to the to-do list. Thanks so much to everyone who dropped in over the past ten days to help count down with me. There were close to 500 comments between this blog and the guest blogs. I read each and every one and enjoyed learning more about you. And some of your comments were SUCH a hoot!! I hope you got a chance to look around and see some great books at the host blogs as well. Many thanks to all the authors who let me drop in.

To pick a winner, each day I gathered all the comments from both blogs, shuffled the random number generator and chose a single name. Then I popped those ten names into my cowboy hat and let my hubby pick one. Low tech, I know, but I made him say 'YEHA' while he nabbed one out. :)

The winning posted occurred on August 28th on my blog.

Kathy B

Congrats, and I'll be sending out your package of goodies as soon as I can. Plus, you'll get your copy of Rocky Mountain Heat as soon as we connect. Hurrah! Housewarming gifts!

For the rest of you, I hope to continue to see you around. I have news to share I've been hanging onto until the contest is over. So, please drop in when you can. I can't guarantee sexy cowboys everyday, but I try to make things interesting! :wink:

Rocky Mountain Heat is available here.

Cowboy Countdown- Waiting...

2009-08-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Countdown- Waiting...

2009-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting...

Cowboy Countdown- while you wait

2009-08-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

While you're waiting for the results of the contest, I thought I'd give you something to look at.

Waiting....

Cowboy Countdown- One more day!!

2009-08-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

A hard working man... how's that saying go? A good man is hard to find, a hard man is good..sorry, I'm a little distracted here.

The countdown is drawing to a close. Tomorrow afternoon Rocky Mountain Heat releases at Liquid Silver, and I'm going to miss all your fantastic comments at all the blogs! We'll have to do this again when I get around to the next story in the series. Good thing there's six brothers (although that only means 5 books... :wink:)

The last place to visit is with Mari Carr. Her recent release at Samhain Publishing is a FABulous romantic suspense--Because of You. Not only can she write up a storm, she's a ton of fun in person...

Be sure to come back tomorrow to find out the winner of the Grand prize. Remember, I'm on Pacific time, so it'll be up by noon eastern. That will give me time to calculate all the comments from all the blogs.

Thanks soooo much for helping me not go insane as I waited for release day. Hugs all around!

Have YOU ever chopped wood? Leave a comment today about that or anything else you want, and then get Carried away with Mari Carr .

Sizzling Summer Heat - Final Week- New Member

2009-08-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

We had to do it. It's the final week and we're pulling out all the stops and letting you know about our latest and final member of International Heat.

We got Aussied again. :wink:

Now Lexxie Couper and I don't go back too far, but far enough to know I love her work. I went fan-girl on her after reading Savage Retribution. For those of you who've heard my story about becoming a writer, you know I discovered ebooks in January 2008. I then found out about the werewolf phenomena and proceeded to read every single book I could get my hands on. Including Lexxie's.

She rocks as a writer. Savage Retribution was wild, untamed, hot as the blazes and set in Australia!! Bloody brilliant as far as I was concerned. Since then I've gotten to speak with her a few times, including when she gave me a few chapters from the next book in the that series (with a Tasmanian Tiger shifter!!) Now she's got a million books out (okay, 14) and a few on the coming soon pages, and soooo much for you to enjoy.

She also rocks in her sense of humor. I told her she had to do a traditional lampshade dance to become an International heat member. She did one, videoed it and sent it to us. Highest bidder gets dibs on seeing it.

So welcome, Lexxie. Here's to a long and fruitful partnership in IH. Oh, and the Flying Dutchman Space ship? We are totally going to write that story!! I'm thinking that there's this map that's been hidden...

PS. Kidding about the highest bidder. But who knows where that video might show up down the road. :wink:

Make sure you add a comment for a chance to win a prize in our final week of summer contest.

“Savage Retribution” by Lexxie Couper

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 1-59998-506-3
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: February 19, 2008
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

An animal rights activist is about to get a crash course in werewolves. One she may not survive.

Lone Irish werewolf Declan O’Connell has lost everything—his family, his clan, even his freedom—to his arch-rival, Nathan Epoc. The head of an underground werewolf clan and a brilliant scientist, Epoc plans to use Declan to create a super-wolf, a creature capable of shifting the balance of power in the lycanthrope world. But Epoc’s plans are about to be thwarted.

Regan Thomas, a determined animal rights activist, rescues what she thinks is an ordinary wolf from his notorious animal testing facility in Sydney, Australia. She gets more than she bargained for when the wolf turns into an extremely hunky, extremely naked man who immediately drags her into a world where the clash between two opposing werewolf clans could spell the end of humankind.

Declan has survived without a clan for more years than he cares to remember, but sexy Regan stirs up all his fierce, alpha-wolf instincts. Now Declan has one last chance at revenge. But can he keep Regan alive, and resist the overwhelming attraction between them, long enough to stop Epoc?

Summer in Australia has never been this hot… or this dangerous.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, graphic violence, violent sex, high-speed car-chases, wild werewolf action and Australian sarcasm.

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win.

Snippet Saturday-Humorous

2009-08-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

If you've arrived looking for the second last day in the Cowboy Countdown Contest, slip down one post. You can read enroute if you want :wink:

The theme is humorous snippets. The hard part is picking a place that's...well, funny. I mean, there are teasing moments in most of my stories when people react to each other and the results are humorous, but so far I haven't managed to write anything like Shelly Laurenston's Here Kitty Kitty-- I love that book. Seriously, I snickered through the whole thing and hubby finally kicked me out of bed.

Anyway, a scene that make me smile from Wolf Signs--brothers Keil and TJ have recently surprised the woman who will be Keil's mate at a wilderness cabin, and at this point can't understand why she doesn't seem to understand about wolves or mates...

----------------------

Grabbing clean clothes, the brothers made their way to the sauna. Thirty seconds after closing the door, Keil realized the sauna was a bad idea. Robyn’s scent hung heavy in the closed space, sweet and spicy, filling his head with thoughts that were better not imagined while sitting naked in a small space with his brother.

“You know, she smells good.”

Keil growled at TJ. “Shut it, pup.”

“Well, she does. But, Keil, she smells good like ‘Hey, Robyn, can you help me with this?’ and not ‘Hey, baby, can you help me? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.’ Know what I mean?”

“Please, spare me the Monty Python imitations.”

TJ flicked some snow at his brother. “I’m trying to tell you something serious and you accuse me of imitating MP? I’m cut to the quick. For serious discussion I imitate political personalities. You know that.”

Keil lay back on the bench and tried to ignore his younger brother. TJ was the most irritating, the most annoying…and the most observant person he knew. Leaning up on one elbow, he opened his eyes and cursed.

“Fine. Explain it. What are you trying to tell me and use small words. It’s late and it’s been a hell of a day.”

TJ dropped to the lower bench and grabbed the cedar edging in front of him. “She smells good like I want to trust her and take care of her and I know she’ll take care of me. She obviously affects you differently.”

“Oh. How is that?”

TJ snorted as he pointed. “You’ve got wood from the smell of her left in a sauna, bro. You’ve got it bad and I bet she is your mate because you haven’t even given her a proper sniff yet. I knew you were ready to be Alpha!”

Keil let his head flop back on the hard bench. TJ’s leaps of logic were over the top. How he got from the fact Keil had a hard-on that could pound nails to making him Alpha was incredible.

“TJ, enough. Can we let this drop for tonight? The problem will still be there in the morning.”
TJ’s laugh was long and loud, and finally Keil joined in.

“Okay, bad choice of words. Don’t point it out.” Another howl went up from TJ and Keil gave up. He picked up the bucket of cool water and poured it over himself. He raised the other bucket.

“Want a rinse?”

When TJ nodded, Keil gave an evil grin and poured the contents of the half-snow-filled bucket over his brother’s head. The icy-cold water streamed down and TJ’s scream echoed in the small space.

Now Keil was ready for bed.
--------

More places to visit:

Jody Wallace 
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers 
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Leah Braemel
TJ Michaels
Shelli Stevens
Mark Henry
Shelley Munro
Kelly Maher 
Juliana Stone
Elisabeth Naughton
Michelle Rowen
Ashley Ladd

Cowboy Countdown- Two Days Left

2009-08-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

We're approaching the final stages of the countdown, the sun is starting to set behind the horizon, and it's time to see what other mischief we can get into today.

And I know just the person to visit for excitement. Bianca D'Arc is one of the most wonderful people I've had the privilege to meet over the past year AND she's one of my favorite authors. Sci-fi, Fantasy, Shifters and Zombies... Bianca knows how to tug your heart strings and heat up any situation.

To be entered in the contest, leave a comment here about whether you like sunsets or sunrises better. And then drop on over to the D'Arc Side to see what Bianca is up to.

Winner of TA Chase cowboy book- Day Three

2009-08-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Winner of the mini contest from Day three is...

Morning Glow

Woohoo!! Give me a shout at vivarend @ gmail.com and I'll get you one of TA's books to enjoy.

Thanks everyone for joining in!

Cowboy Countdown- Three More Days!

2009-08-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

Three more days in the saddle will get us to the release of Rocky Mountain Heat. Hold on tight.

Bonus contest today! We're headed over to TA Chase's for a visit. TA writes a wide variety of genres, including some great cowboys. One commenter today here at my blog will win their choice of TA's backlist westerns....No Going Home, A Home of His Own, Bound by Love...

Leave a comment as well to be entered in for the grand prize package I'll be awarding on Monday. Let's just talk about anything you like...I'm thinking I could have a new weight training program lifting saddles. Picking my jaw up off the floor. Things like that. :)

Cowboy Countdown-Four

2009-08-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

Time to round up some more fun on the way to the end of our countdown...four more days to go until Rocky Mountain Heat hits the ebook stands.

I'm going to be over at Joyfully Reviewed yahoo group today posting a few excerpts from RMH, and chatting with people. If you have time to drop in, I'm trying to stop in for a while in the afternoon eastern time.

One of the great things about writing stories is finding a little about how people feel about your work. So someone like T who reviews is a wonderful person to know. I get the scoop on all kinds of books over at her blog.

To enter the contest today, leave a comment and answer the question- have you ever tried using a lasso? And then head over to eBook Addict for another chance to win.

Cowboy Countdown-Five

2009-08-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

Cowboys. Wranglers. Ranchers. By any name they're the men and woman who work hard and play hard, loving the outdoors. Now I've seen my share of cowboys, and ranches. And farms and farmers for that matter. But I've never seen a ranch down under, so I had a bit of trouble with the guest author we're off to see today.

Names for things are different between North America and Australia. That's all I'm saying...

Jess Dee is hosting our excursion today. (See the cowboy? This was the closest I could get to having him upside down so he'd be right side up for Jess.) Leave a comment here first and then head over the water for a visit-- do you know any Australian slang?

Cowboy Countdown- Six Days to Go!

2009-08-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

You still waiting with me for August 31st? Glad to see it! He's glad too. Really.

We're traveling way down south, to Aussieland. The home of screaming hot summers and even hotter romance writers. Lexxie Couper's most recent release Death, the Vamp and his Brother certainly lives up to the HOTTER than hell category. And with Death a sexy as anything woman... Lexxie knows how to mix it up.

Leave a comment here and then head away for a little world traveling to Lexxie's part of the world. Cowboys like to roam the range, you know.

Winner of Shoulda Been a Cowboy-Day 7

2009-08-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

The winner of the mini contest from day 7 is:

booklover1335

Email me at vivarend@gmail.com with your choice of format and I'll get you a copy of Lorelei James new release Shoulda Been a Cowboy.

Congrats!

Cowboy Countdown-Seven

2009-08-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Yeha!!! We're moving right along. Seven days left and seven more places to visit!

But first, in honor of tomorrow being Tuesday and new release day at Samhain, one of my publishers, I'm going to add an additional bonus to the contest. I want to support my fellow writers of contemporary cowboys, so... One of the people who leave a comment on my blog today will receive a copy of Lorelei Jame's new release in the Rough Rider series- Shoulda Been a Cowboy. How's that for a nice surprise?

The author we're dropping in on today has a great character who doesn't say yeha, he says Hoorah! Jambrea Jo Jones has written a lot of different stories, including part of a western that I got to read. It included a very nice scene with an outdoor shower. Interesting...Rocky Mountain Heat has one of those kinda scenes too!!!

