We have visitors for a month and my time is limited but I wanted to share the latest news coming out of International Heat. We have a new member. And she’s an Aussie!!! Go check out all about it HERE!
Damn, I’m exhausted. I was one of the three ringleaders of the RWAustralia Clayton’s Conference. It’s the conference you’re having when you’re not having a conference. *grin* My brain is fried, my back is killing and the builder in my head with the jackhammer needs to leave. NOW! LOL
Anyway, no spotlight but head of to Rhian’s blog to see who this weeks shining star is.
In the spotlight this week is Aussie author Jess Dee.
What can I say about Jess?? Ummm…. Well she’s not against the idea of enjoying a little champers with our chrissie lunch. She talks a mile a minute. Oh, no wait, that’s me! LOL Back to Jess. I first ‘discovered’ Jess by accident. She was on the Samhain Cafe loop chatting away when I realized she was an Aussie!! I’m an Aussie so it stands to reason that I should know allllllll….. about this fellow writer. The Friendship Gods must have been smiling because during that discussion the wonderful Viv ‘discovered’ me and she was already talking to Jess so things kind of steamrolled from there and then suddenly I’m emailing with Jess and we’re discussing getting together for lunch a Christmas when I’m finally on home soil for a month. That lunch, shared with the lovelyCaitlyn Nicholas, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Jess isn’t afraid to tell you how it is, or throw out a one liner that has you in stitches for hours. I’ve so enjoyed knowing her that while in Sydney for a week last month I rang to see if she was up for a bit of lunch. School holidays be damned, she dropped everything to come and spend a few hours talking shop. Ok fine, I did the talking and she listened. But I’m missing the point, she is a fabulous friend and an even more fabulous writer. Last week saw her novella A Question of Trust release in the print anthologyThree’s Company. And this week her story Circle of Friends: Steve’s Story is up for Best Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Reviews. Vote for Jess’s book Circle of Friends: Steve’s StoryHERE!
Make sure you check out all Jess’s books HERE!
My personal fave is Ask Adam. And no it’s not because I have an autographed copy sitting right by my desk. *grin*
Can one wild night of passion turn into the romance of a lifetime?
Lexi Tanner’s got a major problem: AJ Riley, the man she’s about to approach for a hefty donation, turns out to be the stranger she shared a night of steamy sex with less than a week past. She’ll do anything to raise money for a children’s charity—anything except sell herself. Now how can she ask AJ for money without it seeming like he’s paying for sexual favors?
If there’s one thing the past has taught Adam “AJ” Riley, it’s that loving someone can only lead to pain. He knows he shouldn’t feel so attracted to Lexi, and he definitely shouldn’t trust a woman who’d sleep with a man one week and approach him for money the next. Yet somehow Lexi breaks through all his barriers. His instincts tell him to run but his heart wants to give Lexi—and love—a second chance. How can he let go of his tragic past and still protect his battered heart?
Warning, this title contains the following: steamy sex, graphic language and red-hot romance.
This weeks spotlight is Jambrea Jo Jones.
She’s talented and has many disguises but the one I like best is friend. Earlier this year Jambrea decided to push herself as a writer and write a novel length story. Semper Fi – Magnus started out as a contest entry and after lots of panic over whether she’d be able to make the length I offered to be her counter. Okay so I bullied her into it, same thing. *grin* Every week she would send me a new chapter and if I didn’t get it I’d harass her until I did. *shrug* It’s a hard job but someone has to do it. LOL
Jambrea finished the story and it’s so damn good that Liquid Silver Books has picked it up. Yay!!! No release date yet but I can’t wait to see this story published. I love Mag. The man is smokin’ hawt! Oh and Em’s okay to. *giggle* Now Jambrea is planning a whole series of Semper Fi stories and yes *hangs head in shame* I’ve offered to be her counter again. It’s best to be consistent with these things I’ve found. *BWG*
Available now:-
Dismayed when the full moon reveals his lover’s secret, Butch runs instead of facing his fears. Fate crashes into his life when a train ride goes horribly wrong. Now Butch must face the truth–or will tragedy intervene yet again, separating the lovers forever?
