New books and a thankee to Dear Author

NEW BOOKS! Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney Abandoned by a rogue Betrothed to an earl she had never met, Charlotte Haversham arrived at Balfurin, hoping to find love at the legendary Scottish castle. Instead she found decaying towers and no husband among the ruins. So Charlotte worked a miracle, transforming the rotting fortress into a prestigious girls' school. And now, five years later, her life is filled with purpose—until . . . Seduced by a stranger A man storms Charlotte's castle—and he is not the reprehensible Earl of Marne, the one who stole her dowry and dignity, but rather the absent lord's handsome, worldly cousin Dixon MacKinnon. Mesmerized by the fiery Charlotte, Dixon is reluctant to correct her mistake. And though she's determined not to play the fool again, Charlotte finds herself strangely thrilled by the scoundrel's amorous attentions. But a dangerous intrigue has drawn Dixon to Balfurin. And if his ruse is prematurely revealed, a passionate, blossoming love affair could crumble into ruin. Pleasure Prolonged (Avon Red) by Cathryn Fox Once a mere lab assistant, Erin Shay is thrilled over her new promotion. The curvaceous, brainy, somewhat straightlaced lady has been placed in charge of an important new research project: testing a serum specially designed to substantially prolong a couple's lovemaking. With scientists Jay and Laura off on their honeymoon, Erin's been left alone in the lab . . . with her hard-bodied new assistant, Kale Alexander, a sexy stud who has "playboy" written all over him. Erin's never even had a one-night stand—but the project's success depends upon her playing the wild, wanton bad-girl to red-hot Casanova Kale. Since she's already learned the perils of leaving her heart too open to heartbreak, this time she'll be the one calling the shots. Her bad-boy partner is going to know from the git-go that this will be a brief sex-only affair—hot, torrid, steamy love in the interests of science . . . with absolutely no strings attached. But when the loving is this deliciously hot, who in her right mind wouldn't want to prolong it? The Price of Desire (Avon Red) by Leda Swann Caroline Clemens is at her wits' end. Orphaned and responsible for the welfare of her four younger siblings, she's certain it's only a matter of time before she loses everything. When she meets Dominic Savage passions ignite, and they soon strike a deal that benefits both parties. But their desire for each other soon outweighs any "business" deal between them, and the two lovers suddenly find themselves playing by an entirely different set of rules. Alluring Tales by Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office--and gives her the ride of her life. This one night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second. When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out...for a good, long time. A minister's son harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper--and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true... A big city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire... A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket--and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free... A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated... Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that knows no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy! And thanks to Dear Author's Great Pumpkin Giveaway! Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh Harmony Lancaster is of the Lion breed, created to be a huntress with a thirst to kill. But the way she seeks justice outside of the law makes her a liability to her own kind. Yet she also possesses information that they need on the existence of the First Leo - who holds the precious secrets of desire. To save her life, Harmony is paired with Sheriff Lance Jacobs, who tries to tame the killer within her, while protecting the gentle woman he longs to possess. But a dangerous cult leader, bent on destroying the Breeds, could change the way Lance looks at Harmony forever...

Review: Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann

Leda Swann was one of the authors who joined us for Avon Red Week. I completely fell in love with the cover for Sugar and Spice. Sadly this turned out to be one of those times where the cover was the best part. Genre: Erotic Romance (I think... could be Erotica) Grade: D- Sensuality: Burning Jane Meter: SKIP This an ever popular anthology, although it is a single title. It has an interesting set up and is somewhat different. Each of the stories involve an already married couple struggling to find their HEA. They all end up at a 'naughty house' in Cornwall that caters to married couples and is ran by a Mrs. Bertram. Click for rest of review Our first couple - Gwendolyn and Adam are unhappily married but have great sex. Just about every night, or at least Adam is having great sex, Gwendolyn thinks she is just a convenient fuck. She lied and 'forced' him to marry her and Adam is holding something of a grudge. Hard to have a happy marriage with the groom thinking the bride is a lying, manipulative bitch. I loved the set up and the first scene with the Turkish slave girl setup is great. Adam is very much the man as he lays there thinking a hand job isn't 'really cheating' until it dawns on him if he is there... where is his wife. The two play out a list of fantasy and find their way to sharing their true feelings. The stories biggest downside is it is too long and the very played out ending. Obsessed gets a C. Lillian and Felix have a very Mary Balogh tradition regency plot. They got married. A few months later he gets bored thinking his wife is cold and doesn't want him. Felix starts to fuck around and Lillian tries her best to ignore it. After Felix takes off to Mrs. Bertram's with his newest 'soon to be mistress', Lillian is blackmailed by the Mr. of 'soon to be mistress'. After a chorus of 'Hail, Hail the Gangs All Here' there is a great scene where Lillian give Felix a piece of her mind. And after he figures out how badly he screwed up with his virgin bride - SIX YEARS ago - Felix does the only thing any good regency hero would do. He decided it is a good time to teach his wife to blow him and stick his fingers up her ass. I was never able to get over the thought that she would have been better off leaving with Gareth. Enslaved gets a F. Speaking of Gareth the hero of the last story and over all good guy. I liked him except for he spends most of the story being a doormat for Cora. In case you forgot, Cora was the woman who went off for a week with Felix. She is... hell really I am not sure what Cora is suppose to be. At one point she is mad because he married her to have door opened for him in socially At another point she is mad because she married him because he is in trade, so she figured she would never care for him but does. At another point it seems she thinks she can never make him happy and has a secret that would hurt him. Or some such thing, really by this point I just wanted the book over. I guessed the end pretty early then decided I was wrong (turns out I wasn't). I think Exposed is the shortest of the three and the most sexually adventurous. They confront the big bad thing, learn they can deal with it together and Cora figures out Gareth will stick by her no matter what. Exposed gets a D. I think the biggest disappointment I had with Sugar and Spice is it could have been so much better. It had a different plot than you normally get in today's historicals and I was willing to go along for the ride when I normally run from anything that deal with adultery. Maybe that is why I got hung up on Felix's character and his actions. He has this big 'ah ha' moment and handles it so stupidly. I would have just closed the book and walked away, if I was the type to not finish books. And Cora was such a horrible character. I understand we are suppose to excuse her actions because of her big bad secret but Gareth was just too good. So over all the first story was the only I could say I liked and really not that much. Anyone else read this yet? Like it? Have any other thoughts on Sugar and Spice? Next: The Price of Desire is the next book by Leda Swann. I still have no clue what this is about other than it has something to do with a workhouse. Currently I am reading Pleasure Control by Cathryn Fox and liking it. Have you tried an Avon Red yet?

