Monday, September 30, 2013

Welcome October!


Today is the last of September and tomorrow is the 1st of October. I can't believe how fast the last month has flown by. I love this time of year...the crisp air, hot chocolate, the gorgeous colors and the holidays--Thanksgiving is almost here (it's in October in Canada) and then Halloween!

Hope you all have a wonderful October!
 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Kate Hill's Halloween Party is only days away!




Once again, I'm thrilled to be a part of Kate Hill's Halloween Party, which starts on October 1st and runs until the 31st. Join in the celebration and you might just win one of the many prizes being given away!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Banned Books Week


September 22nd - 28th is BANNED BOOK WEEK. Be sure to exercise your right to freedom of speech by reading a banned book.

Check out this list of some banned books on the NY PUBLIC LIBRARY website.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Shelley Munro stops by for Writer's Wednesday

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Shelley Munro to the blog!

I’ve known I was visiting NJ for a while, but for some reason I couldn’t decide on a topic for my blog post. Of course I could have written about an element from my recent contemporary release, Past Regrets (Samhain Publishing) or about Stoned (Ellora’s Cave), the book about statues and curses that came out on Friday.
 

No, I thought, let’s go back to basics.

So that’s what I’m going to do.

Before I even thought about becoming a writer, I was an enthusiastic reader. My parents were both keen readers, and they started me and my brother and sister on the same path.

Reading helps me relax. It allows me to travel to new worlds and experience things that might be outside my comfort in real life. Reading is a way to research and learn the things I need to know in order to write my own books. When I read books by other authors I’m inspired to improve my own writing. I sometimes receive flashes of ideas for future plots, and books themselves are like textbooks for the writer. I absorb things like pace, characterization and plotting every time I open a book. When I read a new release, I get a hint of what is popular with readers and this might change how I approach the current book I’m working on. And lastly, reading entertains me.

People who say they never read confound me. I can’t imagine my world without a book. It would be an empty place indeed.

So what am I reading at the moment?

I’ve just finished reading To Command and Collar by Cherise Sinclair. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Cherise’s writing, she writes contemporary erotic BDSM and has several series. This book is part of the Masters of Shadowlands series. It’s possible to read this book without knowledge of the other books, but several of the characters make guest appearances in more than one book, and I’d recommend beginning at the start of the series with Club Shadowlands. To Command and Collar deals with a slaving ring and it was difficult to read at times. I came to adore the hero Master Raoul and I thought he was a great match for the heroine. If you’re looking for something to read after Fifty Shades, grab this series. In my opinion it’s a hundred percent better!

I’m about to start reading Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh. Nalini lives in New Zealand, and I love her Psy-Changeling series. I think each book is better than the last, and the plot arc across the series incredible. Her world building is excellent and without fault and so different from anything else that’s out on the market. This is also a series and one that you’ll enjoy more if you start at the beginning. I highly recommend Nalini’s books to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances.

And the third author I’m going to mention is one of my all time favorite historical authors. I’ve been a fan since I read Jess Michael’s story Ancient Secrets in a Secrets anthology. Jess had a recent release from Samhain Publishing called Taken By The Duke, which is sitting on my Kindle ready to read when I get a spare moment. When I read this story I know I’ll get great characters, spicy love scenes and be transported back to Regency times. Win-win for me. J

As I said, I can’t imagine not having a book to hand, and to safeguard against the horror of running out, I have a huge pile. It will be a few years before my stockpile dwindles.

Which books have you read recently that you’d recommend to other romance lovers?

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand with her husband and a cheeky puppy called Bella. She writes romances for Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. To learn more about Shelley and her books please visit her website at http://www.shelleymunro.com

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Fabric of Fate

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from the Tapestries series. FABRIC OF FATE is the sixth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone book.

 

TEASER:

“Carn?” a loud, male voice called in the distance.
 
The animal tilted back its head and howled. The chilling sound raced down her spine. He sounded like a wolf. Come to think of it, he looked something like one too. She slowly released her arms, pulling them back to her sides. The animal gave a low whine as if he wasn’t happy with her.

She smiled and felt the world tilt again. Her head rested against the ground and she could feel the earth shake beneath her as someone hurried toward her.

“What have you found, boy?” the male voice asked. She didn’t have the strength to answer him.

Strong hands turned her onto her back. She blinked as two large shapes went in and out of focus. She raised her hand to touch one of them but it was too much trouble. She let it fall back to her side and slipped away into the comforting darkness.

Just before oblivion claimed her she felt herself being lifted and held against a broad, masculine chest. In spite of the cold, she could feel heat radiating from him and snuggled closer. The one coherent thought she had was that she was safe now. She’d been found.
 


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Monday, September 23, 2013

New Cover and Release Date


Check out the cover for Craig's Heart, book 7 of the Legacy series, which will be released in ebook on January 21, 2014!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Welcome to Autumn


Welcome to the first day of Autumn! I love this time of year--the crisp air, the colorful leaves, apples, Thanksgiving, Halloween and so much more. Hope you enjoy the fall!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

TRS 10th Anniversary Party and a Chance to Win

This is a reminder that the TRS party is still going on and there is still time to enter to win some of the many fabulous prizes being given away!