Hopefully she'll be able to add it to her To Be Finished pile!! Drop in at Jambrea's to see what she's up to...and add a another comment to increase your odds of winning the grand prize.

Cowboy Countdown-Eight

2009-08-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

Today we're off to visit with an author who sends a lot of time with immortals. But I bet she can still appreciate a good solid piece of the country. Or two, or three. :) Drop in at JK Coi's.

Oh, and you can comment here about anything you like...a comment enters you in the draw.
I like black cowboy hats, don't you? :)

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Ten- Mari Carr

2009-08-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

It's time for another feature on one of International Heat's members. Mari Carr.
Sweet, wonderful Mari.

I've been trying to think of what to do that would be different. I mean, I could feature some of Mari's books, and not even overlap with the other ladies in International Heat since she writes at the speed of a rocket. I could tell you about her love for a drink (of tea :wink:), her wonderful laugh and her amazing ability to see right into the heart of a story and NAIL feedback.

But I bet as you travel the blogs you're going to see those things mentioned a lot about Mari and I wanted to do something completely different. So here we have it. The definitive summary on one of the finest writers in International Heat. Oh, and just so you can have a taste of what it's like when we chat amongst ourselves...we use the initials for our books and at times it gets REALLY confusing. :)

Ode to Mari Carr
(Apologies to all the bards of the world...I'm a writer, not a poet.)

--
ER started the whole shabing, with an editor and a writer having a fling
Then KMK hit the world, another writer and her sweetie take a turn
TT still hits the top, because three great friends don't want to stop
They'll never Retreat from doing what's right (and kitchen counters are just the right height)
We CL we need to learn, about writing so fast the pages burn
But since S&S and EN are delivered with style, we'll just sit back and read with a smile
She's given us NR and NC, it's like we're pulled along by a magical force
That makes us NEED to read some Mari, Spitfire and lightning aren't as scary
As thinking about what I would do, If I hadn't learned what I've learned BoY.

And to finish, it's only right that I pay homage to my favorite line EVER from Mari. I love it so much, I had to add it to my latest story in her honor.

"Bedroom. Now."

Leave a comment to be entered to win a prize, and then go visit the other ladies for more about Mari. And feel free to drop in on the Cowboy contest happening until August 31st. Wow, so many contests!! :)

(Psst, if you need the titles of Mari's books click on the letters for a link.)

Snippet Saturday- Setting

2009-08-22T03:35:00.000-07:00

If you've stopped in for info on the Cowboy Countdown Contest, the post is just below this one...but you may as well read a little on your way there!!

Today's snippets are going to be about Settings. The setting of the story obviously makes a huge impact. A werewolf story can be set in the big city or the wilderness, and that alone will mean that the challenges facing the characters will change.

For a story like Rocky Mountain Heat, the fact that it's a contemporary romance set in the foothills of the Canadian Rockie Mountains, and the characters are ranchers means their whole world is in place for me as an author. Including a chance to visit my old stomping grounds: the Calgary Stampede.

---------

Calgary Stampede, Alberta, July

“Damn, are you sure you can’t last a little longer, Jaxi?” Travis looked away, but not before she’d spotted the disappointment in his eyes. The annoyance.

Jaxi leant her head against the stall door. The familiar scent of animals did nothing to ease the swirling in her head. She felt like the bottom of a horse stall and there was no way she could fake her way through any more of the day. “I’m sorry. I have to go home now,” she pleaded.

“We bought tickets for the grandstand show tonight and--”

“Why are you two still here? I thought you headed back onto the fairgrounds. The showings for all our stock are already done.” Blake Coleman’s deep voice soothed her pain, stilling part of the pounding. She opened her eyes to peer up at him.

“Ahhh, Jaxi’s being a wuss and wants to cut out early,” Travis bitched.

“Jaxi? A wuss? Get real, Travis.” Blake tugged her arm gently and pulled her closer. People wandered past, admiring the animals on display in the Livestock Pavilion of the Stampede Grounds. Watching the rodeo and chuckwagon races kept many of the visitors entertained, but there was a good crowd here in the quiet of the barns, far away from the roar of the fairgrounds and carnival rides. A low murmur of voices and the contented sounds of animals filled the oversized building. Blake’s hand rose to her forehead and she caught her breath.

In spite of feeling like a mule had kicked her, his touch had its usual effect. She dropped her gaze and bit her lip. He wasn’t supposed to affect her this way. She was going out with Travis and big brother Blake was firmly off limits.

“Damn, you’re burning up. Jaxi, why didn’t you say you weren’t feeling well? You guys could have come another day. Stampede lasts until Sunday.” Blake’s face folded into a frown.

“Travis wanted to come today and so did his buddies. I was fine until after lunch. I guess I should have stayed home,” Jaxi said, wrapping her arms around herself to contain the shivers that threatened to surface. She drew farther from his body and the temptation to lean into him, let him hold her close.

“Travis can take you home in my truck and I’ll stay and drive the others,” Blake offered.

“I want to stay for the show. All my friends are here and I don’t want to leave...” Travis’ voice trailed off. Blake slipped him the head nod that meant he wanted to talk privately.

Jaxi sat on a nearby bale of hay, holding herself as still as possible in the hopes the room would stop spinning. Their voices were quiet but clear even as Blake dragged Travis away from her down the length of the main barn of the Exhibition Grounds.

“She’s your girlfriend and she’s sick. I’d think you’d want to get her home safely instead of taking off and hanging out with your friends. Come on, Travis, do the right thing for a frickin’ change.”

“Hell, Blake, it’s just...it’s the first time in a long time some of my friends have made it to the Stampede. Things haven’t been so hot with Jaxi lately and…well, I planned on breaking up with her soon anyway. It’s a pain in the ass to leave when everyone else is sticking around having a good time and I have to go home with blue balls...”

Jaxi bit her lip. So, the other shoe dropped. Travis had enough of her not putting out for him, not playing his games.

The room spun.

Oh hell, she needed to lie down. She stumbled to the nearest empty stall, forced the door open and collapsed onto the clean straw. She closed her eyes but the ceiling kept turning in circles, the sound of their voices echoing strangely in her ears.

“Shit, she’s messing up my whole evening,” Travis whined.

A solid thump was followed by more complaining. “What the hell was that for Blake?”

The contempt in Blake’s voice was thick enough to cut. “I shoved you because if I slugged you Ma would give me hell. At least until I explained why, and I don’t want to have that conversation with her. Damn it, Travis, Jaxi’s sick and you’re bitching about not getting any? You’re an ass. I’ll take her home, I have to get some of the stock out of here anyway. You can drive the old pickup back after the show. There’s room for everyone who came with us to town, but Travis, I’m warning you. You’re the designated driver. You drink more than one beer between now and getting home, and I’ll take you apart for more than being a shit to Jaxi.”

Soft footsteps approached. The door of the stall swung open and Jaxi swayed as she sat up. Blake stared at her from his six-foot plus height, anger tingeing his face, but she wasn’t the one who’d put it there.

He’d care for her, just like always.

“Ah hell, girl. You’re a strong one, aren’t you? In spite of Travis giving you shit. Come on, Slick, let’s get you home.”

-------------

Rocky Mountain Heat releases August 31st

Other authors for you to visit and enjoy snippets of their work: And remember the Cowboy Countdown is just below.

Beth Kery
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace 
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers 
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Leah Braemel
TJ Michaels
Beth Williamson

Cowboy Countdown-Nine

2009-08-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a little heat? It's day two of the contest, and it's shaping up to be a scorcher... so it's appropriate we're off to visit Rhian Cahill in Singapore. To be entered in the draw, leave a comment here about the hottest place you've ever visited. And to help you remember...

Cowboy Countdown- Ten

2009-08-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that we're closing in on the release date for Rocky Mountain Heat. For the next ten days while we wait for Blake and Jaxi (and the rest of the Coleman boys) to be ready to share their story, I've lined up some great blogs/authors to visit with.

I've got some nice prizes to be won, including an ARC of Rocky Mountain Heat, a T-shirt and a few cowboy items. Sorry, nothing 6'3" and hunky--they're too hard to ship.

To enter, just add a comment to the daily post. Every day you comment means another entry in the draw.

If you hop over and visit my special friend's blog, you'll find another chance to answer a ? and leave a comment. As well as getting a chance to check out some cool blogs. Oh, and enjoy some nice cowboy eye candy along the way ;)

Sighhhhh... Okay, back on topic. Excerpts for RMH can be found here, here and here. (with another coming tomorrow for Snippet Saturday...)

Join me as I look forward to the first in the Six Pack Ranch series. First stop on the blog tour? Come say hi to Leah Braemel. Remember to leave a comment...

I guess I should ask. Do you even like cowboys? And if so, contemporary or historic (ie. Western)

Contest begins tomorrow!

2009-08-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is start of counting down to the release of my FIRST non-paranormal, first cowboy story, and first story with Liquid Silver Books.

That's a lot of firsts!!

I'll be announcing contest details tomorrow, so be sure to stop in for a chance to win RMH and some other nice prizes. Today, there's a new excerpt to enjoy over at International Heat .

Mari Carr and Bianca D'Arc are also hosting a chat at the Samhain Cafe from 8-10 Eastern today. I'm hoping to be able to join them for a while.

And just to let you know--I've decided that my next project is going to be to finish the Erotic X-men. It's got about 35K done, but since it started as a Nanowrimo project, I'm going to have to start at the beginning to do clean up as I go along. It's an interesting story with lots of plot twists and people who light stuff on fire... should be interesting!

Happy Birthday Mari and new Release!!

2009-08-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked a milestone, as does today. Today Mari Carr turns 40.

Forty.

4-0

Yes, if there were a larger font I would use it. :) I wanted to wish Mari a Happy B-day, but also celebrate the other milestone which was the release of her 11th book.

Eleven

1-1

See, that's a very impressive thing for anyone to accomplish. It's even more impressive when you consider that her first of those released March of 2008. That's only 18 months from 1-11. Wow. I'll rave about Mari some more on this Sunday when it's her turn to be featured on International Heat, but for now can I say I'm clapping my hands very, very hard, and then I'm sitting back to enjoy her latest novel.

Happy Birthday to you, my special friend, and congrats on the release of an excellent book.

“Because of You” by Mari Carr

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 978-1-60504-648-8
Length: Category
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: August 18, 2009
Cover art by Tuesday Dube

Sometimes what you’re looking for is closer than you think.

Jessie’s life is a mess. In the eight hellish months since her husband died in a freak accident, she’s been mugged, her house has been trashed, and now she’s receiving frightening pranks calls. She resists a friend’s offer of a weekend getaway—her grief is still too fresh to consider meeting anyone new.

Then again, since it’s a party for gay men, there won’t be any pressure, right?

ER doctor Caleb James feels perfectly at ease among his gay brother’s friends, but one look at Jessie sparks a sexual tension that’s impossible to ignore. A few drinks and a few hours of conversation later, things move a lot faster than either of them expect. Jessie is left confused and Caleb aches with regret—and love for a woman who is still guarding her heart.

Pressure is the last thing she needs. But as it becomes apparent that her string of misfortunes trace back to her husband’s death, help is what she’s going to get. Caleb’s help…ready or not.

Warning: This title contains a two adults playing doctor. But that’s okay, one of them is licensed to practice. A prescription for extra-strength Kleenex may be required.

SOLD!

2009-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

In what has turned out to be one of the fastest turnarounds to date, my editor has gotten back with the news that Legacy will be published with Samhain.

***ecstatic dancing commences***

Potentially this might be a February release. I'll keep you informed as I find out more. I'm so very excited. :) Woohoo! That's book number six.

----

Passing on the legacy: traditions, material possessions, suspicious behaviour…

Maxine Turner needs an expert to make the home she’s inherited a safe place for a single woman to live. Captain Ryan Claymore, now ex-Marine and new owner of a local security installation firm, needs advertising and web design for his company.

Ryan is intrigued enough by Max’s enthusiasm for life, and her commitment to family to reconsider his decision to stay single. The explosive attraction between the two of them weighs heavily into his decision; only the secret he’s keeping could be enough to tear them apart.