Dear Author goes 20/20

From Dear Author: The week of October 2nd through October 8th we will be featuring an interview and several reviews of an author that the Two Ja(y)nes and Janine love. Today marks the first of a three part series on Romance Publishers Promises to Romance Readers. Today’s articles addresses Advertising (the delivery of the promise), next week will feature an article on Branding (the promise), and finally we’ll end with What to Do When a Good Author Goes Bad (or when the promises are broken). First up: Advertising (the delivery of the promise) go forth and read... I could be wrong, but I don't think this is about the never ending debate of 'What makes a Happy Every After'. Is it marriage and a baby makes three? Can a Happy for Now be a HEA? Can a couple end HEA without a ring? So forth and so on... I *think* we are going with: Romance = HEA (YMMV on what that means ) Erotic Romance = HEA with steamy, throw the door wide open sex Romantica = same as ER but trademarked to EC which some people 'get' and know and some choose to ignore Erotica = Fiction story where the plot is driven by sex Porn = sex, sex, sex, and sex no rhyme or reason, plot? what plot? Personally I think all of the above are peachy and all have their fans. What I think the dear ja(y)ne's are addressing is, well, what they say they are addressing... Advertising and the way publishers choose to market their books. Jane please correct me if I am wrong.

Alluring Tales ***March 2007*** (VA summary added)

