Regina Carlysle

All Kinds of Cool Stuff!

2009-12-10T09:49:00.002-06:00

Yep. I got very good news yesterday in the form of my new cover for Edge of Nowhere. Have to admit the cover gods at Ellora's Cave nailed it. This is Cactus Mackey. He's the first blond hero I have done in awhile and oh lordy, lordy...I think he's super hot. As you know this one releases a week from tomorrow (Dec. 18). Here's a tiny bit about the story.

Blurb:
Book 4 in the High Plains Shifters series.

From the moment Cactus Mackey rescues Sara Farmer from outlaw wolves, he knows she belongs to him and he’s more than ready to mess up some sheets with the sassy female. But she has secrets and wants to run. Infuriating woman! He might have to tie her to his bed but he’s not about to give up until she belongs to him, body and soul.

As danger chases her, Sara knows it is a huge mistake to fall head over heels for the sexy lycan cowboy from the Wolf Creek Ranch. A single touch from this shockingly seductive man melts her like butter under the hot Texas sun and has her yearning for impossible things. The man is big trouble to her heart and running may no longer be an option.

Also please check out the cover trailer Fran Lee did VERRRRY late last night. I love it!

New Holiday Story

2009-12-09T08:32:00.004-06:00

Oh, I love a good holiday story, don't you? My friend Cindy Spencer Pape has a really great one out today at Ellora's Cave so click over to Jasmine Jade and pick it up. Nothing like a hot but very feelgood story to warm you up for the holidays and Cindy is so talented. You don't want to miss this one! Read the excerpt and you'll understand why I love this author so much.

BUY IT HERE!

Blurb:

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss’s gorgeous son, Noel Holiday. Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he’s trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby, he decides it’s time to start breaking the rules.

While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what’s Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby’s crazy about Noel, she’s sure he’ll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby. Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

An Excerpt From: YULETIDE ENCHANTMENT

Chapter One

“I hate office Christmas parties.” Shelby Carter crossed her arms on her desk and buried her face in them. “I want to finish up this damn end-of-the-year report, go home and forget all about the Holiday Card Company until after the holidays.” She’d taken a vacation day for Monday, and Tuesday was Christmas Eve, so the office was closed. As soon as she left work tonight, she was actually free for almost a week.

“You and every other employee,” Jana Pierson agreed, leaning in the doorway of Shelby’s cubicle. Jana’s desk was across the aisle—she was responsible for tracking product shipments while Shelby coordinated accounts receivable.

Shelby nodded. “None of us want to go, but Mr. Holiday, Senior, still insists we show up, tug our forelocks and get presented with a new set of livery.”

“That’s it, I’m cutting you off from historical romance novels,” Jana said with a laugh. “Although, god, that’s just about what it feels like sometimes. Wouldn’t it be nice if they’d just hand us the bonus check and kick us out the door early?”

“Face it, girlfriend.” Shelby wrinkled her nose. “We work for a greeting card manufacturer, run by a family named Holiday. We gotta make a big deal out of the Christmas party. The old man would lose face otherwise.”

“That’s the truth,” Jana agreed cheerfully. “Now finish the damn report, freshen your lipstick and let’s go before the guys in the IT department empty the buffet table.”

“Yeah, nothing like a bunch of computer geeks and free food.” Shelby typed in the last few numbers on her report. “And hey, at least there’s no sing-along this year. Clever of Noel Holiday to send the piano out for tuning this week.”

“Hmm. All the Holiday boys are clever and sexy,” Jana purred. Her full lips pursed into a thoughtful smile. “Wonder if I can corner Val under the mistletoe again this year?”

Shelby shook her head. Val Holiday was gorgeous, but to her mind, the real winner was the boss’s oldest son Noel. She’d had a massive crush on the company’s art director since the first time she’d met him, and every time she ran into him in an elevator or the break room, her heart speeded up and her whole body started to tingle. No way would she admit that to Jana or anybody else.

She saved her work and hit send to forward the report to her supervisor. Then she shut down her computer, pulled a hairbrush out of her top drawer and smoothed out her straight, strawberry blonde hair. After adding a fresh dab of peppermint lip gloss, she closed the drawer and stood. “Okay. Let’s get this party over with so we can get on with the real holidays.”

Jana clucked and shook her head, making the beads in her long, dark cornrows clank. “Girl, you have got to learn to stop and smell the candy canes.”

* * * * *

Noel Holiday stood next to the bar where his brother Sam was pouring drinks. He smiled at his mother and sisters and shared a grimace with his brother Val, who was dodging secretaries and the mistletoe. Noel hated the office Christmas party, probably all the more so since he was the one saddled with the name of Noel Holiday and he’d been born on Christmas day. The old man had a sick fucking sense of humor.

“Noel, can you run over and check the village display?” Nicholas Holiday called to his eldest son. “Something about the arrangement doesn’t look quite right.”

“Fine, Dad.” Noel was a graphic designer who headed up the company’s art department. Making things look right was what he did best. He headed over to check out the antique Christmas village set up his father had just inherited from some long-lost relative in England.

“Excuse me.”

Noel swerved just in time to avoid running into Shelby Carter, the cute little number cruncher in charge of receivables. Shelby was staring at the village display, her big green eyes wide. Clearly she’d just been drawing closer to one of the houses and hadn’t seen Noel coming.

“So, what do you think?” He surveyed the town with its church, skating rink, pub and six houses, all lavishly decorated. Each of the buildings was lit with electric miniature lights and a chorus of Christmas carols came from the church. In some of the houses, there was even a holiday meal laid out on the table. There were skates beside the lake and a pair of horses hooked up to a sleigh while the area around the little town was filled with an evergreen forest. It was pretty, Noel thought. Very detailed. But his dad was right. Something about it seemed a little bit—off.

“There aren’t any people,” Shelby said. “It doesn’t seem right. You can hear voices, see food and clothes and all kinds of stuff, but there isn’t a single person, not anywhere.”

