Year in Review!

2007 was a very busy year for me professionally!

On January 31, 2007, Anastasia's Style was released in e-book. That EC Quickie Valentine's tale was so much fun to write. It was followed in March by the print release of The Return of Patrick O'Rourke.

Spring came and with it came the e-book release of Three Swords, One Heart--my contribution to the EC Torrid Tarot series.

In June, Tapestry Dreams was released in print. This single volume contained the first two books in the Tapestries series--Christina's Tapestry and Bakra Bride.

July--Summer came and so did the e-book release of Woven Dreams, book 3 in the Tapestries series.

September quickly followed with the print and e-book release of the Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology, which featured my short story "Sunshine for a Vampire." Also released in print that month was Summersville Heat, which contains my EC books Annabelle Lee and Heat Wave, the first two books of the Summersville Secrets series.

October saw the print release of Feral Fixation from EC, which contains my EC Quickie, Drakon's Treasure. On Halloween came my final e-book release for the year--Eternal Brothers, Book 4 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series.

And that was just the releases for the year! In between that and doing edits and promoting my books, and generally having a life, I managed to write a few more. Actually, Eternal Brothers was finished in January 2007, so tecnically I was writing it this year.

Besides that, I wrote Amethyst Moon, a novella which will be out in February; Jackson's Jewel, the next book in the Awakening Desires series; Lily Blossoms, the next Summersville Secret book, Threads of Destiny, book 4 in the Tapestries series, a short story for the 2008 Cavemen anthologies, and another book that I'm still waiting to here back on from my editor. And that's just for Ellora's Cave.

I also wrote The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke for Samhain Publishing, which will be releasing tomorrow, January 1st! What an exciting way to begin the New Year! I'm looking forward to the year ahead.

Thank you to all of you who read my books. You've helped make my dreams come true.

May 2008 bring you happiness, health, and prosperity!

January Newsletter is now Available

The January issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter is now available. I put it out a couple days early because I figure we'll all be celebrating or recovering from celebrations on January 1st!

This months newsletter contains all the latest news--and boy is there a lot of it--and contest information, as well as an excerpt from The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, which is releasing on January 1st!

There is no interview this month. Instead, a few of your favorite authors stopped by to let us in on their hopes for the coming year.

Hubby is back for 2008 with his popular column--Confessions of a Romance Author's Husband. As always, for more information on any of my books, check out my website .

Contest!

I've got a quick contest running on my website until Monday, December 31st at 2 PM EST.

If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, releasing on Janauary 1st from Samhain Publishing, just go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how to enter!

Love Romances Nominations!

I'm thrilled to announce that Love Romances and More has nominated two of my books for their 2007 Awards! The announcements are posted over at the Love Romances Cafe and voting starts on January 1st!

My Ellora's Cave book, Eternal Brothers , is nominated for the best Vampire Romance for 2007. Also from Ellora's cave is Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III , which is nominated in the best Erotic Anthology category.

The past two weeks have been incredibly exciting with an Eppie Nomination, two CAPA nominations and now two nominations from Love Romances Cafe. What a wonderful way to bring in 2008 and cap off an incredible year.

The Morning After

Good morning, everyone!

I hope you and your family enjoyed Christmas Day. I had a wonderful day. I love the way that life slows down on December 25th and there is nowhere you have to go and nothing you have to do. I spent a lot of time on the phone talking with my family, cooked a big dinner and ate too much, and curled up with my hubby and watched Scrooge. Does it get any better!

Today, we plan to take in a movie at the local theatre. Later we'll eat leftovers. *g*

The best present of the season is the gift of slowing down and taking a moment to remember what is really important in your life. May this holiday season bring you all health and happiness.

CAPA Nomination

I just found out that I'm nominated, not once, but twice for The Romance Studio Cupid and Psyche Awards (CAPAs).

My Samhain contemporary, The Return of Patrick O’Rourke , has been nominated in the Contemporary Romance Category. The Seasons of Seduction III anthology, which contains my EC story "Sunshine for a Vampire", has been nominated in the Erotic Anthology Category.

What a wonderful early Christmas present.

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to The Romance Studio!

Happy Yule!

The Winter Solstice is upon us. It's the shortest day, or longest night depending on how you look at it, of the year.

From this day onward, the light will begin to return slowly, but surely, as we head toward spring.

For now, winter has arrived with all its snowy magesty.

Light a candle, sit back and enjoy. Take a moment to reflect on the season past and the one just beginning.

New Cover!

I'm part of the Jewel series that will be released by Ellora's Cave in 2008. Each month will have books that feature the birthstone for that particular month.

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My novella, Amehyst Moon, will be out sometime in February.

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Check out my new cover!

All in Time By Ciana Stone
Book 1 in The Hussies series.

Sara had searched for answers her entire life — why had she been abandoned as an infant and why did she possess the ability to paint things that foretold the future? What was she supposed to do with her ability? Exactly what was her destiny supposed to be?

Help comes from an unexpected source. A mysterious woman from a time long past offers her the opportunity to find the answers. But to do so, she has to locate and protect a man who is fated to play an important role in mankind's destiny.

Sara never imagined that her task would bring her face to face with a man she'd idolized for years. That their meeting would spark a passion so hot it threatened to consume them. Or that her mission would be one that demanded only one of two outcomes. Succeed and live, or fail and die. Will love be strong enough to save them or will the price of failure be both their lives? The answers will be revealed. All in time.


All In Time by Ciana Stone is the first book in "The Hussies" series and it kicks it off with a bang. Rich description and details enhance this paranormal tale. Morgan is a man with a horrific past who is struggling to make sense of his life. Sara is a woman with a destiny that she has only just begun to understand. The passion between them is immediate and compelling. This is a fast read. You'll want to keep turning pages until your done. I'm looking forward to more books in this fascinating series.

Five Minute Fudge

Christmas baking!

We all have our special treats that we make for the holidays and one of mine is Five Minute Fudge. This is an old recipe from a Carnation cookbook that I've been making since I was a kid.

It's easy and fast, and I thought you might enjoy it.

Place 2/3 cup of Carnation Evaporated Milk and 1 2/3 cups of sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to boil. Boil for five minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips (semi-sweet dark are my favorite), 1 1/2 cups of white mini marshmallows, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. Stir until smooth and then pour into greased 8x8-inch square pan. Cool and cut into squares. Eat and enjoy!

This years batch was made with extra dark chocolate chips. And OMG it was so good I bought more to make another batch. :-)

Primal by Nathalie Gray

Primal By Nathalie Gray

Lycan Warriors, Book Two

Check out Primal by Nathalie Gray

He's the worst of the bad, the deadliest weapon of them all, except to her…then he's the gentlest teddy bear.

Liberty was the first member on the lycanthrope team of soldiers-for-hire. Her specialty is technology. She's seen every member join, some of them to stay, others to leave — permanently. One colleague has always managed to make her lose her legendary cool.

Unlike her, Cupcake hails from a humble background, hasn't a credit to his name and lets people think he's just a mountain of muscle, all brawn and no brain. Liberty knows better and has lusted after the quiet, towering lycan with the serious eyes for years, silently wishing he'd just make his move. But he hasn't so far, even if there are days she swears there's a bit of fire in his pale eyes, a hint of longing in the way he glances at her when he thinks she's not looking.

