Megan Hart Winners :)

Here are this week's winners during Megan Hart's guest week:

Winner for an ebook of their choice from Megan's backlist:
Amy S.

Winner of a print copy of Tempted:
Rhonda (blessed_heart@)

Winners, please e-mail me at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com *g* with Megan Hart Winner on the subject line.

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Much thanks to Megan for spending the week with us *bg* And thanks to all those who visited, as well :) I hope that you check out Megan's latest release, Tempted, out at bookstores now :)

Remember, you can find out more about Megan Hart on her website, www.MeganHart.com *g*

Excerpt: Tempted by Megan Hart

He smiled. It’s a cliché to say it took my breath away, but all clichés began as truth, or else nobody would be able to relate to them. His mouth, full soft lips, quirked on one side. He took off his glasses. The eyes beneath were dark and could only be described as languid, but not in a romance-novel, gushingly descriptive way. Languid as in lazy, rich, slow. Deep. Alex had eyes that meant something important, if only I could figure out what it was.

“Yeah, sorry about that, I rang Jamie’s cell and he said to head on over. He said he’d call you. I guess he didn’t.” His voice, too, was slow and deep. Bemused.

I laughed, rueful. “He didn’t.”

“Bastard.” Alex slung his jacket over the back of one of the high-backed chairs at the breakfast table and hooked both thumbs in his pockets. “Something smells good.”

“Oh…I’m baking bread.” I grabbed a dishtowel and wiped my hands quickly and began the dishevelment dance. Hair, smoothed, shirt, tucked, a quick pass of face and body to make sure I was put together.

He watched me, mouth still quirked. “And making something with chocolate, I see.”

“Brownies.” I blushed, and blushed harder at the heat rising along my throat. I had no reason to be embarrassed. Well, aside from the disaster that was my kitchen and personal appearance.

Alex made a low purring noise of approval. “My favorite. How’d you know?”

“I didn’t –” He was teasing. “Who doesn’t like brownies?”

“Good point.” He laughed. He looked around the kitchen again, as if taking in every detail. I found myself following his gaze with mine, cataloging the framed prints on the walls, the wallpaper, slightly peeling in the corner. The scrapes in the linoleum where the chairs had worn the pattern to whiteness.

“We’re fixing it up,” I said, like I had to apologize for the kitchen’s imperfections.

His gaze swiveled back to me. It was disconcerting, in a way, yet also familiar. Alex had the same focus as James, though on my husband it was offset by a somehow greater sense of impermanence. James could be intense on whatever had currently grabbed his attention. He was the blackbird with a beady eye, focused on the shiny. Alex reminded me of a lion waiting in the grass, seemingly sated until his prey got close enough to capture his notice.

“It’s nice. You’ve done some nice things.”

“Oh, you’ve been here before?” I shook my head at my own question. “Of course you have.”

“Back when Jamie’s grandparents lived here, yeah. Long time ago. It’s nicer now.” His mouth stretched into another slow grin. “Smells better, too.”

There was no reason for me to be intimidated by him. He wasn’t doing anything. He was, in fact, being quite pleasant. I wanted to return his smile, and I did…but it was with a sort of hitching, confused reluctance. It was the kind of smile you give to someone who’s just offered you a mint on the subway. Wondering if they’re being kind, or if your breath’s offending. Was he just being polite, or did he mean it?

I didn’t know.

“I hope they taste good, at least,” I admitted with a glance at the bowl. “I’m not having much luck with them so far.”

He tilted his head to look at the mess on the center island. “How come?”

“Oh….” I shrugged with a small, self-conscious laugh. “I thought I’d be fancy and make them from scratch instead of the box. I should’ve stuck with the prepackaged mix.”

“Nah. Things made fresh are always better.” Alex moved closer to the island, and therefore, closer to me. He looked into my bowl. Without his gaze pinning me, I could watch him, and I did. “So you put the butter in with the eggs? What’s next?”

He came all the way around. We ended up shoulder to shoulder. He hadn’t looked so tall from across the room. My head would reach the bottom of his chin. On James, I could reach his mouth without standing on my toes. Alex turned his head and gave me a look I couldn’t interpret.

“Anne?”

“Oh…oh, I guess it’s right there.” I leaned over to stab the cookbook with my finger. Several grease splotches marked the pages. “Melt the chocolate. Melt the butter. Mix together. Add the sugar and vanilla….”

I stopped when I saw him staring at me. I returned his smile with a tentative one. It seemed to please him. He leaned forward, the tiniest amount. His voice dipped low, sharing a secret.

“Want to know the trick?”

“Of making brownies?”

His grin got broader. I expected him to say no. That he had another trick to reveal, something sweeter even than chocolate. I leaned forward, too, just a little.

“Hot butter will melt chocolate. You need a low flame.”

“Will it?” I looked at the cookbook so I didn’t have to look at him. More heat rose, burning the tips of my ears. I thought I must look ridiculous and tried to pretend it didn’t matter.

“Want me to show you?” At my hesitation he straightened. His smile changed, gave us a bit of distance. Still friendly, but less intense. “I can’t promise you they’ll win any awards ,but –”

“Sure. Yes, sure,” I said decisively. “James’ family will be here pretty soon and I don’t want to be worrying about dessert once they start arriving.”

“Yeah. Because they’ll take up all your attention. I know what you mean.” Alex reached for the bowl and turned toward the stove, where I’d left the double boiler I’d been using earlier.

He would know just what I meant, I thought, watching him dump the cooling butter and egg mixture back into the pot. He twisted the knob on the stove, bending to get his face at the level of the flame and setting it with a delicate touch. He grabbed up a spoon from the tool caddy on the counter and stirred the mixture.

