The Weekend in Pictures

Hubby and I were out at the A & W for breakfast yesterday when a trio of ducks walked through the drive-thru and followed us to our car. I guess they thought we might have something for them to eat.

Last night, we went out looking for the full moon, as it wasn't visibile from our apartment. Got a lovely shot of the Harvest Moon.

 

Contest Reminder and Winner #5

CONTEST WINNER:

The fifth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Rose Price. Rose has won a print copy of The Way Home!

There are still three more print books to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

Book of the Week--Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

I'm a big fan of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. The newest book in the series is Archangel's Storm and it was one of the books I read this past week.

If you love a great paranormal read then you really have to try this series. You can read this book as a stand alone, but I would seriously recommend going back to the beginning and starting with Angels' Blood and working your way through the series. You'll be glad you did.

BLURB:

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.
 

WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEEK?

Spectacular Sunset

The view outside the living room window Tuesday night was absolutely spectacular. The orange and yellow colors were so vivid.

The picture below is my absolute favorite. The show by Mother Nature didn't last long, but it was certainly a beautiful sight to behold.



Tuesday Teaser: Annabelle Lee

Late again this week, but the Teaser this week is from Annabelle Lee, the first book I ever had published. This book was released by Ellora's Cave back in October 2004 and will always be very dear to my heart.

TEASER:


“I heard you were hot.” The voice was male, deep, and husky.

Annabelle turned slightly from where she’d been organizing books in the reference section of the library. The towering shelves filled with hardcover books created a tunnel-like effect, insulating her from the rest of the library. She could see a tall silhouette at the end of the darkened aisle. “You shouldn’t be here. The library closed five minutes ago.” She used her sternest librarian voice, the one that automatically scolded the recipient for breaking library rules.

The shadow sauntered closer and coalesced into the body of a man. And what a body! Clad in tight jeans and a white tank shirt that emphasized the rippling muscles in his chest, he was every woman’s fantasy, but especially hers. The blue material of his jeans clung to his muscular thighs and accentuated the bulge in the front. He was aroused and making no effort to hide it.

“What can I do for you?” Annabelle asked, her voice prim and business-like. She could feel the sweat roll down her back, and her nipples were now tight buds against the front of her summer cotton sundress.

“What do you want to do?” came the tantalizing reply.

A Night of Fun and Crafting

This past week I did an evening workshop at the local college--Iris Fabric Folding. The original craft is actually Iris Paper Folding, but the instructor teaches quilting at the school and uses fabric for the technique instead of paper.

The class was small, which I liked, and the instructor was simply amazing. I had a ton of fun!

We all started out making the star pattern (above), but everyone's card was different because of the color of the cardstock chosen and the various shades of fabric we all picked.

Now, of course, I'm determined to make Christmas cards for the immediate family. I have started looking for fabric as I have none. I haven't done much in the way of crafting in years, not since my writing took off and have virtually no supplies. I'll start scoping out the thrift stores for clothing I can cut up too, and I might even try some designs with paper or ribbon. Need to do a bit more embellishment with the card, but I absolutely love how it turned out!

Welcome to Autumn!

 

Today is the fall equinox, the first official day of fall.

 

WELCOME AUTUMN!

 

TRS End of Summer Bash

The Romance Studio End of Summer Bash is going on now until September 22nd. Stop by and check out all the excerpts. There are plenty of contests and prizes to be won!

Contest Reminder and Winner #4

CONTEST WINNER:

The fourth winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Ashley Applebee. Ashley has won a print copy of Feral Fixation!

There are still four more print books to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

Tuesday Teaser: Harker's Journey

It's a day late, but here is the Tuesday Teaser! This week it's Harker's Journey, the first book in the Dalakis Passion vampire series.

TEASER:

He advanced towards her, his movements fluid and graceful. She gasped as a beam of moonlight illuminated his features. Striking and dangerous were the two words that popped into her head. Dressed entirely in black, his great height and massive shoulders almost immediately blocked out most of the light. As if sensing her need to see him better, he turned slightly so she could make out his features.

Long dark hair was swept back from his face, falling in a curtain of silk around his shoulders. His forehead was prominent, and his cheekbones were high. Quirked in a half smile, his lips were thin, yet surprisingly sensual. For a moment, his eyes seemed to glow an eerie red before fading to dark once again. As much as she strained, she could not make out their color.

“Green.” His deep, slightly accented voice answered her unasked question.

She felt his voice, for it seemed to vibrate deep inside her, causing her to yearn for something. What that craving was, she wasn’t sure, but she longed to hear him speak again.

“Sit, please.” Scooting over to the center of the bed, she patted the white duvet next to her.

A satisfied smile crossed his face as he sank to the mattress. He said nothing and sat as still as a stone. Predator. The word flashed in her head and a deep fear rose within her as her heart began to pound in her chest.

His dark laughter filled the air, and one of his large hands covered her fluttering heart. The heat from his palm seared her chest. She wanted to move, but she was paralyzed by fear. His green-eyed gaze captured hers and she could not tear away from their terrible beauty. For a moment she thought she was dead, and lamented the fact that there were so many things left in life that she wanted to do.

