Easter Morning

HAPPY EASTER!

 

This is what it looks like here this morning. And, yes, that is snow outside. Looks more like the middle of winter than spring.

What did hubby and I do this morning?

We went to Starbucks and had one of their yummy hot chocolates.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all my friends. I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

Weekend Bookclub--Wolf with Benefits

I have to say how much I love Shelly Laurenston's Pride Series. If you love shifter books and haven't read her series yet you're really missing out on something special. Shelly creates an amazing shifter world where shifter hockey leagues and derby teams exist all while trying to keep their presence known from humans. This series is unique. I always get a laugh when I'm reading one of her books, but they're certainly not lacking in intensity. They have it all!

I will admit, I am biased toward Shelly's bears. Love me the bears, but the other shifters are just as much fun.

WOLF WITH BENEFITS is the latest installment.

There’s nothing like a good-ol’-boy wolf.  And ace security expert Ricky Lee Reed serves, protects and seduces with all the right moves… 

Sure, Toni Jean-Louis Parker has to be the responsible oldest sister to a crazy-brilliant clan of jackal siblings. But now she’s cutting loose for some hot, sweaty, no-commitments fun—and the sexy, slow-talking, swift-moving predator assigned to keep her family safe is just the right thing to shapeshift her love life into overdrive. Trouble is, he’s starting to get all obsessive wolf on her every time he looks in her direction… 

Getting serious about anyone isn’t in Ricky Lee Reed’s plans. Hell, even now he doesn’t really have a plan—outside of catching whomever is threatening this dangerously brilliant family. But the more he sees of Toni, the more he’s howling for her. And whatever it takes to convince her that what they have is everything, well, this wily wolf is down for the sizzling chase…


The other books in the Pride series are: The Mane Event (which contains Christmas Pride and Shaw's Tail), The Beast in Him, The Mane Attraction, The Mane Squeeze, Beast Behaving Badly, Big Bad Beast, Bear Meets Girl and Howl for It.

What are you reading this week?

Final Winner in the Spring Cleaning Contest

The final winner in the Spring Cleaning contest is Sandy Haber. Sandy has won a print copy of Overtime, Under Him. Congratulations, Sandy.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest!

Wordless Wednesday

MOON by Laurann Dohner

Tuesday Teaser: MacNamara's Lady

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from MACNAMARA'S LADY, which is part of the Awakening Desires series but can be read as a stand alone book.

TEASER:

“Everything okay?” His deep, sexy rumble set her skin to tingling. Her stomach fluttered and it wasn’t with hunger. Well, maybe it was hunger, but not the kind that could be sated with a brownie, no matter how divine it was.

He moved his hand, rubbing it in a slow sweep up and down the long length of her spine, sliding it over the nap of her neck, which was exposed by her short hairstyle. Missy swallowed hard and bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning aloud. She nodded. “Fine. Everything is just fine.”

 
She was proud of the way she held herself together. Then he tightened his fingers around hers and pulled her closer.

Monday, snow and taxes, oh my!

The calendar might say spring, but the weather certainly doesn't.

That's the view from the window this morning, and the snow is still coming down heavy.

This is hubby cleaning off the car. We had to go out this morning because I had an appointment to get my taxes done. My bank account is much lighter, but I'm glad to have them done.

Figured it was too early to start drinking so we bought treats for lunch instead--a date square for me and an apple flip for hubby.

This afternoon I tackle the remaining government paperwork--they keep sending me surveys and forms--and tomorrow is back to writing.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Scott McKinley Kilted Desire Auction 2013

Check out all the fabulous items up for grabs in an auction for author and cover model Scott A. B. McKinley, including a signed copy of my book--Three Swords, One Heart. (Item #24)

A lot of wonderful authors have generously donated some really great items. Check out the complete list at Scott McKinley Kilted Desire Auction 2013.

Weekend Bookclub

Her Knight's Quest by Alexis Morgan is the Book of the Week. This is the second book in her Warriors of the Mist series. The first book is My Lady Mage.

I'm a fan of Morgan's "Darkness" series so I thought I'd give this one a try. The mythology in this series is fascinating and unique, and the characters are well developed and interesting. If you're looking for something a little different (kind of a historical/ fantasy/paranormal), I recommend this series.

BLURB:

They are cursed by the gods, and war is their salvation. Love is their deliverance.

For centuries, five legendary warriors have braved battles shoulder to shoulder. But now they must divide and conquer as lone champions against evil.

