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sexy romance

Trish McCallan Talking Alphas w Excerpt + Giveaway!!

>I met Trish years ago when we critiqued for each other. I’m so very thrilled to have her here today as a guest, talking about her new release, FORGED IN FIRE. Zane is just as yummy as an alpha can get and Trish’s writing is as deep as her characters and as visceral as the twists in her plots.  And, boy, oh boy, do I love what I see she’s done with good ole Zane!!

Leave a comment to be entered for a chance at:
1) An ecopy of FORGED BY FIRE
2) 1 of 5 custom handmade bookmarks
International!

FORGED BY FIRE

Beth Brown doesn’t believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight’s departure gate. To her shock, she recognizes the man she’d watched die the night before.

Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates’ corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.

As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel’s deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate.

The Protector by Trish McCallan

Hands down, my favorite romantic hero is the protector. I like them alpha too, dripping with testosterone. It doesn’t matter what the sub-genre is, as long as the book has a sexy, alpha protector for a hero.

Pretty much every sub-genre has this type of hero, although they are most common in romantic suspense, or romantic thrillers. In this sub-genre the hero is a usually in law enforcement, or perhaps a spy, sometimes a military man. They serve their city, or county or country and protect an unsuspecting and somewhat naïve population from everything from rapists to terrorists. Many of these heroes are gruff, often damaged by what they’ve seen during their forays into the seamier side of life. Or they can be tortured by past horrors, and past betrayals. Almost all of them are highly sexual, as though that alpha protectiveness goes hand in hand with a ramped up sex drive—which is no surprise really, when you consider all that testosterone. *BG*

The protector archetype thrives in romantic suspense and some of my favorite romantic suspense heroes fall within this archetype. Linda Howard excels at writing this kind of a hero. And I count several of her novels among my favorites. To Kill and Tell, Mackenzie’s Pleasure, Dream Man, Burn—these are all on my keeper shelf. And then we have Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter Series, sexy SEALs out to save the world. Maya Banks’ KGI Series and Stephanie Tyler’s Shadow Force Series both fall within the umbrella as well.

But the protector is just as popular in dark paranormal romance. In JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, the entire reason behind the formation of the brotherhood was to produce a sub-species of vampire warriors capable of protecting their race from an ancient enemy determined to eradicate them. In Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series, The Order formed to protect humans and vampires alike against their own kind who had been lost to blood lust. Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Guardians straddle and protect two worlds, both of which would face obliteration without them.

It’s no surprise, I suppose, that when I started writing my own heroes fell beneath this umbrella. In previous books my heroes have been homicide detective, but in my new series—The Forged Series—they are Navy SEALs.

Cool, controlled, deadly—the heroes of Forged in Fire are seasoned warriors who face death with without hesitation or blinking an eye. They do it because they are protectors. Each and everyone one of them. They’d give their life to protect this country and the citizens who inhabit it.

So what heroes do you have on your keeper shelf that would fall beneath this umbrella? Enquiring minds want to know, and my TBR shelf is looking for a couple of new series!

I’m including a short excerpt here of my protectors in action. I hope you enjoy!

Excerpt: FORGED IN FIRE

“Let’s hope that woman of yours shows up ASAP. Much more of this drought and you won’t remember what to do with her.” With a flash of white teeth, Rawls reached over to punch Zane’s shoulder.

The moment Rawls’ fist made contact, every muscle in Zane’s body clenched. He froze, his breath locked in his throat. His vision blurred.

Click.

It was a subtle sound. A switch flipping inside his head. An image flashed through his mind. Quick. Brutal. Ugly.

Rawls sprawled across a bank of narrow seats. His blue t-shirt splotched with black. Blood dripping from limp fingers. A fixed stare glazing his blue eyes.

The vision vanished.

“Son of a bitch.” Sheer disgust vibrated in Cosky’s gritty voice. “We’re on stand-down. This is a civilian flight. Regardless of that all-too-familiar look on your face, we cannot be in any goddamn danger.”

But he didn’t dislodge the hand Zane clamped around his bicep.

This time Zane was expecting the vision. He tensed anyway, his body contracting into one giant charley horse.

Click.

He strained to capture as many details as possible as the new vision flashed through his mind.

Gray eyes locked and empty, already filming with the unmistakable haze of death. Black hair saturated with blood. Hands clenched. He was splayed across a narrow aisle, dark blue upholstered seats rising on either side of his head.

