X
X
X
X
It's Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada. I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend with friends and family. Take a moment and give thanks for all the good things in your life.

The Future is Fascinating!

I'm talking about futuristic romances and my latest Ellora's Cave releases--Embracing Silence and Have Mercy--over at The Romance Studio Blue Blog today. Stop by and check it out!

Have Mercy--Available Today!

HAVE MERCY is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing. This is book 2 in the futuristic/erotic Project Alpha trilogy.

BLURB:

Second in the Project Alpha series.

Earth 2133

Logan is an Alpha—a genetically enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him. He is now outside the Gate, a high-tech shield that protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Shot while evading security forces sent to eliminate him, Logan’s only goal is survival.

Mercy Dockins is a healer. Her world is shaken to its foundations when a stranger is brought to her near death. As she heals him, her body and soul respond to him, overwhelming her with sexual desire. With little more than a look and a touch, passion flares out of control, consuming them both.

But this stranger is dangerous to not only her well-being, but also to the safety of everyone she loves. And he has brought the security forces right to her door.

Interview at Dark Diva Reviews

Check out my interview over at Dark Diva Reviews . It's Wicked Wednesday and I'm talking about my new releases for the month of October!

New Interview

Check out THE BLACKRAVENS' EROTIC CAFE for a new interview about writing, life and my two new releases for October!

Raven Scavenger Hunt

It's that time of year again!

The Raven Halloween Scavenger Hunt is now up and running for the entire month of October. Below are a list of prizes being given away. Click on the link above and start the scavenger hunt today!

PRIZES:

Autographed book Dragons Prefer Blondes by Candace Havens

E-book from N.J. Walters' backlist (winner's choice)

E-book from Bianca D'Arc's backlist (winner's choice)

E-book from Candice Gilmer's currently available backlist (winner's choice)

Belong to the Night by Cynthia Eden (print paranormal romance anthology)

Tea for Two by Shelley Munro (print)

November ebook from Cobblestone - THE DEMON NEXT DOOR: ALI by Kate Austin

Forbidden: The Sacrifice (eBook copy) by Samantha Sommersby

Autographed print book from Shiloh Walker's Backlist

E-book Divinity Warriors 1: Lilith Enraptured by Michelle M. Pillow

Mayan Secrets by Ciar Cullen (print US or Canada), ebook otherwise

E-book of Obsession (romantic suspense) by Sharon Cullen

Selkie Island by Jorrie Spencer

Autographed copy of Tempting Turquoise (print) by Amy Ruttan

Autographed copy of Hard Candy by Amanda Young

Adrienne (print) by D. Renee Bagby

Heart of the Volcano, ebook by Imogen Howson

E-book copy of Private Property by Leah Braemel

Furry, Fluffy & Wild (ebook anthology) by Nina Pierce

Venus In Blue Jeans (print) by Meg Benjamin

E-book copy of Lay Me Down in pfd format by Taige Crenshaw

The Forbidden Chamber (ebook) by Ella Drake

The Ghost Exterminator: A Love Story (ebook) by Vivi Andrews

Angelic Avenger (ebook) by Kaye Chambers

Featured Author at TRS

I'm a feature author over at The Romance Studio Blue Pages this month. If you have time, stop by and check out my interview!

Awakening Desires--October Newsletter Now Available!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The October 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Marilu Mann.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Guest blogging...

I'm guest blogging over at the Samhain Blog today. If you get a chance, drop by and check it out!

Discovering Dani--Free Kindle Download

From September 28th until October 12 my Samhain book, Discovering Dani , is available as a free kindle giveaway on Amazon.com. This is the first book in the Jamesville series. If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can do so now...for FREE!

Blurb:

Book 1 of Jamesville.

Dani O'Rourke has had the responsibility of raising her two brothers, Patrick and Shamus, since the death of their parents. As sole owner and operator of O'Rourke Cleaning Services, she is no stranger too hard work, but she is a beginner when it comes to men.

Burke is a very rich and successful businessman whose brush with death has made him question his priorities. He-s traveled to Jamesville for peace and quiet while he plans the rest of his life.

Their lives collide when Burke accuses her of breaking into his cabin to steal from him. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and after a series of misunderstandings he finds himself caught up in the lives of Dani and her brothers.

But can this gentle, giving woman get a man as hard and cynical as Burke to believe in the power of love? Or will Burke leave town without ever discovering the wonders of life with Dani?

Technology...gotta love it!

Discovering Dani is an app!

You can read it on your cell phone. How cool is that!

Flashback Friday!

Christina's Tapestry is the first book in the Tapestries series, and one of my most popular books. This ménage à trois was originally written as a stand alone book, but the Tapestries series now has four books with another one currently in the works.

BLURB:

Christina Beaumont impulsively buys an expensive tapestry that she sees in a shop window, having no idea how that one action will change her life. The magical tapestry not only transports her to Javara, a world that resembles medieval Earth, but also into the arms of two massive warriors who both want to claim her.

Jarek and Marc, Brothers of the House of Garen, are elated to discover the tapestry has delivered Christina to them. Women are scarce in their world, so the men of a family must compete for the right to be her husband. But before she can choose, Christina first has to experience the lovemaking of both brothers, separately and together. Jarek and Marc use all their considerable sexual skills to pleasure her in ways she's never imagined.

But the tapestry also offers another choice. Christina could return to her own world. Jarek and Marc join forces to convince Christina to stay with them even as they fight a rival family for the right to keep her as their very own.

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Welcome to Fall!

The time has come, the seasons are changing. Today is the Fall Equinox, which marks the "official" end of summer and welcomes the oncoming fall. I love this time of year--the colorful leaves, the crisp air, the pumpkins.

