Samhellion Holiday Hunt

Are you prepared to undertake a festive mission?

How to Play:
Each author has placed a graphic of a Christmas bulb (ornament, not light) on their website. Go to each website on the list, locate the bulb and write down the color. Please note - each graphic is within 2 clicks from the main page of the site.

Once you’ve collected all the info, come back here and fill out the form!

Each entry will be used for a random drawing for a free ebooks from all participating authors. (33 ebooks / winners total)

This week these elves have hidden the ornaments ::

1. Anne Hope
2. Jenna Bayley-Burke
3. Denise A. Agnew
4. JC Wilder
5. Monica Burns

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Mainstream & Chick Lit

Best Mainstream and ChickLit Fiction Novels of 2008

Women's Fiction
THE SUGAR QUEEN Sarah Addison Allen Bantam (Jun.)
FIREFLY LANE Kristin Hannah St. Martin's (Feb.)
THE GIRL WITH NO SHADOW Joanne Harris Morrow (May)
THE ART OF KEEPING SECRETS Patti Callahan Henry NAL (Jun.)
THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING Joshilyn Jackson Grand Central (Mar.)
THREE MOTHERS Sonia Lambert Berkley (Jan.)
CERTAIN GIRLS Jennifer Weiner Atria (Apr.)
SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE Susan Wiggs Mira (Feb.)

Chick Lit Novel
THE BRIDE OF CASA DRACULA Marta Acosta Pocket (Sep.)
FIFTEEN MINUTES OF SHAME Lisa Daily Plume (Apr.)
NOTES FROM THE BACKSEAT Jodi Gehrman Red Dress Ink (Jan.)
THE HARD WAY Julie Luongo Forge (Jan.)
RECONSTRUCTING BRIGID Lee Nichols Red Dress Ink (Aug.)
SLIGHTLY SUBURBAN Wendy Markham Red Dress Ink (Jul.)
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MARRYING Melissa Senate Red Dress Ink (Jun.)

Young Adult Novel
AUDREY, WAIT! Robin Benway Razorbill (Apr.)
WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED Judy Blundell Scholastic (Nov.)
THE HUNGER GAMES Suzanne Collins Scholastic (Oct.)
PAPER TOWNS John Green Dutton (Oct.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Best Small Press

Best Small Press 2008

Small Press Contemporary Paranormal/Futuristic
CALL OF THE HIGHLAND MOON Kendra LeighCastle Sourcebooks (May)
HER EYES Jennifer Cloud &Regan Taylor Amira (Jan.)
PROMISE FOR TOMORROW Liz Kreger Samhain (Oct.)
CLOCKWORK HEART Dru Pagliassotti Juno (Apr.)
SHAKING OFF THE DUST Rhianna Samuels Samhain (May)
CRY OF SORROW Holly Taylor Medallion (Jul.)

Small Press Romance
TAKING FLIGHT Connie Cox Avalon (Apr.)
SEALED WITH A KISS Mary Margret Daughtridge Sourcebooks (Apr.)
EVERYTHING BUT A BRIDE Holly Jacobs Avalon (Aug.)
WINDSWEPT Ann Macela Medallion (Feb.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Best Contemporary and Paranormal Romances

Best Contemporary and Paranormal Romances of 2008

Contemporary Romance
OVERNIGHT MALE Elizabeth Bevarly HQN (Jun.)
EVERYBODY LOVES EVIE Beth Ciotta HQN (Feb.)
THIGH HIGH Christina Dodd Signet (Mar.)
HELLO, DOGGY Elaine Fox Avon (Jan.)
ACCIDENTALLY YOURS Susan Mallery HQN (Jan.)
FLAT-OUT SEXY Erin McCarthy Berkley Sensation (Nov.)
UNRAVEL ME Christie Ridgway Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

Futuristic/Fantasy Romance
MOONSTRUCK Susan Grant HQN (Jun.)
SOLAR HEAT Susan Kearney Tor Paranormal Romance (Feb.)
HIDDEN Eve Kenin Shomi (Jul.)
THE MAGE'S DAUGHTER Lynn Kurland Berkley Sensation (Jan.)
COUNTDOWN Michelle Maddox Shomi (Aug.)
PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 A.J. Menden Shomi (Nov.)
SHADES OF DARK Linnea Sinclair Bantam (Aug.)

Vampire Romance
MIDNIGHT RISING Lara Adrian Dell (Apr.)
THE DARKNESS L.A. Banks St. Martin's Griffin (Feb.)
BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO Michele Bardsley Signet Eclipse (May)
DARK CURSE Christine Feehan Berkley (Sep.)
DARKNESS EVERLASTING Alexandra Ivy Zebra (May)
SUCKER BET Erin McCarthy Berkley Sensation (Jan.)
THE ACCIDENTAL VAMPIRE Lynsay Sands Avon (Jan.)

Shapeshifter Romance
THE ACCIDENTAL WEREWOLF Dakota Cassidy Berkley Sensation (Feb.)
KISS OF FIRE Deborah Cooke Signet (Feb.)
THE DRAGON MASTER Allyson James Berkley Sensation (Nov.)
THE LAST TWILIGHT Marjorie M. Liu Leisure (Feb.)
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Christine Warren St. Martin's (Jun.)

Contemporary Paranormal Romance
DESTINY KILLS Keri Arthur BantamSpectra (Nov.)
TURBULENT SEA Christine Feehan Jove (Aug.)
NOAH Jacquelyn Frank Zebra (Sep.)
THUNDER MOON Lori Handeland St. Martin's (Jan.)
DEMON'S HUNGER Eve Silver Forever (Dec.)
NIGHT SEASON Eileen Wilks Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

Paranormal Action Adventure Romance
ETERNAL PLEASURE Nina Bangs Leisure (Jul.)
DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK Kresley Cole Pocket (Jun.)
PREDATORY GAME Christine Feehan Jove (Mar.)
DARK MAGIC Cheyenne McCray St. Martin's (Nov.)
HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE Nalini Singh BerkleySensation (Sep.)
BOUND BY SHADOW Anna Windsor Ballantine (Jul.)

Paranormal Fiction
UNDEAD AND UNWORTHY MaryJanice Davidson BerkleySensation(Jul.)
PLAYING WITH FIRE Katie MacAlister Signet (May)
UP IN SMOKE Katie MacAlister Signet (Oct.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Best Books And Authors

FOR BEST BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF 2008

Best Series Romance Novels 2008

Reviewers' ChoiceNominees

First Series Romance

HIS MISTRESS BY ARRANGEMENT Natalie Anderson Harlequin Presents (Jun.)
STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT Kerry Connor Harlequin Intrigue (Jun.)
MARRYING THE BOSS Megan Kelly Harlequin American (Apr.)
MARRIAGE AT THE MILLIONAIRE'S COMMAND Anne Oliver Harlequin Presents (Jun.)

Harlequin American

FOREVER HIS BRIDE Lisa Childs (Aug.)
RELUCTANT PARTNERS Kara Lennox (Jun.)
THE RIGHT MR. WRONG Cindi Myers (Feb.)
THE PILOT'S WOMAN Ann Roth (Mar.)
TEXAS HEIR Linda Warren (Sep.)

