Want a chance to win a print book?

I'm thrilled to announce that Quinn's Quest is being released in print as of January 1st! To celebrate I'm giving away two signed copies!

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

2012--Year in Review

First of all, I want to thank all the amazing readers who buy my books. Your continued support and enthusiasm for my work allows me to keep doing what I love to do. So thank you, thank you, thank you. I have the best job in the world and hope I can keep doing it for many years to come.

So lets hit the highlights of 2012...

February: I had two new eBooks--Fabric of Fate (a Tapestries book) released from Ellora's Cave and Quinn's Quest (a Legacy book) from Samhain Publishing.

April: Legacy Found came out in PRINT from Samhain Publishing and Eternal Brothers in PRINT from Ellora's Cave.

May: Finding Chrissten (a Legacy book) in eBook from Samhain Publishing.

June: Touch of Topaz (an Awakening Desires book) in eBook from Ellora's Cave.

October: Damek's Redemption (a Legacy book) in eBook from Samhain Publishing.

All in all, I had five new eBooks and two new print books!


And 2013 is shaping up to be just as busy.

January 1st--Quinn's Quest will be available in PRINT!

Also, in January, I have two new ebooks releasing--Stroke of Sapphire (an Awakening Desires book) on January 9th and Night of the Tiger (Book one in the Hades' Carnival series) on January 15th.

April 2013: On April 2nd, Finding Chrissten is relasing in PRINT! And on the 16th, Mark of the Bear (Book two in the Hades' Carnival series) is releasing in eBook.

September 2013: Damek's Redemption is releasing in PRINT!

That's all the dates I have confirmed at the moment, but expect two more eBooks in the Hades' Carnival series to be released--Pride of the Lion and Howl of the Wolf! As well, I've submitted a new Tapestries book to my editor at Ellora's Cave. More details on that as they become available.

I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays as much as I am. Here's to a healthy, creative, happy and prosperous New Year for us all!

Merry Christmas

FROM MY HOME TO YOURS...I HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I WISH YOU PEACE, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS!

FREE Book--Embracing Silence

FREE for the next two weeks from Ellora's Cave--Embracing Silence. If you haven't already tried it, now is the time to try the first book in this futuristic trilogy.

EMBRACING SILENCE

First in the Project Alpha series.

Earth 2133

Tienan is an Alpha—an assassin who has been genetically and computer enhanced. He has escaped from the lab that created him and the Ruling Council that controlled him. He is now outside the Gate—a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Tienan must constantly evade security forces sent to eliminate him, his only goal to destroy his former masters.

Silence is a tracker with the Resistance on the trail of a dangerous stranger. The hunter becomes the hunted and when Tienan kidnaps her, she thinks her life is over. But both captor and captive are enthralled with one another. Desire and need ignite each time they touch. Enemies become lovers.

Treachery and mistrust drive them apart. But nothing can diminish the sexual heat smoldering between them. With enemies all around, they must confront each other one final time. With time running out, sexual longing and trust battle with betrayal for supremacy.

Also Available at Amazon

Look What I Got

Look what I got in the mail on Friday! Quinn's Quest is releasing in print on January 1st! What a great way to start the New Year.

Happy Solstice

Happy Solstice and Blessed Yule to you all!

New Cover

Check out the awesome new cover for Stroke of Sapphire, available on January 9th from Ellora's Cave. Thank you, Syneca, for another amazing cover!

Reindeer Games with Drea Layne

Please welcome Drea Layne to the blog today. Be sure to check out her new Christmas book Rudolf & Dancer.

Welcome Drea!

First I want to thank N.J. for having me on her blog today!

Today I am visiting to share with you all my new Christmas book, Rudolf & Dancer, which is part of the Reindeer Games anthology between the Wickedly Sexy Writers. It was a complete pleasure working with these ladies on these stories and I couldn't be more excited too show you my little piece of this great set of stories!

