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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

Enjoy!

Friday Fun: Meet author Mac Crowne!

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

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

Thanks for being here today, Mac!

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

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

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

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

What music are you listening to lately?

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

Tropical or European vacation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Author Kat Henry Doran & COOL Giveaway!!

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

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

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

Thanks for being here today, Kat.

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

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

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

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

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

. 6

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

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

BLURB:

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

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

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

EXCERPT:

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

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

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

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

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

“So?”

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

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

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

Nine hundred million dollars.

LINKS: my website: www.KatHenry.com

my blogsite: www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com

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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Man Candy FRIDAY???

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

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

Enjoy!

Man Candy Monday!!

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet author Victoria Gray!

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

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

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

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

Then come on back a visit with us:)

Thanks for being here today, Victoria !

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

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

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

What are your favorite foods?

Chocolate and white wine!

What’s your favorite romance movie?

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

Who’s your favorite actor?

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

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

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

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

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

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

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

Where can readers find you on the web?

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

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

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

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

What’s your idea of a romantic evening?

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

Where can readers find your book?

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

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

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

And other great retailers!

Man Candy Monday!

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

For you ladies who love Firemen!!

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet Author Kristi Lea!

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

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

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

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

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

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

****

Where is your favorite place to write?

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

Favoriteromance movie?

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

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

Tropicalor European vacation?

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

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

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

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

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

(Andnow the real work begins…)

BUY LINK:

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

THE PARIS AFFAIR EXCERPT:

“Ididn’t invite you in.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Youlead a merry chase,” he said.

“Alittle exercise never hurt anyone.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

Enjoy!

Friday Fun- Meet author Louisa Masters!

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being here today, Louisa!

Whereis your favorite place to write?

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

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

Doyou believe in love at first sight?

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us a littleabout your WIP.

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

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

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

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

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet author Lacey Wolfe!

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

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

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

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

Do you have critique partners?

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

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

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

Tell us about your real life romance.

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

What is your favorite dessert/food?

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

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

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

Thank you for having me here today Jennifer.

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

www.twitter.com/LaceyWolfe

www.facebook.com/AuthorLaceyWolfe

Fool Me Once (Hot Bods Series)

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

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

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

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

Holiday Reads and Giveaway!!

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

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

Now, help me welcome, Laura -

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

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

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

Here’s an excerpt from Santa’sHelper:

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

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

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

“I have another week, Merry.”

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Friday Fun-Meet Author Amber Leigh Williams!!

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being here today, Amber:)

1- Where is yourfavorite place to write?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for the interview,Jennifer!

Blurb:

ANTE UP!

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

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

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

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BET IT ON MY HEART © Amber Leigh Williams

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

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

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

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

Holiday Reads and Giveaway!

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

WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man Candy Monday!

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

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

Enjoy!

Fun Friday - Meet Linda LaRoque & Giveaway!

2011-12-08T19:18:00.001-08:00

Please help my welcome author Linda LaRoque! And not only has she brought A MARSHAL OF HER OWN for a giveaway, but leaving a comment will enter you in the drawing for a KINDLE she will hold on Dec. 18!!!
You can learn more about Linda and all her wonderful work at http://www.lindalaroque.com/
But come on back and visit.
And good luck in the drawings!

Thanks for being my guest, Linda :)

Thanks for having me, Jennifer. Today I wanted to talk about

Life in the OldWest - Cooking in the Victorian Kitchen

Whenwriting My Heart Will Find Yours I learned a lot aboutnineteenth-century kitchens.

Very few homes had an ice box, the kind where a block of ice was delivered tosit in an insulated reservoir in the top of the wooden structure. They wereinvented for home use in the 1840s, but it wasn't until the 1870s that the U.S.had ice plants that produced artificial ice. In the model seen here, the blockwould go in the unopened door to the left. As the ice melted the cold waterflowed down the sides and kept the contents inside cool. Note the pan on thefloor. Of course, in hot weather, the ice didn't last more than a couple ofdays. Owners had a sign with 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 75 lbs, and 100 lbs on each side.You'd prop the side up with the amount you needed out front so when the icemancame by he'd know what size block to bring in for you. This picture can befound in an online article titled Early Days of Refrigeration at www.lclark.edu/

I found an advertisement for a model almost identical to this one. No date wasgiven but the price was $16.98.