When the image vanished, he released Cosky’s arm and wrestled air back into his lungs.

“Tell me this is a joke,” Cosky demanded.

Zane shook his head and gripped the back of his neck with both hands.

“What did you see?” Rawls finally asked.

Zane drew a shallow breath. “You dead. Cosky dead.”

“From boredom?” Cosky asked dryly, one black-as-sin eyebrow arching. “We are going to a wedding.” A quick glance at Zane’s face, and a glint of steel darkened his gray eyes. “Where’s this going down?”

“On the bird.” Zane frowned. “Couldn’t tell whether she was in flight. Didn’t get a good enough look.”

Cosky turned to study the boisterous crowd. “When do you ever?”

“Which bird? Over or back?” Cosky braced his hands on his hips and studied Zane’s face. “Either fits the three-day window for those flashes of yours.”

“Today.” Zane nodded toward Rawls’ blue-clad chest. “Same clothes.”

Cosky grunted. “I don’t suppose you saw who killed us?”

“When have these damn things ever been that accommodating?”

“Fuck.” With a disgusted shake of his head, Cosky dropped his chin and scowled at the worn carpet. “What about the wounds?”

“Lots of blood. Could be a gun. Or a knife.”

“A crash?” Rawls broke in quietly.

“Doubtful. Neither of you were burned. We’re looking at some kind of weapon.”

Cosky frowned. “It would be easier to smuggle a blade through security, but few people are good enough to take us on with a knife. Chances are it’s a gun.”

Zane pushed away from the wall. “Whatever’s going to happen is bad enough to take the three of us out.” The flashes never centered on him, but if Cosky and Rawls were in danger, he was as well. “We need to get hold of Mac.”

As the OIC of SEAL Team 7, Commander Jace Mackenzie had the pull to get the plane grounded and the passengers searched.

“Question.” Cosky’s attention zeroed in on Zane’s face. “What are we going to tell him? We don’t know what’s going to happen, who’s behind it, or what kind of weapons will be used. If Mac gets this bird grounded, only to have nothing show during the search, the backlash is gonna be a bitch.”

“What are you suggesting?” Zane cocked an eyebrow. “That we skip the wedding, keep our mouths shut and let events play out?”

“Don’t be an ass. I’m saying it would be handy to have some solid intel to pass on for a change.”

FORGED BY FIRE is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

What’s your favorite type of hero?
Leave a comment to be entered for a chance at:
1) An ecopy of FORGED BY FIRE
2) 1 of 5 custom handmade bookmarks
International!


>Trish McCallan Talking Alphas w Excerpt + Giveaway!!

>I met Trish years ago when we critiqued for each other. I’m so very thrilled to have her here today as a guest, talking about her new release, FORGED IN FIRE. Zane is just as yummy as an alpha can get and Trish’s writing is as deep as her characters and as visceral as the twists in her plots.  And, boy, oh boy, do I love what I see she’s done with good ole Zane!!

Leave a comment to be entered for a chance at:
1) An ecopy of FORGED BY FIRE
2) 1 of 5 custom handmade bookmarks
International!

FORGED BY FIRE

Beth Brown doesn’t believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight’s departure gate. To her shock, she recognizes the man she’d watched die the night before.

Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates’ corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.

As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel’s deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate.

The Protector by Trish McCallan

Hands down, my favorite romantic hero is the protector. I like them alpha too, dripping with testosterone. It doesn’t matter what the sub-genre is, as long as the book has a sexy, alpha protector for a hero.

Pretty much every sub-genre has this type of hero, although they are most common in romantic suspense, or romantic thrillers. In this sub-genre the hero is a usually in law enforcement, or perhaps a spy, sometimes a military man. They serve their city, or county or country and protect an unsuspecting and somewhat naïve population from everything from rapists to terrorists. Many of these heroes are gruff, often damaged by what they’ve seen during their forays into the seamier side of life. Or they can be tortured by past horrors, and past betrayals. Almost all of them are highly sexual, as though that alpha protectiveness goes hand in hand with a ramped up sex drive—which is no surprise really, when you consider all that testosterone. *BG*

The protector archetype thrives in romantic suspense and some of my favorite romantic suspense heroes fall within this archetype. Linda Howard excels at writing this kind of a hero. And I count several of her novels among my favorites. To Kill and Tell, Mackenzie’s Pleasure, Dream Man, Burn—these are all on my keeper shelf. And then we have Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter Series, sexy SEALs out to save the world. Maya Banks’ KGI Series and Stephanie Tyler’s Shadow Force Series both fall within the umbrella as well.

