Thursday, January 31, 2013

Valentine's Day Contest

Valentine's day is almost here and to celebrate I'm holding a contest! I'm giving away a PRINT copy of CANDY CARESSES.



This anthology contains 6 of the Ellora's Cave Valentine Vixens Quickies, including ANASTASIA'S STYLE, my story! It also contains stories by Desiree Holt, Lynn LaFleur, Nina Nash, Alison Paige and Christine McKay.

For details on how you can enter for a chance to win, just go to my WEBSITE and click on the "Contests" page.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Visiting Donna Gallagher's Blog Today

Hi, I'm over at DONNA GALLAGHER'S BLOG today. Be sure to check out the "On the Bench" interview she did with me. I'm answering questions about my writing and a whole bunch of other fun stuff.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Anastasia's Style

Since Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away, I thought I'd post a teaser from ANASTASIA'S STYLE, my EC Valentine Vixens Quickie.



TEASER:

“I hate Valentine’s Day,” Anastasia Style muttered as she contemplated the wisdom of kicking the flat tire she was glaring at. If she hadn’t been wearing her very expensive, incredibly sexy red high-heeled Manolo Blahniks, she might have attempted it.
 
Sighing with frustration, she reached into the stylish leather handbag she’d just retrieved from her vehicle, rummaging around until she found her cell phone. Dialing her office, she glared at the offensive piece of rubber. Of all the days to get a flat.
 
“Hi, Maryann.” She spoke calmly even though a part of her wanted to scream. Her normally composed assistant sounded flustered on the other end. Not good. But not surprising. Valentine’s Day was shaping up to be her second busiest time of the year. Only Christmas had been more frantic. As the owner and manger of Hassle-free Holidays, her holidays were anything but hassle-free.
 
“I’ve got a slight problem.” She explained her situation to Maryann and paused while the other woman commiserated. “Call Manny’s Garage for me, will you?” Her family had been using Manny’s for as long as she’d been alive. “Tell him to take it back to the garage and I’ll pick it up later. I can’t afford to wait, so I’m going to call a cab.”
 
She stared into the backseat of her normally reliable six-year-old Honda Civic and eyed the expensive bottle of Dom Perignon, the huge box of Godiva Chocolates and the extravagant arrangement of colorful carnations. The carnations didn’t quite fit with the other two items, but that wasn’t her concern. Whatever the client wanted, the client got. That was the mantra for her business.
 
She glanced at her watch and groaned. This day was going from bad to worse. She had to make this delivery for a very last minute—but extremely lucrative—client and get to her lawyer’s office before five o’clock.
 
She was signing her divorce papers today.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Wintery World

Welcome to Sunday. Thought I'd share a few wintery pictures with you!
 

So this should give you an idea of how icy and cold it's been here the past week. This is the A & W up the road where hubby and I went out for breakfast on Tuesday. Hard to see in this picture, but there are a bunch of icicles hanging down the window.



We've also had lots of snow. This is the view from the A & W parking lot looking at the local Chapter's Bookstore that is next door. The snow is piling up!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Feature Friday: Everything Old is New Again

I enjoy historical romance, so it should come as no surprise that I'm a big fan of Stephanie Laurens. I have all six original Cynster novels on my keeper shelf but haven't read them in years.

A few months ago, the Sony Reader Store had DEVIL'S BRIDE on sale for the amazing price of $0.99. How could I resist? I couldn't, and since then I've downloaded A RAKE'S VOW and Scandal's Bride, both on a limited-time sale. It seems everything old is new again. For those of you who have never read Stephanie Laurens, I highly recommend the Cynster series.



DEVIL'S BRIDE
The 1st Cynster Novel
First published 1998
Avon Romantic Treasure


 

When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire ton by offering his hand in marriage. No one had dreamed this scandalous rake would so tamely take a bride. As society's mamas swooned at the loss of England's most eligible bachelor, Devil's infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.

But Honoria wasn't about to bend to society's demands and marry a man just because they'd been found together unchaperoned. No. She craved adventure. Solving the murder of a young Cynster cousin fit the bill for a while, but once the crime was solved, Honoria was set on seeing the world. But the scalding heat of her unsated desire for Devil soon had Honoria craving a very different sort of excitement. Could her passion for Devil cause her to embrace the enchanting peril of a lifelong adventure of the heart?

 


A RAKE'S VOW
The 2nd Cynster Novel
First published 1998
Avon Romantic Treasure
ISBN 0-380-79457-8
                 



He vowed he'd never marry:

Vane Cynster always knew which way the wind was blowing, and it was headed in a marrying direction. The other Cynster men might not mind stepping up to the altar, but Vane never wanted to be leg-shackled to any woman, no matter how comely. Bellamy Hall seemed like the perfect place to temporarily hide from London's husband hunters. But when he encountered irresistilbe Patience Debbington, Vane realized he'd met his match and soon he had more than seduction on his mind.

