Writer's Wednesday--Please Welcome Isobelle Cate

Please welcome Isobelle Cate to the Writer's Wednesday!

Hi NJ!

Thank you for having me guest today.

My name is Isobelle Cate. I’m a contemporary and paranormal romance author.  My paranormal romance series is called the Cynn Cruor Bloodline Series that starts with Rapture at Midnight followed by Forever at Midnight.  I interviewed Rapture at Midnight’s hero, Finn Qualtrough and here’s the transcript of my interview.

                        Interview with Finn Qualtrough      

(Manchester Faesten’s Library/Nerve Centre a little after 6:00pm)

Me: Hello Finn.  Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

Finn: My pleasure, Isobelle. It’s good to have a chance to get to know your readers....more intimately.

I clear my throat before smiling: How is Eirene?

Finn (grins): Still a beautiful distraction. She left with Deanna to set up the network for the Haven Foundation. She’s creating a network between Deanna’s foundation and her own charity, Kinds Come Home.

Me: Eirene is the computer expert of the team?

Finn: Yes she is. Graeme as well, who’s more of our Head of Security. Eirene did what we Cynn Cruor found hard to do. Find Dac Valerian.

Me: Is that how you met?

Finn (chuckling): In a manner of speaking.  I was chasing after several of Dac's followers or transfuges and found her instead. They were running after her after she decked them. (Finn laughs).

Me: And Dac's followers?

Finn grins with satisfaction and pride: Dead. All dead, with Eirene's help.  That woman can really kick and is very handy with a baton and the balisong, the Philippine butterfly knife.

Me: Has the Cynn Cruor has been fighting Dac Valerian for a long time?

Finn: Yes, the former Gnaeus Valerius Dacronius.  He was one of Caesar's greatest generals and wanted recognition for his campaigns but the Cynn Cruor code forbade it.

Me: Why doesn't the Cynn Cruor --

Finn: I know what you're going to ask, Isobelle. Why don't we want to be recognized, for people to know who we are?

I nod.

Finn: Let me ask you...what would happen if the world knew of our existence?  A race of hybrids with vamp, were, and human blood infused with immortality. Stress on immortality.

Me: Uh…people would want to be like you. They won’t age.

Finn: Spot on. And what would happen if Dac and the Scatha Cruor showed themselves for who they were – evil personified?

I nod, exhaling: No innocent will be safe.

Finn:  It’s easier for us to fight a war without people knowing what we are doing. The less people know, the lesser the casualties.

Me: How long will this war last?

Finn (shrugs): As long as it takes.

Me: You live in the edge of day and night. Doesn’t it make you wish that you could walk in the sun?

Finn: Centuries ago, I was able to walk in the sun. My parents couldn’t. They often stayed indoors when the sun was hottest. It was lonely playing by myself around our estate near Pluscarden. I may have taken the sun for granted then.  It didn’t matter to me as long as I had my parents with me. I already knew that I was Cynn Cruor, that I would someday leave my home to train and be a warrior just like my father. (His voice tightens) When I lost my parents during one of the wars with the Scatha Cruor, the sun disappeared from my life. Until Eirene. So you see, whether that fireball in the sky is there or not, I care not. The Cynn Cruor can still walk in the sun but we have to be careful. When the skies are overcast, before Dawn claims the horizon and when Dusk puts it to bed, we can walk. It’s uncomfortable but we can if we must.

Me: Eirene is mortal.

Finn: She is now immortal. As long as I’m alive, so is she.

Me: Has she ever missed the sun? Has she asked you to do so?

Finn (smiles at a memory): Eirene wanted to go back to Platt Field’s Park where we first met.  Winter had arrived and there was frost on the ground. The sun was probably at the ten o’clock.  The sky was clear and blue up to probably Angels 70, altitude 70,000 feet. It was painful, but beautiful.

I gasp: Why did you do that?

Finn: Because I love her.

Me: She’s very lucky to have you.

Eirene: Yes, I am. Hello, Isobelle. (She gives me a hug.) Finn been talking how strong he is?

I laugh: No. We were talking about Dac and how you found him.

Eirene (shakes her head ruefully): The Cynn still can’t get over it. Unfortunately, we’ve lost him again.

Me: Any idea how to find him again?

Finn:  We’re still working on it. In the meantime, I’d like to take my mate for R&R.