That—and whoever seems determined to destroy Maxine’s home, and her sanity along the way.

Wolf Flight is up on the coming soon pages!

2009-08-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

...and I have to admit it's just as thrilling as the first time! Samhain has put up the new releases until the end of October, meaning Wolf Flight, out October 27th, is now there for everyone to see.

It releases along with Moira Rogers third book in the Red Rock series, Sanctuary's Price, A Vampire story by Mary Hughes, and a Ghostly comedy by Vivi Andrews. I knew Vivi and I would end up with releases at the same time eventually!

I'm expecting to get the cover any day now, and I'll be sure to post it once I stop squealing with excitement. I love the cover artists at Samhain.

In the meantime, if you'd like to read the first chapter, you can link through here:

Wolf Flight

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Nine- T (ebook Addict)

2009-08-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Wehoo! It's time for another marvelous spotlight on one of the International Heat members. This time it's our wonderful T, reader/review extraordinaire.

She's an avid reader, but the part that's really neat is that she's chosen to share her thoughts with the rest of the world over at eBook Addict. I mean, I read a TON of books. I even tried doing a few reviews at one point, but in the long run I couldn't keep up. It was fun to read the stories, but it takes a special kind of person to be able to sit down and explain why they liked a plot, or what was special about the characters.

And T does this on a regular basis, as well as keeping active at a number of groups. She even got the chance recently to attend a reader/writer event.

She's an active part of our team, on the other side of the creative fence. Although she's still pretty imaginative...if you haven't seen it yet-- she's interviewed me twice. Well, the second time she highjacked my characters from Tidal Wave and the conversation got a little on the steamy side!!

So be sure to leave a comment, and if you haven't taken a look before, come and see what the wonderful T has to offer, both to readers and authors. And to her friends. :)

Other IH sites to drop in at:

MARI CARR

JESS DEE

VIVIAN AREND

VALERIE TIBBS

JAMBREA JO JONES

RHIAN CAHILL

Snippet Saturday- Character Sketch

2009-08-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

During our snippets over the past couple months we have first kisses and first touches. Today's theme is character sketches.

I've begun to try and plan my stories more, but up until now it's felt a lot like I'm the secretary writing down what I see. Scenes, actions and emotions unroll before me, to my great delight. And my exasperation when I can't get back to a story for a while. I want to know what happens next too!

When it comes to my characters that means that I'm discovering more about them as the story develops; surprises and rich moments of unveiling. For someone like Robyn, the heroine in Wolf Signs, I knew certain parts of her history, but not always how she was going to react. And that makes it all the more exciting. Robyn was headed back to the cabin after being surprised by the arrival of Keil and TJ. I thought she was heading back to grab a notepad and introduce herself...she's deaf, it's the logical thing to happen, right?

Well, it seems Robyn has a temper...

------------------

Robyn stopped in shock.

That was the ASL sign for “love”.

Robyn’s last straw broke and she stomped the rest of the way up to the cabin and threw open the door. Dropping her things on the bench, she kicked off her boots and marched up to him and started the deaf equivalent of shouting with her hands and body in his personal space.

“You do not insult me like that. Asshole. I accept your apology for the mistake before, but you go too far. You are rude. What does…?” She pulled the paper she’d retrieved from the window and pointed to the line “approach in wolf”. “What does this mean?” She stepped back and crossed her arms while she waited for his response.

The look on his face was priceless.

Confusion, complete and utter confusion.

Robyn spun toward the waver as he stood and she caught the last thing he said. “…using sign language?” She nodded, bicycling her hands in front of her while mouthing “sign language”.

The larger of the two men made sure she was watching him before he spoke. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand sign language. I think I’ve upset you and I didn’t mean to. Is there a way we can talk?”

All the bluster drained out of Robyn like sand through a sieve. Typical. She came to get away from the drain of communicating with people and instead she was going to have to use extra energy.

Oh well, maybe they’d eat a few pieces of her cheesecake and save her the calories.

---------

Wolf Signs, available from Samhain Publishing

Grab a coffee and come get the scoop on other author's characters:

Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace 
Lauren Dane
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers 
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Mark Henry
Leah Braemel

Celebration! Completed another story.

2009-08-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

In keeping with my goal to celebrate successes, I'm pleased to announce I've completed another story. First draft, still some clean up to do, but it's there.

Stormchild, a 15K shifter, is my fourth story completed in 2009, and my twelfth since I started writing.

Are we still having fun? Ohhh yeah!

------------

She stared at the second cup in frustration. She didn’t know how he liked his coffee and she was scared to death to go up the four steps to the wheelhouse and ask him. That would require actually looking at his face. Speaking to him.

Oh hell, she was screwed big time.

The engine sound faded and she turned in a panic to face the door, her hands clutching her cup protectively in front of her like a shield. Solid footsteps paced away for a minute, a loud splash sounded, and then the steps returned. The door opened smoothly and his sandaled feet appeared as he took the stairs toward her two at a time. He stopped at the base, his chest heaving. His nostrils flared as he glared at her with his cobalt eyes.

Then he approached. One step. Two. The third put him toe to toe with her and she shrank back against the counter. He loosened her death grip from the cup, reaching past her to place it somewhere behind her. Their torsos touched and scalding heat flashed. Laurin realized she held her breath and she released it slowly, a puff at a time. He shifted and his firm chest brushed her already erect nipples. He caged her, one arm on either side of her body before deliberately pressing his hips into her. Oh hell, his erection felt huge against her belly. Moisture flooded her passage and she whimpered.

Matt leaned into her harder, every inch of their bodies now in contract. He tilted his head and approached her mouth. She was sure he must hear the roaring beat of her heart. He touched their lips together, his eyelashes brushing her cheek like a butterfly’s kiss and she exhaled with a little moan.

She was on fire. This wasn’t what she’d expected.

Matt spoke against her lips, his voice shaking. Every word punctuated with a soft kiss. “You’re…driving…me…insane.”

Then the storm broke between them and his gentleness vanished. She flung her arms around him and pulled his lips to hers. Lightning flared between their souls, the frenzy of her needs whipping like the whitecaps outside on the ocean.

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's actually Wednesday now, but who's counting? :)

A tidbit from Rocky Mountain Heat, coming August 31st. And heads up --I'll be starting a contest on the 21st- so be sure to check back then!

Blake rose and made his way downstairs. He stopped and looked at the door of the den, closed tight. Behind those doors Jaxi would be curled up, her blonde hair draped over the pillow, her body nestled in the thick comforter covering the sofa bed. She probably wore one of those baby doll nighties, her long legs exposed, her soft shoulders bare under thin straps of some kind of soft shiny material. Sleeping in the room next to her the first night had been difficult but after a week of spending time with her, his desire for her had grown even stronger.

Blake bit back a growl and headed to his room. His ma needed the help but these few weeks were turning out to be sheer hell on his body. Even now he was harder than a railway spike, the thought of Jaxi close by teasing his senses. He swore the scent of her filtered into his room.

He stripped off his jeans and shirt and padded toward the bathroom door. Oh hell, he’d forgotten he couldn’t go in. As the oldest son he’d taken advantage of picking the room with an attached bathroom. It had a connecting door to the den as well and Jaxi had all her things in there. He stood, his hand on the doorknob. He wanted to enter, hoped by some chance she’d have left the other door open and he could torment himself with a glimpse of paradise.

Blake dragged a breath of air into his lungs in an attempt to cool his burning body. It wasn’t right, he couldn’t think about Jaxi that way. She was a guest in their home and he was as good as a brother to her. He was acting like a hound dog and he should be ashamed of himself.

He grabbed his travel kit from under the bed and instead stepped down the hall toward the large shower room in the annex. He, Matt and Daniel had decided to use the larger bathroom and let Jaxi have the privacy of the other for herself.

The sound of running water met his ears and Blake stepped into the dimly lit room, wondering why his brothers had turned on only half the lights. Splashing noises echoed. Leaving his kit on the sink counter he rounded the corner to the showers.

And froze.

The three showerheads in the open room were separated by nothing but space. Steam filtered the dim lighting into a moonshine glow.

All he saw was wet, naked skin. Jaxi’s skin. Every inch of her bare to his gaze as the water poured from the middle shower, streaming in waves over her body. She faced away from him, head thrown back as she shifted her body to allow the water to slip over her face and down her chest. Blake, his body hot and needy, watched in a daze as the shampoo rinsed from her hair and undulated down her back, tiny bubbles racing over the curve of her waist. His gaze followed the bubbles along the soft swell of her hips and the full curves of her ass. Her skin was pale pink from the heat of the water, faint tan lines showing on her thighs and arms.

His mouth went completely dry.

Stories in Submission

2009-08-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to share that I've got a couple stories out in submission right now.

Legacy made it through the final approval of my CP's. This story started as a blog entry twice a week, and over the past months grew and grew. At 50K it's now the longest manuscript I've submitted--although not my longest ms ever written. The Young Adult fantasy still wins that category at 117K.

Gasp!

Legacy is a contemporary romance. No one turns into wolves or dolphins. No one talks to elves or gremlins. Weird. :) Actually, I really like the story, and learned to layer more emotion and tidbits throughout. There's a good thing about a story that isn't over too soon-- there's more room to play!

I sent Claiming Derryn a while ago, but the anthology call closes today. So now the official waiting begins. The Space Opera was a great new genre to try, and I will definitely write another.

And now, I'm attempting to finish off a short story I had titled Shaman, but it might be switched to Stormchild. The characters are on a sailboat in the small islands of the Pacific Inside Passage... and yes shifting will be involved.

I'll leave you with a tidbit from Legacy.

--------------

His eyes were dark and smoky with desire and she leaned forward, without thinking, to offer herself again, to return to his intoxicating embrace. He pulled back a little more, lifting his thumb to stroke her swollen lips.

“I need to be going soon and I still have to check the perimeter of the house,” he whispered, his voice husky and low.

Max flushed hotter. “Of course. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” It was just a kiss. It was wishful thinking to imagine the chemistry between them meant anything more. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, “I shouldn’t have done that.” She tried to back away but he restrained her.

“Damn it, Max, what are you talking about? I kissed you because I wanted to. And I want to kiss you some more only I’ve got an appointment I can’t miss.” He stepped away slowly, seemingly hesitant to peel their bodies apart. The temperature in the room dropped in spite of the sunlight shining in and Maxine bit back a complaint.

Ryan cursed. “Ah, fuck it.” He dragged her back against his body and ravished her lips, taking her by storm. Nothing gentle this time, nothing hesitant. He took control and offered her complete proof that his desire for her was real. His hardness against her softness, the rigid length of his erection pressed into her belly. Her body responded immediately, a tingling sensation in her core spreading fingers of delightful tension throughout her system.

It was only a moment later he released her, stepping away and dragging a hand through his hair. Her breathing took forever to return to normal, especially since he kept looking at her with an intense stare that said she was the next thing on the menu.

Damn, she wished…

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Eight- Jess Dee

2009-08-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

I have to sub-title this post : A Question of Trust? Really.

The feature this week is Jess Dee. Dear, sweet --will not let me get away with ANYthing-- Jess.

When I discovered ebooks and Samhain I read her Photo Opportunity and Ask Adam, both fabulous stories-- and smiled at having found an excellent author to enjoy.

Then I started writing. By the fall of 2008 I decided to submit for another anthology. I knew my first synopsis had been very poorly done—I had no idea what one should look like. I really wanted to make a good impression on the editor of the call, so I decided the best way for me to learn was to see what a real synopsis looked like.

I know you can find them online. But frankly, to me, without reading both the synopsis AND the story, it wouldn’t mean much. Then A Question of Trust released, and I loved it…again admiring Jess' work. She was a real author. She definitely knew what she was doing. I screwed up my courage and asked if she’d be comfortable letting a newbie see the synopsis for one of her three books. Please.

Can you image the nerve? Oh, how rude!!

But she answered me. Gave me all three synopsis. Offered to look mine over. Gave me fabulous advice not only about the synopsis but as time went by about the story itself. Rocky Mountain Heat releases in three weeks and I owe a great deal to Jess.

Now, ten months later, I’m pleased to count her as one of my dearest friends. A talented writer, critique partner and all round hoot. I’m so happy to feature her this week as a part of International Heat.