My mother-in-law said that even in the early thirties they kept theirperishables in a spring house, a small shed built over a spring. Food wascovered with dish towels or cheese cloth to keep out flies and other pests, andthe flowing water kept the room cool. Some homes had a larder which was a roomon the coolest side of the house or in the cellar. None of these solutionswould make modern homemakers happy, but folks back then didn't know anydifference and the system worked for them.

No kitchen was complete without a cupboard or Hoosier. Here kitchen utensilswere stored. Many had a flour bin (see above right in cabinet), a built-insifter, a granite or tin top for rolling pie crusts and biscuit dough, anddrawers for storage. Note the meat grinder attached to the left and the butterchurn on the floor to the right with a wash board behind. Hopefully thehomemaker had a sink with a hand pump with room to the side to stack cleandishes to dry. A shelf below would hold pails and a dish pan.

This picture was taken at the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, Texas, anddates somewhere around the 1920s or 1930s. The design in these cupboards didn'tchange much over time so earlier models looked much like this one. Todaycupboards or Hoosiers have become popular decorative additions to modernkitchens, as have old ice boxes. I'd love to have one but my kitchen is toosmall.

Last, but not least, in importance to the homemaker was the
wood cook stove. Before the cast iron kitchen stove was invented, women cookedover hearths with ovens built into the wall, if they were well-off, or outsidein a fire pit. Both methods were hard on the back due to bending over to stirfood in pots suspended from iron hooks. Cast iron pot bellied stoves, usedmainly for heat, could be used for some cooking, but lucky was the woman whohad a genuine kitchen cook stove like the one pictured here.

This is a restored model pictured at http://www.bryantstove.com/ Manymodels such as this one had a copper lined reservoir on the side to keep waterwarm for beverages, dishwater, or bathing. In my reading I noticed some evenhad a kick plate to open the oven door when hands were full. Some of thesemodels were designed to use either wood or coal oil. Restored wood stoves arepopular and being added to homes of individuals who like antiques and love tocook. They aren't for the person who wants to pop something in the oven and goabout their business as the product must be watched carefully to make sure oventemperature is maintained. Also, they're quite expensive, between two and threethousand dollars.

Managing a house hold during this era wasn't for the weak. Just lifting thoseiron cooking vessels took a strength many modern women don't possess. But, Iguess carrying buckets of milk from the barn, doing the wash in the yard usinga scrub board, and their other daily chores built muscles.

My time travel heroines face multiple challenges when learning to live and takecare of a home in the nineteenth century. Though it’s never easy, their lovefor their hero gives them the perseverance to adjust to a past way of life.

Marshal of Her Own – Blurb and Excerpt

Blurb:

Despiterumors of “strange doings” at a cabin in Fredericksburg, investigative reporterDessa Wade books the cottage from which lawyer, Charity Dawson, disappeared in2008. Dessa is intent on solving the mystery. Instead, she is caught in the mysterythat surrounds the cabin and finds herself in 1890 in a shootout between theFaraday Gang and a US Marshal.

MarshalCole Jeffers doesn’t believe Miss Wade is a time traveler. He admits she’sinnocent of being an outlaw, but thinks she knows more about the gang thanshe’s telling. When she’s kidnapped by Zeke Faraday, Cole is determined torescue her. He’s longed for a woman of his own, and Dessa Wade just might bethe one—if she’ll commit to the past.

Excerpt:

Dessa stood still and watchedas they conversed. Something stank to high heaven about this entire situation.Why were the cops chasing robbers on horseback? It’s not like Fredericksburgwas that isolated. She glanced at the captured men. The boy moaned, and shemade a step to go over and help him. The Marshal spun, and the expression inhis eye froze her in place.