I redden: Okaaaayyy. Some other time then. I’ll see myself out.

Finn: Come back anytime you wish, Isobelle. You are always welcome here.

Eirene (grins): I’m echoing that.

Me: Thanks and I will. I’m interviewing all of you remember?

Eirene (with a twinkle in her eye): Who knows?  A Cynn Cruor might fall for you one day.

I stare at her, my mouth agape before I laugh: Only in my dreams.

Eirene (winks): Uh huh.

Me: I’m going! I’m going!

Laughter follows me as I leave the library.

Blurb of Rapture at Midnight:

There is an on-going war between two breeds of immortal warriors who carry human, vampire, and werewolf blood, the Cynn Cruor and the Scatha Cruor. The Cynn Cruor want to live in harmony with the human race. The Scatha Cruor wants to enslave them. Finn Qualtrough, a Cynn Cruor warrior is on a mission to find Dac Valerian, the leader of the Scatha Cruor responsible for the deaths of many, including his parents. When he pursues three Scatha warriors who can lead him to Dac, he happens upon a woman who awakens a desire within Quinn to claim her as his own.

She is the very essence of his immortal life.

Eirene Spence is an insomniac and a computer genius who loves walking in the park at midnight. She stumbles upon the Scatha Cruor and is almost killed until a handsome stranger rescues her. His touch ignites a hunger inside her that only he can satisfy.

He is her soul.

By some twist of fate, one of Eirene’s clients is Dac Valerian. She is able to tell Finn and the rest of the Cynn Cruor where Dac is hiding. Now Dac wants her dead.

Will Finn be able to keep Eirene alive and at the same time fulfill his mission? Will Eirene’s wish to be part of Finn’s life come true knowing that he is destined for someone else?

Buy links for Rapture at Midnight:

Amazon US http://amzn.to/1chcEQo

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/13ZDhsU

Other Books by Isobelle:

Book title: Forever at Midnight

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Roarke catches a glimpse of Deanna in Dac Valerian’s club. He is unable to believe that Deanna is alive when he buried her himself nearly five hundred years before. He searches for her in the streets of Manchester just to prove that he hasn’t lost his mind.  But when Deanna turns up on the street facing the Cynn Cruor’s headquarters, Roarke needs to know why she hid herself from him.

Knowing that her secret can only destroy whatever feelings Roarke has left for her, Deanna remains silent until circumstances force her to reveal everything.

Hearts are broken on both sides but Roarke and Deanna have to work together if they are to find a way of ending Dac and the Scatha Cruor’s power once and for all. Desire rises and passions are rekindled.

Will their pursuit of Dac lead to another chance at happiness?

Or will it forever tear them apart?

Buy Links:

Amazon US http://amzn.to/18Y4QPi

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1baJ7VI

Other books by Isobelle:

Book title: Love in Her Dreams

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Alec and Tamsyn know they are meant to be together though they have never met. And yet their passion for each other consumes them when they dream.

Alec knows that Tamsyn is the woman for him, but finding her at the moment is an impossibility. Or is it?

After resigning from her job, Tamsyn takes a break in Scotland when she feels the presence of the man who haunts her dreams. He is tangibly near and in Edinburgh. The sex they have in her sleeping moments becomes more real. But how can she find him in the streets of Edinburgh when the only thing she remembers is his touch, his scent, his passion?

Buy Links:

Secret Cravings Publishing:  http://bit.ly/15zacRg

Amazon US:     http://amzn.to/18wDtOY

Amazon UK:    http://amzn.to/15cFFKe

Book Title:  Lakam

Genre: Historical Fiction:

Blurb:

The year is 1607. The Spanish have landed on the shores of the Philippines to pacify the natives, convert them to Christianity, and mine the islands for its gold.

Headstrong and loyal, Lakam, a Babaylan, refuses to submit to Spanish imperial authority and convert to Christianity. With her village destroyed and her people killed, she seeks refuge in the Cave of Rituals in the jungle vastness of the sacred mountains, but she is caught, raped and tortured. On the eve of her execution, she regains her freedom with the help of her jailer, Joaquin Santiago, who refuses to see her killed. Now a remontada (outlaw), Lakam realizes the old ways will cease to exist unless she finds a way for it to continue in the ruined ashes of the world she knows.

