Saturday, July 31, 2010

Last Day for Christmas In July!

I’m participating in the Christmas In July contest over at Romance Books R Us. It’s a great contest. You can win lots of goodies including a Sony eReader. BUT…I’m offering a contest of my own too. Two contests. Two chances to win.



Amber’s Contest – July 1st thru July 31st contest closes at midnight EST on the 31st. To win a Talk Dirty to Topaz tote bag full of prizes – hat, t-shirt, mouse pad, key chain, notebook and some other goodies you have to:


1. Follow my blog


2. Sign up for my newsletter (over to the left)


3. Send me an email telling me you’re part of both – amberskyze AT gmail DOT com



This is gift is only open to residents of the US and Canada. If a winner from somewhere else is chosen I'll offer a gift card.

Now on to the RBRU Contest!!!!!Welcome from RBRU MEMBER AUTHORS Marianne Stephens/April Ash, Annie Alvarez, Sandy Sullivan, Paris Brandon, Tina Donahue, Claire Ashgrove, Vicky Burkholder, Linda Kage, Cindy Spencer Pape, Amber Skyze, Fran Lee, Jean Hart Stewart, Molly Daniels/Kenzie Michaels, Renee Vincent, Katalina Leon, Gina Ardito/Katherine Brandon, Donica Covey/Jinger Jackson, Cornelia Amiri/Maeve Alpin, Sandra K. Marshall, Polly McCrillis/Isabel Mere.

BIG CHRISTMAS IN JULY CONTEST! Great Prizes: a new Sony Touch eReader, hats, totes, gift cards, tee-shirts, and more!
To enter:
1. Join this yahoo group (Sorry, no authors, only READERS, WRITERS, or INDUSTRY REPS).
2. Become a Follower at our blog: http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com. Click on FOLLOW and follow directions. Problem? Contact april@aprilash.net.
3. There are 20 RBRU Bloggers' Websites/Blogs listed on the right sidebar at the blog. Click on each one.
Send a list of 20 authors' names and one book title for each one to: contests.rbrus@gmail.com. If an author has two pen names, you only need to click on one. You'll need a total of 20 author names and 20 book titles. Contest ends midnight ET 31 July. Sorry, we only ship prizes to US and Canadian residents. Others may receive an emailed gift card/certificate. Winners announced on our Yahoo group and blog during the first week in August

Friday, July 30, 2010

Summer of the Cougar - Nicole Austin

I'm thrilled to announce another story in the Cougar Challenge series. This one's a scorcher.



http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8427-50-summer-of-the-cougar.aspx

A standalone title in the Cougar Challenge series.








Blurb:
With the big four-oh looming, Larissa Cross is more than ready to shed the roles that have defined her and make drastic changes. Gone are the widowed Army wife, soccer mom and empty nester. She’s even setting aside the school teacher until fall.
A naughty challenge issued by fellow erotic romance booklovers on their blog, Tempt the Cougar, has come at the perfect time and ignited Rissa’s competitive drive. It’s going to be a glorious summer full of hot younger man lovin’ for a new cougar on the prowl. Rawr!
Tattooed and pierced fireman JD Harmon is tempting prey but there’s much more to the hunk than his bad boy good looks. A one-night stand isn’t in his plans and sex—no matter how mind-blowing—won’t distract him from his goals. JD intends to tame the wicked cougar and stake a claim on her heart.



By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: SUMMER OF THE COUGAR
Copyright © NICOLE AUSTIN, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.