“He needs first aid.”

“He’s fine. The Doc will tendto him when we get to the jail.”

“You could at least call 911and let them patch him up for you.” She nodded to the man lying so still withhis eyes closed. “Your other prisoner doesn’t look so good. He’s going to dieon you if you don’t start CPR or get him some help.”

“Lady, no one is going tohear a yell from out here. Never heard of any 911 or CPR.” He propped the handnot holding the shotgun on his hip and threw her a disgusted look. “Are youblind? That man is dead, shot through the heart.”

Her head swam for a moment,and she struggled not to give in to the sensation and faint. She drew in deepgulps of air. “Well...well..., what about the coroner and the meat wagon, notto mention the CSI folks? If you don’t get them to record the scene, how areyou going to cover your butt? The authorities might say you shot him in coldblood.”

Helooked at her like she’d sprouted an extra head. “I don’t know what the hellyou are talking about woman. No one will question my authority. I’m the law inthis county. Now, be quiet, or I’m going to gag you.”

A Marshal of Her Own will be available now at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, Barnes andNoble.com and other online book stores. It is the sequel to A Law of Her Own available at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.com and other online bookstores. I’m awaiting a release date for ALove of His Own, the third story in the Prairie, Texas series.

Myrelease contest for A Marshal of Her Own beganNovember 9th. I’ll be giving away this vintage rhinestone typewriter pin. Toenter the drawing, go to my website or blog and sign up for my newsletter. Don’tforget to verify your email address. If you already receive it, email me at linda@lindalaroque.com with A Marshalof Her Own contest in the subject line. Contest ends December 15, 2011.

Leaveme a comment or ask a question today and you’ll be entered into a drawing foran ecopy of A Law of Her Own.

Also,today’s blog post is part of 2 blog tours—this one for A Marshal of Her Own and starting December 4^th, one for Born in Ice. Follow along each day and leavea comment to be entered into the grand prize drawing and learn about my Born in Ice contest.

TheBlog Tour schedule will be posted on my blog and website. It will last 25 daysand the Grand Prize is a Kindle. Leave a comment each day and your name will beentered 25 times. Pretty good odds, huh?

Thankyou for having me on your blog today, Jennifer!

Tomorrow,Dec. 10th, I’ll be on Allison Knight’s blog at http://www.allisonknight.blogspot.com/sharing an excerpt from Born in Ice,my futuristic romantic suspense.

HappyReading and Writing!

Linda LaRoque

Writing Romance With a Twist in Time

www.lindalaroque.com

http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tinyman#!/linda.laroque

http://twitter.com/#!/LindaLaRoque

LindaLaRoque is a Texasgirl, but the first time she got on a horse, it tossed her in the roaddislocating her right shoulder. Forty years passed before she got on another,but it was older, slower, and she was wiser. Plus, her students looked on andit was important to save face.

Aretired teacher who loves West Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people,Linda’s stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the rawlandscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas and the Midwest. She is amember of RWA, her local chapter of HOTRWA, NTRWA and Texas Mountain TrailWriters.

Holiday Reads & Giveaway!

2011-12-06T20:25:00.001-08:00

All through the month of December I'll be featuring Holiday Reads.
My first guest is Brenda Whiteside with WARM CHRISTMAS WISHES.
Brenda has 2 stories in this wonderful anthology and you can WIN an e-copy by leaving a comment!
Check out Brenda's website for more info on all her work http://www.brendawhiteside.com/ but come on back - Brenda brought some great excerpts :)

WARM CHRISTMASWISHES Anthology

Buy Link:

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/anthologies/WarmChristmasWishes.html

AN ELFIN SECRET

Whenfive-year-old Candace Cane questions why her father, Henry is an absent parent,her mother is speechless. But when Candace learns Daddy is an Elf named SantaClause, life becomes magical…until Mommy dies and Henry and Santa cease toexist.

Inthis Christmas fantasy, Candace discovers magic lies within her heart and she’snever far from her mother or her father.