Buy links:

Amazon US http://amzn.to/1dUfj19

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1dhi0fy

Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1jbCJUq

About Isobelle:

Isobelle Cate is a woman who wears different masks. Mother-writer, wife-professional, scholar-novelist. Currently living in Manchester, she has been drawn to the little known, the secret stories, about the people and the nations: the English, the Irish, the Scots, the Welsh, and those who are now part of these nations whatever their origins. Her vision and passion are fuelled by her interest and background in history and paradoxically, shaped by growing up in a clan steeped in lore, loyalty, and legend.

Isobelle is intrigued by forces that simmer beneath the surface of these cultures, the hidden passions, unsaid desires, and yearnings unfulfilled.

Follow Isobelle:

Blog: http://isobellecate.beaucoupllc.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIsobelleCate?ref=hl#

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/isobellecate

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isobelle_Cate

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7191925.Isobelle_Cate

Tuesday Teaser and New Cover for Jackson's Jewel

JACKSON'S JEWEL has a new cover! Be sure to check out this steaming hot contemporary romance.

BLURB:


Book Five in the Awakening Desires series.

The last thing Jackson Connors wants is a housekeeper. He likes his life just as it is—solitary and uncomplicated.

Emerald Jewel is a New York designer with a stalker on her trail. She needs a place to hide out and Jackson’s farm is the perfect solution to her problem. The last thing she wants is to be attracted to her sexy new boss.


Neither of them is prepared for the explosion of passion that flares between them. They try to resist, but the desire will not be denied. Jackson knows Emerald’s life is in New York and his is on the farm. He’ll eventually have to let her go, but he’s not about to let her face this threat on her own.

But the stalker is getting closer to finding Emerald and will stop at nothing to possess her. As the threat around her escalates, she must face leaving Jackson to draw the danger away from the man she’s coming to love.


TUESDAY TEASER:

Uh-oh, Mr. Hottie wasn’t pleased about her being here. Emerald wondered who he was even as she turned back to Erin. The other woman was smiling at the man. Emerald got a sinking feeling in her stomach.

“Emerald, I’d like you to meet my brother, Jackson Connors. It’s him you’ll be working for.”

She’d just known that this wouldn’t be easy. Still, she needed this job worse than she’d ever needed anything in her life. She could bury her burgeoning desire for her new boss. Besides which, she wouldn’t be here long enough to really get involved with the man. His life was here and hers was back in New York. She was just tired, and like any woman, she could appreciate a final male specimen. It didn’t mean anything.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Connors.” She held out her hand and his large, tanned one quickly swallowed it up.

“Might as well call me Jackson since you’re going to be living with me.

BUY FROM ELLORA'S CAVE

Guest Blogging...

I'm over at CIANA STONE'S BLOG today talking about my latest Samhain release and a whole lot more. Be sure to stop by and check it out!

CLICK HERE

Jonathan & Charlotte - Il Mondo È Nostro (Live This Morning)

Love Jonathan and Charlotte. I've been playing their CD Together a lot lately. Crazy to think they're both still teenagers. Amazingly talented!

Johnny Cash-When the Man Comes Around

I grew up on Johnny Cash. He was my father's favorite music artist. My brother and sister and I still know the words to Boy Named Sue. This is an amazing song that turns up on a lot of television shows. Only last week it was on the Blacklist. It's been used on Sleepy Hollow as well. I only wish there was an actual video for it.

Weekend Bookclub

DARK WOLF by Christine Feehan is one of the books I read this past week. I've been reading her Carpathian series since book one and I still enjoy them. I like that she's taken the series off in a new direction  the past two books to keep it fresh. Feehan is still a master of the paranormal genre.

*Don't try clicking on the cover. Click on the book title above to go to Amazon to see more about this book.*

BLURB:

In Dark Lycan, Christine Feehan journeyed into the heart of the Carpathians, and into the souls of two lifemates stirred by the flush of passion and the threat of annihilation. In Dark Wolf, the breathtaking story continues as the bonds of family are imperiled, and the fate of two lovers lies hidden in the seductive shadows between life and death.