Noel nodded, looking over at Shelby, which was far more interesting than looking at the display. She was a tiny little thing, not more than five-one or five-two, with reddish blonde hair, freckles and a warm, friendly smile. He’d first spotted her at last year’s Christmas party and had frankly been avoiding her ever since. Something about her was just too damn appealing and it was bad form for the owner’s son to be drooling over the employees. Standing this close to her, however, he couldn’t help but react. Her hair smelled like cinnamon, her staid tweed business suit only hinted at sweet feminine curves underneath, and the flecks of gold in her green eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him. He turned back to the display, hoping she didn’t notice the bulge in his black trousers.

“You’re right, that’s it.” He studied the display, looking inside the porcelain houses into the amazingly intricate rooms. Not a soul to be found, though there were even hairbrushes on the dressers and coats hanging on wall hooks, all painted on, of course. “Maybe everyone in town is in the church?” It was the one building that couldn’t be seen into since the windows were stained glass and the wooden front door didn’t open.

Shelby’s low chuckle sent another bold of lust straight to Noel’s groin. “Could be.” She touched the biggest house, the green and gold one with the visible bathroom, luxurious bedchambers and even a stocked pantry. “Look, there’s even a sampler painted on the wall that looks cross-stitched. With a magnifying glass, you might be able to read it. This is so amazingly detailed. Where did it come from?”

“Some relative or another from England left it to my father. It’s his new pride and joy.”

“And I can see why. It’s just beautiful.”

Noel laid his palm over her small soft hand. So are you, he wanted to say, but he didn’t. With his other hand, he traced a finger down one of the pine trees and he swore the flocked snow almost felt cold.

Suddenly, it was as if an electrical current coursed through them, as if his touching her while they both touched the display had completed a circuit.

Instinctively, Noel looked into Shelby’s eyes. He saw her fear, a little pain and just maybe the same attraction he felt toward her. The closer he looked, the more his vision tunneled, to the point where he couldn’t see anything else. The sound of Deck the Halls filled his ears, swelling until it overwhelmed the buzz of the crowd. And then, he swore, he heard bells ringing, just as the world went black.

HEY! BIG NEWS!

2009-12-08T09:12:00.002-06:00

Well, hey! At least for ME, it is! Happy to announce that I have a release date for the fourth book in the High Plains Shifters series. Edge of Nowhere, Cactus Mackey's story will hit the Jasmine Jade (Ellora's Cave) site Friday, Dec. 18. Soooo stoked here! So if you are a fan of the series, please check it out and watch my blog for the cover.

No! It's not ready yet and I'm biting my damn nails off waiting and nervous as I always am about a cover. I love them. Nothing tops a book off with a big, fat, cherry like a rockin' new cover. Siiiiiigh. Maybe in another day or two.

Today I'm plan to write a bit, wrap some gifts and clean a room or two in my house. Sound like fun? No, I didn't think so. LOL. Okay, the writing might be some fun. Almost finished with the Christmas shopping so...YAY ME. Anyway, keep checking back this week to see if I have a new cover to show off!

Lots of Monday News!!!!

2009-12-07T11:19:00.007-06:00

HEEEEEY Ya'll!!! I have lots of news today. For a Monday, it has already started out pretty damn fine. Today I'm launching my new website. The way I figure it we all need something new from time to time so this is my Christmas gift to myself. I wanted something fresh, clean and soft looking plus a place to do some extra blogging so the site Lex Valentine at Winterheart Designs put together for me fits the bill perfectly.

So if you don't get enough blogging from me here or at Three Wicked Writers, you can catch me there, too. Don't know if I'll be saying anything particularly brilliant but hey...you know I love to visit. Anyway, drop by and tell me what you think at http://www.reginacarlysle.com/
Sign my guest book and leave me a comment, too. I'm just so happy I could BURST. Oops. Messy. Better not do that.

I also just finished edits on Edge of Nowhere and I'm moving on to other stuff...weaving things in and out of my schedule like crazy. What IS it about this time of year? Did some Christmas shopping with my husband the other night and fortunately there was no blood-letting. Neither of us enjoy shopping and during the holiday season, it's extra stressful. We put smiles on our faces though and managed to get in and out of places pretty quickly, had a nice dinner, and got most of our list finished. YAY!

New Release: My friend, Madison Scott has a new release at Liquid Silver Books. This is a great, hot, contemporary story and part of her Malone Brothers series. Please read this great excerpt and if you are looking for a smokin' author, give Madison a read! You won't be sorry!

Blurb:
Ethan Malone has had his fair share of women. Life is short and he damn sure plans to enjoy it. When Lindy Bliss starts work at Malone Constructions, he never expected to want her. She’s nothing like the women he usually brings to his bed. Immediately he’s drawn by her quality work on the job, and her sharp, sarcastic tongue. Of course, the way his name hugs Lindy’s breasts in her work shirt has a whole hell of a lot to do with it too. He needs to get the tomboy, with the stripper name out of her faded jeans and tool belt, so he can play with the feminine curves beneath.
Before he loses a finger or two because he’s distracted by his perpetual hard on, Ethan propositions Lindy for a no-holds-barred weekend of sexual pleasure. Once he has her under his roof and in his bed, he isn’t sure he wants to let her out again. Having Lindy beneath him is exactly what he thought it would be…pure Bliss.

Buy link

Excerpt:
Lindy ordered her usual Coors Light and added an order of cheesy fries. Her stomach grumbled in anticipation for the grease and beer fest she had planned.

A few minutes later her meal arrived. She wasted no time diving in to savor the fries and cheese on her plate. Behind her, the rickety door creaked open. Loud footsteps crunched across broken peanut shells in her direction. Stuffing another gooey, clump of fries in her mouth she chewed like she hadn’t eaten in days when a familiar scent of freshly cut trees, and the musky smell of a hard-working man swirled around her.

“Been a while since someone fed ya, has it?” Ethan pulled out the bar stool next to her and sat down.

Great. Just my luck.

Lindy finished her bite. “Well, I’ve been so busy picking up the slack for all the meat-heads I work with I hardly have time to do something as trivial as eat. Not used to a woman eating in front of you? I may be thin but I’m not a dry salad kind of girl, like the ones you’re used to, I’m sure.” She pushed another bite in her mouth. This one not as big as the last though.

Rich, hearty laughter erupted from Ethan’s perfect mouth snaked around her, causing goose bumps to pebble up her arms.