Are you looking for salacious and thrilling action-adventure reads that will leave you breathless? The search is over. The award winning, bestselling Allure Authors offer you a scintillating blend of paranormal, contemporary, fantasy, futuristic, and science fiction tales all in one sure-to-please erotic collection. Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin from the Allure Authors site have stories in this book. LOL guess the title should have tipped me off ;) Quick Silver by Viva Anna In the year 2080, Sangria Silver knows what it takes to be a good messenger, a good delivery person. Ask no questions, and do the job no matter what. With a reputation for being quick, efficient and discreet, she’s the most wanted Conveyor in the New States of America. Contracted by the one of the most powerful woman in the NSA, Sangria takes on her most intriguing and most lucrative job to date. Two million dollars to transport a large metal case from the sparkling, sanitized streets of Los Angeles Proper to the skids of East Las Vegas, no questions asked. Along the way, she thinks she has it made and will be able to retire from the job, when she’s involved in a traffic accident and her car flips over. To her chagrin, the metal case is tossed from the trunk and smashes open to reveal the cargo inside. Not cargo but a man. Alive and sexy as sin itself. Now she has to decide whether to deliver him to the address or keep him all to herself... Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson Summary Cassidy Jones had high hopes for her and Houston Police Officer, TJ Evans, until she was attacked by a stranger late one night on the university campus. Now she’s destined to spend her life in the shadows, fighting to control raging lust for blood and sex. Afraid she can’t win against the inner beast, she hides in her house, without hope of ever living a normal life. Until TJ comes calling demanding that she give him the answers he deserves and that she leave the city before the hurricane arrives. TJ had it bad for, Cassidy, but he knows when he’s been given the brush off. He’d all but given up when he walked next door to deliver the edict that all residents were to evacuate Houston immediately. When Cassidy refuses to leave, they spend a turbulent night battling the storm ultimately surrendering to their passion. Will Cassidy restrain the inner monster? Or will TJ emerge from the storm a changed man? Excerpt Cassidy leaned into him and practically purred against his cheek. “Stop me now, TJ, before it’s too late.” While her words said one thing, her hands racing across his skin encouraged him to continue. With his mind caught in a cloud of desire, TJ couldn’t stop. Couldn’t pull free of her until he slaked his desire. Tension built, rising in surges, centering on the juncture of their joined bodies. Cassidy moaned, her breasts bobbing up and down in TJ’s face. He captured one of the pale round orbs in his mouth and sucked hard, drawing the rounded flesh into his mouth, laving the taught rosy nipple. She murmured her approval and nuzzled his neck, nipping at the skin with her teeth. The tender bites only fueled the fires and spurred him on. He spun around and pressed her back to the wall where he could leverage her while he plunged deeper inside. He pumped into her again and again, until his entire body tightened into an orgasmic knot. On his final thrust, he peaked teetering on the verge of shooting sperm deep inside her. At that exact moment, Cassidy clamped her legs tightly around his waist, licked his neck in a long, sexy swipe, and then she leaned in, her mouth opening to take his throat between her teeth. The pager buried deep in TJ’s trouser pocket beeped, cutting through their labored breathing and vibrating against his knee. The effect was to jerk him out of the sensual haze and remind him they’d used no protection. “Damn it!” Without pulling out of her, TJ fumbled to reach for the pants around his knees. With his cock still firmly entrenched in her channel, the task was impossible. The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones Summary A road trip. A storm that forces her to a roadside hotel. One passionate night. One perfect stranger… Jessica Montgomery needs an escape and a new outlook of herself as a woman. Her ex-husband not only left her for another woman, he called her sexually suppressed. Since then, she’s avoided relationships, using her work as an excuse. But deep down, there is a sensual woman who wants to be discovered. If only Jessica can find the confidence to let her lose. When a one night stand delivers Jessica to her sexy side, she faces the new day a changed woman. But what happens when her stranger appears again? Will she dare to find what lies beyond morning? Tempting Grace by Sasha White Summary At 35 reformed Bad Girl Grace Walters is finally content with her life. She’s a homeowner working her dream job of helping troubled teens, and acceptance in her community. Grace has worked hard to be where she is and she isn’t willing to let anything threaten her stable future. But when she's in an emotional downswing, and Lucas Martin makes it clear that he’s willing to do anything for her . . . Well, she can only resist temptation for so long. Grace knows getting involved with the much younger preachers son will threaten her new found acceptance, but how can she resist when she knows that being bad will make them both feel so good? Excerpt For the first time in over a year Grace Walters didn’t want to go home. She didn’t want to walk up the brick path and look at the pretty flowerbed she’d planted just last week. She didn’t want to open the door to the small two-bedroom cottage style house that she’d bought thirteen months earlier. The one and only place she’d let herself call home since she was fourteen and decided that she was better off on the streets than in a house where no one cared. She didn’t want to go home, because she knew she’d see that small pile of clothes on the dryer that belonged to Chelsea, and then she’d have to accept that Chelsea hadn’t felt at home there. That no matter what Grace had done, Chelsea had still gone back to the street, and this time, it had killed her. Grace didn’t want to remember. She didn’t want to think. “Why don’t you get them both?” She started when a deep voice broke through the thick fog coating her mind. “What?” She turned and found Lukas Martin behind her, less than a foot away. How had he gotten so close without her even noticing? Her instincts for self-preservation had always served her well before. “You seem to be having a hard time deciding between ice cream flavors, why not treat yourself and get both?” Lukas said with a smile. A pale eyebrow arched and a playful gleam lit up his chocolate eyes as he leaned even closer. “But if you want a real treat you should let me cook you dinner.” Grace started to say no, like she had so many times in the past month when he’d asked her out. But this time, the refusal stuck in her throat. As if he sensed her weakness, he stepped forward, the playful gleam fading as his gaze took on a more intense heat. “Grace?” Need blossomed from deep within. One she’d thought was long buried. She swept her gaze over his leanly muscled six-foot frame, and the energizing tingle of sensual awareness she always felt whenever Luke entered a room zipped through her. Grace knew intuitively that he could satisfy that need. It was a bad idea. Her head knew that, but her heart, her aching heart needed to feel something other than the pain of failure, and there was one thing she’d always been good at. One thing she’d always succeeded at … and she was too tired to deny the pull that Lukas’ eager-to-please attentions awoke within her. “One night,” she whispered. “One night?” “One night. You and me. No dinner, and no promises.” She met his gaze and let him see the need she felt rising from deep within. “Tonight.” A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day Summary Victoria St. John is a Familiar, and like most kittens, she likes to play. Unattached to a warlock, she's causing mischief. Too much trouble-making can cause suspicions in mortals, so the High Council assigns warlock and Hunter Max Westin to "collar" her, in the hopes that he can succeed where others have failed. From the moment Max meets the beautiful Familiar, he can't wait to get started. He loves hunting, relishes the taming, and isn't prone to hurrying matters. Reining in a wild kitten takes time, sometimes weeks, and he's more than willing to put in the effort with Victoria. A battle of wills and an erotic seduction. The result is a journey through the depths of desire to the heights of eternal love. Excerpt The Hunter had finally arrived. Victoria studied him carefully through the closed-circuit feed that monitored her office reception area. The urbane Armani suit he wore did nothing to hide the predator within. Tall and dark, the Hunter moved with a casual arrogance that made her purr. He didn't look around, completely focused on the moment when they would be together in the same room. Alone. As she rubbed her hands together, a throaty growl filled the air. The High Council was ready to tangle with her again. She smiled and preened, as was the nature of her kind. This Hunter was powerful, she could feel it even through the walls that separated them. It was a testament to her own prowess that they would send a warlock such as him after her. She couldn't help but be flattered. After all, she'd broken the laws on purpose, deliberately goading the very powers that had stolen Darius from her. And here was her "punishment", walking into her office with that luscious, long-legged stride. She couldn't be more thrilled with their choice. He flashed a devastating smile at the receptionist before she closed the door behind him. Then he turned his attention to Victoria and removed his sunglasses. Oh my. She crossed her silk stocking-clad legs to ease the sudden ache between them. Piercing gray eyes measured her from a face so austerely handsome she was almost inclined to leave her seat and rub up against him. That firm jaw. those sculpted lips. But, of course, she couldn't. She first had to see if he would reveal who he was or if he intended to pretend. The High Council still hadn't realized how much power Darius had bequeathed her. They didn't yet realize how deeply her awareness went. Her gaze moved to the crystal-framed miniature on her desk and the man with the rakish dimple who smiled lovingly from there. Captured beautifully in oil paints, glints of gold shining in his blond hair, the sight of Darius brought a familiar ache of loss and heartache that firmed her resolve. The waste of his life filled her with a need for retribution. Rising to her feet, Victoria held out her hand. The Hunter took it leisurely, the palpable force in his touch betraying him. "Mr. Westin," she breathed, fighting back a delicious shiver. She would have to thank the Council for this gift when she was done with him. He was so dark-his skin, his raven hair, his aura. Sex incarnate. She could smell it, feel it with his proximity. It was obvious why he was a successful Hunter. Already she was wet and eager. Max Westin held her hand a little too long, his thickly-lashed gaze clearly stating his intentions to have her, to tame her. Like all kittens, Victoria liked to play, so she brushed her fingertips across his palm as she pulled away. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, a tiny sign that she could get to him if she really put the effort into it. Of course, she intended to do just that. The Council only sent their best, most prized Hunters after her, and she knew how it chaffed Them when their elite met with abject failure. It was the only thing she could do prevent feeling helpless-give Them a harsh reminder of how great Darius' had been, and what They'd lost with his needless sacrifice. "Ms. St. John." Westin's voice was a rough caress. Everything about him was a little rough, a little gritty. A primitive creature. Just like she was. Victoria waved toward the chair in front of her glass-topped desk. Freeing the button of his coat, Max sank into the seat, his dark blue trousers stretching over firm thighs and an impressive bulge between them. She licked her lips. Yum. Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin Summary Upon overhearing Kili's conversation with a girlfriend, Gunnar "Ice Man" Rydeman's a little ticked Kili thinks all jocks are brainless throwbacks. When she dives into her mini-vacation, he pulls some strings to be the object of her virtual fantasy--only problem is, she's selected a primitive setting, and he suddenly finds himself in a fur loincloth, fighting prehistoric beasts with a single-syllable vocabulary. Now, how will he prove to Kili he's cleverer than the average caveman? Excerpt Kili sucked in a deep breath and blinked as her eyes adjusted to white, searing sunlight. Her first glance at her vacation setting sent her stomach plummeting. Where was the desert island with the horseshoe strip of pale sand and navy sea? Sure, heat radiated off the ground in suffocating waves, but where was the cabana boy in the Speedo? Instead, an endless savannah stretched in front of her with tall, golden grass waving in the hot breeze and gnarled, stunted trees dotting the horizon. "What the hell?" Stones skittered behind her and she spun to find a large, male figure standing on a rocky knoll. At least the program had gotten that much right. The Ice Man's incredible, burly physique was nude except for a furry loincloth that draped from a slender cord at his waist, leaving the sides of his tanned hips and his massive, sleek thighs bare. The breeze ruffled his pale hair as he strode toward her, his sharp gaze sweeping down her body, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Kili's heart thudded and her nipples tightened, the sensitive tips pressing into supple fabric. She glanced down and noted she too wore an animal's skin, tanned and buttery-soft. The miniscule top barely covered her breasts and was knotted between them. Another soft garment draped around her hips, and the breeze licking up her thighs revealed she was totally nude underneath the crude clothing. "Now, that's attention to detail," she murmured. But if this was her fantasy, why weren't her hips slimmer? When she brought up her head again, Ice Man's attention was directed behind her and his entire body tensed. He hefted a spear in one hand, holding it above his shoulder. She followed his gaze and saw an enormous creature crouched low in the grass staring back at them, cat-like with long fangs curving like tusks from its gaping mouth. Before she could gasp a warning, Ice Man let loose his spear and snagged her wrist, dragging her behind him as he ran back up the knoll. A hideous, snarling scream erupted, and Kili forgot that none of this was real-her heart accelerated and her breath rasped as she ran like the wind, flying up the rocks behind the gladiator, grateful for the fur-lined booties that shielded her feet from the harsh terrain. Just as they crested the knoll, the sound of heavy paws thundered behind them. She didn't dare look back, but Ice Man dropped her hand and drew another spear from the leather sheath strapped to his back. With a lithe twist, he turned and launched the spear straight into the large cat's chest. The animal dropped like a rock without a sound, dead before it hit the ground. Kili shivered and reminded herself--this isn't real. All that blood spurting in a gurgling stream from the creature's gaping wound was just part of the program hooked up to her brainwaves to deliver a virtual adventure. She'd never really been in danger, but her racing heart didn't seem to know the difference. The trembling that shook her body felt authentic, as did the excitement that thrummed through her veins. She drew a deep, steadying breath and lifted her head to find Ice Man's gaze leveled on her. His chest gleamed with sweat, his jaw was taut, and hunger glinted in his hard eyes. "I'm guessing this is where we're supposed to share celebratory sex, huh?" Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox Summary Centuries ago On the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she doesn’t love, Princess Caira Montright flees her father’s castle and secretly meets her lover, Zarek. Their plans to elope are foiled when one of Lord Montright’s vassals captures them. The all-powerful Lord Montright places a curse on Zarek, banishing him to an eternity of hell inside a portrait—a portrait that finds its way back to Caira in every lifetime. Zarek is forced to watch Caira throughout the centuries yet never be able to claim her as his own. The only thing that can break the curse is for Caira to recite the incantation on the Lover’s Locket. Then she must battle the forces of evil to free him forever. Excerpt “I see you have found the Lover’s Locket.” “What?” Startled by the woman’s sudden appearance, Caira jumped back. She hadn’t even heard her approaching footsteps. The woman gestured toward the beautiful silver necklace enclosed behind the protective walls of the glass case and motioned for her to take a better look. “The Lover’s Locket,” she repeated. Her aged voice cracked like brittle bones causing goose bumps to pebble Caira’s flesh. Palms open, Caira placed her hands on the glass. She was so mesmerized by the beauty of the exquisite piece of jewelry she almost found it impossible to speak. She fought to recover her voice. “It’s magnificent.” “You’re searching. Yes?” “Searching?” Caira didn’t understand the question. “For your true love.” She was surprised at how perceptive the old woman was. Uncomfortable talking about her personal life with a complete stranger, Caira turned the discussion back to the locket. “Is it antique?” The woman ignored her question and asked one of her own. “Should you wish to have it?” Caira gave a quick shake of her head. “I can’t afford-” The woman cut her off. “It is not for you to argue.” She opened the glass case, removed the locket, and placed it in Caira’s hand. The second the locket came into contact with her flesh an odd tingling began in her bloodstream. She was strangely fascinated by the piece. Strangely fascinated by the way her pulse kicked up a notch at first contact. Curious about its origins, she stared at the antique locket in awe. She’d never seen anything more beautiful. The woman touched her arm bringing Caira’s attention back to her. “You feel it don’t you?” she asked. Uneasiness closed in on her as she met the woman’s challenging gaze. She felt something, an unexplainable strange pull toward the locket, but she wasn’t about to admit it. She lowered her lashes, hiding her emotions from the woman’s probing gaze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Caira responded quickly, turning the locket over in her hand. A ribbon of sunlight burst through the window and reflected off the unusual intricate design etched in the silver. Caira squinted and stared at the inscription until the words in front of her blurred together. The gypsy curled her weathered fingers around Caira’s and squeezed until the locket was tightly enclosed in the safety of her small hand. “With this locket comes great power, but with all great power there comes darkness.” “What do you mean?” Caira asked, indulging her for a moment. Her gravelly voice became as smooth as silk as she recounted the tale of the Lover’s Locket. “It is said that if one recites the incantation etched in the silver, their true love will be revealed.” Suddenly, an anxious expression crossed the gypsy-woman’s beguiling violet eyes. “The incantation also awakens the Keeper of Darkness from his eternal slumber.” Frowning intently, she looked deep into Caira’s eyes. “The person who recites the incantation is the only one who can defeat the Keeper of Darkness. It is said that death is the price of failure.” Caira blew out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She remembered the old legend well. It was only a few years ago while babysitting her niece that she’d recounted the story herself. She almost laughed out loud at the foolishness of it all. She took a moment to recall the legend. It was believed that centuries ago on the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she didn’t love, a rebellious princess had fled her father’s castle and secretly met her lover. Their plans to elope were foiled when one of the Lord’s vassals captured them. The all-powerful Lord had a curse placed on his daughter’s lover. In retaliation, the princess acquired the help of an old gypsy woman. She had an incantation etched on her most precious possession, a locket given to her by her lover. Should the locket find its way to her in another lifetime, the princess could read the incantation and break the curse. But unfortunately, as the old woman had already said, with great power comes great darkness. The princess must battle the forces of evil to free her lover forever. “You know the story. Yes?” The worry in the woman’s voice gained her full attention. Caira forced a smile and addressed the old woman’s concerns. “It’s just a legend. A story told at slumber parties. The legend also says that only the princess can unleash its power,” she pointed out. Rolling her shoulders she continued, “So if this ever fell into the hands of the original owner-” A frown formed on her forehead as the old woman sealed Caira’s protest with her fingers. Caira repressed a shiver as a chill rushed through her. “What makes you think you’re not the original owner, Bella?” the woman asked. Caira’s skin prickled. The air almost seemed to crackle with electricity. Bella? Obviously the old woman had her confused with someone else. “My name isn’t Bella, it’s Caira.” The woman gave a slow nod. “Yes, of course, Caira. Forgive my slip. Perhaps this belonged to you in the past, Caira.” She met the woman’s glance and tried to placate her. “It’s ridiculous to believe the legend.” Waving her hand over her worn jeans and t-shirt she said, “Besides, I hardly think I was a princess in another lifetime.” “Yes, well, you’ll never know unless you recite the incantation.” The look in the woman’s eyes caused her skin to grow cold. Caira gulped, her stomach plummeted. Good Lord what was going on with her? What was she getting all worked up about? She shook her head to clear it. It was just a silly legend. Wasn’t it?