So enjoy this first day of autumn. Embrace the season!

Ellora's Cave Book Sale!

Celebrate the end of summer, maybe even start your Christmas gift shopping early, with our great book sale.

Save 10% on your entire order! Ellora's Cave and Cerridwen Press,
ebooks and print books.

Use coupon code L8SUMR2009 when placing your order on the website.

Good through midnight, September 22, 2009 (US Eastern Time). (For print
books, up to that date while supplies last, based on inventory on hand.)

Go to Ellora's Cave and start shopping now!

Flashback Friday!

Eternal Brothers is the fourth book in the Dalakis Passion vampire series, but can be read as a stand alone book. I loved writing this book. I got a chance to bring back all the Dalakis brothers. As well, I got to tell Sam Cassidy's story--he's a cop who meets the Dalakis family in Lucian's Delight.

Zane York is a formidable opponent and not about to give up or give in to anyone or anything. He's also very sexy. *g*

BLURB:

The Dalakis brothers are rich, powerful men, but they have secrets — the kind that men kill to protect. Ex-cop Zane York has watched them for several years and has returned to New Orleans to resume his investigation. He has to know if his suspicions are true — are the Dalakis brothers murderous vampires?

Reporter Sophia Daring has had many tough assignments in her life, but nothing has prepared her for the late-night phone call, which leads her to the cemetery and to the body of a dead woman. The murderer drained all the blood from his victim's body and the clues point straight to the Dalakis family.

The attraction between Zane and Sophia is instantaneous and explosive. But Zane has secrets of his own and questions that need answering. Are the Dalakis family the villains or are they being framed for murder? As Zane and Sophia investigate the grisly string of deaths, they discover that the murderer may not be the family's only enemy…and a secret from the past may bring the deadliest threat yet.

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Got Questions?

October marks the 3rd anniversary of my newsletter. This means, it's also the third anniversary of my hubby's popular column--"Confessions of a Romance Writer's Husband."

To celebrate, he's opening the door for questions. If there is anything you want to ask him about me, about himself, about anything, simply email your question to nj@njwalters.com and I'll make sure he gets your question. Please put "Newsletter Question" in the subject of your email.

Depending on how many questions he receives he may not be able to answer them all. He'll do his best!

Print Book on Sale!

The PRINT version of Katie's Art of Seduction is now on sale over at Ellora's Cave for only $7.99. If you've always been curious about this book, now is a good time to try it. There are a lot of other print books on sale too. Be sure and check them out. You also get a free book with your order (EC's choice). Great deal!

BLURB:

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.


Buy Katie's Art of Seduction

Quote of the Week!

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."

~Buddha

Such simple advice, yet so incredibly hard to do. Welcome to Monday! Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Flasback Friday!

Stefan's Salvation is the third book in the Dalakis Passion series. Stefan is the youngest Dalakis brother. He was supposed to be the laid back, comic relief. NOT! He ended up being the most dangerous and powerful of the bunch. And I absolutely adore him.

*

*

*
BLURB:

Stefan Dalakis has been wandering the countryside for months. Ever since both his brothers found their mates, loneliness has been his constant companion. He's been searching for five centuries but has been unable to find the one woman whom he can love. When his travels lead him to a small roadside bar in North Carolina, he overhears a conversation that will change his life forever.

Laurel Rose McCaffey always knew she was different. Some say she has the Sight. Others say she's a witch. Most are afraid of her, but they've left her alone. That's always been fine by her. But now strange things are happening and the peaceful life she's built for herself is being threatened. Developers want her land and a lot of the townsfolk are pressuring her to sell.

A dark stranger enters her world, a man who both fascinates and frightens her. As her world spirals out of control and the threats escalate into outright violence, Laurel Rose turns to the one man she's come to trust — a vampire!

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Blueberry Goodness

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Look what I did yesterday. I had just enough fresh blueberries to make a cake. They came from my mom's backyard. She picked them just before she came to town on her last visit.

I have to say that it's very yummy!

October Extravaganza

I know it's only September, but I'm already getting ready for October. I have TWO new releases due out in October. Have Mercy, book 2 in the Project Alpha series, is due out from Ellora’s Cave Publishing on October 7th. Alexandra's Legacy, the first book in my new werewolf series, is due out from Samhain Publishing on October 13th.

To celebrate, I'm giving away a download copy of both books. Go to my website and click on the "contests" page for details on how to enter.

Quote of the Week!

"A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one."

~Baltasar Gracián

I'll admit that this quote made me chuckle. I'm guily of doing this. Thanks heavens for spell check. Although, some days even that doesn't help me come up with the word I'm looking for. *g*

There are days when I can't think of the exact word I want, especially when I'm writing a rough draft and don't want to stop long enough to figure it out. Sometimes I'll even put XXXX there until I think of the word I want.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. It's a short work week for many folks. Enjoy!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all.

I hope everyone is enjoying this last long weekend of summer.

Catch you all on Tuesday!

Guest Blogging and a Chance to Win

The future is now. Why are we so fascinated by futuristic romances? Check out my guest blog over at The Romance Studio Blue Blog today. I'm chatting about that subject as well as my latest futuristic trilogy, Project Alpha.

I'm also participating in The Romance Studio's The Book-a-Day Giveaway today. If you'd like to have a chance to win a download copy of my latest Ellora's Cave release, Embracing Silence, then pop over and enter.

By The Book Now Available in Print!

I'm thrilled to announce that By The Book is now available in PRINT from Samhain Publishing! Be sure to check it out.