Holiday traditions are just as important as the holiday itself...at least in my opinion. Each family has their own way of celebrating starting as early as the decorating and as late as the days following. In my family we put the tree up the day after thanksgiving and proceed to put up other decorations over the next week or so in anticipation of Christmas Day.

This year I've put the tree up but not much else. I do have tons of decorations to put up but I really just haven't felt the want or need to put it all up. I suppose it may have something to do with the hours it took me to take it down last year and remembering the hassle of the tassel as I like to say.

So how about you? What is your decorating schedule?

Make sure you check out my story, Rudolf & Dancer, coming December 17, 2012 from Secret Cravings Publishing.

 

Blurb:

After years away from home, her brother’s freak accident brings Donna Dancer home to the man who broke her heart. Time hasn’t diminished the lust and love, and emotions can’t be denied. Donna is sick of playing reindeer games with her mate, Paul Rudolf, but there are only so many rejections a girl can take.

It takes a dedicated man to lead the group of reindeer shifters responsible for bringing joy to millions of children, and Paul takes his job very seriously. Women were nothing more than a distraction he doesn’t need, but he now finds himself feeling lonely and hating the job he’s loved for so long. Rejecting Donna was the one decision he regrets more and more with each passing day.

Will this Christmas be as lonely as the rest? Or will Paul and Donna finally find holiday bliss in each others arms.

Excerpt:

“You’ve been gone an awfully long time, sweet pea. We honestly didn’t know if you would say yes.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I just…”

“I know, honey. Just don’t go away that long ever again. Okay?”

“I promise.”

Donna looked around, searching from one face to another, trying to keep her gaze casual as she scanned the crowd for the only other man she desperately wanted to see.

One face blurred into another as she took the crowd in at a slow pace. After a few minutes of searching, she almost gave up. Then, she locked gazes with the one man who held her heart. The world shifted, causing her to stand uneasy on her feet. An overwhelming need to shift and run took over her body as she dropped her gaze from his eyes and handed her bag to her mother, giving her an ‘I need to get away’ look.

Without another word, she turned her back to the crowd and sprinted toward the woods behind the house. Her deer half wanted to run as much as her human half did, and just like every other time she was in her mate’s presence, she lost complete control and could only give in to what her body and soul needed.

Ditching her dress on a limb just outside the tree line, Donna let the change come over her swiftly. Muscles burned and bones reshaped as Donna went from human to deer. When the transformation was complete and she was standing at the forest’s edge, Donna opened her eyes and took in the cabin and people as they milled around. Kids played with each other at the waters edge while parents watched closely from where they visited, not far away.

Once upon a time, she envisioned herself doing that very thing with children of her very own. Without a mate, that future was impossible and it tore her up inside, knowing she wouldn’t ever have that happiness.

With one last look at the party, she turned and sprinted through the forest. She didn’t know where she was going but anywhere was better than here right now. The pain in her heart was almost too much to bear. But in the end, she loved Paul with her entire being, and if he’d have her, she would gladly forget all the heartbreak and spend forever in his arms.

Buy link:

http://drealayne.com/bookshelf/holiday/rudolf-dancer/

Sizzling Christmas and a Chance to Win

I'm over at Sizzling Hot Books today as part of their Sizzling Christmas celebration. Stop by and check out my interview. Leave a comment for a chance to win a PDF copy of my EC Christmas Quickie Jessamyn's Christmas Gift.

Tuesday Teaser: Jessamyn's Christmas Gift

This week the Tuesday Teaser is from Jessamyn's Christmas Gift. This Ellora's Cave Quickie is perfect for heating up your holiday season.

TEASER:

No sooner had she thought it than she heard the sound of a car turning into the driveway. Taking a deep breath, she placed her glass on the coffee table and draped herself in what she hoped was a seductive pose, across the plush faux fur rug that she’d spread in front of the fireplace. The scraping of a key in the lock made her catch her breath. Boots stamped in the front porch before proceeding down the hallway.