Skyler Daratrazanoff always recognized the miracle that was Dimitri Tirunul, a man beyond any dream that had ever engaged her nights. But she was human. Vulnerable. He was Carpathian. Nearly immortal. She was nineteen. He was an ancient. Yet she held half his soul, the light to his darkness. Without her, he would not survive. Caught between the two warring species, Dimitri has spent centuries hunting the undead to keep his people free, and humans safe. He had survived honorably when others had chosen to give up their souls. But now, marked for extermination by the Lycans, Dimitri found himself alone, and fearing for his life. But salvation was coming…

No Lycan would ever suspect someone like Skyler to dare mount a secret rescue operation. A teenage girl. A human of untested abilities. But she had something no one else had. She was predestined for Dimitri—as he was for her. And there was nothing stronger for Skyler than her desire to see her life-dream come true. Whatever the risk. 


RIVER ROAD by Jayne Ann Krentz takes this author back to her roots of romantic suspense. Krentz is one of my all-time favorite authors and an auto-buy for me. And she delivers in River Road.

*Don't try clicking on the cover. Click on the book title above to go to Amazon to see more about this book.*

BLURB:

It’s been thirteen years since Lucy Sheridan was in Summer River. The last time she visited her aunt Sara there, as a teenager, she’d been sent home suddenly after being dragged out of a wild party—by the guy she had a crush on, just to make it more embarrassing. Obviously Mason Fletcher—only a few years older but somehow a lot more of a grown-up—was the overprotective type who thought he had to come to her rescue.

Now, returning after her aunt’s fatal car accident, Lucy is learning there was more to the story than she realized at the time. Mason had saved her from a very nasty crime that night—and soon afterward, Tristan, the cold-blooded rich kid who’d targeted her, disappeared mysteriously, his body never found.

A lot has changed in thirteen years. Lucy now works for a private investigation firm as a forensic genealogist, while Mason has quit the police force to run a successful security firm with his brother—though he still knows his way around a wrench when he fills in at his uncle’s local hardware store. Even Summer River has changed, from a sleepy farm town into a trendy upscale spot in California’s wine country. But Mason is still a protector at heart, a serious (and seriously attractive) man. And when he and Lucy make a shocking discovery inside Sara’s house, and some of Tristan’s old friends start acting suspicious, Mason’s quietly fierce instincts kick into gear. He saved Lucy once, and he’ll save her again. But this time, she insists on playing a role in her own rescue . . .

Laurie Roma's January Symposium: Let's Get It Started

This month Laurie asked her friends and fellow authors to let her know a little bit about what they are working on to start off the new year. If you want to know what I'm doing this year, check it out.

LAURIE ROMA'S JANUARY SYMPOSIUM: LET'S GET IT STARTED

Craig's Heart is now available from Samhain Publishing!

I'm absolutely thrilled that CRAIG'S HEART is now available from Samhain Publishing! Check out this new addition to the Legacy series.

BLURB: A vampire’s heart is not meant to beat this fast


Legacy, Book 7


Craig Lawton’s life is full. Filled with normal things like work as a video-game creator and financial investor, and not-so-normal things like two half-werewolf siblings and a vampire best friend.

He’s accustomed to being the only human in the room…until he attempts to help a desperate, newly made vampire in the throes of her first transformation.

Evie Pelowski is a woman alone. Left alone in a filthy alley to become a monster like the one that attacked her, unable to control the bloodlust surging through her veins. Now she’s done the unforgivable—turned her Good Samaritan into a monster just like her.

They must face the future while coming to grips with their new realities. But despite a strong bond ignited by blood and forged in the heat of sexual desire, despite Craig’s unshakeable determination to teach her to trust, Evie knows nothing she loves ever stays. Especially when the vampire who made her wants her back—and he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way.


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Debt of Honor out Today!

DEBT OF HONOR, my new Ellora's Cave western Quickie is available TODAY!

BLURB:

“One night in my bed.”

That’s what Derek Montague wants from Kaitlyn Jacobs in order to pay off the debt her younger brother owes. Now she has a choice to make.

Derek’s wanted the standoffish Kaitlyn for years. Using her brother’s debt as an excuse to get closer to her, he gives her one option if she wants to settle it—spend one night in his bed. He expects her to throw the offer back in his face, but she agrees.

After one long, hot night of loving, Kaitlyn discovers everything is not what it seems. She’s not sure if Derek has made a fool of her or if this debt of honor could be something more.

A Romantica® western erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave


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Samhain Publishing International Paperback Giveaway!