But the protector is just as popular in dark paranormal romance. In JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, the entire reason behind the formation of the brotherhood was to produce a sub-species of vampire warriors capable of protecting their race from an ancient enemy determined to eradicate them. In Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series, The Order formed to protect humans and vampires alike against their own kind who had been lost to blood lust. Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Guardians straddle and protect two worlds, both of which would face obliteration without them.

It’s no surprise, I suppose, that when I started writing my own heroes fell beneath this umbrella. In previous books my heroes have been homicide detective, but in my new series—The Forged Series—they are Navy SEALs.

Cool, controlled, deadly—the heroes of Forged in Fire are seasoned warriors who face death with without hesitation or blinking an eye. They do it because they are protectors. Each and everyone one of them. They’d give their life to protect this country and the citizens who inhabit it.

So what heroes do you have on your keeper shelf that would fall beneath this umbrella? Enquiring minds want to know, and my TBR shelf is looking for a couple of new series!

I’m including a short excerpt here of my protectors in action. I hope you enjoy!

Excerpt: FORGED IN FIRE

“Let’s hope that woman of yours shows up ASAP. Much more of this drought and you won’t remember what to do with her.” With a flash of white teeth, Rawls reached over to punch Zane’s shoulder.

The moment Rawls’ fist made contact, every muscle in Zane’s body clenched. He froze, his breath locked in his throat. His vision blurred.

Click.

It was a subtle sound. A switch flipping inside his head. An image flashed through his mind. Quick. Brutal. Ugly.

Rawls sprawled across a bank of narrow seats. His blue t-shirt splotched with black. Blood dripping from limp fingers. A fixed stare glazing his blue eyes.

The vision vanished.

“Son of a bitch.” Sheer disgust vibrated in Cosky’s gritty voice. “We’re on stand-down. This is a civilian flight. Regardless of that all-too-familiar look on your face, we cannot be in any goddamn danger.”

But he didn’t dislodge the hand Zane clamped around his bicep.

This time Zane was expecting the vision. He tensed anyway, his body contracting into one giant charley horse.

Click.

He strained to capture as many details as possible as the new vision flashed through his mind.

Gray eyes locked and empty, already filming with the unmistakable haze of death. Black hair saturated with blood. Hands clenched. He was splayed across a narrow aisle, dark blue upholstered seats rising on either side of his head.

When the image vanished, he released Cosky’s arm and wrestled air back into his lungs.

“Tell me this is a joke,” Cosky demanded.

Zane shook his head and gripped the back of his neck with both hands.

“What did you see?” Rawls finally asked.

Zane drew a shallow breath. “You dead. Cosky dead.”

“From boredom?” Cosky asked dryly, one black-as-sin eyebrow arching. “We are going to a wedding.” A quick glance at Zane’s face, and a glint of steel darkened his gray eyes. “Where’s this going down?”

“On the bird.” Zane frowned. “Couldn’t tell whether she was in flight. Didn’t get a good enough look.”

Cosky turned to study the boisterous crowd. “When do you ever?”

“Which bird? Over or back?” Cosky braced his hands on his hips and studied Zane’s face. “Either fits the three-day window for those flashes of yours.”

“Today.” Zane nodded toward Rawls’ blue-clad chest. “Same clothes.”

Cosky grunted. “I don’t suppose you saw who killed us?”

“When have these damn things ever been that accommodating?”

“Fuck.” With a disgusted shake of his head, Cosky dropped his chin and scowled at the worn carpet. “What about the wounds?”

“Lots of blood. Could be a gun. Or a knife.”

“A crash?” Rawls broke in quietly.

“Doubtful. Neither of you were burned. We’re looking at some kind of weapon.”

Cosky frowned. “It would be easier to smuggle a blade through security, but few people are good enough to take us on with a knife. Chances are it’s a gun.”

Zane pushed away from the wall. “Whatever’s going to happen is bad enough to take the three of us out.” The flashes never centered on him, but if Cosky and Rawls were in danger, he was as well. “We need to get hold of Mac.”