 

Memory Board

So a weekend project I did recently was a memory board. I found the instructions online and have to say it was a quick and fun craft project. I used an art canvas as the base and covered it with two layers of cotton batting and then this wonderful orange fabric I found for a couple of bucks at Walmart. I used brown ribbon and attached buttons where the ribbon crosses. I think it looks great on the wall behind my desk.

Haven't put much up on the board yet. Figure that will happen naturally over time. :)

Contest Reminder and Third Winner!

CONTEST WINNER:

The third winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Lexee Toste. Lexee has won a print copy of Isaiah's Haven!

There are still five more print books to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

Book of the Week--In Rides Trouble by Julie Ann Walker

The Book of the Week is In Rides Trouble, the second book in Julie Ann Walker's Black Knights Inc series. If you love dangerous men and equally dangerous women, this contemporary series is a must read! I'm so glad I discovered this wonderful author!

Be sure to check out Hell on Wheels, the first book in the Black Knights Inc series as well. You'll be happy you did.

BLURB:

Rebel with a Cause

Becky "Rebel" Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank's way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it's just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.


WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEEK?

Writer's Wednesday

WRITER'S WEDNESDAY



Tip of the Day: Don't compare yourself to other writers. Every author writes at a different pace. There will always be someone who writes at a faster or slower pace than you do. The trick is to find what works for you and to do it. If you're constantly comparing yourself to other writers, you'll only discourage yourself, and that's just not helpful.

Tuesday Teaser: "A Love Eternal" from Ellora's Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV

Today's Teaser if from my story "A Love Eternal," which is part of the Ellora's Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV. This story is a very emotional one for me. I cried when I wrote it and I cried when I revised it. It's one of my favorites.

TUESDAY TEASER:

The slightest sound of something rustling behind her caught her ear and she swung around. Squinting into the darkness, she could see the form of a man separating himself from the shadows. Even as she told herself she wasn’t afraid, she released her legs and pushed herself further away from him as he came closer to the dim light cast by one of the bridge lamps.

“Who are you?” He came to a sudden stop when she spoke, his eyes glowing eerily as he stared down at her.

His long black hair flowed freely down his back, disappearing behind his massive shoulders. But Genevieve couldn’t pry her eyes away from his face. He was beautiful, his face sculpted by the finest master. His cheekbones and forehead were high, his nose classic. She was drawn to his lips, which were thin and looked almost cruel in the pale light. For some unknown reason, she wanted to lick his lips, to taste his very essence.

Power seemed to radiate from every pore of his gigantic body. He was so much larger than her that she should have been terrified. Instead, she felt as if he was a magnet, somehow attracting her to him. Dangerous and lethal, he stalked toward her like a wild panther on the prowl.

Clad from head to toe in black leather, he seemed more of a force of nature than a man. The dark pants molded his heavily muscled thighs and cupped his bulging cock to perfection. He wore a black jacket with absolutely nothing underneath, and Genevieve licked her lips as she gazed at his rippling abs.

But it was his eyes that fascinated her the most. Dark, almost black, they seemed to glow for a moment before swallowing up the light. They were almost reflective, like mirrors and, for a moment, Genevieve swore he could see straight to her very soul.

He stopped when he reached her side, crouched down next to her, and cradled her face in his large, calloused hands. “You can call me Seth.” Leaning down, he captured her lips with his and, in that moment, she was lost.

Contest Reminder and Second Winner!

CONTEST WINNER:

The second winner in my 8th Anniversary Contest is Mina Gerhart. Mina has won a print copy of A Touch of Magick!

There are still six more print books to be given away. Go to my website and click on the "Contests" page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win!

What's New at my House

So, this past weekend, hubby and I were browsing a store we rarely go to and we saw this chair. I've been married 25 years and I've never purchased a new chair. They've all been hand-me-downs from family or purchased at yard sales or thrift stores. This one was on sale, but still...

Almost left it behind, but at the last second bought it and had it delivered. I almost hyperventilated when I got home. (Not kidding.) But it looks great in the living room and I love the colors! It's perfect right beside our new cabinet. (That came from Walmart so it wasn't expensive.) We decided that after all these years together, we deserved some new furniture. Instead of taking a big trip for our anniversary, we've been spending the money to feather our nest a little. It's nice!

This is a cute pumpkin candleholder I bought at the same store I got the chair. I love that I can leave it out all fall, but it will look wonderful at halloween too!

'CLAIMING MAGIQUE' BLOG TOUR

Today I'd like to welcome author Tina Donahue as she stops by on her 'Claiming Magique' Blog Tour. Welcome Tina...

DAY ELEVEN - ‘CLAIMING MAGIQUE’ BLOG TOUR

I’ve met so many wonderful people on this tour that I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who’s come by and commented!

Claiming Magique, Book One in my Appointment with Pleasure series for Ellora’s Cave is a book I just had to write. Erotic, yet romantic. Sultry, yet tender. The best of all worlds with an Alpha hero to die for. 

Here’s the cover, blurb and a brief excerpt to give you an idea of the plot.

