Saturday, August 31, 2013

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND



It's the last "unofficial" weekend of summer. Hope you are all enjoying the Labor Day long weekend. It's rainy and windy here today. Not a great day to get outside. Hopefully Sunday and Monday will be better.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Weekend Book Club--Deception Cove by Jayne Castle and For the Love of Magic by Janet Chapman

Jayne Ann Krentz is an automatic buy for me. I don't care which pen name she's writing under--Jayne Ann Krentz, Stephanie James, Amanda Glass, Jayne Bentley, Jayne Taylor, Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick. She was the first major romance author I ever read and I've read almost all of her books. The only exceptions  are some of her early books, which are almost impossible to find.



DECEPTION COVE by Jayne Castle is her latest Rainshadow novel. This is a face-paced love story with a fascinating mystery at the heart of it. I really enjoy this author's futuristic books and love the dust bunnies. You might want to read The Lost Night first if you haven't been following the series.

BLURB:

As a light-talent, Alice North has the rare ability to make things disappear, including herself—a gift that comes in handy during her magic act with her dust bunny Houdini.

Business mogul Drake Sebastian is day-blind, since his sight was nearly destroyed in a lab accident. But he’s the one man who can see Alice when she disappears—and he needs her.

On Rainshadow Island, two dangerous Old World crystals are missing, igniting a paranormal storm. Drake thinks Alice is the key to finding them, and proposes they head there, but only after a Marriage of Convenience.

Alice’s honeymoon on Rainshadow is guaranteed to be memorable, as the island—and the passion between her and Drake—is about to explode…




The other book I read this week is FOR THE LOVE OF MAGIC by Janet Chapman. This is part of her Spellbound Falls series. Chapman's books are heartwarming romances with a touch of magic. This book gives readers a whole new take on the idea of gods and goddesses. It's fun, romantic and well worth reading, but I would suggest you read the books in order or you might not enjoy it as much as you should.

While I enjoy her Spellbound Falls series, I really love her Highlander series. I mean how can you not love a man in a kilt, especially one who has come from the past to modern times.

BLURB:

After forty years of marriage, Rana Oceanus has done the unthinkable and run away from her mighty, magical husband. Not that she ran very far, having purchased a house in Spellbound Falls right on the shore of the Bottomless Sea, where she intends to prepare for the scariest battle of her life. The only flaw in her plan, however, is that she is still very much in love with Titus…

Shocked and deeply shaken that his wife really has left him—though he still can’t fathom why—Titus sets out to win her back. But when grand gestures of his esteem don’t seem to further his cause, he conjures up some of his original courtship magic.

But his plan backfires when Titus discovers that dealing with demons is far less threatening than the little secret his very mortal wife has been keeping from him...

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Shadows Stir from the Ellora's Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis IV Anthology

This week the Tuesday Teaser comes from "Shadows Stir" my story in the  ELLORA'S CAVEMEN: DREAMS OF THE OASIS IV anthology. It's the story that began my Shadow Ryder series.




TEASER:

“Damn it,” she swung back around. “You let him get away. I wasn’t finished with him yet.”

“I was protecting you.” She almost melted into the ground as his deep voice washed over her.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t need help.” Realizing how ungrateful that sounded, she shook off her disappointment. “Look, I appreciate what you were trying to do, but I didn’t need any help.”

“He had a weapon pointed at you.” His logic just ticked her off.

“I could have disarmed him. I can take care of myself.” She turned and started walking back down the alley toward the light, sheathing her weapon as she went. Her mind was already planning her next move.

There was no sound, no warning at all. One minute she was almost out of the alleyway, the next, her back was up against the wall, her hands trapped in his. He lowered his head until his forehead was all but touching hers. The scowl on his face left no doubt that he was angry with her. Leaning even closer, he whispered, “Can you now?”

 

 

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Weekend Book Club: Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series

Every now and then I like to go to my "Keeper" shelf and reread old books and series that I love. With the new edition to the Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunters series due out soon I thought it would be great to go back and reread some of them. It also didn't hurt that the books have been on sale recently at Kindle and Sony Reader Store. Even though I own them in paperback, I did load up on some of my favorites in the series in ebook.

If you love paranormal romance, you need to read this series. But do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. You won't be sorry you did.