Stranger Nights

[click the question to see answer] First up the easy question, what is your current release? My current release is ASK FOR IT, a Brava historical. There are a lot of reasons why it means a lot to me, not the least of which is that it's the first book I ever wrote. It was written long before BAD BOYS AHOY!, which some readers find interesting. They assume books are released in the order they're written, but that's rarely the case. It was my first contest winner and won multiple times. It was the first book to garner requests for more from agents and it was the book that landed me my first agent. It's been the #4 Highest Rated book overall on Fictionwise for a few weeks now, and has been awarded a few Reviewers' Choice awards. Summary, excerpt, reviews and book trailer In November, I have two trade paperback releases of my EC e-books (This will take all of my EC titles into print, which is nice for my readers who only like that format) -- WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS (VOL. II) which features my holiday story "Wish List", and DECLASSIFIED: DARK KISSES which is a single-author anthology featuring MISLED and KISS OF THE NIGHT. What do you think Avon Red has to offer readers that is different from the other erotic romance prints? I think their decision to stay with one release a month is an excellent one. The market is flooded with erotic works. The tide will turn faster because of this, and then readers will be clamoring for 'sweeter' works. As I tell my husband, "Too much of anything is too much." The smaller number of releases allows them to be more selective. I agree with Toni in that the levels of sexual explicitness are all across the board. For those of you who are familiar with my work, you may be surprised to hear that one of the PotN edits was a request to kick the sex up a notch. This surprised me, but I kept it in the same style and quantity I've always written. Speaking of erotic romance, how do you define the difference between 'erotic romance' and 'erotica'. Erotica: stories written about the sexual journey of the characters and how this impacts them as individuals. Emotion and character growth are important facets of a true erotic story. However, erotica is NOT designed to show the development of a romantic relationship, although it’s not prohibited if the author chooses to explore romance. Happily Ever Afters are NOT an intrinsic part of erotica, though they can be included. Erotic Romance: stories written about the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction. The sex is an inherent part of the story, character growth, and relationship development, and couldn’t be removed without damaging the storyline. Happily Ever After is a REQUIREMENT to be an erotic romance. Sexy Romance: stories written about the development of a romantic relationship that just happen to have more explicit sex. The sex is not an inherent part of the story, character growth, or relationship development, and it could easily be toned down without damaging the storyline. Happily Ever After is a given as this is basically a standard romance with hotter sex. Do people know you write erotic romance? If your friends and family do know, how has their reaction been? Yes, everyone knows what I write. I'm very clear on that point so I don't shock anyone. My mom loves my books (of course!). My SIL, on the other hand, was shocked, but still liked them. Both women have done a great job of promoting my books to their friends and family, which I appreciate immensely. Word of mouth is so important, and they've done a great job of building that amongst their circle of associates. As a writer do you have any 'do not cross' lines or do you go wherever the story takes you? Have you looked back on something you wrote and been surprised you came up with it. Wanna share what it was *g*. I'm a vanilla sex writer. I use graphic verbiage, but the sex itself is your 'standard' sex. I've only used a sex toy once ("A Familiar Kind of Magic" in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY) and I've had one anal sex scene (MISLED). I'm happy with the "type" and "heat level" of the sex I write. I write at the limits of my comfort level. But yes, if a story started going into unchartered territory I would follow it, but I've no plans to deliberately set out to write anything beyond vanilla sex. Not that I have anything against those storylines that do. As a reader, I enjoy them. As a writer, I prefer to write m/f sweaty, gritty, no-toys-involved sex done in 'standard' sexual positions. :) The anal scene in MISLED still makes me blush. What is up next? We are book whores, give us names dates and summaries! I have LOTS coming up, thanks to my wonderful editors who schedule me in their line-ups fairly often (and buy lots of books!) The following are the trade paperback books that I'm presently contracted for: 2006 DECLASSIFIED: DARK KISSES - Ellora's Cave - 11/06 "Wish List" in WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS antho- Ellora's Cave 11/06 2007 THE STRANGER I MARRIED - Kensington Brava - 01/07 (Dec. 25 release) "A Familiar Kind of Magic" in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY - Avon Red - 3/07 PLEASURES OF THE NIGHT - Avon Red - 5/07 PASSION FOR THE GAME - Brava - 6/07 PERFECT KISSES (anthology with NY Times bestseller Susan Johnson and Aphrodisia author Noelle Mack) - Brava - 7/07 TBD - Brava - 11/07 Book II of the Dream Guardians series - Avon Red - 12/07 2008 One more single title with Brava three single titles with Zebra - a new futuristic mass market series I've also got another story contracted with Avon, but I'm not sure when it will be released. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

If you don't have time to read...

My TBR pile is almost ridiculous, because I keep buying books and then I can't read them. Stephen King says, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." and I agree with him. Sadly, I truly don't have the time. I've turned in three single titles this year, and two novellas. Between now and Feb. I have another novella due and two single titles. Then another ST in Apr, and Aug, and Dec. On one hand, I think it'll be nice to slow down. On the other, I know it takes years and years for some authors to build the size backlist I've built in just two and getting contracts is a struggle for many. So while I'm hugely busy, I'm doing what I love, and I never sit here and wish I were doing something else. I don't take for granted the opportunities afforded me by my editors and their enthusiasm for my work. I'm grateful every day. I'm most looking forward to reading SUGAR DADDY by Lisa Kleypas. I preordered it a long time ago. I'm also eagerly awaiting a new Shelby Reed release, as I'm a huge fan of hers. And all the upcoming Allure Authors' books. I can't wait for those! [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Pleasures of the Night **May 2007**