The spicy scent of chorizo and onions grilling in the skillet had her stomach growling. She scrambled in some eggs and raisins then the completed dish went into the warm oven along with a plate of fresh tortillas. Earlier she’d made salsa and set the table. But she was hungry for more than food. Rissa had every intention of getting JD on the menu.
She headed for her laptop to check email when someone knocked on the door. Glancing at the clock she noted how fast he’d made the drive. She started talking as she opened the door. “Wow, you made good ti—”
The sight of JD waiting on her doorstep, smiling at her broadly, had the words dying in her dry throat as Rissa nearly swallowed her tongue. She’d imagined how he’d look out of the uniform. Her imagination had nothing on reality.
Washed so many times the material was nearly threadbare, his blue T-shirt bore the fire department emblem and lovingly conformed to his chiseled torso. Intricate lines of a black tattoo that accentuated his huge biceps disappeared under his left sleeve. She longed to trace all those twisting, twirling lines with the tip of her tongue, and contemplated how much skin they covered.
He’d tucked the shirt into a faded pair of low-riding shorts that failed to disguise the thick bulge that extended all the way to his left hip. Saliva flooded her mouth and she wondered how he’d taste. Her breasts felt swollen and heavy, and with each ragged breath her rock-hard nipples rasped against her top. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, Rissa realized more than her mouth had gotten wet.
“Damn, honey. You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”
He lifted his right hand and held out a red fire extinguisher bearing a festive streamer of multi-colored ribbons. How had she failed to notice the large red cylinder dangling from his fist? “I brought you a present.”
“Um…thanks.” Rather unique gift.
“When you get another car, I want you to put that in the trunk so I’ll know you’re safe.”
Awww!
The sweet gesture left her speechless. For several long moments she stared into his dark eyes. Reflected in their depths she saw the potential for a future. A long-lasting relationship.
Rissa shook her head to dispel the rather disturbing idea. She wanted to live, have fun, sample all the different flavors she’d never tasted—not tie herself to one man. No matter how sweet and sexy and thoughtful he may be.
Breakfast. They were supposed to be having breakfast.
“Come on in.” Stepping back from the door, she allowed him to enter her home. Not sure what else to do with it, she put his gift in the hall closet. Turning back toward him she said, “I hope you’re hungry. I cooked—”
The breath rushed from her lungs as her back came up against the wall. Warmth and JD’s masculine scent enveloped her as his hard body fitted against her soft curves. It was a glorious fit. His body caged hers and his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her in place.
“I’m starved.” His voice rumbled close to her ear. “For you.” Then his lips, soft yet firm, brushed along her jaw, moving slowly toward her mouth. She could have ducked or turned her head away. Longing for his kiss, she did neither. At the first touch of his lips to hers, Rissa spontaneously combusted. Fire raced across her skin and her blood turned to molten lava. From head to toe she burned and her toes curled into the carpet.
Dios, she might need that fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
He claimed her mouth in a scorching hot kiss and her lips opened wide, inviting him inside. JD accepted her summons. His tongue thrust into her mouth, slid against hers and she moaned as his bold and sweet taste washed over her like warm, delicious honey. Without conscious thought, her arms wrapped around his neck and she clung to him.
JD took over, exploring her mouth with his tongue, drinking down her needy moans and whimpers. Her breasts were crushed against his chest and everywhere they touched, from shoulder to knee, his body heat left a wake of desire licking at her skin.
She had never been so thoroughly and completely kissed. And if the shudders that shook his body were any indication, she wasn’t alone. Their kiss had the same potent effect on him.
The heady mating of their mouths ended way too soon. Resting his forehead against hers, JD stared into her eyes as they both struggled to find solid footing. Her body hummed with desire, aching and ready for more. She wanted so much more.
“Damn, baby,” he panted. “You’re burning me alive.”
Burning him? He’s the one who started the inferno. He damn well needed to do something other than stare at her. Preferably something involving the long, thick erection that had left its impression branded over her abdomen.
“Now that we have the first kiss out of the way, we can relax and enjoy breakfast.”

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Nose to the grindstone

I'm currently finishing the last 40 pages of self-edits on my romantic comedy so I can submit it to my editor tomorrow. It needed a LOT of work. I wrote it over two years ago learned a lot in those years. :o)

I'll be back tomorrow, when I'm in the Author Spotlight over at Dark Divas.

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nothing New

Jon Bon Jovi has aged well!
Not much going on with me. Still editing the Romantic Comedy to get off to my editor.


Happy Hump Day!



Update: My awesome friend Raine Delight has spotlighted my M/M books today and has such nice things to say about ME! *grins and blushes* Stop by if you get a chance.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Procrastinating Again!

Procrastination has been my friend in July. Yes, I’ve had tons of edits, but I normally can do both writing and edits. I try to average 1k daily. During this month I started three different stories. One was a Christmas story and two erotic contemporaries. I’ve managed to write a total of 15k this month. Not one of the stories is finished. The Christmas one is close – a few thousand. The other two are just in the beginning stages. I’ve got lots of ideas for them, but have no desire to write.
I’m still getting up at the same time, going through the motions, but not writing. On top of that my family came in for a vacation. Granted I’m not on vacation, but they’re stopping by daily to visit and hang out. Unfortunately family doesn’t get the process of working from home. They think you’re home, what could you possibly be doing. HA!
I love them dearly and it’s great to see them, but AFTER work is over. LOL
Off to edit! The story of my life.

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, July 26, 2010

New Cover Art

Squee!!!! This was how I pictured Freedom Fantasies, the place where women live out their ultimate fantasies. Syneca the cover art goddess totally nailed it! I'm very excited about book 2 and hope everyone enjoys Brooke and Liam's story.
Edits are done for Play With Me, so I should have a release date soon.
In other news:
The DH and I went to see Kid Rock and Bon Jovi on Saturday. We had a blast. I was surprised how good a show Kid Rock put on. Yesterday I was a bit sore from all the jumping up and down and dancing. LOL After being in the car for over 4 hours the day before we had to get back in the car and drive to Boston another hour. We had a nice lunch with the family and got to see the BIL's new house. I personally couldn't live in Boston, but they have a gorgeous house nonetheless. We got home just before 7 and me with a major migraine. I went to bed and didn't wake up til this morning.
Hopefully I'll get to enjoy the pool sometime today. I have to get back to self-edits on the romantic comedy. There's some interest on my editors part. Keep your fingers crossed!
Happy Monday!
Don't forget Christmas In July ends soon!

I’m participating in the Christmas In July contest over at Romance Books R Us. It’s a great contest. You can win lots of goodies including a Sony eReader. BUT…I’m offering a contest of my own too. Two contests. Two chances to win.

Amber’s Contest – July 1st thru July 31st contest closes at midnight EST on the 31st. To win a Talk Dirty to Topaz tote bag full of prizes – hat, t-shirt, mouse pad, key chain, notebook and some other goodies you have to:
1. Follow my blog
2. Sign up for my newsletter (over to the left)
3. Send me an email telling me you’re part of both – amberskyze AT gmail DOT com
This is gift is only open to residents of the US and Canada. If a winner from somewhere else is chosen I'll offer a gift card.