Gathering her courage, Jessamyn cleared her throat. “I’m in here. Come and get your Christmas present.”

The footsteps stopped at the sound of her voice and then she heard them moving closer. Her eyes were glued on the entranceway, which was surrounded by greenery and white twinkling lights. He moved into the light and every cell of her body went on alert.

Her gaze moved slowly upward, over a pair of faded jeans that molded to strong legs. A blue flannel shirt was tucked in, emphasizing a lean waist. His shoulders were wide, straining at the seams of his shirt as he fisted his hands at his waist. Hair the color of mahogany fell carelessly across his forehead. His face wasn’t handsome, so much as strong. His nose was prominent, his lips thin, and his jaw was shadowed with stubble.

But it was his eyes that pinned her to the spot. Amber, they seemed to glow as they watched her. The eyes of a predator. He was a prime male standing in front of her, studying her almost-naked form.

Her nipples tightened, pushing against the thin fabric and Jessamyn knew he could see them in the firelight when his eyes lingered there. She moved her legs restlessly as the ache between her thighs grew. Cream flowed, dampening the thin piece of satin between her legs. Every hair on her body was standing on end as her entire being clamored its need for this man.

There was only one slight problem. He wasn’t Bennett.

Smutketeers Annual X-Mas Bash 2012

I'm celebrating the holidsays over at the Smutketeers today along with a bunch of other authors. There are tons of great prizes to be won so be sure to stop by and leave a comment.

Quickie Contest--Winner Week Three

The third winner in my Christmas Quickie Contest is Brandi Bradford. Brandi has won a PDF copy of my EC Quickie Jessamyn's Christmas Gift. Congratulations, Brandi!

There is still one more books to be given away so be sure to enter! See details below.

QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading. But there's always time for a Quickie.

No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between November 30th and December 21st.

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

12/12/12

Today is a very special day on the calender. It is December 12, 2012 or 12/12/12. The next time this will happen is 88 years from now on January 1, 2101 or 01/01/01. Some people believe today is a very lucky day. Whatever you believe, I hope you enjoy it!

Tuesday Teaser: The Gift of Shayla

In keeping with the season, this week the Tuesday Teaser is from my 

ménage a trois/Christmas story The Gift of Shayla, available from Carina Press.

 

TEASER:

“Adam.” There was an edge to Rob’s voice now. Adam knew his friend too well to think he was going to drop whatever was on his mind.

“Where’s Shayla?” He desperately tried to divert the conversation. It was strange he hadn’t seen her. She must be out somewhere, but he couldn’t imagine where she’d be. Not at eight o’clock in the evening on Christmas Eve.

When Rob didn’t answer, Adam finally turned his face toward him. His friend’s expression was more serious than he’d ever seen it. Shit. He picked up his glass and gulped down the rest. A waste of good scotch, for sure, but he needed the hit. Not that one drink would have much affect on him, but it was better than nothing. He needed something to dull the coming pain.

“I’ve seen how you look at me,” Rob began.

Adam closed his eyes and swallowed hard. The liquor he’d just drunk burned in his gut. He could still salvage this. He had to. The alternative didn’t bear considering.

He opened his eyes and chuckled. “Of course I look at you. I see you all the time.” There, that sounded casual enough.

“I’ve also seen how you look at Shayla.”

Back to writing...

After a few days away from writing, I'm back at work this morning on a new project. This is supposed to be a novella, but we'll see how that goes. My books have a tendency to grow as I work on them. *g* This is going to be a hot, menage a trois, western novella...hopefully.

In Loving Memory...

It's been 30 years. There are some days when it feels like much longer and other days when it feels as though it was only yesterday. On December 9th, 1982 my father lost his three year battle with leukemia and passed at about 9:30 in the morning. My mother, sister, brother and I were all there when it happened, and I'll always be grateful for that.