Aidan Cross is a Dream Guardian. In the Twilight between sleep and wakefulness, a battle ensues between his kind and the Nightmares, with the victor reaping the benefits of the energy created in slumber. Guardians recharge with various skills, Nightmares drain while thriving on distress. To keep the portal locked between reality and dreams is a calling that rules Aidan’s life, until he’s assigned to protect Lyssa Bates. Unlike the other women whose dreams he’s calmed with deeply erotic seduction, Lyssa recognizes him and his purpose. She welcomes him to her bed as he is, without the disguise of her fantasies, and offers him the first true solace he’s known in a lifetime of fighting. Her ability is a gift. And a curse. Because of her rare cognizance, she is said to be The Key they have all been searching for. The Key serves a terrible purpose—to open the Gateway and allow Nightmares in unlimited numbers to travel through the Twilight. From there, they have access to the mortal plane through the individuals whose dreams they control. So Aidan leaves the Twilight to protect her from both his own people and the enemies who need Lyssa to open the door to them. Stripped of the endless possibilities of dreams, they have only their will to live with which to conquer her destiny and grasp the elusive promise of love. There is a companion site for the series. It's a work in progress and is presently undergoing a full-site redesign, so by November visitors will find a whole new site and lots more content -- deleted scenes, sneak peaks at future installments of the series, games, etc. But there's an excerpt up now! And a little mini-trailer. (It's just something I whipped together myself while Circle of Seven works on the "official" trailer. *g*)

The Dream Guardian

The Dream Guardian series was partly a creative construct and partly a marketing-focused one. At the time I had a futuristic on submission that was running into a problem -- it was too futuristic for the romance imprints and too romantic for the sci-fi imprints. So my agent suggested that I return to the drawing board while we waited for word and think of something else. Kensington has my historicals, a futuristic was on submission, that left me with contemporary. I thought of all the paranormals I knew of -- weres, vamps, magic, faeries -- and wanted to do something different. I thought about it and came up with the dream/nightmare idea. "What if the man of your dreams was real?" Then my imagination ran with it. What if Nightmares were real? What if they were beings that fed off the fear and distress created by bad dreams? And what if good dreams were real? And what if the good dreams were the reason we have bad dreams? And what about wet dreams? The possibilities just kept stacking up. I had to research wormholes, spacetime, string theory, Roman rings, parallel dimensions, closed timelike curves, Shinto temples, and various physical ailments that affect restful sleep.

Guest Author: Sylvia Day

We are wrapping Avon Red Week up with an author I think could win a prize for the most books coming soon.... Sylvia Day She has books coming out from Avon Red, Brava, Ellora’s Cave and even an Essay in one of BenBella's Books. You can keep up with Sylvia on her blog, message board, Allure Authors, Your Virtual Book Bag, Out of the Blogosphere, Erotic Romance Authors, 2 B Read, Lust for Life, Avon Authors, Brava Authors, Fanlit and Romancing the Blog. ::blink:: And I prolly missed some places. I have no clue when she finds time to write. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Romance courting erotica

Erotic Romance, Erotica and or Romantica, no matter what you label it or how you define it, you can't argue that it is a hot market right now. HOT is an understatement, it has exploded and just about every publisher is coming out with a line or buying books to fit this market. It has been talked about, blogged about, printed in newspapers, made a talk show or two and now even has its own idiot's Guide. Since this is Avon Red Week, figured we would start with... WHAT THE HELL is erotic romance, erotica and/or romantica. In the interest of time (raining! make the rain go away!) we will retro post... because as I said, this has been blogged about before *g*. BUT first... Avon Red Where do you see this fitting? I think/thought it was Erotic Romance but the site at Harper (not updated and rather on the eh side of websites , sez I) says: In today's marketplace, Erotica is one of the fastest-growing segments of women's fiction. Avon Red is committed to providing the best, most sophisticated erotic fiction available in the industry, written by the most talented authors. With our striking cover designs and steamy narratives, Avon Red is in a class by itself. Erotica... is that a lack of understanding in the difference or could Avon be taking the opposite (and much better) approach of Aphordisia and marketing its books as erotica and allowing for a HEA or not. I could not find submissions guidelines for Avon Red but there was this note on Karen Fox's site: May Chen oversees the Avon Red (erotica) lines. They will put out one book a month in trade size starting September 2006. This is very hot but emotional sex. It can be historical, contemporary, time-travel, paranormal, urban fantasy, and short story or full length. She recommends you query her first. Send the query to (go look it up). If she requests you to snail mail the manuscript, be sure to include a copy of her email. Follow up with her if you haven't heard anything in a month. Maybe one of the Avon Red Authors will chime in and let us know if these are HEA only or not. Fever isn't such a new scene First Posted February 10, 2006: Helenkay blogged For Further Confusion regarding the March Romantic Times trying to, as Alison Kent sez: Define Eroticism . I happen to agree there is no right or wrong. But as I sit here trying to assign sensuality rating, the question is running through my head. I have read books recently that are called hot, hot baby but seem very mild to me. I am missing something? LOL or just too jaded and on romantic erotica overload ;). 1. How do you define erotic vs erotic romance in your personal reading or reviews? 2. Do you have any personal examples of authors you feel fit the two? 3. Where do you feel romantica fits in between erotic vs erotic romance? 4. Is the sensuality rating something you even pay attention to before you read a novel? Or do you look after? Do you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing? 5. If you do look at the ratings before - you are looking for hotter stories? Or are you looking for the sweeter ones? 6. If you write, is the level or page amount focused on sex something you even think of when you plot out a story (if you outline) or do you just 'let the characters lead?'? 7. Do you think we are flooding the market with too many hotter books? Or are you happy to see so many new erotica lines? 8. Where does BRAVA fit in with erotic vs erotic romance? lots of questions... and I have more! readers and/or authors answers as many as you want or not ;) ETA: Cindy's answers [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

RtB post by THE wendy

Interesting RtB post, Coming Out Of The Closet, by Wendy. It sort of kind of ties in with Avon Red week... [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]