“Bring me the chocolate.” He spoke like he was used to being obeyed, and I didn’t hesitate. I tore open the bag and gave it to him. Without looking at me, he shook the package gently, dropping chip after chip into the butter as he stirred it. “Anne. Come and see.”

I moved to peer over his shoulder. The butter now had dark brown swirls that got larger and larger as Alex added more chocolate chips. After a few more moments the mix was a gooey, velvety liquid.

“Beautiful.” I murmured, not really meaning to speak, and he looked up at me.

This time I didn’t feel like he’d snared me with his gaze. I wasn’t prey. He assessed me, then turned back to the thickening batter.

“Is everything else ready?”

“Yes.”

I gathered the rest of the ingredients. Together we mixed and poured and scraped the bowl with my serviceable white spatula that was guaranteed not to crack or stain. The brownie mixed smelled liked heaven and filled the baking pan exactly the way it was supposed to.

“Perfect,” I said, and slid it into the oven. “Thank you.”

“And of course it has to be perfect, right?” Alex leaned against the island, hands gripping the edge so his elbows bent akimbo.

I wiped my hands on the dishcloth and started putting utensils into the sink. “It’s nice if it is, isn’t it?”

“Even a flawed brownie still tastes damn good.” He watched me clean without offering to help.

I paused, mixing bowl in my hand. “Depends on the flaw, doesn’t it? I mean, if it’s too dry or crumbly, it might not look right but will taste good. Or if the ingredients are wrong it can look perfect on the outside and taste terrible.”

“Exactly.”

I wondered if he’d been baiting me to say something he’d been thinking. “Well. They looked perfect. Unless they burn.”

“They won’t burn.”

“But they might not taste good, either?” I laughed at him. “Is that what you’re saying?”

“You never know, do you?” He shrugged and gave me an upwards, sideways, roundabout glance.

Teasing. He was teasing me, judging me. Trying to draw me out. Trying to feel me out. Figure me out.

“I guess we’d better taste it then.” I held out the bowl. “You go first.”

Alex raised a brow and pursed his lips, but pushed himself off the island and held out a hand. “In case they’re vile?”

“A good hostess always allows her guests to have the first portion,” I said sweetly.

“A perfect hostess makes sure everything’s grand before she serves it,” Alex countered, but he scooped a finger along the bowl’s side. It came away smeared with chocolate.

He raised his finger, showing me. Being theatrical. He opened his mouth, tongue showing intimately pink. He put his finger in his mouth and closed his lips over it, sucking hard enough to hollow his cheeks before his finger popped out with an audible noise.

He said nothing.

“Well?” I asked, after a moment.

He grinned. “Perfect.”

That was enough incentive for me. I slid my finger along the small amount of batter left in the bowl and licked it with the tip of my tongue.

“Coward.”

“Fine.” I stuck the whole thing in my mouth and sucked as hard as he had, making a show of it. “Mmmm, that’s good!”

“Brownies fit for a queen.”

“Or James’ mother,” I said and immediately covered my mouth to pretend I hadn’t said anything so remotely derogatory.

“Even her.”

We smiled at each other again, drawn together by our mutual understanding about what sort of person James’ mother was.

“Well….” I cleared my throat. “I should go change my clothes and take a shower. And show you to your room. It’s clean and ready, I just have to bring you some towels.”

“I don’t want you to go to a lot of trouble.”

“It’s not any trouble, Alex.”

“Perfect,” he said, not quite a whisper and not really a sigh, either.

Neither of us moved.

I realized my fingers were numb from clutching the bowl too hard. I loosened my grip at once and put it in the sink. I had chocolate on my fingers from the bowl’s edges and I laughed, gesturing.

“What a mess.” I licked them, the pointer, middle, thumb. “I’m chocolate all over.”

“You have some just…there.”

Alex’s thumb traced the outer edge of my mouth’s corner. I tasted chocolate. I tasted him.

That was how James found us, touching. An innocent gesture that meant nothing, yet I backed away at once. Alex did not.

“Jamie,” he said, instead. “How the fuck’ve you been?”

They collapsed into a flurry of back slapping and insults. Two grown men reverted to the behavior of fourteen-year-old boys in front of my eyes, both of them rumbling and posturing. Alex grabbed James around the neck and knuckled his hair until James stood up, face flushed and eyes bright with laughter.

I left them like that, to their greeting. I crept away down the hall and into the shower, where I ran the water cold as ice and stood beneath the spray, mouth open, to wash away the taste of my husband’s long lost best friend.

Guest Blogger: Megan Hart

Hey, everyone! Thanks to Ali for having me here today. She told me to write a guest blog about whatever I wanted.

Do you know how hard that can be?

So I figured I’d talk about how Tempted came into existence.

When I was offered my first contract with Harlequin, it was for three books. One, Dirty, was already finished. The book I was calling Precious and Fragile Things (and became Broken) was about half-finished. I had been tossing around an idea about a woman who hires male escorts instead of dating a “real” guy for awhile, and had planned to call it Catch and Release, so that’s what I offered up for the third.

Only one day, close to the end of finishing Broken and knowing I had better start thinking about book #3, an idea hit me between the eyes like a sledgehammer. What if there was a woman who fell in love with her husband’s best friend…but the best friend was in love the husband?

I ran the idea past that man I live with as he lounged in my office doorway, interrupting my writing. He didn’t like it. In fact, he made “the face.” That’s how I knew it was a good idea.