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Samhain Publishing International Paperback Giveaway over at GIVE ME BOOKS.

I've offered up a print copy of DAMEK'S REDEMPTION as a prize.

There is a major prize of a Samhain Goodie bag including swag and a $50 gift card for the Samhain Site. As well there are 32 prizes of paperbacks from Samhain Authors

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Guest Blogging at ARe Cafe

It's been two weeks since we rang in the New Year, but I'm over at the ALL ROMANCE EBOOK CAFE today talking about New Year's resolutions.

Drop by and check it out.

Debt of Honor--Hot New Cover!

Check out the cover for DEBT OF HONOR, my new Ellora's Cave Quickie coming on January 17th!

BLURB:

“One night in my bed.”

That’s what Derek Montague wants from Kaitlyn Jacobs in order to pay off the debt her younger brother owes. Now she has a choice to make.


Derek’s wanted the standoffish Kaitlyn for years. Using her brother’s debt as an excuse to get closer to her, he gives her one option if she wants to settle it—spend one night in his bed. He expects her to throw the offer back in his face, but she agrees.


After one long, hot night of loving, Kaitlyn discovers everything is not what it seems. She’s not sure if Derek has made a fool of her or if this debt of honor could be something more.


A Romantica® western erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Night of the Tiger is now in PRINT!

NIGHT OF THE TIGER is now available in PRINT!

BLURB:
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.


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ALSO IN EBOOK

New Cover!

Check out my amazing new cover. Wolf at the Door is the first book in the Salvation Pack series and will be released by Samhain Publishing on April 15th.

Christmas in January

Went to the mail this morning and look what I found! The amazing Donna Gallagher sent me a tin of Tim Tams all the way from Australia. I already ate the dark chocolate ones. Yum. :)

Love the miniature rugby ball too. And there are two small packs of vegemite for me to try as well. What a wonderful surprise!

Happy New Year!

A bitterly cold start to the new year! The Atlantic Ocean looks so cold.

I was out of the car long enough to get this picture taken before I ran back to the warmth!

Happy New Year!

 

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2014!

2013 in Review

It's that time of year again--time to look back on the past 12 months of my writing career. It was a busy year and I had 7 new ebooks and 4 print books released! I'm hoping 2014 will be just as exciting.

Thank you to all of you who have ever bought and read one of my books. I can't thank you enough. You're allowing me to live my dream of being a full-time writer. You're the best!


--January 1st, Quinn's Quest was released in print!

--Stroke of Sapphire was released by Ellora's Cave on January 9th.

--Night of the Tiger was released by Samhain Publishing on January 15th.

--April 2nd, Finding Chrissten was released in print!

--Mark of the Bear, the second book in the Hades' Carnival series, came out on April 16th!

--Strands of Love, the final Tapestries book, was released on May 10th.

--May 21st, Out of Shadows was released in print!

--Pride of the Lion, book three in the Hades' Carnival series, was released on July 16th.

--Double or Nothing, a hot western ménage a trois, came out on August 7th.

--September 3rd, Damek's Redemption was released in print!

--Howl of the Wolf, book 4 in the Hades' Carnival series, was released on October 8th.


I also wrote a lot in 2013 and have a brand new werewolf series starting in April 2014 with Samhain Publishing. (The first three books in the series have already been written and contracted.) But first, a new Legacy book, Craig's Heart, will be released on January 21st.

With Ellora's Cave, watch for Debt of Honor (a western Quickie) on January 17th. I also have two more books contracted with EC (contemporary) and will hopefully have dates for them soon.

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL! 

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Happy December 24th!

 

A Visit from St. Nicholas

by Clement Clarke Moore

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

 

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

 

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

 

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

 

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

 

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

 

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

 

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

 

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

 

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

 

Thank You!

It's Christmas Eve Eve and many of you will be travelling or very busy over the next few days. I just wanted to take a moment to thank all my amazing readers for making 2013 a wonderful year. I have the best job in the world and it's all because of you! I've never met any of you in person, but you make me smile every day and you've all impacted my life.

 

Happy Holidays to you all! Stay safe, have fun and I hope you have the best Christmas ever.

 

HUGS
NJ

Happy Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. From here on, the days get longer. Take some time today to stop and simply be. There is so much rushing around during the holiday season that we sometimes don't stop and breathe.