Duncan, a scholar at heart, is drawn to an isolated abbey rumored to hold the answers to countering the terror unleashed by Duke Keirthan. Inside the cloistered walls lies the hidden collection of forbidden lore on dark magic. But the real key to the salvation Duncan seeks—both for the people of Agathia and his soul—is the abbess herself, Lady Lavinia. Hunted by the duke, who seeks to harvest her powers, Lavinia knows Duncan wants to help her. But can she trust the tortured warrior with her secrets?

In the end, it is only by joining forces that they can save not only those they are sworn to protect but each other.

Spring Cleaning Contest--Fourth Winner

The fourth winner in the Spring Cleaning contest is Tammy Carney. Tammy has won a print copy of Woven Dreams. Congratulations, Tammy.

There are still ONE more print book to be given away...

CONTEST

Spring is getting closer and that means Spring Cleaning! I was going through my bookshelves and found I had one PRINT copy of each of Katie's Art of Seduction, Erin's Fancy, Dalakis Embrace, Woven Dreams and Overtime, Under Him so I decided to have a contest!

Every Friday from March 1st to the 29th, I'll be drawing the name of one lucky reader and giving away one of these print books.

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

Welcome Spring

WELCOME TO THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SPRING!

Tuesday Teaser: Jackson's Jewel

The Tuesday Teaser this week is from JACKSON'S JEWEL. This book is part of the Awakening Desires series but can be read as a stand alone book. This is the book where readers first meet the Jewel sisters. (Touching Topaz and Stroke of Sapphire)

TEASER:

Emerald took a step toward him as if pulled forward by an invisible thread. Her mind was screaming at her to be careful. Her body was demanding that she go to him. One step became two.

She stopped when she was right in front of him. Their bodies almost, but not quite touching. She could feel the heat rolling off him in waves. The urge to snuggle up close and lay her head against his chest was almost overwhelming. What was it about this man that drew her to him?

His hands wrapped around her shoulders. She could feel the tension in his fingers as he held her. She wasn’t sure if he was going to push her away or pull her closer. She didn’t think he quite knew what to do. The heat of his hands permeated her skin. She could smell sunshine, sweat and the sweet smell of fresh-cut hay.

“This isn’t a good idea.” His voice was low and gritty.

“I know.” If she were sensible, she’d run to her room and wait for him to leave. But her common sense had deserted her at the moment.

Chocolate and books and journals, oh my...

Hubby and I went to the bookstore last night. Conveniently, there is a Starbucks attached to it. We not only both ended up with a book each, we both got treats too!

I got a yummy oat fudge bar!

Hubby got a double chocolate brownie!

I also bought myself some new notebooks for my purse. These are small, but they're perfect for making notes to myself if I'm out running around. Love the Moleskine journals!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Irish Drinking Toast:

 

May your glass be ever full,
May the roof over your head be always strong,
And may you be in heaven
Half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, the day everyone is Irish!

Spring Cleaning Contest--Third Winner

The third winner in the Spring Cleaning contest is Ashley Applebee. Ashely has won a print copy of Dalakis Embrace. Congratulations, Ashely.

There are still TWO more print books to be given away...

CONTEST

Spring is getting closer and that means Spring Cleaning! I was going through my bookshelves and found I had one PRINT copy of each of Katie's Art of Seduction, Erin's Fancy, Dalakis Embrace, Woven Dreams and Overtime, Under Him so I decided to have a contest!

Every Friday from March 1st to the 29th, I'll be drawing the name of one lucky reader and giving away one of these print books.

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

Cover Goodness

Check out my fabulous new cover for Pride of the Lion.

 

 

Watch for it on July 16th from Samhain Publishing!

Book of the Week

The two pictures I've chosen to feature this week are extremely different in many ways, but both were great reads!

CALCULATED IN DEATH by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) is part of her In Death series featuring Eve Dallas. I don't know how she does it, but this series continues to get better and better!

 

BLURB:

On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better.

A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn’t seem the type to be on anyone's hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the building, the lieutenant knows Marta's murder was the work of a killer who's trained, but not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.

But when someone steals the files out of Marta's office, Eve must immerse herself in her billionaire husband Roarke's world of big business to figure out who's cruel and callous enough to hire a hit on an innocent woman. And as the killer's violent streak begins to escalate, Eve knows she has to draw him out, even if it means using herself as bait. . . .