Now on to the RBRU Contest!!!!!Welcome from RBRU MEMBER AUTHORS Marianne Stephens/April Ash, Annie Alvarez, Sandy Sullivan, Paris Brandon, Tina Donahue, Claire Ashgrove, Vicky Burkholder, Linda Kage, Cindy Spencer Pape, Amber Skyze, Fran Lee, Jean Hart Stewart, Molly Daniels/Kenzie Michaels, Renee Vincent, Katalina Leon, Gina Ardito/Katherine Brandon, Donica Covey/Jinger Jackson, Cornelia Amiri/Maeve Alpin, Sandra K. Marshall, Polly McCrillis/Isabel Mere.BIG CHRISTMAS IN JULY CONTEST! Great Prizes: a new Sony Touch eReader, hats, totes, gift cards, tee-shirts, and more!
To enter:
1. Join this yahoo group (Sorry, no authors, only READERS, WRITERS, or INDUSTRY REPS).
2. Become a Follower at our blog: http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com. Click on FOLLOW and follow directions. Problem? Contact april@aprilash.net.
3. There are 20 RBRU Bloggers' Websites/Blogs listed on the right sidebar at the blog. Click on each one.
Send a list of 20 authors' names and one book title for each one to: contests.rbrus@gmail.com. If an author has two pen names, you only need to click on one. You'll need a total of 20 author names and 20 book titles. Contest ends midnight ET 31 July. Sorry, we only ship prizes to US and Canadian residents. Others may receive an emailed gift card/certificate. Winners announced on our Yahoo group and blog during the first week in August

Saturday, July 24, 2010

AMP Turns 4


And giving away an eReader!!


From July 23-August 1, Aspen Mountain Press is conducting its big fourth anniversary bash and if you want the presents, here's what you have to do.


1. Post a comment to the Aspen Mountain Press blog .

2. Post a comment to the twin blog post at the Aurora Regency blog .


4. Participate in the AMP Anniversary bash party at the AMP Community Loop from 7 to 11 pm EST at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMP_Community/?yguid=323193151.


We'll have a thread specifically for entries there where you'll have to shout out.And that's all you have to do to win a Nook e-reader from Aspen Mountain Press. Other prizes like downloads and gift baskets will be given away at specific chat events.

Friday, July 23, 2010

YAY! It's Friday.

One set of edits are off my desk and today I’ll finish the others. I’m looking forward to the weekend.
I bought the DH awesome seats to Bon Jovi for his b-day. So tomorrow we’ll head to Gillette stadium for the concert. The last time I went to Gillette for a concert was 2003 with my best friend. We rocked out to Metallica, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park for the Summer Sanitarium tour. Back then we were New Yorkers and not welcomed by Boston. Though no one would’ve known had my best friend not took it upon herself to tell anyone who’d listen Boston Red Sox suck. She’s a die-hard Yankees fan. I thought we were gonna get in a fight with a group of drunk guys.
Truth be told I’m not a huge fan of Bon Jovi’s new stuff. I loved him back in the 80s and early 90s, but I could take him or leave now. BUT because the DH enjoys his music I’ll go. I hope he plays more older stuff than newer. LOL Kid Rock is the opening act. Should draw an interesting crowd.
Sunday we’ll spend the day out on a boat in Boston with the B/SIL and then off to check out their new house and celebrate the BIL’s b-day. I doubt any writing will get done. I can’t party like I did back 20 years ago. I’m sure Monday I’ll be a vegetable. LOL
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Craziness Magnified

So life is just insane. Yesterday I celebrated the release of Submit With Me, correction, I wanted to celebrate. My only wish was to spend the day promoting this little quickie on all the various loops, only I received edits for Play With Me. Now I’m not complaining because edits means a release date in the near future and with Spend The Night With Me releasing Sept 15th, I’d love for this book to follow shortly thereafter.
Play With Me is the final book in the Freedom Fantasies series. I happened to write this book first so needless to say there are a few edits to be made and loose ends to clean up. It’s more edits than I’ve seen in awhile and for some reason my brain freezes up when I have to make larger changes. I wish I knew why so I could remedy it, but I don’t.
Speaking of the series, Tuesday I received the cover art for Spend The Night With Me. I’m jumping up and down because Syneca nailed it. With Pretend With Me I asked for a manor or mansion on the cover because that’s where all the stories take place. I didn’t get what I asked for, but the cover was still yum worthy. What can I say Syneca is awesome. This time I received my vision. I want to share it with you, but have to wait that darn three days. Tomorrow I’ll happily showcase it! :o)
In other news, if my life couldn’t get any crazier, I received final edits for Adrift this morning. Now I’m working on two sets of edits. It’s a good thing I work from home. I don’t know how people work a full time job outside the home and publish. Personally I’m not sure I could handle it.
I did get a release date for Adrift – November 9th. I’m excited, but not rushing this release. November means winter and as most of you know Amber doesn’t like winter. LOL
I can’t wait to see what the cover artists come up with for Adrift.
So instead of playing today, I’ll be buried in edits. If you don’t hear from me send HELP! *big grins*
Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Copping A Feel - Lexxie Couper

Two things before I get to this H-O-T cougar book.