Jess lifts up people around her. She gives wholeheartedly, and the encouragement always seems to come at the exact right moment. She cheers, and bitches and swears in Australian, although she doesn’t use dirty words too often. ☺ She’s too gentle and polite. VBG.

Now I have to tell you a secret. Of everything I’ve read of Jess’ (even the really hot and naughty stuff that no one else has seen) my favorites? You can get them already. They are fabulous stories based on real people. Only Tyler and Steve’s Story are more than erotic romances, they have encouraged me to write what I love, no matter what. They are hot and exciting like all Jess’ work, but they are gritty and real at the same time.

I’ve never been more impressed with an author’s voice. I hope you love them too.

Be sure to enter a comment to be added to the list for a prize from our Australian rep on IH.

Snippet Saturday- First Touch

2009-08-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

That breathless moment when you reach out and experience that first touch. I remember sitting in a truck with The Guy and our fingers accidentally brushed together. The sheer adrenaline rush of the moment... I can remember it to this day.

---------------

From Wolf Signs

Keil groaned and rolled on his back. Finding his mate right now was going to make things difficult, to say the least. But was he sad he’d found her? Hell, no. Some wolves went their whole lives without discovering their mate. So he had a few issues to resolve.

Before next weekend. No rush.

A soft noise made him turn. Robyn was awake, pushed up on one elbow rubbing her hand over the side of her face and ear as if in pain. He scrambled closer, cautious not to frighten her, trying to be sure she saw him approach.

He mouthed the words to avoid waking TJ. “Are you okay?”

Tears were welling up in her eyes as she shook her head. She tried to sit and with little effort he lifted her, pulling her into his arms. He ended up rubbing his hand over the side of her head while he rocked her gently back and forth. She was tense at first but slowly she relaxed, and his heart leapt. Keil wasn’t sure what was going on, but she felt too marvelous pressed up against him to think it through. His fingers continued to smooth over her hair and cheek, the feel of her against him wonderful and right. Her skin was soft under his fingers, the warmth of her torso wrapping around him like a blanket.

And when Robyn turned her head in his hand and caressed it, he thought his heart would burst. He couldn’t resist. Still cupping her face, he lowered his lips toward hers, brushing gently with a closed mouth, just to feel the friction of them coming together.


-----------

Come get touched. :)


Beth Kery
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Anya Bast
Beth Williamson
Eliza Gayle
Jaci Burton
Jody Wallace
Juliana Stone
Lacey Savage
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Sylvia Day 
Sasha White 
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Elisabeth Naughton
Marissa Scott
Leah Braemel

Life is a blur

2009-08-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for so many things right now, it seems there aren't enough hours in the day!

I homeschool my children, and right now is the time I plan out the coming year for them. Since my oldest is Grade 12 (GULP!) that requires a little more planning than usual.

Then I've got Legacy almost ready to submit, hopefully by the end of the day. My new work in progress, Shaman, took a great turn in plot yesterday so I have to settle some bunny trails. And I re-read part of an older WIP, Fae Visions and enjoyed it so much now I want to go finish that!

Plus it's fruit season here at home, I'm starting a workout routine, I'm playing with the puppy....

Busy. :)

But the main thing I'm working on is a Countdown to the Cowboys Contest. With Rocky Mountain Heat coming out August 31, I'm trying to put together a little event. I hope to make an announcement in the next few days.

Otherwise, hope you're having a great summer, with lots of great reading and relaxing.

Favorite Author- Lauren Dane

2009-08-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

When I discovered ebooks back in January of 2008 one of the first authors I found was Lauren Dane. I was in my "werewolf stage", and the Cascadia Wolves were my introduction to her excellent work.

Enforcer, Reluctant and Tri-Mates not only thrilled me with the world building excitement of weres fitting into a human reality, they were full of tough and capable heroines who took hold of life with both hands. Lauren wrote cliffhanging moments, times of tenderness and occasions that I would laugh out loud.

I followed her over to Samhain for the rest of the books. Good timing on my part since I had very little wait to enjoy Wolf Unbound, Standoff and Fated. Imagine my delight to find there was another series written by her available at Samhain. The Chase brothers brought me a new level of appreciation for Lauren as she dealt with tough realities without the aid of fantasy to soften relationship drama.

Lauren is an auto-buy for me.

And now I've had the chance to read Laid Bare, a Berkley Heat publication, that released August 4th. Lauren--I have to say it. You've gotten better and I pretty much loved you before. :)

The story is emotional, rich with imagery and passion. It's not a cookie cutter book, yet she doesn't throw things at you to simply to shock or surprise. There are reasons for everything, layers with layers. And they all make sense.

I still feel the flavour of her author's voice. It's not like Lauren reinvented herself by changing totally, because I would have missed the things that make her unique. The sense of humour, the sharp wit. The steamy sex. :) But she's taken the whole product and added 110 proof shots. There's more humor-- but more subtle, more real. The witticisms are like a family conversation and because you know the background, the cuts are just that much deeper. And the steam?

O.M.G.

Erin and Todd are there... from the first sultry eye catching moments the heat level simmers, with lightning bursts igniting at all the right moments. And later Ben. Ahhh, Ben. I read Lauren's account of Ben and was relieved to discover I'm not the only one hijacked by my characters. (ie Anthony in Tidal Wave who insisted he needed in..)

I continue to look forward to the next thing on Lauren's list. In the meantime, I'll reread the books that opened up a whole new world to me. I have to say thank you to Lauren. She unknowingly became one of the stepping stones on my journey to becoming an author, but I will always be first and foremost a reader.

And as a reader I hope you keep them coming, Lauren!!

---------------
Now available in bookstores nationwide and via Amazon.com, Books A Million, Barnes and Noble, and in digital via Books On Board, Sony Store, etc!

Looking for a great summer series?
Try the Chase Brothers.

Four stories starting with Giving Chase

Cascadia Wolves
Six stories beginning with Enforcer.

My favorite is Tri-Mates with Wolf Unbound a close second.

New Release- Mari Carr, Jess Dee and Jayne Rylan

2009-08-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today's the day these print books become available!

“Learning Curves PRINT” by Mari Carr

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-411-8
Length: 232 Pages
Price: $13.00
Publication Date: August 4, 2009
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

There’s nothing hotter than a forbidden fantasy come true…

Tequila Truth

The rules of Tequila Truth are simple. Shots are poured, a question asked, and only absolute truth can be the answer. Kylie Halston has been playing the game with her roommates, Colt and Heath, since college.

Then an innocent question forces Kylie to reveal her hottest fantasy—a ménage a trois with two men, complete with bondage and a bit of spanking for good measure. Colt and Heath are only too willing to make Kylie’s fantasies come true. The only question is, come Monday, will their platonic relationship survive the passion?

Erotic Research

Romance writer Julia Martin tells herself her pizza “dates” with her too-hot-for-words editor, Ross Philips, are more than enough for her. Ross has secretly lusted after his shy best friend for years, but fears his strong sexual desires would be too much for her.

When her cat dies and her depression halts her writing, Ross suggests a change to bring her out of her doldrums—try writing erotica. And, being such a good friend and editor, he even offers to help with her research.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, spanking, bondage, ménage, graphic language and all sorts of fun stuff.

“Three's Company PRINT” by Anthologies

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Red Hots!, Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 978-1-60504-324-1
Length: 312 Pages
Price: $16.00
Publication Date: August 4, 2009
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

A Question of Trust by Jess Dee

Gabriel fulfills every one of Madeline’s sexual fantasies. Until he introduces her to his best friend, Connor. Suddenly Maddie’s horizons are expanding in a whole new direction that breaks all the rules.

Nice and Naughty by Jayne Rylon

Alexa limits her adrenaline rushes to boardroom negotiations—until she indulges in a high-octane encounter on the hood of her sports car. Justin is supposed to be just a refreshing summer affair, but he’s called for the kind of backup that shifts the odds in love’s favor.

Wicked Garden by Lorelei James

Billy ran out on Eden the night of prom. Now he’s back and she’s hoping a fling will finally untangle him from her past. She hadn’t counted on his wicked side—or the return of old lover Jon—to appeal so strongly to her dark, hidden desires.

Warning: This book contains m-f-m passion, anal play, smoking hot brothers for double the trouble and double the fun, creative use of a weight bench and bonding over bondage.

Winner!!

2009-08-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that Tidal Wave won the Clash of the covers contest over at Embrace the Shadows!

Once again I say thank you--because you're the ones that voted. And this award totally belongs to Angie Waters, since she did the fabulous work.

Angie, have I told you lately I love you?
(As I wait in eager anticipation for the cover of Wolf Flight... )

Staring in love at the cover goodness on the side strip. Life is good.

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Seven- Jambrea Jo Jones

2009-08-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

I just spent an hour going back through my old emails/blog posts, attempting to find the first time I spoke with Jambrea last August. It's a like a bloody black hole in my computer...

Sufficient to say I didn't find it, but I remember the gist of it. We both had submissions out with Samhain, and I'd just signed on with the Samhain Cafe to try and figure out what in the world I was doing with this writers gig. And that's when I discovered the ultimate secret to life, the universe and everything.

Jambrea knows her way around the internet. -SHE- would have been able to find our first conversation in an instant.

We at International Heat joke that she must have an internal modem, because not only does she always know what's happening, she knows most people and can (and will) contact them to ask a question, get a quote, or solve an wip query. Some of these questions are -very- hot and naughty, and she still seems to know who to ask. Who will answer. With explicit details.

We love Jambrea. ;)

The other thing I want to mention about Jambrea, is early on I noticed she was the queen of contests. She entered many different challenges, and in them she's found some of her works now on the way to publication. I suggest that any newbie writers could take her enthusiasm to heart and jump in with both feet. It can't hurt and it just might be the stepping stone to bigger things.

If you leave a comment, you'll be entered in this weeks contest. And keep that spotlight shining on Jambrea, this are going to keep heating up for her!

On a research trip.

2009-07-31T02:30:00.000-07:00

Otherwise known as 'gone camping'. Actually, I've been gone since Wednesday!!

This time it's an easier trip. In the camper, with a beach to enjoy, kayaking and hiking, and the civilization of a shower and a bed to return to. I may like the wilderness but it's not ALL sweat and mud.

When I get back I'll show you what camping 'gorpy' style looks like. Until then... enjoy the weekend.

My Reading List for Holiday
1. Christine Feehan
2. Lila Dubois Lights Camera... Monsters
3. Nora Roberts- not even sure which one, a friend passed it to me!

and three more. Have to run and pack...

New Release- Mari Carr

2009-07-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

Spitfire by Mari Carr released yesterday from Ellora's Cave

------

Rem Bradley has loved Liv Carter for far too long. After his father’s sudden death, Rem comes home for good—ready to reclaim his family’s ranch and his woman. Problem is, the spitfire he finds brawling in the roughest bar in town is not the girl he left behind.

Liv recognizes trouble when she sees it, but she’d be a fool to resist Rem’s seductive demands. Starting in the barn where they’d left off years ago, they use every available body part, plus a toy or two, to bring each other maximum pleasure. To make up for past mistakes, however, Rem is going to have to do a hell of a lot more than just satisfy her body—but that’s a damn good start.

------

Spitfire is a short story available here.

Squeeing a little- Number One at MB&M

2009-07-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

Best Sellers:

1. Tidal Wave by Vivian Arend
2. Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell
3. Three for Me? by R. G. Alexander
4. Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Crystal Jordan
5. The Chancellor's Bride by Kirsten Saell
6. Her Commander by Cathryn Cade
7. Heat of the Storm by Elle Kennedy
8. Wedding Bell Blues by Meg Benjamin
9. Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price
10. Dripping Hot by G. A. Hauser

------------
Tidal Wave took a leisurely lap to get there, but this morning I discovered it had peaked all the way to the top. My Bookstore and More is the main selling source for my publisher Samhain, and reaching the top is a very nice experience.

Only I'm not the one that put Tidal Wave there. The readers are, and that's the part that makes me 'squeeeee'. The feedback from readers who have enjoyed the adventure--enjoyed my attempt to try writing a 'new shifter'. The people who think Gram is a hoot. :)

Thanks to you all. I hope I can continue to write books that intrigue you and take you away to a place of refreshing. Stories like Tidal Wave are just dreams, but they can bring us pleasure in the midst of the toughest days.