Tales of Darkness

[click the question to see answer] First up the easy question, what is your upcoming release? Into the Darkness in April. What do you think Avon Red has to offer readers that is different from the other erotic romance prints? **I'm hoping readers will discover that, as with all Avon lines, the quality of the stories will surpass all others! I know for my part I pulled out all the stops, put my whole heart and soul into delivering the best book I've ever written! Speaking of erotic romance, how do you define the difference between 'erotic romance' and 'erotica'. **Erotic romance is still a romance story at the very heart of it. We don't close the bedroom door or shy away from frank language or description to tell the "rest of the story." Erotica is really all about the sex and titillation--a very different kind of fantasy. Do people know you write erotic romance? If your friends and family do know, how has their reaction been? **The people I work with know I write romance, but because I work with children I never tell them exactly what sort of romance I write! My family all know what I write and are very supportive. My mother is even one of my first line readers! As a writer do you have any 'do not cross' lines or do you go where ever the story takes you? Have you looked back on something you wrote and been surprised you came up with it. Wanna share what it was *g*. **Hmmm...the first time I tried to write an erotic romance I wasn't sure I had it in me. I shocked myself. These days, I've written so many different sorts of love scenes that I think I'm inured to shock! I pretty much let the characters tell me their fantasies! What is up next? We are book whores, give us names dates and summaries! In March 2007, Avon will publish an erotic short story, Kili's Ice Man, which will appear in Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy, followed by Into the Darkness in April. Unfortunately, I don't have a date for the sequel I'm writing at the moment. If readers are interested in seeing other books I've written (publishers shall remain unnamed here!), they can check out my website. I've been a very busy girl! Now it is your turn! Have a question for Delilah? Go for it!

Into the Darkness **April 2007**

**I've attached the cover for ITD--I just got it today! It's gorgeous! You'll have to tell me what you think. I've already given you the teaser, now you can check out the EXCERPT Natalie couldn't sleep. Not because she was afraid. For the first time in weeks, her stalker was the least of her worries. Instead, her present danger lay in her own body's betrayal. Heat simmered beneath the surface of her skin—a flush of warmth that spread across her chest and belly. The air around her felt close and heavy despite the fan circling above the bed. Her heart beat too quickly. Her breasts grew heavy. Her nipples peaked against the thin silk of her nightgown. Then blood rushed to the juncture of her thighs, plumping her slick folds. She might be inexperienced, but Natalie recognized the signs of desire. The cause of her misery paced restlessly around the house. The creaking hinges of the doors he checked and rechecked gave away his unrest. The muffled thud of footsteps as he walked around the living room below, and the slap of his bare feet on the wooden steps when he came up to patrol the hall pinpointed his location. He passed outside her bedroom now, his shadow darkening the space beneath the door. Natalie ached to call out to him. Was Rene exercising extreme caution or suffering like she was? Reaching beyond the moment, Natalie wondered, why him? Why now? An instinct--some kernel of inborn knowledge--told her this new hunger was related to the current moon cycle. Just as the changes to her body began with the first sliver of pale light from the new moon, her need unfurled like a heron's wings with the coming full moon. This past month, she'd been steadily shedding the baby fat that plagued her adolescence although her appetite, especially for blood-enriched meats, had increased. Her first period ever had come and gone. Then sensual awareness dominated her waking and sleeping thoughts. For days, she'd dreamed of an anonymous lover in her bed. The things he'd done to her had left her breathless and blushing. If she managed to sleep tonight, she knew she'd find Rene's face, his jaw taut with desire, his shoulders bunched as he hovered above her, supplanting the hazy man of her dreams. Why him? Although handsome, he wasn't the first good-looking man she'd ever encountered. But from the moment he'd pulled her from the park bench into his arms, her body recognized his claim. He'd held her close, his thickly muscled torso sheltering her from further harm. His strength and distinctive scent, a spicy heated musk, imprinted on her mind. If she closed her eyes, she was there once more, draped across his lap in the back seat of the sedan, awakening to desire for the first time. Everything else—the horror of the attacks, the pain of her many little wounds—faded. She felt only his hard, muscled thighs beneath her bottom and the steely embrace that crushed the air from her lungs while he struggled for control. She wanted to know those sensations again—and so much more. Frustration humming inside her, she tossed back the bedcovers and padded to the French doors, flinging them open. She stepped into a wind that whipped her hair away from her face and the nightgown tight against her body. Infrequent drops of rain pelted her uplifted cheeks, cooling her skin. A click sounded from the door further down the balcony. Clad only in jeans, Rene stepped out. He was pure temptation, from brawny chest to bare toes. "You shouldn't be out here," he said, his voice a grumpy, sexy rumble. "You set off the silent alarm." With her heart thudding in her chest, she turned away. "I couldn't sleep." "Well, how 'bout not sleepin' inside?" His growling irritation made her smile. She felt the same way--bitchy, edgy, wonderfully horny. She noted the tight set of his jaw, the rapid rise and fall of his chest, and felt an overwhelming urge to seduce him. And why shouldn't she? The way she figured it, her days were numbered. The menace dogging her steps would eventually catch up. Why not grab for all the joy she could find in what was left of her life? She leaned back against the balustrade on her elbows, making sure the silky gown pulled tight across her breasts. His gaze lowered, lingering for a moment on her beaded nipples. "Cold?" he asked, his voice a rumbling, silky slide. "Not really." She decided to make sure he didn't misinterpret the invitation. She sauntered toward him, stopping inches away from his rigid body. This close, she breathed in his musky male scent. The breadth of his solid chest and his height overwhelmed her, made her feel small, vulnerable--and intensely feminine. He sucked in a deep breath. "Look, chère, whatever you're thinkin'—it's not gonna happen." She cast him a challenging stare. "Because I'm not what you want?" He shook his head. "Damn, you've got to know that's not it," he said, his voice raw. "This just isn't the right time." She met his gaze, hoping she didn't look too needy, but wanting him to know she could be his--if he'd just reach out. "What if there never is a right time?" His hands fisted at his sides. "I'm not lettin' anything happen to you." She lifted her chin. "You can guarantee that?" He glanced beyond her to the midnight sky, and he stayed silent. Stubborn man. He thought he could withstand this chemistry of hormones and waxing moonlight by sheer will. "Tell you what," she said. "How about a kiss? And I'll let it drop. It'll be enough, I swear." At his suspicious glare, she added, "Just a kiss." He blew out a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "Will you come inside then?" "Yes," she said quickly. She'd promise anything just to draw him nearer. If he felt even a fraction of her need, he wouldn't be able to resist for long. The muscles in his throat rippled, and he nodded. "All right. A kiss." Shivering with excitement, she forced herself to keep her expression impassive. When she stepped closer, he wagged his finger in front of her face. "Inside." Even better. She turned to head toward her bedroom. "Uh uh." A crooked smile curved one corner of his mouth and he snagged her wrist. "I guess that's not a good idea." "Then here?" she asked, breathless at his first touch. The heavens opened, and the rain fell harder. He dropped her hand, shaking his head. "This is nuts." As rain flattened her hair against her head, Natalie wanted to scream her frustration at his hesitation. Knowing her nightgown was soaked to transparency and hugged her curves, she leaned back against the iron balustrade on her elbows and stared, hoping he would make the first move to save her from making a worse fool of herself. He muttered a soft curse and brought up his hand to cup her cheek. His thumb wiped at the moisture gathering there. His palm was warm and a little rough. She shivered at the delicious thought of that hand smoothing the soft, cooling rain down her naked skin. "Maybe this isn't the smartest thing for us to do," he whispered. Natalie tilted her head to press her cheek against his palm. "Who wants smart? I'm only asking for a kiss." His eyes narrowed, then his gaze dropped to her lips. When he leaned down, she guessed his intent—a quick peck and then he'd disappear downstairs again. As he closed the distance between them, she grasped the back of his head, winding her fingers into his dampening, thick hair, and tugged him closer. Rene groaned a moment before their lips met. Then he held himself still, not moving his mouth over hers. Natalie sighed and opened her mouth to lick at his closed lips. The rain pelted their heads, the moisture on their bodies acted like a conductor for the electric, arcing charge that leapt between them. Already, her body flowered. Her nipples tightened. Dew gathered at the juncture of her thighs. She leaned forward and rubbed her silk-covered breasts against his broad, wet chest, reveling in the spark of sensual heat that shot from her breasts to coil around her womb. His breath hitched and his hands gripped the iron behind her, but he leaned into her, his chest pressing closer. Not close enough. More! She tugged his hair hard and licked at the seam of his mouth, following her instinctive need to taste and tempt. He gasped, his mouth opening—but not pressing deeper. She surged inside, stroking his tongue with hers, slanting her mouth to softly encourage him to increase the pressure. Then she smoothed her hands down his neck to cup his shoulders, and down again, to scrape her fingernails along his spine. His body trembled and a growl erupted from his mouth, filling hers with his sweet breath, while his tongue crowded past her lips to lap along her tongue, darting inside, then withdrawing and stroking back. She hooked one leg over his hip, ignoring his initial, rigid resistance, to pull his lower body against hers, close enough now to rub the part of her that ached and swelled against the hard knot burgeoning at the front of his jeans. The hem of her nightgown bunched between their bodies, rising to bare her bottom and her moist sex as she rubbed harder against him. Natalie lost herself in the kiss, writhing against him—her whole world narrowing as his kiss changed subtly, until he sucked on her tongue and the ridge of his cock ground against her swollen folds. She dug her fingers into the hard muscle of his back and strained closer, needing more, aching for him to fill the empty place inside her body and her heart. Suddenly, he thrust himself away, stepping back. Dismayed, Natalie opened her eyes and stared. His hands were clenched at his sides. Ruddy color stained his cheeks. His lips thinned into a snarl. "This isn't gonna happen, chère." "Why not?" she asked, surprised her voice didn't crack beneath the strain of her need and disappointment. "You can't say you don't want me. I felt how much you do." He shook his head. "You're a pretty fille, sweetheart, but I don't mix business and pleasure. And I can't keep watch when you distract me." Her legs trembled and she sank back against the balustrade. Her body ached with unfulfilled desire. Tears filled her eyes as she sensed him withdrawing, steeling himself against their powerful attraction. "I've never felt this way before, Rene," she whispered. "And I'm afraid I'll never feel this way again. I ache—inside." Her voice broke and she turned her head, ashamed at the naked emotion she'd let him see. "Don't do this. Let me walk away," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm not the man for you. Not now." Her next breath was more a ragged sob, but she held herself rigid to keep from letting him see how much she needed him. She whirled and grasped the door latch to escape inside the room. She'd almost made it, almost gotten past him without crumbling, but a shiver racked her body as her hand closed around the knob. The soft sob caught her by surprise. His hands settled on her shoulders, and he drew her back against his chest. "It's not that I don't want you," he whispered into her ear. She tore from his hold and pushed open the French door. "Just leave me alone." "Natalie—" Grasping the edge of the door, she faced him, letting him see the tears falling on her cheeks to mingle with raindrops. "I've never made love with a man--hardly ever kissed before." She drew a jagged breath and the words spilled from her. "Now, I'm being hunted by someone who wants me dead. And you can't protect me. Not really. He can reach me anywhere. I just wanted something beautiful...just once. Something just for me." Blinded by tears, she started to shut the door, but he pushed back and entered the room. Then his arms closed around her. She sagged against him, hating her tears, and the weakness that made her grateful for the warmth beneath her cheek and the strength of the arms supporting her trembling body. She clung to him, pressing her wet face against his skin. "It's all right. Don't cry." Silence closed around them, a watchful, pregnant quiet that grew while he stroked her hair and back. His fingers lifted her chin. Their gazes met for a long moment. Natalie noted a pulse throbbing at his temple and felt the tightening of his arms around her. Her breath caught. "These jeans stay on," he said, his whisper harsh.