I have a new release today too - Submit With Me for the low price of $1.49 and I'm being interviewed over at Seven Sexy Scribes, so spot by if you get the opportunity.





A standalone title in the Cougar Challenge series.

Darci-Rae Whitlam doesn’t know which is more disturbing, receiving scads of obscene phone calls—or getting so turned-on by said phone calls. Then there’s the email from her American friend, Rachel, taunting Darci with something called a Cougar Challenge. Just the thought of seducing a younger man is enough to permanently soak her knickers. No wonder her ever-disapproving sister thinks she’s oversexed!

Cybercrime Detective Jarrod St. James is investigating a case of stolen identity. He quickly learns the fiery redhead claiming to be Darci-Rae Whitlam is the real deal (his shoulder trapped in the jaws of her gargantuan dog might have sped that decision along). He really should go back to Sydney, continue tracking the imposter who’s operating a phone-sex business in Darci’s name…but the woman proves too tempting. Job be damned, he has to have her. The fact she’s got a titillating challenge to complete only helps his case.

Darci just may be the fastest cougar to snag her cub yet. Being the victim of a crime has never been more fun!




An Excerpt From: COPPING A FEEL
Copyright © LEXXIE COUPER, 2010
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Pursuing a case of identity theft beyond the computer lab was exciting—but wasn’t meant to end up in a quiet street in coastal Newcastle. What kind of criminal mastermind lived in a neat little two-story surrounded by gum trees, wattle and tree ferns? With a 1996 Volvo in the driveway? A Volvo wearing a “Public Education. It’s Our Future” bumper sticker, no less?
Jarrod breathed another drawn-out sigh. Maybe he’d been too long in front of a computer after all. This couldn’t be right. This felt wrong.
“But this is the only address for someone claiming to be Darci-Rae Whitlam,” he muttered, scanning the front windows, the gauzy curtains and wide awnings concealing the interior from his inspection. “And it was someone claiming to be Darci-Rae Whitlam who spoke to you on the phone a mere three hours ago.”
With alarming ease, his cock twitched at the memory. The woman—whoever she really was—had the most amazing voice. A voice created to send a man wild. She’d said very little that could condemn her. Asked a very husky question about what he would do with his tongue after he brought her to orgasm with his fingers, wondered if he had staying power, pondered what it would be like to be tied up by him. But in that voice of hers, like smoke and velvet playing in the back of her throat…it was enough to set his groin on rock-hard alert and his pulse quickening beyond fast.
Is that the real reason you’re here? ’Cause a possible crook got you horny with just her voice?
For the third time he let out a protracted sigh, this one tainted with deprecating disgust. Fuck, what was he doing?
“Catching a criminal, Detective.” His growled whisper rumbled deep in his chest. “That’s it. Catching a criminal who’s stolen the real Ms. Whitlam’s life—and making her pay.”
He forced away the sensation of stirring steel in his cock, narrowed his stare on the front door of the house and crossed the front yard, the delicate perfume of the native violet ambling through the flowerbeds wafting into each breath he took.
Climbing the five steps leading to the front porch on silent feet, he unclipped the holster on his Glock, planted his feet slightly apart, squared his shoulders and raised his hand to knock on the door. Ready to take on whatever came—
The door flung open and a goddess with brilliant green eyes and wild, fiery-red hair smacked straight into him.
Followed immediately by a bear cleverly disguised as a dog. A growling dog.
He stumbled back a step, grabbing the goddess’s upper arms even as the bear—err, dog—slammed two paws roughly the size of the Opera House against his chest.
“Eep!” the goddess cried, and Jarrod’s balls prickled in instant interest as the sexiest voice he’d ever heard caressed his ears for the second time that day.
Still struggling under the dog’s massive force, he tightened his grip on her arms, his fingers telling him exactly what his mind had already decided. The goddess was smooth, warm and firm to the touch. Sex and sin and toned feminine strength in one incredible package. He could feel her triceps flex and coil beneath his hands, a realization that made his balls not just prickle with interest but rise up and grow heavy.
Fuck, he was in trouble.
The dog shoved him, teeth bared, muzzle wrinkled, and before his stupefied brain could process the situation, he fell backward, stumbling down the front porch steps, dog and goddess joining him—reluctantly, by the sounds of the dog’s snarls and the goddess’ surprised shout—in a very undignified free fall.
“Oof!”
The ground hit his ass, or more to the point, his ass hit the ground, at the exact moment the dog decided snarling just wouldn’t cut it anymore and the goddess decided she needed to slam into him with her entire weight. Wicked teeth latched onto his shoulder just as a slender, curved knee rammed into his crotch, followed by a palm heel to the solar plexus.
Jarrod’s groin and chest exploded in black stars of pain. He let out a shout that sounded like a croak, thanks in part to the strangled pain in his chest and the dog’s canines threateningly latched to his shoulder.
Yep, definitely been in front of a computer for too long, Jarrod.
The surreal thought flittered through his reeling mind, seconds before another palm heel struck him in the jaw.
“Let go of me, dickhead,” the husky voice growled, a dangerous caress. “Or I’ll let my dog eat you.”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Jarrod choked out, struggling under the massive dog’s rather insistent attack. Thank God for his thick cotton shirt, otherwise his shoulder would look like it’d been through a cheese grater. He gripped the goddess’s arms tighter still, the base male part of his mind pointing out she reclined full stretch atop him now, her firm softness separated from his body by nothing more than two layers of clothing and a seriously protective mutt.
The thought sent a surge of eager blood through his veins, flooding his already semi-hard dick with wildly inappropriate intent. Unable to do anything else, Jarrod flipped the goddess and her hellhound, dislodging the dog’s teeth in the process, and straddled them both. “Wait!” he panted, staring down into eyes the color of raw emeralds. With an abrupt shift in position, he pressed his knee—gently but forcefully—on the dog’s neck, pinning the animal to the ground so the bloody thing couldn’t take any more bites out of his hide, and then grabbed the goddess’s wrists and pinned them to the ground beside her head.
“Get off me!” she snarled through clenched teeth, squirming beneath him. “Who the hell are you? Get off me, you prick.”
She bucked again and Jarrod bit back a groan. With all her thrashing and writhing, there was no way she would have missed the growing bulge in his jeans. Damn it, his bloody erection kept poking her in the belly every time she moved, contained by his jeans or not.
Way too long in front of a computer, Jarrod. Way too long.
“Wait,” he snapped one last time, and for a dizzying moment he wondered what the hell had happened to his vocabulary. Maybe he’d left it on the front porch along with his pride and professionalism.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Kaily Hart - Goddess Fish Blog Tour