Woohoo!! Release Date and Tidbit Tuesday

2009-07-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that Rocky Mountain Heat will be available:

August 31st!

Liquid Silver Books posts the releases in the evening, so my cowboys will be available after work for some hot bedtime reading :) I think that calls for a tidbit of Jaxi and Blake!

----------

Jaxi glanced over her shoulder at him as she leaned back on the hammer, loosening an exceptionally tough staple. “You done work for the day or what, Blake Coleman? Or have you never seen a fence fixed before so you want to learn some tips from me?” She winked at him.

Minx. “Well, I haven’t seen you fix a fence in a long time, Slick. Maybe you do it differently nowadays.”

The hammer jerked and slipped from her grasp, her body falling back to land hard on her ass in the middle of the hen-scratched dirt. Blake stepped forward quickly to help her and she chuckled, brushing the dirt from her jeans as she smiled at him. “Maybe I do.”

He checked to make sure she wasn’t hurt and seeing nothing but amusement in her eyes he joined in the game. Nodding seriously at her, he teased, “I’m sure the last time I fixed a fence I didn’t end up on my backside, but I suppose this method is more modern and sophisticated.” He tugged the hammer she’d retrieved from her fingers and scooted around to remove the final staples, handing them back one at a time for her to hang onto.

It was like going back in time. Back to the days when Jaxi followed him around the farm all summer long, talking her head off about everything and anything. They worked together, putting the new boards into place and pounding in a stake to support the chicken wire tight to the ground. All the while Jaxi shared stories about taking care of the doctor’s kids and her work at a local greenhouse the past spring. She even rambled about a book she’d just read that taught how to build a fishpond.

“That’s interesting, Jaxi, but we don’t need to stock a pond around here. It’s a short ride to the river and part of the fun of fishing is heading into nature to sit for a while.” Blake tugged on her ponytail gently like he did when she was a kid. It had been good to work with her for a few minutes doing an everyday task. Something about it eased the tension within him and for the first time in a long time, he simply enjoyed her company as he had for many years before his sexual longings came between them.

Jaxi snorted at him. “You don’t need to stock a pond but the Mitchells are considering it. I’m going to head there next Monday for a bit and see if I can help them get things ready. You want to come along?”

Blake nodded slowly. “I think I should be able to go. Ask me later and we’ll see what’s on the schedule.”

Her grin lit the whole area and Blake’s heart gave a leap. All his calmness left abruptly. He squatted to gather the tools together and their hands bumped as Jaxi grabbed for the hammer and clasped his wrist instead. Heads close, bodies near enough the scent from her skin rose to his nostrils and his body tightened with need. This was no little tagalong girl at his side, no matter how much he wanted her to be. No matter how much safer it would be.

Jaxi stared at him and her pink tongue snuck over her bottom lip to moisten it. Blake bit back the urge to lay his mouth on hers and lick over the wetness, tasting her skin and her sweet flavor. He needed to retreat, needed to stand and flee from temptation and the heavenly smell of her warm breath on his skin before he did something they would both regret. But heaven help him if he could budge.

She released her fingers slowly, drawing back over his skin with a butterfly softness that stroked up his arm and back down directly to his cock. Jaxi stood quickly, her hip bumping him hard and Blake fell backward in the dirt. He stared into her laughing eyes.

“Why, Blake. You do know how to fix fences the modern way after all.”

------------

Looking forward to introducing you to the whole Coleman family, and especially Blake and Jaxi, August 31st!

Thank you for cover artists!!

2009-07-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

Valerie Tibbs is the graphic artist member of International Heat, and she has racked up an impression 80+ covers for novels over the past year. During a chat the other day and she and I accidentally got called by each other's names.

I don't think I should be a cover artist. I'll stick to writing, please and thank you.

Here's why. When I finished my cowboy story, Rocky Mountain Heat, I decided to make a cover for it, for when my critique Partners and beta readers had the book. I had a picture I liked for the cowboy. How hard could it be?

Hard.

Here's MY version of the cover.

And here's the official cover that April Martinez at Liquid Silver Books made for me.

Can you see why I'm sticking with writing? LOL!!!

Now that I've mentioned covers, I need to tell you that the cover for Tidal Wave is up against two other covers in a contest over at Embrace the Shadows. After I visited there last week Barb choose my cover as her entry into their weekly cover challenge. You can go vote for Tidal Wave (if you think it's worth it) at their site.

And I'm off to write some more. Nearing the end of Legacy!!

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Six- Me!

2009-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

So. How embarrassing is it to be the feature author of a summer contest?

Possibly very embarrassing, but I'm not the type. As the ladies are sure to tell you, I'm far from the shy and retiring sort who stands in the corner or hides.

:)

I'm pre-writing this post to check out my powers of precognition. It's currently Friday eve, July 24th at 10:42pm. I bet if you visit the other ladies websites you get mention of the following at least once:

1. Flashing goodies
2. m/m historicals
3. Shifters
4. Talking to everyone in sight/handing out postcards. Or both. At the same time.
5. Atrocious spelling
6. Bossiness
7. Organizational freak (which is another form of bossiness, but we'll let it slide this time.)
8. Menages and m/m/f
9. Writing a lot. A freaking lot. Fast. Really fast. (Probably Jess will mention this.)
10. Wilderness adventures

I'll be checking myself to see how I did. SNORT! Hope I didn't give anything away.

And as the featured person for International Heat I want to take the time to say how much I appreciate each and every one of the ladies-- for different reasons. From being the first people I chatted with at Samhain (Jambrea) to the first to read my work (Jess) to the first to encourage me I could do this (Rhian) the first tell me they loved my story enough to re-read it.(Valerie)...I could go on.

Sufficient to say we're together for a reason, and I'm so glad you've all become a part of my life.

**cue 'ahhh' sound track**

**wipes at eyes**

**snorts loudly and gets on with it**

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Remember to leave a comment and we'll enter you in the draw for one of my backlist. If you have all my books already (all three of them!) don't worry, I'll find a special treat for you.

Snippet Saturday

2009-07-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Snippet Saturday- the confused version. :) I've decided to do dialogue as my snippet for this week.

With Tidal Wave releasing this past Tuesday I've still got watershifters on the mind and on my heart. Thank you to everyone who has bought the book and wrote to tell me they enjoyed it. Dolphin/merfolk as shifters are unusual and it's good to know you've had fun with my take on their world.

-------

Alexia glanced uneasily around the room, her body tightening and growing rigid. Joshua’s stomach fell as he recognized the emotional turmoil flashing through her. She was ready to lay down the law and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

“I’ve fallen into a fairy tale but no one is following their proper lines. ‘Your world is not what you think it is, Alexia, but I’m sure you’ll be fine with us ordering you around.’” She rubbed a hand over her neck, glaring at them. “My Gram is a manipulating tyrant, my lawyer date tried to force himself on me, and my dream lover is a liar. Of all of you, Anthony is the only one behaving like the gentle person I remember.”

“Calm down, dear,” Victoria soothed, her weathered hands fluttering in the air.

Alexia laughed, a harsh, ragged sound. She shook her head, “Calm down? I am calm, Gram. I’m so calm the boats are all sitting dead in the water right now. You have a lot of nerve sitting there and expecting me to be calm about having two lovers in my bed and you traipsing in like it’s normal.”

Joshua spoke softly, his guilt at adding to her burden making him attempt to be a peacemaker. “She’s not trying to upset you, Alexia. None of us did anything—”

“Shut up, Joshua.” Her head whipped around and her mouth tightened to a thin line. “What was all that shit you shouted at Michael last night? About it being my choice, not his? I seem to remember you saying something about the Keeper knowing what she needed.” Alexia pushed herself away from the table violently, her chair flying to the ground behind her.

“I didn’t do anything to hurt you. We’ve got this connection already and I thought it would make things easier. To have someone familiar come to you in the midst of —”

“Who gave you the right to organize my life?” Alexia demanded, cutting him off again. Her eyes flashed at him and his stomach clenched as she stomped from the dining area. “Bloody arrogant bastard.”
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Tidal Wave is a category length ebook available from Samhain Publishing. It's on sale this week until Tuesday.
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Come and visit some other snippets.

Beth Williamson
Cynthia Eden
Elisabeth Naughton
Eliza Gayle
Jaci Burton
Jody Wallace 
Kelly Maher
Lacey Savage
Lauren Dane
Marissa Scott
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle Pillow
Moira Rogers 
Sasha White   
Shelley Munro
Sylvia Day
Taige Crenshaw
TJ Michaels
Victoria Janssen

Enjoying a Reading Interlude

2009-07-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Now that there are seven authors involved in my 'other' blog life--International Heat --I realized there are a few print books available or soon to be available from these wonderful storytellers. I've decided to start my own 'International Heat' bookshelf to place all the print works of these special ladies.

I have to catch up, so I'm spreading out my purchases. I had to get a few to start, including the August 4th release for Mari Carr- Learning Curves, and the Three's Company Anthology that features -two- of the IH ladies.

Jess Dee and Jayne Rylan's stories
A Question of Trust and Nice and Naught y are fabulous as ebooks, and I'll enjoy having them as print as well.

The other two books I ordered have already arrived.

Jess' Photo Opportunity and

Lila Dubois' Lights, Cameras...Monsters.

I'm rereading Photo Op for the first time in about a year and it's soooooo good!

Someday I hope to be able to place my own books on the shelf with them. But for now I nestle happily in the computer files, taking up a tiny bit of room, but filling a large space of adventures, love and passion.

Having a Heat Wave

2009-07-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's appropriate that this week with the release of Tidal Wave my home town is finally experiencing summer. Glorious, sunshiny, HOT summer. The forecast calls for 35+ Celsius all week.

I've floated down the river, been to the beach, the pool and the rope swing under the railroad tracks. I've breathed a huge sigh of relief I got all my tasks done before Tuesday and just been relaxing.

In the next couple of days I'm planning on getting back into the swing of things with writing. Celebrating a release is fun, but writing is exciting as well. And maybe that's the best part of all this year--I'm discovering I still find joy in every part of the journey.

Thanks again to those who have written to tell me they enjoyed Tidal Wave. It's #4 at MB&M!! WooHOO!!

I am guest blogging today at Embrace the Shadows, a fabulous group of Paranormal Romance lovers. I also got word that You Gotta Read reviewed Soul Deep, my short story with Noble Publishing. Nice feedback!

Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have other things to report in terms of moving ahead with new works. For now, the sunshine and the beach are calling.

New Release- Tidal Wave

2009-07-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

It's four months later and the thrill has not diminished. From first release to third, and I'm still amazed this is happening. Did I rub a magic ball? Get covered in pixie dust?

There are so many special events running through my brain. I've met wonderful people online and in person. Learned so much about writing and revising and character motivation. Thank you to everyone who have helped me along the way; writer friends, readers who've encouraged me. My hubby, who doesn't want to read anymore romance but supports my writing just the same. I'm afraid to say specific names because there have been so many.

And everyone of you have made the journey worthwhile. Thank you.

Now- I'm going to sit back and enjoy for a while- I'll be hanging out at the Samhain Cafe throughout the day, posting excerpts and having some fun with a few games I have planned. Come and join in the fun!

And if you're interested, you can get your own copy of Tidal Wave at My Bookstore and More

Very, very big grin.

Winner of Tidal Wave ARC

2009-07-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be busy. Through the wonders of modern technology I'm at a number of places all at the same time!

1. I'm at Ann Lory's Blog Bites chatting about discovering romance books and what the frog would turn into if I were the heroine who kissed it.

2. Come help celebrate Leah Braemel's milestone birthday, her double 25th, at Romance...beyond your imagination. I'm talking about a writer's inspiration. (Join for a chance to win a book!)

3. And I'm also chatting with the ladies at the Menagerie.

If you're on my newletter list, you should be receiving a mailout today.

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And finally, to announce the winner of an ARC of Tidal Wave...

DANI!

I know, you're going to have to force yourself to read it, aren't you? :) Email me at vivarend@gmail dot com and we'll get you your copy. A whole day before everyone else.