Who could resist a book where the hero is a take-no-prisoners, mountain of a man with a murky past, named Cupcake? I know I couldn't.

Futuristic, action-adventure at its best! Nathalie Gray creates a future that is frightening and all too real and very raw. Liberty is one kick-ass heroine, who can hold her own against any enemy. Cupcake is a man whose past comes back to haunt him. The result is PRIMAL!

This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. Powerful, emotional, and just plain fantastic.

Coming into this century!

We finally did it.

We went from dial-up to high-speed internet. And what a difference!

I know. I know. I should have done it months, if not several years ago, but I'm slow to change when it comes to technology. Hubby finally convinced me to say yes and he had it switched before I could change my mind. LOL

Now, I'm able to watch videos and book trailers, where before it was impossible. And I'm not even going to talk about how fast pages load. Amazing! I figure I'll chop about 6 hours off my work week in just answering emails and checking out my yahoo groups.

So far, so good. I'm enjoying the change.

EPPIE FINALIST

I received a wonderful letter this morning informing me that my Ellora's Cave book, Craving Candy, has been selected as a finalist in the 2008 EPPIE AWARDS Competition in the category of Erotic Romance Contemporary/Suspense/Mystery.

I'm absolutely thrilled!

Eternal Brothers Featured

The cover for my book, Eternal Brothers, is the feature cover this week over at Erin Aislinn’s Website . It was nominated by a reader. Check it out!

Sights of the Season

This time of year you never know what you might see when you're walking down the street. People wear Santa hats and reindeer antlers on their head and do all sorts of things that they wouldn't do any other time of year.

This past Sunday, hubby and I were walking home from the movie. As the light changed at a crosswalk, and we started across the road, I glanced at the car stopped at the lights. There was Santa Claus, white beard, red suit, and hat, driving his nice red car. He waved and we waved back. LOL

I love this time of year. Anything is possible!

Cherry Cake and Christmas Trees

This weekend was a busy one. The tree is now up in the living room with its lights twinkling. It looks so pretty with popcorn and homemade ornaments, some of which I made when I was about 8 or 9 years old.

This will be the twenty-fifth Christmas that my husband and I have spent together. We weren't married for all of them, but they have all been memorable, this one more than most, but not for a particularly great reason.

This is the first year that we've ever had an artificial tree. Not that I have anything against artificial trees, but I love real ones. We've had big, bushy trees, skinny trees, and even a tiny 3-foot tree. The only reason we have an artificial one this year is that our apartment building is under new management and they have forbidden real trees. Needless to say, I won't be in this apartment next Christmas. But December 1st was too late to even consider a move.

So, we have a borrowed tree and will enjoy it all the same. I am planning on getting a wreath though, because I need that fresh, pine smell in the place, mixing with the aroma of popcorn. Hopefully, I'll be able to pick up a wreath when I'm out shopping later this week.

In the meantime, I've started holiday baking. Where it is hubby and myself most of the time, I tend to make one treat a week for the month of December. Last week was rice krispy treats, this week is cherry cake. I made it yesterday and hope it will last until at least Thursday. LOL It isnt' a huge cake, only a loaf one, but it is very yummy, if I do say so myself.

Next week will be fudge and the week after will be short bread cookies.

What are you baking for the holidays?

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you're looking for an escape from the hectic holiday rush, check out my Ellora’s Cave Christmas Quickie, Jessamyn's Christmas Gift.

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It's sure to put you in the holiday mood. *g*

BLURB:

To Do List

He wasn’t part of her balance sheet. But one week in his bed could tip the scales.

Since she could pick up a pencil, Belle Taylor has used lists and charts to map out her life. When she achieves a goal, she marks it off her to do list. Simple. But now, just steps away from her corner-office, name-on-the-letterhead goal, she realizes that the life she thought she wanted may come at too high a price.

Exhausted, she retreats home for Christmas vacation to rethink her life, complete with all-new lists. What she hadn’t expected is Rafe Bettencourt, her brother’s best friend, the man who she thought only saw her as a pesky younger sister. But when he kisses her under the mistletoe, Belle finds herself with a whole new set of goals to balance with what she thought she always wanted.

Rafe knows Belle is trying to figure out what to do with her life. He also knows he’s done loving her from afar, and he’s not beneath making it as hard as possible for her to choose to return to San Francisco.

Because Rafe can make to-do lists too—and his plan is to seduce Belle back home where she belongs. At his side. And in his bed.

Warning, this title contains the following: Smokin’ hot monkey love and naughty wish fulfillment, a few words you wouldn’t say in your grandma’s presence.

As always, Lauren Dane offers up a book filled with emotion and sensuality. This is the perfect read for the holiday season. Filled with the turmoil of family, holiday celebration, and the sexual attraction to her long-time crush, Belle is in for a Christmas she'll never forget.

The plot is the tried and true one of a woman who's had a crush on her brother's friend since she was a teenager, and now she's getting her chance with him. Lauren Dane pulls it off to perfection! You'll cheer for Belle and Rafe, laugh with their family, and cry when emotions run high.

Give yourself a present this holiday season and check out To Do List when it is released from Samhain Publishing on December 11th!

The Appeal of Holiday Novels

It's that time of year again--time for the Holiday Novel!

Why do we love them so much? Check out my guest blog over at the Romance Junkies Blog for more on this fascinating topic.

Holiday Spirit!

I know that the holidays can be overwhelming and the true meaning of the season can get lost in the bright lights of the malls and the crowds, but there are things you can do to get yourself in the holiday spirit.

This past Saturday, my hubby and I got up early and headed for the movie theatre. At 10 AM they screened a Christmas favorite--National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The price of admission--a non-perishable food item for the food bank. Hubby and I arrived with our bag of groceries in hand and joined the other early-morning moviegoers for a holiday treat.

There were families, groups of teeneagers, and a surprising number of fathers with their kids. I imagine mom was taking this time to either get some holiday shopping done or having some well-deserved time to herself. Either way, the atmosphere was fun and delightful.

There are all kinds of events like this during the next few weeks. Do yourself a favor and find one. You'll be glad you did.

Guest Blogging at Shelley Munro's Blog

Hey, everyone! I'm guest blogging today over at Shelley Munro’s Blog so stop by and say hi!

I'm blogging about how to survive the hectic holiday season with your sanity intact. I'm also offering up a PDF download copy of Jessamyn's Christmas Gift, my Ellora's Cave Christmas Quickie to one of the folks who posts over there today. Shelley will draw the winning name and announce it tomorrow. :-)

Recommended Read for Eternal Brothers

FAR reviewer Kara T just gave Eternal Brothers 5 Angels and a Recommended Read!

Here's a snippet of what she had to say.

"Eternal Brothers is a riveting story filled with passion, intrigue, danger and hot sex! It will keep the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. The rich descriptions, intense emotions and explosive sexual chemistry are writing at its best."

Thank you to FAR and the Kara T for this amazing review!

Check out Fallen Angel Reviews for the full review.

Awakening Desires Newsletter!

The December issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter is now available.