“I have to give it to you for your comebacks, Bliss. That one was pretty good. A crock of shit, but funny.”

Lindy downed the rest of her beer in one gulp. “Isn’t it bad enough I have to see you all day at work? Why are you coming into Smokey’s now too?” Ethan and his younger brother Shane did come in from time to time, but they spent most of their time at The Last Chance. Smokey’s was pretty far out of town. Not that Last Chance was all that big to begin with, but she figured the guys liked to hang out closer to town since that’s where they lived.

“Free country.”

He gave her a wink and smile. His smile made all the women in town melt like warm butter. It pissed the hell out of her that it worked on her too. Not that she’d let him know it. Before she could think of something smart to say, Smokey walked up.

“I’ll have a bottle of Coors.” Ethan tilted his head toward her. “Bring another light beer out for the lady, too.”

“I can order for myself, Malone.”

“Oh, come on, Bliss. Aren’t ladies supposed to like it when a man orders a drink for them?” The right side of his mouth rose as if he tried to hide his smile.

The man took pleasure in grating on her nerves. She could see it in the light in his sparkling blue eyes. “Only a woman without a brain--like the ones you usually date.”

“Usually, huh? Does that mean we’re on a date now?”

Oh yeah. He was enjoying this. Ethan Malone was the devil himself. He didn’t even try to hide his smile this time.

“I guess I’ll leave you two alone.” Smokey looked at her and winked. She hadn’t even realized he was still there. And what the heck was the wink about? She’d known Smokey since she was ten years old and the man never winked at her.

“Please, you know we aren’t on a date as much as I do. First of all, I don’t date jerks and second, I’m so not your type.”

Ethan took a swig of the beer. “What makes you think you’re not my type?”

“I have eyes.” He licked his lips and watched her. She kind of wished she was his type, which surprised the hell out of her. Honestly, even though Ethan was the hottest thing in a pair of faded jeans and a tool belt, he wasn’t really her type either. It wasn’t too often that Lindy dated, but when she did, the men sure weren’t womanizers. Or alphas, and Ethan was both of those.

“The women I date have eyes, Bliss.”

Lindy tried to hide her smile. “Good one, Malone. You know what I meant. I’m not stacked, flirtatious, and I don’t put out to any man with a six-pack.”

Ethan set his bottle on the bar. “So you’ve noticed my six-pack, huh?”

This time she couldn’t help but laugh. Part of her knew he was serious. The man really did know how hot he was, but that wasn’t his only quality, he had a good sense of humor. Ethan joked around more than anyone she knew.

“You’re incorrigible.”

“You like me.” He leaned toward her. “Admit it, Bliss. You want me just as much as I want you. You might not be my usual type, but you’re damn sexy and I have to tell you, I’m tired of pretending I think otherwise.”

Lindy knew she stared at him open-mouthed, but there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Never in a million years did she expect to hear Ethan Malone come on to her. Hell, they didn’t even get along all that well. But he was right. She wanted him, but was it in her best interest to have him? Being the only woman on the site, she already had to fight for all the guys’ respect. If they found out she was sleeping with Ethan, one of the owners, she’d never live it down. “Listen, Malone.”

Ethan reached up and put a finger to her mouth. “Shh. Don’t even say it. I want you, Lindy Bliss, and when I want something, you can be damn sure I’m not going to give up until I have it.”

Edge of Nowhere

2009-12-02T09:31:00.004-06:00

YAY! I have big news! My editor just offered me a contract for the fourth story in my High Plains Shifter series (Ellora's Cave). WOOT! Edge of Nowhere is the story of Cactus Mackey and his heroine, Sara Farmer and takes up where Ringo's Ride left off. Still awaiting edits, covers, release date and all that jazz but I'll be sure and keep you posted on all the happenings.
Don't know exactly WHY I love writing shifters so much but I do. So I'll keep them coming as long as readers like them.

In other news, we had snow today. Aw, just a piddly little bit and it'll be gone by mid morning but it was nice to look out my windows and see the fluffy stuff setting on the shrubbery. Nice day to stay inside and write. Will be doing a little house cleaning, too...a necessary evil. So the plan is to write, clean, write, clean. There IS a method to my madness. I depend on housework when I'm struggling with a scene and flumoxxed by something. Crazy huh?

Also waiting for the launch of my new website. It's coming along nicely and I expect it'll be good to go sometime next week! Can't wait to show it off. BTW...I'll be blogging over there, too. Should be fun!

New Plans to Finish the Old Year

2009-11-30T10:09:00.004-06:00

Ah, well...the house is my own again. Kids have gone back to college to start cramming for finals and finishing out the semester. They headed out with tons of leftovers and both called later to say they'd made it home safely. Today I'll be playing catch-up and working slowly on getting my house back in order. One thing at a time. A really WONDERFUL thing that happened over the past holiday was getting my house Christmas-fied! YAY! Have a brand new tree this year. We like the pre-lit kind and this one has lots of colors. The old one had the clear lights but I think I like this one better. The kids helped me decorate, the 'big guys' crawled up into the attic and brought things down. So yeah, everyone pitched in. The only thing left to do is something at the front door. We got a new door last year and since the front is all glasswork, there is no place to do a wreath. We have some big urns though and I plan to shop for a couple of pre-lit trees to put in them. I think it will look nice. Once upon a time we strung lights all over the roof (think GRISWOLD) but I'm always so worried someone will fall off. sigh. This year, we will keep it simple. Simple is good. It certainly works for me. The Christmas season is stressful enough without worrying about blood and broken bones in the front yard.

Also beginning work on a new book today. This will be a Cougar story. Can you hear me say....RAAAAARRRRRRR? Will be working from a short synopsis on this one so I'm trying something new in hopes it'll keep me on an even keel and prevent those deadly 'stall-outs'. My goal is to finish this by Christmas so I can hang things up for a week and just enjoy the holidays.

See the new avatar on this post? I'm having a new website built that will allow me to blog too. So far I'm just loving the whole soft look of things. When everything is in place, I'll be sure and let you know so you can give it a peek. I'm really excited about the new look and I hope everyone likes it.

Another Gobbler Bites the Dust!