So, I emailed my editor and pitched this idea to her – not knowing if she’d want what I’d signed on for, or if she’d go for a story about a threesome with boytouching overtones. Well, she said “go for it” and I did.

I had no choice. The deadlines were tight. I had to write that back. To date, Tempted is the fastest book I ever wrote. It was summer, not the best time for me, since my kids are home. But I sent them to camp, and I wrote. I wrote every day, for hours, and I put out more pages than I ever had. The story came, not effortlessly, but quickly, and cleanly, and since I’d only started with an idea, I just let it flow.

I wanted to call it Perfect.

When I was writing Dirty, I never wanted to leave that world, or Elle, the heroine. When I was writing Broken, I couldn’t wait to be finished – it was a tough book to complete. But Perfect was…perfect. I loved it while I was in it, and I was ready for it to end when it did. I finished the book in record time, including edits, and sent it off.

And there it is, on the shelves for the world to read. I hope people enjoy it and take it for what it is – a story about three people in love, and what happens to them, and how it works out. And doesn’t.

Thanks for having me here today, Ali!

~M

Giveaway of the Week: You'll be Tempted to read more ;)

This week I have a few chances for you to win a book by Megan Hart *yay*

First of all... I'll pick one winner from those who leaves a comment or question for an ebook of their choice from Megan's backlist:

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This week we have another great Scavenger Hunt for another reader to get a chance to win a print copy of Megan's latest release, Tempted *g*

All answers can be found at Megan's website, http://MeganHart.com... e-mail answers to simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com with Megan Hart Scavenger Hunt in the subject line.

1. Which of Megan's covers has a wolf on it?

2. What did Megan announce had begun at eHarlequin?

3. How many anthologies does Megan have?

4. Name two of Megan Hart's publishers.

5. One of the first Megan Hart stories I read had me in tears... it was about a woman who had sent away for a field-husband... their story is one that will touch you and move you to tears... What's the title?

6. Name one of Megan's favorite movies. (Check out her MySpace ;))

7. Did you check out the great selection of Megan's current titles? So many great stories... so little time, lol Which books caught your interest?

Guest of the Week: Megan Hart

This week, I'm ecstatic to announce our guest author, who has just recently released a hot erotic novel that's a must to add to your reading list:

Megan Hart

*applause*

*Bio:

Meet Megan Hart

What to say? I'm an author. I've been writing forever, since childhood, but it wasn't until after I had my daughter that I decided to really make a go of it. I've been working on novels and short fiction since 1997.

My passions include movies, music and reading. I crush hard on celebrities. I don't like to exercise and spent far too much time on the internet. I love to eat, mostly junk, but I'm trying to be better about that.

Right now, I love Supernatural, Nip/Tuck and the Sims; I can't live without Yahoo Messenger though gmail chat might be edging that one out. I check my emails every other minute, you know, JUST IN CASE OMG someone has something to tell me.

I adore my husband and my children, and I'm immensely thankful for my family and friends who make what I do possible. I'd never be able to do it without their love and support.You can call me Megan, or AuthorM or M.

--M

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*Blurb:

I had everything a woman could want.

My husband James. The house on the lake. My life. Our perfect life. And then Alex came to visit. The first time I saw my husband's best friend, I didn't like him. Didn't like how James changed when he was around, didn't like how his penetrating eyes followed me everywhere. But that didn't stop me from wanting him. And surprisingly, James didn't seem to mind.

It was meant to be fun. Something the three of us shared for those hot summer weeks Alex stayed with us. Nobody was supposed to fall in or out of love. I didn't need another man, not even one who oozed sex like honey and knew all the secrets I didn't know, the secrets my husband hadn't shared. After all, we had a perfect life. I loved my husband.

But I wasn't the only one.

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Be sure to come back for more... including this week's giveaway, excerpt, and an interview with Megan, too :)

Tagged!

Last Wednesday I found out I got tagged by Denise McClain on her blog. Now I must think up 7 random facts about myself and tag others... let's see...

1. During my first RT Convention last year, I hid for about three hours my first day there... okay, so I tend to be a little shy, lol

2. I'm a sticky note and notebook junky... I have them everywhere to write down story ideas, notes, reminders (that I'll find weeks after they're due, lol)

3. I'm always tired and have been known to fall asleep in my car at inappropriate times... like when I was supposed to take my English 1302 Final last semester, lol (Luckily, I had a very understanding teacher.)

4. I had once taken the ASVAB test to join the Air Force and passed... unfortunately, or not, at the time, my mother had custody of me and she refused to sign the papers.

5. I have a very interracial family... my older half-siblings are half-Korean and half-white... myself and my siblings are half-Mexican and half-Korean... a younger sister who is half-Korean and half-African American... then I have the Brat, who is 100% puro Mexicana ;))

6. I usually read a books ending first... and, no, it doesn't ruin the book at all for me :)

7. I'm a big daydreamer... and recently I've been daydreaming about what it would be like to have an interview with Oprah Winfrey, lol

Okay... let's see... I'm going to tag: Arianna, N.J., Megan, Ashlyn, PG, Nichele, and Elisa

N.J. Walters Winnner *g*

Here are this week's winners during N.J. Walters guest week:

Winner for an ebook of their choice between Shamus O'Rourke & Eternal Brothers for leaving a comment:
Caffey

Winner of a print copy of one of N.J.'s backlist for the Scavenger Hunt:
Crystal B (cpartin@)

Winner of both of N.J.'s latest release for signing up for N.J. Walters Newsletter:
Eva S (eva.silkka@)

Winners, please e-mail me at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com *g* with N.J. Walters Winner on the subject line.