Did you always want to become a writer?
Yes and no. I feel now like it was something I was always meant to do, but I started out with a more practical approach to things. I did a business degree and focused on climbing the corporate ladder. Along the way I wouldn’t have said I wanted to be a writer. I guess you could say I finally found what I want to be when I grow up!

Do you have a “day” job as well writing?
Not any more! I used to be in IT of all things. It seems a long way from writing romance now.

How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your very first cover art?
Well, I’m not sure I could disclose THAT on a blog! Let’s just say my husband made me a fabulous meal, served it with a wonderful chilled white wine and leave the rest up to the imagination!

I still have trouble describing what it was like to see that cover for the first time. It wasn’t the cover so much (although that chest is HOT), but actually seeing my name on a book. It still seems a bit surreal.

Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?
I have always read a great deal, especially when I was working the day job and travelling. I needed something for an escape, even if it was a quick ten minute read before collapsing in bed at night! I’ve also always read across all the genres of romance and really like them all. Like a lot of other people, I’ve gravitated towards paranormal of late. Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Gena Showalter, Nalini Singh, Christine Warren, J.R. Ward... I could probably go on. One thing I have noticed is that now that I write, I read less. I have less time, but I’ve become much more picky when it comes to what I’ll read.

From the moment you conceive an idea for a story, to the published book, how long does it take?
That really depends. When I start a book, it’s usually based on an idea or outline I’ve developed before. Sometimes it could be months before! The actual writing part doesn’t take that long if everything is flowing well. I wrote the first draft of Picture This in seven days, for example. It’s the fiddling I do that usually takes the time and IT takes as long as it takes LOL! The time from submission to publication is a little out of my control, but for Picture This, I submitted it initially (via the slush pile!) at the end of January and it was out at the end of June. Probably not bad for a first time author.

Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely! While writing is something that comes from the heart and soul, I look on it as a job and that I’m building a career. I had a very successful first career. Writing is my career 2 of 2!

Do you write better with deadlines and have you ever suffered a writer’s block?
I love working to deadlines. I probably work and write better under pressure. I have a tendency to want to hang onto my stories, visit with the characters and generally tweak it to death before I’m ready to hand it off. A deadline MAKES me finish it and ensures I get it back out there. I have never suffered writers block. I don’t write in sequence, so if one part’s not working, I just jump to another section of the book. I can always be productive that way. I can’t stand to be ‘stuck’.

What is your work schedule like?
I work pretty much a full work day M-F. I’ve always been a work at night person as well, so I’m usually at my computer late into the evening. I usually do more admin type things first thing in the morning and then will try and get a block of writing time in. I also write on the weekends, but that schedule revolves around family time.

Would you like to give another genre a try?
Absolutely. I love paranormal and science fiction. I have so many ideas I’m bursting when it comes to the paranormal side of things. I’ve actually outlined a couple of series. No vampires or shifters, though! I’ve two ideas that are totally different. I’d love to get into those by the end of the year.

Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?
LOL No! I see so many authors talk about listing to music while they write, even creating playlists for their books and characters, but I need more quiet than that. If I had music playing I’d be following along with the lyrics and probably couldn’t focus. I don’t need complete quiet. I can tune out ‘busy’ noise, probably everything EXCEPT music!

Big congrats to your latest release, can you please tell us something about the book?
Thanks Amber! Picture This is about a mega-alpha male (Sam Steele) who’s crude, rude and rough around the edges. He’s also arrogant, demanding and too used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. That all changes when he meets Jillian, of course, and he melts for the one woman he’d never be able to forget. On another level, it’s about those things we do through life, and how they can come back around later on, in ways we least expect.