Harlequin Blaze

UNLEASHED Lori Borrill (Nov.)
RESTLESS Tori Carrington (Dec.)
MS. MATCH Jo Leigh (Oct.)
BELOW THE BELT Sarah Mayberry (Jun.)
PRIMAL INSTINCTS Jill Monroe (Feb.)

Harlequin Intrigue

BENEATH THE BADGE Rita Herron (Aug.)
NICK OF TIME Elle James (Nov.)
ARMED AND DEVASTATING Julie Miller (Jul.)
I'LL BE WATCHING YOU Tracy Montoya (Apr.)
GUARDIAN ANGEL Debra Webb (Feb.)
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Rebecca York (Oct.)

HarlequinNASCAR

EXTREME CAUTION Jean Brashear (Dec.)
PEAK PERFORMANCE Helen Brenna (May)
HITTING THE BRAKES Ken Casper (Jun.)
HOT PURSUIT Wendy Etherington (Sep.)
TEAMING UP Abby Gaines (Aug.)

Harlequin Presents

THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL Ally Blake (Sep.)
BRIDE OF DESIRE Sara Craven (Dec.)
BOUGHT: THE GREEK'S INNOCENT VIRGIN Sarah Morgan (Aug.)
ACCIDENTAL MISTRESS Susan Napier (May)
BEDDED BY THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE Kate Walker (Nov.)

Harlequin Presents Extra

THE ITALIAN'S PREGNANCY PROPOSAL Maggie Cox (Aug.)
ANGELO'S CAPTIVE VIRGIN India Grey (Sep.)
HOUSEKEEPER TO THE MILLIONAIRE Lucy Monroe (Apr.)
MISTRESS Kathryn Ross (Sep.)
THE GIANNAKIS BRIDE Catherine Spencer (May)

Harlequin Romance

THE BOSS'S UNCONVENTIONAL ASSISTANT Jennie Adams (Aug.)
HIRED: THE BOSS'S BRIDE Ally Blake (Oct.)
HER BABY, HIS PROPOSAL Teresa Carpenter (Jun.)
THE SHEIKH'S UNSUITABLE BRIDE Liz Fielding (Jan.)
THE HEIR'S CONVENIENT WIFE Myrna Mackenzie (May)

HarlequinSuperRomance

SECOND-CHANCE FAMILY Karina Bliss (Nov.)
FINDING MR. RIGHT Helen Brenna (Oct.)
TO PROTECT THE CHILD Anna DeStefano (Jun.)
BABY BY CONTRACT Debra Salonen (May)
HIS SON'S TEACHER Kay Stockham (Jul.)

Kimani Romance

TENDER SECRETS Ann Christopher (Oct.)
TAME A WILD STALLION Deborah Fletcher Mello (Jun.)
MODEL PERFECT PASSION Melanie Schuster (Apr.)
SECRET AGENT SEDUCTION Maureen Smith (Sep.)
HER KIND OF MAN Pamela Yaye (May)

Silhouette Desire

THE DESERT LORD'S BABY Olivia Gates (May)
QUADE'S BABIES Brenda Jackson (Dec.)
DANTE'S BLACKMAILED BRIDE Day Leclaire (Feb.)
DO NOT DISTURB UNTIL CHRISTMAS Charlene Sands (Nov.)
FRONT-PAGE ENGAGEMENT Laura Wright (Aug.)

Silhouette Nocturne

VEILED TRUTH Vivi Anna (Oct.)
LAST WOLF HUNTING Rhyannon Byrd (Apr.)
LAST WOLF WATCHING Rhyannon Byrd (May)
WILD HUNT Lori Devoti (Jun.)
DEADLY REDEMPTION Kathleen Korbel (Sep.)

Silhouette Romantic Suspense

COLD CASE COP Mary Burton (Jan.)
HER BEST FRIEND'S HUSBAND Justine Davis (Aug.)
A SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING Rachel Lee (Jul.)
UNDERCOVER WIFE Merline Lovelace (Oct.)
THE PASSION OF SAM BROUSSARD Maggie Price (Feb.)

Silhouette Special Edition

THE SINGLE DAD'S VIRGIN WIFE Susan Crosby (Oct.)
THE MILLIONAIRE'S MAKEOVER Lilian Darcy (May)
THE CHEF'S CHOICE Kristin Hardy (Aug.)
BACHELOR BOSS Christie Ridgway (Apr.)
YOURS, MINE . OR OURS? Karen Templeton (Jan.)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired

FINALLY A FAMILY Carolyne Aarsen (Jun.)
MISSION: MOTHERHOOD Marta Perry (Jul.)
A COWBOY'S HONOR Lois Richer (Apr.)
FAMILY TREASURES Kathryn Springer (Nov.)
TIME FOR GRACE Kate Welsh (May)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical

COURTING MISS ADELAIDE Janet Dean (Sep.)
THE ROAD TO LOVE Linda Ford (May)
HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE Jillian Hart (Jul.)
LEGACY OF SECRETS Sara Mitchell (Apr.)
SEASIDE CINDERELLA Anna Schmidt (Jul.)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

HIDDEN MOTIVE Hannah Alexander (Apr.)
SHADOWS AT THE WINDOW Linda Hall (Jul.) T
HE PROTECTOR'S PROMISE Shirlee McCoy (Nov.)
HER ONLY PROTECTOR Lisa Mondello (Aug.)
THE FACE OF DECEIT Ramona Richards (Sep.)
BROKEN LULLABY Pamela Tracy (Mar.)

Best Continuity

FULL EXPOSURE Diana Duncan Mediterranean Nights ( Jan.)
PICTURE OF PERFECTION Kristin Gabriel Thoroughbred Legacy (Jul.)
FLASHPOINT Connie Hall Athena Force (Apr.)
BREATHLESS Sharron McClellan Athena Force (Feb.)
BIDING HER TIME Wendy Warren Thoroughbred Legacy (Jul.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Best Science Fiction & Fantasy

Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novels 2008

Science Fiction Novel
DUST Elizabeth Bear Bantam Spectra (Jan.)
ZOE'S TALE John Scalzi Tor (Aug.)
GALAXY BLUES Allen Steele Ace (Apr.)
SATURN'S CHILDREN Charles Stross Ace (Jul.)
HALF A CROWN Jo Walton Tor (Oct.)

Fantasy Novel
THE HOUSE OF THE STAG Kage Baker Tor (Sep.)
SHADOWS RETURN Lynn Flewelling Bantam Spectra (Jul.)
SHADOWBRIDGE Gregory Frost Del Rey (Jan.)
GOBLIN WAR Jim C. Hines Daw (Mar.)
CAST IN FURY Michelle Sagara Luna (Oct.)
FORTUNE AND FATE Sharon Shinn Ace (Nov.)
KING OF SWORD AND SKY C.L. Wilson Leisure (Oct.)

Epic Fantasy Novel
PRINCEPS' FURY Jim Butcher Ace (Dec.)
THE IMMORTAL PRINCE Jennifer Fallon Tor (Mar.)
BLACK SHIPS Jo Graham Orbit (Mar.)
HAWKSPAR Holly Lisle Tor (Jun.)
THE HERO OF AGES Brandon Sanderson Tor (Oct.)

