Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Welcome to the last long weekend of the summer!

I'm still in the edits cave, but am hoping to escape later today. I'll be taking the weekend off after I'm done.

I hate to see summer ending, but I do love the fall. It's my absolute favorite time of year. Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend. Do something special to make it memorable!

Thursday Thirteen #18

Thirteen Things You Need To Know About The EDITS CAVE I'm in the Edits Cave at the moment working on edits for my next book for Samhain Publishing. Authors, here's what you need to remember when you're heading into the edits cave. (If you have any other tips, feel free to share.) Readers, here's a look inside the glamorous world of writing. :-) 1. You need plenty of dark chocolate (or snack of your choice). 2. You can be in there a short time or a long time, depending on the length of the book and the amount of edits to be done. 3. It’s lonely in the edits cave. 4. Being in the edits cave is a good thing. It means your book is closer to a release date. 5. Remember to stand up and move around occasionally, otherwise when you finally stand up you won’t be able to walk without hunching over. 6. Wear comfortable clothing. You’re going to be there a while. 7. Remember to drink plenty of water. 8. Rotate your wrists occasionally so you don’t get “mouse” wrist, which is really stiffness and slight pain in your wrist. 9. Put your dictionary and thesaurus within easy reach. You will use them both—frequently. 10. Remember to take bathroom breaks. Don’t keep telling yourself that you will go just as soon as you finish this section, chapter, etc… 11. Don’t try and do it all in one sitting, even if there aren’t that many edits. 12. Take frequent breaks. If you’re tired, you may rush and make mistakes. 13. Did I mention that lots of dark chocolate is a must! 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

Earth Girls Aren't Easy by Charlene Teglia

Blurb:

Earth girls aren’t easy,” the hunky stranger from another planet tells Angie when she puts the brakes on their erotic encounter. But what else can she do when she finds out just how far out of town he’s from?

Danek had two reasons to visit planet Earth. One was straightforward—deliver a package for the woman his lord commander had whisked away without stopping to ask if she had any unfinished business to wrap up first. The other was more complicated, continuing his search for his bondmate among the women of that world.

The package errand led him to Angela Robbins, where Danek discovers two things. First, that he’s found his bondmate, the woman whose psychic wavelength matches his and who has the latent psychic ability to receive his telepathic thoughts. And second, that convincing her of this will take all his considerable seductive skill along with new heights of ingenuity. He might be alien, but Danek’s all male and determined to win his woman with pleasure that’s out of this world!

Angela Robbins is minding her own business, working her day job at the coffee shop, when she discovers that a hunky blond customer is much more than he appears. What happens next is an amazingly funny and sexy ride that you won’t want to miss. Humor and sex hot, combined with great characters and snappy dialogue, makes this book a winner.

Earth Girl’s Aren’t Easy is the latest Ellora’s Cave release from author Charlene Teglia. As always, this author delivers a book worth reading more than once!

Earth Girl’s Aren’t Easy is available August 29th from Ellora’s Cave Publishing

*This book is connected to I Was An Alien’s Love Slave, which is part of the Ellora’s Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology due out on September 23rd. Both stories can be read as stand-alones, but you’ll want to read both*

Quote of the Week!

"Do not look at the faults of others or what others have done or not done; observe what you yourself have done or not done." ~ Buddha

Whether we like it or not, this quote rings true. Whenever I get annoyed or angry at something someone has done, I stop and ask myself why it makes me feel that way. We control our own actions and thoughts, not other people. It's up to us how we react to something.

Sometimes we're so busy picking apart other peoples supposed faults we forget to shine the mirror on ourself. It's always illuminating to have a really good look at yourself. Sometimes we're doing the exact same annoying thing that is making us angry.

Have a great Tuesday!

Halloween?

Is it just me or are the stores pushing the holidays even closer together.

I was out shopping on the weekend and several stores already have Halloween decorations out on the shelves. I mean, the kids aren't even back to school yet--at least, not all of them are.

I love the holidays as much as the next person--probably more--but even I am taken aback at how early the stores are starting to push the holiday paraphenalia. I worked in retail for about 20 years so I understand all about marketing, etc... But I think that the retailers are pushing their luck. Instead of inticing people to buy, I think they may be starting to have the opposite effect. By placing the holiday goods out so early, many people are sick of the holiday before it even arrives.