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Oops, blame it all on me *blush*... when I announced the winners for Patrice Michelle, I left out the winner for a cover flat from Patrice herself *g*

Winner for a Patrice Michelle Cover Flat:

Jane

Just e-mail me at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com with Patrice Michelle Winner on the subject line *g*

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I want to thank N.J. for her kindness and spending the week with us *g*. Thanks for everyone who visited and left a comment *g*

Remember, you can find out more about N.J. Walters on her website, www.NJWalters.com *g*

Update...

Okay, Okay... as usual, I'm a little behind... and with doctors appointments (man, the fees they charge are outrages... and I have insurance, lol) and I just started class, it's been even worse. But, later on tonight, I promise to have the winners along with some more great news *g*

Thanks,
~Ali

Excerpt: The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke by N.J. Walters

Excerpt: The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
©2008 by N.J. Walters

Coming January 1st to http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/n-j-walters

Blurb:

After her father's death, Cyndi Marks returns to Jamesville, determined to settle here and lay the ghosts of years ago to rest once and for all. But the past has a way of catching up—and hanging on.

When her car breaks down outside of town, a handsome stranger stops to help. He intrigues and attracts her, but then she discovers who he is.

Shamus enjoys his job, his family and small town living. What he’s missing is someone with whom to share it. Immediately drawn to Cyndi, he is determined to get closer to her, even as he senses her pulling away.

But not everyone in Jamesville is happy to see Cyndi. People are hiding secrets. Secrets they would kill to protect. When violence erupts in her home, Cyndi turns to the only person in town she can trust—Shamus.

In a situation where family loyalties are strained, Cyndi's life is threatened and everyone is a suspect, will their emerging love survive?


Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, and violence.

Jamesville, Maine. It looked so peaceful nestled down in the valley below, but Cyndi knew that even a small town had dirty little secrets. Turning her back on the picturesque scene, she strode to the trunk of her car. She needed to keep focused on the task at hand and right now that included getting her car back on the road so she could reach her destination before dark.

The sun was low in the afternoon sky, but she had an hour or so until it finally sank. Lots of time to change a flat tire and get to the lawyer’s office before it closed for the day. Unlocking her trunk, she pocketed her keys and hauled out her two suitcases, setting them beside the car. Next came her laptop, which she tucked into the backseat for safekeeping. Two boxes containing her pillows and comforter, specialty teas, and her favorite snacks were next. She figured she’d need all the comforts she could get. She was under no illusion that the task ahead of her would be easy.

Cyndi ignored the small voice in the back of her head that whispered she didn’t have to stay. She’d made her decision and she wasn’t about to back down now. It was time for her to face down the demons of her past and put them to rest once and for all. The only way to do that was to settle in Jamesville. She’d put all her belongings in storage, let the lease on her apartment lapse, and quit her job as manager of an upscale bed and breakfast. For better or worse, she was here to stay.

Dragging out the jack and the spare tire, she carried them one at a time to the front of the car. The left-hand tire was as flat as a pancake. She must have picked up a nail or something. As soon as she hit town, she’d have to go to a garage and get it seen to.
As she was shoving the jack beneath the car, she heard another vehicle rumbling up behind her. She scooted in front of her car, not wanting to be out in the road as the other vehicle passed. She’d pulled her car as far off the road as she could, but the shoulder wasn’t that wide and part of the vehicle was still on the pavement. A dusty, blue truck passed her, but the brake lights flashed almost immediately, and the vehicle rolled to a stop several yards up the road.

Cyndi climbed back into the driver’s seat and locked all the doors. Maybe she was overreacting, but a woman on her own, on a fairly deserted stretch of road, couldn’t be too careful. She knew what Jamesville used to be like, but that was a long time ago. The whole world seemed to have changed in the intervening years.

The truck door opened and a long, jean-clad leg came into view, quickly followed by another. The man who got out of the vehicle was huge, standing at least several inches over six feet. His shoulders were wide, straining the seams of his dirty, white T-shirt. The short sleeves of the shirt did nothing to hide his thick biceps and muscular forearms. His jeans were faded white at the knees and crotch area. Cyndi forced herself to look away. A stranger was coming toward her, and she was staring at his crotch. It had to be the stress she’d been under making her so loopy. Still, she did enjoy the view.

His large, booted feet quickly ate up the distance between them. Cyndi reached into her purse and yanked out her phone, ready to call for help if necessary.

The man stopped beside her door, leaned down and tapped on the window. “Didn’t mean to frighten you, ma’am.”

Cyndi got her first, really good look at his face and it started her heart pounding, but not from fear. The man was gorgeous, in a rough sort of way. His thick, molasses-brown hair was tied back at the nape, falling just below his shoulders. His face was all sharp angles and planes; his nose was large, but somehow suited his face. Eyebrows the same color as his hair were straight slashes above a pair of concerned, blue-gray eyes, eyes the same color as the sky just before a storm.

“Ma’am?” She heard his voice through the glass and realized she was sitting there like a fool simply staring at him.

Quickly she rolled the window down, but just a crack. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
He tilted his head to one side, staring at her. Cyndi knew she looked a mess. She’d been traveling for hours, and the past few weeks had been extremely stressful. She knew she had dark circles under her eyes and wasn’t wearing any makeup, save her clear lip balm. Her days of dressing to please other people were long over.

“I said that I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He smiled then, a slight upturn of the corners of his mouth, but the effect was devastating.

Butterflies danced in her stomach and she felt a throbbing between her thighs. She shook her head, desperately trying to fight the unwanted burst of physical attraction. She was thirty-nine years old, for heaven’s sake, long past the stage of being ruled by her hormones. And he looked to be at least ten years younger than her.