This month's issue contains all the latest news and contest information, as well as an excerpt and all the usual features.

The December winner of my newsletter contest is sweetteaandsunshine, who has won a print copy of White Hot Holidays, Volume 3, which contains my EC Quickie, Jessamyn's Christmas Gift!

Check out the December interview with the talented Nancy Lindquist. There is also the regular column by my hubby, "Confessions of a Romance Writer's Husband!

As always, for more information on any of my books, check out my website .

Happy Anniversary Ellora's Cave

Happy 7th Anniversary to Ellora’s Cave Publishing !

As of this past Wednesday, November 28th, Ellora' s Cave Publishing has been publishing erotic romance for seven years old. I've been lucky enough to be a part of this company for the past three years, and have enjoyed every minute of it.

I wish you continued success in the years ahead!

Book-A-Day Giveaway!

I'm part of The Romance Studio Book-A-Day Giveaway today.

If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of The Return of Patrick O'Rourke, just stop by The Romance Studio and fill out the entry form.

Sleigh Bells Ring...

Or is that the cha-ching of the cash registers in the stores that I hear.

Either way, the time has come to seriously start thinking about shopping for the holidays, if you haven't already started.

This past Friday was Black Friday--the day when most retailers finally make it into the "black" for the year. Yesterday was Cyber-Monday--the day most people scramble to online shop.

What do you do?

Personally, I'm not an online shopper and Black Friday isn't a factor where I live. I enjoy Christmas shopping, as long as I hit the stores early in the day before it gets too crazy. I'm also a big believer in the gift card! Some folks don't like them, but I do. It's not the same as giving money. The recipient has to use the card at the store. Plus, you have to know what stores that someone likes.

But even if you're not 100% certain at what store people on your list really like to shop, there are some standards that you can't go wrong with--coffee shops, restaurants, movies and bookstores. Who doesn't like to treat themselves to a coffee and some chocolate goodie, a great meal, a movie or a book or magazine?

Personally, I love to give and get gift cards, especially the ones for the movies and the bookstore. It's the right size and I don't have to worry about finding a place to put it in my apartment once the holiday season is over. And I'm honestly grateful for it, especially in January and February when I'm trying to pay the high heat bills. It's great to be able to whip out a gift card at the bookstore and treat myself.

Happy Shopping!

Saturday Snippet

Thought you might like a sneak peek at Jackson's Jewel. This is book 5 in my Awakening Desires series from Ellora's Cave and will be released sometime in 2008. The first four books in the series are: Katie's Art of Seduction, Erin's Fancy, Capturing Carly and Craving Candy.

Here's an UNEDITED Excerpt from the book. Remember, this is subject to change. :-)

Excerpt: Jackson's Jewel
copyright 2007 N.J. Walters

“You did what?” Jackson Connors glared at his sister. She smiled at him, blithely ignoring his growing anger.

“I hired you a housekeeper.” Erin shook her head and threw her hands in the air. “Honestly, Jackson, this place is a disaster zone.”

He scrubbed his hand through his reddish-brown hair as he glanced around the kitchen. So there were dishes piled on the counter and in the sink. Yeah, the mail was strewn across the table, the beautiful hardwood floor that he’d stripped and refinished last winter was grungy and the garbage can definitely needed to be emptied. He winced at the mess. He didn’t even want to consider the state of the bathroom or his bedroom. He was just thankful that he’d put away his camera and his latest photos last night before he’d turned in for the evening. “I’ve been busy.”

That was certainly an understatement. He was running the family apple farm by himself now that both Erin and Nathan had married and moved out. Yes, he’d hire help when it came time to pick the apples, but for now he was doing almost all the work himself. It was August and that meant that the hay and alfalfa that he’d planted on the land he leased from Erin’s husband, Abel, had to be harvested and baled. He sold that to surrounding farms for extra cash.

Added to that, he also had another job that no one else knew about. Several years’ back he’d started taking pictures over the winter months to help pass some of the time when he wasn’t working. That hobby had grown into a passion. On a whim, he’d submitted a few of his photos to contests, and to his surprise, had won several. A gallery owner who’d wanted to feature some of his shots in his shop had approached him. At first Jackson had been skeptical, but he’d ultimately agreed to give it a try. His skepticism had turned to shock when he’d gotten his first check.

His hobby was now providing him with a savings account that was going to allow him to buy out his sister and bother’s share of the farm. Now that they had lives of their own, they didn’t need the farm. But he did. It was as much a part of him as the color of his hair or the sound of his voice. His goal was to secure it as his very own.

Erin’s features softened as she strolled over to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. “I know.” She tilted her head up, her face serious. “That’s why you need some extra help around the house.” She stepped back and held up her hand before he could protest further. “It’s only temporary. Just until the end of the apple season. Think how nice it would be to come home to a clean house, a cooked meal and fresh sheets on the bed.”

It would be nice, but Jackson didn’t want some stranger in his home. “I don’t think so.”
“I already told her to come this morning.”

“Then you can wait here and tell her to leave.” He loved his sister, but there was no way he was having some stranger poking around his home while he wasn’t here.

“No.” She pursed her lips and got a stubborn expression on her face that he recognized all too well. He ignored it. He was more stubborn that she could ever hope to be. “You wait and tell her. I hired her in good faith.”

“I don’t have time for this foolishness.” Dumping the last of his coffee in the kitchen sink, he piled his mug alongside the rest of the dirty dishes. He’d get to them later today he promised himself. Ignoring his sister’s dark glare, he headed for the back door.

“I can’t help out here any longer, Jackson.”

He whirled, a sarcastic comment on his lips, but he swallowed it back. Now that she had her own home with her husband, he didn’t see her enough for his liking. Yes, he saw her practically every day, but it just wasn’t the same. Nothing was the same anymore.

Just a year ago all three of them had been living and working the farm. Nathan had worked it part-time as he was a deputy-sheriff with the town, but Erin had spent many hours working alongside him in the orchards while running her own blueberry farm. He missed the way things used to be.

“Look. I know you mean well.” He softened his tone. “But I really don’t want or need the help. I know you’re busy with your own farm and with Abel. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes and he swore inwardly. Erin rarely cried, so this meant that she was really upset about this. Shit! He could feel his resolve weakening.

Happy Thanksgiving and Guest Blogging!

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends. If you're travelling over the next few days, please be safe.

Today is my birthday, and I'm guest blogging about it over at the Ladies of the Club Blog. Stop by and check it out.

New Contest!

The holiday season is inching closer, and to celebrate, I'm giving away a PRINT copy of White Hot Holidays Volume 3, which features my Ellora's Cave Christmas Quickie, JESSAMYN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT.

If you'd like a chance to win, go to my website and click on the “contests” page for details!

Interview at All Romance E-Books

I've been interviewed for the All Romance e-Book Newsletter Wildfire .

If you've got a moment or two, stop by and check it out!

Monday!

Good morning and welcome to Monday!

My computer is back home again, humming along beautifully, and waiting for me to go back to work. Thankfully, it wasn't to expensive a problem. The power source was gone, so they fixed it easily. Hubby picked it up and had it all hooked up for me again by Thursday evening.

I also didn't loose any information. Which reminds me...