What do you think?

I expect to see the Christmas decorations any day now. Oh wait! The drugstore was selling off last years cards and wrapping paper last week. It seems Christmas has arrived--in August!

I want to savor and enjoy each holiday as it comes. That means starting a few weeks in advance and working up to the actual day. I'm looking forward to Halloween, but not until after the first of October. :-)

Margarita Day by Nicole Austin and TK Winters

BLURB:

Recipe for Margarita Day: Take one shy woman, toss in three determined alphas, mix liberally with sizzling sex, add a dash of intrigue, and watch the steam rise.

Jodi Matthews is the consummate gamer. One crazy night she let her hair down, stripped off her clothes, and anteed up for a night of poker and wild fantasy sex. Now she has three alpha players hot to win her hand.

Conner is a walking wet dream ready to share his vision of the future. Wiz is a high roller looking for a cherished pet to adorn his arm. John’s an average Joe who can turn Jodi inside out with a simple look. No matter what card she chooses, Jodi risks losing something. The life she loves working as a Vegas dealer or some close friends. Maybe both.
From champagne and diamonds to mysterious parties and private jets, Jodi must accept herself and what her heart’s always known. The Smut Squad is there, ready and willing to fortify her courage and orchestrate a daring hunt for the ultimate stakes.

This is no game, and the jackpot will be even better than her wildest dreams.

Margarita Day is the much anticipated sequel of Mimosa Night, although it can be read as a stand-alone book. Jodi Matthews, who we first met in Mimosa Night, is back and this time she has three men who all want her for their own. The main competition is between Wiz and John and the action heats up as both men stake their claim.

But Jodi has to overcome her own insecurities or risk losing everything she ever wanted. Can this woman risk it all in the highest-stakes game of her life?

Margarita Day is one womans sensual and emotional journey to find happiness. It's filled with hot, sensual scenes that will have you fanning yourself. But beneath it all, it is a love story as a woman finds love and has to find the courage to reach out and claim it as her own. The team of Austin and Winters has penned another winner!

Two New Contracts!

No Thursday Thirteen today. Yesterday was my 20th Wedding Anniversary so I didn't have time to get anything together.

I want to celebrate today!

Last week I mentioned on my TT that I'd signed a new contract. But since then, I've signed another, so I have two new contracts. YAY!

Ellora's Cave Publishing has contracted Lily Blossoms, book 3 in the Summersville Secrets series. When Carson Granger discovers Lily Summers secret, he uses it to get closer to the woman he's wanted for so long. But Lily has been hurt before and doesn't trust easily. Especially a younger, handsome man like Carson.

For all of you who have been emailing and asking, your wait is over. Samhain Publishing has contracted The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke, Book 4 in the Jamesville saga. Shamus finds the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. But she is a woman with secrets, secrets that might tear his family apart and secrets that someone is willing to kill for.

Quote of the Week!

This weeks quote is compliments of author, Charlene Teglia.

"The fear of being wrong is the prime inhibitor of the creative process." ~ Roberta Jean Bryant, from the book, "Anybody Can Write."

Very true. In order to create you have to free up your mind and not be afraid to make a mistake. If it doesn't work, you can fix it or throw it out and start over. The main thing is to be open to the process.

Thanks, Charlene!

Odds and Ends!

That's what today is--Odds and Ends Day!

I've decided to take today and do a bunch of those kinds of things that always get put off. I need to dig out my desk, go through a bunch of emails, vacuum, clean the bathroom, go to the post office...well, you get the general idea.

Like most people, I let the small stuff slide while I work on more important things that need to be done. But after a while the small stuff grows and gradually becomes one giant task to be tackled.

So today is officially Odds and Ends Day! At least in my house. LOL

When things reach this point I don't work well because I 'm always thinking about the things that need to be done. Better to do them and put them behind me.

That way I can start fresh tomorrow.

Have a great Monday!

Hunting The Demon by Jaci Burton

The hunt is on August 28th!

Fast-paced action will keep your heart pounding, as the action is nonstop in
Hunting the Demon , book 2 in Jaci Burton’s Demon Hunter series.