BLURB:

Jamesville, Book 6

Amanda Barrington hopes Jamesville is the right place for her rare-book business—and her new life. The moving truck barely pulls away before both are off to a rousing start. It’s not her new customer that’s caught her attention, though. It’s the customer’s brother, Jonah Sutter.

From the moment cynical, ex-military Jonah sets eyes on Amanda, he burns for her like a house afire—which is what she’s going to have if she doesn’t get her house’s electrical system overhauled. He knows he’s not a forever kind of guy, but he’s more than willing to be her fix-it man. In more ways than one.

When unexpected danger threatens, Jonah finds himself dealing with more than just the desire to get Amanda into bed.

Protecting her means moving in, which exposes them both to a new danger—losing their hearts.

September Newsletter Now Available!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The September 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Christine d’Abo.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Monday, Monday!

If it's Monday, why does it feel like Friday?

I spent the morning getting a bunch of errands run and managed to work in about an hour and a half at my writing as well. I'm working on a project that's just for me. No publisher is waiting for it. I want to give myself a few weeks to tinker with the idea and see what comes from it.

The weekend was quiet. Unless, of course, you count the moose running around in the courtyard outside my apartment building on Sunday morning. I happened to look out the window after breakfast and saw several cop cars, one of which was one the lawn. I took a better look and saw the moose calmly standing in front of the building right across from mine. My camera isn't the best so I didn't get any good pictures. I'll double check later and post some if they're any good.

That's it for me today. I've got to run. I just got a call from a delivery company saying they have a package for me. I think it might be my print books from Samhain. *fingers crossed* I'll let you know.

Have a great day.

New Review for Endless Chase

Endless Chase just received a great review from Alternative-Read.com. Here's a snippet of what the reviewer had to say:

"This one was a bit different from the norm in only the best of ways (and nope I am not telling how- spoiler, spoiler), and I enjoyed immensely the fact that it was done with intellect, wit, style and a delicate trace of humor to make this one a "sit back and enjoy" read that can be savored. I will say that there are unexpected turns and shifts that catch you a bit off guard, but this just makes it more fun to read."

~WitchGiggles, Alternative-Read.com

Catch the entire review at: http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-endless-chase-dalakis-passion.html

New Ellora's Cave Contest!

In preparation for our 10 year anniversary in 2010, we are launching a huge, fun contest today with fantastic prizes!

For details, check out our video on You Tube.

Or our website contest page.


Win a Sony or Asus netbook computer

Just answer this question to enter our contest to win a netbook computer:
How has Ellora’s Cave erotic romance improved your sex life?


Prying minds want to know: Have EC books taught you new positions or bedroom games? Given you a new lease on your love life—with yourself or your lover? Taught him or her how to please you better? Given you permission to go for more O’s? Tell us all about it. We’re dying for details…


Three ways to enter:

Via You Tube (for video entries):
Post your video answer to your YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) page with this title: How Ellora’s Cave Improved My Sex Life: Your Name
Email a link to your video to EllorasContest@gmail.com

2 Grand Prizes (1 for readers’ choice and 1 for judges’ choice): Sony netbook computer
Semi-finalist Prizes: Free download from Ellora’s Cave

Via Email (for written entries):
Email your written answer to EllorasContest@gmail.com
Put “EC Contest” in the subject line

2 Grand Prizes (1 for readers’ choice and 1 for judges’ choice): Asus netbook computer
Semi-finalist Prizes: Free download from Ellora’s Cave

Via Twitter:
Tweet your written answer on Twitter: Use this hashtag: #ECsex
Grand Prize: $100 Ellora’s Cave gift certificate


The rules:
1. Deadline: Midnight, December 31, 2009
2. All Twitter entries must use this hashtag: #ECsex
3. All emailed written entries must have this in subject line: EC Contest
4. All YouTube entries must have this title on the video: How Ellora’s Cave Improved My Sex Life: Your Name.
5. Ellora’s Cave staff may not enter the contest
6. Ellora’s Cave author entries will be judged separately and winners will receive free ads. Author entries must identify author by pen name in the email.
7. Entries will be posted on http://sextalkforwickedwomen.blogspot.com/ in batches for voting. Winner of each batch will become a semi-finalist. All semi-finalists will go into final Grand Prize voting round.

The above video was shot at the 2009 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Orlando. The winner of this first round was Susan Clarke, who won an Apple gift certificate.
Others appearing in this video are, in order of appearance
Ashlyn Chase
Mari Freeman and her bf Mike
Renee Myer
Susan Clarke
Tea Trelawny
The video was shot by Will Duke, edited by Syneca Featherstone and produced by Susan Edwards.

Another New Cover!

Check out this amazing cover!

Alexandra's Legacy is up on the Coming Soon pages of Samhain Publishing! This is the first book in my new werewolf series releasing on October 13th!

BLURB:

Alexandra Riley’s day starts out like any other in her normal, predictable world. Then a tall, dark stranger bursts into her father’s garage and shatters the illusion. In one shocking moment, she discovers why she’s been feeling hot, restless—she’s the half-breed daughter of a legendary werewolf and is a much-sought-after prize.

Joshua Striker, enforcer in charge of protecting the alphas of the Wolf Creek pack, has come to take Alex home. Nothing more, nothing less. From the first moment he sees her, she becomes the one thing he can’t afford—a distraction from his duty. A weakness he doesn’t want—but can’t resist needing.

If only keeping her safe was as simple as fending off males on the hunt for a mate. Through city streets to the mountains of North Carolina, Alex and Joshua have to evade those who don’t want their pure bloodlines tainted with human DNA, as well as bounty hunters who think the only good werewolf is a dead one.

What Joshua and Alex can’t outrun is the passion that flares between them—or the choice Alex must eventually face. Whether to claim her inner wolf, or forfeit her chance to claim Joshua as her own.