I feel very blessed to have had my father in my life for the eighteen years I had with him considering he was almost killed in a car accident when I was only a baby. He was in a coma for several days before he came out of it. The driver of the car he was a passenger in was killed so it could have been much worse. Sometimes it felt as though he was on borrowed time.

I was just a month shy of my fifteenth birthday when he was diagnosed with cancer. It was Halloween night and I'd gotten back from taking my five-year-old brother out trick-or-treating to find my mother on the phone. My father had to travel to a hospital about a four hour drive away and was calling from there. I often wonder how he felt with his family so far away.

The doctors gave him six months to live, but he fought and had three more years with us. He passed just two weeks after I turned eighteen. He was forty-five.

I'm older now then my father was when he died and I still feel young. It's weird to realize I've been married longer than my parents were. (They celebrated 21 years the year he died while hubby and I celebrated our 25th last August.) My mother remarried nine years after my father died. It's really strange to realize my step father has been in my life longer than my father was.

My father died young, but he will always be in my heart. I've already talked to my brother and sister today and will call my mom later. It's been thirty years, but I still miss him every single day.

I love you daddy...

New Cover Featured...

Author Lin Holmes is featuring the cover of one of my upcoming books on her blog Ladybug Lin Mouth's Off. Be sure to stop by and check out which cover it is.

Quickie Contest--Winner Week Two

The second winner in my Christmas Quickie Contest is Stephanie Paul. Stephanie has won a PDF copy of my EC Quickie Drakon's Treasure. Congratulations, Stephanie!

There are still two more books to be given away so be sure to enter! See details below.

QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading. But there's always time for a Quickie.

No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between November 30th and December 21st.

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

New Covers for Older Books!

Ellora's Cave has given some of my older books a new look. Check out these fabulous new covers!

Katie's Art of Seduction

 

 Annabelle Lee 

Erin's Fancy

 

Capturing Carly

O Christmas Tree

Hubby and I put up the tree this past weekend. I tried to get all of it in the shot. I'll try for some better shots another time. The topper is made from ribbons and I love the popcorn/cranberry strings. The popcorn makes the room smell yummy.

This is a shot of part of the greenery that goes all around the archway between the living room and kitchen. There are more Care Bear ornaments. I made them back in the 1980's.

'Tis the Season...

Christmas is in the air over at The Romance Studio Blue Blog today. Be sure to stop by and check out my guest blog.

December Newsletter Now Available

The December 2012/January 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 Jayne Rylon.

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.

Quickie Contest--First Winner!

The first winner in my Christmas Quickie Contest is Karin Anderson. Karin has won a PDF copy of my EC Quickie Lady's Minstrel. Congratulations, Karin!

There are still three more books to be given away so be sure to enter! See details below.

QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading. But there's always time for a Quickie.

No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between November 30th and December 21st.

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Ellora's Cave

Ellora's Cave Publishing was launched on November 28, 2000. I published my first book with Ellora's Cave back in October 2004. I'm so glad to be part of the EC family and wish you many more wonderful years!

Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Want to know my simple but delicious shortbread cookie recipe? Stop by Reviews by Mom and Me and check it out. Cookies are light and yummy!

Beware, there is a typo in the recipe. My bad! The baking time should be 18-20 minutes, not 120 minutes. :)

Cyber Monday

Today is Cyber Monday. Lots of great deals online if you're so inclined. Shop until your mouse squeaks.

Me, I'll be writing.

Want to win a Quickie?

QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading. But there's always time for a Quickie.

No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between November 30th and December 21st.

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

TRR Year-End Splash Party

I'm part of the fun over at The Romance Reviews Year-End Splash Party! There are hundreds of prizes being given away so be sure to stop by and check it out.

I have a question there today and my prize is a PDF download of Damek's Redemption. Be sure to enter for a chance to win!

It's My Birthday!

Today is my birthday! I've declared it a holiday and I'm off celebrating with my wonderful hubby. Have a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL MY FRIENDS IN THE USA!