“A woman alone can’t be too careful these days.” His words echoed her earlier thoughts. “You stay put in the car and I’ll take care of that flat tire for you.”

“No,” she snapped. Realizing what she’d done, she softened her tone. After all, it wasn’t his fault she was attracted to him. All he’d done was stop and offer to help. “That’s fine. I’ll take care of it myself.”

He scrubbed his hand across his jaw and her eyes followed the action. She could see the five o’clock shadow on his chin. It made him appear even sexier, if that was possible. There was something elemental about this man. Even dressed in old work boots, faded jeans and a dirty T-shirt, there was an air of barely restrained power about him.
“I figured you could handle the problem on your own, ma’am, but there’s no need for that now that I’m here.”

Was he for real?

She guessed so when he turned on his heel and crouched down by the front tire. Within seconds, the front of the car was raised and he was using the tire iron to loosen the lug nuts.

Guest Blogger: N.J. Walters

Vampires, Contemporaries, and Paranormals, Oh My!

My very first published book was a contemporary erotic romance with Ellora’s Cave. Since Annabelle Lee first released in October 2004, I’ve gone on to write and publish a lot more books. My 25th, The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke, was released on January 1, 2008 by Samhain Publishing. It, too, is a contemporary romance (spicy hot), but in-between the two, I’ve penned books in a whole lot of genres.

Luckily, my publishers have allowed me the freedom to explore and expand as a writer and I’ve delved into the realms of vampires, paranormal, shape-shifter, fantasy, ménage a trois, time travel, and contemporary romance.

Being a lover of the vampire novel, I had to try my hand at a series. Thus, my Dalakis Passion vampire series was born. This erotic series from Ellora’s Cave follows the three Dalakis brothers in their search for the mates—the one woman who can complete them. This series allows me to tap into my shadowy side and explore dark fantasies. Murder, mayhem, blood, and darkness abounds in these books, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

From there, I’ve traveled to other worlds and times with the help of a magic tapestry. There is such freedom in taking a character to another world where the rules are different from Earth. In Javara, the setting of the Tapestries books, it is common practice, indeed a necessity, for brothers to share a wife. What a surprise for my female characters when they find themselves transported to this strange world, that shares a great resemblance with Medieval earth. My Tapestries series from Ellora’s Cave has been a reader favorite, and what started out as a stand-alone book has evolved into a series with Book 4 due out sometime in the next year.

Shadow Ryders, fierce warriors and dragons have filled my imagination and the pages of my books. I’ve even delved deep into the mysteries of life and death with the mysterious Seth from my story “A Love Eternal,” which appeared in the Ellora’s Cavemen: Legendary Tails IV anthology. I’ve had so much fun writing these tales, and I have plans for more in the future.

As much as I love the paranormal, my first love is the contemporary romance, and I have continued to explore that genre with my Awakening Desires series and Summersville Secrets for Ellora’s Cave, and with the Jamesville series for Samhain Publishing. The Ellora’s Cave books are obviously erotic romance, while the Jamesville saga started primarily as a regular romance series. But as the series has progressed, the books have gotten steamier and sexier. As with all my books, they retain their emotional connection between the main characters and their romance. That’s how I like it!

The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke is a spicy hot read, which picks up the story of Shamus O’Rourke, who was introduced in the very first book of the series. Secrets, betrayal, intrigue and attempted murder all play out in this small town drama. I admit that I can’t resist revisiting Jamesville and have just handed in Book 5 in the series to my editor. I’m crossing my fingers and hope that she likes it.

It’s been a wild ride for the past three years and I’m looking forward to another exciting year. Many thanks to all the wonderful readers who have supported me from the very beginning. Your words of encouragement and emails mean the world to me.

Thank you to Ali for your continued support and enthusiasm. And thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog!

Giveaway of the Week: Double the fun :)

This week I have a few chances for you to win a book by N.J. *g*

First of all... I'll pick one winner from those who leaves a comment or question for an ebook of their choice from N.J.'s latest releases:

**********

This week we have another great Scavenger Hunt for another reader to get a chance to win a copy of any of N.J.'s backlist print titles *g*

All answers can be found at Julia's website, http://njwalters.com... e-mail answers to simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com with N.J. Walter Scavenger Hunt in the subject line.

1. Which book was recently awarded CataNetwork Reviewers' Choice Award?

2. N.J. has a contest up at her site... what's the name of her contest?

3. How many series does N.J. currently have?

4. How many of N.J.'s books are in print?

5. What publishers is N.J. published with?

6. One of my favorite stories by N.J. features Kelly Allen and Liam Brannigan... what's the name of the story?

7. Did you check out all of N.J. current titles? Doesn't she have some amazing stories... and some very hot covers *drool*? lol Which books caught your interest?

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And... another winner will be drawn from those who sign up for N.J.'s newsletter to win an ebook copy of both of N.J.'s latest releases. Just sign up on her news page, http://NJWalters.com/news.html, and send me an e-mail at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com letting me know you've signed up ;)

Trust me, you're going to love receiving N.J.'s newsletter... not only to find out the latest news on her and her upcoming releases, but also for her husbands article *bg*

Guest of the Week: NJ Walters

This week, I'm thrilled to announce our guest author, who has a couple new releases you'll want to definitely buy now:

N.J. Walters

*applause*

*Bio:

I discovered writing later in life. Like most teenagers, I dabbled with poetry, pouring my insecurities and angst onto pages of blue-lined school notebooks. In my twenties, I tried my hand at children’s stories, even going so far as to take a course in it.