UrbanFantasy Novel
MAGIC BURNS Ilona Andrews Ace (Apr.)
BITE THE BULLET L.A. Banks St. Martin's (Oct.)
MIDNIGHT'S DAUGHTER Karen Chance Onyx (Oct.)
PURE BLOOD Caitlin Kittredge St. Martin's (Sep.)
THE IRON HUNT Marjorie M. Liu Ace (Jul.)
STORM BORN Richelle Mead Zebra (Aug.)
MAGIC TO THE BONE Devon Monk Roc (Nov.)

Urban Fantasy Protagonist
Mercy Thompson IRON KISSED Patricia Briggs Ace (Jan.)
Joanne Baldwin GALE FORCE Rachel Caine Roc (Aug.)
Cat Crawfield ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE Jeaniene Frost Avon (May)
Sookie Stackhouse FROM DEAD TO WORSE Charlaine Harris Ace (May)
Daunuan HOTTER THAN HELL Jackie Kessler Zebra (Aug.)
Marla Mason DEAD REIGN T.A. Pratt Bantam Spectra(Nov.)
Anna Strong LEGACY Jeanne C. Stein Ace (Sep.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Best Erotic

Best Erotic Romance and Erotic Novels of 2008

Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance
UNDERCOVER Lauren Dane Heat (Dec.)
SEDUCED BY DARKNESS Delilah Devlin Avon Red (Apr.)
THE MARK OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN Joey W. Hill Heat (Feb.)
FULL CIRCLE Ann Jacobs Ellora's Cave (May)
ETERNAL DESIGNS Gracie C. McKeever Siren (Mar.)
ADDICTED Lydia Parks Aphrodisia (Sep.)

Erotic Romantic Suspense
FORBIDDEN FRUIT Eden Bradley Delta (Nov.)
RIDING WILD Jaci Burton Heat (Feb.)
SHE'S ON TOP Susan Lyons Aphrodisia (Apr.)
JADED Karin Tabke Pocket (Jun.)

Erotic Romance Historical
MIRAGE Monica Burns Samhain (Jan.)
CROSSED SWORDS Marianne LaCroix Ellora's Cave (Apr.)
ONE WICKED NIGHT Noelle Mack Aphrodisia (Jan.)
BLACK SILK Sharon Page Aphrodisia (May)
NATE Beth Williamson Samhain (Jan.)

Erotic Fiction
SWAP Jenesi Ash Heat (Sep.)
THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW,THE SEX THEY HAVE Aubrey Leatherwood Lyrical (Dec.)
SLEEPING WITH THE DEVIL Vanessa Marlow St. Martin's Griffin (Apr.)
WHIP APPEAL Méta Smith Pocket (Aug.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Historical

Best Historical Novels 2008

Historical Romance of the Year
SEDUCTION OF A PROPER GENTLEMAN Victoria Alexander Avon (Sep.)
SIMPLY PERFECT Mary Balogh Delacorte (Apr.)
TRAITOR'S KISS/LOVER'S KISS Mary Blayney Bantam (Nov.)
NEVER ROMANCE A RAKE Liz Carlyle Pocket (Aug.)
TO TASTE TEMPTATION Elizabeth Hoyt Forever (May)
SECRETS OF SURRENDER Madeline Hunter Dell (Jun.)
THE SEDUCTION OF AN UNKNOWN LADY Samantha James Avon (Apr.)
A DANGEROUS LOVE Brenda Joyce HQN (Apr.)
SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE Lisa Kleypas St. Martin's (Oct.)
THE BOOK OF SCANDAL Julia London Pocket (Aug.)
THE BRIDE PRICE Anne Mallory Avon (Nov.)

First Historical Romance
THE SPYMASTER'S LADY Joanna Bourne Berkley Sensation (Jan.)
THE DUKE OF SHADOWS Meredith Duran Pocket Star (Apr.)
NIGHT FALLS DARKLY Kim Lenox Signet Eclipse (Oct.)
MISTRESS OF PLEASURE Delilah Marvelle Zebra (Sep.)
PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS Sherry Thomas Bantam (Apr.)

Historical Love & Laughter
DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUKE Celeste Bradley St. Martin's (Mar.)
HOW TO PROPOSE TO A PRINCE Kathryn Caskie Avon (Mar.)
UNDER YOUR SPELL Lois Greiman Avon (Jun.)
THE TROUBLE WITH MOONLIGHT Donna MacMeans Berkley Sensation (Jun.)

American-Set Historical Romance
GUARDED HEART Jennifer Blake Mira (Feb.)
THE LONER Geralyn Dawson HQN (May)
A REASON TO SIN Maureen McKade Berkley Sensation (Mar.)
TALL, DARK AND TEXAN Jodi Thomas Jove (Nov.)

British Isle-Set Historical Romance
A LADY'S SECRET Jo Beverley Signet (Apr.)
THE WICKED WAYS OF A DUKE Laura Lee Guhrke Avon (Jan.)
IN BED WITH THE DEVIL Lorraine Heath Avon (Jul.)
THE DECADENT DUKE Virginia Henley Signet (Nov.)
DUCHESS BY NIGHT Eloisa James Avon (Jul.)
VEILED PASSIONS Tracy MacNish Zebra (Oct.)
THE CAPTIVE HEART Bertrice Small NAL (Oct.)

Regency-Set Historical Romance
TO WED A WICKED PRINCE Jane Feather Pocket Star (Apr.)
WICKED AS SIN Jillian Hunter Ballantine (Jul.)
LET SLEEPING ROGUES LIE Sabrina Jeffries Pocket (Mar.)
TO PLEASURE A LADY Nicole Jordan Ballantine (Feb.)
A BRIDE FOR HIS CONVENIENCE Edith Layton Avon (Dec.)
NO CHOICE BUT SURRENDER Johanna Lindsey Pocket (Jul.)
THE KISS Sophia Nash Avon (Mar.)

Scotland-Set Historical Romance
SHADOW MUSIC Julie Garwood Ballantine (Jan.)
WILD ANGEL Sasha Lord Signet Eclipse (Jan.)
IN THE HIGHLANDER'S BED Cathy Maxwell Avon (Feb.)
A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS Pamela Quinn Forever (Aug.)
BORDER WEDDING Amanda Scott Forever (Mar.)

Historical Paranormal
TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT Elizabeth Boyle Avon (Sep.)
THE WIZARD'S DAUGHTER Catherine Coulter Jove (Jan.)
IMMORTAL WARRIOR Lisa Hendrix Berkley Sensation (Nov.)
MY IMMORTAL PROTECTOR Jen Holling Pocket (Mar.)
DARK EMBRACE Brenda Joyce HQN (Sep.)
PHANTOM Lindsay Randall Love Spell (Jun.)
MYSTIC RIDER Patricia Rice Signet Eclipse (Jul.)
THE SORCERESS OF BELMAIR Bertrice Small HQN (May)

Historical Vampire/Werewolf Romance
THE BLEEDING DUSK Colleen Gleason Signet Eclipse (Feb.)
UNDER THE BLOOD RED MOON Mina Hepsen Avon A (Oct.)
COME THE NIGHT Susan Krinard HQN (Oct.)
LET THE NIGHT BEGIN Kathryn Smith Avon (Jul.)
THE RAVENING Dawn Thompson Love Spell (Feb.)