As the OIC of SEAL Team 7, Commander Jace Mackenzie had the pull to get the plane grounded and the passengers searched.

“Question.” Cosky’s attention zeroed in on Zane’s face. “What are we going to tell him? We don’t know what’s going to happen, who’s behind it, or what kind of weapons will be used. If Mac gets this bird grounded, only to have nothing show during the search, the backlash is gonna be a bitch.”

“What are you suggesting?” Zane cocked an eyebrow. “That we skip the wedding, keep our mouths shut and let events play out?”

“Don’t be an ass. I’m saying it would be handy to have some solid intel to pass on for a change.”

FORGED BY FIRE is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

What’s your favorite type of hero?
Leave a comment to be entered for a chance at:
1) An ecopy of FORGED BY FIRE
2) 1 of 5 custom handmade bookmarks
International!


New Year’s Giveaway: Last Day! with Stephanie Tyler

>Stephanie Tyler and I are Twitter & Facebook buddies.  I met Stephanie through my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and got to know her online.  After reading the first book in her romantic suspense trilogy, HARD TO HOLD, I was hooked.

Stephanie writes strong heroines, uber-hunky heroes and tight suspense. Nothing keeps me glued to the pages like that combination. YUM! 

Like Larissa Ione, Stephanie was generous enough to take time out of her crazy schedule to read and quote my debut novel, FEVER…but even before it was FEVER.

Something I learned along the pathway to publication was that I not only needed quotes from established authors to sell my book to readers off the stand, I needed quotes from established authors to sell my book to editors off my agent’s query.

Stephanie spent her time reading and quoting the book even before I’d sold it.  Even before it was shopped.  My agent was thrilled with the quote and the book sold in a two book deal.  The editor who bought my book recently said in an email, “Our publisher is a big believer that [cover quotes] make a huge difference for a debut…”  Just one of the (less important) reasons I’m so grateful to have Stephanie as a friend!

Today, Stephanie has generously offered FIVE of her books up for giveaway — and the winners get to choose which book they receive: any one of the five books in her romantic suspense trilogies including the three books from her Hard to Hold series: HARD TO HOLD, TO HOT TO HOLD, HOLD ON TIGHT and the two books from her Shadow Forces series: LIE WITH ME or PROMISES IN THE DARK.

How cool is that?

Stephanie also writes erotic romance with co-author Larissa Ione under the pseudonym Sydney Croft.

Up For Win Today:
YOUR CHOICE of any one of the five books listed above.

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Upcoming Releases:

  • TAKEN BY FIRE, her latest Sydney Croft release, June 2011
  • IN THE AIR TONIGHT, book 3 in the Shadow Force series under Stephanie Tyler, July 2011
  • NIGHT MOVES, book 4 in the Shadow Force series under Stephanie Tyler, September 2011

Works In Progress:
Stephanie is currently working on a NEW paranormal romantic suspense trilogy which will be published by NAL.

Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Email

A very big thanks to all of you who followed the contest this month and entered to win!  Another giganormous thank you to the authors who participated in the giveaway — each one of you holds a special place of gratitude in my heart.

I hope those of you interested in writing and reading will come back and visit often.  I have some great stuff to share in the upcoming months!

>New Year’s Giveaway: Last Day! with Stephanie Tyler

>Stephanie Tyler and I are Twitter & Facebook buddies.  I met Stephanie through my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and got to know her online.  After reading the first book in her romantic suspense trilogy, HARD TO HOLD, I was hooked.

Stephanie writes strong heroines, uber-hunky heroes and tight suspense. Nothing keeps me glued to the pages like that combination. YUM! 

Like Larissa Ione, Stephanie was generous enough to take time out of her crazy schedule to read and quote my debut novel, FEVER…but even before it was FEVER.

Something I learned along the pathway to publication was that I not only needed quotes from established authors to sell my book to readers off the stand, I needed quotes from established authors to sell my book to editors off my agent’s query.

Stephanie spent her time reading and quoting the book even before I’d sold it.  Even before it was shopped.  My agent was thrilled with the quote and the book sold in a two book deal.  The editor who bought my book recently said in an email, “Our publisher is a big believer that [cover quotes] make a huge difference for a debut…”  Just one of the (less important) reasons I’m so grateful to have Stephanie as a friend!