Back up your information!

One of the reasons I wasn't really freaked out about my computer failure was that I had about 95% of my work backed up, including my work-in-progress. Never, ever leave your unpublished work on your hard drive with no backup.

I've seen too many people upset by the fact that they lost their work, pictures, etc...

Make that your Monday chore sometime today.

Have a great day!

Overtime, Under Him

Here's the cover for Overtime, Under Him, which is releasing on January 8th from Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Isn't it sexy?

The anthology includes my Ellora's Cave Quickie, Unmasking Kelly, as well as stories by both Susie Charles and Jan Springer.

Featured Memeber at TRS

For the month of November, I'm one of the featured authors over at The Romance Studio Blue Pages . If you have a moment, stop by and have a look!

Holiday Shopping

On a chat group that I'm a member of someone asked if everyone was going Christmas shopping next Friday. *g*

I've actually been out shopping the past two days. I'm beat, but I'm almost finished.

I like to be almost finished by the time the Christmas season kicks into gear. That way I can be out among the shoppers, but I can relax and just enjoy it.

'Cause I do enjoy it. LOL

I worked in retail for about 20 years and my favorite day to work was Christmas Eve. Yes, it's crazy, but it's also fun. I even used to open the store early if I saw someone waiting outside. I worked 11 years in a privately owned business, so we had regular customers who would bring us cookies and treats on Christmas Eve. We'd also close at 4 o'clock sharp and all go home. It was fun and I do miss it since I left there over two years ago.

Now, I go out early to the mall on Christmas Eve, buy a cup of tea, sit and enjoy the energy.

Manic Monday!

What is it with me and technology this past week?

Lost the phone service for 24 hours between last Wednesday and Thursday night. Then yesterday, I went to turn on my computer to work for a while. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

The green light came on, but there wasn't a gig out of my computer. Unplugged it, checked all the connections, and it finally came on after about six tries. I heard a sizzling sound and then the smell of burnt rubber. See me turn of computer real fast.

So this morning, my hubby is taking my computer into the computer repair shop and I'm crossing my fingers that it's just a burnt out on/off switch. Thankfully, I have my WIP on a CD and will be using hubby's computer until I get mine back. (Isn't he sweet.)

Anyway, whatever is in the air, I hope it clears soon. It's getting to the point where I'm almost afraid to touch any electronic appliance in the place. *g*

Welcome to Monday!

TGIF

Welcome to Friday!

I went 24 hours without my phone, and since I'm on dial-up, that meant no internet as well. It's amazing to realize how many hours I spend on the computer. Not being able to work on-line, I did a bunch of other things yesterday, including scrubbing my bathroom and floors.

LOL Such a glamorous life.

Today it's raining, but I'm off to a local Christmas Craft Fair. That's enough to cheer anyone up, especially me. Hubby and I will probably go out for lunch after.

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Summersville Heat!

The wait is finally over--Summersville Heat is here!

This anthology contains the first two books in the Summersville Secrets series, Annabelle Lee and Heat Wave.

Annabelle Lee was my very first Ellora's Cave e-book, so I'm very excited about this one!

I just love the cover! Can't you just feel the HEAT?

You can check out Summersville Heat at the Ellora's Cave Print book store!

Jesse's Challenge by Nicole Austin

Jesse’s Challenge

A few stolen intimate moments shared with a nameless beauty present a challenge no cowboy can resist.

Book 3 of the Corralled Series

Jesse Powers feels like a fish out of water when he leaves the ranch and jumps feet first into the shark infested waters of big business wheelers and dealers. Homesickness rides the cowboy hard until a fiery uptown girl captures his interest and lassos his heart.

Kate Brooks has a plan she’s reluctant to deviate from. A strategy for climbing the ranks as a graphic artist and starting her own company. She certainly can’t afford to let her rigid control slip and give into the distraction presented by her hunky, peeping tom neighbor—no matter how great the temptation.

They both like to be in control, sharing only one common ground—sex. Kate’s willing to submit to the right man in the bedroom, and Jesse just may be that man. Chasing their dreams will put more than miles between these lovers. The gaping distance is filled with challenges and hurdles they’ll have to conquer to find true happiness.

Warning, this book contains lots of Yeehaw hot cowboy sex, including voyeurism and exhibitionism, told in contemporary, graphic language.

On her website the tag-line reads Nicole Austin—Author of Sizzling Erotic Romance, and boy does she live up to this billing in her latest book, Jesse’s Challenge. As always, Nicole Austin delivers a steamy book, with plenty of heart and emotion, that will thrill her readers and have them demanding more.

This is the third installment of the Corralled series, featuring the Shooting Star Ranch and the folks who call it home. This time, cowboy Jesse Powers has left the ranch to venture into the city and the world of business, where he first sees the alluring Kate Brooks.

This is not a book for the faint of heart. Kate and Jesse come together quickly and the sexual attraction between them is powerful. They push one another to their limits of sexual discovery. But is this enough to keep them together when it is time for Jesse to return to the ranch. Read the book to find out!

Available today from Samhain Publishing .

Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!

I'm guest blogging over at The Romance Studio Blog today.

Be sure and check it out!

New Cover!

I just got my shiny new cover for The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, which is releasing from Samahain Publishing on January 1, 2008.

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The talented Anne Cain did an amazing job with the cover. She's an incredible artist and very patient.

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Check out more about The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke at Samhain Publishing.

Sunshine for a Vampire Review

Tara Renee at TwoLips Reviews gave the Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology 4 1/2 kisses!

Here's what she had to say about Sunshine for a Vampire:

"NJ Walters has a wonderful talent for creating characters and situations that blend into terrific stories and Sunshine for a Vampire is the perfect example of that. The sex is hot and creative and the dialog is sparkling. I would have been happy if this story had never ended."

Thank you Tara Renee, and thank you to TwoLips Reviews!

Pillow Talk--N.J. Interview

Check out my interview over at Michelle Pillow's Blog.

I'm talking about life, writing, and my new release!

Eternal Brothers and November Newsletter!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I'm so excited that ETERNAL BROTHERS, book 4 in the Dalakis Passion series is available today from Ellora’s Cave Publishing .

You'll finally find out who the mysterious Zane York is and if he is friend or foe of the Dalakis family. Check out the amazing cover the EC Art Department did.

In honor of today's new release, the November issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter is now available. This months Newsletter winner is Lori (mctclover). Lori has won a print copy of Dalakis Embrace, which contains Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, books one and two of the Dalakis Passion series.

This months issue contains all the latest news and contest information, as well as an excerpt and all the usual features.

Check out the November interview with the talented Sally Painter.

As always, for more information on any of my books, check out my website .

New Print Book and Guest Blogging Today

NEW IN PRINT!

Check out Feral Fixation which contains my shape-shifter story Drakon's Treasure. It released yesterday from Ellora's Cave Publishing.

Isn't the cover just gorgeous!

I'm thrilled to be in an anthology with Jory, Mary, Myla and Delilah, and can't wait to get my copies. *g*

Also...

HALLOWEEN is in the air, and I'm blogging about vampires and my upcoming release ETERNAL BROTHERS over at Romance Readers at Heart Novel Thoughts & Book Talk.