Historical Romantic Adventure
THEFT OF SHADOWS Naomi Bellis Signet Eclipse (Feb.)
HER EVERY PLEASURE Gaelen Foley Ballantine (Apr.)
THE TREASURE Iris Johansen Bantam (Dec.)
TO SEDUCE A BRIDE Nicole Jordan Ballantine (Apr.)
THE PERILS OF PLEASURE Julie Anne Long Avon (Feb.)
PRISONER OF THE FLAMES Dawn MacTavish Leisure (Nov.)
SEDUCED BY A SPY Andrea Pickens Forever (Mar.)

Sensual Historical Romance
A ROGUE'S GAME Renee Bernard Pocket (May)
DON'T TEMPT ME Sylvia Day Brava (Apr.)
DOUBLE FANTASY Cheryl Holt St. Martin's (Mar.)
EXPLOSIVE Charlotte Mede Brava (Jan.) JUST FOR HER Katherine O'Neal Brava (Jul.)

Historical Fiction
THE DARK LANTERN Gerri Brightwell Crown (Mar.)
THE WINTER ROSE Jennifer Donnelly Hyperion (Jan.)
THE TSARINA'S DAUGHTER Carolly Erickson St. Martin's (Oct.)
PHYLLIDA AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF PHILANDER Ann Herendeen Harper (May)
THE WHISKEY REBELS David Liss Random House (Oct.)

Historical Biography
TUMBLEWEED Jane Candia Coleman Leisure (Jun.)
THE OTHER QUEEN Philippa Gregory Simon and Schuster (Sep.)
THE KING'S FAVORITE Susan Holloway Scott NAL (Jul.)
THE KING'S DAUGHTER Sandra Worth Berkley (Dec.)

Historical K.I.S.S. Hero
Trevelyn Deveridge DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS Emily Bryan Leisure (Mar.)
Harry Morant HIS CAPTIVE LADY Anne Gracie Berkley Sensation (Sep.)
General Merin 22 NIGHTS Linda Winstead Jones Berkley Sensation (Dec.)
Chance Morgan MAVERICK WILD Stacey Kayne Harlequin (Jan.)
Nicholas Ramsay THE MIDNIGHT MAN Charlotte Mede Brava (Aug.)
Major Harrison THE SCANDALOUS LIFE OF A TRUE LADY Barbara Metzger Signet Eclipse (Jun.)
Wyatt Yarbro THE RUSTLER Linda Lael Miller HQN (Oct.)
Gabriel MacBraedon THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING Debra Mullins Avon (Feb.)

Historical Romantic Mystery/Gothic
SEDUCTION BECOMES HER Shirlee Busbee Zebra (Jul.)
DARK TEMPTATION Allison Chase Signet Eclipse (Nov.)
CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT Jacquie D'Alessandro Avon (Jan.)
AFTER THE KISS Suzanne Enoch Avon (Jul.)
WICKED INTENSIONS Lydia Joyce Signet Eclipse (Dec.)
WHERE THE HEART LEADS Stephanie Laurens Morrow (Feb.)
THE SEDUCTION OF THE CRIMSON ROSE Lauren Willig Dutton (Feb.)

Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers Choice Awards Nominees - Career Acheivement Nominees

CareerAchievement Nominees

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Victoria Alexander
Sabrina Jeffries
Anne Mallory
Patricia Rice

HISTORICAL STORYTELLER OF THE YEAR
Celeste Bradley
Carol Finch
Susan Johnson
Paula Quinn

INNOVATIVE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Lois Greiman
Lorraine Heath
Elizabeth Hoyt
Robin Schone


SERIES ROMANCE
Roz Denny Fox
Jillian Hart
Emilie Rose
Debra Salonen

SERIES ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Jessica Andersen
Linda Castillo
Linda Conrad
Julie Miller
Joanna Wayne

SERIES ROMANTIC ADVENTURE
Kylie Brant
Kathleen Creighton
Kay David
Sylvie Kurtz
Marilyn Pappano

SERIES ROMANCE LOVE & LAUGHTER
Susan Crosby
Lucy Gordon
Marion Lennox
Molly O'Keefe
Melanie Schuster

SERIES STORYTELLER OF THE YEAR
Leanne Banks
Jean Brashear
Jackie Braun
K.N./Ken Casper
Eve Gaddy

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Carly Phillips
Christie Ridgway
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Sherryl Woods

PARANORMAL ROMANCE
C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp
Nina Bangs
P.C. Cast
Katie MacAlister

URBAN FANTASY
Keri Arthur
Simon R. Green
Charlaine Harris
Kim Harrison

WOMEN'S FICTION
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Joy Fielding
Lorna Landvik
Nicholas Sparks

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Cherry Adair
Heather Graham
Tara Janzen
Carla Neggers

MYSTERY SERIES
Laura Childs
Joanne Fluke
Elizabeth Peters
Kate Wilhelm

FEMALE SLEUTH
Nevada Barr
Carolyn Hart
Alex Kava
Nancy Martin

SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Kay Hooper
J.D. Robb
James Rollins
Karen Rose

INSPIRATIONAL
Hannah Alexander
Terri Blackstock
Beverly Lewis
Lori Wick

AFRICAN-AMERICAN
A.C. Arthur
Leslie Esdaile
Melanie Schuster
Janice Sims
Jacquelin Thomas

Thinking Like a Writer

I had this epiphany today. I realized I have a habit of pulling myself out of a situation and assessing it as if I were a narrator. Of course, I spend much of my life narrating situations. In a big box store this morning, I watched a manager and his female underling walk the aisles. I listened as the manager explained why some items on a nearby shelf shouldn't be there. I watched the facial expressions of the woman, assessed how she felt about her boss, guessed at what she was thinking. By time I moved on, I had written an entire scenario for them in my head.
Then later at the dentist office as I waited for my daughter to have her teeth cleaned, I observed a family of three in the waiting room - mother, son and daughter - as they argued over who hadn't walked the dog that morning. I quickly summed up the relationship between the siblings, the parenting skills of the mother, as well as her marital situation.
When I stopped and laughed to myself at what I was doing, I realized it was something I've been doing for years. I fill in all the blanks of the countless people I encounter in the course of a day. I write their back stories!
Sure, some folks might characterize my behavior as a little weird, a bit on the intrusive side or even presumptuous, but writers get it. We don't find it strange when we hear someone say their characters have conversations in their head. We don't even lift an eyebrow when one of us discuss a villain as if he or she is a living, breathing person. Because to us, they are living and breathing. They are our creation, the flowers we've coaxed from the fertile soil of our imagination.
So rejoice if you find yourself the moderator between the voices in your head. Celebrate if you fill in the details of scenarios you observe amongst strangers. You're not crazy. You're just thinking like a writer.

ROMANCE NOVEL CONTEST

"Men In Uniform" Romance Novel Contest with NAL Publishing editor, Becky Vinter

Hunky cops, firemen, FBI Agents, etc...historical, paranormal, contemporary, etc....it’s all good! :

::::Contest Rules:::
Entry Deadline: entries will be accepted January 3, 2009 -- February 28, 2009
Entry Length: 1000 word excerpt (computer count). Entries over 1000 words will be disqualified. This is a novel length (80k - 100k) contest. Entry length of the excerpt is 1000 words (computer count). Entries over 1000 words will be disqualified. Excerpt can be any part of the story as long as it follows the above theme. Excerpt must be from a new, not yet published, manuscript.

Heat Level: Steamy!