Vamp in The Big Easy

My first full length book for Avon will be Into the Darkness, which won't release until April 2007. I've been writing vampires for a while now for Ellora's Cave, so when I decided to strike out and tackle Avon, I went with a genre I love. ITD is the first in what I hope will be a series of stories about vampires and other creatures of the night. The book has gone through copy edits and is pretty much "in the can" now, so I'm working on the sequel at the moment. I've had a great time building my world for this story. I set it in New Orleans (I know, another vamp in The Big Easy!), but from there I've built a very distinct world with a rich history and an over-arching evil my heroes and heroines must battle. This is the premise for the story: Natalie Lambert's life has changed in the space of weeks—and she has no idea why. Her parents were murdered, she has her first taste of sexual desire—and she feels out of control, afraid, desperate to understand her changing world. She flees to New Orleans, hoping to lure the murderer out of the dark and bring to an end the trail of dead loved ones. Instead, she's attacked by crazed birds, swarmed by locusts, and saved by a Cajun cop who awakens all her latent desires. When Rene Broussard rescues a virgin vampire, he ends up in her bed and becomes hers for life in one lusty bite. Rene awakens the vampire within Natalie, and she awakes the passion within him. Together, they fight the evil threatening to destroy The Born vampires while they discover a treasure of love they can share for all eternity. [note: beta blogger is being goofy if you have issues posting use the option 'other' and type in your name... if you use anon, make sure you type your name in the post]