Happy Solstice! Blessed Yule!

Laurie Roma December Symposium: The Best is Yet to Come

For a special December symposium, Laurie Roma asked her friends and fellow authors to give a recap of 2013 and share some of their most memorable moments with all of you! I stopped by and shared some of my best moments. Be sure to check it out.

LAURIE ROMA'S DECEMBER SYMPOSIUM: THE BEST IS YET TO COME

The Smutketeer's 12 Days of X-mas Celebration

Want to join in the fun and have a chance to win some cool prizes? I'm part of the Day 11 fun, and I'm giving away a PDF copy of a book from my backlist...winner's choice. So be sure to stop by and leave a comment. There are tons of prizes to be won, including a Grand Prize of a $300 gift card to Amazon or B&N from the Smutketeers!

 

Click here:  SMUTKETEERS 12 DAYS OF XMAS CELEBRATION

 

From R.G. The Xmas Elf: Is it that time again already? I gotta be honest, the Elf got a little behind on the big performance this year. The male models were no-shows, the unicorn masks never arrived, and don’t even get me started on the tutu situation. So we may have to make do with stringed popcorn and paper hats, but we made it! Another year! Another 12 days of authors and goodies and X-mas!

 

This year is all about you. Don’t look over your shoulder, I’m talking to you. The Smutketeers and TONS of our author and blogger friends would like to thank you for another year of being the best readers in the universe, and give you their own special holiday message. Each day will bring another post full of friends and giveaways…and occasionally singing and dirty limericks.

 

***CONTEST***IF you hang with us until the end, comment every day and maybe let your friends know about our party, you have the chance to be one of 12 winners (a winner for each day) and you’ll also be entered to win The Smutketeers grand prize…a $300 gift card to Amazon or B&N!!

New EC Quickie Coming in January!

I just found out that my Ellora's Cave western Quickie DEBT OF HONOR will be released on January 17th!

Watch for a cover coming soon!


BLURB:

“One night in my bed.”

That’s what Derek Montague wants from Kaitlyn Jacobs in order to pay off the debt her younger brother owes. Now she has a choice to make.

Derek’s wanted the standoffish Kaitlyn for years. Using her brother’s debt as an excuse to get closer to her, he gives her one option if she wants to settle it—spend one night in his bed. He expects her to throw the offer back in his face, but she agrees.

After one long, hot night of loving, Kaitlyn discovers everything is not what it seems. She’s not sure if Derek has made a fool of her or if this debt of honor could be something more.

A Romantica® western erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Christmas Quickie only 99 cents!

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

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

 

Right now, JESSAMYN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT is only 99 cents at Amazon and Ellora's Cave. Be sure to treat yourself this EC Christmas Quickie.

BLURB:

It's Christmas Eve and Jessamyn Parker waits by the fireside in her boyfriend's house. She expects him home any minute after being away for three months on business. Clad only in a slinky teddy and sprawled beneath the Christmas tree, she plans to surprise him. But instead of her boyfriend, a complete stranger surprises her.

Caleb Morgan is the new sheriff, and unbeknownst to her, he is also the new owner of the house. Jessamyn flees back to her own home, determined to forget not only her boyfriend's betrayal, but also the heated desire that Caleb has sparked within her.While Jessamyn is shocked by his appearance, Caleb is enthralled by her. But Jessamyn has had more than enough of men.

Now, one year later, it's Christmas time again, and Jessamyn is still swearing off men. But Caleb has other ideas. The only thing he wants for Christmas is the same thing he wanted last year and didn't quite get — Jessamyn Parker under his tree.

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Countdown to Christmas--Favorite Holiday TV Shows and Movies

Throughout the entire month of December, I watch as many of my favorite and classic holiday movies as I can. The movies and TV shows I enjoy tend to be the ones that say something positive about life or humanity. At Christmas time, I just like to feel good.

10. Little Women (The Winona Ryder version.)
"I'm so desolated."

9. Scrooged (Bill Murray)
"It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer."

8. A Christmas Carol (Alistair Sim)
"Humbug!"

7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (The animated version. A mean one, but a great one.)
"You can't stop Christmas from coming!"

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (I never get tired of watching the dust rise off of Pigpen when he sings or seeing that little, scrawny tree grow into a veritable forest.)
"Can somebody please tell me the true meaning of Christmas?"
"Sure, Charlie Brown."