It was only in my thirties that I began to even contemplate writing romance. The odd thing is that I have been a voracious reader of romance most of my adult life. For many years, I read at least one book a day—category romance, paranormal, romantic suspense, historical—I read it all.

With my husband’s encouragement, I wrote two mainstream romance novels. But after several rejections, I put my stories away for over five years. Then I had surgery. It was only gallbladder surgery, but it changed my life. Being laid up for a month, due to several minor complications, I began to think about my writing and wondered what I was waiting for.

Based on some comments on a rejection letter, I rewrote both novels. It was a fantastic learning tool and I sharpened my writing skills. I also noticed a contest for an erotic romance novella online. The contest closed the next day, so I dashed off the five pages that I needed to enter and submitted them.

I didn’t get anywhere with the contest, but I couldn’t stop writing about the characters—Annabelle Lee Murphy and Mike Sloan. I finished the manuscript, edited and revised it over and over and then started looking for a place to submit it.

I was thrilled when Ellora’s Cave asked to see the manuscript and overwhelmed when they offered me a contract. Annabelle Lee was published by Ellora’s Cave in October 2004, one month before my fortieth birthday. I’d finally found my writing voice and now there’s no stopping me.

My husband and I spend our days living, loving and writing. I enjoy walking and love the beach. Over the years, I have tried just about every craft known to womankind—knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, ceramics, leatherwork and heaven only knows what else. I am master of none, but I enjoyed them all. Right now, all my spare time is spent writing and I hardly have any time to read anymore, but I still manage to sneak in at least two books a week.

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*Blurb:

All small towns have secrets. This one could be deadly.

Book 4 of Jamesville.

After her father’s death, Cyndi Marks returns to Jamesville, determined to settle here and lay the ghosts of years ago to rest once and for all. But the past has a way of catching up—and hanging on.

When her car breaks down outside of town, a handsome stranger stops to help. He intrigues and attracts her, but then she discovers who he is.

Shamus O’Rourke enjoys his job, his family and small town living. What he’s missing is someone with whom to share it. Immediately drawn to Cyndi, he is determined to get closer to her, even as he senses her pulling away.

But not everyone in Jamesville is happy to see Cyndi. People are hiding secrets. Secrets they would kill to protect. When violence erupts in her home, Cyndi turns to the only person in town she can trust—Shamus.

In a situation where family loyalties are strained, Cyndi’s life is threatened and everyone is a suspect, will their emerging love survive?

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*Blurb:

Book 4 of Dalakis Passion

The Dalakis brothers are rich, powerful men, but they have secrets — the kind that men kill to protect. Ex-cop Zane York has watched them for several years and has returned to New Orleans to resume his investigation. He has to know if his suspicions are true — are the Dalakis brothers murderous vampires?

Reporter Sophia Daring has had many tough assignments in her life, but nothing has prepared her for the late-night phone call, which leads her to the cemetery and to the body of a dead woman. The murderer drained all the blood from his victim's body and the clues point straight to the Dalakis family.

The attraction between Zane and Sophia is instantaneous and explosive. But Zane has secrets of his own and questions that need answering. Are the Dalakis family the villains or are they being framed for murder? As Zane and Sophia investigate the grisly string of deaths, they discover that the murderer may not be the family's only enemy…and a secret from the past may bring the deadliest threat yet.

Be sure to come back for more... including this week's giveaway, excerpt, and an interview with N.J., too :)

Julia Harper Winners :)

Here are this week's winners during Julia Harper's guest week:

Winners for a print copy of HOT:

For leaving a comment:
Maureen
&
For signing up for Julia Harper's Newsletter:
Laura J (ctgmom@)
&
For the Scavenger Hunt
Linda H (readingissomuchfun@)

and... we have a bonus winner for a signed copy of HOT:

Liz(yes.sir.please@)

Winners, please e-mail me at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com *g* with Julia Harper Winner on the subject line.

Guest Blogger: Julia Harper

Falling Porcupines and Other Semi-True Tales of Northern Wisconsin

The setting for my new book, HOT, is northern Wisconsin, despite the fact that I neither grew up in nor live in Wisconsin. I did, however, once have The Summer Job from Hell in Wisconsin.

It was the summer after I graduated from college with a degree in archaeology—an undergraduate degree which is almost completely useless, by the way. I got a job at the State Historical Society doing archaeological field survey. The job title sounds sort of sexy, but in truth I was doing the archaeological equivalent of digging ditches. Armed merely with a shovel, a sharpened triangular mason’s trowel and a small, hand-held dirt sifter, I and a band of similarly armed summer employees did shovel tests along a highway expansion project in northern Wisconsin.

What exactly is a shovel test, you may wonder? Picture being in the middle of the woods in a line of people fifty feet apart. You walk fifty feet forward, dig a hole and sift the dirt looking for things like projectile points (arrow heads) and charcoal and anything else that might signal that people lived here long ago. Then you do it again. You do it all day long, stopping only for lunch or to drive to a new site or to dodge any falling porcupines. (This actually happened to a co-worker: he was nearly taken out by a porcupine falling from a branch above.) You might also stop if you got heat prostration, but not always.

Did I mention the heat wave? This was the summer of 1988 and the Midwest was suffering through a combo drought and heat wave, the worst in living memory. Roofers were falling off roofs because they were fainting in the heat. Did we stop when the temperature rose to over a hundred degrees by noon? Oh, heck no. We just slapped on more DEET and waded into those tick-infested woods. I was the only person crazy enough to wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans tucked into socks. I was also the only person on that crew who didn’t get Lyme’s Disease, despite all the DEET we drenched ourselves with. I achieve the title of Tick Queen for having the most ticks on my body at any one time—thirty-seven.