Show more

Show less

 

Next up is SHADOWS ON STONE by Anny Cook. The characters in this book are wonderful, the mythology and the world-building first rate. Cook creates a world so vivid and real you can almost see, smell, hear, touch and taste it. Her storytelling ability is first-rate!

BLURB:

When Russet McGinnis and Maxen Pryce take on the responsibility for a late-season archeological dig, their quest for more artifacts is cut short when an early nor'easter forces them to close down the project until the next spring. The flight home takes a sudden ominous turn as they encounter a strange swirling cloud bank that surrounds them despite Max's attempts to avoid it. Lost in the wilderness after their plane crashes, Max and Russet must depend on each other's love and courage to survive.

Their struggle for survival compels them to bare their hidden secrets and acknowledge their feelings for each other. Homesickness and potent irresistible desire draw them closer as they work together to survive abduction, inexplicable attacks on their plane, encounters with shape-shifters, and a wild ride in a goddess-driven tornado until at last they confront their true destiny.

Wordless Wednesday

 



 

VELOCITY by Cassandra Carr

Tuesday Teaser: Discovering Dani

The Tuesday Teaser this week comes from DISCOVERING DANI, the first book in the Jamesville series. This was actually the first book I ever wrote back in 1996. It went through many different rewrites and revisions to finally become the book that Samhain Publishing released in 2005.

*Discovering Dani and The Way Home (Book 2 of the Jamesville series) aren't as spicy as the rest of the books in the series.

TEASER:

Dani rinsed the bucket and dried it with a rag, returning it to the small utility closet in the kitchen. Kicking the door closed with her foot, she dropped the rag into her own box. She ran tomorrow’s schedule over in her mind as she checked to make sure she had all her supplies and tools packed. Satisfied she had everything she’d brought with her, she lowered the lid and snapped it shut.

She knew she had only one job tomorrow afternoon, but it would take almost the entire afternoon. That left only the morning free for her to run errands and to Christmas shop. Earlier this morning, she’d managed to find two sweaters on sale, one each, for Patrick and Shamus. Those packages were tucked away in the truck, but she wanted to look for new jeans for both her brothers. They wore them out quickly at their ages.

With her mind on her shopping, she picked up her belongings, swung around, and remembered the briefcase a fraction of a second too late. She dropped her own box and made a wild grab, but it was too late. She cringed as the case hit the floor, handle-side down, and popped open, strewing papers everywhere.

“Oh my, Lord,” she gasped out, horrified that she might have damaged the briefcase and its contents. Dropping to her knees, Dani frantically started to gather the papers together. She was so focused on her task, she never heard the faint sound of the front door opening and closing.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

 
Dani had only a second to register the fury in the male voice before she was forcibly spun around and found herself trapped by eyes gone black with anger.

NEWS UPDATE

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday. I have lots of news to tell you all about.

For those of you who have been wondering about the release dates for the Hades' Carnival series, here they are:

Night of the Tiger--Now available in Ebook. Available in PRINT January 7, 2014.
Mark of the Bear--Available in Ebook April 16th.
Pride of the Lion--Available in Ebook July 16th.
Howl of the Wolf--Available in Ebook October 8th

That's right, all four books in the Hades' Carnival series will be released by Samhain Publishing this year!

And if that wasn't exciting enough, I just signed a contract with Ellora's Cave for a new Tapestries book. More details as they become available, but look for a new Tapestries book sometime in 2013!

Spring Forward...

Hope you all remembered to set your clocks one hour ahead before you went to bed last night. Or, if you're like me, have your hubby reset all the clocks on the electronic equipment. *g*

I've been busy this weekend working on the galley proofs for Night of the Tiger, which will be released in PRINT in January 2014. Something to look forward to.

Spring Cleaning Contest and Second Winner!

The second winner in the Spring Cleaning contest is Jennifer Tovar. Jennifer has won a print copy of Erin's Fancy. Congratulations, Jennifer.

There are still THREE more print books to be given away...

CONTEST

Spring is getting closer and that means Spring Cleaning! I was going through my bookshelves and found I had one PRINT copy of each of Katie's Art of Seduction, Erin's Fancy, Dalakis Embrace, Woven Dreams and Overtime, Under Him so I decided to have a contest!

Every Friday from March 1st to the 29th, I'll be drawing the name of one lucky reader and giving away one of these print books.

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

International Women's Day

Today is  INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY! Let's honor and share the accomplishments of all the women who have come before us!