The Week In Review

The last seven days have been strange in many ways. As some of you know, our main computer crashed and burned last week. We found out that they don't make motherboards like the one in ours anymore...how old is that?....LOL...so we had to buy a new computer. Well, not exactly a new one. We bought a lease return and they reused some of the parts from our old computer. It was cheap and is much better than our old one. The tech guy saved all our files, but there is still a lot of work loading programs and setting up things the way we like them. Lost all my bookmarks in my favorites. Oh well.

Could have been much worse.

In amongst the computer debacle, I had a new book release. I'm excited about the release of Embracing Silence. It's book one of the Project Alpha trilogy. This will be the first time I've ever had a series come out one book after the other. Have Mercy, book two, is releasing on October 7th.

I'm crossing my fingers that this will be a quiet, normal week. But then I ask myself: What is normal? In my home, that covers just about anything.

Have a great week!

New Cover!

check out the cover for my next Ellora's Cave Publishing release.

Have Mercy, is the next book in the Project Alpha series and is due out on October 7th!

Embracing Silence Available Today!

The Alphas have arrived!

Embracing Silence, the first book in the Project Alpha trilogy, is available today from Ellora's Cave Publishing.

BLURB: Embracing Silence

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.

Quote of the Week!

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip."

~Elmore Leonard

This quote made me laugh. It's also a very good reminder to all writers.

I'm currently working on rewrites for my latest book, trying to get it into top shape to submit to my editor. The trick is to step back from your writing and be brutal with it. You have to ask yourself that question: "Will people skip this part?" If the answer is yes, you have two choices. You can rewrite it and make it into something people want to read. Or you can cut it. That's the choice you have to make as a writer. The worst thing you can do is leave it in just because you happen to be attached to it. It doesn't matter how brilliant the prose is if it doesn't help advance the story.

Contest Reminder!

To celebrate the August 21st release of Embracing Silence from Ellora's Cave Publishing, I'm holding a contest and giving away a download copy.

For details on how to enter, just go to my website and click on the “Contests” page.

Flashback Friday

Here's a look back at Lucian’s Delight, the second book in the Dalakis Passion series. In this book you meet the second Dalakis brother--Lucian--and the woman that will change his life.


BLURB: Lucian's Delight

Book 2 in the Dalakis Passion series

At twenty-eight, Delight Deveraux enjoys her family, work and independence. But all that changes when she witnesses her boss being murdered. Suddenly, she is running for her life, pursued by the murderers who now wish to silence her. She is saved by a mysterious stranger whom she met only once before in her dreams.

Dalakis men love only once in their life, so for hundreds of years, Lucian Dalakis has searched for his mate. He is shocked when she turns up unexpectedly in his dreams. Now that he knows she exists, he will stop at nothing to find her and bind her to him.

The explosive sexual chemistry between them sends Delight reeling. Not only does she have to deal with the fact that she is still being pursued by criminals, but the man she is falling in love with is a vampire!

Delight struggles with her growing attraction to Lucian, even as she tries to protect him from the scrutiny of the police detectives investigating the murder. But the threat to her still exists and when her brother is kidnapped, Lucian takes matters into his own hands.

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Quote of the Week!

"If we are facing in the right direction,
all we have to do is keep on walking."

~Buddhist proverb

Sometimes I might not always know what I'm doing, but I tell myself that I'm going in the right direction and that's all that matters.

Monday, Monday...

Good morning and welcome to Monday. Thanks to everyone who voted for Past Promises at the Long and Short Book of the Week contest. It didn't win, but that's okay, I'm still thrilled it received a 5-book review.

This weekend was interesting to say the least. Friday evening, I developed a mysterious food allergy that caused me to break out in hives. Not pretty, but not life-threatening. No sign of breathing problems or anything like that.

Thankfully, hubby went out to the pharmacy and brought home something that cleared them up. The problem: I hadn't eaten anything I hadn't eaten a thousand times before. No new food that I could pinpoint and say "Ah ha!"

It happened twice on Saturday and again on Sunday after breakfast. Sunday lunch and supper was all fruit and vegetables, which I'm happy to report, are all okay. This morning, I'm trying multi-grain oatmeal. I want to see if it might be a wheat problem. If that's okay, I'll tackle dairy next.

I've been keeping a food diary of everything I've eaten, but there is absolutely nothing new. I have no idea where this new allergy came from. I guess I'll have to make a doctor's appointment at some point.

It's strange when your body suddenly rebels and does something totally unexpected. Thankfully, I feel totally healthy other than the hives. It could be worse.

I'll keep you updated on the search for the mystery food.

Have a great Monday!

Past Promises--Please Vote

My Samhain book, PAST PROMISES is up for Book Of The Week at Long and Short Reviews.

If you enjoyed my book, please click the link above and add your vote. :-)

Flashback Friday

Here's a look back at Harker’s Journey, my very first vampire book. I had so much fun writing this one. It started when I was looking at Bram Stoker's Dracula and wondered--what if Jonathan Harker was real...what if he had descendants who had to travel to Transylvania to deal with a mysterious, but wealthy, client. What if that descendant was a woman named Johanna Harker.

Thus, Harker's Journey was born.



BLURB: Harker’s Journey

Book 1 Dalakis Passion

Johanna Harker’s life changed drastically on her eighteenth birthday—she received a copy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, discovered her fascination with vampires, and experienced her first of many hot, erotic dreams, featuring a tall, dark and mysterious man.

For the next thirteen years, on the full moon, Johanna’s dream lover appeared. Sometimes his lovemaking was playful and tender, and on others he proved passionate and raw.