Let me introduce Vivian Arend!!! She’s one of my CP’s and she has become one of my closest friends too. She’s funny and smart and I just can’t remember what my life was like before she found me. LOL
She’s a real newbie to the writing world but that hasn’t stopped her from getting in there and going after what she wants. Her first book was out earlier this year and her third came out just last week (you can check them out HERE!) but I’m gonna show you her second book because she named the heroine after me. *grin*
Soul Deep By Vivian Arend Noble Romance Publishing
Waiting for his life partner has been difficult. Convincing her that she’s a part of an ancient Atlantis coupling is going to be harder. Luckily, Dylan Finbar’s had plenty of time to develop the patience and the persistence to outlast her protests.
Rachel Hart’s as mesmerized by the young visiting history professor as the rest of the student population. Only, she’s the one that makes his heart complete. Anam Seis, Soul Mates. Can she accept that the attraction between them has been centuries in the making and her potential lover wants not only her body but her soul?
This week I’m spotlighting Sherry Ricardo. She’s an editor and I have to say there’s no way I’d want her job. And no it’s not because I can’t spell to save my life or that my grammar is worse than a 1st grader. I know how exhausted I get when I do a line by line crit on one of my CP’s stories. The thought of doing that everyday just makes me cringe. Editors are a tough but fair breed of human that a writer can’t live without. They also help us improve with every little thing they pull us up on. Here’s a look at one of the books Sherry has editored.
The Macgregor’s Daughter By Dee Julian
In 1776 England, American born Anadreya Macgregor is branded a spy by the arrogant Marquis of Canderlay. Despite her pleas of innocence, he refuses to listen and has her imprisoned. Aided by the Scottish father she never knew, Dreya escapes to Dragon’s Breath Castle.
Five years later, the laird is missing and a badly injured Frenchman washes ashore. Dreya is wary of the blind and amnesic man, though something about him is hauntingly familiar. Is he an ally or a ruthless mercenary who stumbled upon her father’s smuggling activities?
The stranger’s vision and memory gradually return and Dreya discovers her fate and the continued existence of her clan might very well be in his hands. As the web of deception binding them together unravels, both are in danger of losing everything. Including their hearts.
Buy HERE!
Graphic Artist Valerie Tibbs is in the spotlight this week. If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing her work you’ll know there’s no need for a spotlight, her work just sparkles. At the urging of a couple of author friends Valerie kind of fell into the graphic arts business and am I ever so glad she did! Her work graces the covers of over 80 ebooks, numerous websites and blogs, bookmarks, business card, signature banners and more. her talents are endless and I’m more than thrilled to not only hold up some of her work with my name on it but to be able to call her friend. Check out the many ways Valerie can make you shine at her website HERE! Here is a sample of what the lovely Val has made for me, well for Rhian:-
The Sizzling Summer Heat Contest is going well and the winner of week2 was RAIN! Congrats to her.
This weeks spotlight falls on Rhian Cahill. *giggle* I know, that’s me. Anyway, while wearing my Rhian hat I’m busy chewing my nails off waiting to hear back from the editor about the second book in the Passport To Passion Collection, Singapore Fling. Fingers crossed I hear something soon.
For now here’s the cover, blurb and excerpt of the first in the collection, One Night In Bangkok.
One Night In Bangkok by Rhian Cahill
One night in Bangkok is all it takes to turn Beth Martin’s plans upside down. After being betrayed by her fiancé the last thing she needs is another man screwing up her life. But Tom is different. He makes her feel sensations long forgotten, makes her want in ways best left unspoken. Can she live out her wildest fantasies in one decadent night? And when it’s over, can she walk away?
EXCERPT:-
Hand suspended in mid-air, inches from the door, Beth froze. Could she do it? Could she take the next step? A simple thing, knock on the door, wait for him to answer.But there was nothing simple about knocking on this door.
A tap of her knuckles and everything would change.
Her nostrils flared to pull in as much air as she could. She sucked it down deep, filling lungs suddenly void of oxygen. It didn’t help. Didn’t make her any less lightheaded, no less anxious and did nothing to quell the swarm of butterflies performing aerial acrobatics in her stomach.