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Thanks to everyone who entered. Tomorrow is the big day. I hope you'll come out and join in the fun for the release of Tidal Wave. See you then!

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Five- Sherry Ricardo

2009-07-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

All summer long we're holding a Sizzling Summer Contest. There are ten ladies involved with International Heat; seven writers, a graphic artist, an editor and reviewer. This weeks feature star is our editor.

Sherry is an official editor, but I want to talk about her 'unofficial' duties. The rescuing she does for us on our works in progress to help us get to the point we authors receive a 'SOLD' email, which mean you get more fun books to read!!

You need to know Sherry is a hoot. She's thorough, patient (have to be reading MY spelling) and rock on with her comments. The first thing she read for me was the original draft of Wolf Flight... She gave me great feedback and the story doesn NOT look like it originally did. The last things she told me:

TJ was a riot. Please don’t stick pins in a Sherry doll because of my comments.

Other classic Sherry-isms:

And stop writing for word count before I smack you silly! Write the damn story and make it the best story possible according to the characters!

Lines that give me shivers

Unedited work offends my sensitivities...

If you don’t want to do it don’t force it but this is fucking hot!!

Total yumminess.

Thank you for everything. You have taught me a TON, and I appreciate every comment. Now without further (or should that be farther?) ado...my tribute to Sherry.

With apologies to Robert Frost and The Road Not Taken

Two paths diverged in a manuscript,
And I attempted to travel both
And the plot got tangled and I tripped
While many favorite words I slipped
Into the scene to help its growth;

I thought this would make it fair,
Bring to me an author’s claim,
Yet over use soon brought despair;
Damn rough idea had I there
I drove her crazy just the same,

My grammar—I knew not lie nor lay
Until corrected to red from black.
Still she accepts our drafts every day!
And edits them in an excellent way,
And quickly sends them back.

I should be telling this with a sigh
But she’s fixed my work and hence:
Two paths diverged in a manuscript, and I-
I took the one Sherry led me by,
And that has made all the difference.

Thanks again, Sherry!
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If you leave a comment you'll be added to the contest list. Then go visit the rest of the ladies!

Jambrea Jo Jones blog

Ebook Addict blog

Summer Shifter Chat at Samhain

2009-07-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Moira Rogers (Bree and Donna), Keith Melton and I are holding a Shifter Chat today to celebrate the release of our three shifter stories, Sanctuary Lost, Tidal Wave and Run,Wolf. Come out and join us from 8-10pm eastern for sexy shifter action.

The Samhain Cafe. Where it's all about the story.

Snippet Saturday

2009-07-18T03:30:00.000-07:00

Theme for the week: Living it up on the dance floor with Alexia and... the guys.

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Alexia danced with yet another of the harem of men who had surrounded her the entire evening. It was gratifying to be the center of their attention, but there was a part of the shy little girl who still wondered why. Why they were being so attentive? Why every time another one of the Marley brother’s grasped her hand, her heart raced with anticipation only to calm within the first few minutes of their time on the dance floor?

It wasn’t that she didn’t find them attractive. Her whole body pulsed with need and her panties were soaking wet. Yet each thrill that shot through her faded from the peak so rapidly she wondered what was wrong. Her gaze swung around the room, seeking someone who hadn’t arrived yet.

Michael rose and took her into his arms. “You look like you’ve almost had enough dancing for tonight.”

“I never realized so many of Jaffrey’s Cove would be here. It’s like another Marley family reunion, isn’t it?” Alexia smiled briefly at the thought of the first reunion she’d participated in, no matter how unknowingly.

His grasp tightened around her waist as he pulled her closer. Alexia hesitated. She’d rebuked others for trying the same thing earlier, but she was too damn horny to stop herself anymore. His arms felt wonderful around her, though a little niggle of doubt remained. He wasn’t the one she really wanted.

But at this point she didn’t give a damn. Every nerve in her body screamed to be touched. He was gorgeous, attentive and available, that had to count for something. Michael slipped his hand lower on her back, caressing through the fabric. His touch eased her and she relaxed in his arms. It felt so good to be held and petted. Alexia dropped her head onto his shoulder and closed her eyes as they danced.

“Would you like to go for a walk on the shore before I take you home? Or would you like to walk back to your house?”

Alexia’s heartbeat sped up. Gram wasn’t at the house, and this beautiful man was going to escort her home. All the pent-up sexual frustrations of the day screamed at her to seize the offer. The blood flow to her breasts increased, and her nipples tightened as their bodies rubbed intimately together.

But she needed not to get ahead of herself. Perhaps he was only planning on taking her home as a favor to her grandmother. It was obvious the town folk bent over backwards to make her Gram happy.

She tried to be nonchalant. “That would be nice. If you have time. I don’t want to keep you from anything. You’ve been very giving already this evening.”

Michael erased all worries he’d offered a mercy date as he pulled their bodies even closer, his erection a firm statement of need against her belly. He lowered his mouth toward hers, lips inches away, and she was ready to lift her mouth and accept the homage when a husky voice broke in.

“I think it’s my turn for a dance.”

Alexia shivered, her skin lit on fire as Michael’s hands tightened further on her body. She twisted in his arms and stared into the brilliant green eyes she’d dreamed about for years. A shot of adrenaline flew though her.

This was what she’d been waiting for. Who she’d been waiting for. Automatically she reached a hand toward him.

A sudden jerk stopped her fingers inches away from Joshua’s, and her head whipped around to see Michael glare daggers at the new arrival.

Joshua grinned back, a cocky expression meant to offend.

Both men had their backs up and Alexia couldn’t believe her response. The thought they both wanted her took her beyond excited. Her womb clenched, moisture flooded, preparing her to join intimately with the one she chose. A laugh rose from her throat, sultry, demanding. Impulsively she clasped Joshua by the hand and pulled him close.

Michael huddled at her back, Joshua at her front, and she let out a purr of contentment. Surrounded by hard male, her senses went on overload as Joshua lowered his mouth to cover hers. His taste sparked her arousal even higher, her hands pulling him closer. Behind her Michael nuzzled her neck, and she let her head fall to the side as his lips and teeth traveled over the tendons and muscles.

Alexia’s body throbbed with the need to be filled, to be satisfied, and she reached back with one hand to hold Michael close, his cock pressed to the crack of her ass. Joshua’s erection dug into her thigh, heat branding her body.

The voice of reason interrupted. What the hell was she doing? She opened her eyes and glanced around the room. She stood on the dance floor, groping two men while their brothers and cousins watched. Her face flushed, her mind incredulous that she’d lost all control and behaved in such a risqué manner. There was not a censorious eye in the room, but her temperature elevated and her embarrassment rose three hundred percent.

“Holy crap. I’m sorry, I need some air.” She pushed hard on Joshua, thrusting him away from her, twirled out of Michael’s arms and fled the room.
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From Tidal Wave, available this coming Tuesday from Samhain Publishing.

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More snippets to enjoy. Grab your coffee and relax for a bit...

Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Kelly Maher
McKenna Jeffries
Michelle M Pillow
Moira Rogers
S. J. Day
Sasha White
Shelley Munro
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane

Guest feature at Bianca D'Arc's

2009-07-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am soooo thrilled. One of my favorite authors wrote about me this weekend. Bianca D'Arc. We not only got to meet Bianca at the readers/writers conference in Cincinnati, she was great to chat with and shared all kind of writer's seckrets with us. :)

Bianca has written a number of series that are intriguing and exciting, and just the kind of tales I love. Futuristic. Fantasy. Shifters and urban magic.

So I'm excited to have you come see what she says, but I'm also excited for you to meet her if you haven't already.

Come on over to the D'Arc side.

Blogging at Samhain

2009-07-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, this one is a LOT of fun.

Every once in a while I get to blog at Samhain, one of my wonderful publishers. Today it's my turn, and when I checked the schedule I discovered Leah Braemel was on for tomorrow.

Woohoo! Someone to get into mischief with!

Actually, we've come up with a 'Beginning to End' kind of deal. Today, I'm talking about First Impressions and the first lines of stories. Leah's going to cover the endings to morning.

So come on down...see if you can identify any of the opening salvos of some great Samhain stories.

Samhain blog...where it's all about the story.

Guest/ Review of Tidal Wave/ Giveaway

2009-07-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Way back when, Amy Cummings spotted Wolf Signs and put it up on her 'coming soon' pages at her beautiful blog, Romance Book Wyrm.

We chatted a few times after that and had the fun of meeting at Lori Foster's get together in Cincinnati. I offered her a chance to read Tidal Wave, and she's done a review and it's out today, along with another chance to win an ARC.

What can I say? I'm being a lot more giving this time around than the first time!!

Come on out and see what Amy had to say and take a chance to win. And be sure to check out her amazing blog. She's got reviews, interviews, great book covers... Remember our feature International Heat artist? Valerie Tibbs? She made the banner for Romance Book Wyrm!

Come over: here

It's the middle of the month...

2009-07-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the chaos, what am I up to?

One thing I'm learning in the writing business is that actual creation writing takes up only so much time. If I could write in a vacuum I'd have 30+ stories done already. But there's promotion, and research, and...dare I say it? Just straight out and out chatting with people who love to read/write romance.

My goal this summer is to find a bit of a groove. "I need to get my groove on." :) So I can -just- write, or -just- play, and not feel like the to-do list is never ending.

On to the To-Do list!! Mid month, I like to update my Work in Progress goals.

Finished:
Claiming Derryn- subbed for anthology call

Almost finished:
Legacy- adding a few words. It's going to be a full length novel when done, with lots of emo and angst for my CP in Australia. ;) My most grown up novel to date, not a single person turns into an animal or makes smart ass remarks throughout. Although the character of Natasha seems to be the closest thing I've got to lippy. (Like that, Tash?) Romantic Suspense, another new genre attempt, and a very different voice. Maybe.

Next on the list:
I have two projects that need less than 10K added to complete. Future Shock:Wild Card is a paranormal about a group with psychic abilities. Fae Visions is an off the wall Urban fantasy.

But I've been challenged to try and write something to submit to Spice Briefs or Nocturne Bites. Umm, hello? Nocturne all the way. I'll also be away from electricity for a week plus, so...

I'm going to work on that story while gone. In a notebook. Shudder. The ideas so far...another variation on the watershifters, in the inlets of the Pacific Inside passage.

:) And if I get bored I'll keep going on book two to follow Tidal Wave. :)

Guest Blogging- Come for a chance to win an ARC

2009-07-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging today at 'I Do Not Want to Wait, I Want the Book Now'.

Yes, that's a mouthful. And yes, Greta asked me lots of questions, some of them tough!

And yes, I'm giving away an ARC to someone. They will get to read Tidal Wave a whole week earlier than everyone else.

So come out and play. Link here:

New Release- Mari Carr

2009-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

How far would you go to help a friend?

Tori Hamilton's two friends have disappeared without a trace. Mysterious clues lead to their possible whereabouts but is she willing do what it takes to find them? Even if it means traveling back in time?

Returning to the old oak tree at the edge of her parent’s estate, she is transported back in time to regency England where she is discovered by Lord Benjamin Sinclair. When Tori awakes and cannot remember who she is or where she is from, Ben offers her a place to stay and a job as governess to his young ward and self-imposed mute, Chelsea.

But trouble is afoot in jolly old England and soon Tori is fighting to protect Chelsea from a villain determined to silence the child once and for all. As she fights this foe, she struggles to regain her memories while resisting her undeniable attraction to Ben, the son of a duke, who has captured her heart.

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Congrats to Mari on the release of the second in the June Girls series. Liquid Silver opens the doors to the book shop in the evening, so if you check there later, or early tomorrow you'll be able to access this story.

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Four- Valerie Tibbs

2009-07-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

I have a special spot in my heart for the next lady we're featuring. For my recent trip to Cincinnati, Valerie came and found me in Indianapolis (with the help of Gertrude the GPS) and we drove the final two hours together both sides of the journey. From the minute I saw her, I had a huge smile on my face. She's soft and gentle, and yet could totally kick my butt.

She was wearing a T-shirt stating "No, I will not fix your computer."