Be sure and stop by today!

Rainy Days and Mondays...

Good morning and welcome to Monday!

It's raining here this morning, but I'm hopeful that this afternoon will clear away and be sunny. I hope you all had a great weekend. I know I did.

I did...nothing this weekend. LOL And it was wonderful to do it.

These past few weeks have been hectic. I've been doing the final edits for my upcoming release Eternal Brothers, as well as finishing my latest WIP. I'm happy to say that all the final touches have been put on Eternal Brothers and I just have to wait two more days until it is released.
And my latest work-in-progress has been shipped off to my editor. Now the waiting begins.

I'm taking a few days to relax, do some reading and think about the next book. I've already started some research. I know--I try and leave it alone, really I do, but I find myself being tugged back to my writing even when I'm trying to relax.

Right now, I'm planning on spending the next couple of days brainstorming and researching, and figure I'll start my new book on November 1st. That gives me the next few days to bask in the excitement of my new release.

Hope you're all ready to face another work week!

Miss Lonely Hearts

Love, larceny, and lies.

When is a love letter not a love letter? When it’s mail fraud. Or in this case, female fraud.

Jason Alexander is one angry Alaskan, and he’s out to get his woman; the letter-writing Lolita who’s running the Miss Lonely Hearts con game in his bailiwick. She’s taking lonely Alaskans for a roller-coaster ride and cashing in on love. When she hits the patrons of his bar The Last Resort, the retired gambler takes it personally and goes out for justice.

Cassandra Adams has just been dumped by ex-fiancé number two. She’s fed up with Romance Roulette and ready to trade her rosy daydreams for hardheaded practicality. The logical solution? She’s going to search the classifieds for the mail-order marrying man she wants.
She thinks she’s found him in Jason, alias Alex Sanders. He thinks he’s hooked Miss Lonely Hearts. And the regulars at The Last Resort think it’s high time Jason got married, so they’re not about to clarify matters when they discover his mistake.

Together Jason and Cassandra will have to cut their way through the tangle of love, larceny and lies to unmask Miss Lonely Hearts and find a happy ending that’s a sure bet.

WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex between two people explained in graphic language.

Mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and downright lies are at the heart of this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy. Author Charlene Teglia peoples the small Alaskan town with an unforgettable cast of characters. One can only hope that there will be more books from this unique northern town.

Jason thinks he’s hooked a con artist and Cassandra believes she’s finally got a fiancé who will make it to the altar. And when Cassandra and Jason finally meet—sparks fly! The sexual chemistry between the two is undeniable.

This is a fun book from start to finish. Filled with smart, witty banter, and hot, steamy sex, this book will make you laugh, but it will also tug at your heartstrings.

There is also a tie-in with Ms. Teglia’s Sirens series, which begs the question—when is the next book in that series due out?

Check out Miss Lonely Hearts from Samhain Publishing on October 30th!

Readlines and Deadlines

The editors over at Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc. have started a blog about the perils of writing and editing. It's something that writers, aspiring writers and readers alike will enjoy.

Check out Readlines and Deadlines .

RT Review!

Romantic Times Book Reviews has given Three Swords, One Heart 4 stars!

Reviewer, Gail Pruszkowski says, "The arousing scenes in his m/f/m story will raise your temperature, and the romance will warm your heart. The sympathetic heroine and her two devoted lovers provide plenty of emotion, and the secondary characters, especially the bad guys, are convincing. You'll be captivated by a good plot with a touch of magic."

Thank you Gail, and thank you RT magazine!

Scarlet Boa Contest!

The time has come for the first round of voting in The Scarlet Boa contest.

I actually entered for the first time this year. I'm #21 if you want to check out my entry.

You can check out all of this year's entries at Scarlet Boa contest and then visit Scarlet Boa Voting to cast your vote.

You can vote for this round until October 28th.

First round finalists will be posted on November 1st and second round voting will run from November 1st thru November 10th.

Guest Blogging Over at Amy's Thoughts Today

I'm guest blogging over at Amy Smith's Blog today, talking about Halloween and my upcoming release Eternal Brothers.

If you have time, drop by and check out Amy’s Thoughts today!

CONTEST REMINDERS!

ETERNAL BROTHERS SNEAK PEEK CONTEST

Just a reminder for you all to check out the Eternal Brothers Sneak Peek Contest! To celebrate the upcoming release of Eternal Brothers: Book 4 Dalakis Passion vampire series, I'm giving away a download copy of the book.

Another lucky winner will receive a print copy of Dalakis Embrace, which contains Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, books 1 & 2 of the Dalakis Passion series.

That's two chances to win. Just go to my Website and click on the contests page for details!


NEWSLETTER CONTEST

If you're not already receiving Awakening Desires--the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters, then you're missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You're also missing out on a chance to win every month!

Each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. This month, the prize is a print copy of Dalakis Embrace--which contains the books Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, Books 1 & 2 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join.

I’m also one of the participating authors in the Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt! There are tons of prizes to be won. Click on the link on my website for details on how you can enter and be a part of the Halloween fun! Or go to The Raven Happy Hour.

Guest Blogging at the Samhain Publishing Blog!

I'm blogging over at the Samhain Publishing Blog after 3 PM EST this afternoon.

Stop by and check out my post--Tales of Terror and Delight!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Paranormal Books and/or series that I enjoy! 1. The Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan. 2. The Dark vampire series by Christine Feehan. 3. The Dark Hunters series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. 4. The Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward 5. The Padadin series by Alexis Morgan. 6. Dream Man by Linda Howard 7. The Three Sisters Island series by Nora Roberts. 8. The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts. 9. The Twilight series by Maggie Shayne. 10. Any of Laren Dane's werewolf series! 11. The Demon Hunters series by Jaci Burton. 12. The Nightwalkers by Jacquelyn Frank. 13. Now You See Her by Linda Howard. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many fabulous paranormal series and authors out there now. What's your favorite? Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Quote of the Week!

"If a book is not alive in the writer's mind, it is as dead as year-old horse-shit." ~Stephen King

Enough said!

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

'Tis the season of ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night. It only seems fitting to bring out some Edgar Allan Poe. One of his most famous poems is "The Raven." As it is a long poem, I've only included the first two stanzas and the last. It's well worth seeking out and reading the rest if you've never read it.

Enjoy!

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore--
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping at my chamber door.
"T'is some visiter," I muttered "tapping at my chamber door--
Only this and nothing more."

Ah, distincty I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;--vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow--sorrow for the lost Lenore--
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore--
Nameless here for everymore.

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door'
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted--nevermore!

~Edgar Allan Poe

Along for the Ride by Michelle Pillow

Blurb:

New York City police detective Megan Matthews is cursed with always being right. Her instincts are good, her deductive reasoning even better. She’s found her hard-headed way to be too much for most men, so she’s given up trying to find Mr. Right and has settled for arresting Mr. Wrong.

Easy on the eyes crime-scene photographer Ryan Lucas has had a crush on the sexy detective since he first took her photograph by accident at a crime scene. That picture became headline news, and she hasn’t talked to him since. He’s tried everything to get her attention, but when nothing works he’s left with only one option. But is blackmailing a cop into marriage really a good idea.