So there you have it, one of the worse jobs (among many terrible jobs) that I ever had. At least I got a book from it.

xxoo,
Julia
Juliaharper.com

Giveaway of the Week: It's a HOT one *g*

This week I have a couple chances for you to win a Julia Harper's hottest release, HOT! *g*

With the weather being cool, HOT is definitely a must read.

First of all... I'll pick one winner from those who leaves a comment or question for Julia this week for a copy of HOT.

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This week we have another great Scavenger Hunt for another reader to get a chance to win a copy of HOT.

All answers can be found at Julia's website, http://juliaharper.com... e-mail answers to simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com with Julia Harper Scavenger Hunt in the subject line.

1. Which magazine recently featured an excerpt of HOT?

2. Who are some of Julia's favorite authors?

3. Who are SpongeBob and Yoda?

4. What's Julia working on now?

5. Who said that HOT, “Pulls you in from the first sentence and carries you along on a gleeful romp you won’t want to end!”?

6. Where will Julia be February 28-March 2?

7. While HOT is currently Julia's first and only release, have you checked out her alter ego's, Elizabeth Hoyt, books? The website is http://www.elizabethhoyt.com/ and features Elizabeth's Historical Romance.

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And... another winner will be drawn from those who sign up for Julia Harper's newsletter. Just sign up at the home page, www.JuliaHarper.com, and send me an e-mail at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com letting me know you've signed up ;)

Guest of the Week: Julia Harper

This week, we will be celebrating the first release of our guest author *g*:

Julia Harper

*applause*

I first found out about Julia Harper from her alter ego, Elizabeth Hoyt *g*. I'm a fan of Elizabeth's novels... especially her Princes triology... so, I was happy to hear that she had decided to write contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. This novel just came out earlier this month and I just got to it *yay*... Trust me, HOT is like a fun ride that you will not want to get out of, lol.

*Bio:

Julia Harper is a Midwestern girl, born and bred. She grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and went to college at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. There she majored in anthropology and took Shakespeare classes for kicks. She spent one brief, ghastly summer doing an archaeological survey in northern Wisconsin for the State Historical Society. During that time, she won the Tick Queen of Wisconsin title for most ticks on a person at any one time (thirty-six). Oddly, she did not contract Lyme disease.

Julia Harper is (gasp!) the contemporary romance pseudonym for award-winning historical romance writer, Elizabeth Hoyt. You may learn more about her alter ego at: www.elizabethhoyt.com.

Julia now makes her home in the tropically warm regions of central Illinois, where the snow never gets above one’s knees and the cars hardly ever have to be jump-started in winter. She loves to hear from her readers. Please check out her Contact page for info on how to write her.

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*Blurb:

A Woman With a Plan
For most people, being held at gunpoint by inept bank robbers disguised as Yoda and SpongeBob SquarePants would make for a bad day. For local librarian Turner Hastings, it's an opportunity. Using the distraction to pull a little heist of her own, she dives into a new life... on the run.

A Cop on a Mission
FBI Special Agent John MacKinnon always gets his man... or woman. After watching Turner Hastings dump the contents of a safety deposit box into her purse on a surveillance tape, he knows this case won’t be run of the mill. What he doesn't expect is how the cellphone contact between him and his bounty is about to blur the line between professional ambition and personal desire. When bullets from a hired hitman start flying in Turner's direction, giving weight to her claims of injustice, John is willing to cross any line to save her life...even if it means losing his own.

Things Are Getting HOT.

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Be sure to come back for more... including this week's giveaway, excerpt, and an interview with Julia, too :)

Patrice Michelle Winners *g*

Here are this week's winners during Patrice Michelle's guest week:

Winners for an ebook copy of Anticipation are:

Pamk
&
Laura J

Winners for a print copy of Scions: Resurrection:

Shari (scotch2o@)
&
Cherie (cherierj@)
&
Amelia (sunflower95_daisy@)

Winners, please e-mail me at simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com *g*

Simply Interviewed: Patrice Michelle

**Ali: First, I want to thank you Patrice for being a guest on my blog this week *bg* I'm so happy that your book, Scions: Resurrection, finally released!! I just couldn't wait to get my greedy little hands on it, lol. I can only imagine how it must have felt for you to finally see your Silhoutte Nocturne in print... did you celebrate this release?

*Patrice: Hi, Ali! I just wanted to thank you again for hosting me on your blog. I really appreciate your support! I'm thrilled that you loved Scions:Resurrection. It seems like I've been waiting forever to see it finally release. The funny thing is, Scions:Resurrection was put out on the shelves during the height of Christmas season. I was so wrapped up in holiday preparations, I didn't get a chance to celebrate on a grande scale. Just a quick trip to the mall and a mini "Yey, my book's out" was about all I got to do...oh, and sign those books. LOL!

**Ali: With so many great books you've written, which would you say is your favorite?


*Patrice: I've written fourteen books so far. All of my books are my favorite while I'm writing them. *g* But I'd have to say that until I started writing my Scions series, A Taste for Control was my favorite book. It was such a long, indepth story where I really got to delve into the characters. Not to mention, Duncan FINALLY got his HEA. He'd been waiting for three books and I was so happy to pair him up with Rose, his perfect match! In my Scions series, I loved Jachin, but Landon...man, I think you're going to love that werewolf! :)

**Ali: Do you ever wish you could go back and rewrite one of your stories?

*Patrice: I think all authors wish they could go back and rewrite their books, even ones we finished just last year. LOL! There's always something we could improve upon. And it's only after you've been away from the story for a while that you see things you could've done better.