But she does. She somehow manages over long distance ... and we're talking International Heat long distances, right?... to answer our techno questions. Things like how to fix the stupid thing that appeared in the middle of our manuscript, and how to find a person on chat (that was me lost on that one.)She's the mover and shaker of the media, getting excerpts corrected at booksellers and even getting Wolf Signs up at Kindle for me!! She's amazing!

Val's the Artist of our group. Another special connection we share is she started making covers about the time I started writing. (How's that for cool, Valerie!!) And now here a year later she's got 85+ covers to her credit, and I'm awaiting the release of my third book. It's like we're growing up together.

So what do I want to feature about Valerie? Well, I think you'll see some cool banners at the other blogs, and I happen to have a BEAUTIFUL one Val made me to celebrate Tidal Wave's release in two weeks (scroll to the bottom of the blog if you want to see it...). I think for authors who have covers from their publisher, but need a special signature, getting a banner is a fantastic way to get noticed.

But I wanted to mention book covers.

Val did a write up at IH about working with an extremely picky author to make her a cover (me) and it's cool if you haven't seen it yet. The step by step process is fascinating. That's here.

What might you need a cover for? How about a freebie short story that you as an author write to tie with with an older release? What if you're not a writer? You need a present for Aunt Martha and want to put a pretty cover on it. Or how about a cover for the family recipes album for the next reunion? The ideas are endless.

The difference is with someone like Val at the helm, you end up with a professional finish. That's worth it!

To be entered in the draw, make a comment. If you want, tell me what kind of covers you like the best...bright colours, fancy script, solid lines...

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Then it's time to go exploring. Click to whichever of the ladies you haven't visited yet to see what they came up with and add your name for more chances to win.

Jambrea Jo Jones blog

Ebook Addict blog

Snippet Saturday

2009-07-10T22:55:00.001-07:00

Theme today: Prologues. From Soul Deep

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He watched.

The water shifted gently above where Dylan lay hidden in the shallows, the surface of the ocean calm tonight, revealing Rachel’s face clearly. Her smooth skin glowed in the moon’s reflected light, her russet hair turned darker and richer under the pale glow. The sadness in her eyes tugged at his heart, just as her beauty tugged at his body.

His groin ached.

Her scent dissipated between air and water but everything else about her beckoned him. A pulsing need rocked through him that thickened his cock, readied his body to take her. She belonged with him and he would not be denied for much longer. The time for waiting drew to an end; the time for action approached and he reveled in the thought.

His heart pounded.

For so long, ‘patience’ had been his watchword, and he’d satisfied himself with hidden glances and distant surveillance. But now situations changed and aligned in his favor. The seasons. The waters. Rachel shifted on the park bench and his gaze traced her long limbs, the short skirt pulled askew as she relaxed and stared over the water. Over his domain.

His smile widened.

Dylan blew a final kiss in her direction before turning and swimming away, his thoughts full with the next steps in preparing her for her rightful place. By his side.

* * * * *

Rachel gazed at the water, mesmerized by the moon’s dancing reflection as it rose above the harbor. Its light shone brighter than the lights of the city skyline across the bay. Through the whole heart-wrenching sickness and loss of her brother the only constant she had experienced was the peace that surrounded her when she spent time near the ocean. Robert was gone, had left this world today, and yet she lived. He no longer suffered; instead, she suffered for him.

She stood and threw the last of the small stones she’d gathered during her walk to her favorite bench. She started this ritual as a coping strategy several weeks ago. One night, before she’d kissed her brother farewell, he’d whispered his plan to her. He wanted her to concentrate on the good times, the experiences they’d shared that would remain in her heart and mind long after he’d gone. Gather eight skipping stones every day, he’d told her, and think of one good memory for every jump each stone makes across the water. Walking to the bench to unwind that night, she discovered a pile of perfectly oval stones lying along the path. Intrigued, she’d paused, and when she counted them her breathe caught in her throat. There were exactly eight stones. The coincidence had shocked her. Thrilled her. Confused her already overtaxed heart and mind but she’d accepted it as a gift, or a sign. From whom and for what reason she didn’t know but the stones became a part of the journey through Robert’s illness and now . . . .

Now, a part of her journey alone, beyond his death.

She watched and counted carefully as the final stone skipped lazily, striking the water’s surface five times before dropping beneath the waves.

“For the time you sang with your ear buds in and didn’t realize how rotten you sounded.” Rachel whispered. “For the time you thought you’d remembered everything you needed and still came back inside the house to fetch the sunglasses that were on your head. For the time you gave me a ride home when you wanted to stay and party.” Good memories from her twenty-six years with him. Memories that made her smile. She took a deep breath. Two more things, the skipping stone called for two more shared memories before she left.

She finished the ritual, each word easing a little of the pain, releasing a tiny bit of the cold that had sunk deep into her soul as she fought to stay strong for him. Brushing the dirt off her fingers, she stepped toward the water and dipped a hand in. Ripples spread from the shore and Rachel smiled.

It still hurt but she would move on. School, friends. So much to experience that he never would and she had promised to live life to its fullest. Take the opportunities presented to her, no matter how challenging or unpredictable.

Casting one final glance at the gently waving water, and the city lights’ sparkling in reflection, Rachel gathered her things and walked away.

Soul Deep Available from Noble Romance Publishing

--------------------
Come for more snippets

Sylvia Day
Shelley Munro
Jaci Burton
Michelle Pillow
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers
Sasha White
TJ Michaels
Lacey Savage
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson
Beth Kery
Mandy Roth

Tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

2009-07-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Twitterpated?

Am I doing anything worthy enough that I should consider posting about it on Twitter? (56 left)

How do you respond to a person when you jump into a conversation they had two days ago? Makes it difficult to respond with enthusiasm. (6 left)

Having to waste space with the @vivianarend title of a person can make it difficult to respond. Especially if you want to talk to two people (0)

When you begin 2 run out of room it is tempting 2 do things like use numbers 4 words and totally skip all effort of use correct punctuation (0)

And forget getting anything correctly spelt. Contr'ctn and abbrv =WIN

Tweets are fun, but not good for the English language.

Night tweets!

Tuesday Tidbit

2009-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't done a tidbit for a while. I know I have, but I've been busy writing up the synopsis for Claiming Derryn, and filling in interview question for blogs...

My brain is going numb as I head into the launch for Tidal Wave. I'm very excited, but I'm also aware of more 'to-do' list items than when Wolf Signs came out. At some point I'm planning on just throwing the hands in the air and sitting back.

And starting a new story!

-----------------

“Request permission to contact the QWE for transfer back to my assigned ship.” She stared straight into space, keeping her face blank. The sooner she did this the better.

“Not possible, baby.” Trev stepped forward, his concerned gaze sweeping her. “We’re undercover. The QWE doesn’t know we’re here and that’s how it’s got to remain.”

What? “One of the Institute’s flagships and you’re hiding from her?” Suspicions crowded her mind as the data fell into place. “Trev, what’s the name of this ship?”

“Well, baby, you see—”

“The name, Trev, or I’ll put a hurt on you.”

Davis stepped forward, tucked his fingers under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. The black sharysa on her shoulder squealed and leapt to the floor, chatting angrily at him from a safe distance. “Welcome aboard the Nottingham, sweetheart, your new home away from home.”

Her stomach fell. The Nottingham? The most notorious ship in the galaxy? Grawlix. “Oh fantastic, you’re telling me the two brightest minds in the Institute are now outlaws?” Davis beamed at her, but refused to relinquish her chin, his thumb stroking her jawline. She swallowed hard and maintained eye contact only though sheer willpower.

His touch undid her.

“She said we were two of the brightest minds, did you catch that, Trev?”

“I did. Think we can get it in writing?”

His caress distracted her, but their familiar banter made her heart ache. She wanted to run away before the whole universe went supernova. “Oooh, you are so annoying. How did this happen? You shipped out on a cruiser, Davis, six stinking months early without even saying goodbye. Trev and I were scheduled to join a research vessel prior to—”

“—getting volunteered for something more in line with my talents,” Trev interjected.

Davis released her, brushing his fingers against her cheek and her mouth went dry. Trev leaned against the wall, studying her. Her whole body reacted to his heated stare. Reacted to them. The combination of Trev and Davis played havoc on her libido. Crap, it wasn’t possible. She had to regain control before she ended up doing something she’d regret. She disregarded Davis, although it was difficult to ignore a six foot-four giant with a gleam in his eyes standing too far into her personal space.

“Yeah, well, even a peaceful research vessel needs to blow things up occasionally. You would have been fine.”

“I didn’t leave voluntarily,” Trev complained. “I got pulled into an undercover team for the Institute. I ran with them for five months before Davis tracked me down and appropriated my skills for his team. Now we’re all on the wrong side of the law.”

Melina glared at him. “Five months. It’s been an entire year. Once you were shanghaied, you didn’t think to contact me? Let me know you were still alive?”

“She’s got a point, Trev.” Davis stalked over to stand beside Trev, their bodies in matching positions, arms crossed, legs at ease. A mental snapshot of the two of them, together in that same pose as they waited for her to exit a class, flashed into her mind and she fought for a weapon to beat down the memories. Anger, anger would do it. She was mad at them, furious in fact. Work with the emotion. She had to stop her desire before it flared to the surface, unburied itself from where she’d hidden it.

“Shut up, Davis, this doesn’t concern you. You left us first. For all I know you volunteered to join the crew of the Nottingham and you’re nothing but a pirate.”

“But I’m a pirate with morals. That makes me different.”

Trev mock whispered, “There are pirates without morals?”

“Government,” Davis whispered back.

“Ahhh.” Trev nodded slowly before winking at her.

Sizzling Summer Heat - Week Three- Rhian Cahill

2009-07-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

The spotlight turns this week to Rhian Cahill. If we can hold the woman down for long enough to actually get the spotlight to land.

Rhian is an Aussie currently living in Singapore. This past year she's traveled back to Australia, then over to the US for a seven week stint that took her all over the east coast. In the interest of making this a learning experience for you I'm adding maps. (I know, Lila's questions are about vibrators are way more interesting. She's got too much time on her hands, that's all I'm saying.)

Here is Singapore. Now when I said she lived there, where did you think of? Somewhere with hot steamy days and nights? Right... but -where- is it? Did you know it's here....

At the bottom of the Malaysian island? Which is here.....

Below Thailand.

And here, above Australia.

And finally Waaaaaaayyyyyy off to the west of the North American continent.

Now you know. (Yeah, vibrators would have been more fun.)

I think all these travels have heated up her writing. That and the perfect weather conditions she lives in year round. She's lucky she lives far enough away that we can't throw things at her in retribution when she discusses going down to the pool for another writing spell, or having the maid do the chores.

It's a good thing we love her!

Rhian has a steamy hot novel out with Noble- there's a great excerpt of it on her blog this week. As our featured member this week, make sure you make a comment and you'll be entered to win. If you feel like sharing, what's the farthest you've ever traveled?

Then go visit the rest of the sites for more fun and chances to win.

Jambrea Jo Jones blog

Rhian's book can be found HERE!

Snippet Saturday

2009-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

The theme today is first meeting of the villain.

And I'm floored. I merrily signed up to post and then started going through my stories. Soul Deep-no villain. Rocky Mountain Heat-no villain. Wolf Signs- actual villain arrives in final scene.

I'm obviously far too nice to my characters.

Still, the longer I write, the more I'm comfortable adding villains, but they seem to be family or relationally attached to either the hero or heroine. Current wip is an example, the Grampa is the main bad guy.

And here in Wolf Flight, coming in October from Samhain. Meet the villain and the heroine.
---------------------------

September, Whistler, British Columbia

The Whistler pack house was crowded after dinner, with small groups gathered around the room talking amongst themselves. Conversations quieted for a moment as laughter burst out from where the Alpha and his cronies sat in the prime seats before the huge stone fireplace. An icy warning trickled up Missy’s spine, and she gave up on the discussion in front of her. She rose from her chair and headed quietly toward the exit, weaving between the couches and recliners that filled the meeting and relaxation area for the pack.

Missy had no illusions about the precariousness of her position. As the widow of a high-ranking wolf, even one whose position had come from his family relationship instead of his power, she was an obvious target for any of the wolves looking to improve their standing in the pack.