Along for the Ride is the second book in the Matthews Sisters series, which began with the book Bit by the Bug, but you can certainly read and enjoy it without having read the first book. I love the family dynamics in this book. It only goes to prove that sisters can be very scary people sometimes.

The characters are all people that could live next door or down the street. They are wonderfully quirky and have faults and problems like the rest of us. Both Megan and Ryan are less than perfect people who are just trying to figure out how to make relationships work. Their work relationship has been strained, hardly conducive to falling in love.

This book is a fun ride from start to finish.

Published by Virgin Books, you can check out this book when it hits the bookshelves on October 16th!

CONTEST REMINDERS!

ETERNAL BROTHERS SNEAK PEEK CONTEST

Just a reminder for you all to check out the Eternal Brothers Sneak Peek Contest! To celebrate the upcoming release of Eternal Brothers: Book 4 Dalakis Passion vampire series, I'm giving away a download copy of the book.

Another lucky winner will receive a print copy of Dalakis Embrace, which contains Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, books 1 & 2 of the Dalakis Passion series.

That's two chances to win. Just go to my Website and click on the contests page for details!

NEWSLETTER CONTEST

If you're not already receiving Awakening Desires--the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters, then you're missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You're also missing out on a chance to win every month!

Each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. This month, the prize is a print copy of Dalakis Embrace--which contains the books Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, Books 1 & 2 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join.

Shop 'Til You Drop!

I've been pretty much awol this week because my sister is in town visiting. And man can that girl shop!!!!!

Not that I blame her. She lives in a rural community without many shopping options. But anyone who knows me knows that I am not fond of shopping!

Sure the bookstore, grocery store and thrift shops are fun, but other than that...let's just say that I buy multiples when I shop. If I find a top that I like, I buy at least four colors. Jeans...I buy several pairs. You get the idea.

My sister, on the other hand, was born to shop. She likes to go through every rack in a store and take a cart load of stuff to the dressing room to try on. What stumps me even further is that she actually enjoys the process! She loves trying on shoes and is thrilled with the two pairs of cute boots that she bought.

I know that many women love to shop, but I'm just not one of them. I love spending time with my sister, but it was ten hours of shopping on Tuesday and another six on Wednesday. Exhausting!

My sister and I are different, almost opposites in a lot of ways, but that's always made life interesting. We've never liked the same clothing, and growing up, we had very different tastes in boyfriends. She's a night owl, I'm a morning person. She's outgoing and I'm more reserved. I could go on and on. But in spite of all the differences, and maybe even because of them, we've always been close as sisters and that will never change.

Today was more laid back. We went to the museum and had lunch before heading out to a local farm so I could pick out my Halloween pumpkin. She's leaving Saturday and it will probably be next spring before I see her in person again. But we'll be burning up the phone lines every week between now and then!

Quote of the Week!

"Read, read, read. Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the most. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out the window." ~William Faulkner

That's the best advice any writer can receive. Just Read!!!!!

Edits, Edits and House Keys, Oh My!

The past few days have been interesting, to say the least.

I received edits last Thursday night, so I dug in right away. These edits are for my longest book to date (109K) so I knew it was going to be a big job. Friday morning, I get Final Line Edits from my other publishing company. I have until Monday to get it all done because my sister is coming to visit.

At the crack of dawn on Friday morning, I'm at my computer working away. Just after eleven, I push away from my desk, groaning because I'm so stiff from sitting. I decided that I want to walk to the mall for lunch. I figured the fresh air and the walk would clear the cobwebs from my brain and loosen the stiff muscles. Plus, I could grab a bite for lunch and get back to work as soon as I got home.

Hubby and I set off. It's a fifteen minute walk, and we're there quickly. We have a wonderful lunch and hubby decides he's going to take himself to a movie, which is fine by me. I'm going to be working all afternoon.

I walk home at a brisk pace, eager to get back to work. At this point, I should mention that the apartment building where I live just got the security doors fixed after about six years of being broken. I get to the door of my apartment building, open my purse...NO KEYS!

That's impossible. I always have my keys. ALWAYS.

Now, you'd think I could just buzz the building superintendent and have him let me in my apartment. Did I mention that they fixed the front door of the building, but they didn't bother with the intercom system yet. The front door is locked but you can't buzz anyone from the porch. Plus, the superintendent who has worked there for 35 years quit and left the week before. I don't even know who is in charge at the moment.

So, I turn around and head back to the mall and the movie theatre. Luckily, hubby and I go to so many movies they know us there. The guy on the door tells me what theatre my hubby is in and lets me go in. The movie has started and it's one of those dark suspense films. I COULDN'T SEE A HAND IN FRONT OF MY FACE.

But hubby and I are predicatable and always sit in the same seats. I stumble into the theatre and slide into the chair next to my hubby, almost upending his drink in the process. He's shocked to say the least.

I get out my sorry tale, get his keys and stumble back out of the theatre and head home. By this time I'm sweating because it's a warm sunny day and I've made this stupid walk several times. But thankfully I get home with no further troubles and settle in to work. For some unknown reason, my keys are sitting on top of the stereo speaker in the living room. Go figure!

In spite of the drama, I finished the first round of edits on the really long book and the Final Line Edits for the other book. It's now Monday morning, and my sister should be here sometime this afternoon. All I have to do now is clean house! So, I'm off to scrub the toilet, dust, vacuum, and swiffer the place.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all the Canadians out there!

To everyone in the USA, have a wonderful Columbus Day holiday.

Contests!

The Eternal Brothers Sneak Peek Contest is now up and running on my website. I’m giving way two great prizes, so you have two chances to win. Go to my website and click on the “contests” page for details!

I’m also one of the participating authors in the Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt! There are tons of prizes to be won. Click on the link on my website for details on how you can enter and be a part of the Halloween fun! Or go to The Raven Happy Hour.

Thursday Thirteen #21

Thirteen Books on the 100th most challenged books list from 1990-2000 as compiled by The American Library Association! In honor of Banned Book Week, I wanted to highlight just a small few of the most challenged books! 1. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling 2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker 4. Earth's Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel 5. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle 6. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous 7. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 9. Beloved by Toni Morrison 10. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton 11. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 12. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 13. Carrie by Stephen King And as a bonus--The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Quote of the Week!

Because this is Banned Book Week, I thought it would be appropriate to have a couple of quotes which speak to this issue.

"Restriction on free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us."~William O. Douglas

"We all know that books burn, yet we have the greater knowledge that books cannot be killed by fire. People die, but books never die."~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Something to think about!

Pick up a book and read today! It's a democratic right that not everyone has.

NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE!

The October issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter is now available. If you're not already a member of the group, you can still join and read the October newsletter, as well as past issues.

This months issue contains all the latest news and contest information, as well as an excerpt and all the usual features. Check out October's interview with the talented, award-winning author Jaci Burton.

*Please Note: The November issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter will be releasing a day early on October 31 in honor of the release of Eternal Brothers, book 4: Dalakis Passion vampire series. Some lucky newsletter subscriber will win a signed print copy of Dalakis Embrace, which includes Harker's Journey and Lucian's Delight, Books 1 & 2 of the Dalakis Passion series.*

As always, for more information on any of my books, check out my website .