::::Contest Prizes::::
Top 10 entries will be read by NAL editor, Becky Vinter Entry with the most reader votes will be named "Reader's Choice" Becky Vinter will pick one entry to be named "Editor's Choice"

For more information see our website http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=authorContest

***permission to forward granted***

Lessons on Characterization

I had the pleasure recently to attend a workshop given by the great Alicia Rasley - author, editor and educator. She presented a program about using point of view to sharpen characterization and I learned a lot from it.
One thing that really stood out in mind dealt with how you write emotion into a story. Rather than say what the character's feelings are head on, come in through the side door. In other words, instead of writing that the deserted husband misses his wife, have him choke up when he realizes he's made enough coffee for two, or have him sniff the clothes she left behind and catch a whiff of her perfume. This made so much sense because it lets the reader experience the anguish and relate to the experience. Rather than TELLING them what the emotions are, it SHOWS them.
If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of Alicia's workshops, I'd highly recommend attending. You won't regret it.

Kick A$$ Characters by Authors Who Know How to Kick A$$

New Release Today

I'm so excited to announce the release of my latest book from The Wild Rose Press,

Falling Star.

Nearly broke and unable to find work, Hollywood has-been Jolie Farnsworth is desperate to feel loved and appreciated. Her husband, a former rock star hopes to ride Jolie's star back to the top--even if it means destroying her in the process.
Producer Dante Ebersol is under the gun to create a top-rated reality show and portray Jolie as a train wreck. When he starts falling in love with her, his plans crumble, threatening to end the career he's worked for his entire life.

Get it today at The Wild Rose Press

A Diamond at Midnight--OUT NOW

My first ever paranormal has just been released! Yay!



A Diamond at Midnight
by Anne Rainey
The Wild Rose Press
$3.00
59 pages
Vampire romance, hot

BUY HERE

Blurb:
Diamonique’s life is changed forever when she stumbles across Cain Reed on a dark, lonely New York street. With a single bite, she’s given immortality and shown unimaginable pleasure. But before she can explore eternal love his betrayal tears them apart.

One hundred years later, Cain is back to save her from a dark enemy. Rafael, the depraved leader of The Dominion, will stop at nothing to settle an ancient score between him and Cain. Caught in the middle, Diamonique will need to swallow her pride and rely on Cain if she’s to survive. But is she handing her trust over to the right immortal or is she merely trading one evil for another?

Excerpt:

The music changed once again, the tempo faster, the romantic tune gone, but the mood was still there. She was still as edgy, still as ready, and the stranger was still standing in front of her, staring at her, waiting for her to surrender.

Diamonique glided a step closer, bringing their bodies into contact. She could smell his natural masculine scent. For the first time, she realized what it was about a man that made women lose their heads. That smell, that all too enthralling maleness. It made her long to run her tongue over his beautiful full lips.

Rising up on her tiptoes, she took a taste. Initiating the first contact gave her a sense of feminine power. He kept his hands at his sides, as if not sure how to respond. As her fingers went to his hair, his arms closed around her in a tight embrace. Diamonique grabbed handfuls of dark silk and pressed her lips to his, she was eager to taste him. She coaxed his lips apart with her tongue and delved inside. She angled her head, deepening the kiss and felt the sudden change in him. He’d had enough of standing and doing nothing. When she was ready to pull back, the room spun. She’d gone too long without blood. Her cells were shriveling with each second that passed, her mind turned to mush, as she tried to concentrate on the male in her arms. She wanted to kick herself for using her power of flight when she was already so weak. It made her vulnerable. Not since Cain had she felt this way.

Diamonique longed to feel this man succumb to her lips at his throat. She used her voice like a weapon, softly luring him outside, away from the revelry. To her shock, he smiled and took her by the hand as if unaffected by the hypnotic notes. Suddenly, he was the one in control as he steered her down the alley behind the nightclub, beyond the eyes of the curious.

She tuned out the smells, the stench of the trash that hugged every crevice and seemed to cling to her skin like a sickening glove. She frowned as she tried to concentrate, but all she received for her efforts was a headache and no answer as to why she was letting him take the lead.

Shaking off her lethargy, Diamonique moved in front of him and let him look his fill, allowed his eyes to travel the length of her body. His gaze took in the flow of the silky dress, breasts that threatened to spill out of the scoop neckline, and the black spiked heels encrusted with the diamonds that were her namesake. He watched as she moved her legs apart and let the silk fall away from one calf, the slit reaching clear to her waistline. His eyes heated instantly. His heart beat loud in her ears, his blood pumping hard.

Beckoning her to drink.

Pleading for Diamonique to sate herself with this stranger.

She lifted her hand to the back of his neck and pulled him down, then silently slipped inside his mind, reading his thoughts easily. He was a flurry of sexual lust. He ached to sink his heavy length inside her body. Nothing seemed to matter to him except the swell of hip that protruded from the open dress.

Diamonique felt his hands there, even as her teeth scored his soft skin. His musky male scent bombarded her senses, as she tasted his sweet blood. Only once before had she tasted such nectar. Before she could explore the remembrance, his strong capable hands massaged the junction of her thighs. Her tongue continued to tease the blood from his willing veins, each in their own way fulfilling their lust. She let the moment drag out, longer than ever before. She loved his strong, capable hands massaging where she needed him the most. Even as her tongue continued to lap sweet sustenance, Diamonique felt her own climax mounting.

Then he spoke.

“My beautiful, Diamond, I thought I’d lost you forever.”

That voice! Warm velvet skimmed the length of Diamonique’s body. Every muscle went rigid with disbelief.

It was Cain!

The one who’d turned her into this monster of the dark.

She wrenched out of his arms.

“You were projecting false thoughts,” she accused, “so I wouldn’t know it was you.”

She readied herself for battle. But he only stood there, eyes full of laughter as if mocking her. His grin triggered Diamonique’s rage as his gaze traveled over her body with a possessiveness he had no right to.

Her blood craving withered.

PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke

Magazine columnist Jillian Welch has one assignment to show her readers the golf course is the news single’s bar, and show an old flame all the ways she’s changed. Unless she hasn’t changed at all…


Warning: Fore! This title contains explicit sex, and a love story hazardous to your hankie supply. Oh, and exploding toads.

PAR FOR THE COURSE

by Jenna Bayley-Burke

Samhain Website excerpt

Click here for a special blog-only excerpt!

Not going to the RWA Conference?

The Romance Divas annual Not Going to Conference Conference will make you feel a bit less deprived! Amazing workshops, a star-studded guest list and awesome giveaways, all on the Diva forum! Don't miss it!

Here's a bit of a schedule update for the Q&As and Workshops...

Wednesday, July 30

Paula Guran, Editor, Juno Books
Q&A on Creating Kick a** Heroines

Laurie Rauch, Editor, Samhain Publishing
Workshop on What Happens After the Contract (aka Editors are People Too!)*


Thursday July 31

Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary
Q&A on Inspirational Romance Stories and the Inspy Market

Sandra Schwab, Historical Romance Author
Workshop on Historical Accuracy and Anachronisms

Friday, August 1

Yolanda Sfetsos, Author of Guarded by Stone
Q&A on Paranormal and Urban Fantasy World Building

Katie MacIver, KatieDidDesign
Workshop on Website Design and Color Selection

Saturday, August 2

Joey W. Hill, Erotica Author
Workshop on Plotting Erotica and Erotic Romance

Rhonda Stapleton, Editor and Author
Workshop on Style and Voice

Excited yet?