2009-11-27T09:14:00.003-06:00

A couple of big turkeys bit the dust at our house yesterday. We had a great day...very low keyed (just the way I like it). Today I'm going with my daughter to see New Moon. Yes, it's definitely a 'tweener' movie but I know we'll probably like it anyway. Just another to add to my ever growing list of movies I'm hoping to see over the next month.

Um. I've been wondering if I'm addicted to my computer and if there's a 12-step program for that. It was very hard to stay away though I seriously KNEW nothing much was going on. Everyone was going somewhere or doing something just like me but STILL, I kept wanting to dash into my office the check emails. Silly, I know. Habit...for sure.

Today my friend Barbara Huffert has a new release at Ellora's Cave. I've read this one and it's YUMMY! So please head on over and pick this one up. This is a fun, sexy story sure to heat up your day!

Buy it HERE!

Blurb:

She prides herself on being an independent woman, strong and capable, but it hadn’t been part of her plan to go it alone. Then he walks into her office, a man like none she’s ever met who turns her world upside down. His every touch stirs her body into a frenzy and changes everything she thought she knew about herself.

He’s been called a control freak and a take-charge kind of guy who sees right away she isn’t the sort of woman to “take direction”. A pity. He has plenty of ideas on directing her, both in the bedroom and out of it.

It’s bossy meets obstinate in a clash of wills that burns up the sheets and sends sparks flying. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2009-11-25T23:27:00.002-06:00

Pig out, hang with family and friends, watch some football or find a comfy place to snooze. Hugs to you all!

YAY! This is nice!

2009-11-22T12:26:00.003-06:00

Got a 4/5 review from NOR for Smokin' Ace the other day. This one is available at Resplendence Publishing. Completely forgot to post so here tis:

Chloe and Ace burned up the sheets in college. But then he went on to pursue his sport and ended up being a sports photographer. A really good one. Chloe went on to fall in love, get married, and have a child. And ended up a widow with a two year old. To liven things up she decides to attend her ten year college reunion. She’s reunited with more than her friends and memories. She’s reunited with what desire feels like for a man. And not just any man; Ace.
Ace now knows he let the best thing in his life slip away when he left Chloe behind. He sees the reunion as a chance to reclaim the only woman who ever felt like home. And Ace doesn’t like to lose.
It kind of hurt Ace that Chloe managed to move on a make a life without him. Now she’s free, and he hates that she’s still hurting. He has the upper hand knowing he wants Chloe forever, but Chloe is cautious because it’s not just her now. She and her daughter are a package deal. Could Ace possibly want her forever this time?
Second chances make for a good read. With their past history, it was easy for Ace and Chloe to slide right back into a relationship. Yes they split, but it wasn’t on bad terms. The focus of the read was on Chloe and her determination to protect herself and her daughter. But she never has to protect herself from true love. A good read.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T09:54:00.002-06:00

Most of my friends and all of my family knows that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. To me there's nothing like having this fabulous meal with the people I love and the days leading up to it aren't too bad either. I love to cook so this is a time for me to fix all those things that the family has come to expect. I used recipes that have been passed by my mother and grandmother and I know them all by heart. I'm buried deep in a WIP right now (with a goal of finishing before the holiday craziness) but I set it aside the other day to do my shopping. Hell, I didn't even need a list. The incredients are tattooed on my brain, I think, so it was a snap this time.

Every year, my husband takes care of the 'turkey' stuff. I think it's a 'guy thing' but it's his big job to smoke turkey breasts and it's a good thing because it frees me up for the baking and other stuff. We've been married for 27 years and during that time have established our own traditions and that's one of them. When I was a little girl, we had a very big family and everyone would bring a 'dish'. The kids sat at a little table away from the adults and I really resented that. I always liked listening to the adults and it bugged me to not be included so I've never done that to my own kids. They are a part of everything at my house. Of course, they are grown now but I suspect they'll observe that little tradition of 'kid including' at their house too. Funny how these things get passed on, huh?

Anyone shopping on Black Friday? Ordinarily I don't but I suspect this year will be different. The Wal Mart 'sales list' was leaked and I checked it out the other day. Have my eye on some bargains on big ticket items so I might just get close to being finished with my Christmas shopping. I HATE waiting until the last minute to buy and wrap. By the time mid December rolls around, I want to chill out with some Christmas movies and not worry about it.

Can you believe the holidays are almost here? Still blows me away. Seems it was just last week we were mowing lawns and watering plants. Ack. Crazy.

Writing Writing Writing

2009-11-18T07:45:00.002-06:00

Yep, I've missed a few blogging days but I have a good excuse. I've been writing on a new story. Finished the fourth shifter book (High Plains Shifters series, EC) and sent it in. This one is called Edge of Nowhere and is Cactus Mackey's story. So now that's finished...done and I've started and am almost finished with a new one. Night of the Cat is a jaguar shifter menage that I just couldn't get out of my head. So yeah, I'm off with it and hope to get it sent in my editor, the Frog Queen, by this coming weekend. Spent awhile gathering information about Jaguars. Research is something that I always find a pretty fun thing so I never consider it a chore. Did you know they are endangered? I find that incredibly sad.

Now most of my friends know speed just isn't in my nature. I'm a slow writer for some reason but this story kind of took off by itself. Maybe it's the knowledge that next week will be crazier than hell with Thanksgiving and everything but I've spend hours daily trying to whip this story out. I'm not one who thinks speed is where it's at. I would much rather take my time and write something exactly the way I want it written than to whip out something with little to no character development or some kind of cohesive plot so most of the time I'm fine with slow.

But hey, when the spirit is moving you, you must go with it. Right?

In other news: everything is set for next years Ellora's Cave Romanticon. The hotel is already booking rooms for the event and by the end of the month we'll be able to register for the convention itself. Near the end of the week, I'm booking a room and setting the wheels in motion because I wouldn't miss this fun few days for anything. To watch for information, hit the Jasmine Jade website and check it out.

V.J. Devereaux...YOU ARE LUCKY

2009-11-14T08:46:00.004-06:00

Thanks to everyone who played my "name your superstition" game. It was fun remembering all those silly superstitions. This morning I drew VJ Devereaux...YAY. VJ, check out my titles on the right of this blog or go to my website, www.reginacarlysle.com and take your pick from my releases.