Today, Stephanie has generously offered FIVE of her books up for giveaway — and the winners get to choose which book they receive: any one of the five books in her romantic suspense trilogies including the three books from her Hard to Hold series: HARD TO HOLD, TO HOT TO HOLD, HOLD ON TIGHT and the two books from her Shadow Forces series: LIE WITH ME or PROMISES IN THE DARK.

How cool is that?

Stephanie also writes erotic romance with co-author Larissa Ione under the pseudonym Sydney Croft.

Up For Win Today:
YOUR CHOICE of any one of the five books listed above.

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Upcoming Releases:

  • TAKEN BY FIRE, her latest Sydney Croft release, June 2011
  • IN THE AIR TONIGHT, book 3 in the Shadow Force series under Stephanie Tyler, July 2011
  • NIGHT MOVES, book 4 in the Shadow Force series under Stephanie Tyler, September 2011

Works In Progress:
Stephanie is currently working on a NEW paranormal romantic suspense trilogy which will be published by NAL.

Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Email

A very big thanks to all of you who followed the contest this month and entered to win!  Another giganormous thank you to the authors who participated in the giveaway — each one of you holds a special place of gratitude in my heart.

I hope those of you interested in writing and reading will come back and visit often.  I have some great stuff to share in the upcoming months!

>New Year’s Giveaway: Day 20, Juliana Stone

>Juliana Stone and I met at RWA 2010.  She is a good friend of my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and we hung out the whole time we were in Orlando.

This girl is so damn fun!  She is sharp and outgoing and personable and funny as hell.  Hilarious.  I swear I never stopped laughing when we were together.  Found myself anticipating her next quip or comment.  She has an awesome voice (sings in a band in her “off” time – snort – like she has any after writing, mothering and wifing–is that a word?) and even set up a karaoke night at a local bar.  So, so fun!

I bought Juliana’s first book in the Jaguar Warrior series, HIS DARKEST HUNGER, at the Barnes & Noble at RWA Orlando and had her sign it for me.  (Come to think of it, that’s where I bought Cynthia Eden’s DEADLY FEAR and had it autographed.)  Juliana’s work is…HOT!  And twisted…I’m speaking of plot here, 🙂 but you knew that right?

She also writes a sexy sci-fi, time travel series called Black Opals.

Up For Win Today:
The second book in her Jaguar Warrior series, HIS DARKEST EMBRACE.

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over…
But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair; of her treachery; of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant the game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.
On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them.
But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine…
Upcoming Releases:HIS DARKEST SALVATION, the third book in the Jaguar Warrior Series, July 2011
 
Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Email
 
Have a great weekend.  5 of NYT bestselling author Stephanie Tyler up for giveaway Monday!

New Year’s Giveaway: Day 20, Juliana Stone

Juliana Stone and I met at RWA 2010.  She is a good friend of my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and we hung out the whole time we were in Orlando.

This girl is so damn fun!  She is sharp and outgoing and personable and funny as hell.  Hilarious.  I swear I never stopped laughing when we were together.  Found myself anticipating her next quip or comment.  She has an awesome voice (sings in a band in her “off” time – snort – like she has any after writing, mothering and wifing–is that a word?) and even set up a karaoke night at a local bar.  So, so fun!

I bought Juliana’s first book in the Jaguar Warrior series, HIS DARKEST HUNGER, at the Barnes & Noble at RWA Orlando and had her sign it for me.  (Come to think of it, that’s where I bought Cynthia Eden’s DEADLY FEAR and had it autographed.)  Juliana’s work is…HOT!  And twisted…I’m speaking of plot here, 🙂 but you knew that right?

She also writes a sexy sci-fi, time travel series called Black Opals.

Up For Win Today:
The second book in her Jaguar Warrior series, HIS DARKEST EMBRACE.

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over…
But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair; of her treachery; of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant the game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.
On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them.
But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine…
Upcoming Releases:HIS DARKEST SALVATION, the third book in the Jaguar Warrior Series, July 2011
 
Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Email
 
Have a great weekend.  5 of NYT bestselling author Stephanie Tyler up for giveaway Monday!

New Year’s Giveaway: Day 17, Delilah Marvelle

I think the way I met Delilah Marvelle is the most entertaining story of all – next to the story of how I met Gail Barrett.

The question is…how to tell the short version?