She vowed no man would catch her:

Patience wasn't about to succumb to Vane's sensuous propositions. Yes, his kisses left her dizzy; his caresses made her melt; but he was arrogant, presumptuous...and, despite his protests, bound to be unfaithful, just like every other man. Patience had promised herself that she'd never become vulnerable to a broken heart. But was this one vow that was meant to be broken?


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Vote for the CAPA Awards


The CAPA AWARDS are now open for voting. I'm thrilled and honored to have two of my books (Finding Chrissten and Quinn's Quest) nominated in the paranormal category. Be sure to go and vote for your favorite books and authors!

VOTE HERE

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Craving Candy

It's been a crazy week so far and I forgot the Tuesday Teaser yesterday. So here it is a day late. CRAVING CANDY is part of the Awakening Desires series, but can be read as a stand alone book.



TEASER:

“That’s a big sigh. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Candy glanced toward the voice and had to look up. Oh my! For the first time in her life, all ability to speak left her. The man standing next to her cocked his eyebrow, obviously waiting for her reply. Well, he’d have to wait a little longer. There was no way she could talk. It was taking all her concentration just to breathe.

Never had she been so instantly attracted to a man in her life. He was much taller than she was, and she was wearing high-heeled boots. But then again, she wasn’t very tall, so that wasn’t surprising. Massive—that was the first word that came to mind to describe him. His shoulders looked to be about a yard wide and his thick biceps strained the sleeves of the short-sleeved T-shirt he was wearing. Her fingers itched to touch them just to see if they were as hard as they looked.

His blond hair was cut short, but there was just enough for her to run her fingers through. Her hands curled into fists at her sides as she fought the impulse to just reach out and stroke it. His face wasn’t pretty. Instead it was compelling and tough, just like the rest of him. His nose looked as if it had been broken at least once, and his thin lips were set in a half-scowl as he continued to wait for her reply.
 
He was the kind of man you didn’t want to meet in a dark alley, the kind of man that made other men nervous. But Candy wasn’t the least bit afraid of him. For the first time in her life, she understood instant attraction. Everything feminine inside her was screaming out to jump this man’s bones.

Monday, January 21, 2013

I'm Doing...Stuff

 
 
 
 
Welcome to Monday! I've spent the past two and a half days doing stuff. You know what I mean...those odds and ends of paperwork that you put off until you really have no other choice. I've saved files to flash drives. (I have four that I save my writing to every day, but other writing-related files I'm not quite so vigilant.) I've cleared up end-of-year paperwork and gotten my files ready for 2013. There is quite a bit of paperwork to be done to close off one year and start another.
 
In the midst of that, I finished the rough draft of a new book, printed off a hard copy and handed it off to my first reader (aka hubby) who will look at it as soon as he has time. It's a menage a trois featuring a pair of sexy cowboy brothers. And that's all I'll say about it for now. *g*
 
I've also started the research for my next book, which will be for the Legacy series. All in all, it's been a busy, but productive, few days.
 
Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Ideas...Where Do They Come From?

Ideas...Where Do They Come From?

As an author, I think this is one of the most asked questions I get from readers. Want to know what I have to say on the subject? Check out my guest post over at Delilah Devlin's Blog.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

4 1/2 Stars for Night of the Tiger

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews has given Night of the Tiger a 4 1/2 star review. Here is a snippet of what the reviewer has to say.

"You are definitely kept on the edge throughout this thrilling book with plenty of spice to set Hell on fire!...I have read several of Ms. Walters’ series and she has never disappointed in the paranormal department and the HOT sex department either and this book was no exception. Definitely looking forward to the next book and the journey of the carnival and see how the next shifter and his chosen one are tested."
~Shey, Reviewer Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

READ ENTIRE REVIEW

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Night of the Tiger

Night of the Tiger is releasing today from Samhain Publishing! This is the first book in my new Hades' Carnival series. A five-thousand year old curse, immortal shape-shifting warriors and the mortal women who can free them from captivity. What more can you ask for?



BLURB: NIGHT OF THE TIGER

To win the battle for his soul, he may have to sacrifice the woman who set him free.

Hades’ Carnival, Book 1

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.

Product Warnings
This book contains an ancient curse, an imprisoned goddess, a graphic artist and the hot shapeshifting immortal warrior who turns her life upside down while they battle Hades and his minions for their immortal souls. There is also plenty of hot sex between the heroine and her hot, shapeshifting warrior. Just saying.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Book Lovin' Mamas--Q & A and Contest

Be sure to stop by Book Lovin' Mamas and check out my Q & A. While you're there, be sure to enter the contest for a chance to win an ebook copy of my new Samhain book Night of the Tiger!