I'm helping TRS celebrate a  milestone at THE ROMANCE STUDIO'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY. There are lots of authors hanging out and prizes to be won. It runs from September 15th to the 21st so you've got plenty of time to check it out!



Click HERE to party.

Be sure to enter to win in the TRS Party Giveaways. I've offered up a signed print copy of Damek's Redemption as one of the prizes!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Extended Review for Damek's Redemption

There is an extended review for Damek's Redemption up at RT BOOK REVIEWS. Thank you RT Book Reviews and thank you Cyndy Aleo for the most amazing review!

READ ENTIRE REVIEW

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Alexandra's Legacy

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from ALEXANDRA'S LEGACY, the first book in the Legacy series. This was my first werewolf book and will always be special because of that.



TEASER:

“You okay now?” He pushed a lock of her bangs back out of her face. She’d been due to get a trim and her hair was a little unruly.

“I’m fine.”

“Good.” He barely had the word out when he lowered his head toward her. Her lips parted automatically and she went up on her toes to meet him. His mouth was warm as it pressed against hers. It was the lightest of touches, but it ricocheted throughout her entire body, bringing it to life.
 
Alex trembled, but this time it felt different. Her skin was alive with sensation. She craved more of his touch. Her body needed it. Demanded it.
Joshua, however, seemed to be in no particular hurry. He nibbled at her bottom lip, tugging at it with his teeth and then stroking it with his tongue.
 

Monday, September 16, 2013

TwoLips Reviews loves Strands of Love!

 STRANDS OF LOVE has received a 5 Kisses review from TwoLips Reviews.

"...I really loved the connection and love in this story.  This is my favorite series from Ms. Walters and this book is a great addition to an amazing series showing how love and acceptance really conquers all."  ~Tina

READ ENTIRE REVIEW HERE

Sunday, September 15, 2013

TRS 10th Anniversary Party and a Chance to WIN

I'm helping TRS celebrate a  milestone at THE ROMANCE STUDIO'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY. There are lots of authors hanging out and prizes to be won. It runs from September 15th to the 21st so you've got plenty of time to check it out!



Click HERE to party.

Be sure to enter to win in the TRS Party Giveaways. I've offered up a signed print copy of Damek's Redemption as one of the prizes!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Writing Superstitons



Superstitious? Me?

When it came to my writing, I never thought so. That is until author Laurie Roma challenged me to think about it for LAURIE ROMA'S SEPTEMBER SYMPOSIUM. And I'm not the only author she asked?

Be sure to stop by and check it out!

AND HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!


CLICK HERE

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Featured Author at TRS

I'm one of the featured authors over at The Romance Studio Blue pages this month. Be sure to stop by and check out my interview.

To see the feature CLICK HERE.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Embroidered Fantasies

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from EMBROIDERED FANTASIES, which is part of the Tapestries series. This time travel/ménage a trois is a steamy romance that will melt your heart.



TEASER:

He moved into a shaft of light coming from a high window. Roxanne frowned. It wasn’t Michael. Her heart skipped a beat. He was huge, maybe even bigger than her ex-husband. His expression was fierce. His golden-brown eyes reminded her of those of an eagle, sharp and predatory. His jaw was square, his lips firm. He had a bump in the center of his rather large nose and a wicked scar on his right cheekbone just below his eye.

His dark brown hair fell all the way to his waist. She swallowed hard when she realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt. His massive chest was bare, covered only in a light sheen of sweat. Oh god. Was he one of Michael’s friends? The one from prison Michael had mentioned. He didn’t have any tattoos. But that didn’t mean anything. It was naïve to think everyone who went to prison had them.

He held out his hand. “There is no need to be afraid. You are safe.”
 
BUY FROM ELLORA'S CAVE

BUY FROM AMAZON

Monday, September 09, 2013

The Trouble with Vampires and a Chance to Win a Print Book!

Want to know the trouble with vampires?

Check out my blog over at FRESH FICTION and I'll tell you. Leave a comment for a chance to win a PRINT copy of Damek's Redemption.

CLICK HERE

FREE for a limited time--Night of the Tiger

*AVAILABLE FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME*

NIGHT OF THE TIGER is being offered for FREE for a limited time. If you haven't check out the Hades' Carnival series yet, now is the time to try book 1.


BLURB:

Aimee Horner lives and breathes her career as a graphic novel illustrator, but she never expected it would invade her dreams. In recent months, worsening nightmares have pulled her into the darkest corners of Hell.

On a rare night out with friends at a traveling carnival, she finds herself strangely drawn to an abandoned carousel adorned with vividly exotic animals. One steed, a massive white tiger, is a temptation she can’t resist. The moment she climbs upon him, her world changes forever.

More than five thousand years ago, Roric and his fellow shapeshifting warriors were imprisoned in their animal forms, a last-ditch effort by the goddess they served to save them from the horrors of Hell.