You can reach me here or send me an email at reginacarlysle@yahoo.com

In the meantime, I'm off to write. Later, today the husband and I are planning to see the new movie 2012 and maybe grab a bite of dinner. Have you all been watching the doomsday shows about the Mayan Calendar and the fact we're all gonna go KABLOOEY on Dec. 21, 2012? I watch these shows with interest but I've never been one to think...hey, I'd better get rid of all my wordly possession and get ready to put my head between my legs and kiss my ass goodbye. I found it interesting that NASA was all over the news yesterday debunking these stories as utterly ridiculous. I'm with NASA. They are a whole lot smarter than me and you can bet I'm going to believe THEM.

Now, I'm going to finish my coffee and write. Yesterday I thought I might take a short nap. Instead of sleeping, a new story just kinda unfolded in my mind so last night I did a little research, jotted down some ideas and started writing. Almost 2K on this new Jaguar shifter menage. YAY...lets hear it for productive non-naps!

Freaky Friday the 13th

2009-11-13T08:26:00.004-06:00

Late last night I was looking for pics of black cats since today is Friday the 13th. Gotta admit, this cat freaked me the HELL OUT! When I was a little kid, seeing a black cat was the only time I was allowed to cuss. I come from a long line of superstitious people and every time a black cat crossed the road in front of us, we'd all say...Damn Black Cat. Naturally, being a little kid I prayed for black cats to cross the road so I could do that.

I've always had a healthy respect for superstition but I've never actually had bad, terrible things happen on Friday the 13th. As a natural klutz, I guess I save my stumbing and bumbling for the rest of the days of the year! On Friday the 13th, I'm always extra careful. Guess I'm NOT careful the rest of the time, huh?

My Grandma Minnie, a tiny little Cherokee lady, was a wealth of knowledge when it came to superstition and she was always saying...no, don't do that, it's bad LUCK. So yeah, I guess I grew up hearing this stuff. According to Grandma, if your right ear itched, it meant someone was talking about you. Left ear? Uh-oh...they were talking and it wasn't good. No walking with one shoe on and one shoe off (a practice I still observe to this day)and itchy palms means you'll get money soon. I never walked under a ladder and, umbrellas open in the house? Nope, not happening around here.

I know there are plenty more superstitions I learned as a child but I'm not picking up on all of them today. Maybe because I live with so many of them they have become natural and not oogy-boogy stuff. I know that owls mean death and you'd better hope your cat doesn't run away because that means, death too. The cat thing, actually happened to us. When I was pretty young we lost three family members within three days...yes, there's a superstition about things happening in 3's too. Sure as heck, that cat took off and we never saw him again.

In honor of Friday the 13th, I'm having a little contest. Tell me about a superstition you have or an interesting one you have heard and I'll draw a name. Winner gets a free download of one of my books. I'll announce my winner tomorrow...RIGHT HERE.

Speaking of superstitions, Laura Breck, an author with Red Rose Publishing is guest blogging at Three Wicked Writers today. If you have a minute, run over and give her a holler. Click here to visit Laura.

In other news: Anne Rainey, Kelly Nyrae and I were guests of Phoebe Jordan on BlogTalk Radio last night. Yes, I was chewing nails before the show since I've never done anything like this before but we had a really great time once we got into it. Thanks to everyone who tuned into the show.

Busy Stuff

2009-11-12T10:05:00.003-06:00

Last night I was part of a terrific chat with my fellow authors in the Carnal Reunions anthology. Tessie Bradford, Cindy Spencer Pape, Anny Cook, Taylor Tryst, Fran Lee, Paris Brandon and I had great fun at the Two Lips Reviews chat loop. Lots of fun and thats to TTL for having us.
I had a little contest and I'll be announcing my winner over at Two Lips later today. You can pick these stories up at Resplendence Publishing.

Tonight is time for MORE FUN! Anne Raine, Kelley Nyrae, and I are being interviewed on Blogtalk radio. I've never done anything like this before and I know it'll be a big learning experience for me. I'll be chatting live at 9 p.m. est. Call in and join the fun. 347-857-2123. We'll be open for business. lol.

I've also been interviewed by the ladies at Classy N Sassy Promotions. I'm over there chatting so come by and see what's up. Click ClassyNSassy to get you there! I'd love to see you.

EEP...Time to Trim the Locks!

2009-11-11T10:02:00.003-06:00

I've put it off far too long but today I'm going to the beauty shop for a nice cut and color. Figure a big chunk of my day will be taken up with the whole 'beautifying' thing but my hair goddess is fun and I'll be sure to catch up on all the local gossip. Of course, this means I won't get a lot of writing done but that's okay. We all need to do these things from time to time. Real life isn't as interesting as storytelling, in my view, but sometimes can be the source of a story or three.

Tonight I'll be chatting with my fellow authors in the Carnal Reunions anthology (available now at Resplendence Publishing). We're chatting at Two Lips Chat from 9-11 pm (est) so please stop by. I'll have a contest and so will the others so if you are shopping for some good reads, come by and get entered for the goodies we'll be giving away. Authors chatting it up are Cindy Spencer Pape, Anny Cook, Taylor Tryst, Fran Lee, Tessie Bradford, Paris Brandon and me. Look forward to seeing you there.

In other news, I'll be talking on the RADIO tomorrow night. Phoebe Jordan will be interviewing Kelley Nyrae, Anne Rainey and me (the Three Wicked Writers) on blogspot radio. Now, I don't know what the HELL I'm doing with this stuff. It's all new to me. But if you want to catch me (most likely with my foot inserted firmly in my mouth) tune in. Tomorrow I'll have details about where you can do to tune in and ask questions.

Smokin' Ace-Out today at Resplendence

2009-11-10T09:19:00.003-06:00

A few months ago I signed up with six other authors to do an erotic anthology for Resplendence Publishing. The concept was simple, seven women, housemates during college, who meet up again at their ten-year college reunion. While there, they are reunited with the guys they left behind all those years ago. Cindy Spencer Pape, Anny Cook, Taylor Tryst, Fran Lee, Tessie Bradford, Paris Brandon and myself joined together to bring the anthology to life. Can't tell you how much fun it was working with everyone to bring this about. So...happy release day to my fellow authors. It was fun and I'm wishing all of us many sales.

