Saturday, January 26, 2008

Saturday Links

All About Romance's annual poll is underway, so don't forget to vote. Here's the link to the rules and voting form. They've also got three sets of interim results up if you want to check out the titles nominated to date.

Gena Showalter has posted up an interview with the "professional and sophisticated people at Author Talk." Go look at it. Seriously.


Shane Abe talks about her First Sale over at DearAuthor.

TGTBU, has an exclusive excerpt of Demon Night by Meljean Brook - the first four chapters!

Also, if you're a reader of series, Kat has done up some very handy series lists for a number of authors on her sidebar.

If you've seen a cool link, share in the comments. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Weekly Catchup & Angels' Blood

What's everyone been up to? I stayed up late last night with Raphael (Angels' Blood). Want to meet him? If you play the Mystery Author game on Romance Novel TV, you'll have already seen this, but for those who haven't, here he is:
_______

"You don't fear me," he said now.

She wasn't stupid enough to lie. "I'm petrified. But I figure you didn't make me come all this way just so you could push me off the roof."

His mouth curved, as if she'd said something funny. "Take a seat, Elena." Her name sounded different on his lips. A binding. As if by speaking it, he'd gained power over her. "Like you said, I have no plans to kill you. Not today."
______

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Lora Leigh - Dawn's Awakening & Blogging

There are so many great books coming out Feb 5! (Including this fabulous one called Mine to Possess - don't forget to grab it! *grin*)

I wanted to mention another Feb 5 release, today - Lora Leigh's Dawn's Awakening. I'm a huge fan of Lora's Breeds series and this installment is just as compelling as the previous books.

In this one, we have Seth, a human hero & Dawn, a breed female. But unlike the other mated pairs we've seen to date, these two already have a deeply emotional history. The book starts out with a bit of a twist, something I never expected - if you want to know what the twist is, check out the excerpt.

As with all the Breed books, the sensual connection between the two characters is sizzling, there's an action subplot - and the introduction of a new player who intrigues the heck out of me. Must. Know. More!! If you're a Breed fan, you'll devour this one.
___________

Also I'm doing a number of guest blogs next week and I wanted to ask if there was anything in particular you all would like me to talk about?

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Website & Favorite Heroes

The website is in the process of being updated (we're still tweaking) - something's happened to the Psy Behind the Scenes page, so don't freak out if you go there and stuff's missing. It'll come back...I hope... ;)

Today, I thought I'd highlight the posts that have gone up in the MtP Hot Men Contest since I last posted about it. Check them out! (And if you haven't entered, why not?!)

Myspace: Tracy, Rena, Barbara, Candice, PamK
Blogs: Kaitlin, Casey, Pria, Crystalgb, PetePete,
Livejournal: Ilona

I thought I'd join in and do one of my many favorites today.

3 reason I love Lucivar from Anne Bishop's Black Jewels Trilogy

1. He's so rawly, unashamedly male.
2. He's hot (those wings!)
3. He loves Marian like crazy and he's not afraid to show it (that garden scene in the novella was so romantic - such a practical Lucivar way to show how much he cares).

Makes me want to read the books all over again!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Reader Interview: Courtney

Tuesday is Reader Interview Day- if you'd like to participate in the interviews, the details are here. Today's interviewee is the lovely Courtney, Lady of the Slipper (read on to find out more...) :-)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a stay at home mom of a beautiful daughter who is too cute for her own good. I married a man who is utterly perfect for me and who turned out to be a fantastic dad to boot. I have my Bachelor's degree in French, but I haven't spoken it in over a year. I really need to do something about that.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

In general I hoard, but I will occasionally loan out a book. In fact, my bookshelves are currently missing Slave to Sensation because I loaned it to a friend and her toddler ate it. But that's what I get for sending a book to a toddler's house, I guess! LOL

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

JR Ward. I'm hopelessly, shamelessly, unrepentantly addicted to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and if I could get glimpses into her current project (Phury's book) I'd totally go stalker. I took a baby step toward stalkerhood when I emailed her asking for her shoe size and favorite color so I could knit her slippers that I gave her when I met her recently. But she told me I'm not a stalker, so that's a relief.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Relatively susceptible, but it depends on the chocolate. I'm a junkie for Lindt's special dark Lindor ball truffles. If it has at least 60% cacao, I am utterly susceptible.

5. Favorite book? Why?

Wow, I have so many. The Great Gatsby and 1984 are my favorite literature-type books. I'm addicted to romance and my favorites in that genre are Lover Awakened, Slave to Sensation, Dark Magic, and Jane's Warlord. I love a good lovestory, but I also love fiction that teaches us and provokes thought and contemplation.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My bed, a huge claw-footed bathtub, and my book collection (that counts as one thing, right?).