Are you working on anything right now, and can you give us a little teaser?
Am I!? I’m always working on something or other. Or three. My biggest problem is keeping the ideas and the WIPs under some sort of control. I’m currently finishing up a novella this week. It’s a friends to lovers story and my hero? He’s a fire fighter. Sigh... I also have another story I’ll finish in the next month. That one is really hot, if I do say so myself. I regularly fan myself when I work on that one. And after that? Well, I have scores of outlines and ideas to choose from.

Where can readers find you?
I have a blog I keep current (http://kailyhart.blogspot.com/) and I’ve recently gotten onto Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/kaily.hart) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/kailyhart). I also have a web site at http://www.kailyhart.com/. I think I’ve got my bases covered!


Fun Stuff:

Tell us five random things about yourself.

2 of my kids are identical twins and I’m determined to come up with a unique twist on the twin theme for a book one day!
I like the color pink. So sue me LOL.
I hate to drive. When I’m actually behind the wheel, that is.
I don’t much like TV. All those channels and still nothing to watch!
My husband does all of our cooking and all of the grocery shopping. Yeah, it’s cruel, but I love to crow about that one.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I’m probably pretty boring and not very adventuress when it comes to food. I did have alligator once. You guessed it. Tasted like chewy chicken LOL.

Winter or Summer?
Ah, that’s hard. I love both. I’ve always had this fantasy of living somewhere that had four distinct seasons, but I’d have to go for summer. I live south of highway US 10 for a reason!

Favorite pizza topping?
I’m boring when it comes to pizza. It’s not something I really seek out. Mushroom?

CD in your car?
I’ve taken to listening to the radio a lot when I drive, but I just checked. I do have an old Norah Jones one out there.




Blurb:

Desperate and young, Jillian Moore did something she knew would one day come back to bite her in the ass. She’d posed nude. For money. Years later, and on the fast track to a successful career, she’s still haunted by her mistake. She can’t help but wonder when her past will catch up with her.

Samuel Steele is not short on female attention, but the women who warm his bed pale in comparison to the fantasy he’s created of the seductive temptress in the painting hanging prominently in his bedroom. A fantasy that has ruined his once satisfying sex life. When he discovers that her exact likeness works in his building—for him—things get…interesting.

Excerpt:

Oh my God, Samuel Steele was a walking, talking wet dream.
She’d drooled from afar plenty, but up close he was downright gorgeous. Every woman in the place, and even some of the guys, had checked out his tight butt, flat abs and broad shoulders, and although he’d never worn anything but a suit to the office, that didn’t stop imaginations from running riot. His hair was dark and thick, his skin tanned, and regardless of the time of day, his jaw always seemed darkened with at least a day’s beard growth. And his eyes. She’d never been close enough to make out their color before, but they were a dark, piercing gray. They should have looked cold, but the way he was looking at her made her wonder if someone had turned off the air-conditioning.




Monday, July 19, 2010

Grow-w-w-l-l



I've always had a fascination with Cougars. I find them to be such beautiful creatures. While in PA I got to see two at the zoo. For me it broke my heart. These animals need room to run, but that's not why I'm writing about them today. I'm not going to get all animal rights on you. Instead I'm going to share some wonderful news with you!

A few months ago a wonderful group of ladies invited me in to their series The Cougar Challenge. I was a bit nervous. These are talented authors. Would I be able to live up to their standards? Could I write a story they'd like?

YUP!

I'm thrilled to announce my story Gettin' Lucky has been contracted as part of the Cougar Challenge. I don't have a release date yet, but I'm hoping before Romanticon so I can enjoy the Cougar Growl with them.

I can finally say - I am Cougar hear me Growl! :)

Happy Monday!

Friday, July 16, 2010

TGIF

These are my plans for today!
I'm toast. No writing, unless final edits arrive for Adrift.
I sent off the synopsis and first three chapter of my romantic comedy yesterday. I could edit more, but I don't feel like it.
If you're looking for a good laugh drop by Mia Watts blog. She's priceless! :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Blurry-Eyed


The DH might come home from work later today and find me looking like this picture.
Yesterday the second half of my edits for Adrift arrived. Not too bad. I’ll get one more round and hopefully have a release date shortly after that.

I’m finishing up a partial to send off tomorrow.

Last night I attempted to watch Big Brother while putting together goody bags for RomantiCon. I say attempted because I have no clue what happened. I was so lost in the bags. I have 80 so far. I obviously have a lot more to do, but it’s a start. :O)

Add in day three of a migraine and I look like a train wreck!


Other than that looking forward to a work-free weekend. One more day!

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Another eReader Giveaway!!!!!!

"The coroner will find ink in my veins
and blood on my typewriter keys."

~ C. Astrid Weber

I saw this in a newsletter I subscribe to and it fits perfectly for writers. Though, instead of a typewriter it’ll be a laptop.

In other news Aspen Mountain Press is having an Anniversary Bash with a Nook eReader as a prize! How cool, right? Here are the details:

From July 23-August 1, Aspen Mountain Press is conducting its big fourth anniversary bash and if you want the presents, here's what you have to do.
1. Post a comment to the Aspen Mountain Press blog .
2. Post a comment to the twin blog post at the Aurora Regency blog .
3. Sign up for the AMP newsletter at https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1400893/acctId:1400720
4. Participate in the AMP Anniversary bash party at the AMP Community Loop from 7 to 11 pm EST at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMP_Community/?yguid=323193151. We'll have a thread specifically for entries there where you'll have to shout out.
And that's all you have to do to win a Nook e-reader from Aspen Mountain Press. Other prizes like downloads and gift baskets will be given away at specific chat events.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Another Release Date!