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday with family and friends.

TRS gives Damek's Redemption 4 Stars

Damek's Redemption has received 4 stars from The Romance Studio.

"I liked the author's justification of the variation and growth of his powers because he's older and how it helps him, and ultimately, Sonia. I also like the idea that paranormals can't do it all by themselves. That was something different from most books in this genre."

~Kathy F.


Read Entire Review

Tuesday Teaser: Capturing Carly

It seemed fitting for the Tuesday Teaser this week to come from Capturing Carly, which just got a gorgeous brand new cover. Thank you Syenca for your amazing artwork!

TEASER:

He’d pulled his truck up in front of her house at eight o’clock sharp this morning. Awake since six, he watched the clock impatiently and waited until he was sure her parents had left for their day of fishing and fun with their friends. The surge of pleasure had been so great that when he’d started up the walkway he’d all but run to her front door. Carly had promised she’d be naked and waiting for him.

She’d even told him, quite graphically, what she wanted him to do to her. Oh yeah, he’d planned to taste and touch every inch of her delectable body until she was hot, sweaty and begging him to fuck her.

Rock hard and ready, he knew he couldn’t wait. He’d planned on a quickie to relieve their tension before he settled down to really enjoy himself.

The first inkling he had that his day wasn’t going to go quite as he’d planned came when Carly met him at the front door. She was fully dressed and looked very unhappy.

Stopping dead in his tracks, he’d waited for her to speak. Every muscle in his body was clenched as he braced himself for the disappointment he knew was coming.

She opened her mouth to speak, stopped, swallowed hard and tried again. “They cancelled.”

She sounded so sad and forlorn that he bound up the steps and wrapped his arms around her. “Who cancelled?” Burying her face against his chest, she mumbled something but he couldn’t understand her.

Cupping her face in his hands, he tilted her face up to his. Unable to resist, he licked her top lip. Sweet. She always tasted so damned sweet. Needing another taste, he covered her lips with his. Gently. Carefully. He skimmed her mouth with his, not deepening the connection, just enjoying the feel of her soft lips against his.

 

The door behind her swung open. “Morning, Nathan.” Carly’s father stood in the doorway with a big smile on his face.

Buy the Book

New Contract

I'm thrilled to announce that I just signed a new contract with Ellora's Cave for Stroke of Sapphire, which is the final book in the Awakening Desires series. This book is about the final Jewel sister--Sapphire. No date yet, but I will keep you up to date.

In the meantime, back to my WIP--what will probably be the final Tapestries book!

Christmas Quickie Contest!

CHRISTMAS QUICKIE CONTEST!



We're all so busy this time of year. There are halls to be decked, food to be prepared and presents to buy. Then there are all the social obligations, Christmas pageants and the like to schedule in. There's not much time for reading. But there's always time for a Quickie.

No, not that kind of quickie. (Although that's not a bad idea either.) But a quick read. Something you can pick up and read in one sitting while you're relaxing after a hard day of work or shopping.

I want to help you out this holiday season, so I'm giving away a free PDF download of one of my Ellora’s Cave Quickies each Friday between November 30th and December 21st.

Just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page for details on how you can enter for a chance to win.

Winning names will be chosen at random and announced each Friday.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Book of the Week--The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

My book of the week is The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. This is the final book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. I love this series. No one does small town romance better than Nora Roberts!

BLURB:

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…

And while you're enjoying your book this weekend, maybe you can indulge in some really good chocolate. I favor Lindt's 70% cacao. :)

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5 Hearts for Finding Chrissten

 The Romance Studio has given Finding Chrissten a 5 Heart review!

"Finding Chrissten is a highly-emotion charged book with a plot that's adventurous, suspense-filled and combined with my personal favourite -- romance...the Legacy series by this author is one of the most exciting paranormal series out at the moment for me as a reader."
~Bec, TRS

Thank you to the reviewer and to TRS!

Read Entire Review