I love this entire series, but I do have a few favorites books, starting with DANCE WITH THE DEVIL. Has there ever been such an anti-hero as Zarek. He breaks my heart every time I read this story. It takes a very special woman to break through his rock-hard exterior to the fierce heart that beats beneath.

BLURB:

Zarek's Point of View:

Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.

Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity-I enjoy every minute of it.

Trust: I can't trust anyone...not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to hurt anyone who gets in my way.

Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I'm tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled-I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.

Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?



Another book in this series I absolutely love is NIGHT PLAY. Vane might be a Were-Hunter wolf, but he's one of the most romantic heroes that has ever been written. The way he is with Bride makes my heart go pitter-patter.

BLURB:

Bride McTierney has had it with men. They're cheap, self-centered, and never love her for who she is. But though she prides herself on being independent, deep down she still yearns for a knight in shining armor.

She just never expected her knight in shining armor to have a shiny coat of fur...

Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis isn't what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride's case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn't looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatural is real or he will spend the rest of his life neutered--something no self-respecting wolf can accept...

But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.



But my absolute favorite of the series to date has to be ACHERON. Those of us who have followed this series from the very beginning waited a long time for this book and Sherrilyn Kenyon delivered an absolute masterpiece.

How can a man who has been so tortured and betrayed have such compassion? In this book we learn it all, all the secrets that have made Acheron one of the most beloved male characters of all time. I didn't know if it was possible for the author to create a heroine worthy of him, but she did just that. This is a love story for the ages!

BLURB:

Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.
 
Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

 DOUBLE OR NOTHING has received a 4 Star review from Night Owl Reviews.

"  While steamy and hot (Hello! Cowboys!) it was also a good read."
~ Chris, Night Owl Reviews

READ ENTIRE REVIEW

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Woven Dreams

The Tuesday Teaser this week comes from WOVEN DREAMS, the third book in the Tapestries series.




TEASER:

Usually she waited until nightfall to wash, but the day had been so hot, she hadn’t been able to resist the lure of the cool river water. It was too late to change what she’d done. All she could do now was use it to try to give herself an edge against this unknown man. Forcing her fingers to open, she released her death grip on the bodice of her dress, allowing it to slip to her waist.

His eyes went straight to her exposed breasts and it was then that she lunged.

Strong arms caught her from behind, wrapping around her upper body and trapping her arms at her sides. Oh gods, there were two of them! She struggled, jerking her body from side to side and kicking out with her feet. There was no escape. Her soft-soled leather boots struck what had to be his legs, but it was like hitting solid wood. There was no give in him anywhere.

He held her easily with one massive forearm as he used his free hand to pry the dagger from her grip. She gritted her teeth, desperately trying to hang on, but it was useless. The weapon fell to the ground beside them.

“I’m sorry,” the low male voice whispered in her ear. “But I cannot let you harm my brother or yourself.”

BUY FROM AMAZON

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Guest Blogging over at Delilah Devlin's Blog today

Ménage a trois and cowboys. That got your attention, didn't it?

I'm over at  DELILAH DEVLIN'S BLOG today talking about just those subjects. Stop by and check it out. You know you want to. *g*

Friday, August 16, 2013

Want to win a print copy of Damek's Redemption?

Look what I have! Damek's Redemption won't be available in print until September, but I already have copies! Isn't it pretty!


Want to win a copy?



Comment on this blog for a chance to win. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll leave the contest running all weekend and announce the winner's name on Monday.

Good luck!

5 Stars for Pride of the Lion

PRIDE OF THE LION has received a 5 Star review from LASR!



"There are some fantastic surprise twists in this book. I like that Ms. Walters was able to show that even Hades can make mistakes, and forget about some of his goals. There are some unexpected allies here, and I refuse to say any more about them now. Just be aware that all is not lost and nothing is as it seems at times. Of course, there is lots of hot and heavy action as well between Leander and Araminta; it wouldn’t be N.J. Walters without it. I am looking forward to the final episode in this passionate tale of good versus evil. Do Leander and Araminta survive their challenge? Now, that would be telling, and I think that it is better to read it for yourself." ~Foxglove

READ ENTIRE REVIEW

Thursday, August 15, 2013

4 Stars for Night of the Tiger

NIGHT OF THE TIGER has received 4 Stars from Night Owl Romance Reviews.