She had her eyes wide open and she knew what she was getting into. She knew this night was the chance of a lifetime. The chance to indulge her fantasies with a sexy stranger, a chance to become the bold woman she wanted to be.
There would be no morning after to worry about, no lies to tell. Both of them knew tonight was a one shot deal. They would take it for what it was, nothing more than ships passing in the night. No last names, no phone numbers, no facing each other over the breakfast table.
Back in her room, her bags were packed, ready for her early morning flight to the island of Phuket. She never dreamed she’d be handed this perfect opportunity to give the new Beth a chance to stretch her wings.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Beth held her breath and knocked on the door. The first two were barely more than taps; she bit her bottom lip and knocked twice more. No chance anyone inside would miss them. The door opened before her hand made it back to her side.
He stood in the doorway in jeans and a t-shirt, casually dressed like he’d told her he would be. She thought he’d looked yummy earlier, dressed in a business suit with his tie pulled loose and the first few buttons of his shirt undone. Now he looked downright delicious and her mouth watered at the thought of peeling those clothes off him.
Tall, dark and handsome didn’t begin to describe this man. His dark, slightly tipped eyes gave away his mixed heritage. He’d told her earlier his mother was Thai and his father American. The combination of the two produced a breathtaking specimen of height, lean muscle, smooth caramel-colored skin and eyes that reminded her of rich espresso coffee.
When Beth brought her gaze to his face she found him watching her. The corner of his mouth curled up and those mesmerizing eyes sparked with interest. He stepped back and motioned with his arm to invite her in. Her earlier anxiety left the second she’d laid eyes on him. She remembered why it had been so easy to accept this invitation.
She wanted him.
Wanted him with a hunger she’d never known before and there was no way she would pass up her chance to tangle the sheets with this man. It didn’t matter if he was five years younger than her. This wasn’t the beginning of a relationship. It was one night to indulge her wildest fantasies with a stranger. Someone she’d never see again.
Their bodies brushed as she entered and pulsing fingers of need burst from the point of contact. Heat swirled in her stomach, creeping lower. She had an almost undeniable urge to clamp her legs together at the sudden burn. A drum beat pounded in her head, drowning out all but the need raging in her blood. The click of the door closing behind her sent shivers of excitement through her core.
This was it.
In a matter of minutes she’d be stripped bare and offering herself to him. She trembled as images of the two of them entwined together flitted through her mind. A knock on the door jolted her out of her erotic thoughts.
“Ah, perfect timing. That’ll be our dinner.” Tom opened the door and stepped aside as a uniformed employee rolled in a trolley.
“Dinner?” She moved out of the way to let the server pass and Tom closed the distance between them, crowding her against the wall.
“Yes, dinner,” he whispered into her ear.
“But I thought—”
“What? That I would strip you naked and take you against this wall the minute you walked in?” His warm, moist breath sent shockwaves of lust down her neck. He bit her earlobe lightly. “Make no mistake, Beth, I will have you. But I’m a civilized man. I invited you to dinner and I will feed you dinner.”
International Heat author Lila Dubois is under the spotlight this week.
Here’s her official bio. After you reading it you won’t need me to tell you this woman is entertaining. She has me in stitches everytime we talk.
Lila normally lives in Hollywood, which provides an endless supply of exciting evenings and writing ideas, but is currently terrorizing a sleepy little town in Surrey, England. She’s moved in with her shiny new fiance. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt and Turkey, Lila speaks five languages, none of them (including English) fluently. Lila has yet to look the correct way when crossing the street in England and family and friends are taking bets on when she will be hit by a car.
You can find out more about Ms. Lila HERE!
Here’s her latest release -
Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60504-591-7
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: June 23, 2009
Cover art by Angie Waters
Destiny is waiting…
Moira doesn’t know who’s hunting her, but she knows why. In her youth she unleashed a deadly force that killed everything within range—a strange power she has vowed never to use again.
Needing protection, she risks a bit of the old magic to call for backup. She gets more than she asks for. A lot more. A proud, sexually magnetic, enraged centaur who’s far from a quiet, obedient servant.