Shay Pearson is a demon hunter for the Realm of Light, the secret society whose mission it is to keep demons from taking over the world. Her mission: to draw out Nic Diavolo, bronze surfer god, and possibly a demon for the Sons of Darkness. Nic’s family owns Diavolo Diamonds, a mine where the elusive black diamond is thought to be buried. Both the Realm of Light and the Sons of Darkness want that diamond, which is said to hold untold powers of darkness.

What Shay doesn’t count on is her immediate fascination to Nic. He is a temptation she must deny. Although they are unable to trust one another, the attraction between them continues to grow, consuming them both. As evil surrounds them and the hunt is on, Shay and Nic must face their deepest fears and one another if they hope to live to hunt another day.

Original, action-packed, and downright sexy, your heart will race as you devour this book. Jaci Burton has delivered another captivating story that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Hunting The Demon sets up the next adventure in the series, making me ask the question—When is the next Demon Hunter book due out?

In the meantime, if you haven’t already read it, check out Surviving Demon Island, the book that started this incredible paranormal romance series.

Thursday Thirteen #17

Thirteen Things I've Done In The Past Week. Be sure and leave your link below! 1. Went to Walmart. It was time to buy socks, underwear, tea, chocolate and other exciting stuff. 2. Visited the bookstore 3 times--I like to browse--and ordered book 3 in the Immortals series by Joy Nash. This is a four book series by authors Jennifer Ashley, Robin Popp and Joy Nash. The first two books were fantastic. 3. Read Nicole Austin's latest book, Rakahnja's Haven. If you want to know what I thought of it, just check out the post below. :-) 4. Spent an hour on the phone one evening with my sister. (That's actually not too bad.) 5. Had to have the hot water tank replaced when it started to leak. 6. Went to two movies--Stardust and Becoming Jane. Enjoyed both of them! And the M & M's too. 7. Walked around the pond on Sunday morning. (2 km) 8. Grocery shopped. I actually enjoy this as long as I go early in the morning before the store is crowded. 9. Signed a new contract with Ellora's Cave for Lily Blossoms, book 3 of the Summersville Secrets series. YAY! 10. Worked on my latest WIP. 11. Went out for supper one hot evening with my hubby. 12. Got a package in the mail from an author friend with some nice goodies. :-) 13. Spent 3 hours yakking with my brother yesterday afternoon. That was my past week. Hope your week was just as much fun! 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

5 Star Review for Three Swords, One Heart

Thank you to reviewer R. C. over at Ecataromance Sensual Reviews for the amazing 5 Star review of my Ellora's Cave release, Three Swords, One Heart.

Here's a snippet of what the reviewer had to say:

"While reading this book I stayed engrossed from beginning to end, in fact, I never took a break. This tale seemed to have been woven together effortlessly from the pen of N.J. Walters. It has been a long time since I have read such a gratifying tale of love, endurance and a full hearted willingness to sacrifice all for those you love. The fact that this novel is a menage only enhances it."

You can check out Three Swords, One Heart at Ellora's Cave Pubishing

Quote of the Week!

"If all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wild flowers." ~ Therese of Lisieux, nun and writer

I like this quote because it's a reminder that we're all beautiful in our own way and that's okay!

Have a wonderful day!

Feature Friday

Lots going on today!

I'm blogging over at The Ladies of the Club Blog today. So drop by and have a peek!

Syneca has started a new blog and this weekend, she's featuring several of my books! Check out Syneca's Blog . The artwork on all three of my covers featured were done by her and they are absolutely incredible!

Thursday Thirteen #16

Thirteen Websites that I find interesting and useful! The first 4 are great writer's references: 1. Word Reference 2. Dictionary 3. Wikipedia 4. Thesaurus 5. The Write Attitude. A great reference and inspirational website for all writers. 6. An Archive of History and Historical Resources . This is an amazing site! I haven’t even scratched the surface of it yet. 7. The Occult Library. Contains various articles on all sorts of occult subjects. 8. Names of Gods and Goddesses. 9. Cycle of Power ~ Animal Totems 10. Writerspace. They have wonderful chats and contests, as well as information on authors and books. 11. Ebay. This is the place to find just about anything and everything! These two--because, really, how could I resist. :-) 12. Samhain Publishing 13. Ellora’s Cave Publishing 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!