I’m also offering a contest – the tour winner will have her choice of THREE of my backlist ebooks. So, read on!! And leave comments at each of my stops (check my blog daily for details: http://www.tinadonahue.com/blog/ ) for your chance to win! The more comments, the better your chances.

Blurb:

Claiming Magique

Book One – Appointment with Pleasure series

Tina Donahue

A man at the center of power…a woman who won’t be ruled…
They call her Magique.

Sought out by the District’s elite, she’s no ordinary call girl, deciding who will pleasure her for the evening. Her preference is for several men at once. Games of bondage and submission heighten her arousal and desire to have a strong male take her…to be adored.

Lobbyist Hunter Prescott was only looking for a good time, not a woman who unleashes a hunger so deep it changes his world. He won’t stop until Magique is his alone, a prisoner of his lust, powerless against his growing need for her body and heart.

With this man, resistance isn’t allowed. For this woman, he’ll create a world of sensual delight and yearning like none she’s known. Proving that only with trust and true surrender will she find unparalleled rapture.


Excerpt:

Hunt stepped closer, unable to help himself.

Her back was to them. She made no move to turn around despite David’s nervous throat clearing.

Her hair was glossy and black with blue highlights, worn so long the ends dangled over her ass. From his vantage point, Hunt could see her right leg. She wore strappy gold heels, three inches high. He estimated her to be about five-seven or eight without them. Her dress, a simple sheath, was of an amazing gold material, slightly shiny and so snug she might as well have sprayed the damn thing on.

It wasn’t gauzy lingerie, but it did reveal her every curve.

Adrenaline pumped through Hunt, making it difficult for him to stand still. His mouth went dry.

Her figure leaned more toward a Victoria’s Secret model than the waiflike look of high couture. The dress’s left strap had fallen down, making her seem more accessible, oddly vulnerable. Light glanced off her bare shoulder and arm as she moved, lifting a glass, tipping a bottle. Her skin was an ivory shade, looking delicate and seductive as hell.

He pulled at his tie’s knot, needing to loosen it so he could breathe more easily. The air, so fresh a moment before, seemed suffocating now. His fingers ached. He’d been making fists. To control himself? Damn right.

He longed to cross the room and turn her around so she’d notice him, her expression saying she not only approved, she wanted him more than the others, her actions affirming her reckless desire. Burying her face in the hollow of his throat, she’d take her time smelling his skin, gauging his excitement. He’d fight a sigh at her tongue licking his Adam’s apple, her thumb running over his bottom lip. What other choice would he have except to draw her finger into his mouth, gently biting the digit? The small intimacy would have her sagging into him, her weight and exquisite warmth making Hunt feel invincible, prepared to protect her from any harm.

David made a strangled noise, no doubt appreciative of the temptation she generated and his own shameless thoughts. Tim whistled softly.

At that, she turned.

Hunt stared, not even trying to hide his surprise. She was…amazing…striking…dazzling. He couldn’t settle on one description. Although she wasn’t classically beautiful, she would easily stop men cold, making them sneak another peek just to see if she was real. She had the kind of looks that grabbed a guy by his balls, keeping his attention.

 

 

Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10319-claiming-magique.aspx

 

Tina

Tina Donahue

“Heat with Heart”

 

CLAIMING MAGIQUE (AVAILABLE NOW)

THE YEARNING (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)

UNENDING DESIRE (BEST BOOK Rating - LASR Erotic)

SENSUAL STRANGER (BOOK OF THE YEAR 2010)

DEEP, DARK, DELICIOUS (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)

 

Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

 

*** CONTEST ***

 

To celebrate the release of Claiming Magique , I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter during this blog tour will have her choice of THREE of my following ebooks**:

 

1.               Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2.               Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3.               Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4.               In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5.               Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6.               The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7.               Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books

8.               Unending Desire – Best Book Rating LASR

9.               SiNN – Nominated for Book of the Week LASR

 

** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen September 13

 

Tuesday Teaser: Isaiah's Haven

The Tuesday Teaser this week is Isaiah's Haven, a paranormal/werewolf story available from Samhain Publishing. Isaiah is one of my favorite alpha male characters.

TEASER:

Isaiah felt his entire body clench with need as the woman’s low, sultry voice wrapped around him. Turning slowly, he stared at the outside of the small club. Haven, it was called. It was a typical older, three-story brick building with a business on the bottom and what looked to be apartments above it.

A sense of urgency filled him. An air of expectation swirled around him. Somehow he knew if he went inside this bar his life would be changed forever.

All the more reason to keep walking.

He whirled on one heel and strode in the opposite direction. About twenty feet away, he stopped.

 “Fuck!”

The wolf inside him was howling, practically clawing at his skin to be free. His lungs couldn’t take in enough air even though his chest was heaving. He raked his fingers through his hair and swore again.

His instincts would not be denied. Spinning around, he stalked back to the bar. He paused on the doorstep, took a deep breath and crossed over the threshold.

Happy Labour Day!

HAPPY LABOUR DAY!

I hope you're all enjoying the last weekend of summer!

Guest Blogging...

I'm guest blogging over at The Romance Studio Blog today. It's the last weekend of summer. What are you doing to mark it?