When no flesh and blood man can compete with her dream lover, Johanna puts all her energy into her job as an investment consultant and studying vampires. Her life is very quiet until she is sent to the fabled Carpathian mountains of Transylvania to meet her company’s largest client, the mysterious and demanding Cristofor Dalakis. And once again Johanna’s life takes a strange twist.

Cristofor, the enigmatic and formidable patriarch of the Dalakis family, believes that the men of his family are fated to love only once in their lifetime, and Cristofor has determined that the alluring Johanna is the one true mate for him. Ruthless and powerful, he plans to use his every skill to seduce and possess her.

But Cristofor is harboring a dark family secret that will challenge all that Johanna has known and believed.

Read an Excerpt

Purchase book

Research is Fun!

Research is fun! You never know what you might find that will spark an idea or two.

I'm discussing the research for my latest Ellora's Cave release, Amethyst Dreams, and the original "amethyst" book, Amethyst Moon. Stop by The Romance Studio Blog today and check it out!

Publisher's Weekly Mention...

There's an article in Publisher’s Weekly titled: Selling Sex in a Recession: Erotica.

It mentions that the Ellora's Cave Presents line published by Pocket Books will be releasing several anthologies this fall, including Trick or Treat, featuring work by N.J. Walters, Jan Springer, Charlene Teglia and Tawny Taylor, which is due out in October.

I'm thrilled about the mention. The funny thing is they're mostly talking about paranormal books at the time. The Trick or Treat anthology will feature my EC Quickie, Unmasking Kelly, which is a halloween story, but not a paranormal one. I do have a bunch of paranormal books, but this isn't one of them. Still, the article is about erotic romance, and Unmasking Kelly is certainly that.

I can't wait for October!

Vote for Endless Chase

Endless Chase is up for the favorite 5 Hearts Review Book of the Week from The Romance Studio. Vote today for your favorite book...maybe it might even be Endless Chase. :-)

VOTE HERE

August Newsletter Now Available!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The August 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Claire Thompson.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Flashback Friday

Anastasia’s Style was originally written as one of the Valentine Vixens series for Ellora's Cave. This Quickie is great for a quick read on a hot summer afternoon. Plus it's only $2.49. You can't go wrong!


BLURB:

Anastasia Style, owner of Hassle-free Holidays, is having anything but a hassle-free Valentine’s Day. Her normally reliable car has a flat and she has a delivery to make for a last minute, lucrative client. And if that wasn’t enough to make a woman crazy, she still has to make it to her lawyer’s office in time to sign her divorce papers.

She just has to set the stage for her client’s romantic evening and then she’s off to her lawyer’s office to officially end her marriage to Mason Style. Except her client has other ideas about how Anastasia will be spending her evening, and he has no intention of ever letting her go.

Read an Excerpt


Purchase Anastasia’s Style

New Cover!

Check out my cover for EMBRACING SILENCE, book 1 in the Project Alpha trilogy. Watch for it on August 21st from Ellora's Cave!

BLURB:

Earth 2133

Tienan is an Alpha—a genetically and computer enhanced assassin—who has escaped from the lab that created him and the Ruling Council who controlled him. He is now outside the Gate—a high tech shield, which protects the enclosed city from the contaminated and lawless land outside. Evading security forces sent to eliminate him, his only goal is 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 them, they must confront each other one final time. With time running out, sexual longing and trust battle with betrayal for supremacy.

5 Hearts for Endless Chase

Endless Chase has received a 5 Heart review from The Romance Studio!

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


"Those readers that have been following this series will be in for a treat. Chase's story is, I believe, the finale. However, I certainly wouldn’t object to more. It's an emotional journey. Powerful, tense, and at times nerve-racking, the story keeps the reader turning the pages and on the edge of their seat. N.J. cleverly leaves the reader guessing and only allows brief glimpses and unexpected turns, until she’s ready to enlighten. An exhilarating read that will not easily be forgotten after the last page is read.

While Endless Chase can and does stand alone, add this book the other four and you have an excellent continuity series that I highly recommend and is not to be missed. I doubt you’ll be disappointed."

~Abi

Check out the entire review at The Romance Studio.

Wedding Dance

My brother told me about this video and I thought I'd share it. It's the kind of thing that makes you smile.

After almost 22 years of marriage, I can tell you that a sense of humor will get you through a lot of hard times. This couple looks like they have a good foundation, and some great family and friends, if this video is any indication.

Wedding Video

Watch and enjoy!

Flashback Friday

My story A LOVE ETERNAL from the Ellora’s Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV anthology, is one of my favorites. Seth is one of the most compelling heroes I've ever written.

Blurb:

Sitting alone on a bridge late one night, Genevieve Alexander laments her safe, boring life. But when she attracts the attention of a dangerous, mysterious stranger known only as Seth, her entire world changes.

Accompanying him on his nocturnal journey through the dark streets and into the throbbing nightlife of the city, he introduces her to a world of sensual desires unlike anything she’s ever experienced. But Seth has a terrifying secret. Will she be able to throw off the shackles of her past and accept the risks that come with being with this sexy, compelling man?

Read an Excerpt

Purchase Book

Guest Blogging at The Romance Studio!

The summer is heating up!

But with everyone watching their budgets, can you still have fun this summer? You sure can. Check out my blog over at The Romance Studio for some helpful hints.

Big Print Book Sale at Ellora's Cave

Check out the great Print Books on Sale on over at Ellora’s Cave Publishing. There are tons of print books on sale for just $9.99.

Plus, you get a free print book with every order, two free books with every order over $35. How cool is that. (Free paperback books are selected at random.)

Threads of Destiny a Recommended Read

Threads of Destiny has been chosen as a Paranormal Romance Recommended Read for the month of June!