The books will go live at Resplendence Publishing before noon today so head over and check out the new releases.

Blurb:

A college reunion and seeing her best ‘gal pals’ is just the thing widow and single mom, Chloe Wells needs to put a little oomph back into her boring, routine life. For her, those carefree years and the friendships she made with six other women in the old Victorian were unforgettable and, hey, what’s wrong with revisiting a past that was fun and full of laughter? But when she bumps into Michael “Ace” Banner other memories surface. Memories of hot nights and rumpled bedsheets. Memories of the loss of the one man who burned her to ash.

Guest Blogging Today!

2009-11-09T11:25:00.004-06:00

Today I'm guest blogging at Erotic Muses. Talking about perfection in heroes and heroines. Hope you'll stop by to join the conversation. Here's the link

In other news, I just sent Cactus' story, Edge of Nowhere, to my editor at Ellora's Cave. Yep, it was a loooooong but productive weekend so YAY...I finally typed THE END. It's a great feeling.

Today I'm off to run some errands that I neglected all last week!

Writer at WORK!

2009-11-06T10:00:00.002-06:00

Sorry I've been lax in my blogging this week but I've been all tied up with my work in progress. Close, close, close to finishing Cactus' story and hope to get it to my editor verrrry soon. Hopefully, I'll have good news to report later. In the meantime, have a happy weekend and try to do something fun.

Becoming a Badass!

2009-11-03T09:10:00.003-06:00

I used to be a big wimp. That's right...a total weenie! I spent much of my youth afraid to speak my mind and tell it as I saw it unless I was with very close, close friends. Maybe it was all about the easy going attitude I had but I trended toward the peacemaker rather than the rabble-rouser. Sometimes, I guess, it was just easier to get along outwardly and work behind the scenes to bring about the changes I sought.

But evolution is a good thing and over the years, I've found I have evolved, or perhaps aged is a better word, into the person I want to be. I'm often asked if I would "go back" and be that very young woman again to which I always answer...HELL NO. There is something freeing about aging, I think. And NO, I'm not old by a longshot but I am definitely wiser and far more eager to step up to the plate and speak my mind. I don't allow others to abuse or mistreat me. I stand up for myself and my beliefs these days fearlessly.

It's a good feeling. I think I like being a grownup.

Love this Time!

2009-11-02T09:26:00.003-06:00

Don't know what it is about this time of year that I love so much. With the passing of Halloween, we are beginning to think about the holidays coming up and that was brought home to me over the weekend as both of my kids were home, miraculously at the same TIME. I loved having all of us together again. Unfortunately, the weekend is over and they are both back at school. Still, it was nice to discuss the upcoming holidays and their schedules. I suspect the next time I see them, I'll be busy getting things together for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Don't know if I've mentioned this before but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Maybe it's because the air is crisp, the house smells like heaven and there isn't a 'gift' attached to the day. It's a time to just get together with family and enjoy a wonderful meal before the craziness of the Christmas season kicks in. There have been years in the past that I've just not been INTO the holidays. That hits most of us from time to time but I suspect,this year will be one of anticipation and excitement. Don't know why it's hitting me more this year, than last, but I'm actually looking forward to getting the house decorated, doing the tree, etc. Don't know why that is exactly and I've been trying to put my finger on it. Maybe it's because my kids will be home for awhile. I don't know. But whatever the reason, I'm looking forward to it.

The flowers in the backyard are beginning to wilt a little bit though they are still very pretty and over the weekend we covered up the swimming pool. My husband and I discussed whether we would string lights everywhere this year or not. It seemed more important to do that when the kids were little so we are thinking of other things that will be festive and I've scoped out some deals on pre-lit trees...very small ones to put on our large front porch. That should be pretty and won't require trips up and down ladders! I LIKE that! There should NOT be an element of danger involved in Christmas decorating!

Lots of Stuff and a New Release from Tessie Bradford

2009-10-30T09:11:00.003-05:00

My friend Tessie Bradford has a hot new book out today at Ellora's Cave. I have a suggestion, pick this hot little number up today and when the trick or treating is done you can settle in for a steamy menage, futuristic guaranteed to make your hair sizzle! Here's a blurb and, of course, the link to buy! Happy release day, Tessie!

Buy it HERE!

Blurb:
Aliens who embrace the pleasures of the flesh in every conceivable manner and at every opportunity? A delightful fantasy but for average earthling Elizabeth Malloy, it is her shocking new reality. When two sinfully devine specimens of Argon male goodness boldly stake their claim to her body and her heart, the adventure truly begins.

Haga Ruuchar, commander of the explorer ship Oasis, takes skillful control of Elizabeth's body from the first moment they are alone. Gareth Ornne, second in command, playfully offers himself to Elizabeth, allowing her free rein to explore her newfound sexual freedom. Together they enthusiastically initiate Elizabeth into a world of decadent, uninhibited, orgasmic delights she never imagined existed.

Big Sale! Hurry over to Ellora's Cave. http://jasminejade.com and check out their boooo-ti-ful Halloween Sale. All vamp and shifter stories are marked down through the weekend. If you haven't read any of my shifter stories, now is the perfect time to try them on for size. Feral Moon, Highland Beast, Lone Star Lycan and Ringo's Ride are available for a pittance!

In other news: We had some excitement around here a few nights ago. My husband was out of town most of the week but when he was driving home through a rural area, he hit an 8 point BUCK with his beautiful sportscar. OMG! Talk about scary! His poor baby is just WRECKED!!!! He managed to limp home with it but for awhile there, it was iffy. Apparently the damage is more to the body of the car than to anything mechanical. sighhhhh. Looks like his brand new car will be in the car hospital for quite awhile. Good news is he is okay and very happy to be home.

Today we celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary! Wow. That's a loooong time! Someone pointed out to me just this morning that we began as a couple, then we were a couple with kids, and NOW we are a couple again. I hadn't thought of it in quite that way before. Anyway, I expect we'll go to dinner and have some fun.

Happy weekend everyone...whether it's trick or treating with the kids or maybe watching the World Series.

Stone and Sky Releases Today!