"We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are." ~ Anais Nin

We each bring all our experiences, good and bad, to bear on any given situation. It's always good to take a step back and try and see things as they truly are.

Wild Wild West!

Wild Wild West

Three hot-blooded cowboys. Three sexy city women. One red-hot night.

Welcome to the wild, wild west and the Lemon Espresso Café where three city women will meet three cowboys who will change their lives forever.

Author Charlene Teglia has penned three interconnecting stories that make Wild, Wild West, one red-hot read. In the first story, “A Man’s Word Is His Bondage”, Willow Daniels is giving a poetry reading at the Lemon Espresso when she first sees Gabe Daniels. Willow is finishing her six-month poet in residence program and is returning to her old job in two weeks. But Gabe has different plans for the pretty, talented poet, and they don’t include her leaving Missoula in two weeks time.

In “Ready to Play”, Jolie McIntyre is waitressing at the Lemon Espresso while she studies and waits to write the Bar exam. Jolie has been working hard for years and her goal is now in sight. To blow off some steam, she decides some R & R with sexy Chet Andrews is just what she needs, but Jolie might get a lot more than she bargained for.

The final story is “Reuben’s Rules”. Reuben Black is an ex-military man with seduction on his mind. His target—Lemon Espresso owner, Laura Jamieson. But Reuben has rules that he likes to play by and when Laura agrees, what happens between them is explosive. But rules are meant to be broken.

All three stories are hot, wild rides that will leave your heart racing and your pulse pounding, but my favorite of the three is Reuben’s Rules. Reuben is dominant and intense, but his care and concern for Laura is touching. There is a deep connection between these two and you can feel their deepening emotions.

Available tomorrow, August 7th, from St. Martin’s Press. Pick up Wild, Wild, West and enjoy one red-hot, wild ride.

Joyfully Reviewed Author Spotlight

I had the honor of being interviewed by Gracie over at Joyfully Reviewed recently and that interview is now up on the Joyfully Reviewed website.

You can check it out at the Joyfully Reviewed Author Spotlight

Dragon Heat by Allyson James

Lisa Singleton has an unusual roommate-a fifty-foot dragon named Caleb who has glittering scales and a bad attitude. Little does she know that Caleb is actually a powerful warrior sent to protect her from those out to steal her magic and destroy the world. Or that Caleb can take the human form of a sexy hunk. Now, if he doesn't stop distracting her with those gorgeous bedroom eyes, they may not have time to stop their enemies before all of existence is wiped out. At least Lisa and Caleb will have savored every last minute.

Available now from Berkley

Allyson James has penned one of the best dragon books I’ve ever read. Humorous, magical and downright sensual, Dragon’s Heat is an adventure you don’t want to miss.

As if having a dragon as a roommate isn’t odd enough, Lisa’s life is about to be turned upside down as she must accept the magic within her and use it to try and save the world. One can’t always tell who is the good guy and who is the bad, but there is no doubting that Caleb is there to protect Lisa. Through the streets of Chinatown in San Francisco and into the realm of dragons, Allyson James leads you on an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Thankfully, book two in her Dragon series, The Black Dragon, is due out in November from Berkley.

Book-A-Day Giveaway!

No Thursday Thirteen this week.

Thursday sort of snuck up on me this week as I've been busy with edits for my story "Sunshine for a Vampire" which will be featured in the Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III anthology due out in September!

I am one of the featured authors over at The Romance Studio's Book-a-day Giveaway today, so if you have a minute, drop by and check it out at http://www.theromancestudio.com/bad_form.php

Awakening Desires Newsletter!

Just a reminder that the August issue of my Awakening Desires Newsletter is now out!

If you haven't already signed up to receive it, you can just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/

You can read this issue and past issues right from the yahoo group.

This month I've got all the latest news, an excerpt, the "Behind the Book" feature, as well as an interview with popular Samhain Publishing author Annmarie McKenna. As always, my hubby's popular column, "Confessions of a Romance Author's Husband" is there!

Each month, one lucky person in my newsletter group receives a prize. This month, Faith Shen has won a download from my backlist!

Be sure and drop by and check out my newsletter!