Here's a snippet of what reviewer, Stephanie Q. McGrath had to say:

"What a wonderful way to weave a tale for a character that so many of us loved. N.J. Walters has given us a fantastic and unique way to revisit a character that I personally had hoped would find happiness. I highly recommend you read this if you are one of the many fans of N.J. that wished to see Marc's story revisited. Heck, I recommend the whole series! Twists, turns, excitement and totally hot alpha male warriors...is there anything better?"

~Stephanie Q. McGrath, Paranormal Romance Reviews

Flashback Friday

Here be dragons! I always wanted to write a dragon book, so I wrote Drakon’s Treasure as part of the Ellora's Cave Autumn Animalia shapeshifter series. It's a stand-alone, Quickie. If you're looking for a HOT, inexpensive dragon tale...look no further.

*

BLURB:

Eartha has spent the last five years as a slave. By day she labors in the fields and by night she is forced to share Hameon of Gradoc's bed. But Eartha bides her time and when an opportunity comes for her to escape, she flees. With Hameon's guards in pursuit, she ducks into a dark tavern. The only hope has of saving herself from being recaptured is to join the company of a man.

Arrik Varkas Drakon is more than just a man. He is a Drakon lord. Half-dragon, half-man, his kind usually ignores the affairs of men. But from the moment Eartha steps into the bar, she intrigues him. Once he sees her face, he knows he must have her.

Arrik sweeps Eartha away from the danger, but it follows them into the mountains. When Hameon and his forces come to take her back, they discover that, above all, a dragon always guards and keeps his treasure.

Purchase Drakon’s Treasure

Read an Excerpt

Quote of the Week!

"There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden, or even your bathtub."

~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

I really like this quote. I think a spiritual trip to India or wherever draws you is a beautiful thing to do for yourself if you can afford it. But that doesn't mean you can't find it right in your own backyard. Finding that deep place of silence within you means even more when you can sustain it with a busy, normal life.

Guest Interview

Taylor Tryst invited me over to her blog.

You can check out the interview at Taylor’s Blog

New Contract...New Series!

I'm thrilled to announce that I've just signed a new contract with Samhain Publishing for my new book Alexandra's Legacy. This is the first book in a werewolf/paranormal series that will probably feature some vampires and other creatures that go bump in the night as the series continues.

Alexandra's Legacy is due out this October.

More details as they become available!

Flashback Friday

This week, I'm featuring Three Swords, One Heart. It is a ménage a trois/fantasy romance I wrote as part of the Ellora's Cave Torrid Tarot series.

My book uses the card the three of sword as its inspiration, which means heartache and a severing from past ties. Check it out at Ellora’s Cave.

BLURB:

Malik and Kalis are cursed to forever wander the world, searching for the one woman who can break the curse that has plagued their family for seven generations. An ancestor angered a sorceress with his greed and evil intentions and, since that time, in each generation of their family the firstborn are always twin boys who each bear the mark of the curse.

The woman destined to break the curse is a warrior woman, adept at hunting and battle—a woman who will give herself and her love freely to both men.

Upon the death of her father, Zarina is cast out of her desert tribe. Raised more as a male than female, she is more at home wielding a blade than tending a home. But she is a fighter, determined to survive.

When their paths collide, both men know they have found the right woman, but Zarina is mistrustful. Do they want her simply because they believe she can break the curse or does their attraction go deeper than that? But fate will not be denied and the three wounded souls must face their destiny together.

Read An Excerpt

Buy the ebook

Amethyst Dreams Out Today!

Today is a very special day. My 30th Ellora's Cave book, Amethyst Dreams, is being released today!

*

This menage a trois/time-travel is a sequel to Amethyst Moon, but can be read as a stand alone book.

*

BLURB:

Dr. Augustine Mitchell has made her career researching a lost civilization. She owes her success to her colleague and friend, Olivia Fifield, who mysteriously disappeared four years earlier, leaving her with a set of notes, a vague letter and a silver and amethyst necklace.

Decisions and dreams plague her waking and sleeping hours. At a crossroads in her life, Augustine sets off on an archeological dig. The discovery of a secret room sets off a chain of events that land her in the world of T’ar Tal and in the arms of two sexy men—Rorik and Kirce.

Augustine is shocked when the men from her dreams are suddenly real. There is no denying the sexual chemistry that sparks between her and her two lovers, but there are seemingly insurmountable problems as well. Their destinies are entwined, but only Augustine can decide their fate.

*

Buy today from Ellora’s Cave

Flashback Friday...a few days late

Better late than never. With the excitement of the holiday, I forgot all about Flashback Friday.


I want to feature Amethyst Moon, a fantasy/menage a trois novella. The sequel, Amethyst Dreams, is due out this Wednesday, although both books can be read as stand alone novels.


BLURB:


Amethyst Moon

Archaeologist Olivia Fifield has spent her entire life trying to live down the legacy of her grandfather and his theories on a lost civilization. Her only link to this place is a set of amethyst bracelets that he left her when he died.

Now she is on the archeological dig of her life and has a chance not only to clear her grandfather’s name, but to make her own reputation as well. But there are some who don’t want her to succeed.

What she uncovers is not a lost civilization, but a totally different world. The amethyst bracelets are the keys that transport her there and into the arms of Tor and Dak, two warriors of T’ar Tal. But the future is anything but certain and only Olivia can decide the fate of them all.

Read an Excerpt

Buy Amethyst Moon

Happy July 4th!

*

*

*

Happy July 4th!

*

Have a wonderful weekend with family, friends, great food and fun.

July Newsletter Now Available!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The July 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Kate Hill.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!