It was RWA 2010, Orlando.  I had planned a release party for my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and her fabulous 2nd book in the ETERNAL GUARDIAN series, ENTWINED.  We decided to have the party in our room, but as the guest list mounted and the number of “yes” responses grew, we decided it would be more comfortable – not to mention more fun – if we asked some fellow authors to book an adjoining room and have a two-room party with us.

Fun, right?

The hotel evidently had quite a bit of difficulty with the adjoining room request.  It seemed the whole REAL names versus PSEUDONYMS discombobulated their staff.  Add to that the fact that four authors were staying in the other room and neither Elisabeth nor I knew which one had booked it, or booked it under which name, and…well, you can imagine the confusion.

To make this long story a tad shorter, let me just say that I moved rooms 4 times.  Yes, FOUR times.  The other girls moved rooms TWICE.  All so that we could end up in adjoining rooms. 

Yes, Elisabeth — you are loved.

Okay…this is the entertaining part…

I was standing in front of the door to my 4th and final hotel room door, waiting for the bellman to return with the key (see – I cut all that out – so don’t ask why…), and suddenly realized I had no cash.  No cash for a tip after my forth room move and a staff downstairs who I’m sure referred to me as “that writer bitch who’s never happy” and the bellman having to run downstairs twice?

I was scrambling in the change pocket of my purse, sickened I was going to give him a fistful of coin as a tip, when he returned with the room key.  At the very same moment, two women exited the room next to mine — our adjoining room.

I felt compelled (after having them move rooms twice) to introduce myself and thank them for doing all they did.  But they didn’t know who I was!  We’d never met.  They were Elisabeth’s friends.  And the bellman was still standing there because I had my hands full of change, and I couldn’t take the key.

Worse — I couldn’t bring myself to hand two fistfuls of change to the guy, gushing over an apology for all the nickles and dimes (no, I didn’t resort to pennies) while these other women — who, of course, I wanted to make a good impression on — watched. 

Seriously, I was mortified.  Ridiculous?  Probably.  But I’d flown 7 hrs, ridden another in a bus to the hotel, moved rooms — and all my luggage — 4 freaking times.  I’ll admit, I was probably a little unreasonable at that point.

So, I made small talk with the girls, while the poor bellman waited.  It was the most awkward situation ever.  I felt like I’d gotten caught propositioning the guy to come into my room!  With a freaking handful of change (to the tune of about $4 bucks).

One of those women in the hall was Delilah, and she was so incredibly gracious and smooth at the time, even though it was the most painfully awkward moment for everyone.

Later that night, after Elisabeth had arrived, we saw Delilah in the restaurant downstairs and ended up sitting with her for dinner.  When I went to introduce myself with an intent to fess up to the whole stupid tip thing, I hadn’t even gotten the words out when Delilah waved her hand in dismissal and said…I don’t remember her words exactly…but something to the effect of, “Yeah, yeah.  I saw you coming on to that bellboy.  Few more minutes and you’d have been down on your knees.”

I suppose you could take that a couple different ways.  Maybe Delilah can shed light on her true meaning…although…based on her sexy books…maybe we’ll just let that subject drop.

ROTFLMAO.  *Sigh*  One of my fondest memories.  Seriously.

Delilah has since continued to show her sharp humor and generous nature.  She is an absolute doll and I’m so grateful we met last year.

Delilah writes historicals with a scandalous twist.  Win one today!!

Up For Win Today:
The first in her SCANDAL series, PRELUDE TO SCANDAL

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Having been raised in the jungles of South Africa, assisting her father in the study of mammal copulation, Lady Justine Fedora Palmer sweeps back into London to embark upon her coming out. She quickly discovers animals are far more civilized than the men surrounding her.

When her father’s observations are made public, proving buggery is natural to the animal kingdom, all of London is in a huffing outrage, including His Royal Majesty. Her father is imprisoned and slapped with outrageous penalty fees they simply cannot pay.
 
Lady Justine becomes more than willing to trade her good name and her place in London’s gossip hungry society to secure her father’s release. There is only one person she knows she can trust: her father’s patron, the Duke of Bradford. A dashing libertine, yes, but one she passionately adores for his unwavering kindness, wit, humor, and a willingness to support her father’s studies even as everyone else had laughed her father off.

To her astonishment, the Duke of Bradford is not the same man. His newly marred face hides a scandal that is about to test them both…
 
Upcoming Releases:
ONCE UPON A SCANDAL, book two in the SCANDAL series, OUT NOW!
THE PERFECT SCANDAL, book three in the SCANDAL series, February 2011

Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Tomorrow, Kristina McMorris, women’s fiction debut author!