Kiron at first tries to intimidate the witch into freeing him, but she possesses more backbone than the average human. When she’s attacked again, he realizes she’s not a real witch. In fact, she’s not even human. And the sparks flying between them have nothing to do with the magical shackles that bind them together.
Curiosity grows to admiration, then to a love that in the end may not be enough to protect her. Moira’s enemies are closing in, intending to harness her power to restore a dark kingdom that has lain dormant for a thousand years.
There’s only one, heart-wrenching way out—give herself over to the full extent of her powers hoping that her true destiny lies with Kiron, and not in fulfilling a prophecy of death…
Warning: A super-hot centaur, kinky sex with vegetation and an extensive discussion of the ecological importance of primeval forests.
Fellow International Heat author Jayne Rylon is the first victim, oops, I mean lucky devil in my new Spotlight Sunday. I was lucky enough to meet Jayne at the recent Lori Foster weekend and let me tell you she is not only a great author, she’s great fun to hang out with too. She writes smokin’ hot romance that you need to get your hands on. You can find out more about her and her books on her website – www.jaynerylon.com or at the International Heat blog.
Her official Bio -
Jayne Rylon’s stories usually begin as a daydream in an endless business meeting. Her writing acts as a creative counterpoint to her straightlaced corporate existence. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband who both inspires her fantasies and supports her careers. When she can escape her office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky and, of course, read.
Her books -
Dream Machine
The best dreams are made of naughty and spice.
Rebecca Williams is about to achieve her goal of graduating from a prestigious university and winning a coveted spot in her mentor’s cutting-edge psychology practice. She just needs one more qualification: sexual experience. She never dreamed it would come at the hands of the man she’s admired and wanted for six years. Dr. Kurt Foster.
Kurt, a brilliant psychologist in the field of sexual therapy, is a scientist to the core. Attraction and lust are nothing more than chemical reactions, in his clinical opinion. Love? It’s just a figment of the imagination born of nature’s directives. He’s on the brink of proving it with a new machine that uncovers latent desires.
In short order, Becca’s forbidden lust for her boss is exposed. As Kurt continues to enlighten her on the darker facets of her sexuality, the student unexpectedly becomes the teacher.
And suddenly Kurt is confronted with the irrefutable proof that love is so much more than a societal construction.
Warning: This book is only suitable for readers who are turned on by hot doctors engaging in sexual experiments, bondage, ménage a trois, exhibitionism, suspension, anal sex and other deviant behavior using mechanical stimulation devices they’ve invented to make your wildest dreams come true.
Nice And Naughty
Can one man satisfy Alexa’s appetites? Or will it take two?
After a disastrous lesson in heartache, Alexa Jones confines her adrenaline rushes to intense boardroom negotiations. Her legendary control cracks and she indulges in a high-octane encounter on the hood of her sports car. She never planned to see the enticing stranger again. When she finds herself across the boardroom table from him, there’s suddenly more at stake than just her career.
Justin Winston got more than he bargained for on his summer drive, but he should have known nothing is ever that easy. He’s met the woman of his dreams yet he doesn’t know who she is. Luckily, he can always count on his practical brother for the things that matter, and this time is no exception. But, when a web of corporate espionage entangles them all, it’s clear Justin isn’t the only one who’s fallen for their mysterious siren.
In Justin and Jason, Alexa finds something as unique and rare as the patent they will risk their lives to secure. The freedom to explore—and satisfy—the full range of her desires. From naughty to nice. Can Alexa accept the love of two men?
Warning: This story contains light bondage, anal play and smoking hot brothers for double the fun and double the trouble.
Picture Perfect
Conn Hennessey suffered nine hundred years trapped in a godforsaken painting. Halloween magic gives him one chance at freedom. With just twenty four hours to break the spell, by convincing the woman he loves they belong together, a day never seemed so short.
Dana Kavanagh wishes she were gullible enough to believe her sexy stranger’s story. He looks and acts like the man of her dreams but magic, time travel and a pissed off witch seem farfetched. Afraid of looking like a fool if it’s a hoax, can she afford the consequences if she’s wrong?
The clock is ticking…
Do yourself a favor and grab one of Jayne’s hot reads.
Rachel