" I recommend this book to any shifter or mythology fan out there. You will enjoy this book and the next books." ~Lisa Jung

READ ENTIRE REVIEW

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Tuesday Teaser: Stroke of Sapphire

The Tuesday Teaser this week comes from STROKE OF SAPPHIRE. This contemporary erotic romance is part of the Awakening Desires series but is a stand alone read.



TEASER:

He swallowed hard but didn’t look away. He couldn’t. He’d had her and he’d thrown her away. The fact that it was for her own good didn’t lessen the pain or the sense of loss that had consumed him every waking hour since.

The blouse she was wearing was silky, the front dipping low enough to show a hint of cleavage. And Sapphire had plenty to showcase. She wasn’t one of your skinny New York-model wannabes. She had curves that made any man who saw her sit up and take notice.

With her waist-length curly black hair, heart-shaped face and killer curves, Sapphire was stunningly beautiful. Not in a conventional, modern way, more like a throwback to the pinup girls from the forties and fifties.

But she hadn’t dressed that provocatively when they’d been together. Granted, he’d been her bodyguard and not her boyfriend at the time, but he’d come to know her well in the time they’d spent together. No, this was a new development, one that coincided with his walking away from her.

That was no accident. There was no denying that Sapphire had changed since he’d rolled out of her bed and left her. It was a hell of a thing for him to do to her and he knew he’d acted like a first-class bastard, but he’d done what he felt he’d had to do.

He’d done the tough things—the right things­—all his life, but he’d never done anything that had shredded his soul the way that leaving Sapphire had.


BUY FROM AMAZON

Monday, August 12, 2013

Download Harker's Journey for FREE!

If you've never read HARKER'S JOURNEY, book 1 of the Dalakis Passion vampire series, now you can read it for free!

That's right, FREE!

For the next 2 weeks, Ellora's Cave is offering this book to readers for free.



BLURB:

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, other times passionate and raw.

When no flesh-and-blood man can compete with her dream lover, Johanna puts all her energy into her job and studying vampires. Then she is sent to the fabled Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania to meet her company's largest client, the mysterious and demanding Cristo for Dalakis.

Cristofor, the enigmatic and formidable patriarch of the Dalakis family, plans to use his every skill to seduce and possess Johanna. But Cristofor is harboring a dark family secret that will challenge all that Johanna has known and believed.


Download for free at:

ELLORA'S CAVE
AMAZON
BARNES and NOBLE

DOUBLE OR NOTHING AT ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS!

I'm thrilled to announce that DOUBLE OR NOTHING is now available at ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS. Be sure to get your copy of out this smokin' hot western/ménage a trois story today!



BLURB:

After ten years away from home, Cherry Edmonds returns to West Texas when her father is ill and dying. Now she is left to deal with the estate and pick up the pieces of her life. The past is waiting for her in the form of Wesson and Remington Smith, the two brothers she was half in love with when she was eighteen.

Wes and Remy know they’re different from most men. They are both in love with Cherry and have been since they were kids. One night of hot sex leaves all of them wanting more, but she believes their time together is just a one-night stand. It’s up to the Smith brothers to prove their love for Cherry and their commitment to the ménage, and to convince Cherry she’s definitely capable of loving two Texas cowboys.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

BUY FROM ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

Saturday, August 10, 2013

DOUBLE OR NOTHING AT AMAZON!

I'm thrilled to announce that DOUBLE OR NOTHING is now available at AMAZON. Be sure to get your copy of out this smokin' hot western/ménage a trois story today!



BLURB:

After ten years away from home, Cherry Edmonds returns to West Texas when her father is ill and dying. Now she is left to deal with the estate and pick up the pieces of her life. The past is waiting for her in the form of Wesson and Remington Smith, the two brothers she was half in love with when she was eighteen.

Wes and Remy know they’re different from most men. They are both in love with Cherry and have been since they were kids. One night of hot sex leaves all of them wanting more, but she believes their time together is just a one-night stand. It’s up to the Smith brothers to prove their love for Cherry and their commitment to the ménage, and to convince Cherry she’s definitely capable of loving two Texas cowboys.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

BUY FROM AMAZON BOOKS

Friday, August 09, 2013

Weekend Book Club

This week I've read three very different books, but I enjoyed all of them.
 