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

The other half of my daughter's banana and a glass of apple juice. Terrible, I know. Lunch will be better.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

I consume books as I buy them, so I hardly ever have a real TBR pile. I have several on my TBR mental list, but they are all making me wait for them to be released.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

A loyal, strong, faithful, respectful, intelligent, alpha male who gives his whole self, vulnerablities and all, to his heroine and who accepts the same from her. He needs a good sense of humor, a good idea of what to do in bed, and know that his woman is his equal and treats her as such. He believes in something worth fighting for, worth dying for, and stands up in the face of fear and adversity for it. He is a good kisser and still flirts with his girl even after they commit to each other.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Riding Wild - Jaci Burton

I've never really been into bikes and cars, but Jaci Burton makes me want to hunt up a Harley riding hunk and head out into the sunset.

Here's a snippet from the book's blurb (you can read the full blurb plus an excerpt on Jaci's website):
He's a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She's a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen...
The hero and heroine, Mac and Lily, have a definite history, and from the first instant they meet again, their relationship is explosive. These two sizzle together, but more than that, they work as a couple. I think that's what sets Jaci's books apart for me - they're erotic, but the romance comes through loud and clear. It's about who Mac and Lily are together.

There's also an action/suspense plot tied to the heist, and to Mac's kidnapping of Lily. During all the craziness, Lily holds her own, which I loved. And the other Wild Riders - yum-mee! That's all I'm saying. If you like bad boys, you need to meet these guys. I have first dibs!

Riding Wild releases Feb 5, and Jaci is actually giving away an advanced copy on her blog, so make sure to swing by and enter.

Talking about bad boys, who's your favorite? And more importantly, have you ever ridden a Harley?

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Weekly Catchup

I tidied my desk yesterday and it looks beautiful. I have to stop and admire it often. Everything's so organized, I love it!

What've you all been up to? Any plans for the weekend?

Friday, January 18, 2008

Demon Night - Meljean Brook

I was lucky enough to get a chance to read an advanced copy of Demon Night (out Feb 5) and boy was it good. Meljean is now officially one of my favorite authors. And this book's hero? He's wuuuuuuunderful!

Seriously, you'll love Ethan McCabe a.k.a. Drifter. If you don't believe me, go read this
excerpt where you get to Meet Drifter. Now tell me you don't want an Ethan of your own. The way he talks...I just went weak at the knees. And the love scenes - wow, just wow.

You're probably wondering what this book is about (aside from Ethan), so I'll tell you that it's part of Meljean Brook's fantastic Guardians series. Since I've read all three books, it's hard for me to judge if you can read it as a stand alone, but I definitely think you'll enjoy Demon Night a lot more if you read Demon Angel & Demon Moon first, because characters reappear, and there is an overarching plot.

If you want to read the backcover blurb & the opening chapter, follow this link to Meljean's website. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Write like the wind, Meljean!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

OOTB Tour: Keepers of the Flame - Robin D. Owens

I've got an OOTB book tour for you from the lovely Robin D. Owens. Check out the details below! And I hope you're all thinking about your favorite heroes - entries are starting to come in (yay!) - swing by and check out Marie & Jennifer's faves.
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KEEPERS OF THE FLAME by Robin D. Owens

Luna

Twin sisters Bri and Elizabeth Drystan each have a special gift for healing, but they've taken very different career paths. While Elizabeth has pursued a medical degree, Bri has taken a more unorthodox and holistic path. Both of their gifts are sorely needed in the world of Lladrana, as the Dark has launched a deadly new plague.

Abruptly summoned to this alien world by desperate sorcerers, Bri and Elizabeth discover they are the fourth such summoning of Earth-born women, or Exotiques. The situation in Lladrana is dire, and Bri and Elizabeth are immediately thrown into the fray. To save the lives of many, one twin may place her own life in dire risk.

Excerpt: http://www.robindowens.com/reads/KeepersOfTheFlame.pdf

ABOUT ROBIN D. OWENS

Robin D. Owens has been seriously writing longer than she cares to recall, but is very happy with how her writing career is proceeding. She was named the Writer of the Year by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in 2004, and 2003 Writer of the Year by the Denver Area Science Fiction Association. Robin has been the librarian, contest co-chair, and President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She has given seminars at Pikes Peak Writers Conference, the Colorado Gold Writers Conference, and Romance Writers of America as well as other groups.