How about if I list some door prizes?

• What Gwen said" mug donated by Gwen Hayes
• 3-chapter critique of a YA by Simon Pulse author Rhonda Stapleton
• 3-chapter critique of a YA, chick lit, or rom com by Golden Heart Finalist Amanda Brice
• An ebook of your choice from Nell Dixon's backlist
• An ebook of either Second Sight (paranormal romance) or Dragons' Choice (fantasy romance - dragon-shifters) from Debbie Mumford
• Ten dollar Amazon gift certificate from Jodi Henley
• Lush stuff from Seeley deBorne
• e-book copy of Chasing Shadows from Erin Richards
• Paperback copy of Iron Horse Rider OR Smiling Eyes from Adelle Laudan
• Book thongs from Angeleque Ford
• 3 chapter critique from Sela Carsen
• winner's choice of ebook copy of "Not Quite Dead" or "Heart of the Sea" by Sela Carson
• e-book copy of HEATWAVE by Eden Bradley
• e-book copy of BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley
• a box of goodies, trade and paperbacks, bath products candles, etc... All for a fun and relaxing home spa day treat. courtesy of The Midnight Moon Cafe
• 1 download each of Natasha Moore's Samhain books, The Ride of Her LIfe and The Passion-Minded Professor
• a copy of "Painted Soul" by Mary Quast
• e-book copy of HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Samhain
• e-book copy of FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke - Wild Rose Press
• e-book copy of NIGHT OF INSPIRATION by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• e-book copy of ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen - Phaze
• $10 gc to Amazon from Kendal Corbitt
• ebook Vampire Oracle: Harmony by MG Braden

Plus a lovely bar of wonderful Chagrin Valley hand made soap, Caramel Pralines jar candle, handmade jewelry, Tarot readings, a Lush box for European Divas/Dudes, a $10 fictionwise gc and much more!

Now in Print!

I'm very excited because my second book was just released in print! Compromising Positions is very different from my first release, The Kitten Club. CP is lighter in tone and has loads of humor. Here's the blurb:
Meet Crystal, Patsy and Maureen – three friends in their forties trying to run the obstacle course of mid-life.
Crystal thinks she has the perfect marriage until she starts fantasizing about a handsome coworker. But when she suspects her husband is having more than fantasies about another woman, she digs in her heels and fights for what’s hers.
Patsy discovers her Neanderthal husband Bud having sex with his bowling buddy and wearing women’s underwear. When Bud tries to take more than his fair share in the divorce, Patsy sets out to humiliate him into submission.
Maureen has enough trouble trying to survive life with her rebellious teen-aged daughter Rhianna. When she starts dating the teacher Rhianna has a secret crush on, the fur flies.

Hop over to my website and check out my July contest. I love to give things away!

Tasting Candy by Anne Rainey

ISBN: 978-1-60504-053-0

Length: Novella

Price: $3.50

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hot!

Publication Date: June 24, 2008

Blurb:

Lust was the lure, Candy was the reward.Walking around with a raging hard-on isn’t Blade Vaughn’s idea of a good time. He’s hungry for sex and there’s only one woman on his menu: Candice Warner. When Blade witnesses the shy beauty go into a panic over a harmless encounter, he’s more determined than ever to prove that sex with him is just the therapy she needs.

Candice is used to being afraid of her own shadow, but when she goes all nutso in front of Blade, she’s beyond mortified. She wants him to see her as an equal, and as a woman. It’s time she got over her past trauma and started living again.But trust is hard to come by when her only experience with men has left her heart in pieces.

Warning, this title contains the following: Hot, steamy, explicit sex. Oral sex. Sex in public places. Oh, and sex in the shower.

BUY NOW

After Dark Lounge!

Readers:
Do you love to talk about books, drool over cute hunks and chat about your favorite authors?
Come on over to the After Dark Lounge and have some fun with us!

Authors:
If you're looking for a place to connect with readers and share tips on writing and publishing with your fellow authors,
or even promote your own books, then join us!

AFTER DARK LOUNGE

The Emperor--in PRINT!

My first print is now available! WooHoo!
and isn't this a gorgeous cover? :-)



Purchase at Amazon or Borders or Target

Soon Barnes and Noble and Books A Million

Product Description:
Secrets Bared by Anne Rainey
World-renowned sculptor Gideon Adrian has had his fair share of beautiful women, but when he meets prim and proper Lori Fontaine, he's drawn to her like none other. He'll do anything to possess the shy beauty. But enticing her to submit will be a far tougher challenge than he expected.

Trenton's Terms by Kelley Nyrae From the first time Trenton Stone sets eyes on Sidney Clark while out of town on business he knows he has to have her. He'll do whatever it takes even show up in her hometown to lay it all out for her. He wants Sidney and Trenton Stone always gets what he wants.

Product Details:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Tease Publishing LLC (April 30, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934678562
Price: $12.99
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Review for Secrets Bared:
5 pixies, Dark Angel Reviews
"SECRETS BARED by Anne Rainey is one hot read. This book hooked me from the first page and would not let go. Ms. Rainey is a wonderful writer with an awesome imagination. Her characters are someone you can relate to, and her erotic scenes are seriously smoking hot."

Review for Trenton's Terms:
5 pixies, Dark Angel Reviews
"TRENTON’S TERMS by Kelley Nyrae is a fantastic read. I was hooked from the first page and found myself devouring this book in a short time. Ms. Nyrae has a unique way of making the characters come to life right in front of your eyes."

3 NEW Novellas by Anne Rainey!

It's been awhile since I posted here, but I wanted to hop on and tell you all about a few new SCORCHERS I've got available!



Forbidden Fruit is a #3 Red Sage Publishing BESTSELLER!

Blurb:
Veterinarian assistant, Ava Sweet has lusted after bad boy Luke McGiffin since high school and she's tired of him treating her like a kid sister. It's time to show the hunky roofer her feminine side.

The plan: let Jen, her best friend, give her a makeover, then tempt Luke right out of his sexy jeans. But can Ava handle a man with such strong appetites or is she in over her head?

BUY HERE Excerpt

Review:
5 angels and a recommended read--Fallen Angel Reviews
"Luke McGiffin is h-o-t, and the combination of him and Ava…well, let's just say I had to keep wiping my glasses free from the steam which collected as I was reading! Ms. Rainey also does an outstanding job of allowing us entrance into Luke's thoughts, and it's very quickly obvious that once he has had her, there will be no turning back. Forbidden Fruit is the second book by Anne Rainey I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing, and I will eagerly grab the next one I see."

_________________________________________

The Emberor: Secrets Bared is a #1 Tease Publishing BESTSELLER!

this story will also be available in PRINT in July!

Blurb:
Lori Fontaine is still angry that her ex-fiancé has declared her frigid. Ever the good girl, she's more than ready to toss caution to the wind and liven up her sex life. She's determined to prove that she can be just as passionate as the next woman. Lori gets her chance when she meets hunky sculptor Gideon Adrian. He's wild, demanding, and everything she normally steers clear of. So, of course he's perfect!