EXCERPT:

“You never tire of your picturebook, do you? That’s probably the best present your father, Henry, ever gaveyou.” She stood over me gazing at the book.

Her warm hand glided down mycheek, and I looked at her. “Do you miss him, Mommy?”

“Miss him?” She sat at the footof my bed.

There must have been a time whenHenry did more in this house than drop off presents. Somehow they must havespent a lot of time together, I thought, or I wouldn’t be there. “Like when youwere together?”

“Were? Candace you talk as if inthe past. Your father is always with us.”

“Not really.”

She looked confused. “Yes,always. He’s always here, in a way, and at other times in another way. Not inthe sense Sarah’s father is or…or… Oh! Candace, I seem to be short on words.”

“Why do you call him Henry?”

She tilted her head, her blueeyes grew gray. “Candace you ask the most unusual questions.” She stood. Thestone expression I remembered from a few years back flickered across her face.My heart thumped and I rose to my knees, but before I could apologize, tell hernever mind, her blue eyes twinkled and the color came back to her face. “Yourfather is a very special father. Which makes you a very special person. Oh, ifonly I were so special. But he loves me. What we share is…” She waved a hand inthe air.

“You don’t know you’re special,Mommy?”

She sat closer to me this time.“I’m different. You’re still a little too young to understand. Although I haveto say, you’ve always been wiser than you should be. You’ve always been wise,and I’ve always been different. I crossed a bridge one night on Christmasnearly eleven years ago.” She sighed and smiled. “My life is like a fairytale.”

“Happily ever after.”

“See how wise you are?” Shepatted my leg and stood. “Now get dressed and come down to breakfast.”

I looked at my book, now on theSanta Claus page. The wink. The secret.

ON THE WAY TO THESNOW BALL

Lovely, richMarie Louise Le Mare apparently has everything in life. So what can thehandsome man in the red suit possibly give her? When they’re trapped in anelevator with only each other for company, a surprise gift exchange makes thisChristmas special.

EXCERPT:

“Theymust be trying to fix it.” She sounded hopeful.

Hestood perfectly still, listening for noise beyond their breathing.

“Butcould they kill the elevator music?” Her voice came out of the darkness andwith each word rose until by the time she said music she was screeching. BarryManilow crooned softly overhead. “Why should the music play if the stupid thingisn’t moving?” He could understand her irritation. Jingle Bells should not be crooned.

Again,the lights blinked and this time stayed on, dimmer than before. His eyesadjusted to the semi-darkness. She now stood far enough from him to get anoverall picture. Her orange dress was form fitting and for someone so young,she was quite curvy.

“Doesthe music upset you?”

“Yes!It makes me manic!” She threw her hands in the air and took a step toward him.

“Whatis your name, young lady? Tell me about why you’re here.”

Shesmiled. “Good maneuver. Change the subject. Distract the crazy person.”

Crossinghis arms over his chest, he leaned against the railing. “Are you claustro…?”Her scent tickled his nose again. He laid a finger on one side of his nose thenthe other. “Are you claustrophobic?”

“Areyou allergic to elevators?”

“MaybeI’m allergic to you.” He concentrated on her smiling eyes but his peripheralvision took in the seductive curve of her hips. Attraction and reaction.Allergic reactions are caused by the body trying to defend itself against asuspected harmful entity. The mind and the body are not always in agreement onthis. The lovely flower. Sniff and the body will convulse. Take a deliciousbite and your throat constricts, suffocating you. “What have you got on? Thescent?”

“Specialholiday blend. Cinnamon and pine needles.

Nowonder. Who had decided these things equated to the smell of Christmas? Theymight have asked him what his allergies were before deciding.

“That’s quite a suit.”

“Thankyou.”

Shesnickered. “I’ll give it to you – takes confidence to wear something like that.Even this time of year.”

“Youdon’t like it?”

Sheran a quick glance over him, hat to shoes. When she came back for a secondlook, she paused on his face, then his legs. “Actually, I do. I mean the cut isgood. You’re well built so that helps to carry it off. Not sure about the Santahat. But I guess it’s the season.”