Chatting Tonight and Final Contest Winner

Good morning and welcome to Monday! I've got a lot going on todayl

I'm chatting over at Night Owl Romance at 8pm EST tonight! Be sure to stop by and say hi. This is my first Night Owl Romance chat so I'm looking forward to it!

Today is also the final day of my Quinn's Quest Print Book Contest. Congratulations to Susan Platt, the final winner. Susan has won a signed print copy of my book. Thanks to all of you who entered and be sure to watch my website for a new contest coming soon!

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Stroke of Sapphire

Stroke of Sapphire is available today from Ellora's Cave! This is a stand alone book, but is part of the Awakening Desires series.



Stroke of Sapphire

Eighth in the Awakening Desires series.

When Sapphire Jewel turns to him on the final evening he’s assigned to protect her, ex-Army Ranger and security expert Jake Knight sweeps her into bed. His personality and his profession have shaped him into a man who needs to be in control of all aspects of his life, especially in the bedroom. He’s not into the whole dominant/submission BDSM thing, but he does need to be the dominant force when it comes to physical relationships. Fearing his sexual demands are too much for Sapphire to handle, Jake does the only thing he can to protect her—he leaves her.

Sapphire is in love with her bodyguard. One night of intense, passionate sex has him running for the door and she doesn’t know why. When Jake unexpectedly shows up in her life again, she must decide if she can live with the sexual demands he’ll make of her. But most of all, she must decide if she can once again risk her heart.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Touch of Topaz

Since my newest Ellora's Cave book Stroke of Sapphire is due out tomorrow, I thought it was only fitting that the Tuesday Teaser this week should be from Touch of Topaz. Both are stand alone reads, but are part of the Awakening Desires series.



TEASER:

She whirled around and his hands dropped back by his sides. “I know I’m a job to you. I get that.”

His own temper flared. “You’re more than just a damn job.” The minute the words were out of his mouth, he knew they were the truth. He’d been watching her for several weeks. Hell, he was basically living with her. They ate meals together, he went to work with her and they even shared a bathroom. The only thing they didn’t share was her bed. And he’d spent many a long, hot night lying awake in her guestroom, listening to the swish of her sheets as she moved restlessly in bed. Topaz fascinated him with her quick mind, her focus on her business and her killer body.

“Right.” She started to turn away, but he caught her and spun her back around.

They stared at one another and heat flared between them. Both of them were breathing heavy and he wasn’t sure which one of them moved first. Their lips met and he groaned as he wrapped his arms around Topaz to hold her close.

She tasted sweet and tart, like the lemonade she’d had while they were out running errands. It suited her. He ran his hands over her spine and down to her butt. She groaned and parted her lips, and he slid his tongue inside, exploring her mouth, claiming it as his own.

 

Monday, January 07, 2013

First Winner and Contest Reminder

Congratulations to Renne Smith, the first winner of a signed copy of Quinn's Quest. I'm giving away one more copy on the 14th of January, so there is still time to enter!


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

Sunday, January 06, 2013

CAPA Nominations

I'm thrilled to announce that both Quinn's Quest and Finding Chrissten have been nominated for a CAPA Award in the Paranormal Romance category. Thank you to The Romance Studio for the nominations!

Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Quinn's Quest is now in PRINT!

I'm thrilled to announce that Quinn's Quest is now available in print at Samhain Publishing!


Legacy, Book 4

Kidnapped and held in a crazy doctor’s underground laboratory, Bethany Morris only manages to escape because Chrissten, one of her fellow abductees, creates an opportunity—by shifting into a werewolf.

Bethany’s desperate for help, but who’ll believe her story? The police? That’ll just buy her a one-way ticket to a padded room—because here’s the kicker: she’s discovered she’s a half-breed werewolf. Her only hope is to find Chrissten’s brother.

Quinn Lawton’s long, grinding search for his missing twin has turned up nothing…until Bethany rekindles his hope. Something else catches flame too—her heat cycle and a searing attraction branded with the word mate. Yet with so much blood on his hands, any future he might offer is already tainted beyond redemption.

Desperate for Quinn’s touch alone, Bethany has no choice but to take Quinn up on his offer to quell her terrifying need, no strings attached. And hope that as the search for Chrissten intensifies, the battle with their personal demons doesn’t destroy their razor-thin chance at forever.

********************************************************************


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.

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Happy New Year!



 
 
MAY 2013 BE FILLED WITH GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY AND HAPPINESS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!