REVIEWS

As Owens' multifaceted saga, The Summoning, continues, the sorcerers get an unexpected bonus: two for the price of one in the form of twins...Events continue to darken in this intricate fantasy world, the stakes keep rising, and losses become inevitable. Strong characterization combined with deadly danger make this story vibrate with emotional resonance. Stay tuned as events accelerate toward the final battle. —Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times

This is one of the most engaging worlds ever to grace the universe of epic fantasy. Though the basic framework of the prior three novels is maintained, Keepers of the Flame does not follow any set "formula," but is filled with surprises as the sisters adapt and struggle in the world to which they have been summoned. Thus, what is loved about the other books is still there, but it is also a fresh, new spin on the overall story. -- Amanda Killgore, Huntress Reviews

I was utterly fascinated by this latest Exotique story. The Lladranans are coming closer and closer to finding a solution for finally facing the Dark in a final battle. They can only hope they can set all the pieces of the puzzle into place and finally triumph to save Lladrana once and for all. Robin D. Owens has pulled out all stops with this one in yet another intriguing peek into her Lladranan world. -- Kathy Boswell, The Best Reviews

Website: http://www.robindowens.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Update & Reader Interview: Lisa B.

I'm back and I'm working on the details of the new promo contest - should be up tomorrow. Oooh, what will it be?

Today, I've got a reader interview for you with Lisa B! (If you'd like to join in the interviews, check out the details here).


1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Connecticut housefrau. “Retired” 41 year old church lady and mother of 3 with a former life in the theatre. Happily married for 18 years and adore my husband, who never fails to please me (wink wink, nudge nudge). Skiing and swimming keep me occassionally fit. I hate housework, but what are you going to do, really…. My kids are the most fun a person can have in life. We have a flock of horny chickens, two dogs, and two cats.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I try to hoard, but sometimes I just have to share. A lot of my books were ruined in a house flood L.

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

I think I may have crossed that line with poor Meljean :-)

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Not particularly. Coffee, however…it’s a weakness in all its many guises: ice cream, cake, muffins, latte's, what ever...mmmmm...coffee....

5. Favorite book? Why?

That’s really hard but some contenders are: Lisa Kleypas' Dreaming of You. Derek Craven just did it for me. I love that wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy. Meljean Brook, Demon Moon because Savitri kicks ass without being a true ass kicker. And she asks such ridiculous questions that I had to love her. Dead to the World (Charlaine Harris) because Sookie finally gets her hands on Eric, and vise versa. JR Ward, because the brotherhood is a hoot (though not intentionally) . And Eye of the World by the late Robert Jordan. A great story that will hijack you for a day or so.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My husband, some rum punch, and deck of cards.

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Oatmeal with raisins. 4 cups of coffee…I don’t have a problem, man.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

I got nothin. I need to shop. I just burned through 6 books this week.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Well, Hawke is looking really,really good to me from afar…

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Chat Heads-Up

Jacquelyn Frank is holding a chat party! I'll be chatting 2pm EST (half an hour from the time of this post). Lots of other awesome authors throughout the day - full list on Jacquelyn's blog.

Drop by if you're around :-) Link to chatroom at top of Forum.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

German Cover for Lucas & Sascha's book


Isn't it gorgeous? I think the title translates as "Leopard Blood." (Releasing May!)

Friday, January 11, 2008

Weekly Catchup

What's up? Any plans/shenanigans you'd like to share? I'm cooking up a fun promo contest - I'll post it up next week, so don't forget to come by. Only a few more weeks to go until Mine to Possess releases! Whee!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Email & Ten Things

A quick note to say that I'm a bit backlogged re emails, so if you've emailed me and haven't heard back yet, gimme a few more hours. I'm going to try to clear the decks before I dive back into Hostage to Pleasure.

And a question for you all - on the right sidebar, I have a link to the Caressed By Ice Spoiler Thread. A few weeks after Mine to Possess comes out, I was thinking of doing one for MtP as well (no spoilers till then please!). What's your preference? Should I simply turn the CBI thread into a general Psy/Changeling thread? Or should I set up a new one for MtP?

Also, have you guys seen the Ten Ways To Tell If A Book Was Written By Me meme that authors have been doing around the blogsphere? I haven't had time to do up my own list but here are links to the ones I've seen - Gena, Jill, Jaci, and several of the authors on Fangs, Fur & Fey. Go check them out! :-)

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

OOTB Tour: Heat of the Night - Sylvia Day

I've got an OOTB book tour for you today. Check out the details below!
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HEAT OF THE NIGHT by Sylvia Day

ISBN: 978-0061231032

HarperCollins Avon

January 8, 2008

Bad boys are her weakness and no one is as wicked as Connor Bruce…

He is the realization of every woman’s erotic fantasies. Existing in the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, Connor brings them decadent pleasures, fueled by their sexual energy. But violence and strife now tear apart both worlds, and Connor must embark on a perilous quest into the mortal realm … and into the arms of one intoxicating enchantress.

Stacey Daniels has always been attracted to the wrong type of men – and the muscular, Viking-like champion on her front doorstep is no exception. She can hardly believe the wounded warrior is from another world, a world where erotic dreams are needed to survive, a world of terrible danger that has followed him to her home. Connor finds solace in her passion, but only time will tell if he can defeat the dark foe who hunts them … and if Stacey can surrender to the promise he offers with every electrifying touch.