>New Year’s Giveaway: Day 17, Delilah Marvelle

>I think the way I met Delilah Marvelle is the most entertaining story of all – next to the story of how I met Gail Barrett.

The question is…how to tell the short version?

It was RWA 2010, Orlando.  I had planned a release party for my CP, Elisabeth Naughton, and her fabulous 2nd book in the ETERNAL GUARDIAN series, ENTWINED.  We decided to have the party in our room, but as the guest list mounted and the number of “yes” responses grew, we decided it would be more comfortable – not to mention more fun – if we asked some fellow authors to book an adjoining room and have a two-room party with us.

Fun, right?

The hotel evidently had quite a bit of difficulty with the adjoining room request.  It seemed the whole REAL names versus PSEUDONYMS discombobulated their staff.  Add to that the fact that four authors were staying in the other room and neither Elisabeth nor I knew which one had booked it, or booked it under which name, and…well, you can imagine the confusion.

To make this long story a tad shorter, let me just say that I moved rooms 4 times.  Yes, FOUR times.  The other girls moved rooms TWICE.  All so that we could end up in adjoining rooms. 

Yes, Elisabeth — you are loved.

Okay…this is the entertaining part…

I was standing in front of the door to my 4th and final hotel room door, waiting for the bellman to return with the key (see – I cut all that out – so don’t ask why…), and suddenly realized I had no cash.  No cash for a tip after my forth room move and a staff downstairs who I’m sure referred to me as “that writer bitch who’s never happy” and the bellman having to run downstairs twice?

I was scrambling in the change pocket of my purse, sickened I was going to give him a fistful of coin as a tip, when he returned with the room key.  At the very same moment, two women exited the room next to mine — our adjoining room.

I felt compelled (after having them move rooms twice) to introduce myself and thank them for doing all they did.  But they didn’t know who I was!  We’d never met.  They were Elisabeth’s friends.  And the bellman was still standing there because I had my hands full of change, and I couldn’t take the key.

Worse — I couldn’t bring myself to hand two fistfuls of change to the guy, gushing over an apology for all the nickles and dimes (no, I didn’t resort to pennies) while these other women — who, of course, I wanted to make a good impression on — watched. 

Seriously, I was mortified.  Ridiculous?  Probably.  But I’d flown 7 hrs, ridden another in a bus to the hotel, moved rooms — and all my luggage — 4 freaking times.  I’ll admit, I was probably a little unreasonable at that point.

So, I made small talk with the girls, while the poor bellman waited.  It was the most awkward situation ever.  I felt like I’d gotten caught propositioning the guy to come into my room!  With a freaking handful of change (to the tune of about $4 bucks).

One of those women in the hall was Delilah, and she was so incredibly gracious and smooth at the time, even though it was the most painfully awkward moment for everyone.

Later that night, after Elisabeth had arrived, we saw Delilah in the restaurant downstairs and ended up sitting with her for dinner.  When I went to introduce myself with an intent to fess up to the whole stupid tip thing, I hadn’t even gotten the words out when Delilah waved her hand in dismissal and said…I don’t remember her words exactly…but something to the effect of, “Yeah, yeah.  I saw you coming on to that bellboy.  Few more minutes and you’d have been down on your knees.”

I suppose you could take that a couple different ways.  Maybe Delilah can shed light on her true meaning…although…based on her sexy books…maybe we’ll just let that subject drop.

ROTFLMAO.  *Sigh*  One of my fondest memories.  Seriously.

Delilah has since continued to show her sharp humor and generous nature.  She is an absolute doll and I’m so grateful we met last year.

Delilah writes historicals with a scandalous twist.  Win one today!!

Up For Win Today:
The first in her SCANDAL series, PRELUDE TO SCANDAL

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Having been raised in the jungles of South Africa, assisting her father in the study of mammal copulation, Lady Justine Fedora Palmer sweeps back into London to embark upon her coming out. She quickly discovers animals are far more civilized than the men surrounding her.

When her father’s observations are made public, proving buggery is natural to the animal kingdom, all of London is in a huffing outrage, including His Royal Majesty. Her father is imprisoned and slapped with outrageous penalty fees they simply cannot pay.
 