“Soif I wore this some other time of year, you might reconsider your opinion?” Hedidn’t need her opinion, but something about her giving him the once over, theapproval, the lingering of her gaze, effected him like sweet caramel apples onhis tongue.

“Doyou dress like this all the time?”

Man Candy Monday!

2011-12-04T18:57:00.001-08:00

Purr- fection!
Now pardon me while I drool.

Enjoy!

Friday Fun - Meet author Angela Drake!

2011-12-01T22:05:00.001-08:00

Help me welcome my friend and fellow ORA member, Angela Drake. Angela and I don't get to see each other enough, but keep up online:)

You can find out more about Angela at her blog site http://angeladrake.blogspot.com/?zx=a5ec8d98ee39c2e9

But come on back and visit with us over a cup of French Vanilla coffee :)

Thanks for being here today, Angela.

Hi Jennifer!

Thanks for having me today. I’ll be around all day if anyonewould like to leave a comment or question.

Where is yourfavorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is a café or bookstore coffeeshop. It’s hard to do it locally because everyone knows you. But when you cansneak off to obscurity, it’s nice. The words seem to flow better when I’m notdistracted by the household chores I feel like I should be doing instead. I’d rather channel my guilt over a second cupof fluffy coffee than the dishes I didn’t wash.

What music are youlistening to lately?

I am such an eclectic music listener. I write to music thathelps feed the muse for my current WIP so right now it’s all about Texas music.

Tell us about yourreal life romance.

My real life romance is with my husband of 28 years, Bob. Ialways thought ‘I saw fireworks when he kissed me’ was hokey… then I kissed Boband I seriously saw rockets. We are best friends and although we haveindividual interests, we can be just as happy doing things together. And whenyou have your husband around for three weeks at a time and you have a deadline,that ‘best friends’ part comes in hand. Only a best friend understands howimportant something is to you.

Tell us a littleabout your WIP.

My current WIP is something I’m targeting The Wild RosePress Honkytonk Hearts series with. I’ve never ‘written for the market’ beforeso this is interesting. But at least part of it has to take place in ahonkytonk in TX. I freelance for the Texas music industry and love my cowboys(who doesn’t!) so I’m really having fun with this.

What is your favoritewriting conference to attend?

My absolute favorite, won’t miss writing conference is OzarkCreative Writers. It’s a intimate, multi-genre conference always held the 2^ndfull weekend of October. Some of the big name editors and agents have come into take pitches and we have an awesome caliber of speakers every year. It’saffordable, informative and set in one of the most beautiful areas you’ll findanywhere. The Best Western Inn of the Ozarks staff have been hosting us forover forty years and are just wonderful to their guests. You feel special fromthe minute you check in.

BIO:

Angela Drake began actively pursuing awriting career twenty years ago. Since then she has won many awards for shortpieces, partials and poetry. She’s published in art magazines, has a weeklynewspaper column and is a freelance journalist.

Kelly is amember of Ozarks Romance Authors, Sleuths Ink and Mid-South Writers Group.

Foreight years, she hosted a weekly workshop on AOL. She continues to moderate ayahoo group extension of that workshop, The Writers Zone, and is owner of theWorld Romance Writers and World Romance Readers loops.

When notwriting, she speaks at conferences and enjoys time with her granddaughters,gardening, journaling, and a myriad of artistic pursuits. Her husband and bestfriend of twenty-eight years, Bob, supports her many avenues of creativity.

Man Candy Monday!

2011-11-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

He's thinking: Come here, baby, and I'll help you work off that Thanksgiving meal ;)

Enjoy!

Friday Fun: Meet Elke O'Donnell

2011-11-24T19:23:00.000-08:00

Please help me welcome my friend and fellow Ass Cheek Angel, Elke O'Donnell !

I was lucky enough to meet Elke at the RWA 2010 conference. She is a regular blogger at the Ass Cheek Angel blog. You can learn more about Elke at her website http://elkefeuer.wordpress.com

Then come on back and visit :)

Thanks for being here today, Elke!