Gideon's enhanced mental abilities have made his erotic statues a huge success. Being able to tap into the secret desires of his models has been one hell of an advantage. But when he meets Lori, he's drawn to her like no one else. On the surface, she's a prim and proper high school English teacher, but underneath, she's a naughty temptress. Gideon aches to open Lori up to the enticing world of sexual pleasures, but what will she do when she learns that he's been tuned into her every thought?
Buy Here Excerpt

Review:
4 cups, Coffee Time Romance
"I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Rainey’s story because honestly, who does not love when a woman can bring a guy to his knees with just a thought?"—Lototy, Coffee Time Romance
Read full review HERE

_________________________________________

A Samhain Publishing #1 BESTSELLER!

Blurb:

Taking friendship to a whole new level...

Lacey Vaughn has just caught her boyfriend having his nether parts washed by her alleged friend. She's tired of being dumped on by the opposite sex and it's clear she needs help in the ways of seduction. Over cappuccinos, Lacey shares her worries with her dearest friend, Nick Stone. Being the good friend that Nick is, he offers to give Lacey a few pointers at mattress calisthenics. But from Nick's first touch, Lacey begins to see things in her good buddy that she'd never noticed before. Soon, Lacey forgets all about lessons. Now, all she wants is more of Nick.

BUY HERE Excerpt

Review:

4 Stars Romantic Times BOOKreviews:
:“This entertaining tale uses the somewhat familiar premise of best friends who move warily into becoming lovers. But this hot and sexy romp is a delight as this couple discovers you don't have to choose between being just friends or lovers. The best is being both. There are also several intriguing peripheral characters that seem destined for a story of their own. One can only hope!”-- Sandra Garcia-Myers--4 stars Romantic Times

_________________________________________

Free Online Writing Workshop

Using Birth Order to Create Compelling Characters with Abby Gaines

"In this workshop, we’ll look at how birth order affects the adult personality of your characters—what strengths and weaknesses they’ll have. A youngest-son hero might have been a spoiled brat when he was a kid, but now he’s charming, people-oriented, and he has a completely different set of problems from his domineering oldest brother. Then there’s the complex, secretive but extremely loyal middle child...."

Purple Prose - Pros and Cons

I've been working on a romantica novella lately and I often have to stop during the love scenes to contemplate my language choices. Should I use flowery purple prose or clinical terms? How about raunchy ones? For me, this all depends on whose head I'm in. Is the scene written in an innocent heroine's POV? Or is it the alpha male tough guy? Or perhaps the hero or heroine is somewhere in between (as is usually the case).

But I wonder what readers prefer. Is it too jarring to call a body part something raunchy? Is less detail spelled out better? Do you prefer the bedroom door closed all together or just cracked open a bit? Personally, when I read a sex scene I don't want a play by play, but a little detail, a few hints at what's going on. I'd rather use my imagination to fill in the blanks.

Truly purple prose went out with big eighties hair, but I sometimes like it, particularly in historicals.

What about you? How do you like your love scenes?

Read An E-Book Week, March 9-15, 2008

"Carbon Footprint"

"Environmentally Friendly"

"Green"

Have you considered these words when it comes to your reading material? We're encouraged to buy, use and dispose with the environment in mind. While it's easy to recognize the negative impact of excess packaging and chemical content in many of the products we purchase, it's not so easy when it comes to books, magazines and newspapers.

We do have alternatives other than paper for our reading material. Many books, newspapers and magazines are created electronically. No trees are cut to produce them. No ink is used to put the words on the page. No fossil fue lis used to run presses or trucks to move the books around the country. Heated storage facilities are not required to warehouse e-books as they remain within your computer.

March 9-15th, 2008 is Read An E-Book Week. The week is set aside to educate consumers about reading electronic books and other reading material. E-books are delivered to the end user electronically. They are read on devices such as the new Sony portable reader or Amazon's Kindle. They are destroyed with the push of a delete button, without ever taking up room in a landfill.

It takes 24 trees to produce a ton of printing paper, the type normally used for books, 12 trees are harvested for a ton of newsprint. Up to 35% of books printed for consumers (down from nearly 60% several years ago) are never read. They are used for window dressing in book stores, and eventually returned to the publisher for disposal in landfills. Given that a mature tree can produce as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year, a serious alternative to paper books, magazines and newspapers needs to be considered. That alternative is e-books.



Before purchasing your next paper book, magazine or newspaper, consider your carbon footprint commitment. Read electronically. Read An E-Book Week, March 9-15, 2008. For more information please visit www.domokos.com/readebookweek.html

Two Releases and An Epiphany

This is a busy few days for me. I have two erotic romance short stories being released from The Wilder Rose Press. Desert of Desire and Blackout are fun, hot reads. It's really exciting to have two so close together! But I had an even more exciting thing happen the other night. Well - it's exciting if you're a writer. I had a huge epiphany about my WIP. You see, I was trying to figure out my hero's inner conflict - a conflict that would nicely compliment the heroine's. As I drove home from dropping my daughter at Girl Scouts, I nearly drove off the road. A flashing light bulb surely appeared over my head. His conflict came to me and so perfectly mirrored the heroine's and fit with the book title, that I almost cried with joy. Sometimes it happens like that - the answer just comes to me at the strangest moment.

What about you? Have you ever gotten such a terrific story idea or filled in the missing puzzle piece that made the whole picture gel?

HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke

She’s got the man—and the wedding—of her dreams. If only love were part of the fantasy.

Heather Tindall is temping as a personal assistant until her dream job as an event planner comes along. Worse, her new boss has a penchant of running off new assistants before lunch. Heather’s not about to let her spotless employment record be ruined by a real estate mogul with an attitude problem, no matter how well he fills out a suit.

At first Curtis can’t believe the nerve of the woman who refuses his order to leave. Six months into their working relationship, her dedication still manages to surprise him. But her best efforts to protect his personal life can’t keep the press from seeing him as anything more than a playboy. Then it dawns on him that the perfect solution is right under his appointment book—Heather.
Swept off her kitten heels, Heather can’t help but accept the proposal of the man with whom she’s fallen in love. She hopes that in time he’ll come to feel something for her.

Curtis is determined not to feel anything, for anyone, ever. He’ll do anything Heather wants—but he’s not going to fall in love with her.

Except that will never do for a girl with a Cinderella Complex…

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy it today from My Bookstore and More

Thursday 13 :: Romance Divas 2nd Annual EBook Challenge

1. SOPHIE'S FIREMAN by Tina Bendoni (sweet contemporary)
2. NOT FOR ME by LK Campbell (sensual contemporary)
3. Truth Über Alles by Christine Olinger (YA)
4. RAINY DAYS AND CAFES by Diana Castilleja (sweet contemporary)
5. SWEET TEMPTATIONS by Traci Flowers (steamy)
6. Timeless Encounter by Adelle Laudan (Sensual Contemporary)
7. Submit To Love by Evelyn le Bec (Caliente Contemporary)
8. OFFICE TEMPTATION by April Morelock (Caliente Contemporary)
9. 143 by Kathleen Oxley (Sweet Contemporary)
10. Almost by Chance by Kimberly Menozzi (Sweet Contemporary)
11. 629 Miles To Love by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe (Caliente M/M Contemporary)
12. His Eyes by Eaton Bennett (Sensual Contemporary)
13. Balanced Blade by Kim Rees (Sensual SF Romance)

And that is just the first 13! Here's a list of all the free romance short stories ::

http://www.romancedivas.com/ebook2008.html

SNEAK PEAK -- For Kicks by Jenna Bayley-Burke

For Kicks isn't scheduled to be released until March 1st...but...you can snag it now on the publishers website in paperback or ebook! It won't be on the main sites (Amazon, Fictionwise) until the release date, but if you just can't wait...