Banned Book Week!

The week from September 29–October 6, 2007 is Banned Book Week!

As a writer, there is nothing more near and dear to my heart than the freedom to write and to read what I choose. I may not like every book out there, but I do believe in the freedom to choose.

Observed since 1982, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read. The annual event reminds Americans, and others, not to take this precious freedom for granted.

Banned Books Week (BBW) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met. As the Intellectual Freedom Manual (ALA, 7th edition) states:

“Intellectual freedom can exist only where two essential conditions are met: first, that all individuals have the right to hold any belief on any subject and to convey their ideas in any form they deem appropriate; and second, that society makes an equal commitment to the right of unrestricted access to information and ideas regardless of the communication medium used, the content of the work, and the viewpoints of both the author and receiver of information. Freedom to express oneself through a chosen mode of communication, including the Internet, becomes virtually meaningless if access to that information is not protected. Intellectual freedom implies a circle, and that circle is broken if either freedom of expression or access to ideas is stifled.”

Check out everything about Banned Books Week and be sure and raise your voice to stop the banning of books everywhere!

Reading Between The Lines by Lauren Dane

Reading Between The Lines
By Lauren Dane

Publication Date: October 2, 2007

The end of a curse is the beginning of a magical love.

Celtic language expert Haley O’Brian is thrilled when she gets the chance to translate a scroll written in Ogham, an ancient Celtic text used in magic and divination. While translating the text, she unwittingly frees Conall macCormac’s Fae soul from a millennia-old curse that kept him imprisoned in a human body, lifetime after lifetime.

The end of the curse is just the beginning of the magic for Haley and the ridiculously sexy Conall. He takes her into the world of his people, the Daoine Sidhe, where she begins to learn of her own Fae heritage, carve out a new path for herself, and embrace her new-found power.

But their happiness is marred by Ninane, the jealous Fae who cursed Conall a thousand years ago. She will stop at nothing to have him for her own, including the murder of Haley’s family.

Determined to bring Ninane to justice, Haley must ask Conall to undergo the ultimate test of love—to stand aside and let her fight her own battles.

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Warning, this title contains the following: hot monkey love between people with pointy ears, graphic language, violence.

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When Haley breaks the curse surrounding Conall both their lives change forever. She discovers that much of her life has been kept secret from her, and she must come to grips with who she really is and grab a hold of her destiny. As she and Conall battle a foe unlike anything she’s ever come up against before, they must also find a way to forge a new life together.

Magic and emotion combines with riveting action to create a fantastic tale. There is a villain to really hate and a hero and heroine worth cheering for. Lauren Dane excels at this kind of story. Do yourself a favor and have plenty of time set aside when you begin this book, because you’re not going to want to stop reading once you start.

You can purchase this book starting on October 2nd from Samhain Publishing.

Thursday Thirteen #20

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Thirteen Reasons I Love Autumn!

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1. The cool, crisp days.

2. The changing colors of the leaves.

3. The pumpkins are ripening and turning up in the grocery store.

4. It's almost Halloween!

5. Thanksgiving isn't too far away.

6. The movies in the theatre are better.

7. You don't need an excuse to make soup.

8. It's time to put the flannel sheets on the bed.

9. The produce at the grocery store is fresh and colorful.

10. You can curl up with a blanket on a cool day and read a book.

11. It's time to break out the hot chocolate.

12. The days are getting shorter, but I always feel energized in the fall.

13. This is the best holiday season of the year. I mentioned Halloween and Thanksgiving, but Christmas isn't too far away either. :-)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Pillow Talk--N.J. Interview

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday!

If you have time, stop on over to Michelle Pillow's Blog and check out the interview she did with me for her Tuesday feature "Pillow Talk."

It's a fun interview that will give you some information on my upcoming Ellora's Cave book, Eternal Brothers, which is due out on October 31st!

Welcome to Autumn!

Good morning and welcome to autumn!

It's offically fall, which is my absolute favorite time of the year. I hope you all got out and enjoyed yourself yesterday.

It was a very busy and exciting weekend with the release of the Seasons of Seduction III anthology over at Ellora's Cave. The "Sunshine for a Vampire Sneak Peek contest" concluded over on my website. Congratulations to Kelly Ahrens who won a download copy of the anthology!

Keep an eye on my website as I'll have a new contest, with some special prizes, up on my website around OCTOBER 1st!

Vampires Reviewed!

The Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology is now available from Ellora’s Cave Publishing in both e-book and print!

Lisa Freeman from The Romance Studio gave the anthology 4 1/2 Hearts. About my story "Sunshine for a Vampire" Ms. Freeman says:

"This author never fails to deliver an excellent story that touches your heart while heating your body!"

Blogging, Blogging Everywhere!

Good morning! I'm guest blogging at a couple of different places today. Check out my blog post on HISTORICAL FACTS AND FICTION over at the Ladies of the Club Blog .



I'm also over at Michelle Pillow's Blog today for FRIVOLOUS FRIDAY. I'll be blogging about Moon Gardens in honor of my story "Sunshine for a Vampire" in the upcoming Seasons of Seduction III anthology which releases from Ellora's Cave this coming Sunday, September 23.

Miladyinsanity is also featuring the Seasons of Seduction III anthology on her website, along with excerpts from the stories.

And if that wasn't enough, Kate Davies is featuring the Seasons of Seduction III anthology today in her BIN (Buy it now) Feature. Check it out!

Quote of the Week!

I've got two quotes this week, both of which perfectly describe the writing process!

It is perfectly okay to write garbage--as long as you edit brilliantly.
- C. J. Cherryh

Half my life is an act of revision.
- John Irving

Thank heavens for the revision process. This is the part of the process where a book turns from something good (or even not so good) into something absolutely wonderful and special!

Eternal Brothers--Dalakis Passion: Book 4

Just look at the gorgeous cover I just got for my upcoming Ellora's Cave release, Eternal Brothers! Syneca had outdone herself this time. I LOVE this cover!

Eternal Brothers is book 4 of the Dalakis Passion series and features the mysterious Zane York, as well as former cop, Sam Cassidy. Check out the blurb on my website for a few more details. :-)

Monday, Monday!

Welcome to another Monday. It was shocked to look at the calendar today and realize that September was already half over. Autumn is offically here in less than a week. Which of course means that the Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Sedcution III anthology is almost here.

The anthology, which features my story "Sunshine for a Vampire", along with fabulous stories from Lacey Alexander, Cathryn Fox, Renee Luke, Charlene Teglia and Kate Willoughby is being released this coming Sunday, September 23rd!

If you'd like a chance to win a download copy before it releases, just go to my website at http://www.njwalters.com and click on the contest page for details.

*Please note: Read the right excerpt! And you must be 18 years of age or older to enter this contest*

International Chocolate Day!

Yesterday was International Chocolate Day!

I’m a day late, but I still want to celebrate. Whether you like Hershey, Cadbury, Godiva, Ghirardelli, or Lindt, not many of us will deny the love affair we have with chocolate. The good news is that dark chocolate, my personal favorite, contains antioxidants and iron, which are both good for us.