What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?
Characters, specifically male characters. I find it challenging to write male POVs without letting my feminine side take over.

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

Very likely. I’m a people watcher whether it’s at a distance in the coffee shop or someone I’m talking to. If something about them jumps out at me in their personality or mannerisms, they usually end up as one of my characters.

Tell us a little about your WIP.

My current project is:

For the Love of Jazz

To launch her restoration architecture company, Josie Fagan must convince Patrick Pullman she’s the only one who can restore his unique 1940s bungalow. She gets more than she bargains for when a condition of the contract is that she stays at the house with him, and what Patrick Pullman wants, Patrick Pullman gets… 

She feels an immediate connection not only to Patrick and his house, but to the previous tenants, Patrick’s uncle and his lover, Lola, who disappeared fifty years ago. Is the attraction between Patrick and Josie real, are Lola and William still acting out their unfinished lives or is the just haunted?

Patrick Pullman doesn’t believe in ghosts or that his house is haunted, but when he starts having visions of Lola; maybe Josie isn’t crazy after all. Will they find out the truth before she disappears too?

Excerpt

“I want you stay at the house during the renovations and not take on any other jobs until mine is done.”

“What?” He couldn’t be serious. She searched his face. He was. “Why do I need to stay at the house?”

“I need this project finished in ten months and that will mean having you close to discuss design and restoration changes. Living at the house is the best option and also eliminates the risk of theft.” He leaned back in his chair. “Room and board is free. You don’t want to waste money your business needs, do you?”

Damn, he knew about her finances and was going to play hard ball. She had no intention of letting him use it against her or backing down. She was the best candidate and they both knew it. If she wasn’t he would have hired another company. “I want a flattering personal reference,” she countered.

A cocky grin curved his lips. “Then I want guarantees.”

She held his gaze.

“You’ll get your reference if you meet my ten month deadline, if I’m satisfied with the quality of the work, and if the job comes within budget.” He moved his chair back into the upright position.

“That will not include changes you make to my original estimate or if you select inferior products,” she added quickly.

His smile broadened and his boyish dimple winked at her.

Was he enjoying this?

Damn him, he was!

She didn’t like it one bit. He was taking away the control she wanted, needed to have. The excitement she felt when he agreed to hire her vanished. The masculine atmosphere that had floated in the air like cheap cologne when she arrived squeezed around her to uncomfortable.

“Do we have a deal?” His confident tone implied he knew the answer.

What is your favorite time of year?
Definitely Winter. In Cayman we don’t have seasonal changes in the traditional sense, but between November and February the temperature is cool and windy. Christmas lights, and decorations go up in the stores and in people’s houses and everyone is a little nicer and friendlier than any other time of the year.

Tropical or European vacation?
Without a doubt European. I love learning about other cultures and places that are very different from mine.

Thanks for hosting me, Jennifer and for being such a wonderful supporter.

For more information on Elke Feuer visit her at:

http://elkefeuer.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elke-Feuer/185367964831994

Man Candy Monday!

2011-11-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Since it's almost the season of unwrapping gifts. . .

Enjoy! ;)

Friday Fun: Meet Author Emma Lai!

2011-11-17T19:57:00.001-08:00

It's my pleasure to welcome the fabulous EMMA LAI! She's brought her hot new release, RIDING RODEO. *Yummy cover, Emma*

You can find out all about Emma and her work at http://emmalaiwrites.wordpress.com/ including Buy Links to all her delicious stories :)

Emma is giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commentator, so get typing, ladies! LOL You know you want to read about these hot cowboys.

Hi, Emma! Thanks for being here today.

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

Anyone who’s heard my story probablyhates me. I wrote a short in two days, submitted it, heard back in three weeksrequesting increased length, sent revisions in, got a contract.