5. It's A Wonderful Life (This one makes me cry, especially at the end.)
"To my big brother George, the richest man in town!"

4. A Muppet Family Christmas (Swedish Chef meets the Bird of his dreams!)
"Be careful of the icy patch!"

3. A Muppet Christmas Carol (Gonzo the Great plays Mist-uh Dickens himself)
"Darkness was cheap, and Scrooge liked it."

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Not mean, just nutty.)
"That tree will never go in our yard, Dad."
"It's not going in our yard, Russ. It's going in our living room."

1. Scrooge (The Albert Finney version).
"You wish to remain anonymous, sir?"
"I wish to be left alone!"

 

 

A newer favorite is the movie Arthur Christmas. And, of course, I have to watch Frosty the Snowman. What are some of your favorite holiday television shows and movies?

Final Winners in 9th Anniversary Contest

The ninth and final winner in my 9th ANNIVERSARY CONTEST is Joanne Balinski. Congratulations! Joanne has chosen a print copy of Damek's Redemption as her prize.

This contest was open to International Readers, but no International name was chosen during the contest. So...I pulled all the names from people outside the USA and Canada and drew one. The Bonus Winner is Elizabeth Dougan of Scotland. Congratulations! Elizabeth has chosen a print copy of Quinn's Quest as her prize.

Thank you to everyone who entered my 9th Anniversary Contest! Keep watching my website for a new contest coming soon.

Countdown to Christmas--Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus

This flashmob happened three years ago, but it's one of my favorites.

Tuesday Teaser: The Gift of Shayla

In keeping with the season, the Tuesday Teaser this week is from my Carina Christmas novella THE GIFT OF SHAYLA. This is a true M/M/F ménage a trois and a story that will touch your heart.

Right now, you can buy it at Amazon for only $1.89!

TEASER:

Fuck, he felt like an idiot for lusting after not only his friend, but also his friend’s wife. Not that he’d ever do anything about his fantasies. Not only no, but hell no. He treated Shayla with the utmost respect and kept his distance. She was Rob’s wife and no way would he ever do anything to hurt Rob.

Yet the feelings still lingered. There was something wrong with him. Had to be. He plowed his fingers through his hair. He was a fucking mess.
“Adam.” There was an edge to Rob’s voice now. Adam knew his friend too well to think he was going to drop whatever was on his mind.

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

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

“I’ve seen how you look at me,” Rob began.
Adam closed his eyes and swallowed hard. The liquor he’d just drunk burned in his gut. He could still salvage this. He had to. The alternative didn’t bear considering.

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

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

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Decking the Halls...

Finally put ornaments on the tree yesterday so the halls are decked for the holidays!

 

The stockings are hung. We don't have a chimney so I put them on the wall. :)

The archway between the kitchen and living room.

 

It's a small space, but it's cozy.

The tree!

Countdown to Christmas--Only 17 days!

I remember when this song and video was released and it's still a favorite of mine.

Do They Know It's Christmas by Band Aid.

9th Anniversary Contest--Eighth Winner!

The eighth winner in my 9th ANNIVERSARY CONTEST is TinaMarie Rumpel. Congratulations! TinaMarie has chosen a print copy of Legacy Found Quest as her prize.

The next prize will be drawn on December 13th, so if you haven't already entered, you should. There are still 1 more book to be given away.

 

 

CONTEST

It's hard to believe that my first book was published on October 27, 2004. It's crazy how fast the past nine years has gone. To celebrate my 9th anniversary as a published author I'm giving away 9 PRINT BOOKS! 

 
You heard me right. Starting October 18, I'll be giving away a print book every Friday until December 13th! Winners will be able to choose between Legacy Found, Quinn's Quest, Finding Chrissten and Damek's Redemption.

For details on how you can enter for a chance to win, check out the "Contests" page of my WEBSITE.

Countdown to Christmas

The countdown to Christmas is on. Only 19 days until Christmas. If you're looking for suggestions for the booklover in your life, be sure to check out 24 INSANELY CLEVER GIFTS FOR BOOK LOVERS over at Buzz Feeds.

Of course, gift cards for bookstores work good too. :)

 

These teacups are so cute.

 

I would have loved this when I was a kid.