Lady Justine becomes more than willing to trade her good name and her place in London’s gossip hungry society to secure her father’s release. There is only one person she knows she can trust: her father’s patron, the Duke of Bradford. A dashing libertine, yes, but one she passionately adores for his unwavering kindness, wit, humor, and a willingness to support her father’s studies even as everyone else had laughed her father off.

To her astonishment, the Duke of Bradford is not the same man. His newly marred face hides a scandal that is about to test them both…
 
Upcoming Releases:
ONCE UPON A SCANDAL, book two in the SCANDAL series, OUT NOW!
THE PERFECT SCANDAL, book three in the SCANDAL series, February 2011

Contact Info:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Tomorrow, Kristina McMorris, women’s fiction debut author!

New Year’s Giveaway: Day 16, Nicola Marsh

>Nicola Marsh is a fabulous Twitter buddy.  I’ve found wonderful insight and camaraderie with Nicola online.  Her ability to read so voraciously and write so proliferatively, while also mothering and traveling on top of it, absolutely amazes and inspires me!

Nicola is excited to be part of the new Mills and Boon RIVA series, launching this month in the UK, with her title DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, based on her Twitter addiction! She has a follow up, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL out in May, which may be her favourite book yet! If you’re in the USA, HER BAD, BAD BOSS (set in Alaska) will also be out in May.

Up for win today:
DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Kristi’s Stranded Diary: Day 1

Being shipwrecked on an idyllic deserted island for reality TV show Stranded sounded blissful. Until I discovered my Man Friday for the week was Jared Malone (aka he-who-broke-my-heart!).

I mean, of course I’ll be fine. I don’t feel anything for him anymore. Female viewers might swoon over Jared’s tanned gorgeousness, but I know he’s just an arrogant, overmuscled heartbreaker!

The cameras are rolling, so I’m off to the beach to face Jared. I just hope I look okay in this bikini!

Upcoming Releases:

  • DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, January & February 2011
  • WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS, January 2011
  • SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL, May & June 2011
  • HER BAD, BAD BOSS, May 2011
  • PASSIONATE PLAYBOYS, May 2011
  • GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS, July 2011

Works In Progress:
She’s currently working on a new book set in glamorous Aussie hotels and a little known (invented!) Greek island. The hero in her current WIP is inspired by George Clooney. Does she need to say anything more?

Contact Info:
Website
Twitter
Blog
Email
 
Tomorrow, the vivacious Delilah Marvelle, historical romance author.

>New Year’s Giveaway: Day 16, Nicola Marsh

>Nicola Marsh is a fabulous Twitter buddy.  I’ve found wonderful insight and camaraderie with Nicola online.  Her ability to read so voraciously and write so proliferatively, while also mothering and traveling on top of it, absolutely amazes and inspires me!

Nicola is excited to be part of the new Mills and Boon RIVA series, launching this month in the UK, with her title DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, based on her Twitter addiction! She has a follow up, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL out in May, which may be her favourite book yet! If you’re in the USA, HER BAD, BAD BOSS (set in Alaska) will also be out in May.

Up for win today:
DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX

To enter:
Follow me on Twitter: @joanswan & send me a tweet with #newyear in the message. (Tweet Here)

Book Summary:
Kristi’s Stranded Diary: Day 1

Being shipwrecked on an idyllic deserted island for reality TV show Stranded sounded blissful. Until I discovered my Man Friday for the week was Jared Malone (aka he-who-broke-my-heart!).

I mean, of course I’ll be fine. I don’t feel anything for him anymore. Female viewers might swoon over Jared’s tanned gorgeousness, but I know he’s just an arrogant, overmuscled heartbreaker!

The cameras are rolling, so I’m off to the beach to face Jared. I just hope I look okay in this bikini!

Upcoming Releases:

  • DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, January & February 2011
  • WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS, January 2011
  • SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL, May & June 2011
  • HER BAD, BAD BOSS, May 2011
  • PASSIONATE PLAYBOYS, May 2011
  • GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS, July 2011

Works In Progress:
She’s currently working on a new book set in glamorous Aussie hotels and a little known (invented!) Greek island. The hero in her current WIP is inspired by George Clooney. Does she need to say anything more?

Contact Info:
Website
Twitter
Blog
Email
 
Tomorrow, the vivacious Delilah Marvelle, historical romance author.