Have a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends!

Out with the old...

Out with the old...and in with the new!

I finished up a manuscript today and sent it off to my editor. Now the waiting begins. But I don't sit around and do nothing while I'm waiting. I get right to work on my next project.

But first...I clean!

After I send off a manuscript, I get out the dustcloth and dig out my desk. I file my notes and research material, garbage anything that needs to go and clear away the space. That way, I feel like I'm truly finished and am ready to begin a new project. It's just a ritual I do and I find it works for me.

So, my desk is clean. There are no notecards propped up against my keyboard, no filecards piled to one side of my monitor and no scribbled notes propped up on my paper stand. It's all clear and ready for the next mess...I mean creative endeavour.

Now I just need to figure out what that project is.

Have a great Monday!

Flashback Friday

This is the third Flashback Friday, so I thought I'd finish the Summersville Secrets series with a look at Lily Blossoms. This is an older woman/younger man romance. It's part of the series, but can be read as a stand alone book.

BLURB: Lily Blossoms

“What do you say?” Carson, the man she’s lusted over for the past five years, is standing in her kitchen, offering himself up for research.

Lily isn’t convinced she hasn’t fallen asleep at her keyboard and is now having the most amazing dream. No one in the town of Summersville knows she writes erotic romance under a pseudonym. Everyone knows her as the quiet, conservative woman who owns and operates the local flower shop, Lily’s Blossoms. She’s rarely dated and certainly not a man eight years younger.

But Carson is resolute. He’s wanted Lily for years and when he stumbles onto her secret, he seizes the opportunity to get closer to her. Lily has a list of erotic fantasies she wants to research including sex in public, roses, whipped cream and a striptease. Carson has a few ideas of his own and he’s determined to be the man she experiences each and every item with. What she doesn’t know is that he has an agenda of his own—one that ends with them together forever.

Purchase Lily Blossoms

Check out my Website

The Romance Studio--Book-a-Day Giveaway

I'm part of The Romance Studio Book-a-Day Giveaway today.

If you'd like a chance to win a download copy of my latest Samhain Publishing release, Past Promises, just click the link above to enter.

BLURB: PAST PROMISES

For Linda Fletcher, the sign in front of her new business says it all. Past Promises Antiques is her declaration of independence from her powerful and manipulative family—and a vow to herself that her future will be different.

She never considered herself the no-strings-affair type, but the chemistry between her and her newly hired handyman is too intense to ignore. Moving to Jamesville was a bold step, so what’s the harm in taking one more—into his arms?

Levi Mann’s shadowed past keeps his bags packed light and his feet on the move. But one look at Linda, and he finds himself willing to hang around—just long enough to figure out what it is that triggers their explosive passion.


Purchase Past Promises

Two Great Reads!

I recently discovered two new authors...at least new to me...and I thought I'd pass along their names in case anyone is looking for a great read.


The first is Jennifer Haymore. A Hint of Wicked is a historical romance that I found to be original and totally engaging. I honestly wasn't certain how the author was going to resolve the conflicts, but she did so skillfully. I was totally satisfied and look forward to her next book!


The next book was by Carolyn Jewel. My Wicked Enemy was a totally captivating paranormal romance. I'll definitely be reading more by this author.


If you're looking for a new author, why not give one of these ladies a try.



Blurb:

Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his cousin and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul. . . until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands-and his wife.

TORN BETWEEN TWO HUSBANDS . . .

Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and


introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game-where the stakes are not only love . . . but life and death.



Blurb:

A desire that can't be controlled...Carson Philips is a witch on the run. For years, the notorious mage, Alvaro Magellan, has held her as his psychological prisoner. But once Carson gets a glimpse of the true extent of his evil, she flees Magellan's mansion--stealing a stone talisman of unimaginable power on the way. Her only hope for survival is a demon who ignites a voracious hunger in her she can't deny, a longing she can't resist...


A hunger that can't be sated...Nikodemus is a warlord with a mission: Kill Magellan and his green-eyed witch at any cost. But when he meets the desperate Carson, the pull of her magic takes his breathe away. He's not sure he can trust this tantalizing woman--she is his enemy--and less sure he can keep his hands off her. But Magellan will stop at nothing to reclaim what belongs to him. Can Nikodemus stop him before his desire for Carson destroys them both?

Happy Solstice!

Today marks the Summer Solstice--the longest day/shortest night of the year.

This is also known as Midsummer and is celebrated by many cultures, both past and present. Do something special today to mark the longest day of the year!

Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solstice

Flashback Friday

What do you get when you combine a sexy guy, a sensible career woman and a hot summer day...a HEAT WAVE!

BLURB: Heat Wave
Book 2 Summersville Secrets (But can be read as a stand alone book)

Emma Howard has been sensible her entire life, focusing all her time and energy on her career. In fact, Emma doubts that there is much passion inside her, at least until Tucker Martin moves into her apartment building. Their immediate reaction to one another is explosive and she grabs the opportunity to explore her awakening sexuality. But after a heated encounter, Emma backs away from their growing relationship, unwilling to trust the passion flaring between them.

Tucker’s wanted Emma since the first moment he laid eyes on her. When a blackout traps them in an elevator, it’s not just the heat wave that makes Emma feel hot. Determined to convince her that they are made for each other, he’s more than willing to take advantage of the circumstances that have trapped them alone together.

But Emma’s fears go deeper than either of them realizes, and she will have to face her past before she can claim a future with Tucker.

You can check out Heat Wave or any of my other Ellora's Cave books at Ellora’s Cave

Discover New Authors Feature...