**Ali: What's your favorite genre to write in? Have you ever thought about writing in another genre?

*Patrice: I LOVE writing in the paranormal genre, but I adore writing my cowboys, too. And yes, I have thought about writing in other genres. I already have some projects started. Fingers crossed they go somewhere. :)

**Ali: I can imagine that being a published author can sometimes take a lot of work and time, but, what's your favorite aspect of it?

*Patrice: It is a lot more work, promo-wise then I'd orginally thought it would be. My favorite part is the fleixibility in hours with my family...that and doing what I love for a living!

**Ali: What can readers expect from you in the months ahead? Want to tell us more about Insurrection (he-he)? (OMG, I can't believe I have to wait another four months for this! lol... this features one of my favorites... werewolves ;))

*Patrice: You're right. Scions: Insurrection is just around the corner...it's coming out in May and then Scions:Revelation is tenatively scheduled for the fall of 2008 as is the print version of Anticipation and Susanna's Seduction called Anticipation and Seduction. So if all goes well, then I'll have four print books coming out in 2008.

As for Insurrection, this book will feature my werewolf hero Landon Rourke. There will definitely be some heart-wrenching moments in this book. Landon was such a yummy hero to write! I hope you all love him. :)

**Ali: And, of course, my favorite question... when you have time to read, what do you enjoy reading? Who are some of your favorite authors?

*Patrice: Lately, I've really been enjoying a lot of YAs and of course urban fantasy. My favorite author at the moment is Patricia Briggs. I love her Mercy series!

**Ali: Patrice, I want to thank you, again, for being a guest on my blog this week!! It's been great being able to share one of my favorite authors with others and have them fall in love with your heroes as much as I have ;)

* Patrice: Many thanks for having me and for your compliments on my stories, Ali. It was a ton of fun!

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You can read more about Patrice Michelle and her work on her website:

http://www.patricemichelle.net/

And, don't forget to pick up Patrice's latest release, Scions: Resurrection

Scions: Resurrection
By: Patrice Michelle
Published By: Silhouette Nocturne
Available for purchase here

Guest Blogger: Patrice Michelle

Paranormals Everywhere!

Truthfully, I never thought I’d write paranormal books. When I think back to the first paranormal romance stories I read, it was Linda Lael Miller’s vampires and then my favorite historical author came out with a futuristic book Warrior’s Woman. Yes, that was Johanna Lindsey! And I LOVED it. Though it was many years before I picked up another paranormal story…and that one was Dark Prince by Christine Feehan. Now I can’t get enough of reading paranormal books, though I do try not to read them while I’m writing my own. I wait until I’m working on a contemporary story and then I’ll delve in!



Right now I’m hooked on several YA books as well as Patricia Briggs’ Mercy series. Now that is a book I’ll read as soon as I can because I’ve waited “forever” to find out about Adam and Sam. Which one will Mercy pick? Don’t TELL me! La, la, la *covering ears and eyes*. I haven’t read Iron Kissed yet and I’m staying away from all the reviews in case of spoilers. All I know is her third book is darker than the last two.



Ding, ding, ding…that key word hits my hot button! Dark! I love a good dark hero, the darker the better. Make him alpha too and as long as he treats the heroine well, I'm a happy reader. Which is what brought me over to the SciFi/Fantasy aisle in the bookstore to find urban fantasy books with romantic elements. With these books, I get the dark story line, and action and adventure along with the romance, too. Though sometimes I wish the romance would be just a little more prevalent. Can’t help it…it’s the romance reader in me. *g*



What about you? What got you started reading paranormals? Do you like them dark? Do you like a lot of romance or are you okay with just a little. What’s your preference when it comes to reading paranormal stories? I’ll give away a signed cover flat of Scions: Resurrection when we’re done discussing. Dive on it, let’s chat! :)


~Patrice

Giveaway of the Week: Vampires and Cowboys, oh my ;)

Happy New Years, to all!!

Today's the official release date for Scions: Resurrection!!!

Congratulations, Patrice!!

This week I have a chance for you to win a Vampire or Cowboy ;)... well, at least the books they're in, lol

You'll definitely want to be in the running to win either a copy of Scions: Resurrection or an ebook copy of Patrice Michelle's last cowboy novel, Anticipation.

First of all... I'll pick two winners who leaves a comment or question for Cynthia this week for an ebook copy of Anticipation.

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This week we have another great Scavenger Hunt for several readers to get a chance to win a copy of Patrice's Silhoutte Nocturne novel, Scions: Resurrection.

All answers can be found at Patrice's website, http://PatriceMichelle.net... e-mail answers to simplyaliblogspot@yahoo.com with Patrice Michelle Scavenger Hunt in the subject line.

1. Patrice has a Featured Interview... who is it and when did he win the Mr. Romance contest?

2. What did Patrice announce on her blog on Decemeber 31? (lol, I just like seeing my name :))

3. Patrice has another vampire series to her name... what is this series name?

4. What did Patrice tell her mother at the age of fifteen?

5. Patrice's critique partner is also a featured author... who is it?

6. What is the title of Scions book 2?

7. Did you check out all of Patrice's books? If not, you really must... you can bet that no matter what genre Patrice decides to write in, from contemporary to paranormal, it's going to be hot!! *g* Was there a book that you've now added to your list?

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Entries will be accepted until Saturday night... and, winners will be posted on Sunday evening *g* Good Luck!