2009-10-28T08:04:00.002-05:00

Hold on to your hats! Cindy Spencer Pape's lastest gargoyle book is out TODAY at Ellora's Cave. I know you'll want to pick this up so I'm posting the blurb and excerpt and, of course, a BUY link. Enjoy!

Buy It HERE!

Blurb:
Heroes of Stone, Book Four

Marc Armel is a gargoyle under pressure. It’s up to him to find the fourth and final artifact necessary to save his race. When he goes off to think, what does he find instead but a gorgeous harpy, washed up on his beach in a tattered evening dress, no luggage and no memory.

Aldara knows she came to Canada for a reason, but she can’t remember what. After one look at Marc, she hopes to heck that she’s single because she wants him more than her next breath. As her memories return, her passion for Marc grows too powerful to resist.

Chapter One

I could just turn into a bird and fly the rest of the way to Canada.
Aldara Cromlech leaned over the rail of the cruise ship and looked out over the infinite inky-black swells of the Atlantic Ocean. She wasn’t going to shift her shape and fly. She was trying to put her harpy past behind her and live in the human world now.
She had only fifteen minutes until her next performance and she loved the fresh air as compared to the smoky atmosphere of the ship’s lounge where she sang. It was going to take her much longer to reach North America this way than in an airplane, but she was enjoying the cruise and was proud of the fact that by singing in the lounge every night, she was paying her own way. The small sum of money she’d been bequeathed by her foster father wouldn’t last very long and she’d been determined to fulfill Geraint’s last wish—returning a priceless artifact to the clan his father had abandoned over a century before. By earning her keep as she traveled, she’d have enough left for a modest start in a new land.
Her stomach clenched as she thought about her foster father and she blinked back tears, careful not to mess up the heavy eye makeup she was expected to wear for her performances. She’d stayed by his side during his final illness, watched as he wasted away from the cancer that had spread throughout his body. He’d told her of a time when the gargoyle race had been immune to such diseases and made her promise she’d do her best to help restore the magic that had once been his birthright. Aldara wasn’t sure that one diamond-studded antique crown was really going to save an entire race, but she’d made a promise to the man who had reared her and she was determined to keep it.
Aldara unscrewed the cap on her bottle of water and drained the last few ounces before tucking the empty bottle back under her arm. Time to go get ready for work. She had three more sets tonight and then she was free for almost two days. By morning the ship would dock in Nova Scotia where they’d remain overnight before heading south to Boston and finally New York. New York, where she intended to find work and start a new life. From Halifax tomorrow she would try to contact Geraint’s clan in Montreal and discharge her last responsibility. Meanwhile she had another set to perform.
She turned toward the garbage bin to throw away the empty water bottle. The small rear deck where the crew was allowed to walk was shady and dim, cast in shadows by the setting sun, but her vision was acute even in very low light. That and her voice were the two good things that went with her unusual heritage. Well, flying hadn’t sucked, not when she and Geraint had soared about his isolated Greek islet together. Those were some of the happiest memories of her life. The elderly gargoyle had found her, a half-dead child with feathers and wings on his beach and he’d reared her as his own despite the differences of age and race. She owed it to him to remember the good times and to cherish his memory. She blinked rapidly, trying to avoid another round of tears, then leaned against the bulkhead and closed her eyes for just a moment.
She didn’t hear anyone come up behind her, not until she felt the hot puff of breath on the back of her neck. She tried to spin, to see who it was, but an inhumanly strong hand gripped the back of her neck and held her in place. The next sound she heard was a whoosh behind her ear, which was followed by a sharp stab of pain. Then the world went black.
* * * * *
He was such a loser.
Marc Armel sat on the rocky cliffs overlooking the north Atlantic, folded his wings behind him and sighed. The last of his close friends had just gotten married. Their wives had come from outside the clan, but all three had survived the conversion process that made them gargoyles like their mates. Each of the three gargoyle men had fulfilled the destiny foretold by their clan’s seer at their birth. Only Marc was left and he hadn’t come close to either one.
He’d stuck around the gargoyles’ compound outside Montreal until Beau and his new bride were back from their honeymoon, and then until Damien’s daughter Erin was born hale and healthy, leaving him free to return to his former duties as second-in-command. Though Damien had recently moved back to the compound with his mate, he was a brand-new father, so Marc had been the logical choice to fill in as head of security for the clan. Remy had offered but he was too happy drawing his graphic novels and Marc had actually enjoyed the work. Most of his time was spent managing the clan finances but the four had all gone into the security division together as young gargoyles and it felt good to get his hands back into it again.
Now, though, Beau and his wife were back, Damien was back to work and Marc was once again unneeded. His mother, the clan matriarch, was still healthy and in charge of things and his father was her primary advisor, leaving little for a prince to do. All the monetary transactions he handled for the clan were done online and actually took a fairly small portion of his day. So he’d packed up his clothes and his laptop and headed for his favorite thinking spot—a small island he owned off the shores of Nova Scotia. Before he left, he told his parents and the clan’s seer Lady Helene, who’d sent each of his friends off on their quests. He supposed he’d secretly been hoping she’d tell him not to go and send him somewhere else instead, get him started on fulfilling his part of the prophecy. To his great dismay, all she’d done was shrug and remind him to take a raincoat.
It was beautiful here and rugged. It was also completely deserted, so a gargoyle could walk around in daylight with no one to see his tiger-eye-colored skin or his wings. He only had to be careful if a boat or plane went by and with his mottled brown coloring, he blended into the rocky shoreline well enough to hide in plain sight.
He stared out at the waves, wishing he could be as lulled as he usually was by the rhythmic motion. The late October breeze was chilly, but the damp cold didn’t penetrate his thickened skin. Though not actually stone, his hide was tougher than human flesh and kept out the chill along with the small hurts his bare ass might have otherwise gotten from the rocky ground beneath it.
It was almost sunset, when his body would revert to human form, if he wanted it to. He debated taking his motor launch across the inlet to the mainland where a small town offered a few shops and a couple of bars for entertainment after dark. This late in the year all the tourist traps were closed but he was usually fine drinking with the locals. Tonight, though, while he was low on groceries, he wasn’t in the mood to deal with people unless absolutely necessary.
Out the corner of his eye, he spotted something in the surf, just at the edge of his vision. As the waves pushed it slowly toward the shoreline, it looked like a bundle of black rags but it was big, almost the size of a person. Curiosity broke through his lousy mood and he stood, hopping easily down the jagged cliffs toward the beach.
As he approached the object, now lying on the sand, it did indeed begin to look like a person, maybe wearing a black furry or feathered cloak. The lump didn’t move, so there was little chance that it was a living creature but he moved faster, just in case.
He took the last hundred yards in a vertical leap, spreading his wings to glide the last few feet and land with his toes in the sand right beside the lump. Up close he could see that long black hair was tangled up in the feathered cloak and he reached out to wipe the sodden strands off a pale white face. As he did, a tiny moan escaped.
She was alive. And definitely female. Smoothing her hair back off her cheek, he saw fine, delicate features and long lashes. The water had smeared her makeup into a vulgar clown mask but he didn’t care about that. A soft pulse beat erratically at her slender throat and her chest moved. Her heart rate and breathing were minimal but she wasn’t dead.
He started to unwrap the feathery black cloak then gasped in shock. She wasn’t wearing a cloak. In fact, the only garment she had on was a shimmery black sheath dress. It was torn in the back where her wings, big, heavy and black as night, protruded from her shoulder blades.
So much for calling for a rescue flight. He couldn’t take a nonhuman to the emergency room.
“Keep breathing for me, cherie,” he muttered. Picking her up was awkward with the wings. He really hoped she didn’t have any broken bones because he ended up holding her in a fireman’s carry over his shoulder. Picking his path carefully this time, he made his way slowly up the hill, back to the house he’d built nestled into the side of a cliff.
Looked as if his life had just gotten a whole lot more interesting.