So go out and treat yourself to a piece of good chocolate today. You’ll be glad you did!

Some interesting facts about chocolate:

*In 1849 during the “Gold Rush” of San Francisco, Dominbro Ghirardelli of Italy began making chocolate. His original factory still stands at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, CA.

*In 1875, Milk Chocolate was introduced. After over eight (8) years of experimentation, Daniel Peter of Switzerland created this concoction. He sold his creation to his neighbor, Henri Nestle, and thus Nestle Chocolate came into being.

*In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt, the founder of Lindt Chocolates, invented the process of “Conching” which is used to refine chocolate thus enhancing it’s quality.

*In 1896, the recipe for chocolate brownies, an American snack food staple, was introduced in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook.

*In 1907, the iconic Milk Chocolate Hershey's Kisses were introduced. They are one of the most successful chocolates and Hershey produces approximately 20-25 million per day in a variety of flavors.

*In 1939, Nestle introduced Chocolate Chips.

*Americans eat an average of twenty two (22) pounds of candy each year, or approximately 2.8 BILLION pounds annually, split almost equally between candy and chocolate. That is far less than most Europeans consume.

*The American palette prefers milk chocolate, approximately ninety two (92) percent, but dark chocolate's popularity is growing rapidly.

*American chocolate manufacturers use about 1.5 billion pounds of milk only surpassed by the cheese and ice cream industries. They also consume approximately 3,500,000 pounds of whole milk.

*Chocolate manufacturers currently use forty (40) % of the world's almonds and twenty (20) % of the world's peanuts.

*As of 2006, consumers spent more than $7,000,000 a year on chocolate related products.

http://www.candyfavorites.com/shop/chocolate-trivia.php

Unmasking Kelly goes to Pocket Anthology

I'm so excited!

I just got the news that my Ellora's Cave Quickie, Unmasking Kelly, is going to be part of the new EC/Pocket Book anthology series.

The Anthology, entitiled No Work, More Play, will be released on January 8th, 2008!

The three books in the upcoming anthology are:
Unmasking Kelly by N.J. Walters, Velvet Strokes by Susie Charles, and Edible Delights by Jan Springer. I'm honored to be in the anthology with these ladies.

More details as they become available.

Tagged by TJ--Meme

I was tagged by TJ Michaels to do this little Meme. I don't mind this one, because it's short. LOL

Total Number of Books I Own?

Not as many as you’d think. I own about 1000 books. I made several major moves over the years and had to dump about 90% of my books both times. Plus, I worked at a bookstore for years, so I read a lot of books that I didn’t have to buy.

Last Book I Bought:

Immortals: The Gathering by Jennifer Ashley. The final book in a four book series. I picked it up at the bookstore today. This is an awesome series. If you like paranormals, The Imortals series is a must!

Last Book I Read:

Fire and Rain by Lauren Dane. I really love Lauren’s werewolves!

Five Books That Mean A Lot To Me:

This is not an easy one.

1. God on a Harley by Joan Brady. This is a wonderful little book of fiction that really speaks to me on a spiritual level.

2. The Gift of a Year by Mira Kirshenbaum. This book inspired me to actually take a year off work. That time kick-started my writing career and changed my life.

3. Anything by Louisa May Alcott. The woman is not just writing stories for children. She wrote stories that speak to who we really are as people and she did it incredibly well.

4. A Gift from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh. As relevant now as it was when it was written in 1955.

5. I’m going to cheat and say the books on my keeper shelf. All those wonderful romances that have made me laugh and cry and sigh.

Five folks I’m gonna tag. How about Nicole Austin, Charlene Teglia, and anyone else who wants to do it. :-)

Quote of the Week!

"Do not travel far to other dusty lands, forsaking your own sitting place; if you cannot find the truth where you are, you will never find it." ~Dogen

I like this quote because it is a quiet reminder that whatever we need to understand ourselves and our lives is at our fingertips at any moment if only we take the time to look.

Have a great Tuesday!

Fire and Rain by Lauren Dane

Fire and Rain By Lauren Dane
Sequel to Ascension.

BLURB:

Rain is a waitress by day, but when not at The Black Cat she's working hard to make her art career take off. Her paintings are the center of her life until Laurent walks into her café. Suddenly she's dealing with a very alpha male pursuing her and the not-so-very-tiny detail that he happens to be a werewolf.

Laurent Cole has been the Third in command in the Cherchez Wolf Pack for decades. His life is simple, good — but he knows he's missing something, and when he claps eyes on Rain, he knows what it is.

But their coming together is complicated by the past Rain has worked so hard to keep a secret. Laurent isn't about to let anyone do his mate any harm. But the world becomes more complicated every day…

Available now from Ellora’s Cave Publishing .

Lauren Dane is well-known for her paranormal books. She has a wonderful eye for details and creates believable worlds and characters. This is the second book in her Cherchez Wolf Pack series and it lives up to Ascension, the first book in the series.

Passionate and emotional, FIRE AND RAIN is a story that will tug on your heartstrings and heat up your passions. When it comes to writing about werewolves, Lauren Dane is one of the best!

Thursday Thirteen #19

Thirteen Movies I'd like to see this Fall! 1. Shoot "Em Up! (It just looks like fun!) 2. 3:10 to Yuma! (A Western with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. Need I say more?) 3. Across The Universe. (This looks like it's going to be amazing.) 4. Silk. (I'm a sucker for historical movies.) 5. The Mission. 6. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. 7. The Brave One. (Jodi Foster looking for vengeance.) 8. Eastern Promises. (Viggo Mortensen. Enough said.) 9. Elizabeth: The Golden Age. (This movie looks awesome!) 10. 30 Days of Night. (I can't resist an interesting vampire flick.) 11. We Own The Night. (Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall. Should be good.) 12. Martian Child. (Looks quirky.) 13. August Rush. That takes me to about the end of October. LOL There is still a lot more that I want to see in November and December. Hubby and I love to go to the movies. What movie are you looking forward to? Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Butterfly!

When hubby and I were on our walk this past holiday Monday, we came across this butterfly on the path.








What was really cool was when he climbed onto my hand. You can see him perched right on the ends of my fingers in this pictures. We took a bunch more pictures, but our camera doesn't take good closeups and they came out blurry.

Quote of the Week!

"No day is so bad that it can't be made better with a nap." ~Carrie Snow.

I have no idea who Carrie Snow is, but I found this quote in the Sarah Ban Brathnach book, Romancing The Ordinary. It's good advice.

And that's what I did yesterday. Not that yesterday was bad or anything. In fact, it was quite good. Hubby and I started the day with a nice long walk...I'll have a couple pictures tomorrow. After that, we just hung out together for the rest of the day. We took a nap, watched the ballgame and had a fabulous supper. It wasn't an overly exciting day, but a wonderfully relaxing one.

Hope all of you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend, and found time to relax, or maybe even take a nap.

Awakening Desires Newsletter!

Just a reminder that the September issue of the Awakening Desires Newsletter is now available.

This months issue contains all the latest news and contest information, as well as an excerpt and all the usual features. Also, the amazing award-winning author Michelle Pillow stopped by to chat.

As always, for more information on any of my books, check out my website .