As usual my life is busy. I just finished edits for Spend The Night With Me. I have a release date of September 15th.

Edits for Adrift – formally titled Stranded, arrived yesterday. I really liked the title Stranded, but Loose-Id has a book with the same name already. They’re talking about an early Fall release. No date yet.

Edits for Play With Me, book three in the Freedom Fantasies should be arriving in a few weeks. In the meantime I’m working on a Christmas quickie – Naughty St. Nick.

Short and sweet today…it’s time for me to get back to edits and paperwork. Happy Tuesday.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Surrender - Heather Peters

A dear, dear friend of mine is having her debut release as a solo writer. She currently has a release Toy With Me(highly recommended) with another great friend Eden Elgabri and another coming from Red Sage - Oz.



Check out this new hot release from Noble Romance - Surrender















Blurb:



Florist Isabella Chandler, through no fault of her own, is about to lose her business. She might as well lose her soul. With no other options she turns to Lyon Sauvage, a man she dismissed from her life five years earlier. But is she willing to pay the unexpected price of ultimate submission?
Enigmatic millionaire Lyon Sauvage lost Isabella once. He has no intention of opening his heart and suffering that mistake again. When she appears on his doorstep desperate for help, Lyon presents her with a proposition she has no choice but to accept. But will his revenge get her out of his system? Or condemn him to greater heartbreak?



Excerpt:



He curbed his arousal as she walked toward him, moving fluidly and putting all his senses on alert. What was it about this woman that turned him inside out and made his body betray him? Everything about her seemed to hold him captive, from her natural beauty to her sexual allure. Even now, the smell of her shampoo, a tempting floral fragrance, made his cock twitch. Damn her.
Her shirt displayed the outline of her nipples. His mouth watered at the sight of her tight jeans, pressing into the V between her legs, and the defiance evident in each step she took.
Did she have any idea how she affected him? How his flesh heated and cock hardened as she approached? Obviously, she'd become more insolent since her broken engagement to David. Lyon had been there for support. Wanting but never touching, knowing she loved someone else, he'd held her as she cried in pain and later, exhausted, while she slept in his arms. He'd even been tempted to kill her fiancée with his bare hands, but he'd tamped his rage for Isabella's sake.
Why in the hell he chose this way of getting her wasn't important right now. She belonged to him for the time being and that’s all that mattered.
He deserved her disgust and repulsion for forcing her to make this kind of deal. But first, he would taste and touch her. He would be the one to bring her to her knees as she surrendered to him.
She gave a slight look of defiant surprise. "What, no shackles?"
"You have a fresh mouth, Isabella. Try using those lips for something other than spouting sarcastic remarks."
Before she took another step, his hand swept out and turned her, pushing her against the hood of the car. He grabbed her ponytail and pulled back to gain full access to those enticing lips.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Mixed Bag

That’s what I’m giving you today!

One of my publisher’s – Noble Romance, is giving a coupon for 15% off your total order if you sign up for their newsletter. Here’s the info:
Subscribe to the Noble Romance Newsletter by July 22 and use code RXVJW for 15% off when you order ebooks online http://tinyurl.com/o7dkk3

I have new review of Pretend With Me. You can read the review here and purchase the book (if you wanted) here.


I’m still working on my new website. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Honestly I think it’s too boring for me. I need something sexy and sassy, like me! No, just kidding. Like my writing.

Edits are finished for Spend The Night With Me. Waiting on cover art. Can’t wait to see what the powers that be come up with.

I’m just about finished editing the first three chapters of my romantic comedy. I’m sending them off to my editor to see if its something she wants more of. Hopefully it will be. This is non-erotic and I’ll publish it under my real name. THAT would be sweet.

Other than that I’m totally exhausted from all this writing, editing and work.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Gettysburg