Excerpt: http://www.guardiannovels.com/novels/heat

ABOUT SYLVIA DAY

SYLVIA DAY is the national bestselling, award-winning author of over a dozen novels. A wife and mother of two, she is a former Russian linguist for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. Her books have been called “wonderful and passionate” by WNBC.com, “wickedly entertaining” by Booklist, and frequently garner Readers’ Choice and Reviewers’ Choice accolades. She’s been honored with both the EPPIE award and a finalist nod for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award of Excellence.

REVIEWS

“I highly recommend this book especially to readers who love fantasy romance.”
– Paranormal Romance Writers

“Sylvia Day’s Guardians are deliciously spicy, especially the intensely sexual Connor. Love the paranormal world! Love the characters! Love the sizzling romance! Love Heat of the Night! Love Sylvia Day!”
– Annmarie, Joyfully Reviewed

Heat Of The Night is not only a love story, it’s also an extremely adventurous tale of good versus evil. I couldn’t stop reading, waiting to see what would happen. In this story, there were characters from the first book as well as new characters, both evil and good. The adventure and love story combine, woven together by a wonderful plot. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in Ms. Day’s marvelous series.”
– Marcy Arbitman, The Romance Studio

“Day’s second installment in her Dream Guardian series starts off with a bang! Her hot and steamy sex scenes will leave readers breathless and aching for more. The hero and heroine are believable and well written, and the hero is rugged and definitely dreamy. With characters from the first book added in, as well as a mixture of new faces, plus dashes of paranormal elements, Day has a winning recipe.”
– Janean
Sparks, RT BOOKreviews

Website: http://www.dreamguardians.com | http://www.sylviaday.com

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Reader Interview: Suzette

Tuesday is Reader Interview Day (if you'd like to participate, details are here)! Today's interviewee is is Suzette! Check out the pic of her hero!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a 36 year old mother of two wonderful kids, a 15 year old daughter and an 8 year old son. I’ve been with my husband 19 years, 14 of which have been married. Yes, half my life with the same man. I live in Lancaster, PA which, if you have never heard of, is Amish country. I have been an avid reader of romance novels since I was introduced to Harlequin at the age of 13. I still read romance novels but generally they have to be under the paranormal sub genre.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I’m a little of both. I keep the ones I consider favorites and donate the others to the library. IF I had the room, I would be a hoarder all the way

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

At the top of that list would be Sherrilyn Kenyon and Nora Roberts. Christine Feehan also inspires those “stalker” feelings.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?


I’m actually one of the few people who hardly eat chocolate. I know its weird but we are out there.

5. Favorite book? Why?

I wish I could name just one but I can’t. I realize that many people have a favorite but I truly can’t pinpoint just one.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My husband
Flint (I’ve seen Survivor)

Sharp knife

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Coffee…well, I drank coffee. LOL

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

How many books are there in the romance sections at Borders? Seriously, I never write it down but I know if I took the time it would be over a hundred if not more.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.
My perfect hero is 6’2”, 220lbs, great abs, short hair, brown eyes, awesome smile, wonderful father, true friend, and loving husband. Yeah, my husband is the perfect hero in my eyes. Here’s a piccy.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Book Lists

In 2007 I kept a list of the books I read throughout the year. I started it out of curiosity to see how many books I was reading, but I find the list quite interesting in itself now.

I haven't had a chance to sit down and really analyze it, but I can see how it could become a very useful resource, not only to keep track of what I have and haven't read, but also as a snapshot of my personal reading trends.

I know many of you keep book lists. How do you use them? As a reference? To see how many books you've read? Something else? For those that don't keep lists, are you tempted?

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Catchup & Photos

I'm back! But what exactly was I doing in that cave? Welllllll....I could make up all sorts of things, but the truth is, I visited the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves - the formations are incredible but it's the glow worms that make this such an amazing experience. It's like having a million stars overhead, even though you're in a boat deep inside a cave.

Now, I'm going to inflict a couple more travel photos on you. I think you'll get a kick out of this next one.


Yes, it's a sheep crossing the road. I think I did a brilliant job of catching him in action, don't you?

And, one more, for the sheer cuteness factor.


I call these two The Lovebirds, because they're so in sync.

So, that's what I've been up to this week. Today, I'm going to do some work on Hostage to Pleasure. What about you all? Plans for the weekend? Spotted any sheep crossing the road? ;)

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Fly-By

I'm back - I hung out in a cave yesterday. (A real one!) More coherent post to come in a couple of days. Tell me what you all have been up to in the first few days of 2008 - how's it going so far?

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year!!



Here's to a fabulous 2008!!