However, I’ve had my ups and downs. I’vebeen asked to cut a scene I was highly attached to. I’ve had my firstfull-length rejected (really, a rewrite and resubmit--but it’s a painfulrewrite, though thankfully not like the scene that ended up on the editingfloor.) I’ve received reviews that made me cringe. I’ve met rude writers,though thankfully not editors. I’ve ranted and raved and pulled out my hair,but in the end I return to my keyboard.

As long as I have readers, I will write.

What music are you listening to lately?

I listen to a wide array of music. As Itype this, I’m listening to old country: “When You Say Nothing At All” by KeithWhitley; “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” by Mel McDaniel; “Convoy” by C.W.McCall; “Crazy” by Patsy Cline; “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn...among manyothers. Feel good songs that remind me of carefree childhood days and crazyteen years on a cool Houston day.

The country song I best associate with RidingRodeo would of course be “Ride a Horse (Save a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich.Though if anyone is a fan of The Sing Off on NBC, Darmouth Airesdid an awesome a cappella rendition that was loads of fun.

Tell us about your real life romance.

I have been married to my amazinghusband going on seven years, with no itch in sight. We started off ascoworkers twelve years ago and became fast friends because we have similarsenses of humor. When we went through our respective nasty divorces to ourcollege sweethearts, we helped each other deal with the anger and depressionand all the other negative emotions associated with the process. (Yes, it istrue, friends get divided by divorcing couples.)

The general advice you receive whengoing through a divorce is not to date for at least two years, but when youfind that person who can see you at your worst, support you through it--evenmake you laugh through it--you don’t let them go.

We’ve moved halfway across the country,had jobs we hated, lived in places we despised, but none of it mattered becausewe were together making each other laugh. We’ve had other challenges--financialdifficulties and the birth of a child--that tested the strength of anyrelationship. (Yes, a child is a blessing, but it also puts stress onrelationships in never before tested ways.) Now, here we are on theupswing--companies are doing better and the boy-child is a precocious two--andwe’re stronger than ever.

Everything we’ve gone through togetheronly makes us appreciate each other more. He’s my best friend.

What was the best advice you were givenleading you to getting published?

If you don’t submit, you don’t get published.So, submit, submit, submit!

If you could switch places withone of your characters would you?

Every time I write, get into the head ofone of my characters, I am essentially switching places with them. But while Ienjoy the mini-vacation from my life, I would never trade fantasy for myreality.

Tell us a little about your WIP.

RidingRodeo is my latest release. It’s part of the Cowboy Kink series from TheWild Rose Press. This, of course, means it’s HOT, HOT, HOT!

Blurb:

Thelast person Amanda Goodson expected to walk into her bakery was Sean Cassidy,the bareback bronc rider who rode her hard one night and left without agood-bye the next day. Since then, she'd sworn off one-night stands andcowboys, but one look at the man she called Rodeo leaves her hankering foranother ride.

A nasty injuryended Sean's career and left him with nothing but time to contemplate pastsins, especially the most damning one...walking out on Amanda, the one woman hecouldn't forget. Eager to right the biggest mistake of his life, he findsAmanda--and learns he has competition. Never one to back down from a challenge,he offers to fulfill her darkest fantasy--taking two cowboys for a ride.

When the dustsettles, will Sean's plan to win Amanda's trust backfire or will she risk herheart for one more shot at Riding Rodeo?

What is yourfavorite time of year?

I have two favorite times of year. Both are when the weatherin Houston is in the 60s or low 70s and the sky is clear and beautiful--thougha few gray days are fine as well. It’s perfect weather to be outside withoutbeing too hot or too cold.

Tropical or European vacation?

Both? I love to travel. I’ve been to Costa Rica in Novemberand Austria in May. The tropics are lovely when the weather at home is cold andEurope is beautiful when spring is in the air. Hubby and I both dream oftraveling the world in a couple of years, once the boy-child gets old enough toyell, “Stranger! Danger!” (Though, he’s actually not one to wander beyond oursight, or even outside of 10 feet from us.)

Man Candy Monday!

2011-11-13T19:46:00.001-08:00

Anybody feel like a . . . ride? ;)

Enjoy!