Their nonstop sex may have to wait, though, when danger threatens to tear them apart. While Marc is determined to come through for his clan, he’s even more set on saving Aldara. But perhaps she’ll be the one saving him.

Crazy for Costumes

2009-10-27T09:45:00.004-05:00

Are you a fan of Halloween? I always HAVE been. I dont know..there's just something fun and whimsical about the whole thing and, as a little kid, I loved dressing up and trick or treating with my friends. It wasn't about the candy! For me, it was about the costume and walking through the streets when the night was dark and spooky, seeing how others had transformed themselves, and gathering adult reactions to what we were wearing.

Later, when I had kids of my own, I loved going through catalogues and finding just the perfect costume for my little ones. I can't remember HOW many times my daughter was a witch! Several. Orange taffeta with black lace, lace-up black boots and velvet and satin pointy hats. Yes, um, I went overboard. Always.

My son did the whole BOY thing. The ookier, the better. He was a vampire with a cape and fake blood dripping from his mouth. He was a ninja, too. The cutest costume he ever had was a black spider. It was a 'cute' black spider though. At the time he was about four and I'll never forget that one. It was a suit with a colorful padded belly. Many 'spider legs' were attached and when he held out his arms those legs spread out. The outfit came with a black top hat that featured a big orange and yellow band. So cute. I later sent the costume across country to my sister in Florida and her two boys used the costume.

I honestly felt a little guilty getting very pricey costumes. BAAAAD Regina! But I worked out a way to deal with the guilt by finding other 'like minded' moms. We began with trade costumes every year. This way the child had something new and fun but it didn't cost mom the moon and the stars to do it! We began a nice little sharing network with this stuff. In October, the calls would start...what do you have this year? A funny spider? A witch? Perfect.

I know there are lots of cute 'make em yourself' costume ideas but I never leaned toward the crafty. I envy those who can whip up something fantastic with a little bit of felt and a huge imagination! What are some of the best costume ideas you've come up with? Do you make them up at home or do you whip out the credit card?

Tis the Season...

2009-10-26T10:09:00.005-05:00

I've always loved Halloween. Maybe it was because my kids were always so excited about the holiday or that the weather finally morphed from hotter than hell to crisp and cool. No matter the reason, I've always thought it was a fun time. I got into their costumes and decorating and doing all the things required to make it something cool. As the kids got older, we'd hang out together and take in all the gore-fests on TV. These days we have stuff on the premier channels, plus SYI FI and CHILLER channels. It's a never ending supply of the creepy and downright gross.

Now I'm not one for GORE. Nope, doesn't do a thing for me and I tend to veer away from the queazy-make-you-throw-up things. Can't take lots of that stuff so when the kids had slasher movies on, I'd make myself scarce. Still, I like a scary movie sometimes. To me, The Exorcist was horrifying. I still remember going to the theater to see that when it first came out...yes, I'm dating myself here. Movies featuring ghosts, werewolves, vampires and otherworldly creatures are just fun. Can't do SAW or SAW 2, Saw 3 blah blah. Lordy! How many of those do they have out now? Torture movies are just too creepy for words so I won't watch them.

Some of my favorites? Halloween (a little slashery but I like it), The Amityville Horror, Young Frankenstein (gotta laugh sometimes), Poltergeist (the first one...the rest were just sad). My kids just saw Paranormal whatever that's out now. Um. Nope, don't think I'll be seeing that one. Just a little TOO MUCH. I like to sleep! What are some of your favorites?

Brand New Look!

2009-10-25T10:59:00.003-05:00

Lucky ME! I have a brand new look for my blog. What do you think??? My friend, Desiree Holt, has a talented daughter who fixed this up for me the other day. Thanks Ms. A!!! Personally, I think makeovers are a good thing. Something fun and fresh about something new.

Everyone is starting to feel a little bit better around here and I'm looking forward to a productive week. I managed to make progress on Cactus' story but honestly, I've been feeling so punk, I don't know if it's any good or not. Guess I'll re-read, tweak and play a bit tonight before continuing onward. Have set myself a goal of finishing within the next couple of weeks! This weekend, we got a visit from my daughter who took a break from the college stuff to come hang out with us. Yesterday we hit the grocery store to stock her up on a few things she needs and then we tried out a new recipe. Turned out pretty good. Then last night we went out for Tex Mex and then watched a movie.

Tomorrow it's back to the real world though. sigh. The DH is headed out of town so I'll be here holding down the fort for a few days. Umm...think I might get some serious writing done? Let's hope so.