Which would be, oh, pretty much everyone. Only she wasn’t worried about all of them, just one very dangerous individual.

It could have been worse. It would have been worse if she hadn’t managed to keep her secret. Hidden her developing skills away not only from her late husband but the rest of them.

Even now her Alpha’s gaze burned as she walked with her head down, attempting to remain small and unnoticeable as she slipped through the common area toward her apartment at the back of the complex.

“Missy,” Doug called. “Come here.”

She turned toward him, the hair on the back of her neck standing upright as a shiver of disgust raced over her skin. She had hoped to avoid this summons for far longer. Stopping a polite distance away to stand before the massive fireplace, Missy clutched her fingers together and averted her eyes at the last second.

“Jeff has been gone for a month now,” he noted, his long well-groomed fingers tapping on the arm of the overstuffed leather chair. His stylish business suit, clean-shaven chin and immaculately groomed hair sharply contrasted with what she knew of his personality. She’d seen his wolf kill more often than necessary, even for an Alpha trying to maintain order in a large pack.

Missy rocked on her feet uneasily. Doug rose from his seat to tower over her petite frame, the heat from his body close enough to overwhelm the fire’s warmth. She stared away from him, looking over the heads of the wolves sprawled on the couch immediately in front of them. Don’t let him know how much you loathe him. Don’t show any sign of disrespect. Others in the room looked on with curiosity for a minute before turning back to their own conversations. Only the wolf enforcers she spotted scattered inconspicuously throughout the room tensed, ready to spring into action if needed.

The level of paranoia her Alpha encouraged among his warriors shocked her. Did they really think she would challenge Doug? It seemed few pack members were aware he was less than the honourable businessman he pretended to be. Missy wondered how much the Alpha shared with his closest allies, how many of his wrongdoings the other leaders of the pack approved. Or were the Beta and the rest ignorant victims as well?

“Does it bother you to hear me talk about my brother? Do you miss him that much?” Doug’s refined voice prickled in her ears. “I didn’t think you pined for his conversation or longed for his arms to hold you at night.”

He laughed softly and the sound grated on her nerves like nails on a blackboard. Over the past couple years Missy had become aware of slow changes in her abilities, including an increased sense of others’ motivations. The evil Doug delved into permeated every fiber of his being, and Missy turned her head away to avoid showing her disgust. She swallowed hard and forced down the emotions that threatened to engulf her. Her anger, her fear. The almost overwhelming desire to turn and flee from his presence.

She couldn’t run, not yet. She needed more time. Time to find an escape from the trap she knew closed around her as each day passed.

Doug ran a finger down her cheek, plucking at a blonde curl, and her gorge rose. Missy concentrated on presenting a calm façade, forcing her eyes to blink naturally as she slowed her pulse, her breathing. Calming all the telltale signs that could alert this powerful werewolf of her intentions.

He was her brother-in-law, her Alpha, but she refused to let him control her. The finger continued a slow path down her body as she stood stock-still.

“Jeff never did know what a treasure he had, did he?” Doug asked, his dark voice dirty like an oily slick over her skin. He leaned close to whisper in her ear. “My sweet Omega.”

--------------------------

Come and meet some other villians. Brawhahahaha!!!


Shelley Munro
Anya Bast
Cynthia Eden
SJ Day 
Jaci Burton
Michelle Pillow
Juliana Stone
Moira Rogers 
Sacha White
TJ Michaels
Lacey Savage
McKenna Jeffries
Jody Wallace 
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher 
Taige Crenshaw
Beth Williamson

Tidal Wave is Coming!

2009-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's summer time and I can finally start to get excited about my new release coming July 21st. Tidal Wave is a red hot story with sexy watershifters. If you'd like a chance to win an Advanced Readers Copy of this story, just add your comment below. I'll draw one person to receive an ARC on July 20th.

Good luck and enjoy the sunshine!

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Slippery when wet…

Forces of Nature, Book 1

From her first kiss to her first sight of dolphins dancing on the waves, Alexia Colten has always held a special place in her heart for Jaffrey's Cove. Now that she's back to help her grandmother settle into a home, she discovers this place has lost none of its remembered magic. In fact, it seems more magical than before—and more erotic.

After she's gifted with a beautiful, dolphin-etched medallion, she finds herself surrounded by the golden boys of summers past. Her body is filled with longings she can't explain and dreams of blue lights that turn into lovers.

Joshua Marley and his cousin Anthony are merfolk, a people capable of living beneath the waves as either dolphin or human. Alexia holds the medallion that marks her as the next in line to lead their people—if she can prove she can transform. Working in tandem, they're sure they can arouse her passion and protect her from those who would use her simply to gain power.

But their strength alone may not be enough to help her face the challenge of her new position…

Warning: This title contains a conniving granny, naked men in the surf and shifters who take fun in the water to new depths.

Snorkels not required.

Very Big Grin

2009-07-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

At the Lori Foster weekend, Deb, one of the sweet ladies who hangs out at the Samhain Cafe put together a tote of things to send to another friend Molli who couldn't make it. The package just arrived. I promised I'd show people what's on the cover of the T-shirt I sent. It's the beautiful work of April Martinez from the Liquid Silver art department.

No release date yet, but should be in September. Here's a link to a bit more about the story and an excerpt.

And I'll give you a tidbit too , just because I love this story so much!! Blake and Jaxi are HOT together.

-------------------

Blake rose and made his way downstairs. He stopped and looked at the door of the den, closed tight. Behind those doors Jaxi would be curled up, her blonde hair draped over the pillow, her body nestled in the thick comforter covering the sofa bed. She probably wore one of those baby doll nighties, her long legs exposed, her soft shoulders bare under thin straps of some kind of soft shiny material. Sleeping in the room next to her the first night had been difficult but after a week of spending time with her, his desire for her had grown even stronger.

Blake bit back a growl and headed to his room. His ma needed the help but these few weeks were turning out to be sheer hell on his body. Even now he was harder than a railway spike, the thought of Jaxi close by teasing his senses. He swore the scent of her filtered into his room.

He stripped off his jeans and shirt and padded toward the bathroom door. Oh hell, he’d forgotten he couldn’t go in. As the oldest son he’d taken advantage of picking the room with an attached bathroom. It had a connecting door to the den as well and Jaxi had all her things in there. He stood, his hand on the doorknob. He wanted to enter, hoped by some chance she’d have left the other door open and he could torment himself with a glimpse of paradise.

Blake dragged a breath of air into his lungs in an attempt to cool his burning body. It wasn’t right, he couldn’t think about Jaxi that way. She was a guest in their home and he was as good as a brother to her. He was acting like a hound dog and he should be ashamed of himself.

He grabbed his travel kit from under the bed and instead stepped down the hall toward the large shower room in the annex. He, Matt and Daniel had decided to use the larger bathroom and let Jaxi have the privacy of the other for herself.

The sound of running water met his ears and Blake stepped into the dimly lit room, wondering why his brothers had turned on only half the lights. Splashing noises echoed. Leaving his kit on the sink counter he rounded the corner to the showers.

And froze.

The three showerheads in the open room were separated by nothing but space. Steam filtered the dim lighting into a moonshine glow.

All he saw was wet, naked skin. Jaxi’s skin. Every inch of her bare to his gaze as the water poured from the middle shower, streaming in waves over her body. She faced away from him, head thrown back as she shifted her body to allow the water to slip over her face and down her chest. Blake, his body hot and needy, watched in a daze as the shampoo rinsed from her hair and undulated down her back, tiny bubbles racing over the curve of her waist. His gaze followed the bubbles along the soft swell of her hips and the full curves of her ass. Her skin was pale pink from the heat of the water, faint tan lines showing on her thighs and arms.

His mouth went completely dry. He had to retreat. He had to turn and leave before she spotted him. He was glued in place as she slid the soap over her body, lifted her hands to brush the hair back from where it clung to her shoulders in white ribbons.

Blake’s cock tented his boxers as Jaxi rotated under the showerhead, turning the front of her body to his sight. Her nipples were soft; tender juicy pink berries crowning full taut curves. The perfect size for filling his hands and still let him take her into his mouth. The water slid in rivulets over her belly and through the pale blonde curls visible at the junction of the long legs he’d fantasized about so many times. Jaxi had her eyes closed and she swayed from side to side as she washed, her hands slipping over her body in a way that made Blake heat to near boiling just from watching her. She hummed, soft and low, her hips moving to the sound of the tune. Guilt shot through him. He had no right to watch her, no right to invade her privacy and treat her like anything but the beautiful caring person he knew her to be. She wasn’t his to admire.

God help him, he wanted her to be.

Happy Canada Day!!

2009-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Canada Day is going to be a lot of fun.

We're hiking this morning with friends to the overlook above the city, then hitting the best coffee shop in town afterward.

This afternoon hubby and son are golfing, daughter and I will go to the beach and then tonight I have a bazillion people coming over for BBQ before the fireworks back at the lake tonight.

I love Canada Day. To the rest of my Canadian friends, hope it's a good one!!

A moment to celebrate!

2009-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

I've completed another story!

While I still have to clean it up and make it pretty, I'm pleased to announce I've completed the first draft of Claiming Derryn, my submission for the Space Anthology call at Samhain. Even if it's not accepted for the anthology--and let's face it there's always a LOT of great competition for the limited slots--I feel like this is a nice little story and I've improved my writers craft again.

So to celebrate, a tidbit!

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So that’s where the bastard had gone.

The stretch of granite floor between them was littered with the unwashed bodies of a motley crew scattered like asteroid crumble. Two men with hard faces, the chiseled muscles of their bare torsos glistening with moisture from the steamy air billowing into the room, stood on either side of an obsessively ornate chair. The blond on the right eyed her as if she stood naked on the auction block at Ransel Four instead of being a sanctioned representative from the Core’s Trade Embassy. Melina ignored him, keeping her lips from curling in disgust. None of the underlings worried her as much as the hunk of male who by some mysterious circumstance occupied the key central position amidst the rebels. She didn’t know what to expect from him after so long.

Trev.

His striking features remained unreadable, his amber eyes locked on hers. He stoked one of the furred lizard creatures she’d seen in abundance swarming the passages and caverns on her way to this audience. The sharysa were native to the planet, a cross between a pet and a nuisance. Trev’s long fingers soothed the beast and it quivered in his lap under his ministrations. A shiver raced over her skin at the memory of those same fingers stroking her, bringing her pleasure. What the hell was he doing in the middle of the rebel camp?

Her team members shifted uneasily on their feet. Her second in command slid closer, his folded hands belying the fear pouring off him.

Warning signals flashed in her brain.

The low-tech lighting limited their vision, eerie shadows filling the distance cervices of the hall. A hiss of steam entering the room from the massive cracks on the far wall created a soundtrack morbid enough for a horror-vid. Her breathing sounded obscenely loud. Did Trevyn not recognize her? He had to recognize her.

She debated for a moment, then raised her hand to greet him discretely with one of the codes they’d learned at the Institute. Sharp clicks echoed around her as the bodies sprawled on the floor leapt to attention at her slight movement.

A dozen knife blades thrust in her direction.

Trev stood abruptly, the light vest covering his torso flashing open to reveal the hint of a new tattoo on the skin above his waistline. The image distracted Melina, her gaze trailing down his body as he marched down the dais toward her committee. The ridges of his muscular belly haunted her with the urge to touch him again. If anything, he had grown harder, stronger, since she last saw him.

The sharysa now clung to his neck, its fur standing upright, a long white tail dangling down Trev's back. The creature blinked red eyes at her, its head tilting as if measuring her by some alien mammalian standard. Before she could move, it leapt across the distance between them to land on her shoulder.

Melina stood stock still, holding her face blank. The expressions on the guards around Trev warned her this was some kind of test, and she’d be damned if a fur ball would make her cringe before their sneering gazes. Its sniffing nose trailed past her ear, moisture touching her neckline.

She stared straight at Trev, willing him to give her some signal of how to proceed. Everything about this situation screamed danger. Something had gone wrong between the time the rebels agreed to this meeting and the negotiation team’s arrival, and now she was deep in their midst with no weapons available except her hand to hand combat skills.

Crap, she hated low-tech worlds. She hated being off ship, and she hated her job. If she never got another landing assignment she’d be elated.