Author: Jenna Bayley-Burke

ISBN: 978-0-9793252-7-4

$14.95 paperback

$6.00 Ebook (PDF)

He’s about to show her ...

On the management fast-track, Breeze Cohen has no time for family. No interest in love. No inclination toward romance, lust, dating—or anything that doesn’t include retail business strategy and cornerstone client Nitrous’ most important product launch ever. No way is she going to let a live-for-the-moment, life-is-only-about-fun guy like Logan Chandler tarnish her professional reputation and derail her career.

... his plan for her isn’t just for kicks.

Recovered from a near-fatal bus accident, Logan has successfully moved from professional athlete to key player for Nitrous Kicks athletic shoes. Only one woman is capable of managing his project the right way, but the proper kind of management will take time together. And that’s exactly what Logan Chandler is counting on to help him get close to her heart and stay close—if he can ever catch up with her.

Reviews:

"This story served as a helpful reminder to me to cherish the moments I have each day with family and friends, living with the knowledge that I might not have them with me in the next moment. The dialogue and writing are quick, short and snappy... It is a wonderful read."Long & Short Reviews

"I found For Kicks by Jenna Bayley-Burke to be a charming and lively read about two of the most interesting and engaging characters I've read about in a very long time."Kasey's View

"Jenna Bayley-Burke brings readers a hot and sensual romance full of the flavor of love – a little spicy, a little sweet, and very fulfilling." Romance Divas

Read an excerpt

February is for Romance

It's that time again! Love is in the air and Valentine cards line the shelves at the card shops. Every year my DH tries to outdo himself in the Romance department. Being married to a romance author, he has his work cut out for him. He's done things like draw a huge heart in the driveway in sidewalk chalk, and hire a limmousine to take us to the ballet. His soul is romantic and yes - I know how lucky that makes me. But many of my friends see the whole Valentine's Day thing as the guy's responsibility. So, this year I'm going to do something special for my guy. I have no idea what yet. Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions.

What about you? What romantic notions do you have up your sleeve? What do you hope your significant other does for you on this highest holiday of love?

Can You Creat Under Pressure!

I'm under a tight deadline right now and something amazing is happening - I am writing a huge volume of words and I actually like what I've written! I never saw myself as someone who works well under pressure, so this comes as a huge surprise. I always thought, particularly with my writing that working under a deadline would stifle my creativity. Not so. What about you? Do you prefer to write as you want, when you want? Or do you prefer nail-biting pressure?

On another note, please check out my Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Semi-final entry, A Little Help From my Friends at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011ZCARY

It's a first chapter free download. You can read it and post a review if you like. There are also many other chapters from all the other semi-finalist available for free. So head over to Amazon and check it out!

Writing Workshops

JANUARY 20-24
POLISHING A MANUSCRIPT FOR SUBMISSION
Get your manuscript looking sparkly fab and ready for submission to agents and editors. Gemma will go over common writing issues, mistakes and how to fix them, format and submission polices, and ways to catch an editor or agent's eye and stand out from the slush piles. If you've got a manuscript finished (or even just started!) come learn simple ways to push it from good to polished and published!

http://www.gemmahalliday.com/


Sophia Shaw is hosting a 3-day workshop on RD in the Class in Session forum from Jan 23 to 25. She's going to be discussing character development, so please bring all your questions!!

Visit her website at http://www.sophiashaw.com/ to learn more about her and her books!

A second helping of Dreams & Desires

It is almost time for the release of the second volume of the Dreams & Desires anthology - where all proceeds go to a women's shelter. This year's line-up is fantastic!

C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp. Jenna Bayley-Burke. Amanda Brice.
Shannon Canard. Sela Carsen. Rachelle Chase.
M.E. Ellis. Jenny Gardiner. Gemma Halliday.
Candace Havens. Zinnia Hope. Babe King. Susan Lyons.
Sarah Salway. Rhonda Stapleton. Bebe Thomas.
Emily Veinglory. Lois Winston. Shaunna Wolf


In conjunction with the February release of the charity anthology Dreams & Desires Vol.2 , Gemma Halliday is running an online Valentine’s Day Bachelor Auction, auctioning off a virtual date with one of 5 drooling hot romance cover models. All the proceeds from the auction go to help victims of domestic violence, so you can win a hot hunk for yourself while also supporting a great cause. Bidding is now open, so please feel free to come take a look at the man candy up for grabs!! http://www.gemmahalliday.com/contests

For Valentine's Day...

Harlequin has a Special Treat website with free reads, games, and book info.

You can even send an e-Valentine. Check it out!

2008 To-Be-Read Challenge

This could help Dara and the rest of us with our resolution to read ::
** Pick 12 books - one for each month of 2008 - that you've been wanting to read (that have been on your "To Be Read" list) for 6 months or longer, but haven't gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 "Alternates" (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn't grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, 2008, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31, 2008. :o)

TBR 2008

Driving Him Wild - Julie Cohen
One Night Before Marriage - Anne Oliver
The Rancher's Rules - Lucy Monroe
Return of the Rebel (At The Billionaire's Bidding) - Trish Wylie
Getting Down To Business - Ally Blake
Behind the Scenes - Trish Jensen
The Ex-Girlfriends' Club - Rhonda Nelson
Call Me Wicked - Jamie Sobrato
One Night Standards - Cathy Yardley
Innuendo - Crystal Green
Risking It All - Stephanie Tyler
Closer... - Jo Leigh

Alternates

Dream Job, Hot Boss - Robyn Grady
Bedded by Arrangement - Natalie Anderson
The Mile-High Club - Heidi Rice
My Tall, Dark Greek Boss - Anna Cleary
One Night, One Baby - Kate Hardy
The Marriage Experiment - Catherine Spencer
The Married Mistress - Kate Walker
The Ruthless Marriage Bid - Elizabeth Power
The Millionaire's Marriage Claim - Lindsay Armstrong
The Unexpected Pregnancy - Catherine George
A Wedding In Paris - Bretton, Ferrarella, Myers
Getting Real - Thompson, Leto, LaBrecque

Resolve to Read

With 2008 still in its diapers, I am concentrating on formulating my resolution strategies. Not the resolutions themselves - I did that in December. I am working on the implementation phase. Trying to figure out how exactly I will make my goals a reality.
Every goal has steps that take you toward it - ie: If your goal is to lose weight, those steps would be eat less, exercise more, etc.
My professional goal for this year is to be a better, more productive writer. The steps in my staircase? Read up on and take classes in self-editing, stop procrastinating by checking my email every hour, and the most fun step - READ MORE BOOKS. Now, being an author, you'd think I read plenty, but it's not enough. I read in bed before I go to sleep and more often than not, I start nodding off within an hour. So, no more half-asleep reading. As decadent as it seems, I am going to read during the day for a set period of time - every day. I exercise nearly every day. So why not exercise my brain a bit more. It's an investment in my career, after all. That's a step I will love.
So, what about you? What steps are you taking that are thoroughly enjoyable?