Before we left for Hershey PA the DH mentioned he’d like to go to Gettysburg. I didn’t think much of it because we only had two full days and a two-day hopper to the park. Friday night he brought a brochure up to the room listing all the events taking place in Gettysburg.
The one thing that caught my eye was the ghost tours. As someone who believes, this was something I was definitely interested in doing. The three thirteen year olds weren’t as interested in seeing history. It’s summer vacation after all. Why would they want to do something school related. LOL
Finally they decided it would be cool and we cut our day at the park short. Seriously two day’s is too much in my opinion.
So Saturday night we took the 45 min drive to Gettysburg. How fun it was to drive thru the town and see all the people dressed in period attire. Tour guides were roaming the streets with candle lanterns in search of ghosts.
Before our ghost tour we walked the cemetery and took lots of pictures. I have to upload them still, but I’ll share some at a later date. We stood in the battlefields and absorb a huge part of history. It was eerie, yet thrilling to be standing in the same spot where the Civil War took place and the backdrop of where Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg address.
At nine we met up with our ghost tour guide and she showed us some hot spots. She started beside an orphanage where it was claimed the woman who ran it was very abusive to the children. It’s said she dragged one boy outside, in the dead of winter, with barely any clothing and bare-footed. She locked him in an outhouse to die. He was found hours later clinging to life. If it weren’t for the couple he would have died.
In the area that now houses many little shops is where the children used to play. Many shop owners and the hotel owners believe they hear the children playing from time to time. It’s here that I thought I might have had a personal experience.
We were leaving to go to the next hot spot when it felt like a bug or something flew into my hair. I frantically brushed it out but there was nothing there. Was it one of the children playing pranks on me? I’ll never know.
While in Jennie Wade’s home, the only civilian killed during the battle my daughter and one of her friends were being funny and trying to scare the people below, by pretending to be the girl people believe they see in the window. WELL, as they’re doing this the curtains come falling down on them. At first I’m totally ticked off. I can’t believe they’d get so out of hand to the point of pulling the curtains down. Only to have the guide come over and say, “This happens at least once a year”. Here’s where it gets creepy. The curtains are on holders that are very hard to pull off the wall. She demonstrated it for us. She had difficulty pulling them off after she put them back in the wall and you could hear a loud pop from the suction. I didn’t hear anything when they fell the first time and I was standing right there.
Was Jennie pissed that they were trying to steal her limelight? Hmmmm, food for thought.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Clone Me

The first few days after vacation are always crazy for me. Add to the fact that I received edits for Spend the Night With Me, Cover Art request for Play With Me and other paperwork I’m going insane. I wish I could afford to quit the day job, but seriously, writing will NOT pay the bills.
The funny thing is I’m just about putting in full time hours with writing. I feel like I never sleep anymore. It feels like I’m always missing something. Promo takes up more time than the actual writing. Add in supporting fellow authors, because I HAVE to do that.
I’m not whining seriously. I’m thrilled that I’ve reached this point in my writing career. I’m in the process of building a website too. Geez, I definitely don’t know what I’m doing. But I know it’s a necessity.
I have to work all weekend at the day job. The DH’s family is having a huge family reunion picnic on Sunday. I need to be cloned.
Happy Hump Day Everyone!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Exciting News

I signed a contract with Loose Id over the weekend for Stranded. This is a M/M/F, about a plus sized woman, who has scars and is haunted by her past. Adam and Ben are ready willing and hopefully able to show her even bigger women deserve love.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Christmas In July - 2 Contests

I’m participating in the Christmas In July contest over at Romance Books R Us. It’s a great contest. You can win lots of goodies including a Sony eReader. BUT…I’m offering a contest of my own too. Two contests. Two chances to win.


Amber’s Contest – July 1st thru July 31st contest closes at midnight EST on the 31st.
To win a Talk Dirty to Topaz tote bag full of prizes – hat, t-shirt, mouse pad, key chain, notebook and some other goodies you have to:
1. Follow my blog
2. Sign up for my newsletter (over to the left)
3. Send me an email telling me you’re part of both – amberskyze AT gmail DOT com

This is gift is only open to residents of the US and Canada. If a winner from somewhere else is chosen I'll offer a gift card.


Now on to the RBRU Contest!!!!!
Welcome from RBRU MEMBER AUTHORS Marianne Stephens/April Ash, Annie Alvarez, Sandy Sullivan, Paris Brandon, Tina Donahue, Claire Ashgrove, Vicky Burkholder, Linda Kage, Cindy Spencer Pape, Amber Skyze, Fran Lee, Jean Hart Stewart, Molly Daniels/Kenzie Michaels, Renee Vincent, Katalina Leon, Gina Ardito/Katherine Brandon, Donica Covey/Jinger Jackson, Cornelia Amiri/Maeve Alpin, Sandra K. Marshall, Polly McCrillis/Isabel Mere.BIG CHRISTMAS IN JULY CONTEST! Great Prizes: a new Sony Touch eReader, hats, totes, gift cards, tee-shirts, and more!

To enter:

1. Join this yahoo group (Sorry, no authors, only READERS, WRITERS, or INDUSTRY REPS).

2. Become a Follower at our blog: http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com. Click on FOLLOW and follow directions. Problem? Contact april@aprilash.net.

3. There are 20 RBRU Bloggers' Websites/Blogs listed on the right sidebar at the blog. Click on each one.

Send a list of 20 authors' names and one book title for each one to: contests.rbrus@gmail.com. If an author has two pen names, you only need to click on one. You'll need a total of 20 author names and 20 book titles. Contest ends midnight ET 31 July. Sorry, we only ship prizes to US and Canadian residents. Others may receive an emailed gift card/certificate. Winners announced on our Yahoo group and blog during the first week in August

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Newsletter and Stuff

My newsletter will be late this month. Likely on the 5th or 6th, due to vacationing. I should have planned this earlier but...I didn't. Sorry.

The brighter side of this is you have longer to enter the contest for a chance to win. Don't know what I'm talking about? Join my newsletter over to the left to find out.

I have a secret. Don't you just hate when you're bursting at the seams to blab about something and can't? That's how I feel right now. Hopefully in a few days.

Went to the Red Sox game last night. They lost. We still managed to have a good time.

That's it for today. Time to pack and hit the road. Hershey Park here we come!!!!!!