The first book is Sarah's Soldier by Donna Gallagher and is part of her League of Love series. If you're looking for a smokin' hot and heartwarming love story with the flavor or Australia, this is the book for you.
 
 



BLURB:

When Sarah, digital and social media co-ordinator—or digi-chick, as she’s been called—is asked to babysit the special guest at the Jets Rugby League Club’s annual Anzac Day clash, she’s hesitant. What will the returning war hero, wounded from battle, think when he lays eyes on her dyed, flaming red hair and her face full of metal piercings? More than likely, the rule-following, uniform-wearing conformist will take one look at her and double-time it away from her feral-looking behind.

But the sexual attraction that sizzles between Sarah and Dylan is evident from their first touch, and despite both having built walls around their hearts, as protection from childhood loss and pain, they are keen to take advantage of the sheet-scorching, orgasm-exploding sexual tension that is simmering between them.

Of course, falling in love was never part of the plan.



The second book is A Walk Down the Aisle by Holly Jacobs. This is an emotionally powerful story about love and redemption, about choices and consequences. I know there are still a few months to go in the year, but this book gets my vote for best Harlequin Superromance of 2013.





BLURB:

Speak now...or forever keep your secrets? Colton McCray's an "I do" away from the perfect life. He's got a prosperous farm and he's lucky enough to have fallen in love with a good woman like Sophie Johnston. What more could a man who loves the simple life want?

Certainly not a wedding-crasher who's only one of Sophie's secrets!

Marry a woman he doesn't really know-or take a chance and trust her? No way! Though the harder Colton tries to cut Sophie out of his life, the more he wants her...complications and all. When he finds out she's pregnant with their baby, it's impossible for him to stay away. But first, he must forgive her past in order to rebuild the future they were meant for....



And the third book I read this past week is The Unwanted by Shiloh Walker. This paranormal romantic suspense at its best and will leave you wanting even more of the author's FBI Physics series. A story about second chances. Suspenseful and emotional.




BLURB:

She doesn’t want him. He doesn’t need her. Like hell…

An FBI Psychics Novella

Destin Mortin’s psychic gift comes with an ugly twist—she excels at tracking down violent rapists. But it’s rough on relationships. Once, her partner Caleb was her everything: filter, shield, rescuer, lover. The only man who didn’t think her a freak. Then he walked away.

Destin turned her back on the FBI to work for a private agency, but now a particularly horrendous case has come up, and her boss wants her paired with only the best.
For Caleb Durand, leaving Destin was an act of self-preservation. Every time she flung herself headlong into dangerous situations, every time he nursed her through soul-crushing visions, he’d died a little more inside.

Now they are forced to work together one last time. Tragedy has changed them both, but Caleb knows if he lowers his shields for an instant, he won’t have an icicle’s chance in hell of resisting the temptation to lose himself in her wild power.
But to catch the rapist, it’s exactly what he’ll have to do.

What's your romance novel pet peeve?

I'm thrilled to be part of LAURIE ROMA'S SYMPOSIUM: RING OF FIRE for August.

Laurie asked her fellow author to think like an author AND a reader. She wanted to know what got everyone hot while reading...and NOT in a good way. That's right! We are discussing some of our biggest pet peeves in romance novels. What makes you want to throw a book out a window or causes you to shake your head and ask "seriously?" Find out what everyone had to say and feel free to leave a comment and share what makes you crazy while reading!

Click HERE to check it out.

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Double or Nothing is out TODAY!

I'm thrilled to announce that DOUBLE OR NOTHING is available today from Ellora's Cave publishing. Be sure to check out this smokin' hot western/ménage a trois story today!



BLURB:

After ten years away from home, Cherry Edmonds returns to West Texas when her father is ill and dying. Now she is left to deal with the estate and pick up the pieces of her life. The past is waiting for her in the form of Wesson and Remington Smith, the two brothers she was half in love with when she was eighteen.

Wes and Remy know they’re different from most men. They are both in love with Cherry and have been since they were kids. One night of hot sex leaves all of them wanting more, but she believes their time together is just a one-night stand. It’s up to the Smith brothers to prove their love for Cherry and their commitment to the ménage, and to convince Cherry she’s definitely capable of loving two Texas cowboys.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Be sure to watch for Double or Nothing at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other ebook retails.