With one special woman’s touch, he has a chance at freedom and redemption—but the clock is ticking. If he is still alive in twenty-four hours, the spell will be broken, and Hell will have no claim on his soul. The only hitch is his blazing attraction to Aimee. If only he could trust that she isn’t merely a distraction sent by Hades—luscious bait to lure him from his mission.

DOWNLOAD FROM SAMHAIN PUBLISHING

DOWNLOAD FROM BARNES AND NOBLE

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Writers' Blok...the video

For every writer who has ever struggled with writer's block, check out this clever and creative video by Jackson Pearce.

 
Writers' Blok by Ja¢kson Pearce

Friday, September 06, 2013

4 1/2 Hearts for Double or Nothing

I'm thrilled that The Romance Studio has given DOUBLE OR NOTHING a 4 1/2 hearts review!



"In Double or Nothing from the multi-talented author N.J. Walters, it’s easy to get lost within the pages of this wildly seductive and sexy story that radiates tenderness, trust and passion between two smoking hot cowboys and the one lady meant to be theirs. The tangled plot, lined with the history of friendship, attraction and misapprehension between the characters along with sexual tension, desire and powerful emotions between Cherry and her men creates a love story that is a real treat to enjoy again and again. The perfectly pitched dialogue feels right on complementing these dynamic characters." ~Shannon, TRS

READ REVIEW HERE

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Death of the Yahoo Group

Once again, Yahoo has made changes with seemingly little or no consultation with the folks who actually use the service.  They've rolled out the new NEO format for their Yahoo Groups, changing it without warning or permission. I honestly have to wonder if they got people who actually use Yahoo Groups to test the system. Given the result, I would think not.

The new Yahoo Group format is not the least bit user friendly. There are things I used to do with ease that I know longer know how to do. I always read from and posted directly on the groups. Now my formatting is all screwed up and even simply replying to an email has become a complicated process. It's unnecessarily complicated and hasn't improved the Groups one single bit. If anything it's taken away from them.

Yahoo and other tech companies need to understand that most of the people availing of their products and services are not technical gurus, nor do they wish to learn. We already have enough in our lives to keep us busy, thank you very much. Most folks want things kept simple and friendly, not so complicated it makes you want to pull out your hair in frustration.

I fear I will be using Yahoo Groups less and less, which is a shame, because it's a venue I've used since the beginning of my writing career to connect with readers. Yahoo might have been hoping to improve, but all they've done is pushed people like me more toward Facebook and Twitter.

Unless they return to the previous format I fear this could be the death knell for the Yahoo Group.

What do you think of the new Yahoo Groups?

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Damek's Redemption in PRINT!

I'm thrilled to announce that DAMEK'S REDEMPTION is now available in PRINT!



BLURB:

Legacy, Book 6

Myths and legends are more than just passing interests for Sonia Agostino. She holds degrees in folklore and anthropology, and she comes from a family of Keepers, humans charged with helping paranormal creatures survive in the modern world.

Recently, her research—and her intuition—have led her to Chicago's Inhibitions nightclub. Its enigmatic owner, known only as Damek, could be the one paranormal creature she has never seen. A vampire. Except he won't see her.

Damek has good reason to refuse an audience with Sonia. One look at her and his gut reaction is she’s a serious threat to the simple, highly disciplined routine that keeps his bloodlust in check. Worse, she has unwittingly led vampire hunters far too close for comfort.

Yet when she stubbornly shows up at the nightclub a second time, he cannot refuse her. The force of their attraction explodes with erotic power—and danger. For when Sonia discovers that her suspicions were true, she finds her loyalties unexpectedly tested. And her choice will forever change both their lives.

Warning: This book contains smokin’ hot sex, intrigue, a mysterious sexy vampire, vampire hunters, werewolves and a huge Greek family.

BUY IN PRINT

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Damek's Redemption

DAMEK'S REDEMPTION is part of the Legacy series. From the very beginning, readers were curious about this vampire who was friend to the werewolves. He snuck into my heart and demanded a book of his own.



TEASER:

Damek closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Her blood pumped through her veins, calling to him like a siren calls a sailor to his death. The whoosh echoed in his ears until it was all he could hear. He licked his lips, his fangs sharp in his mouth. He could almost taste her on his tongue. She would be so sweet.

He’d leaned forward without realizing it and swore under his breath. He was not a monster to take what was not freely given to him. His needs were met easily these days. Owning a blood bank gave him more than an ample supply of sustenance. But there was nothing quite like the taste of fresh blood, still hot, still pulsing from the vein.

BUY IN PRINT

Sunday, September 01, 2013

September Newsletter Now Available!

The September 2013 issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, contests, my husband’s popular column—Confessions of a Romance Author’s Husband—an excerpt, and this month’s interview with the talented Delilah Devlin.


As always, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.

Please Vote for Pride of the Lion

PRIDE OF THE LION is up for Book of the Month at Long and Short Reviews. If you'd like to help it win, then please vote!