There are women all over the world who are still denied basic rights. Now is the time to stand together as women and help change that. Let's help empower women all over the world!

Celebrate World Book Day

It's WORLD BOOK DAY. Take some time to read a book. Better yet, take some time to read to a child and encourage their love of reading. Opening up the world of books to someone else is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

FREE BOOK

KATIE'S ART OF SEDUCTION, the first book in my Awakening Desires series, is FREE for the next two weeks from Ellora's Cave. If you haven't tried this hot, contemporary series, now is the time!

BLURB:

Book One in the Awakening Desires series.

From the moment the woman's portrait in the window of a coffee shop caught Cain Benjamin's attention, he resolved to possess not only it, but her as well. Determined to find the mysterious beauty, he sets out to locate the artist. If he can find the artist, he's sure he can find the woman in the picture.

Katie Wallace's schedule at Coffee Breaks allows her to earn a living and still have time to pursue her love of painting. When her boss and friend convinces her to display one of her self-portraits in the shop window, she is apprehensive, but elated when it sells—until she meets the portrait owner.

Katie finds herself captivated by Cain, the tall, mysterious man who lurks in the shadows and is obsessed with her self-portrait. And Cain is even more intrigued by Katie, as he discovers her painting is not nearly as sensual as the woman herself.

Cain's mesmerizing and commanding personality entices Katie into the shadows with him. But Katie is equally determined to uses all her artistry to seduce him back into the light of day with her.

FREE FOR TWO WEEKS FROM ELLORA'S CAVE
 
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME AT AMAZON

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME FROM BARNES & NOBLE

5 Heart Review for Night of the Tiger

Night of the Tiger is up for The Romance Studio's 5 Heart Sweetheart Book of the Week. If you enjoyed Night of the Tiger, please vote!


VOTE HERE


Here's a snippet of the review.

"Night of the Tiger is the first book in a new series for this wonderful author and what an incredible start it was...Overall, this author has once again proven what a great author she is. I recommend this book to fans of the genre and I can't wait to see what is in store for the warriors that are still imprisoned on the carousel." ~Bec

Read an eBook Week

March 3-9 is READ AN eBOOK WEEK! It's time to celebrate the eBook and all the wonderful authors who write them.

When I first started publishing a lot of folks looked down on eBooks and the people who wrote them, saying they weren't real books. It was difficult to get any respect as a writer. Sad to say, many print authors looked down on ebook writers, which is ironic considering their publishers now release their books in ebook. It's also been a major boon to authors who have extensive backlists that are now becoming available to readers who might have missed them the first time around. A print book has a shelf-life in a store, while an ebook can be made available indefinitely.

Yes, things have certainly changed in the past eight years. When all the major publishers realized that the independent ePublishers were making money, they jumped on the bandwagon and started to release ebooks. The rise of the Kindle, Nook, Sony and Kobo have given readers quite a variety of readers to choose from. Then there are the apps that allow you to access all these various options from your tablet or computer.

Yes, things have changed, but what hasn't changed is the readers love of books.

Like a lot of readers, I buy ebooks as well as paperbacks. I love being able to download a book from home or take as many books as I want on holidays without having to lug along pounds and pounds of paperbacks. But some series that I've been collecting for years I still buy in paperback. There is room for both kinds of books in the industry.

But this is Read An eBook Week, so be sure to download a book, or two, from your favorite author and enjoy!

Vote for Night of the Tiger

I'm thrilled that NIGHT OF THE TIGER is up for Book of the Month at Long and Short Reviews!

If you enjoyed Night of the Tiger, I'd love to have your support. Be sure to check out all the books and vote for your favorite. You can VOTE HERE.

*Voting runs March 1st and March 2nd.

Spring Cleaning Contest--FIRST WINNER and CONTEST REMINDER

The first winner in the Spring Cleaning contest is Sheri Cordeiro. Sheri has won a print copy of Katie's Art of Seduction. Congratulations, Sheri.

There are still FOUR more print books to be given away...

CONTEST

Spring is getting closer and that means Spring Cleaning! I was going through my bookshelves and found I had one PRINT copy of each of Katie's Art of Seduction, Erin's Fancy, Dalakis Embrace, Woven Dreams and Overtime, Under Him so I decided to have a contest!

Every Friday from March 1st to the 29th, I'll be drawing the name of one lucky reader and giving away one of these print books.

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

March Newsletter is Now Available

The March 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 wonderful Nicole Austin.

  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.