The Samhellion, the newsletter of Samhain Publishing, has a wonderful feature--Discover New Authors.
*

Readers can download the first half of the book for free. That allows them to get a sense of the author's writing style and to see if they might enjoy the book. If they want to finish the book, they can purchase it. If not, they're not out any money.



This month, I'm one of the featured authors.
*
You can download the first half of my Jamesville book, The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke. Just go to the Discover New Authors page of The Samhellion.

*

Happy Reading!

Message from Ellora's Cave Management

As many EC readers have noticed, we've recently had a number of issues with the
Ellorascave.com website. This past week has seen us enter the final stages of
transferring our site to bigger and better web servers to meet the demands of our ever growing family of customers, resulting in some interruption of ourservices. We have a dedicated team of developers at work resolving our web-related dysfunctions and expect to have things once again running along smoothly very soon.

To thank you for your infinite patience during this transitory period JasmineJade is offering all of our treasured readers 10% off their entire orderin the JasmineJade.com store for the rest of June. That includes Ellora's Cave ebooks and print books (even the ones on sale)!

To get your 10% discount enter ECWEB2009 into the coupon field when completing
your purchase at http://www.jasminejade.com./

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Happy reading!

Summer is finally here! To celebrate, I’m giving away 5 PRINT Books between June 1st and July 31st—Summersville Heat, Overtime, Under Him, Candy Caresses, Ellora’s Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III, and Feral Fixation.

The copy of Summersville Heat has been given away. The next drawing--on June 15th--is for Overtime, Under Him.

June 30th--Candy Caresses

July 15th--Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction III

July 30th--Feral Fixation.

To enter, just go to my website and click on the “contests” page for details. You only have to enter once to be eligible for all the drawings.

Flashback Friday

I thought it would be fun to take a peek back at some of my books over the summer months. I'm calling this new feature...Flashback Friday. To start Flashback Friday is Annabelle Lee.

Annabelle Lee was my very first published book...the one that started my career.

BLURB:

Annabelle Lee
Book 1 Summersville Secrets

By day Annabelle Lee is a perfect small town librarian with loose-fitting dresses and hair scrunched up in a tight bun. But at night, lying in her lonely bed, her sensuality emerges in scorching, erotic dreams about Mike Sloan.

Annabelle’s not the only one with a few fantasies, Mike has been dreaming of stripping her out of her prim clothing and into his bed, and when the opportunity arises, he grabs at the chance. Soon they’re heating up the sheets, and each other, with steamy sexual interludes.

While Annabelle is luxuriating in their no-strings, secret affair, Mike is longing for something more permanent—like exploring the exhilarating heights of passion as man and wife.

Read an Excerpt

You can purchase Annabelle Lee

Guest Blogging at the Samhain Publishing Blog!

Where We Live--it influences what an author writes, for better or worse. That's what I'm discussing today over at the Samhain Publishing Blog. See how where I've lived has influenced my writing.

Check it out!

Review for Threads of Destiny

Threads of Destiny just received a glowing review from Paranormal Romance Reviews. Here's a snippet of what reviewer, Stephanie Q. McGrath had to say:

"What a wonderful way to weave a tale for a character that so many of us loved. N.J. Walters has given us a fantastic and unique way to revisit a character that I personally had hoped would find happiness. I highly recommend you read this if you are one of the many fans of N.J. that wished to see Marc's story revisited. Heck, I recommend the whole series! Twists, turns, excitement and totally hot alpha male warriors...is there anything better?"

To read the entire review, click HERE

Beach and Brunch

Yesterday morning, hubby and I went to the beach. It was a cold, rainy morning, which wasn't so bad. It meant we were the only folks actually on the beach. Almost everyone else stayed in their cars. Since I was dressed warm and don't mind getting wet, we wandered up and down the beach together with the waves crashing onto the shore next to us. It was very nice.

Then it was off to brunch with the family. My brother cooked tons of food. We all ate way too much good food and generally had a wonderful time.

Hope you had just as good a time this past weekend as I did.

Welcome to Monday!

Endless Chase gets 5 Stars!

Just Erotic Romance Reviews has given Endless Chase 5 Stars!

Here's a snippet of what reviewer, LT Blue, had to say:

"As a fan of the Dalakis Passion series I was ecstatic to see Ms. Walters has created Endless Chase as the fifth book...There are plenty of secondary characters in the story, including all of the stars from the previous books. I enjoyed that they didn’t take away from Chase’s story but they enhanced it. The sexual acts were as hot as I expected from the initial meeting of Chase and Katya. All fans of the Dalakis Passion series will be very happy with this story. Newcomers to the series will also enjoy this stand-alone read."

~LT Blue-Just Erotic Romance Reviews (JERR)

Thank you JERR and LT Blue!

Guest Blogging...

I'm guest blogging at The Raven Happy Hour Blog today.

I'm chatting about the Carpathian Mountains and how they inspired my Dalakis Passion vampire series. Check it out!

Featured Author at TRS for June!

I'm a featured author over at The Romance Studio for the month of June. I'm talking about my latest Samhain book, Past Promises. Check it out.

June Newsletter Now Available!

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The June 2009 issue is now available!

Check out the this month’s author interview with Sylvia Day.

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.

Romance--Alive and Well

The economy has taken a hit over the past year, but the romance book industry is alive and well. Check out this article on the msnbc.com.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30986580/?gt1=43001

The difference a few days can make...

It's amazing the difference a few days can make. Tuesday it was snowing. Today is sunny and around 68 degrees. The past few days have been lovely. Hubby and I have been out walking quite a bit, taking advantage of the nice weather.

It's Friday! I hope all of you have a fabulous weekend.

I'm not sure what I'll be doing this weekend. Maybe a bit of writing, some reading, but other than that, only time will tell.